Pipe cleaning support system and pipe cleaning support program

Abstract

In a pipe cleaning support system that assists in pipe cleaning operations, the system is configured to enable even inexperienced workers to properly perform pipe cleaning operations that would otherwise require experience, and to efficiently manage the said pipe cleaning operations. [Solution] The pipe cleaning support system 1 includes a storage unit 26 that stores pipe cleaning work plan information DP relating to the work plan of the pipe cleaning work, and a pipe cleaning instruction unit 27 that communicates with the storage unit 26 and displays the information obtained from the storage unit 26. The pipe cleaning instruction unit 27 obtains the pipe cleaning work plan information DP from the storage unit 26 and, based on the pipe cleaning work plan information DP, displays pipe cleaning work-related information relating to the pipe cleaning work, including information on a pipeline diagram including the water pipes to be cleaned and information on opening and closing valves to be operated for the pipe cleaning work, on a portable terminal 3 used at the site of the pipe cleaning work.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a pipe washing work support system and a program for supporting pipe washing work.

Background Art

[0002] Generally, when performing construction work such as adding a new pipe or replacing an existing pipe to a pipe constituting a pipeline for maintenance management of the pipeline, the work is carried out with the pipeline in the vicinity of the construction site cut off from water. In such work, sediment, foreign matter, etc. may enter the pipeline. Therefore, after the work is completed, a pipe washing operation is performed to wash away the foreign matter inside the pipeline with water in the pipeline according to a predetermined procedure and discharge it from a fire hydrant or the like.

[0003] Such a pipe washing operation can remove foreign matter in the pipeline by operating the valves and plugs around the construction site in an appropriate order and discharging water under appropriate hydraulic conditions. Therefore, the pipe washing operation has been carried out according to a pipe washing plan formulated by a skilled person having extensive knowledge and technology in consideration of the hydraulic conditions of the pipeline.

[0004] The pipe washing plan is created after grasping the laying situation around the construction site of the pipeline and considering hydraulic conditions such as water pressure that vary depending on the time zone. Therefore, even for a skilled person, it took a huge amount of time to formulate the pipe washing plan and it was inefficient. In formulating such a pipe washing plan, for example, a pipe washing plan creation device as disclosed in Patent Document 1 is known.

[0005] In the pipe washing plan creation device, drawings and attribute data of a water distribution pipeline network are managed, and a pipe washing plan is created and evaluated based on numerical analysis. The pipe washing plan creation device uses hydraulic analysis to analyze the flow velocity and water pressure inside and outside the pipe washing area in detail, and adopts only a plan that ensures appropriate conditions. Thereby, the adverse impact on the surrounding area can be minimized, and an efficient pipe washing plan can be created without relying on the experience of a skilled person.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 5-17974 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0007] Incidentally, the aforementioned pipe cleaning plan creation device automates the planning of pipe cleaning work based on numerical analysis, allowing even inexperienced workers to create appropriate pipe cleaning plans. However, the created pipe cleaning plan is not coordinated with on-site workers, such as the procedures for opening and closing valves in the pipeline or instructions regarding changes in water turbidity during the pipe cleaning work. Therefore, inexperienced workers may not be able to properly execute the pipe cleaning work according to the pipe cleaning plan created by the pipe cleaning plan creation device. Furthermore, the pipe cleaning plan creation device does not have a function to manage the status of pipe cleaning work on-site or to manage the progress of the pipe cleaning work. Therefore, there is a need for a configuration that allows even inexperienced workers to properly perform pipe cleaning work that requires experience, and that can efficiently manage the pipe cleaning work.

[0008] The objective of this invention is to enable even inexperienced workers to properly perform pipe cleaning operations that would otherwise require experience, and to efficiently manage said pipe cleaning operations. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] A pipe cleaning support system for assisting pipe cleaning work according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a storage unit that stores pipe cleaning work plan information relating to the work plan of the pipe cleaning work, and a pipe cleaning instruction unit that communicates with the storage unit and displays the information obtained from the storage unit. The pipe cleaning instruction unit obtains the pipe cleaning work plan information from the storage unit and, based on the pipe cleaning work plan information, displays pipe cleaning work-related information relating to the pipe cleaning work, including information on a pipeline diagram including the water pipe to be cleaned and information on opening and closing valves to be operated for the pipe cleaning work, on a portable terminal used at the site of the pipe cleaning work (first configuration).

[0010] In the above configuration, a portable terminal used at the site where the pipe cleaning work is performed displays a pipeline diagram including the water pipe to be cleaned, as well as information on the opening and closing of valves operated for the pipe cleaning work. The worker using the portable terminal can check the site conditions based on the various information related to the pipe cleaning work displayed on the portable terminal. In addition, the worker can obtain various information from the portable terminal according to the site conditions and store the progress of the pipe cleaning work, etc., on a support server via the portable terminal. As a result, even inexperienced workers can appropriately perform pipe cleaning work that requires experience, and the pipe cleaning work can be managed efficiently.

[0011] In the first configuration described above, the valve opening and closing information includes information relating to at least one of the valve opening and closing sequence, the valve opening degree, the valve opening and closing time period, and the valve opening and closing duration. The pipe cleaning indicator displays the valve opening and closing information. (Second configuration).

[0012] In the configuration described above, the pipe cleaning instruction unit causes the display device of the mobile terminal to display valve opening and closing information, including the opening and closing sequence of the valves, the degree of opening of the valves, the time period for opening and closing the valves, and the duration of opening and closing the valves. The worker can properly perform the pipe cleaning work by opening and closing the valves based on the valve opening and closing information displayed on the mobile terminal. As a result, even inexperienced workers can properly perform pipe cleaning work that would otherwise require experience, and the pipe cleaning work can be managed efficiently.

[0013] In the second configuration described above, the system further includes an opening / closing information output unit that communicates with the storage unit and outputs the opening / closing information of the valve obtained from the storage unit to a valve operation assist device that assists in the opening and closing operation of the valve (third configuration).

[0014] In the above configuration, the valve opening and closing information, including the opening and closing sequence of the valve, the opening and closing period of the valve, the degree of opening of the valve, and the time frame of opening and closing of the valve, obtained from the storage unit, is output from the opening and closing information output unit to a valve operation assist device that assists in opening and closing the valve. The operator can open and close the valve using the valve operation assist device based on the valve opening and closing information displayed on the portable terminal by the pipe cleaning instruction unit. The opening and closing information output unit can also transmit the valve opening and closing status by the valve operation assist device to the storage unit. As a result, even inexperienced operators can appropriately perform pipe cleaning work that requires experience, and the pipe cleaning work can be managed efficiently.

[0015] The second configuration further includes: a hydraulic and water quality information acquisition unit that acquires hydraulic and water quality information relating to the hydraulic and water quality effects of the pipe cleaning work; a pipe cleaning progress determination unit that determines whether the progress of pipe cleaning in the water pipe is appropriate based on the pipe cleaning work plan information and the hydraulic and water quality information acquired from the hydraulic and water quality information acquisition unit; and a pipe cleaning work related information modification unit that changes the opening and closing information of the valve when the pipe cleaning progress determination unit determines that the progress of pipe cleaning in the water pipe is inappropriate (fourth configuration).

[0016] In the above configuration, the hydraulic and water quality information acquisition unit acquires the flow velocity and water pressure of the water flowing through the water pipeline as hydraulic information, and acquires the turbidity, discharge volume, amount of impurities, residual chlorine concentration, pH, and water temperature of the water discharged from a fire hydrant or sludge discharge valve as water quality information. The pipe cleaning progress determination unit determines whether the pipe cleaning is progressing under appropriate pipe cleaning conditions based on the work plan for the pipe cleaning work, the hydraulic information, and the water quality information. If the pipe cleaning progress determination unit determines that the progress of the pipe cleaning of the water pipe is not appropriate, the pipe cleaning work-related information modification unit modifies the pipe cleaning work-related information in order to improve the progress of the pipe cleaning of the water pipe from the perspective of both the hydraulic information and the water quality information. Based on the modified pipe cleaning work-related information, the worker can reliably and confidently perform the opening and closing operations of the valves necessary to improve the progress of the pipe cleaning of the water pipe. As a result, even inexperienced workers can appropriately perform pipe cleaning work that requires experience, and the pipe cleaning work can be managed efficiently.

[0017] The fourth configuration further includes a pipe cleaning progress evaluation unit that calculates the estimated completion time of the pipe cleaning work based on the hydraulic water quality information and evaluates the progress of the pipe cleaning work relative to the work plan in the pipe cleaning work plan information (fifth configuration).

[0018] In the above configuration, the pipe cleaning work progress evaluation unit calculates the estimated completion time of the pipe cleaning work based on the hydraulic water quality information. Furthermore, the pipe cleaning work progress evaluation unit evaluates the progress of the pipe cleaning work against the work plan based on the work plan and the estimated completion time. If the pipe cleaning work progress evaluation unit evaluates that the pipe cleaning work is behind schedule, it may change the work plan. In order to make up for the delay in the pipe cleaning work, the pipe cleaning work progress evaluation unit can, for example, change valve operation information in the pipe cleaning work and output it to the pipe cleaning instruction unit. This allows even inexperienced workers to properly perform the pipe cleaning work, which requires experience, and enables efficient management of the pipe cleaning work.

[0019] In the first configuration described above, the system includes a pipe cleaning work execution determination unit that obtains the results of the preliminary investigation of the pipe cleaning work and determines whether or not the pipe cleaning work can be carried out based on the obtained preliminary investigation results, and a pipe cleaning work plan modification unit that, if it is determined that the pipe cleaning work cannot be carried out, cancels the pipe cleaning work and modifies the work plan (sixth configuration).

[0020] In the above configuration, the pipe cleaning work execution determination unit determines whether or not the pipe cleaning work can be performed based on the results of the preliminary survey. If the pipe cleaning work execution determination unit determines that the pipe cleaning work cannot be performed, the pipe cleaning work plan change unit changes the work plan. This prevents the cancellation or interruption of the pipe cleaning work, which can be difficult to judge, and reduces work losses due to rework. As a result, even inexperienced workers can properly perform pipe cleaning work that requires experience, and the pipe cleaning work can be managed efficiently.

[0021] A pipe cleaning support program for controlling a pipe cleaning support system, which causes a computer to record pipe cleaning plan information relating to the work plan of pipe cleaning work, to communicate with a storage unit, to obtain the pipe cleaning plan information from the storage unit, and to display pipe cleaning related information relating to pipe cleaning work, including information on a pipeline diagram including the water pipes to be cleaned and information on opening and closing valves to be operated for the pipe cleaning work, on a portable terminal used at the site of the pipe cleaning work based on the pipe cleaning plan information (Seventh configuration).

[0022] In the above configuration, a mobile terminal used at the site where the pipe washing operation is performed is caused to display a pipeline diagram including the water pipe for the pipe washing operation and the opening / closing information of the valve to be operated for the pipe washing operation. An operator using the mobile terminal can check the situation at the site based on various information related to the pipe washing operation displayed on the mobile terminal. Further, the operator can obtain various information from the mobile terminal according to the progress of the pipe washing operation at the site and the situation at the site, and can cause the progress of the pipe washing operation and the like to be stored in the support server via the mobile terminal. Thereby, even an inexperienced operator can appropriately perform the pipe washing operation that requires experience, and the pipe washing operation can be efficiently managed.

[0023] In the seventh configuration, the computer is caused to communicate with the storage unit and output the opening / closing information of the valve obtained from the storage unit to a valve operation assisting device that assists the opening / closing operation of the valve (eighth configuration).

[0024] In the above configuration, the opening / closing information of the valve including the opening / closing time of the valve, the opening / closing period of the valve, and the opening degree of the valve obtained from the storage unit is output from the opening / closing information output unit to a valve operation assisting device that assists the opening / closing operation of the valve. The operator can open and close the valve by the valve operation assisting device based on the opening / closing information of the valve displayed on the mobile terminal. Further, the opening / closing information output unit can transmit the opening / closing state of the valve by the valve operation assisting device to the storage unit. Thereby, even an inexperienced operator can appropriately perform the pipe washing operation that requires experience, and the pipe washing operation can be efficiently managed.

[0025] In the seventh configuration, a program for controlling a pipe washing operation support system according to an embodiment of the present invention, causing the computer to obtain hydraulic and water quality information related to the influence of the pipe washing operation on hydraulics and water quality, and based on the pipe washing operation plan information and the hydraulic and water quality information, determining whether the progress of the pipe washing in the water pipe is appropriate, and when it is determined that the progress of the pipe washing in the water pipe is not appropriate, changing the opening / closing information of the valve (ninth configuration).

[0026] In the program for supporting the pipe washing operation, the computer is caused to acquire the flow velocity and water pressure of the water flowing through the water supply pipeline as hydraulic information, and to acquire the turbidity, the amount of water discharged, the amount of impurities, the residual chlorine concentration, pH, water temperature, etc. of the water discharged from the water supply pipeline from a fire hydrant or a sludge valve, etc. as water quality information. The computer is caused to determine whether or not it is pipe washing under appropriate pipe washing conditions based on both the work plan of the pipe washing operation, the hydraulic information, and the water quality information. When it is determined that the progress of the pipe washing of the water supply pipe is not appropriate, the computer is caused to change the pipe washing operation-related information in order to improve the progress of the pipe washing of the water supply pipe from both viewpoints of the hydraulic information and the water quality information. The operator can surely perform the opening and closing operation of the valve plug necessary for improving the progress of the pipe washing of the water supply pipe without hesitation based on the changed pipe washing operation-related information. Thereby, even an operator with little experience can appropriately perform the pipe washing operation that requires experience, and the pipe washing operation can be efficiently managed.

[0027] In the seventh configuration, the computer is caused to calculate the predicted completion time of the pipe washing operation based on the hydraulic water quality information, and to evaluate the progress of the pipe washing operation with respect to the work plan in the pipe washing operation plan information (tenth configuration).

[0028] In the above-described configuration, the computer is caused to calculate the predicted completion time of the pipe washing operation based on the hydraulic water quality information. Further, the computer is caused to evaluate the progress degree of the pipe washing operation with respect to the work plan based on the work plan of the pipe washing operation and the predicted completion time. When it is determined that the pipe washing operation is delayed with respect to the work plan, the computer may be caused to change the work plan. The computer changes, for example, the valve plug operation information, etc. in the pipe washing operation in order to make up for the delay of the pipe washing operation. Thereby, even an operator with little experience can appropriately perform the pipe washing operation that requires experience, and the pipe washing operation can be efficiently managed.

Effects of the Invention

[0029] A pipe cleaning support system according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a storage unit that stores pipe cleaning work plan information relating to the work plan of the pipe cleaning work, and a pipe cleaning instruction unit that communicates with the storage unit and displays the information obtained from the storage unit. The pipe cleaning instruction unit obtains the pipe cleaning work plan information from the storage unit and, based on the pipe cleaning work plan information, displays pipe cleaning work-related information relating to the pipe cleaning work, including information on a pipeline diagram including the water pipes to be cleaned and information on opening and closing valves to be operated for the pipe cleaning work, on a portable terminal used at the site of the pipe cleaning work.

[0030] A pipe cleaning support program according to one embodiment of the present invention, which causes a computer to record pipe cleaning work plan information relating to the work plan of the pipe cleaning work, to communicate with the storage unit, to obtain the pipe cleaning work plan information from the storage unit, and to display pipe cleaning work-related information relating to the pipe cleaning work, including information on a pipeline diagram including the water pipes to be cleaned and information on opening and closing valves to be operated for the pipe cleaning work, on a portable terminal used at the site of the pipe cleaning work, based on the pipe cleaning work plan information.

[0031] This allows even inexperienced workers to properly perform the aforementioned pipe cleaning work, which typically requires experience, and enables efficient management of the pipe cleaning work. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0032] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a functional block diagram showing the schematic configuration of the pipe cleaning support system according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows an example of a work plan created by the work plan creation department. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows the first step in the pipe cleaning process as displayed on a mobile device. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows the second step in the pipe cleaning process as displayed on a mobile device. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows the third step in the pipe cleaning process as displayed on a mobile device. [Figure 6]Figure 6 is a flowchart showing a method for supporting pipe cleaning work using the pipe cleaning work support system according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a functional block diagram showing the schematic configuration of the pipe cleaning support system according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a flowchart showing a method for supporting pipe cleaning work using the pipe cleaning work support system according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a functional block diagram showing the schematic configuration of the pipe cleaning support system according to Embodiment 3. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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.

[0035] (Pipe cleaning support system) Figure 1 is a functional block diagram showing the schematic configuration of a pipe cleaning work support system 1 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Figure 2 is a diagram showing an example of a work plan created by the work plan creation unit 21. Figure 3 is a diagram showing the first step in the pipe cleaning work displayed on the mobile terminal 3. The pipe cleaning work support system 1 creates and outputs a pipe cleaning work plan as shown in Figure 2. The pipe cleaning work support system 1 may be composed of, for example, a computer device, or it may have a computer device and a mobile terminal capable of exchanging data with the computer device via a communication device.

[0036] Maintenance and management of pipelines include, for example, pipeline patrols, inspections, surveys, repair work, and pipe cleaning. Pipe cleaning refers to the process of opening and closing valves to discharge fluid supplied to a specific pipeline to the outside of the pipeline through a specific valve in order to remove foreign matter that has entered the water pipeline. Note that the pipelines include not only water pipes but also pipelines for sewage or agricultural water, gas pipes, electrical pipes, and other pipelines made of pipe materials. In this embodiment, the pipeline is defined as a pipeline made of water pipes.

[0037] The pipe cleaning support system 1 comprises a support server 2 and a mobile terminal 3. The support server 2 and the mobile terminal 3 are configured to communicate via an internet connection, intranet, wired communication, wireless communication, telephone line, etc. (not shown). In the following description, an example is given in which the pipe cleaning support system 1 has one mobile terminal 3, but the pipe cleaning support system 1 may have multiple mobile terminals 3.

[0038] The support server 2 creates pipe cleaning work plan information DP related to the pipe cleaning work of the aforementioned pipeline and acquires the work results entered into the mobile terminal 3. The support server 2 includes an information acquisition unit 10, a work plan creation unit 21, a work result acquisition unit 22, a hydraulic water quality information acquisition unit 23, a pipe cleaning work execution determination unit 24, a pipe cleaning work plan modification unit 25, a storage unit 26, and a pipe cleaning instruction unit 27. The support server 2 is composed of a computer device. The support server 2 can display various information and images on the mobile terminal 3. In addition, the support server 2 can acquire various information and images from the mobile terminal 3.

[0039] The information acquisition unit 10 acquires pipeline maintenance information DT1 related to pipeline maintenance. The information acquisition unit 10 may acquire the above-mentioned information from the storage unit 26 in the support server 2, or from a mobile terminal 3 or an external storage device, or it may acquire the above-mentioned information by input operations to an input unit (not shown).

[0040] The information relating to the classification of the work includes information indicating the classification of the work, such as inspection, survey, accident response, etc. The information relating to the type of work includes information indicating the type of work, such as pipeline patrol, valve inspection, aqueduct inspection, pipe cleaning work, etc. The information relating to the survey method includes information indicating the survey method, such as visual inspection, continuous monitoring, use of equipment, etc. The information relating to the work object includes, for example, information that identifies the work object (pipe, valve, pipeline, facility, etc.), in particular information that identifies pipelines and valves, open / closed information of valves, location information of the work object, evaluation indicators such as the degree of deterioration of the work object, GIS information of the work object, etc. The information relating to the work object may also include, for example, information relating to pipelines (pipeline information).

[0041] The pipeline maintenance information DT1 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 the work group, information regarding the client for the 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. The pipeline maintenance information DT1 may also include information on which at least one of the site manager and the work company has been selected in association with the work group or the work date and time. The pipeline maintenance information DT1 may also include information on which the work target has been selected from the GIS information in association with the work target.

[0042] 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, by type of work that can be handled, by survey method, or any other grouping based on predetermined items.

[0043] 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.).

[0044] The work plan creation unit 21 uses the pipeline maintenance management information DT1 acquired by the information acquisition unit 10 to create pipe cleaning work plan information DP related to pipe cleaning in the maintenance management work. For example, the work plan creation unit 21 selects the information necessary for creating the pipe cleaning work plan from the pipeline maintenance management information DT1. For example, the work plan creation unit 21 selects information related to the pipe cleaning work, such as location information of the work target (site), pipeline diagram of the work target, details of the pipe cleaning work, valves to be opened and closed, hydraulic conditions, water quality conditions, inspection items, schedule, work company, supervisory government agency, etc., and creates the pipe cleaning work plan information DP.

[0045] The valve opening and closing information in the pipe cleaning operation includes information regarding at least one of the following: the opening and closing sequence of the valves to be cleaned, the degree of opening of the valves, the time period for opening and closing the valves, and the duration of opening and closing the valves. The valve opening and closing sequence refers to the sequence of opening and closing of a plurality of valves located in the pipeline that is the target of the pipe cleaning operation, which is necessary to allow water to flow in a predetermined direction along a predetermined path within the pipeline. The valve opening degree refers to the degree of opening and closing of a plurality of valves located in the pipeline, which is necessary to allow water to flow in a predetermined water pressure and velocity along a predetermined path within the pipeline. The valve opening and closing time period refers to the time period during which the plurality of valves located in the pipeline are open or closed on the day of the pipe cleaning operation (for example, from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM on [Month] [Day]). The valve opening and closing period refers to the period during which, for any of the valves located in the pipeline, an opening (disconnecting) or closing (disconnecting) operation is scheduled to occur (for example, from 10:00 AM on [Month] [Day] to 5:00 PM on [Month] [Day]).

[0046] Furthermore, the hydraulic conditions refer to the conditions relating to the fluid necessary for cleaning the pipeline during the pipe cleaning operation. The hydraulic conditions include, for example, the flow velocity, flow rate, pressure, and head of the water flowing through the pipeline during the pipe cleaning operation. The water quality conditions refer to the conditions under which foreign matter is removed from the pipeline during the pipe cleaning operation and the water is deemed usable as a water supply. The water quality conditions include, for example, water turbidity, discharge volume, amount of impurities, residual chlorine concentration, pH, water temperature, etc.

[0047] Figure 2 shows an example of pipe cleaning work plan information DP created by the work plan creation unit 21. As shown in Figure 2, the pipe cleaning work plan information DP includes work details P1, work company P2, progress status P3, schedule P4, etc. Figure 2 also shows an example of the pipe cleaning work plan information DP displayed on a display unit (not shown) of the support server 2.

[0048] In Figure 2, the shaded rectangular areas indicate the estimated time for each task. Although not specifically shown, by selecting one of these rectangular areas, you can view the details of each scheduled task (scheduled date and time, task content, target valve, scheduled water outage time, person in charge, etc.).

[0049] The pipe cleaning work plan information DP may also include other information related to the planning of the pipe cleaning work. The pipe cleaning work plan information DP is transmitted from the support server 2 to the mobile terminal 3.

[0050] The work result acquisition unit 22 acquires the work result information DT2 entered into the mobile terminal 3. The work result information DT2 includes, for example, records related to the pipe cleaning work, information on the opening and closing of the valves, report content of the work results, hydraulic information, water quality information, results of the preliminary survey, photographic data, audio data, etc.

[0051] When the work result acquisition unit 22 acquires the work result information DT2, the support server 2 links the work items in the pipe cleaning work plan information DP with the work result information DT2. Specifically, if the work items in the pipe cleaning work plan information DP include, for example, information regarding the preliminary survey results, hydraulic measurement results, water quality measurement results, and valve opening / closing in the work result information DT2, the work result information DT2 is reflected in the work items, and the hydraulic information, water quality information, and valve opening / closing information are reflected in the work items.

[0052] Furthermore, support server 2 may reflect the work result information DT2 in the pipeline maintenance information DT1. Specifically, support server 2 may update the pipeline maintenance information DT1 based on the work result information DT2. This can improve the efficiency of maintenance operations.

[0053] The work result acquisition unit 22 includes a hydraulic and water quality information acquisition unit 23. The hydraulic and water quality information acquisition unit 23 acquires the hydraulic information relating to the effects of hydraulics and the water quality information relating to the effects of water quality. Note that the pipe cleaning support system 1 does not need to have the hydraulic and water quality information acquisition unit 23 if it does not acquire the hydraulic information and the water quality information.

[0054] The aforementioned preliminary survey refers to an investigation to determine whether the physical, geographical, meteorological, and social conditions necessary for carrying out the pipe cleaning work are met to the extent that the work can be carried out. The physical conditions include the condition of water supply facilities such as valves and water pipes, hydraulics, etc. The geographical conditions include the route for transporting equipment to the work site, the presence or absence of rivers, the location of surrounding facilities, etc. The meteorological conditions include rainfall, snowfall, typhoons, temperature, etc. during the work period. The social conditions include the impact on nearby residents around the work site, the impact on surrounding facilities such as factories and research institutes, permits and licenses, the impact on social infrastructure such as public transportation, hospitals, and main roads, etc.

[0055] The hydraulic information includes, for example, the results of hydraulic measurements. The hydraulics measured include the flow velocity, flow rate, pressure, and head of the water flowing into the target pipeline during the pipe cleaning operation. The water quality information includes, for example, the results of water quality tests. The water quality tested includes water turbidity, discharge volume, amount of impurities, residual chlorine concentration, pH, water temperature, etc.

[0056] The pipe cleaning work execution determination unit 24 determines whether or not the pipe cleaning work can be performed. Based on the investigation results of the work result information DT2 acquired by the work result acquisition unit 22 or the pipe cleaning work plan information DP in which the work result information DT2 is reflected, the pipe cleaning work execution determination unit 24 determines whether or not the pipe cleaning work can be performed. Specifically, the pipe cleaning work execution determination unit 24 determines whether the conditions are met to the extent that the pipe cleaning work can be performed in each of the items included in the geographical conditions, weather conditions and social conditions for performing the pipe cleaning work. The extent to which the pipe cleaning work can be performed varies depending on the technology, equipment, personnel, etc. of the contractor in charge of the pipe cleaning work.

[0057] The pipe cleaning work execution determination unit 24 determines that the pipe cleaning work is in a state where it can be performed if the conditions for each of the items included in the geographical conditions, weather conditions, and social conditions are met to the extent that the pipe cleaning work can be performed, and reflects this in the pipe cleaning work plan information DP. If the pipe cleaning work execution determination unit 24 determines that the conditions are not met, that is, if it determines that the pipe cleaning work is not in a state where it can be performed, it outputs the determination result to the pipe cleaning work plan modification unit 25.

[0058] The pipe cleaning work plan modification unit 25 cancels the pipe cleaning work and modifies the work plan if the pipe cleaning work is not in a condition to be carried out. The pipe cleaning work plan modification unit 25 obtains the determination result from the pipe cleaning work execution determination unit 24. Based on the determination result, the pipe cleaning work plan modification unit 25 extracts items in each of the geographical conditions, weather conditions, and social conditions that do not meet the conditions for carrying out the pipe cleaning work. The pipe cleaning work plan modification unit 25 modifies the pipe cleaning work plan information DP to satisfy the items that do not meet the conditions for carrying out the pipe cleaning work.

[0059] The pipe cleaning work plan modification unit 25, for example, if the planned equipment cannot be delivered to the site of the pipe cleaning work and the geographical conditions are not met, creates pipe cleaning work plan information DP that modifies one of the following: the equipment, the delivery route, or the method of delivering the base material. Also, the pipe cleaning work plan modification unit 25, for example, if a typhoon is expected to approach during the pipe cleaning work period and the weather conditions are not met, creates pipe cleaning work plan information DP that modifies the schedule of the pipe cleaning work.

[0060] The storage unit 26 stores pipeline maintenance information DT1 and the created pipe cleaning work plan information DP. The storage unit 26 is electrically connected to the information acquisition unit 10, the work plan creation unit 21, the work result acquisition unit 22, the hydraulic and water quality information acquisition unit 23, the pipe cleaning work execution determination unit 24, the pipe cleaning work plan modification unit 25, the pipe cleaning instruction unit 27, and the storage unit (not shown) of the mobile terminal 3. The storage unit 26 is configured to output the stored information to the information acquisition unit 10, the work plan creation unit 21, the work result acquisition unit 22, the hydraulic and water quality information acquisition unit 23, the pipe cleaning work execution determination unit 24, the pipe cleaning work plan modification unit 25, and the pipe cleaning instruction unit 27, and to acquire various types of information.

[0061] The pipe cleaning instruction unit 27 displays information related to the pipe cleaning work and instructs the worker on the procedure for the pipe cleaning work. The pipe cleaning instruction unit 27 acquires pipe cleaning work plan information DP and work result information DT2. Based on the pipe cleaning work plan information DP, the pipe cleaning instruction unit 27 displays information related to the pipe cleaning work, including a pipeline diagram that includes the water pipes targeted for the pipe cleaning work, and information including the opening and closing of valves to be operated for the pipe cleaning work, on the mobile terminal 3 as pipe cleaning work-related information. Furthermore, based on the work result information DT2, the pipe cleaning instruction unit 27 displays pipe cleaning work-related information on the mobile terminal 3 according to the progress of the pipe cleaning work. For example, based on the work result information DT2, the pipe cleaning instruction unit 27 displays the opening and closing sequence of valves according to the progress of the pipe cleaning work. In this way, the pipe cleaning instruction unit 27 shows the procedure for the pipe cleaning work to the worker on site by displaying images and information related to the pipe cleaning work on the mobile terminal 3.

[0062] Figure 3 shows the first step of the pipe cleaning operation as an example of the input screen for part of the pipe cleaning operation plan information DP and work result information DT2 that the pipe cleaning instruction unit 27 displays on the mobile terminal 3.

[0063] As shown in Figure 3, the pipe cleaning instruction unit 27 displays pipe cleaning work plan information DP and images for inputting work results on the mobile terminal 3. More specifically, the pipe cleaning instruction unit 27 displays on the mobile terminal 3 information related to the work target D1, information related to the pipeline diagram including the water pipe that is the target of the pipe cleaning work, open / closed information of the valves and taps of the work target, information related to the hydraulics and water quality, etc., images D2, information related to the work procedure D3, and information for inputting work results D4. Information D4 includes a screen for inputting the open / closed information of the valves and taps, the hydraulic test results, the water quality measurement results, the preliminary survey results, etc.

[0064] In the example shown in Figure 3, the work result acquisition unit 22 acquires, for example, the open / closed status of the valve, the hydraulic test results, the water quality measurement results, and the preliminary survey results, which are entered on the input screen of the mobile terminal 3 as work results. For example, if the acquired hydraulic measurement and water quality measurement results do not meet the standard values, the unit selects to continue the pipe cleaning work. Subsequently, by transmitting this information as work result information DT2 from the mobile terminal 3 to the support server 2, the work result acquisition unit 22 of the support server 2 acquires the work result information DT2.

[0065] Next, using Figures 3 to 5, an example of opening and closing instructions for the first on-off valve V1, second on-off valve V2, third on-off valve V3, and fire hydrant H on the first pipeline Px and second pipeline Py by the pipe cleaning support system 1 will be explained. Figure 4 shows the second step in the pipe cleaning operation as displayed on the mobile terminal 3. Figure 5 shows the third step in the pipe cleaning operation as displayed on the mobile terminal 3.

[0066] As shown in Figure 3, the pipe cleaning instruction unit 27 of the pipe cleaning support system 1 displays pipe cleaning work-related information on the mobile terminal 3 based on the pipe cleaning work plan information DP. The pipe cleaning instruction unit 27 displays a pipeline diagram of the pipeline to be cleaned and images of the valves to be operated for the pipe cleaning work as image D2, valve opening and closing information including the opening and closing sequence of the valves as information D3, and information for inputting work result information DT2 as information D4.

[0067] Specifically, for example, image D2 includes an image of the first pipeline Px, which includes the newly installed pipeline Pn; an image of the second pipeline Py, which branches off from the first pipeline Px; an image of the first shut-off valve V1 located upstream of the newly installed pipeline Pn in the first pipeline Px; an image of the second shut-off valve V2 located downstream of the newly installed pipeline Pn in the first pipeline Px; an image of the fire hydrant H located between the newly installed pipeline Pn and the second shut-off valve V2 in the first pipeline Px; and an image of the third shut-off valve V3 located in the second pipeline Py. Furthermore, image D2 includes photographs F relating to the work procedure, judgment criteria (not shown), and points to note in the pipe cleaning work.

[0068] Information D3 includes, for example, the opening and closing sequence of the first valve V1, the second valve V2, the third valve V3, and the fire hydrant H, which are part of the procedure for the pipe cleaning operation. Information D4 displays, for example, an area for inputting the water quality test results, which are part of the work result information DT2.

[0069] The pipe cleaning instruction unit 27 includes an image showing the state in which the first shut-off valve V1 is switched to the open position, the second shut-off valve V2 and the third shut-off valve V3 are switched to the closed position, and the fire hydrant H is switched to the open position, as well as an image showing the flow of water, in the first step of the pipe cleaning operation. Information D3 includes instructions to switch the first shut-off valve V1 and the fire hydrant H, which are valve opening and closing information in the first step, to the open position.

[0070] The pipe cleaning instruction unit 27 determines whether the water quality test results obtained by the work result acquisition unit 22 meet predetermined conditions. If the pipe cleaning instruction unit 27 determines that the water quality test results meet the predetermined conditions, it proceeds to the second step of the pipe cleaning work. If the pipe cleaning instruction unit 27 determines that the water quality test results do not meet the predetermined conditions, it displays in information D3 that the first step should be continued.

[0071] As shown in Figure 4, in the second step of the pipe cleaning operation, the pipe cleaning instruction unit 27 causes the portable terminal 3 to display image D2, which includes an image showing the state in which the first shut-off valve V1 is switched to the closed position, the second shut-off valve V2 is switched to the closed position, the third shut-off valve V3 is switched to the open position, and the fire hydrant H is switched to the open position, as well as an image showing the flow of water. Information D3 includes instructions to switch the first shut-off valve V1 and the second shut-off valve V2 to the closed position, and to switch the third shut-off valve V3 and the fire hydrant H to the open position, which are the valve opening and closing information in the second step.

[0072] The pipe cleaning instruction unit 27 determines whether the water quality test results obtained by the work result acquisition unit 22 meet predetermined conditions. If the pipe cleaning instruction unit 27 determines that the water quality test results meet the predetermined conditions, it proceeds to the third step of the pipe cleaning work. If the pipe cleaning instruction unit 27 determines that the water quality test results do not meet the conditions, it displays in information D3 that the second step should be continued.

[0073] As shown in Figure 5, in the third step of the pipe cleaning operation, the pipe cleaning instruction unit 27 causes the portable terminal 3 to display image D2, which includes an image showing the state in which the first shut-off valve V1 and the third shut-off valve V3 are switched to the closed position and the second shut-off valve V2 and the fire hydrant H are switched to the open position, as well as an image showing the flow of water. Information D3 includes instructions to switch the first shut-off valve V1 and the third shut-off valve V3 to the closed position and the second shut-off valve V2 and the fire hydrant H to the open position, which are the valve opening and closing information in the third step.

[0074] When the work result acquisition unit 22 acquires the water quality test results entered in information D4, the pipe cleaning instruction unit 27 determines whether the water quality test results meet predetermined conditions. If the pipe cleaning instruction unit 27 determines that the water quality test results meet the predetermined conditions, it displays in information D3 that the pipe cleaning work has been completed. If the pipe cleaning instruction unit 27 determines that the water quality test results do not meet the conditions, it displays in information D3 that the third process should be continued.

[0075] The pipe cleaning support system 1 configured in this way, which assists in pipe cleaning work on the pipeline, includes a storage unit 26 of a support server 2 that stores pipe cleaning plan information DP relating to the pipe cleaning work plan, and a pipe cleaning instruction unit 27 that communicates with the storage unit 26 and displays the information obtained from the storage unit 26. The pipe cleaning instruction unit 27 obtains the pipe cleaning plan information DP from the storage unit 26 and, based on the pipe cleaning plan information DP, displays on the mobile terminal 3 information relating to the pipe cleaning work, including a pipeline diagram that includes the water pipes to be cleaned and information relating to the pipe cleaning work, including information on opening and closing valves to be operated for the pipe cleaning work.

[0076] A worker using the mobile terminal 3 can check the site conditions based on various information related to the pipe cleaning work displayed on the mobile terminal 3. Furthermore, the worker can obtain various information from the mobile terminal 3 according to the progress of the pipe cleaning work and the site conditions, and store the progress of the pipe cleaning work, etc., in the support server 2 via the mobile terminal 3. In addition, the worker can properly perform the pipe cleaning work by opening and closing the valves based on the valve opening and closing information displayed on the mobile terminal 3. This allows even inexperienced workers to properly perform pipe cleaning work that would otherwise require experience, and enables efficient management of the pipe cleaning work.

[0077] The mobile terminal 3 is configured to allow input of the results of the preliminary survey of the pipe cleaning work. The pipe cleaning work support system 1 includes a pipe cleaning work execution determination unit 24 that determines whether or not the pipe cleaning work can be performed based on the preliminary survey results obtained from the mobile terminal 3, and a pipe cleaning work plan modification unit 25 that cancels the pipe cleaning work and modifies the pipe cleaning work plan information DP if it is determined that the pipe cleaning work cannot be performed.

[0078] If the pipe cleaning work execution determination unit 24 determines that the pipe cleaning work is not in a state where it can be performed, the pipe cleaning work plan change unit 25 changes the pipe cleaning work plan information DP. This prevents the cancellation or interruption of the pipe cleaning work, which is difficult to judge, and reduces work loss due to rework. As a result, even inexperienced workers can properly perform pipe cleaning work that requires experience, and the pipe cleaning work can be managed efficiently.

[0079] Furthermore, the pipe cleaning support system 1 of this embodiment can automatically reflect the results of pipe cleaning work in the pipe maintenance management information DT1, thereby improving the efficiency of pipe cleaning operations.

[0080] Furthermore, the work plan creation unit 21 is configured to optimize the work plan based on the work result information DT2 entered into the mobile terminal 3.

[0081] This allows the pipe cleaning work plan information DP to be optimized based on the work result information DT2 regarding the results of the pipe cleaning work, which is input into the mobile terminal 3. Therefore, the work plan can be optimized according to the work results of the maintenance work, and the maintenance work can be carried out efficiently.

[0082] (Methods to support pipe cleaning work) Figure 6 is a flowchart showing the pipe cleaning work support method by the pipe cleaning work support system 1. The pipe cleaning work support method includes creating a pipe cleaning work plan for the pipe cleaning work, performing the work based on the work plan, and inputting the work results.

[0083] When the flowchart shown in Figure 6 is started, first, in step SA1, the information acquisition unit 10 in the support server 2 acquires pipeline maintenance information DT1 (see Figure 1). The information acquisition unit 10 may acquire pipeline maintenance information DT1 from the storage unit 26 in the support server 2, or from an external storage device, or it may acquire pipeline maintenance information DT1 by an input operation to an input unit (not shown).

[0084] In step SA2, the work plan creation unit 21 creates pipe cleaning work plan information DP based on the pipeline maintenance information DT1. Specifically, the work plan creation unit 21 uses the pipeline maintenance information DT1 to create pipe cleaning work plan information DP. Subsequently, the support server 2 transmits the pipe cleaning work plan information DP to the mobile terminal 3.

[0085] In step SA3, the on-site worker conducts a preliminary investigation of the pipe cleaning work in accordance with the pipe cleaning work plan information DP displayed on the mobile terminal 3, from the perspectives of physical conditions, geographical conditions, social conditions, and weather conditions. The worker inputs the results of the preliminary investigation as work result information DT2 into the mobile terminal 3. The work result information DT2 input into the mobile terminal 3 is transmitted to the support server 2. The work result acquisition unit 22 acquires the preliminary investigation results output from the mobile terminal 3 to the support server 2. Furthermore, the work result acquisition unit 22 outputs the acquired preliminary investigation results to the pipe cleaning work execution determination unit 24.

[0086] In the following step SA4, the pipe cleaning operation execution determination unit 24 of the support server 2 determines whether the pipe cleaning operation can be performed based on the results of the preliminary investigation. If the pipe cleaning operation execution determination unit 24 determines that the pipe cleaning operation can be performed (YES in step SA4), the process proceeds to step SA5, where the pipe cleaning operation is performed in accordance with the pipe cleaning operation plan information DP.

[0087] On the other hand, if the pipe cleaning work execution determination unit 24 determines that the pipe cleaning work cannot be performed (if the result is NO in step SA4), the process proceeds to step SA8, where the results of the preliminary survey are reflected in the pipe cleaning work plan information DP according to the preliminary measurement results, or the pipe cleaning work plan information DP is modified.

[0088] In step SA5, the on-site worker performs the pipe cleaning work according to the pipe cleaning work plan information DP displayed on the mobile terminal 3, and then proceeds to step SA6.

[0089] In step SA6, the hydraulic measurement results and water quality measurement results from the pipe cleaning operation are entered into the mobile terminal 3 as work result information DT2. The work result information DT2 entered into the mobile terminal 3 is sent to the support server 2, and the process proceeds to step SA7.

[0090] In the following step SA7, the pipe cleaning instruction unit 27 of the support server 2 determines whether the water quality measurement results meet the predetermined standards. If the pipe cleaning instruction unit 27 determines that the water quality measurement results meet the predetermined standards (YES in step SA7), this flow is terminated (END).

[0091] On the other hand, if the pipe cleaning instruction unit 27 determines that the water quality measurement result does not meet the predetermined standard (if NO is obtained in step SA7), the mobile terminal 3 displays a message to continue the pipe cleaning work, and the process proceeds to step SA5, where the pipe cleaning work is continued.

[0092] The pipe cleaning work support method of this embodiment is a method for supporting pipe cleaning work of water pipes. The pipe cleaning work support method includes a storage step of storing pipe cleaning work plan information relating to the work plan of the pipe cleaning work, and a pipe cleaning work plan display step of communicating with the storage unit and displaying the pipe cleaning work plan information obtained from the storage unit. The pipe cleaning work plan display step is a step of obtaining the pipe cleaning work plan information DP stored in the storage step, and based on the pipe cleaning work plan information DP, displaying pipe cleaning work-related information relating to the pipe cleaning work, including information on a pipeline diagram including the water pipe to be cleaned and information on opening and closing valves to be operated for the pipe cleaning work, on a portable terminal 3 used at the site of the pipe cleaning work.

[0093] A worker using the mobile terminal 3 can check the status of the pipe cleaning work site based on various information related to the pipe cleaning work displayed on the mobile terminal 3. Furthermore, the worker can obtain various information from the mobile terminal 3 according to the progress of the pipe cleaning work at the site, or the situation at the site, and store the progress of the pipe cleaning work, etc., on the support server 2 via the mobile terminal 3. This allows even inexperienced workers to properly perform pipe cleaning work that requires experience, and enables efficient management of the pipe cleaning work.

[0094] Furthermore, the pipe cleaning work support method includes step SA3, which is a preliminary survey result acquisition step, in which a preliminary survey result acquisition step is obtained; step SA4, which is a pipe cleaning work execution determination step, in which a determination is made whether or not the pipe cleaning work can be performed based on the acquired preliminary survey results; and step SA8, which is a pipe cleaning work plan change step, in which if it is determined that the pipe cleaning work cannot be performed, the pipe cleaning work is canceled and the work plan is changed.

[0095] If step SA4, which is the pipe cleaning work execution determination step, determines that the pipe cleaning work is not feasible, then step SA8, which is the pipe cleaning work plan modification step, modifies the pipe cleaning work plan. This prevents the cancellation or interruption of the pipe cleaning work, which can be difficult to judge, and reduces work losses due to rework. As a result, even inexperienced workers can properly perform pipe cleaning work that requires experience, and the pipe cleaning work can be managed efficiently.

[0096] (Program for pipe cleaning support system) The program in the embodiment of the present invention (a program for supporting pipe cleaning work) is any program that causes the support server 2 and the mobile terminal 3, which constitute the pipe cleaning work support system 1, to execute the flow shown in Figure 6. By executing this program on the support server 2 and the mobile terminal 3, the pipe cleaning work support system 1 and the pipe maintenance management support method of 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 pipe cleaning support program according to this embodiment causes a computer to record pipe cleaning work plan information DP related to the work plan of the pipe cleaning work, communicate with the storage unit 26, retrieve the pipe cleaning work plan information DP from the storage unit 26, and, based on the pipe cleaning work plan information DP, displays pipe cleaning work-related information, including information on a pipeline diagram including the water pipes to be cleaned and information on opening and closing valves to be operated for the pipe cleaning work, on a portable terminal used at the site of the pipe cleaning work.

[0098] This allows the system to record pipe cleaning work plan information DP related to the pipe cleaning work plan, communicate with the storage unit 26, retrieve the pipe cleaning work plan information DP from the storage unit 26, and, based on the pipe cleaning work plan information DP, display pipe cleaning work-related information, including information on the pipeline diagram including the water pipes to be cleaned and information on the opening and closing of the valves to be operated for the pipe cleaning work, on the portable terminal used at the site of the pipe cleaning work.

[0099] In this way, the progress of the pipe cleaning work can be stored on the support server 2 via the mobile terminal 3. This allows even inexperienced workers to properly perform pipe cleaning work that requires experience, and enables efficient management of the pipe cleaning work.

[0100] [Embodiment 2] Figure 7 is a functional block diagram showing the schematic configuration of the pipe cleaning support system 100 of Embodiment 2. The pipe cleaning support system 100 of this embodiment differs from the pipe cleaning support system 1 of Embodiment 1 in that it determines whether the progress of the pipe cleaning work is appropriate and predicts the completion of the pipe cleaning work. In the following, components similar to those of the pipe cleaning support system 1 of Embodiment 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions are omitted. In this embodiment, the maintenance work is assumed to be normal maintenance work.

[0101] The pipe cleaning work support system 100 comprises a support server 2 and a mobile terminal 3. The support server 2 creates pipe cleaning work plan information DP related to the pipe cleaning work of the pipeline and acquires work results input to the mobile terminal 3. The support server 2 comprises an information acquisition unit 10, a work plan creation unit 21, a work result acquisition unit 22, a hydraulic water quality information acquisition unit 23, a pipe cleaning work execution determination unit 24, a pipe cleaning work plan modification unit 25, a storage unit 26, a pipe cleaning instruction unit 27, a pipe cleaning progress determination unit 28, a pipe cleaning work related information modification unit 29, and a pipe cleaning work progress evaluation unit 30.

[0102] The pipe cleaning progress determination unit 28 determines whether the progress of the pipe cleaning work is appropriate. The pipe cleaning progress determination unit 28 acquires hydraulic information and water quality information, which are hydraulic and water quality information, from the hydraulic and water quality information acquisition unit 23. Based on the acquired hydraulic information and water quality information, the pipe cleaning progress determination unit 28 determines whether the progress of the pipe cleaning work is appropriate. Specifically, the pipe cleaning progress determination unit 28 determines whether the progress of the pipe cleaning work in the measured hydraulic information is appropriate based on the difference between the water quality information estimated from the measured hydraulic information and the measured water quality information.

[0103] If the pipe cleaning progress determination unit 28 determines that the pipe cleaning operation is not progressing appropriately, it outputs the hydraulic information and the water quality information to the pipe cleaning operation related information modification unit 29.

[0104] If the pipe cleaning progress determination unit 28 determines that the progress is appropriate, it further determines whether the pipe cleaning operation is progressing appropriately with respect to the pipe cleaning work plan information DP. If the pipe cleaning progress determination unit 28 determines that the pipe cleaning operation is not progressing appropriately with respect to the pipe cleaning work plan information DP, it outputs the hydraulic information and the water quality information to the pipe cleaning work related information modification unit 29.

[0105] The pipe cleaning work-related information modification unit 29 modifies the opening and closing information of the valve. The pipe cleaning work-related information modification unit 29 obtains hydraulic information and water quality information, which are hydraulic and water quality information, from the pipe cleaning progress determination unit 28. The pipe cleaning work-related information modification unit 29 modifies the opening degree of the valve so that the pipe cleaning work progresses appropriately based on the obtained hydraulic information and water quality information. For example, if the turbidity in the water quality information is higher than expected (turbid) relative to the flow rate in the hydraulic information, the pipe cleaning work-related information modification unit 29 increases the opening degree of the valve. The pipe cleaning work-related information modification unit 29 modifies the pipe cleaning work plan information DP in accordance with the change in the opening degree of the valve.

[0106] The pipe cleaning work progress evaluation unit 30 evaluates the progress of the pipe cleaning work against the pipe cleaning work plan in the pipe cleaning work plan information DP. The pipe cleaning work progress evaluation unit 30 acquires hydraulic information and water quality information, which are hydraulic and water quality information, from the hydraulic and water quality information acquisition unit 23. Based on the hydraulic and water quality information, the pipe cleaning work progress evaluation unit 30 calculates the estimated completion time for the pipe cleaning work. Furthermore, the pipe cleaning work progress evaluation unit 30 evaluates the progress of the pipe cleaning work against the work plan based on the work plan and the estimated completion time for the pipe cleaning work. In other words, the pipe cleaning work progress evaluation unit 30 evaluates whether the pipe cleaning work can be completed within the work period scheduled in the pipe cleaning work plan information DP.

[0107] In the above configuration, the hydraulic and water quality information acquisition unit 23 acquires hydraulic information such as the flow velocity, water pressure, and flow rate of water flowing through the water pipeline, and acquires water quality information such as the turbidity, discharge volume, amount of impurities, residual chlorine concentration, pH, and water temperature of water discharged from the water pipeline through a fire hydrant H or sludge discharge valve. The pipe cleaning progress determination unit 28 determines whether the pipe cleaning is being carried out under appropriate conditions based on the work plan for the pipe cleaning work, the hydraulic information, and the water quality information. If the pipe cleaning progress determination unit 28 determines that the progress of the pipe cleaning work is not appropriate, the pipe cleaning work related information modification unit 29 modifies the pipe cleaning work plan information DP in order to improve the progress of the pipe cleaning of the water pipeline from the perspective of both the hydraulic information and the water quality information. Based on the modified pipe cleaning work plan information DP, the worker can reliably and confidently perform the valve opening and closing operations necessary to improve the progress of the pipe cleaning of the water pipeline.

[0108] The pipe cleaning work progress evaluation unit 30 calculates the estimated completion time of the pipe cleaning work based on the hydraulic water quality information. Furthermore, the pipe cleaning work progress evaluation unit 30 evaluates the progress of the pipe cleaning work against the work plan based on the work plan and the estimated completion time. If the pipe cleaning work progress evaluation unit 30 determines that the pipe cleaning work is behind schedule, it may change the pipe cleaning work plan information DP. In addition, the pipe cleaning work progress evaluation unit 30 may change, for example, valve operation information in the pipe cleaning work and output it to the pipe cleaning instruction unit 27 in order to make up for the delay in the pipe cleaning work. This allows even inexperienced workers to appropriately perform pipe cleaning work that requires experience, and enables efficient management of the pipe cleaning work.

[0109] (Methods to support pipe cleaning work) Figure 8 is a flowchart illustrating the pipe cleaning support method using the pipe cleaning support system 100. The pipe cleaning support method will be explained below using Figure 8. In Figure 8, steps SB1 to SB6 are the same as steps SA1 to SA6 in Figure 6 of Embodiment 1. Steps SB9 and SB10 are the same as steps SA7 and SA8 in Figure 6 of Embodiment 1. Therefore, the explanation of steps SB1 to SB6, SB9, and SB10 will be omitted.

[0110] As shown in Figure 5, in step SB7, the pipe cleaning work progress evaluation unit 30 calculates the estimated completion time of the pipe cleaning work based on the hydraulic water quality information acquired, and proceeds to step SB8.

[0111] In step SB8, the pipe cleaning progress determination unit 28 determines whether the progress of the pipe cleaning work is appropriate based on the hydraulic information and water quality information acquired. If the pipe cleaning progress determination unit 28 determines that the progress of the pipe cleaning work is appropriate (YES in step SB8), the process proceeds to step SB9.

[0112] On the other hand, if the pipe cleaning progress determination unit 28 determines that the progress of the pipe cleaning work is not appropriate (in the case of NO in step SB8), the process proceeds to step SB11.

[0113] In step SB11, the pipe cleaning progress evaluation unit 30 changes the opening degree of the valve so that the progress of the pipe cleaning work is appropriate, and proceeds to step SB5.

[0114] The pipe cleaning work support method of this embodiment includes: step SB6, which is a hydraulic and water quality information acquisition step, which acquires hydraulic and water quality information relating to the hydraulic and water quality effects of the pipe cleaning work; step SB7, which is a pipe cleaning work progress evaluation step, which calculates the estimated completion time of the pipe cleaning work based on the hydraulic and water quality information and evaluates the progress of the pipe cleaning work relative to the work plan in the pipe cleaning work plan information DP; step SB8, which is a pipe cleaning progress determination step, which determines whether the progress of pipe cleaning in the water pipe is appropriate based on the pipe cleaning work plan information DP and the acquired hydraulic and water quality information; and step SB11, which is a pipe cleaning work related information modification step, which changes the opening and closing information of the valve if the progress of pipe cleaning in the water pipe is not appropriate.

[0115] Based on the modified pipe cleaning work-related information, the worker can confidently and reliably perform the necessary valve opening and closing operations to improve the progress of pipe cleaning. This allows even inexperienced workers to properly perform pipe cleaning tasks that would otherwise require experience, and enables efficient management of the pipe cleaning work.

[0116] (Program for pipe cleaning support system) The program in the embodiment of the present invention (a program for supporting pipe cleaning work) is any program that causes the support server 2 and the mobile terminal 3, which constitute the pipe cleaning work support system 100, to execute the flow shown in Figure 8. By executing this program on the support server 2 and the mobile terminal 3, the pipe cleaning work support system 100 and the pipe maintenance support method of this embodiment can be realized.

[0117] The pipe cleaning support program according to this embodiment causes the computer to acquire hydraulic and water quality information relating to the hydraulic and water quality effects of the pipe cleaning work, and to determine whether the progress of pipe cleaning in the water pipe is appropriate based on the pipe cleaning work plan information DP and the hydraulic and water quality information acquired by the hydraulic and water quality information acquisition unit 23. If it is determined that the progress of pipe cleaning in the water pipe is not appropriate, the program causes the pipe cleaning work related information modification unit 29 to change the opening and closing information of the valve.

[0118] The pipe cleaning support program according to this embodiment causes the computer to calculate the estimated completion time of the pipe cleaning work based on the hydraulic water quality information and to evaluate the progress of the pipe cleaning work against the work plan in the pipe cleaning work plan information.

[0119] The computer is instructed to evaluate the progress of the pipe cleaning work against the work plan based on the work plan and the estimated completion time. Furthermore, the computer is instructed to modify the pipe cleaning work-related information in order to improve the progress of the water pipe cleaning from the perspective of both hydraulic information and water quality information. The worker can reliably and confidently perform the valve opening and closing operations necessary to improve the progress of the water pipe cleaning. As a result, even inexperienced workers can appropriately perform pipe cleaning operations that would otherwise require experience, and the pipe cleaning operations can be managed efficiently.

[0120] [Embodiment 3] Figure 9 is a functional block diagram showing the schematic configuration of the pipe cleaning support system 200 of Embodiment 3. The pipe cleaning support system 200 of this embodiment differs from the pipe cleaning support system 1 of Embodiment 1 in that it uses a valve operation assist device M that assists in the opening and closing operation of the valve. In the following, components similar to those of the pipe cleaning support system 1 of Embodiment 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions are omitted. In this embodiment, the maintenance work is assumed to be normal maintenance work.

[0121] The pipe cleaning support system 200 comprises a support server 2 and a mobile terminal 3. The support server 2 includes an information acquisition unit 10, a work plan creation unit 21, a work result acquisition unit 22, a hydraulic water quality information acquisition unit 23, a pipe cleaning work execution determination unit 24, a pipe cleaning work plan modification unit 25, a storage unit 26, a pipe cleaning instruction unit 27, and an open / close information output unit 31.

[0122] The opening / closing information output unit 31 controls the valve operation assist device M. The opening / closing information output unit 31 communicates with the storage unit 26 to acquire the opening / closing information of the valve. The opening / closing information output unit 31 is configured to be electrically connectable to the valve operation assist device M. The opening / closing information output unit 31 outputs the opening / closing information of the valve acquired from the storage unit 26 to the valve operation assist device M, which assists in the opening and closing operation of the valve. The opening / closing information of the valve is, for example, the degree of opening of the valve. The valve operation assist device M opens and closes the valve according to the opening / closing information of the valve from the opening / closing information output unit 31.

[0123] In the above configuration, the valve opening and closing information, including the opening and closing timing, opening and closing period, and valve opening degree, acquired from the storage unit 26, is output from the opening and closing information output unit 31 to the valve operation assist device M, which assists in the opening and closing operation of the valve. Based on the valve opening and closing information displayed on the mobile terminal 3 by the pipe cleaning instruction unit 27, the operator can open and close the valve using the valve operation assist device M. The opening and closing information output unit 31 can also transmit the valve opening and closing status by the valve operation assist device M to the storage unit 26. As a result, even inexperienced operators can appropriately perform pipe cleaning work that requires experience, and the pipe cleaning work can be managed efficiently.

[0124] (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.

[0125] In the above embodiment, the pipe cleaning support systems 1, 100, and 200 each include a support server 2 and a mobile terminal 3. However, the pipe cleaning support system may have any configuration as long as it is capable of creating a pipe cleaning plan based on pipeline maintenance information. For example, the pipe cleaning support system may not have a mobile terminal, or it may have a computer device instead of a support server.

[0126] In the above embodiment 1, the support server 2 of the pipe cleaning work support system 1 includes an information acquisition unit 10, a work plan creation unit 21, a work result acquisition unit 22, a hydraulic water quality information acquisition unit 23, a pipe cleaning work execution determination unit 24, a pipe cleaning work plan modification unit 25, a storage unit 26, and a pipe cleaning instruction unit 27. However, the support server does not necessarily have to have at least one of the following: an information acquisition unit, a work plan creation unit, a work result acquisition unit, a hydraulic water quality information acquisition unit, a pipe cleaning work execution determination unit, a pipe cleaning work plan modification unit, and a storage unit.

[0127] In the above embodiment, the pipeline maintenance information DT1 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 the work group, 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. 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 above embodiment describes examples of each of the above types of information, each of the above types of information may include other examples, or may include only some of the examples.

[0128] In the above embodiment, the valve opening and closing information includes information relating to at least one of the valve opening and closing sequence, the valve opening degree, the valve opening and closing time period, and the valve opening and closing duration. However, the valve opening and closing information may be any information related to the valve.

[0129] In the above embodiment 2, the pipe cleaning progress determination unit 28 determines whether the progress of pipe cleaning in the water pipe is appropriate based on the hydraulic information and the water quality information. However, the pipe cleaning progress determination unit 28 may also confirm the progress of pipe cleaning using information other than the hydraulic information and the water quality information.

[0130] In the above embodiment 2, the pipe cleaning work-related information modification unit 29 modifies the valve opening / closing information when the pipe cleaning progress determination unit 28 determines that the pipe cleaning progress is not appropriate. However, the pipe cleaning work-related information modification unit may also be configured to modify information other than the valve opening / closing information, such as hydraulic information, if the pipe cleaning progress is not appropriate.

[0131] In the above embodiment 1, the pipe cleaning work execution determination unit 24 performs the pipe cleaning work if the conditions are met to the extent that the pipe cleaning work can be performed based on physical conditions, geographical conditions, meteorological conditions, and social conditions. However, the pipe cleaning work execution determination unit may also determine whether or not to perform the pipe cleaning work based on conditions other than physical conditions, geographical conditions, meteorological conditions, and social conditions.

[0132] In the above embodiment, the pipe cleaning support systems 1, 100, and 200 display information based on the pipe cleaning work plan information DP on the mobile terminal 3. However, the pipe cleaning support system may also be configured to display information not included in the pipe cleaning work plan information. [Industrial applicability]

[0133] This invention can be used in a pipe cleaning support system that assists in pipe cleaning operations. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0134] 1, 100, 200 Pipe Cleaning Support System 2. Support Server 3 Mobile devices 10 Information acquisition department 21. Work Planning Department 22 Work Result Acquisition Unit 23 Hydraulic Water Quality Information Acquisition Department 24 Pipe cleaning work execution determination unit 25 Pipe Cleaning Work Plan Change Department 26 Memory section 27 Pipe washing instruction section 28 Pipe cleaning progress determination unit 29. Department for Changes to Information Related to Pipe Cleaning Work 30 Pipe Cleaning Work Progress Evaluation Department 31 Open / Close Information Output Unit P1 Work details P2 Work Company P3 Progress P4 Schedule DP Pipe Cleaning Work Plan Information DT1 pipeline maintenance management information DT2 Work Results Information Px 1st pipe Py 2nd conduit Pn New pipeline V1 First shut-off valve V2 Second Shut-off Valve V3 Third Shut-off Valve H Fire Hydrant M Valve plug operation auxiliary device

Claims

1. A pipe cleaning support system that assists in the pipe cleaning work of water pipes, A storage unit that stores information regarding the work plan for the aforementioned pipe cleaning work, It has a pipe cleaning instruction unit that communicates with the storage unit and displays information obtained from the storage unit, The aforementioned pipe cleaning indicator unit is The system retrieves the pipe cleaning work plan information from the storage unit, and based on the pipe cleaning work plan information, displays pipe cleaning work-related information, including a pipeline diagram including the water pipes to be cleaned and information on opening and closing valves to be operated for the pipe cleaning work, on a portable terminal used at the site of the pipe cleaning work. Pipe cleaning support system.

2. In the pipe cleaning support system according to claim 1, The information regarding the opening and closing of the valve is as follows: This includes information relating to at least one of the opening and closing sequence of the valves, the degree of opening of the valves, the time period for opening and closing the valves, and the duration of opening and closing the valves. The aforementioned pipe cleaning indicator unit is To display the open / closed information of the valve, Pipe cleaning support system.

3. In the pipe cleaning support system according to claim 2, The system further includes an opening / closing information output unit that communicates with the storage unit and outputs the opening / closing information of the valve obtained from the storage unit to a valve operation assist device that assists in the opening and closing operation of the valve, Pipe cleaning support system.

4. In the pipe cleaning support system according to claim 2, A hydraulic water quality information acquisition unit acquires hydraulic and water quality information regarding the effects of the pipe cleaning work on hydraulics and water quality, A pipe cleaning progress determination unit determines whether the progress of pipe cleaning in the water pipe is appropriate based on the pipe cleaning work plan information and the hydraulic water quality information acquired from the hydraulic water quality information acquisition unit, If the pipe cleaning progress determination unit determines that the pipe cleaning progress in the water pipe is not appropriate, the pipe cleaning work related information modification unit modifies the opening and closing information of the valve, It further has, Pipe cleaning support system.

5. In the pipe cleaning support system according to claim 4, The system further includes a pipe cleaning progress evaluation unit that calculates the estimated completion time of the pipe cleaning work based on the hydraulic water quality information and evaluates the progress of the pipe cleaning work against the work plan in the pipe cleaning work plan information. Pipe cleaning support system.

6. In the pipe cleaning support system according to claim 1, A pipe cleaning work execution determination unit obtains the results of the preliminary investigation of the pipe cleaning work and determines whether or not the pipe cleaning work can be performed based on the obtained preliminary investigation results, If it is determined that the pipe cleaning work is not in a condition to be carried out, the pipe cleaning work plan modification unit will cancel the pipe cleaning work and modify the work plan, Having, Pipe cleaning support system.

7. A pipe cleaning support program that controls a pipe cleaning support system, On the computer, Record the pipe cleaning work plan information regarding the work plan for the pipe cleaning work. The system communicates with a storage unit, retrieves the pipe cleaning work plan information from the storage unit, and displays information related to the pipe cleaning work, including a pipeline diagram including the water pipes to be cleaned and information on opening and closing valves to be operated for the pipe cleaning work, on a portable terminal used at the site of the pipe cleaning work. A program to support pipe cleaning work.

8. A pipe cleaning support program for controlling the pipe cleaning support system described in claim 7, To the aforementioned computer, The device communicates with the storage unit and outputs the valve opening / closing information obtained from the storage unit to a valve operation assist device that assists in the opening and closing operation of the valve. A program to assist with pipe cleaning work.

9. A pipe cleaning support program for controlling the pipe cleaning support system described in claim 7, To the aforementioned computer, The system will acquire hydraulic and water quality information regarding the effects of the aforementioned pipe cleaning work on hydraulics and water quality. Based on the pipe cleaning work plan information and the hydraulic water quality information, determine whether the progress of pipe cleaning in the water pipe is appropriate. If it is determined that the progress of pipe cleaning in the water pipe is not appropriate, the opening and closing information of the valve is changed. A program to assist with pipe cleaning work.

10. A pipe cleaning support program for controlling the pipe cleaning support system described in claim 7, To the aforementioned computer, Based on hydraulic water quality information, the estimated completion time for the pipe cleaning work is calculated, and the progress of the pipe cleaning work against the work plan in the pipe cleaning work plan information is evaluated. A program to support pipe cleaning work.

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