Water treatment monitoring system, imaging control device, and program

Abstract

To obtain an exactly correct state of water.SOLUTION: A water treatment monitoring system includes: an imaging device 100 disposed so as to prevent a lens from coming into contact with a surface of water stored in a water tank 500 and imaging the water stored in the water tank 500; a drive device 200 for moving the imaging device 100; and a control device 400 for controlling the drive device 200 so as to move the imaging device 100 while following fluctuations of a level of the water stored in the water tank 500.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a water treatment monitoring system, an imaging control device, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] In water purification plants, sewage treatment plants, and other wastewater treatment facilities, a flocculant is added to the water to be treated to aggregate suspended solids (SS) in the water to be treated to form flocs, and the flocs are separated by sedimentation separation, floatation separation, or the like. Generally, the state of the separated sediment or floating matter is analyzed, and based on the analysis result, the addition of the flocculant is controlled. In order to determine the state of floating matter, for example, a device is considered in which a photographing means is attached to a cylindrical member with an open lower end, and the lower end thereof is immersed in water to photograph the liquid surface (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the technology as described in Patent Document 1, since the lower end of the cylindrical member to which the photographing means is attached is immersed in water, floating matter and the like contained in the water adhere to the cylindrical member. In order to take a clearer image, it is necessary to remove the floating matter and the like attached to the cylindrical member. In order to remove the attached floating matter and the like, the cylindrical member must be taken out of the water once. Therefore, there is a problem that continuous images cannot be captured. If continuous images cannot be captured, the state of the water during the period when no imaging is performed cannot be obtained, and a more accurate state of the water cannot be obtained.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a water treatment monitoring system, an imaging control device, and a program capable of obtaining an accurate state of water.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The water treatment monitoring system of the present invention includes a water tank, an imaging device arranged so that the water surface of the water stored in the water tank does not come into contact with the lens, and imaging the water stored in the water tank, a driving device for moving the imaging device, and a control device for controlling the driving device to move the imaging device following the fluctuation of the water level of the stored water.

[0007] Further, the imaging control device of the present invention includes a water level acquisition unit for acquiring the water level of the water stored in the water tank, a driving device for moving the imaging device, and a control unit for controlling the driving device to move the imaging device so that the lens of the imaging device does not come into contact with the water surface of the water stored in the water tank following the fluctuation of the water level acquired by the water level acquisition unit.

[0008] Further, the program of the present invention is a program for causing a computer to execute, a procedure for acquiring the water level of the water stored in the water tank, and a procedure for controlling the driving device for moving the imaging device to move the imaging device so that the lens of the imaging device does not come into contact with the water surface of the water stored in the water tank following the fluctuation of the acquired water level.

Effects of the Invention

[0009] In the present invention, an accurate state of water can be obtained.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0010]

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Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. (First Embodiment)

[0012] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a first embodiment of the water treatment monitoring system of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the water treatment monitoring system in this embodiment includes an imaging device 100, a driving device 200, a water level gauge 300, a control device 400, and a water tank 500. The water tank 500 is a storage tank into which the water to be treated, which is raw water, flows and stores the inflowing water to be treated. The water tank 500 has a predetermined capacity. The imaging device 100 images the water stored in the water tank 500 at a predetermined timing. The imaging device 100 may be an image sensor. The imaging device 100 may be a camera (for example, a video imaging camera) that images the image of the water in the water tank 500 at a time interval equal to or less than a preset time interval. The imaging device 100 transmits image data indicating the captured image to the control device 400. The imaging device 100 is arranged so that its lens does not come into contact with the water surface of the water stored in the water tank 500. The driving device 200 moves the imaging device 100 vertically up and down. The water level gauge 300 measures the water level of the water stored in the water tank 500. The water level gauge 300 transmits the measured water level value to the control device 400. The control device 400 controls the driving device 200 to move the imaging device 100 following the water level fluctuation of the water stored in the water tank 500. The control device 400 controls the driving device 200 to keep the distance between the water surface of the water stored in the water tank 500 and the lens of the imaging device 100 constant based on the water level measured by the water level gauge 300. The water level gauge 300 is not particularly limited as long as it can measure the water level of the water stored in the water tank 500. Examples of the contact type water level gauge 300 for the liquid surface include a float type, a guide robe type, a pressure type, a capacitance type, and a differential pressure type. Further, examples of the non-contact type water level gauge 300 include a radio wave type and an ultrasonic type. In the present invention, the water level gauge 300 is preferably non-contact type from the viewpoint of the risk of false detection due to contamination of the sensor part, and particularly preferably ultrasonic type. The driving device 200, the water level gauge 300, and the control device 400 constitute an imaging control device.

[0013] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of the control device 400 shown in FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 2, the control device 400 shown in FIG. 1 includes a water level acquisition unit 410 and a control unit 420. Note that FIG. 2 shows only the main components related to this embodiment among the components included in the control device 400 shown in FIG. 1.

[0014] The water level acquisition unit 410 acquires the value of the water level transmitted from the water level gauge 300. The water level acquisition unit 410 outputs the acquired water level value to the control unit 420. The control unit 420 controls the driving device 200 to move the imaging device 100 so that the lens of the imaging device 100 does not contact the water surface stored in the water tank 500 following the variation of the water level value output from the water level acquisition unit 410. The control unit 420 stores in advance the vertical position (height) of the lens of the imaging device 100, and controls the driving device 200 to move the imaging device 100 so as to keep the distance between that position and the water level value output from the water level acquisition unit 410 constant.

[0015] Hereinafter, the imaging control method in the water treatment monitoring system shown in FIG. 1 will be described. FIG. 3 is a flowchart for explaining an example of the imaging control method in the water treatment monitoring system shown in FIG. 1.

[0016] First, the water level gauge 300 measures the water level of the water stored in the water tank 500 (step S1). The water level gauge 300 transmits the measured water level value to the control device 400. When the water level acquisition unit 410 of the control device 400 acquires the value indicating the water level transmitted from the water level gauge 300, the acquired value is output to the control unit 420. Then, the control unit 420 calculates the position (height) of the imaging device 100 in the vertical direction based on the value indicating the water level (step S2). When the control unit 420 calculates the position of the imaging device 100, it controls the driving device 200 so that the position of the imaging device 100 becomes the calculated position, and the driving device 200 moves the imaging device 100 to that position (step S3).

[0017] Note that the water tank 500 may be provided to store the water to be coagulated. In this case, the water to be treated stored in the water tank 500 may contain substances to be insolubilized by a flocculant such as suspended substances. The water to be treated stored in the water tank 500 flows out as flocculated water after the addition of a flocculant. The imaging device 100 images the flocculation state of the flocs in the water stored in the water tank 500. The imaging device 100 may be any device that can determine the flocculation state of the flocs in the water stored in the water tank 500, but preferably, it can detect the number of edge pixels of the flocs together with an external device.

[0018] Thus, in this embodiment, a driving device for vertically moving an imaging device that images the water stored in the water tank is provided, and the driving device is controlled to move the imaging device in response to the water level fluctuation of the water stored in the water tank. As a result, stable imaging can always be performed without the focus of the imaging device being shifted. Further, since the image of the state of the water imaged by the imaging device is stabilized, an accurate state of the water can be obtained. (Second Embodiment)

[0019] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a second embodiment of the water treatment monitoring system of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the water treatment monitoring system in this embodiment includes an imaging device 100, a driving device 200, a water level gauge 300, a control device 400, a water tank 500, and a storage member 600. Each of the imaging device 100, the driving device 200, the water level gauge 300, the control device 400, and the water tank 500 is the same as that in the first embodiment. The imaging device 100 is stored inside the storage member 600. The storage member 600 in which the imaging device 100 is stored is arranged (attached) at a position where the open bottom surface does not contact the water surface of the water stored in the water tank 500. The driving device 200 moves the imaging device 100 by moving the storage member 600 in which the imaging device 100 is stored.

[0020] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a state in which the imaging device 100 is stored in the storage member 600 shown in FIG. 4. As shown in FIG. 5, the imaging device 100 is stored inside the cylindrical storage member 600. Although the attachment method is not particularly specified, it is sufficient that the imaging device 100 is fixed to the storage member 600 using screws, fitting members, or the like. Further, the storage member 600 has the lens side of the imaging device 100 open so that the imaging device 100 can image the water stored in the water tank 500.

[0021] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the shape of the storage member in which the imaging device 100 shown in FIG. 4 is stored. Although the attachment method is not particularly specified, it is sufficient that the imaging device 100 is fixed inside the storage member 601 using screws, fitting members, or the like. Further, the storage member 601 has the lens side of the imaging device 100 open so that the imaging device 100 can image the water stored in the water tank 500. Unlike the storage member 600 shown in FIG. 5, the storage member 601 shown in FIG. 6 has a cylindrical shape in the portion near the upper end, but its cross section becomes wider (the hem spreads) as it approaches the lower end (bottom surface). Even with such a shape, any shape that can store the imaging device 100 is applicable. Similar to the storage member 600 shown in FIG. 5, the storage member 601 is arranged at a position where its bottom surface does not contact the water surface of the water stored in the water tank 500. By forming the storage member 601 into the shape shown in FIG. 6, it is possible to prevent the reflection of structures other than the imaging device 100 above the water surface onto the water surface, and it is possible to reduce the weight of the storage member 601.

[0022] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing another example of the shape of the storage member that houses the imaging device 100 shown in FIG. 4. Although the attachment method is not particularly specified, it is sufficient that the imaging device 100 is fixed inside the storage member 602 using screws, fitting members, or the like. Also, the storage member 602 has the lens side of the imaging device 100 open so that the imaging device 100 can image the water stored in the water tank 500. The shape of the storage member 602 shown in FIG. 7 is not cylindrical like the storage member 600 shown in FIG. 5 or the storage member 601 shown in FIG. 6, but is hemispherical. The storage member 602 shown in FIG. 7 also has an open bottom surface, and is shaped such that the imaging device 100 housed inside can image the water surface of the water stored in the water tank 500. The storage member 602 is arranged in a position where its bottom surface does not contact the water surface of the water stored in the water tank 500, similar to the storage member 600 shown in FIG. 5 and the storage member 601 shown in FIG. 6.

[0023] The storage member is not limited to the shapes of the storage member 600 shown in FIG. 5, the storage member 601 shown in FIG. 6, and the storage member 602 shown in FIG. 7, as long as its lower end (bottom surface) is open and it is arranged in a position where the bottom surface does not contact the water surface of the water stored in the water tank 500. Also, the storage member has a structure in which light does not enter from directions other than below the imaging device 100.

[0024] As described above, in this embodiment, an imaging device for imaging the water stored in the water tank is attached to a storage member, and a driving device for vertically moving the storage member in which the imaging device is stored is provided. According to the fluctuation of the water level of the water stored in the water tank, the driving device is controlled to move the storage member. As a result, stable imaging is always possible without the focus of the imaging device being shifted. Also, since the image of the state of the water imaged by the imaging device is stabilized, the exact state of the water can be obtained. Also, the imaging device can be protected by the storage member. (Third Embodiment)

[0025] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a third embodiment of the water treatment monitoring system of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 8, the water treatment monitoring system in this embodiment includes an imaging device 101, a driving device 200, a water level gauge 300, a control device 401, a water tank 500, an addition device 700, a flocculant storage tank 800, and a stirrer 900. Each of the driving device 200 and the water level gauge 300 is the same as that in the first embodiment. In addition to the functions of the imaging device 100 in the first embodiment, the imaging device 101 transmits image data indicating the captured image to the control device 401. The addition device 700 adds a flocculant from the flocculant storage tank 800 to the water stored in the water tank 500. The addition device 700 adds a flocculant from the flocculant storage tank 800 to the water stored in the water tank 500 based on an instruction from the control device 401. As the flocculant to be added, aluminum-based (PAC, ferric sulfate, etc.), iron-based (polysulfate iron, ferric chloride), polymer flocculant (polymer), etc. are often used, but it is not particularly limited. The stirrer 900 stirs the water in the water tank 500. In addition to the functions of the control device 400 in the first embodiment, the control device 401 transmits a control signal to the addition device 700 based on the image shown by the image data transmitted from the imaging device 100.

[0026] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of the control device 401 shown in FIG. 8. As shown in FIG. 9, the control device 401 shown in FIG. 8 includes a water level acquisition unit 410, a control unit 420, an image processing unit 430, and an addition amount control unit 440. Each of the water level acquisition unit 410 and the control unit 420 is the same as that in the first embodiment. Note that FIG. 9 shows only the main components related to this embodiment among the components included in the control device 401 shown in FIG. 8.

[0027] The image processing unit 430 calculates, as the state of the aggregates, the feature amount of the aggregates included in the image indicated by the image data transmitted from the imaging device 101. The image processing unit 430 may detect pixels whose color difference (for example, the difference in RGB values) between adjacent pixels in the image indicated by the image data transmitted from the imaging device 101 is equal to or greater than a threshold value, and calculate the edge pixels, which is the sum per unit area (imaging range) of the number of detected pixels, as the feature amount of the aggregates. The image processing unit 430 notifies the addition amount control unit 440 of the calculated state (feature amount) of the aggregates. The addition amount control unit 440 controls the addition amount of the flocculant added by the addition device 700 from the flocculant storage tank 800 based on the state (feature amount) of the aggregates notified from the image processing unit 430. As a specific control method for the addition amount of the flocculant using the image processing unit 430 and the addition amount control unit 440, for example, the method disclosed in International Publication No. 2021-053984 may be used.

[0028] Hereinafter, the imaging control method in the water treatment monitoring system shown in FIG. 8 will be described. FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining an example of the imaging control method in the water treatment monitoring system shown in FIG. 8. Here, among the imaging control methods in the water treatment monitoring system shown in FIG. 8, the control method for the addition amount of the flocculant will be described. Among the imaging control methods in the water treatment monitoring system shown in FIG. 8, the method of controlling the movement of the imaging device 101 following the water level fluctuation of the water stored in the water tank 500 may be the same as that in the first embodiment.

[0029] First, the imaging device 101 captures an image of the water to which the flocculant has been added from the adding device 700 in the water tank 500 (step S11). The imaging device 101 transmits the image data indicating the captured image to the control device 401. Then, the image processing unit 430 of the control device 401 calculates the feature amount of the flocs included in the image based on the image indicated by the image data transmitted from the imaging device 101 (step S12). The image processing unit 430 notifies the addition amount control unit 440 of the calculated feature amount of the flocs. Then, the addition amount control unit 440 calculates the addition amount of the flocculant added by the adding device 700 from the flocculant storage tank 800 based on the feature amount of the flocs notified from the image processing unit 430 (step S13). Then, the addition amount control unit 440 notifies the adding device 700 of the value indicating the addition amount calculated. The adding device 700 adds the flocculant in the addition amount indicated by the value notified from the addition amount control unit 440 from the flocculant storage tank 800 to the water tank 500 (step S14).

[0030] In this embodiment, a rectifying member may be provided in the water imaged by the imaging device 101. In this case, the rectifying member is below the imaging device 101 (imaging direction), and is arranged at a position where the imaging device 101 can image the water rectified by the rectifying member. In the water tank 500, the water to be treated flows in from the outside, and the flocculant is added to and stirred in the flowed-in water to be treated, so that a flow is generated in the water to be treated. If the imaging device 101 captures the aggregation state of the water with a strong flow, the result is not stable. Therefore, the rectifying member blocks the flow. The shape of the rectifying member is, for example, a cylindrical shape with open upper and lower ends.

[0031] As described above, in this embodiment, a driving device for vertically moving an imaging device for imaging the water stored in the water tank is provided, and the driving device is controlled to move the imaging device according to the water level fluctuation of the water stored in the water tank. Thereby, stable imaging can always be performed without the focus of the imaging device being shifted. Further, since the image of the state of the water imaged by the imaging device is stabilized, the accurate state of the water can be obtained. Furthermore, according to the obtained state of the water, the addition amount of the flocculant added to the water is controlled. Thereby, the flocculant can be added in an accurate addition amount according to the accurate state of the water. (Application Example)

[0032] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an application example of the water treatment system of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 11, this application example includes a reaction tank 1001, a coagulation tank 1002, a sedimentation tank 1003, an imaging device 101, a driving device 200, a water level gauge 300, a control device 401, an addition device 700, a flocculant storage tank 800, and a stirrer 900. Each of the imaging device 101, the driving device 200, the water level gauge 300, the control device 401, the addition device 700, the flocculant storage tank 800, and the stirrer 900 is the same as that in the third embodiment shown in FIG. 8.

[0033] The reaction tank 1001 and the coagulation tank 1002 are separated from the water tank 500 in the embodiment shown in FIG. 8. Each of the reaction tank 1001 and the coagulation tank 1002 has a predetermined capacity. The reaction tank 1001 is a tank in which the water to be treated is stored and a coagulant is added from the coagulant storage tank 800 via the addition device 700. The coagulant to be added may be the same as the coagulant added to the water tank 500 in the third embodiment shown in FIG. 8. Further, a pH meter is provided in the reaction tank 1001, and a pH adjuster may be injected according to the value measured by the pH meter. The imaging device 101 images the aggregates in the water stored in the reaction tank 1001 and transmits the image data indicating the captured image to the control device 401. The imaging device 101 preferably images the aggregates in the water stored in the reaction tank 1001 from the viewpoint of time lag in order to control the addition amount of the coagulant based on the image captured by the imaging device 101. The addition device 700 adds the coagulant in an amount based on an instruction from the control device 401 from the coagulant storage tank 800 to the reaction tank 1001. The control method in the control device 401 is the same as the method described in the third embodiment shown in FIG. 8. The coagulation tank 1002 is a tank into which the water treated in the reaction tank 1001 is injected. For example, a polymer is injected into the water stored in the coagulation tank 1002. The sedimentation tank 1003 is into which the water treated in the coagulation tank 1002 is injected. In the sedimentation tank 1003, it is separated into treated water and precipitated sediment, and the sediment is discharged as sludge outside the sedimentation tank 1003 using a pump. Note that the imaging device 101 may image the aggregates in the water stored in the coagulation tank 1002, and the driving device 200, the control device 301, and the control device 401 may perform the same processes as those described above.

[0034] Further, the water treatment apparatus in which the water treatment monitoring system of the present invention is installed may be any apparatus including coagulation such as coagulation sedimentation or coagulation pressurized flotation, and is not particularly limited.

[0035] As described above, each component has been described with each function (process) being shared. However, this assignment is not limited to the above-described one. Also, regarding the configuration of the components, the above-described form is merely an example and is not limited thereto.

[0036] The processes performed by the above-described control devices 400 and 401 may be performed by logic circuits respectively fabricated according to the purpose. Alternatively, a computer program (hereinafter referred to as a program) describing the process content as procedures may be recorded on a recording medium readable by the control devices 400 and 401, and the program recorded on this recording medium may be read by the control devices 400 and 401 and executed. The recording medium readable by the control devices 400 and 401 refers to removable recording media such as a floppy (registered trademark) disk, a magneto-optical disk, a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), a CD (Compact Disc), a Blu-ray (registered trademark) Disc, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory, etc., as well as memories such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) and a RAM (Random Access Memory) built in the control devices 400 and 401, and an HDD (Hard Disc Drive), etc. The program recorded on this recording medium is read by a CPU provided in the control devices 400 and 401, and under the control of the CPU, the same processes as those described above are performed. Here, the CPU operates as a computer that executes the program read from the recording medium on which the program is recorded.

Explanation of Signs

[0037] 100, 101 Imaging device 200 Driving device 300 Water level gauge 400, 401 Control device 410 Water level acquisition unit 420 Control unit 430 Image processing unit 440 Dosage control unit 500 Water tank 600 - 602 Storage member 700 Adding device 800 Coagulant storage tank 900 Stirrer 1001 Reaction tank 1002 Coagulation tank 1003 Sedimentation tank

Claims

1. A water tank, An imaging device disposed so that the water surface of the water stored in the water tank does not contact the lens, and imaging the water stored in the water tank, A driving device for moving the imaging device, A water treatment monitoring system comprising: a control device that controls the driving device to move the imaging device following the fluctuation of the water level of the stored water.

2. In the water treatment monitoring system according to Claim 1, The control device controls the driving device so as to keep a constant distance between the water surface of the water stored in the water tank and the lens of the imaging device.

3. In the water treatment monitoring system according to Claim 1 or Claim 2, The imaging device is housed in a housing member disposed at a position where the open bottom surface does not contact the water surface of the stored water, The driving device moves the imaging device by moving the housing member.

4. In the water treatment monitoring system according to any one of Claims 1 to 3, It has an ultrasonic water level gauge for measuring the water level of the water stored in the water tank, The control device controls the driving device based on the water level measured by the water level gauge.

5. In the water treatment monitoring system according to any one of Claims 1 to 4, It has an adding device for adding a flocculant to the water tank or in front of the water tank, The imaging device transmits image data showing the captured image to the control device, The control device calculates a feature amount of the flocs included in the image shown by the image data transmitted from the imaging device, and controls the addition amount of the flocculant added by the adding device based on the calculated feature amount.

6. A water level acquisition unit for acquiring the water level of the water stored in the water tank, A driving device for moving the imaging device, An imaging control device comprising: a control unit that controls the driving device to move the imaging device so that the lens of the imaging device does not contact the water surface of the water stored in the water tank following the fluctuation of the water level acquired by the water level acquisition unit.

7. In the imaging control device according to Claim 6, The control unit controls the driving device so as to keep a constant distance between the water surface of the water stored in the water tank and the lens of the imaging device.

8. In the imaging control device according to Claim 6 or Claim 7, The imaging device is housed in a housing member disposed at a position where the open bottom surface does not contact the water surface of the stored water. The drive device is an imaging control device that moves the imaging device by moving the housing member.

9. In the imaging control device according to any one of claims 6 to 8, it has an ultrasonic water level gauge for measuring the water level of the water stored in the water tank, The water level acquisition unit is an imaging control device that acquires the water level measured by the water level gauge.

10. A computer, a procedure for acquiring the water level of the water stored in the water tank, and a drive device for moving the imaging device, and a program for controlling the drive device to move the imaging device so that the lens of the imaging device and the water surface of the water stored in the water tank do not contact each other following the change in the acquired water level.

Images