Liquid level measurement system

Abstract

To improve the convenience of managing liquid levels. [Solution] The liquid level measurement system comprises a transmitter 1 that transmits a signal that reaches within a predetermined distance range; a float 2 that floats on the surface of the liquid whose change is to be measured and has the transmitter 2 placed inside it; a receiver 3 that detects the distance h from the transmitter 1 by receiving the signal transmitted from the transmitter 1, which is placed inside the float 2, while the float 2 is floating on the surface of the liquid; and a measuring device 4 that measures the liquid level H on the surface of the liquid based on the distance h detected by the receiver 3 and outputs information based on the liquid level H.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

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

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

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

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

Means for Solving the Problems

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

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to improve the convenience of managing the liquid level. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This figure shows an overview of an example of a liquid level measurement system according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This figure shows a specific application example of a liquid level measurement system according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] This figure shows an overview of the service that can be realized by a urea solution delivery system to which a liquid level measurement system according to one embodiment of the present invention is applied. [Figure 4] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the container used in this service, i.e., the container in which one embodiment of the liquid level measurement system of the present invention is placed. [Figure 5] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the container used in this service, i.e., the container in which one embodiment of the liquid level measurement system of the present invention is placed. [Figure 6] This figure shows a specific application example of the service that can be realized by a urea solution delivery system to which a liquid level measurement system according to one embodiment of the present invention is applied. [Figure 7] This figure shows the configuration of a urea solution delivery system to which a liquid level measurement system according to one embodiment of the present invention is applied. [Figure 8] This is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of a measuring device in a urea solution delivery system to which a liquid level measuring system according to one embodiment of the present invention is applied. [Figure 9] This is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a urea solution delivery system to which a liquid level measurement system according to one embodiment of the present invention is applied. [Figure 10]It is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on each of various terminals. [Figure 11] It is a diagram showing an example of a management screen displayed on an agency terminal. [Figure 12] It is a diagram showing an example of a management screen displayed on an agency terminal. [Figure 13] It is a diagram showing an example of a management screen displayed on a driver terminal. [Figure 14] It is a diagram showing an example of a management screen displayed on a driver terminal. [Figure 15] It is an image diagram showing an example in which a liquid level measurement system according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied to measure the water level of a river. [Figure 16] It is an image diagram showing an example in which a liquid level measurement system according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied to measure the water level of a river.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

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

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

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

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

[0013] Specifically, for example, suppose a float 2 is floating on the liquid surface Wa at liquid level Ha from the reference water level, and the distance between the transmitter 1, which is housed in the float 2, and the receiver 3 is a distance of ha. In this case, when the receiver 3 receives a signal from the transmitter 1, it detects the distance ha based on the signal and outputs distance information indicating the distance ha. Here, the signal transmitted from transmitter 1 is superimposed with an identifier ID that uniquely identifies transmitter 1. Therefore, the distance information output from receiver 3 includes both the distance ha and the identifier ID. Hereafter, this type of distance information will be referred to as "distance information (ha, ID)". The measuring device 4 detects the liquid level Ha of the liquid surface Wa based on distance information (ha, ID) and outputs liquid level information indicating the liquid level Ha of the liquid surface Wa. Here, the liquid level information includes the liquid level Ha (liquid surface Wa) along with an identifier ID. Therefore, below, this type of liquid level information will be referred to as "liquid level information (Ha, ID)".

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

[0015] Next, with reference to Figure 2, we will describe specific application examples of the liquid level measurement system described above. Figure 2 shows a specific application example of the liquid level measurement system according to one embodiment of the present invention. In the example shown in Figure 2, the object to be measured at the liquid level is contained within a designated container, and the information used based on the liquid level is information indicating the remaining amount (volume) in the container (hereinafter referred to as "remaining amount information").

[0016] In the example shown in Figure 2, the transmitter 1 (float 2) and receiver 3 set is placed in each of the multiple containers. Specifically, for example, in the example shown in Figure 2, each of the N containers C1 to Cn (where n is any integer value of 1 or more) is filled with liquid, and each of the floats 2-1 to 2-n (where n is any integer value of 1 or more) floats on the liquid surface of each container, with each of the floats 2-1 to 2-n containing a transmitter 1-1 to 1-n. In addition, each of the receivers 3-1 to 3-n is fixed to the upper surface of each of the N containers C1 to Cn.

[0017] In the example shown in Figure 2(A), one measuring device 4 is provided for all N sets (i.e., sets of transmitter 1-1 and receiver 3-1 to sets of transmitter 1-n and receiver 3-n), while in the example shown in Figure 2(B), one measuring device is provided individually for each of the N sets. In other words, the number of measuring devices 4 is not limited to those shown in Figures 2(A) and (B), and can be any number of devices capable of comprehensively outputting liquid level-based information (remaining amount information in the example shown in Figure 2) for each of the N sets.

[0018] Specifically, for example, in a predetermined container Ck (where k is any integer value from 1 to n), a float 2-k is floating on the liquid surface Wk at a liquid level Hk from the reference water level, and the distance between the transmitter 1-k, which is stored in the float 2-k, and the receiver 3-k is hk. In this case, when receiver 3-k receives a signal from transmitter 1-k, it detects the distance hk based on the signal and outputs distance information (hk, Ck). In the example shown in Figure 2, a predetermined transmitter 1-k is placed in container Ck, so the identifier ID of the transmitter 1-k is used as the identifier Ck that represents container Ck. As a result, when the measuring device 4 receives distance information (hk, Ck), it can recognize that the distance information (hk, Ck) belongs to container Ck, which is identified by the identifier Ck. The measuring device 4 detects the liquid level Hk of the liquid surface Wk in container Ck based on the distance information (hk, Ck), calculates the remaining amount Vk by multiplying this by the bottom area of ​​container Ck, and outputs the remaining amount information (Hk, Ck).

[0019] Next, with reference to Figures 3 to 6, an overview of an example of a service that can be provided by a urea solution delivery system to which a liquid level measurement system according to one embodiment of the present invention is applied (hereinafter referred to as "this service") will be described. Figure 3 shows an overview of the service that can be realized by a urea solution delivery system to which a liquid level measurement system according to one embodiment of the present invention is applied.

[0020] This service provides urea solution, used to purify the gases (primarily nitrogen oxides, NOx) emitted by diesel engine vehicles, to multiple dealerships G managed by agent A. The containers for this urea solution are supplied from the service provider to agent A, who then distributes them to each of the multiple dealerships G. In other words, a container C is placed at each of the multiple dealerships G. According to this service, the remaining amount of urea solution in each container placed at each of the multiple dealerships G is monitored in real time, and based on the remaining amount in each container, urea solution is delivered to each container (multiple dealerships G) C. This delivery of urea solution is carried out by trucks managed by agent A.

[0021] Service provider S is a business that provides urea solution and containers C, and manages server 6. As will be described in detail later, each container C placed in each of the multiple sales outlets G is equipped with a liquid level measuring system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Agency A is a business that receives urea solution from service provider S and wholesales the urea solution to multiple retailers G.

[0023] Driver D receives urea solution from contractual agents and delivers it to each of the multiple retailers G. In other words, Driver D visits the retailers G and replenishes each of the containers C located at each of the multiple retailers G with urea solution.

[0024] Retailer G is, for example, a gas station or similar business that sells urea solution to general users who drive diesel engine vehicles. In other words, each of the multiple retailers G has a container C filled with urea solution.

[0025] The following provides a detailed overview of the service flow, following steps ST1 through ST3 in Figure 3. Before explaining the steps, we will first describe the overview of container C used in this service by referring to Figures 4 and 5. Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the container used in the service shown in Figure 3, i.e., the container in which one embodiment of the liquid level measurement system of the present invention is placed.

[0026] The configuration of container C used in this service is shown in Figures 4(A) and (B). As shown in Figure 4(A), container C has a predetermined volume. In this embodiment, for example, a cubic container with sides of 1 m, i.e., a 1000-liter tank, is used as container C. By using a container C with a known volume in this way, the base area is predetermined (1 square meter in this example). Therefore, if the liquid level H of the urea solution in container C is detected by one embodiment of the liquid level measurement system of the present invention, the remaining amount V (volume V) of the urea solution can be easily and accurately calculated.

[0027] As shown in Figure 4(B), container C is used in a horizontal position, and urea solution is sealed inside container C. A fishing line F is installed on the upper interior surface of container C, suspended in the direction of gravity. The fishing line F has a length equal to the height of container C, i.e., 1 meter in this embodiment. A weight X is attached to the end of the fishing line F that is in contact with the bottom surface. A float 2, with a string-like loop L attached to it, is suspended on the surface of the urea solution, with a fishing line F threaded through the loop L. A transmitter 1 is housed within the float 2. The receiver 3 is fixed to a predetermined position on the upper surface of container C.

[0028] By adopting a container C with this configuration, the remaining amount V in container C can be calculated accurately. In other words, as described above, the float 2, to which a string-like loop L is attached, is floated on the liquid surface with a fishing line F passed through the loop L. This prevents the float 2 from floating and drifting on the liquid surface (changing its position in the horizontal plane), thereby suppressing errors in the distance h between the transmitter 1 and the receiver 3. Furthermore, as mentioned above, a weight X is attached to the end of the fishing line F that contacts the bottom surface. This prevents the fishing line F from swaying horizontally, and as a result, prevents the horizontal position of the float 2 from changing, thereby suppressing errors in the distance h between the transmitter 1 and the receiver 3. By placing one embodiment of the liquid level measurement system of the present invention in each of the containers C having these characteristics, liquid level information and remaining amount information, i.e., the liquid level H and remaining amount V, can be accurately output.

[0029] As described above using Figure 2, the remaining amount information output by the measuring device 4 includes information that can identify container C, that is, information that can identify the retail store G where container C is located. In other words, since container C (retailer G) and the remaining amount V in that container C (retailer G) are linked and managed as remaining amount information, the remaining amount V of each of multiple containers C (multiple retailers G) can be clearly distinguished from the remaining amount V of other containers C and easily identified.

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

[0031] Figure 5(A) shows a "float-type" container C in which a fishing line F to which a weight X is attached is passed through the loop L of a float 2. Since such a "float-type" container C was described above using Figure 4(B), it will be omitted here.

[0032] On the other hand, Figure 5(B) shows a "three-point fixed type" container C in which three floats 2-1 to 2-3 are fixed at predetermined positions on the fishing line F at equal intervals in the direction in which gravity acts. Similar to Figure 4(B), a fishing line F is installed on the upper interior surface of the container C shown in Figure 5(B) so as to be suspended in the direction of gravity. Floats 2-1 to 2-3, each containing one of the three traffic signals 1-1 to 1-3, are fixed to the fishing line F at intervals of 25 cm in this embodiment, dividing the length of the fishing line F into four equal parts. In this "three-point fixed type" container C, three transmitters 1-1 to 1-3 and one receiver 3 are arranged as a set. Furthermore, each of the transmitters 1-1 to 1-3 is designed to float on the liquid surface while being stored in the float 2; that is, transmitters 1-1 to 1-3 are designed to emit a signal when their fixed position and the liquid level become equal.

[0033] Specifically, for example, in Figure 5(B), when the receiver 3 receives a signal transmitted from the transmitter 1-1, it can recognize that the signal originated from the transmitter 1-1 based on the identifier contained in the signal. Based on the distance h (25 cm in this embodiment) between the transmitter 1-1 and the receiver 3, the receiver 3 outputs that the liquid level H1 is 75 cm and the remaining volume V is 750 liters. Subsequently, the situation changes, and receiver 3 receives a signal transmitted from transmitter 1-2 and recognizes from the identifier contained in the signal that it was transmitted from transmitter 1-2. In this case, receiver 3 outputs that the liquid level H2 is 50 cm and the remaining amount V is 500 liters, based on the distance h (50 cm in this embodiment) between transmitter 1-2 and receiver 3. Furthermore, the identifiers of each transmitter 1-1 to 1-3 are associated with the container C in which the transmitters 1-1 to 1-3 are located, and are used as information that can identify the container C. By employing these various types of containers C, liquid level information and remaining volume information, specifically the liquid level H and remaining volume V of the urea solution, can be accurately output.

[0034] Returning to Figure 3, we will explain the overview of the service flow.

[0035] In step ST1, the liquid level information and remaining volume information of container C output by the measuring device 4 (not shown in Figure 3) are transmitted to the server 6 as the remaining volume data for container C. The server 6 then recognizes, based on the received remaining quantity data for container C, which container C the data belongs to, i.e., which retailer G it belongs to, and then performs a predetermined analysis process. Here, such analysis processes are performed separately for each agent A. That is, the server 6 performs the predetermined analysis process on a unit basis, for one or more retailers G (containers C) under the jurisdiction of agent A. For example, in such an analysis process, server 6 extracts one or more containers C (sales outlets G) that require urea solution replenishment based on the remaining amount data of the received containers C. Furthermore, server 6 generates delivery information, including delivery routes for delivering urea solution to each of the one or more containers C (sales outlets G) that require urea solution replenishment, based on the location information of each of the one or more containers C (sales outlets G).

[0036] In step ST2, the delivery information generated in this manner is provided to driver D, agent A (agent A that has jurisdiction over one or more of the above-mentioned retailers G), service provider S, etc.

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

[0038] In this manner, this service acquires liquid level information (liquid level H) and remaining amount information (remaining amount V) for the urea solution sealed in each container C of one or more sales outlets G under the jurisdiction of a designated agent A. Based on the liquid level information and remaining amount information of each container C, one or more containers C that require replenishment are extracted from among the containers C. The extracted information is then provided to the driver D, agent A, service provider S, etc. Retailer G does not need to measure the liquid level H or remaining amount V in container C themselves, or place orders for urea solution based on those levels. As the necessary amount of urea solution is automatically delivered, they can easily and safely manage their remaining stock of urea solution. Furthermore, for example, since container C, which needs replenishment, is automatically extracted, agent A can systematically deliver urea solution to one or more retailers G (container C) under its jurisdiction without running out of stock. As a result, agent A can manage its operations systematically, and is expected to see an increase in sales.

[0039] Next, we will refer to Figure 6 to explain in detail specific examples of how this service can be applied. Figure 6 shows a specific application example of this service that can be realized by a urea solution delivery system to which the liquid level measurement system according to one embodiment of the present invention is applied.

[0040] As shown in Figure 6, this example assumes that each of the containers C1 to C9 is located in each of the retail stores G1 to G9. In other words, in the example in Figure 6, agent A is responsible for retail stores G1 to G9 (containers C1 to C9).

[0041] In step SF1, the liquid level information and remaining volume information for each of the containers C1 to C9 are periodically transmitted to the server 6 as remaining volume data, along with an identifier that can identify each of the containers C1 to C9 (i.e., an identifier that can identify each of the retailers G1 to G9).

[0042] In step SF2, a predetermined analysis process is performed on the server 6 managed by the service provider S, based on the remaining volume data of each of the containers C1 to C9. For example, in such an analysis process, server 6 extracts one or more containers C1 to C9 that require urea solution replenishment based on the remaining amount data of each container C1 to C9. Then, server 6 generates delivery information for delivering urea solution to each of the extracted containers C and their respective location information. Specifically, for example, in the example shown in Figure 6, containers C1 to C8 (sales outlets G1 to G8) are selected as refill containers C for urea solution. Then, based on the selected containers C1 to C8 (sales outlets G1 to G8) and their respective location information, delivery information is generated for delivering urea solution to each of the containers C1 to C8 (sales outlets G1 to G8).

[0043] Here, we will explain in more detail the delivery information generated on server 6 using the example described above. Server 6 classifies each of the extracted containers C1 to C8 (sales outlets G1 to G8) into one or more delivery groups. Here, a delivery group refers to a set of one or more containers C (distributors G) to which driver D can deliver urea solution per day using a designated truck. The set of one or more containers C (distributors G) belonging to each such delivery group is determined by factors such as driver D's daily working hours, the truck's maximum load capacity, the remaining amount V (amount to be replenished) in each container C, and the location information of the containers C (distributors G). Specifically, server 6 classifies each of the extracted containers C1 to C8 (sales outlets G1 to G8) into one or more delivery groups, in this embodiment, the delivery group for containers C1 to C3, the delivery group for containers C4 and C5, and the delivery group for containers C6 to C8. Furthermore, server 6 takes each classified delivery group as a processing target and generates the optimal delivery route for delivering urea solution to each container C (sales outlet G) belonging to the processing target delivery group. In this way, server 6 generates delivery information that includes delivery routes for delivering urea solution to each of the one or more containers C (sales outlets G) that need replenishment.

[0044] In step SF3, dispatch leader AL, who belongs to agency A, assigns each of the drivers D1 through D3 who are on duty that day to a classified delivery group. Then, based on the generated delivery information, each of drivers D1 through D3 sequentially visits one or more containers C (distributors G) belonging to the delivery group assigned to them and delivers the urea solution to each container C (distributor G). This allows driver D to efficiently deliver urea solution within a predetermined time. Furthermore, the reduced truck operating time contributes to a lower environmental impact.

[0045] Here, we will explain the effects of providing this service, comparing it with conventional technologies.

[0046] Traditionally, the remaining amount V of urea solution in container C was monitored by agent A through individual visits to or phone calls to sales outlet G. If it was determined that container C needed replenishment, urea solution was added as needed. However, this conventional method made it difficult for agent A to control their schedule, as they had to respond to urgent replenishment requests from sales outlet G, such as "today" or "tomorrow." Furthermore, there was the problem of the time-consuming process of having to frequently check the remaining amount V of urea solution in order to prevent stockouts at retailer G.

[0047] Therefore, with this service, the remaining amount V of urea solution in multiple containers C placed in each of the multiple retail stores G is monitored in real time, and the containers C (retail stores G) that need refilling are automatically extracted. As a result, agency A can plan the delivery of urea solution systematically, thus improving operational efficiency. Furthermore, when the urea solution level gets low, retailer G automatically receives a new supply, meaning they simply have to "wait." As a result, retailer G never runs out of stock, enabling them to conduct stable sales activities.

[0048] Furthermore, in the past, there had been concerns about fraudulent practices where agents competed with each other for customers (distributor G), such as agent A purchasing urea solution from a source other than service provider S and wholesaling it to distributor G, or agent A wholesaling urea solution to containers (distributors) other than the contracted container C (distributor G).

[0049] Therefore, with this service, the remaining amount V in container C is monitored in real time, making it possible to, for example, extract and identify only container C where the amount of urea solution has increased. As a result, even if the aforementioned fraudulent activity occurs, it can be easily detected, thus preventing problems such as revenue disparities between agencies and other troubles.

[0050] Figure 7 shows the configuration of a urea solution delivery system to which a liquid level measurement system including a measuring device according to one embodiment of the present invention is applied.

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

[0052] Each of the n transmitters 1-1 to 1-n and receivers 3-1 to 3-n, along with the n measuring devices 4-1 to 4-n, is installed in each of the N containers C1 to Cn. Each of the n sales terminals 5-1 through 5-n is managed by each of the sales outlets G1 through Gn. Server 6 is managed by service provider S. Server 6 acquires remaining volume data such as liquid level information and remaining volume information, performs predetermined analysis processing, and generates delivery information for delivering urea solution to each of the containers C that require urea solution replenishment. Server 6 controls the provision of the remaining quantity data, analysis results, and generated delivery information obtained in this manner to the dealer terminals 5-1 to 5-n, agent terminals 7-1 to 7-p, and driver terminals 8-1 to 8-p, respectively. Each of the p-unit agent terminals 7-1 through 7-p is managed by agent A1 through Ap, respectively. Each of the q driver terminals 8-1 through 8-q is managed by drivers D1 through Dq.

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

[0054] Figure 8 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of a measuring device in a urea solution delivery system to which a liquid level measuring system according to one embodiment of the present invention is applied.

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

[0056] The CPU 41 executes various processes according to the program recorded in the ROM 42 or the program loaded from the storage unit 48 into the RAM 43. RAM43 also stores data necessary for the CPU41 to perform various processes.

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

[0058] The output unit 46 consists of a display such as an LCD, a speaker, and the like. The input unit 47 is composed of, for example, a keyboard, and various types of information are input into it. The memory unit 48 is composed of DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) and other components, and stores various types of data. The communication unit 49 communicates with other devices via a network N, including the Internet.

[0059] A removable media 51, such as a magnetic disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, or semiconductor memory, is appropriately mounted in the drive 50. Programs read from the removable media 51 by the drive 50 are installed in the storage unit 48 as needed. Furthermore, the removable media 51 can store various types of data stored in the storage unit 48, just as the storage unit 48 does. Although not shown in the figures, the sales terminal 5, server 6, agent terminal 7, and driver terminal 8 of the urea water distribution system to which the liquid level measurement system according to one embodiment of the present invention shown in Figure 7 is applied have basically the same hardware configuration as the measuring device 4 shown in Figure 8, so their explanation is omitted here.

[0060] Through the collaboration of various hardware and software components, it becomes possible to perform remaining capacity data output processing and information provision processing. As a result, service providers will be able to provide the aforementioned service.

[0061] The remaining volume data output process refers to the series of processes involved in outputting the liquid level information and remaining volume information of container C as remaining volume data. Information provision processing refers to the series of processes from the time that the remaining amount data of the output container C is analyzed, until the results are provided to agents A, retailers G, drivers D, etc.

[0062] The measuring device 4 and the server 6 have the functional configuration shown in Figure 9 for performing remaining amount data output processing and information provision processing.

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0069] The functional configuration of the remaining amount data output processing on the measuring device 4 side has been explained above. Next, we will describe the functional configuration of the information provision processing on the server 6 side.

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

[0071] The analysis unit 612 performs a predetermined analysis based on the liquid level information and remaining volume information acquired by the remaining volume data acquisition unit 611. Specifically, for example, the analysis unit 612 extracts one or more containers C that require replenishment from among the containers C based on the liquid level information and remaining volume information of each container C. At this time, the analysis unit 612 may perform a process based on the liquid level information and remaining amount information of each container C, for example, displaying "None" for a container C with no remaining amount, "Decreasing" for a container C with a decreasing remaining amount, "Medium" for a container C with a moderate remaining amount, and "Full" for a container C that is nearly full.

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

[0073] The analysis unit 612 creates a delivery route for delivering urea solution to a predetermined container C. Specifically, the analysis unit 612 generates a delivery route based on predetermined conditions such as the driver D's daily working hours, the truck's maximum load capacity, the remaining amount V in each container C (the amount that needs to be replenished), and the location information of the container C (sales outlet G).

[0074] The provisioning unit 613 executes control to provide the results of the analysis process described above, delivery information, etc., to the retailer terminal 5, the agent terminal 7, and the driver terminal 8. This allows agent A to easily identify, for example, one of the one or more containers C under its jurisdiction that needs refilling, and thus be able to systematically supply urea solution to retailer G. Furthermore, retailer G will be able to monitor the liquid level and remaining amount of container C in real time. Also, for example, if the urea solution falls below a predetermined liquid level H or remaining amount V, it will be automatically delivered by agent A, allowing for stable sales of urea solution without worrying about running out of stock. The above describes the functional configuration of the information provision processing on the server 6 side.

[0075] By performing these processes—the remaining volume data output process and the information provision process—the liquid level and remaining volume information of container C are monitored in real time, enabling retailers G and agents A to easily, accurately, and safely manage the urea solution.

[0076] Figure 10 shows examples of screens displayed on various terminals. For example, Figure 10(A) shows an example of the screen of the agent terminal 7. The display screen B of the agent terminal 7 shows a schematic diagram illustrating the remaining amount information for each of the multiple containers C (sales outlet G). Based on the remaining amount information output in this way, agent A can easily identify at a glance which containers C (sales outlet G) need refilling. Additionally, screen B displays a button labeled "Notify Visit Date". By tapping this button, agent A can notify retailer G, who requires urea solution delivery, of the replenishment date (visit date).

[0077] Figure 10(B) shows an example of a screen displayed on the driver terminal. In other words, the screen D of the driver terminal 8 displays the remaining quantity information for the designated container C (retail store G) for which driver D is responsible for delivery.

[0078] In this way, the remaining amount information is managed for each container C (distributor G), so information such as the remaining amount in container C (distributor G) can be grasped in real time. As a result, distributor G, agent A, and driver D can each display the remaining amount information of container C in any format they wish, according to their own purposes, on their respective managed terminals.

[0079] Figures 11 and 12 show examples of management screens displayed on agent terminals.

[0080] Figure 11 shows an example of the management screen displayed on the agent terminal 7. The display screen VS1 is configured to include display areas FS1 through FS3. The display area FS1 of the display screen VS1 shows the names of agency A. Here, agency A displayed in display area FS1 can be filtered by, for example, the prefecture in which it is located or by name. Furthermore, each agency A can be displayed in alphabetical order, by the number of containers C with which it has a contractual relationship, or in other order.

[0081] Display area FS2 schematically shows the remaining amount information for container C under the jurisdiction of each agency A. In display area FS2, each container C under the jurisdiction of agency A is classified and displayed in delivery groups No. 1 through No. 10. Furthermore, one delivery group consists of a set of one or more containers C (distributors G) to which driver D can deliver urea solution per day using a designated truck. For example, delivery group No. 7 contains five containers C (distributors G), of which four containers C (distributors G) are marked as "empty" and the remaining container C (distributor G) is marked as "decreasing". Once each of these delivery groups is assigned to a driver D1 through D10, each of the drivers D1 through D10 will sequentially visit the container C (distributor G) included in their assigned delivery group and deliver a predetermined amount of urea solution.

[0082] The display area FS3 shows a button to select today's route. When this "Today's Route" button is tapped, the screen transitions to VS2 as shown in Figure 12.

[0083] Figure 12 shows an example of the management screen displayed on the agent terminal 7. The display screen VS2 shows a map, overlaid with information about each container C (distributor G) that needs refilling, as well as the delivery route. In other words, driver D7 can deliver the urea solution quickly and reliably by following the displayed delivery route.

[0084] Figures 13 and 14 show examples of management screens displayed on the driver terminal.

[0085] Figure 13(A) shows the login screen. Figure 13(B) is the home screen. Specifically, Figure 13(B) displays buttons indicating the status of each of the multiple retailers G to which driver D is scheduled to deliver urea solution today. Additionally, the "Today's Route" button is located at the bottom of Figure 13(B). By viewing this home screen, driver D can view each of the one or more containers C (retailer G) assigned to it (scheduled for delivery today). As will be explained in more detail later, driver D can also display a route map for urea solution delivery by tapping the "Today's Route" button. Figure 13(C) shows the input screen for the work details. Specifically, driver D can input information such as the amount of urea solution delivered and other items delivered. Figure 13(D) shows the route map display screen. By tapping the "Today's Route" button shown in Figure 13(B) above, driver D can display information about each of the multiple containers C (stores G) assigned to it (scheduled for delivery today) (for example, the location of container C (store G), the remaining amount V), and the route for delivering urea solution to each container C (store G) overlaid on the display. Figure 13(E) shows the work history display screen. Specifically, Figure 13(E) displays driver D's work history to date, organized by year, month, and day. Driver D can, for example, filter by today's date to review today's work history. In addition, if driver D has completed the delivery work to multiple distributors G to which urea solution is scheduled to be delivered today, driver D can send a report email to agent A by tapping the work report button located at the bottom of Figure 13(E). Figure 13(F) shows the screen after the report has been submitted. Figure 13(G) shows the My Page screen. Driver D can change their nickname and password by tapping the Edit button.

[0086] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and any modifications or improvements that can achieve the objectives of the present invention are included in the present invention.

[0087] The series of processes described above can be executed by hardware or by software. In other words, the functional configuration shown in Figure 9 is merely illustrative and not particularly limiting. In other words, it is sufficient that the urea water distribution system to which the liquid level measurement system is applied has a function that can execute the series of processes described above as a whole, and the type of functional block used to realize this function is not particularly limited to the example in Figure 9. Furthermore, the location of the functional blocks and database is not particularly limited to Figure 9 and can be arbitrary. For example, at least a portion of the functional blocks and database necessary for executing various processes may be transferred to the dealer terminal 5, agent terminal 7, driver terminal 8, etc. Conversely, the functions of the dealer terminal 5, agent terminal 7, driver terminal 8, etc. may be transferred to the measuring device 4, server 6, etc. Furthermore, a single functional block may consist of hardware alone, software alone, or a combination of both.

[0088] For example, when a series of processes are executed by software, the programs that make up that software are installed on a computer or other device from a network or storage medium. The computer may be a computer that is built into dedicated hardware. Furthermore, a computer can be any computer capable of performing various functions by installing various programs, such as a server, a general-purpose smartphone, or a personal computer.

[0089] Furthermore, for example, a recording medium containing such a program may consist not only of removable media (not shown) distributed separately from the main unit to provide the program to users (providers of this service, agents, distributors, drivers, etc.), but also of recording media provided to users, etc., that are pre-installed in the main unit.

[0090] In this specification, the step of describing a program to be recorded on a recording medium includes not only processes that are performed chronologically in that order, but also processes that are not necessarily performed chronologically, but are executed in parallel or individually. Furthermore, in this specification, the term "system" refers to an overall system composed of multiple devices, means, etc.

[0091] Furthermore, although the above embodiment described the output of liquid level information and remaining amount information for container C, it is not limited to this. That is, only one of the liquid level information or remaining amount information for container C may be output.

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

[0093] In the examples shown in Figures 15 and 16, the transmitter 1 (float 2) and receiver 3 are positioned on the river surface and on the bridge. A float 2 is floating on the surface of the river, and the transmitter 1 is housed in the float 2. The receiver 3 is fixed to the underside B2 of the bridge girder. The float 2 is positioned in the hollow space inside a cylindrical tube T that is placed in contact with the abutment B1. In other words, the float 2 floats on the liquid surface while being housed in the fixed tube T. This prevents the float 2 from floating and drifting on the liquid surface (changing its position in the horizontal plane), thereby suppressing errors in the distance hr between the transmitter 1 and the receiver 3. When receiver 3 receives a signal from transmitter 1, it detects the distance hr based on the signal and outputs distance information indicating the distance hr. The measuring device 4 detects the liquid level Hr of the liquid surface Wr based on distance information and outputs liquid level information indicating the liquid level Hr of the liquid surface Wr. Here, the outputted liquid level information includes an identifier ID, so it is possible to recognize, for example, the liquid level at B2 under the bridge girder. Furthermore, from the viewpoint of stability, durability, etc., polyvinyl chloride is a suitable material for tube T.

[0094] Furthermore, the liquid level measurement system according to one embodiment of the present invention can be applied to various other uses besides those described above. Specifically, for example, a liquid level measurement system according to one embodiment of the present invention can be applied to buried underground fuel tanks installed by transportation companies and the like. These types of buried underground fuel tanks can allow rainwater to seep in through flanges or manholes during heavy rain, potentially leading to unnoticed fuel use and vehicle malfunctions. Therefore, by applying the liquid level measurement system according to one embodiment of the present invention, the increased liquid volume can be monitored in real time, making it possible to take countermeasures before problems occur.

[0095] Furthermore, for example, a liquid level measuring system according to one embodiment of the present invention is applicable to a fuel tank installed inside a greenhouse. Traditionally, large quantities of fuels such as kerosene, diesel fuel, and heavy oil have been consumed in agriculture to raise the temperature inside greenhouses. The amount of fuel remaining is checked by the agricultural operator, and once the fuel supplier is informed of the approximate amount that can be supplied, the fuel supplier replenishes the fuel. In such cases, if the fuel supply is delayed, problems may occur with the plants inside the greenhouse, leading to deterioration of quality, or in the worst case, making it impossible to ship the produce. Therefore, by applying the liquid level measurement system according to this embodiment of the present invention, the remaining amount can be managed in real time, thus solving the above-mentioned problems.

[0096] Furthermore, by applying the urea water delivery system to which the liquid level measurement system according to one embodiment of the present invention is applied, the delivery route is automatically provided to the driver D who is refueling, so that the driver D can efficiently deliver to multiple customers in the surrounding area. As a result, the fuel consumption of large vehicles such as tank trucks can be reduced, thus contributing to environmental protection.

[0097] Furthermore, for example, the liquid level measurement system according to one embodiment of the present invention can also be applied to kerosene tanks used in stoves installed in ordinary households, such as in cold regions. In such cases, by applying the liquid level measurement system according to one embodiment of the present invention to a urea water distribution system, real-time remaining quantity management and the generation of appropriate distribution routes can be achieved, thus producing the same effects as described above.

[0098] In other words, the liquid level measuring system to which the present invention is applied only needs to have the following configuration, and various embodiments can be taken.

[0099] In other words, the liquid level measuring system to which the present invention is applied is: A transmitting device that emits a signal that reaches within a predetermined distance (for example, transmitter 1 in Figure 1), A housing (e.g., float 2 in Figure 1) that floats on the surface (e.g., liquid surface Wa in Figure 1) of the liquid whose transition is to be measured (e.g., urea solution) and has the transmitting device placed inside, A receiving device (e.g., receiver 3 in Figure 1) detects the distance from the transmitting device (e.g., distance ha in Figure 1) by receiving the signal transmitted from the transmitting device located inside the housing while the housing is floating on the surface of the liquid, A measuring device (e.g., measuring device 4 in Figure 1) measures the liquid level at the surface of the liquid (e.g., liquid level Ha in Figure 1) based on the distance detected by the receiving device and outputs information based on the liquid level, It is equipped with. This enables the automatic output of liquid level and remaining volume information. As a result, liquid level and remaining volume management can be performed safely and easily.

[0100] Also, The aforementioned liquid (for example, urea solution) is contained in N containers (for example, containers C1 to Cn in Figure 2) (where N is an integer value of 2 or more), The housing (for example, floats 2-1 to 2-n in Figure 2) and the transmitting devices (for example, transmitters 1-1 to 1-n in Figure 2) and receiving devices (for example, receivers 3-1 to 3-n in Figure 2) arranged inside it are arranged in at least one set in each of the N containers. The signals transmitted by the N transmitting devices, each of the N containers, include identification information (e.g., identifier ID) that uniquely identifies the container on which the transmitting device is located. The measuring device is, Based on the aforementioned identification information, a container recognition means (for example, the container recognition unit 412 in Figure 9) recognizes the container to be detected from among the N containers, A remaining amount calculation means (for example, a detection unit 413 in Figure 9) measures the liquid level on the surface of the liquid inside the container to be detected (for example, W1 to Wn in Figure 2) and calculates the remaining amount of the container to be detected as information based on the liquid level, It is equipped with. This allows for real-time, at-a-glance recognition of the liquid level and remaining volume information for each of multiple containers. This enables safe and easy management of liquid levels and remaining volumes. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0101] 1...Transmitter, 2...Float, 3...Receiver, 4...Measuring device, 5...Dealer terminal, 6...Server, 7...Agent terminal, 8...Driver terminal, 411...Distance information acquisition unit, 412...Container recognition unit, 413...Detection unit, 431...Liquid level detection unit, 432...Remaining amount detection unit, 600...Container information DB, 611...Remaining amount data acquisition unit, 612...Analysis unit, 613...Provision unit

Claims

1. In a situation where a predetermined liquid is stored in containers at multiple locations, a means for acquiring remaining amount data that indicates the remaining amount in each of the containers at each of the multiple locations, A replenishment site extraction means for extracting one or more sites from the multiple sites that require replenishment based on the remaining amount data, A delivery information generation means generates delivery information that includes a delivery plan for replenishing the predetermined liquid to each of the one or more extracted locations, An information processing device equipped with the following features.

2. The delivery information generation means classifies the one or more locations extracted as needing replenishment into one or more delivery groups based on delivery conditions, and generates the delivery information including each of the delivery routes for each of the one or more delivery groups. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

3. A means for providing the delivery information to at least one of the terminals of the agency that has jurisdiction over the delivery and the terminal of the driver in charge of the delivery, The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising:

4. In an information processing method performed by an information processing device, In a situation where a predetermined liquid is stored in containers at multiple locations, the remaining amount acquisition step acquires data indicating the remaining amount in each of the containers at each of the multiple locations as remaining amount data. A replenishment site extraction step is performed to extract one or more sites from the multiple sites that require replenishment based on the remaining amount data, A delivery information generation step that generates delivery information including a delivery plan for replenishing the predetermined liquid to each of the one or more extracted locations, Information processing methods including

5. A computer, In a situation where a predetermined liquid is stored in containers at multiple locations, the remaining amount acquisition step acquires data indicating the remaining amount in each of the containers at each of the multiple locations as remaining amount data. A replenishment site extraction step is performed to extract one or more sites from the multiple sites that require replenishment based on the remaining amount data, A delivery information generation step that generates delivery information including a delivery plan for replenishing the predetermined liquid to each of the one or more extracted locations, A program that executes control processes, including those mentioned above.

Images