Water supply information management system, water supply information management device, and water supply information management program

The water supply information management system efficiently manages pipeline and equipment information with water distribution areas by associating them with IDs, updating these associations when distribution areas change, enhancing maintenance and control.

JP2026055206APending Publication Date: 2026-03-31KUBOTA CORP
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2024-09-18
Publication Date
2026-03-31

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing water supply management systems fail to effectively manage the relationship between sensors and water distribution areas, leading to inefficient maintenance and management due to changes in distribution areas, as they do not account for natural and social conditions, and lack easy utilization of pipeline and equipment information.

Method used

A water supply information management system that includes a management server and computing terminal, capable of managing associations between pipeline and equipment information with water distribution area IDs, updating these associations when distribution areas change, and displaying this information on a map for easy visualization.

Benefits of technology

Enables efficient management and maintenance of water supply systems by maintaining up-to-date relationships between pipelines, equipment, and water distribution areas, reducing labor and improving control based on the latest distribution areas.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

This project aims to create a water supply information management system that can easily utilize the relationship between pipelines or equipment and water distribution areas for water supply maintenance and management. [Solution] The management server 10 of the water supply information management system 1 includes an information acquisition unit 31 that acquires at least one of the following from a computing terminal 50: pipeline information D10, which is information about water supply pipelines, or equipment management information D20, which is information about the management of equipment installed in the pipelines; an ID management unit 32 that manages the association between the at least one of the following information and a water distribution area ID for identifying the water distribution area, based on the water distribution area in which at least one of the pipelines or the equipment is included; and a storage unit 20 that stores the at least one of the following information and the water distribution area ID in an associated state.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a water supply information management system, a water supply information management device, and a water supply information management program.

Background Art

[0002] A technique of installing a plurality of sensors on a water supply pipe network and utilizing various measurement data measured by the plurality of sensors is known. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a pipeline break detection system that installs a plurality of pressure sensors on a water supply pipe network to detect water leakage. In the pipeline break detection system of Patent Document 1, the numbers of adjacent sensors are stored in the main memory of the sensor. In the pipeline break detection system of Patent Document 1, after adjacent sensors communicate pressure wave data with each other, the pressure wave data at two points are compared by a processor in each sensor to estimate the water leakage location and the amount of water leakage between the two points. The sensor notifies the management center in the pipeline break detection system of the estimation result.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] <00 queued messages, the message queue management unit 502 stores the queued messages in the message queue 503.Incidentally, in a water supply network, the water supply area of ​​the entire network is divided into distribution areas of appropriate size to control water distribution. It is desirable that these distribution areas be set considering natural conditions such as topography and terrain, as well as social conditions, so that rational and economical facility operation and management are possible. In other words, the size of the distribution area is required to be set so that water can be supplied continuously and stably at an appropriate pressure in response to fluctuations in demand during normal times. Furthermore, the size of the distribution area is required to be set so as to minimize the impact on water supply during emergencies.

[0005] Water distribution areas may be revised due to changes in various conditions. Therefore, a management system that fixes the relationship between sensors and other equipment and the water distribution area cannot adapt to such changes. Specifically, the relationship between sensors and the water distribution area may not be adequately managed based solely on their latitude and longitude. Appropriate management of the relationship between the equipment and the water distribution area is required not only for the equipment but also for the pipelines. It is essential that the information managed in this way can be easily utilized for water supply maintenance and management.

[0006] Patent Document 1 does not manage the linking of water distribution areas to sensors. Therefore, Patent Document 1 does not allow for easy utilization of the relationship between pipelines or equipment in water distribution areas and the water distribution areas themselves for water supply maintenance and management.

[0007] The objective of this invention is to realize a water supply information management system that can easily utilize the relationship between pipelines or equipment and water distribution areas for the maintenance and management of water supply systems. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] A water supply information management system according to one embodiment of the present invention is a system for managing information related to water supply. The water supply information management system includes a management server and a computing terminal capable of computation and capable of communicating with the management server. The management server includes an information acquisition unit that acquires at least one of the following from the computing terminal: pipeline information, which is information related to water supply pipelines, or equipment management information, which is information related to the management of equipment installed in the pipelines; an ID management unit that manages the association between the at least one of the following information and a water distribution area ID for identifying the water distribution area, based on the water distribution area in which the at least one of the pipelines or the equipment is included; and a storage unit that stores the at least one of the following information and the water distribution area ID in an associated state (first configuration).

[0009] In the above configuration, the system manages the association between pipeline information relating to the pipeline and a water distribution area ID for identifying the water distribution area, based on the water distribution area in which the pipeline is located. Alternatively, in the above configuration, the system manages the association between equipment management information relating to the management of the equipment and a water distribution area ID for identifying the water distribution area, based on the water distribution area in which the equipment is located.

[0010] Therefore, according to the above configuration, the link between the pipeline information or equipment management information and the water distribution area ID can be managed based on the relationship between the pipeline or equipment and the water distribution area.

[0011] This makes it easy to utilize the relationship between pipelines or equipment and water distribution areas for water supply maintenance and management.

[0012] In the first configuration, when the water distribution area is changed, the ID management unit of the management server updates the association between the water distribution area ID and at least one of the pipeline information or the equipment management information, using the water distribution area ID to identify the changed water distribution area (second configuration).

[0013] According to the above configuration, if the water distribution area of ​​a pipeline changes, the pipeline information related to the pipeline can be linked to the changed water distribution area ID. Alternatively, according to the above configuration, if the water distribution area of ​​equipment changes, the equipment management information related to the management of the equipment can be linked to the changed water distribution area ID.

[0014] This ensures that even if the water distribution area for a pipeline or equipment changes, the relationship between the pipeline or equipment and the water distribution area remains up-to-date.

[0015] In the first configuration, the information of at least one of the pipeline information or the equipment management information includes location information. The ID management unit of the management server manages the association between the information of at least one of the pieces of information and the water distribution area ID based on the location information (third configuration).

[0016] In the configuration described above, pipeline information and equipment management information can be linked to a water distribution area ID based on their location. This allows for easy linking and management of pipelines or equipment to a water distribution area based on their location.

[0017] In the third configuration, the pipeline information and the equipment management information each include the location information. The management server further has a linking unit that links the pipeline information and the equipment management information based on the location information (fourth configuration).

[0018] In the configuration described above, pipeline information and equipment management information can be linked based on location information. This makes it possible to easily link and manage equipment located around pipelines, such as equipment that affects water distribution control, based on location information.

[0019] In the fourth configuration, the computing terminal has an input device and a display device. The computing terminal outputs the pipeline information input by the input device to the management server. The management server has a device management information output unit that reads the device management information associated with the pipeline information output from the computing terminal from the storage unit and outputs it to the computing terminal. The computing terminal plots the device management information output from the management server on a map based on the position information and displays it on the display device (fifth configuration).

[0020] In the above configuration, since the device management information associated with the selected pipeline information is displayed on the map, the user can visually grasp the device management information together with geographical information.

[0021] In the first configuration, the device includes a valve provided in the pipeline. The device management information includes valve management information that is information regarding the valve (sixth configuration).

[0022] According to the above configuration, the device management information including the valve management information can be associated with the water distribution area ID. Information regarding valves useful for the maintenance management of water supply can be associated with and managed for each water distribution area. Thereby, the maintenance management work of water supply can be made more efficient.

[0023] In the sixth configuration, the opening and closing operation of the valve is recorded in the valve management information. When the water distribution area is changed by the opening and closing operation of the valve recorded in the valve management information, the ID management unit of the management server updates the association between the device management information including the valve management information and the water distribution area ID for specifying the changed water distribution area (seventh configuration).

[0024] In the above configuration, even when the water distribution area is changed by the opening and closing operation of the valve, the association between the device management information including the valve management information and the water distribution area ID for specifying the changed water distribution area can be kept up-to-date.

[0025] This makes it possible to reduce the labor of management for associating at least one of the pipeline information or the device management information with the water distribution area ID when the water distribution area is changed by the opening / closing operation of the valve, and enables water distribution control based on the latest water distribution area.

[0026] In any one of the first to sixth configurations, the device includes a measuring instrument that measures the pipeline. The device management information includes measuring instrument information that is information regarding measurement data in the measuring instrument. When the water distribution area is changed, the management server further includes an extraction unit that extracts the measuring instrument used for fixed-point observation in the changed water distribution area by referring to the measuring instrument information (eighth configuration).

[0027] In the above configuration, the measuring instrument used for fixed-point observation in the changed water distribution area can be extracted. Therefore, the work burden of changing the measuring instrument used for fixed-point observation due to the change of the water distribution area can be reduced. Also, it is possible to prevent forgetting to change the measuring instrument used for fixed-point observation.

[0028] A water supply information management device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes an information acquisition unit that acquires at least one of pipeline information that is information regarding a pipeline of a water supply and device management information regarding management of devices provided in the pipeline, an ID management unit that manages the association between the at least one of the information and a water distribution area ID for specifying the water distribution area based on the water distribution area in which at least one of the pipeline or the device is included, and a storage unit that stores the at least one of the information in a state associated with the water distribution area ID (ninth configuration).

[0029] In the above configuration, the association between the pipeline information regarding the pipeline and the water distribution area ID for specifying the water distribution area is managed based on the water distribution area in which the pipeline is included. Alternatively, in the above configuration, the association between the device management information regarding the management of the device and the water distribution area ID for specifying the water distribution area is managed based on the water distribution area in which the device is included.

[0030] Therefore, according to the above configuration, the link between the pipeline information or equipment management information and the water distribution area ID can be managed based on the relationship between the pipeline or equipment and the water distribution area.

[0031] This makes it possible to realize a water supply information management system that can easily utilize the relationship between pipelines or equipment and water distribution areas for water supply maintenance and management.

[0032] A water supply information management program according to one embodiment of the present invention is a program for managing information related to water supply. The water supply information management program causes a computer to perform an information acquisition step of acquiring at least one of the following: pipeline information, which is information related to water supply pipelines, and equipment management information, which is information related to the management of equipment installed in the pipelines; and an ID management step of managing the association between the at least one of the information and a water distribution area ID for identifying the water distribution area, based on the water distribution area in which at least one of the pipelines or the equipment is included. In the ID management step, if the water distribution area is changed, the program updates the association between the at least one of the information and the water distribution area ID for identifying the water distribution area before and after the change (10th configuration).

[0033] The water supply information management program described above causes the computer to manage the association between pipeline information related to the pipeline and a water distribution area ID for identifying the water distribution area, based on the water distribution area in which the pipeline is located. Alternatively, the water supply information management program described above causes the computer to manage the association between equipment management information related to the management of the equipment and a water distribution area ID for identifying the water distribution area, based on the water distribution area in which the equipment is located.

[0034] Therefore, the computer on which the above-mentioned water supply information management program operates can manage the linking of the pipeline information or equipment management information with the water distribution area ID based on the relationship between the pipeline or equipment and the water distribution area.

[0035] This makes it possible to create a water supply information management program that can easily utilize the relationship between pipelines or equipment and water distribution areas for water supply maintenance and management. [Effects of the Invention]

[0036] A management server for a water supply information management system according to one embodiment of the present invention includes: an information acquisition unit that acquires at least one of the following from a computing terminal: pipeline information, which is information relating to water supply pipelines, or equipment management information, which is information relating to the management of equipment installed in the pipelines; an ID management unit that manages the association between the at least one of the following information and a water distribution area ID for identifying the water distribution area, based on the water distribution area in which the pipelines or the equipment are included; and a storage unit that stores the at least one of the following information and the water distribution area ID in an associated state.

[0037] This allows for the management of linkages between pipeline or equipment management information and water distribution area IDs, based on the relationship between pipelines or equipment and water distribution areas. Therefore, the relationship between pipelines or equipment and water distribution areas can be easily utilized for water supply maintenance and management. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0038] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a functional block diagram showing the schematic configuration of a water supply information management system according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a flowchart illustrating the water supply information management method performed by the water supply information management system. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a functional block diagram showing the schematic configuration of a water supply information management system according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing the state of the water pipe network before the water distribution area was changed. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing the state of the water supply network after the water distribution area has been changed. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a functional block diagram showing the schematic configuration of a water supply information management system according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. [Figure 7]Figure 7 is a schematic diagram showing the state of the water supply network before the decommissioning of the water reservoir. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram showing the state of the water supply network after the decommissioning of a water reservoir. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a functional block diagram showing the schematic configuration of a water supply information management system according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention. [Figure 10] Figure 10 shows an example of a screen displayed on a display device when selecting a pipeline on a computing terminal. [Figure 11] Figure 11 shows an example of a screen displaying acquired device management information on a display device. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is a schematic diagram showing the state of the water supply network before and after the change in the water distribution area. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0039] The following describes each embodiment with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description of those parts will not be repeated. Note that the dimensions of the components in each drawing do not faithfully represent the dimensions of the actual components or the dimensional ratios of each component.

[0040] [Embodiment 1] Figure 1 is a functional block diagram showing the schematic configuration of a water supply information management system 1 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. The water supply information management system 1 is a system that manages information related to the maintenance and management of water supply. Referring to Figure 1, the water supply information management system 1 includes a management server 10 and a computing terminal 50.

[0041] The computing terminal 50 is a device capable of performing calculations and communicating with the management server 10. The computing terminal 50 is composed of, for example, a computer device having memory and a computing unit. The computing terminal 50 may be composed of a desktop PC, or a portable terminal such as a notebook PC, wearable computer, smartphone, or tablet. The computing terminal 50 may have a display unit, or may be configured to output display data to a display unit on an external device. The computing terminal 50 may have an input unit to receive various operations from the user.

[0042] The computing terminal 50 is configured to transmit pipeline information D10, which is information about water pipelines, and equipment management information D20, which is information about the management of equipment installed in the pipelines, to the management server 10.

[0043] The management server 10 is configured, for example, by a computer device having memory and an arithmetic unit. The management server 10 can be configured by one or more computer devices.

[0044] The management server 10 includes a storage unit 20, an information acquisition unit 31, and an ID management unit 32.

[0045] The storage unit 20 is, for example, a storage device such as a hard disk, flash memory, or main memory. The water distribution area ID may be stored in advance or obtained from the computing terminal 50. The storage unit 20 stores pipeline information D10, equipment management information D20, and water distribution area master D30.

[0046] Pipeline information D10 may include a pipeline ID for identifying a pipe for maintenance or hydraulic analysis. A water pipe network subject to maintenance or hydraulic analysis is composed of multiple pipes interconnected. Pipeline information D10 may include information about nodes such as branching, merging, connecting, or termination of a pipe. The pipe may be composed of multiple pipe materials connected together. Therefore, pipeline information D10 may include a pipe material ID for identifying the multiple pipe materials constituting the pipe.

[0047] The equipment in equipment management information D20 includes pumps, valves, and various sensors used for maintenance. Equipment management information D20 may also include an equipment ID to identify the equipment. The various sensors include measuring instruments such as flow meters, flow meters, pressure gauges, water quality meters, vibration sensors, or leak sensors. The measuring instruments may be sensors that measure one physical quantity or sensors that measure multiple physical quantities in combination. Equipment management information D20 may also include information regarding the maintenance or inspection of the equipment. Equipment management information D20 may also include measurement data from the various sensors.

[0048] A water distribution area refers to the area to which water is supplied from a water source. A water source refers to a water treatment plant, reservoir, or water tower, etc. There may be one or more water sources. Multiple water distribution areas may belong to a single water distribution area group. A water distribution area may be divided into multiple water distribution blocks. Water distribution blocks may be further divided into sub-blocks, and sub-blocks may be further divided into small blocks, and so on, creating a hierarchical division.

[0049] The water distribution area master D30 stores information about water distribution areas and water distribution area IDs used to identify those areas.

[0050] The memory unit 20 stores the pipeline information D10 and equipment management information D20, linked together with the water distribution area ID.

[0051] The information acquisition unit 31 acquires pipeline information D10, which is information about water pipelines, and equipment management information D20, which is information about the management of equipment installed in the pipelines, from the computing terminal 50.

[0052] The ID management unit 32 manages the association between pipeline information D10 and equipment management information D20 and the water distribution area ID, based on the water distribution area in which the pipeline or equipment is included. When the water distribution area is changed, the ID management unit 32 updates the association between pipeline information D10 and equipment management information D20 and the water distribution area ID using the water distribution area ID to identify the changed water distribution area. The timing of the linkage update by the ID management unit 32 may be each time the water distribution area is changed, or it may be at predetermined intervals.

[0053] As described above, the water supply information management system 1 manages the association between pipeline information D10 related to the pipeline and a water distribution area ID for identifying the water distribution area, based on the water distribution area in which the pipeline is located. Alternatively, the water supply information management system 1 manages the association between equipment management information D20 related to the management of the equipment and a water distribution area ID for identifying the water distribution area, based on the water distribution area in which the equipment is located.

[0054] Therefore, according to the above configuration, the link between pipeline information D10 or equipment management information D20 and the water distribution area ID can be managed based on the relationship between the pipeline or equipment and the water distribution area.

[0055] This enables the realization of a water supply information management system that can easily utilize the relationship between pipelines or equipment and water distribution areas for water supply maintenance and management. Furthermore, the management server of the water supply information management system can be realized as a water supply information management device that manages information related to water supply.

[0056] According to the above configuration, if the water distribution area of ​​a pipeline changes, the pipeline information D10 related to the pipeline can be linked to the changed water distribution area ID. Alternatively, according to the above configuration, if the water distribution area of ​​equipment changes, the equipment management information D20 related to the management of the equipment can be linked to the changed water distribution area ID.

[0057] This ensures that even if the water distribution area for a pipeline or equipment changes, the relationship between the pipeline or equipment and the water distribution area remains up-to-date.

[0058] (Water supply information management method using a water supply information management system) Figure 2 is a flowchart illustrating the water supply information management method performed by the water supply information management system 1. Referring to Figure 2, first, the information acquisition unit 31 of the management server 10 acquires pipeline information D10 and equipment management information D20 from the computing terminal 50 (information acquisition step S1).

[0059] Next, the ID management unit 32 of the management server 10 manages the association between pipeline information D10 and equipment management information D20 and the water distribution area ID (ID management step S2). Specifically, when a water distribution area is changed, the ID management unit 32 updates the association between pipeline information D10 and equipment management information D20 and the water distribution area ID used to identify the water distribution area before and after the change. After that, the flow ends.

[0060] (Water supply information management program) A water supply information management program that causes the management server 10 to execute the information acquisition step S1 and the ID management step S2 shown in Figure 2 also falls within the scope of the present invention. By causing the management server 10 to execute the water supply information management program, a water supply information management method and a water supply information management system 1 can be realized. In this case, the management server 10 may be a general-purpose or dedicated computer. The computer is equipped with a processing unit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and memory for storing programs, and the processing unit executes the program read from the memory.

[0061] A water supply information management program according to one embodiment of the present invention is a program for managing information related to water supply. The water supply information management program causes a management server 10, which is a computer, to perform an information acquisition step of acquiring at least one of the following: pipeline information, which is information related to water supply pipelines, and equipment management information, which is information related to the management of equipment installed in the pipelines; and an ID management step of managing the association between the at least one of the information and a water distribution area ID for identifying the water distribution area, based on the water distribution area in which at least one of the pipelines or the equipment is included. In the ID management step, if the water distribution area is changed, the program updates the association between the at least one of the information and the water distribution area ID for identifying the water distribution area before and after the change.

[0062] The water supply information management program described above causes the computer to manage the association between pipeline information D10 related to the pipeline and a water distribution area ID for identifying the water distribution area, based on the water distribution area in which the pipeline is included. Alternatively, the water supply information management program described above causes the computer to manage the association between equipment management information D20 related to the management of the equipment and a water distribution area ID for identifying the water distribution area, based on the water distribution area in which the equipment is included.

[0063] Therefore, a management server 10 can be realized on a computer running the aforementioned water supply information management program, which manages the association between pipeline information D10 or equipment management information D20 and the water distribution area ID based on the relationship between the pipeline or equipment and the water distribution area.

[0064] This makes it possible to create a water supply information management program that can easily utilize the relationship between pipelines or equipment and water distribution areas for water supply maintenance and management. [Embodiment 2] Figure 3 is a functional block diagram showing the schematic configuration of the water supply information management system 2 according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. The water supply information management system 2 differs from the water supply information management system 1 in that it manages linkages triggered by changes in the water distribution area due to valve opening and closing operations. In the following description, components similar to those in Embodiment 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions are omitted.

[0065] The water supply information management system 2 comprises a management server 11 and a computing terminal 50. The management server 11 comprises a storage unit 21, an information acquisition unit 31, an ID management unit 33, and a valve information recording unit 34.

[0066] The equipment management information D20 stored in the memory unit 21 includes valve management information D21. The equipment includes valves installed in the pipeline.

[0067] Valve management information D21 records information about the valve itself, information about the valve's opening and closing operations, and information about the valve's inspection. Information about the valve itself includes, for example, the valve's type, material, dimensions, structure, or manufacturer. Information about the valve's opening and closing operations includes whether the valve is open, closed, or whether it can be opened or closed. Information about the valve's inspection includes the date of past inspections or the inspection items.

[0068] When the water distribution area is changed due to the opening and closing operation of the valve recorded in the valve management information D21, the ID management unit 33 updates the link between the equipment management information D20, which includes the valve management information D21, and the water distribution area ID used to identify the changed water distribution area. Details of the linking update process by the ID management unit 33 will be described later.

[0069] The valve information recording unit 34 obtains information regarding opening and closing operations of the valve, for example, from the valve, and records it in the valve management information D21 of the storage unit 21. The valve information recording unit 34 may be configured to communicate with the valve via wired or wireless communication. The valve information recording unit 34 may obtain information regarding opening and closing operations of the valve from the valve via communication. Alternatively, the valve information recording unit 34 may obtain information regarding opening and closing operations of the valve from an operator terminal held by the operator operating the valve. The operator terminal may be a computing terminal 50.

[0070] (Linking update process) Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing the state of the water pipe network WP1 before the water distribution area was changed. Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing the state of the water pipe network WP1 after the water distribution area was changed. Referring to Figures 4 and 5, the details of the linking update process by the ID management unit 33 will be explained.

[0071] In the water pipe network WP1 before the change in the water distribution area shown in Figure 4, water is supplied from the water treatment plant WS1 to the water reservoirs WS11 and WS12. Water distribution area DZ11 is the area where water is supplied using water reservoir WS11 as the water source. Water distribution area DZ12 is the area where water is supplied using water reservoir WS12 as the water source.

[0072] The water distribution area DZ11 includes the central blocks BL11 and BL12. Central blocks BL11 and BL12 are composed of multiple pipelines. Central blocks BL11 and BL12 are connected via valve BU1. Valve BU1 is configured to be openable and closable, and in the water pipeline network WP1 shown in Figure 4, it is in the open state. Therefore, in the water pipeline network WP1 shown in Figure 4, water can be supplied from central block BL11 to central block BL12 via valve BU1.

[0073] The central block BL11 is equipped with measuring instrument SN11, which is a flow meter, pressure meter, or water quality meter, and measuring instrument SN21, which is a flow meter. The pipeline PI12 of the central block BL12 is equipped with measuring instrument SN12. Measuring instrument SN12 measures the flow velocity, pressure, or water quality in pipeline PI12.

[0074] The water distribution area DZ12 includes the central block BL13. The central block BL13 is also composed of multiple pipelines. The central block BL13 is connected to the central block BL12 via valve BU2. Valve BU2 is configured to be openable and closable, and in the water pipeline network WP1 shown in Figure 4, it is in the closed state. Therefore, in the water pipeline network WP1 shown in Figure 4, the central block BL112 and the central block BL13 are separated by the closed valve BU2.

[0075] The central block BL13 is equipped with measuring instrument SN13, which is a flow meter, pressure gauge, or water quality meter, and measuring instrument SN22, which is a flow meter. Measuring instrument SN13 is installed in the pipeline PI13.

[0076] From another perspective, it can be said that the closed valve BU2 serves as the boundary between water distribution area DZ11 and water distribution area DZ12.

[0077] In the memory unit 20, measuring instruments SN11, SN12, SN21, valve BU1, and pipeline PI12 are associated with water distribution area DZ11 (water distribution area ID=DZ11). In addition, in the memory unit 20, measuring instruments SN13, SN22, valve BU2, and pipeline PI13 are associated with water distribution area DZ12. Valve BU2, located at the boundary between the two water distribution areas, may be associated with both water distribution areas DZ11 and DZ12. Valve BU2 may also be associated with water distribution area DZ11. Furthermore, valves BU1 and BU2 may each be associated with the central block in which they are located.

[0078] Note that the medium blocks BL11, BL12, and BL13 may contain small blocks. Also, medium blocks BL11 and BL12 may be contained within a single large block.

[0079] In the water pipe network WP1 shown in Figure 4, by closing valve BU1 between middle block BL11 and middle block BL12, and opening valve BU2 between middle block BL12 and middle block BL13, the water distribution area changes as shown in Figure 5.

[0080] In other words, the revised water distribution area DZ21 will include only the central block BL11, and the revised water distribution area DZ22 will include central blocks BL12 and BL13. Note that central blocks BL12 and BL13 may constitute a single large block in accordance with the changes in the water distribution area described above.

[0081] The valve information recording unit 34 records information regarding the opening and closing operations of valves BU1 and BU2 in valve management information D21.

[0082] The ID management unit 33 updates the associations in the memory unit 21 in accordance with the change in water distribution areas DZ11 and DZ12 to water distribution areas DZ21 and DZ22 due to the opening and closing of the valves. Specifically, the ID management unit 33 associates the measuring instrument SN12 and pipeline PI12, which were originally associated with water distribution area DZ11, with the changed water distribution area DZ22. The ID management unit 33 also associates valve BU2, located in the changed water distribution area DZ22, with the changed water distribution area DZ22. The ID management unit 33 may also associate valve BU1, located at the boundary between water distribution area DZ21 and the changed water distribution area DZ22, with water distribution area DZ21. Alternatively, the ID management unit 33 may associate valve BU1 with both water distribution area DZ21 and the changed water distribution area DZ22.

[0083] As described above, in the above configuration, the equipment includes a valve provided in the pipeline. The equipment management information includes valve management information, which is information relating to the valve.

[0084] According to the above configuration, equipment management information D20, including valve management information D21, can be linked to the water distribution area ID. Valve information useful for water supply maintenance can be managed in conjunction with the water distribution area. This makes maintenance work more efficient.

[0085] Furthermore, with the above configuration, even if the water distribution area is changed by opening and closing a valve, the link between the equipment management information D20, which includes the valve management information D21, and the water distribution area ID used to identify the changed water distribution area can be kept up to date.

[0086] When the water distribution area changes due to valve opening and closing operations, the effort required to link equipment management information D20 with the water distribution area ID can be reduced, and water distribution control based on the latest water distribution area becomes possible.

[0087] [Embodiment 3] Figure 6 is a functional block diagram showing the schematic configuration of the water supply information management system 3 according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. The water supply information management system 3 differs from the water supply information management system 1 in that it extracts the optimal measuring instrument for fixed-point observation in response to changes in the water distribution area. In the following description, components similar to those in Embodiment 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals and their explanation is omitted.

[0088] The water supply information management system 3 comprises a management server 12 and a computing terminal 50. The management server 12 comprises a storage unit 22, an information acquisition unit 31, an ID management unit 32, and an extraction unit 35.

[0089] The memory unit 22 stores pipeline information D10, equipment management information D20, water distribution area master D30, and analysis target information D40.

[0090] Equipment management information D20 includes measuring instrument information D22. Furthermore, the equipment includes measuring instruments that perform measurements related to the pipeline.

[0091] Analysis target information D40 is information about the measuring instruments used in hydraulic analysis. Analysis target information D40 is linked to the water distribution area ID.

[0092] Instrument information D22 is information relating to measurement data from the aforementioned instrument.

[0093] When the water distribution area is changed, the extraction unit 35 refers to the instrument information D22 and extracts the instruments to be used for fixed-point observation in the changed water distribution area. Details of the extraction process by the extraction unit 35 will be described later.

[0094] (Extraction process of measuring instruments) Figure 7 is a schematic diagram showing the state of the water pipe network WP2 before the decommissioning of the water reservoir WS22. Figure 8 is a schematic diagram showing the state of the water pipe network WP2 after the decommissioning of the water reservoir WS22. Referring to Figures 7 and 8, the details of the extraction process by the extraction unit 35 will be explained. The water distribution area DZ21 is the area where water is supplied using the water reservoir WS21 as the water source. The water distribution area DZ22 is the area where water is supplied using the water reservoir WS22 as the water source.

[0095] In the water pipeline network WP2 before the decommissioning of reservoir WS22, as shown in Figure 7, water was supplied from the water treatment plant WS2 to reservoirs WS21 and WS22.

[0096] The water distribution area DZ21 includes the central block BL21. The central block BL21 is equipped with measuring instrument SN31, which is a flow meter, pressure meter, or water quality meter, and measuring instrument SN41, which is a flow meter. Measuring instrument SN31 measures the amount of water flowing from the water reservoir WS21 into the central block BL21.

[0097] The water distribution area DZ22 includes the central block BL22. The central block BL22 is equipped with measuring instruments SN32, which is a flow meter, pressure meter, or water quality meter, and measuring instruments SN42 and SN45, which are flow meters. Measuring instrument SN42 measures the amount of water flowing from the water reservoir WS22 into the central block BL22. Measuring instrument SN45 is located between the central blocks BL21 and BL22.

[0098] The middle blocks BL21 and BL22 are connected via valve BU35. Valve BU35 is configured to be openable and closable, and in the water pipe network WP2 shown in Figure 7, it is in the closed state. Therefore, in the water pipe network WP2 shown in Figure 7, the middle blocks BL21 and BL22 are separated by the closed valve BU35.

[0099] The hydraulic analysis is performed based on measurement data in each of the water distribution areas DZ21 and DZ22. Specifically, measuring instruments SN31 and SN41 are used for fixed-point observations in water distribution area DZ21. Measuring instruments SN32 and SN42 are used for fixed-point observations in water distribution area DZ22. Therefore, in the analysis target information D40, water distribution area DZ21 is linked to measuring instruments SN31 and SN41, and water distribution area DZ22 is linked to measuring instruments SN32 and SN42. Valve BU35, located at the boundary between water distribution areas DZ21 and DZ22, may be linked to both water distribution areas DZ21 and DZ22, as described above. Furthermore, valve BU35 may be linked to both the middle block BL21 included in water distribution area DZ21 and the middle block BL22 included in water distribution area DZ22.

[0100] Furthermore, the middle blocks BL21 and BL22 are separated by the closed valve BU35, and there is no water flow. Therefore, the measuring instrument SN45 is not affected by the hydraulic conditions of the water distribution area DZ21, and the measurement data from the measuring instrument SN45 is not used for the hydraulic analysis of the water distribution area DZ21. For this reason, the measuring instrument SN45 is not linked to the water distribution area DZ21. On the other hand, since the measuring instrument SN45 belongs to the water distribution area DZ21, it is linked to the water distribution area DZ22.

[0101] As mentioned above, the flow is blocked by the closed valve BU35, and normally the flow rate at the measuring instrument SN45 is approximately zero. However, if a leak occurs downstream of the measuring instrument SN45, the flow rate will be greater than zero. For this reason, the measurement data from the measuring instrument SN45 is subject to processing and monitoring in hydraulic analysis.

[0102] In the water pipe network WP2 shown in Figure 7, if the distribution reservoir WS22 is abolished and the distribution to the central block BL22 is changed to be from the distribution reservoir WS21, the following can be explained with reference to Figure 8.

[0103] By operating valve BU35 to the open position, water can be supplied from middle block BL21 to middle block BL22.

[0104] Consequently, the water distribution area will change. The revised water distribution area DZ211 will include central blocks BL21 and BL22.

[0105] As described above, the extraction unit 35, in response to the change in the water distribution area, refers to the instrument information D22 to extract the instruments to be used for fixed-point observation in the changed water distribution area DZ211 and updates the analysis target information D40. In the changed water distribution area DZ211, in addition to the instruments SN31 and SN41 in the central block BL21, a link is newly determined to the instruments SN32, SN42 and SN45 in the central block BL22.

[0106] At the location of measuring instrument SN45, water is supplied from the middle block BL21 to the middle block BL22, so the extraction unit 35 decides to link measuring instrument SN45. At the location of measuring instrument SN32, the water flow reaches it via valve BU35, so the extraction unit 35 decides to link measuring instrument SN32. The extraction unit 35 may also exclude measuring instrument SN42, which is located at a position where the inflow of water from the water reservoir WS22 is interrupted, from linking it to the water distribution area DZ211. Alternatively, the extraction unit 35 may link measuring instrument SN42 to the water distribution area DZ211.

[0107] As a result, the extraction unit 35 associates the water distribution area DZ211 with the measuring instruments SN31, SN32, SN41, and SN45 in the analysis target information D40.

[0108] The above configuration allows for the extraction of measuring instruments to be used for fixed-point observations in the modified water distribution area. Therefore, the workload associated with changing measuring instruments used for fixed-point observations due to changes in the water distribution area can be reduced. Furthermore, it prevents forgetting to change the measuring instruments used for fixed-point observations.

[0109] [Embodiment 4] Figure 9 is a functional block diagram showing the schematic configuration of the water supply information management system 4 according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention. The water supply information management system 4 differs from the water supply information management system 1 in that it manages pipeline information, equipment management information, and water distribution area IDs based on location information. In the following description, components similar to those in Embodiment 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions are omitted.

[0110] The water supply information management system 4 includes a management server 13 and a computing terminal 55.

[0111] The management server 13 includes a storage unit 23, an information acquisition unit 31, an ID management unit 36, a linking unit 37, and a device management information output unit 38.

[0112] The memory unit 23 stores pipeline information D10, equipment management information D20, and water distribution area master D30.

[0113] Pipeline information D10 includes location information of pipelines. Equipment management information D20 includes the valve management information and measuring instrument information mentioned above, as well as location information of equipment. Pipelines are identified by pipeline IDs. Equipment is identified by equipment IDs. Water distribution area master D30 includes area information for identifying the extent of water distribution areas. Pipeline location information and equipment location information can be represented by geographical longitude and latitude, respectively. Water distribution areas can also be represented as a set of geographical longitudes and latitudes.

[0114] The ID management unit 36 ​​manages the association between pipeline information D10 and water distribution area IDs based on the location information contained in pipeline information D10. The ID management unit 36 ​​also manages the association between equipment management information D20 and water distribution area IDs based on the location information contained in equipment management information D20. For example, the ID management unit 36 ​​determines whether a pipeline or equipment is located within a water distribution area based on location information and area information. Based on the determination result, the ID management unit 36 ​​links the water distribution area ID of the water distribution area where the pipeline or equipment is located with the pipeline information D10 or equipment management information D20.

[0115] The linking unit 37 links the pipeline information D10 and the equipment management information D20 based on location information. For example, the linking unit 37 can link the pipeline information D10 and the equipment management information D20 when the pipeline and equipment are located at a predetermined distance from each other.

[0116] The equipment management information output unit 38 reads the equipment management information D20, which is linked to the pipeline information D10 output from the computing terminal 55, from the storage unit 23 and outputs it to the computing terminal 55.

[0117] The computing terminal 55 plots and displays pipeline information D10 and equipment management information D20 on a map represented by map information. The computing terminal 55 has an input device 56 and a display device 57. The computing terminal 55 may obtain the map information from the management server 13 or from a server that provides a map service on the Web.

[0118] The input device 56 receives pipeline information D10 for pipelines corresponding to the equipment management information D20 requested by the user. The computing terminal 55 outputs the pipeline information D10 received by the input device 56 to the management server 13.

[0119] The display device 57 plots and displays the device management information D20 output from the device management information output unit 38 of the management server 13 on the map based on the location information.

[0120] (Flow of displaying equipment management information) Figure 10 is an example of a screen displayed on the display device 57 when selecting a pipeline on the computing terminal 55. Figure 11 is an example of a screen displayed on the display device 57 when the acquired equipment management information D20 is displayed.

[0121] Referring to Figure 10, the storage unit 23 of the management server 13 stores, for example, pipeline information D10, which includes pipeline IDs "PID1", "PID2", and "PID3". Pipeline ID "PID1" is associated with equipment IDs "AID11" and "AID12". Pipeline ID "PID2" is associated with equipment ID "AID2". Pipeline ID "PID3" is associated with equipment ID "AID3". The water distribution area ID "DZ1" is associated with this pipeline information D10 and equipment management information D20.

[0122] The computing terminal 55 obtains pipeline information D10 from the management server 13 and displays the pipeline information D10 along with the map information on the display device 57. The computing terminal 55 causes the display device 57 to display the pipeline information D10, including pipeline IDs "PID1", "PID2", and "PID3".

[0123] When a user selects pipeline IDs "PID1" and "PID2" on the display device 57 screen using the input device 56, the computing terminal 55 sends a request to the management server 13 to transmit equipment management information D20 corresponding to pipeline IDs "PID1" and "PID2".

[0124] In response, the equipment management information output unit 38 (see Figure 9) of the management server 13 transmits the equipment management information D20 for equipment IDs "AID11", "AID12", and "AID2", which are associated with pipeline IDs "PID1" and "PID2", to the computing terminal 55.

[0125] Referring to Figure 11, the computing terminal 55 plots the device management information D20 for device IDs "AID11", "AID12", and "AID2" transmitted from the management server 13 on a map based on location information and displays it on the display device 57. If the devices with device IDs "AID11" and "AID2" are measuring instruments, the computing terminal 55 displays the status of whether the measurement data is within the appropriate range, and the measurement data such as water pressure or flow velocity, at the location where each device is located. If device ID "AID12" is a valve, the computing terminal 55 displays the open / closed status of the valve and information regarding valve inspection at the location where the valve is located.

[0126] In the configuration described above, pipeline information D10 and equipment management information D20 can be linked to the water distribution area ID based on their location information. This makes it easy to link pipelines or equipment to the water distribution area and manage them based on their location information.

[0127] Furthermore, in the above configuration, pipeline information D10 and equipment management information D20 can be linked based on location information. This makes it possible to easily link and manage equipment located around pipelines that may affect water distribution control, based on location information.

[0128] Furthermore, in the above configuration, the equipment management information D20 linked to the selected pipeline information D10 is displayed on the map, allowing the user to visually understand the equipment management information D20 along with geographical information.

[0129] [Other embodiments] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the embodiments described above are merely examples for carrying out the present invention. Therefore, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and it is possible to carry out the invention by appropriately modifying the embodiments described above without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0130] In each of the above embodiments, the computing terminals 50 and 55 are configured to transmit both pipeline information D10 and equipment management information D20 to the management servers 10, 11, 12, and 13. However, the computing terminals may be configured to transmit at least one of the pipeline information or the equipment management information to the management server. The management server may store at least one of the pipeline information or the equipment management information in its storage unit.

[0131] Although not immediately described in the embodiments above, the management server may calibrate the analysis model for hydraulic analysis based on the measurement data from the measuring instruments. For example, if there is a discrepancy between the set values ​​for water pressure, flow velocity, or flow rate planned at the time of initial installation and the measurement data at the time of actual measurement, the management server may update the set values ​​based on the measurement data at the time of actual measurement.

[0132] Furthermore, the management server may perform simulations based on the measurement data from the actual measurement to determine whether the hydraulic conditions are appropriate. If the hydraulic conditions are not appropriate, the management server may propose countermeasures. If the water usage or water pressure is excessive based on the measurement data from the actual measurement, the management server may propose reducing the diameter of the pipeline to the extent that the necessary hydraulic conditions are met. Also, if the hydraulic conditions are not appropriate, the management server may propose changes to the water distribution system or reservoir to ensure that the necessary hydraulic conditions are met. In addition, if pipe cleaning work is performed, the management server may use an analysis model to evaluate whether the water pressure or flow velocity has improved after the work is completed.

[0133] The management server may also perform simulations of changing the water distribution route by opening and closing valves, and determine whether the necessary hydraulic conditions are met after the change in the water distribution route.

[0134] In the above embodiment 2, etc., a water distribution area ID is assigned to each water distribution area. However, an ID may also be assigned to each sub-block included in the water distribution area.

[0135] In the above embodiment 4, the computing terminal 55 displays pipeline information D10 on the display device 57 along with map information and allows the user to select from it. However, the computing terminal may plot a portion of the equipment management information on the map along with the pipeline information and allow the user to select a pipeline or equipment. The management server may transmit equipment management information relating to the pipeline or equipment selected by the user to the computing terminal.

[0136] In the above embodiment 4, the linking unit 37 links the pipeline information D10 and the equipment management information D20 based on the location information. However, the linking unit may also link the pipeline information and the equipment management information according to the linking range defined for the equipment. Figure 12 is a schematic diagram showing the state of the water pipe network WP41, WP42 before and after the change of the water distribution area. Referring to Figure 12, the process of linking pipeline information and equipment management information according to the linking range defined for the equipment will be explained.

[0137] The water pipe network WP41 before the change included central blocks BL41 and BL42. The water distribution area DZ41 includes central block BL41. Central block BL41 includes pipes with pipe IDs "PID41", "PID42", and "PID43". Pipes with pipe IDs "PID41", "PID42", "PID43", and "PID44" are connected to each other at one end. A leak sensor SID41 with equipment ID "SID41" is installed at the connection point of pipes with pipe IDs "PID41", "PID42", "PID43", and "PID44".

[0138] The leak sensor SID41 can detect leaks in pipelines within a predetermined circular area centered on the leak sensor SID41. Therefore, the leak sensor SID41 can detect leaks in consecutive pipelines within the same water distribution area. For this reason, the device management information D20 for device ID "SID41" is linked to the pipeline information D10 for pipeline IDs "PID41", "PID42", "PID43", and "PID44". On the other hand, pipeline PID45 for pipeline ID "PID45" is located in a different water distribution area from the leak sensor SID41 and is therefore not linked to the leak sensor SID41.

[0139] Water distribution area DZ42 includes central block BL42. Central block BL42 includes pipeline PID45 with pipeline ID "PID45". One end of pipeline PID45 in central block BL42 is connected to the other end of pipeline PID44 in central block BL41. A valve with equipment ID "BU42" is installed between pipelines PID44 and PID45. The valve with equipment ID "BU42" is in the closed state.

[0140] In the water pipe network WP41 before the change, if the valve with equipment ID "BU42" is changed to the open state, then in the water pipe network WP42 after the change, water distribution areas DZ41 and DZ42 are merged. In the water pipe network WP42 after the change, for example, pipeline PID45 with pipeline ID "PID45" and the leak sensor with equipment ID "SID41" are linked to water distribution area DZ411, which is obtained by merging water distribution areas DZ41 and DZ42. Therefore, in accordance with the above-mentioned change in water distribution area, the linking unit further links the equipment management information D20 of equipment ID "SID41" to the pipeline information D10 of pipeline ID "PID45". [Industrial applicability]

[0141] This invention can be used in a water supply information management system that manages information related to water supply. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0142] 1, 2, 3, 4 Water supply information management system 10, 11, 12, 13 Management Servers 20, 21, 22, 23 storage section 31 Information Acquisition Department 32, 33, 36 ID management department 34 Valve Information Recording Unit 35 Extraction part 37. Stringing section 38 Device management information output section 50, 55 Computing terminals 56 Input device 57 Display device D10 Conduit information D20 Device management information D21 Valve Management Information D22 Instrument Information D30 Water Distribution Area Master D40 Information to be analyzed

Claims

1. A water supply information management system for managing information related to water supply, Management server and A computing terminal capable of performing calculations and communicating with the management server, It has, The aforementioned management server An information acquisition unit that acquires at least one of the following from the computing terminal: pipeline information, which is information relating to water pipelines, or equipment management information, which is information relating to the management of equipment installed in the pipelines. An ID management unit manages the association between the information of at least one of the pipelines or the equipment and a water distribution area ID for identifying the water distribution area, based on the water distribution area which includes at least one of the pipelines or the equipment. A storage unit that stores the information of at least one of the above and the water distribution area ID in a linked state, Having, Water supply information management system.

2. In the water supply information management system according to claim 1, The ID management unit of the management server updates the association between the water distribution area ID and at least one of the pipeline information or the equipment management information, using the water distribution area ID to identify the changed water distribution area, when the water distribution area is changed. Water supply information management system.

3. In the water supply information management system according to claim 1, The information of the pipeline information or the equipment management information, at least one of the above, includes location information. The ID management unit of the management server manages the association between at least one of the pieces of information and the water distribution area ID based on the location information. Water supply information management system.

4. In the water supply information management system described in claim 3, The aforementioned pipeline information and the aforementioned equipment management information each include the aforementioned location information, The management server further includes a linking unit that links the pipeline information and the equipment management information based on the location information. Water supply information management system.

5. In the water supply information management system according to claim 4, The aforementioned computing terminal is Input device and Display device and It has, The conduit information input by the input device is output to the management server. The aforementioned management server The device management information output unit reads the device management information linked to the pipeline information output from the computing terminal from the storage unit and outputs it to the computing terminal. The aforementioned computing terminal is The device management information output from the management server is plotted on a map based on the location information and displayed on the display device. Water supply information management system.

6. In the water supply information management system according to claim 1, The aforementioned device includes a valve provided in the pipeline, The aforementioned equipment management information includes valve management information, which is information relating to the valve. Water supply information management system.

7. In the water supply information management system according to claim 6, The valve management information includes records of the opening and closing operations of the valve. The ID management unit of the management server updates the association between the equipment management information, which includes the valve management information, and the water distribution area ID used to identify the changed water distribution area, when the water distribution area is changed due to the opening and closing operation of the valve recorded in the valve management information. Water supply information management system.

8. In a water supply information management system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, The aforementioned equipment includes a measuring instrument for performing measurements related to the pipeline, The aforementioned equipment management information includes instrument information, which is information relating to measurement data in the measuring instrument. The management server further includes an extraction unit that, when the water distribution area is changed, refers to the measuring instrument information and extracts the measuring instruments to be used for fixed-point observation in the changed water distribution area. Water supply information management system.

9. An information acquisition unit that acquires at least one of the following: pipeline information, which is information relating to water pipelines, and equipment management information, which is information relating to the management of equipment installed in the pipelines. An ID management unit manages the association between the information of at least one of the pipelines or the equipment and a water distribution area ID for identifying the water distribution area, based on the water distribution area which includes at least one of the pipelines or the equipment. A storage unit that stores at least one of the aforementioned pieces of information in association with the water distribution area ID, Having, Water supply information management device.

10. A water supply information management program that manages information related to water supply, On the computer, An information acquisition step of acquiring at least one of the following: pipeline information, which is information relating to water pipelines, and equipment management information, which is information relating to the management of equipment installed in the pipelines. Based on the water distribution area that includes at least one of the pipeline or the equipment, the ID management step is performed to manage the association between the information of at least one and a water distribution area ID for identifying the water distribution area. In the aforementioned ID management step, If the water distribution area is changed, the association between at least one of the pieces of information and the water distribution area ID used to identify the water distribution area before and after the change will be updated. Water supply information management program.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

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