Pump Equipment Management System

Abstract

To carry out simple and efficient management at the time of the first-time operation of a pump device.SOLUTION: A communication terminal according to one aspect of the present invention is capable of communicating with a pump device and a management server that manages the pump device. The communication terminal includes a short-range wireless communication unit, a receiving unit, a comparing unit, and a first transmitting unit. The short-range wireless communication unit performs short-range wireless communication with the pump device. The receiving unit receives shipment operation data of the pump device and first-time operation data of the pump device from the pump device via the short-range wireless communication unit. The comparing unit compares the shipment operation data with the first-time operation data. When a difference between the shipment operation data and the first-time operation data is equal to or less than a threshold as a result of the comparison by the comparing unit, the first transmitting unit transmits the first-time operation data to the management server.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to management of a pump device during initial operation. [Background technology]

[0002] Pump devices are known that can wirelessly transmit and receive various data to and from other devices, such as portable communication terminals and servers (see, for example, Patent Document 1). However, it is expected that various data will not be transmitted and received during the first operation of the pump device immediately after installation or part replacement. In this case, various data will be managed using handwritten notes, etc., which raises concerns that management of the pump device during its first operation will be cumbersome and inefficient. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-52532 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The present invention aims to easily and efficiently manage the initial operation of a pump device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] A communication terminal according to one aspect of the present invention is capable of communicating with a pump device and a management server that manages the pump device. The communication terminal includes a short-range wireless communication unit, a receiving unit, a comparing unit, and a first transmitting unit. The short-range wireless communication unit performs short-range wireless communication with the pump device. The receiving unit receives shipping operation data of the pump device and initial operation data of the pump device from the pump device via the short-range wireless communication unit. The comparing unit compares the shipping operation data with the initial operation data. If the comparison by the comparing unit indicates that a difference between the shipping operation data and the initial operation data is equal to or less than a threshold, the first transmitting unit transmits the initial operation data to the management server.

[0006] According to another aspect of the present invention, a management server is capable of communicating with a pump device. The management server includes a storage unit, a long-distance wireless communication unit, a first receiving unit, a comparison unit, and a writing unit. The storage unit stores shipping operation data of the pump device in association with identification data of the pump device. The long-distance wireless communication unit performs long-distance wireless communication with the pump device. The first receiving unit receives initial operation data of the pump device and identification data of the pump device from the pump device via the long-distance wireless communication unit. The comparison unit compares the shipping operation data and the initial operation data stored in the storage unit based on the received identification data. If the comparison by the comparison unit indicates that a difference between the shipping operation data and the initial operation data is equal to or less than a threshold, the writing unit writes the initial operation data to the storage unit in association with the received identification data.

[0007] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, a management server manages a pump device and a control panel of the pump device. The management server includes a storage unit, a receiving unit, a searching unit, a writing unit, and a transmitting unit. The storage unit stores first identification data identifying the pump device, second identification data identifying the control panel, and parameters of the control panel in association with each other. The receiving unit receives first candidate data that is a candidate for the first identification data and second candidate data that is a candidate for the second identification data from a wireless communication terminal. The searching unit searches the storage unit based on the first candidate data and the second candidate data. If the search result shows that the first identification data matches the first candidate data but the second candidate data does not match the second identification data associated with the matching first identification data, the writing unit writes the second candidate data to the storage unit as new second identification data in place of the second identification data associated with the matching first identification data. After the writing, when the latest parameters to be used in measuring the initial operating data of the pump device equipped with a control panel identified by the new second identification data are requested by the pump device or the wireless communication terminal based on the first identification data, the transmission unit transmits the latest parameters associated with the first identification data in the memory unit to the requester. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, management of the pump device during initial operation can be carried out simply and efficiently. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram illustrating a pump device management system including a communication terminal and a management server according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the management server of FIG. 1; [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a product registration table used in the management server of FIG. 1; [Figure 4]FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a shipping data table used in the management server of FIG. 1; [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a management data table used in the management server of FIG. 1; [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the communication terminal of FIG. 1; [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a pump device managed by the management server of FIG. 1; [Figure 8] 2 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of the operation of the communication terminal and the management server when the pump device of FIG. 1 is installed. [Figure 9] 1. FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram illustrating another example of the operation of the communication terminal and the management server when the pump device of FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of an operation performed when replacing a control panel of a pump device in a pump device management system including a management server according to a second embodiment. [Figure 11] 11 is a schematic diagram for explaining updating of the integrated operating data in the operation of FIG. 10. [Figure 12] FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram illustrating another operation when the control panel of FIG. 10 is replaced. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. Hereinafter, elements that are identical or similar to elements already described will be designated by the same or similar reference numerals, and duplicate descriptions will generally be omitted. For example, when there are multiple identical or similar elements, a common reference numeral may be used to describe each element without distinguishing between them, or a subnumber and / or lowercase alphabetic character may be used in addition to the common reference numeral to describe each element distinctly.

[0011] The pump device may be used for any pump device equipped with a control panel, including a water supply device that supplies water to buildings, a fire pump, a submersible drainage pump, a submersible freshwater pump, etc.

[0012] First, an overview of each embodiment will be described, and then each embodiment will be described in detail.

[0013] The first embodiment aims to simplify and improve the efficiency of management when a pump device is installed on site.

[0014] During installation, the pump equipment is operated for the first time after installation on site (initial operation). For example, the pump equipment is installed in a pump room, etc., and the pump is operated for the first time.

[0015] When the pump device is first powered on at the site, it first attempts long-distance wireless communication. If the long-distance wireless communication fails, such as if the long-distance wireless communication is not connected, the pump device displays an error. Note that instead of long-distance wireless communication after powering on, an application program on the communication terminal may be used to photograph a QR code (registered trademark) and establish a short-distance wireless communication connection (pairing) between the pump device and the communication terminal.

[0016] The operating data from the first operation is stored as initial values on-site in the memory of the control panel or in the management server (via a communication terminal or by long-distance wireless communication) in association with the serial number of the pump device.

[0017] The data acquired during the first operation includes operating data (frequency, current, voltage, pressure, flow rate, vibration values, and water tank settings at a certain operating point), parameters (which are often changed from factory settings to site-specific settings, and the changed or all parameters are acquired), and location information (apartment name, address, contact information, etc.). Maintenance information (stored as the installation date) is stored in the control panel memory based on the time on the pump device's clock, and is also stored in the management server.

[0018] Here, if the management server also stores a person-in-charge ID that identifies the maintenance person or sales person who installed the equipment, the person in charge can be clearly identified.

[0019] The communication terminal or management server compares the acquired initial operation data with the shipping operation data acquired during the shipping inspection. If the comparison results in a difference greater than a predetermined difference amount (threshold), the communication terminal or management server notifies the pump device. A message is displayed on the display device of the pump device or the screen of the communication terminal, or on the screen of a display device connected to the management server, indicating that the installed pump may not have been installed properly.

[0020] Furthermore, the communication terminal may send a report creation request to the management server based on the acquired initial operation data. Alternatively, the report creation request may be omitted, and the management server may directly process the initial operation data into a report format and save or send it by email. Furthermore, if the pump device is equipped with long-distance wireless communication, the management server may determine that long-distance wireless communication with the pump device is not possible and suspend the line if long-distance wireless communication with the pump device is not being established even when a report creation request is received from the communication terminal. In this case, unnecessary payment of communication fees can be avoided. An example of when long-distance wireless communication with the pump device is not possible is when the pump device is located in an underground pump room with poor radio wave conditions.

[0021] After the initial operation data is registered, the input location information may be assigned to map information, thereby making it possible to visually confirm the location of the pump device.

[0022] The above is an overview of the first embodiment. Next, an overview of the second embodiment will be described.

[0023] The second embodiment aims to simplify and improve the efficiency of management when replacing parts of a pump device (when replacing a control panel).

[0024] When a pump breaks down, it may be repaired by replacing parts, but if the control panel is replaced, product registration is required. Here, when a pump is produced, the serial number of the control panel and the serial number of the pump are associated and stored in the management server (on-premise server) as product registration.

[0025] When a control panel is replaced, the serial number of the pump unit may not be known at the time of ordering, so product registration must be performed on-site.

[0026] After the replacement work, the first operation will be performed, so the same work will be performed as for the first operation at the time of installation.

[0027] At this time, the product is registered (updated) by sending the serial number of the control panel and the serial number of the pump device to the management server using a communication terminal.

[0028] Furthermore, before the first operation after a part replacement, it is necessary to set the latest parameters. For example, if parameters have been changed from the data at the time of shipment to site-specific setting values, the setting parameters of the control panel before replacement may be unknown. For example, because breakdowns occur only once every few years, there is no guarantee that memos with handwritten settings will remain, and the memos may have been lost. For this reason, it is necessary to set the latest parameters (site-specific setting values) in the replaced control panel before the first operation.

[0029] If product registration (update) is carried out successfully, the latest parameters since installation can be called up and written to the memory of the control panel.

[0030] It is also preferable to recalculate the accumulated operating data when parts are replaced. For example, when a control panel is replaced, the accumulated operating data (accumulated operating time, accumulated number of operations) that has been counted is usually reset. However, for parts outside the control panel, which are not replaced, resetting the accumulated operating data is not preferable. For example, the accumulated operating data for an inverter is correct to zero when the control panel is replaced. However, the accumulated operating data for a motor cannot be reset because the motor has not been replaced. Therefore, by writing the accumulated operating data in the management server as the accumulated operating data for parts that have not been replaced, the accumulated operating data for parts that have not been replaced can be maintained.

[0031] The above is an overview of the second embodiment. Next, each embodiment will be described in detail.

[0032] (First embodiment) 1 is a block diagram illustrating a pump device management system including a communication terminal and a management server according to the first embodiment. This pump device management system 100 includes a management server 1 as an in-house server, a management server 2 as a cloud server, communication terminals 3-1, 3-2, and so on that can communicate with the management server, and pump devices 5-1, 5-2, 5-3, 5-4, and so on that are to be managed.

[0033] 1 is merely an example. For example, the management server 1 may be configured as a plurality of redundant servers, and the number of communication terminals 3 and pump devices 5 is arbitrary, so the number of communication terminals 3 may be more or less than two, and the number of pump devices 5 may be more or less than four.

[0034] The management server 1 is, for example, an on-premise server operated by a company that produces, sells and / or maintains the pump device 5. The management server 1 can centrally manage and utilize pump data in cooperation with the management server 2. For example, the management server 1 may request the management server 2 to register the serial number of a newly manufactured pump device 5.

[0035] The management server 2 is, for example, a cloud server that collects pump data from each pump device 5 or each communication terminal 3 and aggregates and stores the pump data. For example, the management server 2 may store pump data related to the pump device 5 by linking the pump data to a serial number corresponding to the individual identification number of the pump device 5. The management server 2 may also utilize the stored pump data. Furthermore, the management server 2 may transmit pump data or other data (e.g., manual data, software, firmware) to the communication terminal 3 in response to a request from the communication terminal 3 or on its own initiative. Note that using a cloud server and an on-premise server together is optional, and the management server 1 and the management server 2 may be integrated into either one of them. In this specification, for ease of understanding, an example will be described in which the pump device 5 is managed by the management server 2 integrated with the management server 1.

[0036] The management server 2 is an information processing device that manages the pump devices 5 that supply water to the building, and is capable of communicating with at least one of the pump devices 5 and the communication terminal 3. As illustrated in Fig. 2, the management server 2 includes a short-range wireless communication device 21, a long-range wireless communication device 22, an interface 23, a memory 25, and a processor 26. As will be described later, the processor 26 is capable of realizing functions such as a communication connection unit 261, a receiving unit 262, a comparing unit 263, a memory access unit 264, a transmitting unit 265, and a creating unit 266.

[0037] Here, the short-range wireless communication device 21 is an arbitrary communication interface that is controlled by the processor 26 and is capable of communicating with an external device such as the communication terminal 3 using, for example, a short-range wireless communication technology. Specifically, the short-range wireless communication device 21 is connectable to an external device such as the communication terminal 3 or the pump device 5 using, for example, a (short-range) wireless communication technology such as Bluetooth (registered trademark), Wi-Fi (registered trademark), or NFC (Near Field Communication). In addition to the short-range wireless communication device 21, a wired communication technology such as USB (Universal Serial Bus) may also be used.

[0038] The long-distance wireless communication device 22 is controlled by the processor 26 and is any communication interface capable of communicating with an external device such as the communication terminal 3 using, for example, a long-distance wireless communication technology. Specifically, the long-distance wireless communication device 22 is connectable to an external device such as the communication terminal 3 or the pump device 5 via a network using, for example, a wireless communication technology such as mobile communication (3G, 4G, 5G), Wimax, or Sigfox (registered trademark).

[0039] The interface 23 is a communication interface for communicating with other devices (other management servers 1, 2, etc.) not shown via a network, typically the Internet.

[0040] The memory 25 stores programs executed by the processor 26 to perform various processes, such as firmware, an operating system (OS), and a pump management program, as well as data used by the processor 26, such as code, pump data, and tables. The memory 25 may include a random access memory (RAM) having a work area in which such programs and data are loaded. Tables stored in the memory may include, for example, a product registration table T1, a shipping data table T2, and a management data table T3, as shown in FIGS. 3 to 5. The names of the tables may be changed as appropriate. The tables may also be combined as appropriate. Alternatively, the tables may be divided as appropriate, provided that they are associated with the serial number (identification data) of the pump device 5 and the serial number (identification data) of the control panel. The tables may also record other data as appropriate, provided that they are associated with the serial number (identification data) of the pump device 5 and the serial number (identification data) of the control panel. As other data of this kind, for example, a revision number indicating the version information of a program, owner information indicating the owner of the target equipment, etc. can be used as appropriate.

[0041] Here, the product registration table T1 is written when the pump device 5 is produced, and the serial number of the pump device 5 and the serial number of its control panel are recorded in association with each other, as illustrated in Fig. 3. The serial number of the pump device 5 is an example of identification data for identifying the pump device 5. The serial number of the control panel is an example of identification data for identifying the control panel.

[0042] The identification data may include, for example, model information corresponding to the product name of the target equipment (e.g., pump device 5 or control panel) and / or a product number encoding the model information, and a serial number corresponding to the individual identification number of the target equipment. This information makes it possible to identify which individual product the target equipment is. The product number and serial number do not necessarily have to be separate information elements; a single number can be used to identify both the product and the individual. The identification data may be written, for example, to a non-volatile storage medium in the electrical equipment of the target equipment, such as a read-only memory (ROM) built into a microcontroller. The identification data of the pump device 5 may also be used as a two-dimensional code, typically represented by a QR code (registered trademark), and a nameplate displaying the two-dimensional code may be attached to the pump device 5 in a position where it can be photographed. In addition to the two-dimensional code, the nameplate may also include text information indicating, for example, the product series name (nickname), model number, pipe diameter between the suction pipe and discharge pipe, motor rated output (kW), manufacturing date, and other information (pump specifications: braking head, suction head, stop flow rate, pumping volume, total head, etc.) The two-dimensional code is not limited to the above-mentioned coded identification data, but may also include coded information of this text information.

[0043] The shipping data table T2 is written at the time of shipping inspection of the pump device 5, and as illustrated in Figure 4, the serial number of the pump device 5, the serial number of its control panel, parameters, operating data at the time of shipping inspection, model data, and the date and time of shipping inspection are recorded in association with each other.

[0044] The serial number of the pump device 5 and the serial number of the control panel thereof are as described in relation to the product registration table T1.

[0045] The parameters may include set values related to the control of the pump device 5, such as the set pressure of the pump device 5. Here, the parameters in the shipping data table T2 may be called "shipping parameters," and the set values of the parameters may be called shipping values.

[0046] The operating data is data indicating the frequency, current, voltage, pressure, flow rate, vibration value, and water tank settings at a certain operating point. Here, the operating data in the shipping data table T2 is data indicating the frequency, current, voltage, pressure, flow rate, vibration value, and water tank settings at the operating point at the time of shipping inspection, and is an example of shipping operating data. Additionally, the operating data of the pump device 5 may be, for example, the latest status of the pump device 5 at one or more logged points in time. Specifically, the operating data may include, for example, voltage / current values at each point in time acquired from the inverter of the pump device 5, sensing signals at each point in time acquired from the pressure sensor or pressure values calculated based thereon, sensing signals at each point in time acquired from the flow sensor or flow rate values calculated based thereon, rotational frequency values of the motor at each point in time, and accumulated operating data at each point in time (at least one of accumulated operating time and accumulated number of operations).

[0047] The model data is data that identifies the type of product, such as the pump device 5 and each of its parts, and is data that includes, for example, the model number and part number. Here, the model number is the product's unique name, and the part number is the product number. In other words, the model data makes it possible to identify the type of product. In addition, with regard to pump devices 5, the model data is data that can identify a group of pump devices 5 of the same type. With regard to parts of pump devices 5, the model data is data that can identify a group of parts of pump devices 5 of the same type. In contrast, the identification data of the pump device 5 described above is data that can identify each pump device 5 individually.

[0048] The date and time is data indicating the date and time of the shipping inspection, and may be data indicating the date of the shipping inspection. Additionally, the time of the shipping inspection among the date and time of the shipping inspection may be any time between the start time and the end time of the shipping inspection, and may be the time when data is written during the shipping inspection, for example. Alternatively, the time of the shipping inspection among the date and time of the shipping inspection may be omitted, or may be summarized as AM / PM. The shipping data table T2 and the memory 25 are examples of a storage unit that stores shipping operation data of the pump device 5 in association with the identification data of the pump device 5.

[0049] The management data table T3 is written when the pump device 5 is installed, inspected, or subjected to maintenance such as part replacement, and records the serial number of the pump device 5, the serial number of its control panel, parameters, operation data at the time of maintenance, model data, maintenance information, location information, person in charge ID (Identification Data), and accumulated operation data in association with each other, as illustrated in Fig. 5. Note that the accumulated operation data in the management data table T3 is an illustration of the accumulated operation data included in the operation data, from the viewpoint of easy understanding, and includes at least one of the accumulated operation time and the accumulated number of operations, as described above.

[0050] Here, the serial number of the pump device 5 and the serial number of the control panel thereof are as described in relation to the product registration table T1.

[0051] The parameters may include setting values related to the control of the pump device 5, such as the set pressure of the pump device 5. Here, the parameters in the management data table T3 may be called "installation parameters" or the like, and the setting values of the parameters may be called installation values.

[0052] The operating data is as described above with respect to the shipping data table T2. The operating data in the management data table T3 is data indicating the frequency, current, voltage, pressure, flow rate, vibration value, and water tank settings at operating points during maintenance such as when the pump device 5 is installed, inspected, or when parts are replaced. The operating data at the time of installation and when parts are replaced (immediately after replacement) is an example of initial operating data. "Initial operating data" may also be read as "initial operating data," "trial operation data," "operating data at installation," or "operating data immediately after replacement," etc.

[0053] The model data is as described above with respect to the shipping data table T2.

[0054] The maintenance information includes the installation date, inspection date, and part replacement date of the target equipment, such as the pump device 5 or the control panel. Specifically, the maintenance information may represent the maintenance / failure history of the target equipment, such as when and what kind of maintenance / failure the target equipment underwent, and how often the maintenance / failure occurred. The maintenance information may also include, for example, the next recommended inspection timing of the pump device 5, the next recommended replacement timing of a part / whole unit, etc. Here, these timings may be calculated, for example, by the control panel of the pump device 5 and written to memory. The control panel may calculate the next recommended inspection timing and / or the next recommended replacement timing of a part / whole unit by adding a predetermined period, for example, 10 years, to the most recent inspection timing and / or the most recent replacement timing of a part / whole unit, or may predict these timings based on the operating data and / or failure information of the pump device 5. The maintenance information may also include maintenance history information, such as the timing of part / whole unit replacement.

[0055] The location information may represent the installation location of the target equipment, such as the pump device 5 or a control panel. For example, the location information may be address data including a lot number or a residential address. Examples of location information that can be used include, for example, the name of an apartment building or an address. The location information may also include contact information, such as latitude and longitude data obtained by a global positioning system (GPS). The contact information may include, for example, a uniform resource locator (URL) indicating the location of a web page for viewing operation data of the pump device 5 or other data related to the pump device 5, contact information for personnel to repair, inspect, or replace the pump device 5, such as the telephone number of the nearest sales office to the site where the pump device 5 is installed, and the like. Here, the contact information may be, for example, a telephone number, an email address, a fax number, or the like. Different contact information may be provided for when the pump device 5 is malfunctioning and when it is not malfunctioning, and different contact information may also be provided for different causes of malfunction.

[0056] As the person in charge ID, at least one of an identification code for identifying the person who installed, inspected or replaced parts of the target equipment and an identification code for identifying the sales person of the target equipment can be used as appropriate.

[0057] The processor 26 is typically a central processing unit (CPU), but may also be a microcomputer, a graphics processing unit (GPU), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a digital signal processor (DSP), or any other general-purpose or dedicated processor. The processor 26 executes processes for managing the pump device 5. By executing programs stored in the memory 25, the processor 26 can function as the communication connection unit 261, the receiving unit 262, the comparing unit 263, the memory access unit 264, the transmitting unit 265, and the creating unit 266 shown in FIG. 2 .

[0058] The communication connection unit 261 establishes a long-distance wireless communication connection with the pump device 5 or the communication terminal 3 via the long-distance wireless communication device 22. The communication connection unit 261 also establishes a short-distance wireless communication connection with the pump device 5 or the communication terminal 3 via the short-distance wireless communication device 21. However, because the pump device 5 is generally installed far away from the management server 2, the communication connection unit 261 is more likely to establish long-distance wireless communication than short-distance wireless communication. The communication connection unit 261 may also receive some data for establishing a connection with the pump device 5 or the communication terminal 3, such as a request sent from the pump device 5 when the pump device 5 is powered on, or a request sent from the communication terminal 3 when the serial number is obtained by photographing a two-dimensional code.

[0059] When the communication connection unit 261 establishes long-distance wireless communication, the receiving unit 262 performs long-distance wireless communication with the pump device 5 or the communication terminal 3 via the long-distance wireless communication device 22, and receives data from the pump device 5 or the communication terminal 3. For example, the receiving unit 262 may receive initial operation data of the pump device 5 and identification data of the pump device 5 from the pump device 5. Alternatively, for example, the receiving unit 262 may receive position information and identification data of the pump device 5 from the communication terminal 3. Furthermore, when the communication connection unit 261 establishes short-distance wireless communication, the receiving unit 262 performs short-distance wireless communication with the pump device 5 or the communication terminal 3 via the short-distance wireless communication device 21, and receives data from the pump device 5 or the communication terminal 3. The receiving unit 262 is an example of a first receiving unit and a second receiving unit.

[0060] The comparison unit 263 compares the two data and determines whether the difference between them is equal to or less than a threshold. For example, the comparison unit 263 may compare the shipping operation data and the initial operation data in the memory 25 based on the identification data received by the reception unit 262. Furthermore, the comparison unit 263 may determine, through this comparison, whether the difference between the shipping operation data and the initial operation data is equal to or less than a threshold.

[0061] The memory access unit 264 accesses the memory 25 and performs processing such as writing, reading, or searching the memory 25. For example, if the comparison by the comparison unit 263 indicates that the difference between the shipping operation data and the initial operation data is equal to or less than a threshold, the memory access unit 264 writes the initial operation data to the memory 25 in association with the received identification data. Specifically, for example, the memory access unit 264 may write the operation data at the time of the initial operation in association with the received serial number of the pump apparatus 5 to the management data table T3 in the memory 25. Furthermore, the memory access unit 264 may write location information to the memory 25 in association with the identification data and the initial operation data in the memory 25 based on the identification data received from the communication terminal 3. Specifically, for example, the memory access unit 264 may write location information to the management data table T3 in association with the serial number and the operation data at the time of the initial operation in the management data table T3 in the memory 25 based on the received serial number of the pump apparatus 5. In this case, the memory 25 and the management data table T3 are examples of a storage unit. The memory access unit 264 is an example of a writing unit.

[0062] When the communication connection unit 261 establishes long-distance wireless communication, the transmitter 265 performs long-distance wireless communication with the pump device 5 or the communication terminal 3 via the long-distance wireless communication device 22, and transmits data to the pump device 5 or the communication terminal 3. For example, when the difference exceeds a threshold as a result of the comparison by the comparator 263, the transmitter 265 may transmit an error notification of the initial operation data to the pump device 5 via the long-distance wireless communication device 22. Furthermore, when the communication connection unit 261 establishes short-distance wireless communication, the transmitter 265 performs short-distance wireless communication with the pump device 5 or the communication terminal 3 via the short-distance wireless communication device 21, and transmits data to the pump device 5 or the communication terminal 3.

[0063] The creation unit 266 creates a report based on a report creation request received from the pump device 5 or the communication terminal 3, and stores the report in the memory 25. The creation unit 266 may also email the saved report to another device. Similarly, the creation unit 266 creates (updates) map information by assigning an icon representing the pump device 5 to the map information in accordance with the location information of the pump device 5 received from the pump device 5 or the communication terminal 3. The updated map information may be stored in the memory 25. Alternatively, the creation unit 266 may send a map creation request including the location information of the pump device 5 received from the pump device 5 or the communication terminal 3 to another device (e.g., a map information management server). The term "map creation request" may be changed as appropriate, such as a "map update request," a "location assignment request," a "mapping request," or a "mapping request."

[0064] On the other hand, the communication terminal 3 is an information processing device capable of communicating with the pump device 5 and the management server 2 that manages the pump device 5. The communication terminal 3 may be, for example, a PC, a mobile terminal (for example, a tablet, a smartphone, a laptop, a feature phone, etc.), etc., but is not limited to these.

[0065] 6, the communication terminal 3 includes a short-range wireless communication device 31, a long-range wireless communication device 32, an input device 33, a display device 34, a memory 35, and a processor 36. The processor 36 is capable of realizing functions such as a communication connection unit 361, a receiving unit 362, a comparing unit 363, and a transmitting unit 364, as will be described later.

[0066] Here, the short-range wireless communication device 31 is an arbitrary communication interface that is controlled by the processor 36 and is capable of communicating with an external device such as the pump device 5 using, for example, a short-range wireless communication technology. Specifically, the short-range wireless communication device 31 is connectable to an external device such as the management server 2 or the pump device 5 using, for example, a (short-range) wireless communication technology such as Bluetooth (registered trademark), Wi-Fi (registered trademark), or NFC. In addition to the short-range wireless communication device 31, a wired communication technology such as USB may also be used. The short-range wireless communication device 31 is an example of a short-range wireless communication unit that performs short-range wireless communication with the pump device.

[0067] The long-distance wireless communication device 32 is an arbitrary communication interface controlled by the processor 36 and capable of communicating with an external device such as the management server 2 using, for example, a long-distance wireless communication technology. Specifically, the long-distance wireless communication device 32 is capable of connecting to external devices such as the management server 2 and the pump device 5 via a network using, for example, a wireless communication technology such as mobile communication (3G, 4G, 5G), Wimax, or Sigfox (registered trademark). The long-distance wireless communication device 32 may also be called a long-distance wireless communication unit.

[0068] The input device 33 is an input I / F for accepting user input and may be built into the communication terminal 3 or may be externally attached to the communication terminal 3. The input device 33 may be, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, a numeric keypad, a microphone, a camera, or the like, or may have output I / F functionality such as a touchscreen. User input may typically be a tap, a click, a drag, or the press of a specific key. User input may also include, for example, a voice captured by a microphone. The user input may also include, for example, an image of a QR code (registered trademark) of the pump device 5 captured by a camera. The user input may also include location information of the pump device 5 in response to an operation by an operator. The input device 33 is an example of an input unit that inputs location information of the pump device 5 in response to an operation by a user, i.e., an operator. The operator may also be referred to as a worker.

[0069] The display device 34 is an example of an output I / F for outputting images and / or audio in response to processing by the processor 36, and may include a display device for displaying moving images, still images, text, etc. The display device 34 may also include a speaker for outputting audio, music, etc. The term "display device" may be read as "output device." Examples of the display device include a liquid crystal display, an organic electroluminescence (EL) display, and a CRT (cathode ray tube) display. The display device displays display data including content. The display device may also have input I / F functionality, such as a touch screen.

[0070] The memory 35 stores programs executed by the processor 36 to perform various processes, such as firmware, an OS, and a pump communication program, as well as data used by the processor 36, such as code, pump data, and tables. The memory 35 may include a RAM having a work area in which such programs and data are developed. Tables stored in the memory 35 include, for example, the shipping data table T2 and management data table T3, which are obtained from the management server 2 and are similar to those described above, and can be used as appropriate.

[0071] The processor 36 is typically a CPU, but may also be a microcomputer, a GPU, an FPGA, a DSP, or any other general-purpose or dedicated processor. The processor 36 is located between the management server 2 and the pump device 5 and executes processing for managing the pump device 5. The processor 36 executes programs stored in the memory 35, thereby functioning as the communication connection unit 361, the receiving unit 362, the comparing unit 363, and the transmitting unit 364 shown in FIG. 6 .

[0072] The communication connection unit 361 establishes a long-distance wireless communication connection with the pump device 5 or the management server 2 via the long-distance wireless communication device 32. The communication connection unit 361 also establishes a short-distance wireless communication connection with the pump device 5 or the management server 2 via the short-distance wireless communication device 31. However, since the communication connection unit 361 is generally used near the pump device 5 in a location far from the management server 2, it often establishes short-distance wireless communication with the pump device 5 and long-distance wireless communication with the management server 2. The communication connection unit 361 may also receive some data for establishing a connection with the pump device 5 or the management server 2, such as a request to the pump device 5 when acquiring a serial number by photographing a two-dimensional code on the pump device 5, or a request to the management server 2 in response to an operation by an operator. Alternatively, the communication connection unit 361 may receive some data for establishing a connection between the communication terminal 3 and the pump device 5, such as a request from the pump device 5 as an advertiser when the pump device 5 and the communication terminal 3 are connected via Bluetooth as a scanner and an advertiser, respectively.

[0073] When the communication connection unit 361 establishes short-distance wireless communication, the receiving unit 362 performs short-distance wireless communication with the pump device 5 or the management server 2 via the short-distance wireless communication device 31, and receives data from the pump device 5 or the management server 2. For example, the receiving unit 362 may receive shipping operation data of the pump device 5 and initial operation data of the pump device 5 from the pump device 5. Furthermore, when the communication connection unit 361 establishes long-distance wireless communication, the receiving unit 362 performs long-distance wireless communication with the pump device 5 or the management server 2 via the long-distance wireless communication device 32, and receives data from the pump device 5 or the management server 2.

[0074] The comparison unit 363 compares the two data and determines whether the difference between them is equal to or less than a threshold. For example, the comparison unit 363 may compare the shipping operation data and the initial operation data received by the reception unit 362. Furthermore, the comparison unit 363 may determine, through this comparison, whether the difference between the shipping operation data and the initial operation data is equal to or less than a threshold.

[0075] When the communication connection unit 361 establishes short-range wireless communication, the transmission unit 364 performs short-range wireless communication with the pump device 5 or the management server 2 via the short-range wireless communication device 31, and transmits data to the pump device 5 or the management server 2. For example, when the difference exceeds a threshold as a result of the comparison by the comparison unit 363, the transmission unit 364 may transmit an error notification of the initial operation data to the pump device 5 via the short-range wireless communication device 31. Furthermore, when the communication connection unit 361 establishes long-range wireless communication, the transmission unit 364 performs long-range wireless communication with the pump device 5 or the management server 2 via the long-range wireless communication device 32, and transmits data to the pump device 5 or the management server 2. The transmission unit 364 is an example of a first transmission unit and a second transmission unit.

[0076] On the other hand, the pump device 5 may be, for example, a device that supplies water to a building, and one example of such a device may be a so-called direct-connected pressure-boosting water supply device that is directly connected to a water main pipe, directly boosts the pressure of the water flowing through the water main pipe, and supplies the water to a supply destination such as a faucet or shower head installed in the building.

[0077] This pump device 5 includes a control panel 50, a pump unit 60, and suction and discharge piping (not shown). The pump device 5 uses the pump unit 60 to take in water on the primary side via the suction piping and supply water to the secondary side via the discharge piping. The suction piping connects, for example, a water distribution pipe branched off from a water main pipe to the pump unit 60. The discharge piping connects the pump unit 60 to the water supply destination on the secondary side.

[0078] The pump device 5 may include multiple pump units 60. In this case, the pump device 5 can perform alternating operation in which multiple pump units 60 are driven alternately, or parallel operation in which multiple pump units 60 are driven simultaneously. In the example of FIG. 7, the pump unit 60 is a water supply pump, but this is not limited to this and may be replaced with any type of pump. In other words, the application is not limited to a fire pump, a submersible drainage pump, a submersible freshwater pump, or any other pump device equipped with a control panel.

[0079] The control panel 50 is electrically connected to (the motor of) the pump unit 60 and controls the pump unit 60. Specifically, the control panel 50 controls the driving of the motor of the pump unit 60 via an inverter 54 based on sensing signals from various sensors.

[0080] For example, the control panel 50 can perform, for example, estimated terminal pressure constant control or target pressure constant control during pump operation based on sensing signals from pressure sensors that are attached to the suction piping and discharge piping of the pump device 5 and can detect the suction pressure and discharge pressure of the pump. Furthermore, the control panel 50 can control the motor to drive at a desired rotation speed during pump operation, and increase or decrease the rotation speed of the motor as necessary.

[0081] Furthermore, the control panel 50 can stop the pump when it detects that the flow rate is low, based on a sensing signal from a flow sensor that is attached to the piping on the secondary side of the pump included in the pump unit 60 and is capable of detecting the flow rate of water flowing through the piping. Then, when the control panel 50 detects that the pressure on the secondary side of the pump has dropped below a predetermined starting pressure, based on a sensing signal from the pressure sensor, it restarts the pump.

[0082] Furthermore, the control panel 50 outputs pump data in addition to controlling the pump unit 60. As will be described in detail later, the control panel 50 acquires pump data from the pump unit 60, encodes it, and outputs it, thereby enabling the pump data to be acquired by a communication terminal 3 such as a smartphone carried by a worker, without requiring communication via Bluetooth (registered trademark), NFC, Wi-Fi, cable connection, or the like.

[0083] 7 , the control panel 50 includes a short-range wireless communication device 51, a long-range wireless communication device 52, an input device 53, an inverter 54, an interface 55, a display device 56, a memory 57, and a processor 58. The interface 55 of the control panel 50 is connected to the pump unit 60. The input device 53 and / or the display device 56 may be separate from the control panel 50, or may be incorporated into the control panel 50.

[0084] The short-range wireless communication device 51 is an arbitrary communication interface that is controlled by the processor 58 and is capable of communicating with an external device such as the communication terminal 3 or the management server 2 using, for example, a short-range wireless communication technology. Specifically, the short-range wireless communication device 51 is connectable to an external device using, for example, a (short-range) wireless communication technology such as Bluetooth (registered trademark), Wi-Fi (registered trademark), or NFC. In addition to the short-range wireless communication device 51, a wired communication technology such as USB may also be used. The short-range wireless communication device 51 may also be called a short-range wireless communication unit.

[0085] The long-distance wireless communication device 52 is an arbitrary communication interface controlled by the processor 58 and capable of communicating with an external device such as the communication terminal 3 or the management server 2 using, for example, a long-distance wireless communication technology. Specifically, the long-distance wireless communication device 52 is capable of connecting to an external device via a network using, for example, a wireless communication technology such as mobile communication (3G, 4G, 5G), Wimax, or Sigfox (registered trademark). The long-distance wireless communication device 52 may also be called a long-distance wireless communication unit.

[0086] The input device 53 may include, for example, devices that accept user input, such as an operation panel, a touch panel, a keyboard, or a mouse, and sensors, such as a pressure sensor, a microphone, or a camera.

[0087] The inverter 54 receives an inverter control signal from the processor 58. The inverter 54 operates in response to this inverter control signal. For example, the inverter 54 can stop or start operation in response to the inverter control signal, which corresponds to an operation stop signal or an operation start signal. The inverter 54 can also control the rotation speed of the motor it is responsible for in response to the inverter control signal, which corresponds to a rotation speed control signal.

[0088] The display device 56 may typically include a display device such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display, but may also include a speaker, an LED (Light Emitting Diode) lighting unit, etc. instead of or in addition to a display device.

[0089] The memory 57 stores programs executed by the processor 58 to perform various processes, such as firmware, an OS, and a pump control program, as well as data used by the processor 58, such as code, pump data, and tables. The memory 57 may include a RAM having a work area in which such programs and data are developed. Tables stored in the memory 57 include, for example, the shipping data table T2 and management data table T3 described above, which can be used as appropriate.

[0090] Processor 58 is typically a microcomputer, but may also be a CPU, GPU, FPGA, DSP, or other general-purpose or dedicated processor, etc. Processor 58 performs, for example, input / output control, pump control, user authentication, pump data extraction, pump data encoding, etc.

[0091] The processor 58 executes a program stored in the memory 57, thereby functioning as the communication connection unit 581, the control unit 582, the measurement unit 583, the setting unit 584, etc. shown in FIG.

[0092] The communication connection unit 581 establishes a long-distance wireless communication connection with the communication terminal 3 or the management server 2 via the long-distance wireless communication device 52. The communication connection unit 581 also establishes a short-distance wireless communication connection with the communication terminal 3 or the management server 2 via the short-distance wireless communication device 51. However, because the pump device 5 is generally installed far away from the management server 2, the communication connection unit 581 often establishes short-distance wireless communication with the communication terminal 3 and long-distance wireless communication with the management server 2. The communication connection unit 581 may also receive some data for establishing a connection with the communication terminal 3 or the management server 2, such as a request using a serial number acquired by photographing a two-dimensional code from the communication terminal 3, or may send a request to the management server 2 when the pump device 5 is powered on. Alternatively, the communication connection unit 361 may also receive some data for establishing a connection between the communication terminal 3 and the pump device 5, such as a request from the communication terminal 3 as a scanner when the pump device 5 and the communication terminal 3 are connected via Bluetooth as a scanner and an advertiser, respectively.

[0093] The control unit 582 continuously reads pump data from the memory 57, such as sensing signals (or pressure values and / or flow rates based thereon) acquired from the pressure sensor and / or flow rate sensor, and / or rotational frequency values. The control unit 582 generates an inverter control signal based on the latest sensing signal, etc., in accordance with a control policy determined by the pump control program stored in the memory 57, and sends the signal to the inverter 54. The control unit 582 may calculate the next recommended timing for inspection of the pump and / or the next recommended timing for replacement of a part or the entire pump by adding a predetermined period, for example, 10 years, to the most recent timing for inspection of the pump / the most recent timing for replacement of a part. Alternatively, the control unit 582 may predict these timings based on the pump's operating data and / or maintenance information. The control unit 582 may also calculate the cumulative operating time and / or the cumulative number of operations based on the actual operating status of the pump device 5, and write the calculated value to the memory 57. The control unit 582 may also determine the operating status of the pump device 5 (e.g., normal, power supply interruption, failure, etc.).

[0094] The measurement unit 583 measures the operation data of the pump device 5 based on sensing signals from the various sensors, and stores the operation data in the memory 57 in association with the identification data of the pump device 5.

[0095] The setting unit 584 receives a command for setting a parameter from the communication terminal 3 or the management server 2 via the short-range wireless communication device 51 or the long-range wireless communication device 52, and sets the parameter in accordance with the command. For example, the setting unit 584 rewrites parameters stored in the memory 57, writes new parameters, or deletes stored parameters. However, the setting unit 584 is not limited to this, and may receive a command for setting a parameter from the input device 53 and set the parameter in accordance with the command.

[0096] Hereinafter, with reference to Figures 8 and 9, an example of operation when installing the pump device 5 of Figure 7 using the management server 2 of Figure 2 and the communication terminal 3 of Figure 6 will be described. First, as a first example of operation, a case where short-range wireless communication is used will be described with reference to Figure 8. Next, as a second example of operation, a case where long-range wireless communication is used will be described with reference to Figure 9.

[0097] [First operation example: Figure 8] First, the shipped pump device 5 is installed in a pump room or the like on-site by an operator (step S1). Then, the operator turns on the power to the pump device 5 (step S2), and the pump device 5 performs an initial operation.

[0098] The communication terminal 3 carried by the operator photographs the two-dimensional code drawn on the nameplate of the pump device 5 (step S3), and after inputting a command to read the two-dimensional code, acquires the serial number of the pump device 5 from the two-dimensional code (step S4). If the serial number cannot be acquired, the serial number of the pump device 5 may be manually entered.

[0099] After step S4, the processor 36 of the communication terminal 3 transmits the serial number of the pump device and a request to obtain the serial number of the control panel 50 associated with the serial number of the pump device to the management server 2 via the long-distance wireless communication device 32 (step S5).

[0100] When processor 26 of management server 2 receives the serial number of the pump device and the request via long-distance wireless communication device 22, it reads the serial number of control panel 50 associated with the serial number of the pump device from product registration table T1 in memory 25. Thereafter, management server 2 transmits the serial number of control panel 50 to communication terminal 3 (step S6).

[0101] The processor of the communication terminal 3 uses the serial number of the control panel 50 to establish a short-range wireless communication connection with the pump device 5 (step S7). Note that the operations of steps S5 to S7 are automatically executed in response to the acquisition of the serial number of the pump device 5 in step S4.

[0102] After step S7, the processor 58 of the pump device 5 transmits data including the shipping operation data in the memory 57, the initial operation data measured after power-on, the parameters in the memory 57, and the time to the communication terminal 3 via the short-range wireless communication device 51 (step S8).

[0103] When the processor 36 of the communication terminal 3 receives the data, it compares the received shipping operation data with the initial operation data and determines whether the difference between the shipping operation data and the initial operation data is large (step S9). Specifically, it determines whether the difference is equal to or smaller than a threshold value.

[0104] If the result of the comparison indicates that the difference exceeds the threshold (if the difference is large) (step S9: Yes), the processor 36 of the communication terminal 3 sends an error notification of the initial operating data to the pump device 5 via the short-range wireless communication device 31 (step S10).

[0105] When the processor 58 of the pump device 5 receives an error notification via the short-range wireless communication device 51 (step S11: Yes), it outputs an error (step S12). Specifically, for example, an error message is displayed on the display device 56. This prompts the worker to redo the installation of the pump device 5. This causes the operations from step S1 to be executed again. Note that if no error notification is received (step S11: No), the installation work of the pump device 5 is completed normally.

[0106] On the other hand, if the difference is equal to or less than the threshold value in step S9 (step S9: No), the input device 33 of the communication terminal 3 inputs the person in charge ID of the pump device 5 and the location information of the pump device 5 in response to an operation by the operator. As a result, the person in charge ID and the location information are written to the memory 35. The processor 36 of the communication terminal 3 also reads the serial number of the pump device 5, initial operation data, parameters, time, location information, person in charge ID, etc. from the memory 35 as data to be used in report creation. Thereafter, the processor 36 of the communication terminal 3 transmits the data to be used in report creation and a report creation request to the management server 2 via the long-distance wireless communication device 32 (step S13).

[0107] When the processor 26 of the management server 2 receives the data and the report creation request via the long-distance wireless communication device 22, it registers the data in the memory 25 (step S14).

[0108] After step S14, the processor 26 of the management server 2 creates a report by converting the data used for creating the report into a report format (step S15). Specifically, for example, report template data in which a data ID is arranged for each piece of data used for creating the report may be prepared, and a report may be created from the report template data by replacing the data ID with the data.

[0109] In either case, the processor 26 of the management server 2 stores the created report in the memory 25. The processor 26 of the management server 2 may also send the report based on a predetermined email address.

[0110] After the data registration in step S14, the processor 26 of the management server 2 creates (updates) the map information by assigning an icon representing the pump device 5 to the map information in accordance with the position information of the registered pump device 5. Alternatively, the processor 26 of the management server 2 may transmit a map creation request including the position information of the registered pump device 5 to another device (e.g., a map information management server) (step S17). This completes the first operation example of FIG. 8.

[0111] [Second example of operation: Figure 9] First, the pump device 5 installed at the site is powered on by the operations of steps S1 and S2 similar to those described above. As a result, the pump device 5 establishes a long-distance wireless communication connection with the management server 2 (step S2-1). If the long-distance wireless communication connection fails, the pump device 5 displays an error message on the display device 56 and outputs an error voice / alarm from the speaker as appropriate. If the long-distance wireless communication connection fails, the first operation example of FIG. 8 is executed from step S3 so that short-distance wireless communication is used. If the long-distance wireless communication connection with the pump device 5 has not been established, the management server 2 does not attempt to establish a long-distance wireless communication connection with the pump device 5 even if it receives a report creation request in step S13. That is, if long-distance wireless communication with the pump device 5 is not being established even though long-distance wireless communication with the pump device 5 would normally be established, the management server 2 determines that the pump device 5 is installed in an underground pump room or other location with poor radio wave conditions, and suspends the long-distance wireless communication line. This prevents unnecessary payment of communication fees.

[0112] After step S2-1, the processor 58 of the pump device 5 transmits data including the serial number of the pump device 5, the initial operating data measured after power-on, the parameters in the memory 57, and the time to the management server 2 via the long-distance wireless communication device 52 (step S2-2).

[0113] After step S2-2, the communication terminal 3 performs steps S3 and S4 similar to those described above to photograph the two-dimensional code on the pump device 5 and acquire the serial number of the pump device 5. In the second operation example, the above-described steps S5 to S7 after step S4 are omitted.

[0114] Meanwhile, the management server 2 compares the shipping operation data in the memory 25 with the transmitted initial operation data based on the serial number of the pump device 5 transmitted in step S2-2, and determines whether the difference between the shipping operation data and the initial operation data is large (step S9a). Specifically, it determines whether the difference is equal to or smaller than a threshold value.

[0115] If the result of the comparison indicates that the difference exceeds the threshold (if the difference is large) (step S9a: Yes), the processor 26 of the management server 2 sends an error notification of the initial operating data to the pump device 5 via the long-distance wireless communication device 22 (step S10a).

[0116] After step S10a, an error is output from the control panel 50 of the pump device 5 by the operations of steps S11 and S12 similar to those described above, and the installation of the pump device 5 is restarted. As a result, the operations from step S1 onwards are executed again. Note that if no error notification is received (step S11: No), the installation work of the pump device 5 is completed normally.

[0117] On the other hand, if the difference is equal to or less than the threshold value in step S9a (step S9a: No), similarly to the above, the input device 33 of the communication terminal 3 inputs the person in charge ID of the pump device 5 and the location information of the pump device 5 in response to the operation of the operator. As a result, the person in charge ID and the location information are written to the memory 35. Furthermore, the processor 36 of the communication terminal 3 reads the serial number, location information, and person in charge ID of the pump device 5 from the memory 35 as data to be used in report creation. Thereafter, the processor 36 of the communication terminal 3 transmits the data to be used in report creation and a report creation request to the management server 2 (step S13a).

[0118] When the processor 26 of the management server 2 receives the data and the report creation request via the long-distance wireless communication device 22, it registers the data in the memory 25 (step S14).

[0119] After step S14, the operations of steps S15 to S17 are executed in the same manner as described above, thereby completing the second operation example of FIG.

[0120] As described above, according to the first operation example of the first embodiment, a communication terminal capable of communicating with a pump device that supplies water to a building and a management server that manages the pump device performs short-range wireless communication with the pump device. The communication terminal receives delivery operation data and initial operation data of the pump device from the pump device via the short-range wireless communication unit. The communication terminal compares the delivery operation data with the initial operation data. If, as a result of the comparison, the difference between the delivery operation data and the initial operation data is equal to or less than a threshold, the communication terminal transmits the initial operation data to the management server. This eliminates the need for an operator to compare the delivery operation data with the initial operation data using handwritten notes, etc., making it possible to easily and efficiently manage the pump device during its initial operation.

[0121] According to the first operation example of the first embodiment, if the difference exceeds a threshold, the communication terminal may transmit an error notification of the initial operation data to the pump device via the short-range wireless communication unit. In this case, in addition to the above-described advantageous effects, the communication terminal can notify the worker that the installation of the pump device has failed and urge the worker to redo the installation work, thereby reducing the occurrence of breakdowns and the like caused by installation failures.

[0122] According to a first operational example of the first embodiment, the communication terminal may input location information of the pump devices in response to an operation by the operator and then transmit the location information to the management server. In this case, in addition to the aforementioned advantageous effects, the locations of the pump devices can be managed by the management server. This management server allows the locations of multiple pump devices to be known, i.e., remotely and centrally managed. Furthermore, if the management server assigns the location information of the pump devices to map information, for example, a maintenance worker who is the operator of the communication terminal can obtain an overview of where and how many pump devices are installed from the map information. This map information can then be used to formulate a follow-up (e.g., maintenance) plan after the installation of the pump devices, helping to ensure timely and efficient follow-up.

[0123] On the other hand, according to a second operation example of the first embodiment, a management server capable of communicating with a pump device stores delivery operation data of the pump device in association with identification data of the pump device. The management server performs long-distance wireless communication with the pump device. The management server receives initial operation data of the pump device and identification data of the pump device from the pump device via the long-distance wireless communication unit. The management server compares the delivery operation data and initial operation data stored in the storage unit based on the received identification data. If the comparison by the comparison unit indicates that the difference between the delivery operation data and the initial operation data is equal to or less than a threshold, the management server writes the initial operation data to the storage unit in association with the received identification data. This eliminates the need for an operator to compare the delivery operation data and the initial operation data using handwritten notes, etc., making it possible to easily and efficiently manage the initial operation of the pump device.

[0124] According to a second operation example of the first embodiment, if the difference exceeds a threshold, the management server may transmit an error notification of the initial operation data to the pump device via the long-distance wireless communication unit. In this case, in addition to the above-described advantageous effects, the management server can notify the worker that the installation of the pump device has failed and urge the worker to redo the installation work, thereby reducing the occurrence of breakdowns and the like caused by installation failures.

[0125] According to a second operation example of the first embodiment, the management server may receive location information and identification data of the pump device from the communication terminal. Based on the identification data received from the communication terminal, the management server may write the location information to the storage unit in association with the identification data and initial operation data stored in the storage unit. In this case, in addition to the above-described advantageous effects, the management server can manage the locations of the pump devices. This management server allows the locations of multiple pump devices to be known, i.e., allows remote, centralized management of the pump devices.

[0126] (Second embodiment) Unlike the first embodiment in which the pump device 5 is installed, the second embodiment relates to replacing parts of the pump device 5, such as replacing the control panel 50 of the pump device 5. In addition, the management server 2 manages the pump device 5 and the control panel 50 of the pump device 5.

[0127] Accordingly, the memory 25 of the management server 2 stores a serial number (first identification data) that identifies the pump device 5, a serial number (second identification data) that identifies the control panel 50, and parameters of the control panel 50, in association with each other. Specifically, for example, in the management data table T3 described above, the serial number that identifies the pump device 5, the serial number that identifies the control panel 50, and parameters of the control panel 50 are stored in association with each other. Note that the memory 25 may further store, in association with the first identification data and the model data, accumulated operating data including at least one of the accumulated number of operations and the accumulated operating time of the pump device 5. For example, in the management data table T3 described above, the serial number that identifies the pump device 5, the accumulated operating data of the pump device 5, and model data of the components that make up the pump device 5 may be stored in association with each other.

[0128] In the management server 2, the processor 26 serving as the receiving unit 262 receives first candidate data that is a candidate for the first identification data and second candidate data that is a candidate for the second identification data from the communication terminal 3. The communication terminal 3 may also be called a wireless communication terminal 3.

[0129] Furthermore, the processor 26 functioning as the memory access unit 264 searches the memory 25 based on the first candidate data and the second candidate data. Furthermore, if the search results in first identification data matching the first candidate data, but the second candidate data does not match the second identification data associated with the matching first identification data, the processor 26 functioning as the memory access unit 264 writes the second candidate data as new second identification data into the memory 25, instead of the second identification data associated with the matching first identification data. The memory access unit 264 is an example of a search unit and a write unit.

[0130] Furthermore, after the writing, when the latest parameters to be used in measuring the initial operating data of the pump device 5 equipped with the control panel 50 identified by the new second identification data are requested by the pump device 5 or the communication terminal 3 based on the first identification data, the processor 26 as the transmitting unit 265 transmits the latest parameters associated with the first identification data in the memory 25 to the requestor. Furthermore, the processor 26 as the transmitting unit 265 may further transmit the accumulated operating data and model data in the memory 25 to the requestor based on the request.

[0131] The other configurations are the same as those in the first embodiment.

[0132] Hereinafter, an example of operation when replacing the control panel of the pump device 5 in the second embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 10 to 12. First, as a first example of operation, a case where short-range wireless communication is used will be described with reference to Figs. 10 and 11. Next, as a second example of operation, a case where long-range wireless communication is used will be described with reference to Figs. 12 and 11. Fig. 11 is a diagram common to both the first and second examples of operation.

[0133] [First operation example: Figure 10] First, an operator replaces the control panel 50 of the pump device 5 (step S21). Since the control panel 50 immediately after replacement requires parameter setting, the initial operation does not start until the following steps S22 to S33 are completed.

[0134] The communication terminal 3 carried by the operator photographs the two-dimensional code drawn on the nameplate of the pump device 5 (step S22), and after inputting a command to read the two-dimensional code, acquires the serial number of the pump device 5 from the two-dimensional code (step S23). If the serial number cannot be acquired, the serial number of the pump device 5 may be manually entered.

[0135] After step S23, the processor 36 of the communication terminal 3 transmits the serial number of the pump device and a request to obtain the serial number of the control panel 50 associated with the serial number of the pump device to the management server 2 via the long-distance wireless communication device 32 (step S24).

[0136] When processor 26 of management server 2 receives the serial number of the pump device and the request via long-distance wireless communication device 22, it reads the serial number of control panel 50 associated with the serial number of the pump device from product registration table T1 in memory 25. Thereafter, management server 2 transmits the serial number of control panel 50 to communication terminal 3 (step S25).

[0137] The processor 36 of the communication terminal 3 uses the serial number of the control panel 50 received in step S25 to attempt a short-range wireless communication connection with the pump device 5. However, the serial number of the control panel 50 received in step S25 is that of the control panel 50 before replacement, and therefore does not match the serial number of the replaced control panel 50. Therefore, the processor 36 of the communication terminal 3 uses the serial number of the replaced control panel 50 that was manually input by the operator to establish a short-range wireless communication connection with the pump device 5 (step S26).

[0138] After step S26, the processor 36 of the communication terminal 3 sends a notification to the management server 2 including the serial number of the pump device 5, the serial number of the replaced control panel 50, and a notice that short-range wireless communication has been manually established (step S27).

[0139] When the processor 26 of the management server 2 receives this notification, it determines whether the combination of the serial number of the pump device 5 and the serial number of the replaced control panel 50 is an existing combination (step S28), and updates and writes the memory 25 according to the determination result (step S29).

[0140] Specifically, for example, the processor 26 of the management server 2 searches the product registration table T1 in the memory 25 based on the manufacturing number of the pump device 5 (first candidate data) and the manufacturing number of the replaced control panel 50 (second candidate data).

[0141] Furthermore, suppose that the search results indicate a serial number that matches the serial number of the pump device 5, but the serial number of the replaced control panel 50 does not match the serial number (before replacement) of the control panel 50 associated with the matching serial number of the pump device 5 (step S28: No). In this case, the processor of the management server 2 writes the serial number of the replaced control panel 50 into the memory 25 as the serial number of the new control panel 50, instead of the serial number (before replacement) of the control panel associated with the matching serial number of the pump device 5 (step S29). In other cases (step S28: Yes), step S29 is skipped. Another example is when the control panel 50 has not been replaced, but after replacing a component (e.g., an inverter) of the control panel 50 in step S21, short-range wireless communication is manually established due to deterioration of radio wave conditions, and the notification of step ST27 is received. After step S29 is completed or skipped, the process proceeds to step S30.

[0142] In step S30, the processor 36 of the communication terminal 3 transmits the serial number of the pump device 5 and a request to acquire the latest parameters associated with the serial number of the pump device to the management server 2 via the long-distance wireless communication device 32. Here, the latest parameters need to be acquired in order to be used for measuring the initial operating data of the pump device 5 equipped with the control panel 50 identified by the new serial number after writing in step S29.

[0143] When the latest parameters are requested by the communication terminal 3 based on the serial number of the pump device 5, the processor 26 of the management server 2 transmits the latest parameters associated with the serial number of the pump device 5 in the management data table T3 in the memory 25 to the communication terminal 3 that made the request (step S31). Furthermore, the processor 26 of the management server 2 may also transmit the accumulated operating data and model data in the management data table T3 of the memory 25 to the communication terminal 3 that made the request based on the request.

[0144] When the processor 36 of the communication terminal 3 receives the latest parameters, it transmits the received latest parameters and an instruction to write them to the pump device 5 (step S32). When the processor 36 of the communication terminal 3 receives the accumulated operating data and the model data, it further transmits the received accumulated operating data and the model data, and an instruction to write the accumulated operating data based on the model data, to the pump device 5.

[0145] When the processor 58 of the pump device 5 receives the latest parameters and a write instruction via the short-range wireless communication device 51, it writes the latest parameters to the memory 57 (step S33). Furthermore, when the processor 58 of the pump device 5 receives, via the short-range wireless communication device 51, the accumulated operating data, the model data, and an instruction to write the accumulated operating data based on the model data, it writes the accumulated operating data of components not included in the control panel 50 (components that have not been replaced) to the memory 57 based on the model data. In this case, as shown in FIG. 11 , for example, among the accumulated operating data that is reset to zero when the control panel 50 is replaced, the accumulated operating data of components that have not been replaced (e.g., motors) can be continued by writing it based on the model data. Additionally, the accumulated operating data of the inverter 54 in the control panel 50 is correctly reset to zero when the control panel 50 is replaced. However, the accumulated operating data of the motor of the pump unit 60, which is external to the control panel 50, must not be reset to zero even when the control panel 50 is replaced, but must continue to be accumulated. Although the model data includes a model number and a part number, in FIG. 11, the model data is represented by part names such as inverter and motor for ease of understanding.

[0146] In either case, the completion of step S33 allows the pump device 5 to be operated for the first time after the control panel 50 has been replaced. The initial operation is performed in the same manner as in the first embodiment. If this initial operation is performed normally, the replacement of the control panel 50 is completed normally. Furthermore, the completion of step S33 also ends the first operation example of FIG. 10.

[0147] [Second example of operation: Figure 12] First, by the operations of steps S21 to S29 similar to those described above, the process from replacing the control panel 50 to writing the "manufacturing number of the control panel 50" in the product registration data T1 of the management server 2 is completed, and the process proceeds to step S30a-1.

[0148] In step S30a-1, the pump device 5 establishes a long-distance wireless communication connection with the management server 2 (step S30a-1). If the long-distance wireless communication connection fails, the pump device 5 displays an error message on the display device 56 and outputs an error voice / alarm or the like from the speaker as appropriate. If the long-distance wireless communication connection fails, the operator operates the communication terminal 3, and the first operation example of Fig. 10 is executed from step S30.

[0149] After step S30a-1, the processor 58 of the pump device 5 transmits the serial number of the pump device 5 and a request to obtain the latest parameters associated with the serial number of the pump device to the management server 2 via the long-range wireless communication device 52 (step S30a-2).

[0150] When the latest parameters are requested by the pump device 5 based on the serial number of the pump device 5, the processor 26 of the management server 2 transmits the latest parameters associated with the serial number of the pump device 5 in the management data table T3 in the memory 25 and an instruction to write the parameters to the pump device 5 that made the request (step S31a). Furthermore, based on the request, the processor 26 of the management server 2 may further transmit the accumulated operating data and model data in the management data table T3 of the memory 25, and an instruction to write the accumulated operating data based on the model data, to the pump device 5 that made the request.

[0151] When the processor 58 of the pump device 5 receives the latest parameters and an instruction to write them via the short-range wireless communication device 51, it writes the latest parameters to the memory 57 (step S33). Furthermore, when the processor 58 of the pump device 5 receives, via the short-range wireless communication device 51, the accumulated operating data and model data, and an instruction to write the accumulated operating data based on the model data, it writes the accumulated operating data of parts that are not included in the control panel 50 (parts that have not been replaced) to the memory 57 based on the model data. In this case, as shown in FIG. 11 for example, among the accumulated operating data that is reset to zero when the control panel 50 is replaced, the accumulated operating data of parts that have not been replaced (e.g., a motor) can be continued by writing it based on the model data.

[0152] In either case, the completion of step S33 allows the pump device 5 to be operated for the first time after the control panel 50 has been replaced. The first operation is performed in the same manner as in the first embodiment. If this first operation is performed normally, the replacement of the control panel 50 is completed normally. Furthermore, the completion of step S33 also ends the second operation example of FIG. 12.

[0153] According to the first or second operation example of the second embodiment described above, the management server manages a pump device and a control panel of the pump device. The management server associates first identification data identifying the pump device, second identification data identifying the control panel, and parameters of the control panel and stores them in a storage unit. The management server receives first candidate data that is a candidate for the first identification data and second candidate data that is a candidate for the second identification data from the wireless communication terminal. The management server searches the storage unit based on the first candidate data and the second candidate data. If the search results in first identification data that matches the first candidate data but the second candidate data does not match the second identification data associated with the matching first identification data, the management server writes the second candidate data into the storage unit as new second identification data in place of the second identification data associated with the matching first identification data. After the writing, when the latest parameters to be used in measuring the initial operating data of a pump device equipped with a control panel identified by the new second identification data are requested by the pump device or the wireless communication terminal based on the first identification data, the management server transmits the latest parameters associated with the first identification data in the memory unit to the requester.

[0154] Therefore, even if the parameters used at the time of delivery inspection were changed during installation, the latest parameters used immediately before the control panel replacement can be written after the replacement, making it possible to smoothly carry out the initial operation after the replacement and compare the initial operation data with the delivery operation data. This makes it possible to easily and efficiently manage the initial operation of the pump device.

[0155] According to the first or second operation example of the second embodiment, the management server may further store, in the storage unit, accumulated operating data including at least one of the accumulated operating count and accumulated operating time of the pump device, in association with the first identification data and the model data. Based on the request, the management server may further transmit the accumulated operating data and the model data stored in the storage unit to the requester. In this case, in addition to the above-described advantageous effects, the accumulated operating data can be continued according to the model data even after the control panel is replaced, thereby maintaining the reliability of the accumulated operating data for parts that have not been replaced.

[0156] The above-described embodiments are merely illustrative examples for aiding in understanding the concept of the present invention, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. Various components may be added, deleted, or converted to the embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0157] In the above-described embodiment, several functional units have been described, but these are merely examples of implementation of each functional unit. For example, multiple functional units described as being implemented in one device may be implemented across multiple separate devices, and conversely, multiple functional units described as being implemented across multiple separate devices may be implemented in one device.

[0158] The various functional units described in the above embodiments may be realized using circuits, which may be dedicated circuits for realizing specific functions or general-purpose circuits such as processors.

[0159] At least a part of the processing of each of the above embodiments can be realized by using, for example, a processor installed in a general-purpose computer as basic hardware. A program that realizes the above processing may be provided by being stored on a computer-readable recording medium. The program is stored on the recording medium as an installable file or an executable file. Examples of recording media include magnetic disks, optical disks (CD-ROMs, CD-Rs, DVDs, etc.), magneto-optical disks (MOs, etc.), and semiconductor memories. Any recording medium can be used as long as it can store the program and is computer-readable. Furthermore, the program that realizes the above processing may be stored on a computer (server) connected to a network such as the Internet and downloaded to a computer (client) via the network.

[0160] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made in the implementation stage without departing from the spirit of the invention. Furthermore, the embodiments may be implemented in appropriate combinations, in which case the combined effects can be obtained. Furthermore, the above-described embodiments include various inventions, and various inventions can be extracted by combining selected elements from the disclosed elements. For example, if the problem can be solved and the desired effect can be obtained even if some elements are deleted from all elements shown in the embodiments, the configuration from which these elements are deleted can be extracted as an invention. The inventions described in the original claims of this application are set forth below. [1] A communication terminal capable of communicating with a pump device and a management server that manages the pump device, a short-range wireless communication unit that performs short-range wireless communication with the pump device; a receiving unit that receives shipping operation data of the pump device and initial operation data of the pump device from the pump device via the short-range wireless communication unit; a comparison unit that compares the shipping operation data with the initial operation data; a first transmission unit that transmits the initial operation data to the management server when a difference between the delivery operation data and the initial operation data is equal to or smaller than a threshold value as a result of the comparison by the comparison unit; A communication terminal equipped with [2] The communication terminal described in [1] further comprises a second transmission unit that transmits an error notification of the initial operating data to the pump device via the short-range wireless communication unit when the difference exceeds a threshold value. [3] An input unit for inputting position information of the pump device in response to an operation by an operator, The communication terminal according to [1] or [2], wherein the first transmission unit further transmits the location information to the management server. [4] A management server capable of communicating with a pump device, a storage unit that stores shipping operation data of the pump device in association with identification data of the pump device; a long-distance wireless communication unit that performs long-distance wireless communication with the pump device; a first receiving unit that receives initial operation data of the pump device and identification data of the pump device from the pump device via the long-distance wireless communication unit; a comparison unit that compares the shipping operation data and the initial operation data in the storage unit based on the received identification data; a writing unit that writes the initial operation data into the storage unit in association with the received identification data when a difference between the delivery operation data and the initial operation data is equal to or smaller than a threshold value as a result of the comparison by the comparing unit; A management server with [5] The management server described in [4] further comprises a transmitting unit that transmits an error notification of the initial operating data to the pump device via the long-distance wireless communication unit when the difference exceeds a threshold value. [6] Further comprising a second receiving unit that receives the location information and identification data of the pump device from a communication terminal; the writing unit writes the location information into the storage unit in association with the identification data and the first operation data in the storage unit based on the identification data received from the communication terminal; [4] or [5]. [7] A management server that manages a pump device and a control panel of the pump device, a storage unit that stores first identification data for identifying the pump device, second identification data for identifying the control panel, and parameters of the control panel in association with each other; a receiving unit that receives first candidate data that is a candidate for the first identification data and second candidate data that is a candidate for the second identification data from a wireless communication terminal; a search unit that searches the storage unit based on the first candidate data and the second candidate data; a writing unit that writes the second candidate data into the storage unit as new second identification data in place of the second identification data associated with the matching first identification data, when the search result shows that the first identification data matches the first candidate data, but the second candidate data does not match the second identification data associated with the matching first identification data; a transmission unit that, after the writing, when the latest parameters to be used for measuring initial operation data of the pump device equipped with a control panel identified by the new second identification data are requested by the pump device or the wireless communication terminal based on the first identification data, transmits the latest parameters associated with the first identification data in the storage unit to a requester; A management server with [8] The storage unit further stores cumulative operation data including at least one of a cumulative number of operations and a cumulative operation time of the pump device in association with the first identification data and the model data, The management server according to [7], wherein the transmission unit further transmits the accumulated operating data and the model data in the memory unit to the request source based on the request. [Explanation of symbols]

[0161] 1,2... Management server, 3-1,3-2... Communication terminal, 5-1,5-2,5-3,5-4... Pump equipment, 21,31,51... Short-range wireless communication device, 22,32,52... Long-range wireless communication device, 23,55... Interface, 25,35,57... Memory, 26,36,58... Processor, 33,53... Input device, 34,56... Display device, 50... Control panel, 54... Inverter, 60 ···Pump section, 261, 361, 581···Communication connection section, 262, 362···Receiving section, 263, 363···Comparing section, 264···Memory access section, 265, 364···Transmitting section, 266···Creating section, 582···Control section, 583···Measuring section, 584···Setting section, 100···Pump equipment management system, T1···Product registration table, T2···Shipping data table, T3···Management data table.

Claims

1. A pump device management system including a management server that manages a pump device and a control panel of the pump device, The management server a storage unit that stores first identification data for identifying the pump device, second identification data for identifying the control panel, and parameters of the control panel in association with each other; a receiving unit that receives first candidate data that is a candidate for the first identification data and second candidate data that is a candidate for the second identification data from a wireless communication terminal; a search unit that searches the storage unit based on the first candidate data and the second candidate data; a writing unit that writes the second candidate data into the storage unit as new second identification data in place of the second identification data associated with the matching first identification data, when the search result shows that the first identification data matches the first candidate data, but the second candidate data does not match the second identification data associated with the matching first identification data; A pump equipment management system equipped with

2. The management server a transmission unit that, after the writing, when the latest parameters to be used in measuring initial operation data of the pump device equipped with a control panel identified by the new second identification data are requested by the pump device or the wireless communication terminal based on the first identification data, transmits the latest parameters associated with the first identification data in the storage unit to a requester; The pump device management system according to claim 1, further comprising:

3. the storage unit further stores cumulative operation data including at least one of a cumulative number of operations and a cumulative operation time of the pump device in association with the first identification data and the model data, The pump device management system according to claim 2 , wherein the transmission unit further transmits the integrated operating data and the model data stored in the storage unit to the request source based on the request.

4. A pump device management system as described in claim 3, wherein when the writing unit writes the second candidate data to the memory unit as new second identification data, the writing unit does not reset the accumulated operating data associated with model data representing parts outside the control panel, but resets the accumulated operating data associated with model data representing parts within the control panel to a zero value and writes it to the memory unit.

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