Pipeline inspection support system and program for supporting pipeline inspection work

Abstract

In a pipeline inspection support system that assists with pipeline inspection work, a configuration is implemented that provides workers with location information of the inspection target, etc., in order to improve the work efficiency of the inspection work. [Solution] The pipeline inspection support system 1 includes a support server 2 in which the inspection work plan is stored, and a mobile terminal 3 that can communicate information with the support server 2. The mobile terminal 3 includes a mobile terminal communication unit 31 that communicates information with the support server 2, a location information acquisition unit 32 that acquires location information relating to the location of the mobile terminal 3, a display unit 33 that can display a dynamic map that displays inspection route information relating to the inspection target in the inspection work plan together with the location information acquisition unit 32, or a static map that displays a pipeline diagram including the inspection target, and a display control unit 34 that causes the display unit 33 to switch between displaying the dynamic map and the static map.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a pipeline inspection operation support system and a program for pipeline inspection operation support.

Background Art

[0002] Generally, in the pipeline inspection operation, workers perform operations at the site. Therefore, a system for supporting the on-site inspection operation by workers is known. As such a system, for example, Patent Document 1 discloses a leak survey plan establishment system that establishes a leak survey plan for determining the implementation order of leak surveys in a plurality of areas based on predicted water leakage amount information.

[0003] The leak survey plan establishment system includes a leak survey plan establishment device, an investigation terminal, a measurement device, and a meter reading terminal. In the leak survey plan establishment system, when information related to leak survey and pipeline repair is input by the operation of the user of the investigation terminal during leak survey and pipeline repair, the investigation terminal transmits the information to the leak survey plan establishment device. When the meter reading value of the water meter is input by the operation of the user of the meter reading terminal during the water meter reading for billing, the meter reading terminal transmits the information to the leak survey plan establishment device. The measurement device includes a flow meter, a pressure gauge, etc. installed in the water pipeline network to be managed, and is connected to the leak survey plan establishment device via a communication network.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] Incidentally, in the aforementioned pipeline inspection work, workers go to the site and perform the inspection work. Therefore, in order for the workers to perform the inspection work efficiently, it is important to accurately show the workers the inspection route of the object to be inspected. One possible method for showing the inspection route is to display the route on a map. The map may include a static map in which the information displayed does not change according to user operations or conditions, and a dynamic map in which the information displayed changes in real time according to user operations or conditions.

[0006] In the aforementioned static map, the information is fixed and not updated in real time, so even if structures on the ground change, the map information may be outdated. Therefore, it is unsuitable for determining the route to the inspection target using structures on the ground as a guide. On the other hand, in the aforementioned dynamic map, the information is updated in real time, and because the map contains a large amount of information, it is difficult to find the necessary information, including detailed information about the inspection target, and it is unsuitable for accurately identifying the location of the inspection target.

[0007] Therefore, in a pipeline inspection support system that assists in the inspection of the aforementioned pipelines, there is a need for a configuration that provides workers with location information of the inspection targets, etc., in order to improve the work efficiency of the inspection.

[0008] The objective of the present invention is to realize a pipeline inspection support system that assists in pipeline inspection work, which provides workers with location information of the object to be inspected, in order to improve the work efficiency of the inspection work. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] A pipeline inspection support system according to one embodiment of the present invention supports pipeline inspection work. The pipeline inspection support system includes a support server that stores an inspection work plan, which is a plan for the inspection work, and a mobile terminal that can communicate information with the support server. The mobile terminal includes a communication unit that communicates information with the support server, a location information acquisition unit that acquires location information relating to the location of the mobile terminal, a display unit that can display a dynamic map that displays inspection route information relating to the inspection target in the inspection work plan together with the location information acquired by the location information acquisition unit, or a static map that displays a pipeline diagram including the inspection target, and a display control unit that causes the display unit to switch between displaying the dynamic map and the static map (first configuration).

[0010] This allows the mobile terminal's display to switch between displaying a dynamic map showing inspection route information related to the inspection target along with the mobile terminal's location information, and a static map showing a pipeline diagram including the inspection target. Therefore, the worker can confirm the inspection route information on the dynamic map on the mobile terminal's display, enabling them to reach the inspection target easily and quickly. Furthermore, the worker can grasp the detailed location of the inspection target with greater accuracy using the static map, allowing them to obtain information regarding the location of the inspection target in a shorter amount of time.

[0011] Therefore, the system can provide the worker with location information of the inspection targets and other information that the worker needs, thereby improving the efficiency of the worker's inspection work. In other words, with the above configuration, a pipeline inspection support system can be realized that provides the worker with location information of the inspection targets and other information in order to improve the efficiency of the inspection work.

[0012] The static map is a map that displays fixed information that is not updated as it is received. The static map includes information on permanent elements such as roads, buildings, and terrain. The dynamic map is a map that displays information that changes in real time. The dynamic map includes information on fluctuating elements such as traffic conditions and current location.

[0013] In the first configuration described above, the mobile terminal further includes an inspection result input unit for inputting inspection results in the inspection work. The communication unit transmits the inspection results, linked to the inspection target, to the support server (second configuration).

[0014] This allows the support server to manage inspection results entered into mobile terminals, linking them to the inspection targets. Therefore, the support server can efficiently manage the inspection results.

[0015] In the second configuration described above, if the inspection results include an abnormality, the display control unit causes the display unit of the mobile terminal to display abnormality location information relating to the location of the abnormality on at least one of the dynamic map or the static map (third configuration).

[0016] This allows abnormal location information to be displayed on at least one of the dynamic map or static map shown on the display unit of the mobile device. Therefore, the operator can easily grasp the abnormal location information by looking at at least one of the dynamic map or static map on the display unit.

[0017] In the third configuration described above, the display control unit causes the display unit of the mobile terminal to display detailed information about the anomaly, linked to the anomaly location information, on at least one of the dynamic map or the static map (fourth configuration).

[0018] This allows the display of detailed information about an anomaly, linked to the anomaly location information, on at least one of the dynamic or static maps shown on the mobile device's display. Therefore, the operator can easily grasp not only the location of the anomaly but also detailed information about the anomaly by looking at the display.

[0019] In the first configuration described above, the pipeline inspection support system further includes a direction-of-travel determination unit that determines the direction of travel of the mobile terminal using the dynamic map and the location information acquired by the location information acquisition unit. The display control unit causes the display unit of the mobile terminal to display the static map so as to match the direction of travel determined by the direction-of-travel determination unit (fifth configuration).

[0020] This allows a static map to be displayed on the mobile device's display unit, aligned with the direction of the mobile device's movement. Therefore, the operator can easily determine the location of the object being inspected using the static map displayed on the mobile device's display unit.

[0021] A pipeline inspection support program according to one embodiment of the present invention is a program for supporting pipeline inspection work. The pipeline inspection support program causes the computer of a mobile terminal, which can communicate with a support server where the inspection work plan, which is the plan for the inspection work, is stored, to acquire location information regarding the location of the mobile terminal, and causes the display unit of the mobile terminal to switch between displaying a dynamic map that displays inspection route information regarding the inspection target in the inspection work plan, along with the location information, and a static map that displays a pipeline diagram including the inspection target (sixth configuration).

[0022] As a result, on the display unit of the mobile terminal, it is possible to switch and display a dynamic map that displays inspection route information regarding the inspection route to be inspected together with the position information of the mobile terminal, and a static map that displays a pipeline diagram including the inspection target. Therefore, since the operator can confirm the inspection route information on the display unit of the mobile terminal by means of the dynamic map, the operator can easily reach the inspection target in a short time. Further, since the operator can grasp the detailed position of the inspection target more accurately by means of the static map, the operator can grasp the information regarding the position of the inspection target in a shorter time.

[0023] In the sixth configuration, the pipeline inspection work support program causes the computer of the mobile terminal to acquire the inspection results in the inspection work, and to transmit the inspection results to the support server in association with the inspection target (seventh configuration).

[0024] As a result, the support server can manage the inspection results input to the mobile terminal in association with the inspection targets. Therefore, the support server can efficiently manage the inspection results.

[0025] In the seventh configuration, the pipeline inspection work support program causes the computer of the mobile terminal to display, on at least one of the dynamic map or the static map, abnormal position information regarding the position of the abnormality together with at least one of the dynamic map or the static map when the inspection results acquired by the mobile terminal include an abnormality (eighth configuration).

[0026] As a result, it is possible to display the abnormal position information on at least one of the dynamic map or the static map displayed on the display unit of the mobile terminal. Therefore, the operator can easily grasp the abnormal position information by looking at at least one of the dynamic map or the static map on the display unit.

[0027] In the eighth configuration, the pipeline inspection work support program causes the computer of the mobile terminal to display, on the display unit of the mobile terminal, abnormal detail information regarding the detailed content of the abnormality, associated with at least one of the dynamic map or the static map and the abnormal position information (ninth configuration).

[0028] Thereby, it is possible to display the abnormal detail information in association with the abnormal position information on at least one of the dynamic map or the static map displayed on the display unit of the mobile terminal. Therefore, the operator can easily grasp not only the position of the abnormal portion but also the information regarding the detailed content of the abnormality by looking at the display unit.

[0029] In the sixth configuration, the computer of the mobile terminal uses the dynamic map and the position information to specify the traveling direction of the mobile terminal, and causes the static map to be displayed on the display unit of the mobile terminal so as to match the traveling direction (tenth configuration).

[0030] Thereby, it is possible to display the static map on the display unit of the mobile terminal so as to match the traveling direction of the mobile terminal. Therefore, the operator can easily grasp the position of the inspection target using the static map displayed on the display unit of the mobile terminal.

Advantages of the Invention

[0031] A pipeline inspection support system according to one embodiment of the present invention supports pipeline inspection work. The pipeline inspection support system includes a support server that stores an inspection work plan, which is a plan for the inspection work, and a mobile terminal that can communicate information with the support server. The mobile terminal includes a communication unit that communicates information with the support server, a location information acquisition unit that acquires location information relating to the location of the mobile terminal, a display unit that can display a dynamic map that displays inspection route information relating to the inspection target in the inspection work plan together with the location information acquired by the location information acquisition unit, or a static map that displays a pipeline diagram including the inspection target, and a display control unit that causes the display unit to switch between displaying the dynamic map and the static map.

[0032] A pipeline inspection support program according to one embodiment of the present invention is a program for supporting pipeline inspection work. The pipeline inspection support program causes the computer of a mobile terminal, which is able to communicate with a support server where the inspection work plan, which is the plan for the inspection work, is stored, to acquire location information regarding the location of the mobile terminal, and causes the display unit of the mobile terminal to switch between displaying a dynamic map that displays inspection route information regarding the inspection target in the inspection work plan together with the location information acquired by the location information acquisition unit, and a static map that displays a pipeline diagram including the inspection target.

[0033] This allows workers to view inspection route information on a dynamic map on their mobile device's display, enabling them to reach inspection targets easily and quickly. Furthermore, the static map allows workers to more accurately grasp the detailed location of the inspection targets, thus enabling them to obtain information about the inspection targets' locations more quickly.

[0034] Therefore, a pipeline inspection support system can be realized that provides the worker with location information of the inspection target, etc., in order to improve the work efficiency of the inspection work. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0035] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a functional block diagram showing the schematic configuration of the pipeline inspection support system according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows an example of inspection work plan information created by the Inspection Work Plan Creation Department. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows an example of inspection work plan information displayed on the display of a mobile device. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows an example of the detailed work content displayed when a certain work item is selected from the inspection work plan information displayed on the display unit, as shown in Figure 3. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows an example of the screen that appears when an input operation is performed on the "Start Work" button (not shown) in the screen shown in Figure 4. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows an example of how the map displayed in Figure 5 changes from a dynamic map to a static map. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows an example of an input screen for work result information of inspection points displayed on the display unit of a mobile device. [Figure 8] Figure 8 shows an example of how work result information entered into a mobile terminal is acquired by the work result acquisition unit of the support server and displayed on a display unit (not shown) of the support server. [Figure 9] Figure 9 shows an example of how abnormal locations are displayed on the map information on the display unit of a mobile device. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a functional block diagram showing the schematic configuration of the pipeline inspection support system according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 11] Figure 11 schematically shows the relationship between the worker's direction of movement and the direction in which the static map displayed on the mobile terminal's display unit is shown. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0036] 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.

[0037] Furthermore, in the following explanation, the expressions "fix," "connect," and "attach" (hereinafter referred to as "fixing, etc.") include not only cases where components are directly fixed to each other, but also cases where they are fixed to each other via other components. In other words, in the following explanation, the expressions "fixing, etc." include both direct and indirect fixing of components to each other.

[0038] [Embodiment 1] (Pipeline inspection support system) Figure 1 is a functional block diagram showing the schematic configuration of a pipeline inspection support system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The pipeline inspection support system 1 supports the work of on-site workers in pipeline inspection work, such as water pipes, using at least one of a dynamic map or a static map. The pipeline inspection support system 1 may be composed of, for example, a computer device, or it may have a computer device and a portable terminal capable of exchanging data with the computer device via a communication device.

[0039] The aforementioned pipeline inspection work includes, for example, pipeline patrols, inspections of facilities and equipment, surveys, and repair work. The aforementioned pipelines include not only water pipes, but also pipelines made of pipe materials such as sewer or agricultural water pipelines, gas pipes, and electrical pipes.

[0040] The pipeline inspection support system 1 comprises a support server 2 and a mobile terminal 3. The following description will explain an example where the pipeline inspection support system 1 has one mobile terminal 3, but the pipeline inspection support system 1 may have multiple mobile terminals 3.

[0041] (Support server) The support server 2 creates an inspection work plan for the pipeline inspection work and acquires work result information DT2 input to the mobile terminal 3 and stores it in the server storage unit 13. The support server 2 may also use the work result information DT2 to create or modify the inspection work plan. The support server 2 has a server communication unit 10, an inspection work plan creation unit 11, a work result acquisition unit 12, and a server storage unit 13. The support server 2 is configured as a computer device.

[0042] The server communication unit 10 is configured to communicate information with the mobile terminal communication unit 31 of the mobile terminal 3, which will be described later. The server communication unit 10 is configured to communicate with the mobile terminal communication unit 31 via an internet line, intranet, wired communication, wireless communication, telephone line, etc., which are not shown in the diagram.

[0043] The inspection work plan creation unit 11 creates the inspection work plan based on pipeline maintenance information relating to pipeline maintenance. The inspection work plan creation unit 11 outputs the created inspection work plan as inspection work plan information DT1. Pipeline maintenance information may be obtained from the server storage unit 13 of the support server 2, from an external storage device, or by input operations to an input unit (not shown).

[0044] Pipeline maintenance information includes, for example, information regarding the classification of work in maintenance operations, information regarding the type of work, information regarding survey methods, information regarding the work target, information regarding work groups, information regarding the client for maintenance operations, information regarding the site manager, information regarding the work company, information regarding the work date and time, information regarding the equipment used, and information regarding related documents. Furthermore, pipeline maintenance information may include information on the selection of at least one of the site manager and the work company, linked to the work group or the work date and time. Additionally, pipeline maintenance information may include information on the selection of the work target from the GIS information, linked to the work target.

[0045] The information relating to the classification of the work includes information indicating the classification of the work, such as inspection, survey, and accident response. The information relating to the type of work includes information indicating the type of work, such as pipeline patrol, valve inspection, and aqueduct inspection. The information relating to the survey method includes information indicating the survey method, such as visual inspection, continuous monitoring, and use of equipment. The information relating to the work object includes information identifying the work object (pipe, valve, pipeline, facility, etc.), location information of the work object (e.g., latitude and longitude, coordinate position), evaluation indicators such as the degree of deterioration of the work object, and GIS information of the work object. The information relating to the work object may also include information relating to pipelines (pipe information), such as pipeline diagrams.

[0046] The information relating to the work groups includes, for example, information obtained when the work is grouped. This grouping may include grouping by predetermined period (e.g., one day), by site manager, by work company, by client, or by the types of work or survey methods that can be handled, or any other grouping based on predetermined criteria.

[0047] Information regarding the client for the maintenance work includes information regarding the entity that owns the pipeline. Information regarding the site manager includes information regarding the work that can be performed, the inspection methods, the equipment owned, the personnel that can be provided, the costs, and the available dates. Information regarding the work company includes information regarding the work that can be performed, the inspection methods, the equipment owned, the personnel that can be provided, the costs, and the available dates. Information regarding the work date and time includes information regarding the date and time on which the work is scheduled to be performed. Information regarding the equipment used includes information regarding the equipment necessary for the work. Information regarding related documents includes information regarding documents related to the work (inspection formats, work precautions, etc.).

[0048] Furthermore, pipeline maintenance information may include response type information. The response type information is information regarding how the inspection work will be carried out. The response type information includes, for example, information such as whether it is a normal response or an emergency response. In other words, the response type information includes information regarding the priority and timing when carrying out the maintenance work. Furthermore, the response type information may include information regarding a two-stage response, such as a normal response and an emergency response, or it may include information regarding a three-stage or more response. If pipeline maintenance information includes response type information, the schedule of the inspection work plan will be determined according to the information included in the response type information.

[0049] Figure 2 shows an example of inspection work plan information DT1 created by the inspection work plan creation unit 11. As shown in Figure 2, the inspection work plan information DT1 includes work details P1, work company P2, schedule P3, etc. Figure 2 is an example of how the inspection work plan information DT1 is displayed on the display unit (not shown) of the support server 2.

[0050] In Figure 2, the shaded rectangular area indicates the scheduled work time for each work company. Although not specifically shown, by selecting the rectangular area, details of each work schedule (scheduled date and time, work content, work company, person in charge, etc.) can be viewed. In Figure 2, the symbol E is a flag indicating an abnormality in or around the pipeline.

[0051] Furthermore, the inspection work plan information DT1 may include other information related to the planning of the inspection work.

[0052] The inspection work plan information DT1 is transmitted from the support server 2 to the mobile terminal 3. Figure 3 shows an example of the inspection work plan information DT1 displayed on the display unit 33 of the mobile terminal 3. In the example shown in Figure 3, a list of tasks to be handled by a certain work company from the inspection work plan information DT1 is displayed on the display unit 33 of the mobile terminal 3. By selecting each task item on the display unit 33, the details of the task content and the task item itself are displayed.

[0053] The inspection work plan creation unit 11 optimizes the inspection work plan based on the work result information DT2 entered into the mobile terminal 3, as described later. The inspection work plan creation unit 11 modifies the inspection work plan to optimize it according to, for example, the progress status included in the work result information DT2. When the inspection work plan creation unit 11 optimizes or modifies the inspection work plan, it replaces the inspection work plan information DT1 with the optimized or modified information.

[0054] The work result acquisition unit 12 acquires the work result information DT2, described below, which is input to the mobile terminal 3. The work result information DT2 includes, for example, records related to the work, report content of the work results, photo data, audio data, etc. The work result information DT2 is used by the inspection work plan creation unit 11 when creating or modifying the inspection work plan, and is also stored in the server storage unit 13.

[0055] The server storage unit 13 stores information related to inspection work, such as the pipeline maintenance management information, the inspection work plan information DT1 output from the inspection work plan creation unit 11, and the work result information DT2 acquired by the work result acquisition unit 12. The server storage unit 13 may also store other information. The server storage unit 13 is composed of a storage device or storage medium such as a hard disk drive or memory.

[0056] (Mobile device) The mobile terminal 3 is a terminal carried by a worker, for example, during pipeline inspection work. The mobile terminal 3 is a portable device such as a smartphone, tablet, or laptop computer. The mobile terminal 3 includes a mobile terminal communication unit 31, a location information acquisition unit 32, a display unit 33, a display control unit 34, a mobile terminal input unit 35, and a mobile terminal storage unit 36.

[0057] The mobile terminal communication unit 31 is configured to communicate with the server communication unit 10 of the server 2. The mobile terminal communication unit 31 is configured to communicate with the server communication unit 10 via an internet connection, intranet, wired communication, wireless communication, telephone line, etc. (not shown).

[0058] The location information acquisition unit 32 acquires information regarding the current location of the mobile terminal 3. This information regarding the current location includes information that allows the location to be identified on a map, such as a GPS signal that can identify the current location or an output signal from a gyro sensor. Therefore, the location information acquisition unit 32 is implemented by a GPS signal receiver, a gyro sensor, and the like.

[0059] The display unit 33 displays information stored in the mobile terminal storage unit 36, information entered into the mobile terminal 3, and information acquired by the mobile terminal 3 from the support server 2. The display unit 33 is a display device capable of displaying maps and the like.

[0060] The display control unit 34 controls the display of the display unit 33. Specifically, the display control unit 34 acquires information to be displayed on the display unit 33, converts the acquired information so that it can be displayed on the display unit 33, and outputs it to the display unit 33 as a display signal. As will be described in more detail later, the display control unit 34 can generate a display signal to display a static map or a dynamic map on the display unit 33. Therefore, the display control unit 34 can switch between displaying the static map and the dynamic map on the display unit 33.

[0061] Furthermore, the display control unit 34 generates a display signal that overlays the acquired information, such as the pipeline diagram, obtained by the mobile terminal 3 from the support server 2 onto the static map or the dynamic map and displays it on the display unit 33. That is, the display control unit 34 links the location information in the acquired information with the location information in the static map or the dynamic map and generates a display signal that displays the acquired information and the static map or the dynamic map. As a result, the display control unit 34 can display the acquired information on the static map or the dynamic map displayed on the display unit 33. The acquired information is pipeline information and includes information about pipes and facilities included in the pipeline diagram, in addition to the pipeline diagram. The information about pipes and facilities included in the pipeline diagram includes, for example, at least one of the following: pipe type, pipe number, nominal diameter of the pipe, year of installation, manufacturer, etc.

[0062] The mobile terminal input unit 35 is configured to allow input operations to be performed on the mobile terminal 3. The mobile terminal input unit 35 may be configured to allow input operations to be performed on, for example, the display unit 33, or it may be configured with an input device such as a keyboard. The mobile terminal input unit 35 may be configured to allow input by hands and feet, by voice, or by the actions of the operator.

[0063] The mobile terminal input unit 35 in this embodiment is configured to allow input of inspection results during inspection work. Therefore, the mobile terminal input unit 35 functions as an inspection result input unit.

[0064] The mobile terminal storage unit 36 ​​stores information input to the mobile terminal 3 from the mobile terminal input unit 35 or the support server 2, information converted by the display control unit 34 for display on the display unit 33, information used for calculations by the calculation unit of the mobile terminal 3 (not shown) (including application data, calculation data, etc.), and information on the results of those calculations.

[0065] The mobile terminal storage unit 36 ​​of this embodiment stores a pipe network diagram showing the pipelines as a still image. This still image of the pipe network diagram corresponds to the static map. The mobile terminal storage unit 36 ​​also stores a map application that can utilize GIS information. This map application corresponds to the dynamic map. The static map may contain data other than the still image of the pipe network diagram. The dynamic map may contain data other than the application.

[0066] Furthermore, the mobile terminal storage unit 36 ​​of this embodiment also stores data related to pipeline diagrams and pipeline maintenance information that have been input from the support server 2 to the mobile terminal 3.

[0067] The information stored in the mobile terminal storage unit 36 ​​is read by the display control unit 34 and displayed on the display unit 33, or read by the calculation unit and used for calculations.

[0068] Furthermore, at least one of the mobile terminal communication unit 31, location information acquisition unit 32, display unit 33, display control unit 34, and mobile terminal input unit 35 may be implemented using some of the general-purpose functions of the mobile terminal 3. Also, although not specifically shown, the mobile terminal 3 may have an imaging device such as a camera. Image data obtained by this imaging device is displayed on the display unit 33 by the display control unit 34, stored in the mobile terminal storage unit 36, or transmitted to the support server 2 by the mobile terminal communication unit 31.

[0069] Figure 4 shows an example of the details of the work content displayed when a certain work item is selected from the inspection work plan information DT1 displayed on the display unit 33 as shown in Figure 3. As shown in Figure 4, the display unit 33 displays map information DA1 showing a map of the area around the work site, overview information DA2 regarding the work, and detailed work content information DA3 as the work content.

[0070] Map information DA1 displays either a static or dynamic map. In Figure 4, a dynamic map is displayed in map information DA1. As shown in Figure 4, when a dynamic map is displayed in map information DA1, the pipeline diagram is overlaid on the dynamic map of a map application that uses GIS information, for example. In this case, map information DA1 may display only a predetermined range of the pipeline diagram that includes the inspection target, or the inspection target may be color-coded in the pipeline diagram so that it can be identified. Information representing the location of the inspection target in the dynamic map is included in the inspection route information relating to the inspection route of the inspection target. The inspection route may include multiple inspection targets or may be a route to a single inspection target. Furthermore, when a dynamic map is displayed in map information DA1, the map can be scrolled and zoomed in and out, and various information and the current location Q can be displayed on the map. The inspection target is the subject of inspection work and includes, for example, pipelines, facilities, equipment, roads, etc.

[0071] Map information DA1 has a function to provide route guidance to the destination (inspection target) in the dynamic map. This route guidance function may be a function of the map application or a function of map information DA1. The information obtained by this route guidance function may also be included in the inspection route information. Therefore, when a dynamic map is displayed in map information DA1, the inspection route information is displayed in map information DA1 along with the current location. This allows the worker to easily move to the location of the inspection target while looking at the display of map information DA1.

[0072] Furthermore, the map information DA1 has a toggle button SW1 for switching between the dynamic map and the static map. Each time the operator presses the toggle button SW1, the display control unit 34 switches between the dynamic map and the static map displayed in the map information DA1.

[0073] In this embodiment, the static map is a still image map showing a pipeline diagram. Since the static map is stored in the mobile terminal storage unit 36, the static map can be displayed in the map information DA1 even when the mobile terminal communication unit 31 of the mobile terminal 3 is not connected to a communication network such as the Internet. Therefore, even in locations with poor communication environments, workers can check inspection targets, etc., by displaying the static map in the map information DA1. On the other hand, the dynamic map requires the mobile terminal communication unit 31 of the mobile terminal 3 to be connected to a communication network such as the Internet, but it can display a large amount of information and also has functions such as route guidance. The dynamic map also displays the current location Q of the mobile terminal 3 (see Figure 4, etc.). Therefore, by displaying the dynamic map in the map information DA1, the convenience of the worker can be improved.

[0074] Furthermore, pipeline information, including a pipeline diagram, may be overlaid on the static map. In this case, the pipeline information is linked to the static map by location information. The pipeline information may also be linked to both the static map and the dynamic map by location information. This allows the pipeline information to be displayed based on the same location information when switching between the static map and the dynamic map. Generally, since the drawing accuracy of the dynamic map is lower than that of the static map, it is more likely that the pipeline information will be displayed in a more accurate location when displayed on the static map than when displayed on the dynamic map.

[0075] The DA2 work summary information includes information such as the scheduled date and time of the work, the work title, the business entity, the type of work, the current work status, the company in charge of the work, and the name of the person in charge of the work. The DA2 work summary information may also include other information, or it may not include some of this information.

[0076] The work details information DA3 includes information such as relevant documents, investigation methods, equipment used, and inspection items. The work details information DA3 may also include other information, or may omit some of this information. Furthermore, the work details information DA3 may be displayed by operating on the screen shown in Figure 4.

[0077] Figure 5 shows an example of the screen displayed when an input operation is performed on the "Start Work" button (not shown) in the screen shown in Figure 4. In the screen shown in Figure 5, inspection points can be added. That is, after performing an input operation on the "Add Inspection Point" button shown in Figure 5, an inspection point can be added by specifying the location on the map information DA1. Note that the method of adding an inspection point may be other than the above, such as directly inputting location information (e.g., coordinate information).

[0078] Figure 6 shows an example of the display when the map information DA1 shown in Figure 5 is switched from a dynamic map to a static map. As shown in Figure 6, the static map shown in map information DA1 is a still image of the map, and a pipeline diagram is drawn on this image. This pipeline diagram is displayed in an accurate positional relationship with the still image of the map. Therefore, by looking at the static map, the worker can accurately grasp the location of the pipelines.

[0079] Figure 7 shows an example of the input screen for the work result information DT2 of the inspection points displayed on the display unit 33 of the mobile terminal 3. Figure 8 shows an example of the work result information DT2 entered into the mobile terminal 3 being acquired by the work result acquisition unit 12 of the support server 2 and displayed on a display unit (not shown) of the support server 2.

[0080] As shown in Figure 7, the mobile terminal 3 displays a screen for inputting work results. Specifically, the screen displays DB1, which contains information about the work target; DB2, which displays a map image of the pipeline including the work target; and DB3, which contains information for inputting work results. In DB2, a pipeline diagram is displayed on a static map. Other information may also be displayed on the screen. The screen may be displayed, for example, after selecting an inspection location as shown in Figure 5 or Figure 6, or after selecting a work item as shown in Figure 3, or it may be accessed from a work details screen displayed after selecting a work item. The screen is mainly displayed when a worker arrives at the site of the inspection target and performs inspection work.

[0081] In the example shown in Figure 7, the inspection results, for example, are entered as work results on the input screen of the mobile terminal 3. This inputs the inspection results to the mobile terminal input section 35 of the mobile terminal 3 via the input screen. For example, if the inspection reveals an abnormality, the user selects "abnormality found" on the input screen of the mobile terminal 3, as shown by the diagonal lines in Figure 7, and inputs photographic data and information about the abnormal location. Subsequently, the inspection results are linked to the inspection target, and this information is sent from the mobile terminal 3 to the support server 2 as work result information DT2.

[0082] When the work result acquisition unit 12 of the support server 2 acquires the work result information DT2, the support server 2 links the work item in the inspection work plan information DT1 with the work result information DT2. Specifically, as shown in Figure 8, the work result information DT2 is reflected in the work item, and if, for example, the work result information DT2 contains information about an anomaly, the information about the anomaly is reflected in the work item. The information about the anomaly may be information that indicates an anomaly, such as an anomaly flag, the content of the anomaly, or information that indicates an anomaly implicitly, as long as it indicates an anomaly.

[0083] As shown in Figure 8, the display unit (not shown) of the support server 2 displays the work item E1, the list of work locations E2, and the status of the work locations E3 in the work plan. The list of work locations E2 displays, for example, which group the work location belongs to (in the example shown in Figure 8, group 001) and the details of the anomaly (in the example shown in Figure 8, water leakage on the road). The status of the work locations E3 displays the details of the anomaly (in the example shown in Figure 8, water leakage on the road), a map showing the location of the anomaly, and the state of the anomaly (cause, photo, etc.).

[0084] If the support server 2 finds that the work result information DT2 contains information about an anomaly, it will display "Anomaly found" on a display unit (not shown), for example, as shown in Figure 8.

[0085] In the mobile terminal 3, after transmitting work result information DT2, which includes the inspection result of an abnormality, to the support server 2 as described above, the display control unit 34 generates a display signal to display the abnormal location E on the map information DA1, as shown in Figure 9. That is, the display control unit 34 generates a display signal to display abnormal location information regarding the location of the abnormal location E on the display unit 33. In this embodiment, the display control unit 34 causes the display unit 33 to display the abnormal location information on at least one of the dynamic map or the static map. As a result, the abnormal location E is displayed on the map information DA1 on the display unit 33 of the mobile terminal 3. Therefore, the worker can easily identify the abnormal location E by looking at the display unit 33 of the mobile terminal 3.

[0086] Furthermore, the display control unit 34 of the mobile terminal 3 generates a display signal that causes the display unit 33 to display not only the abnormal location E but also the abnormality details DC1, which contains detailed information about the abnormality. As a result, the display unit 33 displays not only the location of the abnormality but also the details of the abnormality. In the example shown in Figure 9, the abnormality details DC1 is information about a water leak on the road and is displayed below the map information DA1 screen. The abnormality details DC1 may include any information that relates to the detailed content of the abnormality, such as the situation of the abnormality, the cause of the abnormality, the surrounding conditions of the abnormal location, photographs, videos, etc. Also, the display position of the abnormality details DC1 on the display unit 33 may be on the map information DA1 or in an area outside the map information DA1 on the display unit 33.

[0087] The pipeline inspection support system 1 according to this embodiment supports pipeline inspection work. The pipeline inspection support system 1 includes a support server 2 in which an inspection work plan, which is the plan for the inspection work, is stored, and a mobile terminal 3 that can communicate information with the support server 2. The mobile terminal 3 includes a mobile terminal communication unit 31 that communicates information with the support server 2, a location information acquisition unit 32 that acquires location information relating to the location of the mobile terminal 3, a display unit 33 that can display a dynamic map that displays inspection route information relating to the inspection target in the inspection work plan together with the location information acquisition unit 32, or a static map that displays a pipeline diagram including the inspection target, and a display control unit 34 that causes the display unit 33 to switch between displaying the dynamic map and the static map.

[0088] This allows the display unit 33 of the mobile terminal 3 to switch between displaying a dynamic map showing inspection route information related to the inspection target along with the location information of the mobile terminal 3, and a static map showing a pipeline diagram including the inspection target. Therefore, since the worker can confirm the inspection route information on the display unit 33 of the mobile terminal 3 using the dynamic map, they can reach the inspection target easily and quickly. In addition, since the worker can grasp the detailed location of the inspection target with greater accuracy using the static map, they can grasp information regarding the location of the inspection target in a shorter amount of time.

[0089] Therefore, the system can provide the worker with location information of the inspection targets and other information that the worker needs, thereby improving the efficiency of the worker's inspection work. In other words, with the above configuration, a pipeline inspection support system 1 can be realized that provides the worker with location information of the inspection targets and other information in order to improve the efficiency of the inspection work.

[0090] Furthermore, the mobile terminal 3 has a mobile terminal input unit 35 for inputting the inspection results in the inspection work. The mobile terminal communication unit 31 transmits the inspection results, linked to the inspection target, to the support server 2.

[0091] This allows the support server 2 to manage the inspection results entered into the mobile terminal 3, linking them to the inspection targets. Therefore, the support server 2 can efficiently manage the inspection results.

[0092] Furthermore, if the inspection results include an abnormality, the display control unit 34 causes the display unit 33 of the mobile terminal 3 to display abnormality location information relating to the location of the abnormality on at least one of the dynamic map or the static map.

[0093] This allows abnormal location information to be displayed on at least one of the dynamic map or static map displayed on the display unit 33 of the mobile terminal 3. Therefore, the operator can easily grasp the abnormal location information by looking at at least one of the dynamic map or static map on the display unit 33.

[0094] Furthermore, the display control unit 34 causes the display unit 33 of the mobile terminal 3 to display the anomaly details DC1, which is linked to the anomaly location information and concerns the detailed content of the anomaly, on at least one of the dynamic map or the static map.

[0095] This allows the display of detailed anomaly information DC1, linked to the anomaly location information, on at least one of the dynamic or static maps displayed on the display unit 33 of the mobile terminal 3. Therefore, by looking at the display unit 33, the operator can easily grasp not only the location of the anomaly but also information about the detailed nature of the anomaly.

[0096] (Program for controlling the water pipe construction project support system) The program in the embodiment of the present invention (a program for supporting pipeline maintenance operations) is any program that causes the support server 2 and the mobile terminal 3, which constitute the pipeline inspection support system 1, to execute the above-described functions. By executing this program on the support server 2 and the mobile terminal 3, the pipeline inspection support system 1 in this embodiment can be realized. In this case, the support server 2 may be a general-purpose computer or a dedicated computer. The computer, for example, is equipped with a CPU, and performs calculations using the CPU (Central Processing Unit).

[0097] The pipeline inspection support program according to this embodiment is a program for supporting pipeline inspection work. The pipeline inspection support program causes the computer of a mobile terminal 3, which can communicate with a support server 2 where the inspection work plan, which is the plan for the inspection work, is stored, to acquire location information regarding the location of the mobile terminal 3. The program then switches and displays on the display unit 33 of the mobile terminal 3 a dynamic map that displays inspection route information regarding the inspection target in the inspection work plan, along with the location information, and a static map that displays a pipeline diagram including the inspection target.

[0098] This allows the display unit 33 of the mobile terminal 3 to switch between displaying a dynamic map showing inspection route information related to the inspection target along with the location information of the mobile terminal 3, and a static map showing a pipeline diagram including the inspection target. Therefore, since the worker can confirm the inspection route information on the display unit 33 of the mobile terminal 3 using the dynamic map, they can reach the inspection target easily and quickly. In addition, since the worker can grasp the detailed location of the inspection target with greater accuracy using the static map, they can grasp information regarding the location of the inspection target in a shorter amount of time.

[0099] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the pipeline inspection support program causes the computer of the mobile terminal 3 to acquire the inspection results in the inspection work, and transmits the inspection results, linked to the inspection target, to the support server 2.

[0100] This allows the support server 2 to manage the inspection results entered into the mobile terminal 3, linking them to the inspection targets. Therefore, the support server 2 can efficiently manage the inspection results.

[0101] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the pipeline inspection support program causes the computer of the mobile terminal 3 to display abnormal location information regarding the location of the abnormality, along with at least one of the dynamic map or the static map, on the display unit 33 of the mobile terminal 3 when the inspection results acquired by the mobile terminal 3 include an abnormality.

[0102] This allows abnormal location information to be displayed on at least one of the dynamic map or static map displayed on the display unit 33 of the mobile terminal 3. Therefore, the operator can easily grasp the abnormal location information by looking at at least one of the dynamic map or static map on the display unit 33.

[0103] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the pipeline inspection support program causes the computer of the mobile terminal 3 to display detailed information about the abnormality, linked to the abnormality location information, along with at least one of the dynamic map or the static map, on the display unit 33 of the mobile terminal 3.

[0104] This allows the display of detailed information about an anomaly, linked to the anomaly location information, on at least one of the dynamic or static maps displayed on the display unit 33 of the mobile terminal 3. Therefore, by looking at the display unit 33, the operator can easily grasp not only the location of the anomaly but also information about the detailed nature of the anomaly.

[0105] [Embodiment 2] Figure 10 is a functional block diagram showing the schematic configuration of the pipeline inspection support system 100 according to Embodiment 2. The pipeline inspection support system 100 of this embodiment differs from the pipeline inspection support system 1 of Embodiment 1 in that it displays a static map on the display unit 33 in accordance with the direction of travel of the mobile terminal 103. Therefore, components similar to those of Embodiment 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals as in Embodiment 1 and their descriptions are omitted. Below, only the parts that differ from Embodiment 1 will be described.

[0106] The pipeline inspection support system 100 includes a support server 2 and a mobile terminal 103. In this embodiment, the following description will describe an example in which the pipeline inspection support system 100 has one mobile terminal 103, but the pipeline inspection support system 100 may have multiple mobile terminals 103.

[0107] (Mobile device) The mobile terminal 103 includes a mobile terminal communication unit 31, a location information acquisition unit 32, a display unit 33, a display control unit 134, a mobile terminal input unit 35, a mobile terminal storage unit 36, and a direction of travel identification unit 137.

[0108] The direction of travel determination unit 137 is configured to determine the direction of travel of the mobile terminal 103 based on a dynamic map and the location information of the mobile terminal 103. The direction of travel determination unit 137 obtains the location information from, for example, GPS signals, gyro sensor output signals, etc. The direction of travel determination unit 137 obtains information related to the dynamic map from, for example, a map application stored in the mobile terminal storage unit 36.

[0109] The direction of travel determination unit 137 first determines the current location of the mobile terminal 103 using the location information, and then calculates the direction of travel from the time change of the location information. Then, the direction of travel determination unit 137 corrects the calculated direction of travel using road and other information from the dynamic map to determine the direction of travel of the mobile terminal 103. The information regarding the determined direction of travel is output to the display control unit 134.

[0110] In addition to the functions of the display control unit 34 in Embodiment 1, the display control unit 134 also has the function of displaying a static map on the display unit 33 according to the direction of travel identified by the direction of travel identification unit 137. Specifically, the display control unit 134 displays the static map on the display unit 33 in accordance with the identified direction of travel. As a result, as shown in Figure 11, the operator M can always check the static map displayed on the display unit 33 in the same direction toward the direction of travel (white arrow in Figure 11).

[0111] The pipeline inspection support system 100 according to this embodiment has a direction of travel determination unit 137 that determines the direction of travel of the mobile terminal 103 using a dynamic map and location information acquired by the location information acquisition unit 32. The display control unit 134 causes the display unit 33 of the mobile terminal 103 to display a static map so as to match the direction of travel determined by the direction of travel determination unit 137.

[0112] This allows worker M to easily determine the location of the object to be inspected using the static map displayed on the display unit 33 of the mobile terminal 103.

[0113] The program in the embodiment of the present invention (a program for supporting pipeline maintenance operations) is, like in Embodiment 1, a program that causes the support server 2 and the mobile terminal 103 constituting the pipeline inspection support system 100 to execute the above-mentioned functions. By executing this program on the support server 2 and the mobile terminal 103, the pipeline inspection support system 100 in this embodiment can be realized. In this case, the support server 2 may be a general-purpose computer or a dedicated computer. The computer, for example, is equipped with a CPU, and performs calculations using the CPU (Central Processing Unit).

[0114] The pipeline inspection support program causes the computer of the mobile terminal 103 to determine the direction of travel of the mobile terminal 103 using the dynamic map and the location information acquired by the location information acquisition unit 32, and displays the static map on the display unit 33 of the mobile terminal 103 so as to match the direction of travel determined by the direction of travel determination unit.

[0115] (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.

[0116] In each of the above embodiments, the display control units 34 and 134 of the pipeline inspection support system 1 cause the display unit 33 to switch between displaying a dynamic map and a static map. However, the display control unit may also display both the dynamic map and the static map on the display unit.

[0117] In each of the above embodiments, the mobile terminal 3,103 has a mobile terminal input unit 35. However, the mobile terminal does not have to have a mobile terminal input unit. In other words, the pipeline inspection support system does not have to have an inspection result input unit for inputting inspection results in inspection work.

[0118] In each of the above embodiments, the display control units 34 and 134 of the mobile terminal 3,103 cause the display unit 33 to display abnormal location information relating to the location of the abnormality on at least one of the dynamic map or the static map. However, the display control unit does not have to display the abnormal location information on either the dynamic map or the static map.

[0119] In each of the above embodiments, the display control units 34 and 134 of the mobile terminal 3,103 cause the display unit 33 to display detailed abnormality information relating to the details of the abnormality in association with the abnormal location information on at least one of the dynamic map or the static map. However, the display control unit may cause the display unit to display the detailed abnormality information without associating it with the abnormal location information, or the display unit may not display the detailed abnormality information at all.

[0120] In each of the embodiments described above, pipeline maintenance information includes, for example, information regarding the classification of work in maintenance operations, information regarding the type of work, information regarding survey methods, information regarding the work target, information regarding work groups, information regarding the client for maintenance operations, information regarding the site manager, information regarding the work company, information regarding the date and time of work, information regarding the equipment used, and information regarding related documents. However, the pipeline maintenance information may include information other than that described above, or may include only some of the information described above. Furthermore, although the embodiments describe examples of the information described above, the information may include other examples, or may include only some of the examples. [Industrial applicability]

[0121] This invention can be used in a pipeline inspection support system that assists with pipeline inspection work. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0122] 1. Pipeline Inspection Support System 2. Support Server 3, 103 Mobile devices 10 Server Communication Unit 11. Inspection Work Planning Department 12. Work result acquisition unit 13 Server Storage 31 Mobile Terminal Communications Department 32 Location information acquisition unit 33 Display section 34, 134 Display Control Unit 35 Mobile device input section 36 Mobile device storage unit 137 Travel direction identification part DT1 Inspection Work Plan Information DT2 Work Results Information E. Abnormal location Q Current location SW1 toggle button M worker

Claims

1. A pipeline inspection support system that assists in pipeline inspection work, A support server that stores the inspection work plan, which is the plan for the aforementioned inspection work, A mobile terminal capable of communicating information with the aforementioned support server, It has, The aforementioned mobile terminal is A communication unit that communicates information with the aforementioned support server, A location information acquisition unit that acquires location information relating to the location of the aforementioned mobile terminal, A display unit capable of displaying a dynamic map that displays inspection route information relating to the inspection target in the inspection work plan, together with the location information acquired by the location information acquisition unit, or a static map that displays a pipeline diagram including the inspection target, The display unit includes a display control unit that switches between displaying the dynamic map and the static map, Having, Pipeline inspection support system.

2. In the pipeline inspection support system described in claim 1, The aforementioned mobile terminal further includes an inspection result input unit for inputting the inspection results in the aforementioned inspection work, The communication unit transmits the inspection results to the support server, linking them to the inspection target. Pipeline inspection support system.

3. In the pipeline inspection support system described in claim 2, The display control unit, when the inspection results include an abnormality, causes the display unit of the mobile terminal to display abnormality location information relating to the location of the abnormality on at least one of the dynamic map or the static map. Pipeline inspection support system.

4. In the pipeline inspection support system described in claim 3, The display control unit causes the display unit of the mobile terminal to display detailed information about the anomaly, linked to the anomaly location information, on at least one of the dynamic map or the static map. Pipeline inspection support system.

5. In the pipeline inspection support system described in claim 1, The aforementioned mobile terminal is The system further includes a direction-of-travel determination unit that uses the dynamic map and the location information acquired by the location information acquisition unit to determine the direction of travel of the mobile terminal. The display control unit causes the display unit of the mobile terminal to display the static map in accordance with the direction of travel identified by the direction of travel identification unit. Pipeline inspection support system.

6. A pipeline inspection support program for assisting pipeline inspection work, The computer of a mobile terminal that can communicate with the support server where the inspection work plan, which is the plan for the aforementioned inspection work, is stored, To obtain location information regarding the location of the aforementioned mobile device, The mobile terminal's display unit switches between displaying a dynamic map that shows inspection route information related to the inspection target in the inspection work plan, along with the location information, and a static map that displays a pipeline diagram including the inspection target. A program to support pipeline inspection work.

7. In the pipeline inspection support program described in claim 6, The computer of the aforementioned mobile device, Obtain the inspection results from the aforementioned inspection work, The inspection results are linked to the inspection target and transmitted to the support server. A program to support pipeline inspection work.

8. In the pipeline inspection support program described in claim 7, The computer of the aforementioned mobile device, If the inspection results acquired by the mobile terminal include an anomaly, the mobile terminal's display unit will display anomaly location information regarding the location of the anomaly, along with at least one of the dynamic map or the static map. A program to support pipeline inspection work.

9. In the pipeline inspection support program described in claim 8, The computer of the aforementioned mobile device, Along with at least one of the dynamic map or the static map, the display unit of the mobile terminal displays detailed information about the anomaly, linked to the anomaly location information. A program to support pipeline inspection work.

10. In the pipeline inspection support program described in claim 6, The computer of the aforementioned mobile device, Using the dynamic map and the location information, the direction of travel of the mobile terminal is determined. The static map is displayed on the display unit of the mobile terminal so as to match the direction of travel. A program to support pipeline inspection work.

Images