Pipeline grouping device, pipeline grouping method, and pipeline grouping program

Abstract

To provide a pipe line grouping device, method, and program that can automatically arrange a plurality of pipe lines constituting a pipe network into a group, and can evaluate the grouping.SOLUTION: A pipe line grouping device 10 comprises: a pipe line information storage unit 10D that stores pipe line information in which pipe line identification information identifying pipe lines and pipe line attribute information including position information on the pipe lines are associated with each other; and a calculator body 10A including a reference point setting unit 11 that sets a reference point of grouping to one of pipe lines to be arranged into a group based on management information, a polygon generation unit 12 that repeats processing of generating a polygon in a predetermined shape including one pipe line including the reference point and candidate pipe lines located near the reference point until a predetermined condition is reached, and arranges the pipe lines included in the polygon into the same group, and a grouping control unit 15 that repeats grouping processing until all the pipe lines constituting a pipe network are arranged into groups, thereby arranging the pipe network into a plurality of groups.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a pipeline grouping device, a pipeline grouping method, and a pipeline grouping program for grouping pipelines that make up a pipeline network such as a water supply network. [Background technology]

[0002] In piping work such as replacing existing pipelines with new ones, there are many pipelines with high renewal priorities scattered throughout the area. To prevent this from deteriorating construction efficiency, workers set up (group) the piping work sections to include pipelines with high renewal priorities.

[0003] In the past, a pipeline network managed by computer mapping was grouped into multiple pipeline groups by an operator operating a terminal to link each pipeline based on experience. However, this grouping process was extremely complicated and required a considerable amount of time and effort, and there was also the problem that the grouping results were not reproducible.

[0004] Patent Document 1 proposes a hydraulic analysis method in which, prior to hydraulic analysis of a pipe network, a flow velocity coefficient is set for each pipe constituting the pipe network.

[0005] The hydraulic analysis method divides a pipeline network consisting of many pipelines into multiple groups, each group consisting of pipelines that are judged to have the same hydraulic influence, sets multiple assumed values ​​for the predicted hydraulic influence values ​​that the pipelines that make up that group can have, calculates the head value at any water demand point in the pipeline network based on each of the multiple assumed values, calculates the actual head value at the water demand point in the pipeline network, selects from the multiple assumed values ​​given for each group the assumed value that minimizes the variance between the calculated and actual head values, and determines a combination of these selected assumed values.

[0006] In this hydraulic analysis method, the criteria for grouping pipelines that are determined to have the same degree of hydraulic influence are those that have the same pipe type, installation period, and diameter.

[0007] Patent Document 2 proposes an extraction system that uses multiple computers to extract unsupplied areas from a supply system consisting of pipes and valves across multiple meshes. The extraction system includes equipment data holding means for holding equipment data on the pipes, valves, etc., storage means for storing information on boundary nodes that indicate intersections between the mesh boundaries and the pipes, attribute assignment means for assigning attributes to the boundary nodes, and extraction means for extracting unsupplied areas from the supply system using the attributes assigned by the attribute assignment means, wherein the equipment data holding means is configured so that the multiple computers divide areas and hold equipment data, and all of the multiple computers store information on the boundary nodes, and one of the computers functions as the attribute assignment means or the extraction means. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0008] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-57142 [Patent Document 2] JP 2001-282891 Public Relations Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0009] Patent Document 1 discloses a method for grouping pipes based on pipe attributes such as pipe type, installation period, diameter, etc. Patent Document 2 discloses a method for extracting supply-disabled areas from a supply system in mesh units with valves as boundaries.

[0010] However, none of the documents disclose a method for automatically setting (grouping) optimal construction sections that do not degrade construction efficiency in piping work such as replacing existing pipelines with new ones, when pipelines with high renewal priorities are scattered throughout the area.

[0011] Furthermore, when grouping is performed by an operator manually operating a computer mapping system based on experience, there is the problem that it is not possible to evaluate whether the results are appropriate. For large-scale pipe networks managed by municipalities, etc., it is difficult to group all of them at once and evaluate the results.

[0012] In view of the above-mentioned problems, the object of the present invention is to provide a pipeline grouping device, a pipeline grouping method, and a pipeline grouping program that can automatically group multiple pipelines that make up a pipeline network and also enable the grouping to be evaluated. [Means for solving the problem]

[0013] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, a first characteristic configuration of a pipeline grouping device according to the present invention is a pipeline grouping device for grouping a plurality of pipelines that constitute a pipeline network, the pipeline grouping device comprising: a pipeline information storage unit that stores pipeline information in which pipeline identification information that individually identifies each pipeline and pipeline attribute information including position information of each pipeline are associated; roadThe system includes a base point setting unit that sets a base point for grouping on one of a plurality of pipelines to be grouped based on information; a polygon generation unit that repeats the process of generating a polygon of a predetermined shape that encompasses one pipeline that includes the base point and candidate pipelines located near the base point until a predetermined condition is met, and groups each of the pipelines encompassed by the polygon into the same group when the predetermined condition is met; and a grouping control unit that, each time one grouping by the polygon generation unit is completed, updates and sets a new grouping base point on one of a plurality of pipelines that have not yet been grouped near the base point via the base point setting unit, and controls the polygon generation unit to repeatedly execute the updated base point, until all of the pipelines that make up the pipeline network have been grouped into one of the base points.

[0014] Pipeline information is prepared in advance, associating pipeline identification information that individually identifies each pipeline constituting the pipeline network with pipeline attribute information including the position information of each pipeline. The base point setting unit sets a grouping base point for one of the multiple pipelines to be grouped, and the polygon generation unit repeats the process of generating a polygon of a predetermined shape that encompasses one pipeline including the base point and candidate pipelines located near the base point until a predetermined condition is met. When the predetermined condition is met, each of the pipelines encompassed by the polygon is grouped into the same group. The grouping control unit controls the base point setting unit to update and set a new grouping base point for one of the multiple pipelines near the base point that have not yet been grouped, and repeatedly executes the polygon generation unit for the updated base point, until all of the pipelines constituting the pipeline network are grouped into one of the multiple pipelines. In this way, the grouping of the pipelines constituting the pipeline network is automated.

[0015] The second characteristic configuration is that, in addition to the first characteristic configuration described above, it further includes an area calculation unit that calculates the area of ​​the polygon generated by the polygon generation unit, and an evaluation unit that calculates an evaluation coefficient that evaluates the appropriateness of grouping by taking into account the area calculated by the area calculation unit and the total pipeline length of the pipelines included in the polygon.

[0016] The area calculation unit calculates the area of ​​each polygon generated by the polygon generation processing unit, and the evaluation unit calculates an evaluation coefficient for evaluating the appropriateness of grouping by taking into account the area of ​​each polygon and the total pipeline length of the pipelines included in each polygon. For example, the ratio of the area of ​​the polygon to the total pipeline length is calculated as the evaluation coefficient.

[0017] The third characteristic configuration is that, in addition to the first or second characteristic configuration described above, the specified condition includes whether the total pipeline length of the pipelines included in the polygon reaches a set pipeline length, or whether the construction cost for the pipelines included in the polygon reaches a set construction cost.

[0018] In the former case, the total length of the pipelines included in the polygon is limited to the set pipeline length, thereby making it possible to keep the grouping scale within an appropriate range.In the latter case, the construction costs for the pipelines included in the polygon are limited to the set construction costs, thereby making it possible to keep the grouping scale within an appropriate range.

[0019] A fourth characteristic feature of the present invention is that, in addition to the first or second characteristic feature, the polygon of the predetermined shape is a convex polygon with any interior angle of 180° or less.

[0020] By limiting the polygon to a convex polygon, it is possible to prevent the grouped pipes from being distributed in a long and narrow area or in a complicated area.

[0021] The fifth characteristic configuration is that, in addition to the first or second characteristic configuration described above, the polygon of the specified shape is a polygon whose maximum interior angle is at least (180°+α, α<90°) or less.

[0022] By limiting the polygons to those with at least the maximum value of the interior angle of (180°+α, α<90°), the distribution of grouped pipes into long and narrow areas or into complicated areas is prevented.

[0023] A first characteristic feature of the pipeline grouping method according to the present invention is that it is a pipeline grouping method for grouping a plurality of pipelines that constitute a pipeline network, and includes: a base point setting process for setting a base point for grouping on one of a plurality of pipelines to be grouped based on pipeline information that associates pipeline identification information that individually identifies each pipeline with pipeline attribute information that includes position information of each pipeline; a polygon generation process for repeating a process for generating a polygon of a predetermined shape that encompasses one pipeline that includes the base point and candidate pipelines located near the base point until a predetermined condition is met, and grouping each of the pipelines encompassed by the polygon into the same group when the predetermined condition is met; and an iterative process for updating and setting a new grouping base point on one of a plurality of pipelines that are near the base point and have not yet been grouped, each time one grouping is completed by the polygon generation process, until all of the pipelines that constitute the pipeline network have been grouped into one of the base points, and executing the polygon generation process for the updated base point.

[0024] The second characteristic configuration is that, in addition to the first characteristic configuration described above, it further includes an area calculation process that calculates the area of ​​the polygon generated by the polygon generation process, and an evaluation process that calculates an evaluation coefficient that evaluates the appropriateness of grouping by taking into account the area calculated by the area calculation process and the total pipeline length of the pipelines included in the polygon.

[0025] The third characteristic configuration is that, in addition to the second characteristic configuration described above, the base point setting process is performed for multiple pipelines that are away from the center of the pipeline network, and the polygon generation process and the iterative process are performed based on each base point to generate grouping patterns for each base point, and the grouping pattern that maximizes the average value of the evaluation coefficients for each grouping pattern obtained by the evaluation process is determined to be the final grouping pattern.

[0026] The fourth characteristic configuration is that, in addition to any of the first to third characteristic configurations described above, the specified condition includes whether the total pipeline length of the pipelines included in the polygon reaches a set pipeline length, or whether the construction cost for the pipelines included in the polygon reaches a set construction cost.

[0027] A fifth characteristic feature of the present invention is that, in addition to any one of the first to third characteristic features described above, the polygon of the predetermined shape is a convex polygon with any interior angle of 180° or less.

[0028] The sixth characteristic configuration is that, in addition to any one of the first to third characteristic configurations described above, the polygon of the specified shape is a polygon whose maximum interior angle is at least (180°+α, α<90°) or less.

[0029] A first characteristic feature of the pipeline grouping program according to the present invention is a pipeline grouping program that causes a computer to execute a grouping method for grouping a plurality of pipelines that make up a pipeline network, the method including: a base point setting process for setting a base point for grouping on one of a plurality of pipelines to be grouped based on pipeline information that is stored in a pipeline information storage unit and associates pipeline identification information that individually identifies each pipeline with pipeline attribute information that includes position information of each pipeline; and a predetermined base point setting process that includes one pipeline that includes the base point and candidate pipelines that are located in the vicinity of the base point. The method includes a polygon generation process that repeats a process of generating a polygon of a shape until a predetermined condition set in advance is met, and when the predetermined condition is met, groups each of the pipelines included in the polygon into the same group; and an iterative process that updates and sets a new grouping base point for one of a plurality of pipelines that have not yet been grouped near the base point each time one grouping is completed by the polygon generation process, until all of the pipelines that make up the pipeline network are grouped into one of the groups, and executes the polygon generation process for the updated base point.

[0030] The second characteristic configuration is that, in addition to the first characteristic configuration described above, it further includes an area calculation process that calculates the area of ​​the polygon generated by the polygon generation process, and an evaluation process that calculates an evaluation coefficient that evaluates the appropriateness of grouping by taking into account the total pipeline length of the pipelines included in the polygon to the area calculated by the area calculation process.

[0031] The third characteristic configuration is that, in addition to the second characteristic configuration described above, the base point setting process is executed for multiple pipelines that are away from the center of the pipeline network, and the polygon generation process and the iterative process are executed based on each base point to generate grouping patterns for each base point, and the grouping pattern that maximizes the average value of the evaluation coefficients for each grouping pattern obtained by the evaluation process is determined to be the final grouping pattern.

[0032] The fourth characteristic configuration is that, in addition to any of the first to third characteristic configurations described above, the specified condition includes whether the total pipeline length of the pipelines included in the polygon reaches a set pipeline length, or whether the construction cost for the pipelines included in the polygon reaches a set construction cost.

[0033] A fifth characteristic feature of the present invention is that, in addition to any one of the first to third characteristic features described above, the polygon of the predetermined shape is a convex polygon with any interior angle of 180° or less.

[0034] The sixth characteristic configuration is that, in addition to any one of the first to third characteristic configurations described above, the polygon of the specified shape is a polygon whose maximum interior angle is at least (180°+α, α<90°) or less. [Effects of the Invention]

[0035] As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a pipeline grouping device, a pipeline grouping method, and a pipeline grouping program that can automatically group multiple pipelines that make up a pipeline network and also enable the grouping to be evaluated. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0036] [Figure 1] 1 is an explanatory diagram of a pipeline grouping device according to the present invention; [Figure 2] 1(a) is an explanatory diagram of the pipeline network to be grouped, and FIG. 1(b) is an explanatory diagram of the grouped pipeline network. [Figure 3] 10 is a flowchart showing the procedure of a pipeline grouping method. [Figure 4] 10A is an explanatory diagram of the relationship between unit pipelines and pipeline units, and FIG. 10B is an explanatory diagram of a pipeline unit formed by combining unit pipelines. [Figure 5] (a) is an explanatory diagram of the pipelines that are first grouped relative to base point V1, (b) is an explanatory diagram of the pipelines that are next grouped, and (c) is an explanatory diagram of the pipelines to be grouped that are determined based on the area increment. [Figure 6] 10A is an explanatory diagram of the pipelines to be grouped next, and FIG. 10B is an explanatory diagram of the pipelines to be grouped that have been determined based on the area increment. [Figure 7] 10A is an explanatory diagram of a base point V1' that is updated and set after the base point V1, and FIG. 10B is an explanatory diagram of a base point V1'' that is updated and set after the base point V1'. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0037] Hereinafter, a pipeline grouping device, a pipeline grouping method, and a pipeline grouping program according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0038] [Configuration of the pipeline grouping device] 1 shows a configuration illustrating the functional blocks of a pipeline grouping device 10. The pipeline grouping device 10 includes a computer main body 10A, an input device 10B connected to the computer main body 10A, a display device 10C, and a storage device 10D.

[0039] A general-purpose personal computer or laptop computer is preferably used as the computer main body 10A, a pointing device such as a mouse or a keyboard as the input device 10B, a touch panel type liquid crystal display or a printer as the display device 10C, and a hard disk as the storage device 10D. The storage device 10D may be constructed in a database server at a remote location and connected to the computer main body 10A via a communication medium such as the Internet.

[0040] Functions as a pipeline information storage unit The storage device 10D stores pipeline information that associates pipeline identification information, which individually identifies the multiple pipelines that make up the pipeline network, with pipeline attribute information, including the location information of each pipeline. The pipeline location information is coordinate information indicating the pipe end position, the center position along the pipe axis, the location of the bending point, etc.—more specifically, two-dimensional coordinates obtained by projecting the X, Y, Z three-dimensional coordinates indicating the installation position onto the X, Y horizontal plane. In addition to location information, the pipeline attribute information includes the installation date, nominal diameter, pipe type, type of joint, type of external corrosion protection method (presence or absence of polyethylene sleeve), presence or absence of pipe to be replaced, presence or absence of leak repairs, pipeline length, and replacement history. The replacement history is used to determine the timing and necessity of future pipeline replacement.

[0041] The computer main body 10A is equipped with a CPU board, a memory board, and various interface boards such as an input / output interface and a communication interface, and the CPU, which operates based on an operation system program stored in the memory of the memory board, executes application programs also stored in the memory of the memory board to achieve the desired functions. In this example, the pipeline grouping device 10 is configured by storing a pipeline grouping program in the memory as an application program, and the pipeline grouping method is executed by the CPU.

[0042] The pipeline grouping device 10 includes the following functional blocks: a base point setting unit 11, a polygon generating unit 12, an area calculating unit 13, an evaluating unit 14, and a grouping control unit 15. The base point setting unit 11 Memory unit 10D (hereinafter referred to as "pipe information memory unit 10D")This is a functional block that sets the base point of grouping to one of the multiple pipelines to be grouped based on the management information stored in the table.

[0043] The polygon generation unit 12 is a functional block that repeats the process of generating a polygon of a predetermined shape that encompasses one pipeline including a base point and candidate pipelines located near the base point until a predetermined condition is met, and once the predetermined condition is met, groups each pipeline encompassed by the generated polygon into the same group. "Inclusion" refers to a state in which each pipeline is encompassed by a polygon of the largest shape obtained by connecting the position information of each pipeline.

[0044] The predetermined conditions include at least whether the total length of the pipelines included in the polygon reaches the set pipeline length, or whether the construction cost for the pipelines included in the polygon reaches the set construction cost. Note that if the construction cost per unit length is set in advance as the construction cost, it can be easily calculated by multiplying the construction cost by the pipeline length, but the present invention is not limited to this.

[0045] The area calculation unit 13 is a functional block that calculates the area of ​​the polygon generated by the polygon generation unit. The evaluation unit 14 is a functional block that calculates an evaluation coefficient that evaluates the appropriateness of grouping by taking into account the area calculated by the area calculation unit 13 and the total pipe length of the pipes included in the polygon.

[0046] The grouping control unit 15 is a functional block that controls the overall operation of the base point setting unit 11, polygon generation unit 12, area calculation unit 13, and evaluation unit 14, and mainly controls the base point setting unit 11 and polygon generation unit 12 to operate repeatedly.

[0047] That is, after the grouping control unit 15 initially operates the base point setting unit 11 and the polygon generation unit 12 to complete the initial grouping process, each time one grouping by the polygon generation unit 12 is completed, the grouping control unit 15 controls the base point setting unit 11 to update and set a new grouping base point for one of the multiple pipelines that have not yet been grouped near the previously set base point, and controls the execution of the polygon generation unit for the updated base point to be repeated until all of the pipelines that make up the pipeline network have been grouped into one of them.

[0048] FIG. 2(a) shows an example of a pipeline network diagram to be grouped. In FIG. 2(a), black triangles labeled base point V1 to base point V4 are base points initially set by the base point setting unit 11, and are set at multiple positions at the ends of the pipeline network, in this example, at positions separated in the east, west, north, and south directions. By executing the grouping process from each base point, four patterns of grouping results are ultimately obtained. The base points are set at the ends of the pipeline network because it is efficient to group in a direction from the end toward the pipeline network. However, it is also possible to set the base point at the center of the pipeline network and group in a radial direction.

[0049] In Figure 2(b), the grouping results for base point V1 are shown with pipelines colored by group and numerical values ​​representing each group. Note that since Figure 2(b) is shown in grayscale, the pipelines colored by group are shown in different shades. Similar grouping patterns are also generated for base points V2, V3, and V4, and the grouping control unit 15 determines one grouping pattern from the four grouping patterns based on the evaluation coefficient calculated by the evaluation unit 14. Note that the number of base points set on the pipeline network diagram to be grouped does not need to be multiple; a single base point V1 may be set.

[0050] [Explanation of pipe grouping method] Hereinafter, the base point set by the base point setting unit 11 is the base point shown in FIG. V1Taking the above case as an example, the procedure of the pipeline grouping process executed by the pipeline grouping device 10 will be specifically described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

[0051] First, a series of pre-processing steps described below are executed by the grouping control unit 15 (SA1). When a pipeline network is large and has multiple water systems, grouping the entire pipeline network at once can take a long time, potentially reducing efficiency. Therefore, it is preferable to divide the pipeline network into multiple sections based on the water system and perform grouping processing for each of these sections. The pipeline network shown in Figure 2(a) is a pipeline network divided into one water system.

[0052] Both ends of the unit pipelines that make up the pipeline network are either intersections with other pipelines or valve connection points. When grouping such unit pipelines, efficiency can be improved by combining multiple pipelines in advance to form pipeline units so that both ends become valve connection points, and then grouping the pipeline units as units.

[0053] Figure 4(a) shows a portion of a pipeline network in which multiple unit pipelines (pipelines 1 to 9) are connected. In the figure, black circles indicate intersections and white circles indicate valves. Pipelines with valves at both ends are formed from a group of pipelines consisting of these pipelines 1 to 9, and these are called pipeline units.

[0054] In FIG. 4(b), two pipeline units are shown based on pipelines 1 to 9. 1Y,2Y is formed. In this way, a plurality of pipeline units are formed by tracing and connecting intersections from one unit pipeline. Note that if pipeline units with short distances are dispersed, the efficiency of the subsequent grouping process will decrease, so it is preferable to integrate pipeline units with pipeline lengths shorter than a predetermined length into other pipeline units connected via valves in advance.

[0055] Grouping pipeline units in this way has the advantage that it makes it easier to stop water flow via each valve during actual replacement work. Below, we will explain the grouping process, which is performed using pipeline units as "pipes," but it is also possible to group pipelines as units, and it goes without saying that the procedure is basically the same.

[0056] The installation year of each unit pipeline of the pipeline (pipeline unit) obtained in this way is obtained from the pipeline information of the unit pipeline, and the ratio A1 / A2 of the total pipeline length A1 of the pipelines before a specified installation year to the total pipeline length A2 of all unit pipelines that make up the pipeline (pipeline unit) is calculated, and pipelines (pipeline units) with a ratio equal to or greater than the specified ratio are selected as pipelines (pipeline units) to be subject to grouping processing. The specific values ​​of the specified installation year and the specified ratio are not particularly limited and may be set as appropriate.

[0057] Since the types of construction work for distribution branch pipes and main pipelines are different, for example, the pipelines (pipeline units) may be divided in advance into distribution branch pipes (e.g., nominal diameter 250 or less) and main pipelines (e.g., nominal diameter 300 or more) so that grouping processing can be performed for each.

[0058] After the pre-processing described above, the grouping control unit 15 activates the base point setting unit 11, and base point initial setting processing is executed (SA2). This processing sets the base point V1 shown in Fig. 2(a). In this embodiment, a mode will be described in which the valve position at the end of the pipeline (pipe line unit) is selected as the base point V1, but any of the coordinate information of the pipe end, the center along the pipe axis, a bending point, or the like may also be set as the base point V1.

[0059] Next, the grouping control unit 15 activates the polygon generation unit 12, and as shown in Fig. 5(a), one pipeline (pipeline unit) SG1 with the longest pipe extension from among the multiple pipelines (pipeline units) including the base point V1 is incorporated into the first pipeline (pipeline unit) to be grouped. The symbol As1 indicates the area of ​​a polygon of a predetermined shape that encompasses one pipeline (pipeline unit) SG1. Note that even when grouping unit pipelines as targets, it is sufficient to configure the system so that one unit pipeline with the longest pipe extension from among the multiple unit pipelines including the base point V1 is incorporated into the first unit pipeline to be grouped.

[0060] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 5(b), the polygon generation unit 12 selects a predetermined number of pipelines (pipeline units) closest to the base point V1 as candidate pipelines SG2 (SG2(1), SG2(2), SG2(3)), calculates the area As2 of the polygon that encompasses one pipeline (pipeline unit) SG1 and each candidate pipeline SG2 (SG2(1), SG2(2), SG2(3)), and selects the candidate pipeline SG2 for which the ratio of the area increase ΔA (= As2 - As1) due to each candidate pipeline SG2 (SG2(1), SG2(2), SG2(3)) to the pipeline length of the candidate pipeline SG2 [increased area / additional pipeline length] is smallest as the next pipeline (pipeline unit) and groups them. In this example, as shown in Figure 5(c), candidate pipeline SG2(2) is selected as the next pipeline (pipeline unit).

[0061] In this example, the predetermined number is set to 3. The predetermined number can be set as appropriate, but if this number is increased, it becomes easier to select a linear candidate pipeline SG2 with a smaller [increased area / additional pipe length] value, and the area of ​​the grouped pipelines becomes linear and distorted. In other words, the purpose is to avoid distorting the construction area when replacing pipes in grouped pipeline units.

[0062] The pipeline (pipe unit) closest to the base point V1 is selected in order from the closest pipeline (pipe unit) based on the shortest distance between the base point V1 and each pipeline (pipe unit).

[0063] As shown in Figures 6(a) and (b), the polygon generation unit 12 uses the area As2 of the polygon that encompasses the pipelines (pipeline units) SG1 and SG2 grouped around the base point V1 as a reference, picks out a predetermined number of pipelines (pipeline units) that are close to the base point V1 as candidate pipelines SG3 (SG3(1), SG3(2), SG3(3)), calculates the area As3 of the polygon that encompasses the already grouped pipelines (pipeline units) SG1 and SG2 and the candidate pipeline SG3 (SG3(1), SG3(2), SG3(3)), and selects the candidate pipeline SG3 that has the smallest ratio of the area increase ΔA (=As3-As2) due to the candidate pipeline SG3 (SG3(1), SG3(2), SG3(3)) to the pipeline length of the candidate pipeline SG3 [increased area / additional pipeline length] as the next pipeline (pipeline unit) and groups it.

[0064] The polygon processing in step SA3 is repeated for the pipelines (pipeline units) SG1, SG2, . . . incorporated into the same group until a predetermined condition is met (SA4).

[0065] The specified condition is whether the total length of the pipelines included in the polygon reaches the set pipeline length. The same process is repeated until the total length of the pipelines in the group exceeds the set pipeline length, and if the total length exceeds the set pipeline length, the pipeline (pipe unit) SGn immediately before that is incorporated into the same group. The set pipeline length is set appropriately based on the pipeline replacement construction schedule, etc.

[0066] Instead of the set pipeline length, the predetermined condition may be whether the construction cost for the pipelines included in the polygon reaches the set construction cost. By specifying the cost required for the replacement of a section of pipeline, construction costs can be managed appropriately.

[0067] When a predetermined condition is satisfied (SA4, Y), the area calculation unit 13 activated by the grouping control unit 15 calculates the area Ag of a polygon that encompasses all the pipelines incorporated into the same group (SA5), and the evaluation unit 14 calculates an evaluation value Vg for each group by dividing the area Ag by the total pipeline length, which is the sum of the pipelines belonging to the group (SA6). In other words, the area per unit pipeline length is the evaluation value Vg, and the smaller the evaluation value Vg, the more appropriate the grouping process is evaluated to be.

[0068] The evaluation value Vg may be any value that takes into account the area Ag and the total pipe length, and is not limited to the value obtained by dividing the area Ag by the total pipe length of the pipes included in the polygon.

[0069] Furthermore, each time a group that satisfies a predetermined condition is generated, the arithmetic mean of the evaluation values ​​Vg of the previously generated groups is calculated as an evaluation value VG of the entire group and stored in the pipeline information storage unit 10D (SA7). Note that when the first group is generated, the evaluation value Vg and the evaluation value VG of the entire group are the same value.

[0070] Each time a group that satisfies predetermined conditions is generated by the polygon generation unit 12 and an evaluation value VG is calculated by the evaluation unit 14 (SA4, Y to SA7), the grouping control unit 15 determines whether all of the pipelines (pipeline units) that make up the pipeline network have been grouped into any group (SA8), and if there are pipelines (pipeline units) that have not been grouped (SA8, N), it executes a base point update setting process via the base point setting unit 11 (SA12).

[0071] As shown in Figure 7(a), the base point update setting process is a process of updating and setting a base point for generating a new group, and is a process of updating and setting the valve position of the pipeline (pipeline unit) that is closest in a straight line distance to the initial base point V1 as a new base point V1', excluding pipelines (pipeline units) that have already been grouped (SA12).

[0072] Then, the grouping process from step SA3 to step SA8 described above is repeated for the updated base point V1'. FIG. 7(b) shows a state in which the grouping process for the base point V1' has been completed and a new base point V1'' has been updated and set.

[0073] When all the pipelines (pipeline units) belonging to the pipeline network are grouped in step SA8 (SA8, Y), all the generated grouping information is stored in the pipeline information storage unit 10D (SA9).

[0074] In this way, when the grouping process for the base point V1 shown in Figure 2(a) is completed, a similar grouping process is performed for the next base point V2, and then a similar grouping process is performed for the next base points V3 and V4 (SA10).

[0075] When the grouping process for the four base points V1 to V4 is completed, the grouping control unit 15 refers to the evaluation value of the entire group calculated in step SA7 and stored in the pipeline information storage unit 10D, and determines the grouping process result with the highest evaluation value as the final grouping pattern (SA11).

[0076] The polygon of the predetermined shape generated in step SA3 described above is preferably a convex polygon with any interior angle of 180° or less, from the viewpoint of simplifying the construction area for pipe replacement. Even if it is not a convex polygon, it is acceptable as long as the maximum value of at least one interior angle of the polygon is (180° + α, α < 90°) or less. Candidate pipelines are selected so that they are such polygons.

[0077] As described above, the pipeline grouping method of the present invention includes a base point setting process that sets a base point for grouping on one of multiple pipelines to be grouped based on pipeline information that associates pipeline identification information that individually identifies each pipeline with pipeline attribute information that includes position information for each pipeline; a polygon generation process that repeats the process of generating a polygon of a predetermined shape that encompasses one pipeline that includes the base point and candidate pipelines located near the base point until a predetermined condition that is set in advance is met, and when the predetermined condition is met, groups each of the pipelines encompassed by the polygon into the same group; and an iterative process that updates and sets a new grouping base point on one of multiple pipelines that are near the base point and have not yet been grouped, and executes the polygon generation process for the updated base point each time one grouping is completed by the polygon generation process, until all of the pipelines that make up the pipeline network have been grouped into one of them, and

[0078] The method further includes an area calculation process that calculates the area of ​​the polygon generated by the polygon generation process, and an evaluation process that calculates an evaluation coefficient that evaluates the appropriateness of grouping by taking into account the area calculated by the area calculation process and the total pipeline length of the pipelines included in the polygon.

[0079] A base point setting process is performed for multiple pipelines that are far from the center of the pipeline network, and a polygon generation process and an iterative process are performed based on each base point to generate grouping patterns for each base point.The grouping pattern that maximizes the average value of the evaluation coefficients for each grouping pattern obtained by the evaluation process is determined to be the final grouping pattern.

[0080] The predetermined conditions include whether the total length of the pipelines included in the polygon reaches a set pipeline length, or whether the construction cost for the pipelines included in the polygon reaches a set construction cost.

[0081] It is preferable that the polygon of the specified shape is a convex polygon with any interior angle of 180° or less, and the polygon of the specified shape is acceptable as long as the maximum value of the interior angle is at least (180° + α, α < 90°) or less.

[0082] In addition, the pipeline grouping program according to the present invention is a pipeline grouping program that causes a computer to execute a grouping method for grouping multiple pipelines that make up a pipeline network, and includes: a base point setting process that sets a base point for grouping on one of multiple pipelines to be grouped based on pipeline information that is stored in a pipeline information storage unit and associates pipeline identification information that individually identifies each pipeline with pipeline attribute information that includes position information of each pipeline; a polygon generation process that repeats a process of generating a polygon of a predetermined shape that encompasses one pipeline that includes the base point and candidate pipelines located near the base point until a predetermined condition is met, and when the predetermined condition is met, groups each of the pipelines encompassed by the polygon into the same group; and a repetitive process that updates and sets a new grouping base point on one of multiple pipelines that are near the base point and have not yet been grouped, each time one grouping is completed by the polygon generation process, until all of the pipelines that make up the pipeline network have been grouped into one of them, and executes the polygon generation process for the updated base point.

[0083] The pipeline grouping program further includes an area calculation process that calculates the area of ​​the polygon generated by the polygon generation process, and an evaluation process that calculates an evaluation coefficient that evaluates the appropriateness of the grouping by taking into account the total pipeline length of the pipelines included in the polygon to the area calculated by the area calculation process.

[0084] In addition, the base point setting process is performed for multiple pipelines that are far from the center of the pipeline network, and a polygon generation process and an iterative process are performed based on each base point to generate grouping patterns for each base point, and the grouping pattern that maximizes the average value of the evaluation coefficients for each grouping pattern obtained by the evaluation process is determined to be the final grouping pattern.

[0085] The specified condition is whether the total pipeline length of the pipelines included in the polygon reaches the set pipeline length, or whether the construction cost for the pipelines included in the polygon reaches the set construction cost, and the polygon of the specified shape is a convex polygon with any interior angle of 180° or less, or a polygon with at least the maximum interior angle of (180° + α, α < 90°) or less.

[0086] In the above-described embodiment, the grouping of piping construction sections was explained, but the present invention can also be applied to a method of grouping multiple pipelines that make up a water distribution network for purposes such as economical water management in the water distribution network or blocking of water distribution areas for facility management.

[0087] The above-described embodiment shows one aspect of the present invention, and the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to this description, and it goes without saying that the specific configuration of each part can be appropriately modified and designed within the scope of the effects of the present invention. For example, among the pipeline grouping processing shown in Figure 3, the series of processing from the pipeline grouping processing in step SA3 to the grouping information storage processing in step SA9, or part of the processing, can be automated by using AI technology such as a genetic algorithm to find an optimal combination. [Explanation of symbols]

[0088] 10: Pipe grouping device 10A: Computer body 10B: Input device 10C:Display equipment 10D: Pipe information storage section (storage device) 11: Base point setting section 12: Polygon generator 13: Area calculation part 14: Evaluation section 15: Grouping control section V1: base point

Claims

1. A pipeline grouping device that groups a plurality of pipelines that make up a pipeline network, a pipeline information storage unit that stores pipeline information in which pipeline identification information that individually identifies each pipeline and pipeline attribute information including position information of each pipeline are associated with each other; a base point setting unit that sets a base point of grouping to any one of a plurality of pipelines to be grouped based on the pipeline information; a polygon generation unit that repeats a process of generating a polygon of a predetermined shape that encompasses one pipeline including the base point and candidate pipelines located in the vicinity of the base point until a predetermined condition that is set in advance is met, and groups each of the pipelines encompassed in the polygon into the same group when the predetermined condition is met; a grouping control unit that controls, each time one grouping by the polygon generation unit is completed, to repeatedly update and set a base point for a new grouping to one of a plurality of pipelines that have not yet been grouped near the base point via the base point setting unit, and executes the polygon generation unit for the updated base point, until all of the pipelines that make up the pipeline network are grouped into one of the groups; A pipeline grouping device comprising:

2. an area calculation unit that calculates the area of ​​the polygon generated by the polygon generation unit; an evaluation unit that calculates an evaluation coefficient for evaluating the appropriateness of grouping by taking into account the area calculated by the area calculation unit and the total length of the pipelines included in the polygon; The pipeline grouping device according to claim 1 , further comprising:

3. 3. The pipeline grouping device according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined conditions include whether or not the total pipeline length of the pipelines included in the polygon reaches a set pipeline length, or whether or not the construction costs for the pipelines included in the polygon reach a set construction cost.

4. 3. The pipeline grouping device according to claim 1, wherein the polygon of the predetermined shape is a convex polygon with any interior angle of 180 degrees or less.

5. 3. The pipeline grouping device according to claim 1, wherein the polygon of the predetermined shape is a polygon having at least a maximum value of an interior angle of (180°+α, α<90°) or less.

6. A pipeline grouping method for grouping a plurality of pipelines that constitute a pipeline network, comprising: a base point setting process for setting a base point for grouping to one of a plurality of pipelines to be grouped based on pipeline information that associates pipeline identification information that individually identifies each pipeline with pipeline attribute information that includes position information of each pipeline; a polygon generation process in which a process of generating a polygon of a predetermined shape that encompasses one pipeline including the base point and candidate pipelines located in the vicinity of the base point is repeated until a predetermined condition set in advance is met, and when the predetermined condition is met, each pipeline encompassed by the polygon is grouped into the same group; an iterative process of updating and setting a new grouping base point for one of a plurality of pipelines that have not yet been grouped near the base point, and executing the polygon generation process for the updated base point, each time one grouping is completed by the polygon generation process, until all of the pipelines that make up the pipeline network are grouped into one of the groups; A pipeline grouping method including:

7. an area calculation process for calculating the area of ​​the polygon generated by the polygon generation process; an evaluation process for calculating an evaluation coefficient for evaluating the appropriateness of grouping by taking into account the total length of the pipelines included in the polygon to the area calculated in the area calculation process; The pipeline grouping method according to claim 6, further comprising:

8. A pipeline grouping method as described in claim 7, in which the base point setting process is performed for a plurality of pipelines that are spaced apart from the center of the pipeline network, and the polygon generation process and the iterative process are performed based on each base point to generate grouping patterns for each base point, and the grouping pattern that maximizes the average value of the evaluation coefficient for each grouping pattern obtained by the evaluation process is determined to be the final grouping pattern.

9. 9. A pipeline grouping method according to claim 6, wherein the predetermined condition includes whether or not the total pipeline length of the pipelines included in the polygon reaches a set pipeline length, or whether or not the construction cost for the pipelines included in the polygon reaches a set construction cost.

10. 9. The pipeline grouping method according to claim 6, wherein the polygon of the predetermined shape is a convex polygon with any interior angle of 180 degrees or less.

11. 9. The pipeline grouping method according to claim 6, wherein the polygon of the predetermined shape is a polygon having at least a maximum value of an interior angle of (180°+α, α<90°) or less.

12. A pipeline grouping program that causes a computer to execute a grouping method for grouping a plurality of pipelines that constitute a pipeline network, a base point setting process for setting a base point for grouping to one of the plurality of pipelines to be grouped based on pipeline information stored in a pipeline information storage unit and associating pipeline identification information that individually identifies each pipeline with pipeline attribute information that includes position information of each pipeline; a polygon generation process in which a process of generating a polygon of a predetermined shape that encompasses one pipeline including the base point and candidate pipelines located in the vicinity of the base point is repeated until a predetermined condition set in advance is met, and when the predetermined condition is met, each pipeline encompassed by the polygon is grouped into the same group; an iterative process of updating and setting a new grouping base point for one of a plurality of pipelines that have not yet been grouped near the base point, and executing the polygon generation process for the updated base point, each time one grouping is completed by the polygon generation process, until all of the pipelines that make up the pipeline network are grouped into one of the groups; Pipe grouping program including.

13. an area calculation process for calculating the area of ​​the polygon generated by the polygon generation process; an evaluation process for calculating an evaluation coefficient for evaluating the appropriateness of grouping by taking into account the total length of the pipelines included in the polygon to the area calculated in the area calculation process; The pipeline grouping program according to claim 12, further comprising:

14. The pipeline grouping program of claim 13 is configured to execute the base point setting process for a plurality of pipelines spaced from the center of the pipeline network, execute the polygon generation process and the iterative process based on each base point to generate grouping patterns for each base point, and determine the grouping pattern for which the average value of the evaluation coefficients for each grouping pattern obtained by the evaluation process is the largest as the final grouping pattern.

15. A pipeline grouping program according to any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein the predetermined conditions include whether or not the total pipeline length of the pipelines included in the polygon reaches a set pipeline length, or whether or not the construction cost for the pipelines included in the polygon reaches a set construction cost.

16. 15. The pipeline grouping program according to claim 12, wherein the polygon of the predetermined shape is a convex polygon with any interior angle of 180 degrees or less.

17. 15. The pipeline grouping program according to any one of 12 to 14, wherein the polygon of the predetermined shape is a polygon having at least a maximum value of an interior angle of (180°+α, α<90°) or less.

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