Information processing system, information processing device, information processing method and program

Abstract

To specifically grasp the effect of optimization of a chemical to be added.SOLUTION: An information processing system includes: a sensor 600 for measuring a state of an object contained in a liquid obtained by adding a chemical by a pump 800 for adding the chemical to a liquid stored in a flocculation tank 400; and an information processor 100 for calculating a first usage amount of the chemical based on a concentration of a predetermined chemical and a flow rate of a liquid flowing into the flocculation tank 400 measured by a flow meter 500, calculating a first treatment cost based on a treatment unit price and the first usage amount, acquiring a second usage amount of a chemical added by the pump 800 controlled by a control part 200 based on a flocculation state measured by the sensor 600 in a period that the flow meter 500 has measured the flow rate, calculating a second treatment cost based on the treatment unit price and the second usage amount, and outputting money amount information indicating a money amount corresponding to a difference between the first treatment cost and the second treatment cost.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing system, an information processing device, an information processing method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] In facilities that perform coagulation treatment on various industrial wastewater, industrial water, etc., when chemicals such as coagulants are added to the water being treated, a technique has been disclosed in which the state of the flocculants in the water being treated to which the coagulant has been added is measured, and the amount of coagulant added is adjusted based on the measurement results (see, for example, Patent Document 1).This makes it possible to add an appropriate amount of coagulant depending on the state of the flocculants, thereby avoiding the addition of excessive amounts of coagulant and achieving cost reductions. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6673390 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The above-mentioned technologies do not clearly indicate the extent of cost reduction, which poses a problem in that it is not possible to grasp the specific benefits that these technologies bring to users of chemicals such as coagulants used in water treatment or to providers of systems.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide an information processing system, an information processing device, an information processing method, and a program that can specifically grasp the effects of optimizing the chemicals to be added. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The information processing system of the present invention comprises: a flow rate measuring means for measuring the flow rate of the liquid flowing into the water tank; a pump that adds chemicals to the liquid stored in the water tank; a sensor for measuring the state of an object contained in the liquid to which the chemical is added by the pump; a usage amount calculation unit that calculates a first usage amount of the chemical based on a preset concentration of the chemical and the flow rate measured by the flow rate measurement means; a first cost calculation unit that calculates a first processing cost based on a preset processing unit price and the first usage amount; a control unit that controls the pump based on the state of the object measured by the sensor during the period in which the flow rate measurement means measures the flow rate; a usage amount acquiring unit that acquires a second usage amount of the chemical added by the pump controlled by the control unit; a second cost calculation unit that calculates a second processing cost based on the processing unit price and the second usage amount; a difference calculation unit that calculates a difference between the first processing fee and the second processing fee; and an output unit that outputs amount information indicating an amount corresponding to the difference calculated by the difference calculation unit.

[0007] Further, the information processing device of the present invention comprises: a usage amount calculation unit that calculates a first usage amount of the chemical based on a preset concentration of the chemical and the flow rate of the liquid flowing into the water tank measured by the flow rate measurement means; a first cost calculation unit that calculates a first processing cost based on a preset processing unit price and the first usage amount; a usage amount acquiring unit that acquires a second usage amount of the chemical added by a pump that adds the chemical to the liquid stored in the water tank during a period in which the flow rate measuring means measures the flow rate, based on a state of the object measured by a sensor that measures the state of the object contained in the liquid to which the chemical has been added; a second cost calculation unit that calculates a second processing cost based on the processing unit price and the second usage amount; a difference calculation unit that calculates a difference between the first processing fee and the second processing fee; and an output unit that outputs amount information indicating an amount corresponding to the difference calculated by the difference calculation unit.

[0008] Further, the information processing method of the present invention comprises: a process in which a flow rate measuring means measures the flow rate of the liquid flowing into the water tank over a predetermined period of time; calculating a first usage amount of the chemical based on a preset concentration of the chemical and the flow rate measured by the flow rate measuring means; A process of calculating a first processing cost based on a preset processing unit price and the first usage amount; a process of controlling a pump that adds the chemical to the liquid stored in the water tank during a period in which the flow rate measuring means measures the flow rate, based on a state of the object measured by a sensor that measures the state of the object contained in the liquid to which the chemical has been added; obtaining a second dose of the chemical dispensed by the controlled pump; calculating a second processing cost based on the processing unit price and the second usage amount; A process of calculating a difference between the first processing fee and the second processing fee; and outputting amount information indicating the amount corresponding to the calculated difference.

[0009] The program of the present invention also includes: A program to be executed by a computer, On the computer, calculating a first amount of the chemical to be used based on a predetermined concentration of the chemical and a flow rate of the liquid flowing into the water tank measured by a flow rate measuring means; calculating a first processing cost based on a preset processing unit price and the first usage amount; a step of controlling a pump that adds the chemical to the liquid stored in the water tank based on a state of the object contained in the liquid to which the chemical has been added, measured by a sensor that measures the state of the object during a period in which the flow rate measuring means measures the flow rate; obtaining a second dose of the chemical dispensed by the controlled pump; calculating a second processing cost based on the processing unit price and the second usage amount; calculating a difference between the first processing fee and the second processing fee; and outputting amount information indicating the amount corresponding to the calculated difference. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] In the present invention, the effects of optimizing the chemicals to be added can be specifically grasped. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating a first embodiment of an information processing system according to the present invention. [Figure 2] 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of an internal configuration of the information processing device illustrated in FIG. 1. [Figure 3] 2 is a table showing an example of parameters used or calculated in the information processing system shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 4] 2 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an information processing method in the information processing system shown in FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a second embodiment of an information processing system according to the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of an internal configuration of the information processing device illustrated in FIG. 5. [Figure 7] 6 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen of a system usage fee invoice displayed on the invoice device shown in FIG. 5. FIG. [Figure 8] 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an information processing method in the information processing system shown in FIG. 5. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a third embodiment of an information processing system according to the present invention. [Figure 10] 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of an internal configuration of the information processing device illustrated in FIG. 9. FIG. [Figure 11]10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an information processing method in the information processing system shown in FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a fourth embodiment of an information processing system according to the present invention. [Figure 13] 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of an internal configuration of the information processing device illustrated in FIG. 12. FIG. [Figure 14] 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an information processing method in the information processing system shown in FIG. 12. [Figure 15] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a first application example of an information processing system according to the present invention. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a second application example of the information processing system of the present invention. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a third application example of the information processing system of the present invention. [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of association information that is referenced to determine a service usage fee in the information processing system of the present invention. [Figure 19] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another example of association information referenced for determining a service usage fee in the information processing system of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] The following describes an embodiment of the present invention with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the term "contract" is used, and this "contract" means a contract for system usage between the supplier and user of this information processing system. (First embodiment)

[0013] 1 is a diagram showing a first embodiment of an information processing system of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the information processing system of this embodiment includes an information processing device 100, a control unit 200, a raw water tank 300, a coagulation tank 400, flow meters 500 and 510, a level meter 520, a sensor 600, a coagulant tank 700, and a pump 800.

[0014] The control unit 200 controls (calculates) the injection amount of chemicals such as a flocculant from the pump 800 using a programmable logic controller (PLC) or the like based on the state of the water, sludge-containing liquid, or the like (hereinafter referred to as liquid) stored in the coagulation tank 400 measured by the sensor 600. Specifically, the control unit 200 calculates the amount of flocculant required based on the coagulation state measured by the sensor 600 during the period in which the flow meter 500 measured the flow rate (flow rate per unit time), and controls the pump 800 to supply the calculated amount of flocculant from the flocculant tank 700 to the coagulation tank 400. This calculation method is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, the methods disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2021-047039 or Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2021-053544.

[0015] The raw water tank 300 is a water tank (storage tank) that stores the liquid to be treated (hereinafter referred to as the water to be treated). The water to be treated is not particularly limited as long as it is a liquid containing suspended solids and substances to be insolubilized. The water to be treated stored in the raw water tank 300 is supplied to the coagulation tank 400 using a pump (not shown).

[0016] The coagulation tank 400 is a water tank (storage tank) for reacting the liquid supplied from the raw water tank 300 with chemicals such as a coagulant supplied from the coagulant tank 700 using a pump 800. The coagulation tank 400 has a predetermined capacity. The coagulation tank 400 may be provided with a spectroscopic instrument such as a pH meter, a fluorine concentration meter, or a turbidity meter for measuring the quality of the liquid in the coagulation tank 400. Furthermore, hydrochloric acid (HCl) or sodium hydroxide (NaOH) may be injected into the coagulation tank 400.

[0017] The flow meter 500 is a flow rate measuring means that measures the flow rate of the liquid flowing from the raw water tank 300 to the coagulation tank 400. The flow meter 500 measures the unit flow rate for a preset period. Therefore, the flow meter 500 is reset at a predetermined timing, and the value indicated by the flow meter 500 when the set unit period has elapsed becomes the unit flow rate. Alternatively, the flow meter 500 may measure an instantaneous flow rate and output the value obtained by multiplying the measured instantaneous flow rate by the operating time as the flow rate.

[0018] The sensor 600 is, for example, a flocculation sensor that measures the state of flocculants (hereinafter referred to as the flocculation state), which are targets contained in the liquid stored in the flocculation tank 400 to which a chemical such as a flocculant has been added by the pump 800. The sensor 600 may be an image sensor such as a camera that captures images of the treated water stored in the flocculation tank 400 at intervals equal to or shorter than a predetermined time interval. When an image sensor is used as the sensor 600, the sensor 600 may be a color sensor, a monochrome sensor, or an infrared sensor. Here, the time interval equal to or shorter than the predetermined time interval may refer to, for example, an extremely short period at which each frame of an image of a subject is acquired (stored in an image memory), as in a video. It is not limited to the acquisition period of each frame in a video, but may be any time interval at which the state of the liquid stored in the flocculation tank 400 can be acquired in real time. The sensor 600 is installed in a position where it can stably capture images of the liquid stored in the flocculation tank 400. For example, the sensor 600 is preferably installed in a location where there is little vibration or where it can capture images of a stable liquid surface. If imaging is hindered by diffuse reflection of light on the surface of the liquid stored in the coagulation tank 400, it is desirable to install a polarizing filter between the sensor 600 and the coagulation tank 400. The polarizing filter may be, for example, a type that is attached to the lens of the sensor 600. If the sensor 600 is a camera, it may be a visible light camera, a near-infrared camera, or an infrared camera. If the sensor 600 is a camera, in an environment where the images acquired by the sensor 600 are dark, the brightness may be adjusted using a light source. The light source may be a white LED (Light Emitting Diode) or an infrared light source. If an infrared light source is used as the light source, it is preferable that the sensor 600 be an infrared-compatible imaging means. If the sensor 600 is a near-infrared camera or an infrared camera, it can capture images of flocs that cannot be captured by a visible light camera.

[0019] The sensor 600 may be any sensor that measures the aggregation state and liquid quality of the aggregates contained in the liquid stored in the coagulation tank to which a chemical such as a coagulant has been added (these are collectively referred to as the target). For example, when a process for removing the chromaticity of the liquid stored in the coagulation tank is performed by adding a coagulant, the sensor 600 may be a sensor that measures the chromaticity of the liquid. When a process for removing TOC (Total Organic Carbon) contained in the liquid stored in the coagulation tank is performed by adding a coagulant, the sensor 600 may be a TOC meter that measures the TOC of the liquid. When a process for removing ammonia contained in the liquid stored in the coagulation tank is performed by adding sodium hypochlorite (NaClO) as a chemical, the sensor 600 may be an ammonia sensor that measures the ammonia contained in the liquid. When a process for removing hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) contained in the liquid stored in the coagulation tank is performed using a reducing agent or oxygen, the sensor 600 may be a hydrogen peroxide sensor that measures the concentration of hydrogen peroxide contained in the liquid. Furthermore, when a process for removing fluorine contained in the liquid stored in the coagulation tank is performed by adding calcium such as calcium hydroxide or calcium chloride as a chemical, the sensor 600 may be a fluorine sensor that measures the concentration of fluorine contained in the liquid.

[0020] The flocculant tank 700 is a container that stores chemicals for water treatment, such as a flocculant. The flocculant stored in the flocculant tank 700 is a substance that is added to the water to be treated stored in the coagulation tank 400 to coagulate impurities contained in the water to treat it to a desired liquid quality. The flocculant stored in the flocculant tank 700 is, for example, an inorganic flocculant such as PAC (polyaluminum chloride), ferric chloride, or ferric sulfate.

[0021] The pump 800 is an addition device that adds the flocculant stored in the flocculant tank 700 to the water to be treated stored in the flocculation tank 400. The pump 800 adds the flocculant based on a control signal sent from the control unit 200.

[0022] The flow meter 510 is a flow rate measuring means that measures the amount (flow rate) of flocculant supplied from the pump 800 to the flocculation tank 400. The flow meter 510 may measure the unit flow rate of the flocculant for a preset period. In this case, the flow meter 510 is reset at a predetermined timing, and the value indicated by the flow meter 510 when the set unit period has elapsed becomes the unit flow rate. Alternatively, the flow meter 510 may measure the instantaneous flow rate and output the value obtained by multiplying the measured instantaneous flow rate by the operating time as the flow rate.

[0023] The liquid level meter 520 is a level measuring device that measures the liquid level of the flocculant supplied from the flocculant tank 700 to the pump 800. Specifically, the liquid level meter 520 measures the height of the liquid surface of the flocculant in the flocculant tank 700.

[0024] The components of the information processing device 100 shown in Fig. 1 will be described below. Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of the information processing device 100 shown in Fig. 1. As shown in Fig. 2, the information processing device 100 shown in Fig. 1 has a usage calculation unit 110, a usage acquisition unit 120, generation calculation units 130 and 140, cost calculation units 150 and 160, a difference calculation unit 170, an output unit 180, and a coefficient unit 190. Note that Fig. 2 shows only the main components related to this embodiment among the components of the information processing device 100 shown in Fig. 1.

[0025] The usage amount calculation unit 110 calculates a first usage amount of the flocculant based on a preset flocculant concentration and the flow rate measured by the flowmeter 500. Specifically, the usage amount calculation unit 110 multiplies the preset flocculant concentration by the flow rate measured by the flowmeter 500, and calculates the multiplied value as the first usage amount of the flocculant. Here, the preset flocculant concentration may be a value set at the time of contract. Alternatively, the preset flocculant concentration may be a value that is preset as the maximum flocculant concentration every predetermined time (e.g., 24 hours) since the flowmeter 500 started measuring the flow rate. In this case, the flocculant concentration is calculated based on the amount of flocculant measured by the flowmeter 510 and the flow rate measured by the flowmeter 500 at that time. Specifically, the flocculant concentration is calculated by dividing the amount of flocculant measured by the flowmeter 510 by the flow rate measured by the flowmeter 500. The predetermined time is a time that can be set or changed externally. The unit of the flocculant concentration is, for example, [mg / L]. The flow rate measured by the flow meter 500 is a unit flow rate for a preset period. The unit is, for example, [m 3 / month]. The flow rate measured by flow meter 500 may be the instantaneous flow rate as described above. In this case, usage calculation unit 110 calculates the first usage rate using a value obtained by multiplying the measured instantaneous flow rate by the operating time.

[0026] The generation amount calculation unit 130 is a first generation amount calculation unit that calculates a first sludge generation amount based on the first usage amount calculated by the usage amount calculation unit 110. This sludge is aggregates such as flocs that have been aggregated in the water to be treated and stored in the coagulation tank 400 by adding a coagulant. Specifically, the generation amount calculation unit 130 multiplies the first usage amount calculated by the usage amount calculation unit 110 by a coagulant SS (suspended solids) conversion coefficient that was set in advance at the time of signing the contract, and divides the multiplied value by the SS sludge conversion coefficient that was set in advance at the time of signing the contract to calculate the first sludge generation amount.

[0027] The cost calculation unit 150 is a first cost calculation unit that calculates a first treatment cost based on a preset treatment unit price and a first usage amount calculated by the usage amount calculation unit 110. Furthermore, the cost calculation unit 150 calculates the first treatment cost based on the treatment unit price, the first usage amount calculated by the usage amount calculation unit 110, and the first sludge generation amount calculated by the generation amount calculation unit 130. Specifically, the cost calculation unit 150 multiplies the preset unit price of the flocculant by the first usage amount calculated by the usage amount calculation unit 110, multiplies the preset unit price for sludge treatment by the first sludge generation amount calculated by the generation amount calculation unit 130, and adds the two results of the multiplication to calculate the first treatment cost. The unit price of the flocculant is a value set at the time of contracting, and its unit is, for example, [yen / kg]. The unit price for sludge treatment is a value set at the time of contracting, and its unit is, for example, [yen / kg].

[0028] The usage amount acquiring unit 120 acquires a second usage amount of flocculant added by the pump 800 from the flocculant tank 700 to the coagulation tank 400 during the period when the flow meter 500 measured the flow rate. For example, the usage amount acquiring unit 120 acquires a second usage amount of flocculant added by the pump 800 from the flocculant tank 700 to the coagulation tank 400, measured by the flow meter 510, during the period when the flow meter 500 measured the flow rate. For example, if the flow meter 510 measures an instantaneous flow rate, the second usage amount acquired by the usage amount acquiring unit 120 is a value obtained by multiplying the instantaneous flow rate measured by the flow meter 510 by the period during which the flow meter 500 measured the flow rate, which is the operating time. Alternatively, the usage amount acquiring unit 120 acquires a value measured by the level meter 520 during the period when the flow meter 500 measured the flow rate, and calculates and acquires the second usage amount of flocculant added by the pump 800 from the flocculant tank 700 to the coagulation tank 400 based on the acquired value. Furthermore, when the injection amount of chemicals such as a flocculant from the pump 800 controlled (calculated) by the control unit 200 is the injection amount of the flocculant from the pump 800 during the period when the flow meter 500 measured the flow rate, the value of the injection amount may be acquired as the second usage amount. In this way, the usage amount acquisition unit 120 acquires the amount of flocculant used during the period when the flow meter 500 measured the flow rate.

[0029] The generation amount calculation unit 140 is a second generation amount calculation unit that calculates a second sludge generation amount based on the second usage amount acquired by the usage amount acquisition unit 120. This sludge is a floc or other aggregate that has been aggregated in the water to be treated and stored in the coagulation tank 400 by adding a coagulant. Specifically, the generation amount calculation unit 140 multiplies the second usage amount acquired by the usage amount acquisition unit 120 by a coagulant SS (suspended solids) conversion coefficient that was set in advance at the time of signing the contract, and divides the multiplied value by the SS sludge conversion coefficient that was set in advance at the time of signing the contract to calculate the second sludge generation amount.

[0030] The cost calculation unit 160 is a second cost calculation unit that calculates a second treatment cost based on a preset treatment unit cost and the second usage amount acquired by the usage amount acquisition unit 120. Furthermore, the cost calculation unit 160 calculates the second treatment cost based on the treatment unit cost, the second usage amount acquired by the usage amount acquisition unit 120, and the second sludge generation amount calculated by the generation amount calculation unit 140. Specifically, the cost calculation unit 160 multiplies the preset unit cost of the flocculant by the second usage amount acquired by the usage amount acquisition unit 120, multiplies the preset unit cost for sludge treatment by the second sludge generation amount calculated by the generation amount calculation unit 140, and adds the two results of the multiplication to calculate the second treatment cost. The unit cost of the flocculant and the unit cost for sludge treatment are the same as those used by the cost calculation unit 150 when calculating the first treatment cost.

[0031] The difference calculation unit 170 calculates the difference between the first processing cost calculated by the cost calculation unit 150 and the second processing cost calculated by the cost calculation unit 160.

[0032] The coefficient unit 190 multiplies the difference calculated by the difference calculation unit 170 by a predetermined coefficient. This coefficient is a value that is preset for each contract at the time of contract. The coefficient may be changed, for example, according to the contract period or the number of systems for which the user has contracted. The coefficient may also be changed according to the location where the system is introduced (installed). The coefficient is, for example, a numerical value less than 1.

[0033] The output unit 180 outputs amount information indicating an amount corresponding to the difference calculated by the difference calculation unit 170. At this time, the output unit 180 outputs amount information indicating an amount obtained by multiplying the difference calculated by the difference calculation unit 170 by a coefficient by the coefficient unit 190. The output unit 180 may also output amount information indicating an amount obtained by adding a preset amount (hereinafter referred to as a basic fee) to the amount indicated by the amount information. This basic fee is a fixed fee included in the system usage fee paid periodically by users who use the system. The amount of the basic fee may be set depending on the system, the user, and the period of use, and may be set for each contract (e.g., contract month) for using the system. The output unit 180 may output not only amount information indicating an amount corresponding to the difference calculated by the difference calculation unit 170, but also information indicating the difference calculated by the difference calculation unit 170 and the amount calculated by the expense calculation units 150 and 160. The method of outputting the amount information by the output unit 180 may be to display the amount information on a specified display, output it as audio from a speaker, print it, or send it to another device, and is not limited to this.

[0034] Figure 3 is a list showing an example of parameters used or calculated in the information processing system shown in Figure 1. The list shown in Figure 3 may be created by the provider of this system and presented to the user. As shown in Figure 3, each item is associated with a numerical value and a unit.

[0035] The "calendar function" indicates the date of the contract. The "calendar function" is input to the device that creates this list (hereinafter referred to as the "creation device") based on an external operation.

[0036] The "integrated flow rate value" indicates the flow rate measured by the flow meter 500 for a predetermined period of time. The "integrated flow rate value" is a numerical value indicating the flow rate measured by the flow meter 500 that is transmitted to and input into the creation device.

[0037] The "designed inorganic coagulant injection concentration" indicates the concentration of the coagulant added that was set in advance at the time of the contract. The "designed inorganic coagulant injection concentration" is input to the creation device based on an external operation.

[0038] The "designed inorganic flocculant usage amount" indicates the first usage amount calculated by the usage amount calculation unit 110. The "designed inorganic flocculant usage amount" is a numerical value indicating the first usage amount calculated by the usage amount calculation unit 110 that is sent to the creation device and input.

[0039] The "actual inorganic flocculant usage amount" indicates the second usage amount acquired by the usage amount acquisition unit 120. The "actual inorganic flocculant usage amount" is a numerical value indicating the second usage amount acquired by the usage amount acquisition unit 120 that is sent to the creation device and input.

[0040] The "inorganic coagulant SS conversion coefficient" and the "SS sludge conversion coefficient" are preset coefficients used by the generation amount calculation unit 130 when calculating the first sludge generation amount and by the generation amount calculation unit 140 when calculating the second sludge generation amount. The "inorganic coagulant SS conversion coefficient" and the "SS sludge conversion coefficient" are input to the creation device based on an external operation.

[0041] The "design sludge generation amount" indicates the first generation amount calculated by the generation amount calculation unit 130. The "design sludge generation amount" is a numerical value indicating the first generation amount calculated by the generation amount calculation unit 130, which is sent to the creation device and input.

[0042] The "actual sludge generation amount" indicates the second generation amount calculated by the generation amount calculation unit 140. The "design sludge generation amount" is a numerical value indicating the second generation amount calculated by the generation amount calculation unit 140, which is sent to the creation device and input.

[0043] The "unit cost of inorganic flocculant" and the "unit cost of sludge treatment" are preset coefficients used by the cost calculation unit 150 when calculating the first treatment cost and by the cost calculation unit 160 when calculating the second treatment cost. The "unit cost of inorganic flocculant" and the "unit cost of sludge treatment" are input to the creation device based on an external operation.

[0044] The "design processing cost" indicates the first processing cost calculated by the cost calculation unit 150. The "design processing cost" is a numerical value indicating the first processing cost calculated by the cost calculation unit 150 that is transmitted to and input into the creation device.

[0045] The "actual processing cost" indicates the second processing cost calculated by the cost calculation unit 160. The "actual processing cost" is a numerical value indicating the second processing cost calculated by the cost calculation unit 160 that is transmitted to and input into the creation device.

[0046] The "billing fee conversion coefficient" is a coefficient by which the coefficient unit 190 multiplies the difference calculated by the difference calculation unit 170. The "billing fee conversion coefficient" is input to the creation device based on an external operation.

[0047] The "billed pay-per-use charge" indicates the amount obtained by multiplying the difference calculated by the difference calculation unit 170 by a coefficient calculated by the coefficient unit 190. In this case, if the difference calculated by the difference calculation unit 170 indicates that the second processing cost is greater than the first processing cost, the "billed pay-per-use charge" becomes "0." The "billed pay-per-use charge" is a numerical value indicating the amount obtained by multiplying the difference calculated by the difference calculation unit 170 by a coefficient calculated by the coefficient unit 190, which is sent to the creation device and input.

[0048] The "basic fee charged" is the basic fee that is set in advance as described above. The "basic fee charged" is input to the creation device based on an external operation. Note that the "basic fee charged" may not be present.

[0049] The "billed fee (system usage fee)" is the sum of the "billed pay-per-use fee" and the "billed basic fee."

[0050] The following describes an information processing method in the information processing system shown in Fig. 1. Fig. 4 is a flowchart for explaining an example of an information processing method in the information processing system shown in Fig. 1.

[0051] The flow meter 500 measures the flow rate of liquid flowing from the raw water tank 300 into the coagulation tank 400 over a predetermined period of time (step S1). The usage calculation unit 110 calculates a first usage amount of coagulant based on a preset concentration of the coagulant and the flow rate measured by the flow meter 500 (step S2). The generation amount calculation unit 130 also calculates a first sludge generation amount based on the first usage amount calculated in step S2 (step S3). Then, the cost calculation unit 150 calculates a first treatment cost based on a preset treatment unit price, the first usage amount calculated in step S2, and the first sludge generation amount calculated in step S3 (step S4).

[0052] The usage amount acquisition unit 120 acquires a second usage amount of flocculant added from the flocculant tank 700 using the pump 800, measured by the flow meter 510, during the period when the flow meter 500 measured the flow rate (step S5). The generation amount calculation unit 140 calculates a second amount of sludge generation based on the second usage amount acquired in step S5 (step S6). Then, the cost calculation unit 160 calculates a second treatment cost based on the preset treatment unit price, the second usage amount acquired in step S5, and the second amount of sludge generation calculated in step S6 (step S7).

[0053] Next, the difference calculation unit 170 calculates the difference between the first processing fee calculated in step S4 and the second processing fee calculated in step S7 (step S8). Then, the coefficient unit 190 multiplies the difference calculated in step S8 by a preset coefficient (step S9). Next, the output unit 180 outputs the amount calculated in step S9 (step S10). At this time, the output unit 180 may add a preset basic fee to the amount calculated in step S9 and output it.

[0054] In this way, in this embodiment, monetary information is output that indicates the amount of the billed fee corresponding to the difference in the treatment fee corresponding to the amount of flocculant used between the case where a flocculant satisfying a preset concentration is added and the case where the flocculation state of the flocculants in the liquid stored in the flocculation tank is measured and an amount of flocculant used calculated based on the measured flocculation state. Therefore, it is possible to specifically grasp the effect of optimizing the flocculant to be added. (Second embodiment)

[0055] Fig. 5 is a diagram showing a second embodiment of the information processing system of the present invention. As shown in Fig. 5, the information processing system in this embodiment includes an information processing device 101, a control unit 200, a raw water tank 300, a coagulation tank 400, flow meters 500 and 510, a level meter 520, a sensor 600, a coagulant tank 700, a pump 800, and a billing device 900. The control unit 200, raw water tank 300, coagulation tank 400, flow meters 500 and 510, a level meter 520, a sensor 600, a coagulant tank 700, and a pump 800 are the same as those in the first embodiment.

[0056] Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of the information processing device 101 shown in Fig. 5. As shown in Fig. 6, the information processing device 101 shown in Fig. 5 has a usage calculation unit 110, a usage acquisition unit 120, generation amount calculation units 130 and 140, cost calculation units 150 and 160, a difference calculation unit 170, an output unit 180, a coefficient unit 190, and a transmission unit 210. Note that Fig. 6 shows only the main components related to this embodiment among the components of the information processing device 101 shown in Fig. 5. The usage calculation unit 110, the usage acquisition unit 120, the generation amount calculation units 130 and 140, the cost calculation units 150 and 160, the difference calculation unit 170, the output unit 180, and the coefficient unit 190 are the same as those in the first embodiment.

[0057] The transmitting unit 210 transmits the amount information output by the output unit 180 to the expense billing device 900, which bills for expenses based on the amount indicated by the amount information. The timing for transmitting the amount information from the transmitting unit 210 may be a preset timing or may be periodic timing. Furthermore, when the transmitting unit 210 receives a request to transmit amount information from the expense billing device 900, it may transmit the corresponding amount information to the expense billing device 900. The amount information transmitted by the transmitting unit 210 to the expense billing device 900 may be information that allows at least both the information processing device 101 and the expense billing device 900 to recognize the amount of system usage.

[0058] The expense invoice device 900 is a device that performs expense invoice processing using amount information transmitted from the information processing device 101. The expense invoice device 900 is communicably connected to the information processing device 101 via a wireless line or a wired line. The expense invoice device 900 and the information processing device 101 may be directly connected, or may be connected via a general communication network. Furthermore, the expense invoice device 900 may be provided on the system provider side, on the system user side, or separately provided on the system provider side and the system user side.

[0059] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen of a system usage fee invoice displayed on the expense invoice device 900 shown in FIG. 5. If the expense invoice device 900 shown in FIG. 5 is equipped with a display unit (display) for displaying information, a display screen such as that shown in FIG. 7 is displayed on that display unit. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, the amount of the system usage fee for the month of use is displayed, and the payment method for the fee is also displayed. The displayed usage fee may be the amount indicated by the amount information transmitted from the information processing device 101, or may be the amount obtained by adding a predetermined handling fee to that amount. The displayed usage fee may also be the amount obtained by applying a predetermined discount to the amount indicated by the amount information transmitted from the information processing device 101.

[0060] The following describes an information processing method in the information processing system shown in Fig. 5. Fig. 8 is a flowchart for explaining an example of an information processing method in the information processing system shown in Fig. 5. The processes in steps S21 to S30 are the same as the processes in steps S1 to S10, respectively, described using the flowchart shown in Fig. 4.

[0061] After the processing of step S30 is performed, the transmitting unit 210 transmits the amount information output by the output unit 180 to the billing device 900. The billing device 900 calculates the amount of the system usage fee (step S31). The amount calculated here may be the amount indicated by the amount information transmitted from the transmitting unit 210 as described above, or may be an amount to which a predetermined handling fee has been added, or an amount to which a predetermined discount has been applied, or may be an amount depending on the operation of the system usage. Then, the billing device 900 performs a billing process for the system usage fee (step S32).

[0062] In this manner, in this embodiment, monetary information is output indicating the amount of the billed fee corresponding to the difference in processing costs depending on the amount of flocculant used between adding a flocculant satisfying a preset concentration and measuring the flocculation state of the flocculants in the liquid stored in the flocculation tank and adding a flocculant in an amount calculated based on the measured flocculation state. This allows for a concrete understanding of the effect of optimizing the amount of flocculant added. Furthermore, the output monetary information is sent to a billing device that uses the monetary information to perform billing processing, and the billing device then performs billing processing for system usage fees to the system users. This makes it easy to bill system usage fees. (Third embodiment)

[0063] Fig. 9 is a diagram showing a third embodiment of the information processing system of the present invention. As shown in Fig. 9, the information processing system in this embodiment has an information processing device 102, a control unit 200, a raw water tank 300, a coagulation tank 400, flow meters 500 and 510, a level meter 520, a sensor 600, a coagulant tank 700, and a pump 800. The control unit 200, raw water tank 300, coagulation tank 400, flow meters 500 and 510, a level meter 520, a sensor 600, a coagulant tank 700, and a pump 800 are the same as those in the first embodiment.

[0064] Fig. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of the information processing device 102 shown in Fig. 9. As shown in Fig. 10, the information processing device 102 shown in Fig. 9 has a usage calculation unit 110, a usage acquisition unit 120, generation amount calculation units 130 and 140, emission amount calculation units 115 and 116, cost calculation units 152 and 162, a difference calculation unit 170, an output unit 180, and a coefficient unit 190. Note that Fig. 10 shows only the main components related to this embodiment among the components of the information processing device 102 shown in Fig. 9. The usage calculation unit 110, the usage acquisition unit 120, the generation amount calculation units 130 and 140, the difference calculation unit 170, the output unit 180, and the coefficient unit 190 are the same as those in the first embodiment.

[0065] The emission calculation unit 115 is a first emission calculation unit that calculates the emission amount of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide (CO2) (first gas emission amount) based on the first usage amount calculated by the usage calculation unit 110. The emission amount calculated by the emission calculation unit 115 is the emission amount of greenhouse gases emitted when producing the first usage amount of flocculant calculated by the usage calculation unit 110. This calculation method may be a method of searching from information in which the type and production amount of flocculant are previously associated with the emission amount of greenhouse gases, or a calculation method using a predetermined algorithm, and is not particularly limited.

[0066] The emission amount calculation unit 116 is a second emission amount calculation unit that calculates the emission amount of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide (CO2) (second gas emission amount) based on the second usage amount acquired by the usage amount acquisition unit 120. The emission amount calculated by the emission amount calculation unit 116 is the emission amount of greenhouse gases emitted when producing the second usage amount of flocculant acquired by the usage amount acquisition unit 120. This calculation method may be a method of searching from information in which the type and production amount of flocculant are previously associated with the emission amount of greenhouse gases, or a calculation method using a predetermined algorithm, and is not particularly specified.

[0067] In addition to the functions of the cost calculation unit 150 in the first embodiment, the cost calculation unit 152 calculates the cost of treating the first gas emission amount calculated by the emission calculation unit 115. Specifically, the cost calculation unit 152 calculates the cost by multiplying a unit cost for treating a predetermined unit of greenhouse gas set in advance by the first gas emission amount calculated by the emission calculation unit 115. The cost calculation unit 152 calculates the first treatment cost by adding the cost according to the calculated first usage amount of flocculant, the cost according to the first amount of sludge generated, and the cost according to the first gas emission amount. The unit cost for treating the emitted gas is a value set at the time of the contract, and the unit is, for example, [yen / L].

[0068] In addition to the functions of the cost calculation unit 160 in the first embodiment, the cost calculation unit 162 calculates the cost of treating the second gas emission amount calculated by the emission calculation unit 116. Specifically, the cost calculation unit 162 calculates the cost by multiplying a unit cost for treating a predetermined unit of greenhouse gas set in advance by the second gas emission amount calculated by the emission calculation unit 116. The cost calculation unit 162 calculates the second treatment cost by adding the cost according to the calculated second usage amount of flocculant, the cost according to the second sludge generation amount, and the cost according to the second gas emission amount. The unit cost for treating the emitted gas is the same as that used by the cost calculation unit 152 when calculating the first treatment cost.

[0069] The following describes an information processing method in the information processing system shown in Fig. 9. Fig. 11 is a flowchart for explaining an example of an information processing method in the information processing system shown in Fig. 9.

[0070] The processes of steps S41 to S43 are the same as the processes of steps S1 to S3 described using the flowchart shown in Fig. 4. The emission amount calculation unit 115 calculates a first gas emission amount based on the first usage amount calculated by the usage amount calculation unit 110 (step S44). Then, the cost calculation unit 152 calculates a first treatment cost based on the preset treatment unit cost, the first usage amount calculated in step S42, the first sludge generation amount calculated in step S43, and the first emission amount calculated in step S44 (step S45).

[0071] The processes of steps S46 to S47 are the same as the processes of steps S5 to S6, respectively, described using the flowchart shown in Fig. 4. The emission amount calculation unit 116 calculates a second gas emission amount based on the second usage amount acquired by the usage amount acquisition unit 120 (step S48). Then, the cost calculation unit 162 calculates a second treatment cost based on the preset treatment unit price, the second usage amount acquired in step S46, the second sludge generation amount calculated in step S47, and the second emission amount calculated in step S48 (step S49).

[0072] Next, the difference calculation unit 170 calculates the difference between the first processing fee calculated in step S45 and the second processing fee calculated in step S49 (step S50). Then, the coefficient unit 190 multiplies the difference calculated in step S50 by a preset coefficient (step S51). Next, the output unit 180 outputs the amount calculated in step S51 (step S52). At this time, the output unit 180 may add a preset basic fee to the amount calculated in step S51 and output the result.

[0073] In addition, the difference calculation unit 170 may calculate a difference according to each of the difference between the first usage amount and the second usage amount, the difference between the first sludge generation amount and the second sludge generation amount, and the difference between the first gas emission amount and the second gas emission amount.

[0074] In this manner, in this embodiment, monetary information indicating the amount of the billed fee corresponding to the difference between the treatment costs when adding a flocculant satisfying a preset concentration and when adding a flocculant in an amount calculated based on the measured flocculation state after measuring the flocculation state of the liquid stored in the flocculation tank is output. Therefore, the effect of optimizing the flocculant to be added can be specifically understood. Furthermore, the monetary information also includes the difference in greenhouse gas emissions corresponding to the respective amounts used. This allows the effect of optimization to be specifically understood from other perspectives. Note that the information processing device 102 in this embodiment may not include the generation amount calculation units 130 and 140. That is, the cost calculation unit 152 may calculate the first treatment cost based on the first usage amount calculated by the usage amount calculation unit 110 and the first emission amount calculated by the emission amount calculation unit 115, and the cost calculation unit 162 may calculate the second treatment cost based on the second usage amount acquired by the usage amount acquisition unit 120 and the second emission amount calculated by the emission amount calculation unit 116. (Fourth embodiment)

[0075] Fig. 12 is a diagram showing a fourth embodiment of the information processing system of the present invention. As shown in Fig. 12, the information processing system in this embodiment has an information processing device 103, a control unit 200, a raw water tank 300, a coagulation tank 400, flow meters 500 and 510, a level meter 520, a sensor 600, a coagulant tank 700, and a pump 800. The control unit 200, raw water tank 300, coagulation tank 400, flow meters 500 and 510, a level meter 520, a sensor 600, a coagulant tank 700, and a pump 800 are the same as those in the first embodiment.

[0076] Fig. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of the information processing device 103 shown in Fig. 12. As shown in Fig. 13, the information processing device 103 shown in Fig. 12 has a usage calculation unit 110, a usage acquisition unit 120, generation amount calculation units 130 and 140, power amount calculation units 117 and 118, cost calculation units 153 and 163, a difference calculation unit 170, an output unit 180, and a coefficient unit 190. Note that Fig. 13 shows only the main components related to this embodiment among the components of the information processing device 103 shown in Fig. 12. The usage calculation unit 110, the usage acquisition unit 120, the generation amount calculation units 130 and 140, the difference calculation unit 170, the output unit 180, and the coefficient unit 190 are the same as those in the first embodiment.

[0077] The power amount calculation unit 117 is a first power amount calculation unit that calculates the amount of power (first power amount) consumed to treat the liquid using the first usage amount of flocculant calculated by the usage amount calculation unit 110. This calculation method may be a method of searching from information in which the type of flocculant, the structure of the treatment system, and the details of the treatment are previously associated with the amount of power, or a calculation method using a predetermined algorithm, and is not particularly specified.

[0078] The power amount calculation unit 118 is a second power amount calculation unit that calculates the amount of power (second power amount) consumed to treat the liquid using the second usage amount of flocculant acquired by the usage amount acquisition unit 120. This calculation method may be a method of searching from information in which the type of flocculant, the structure of the treatment system, and the details of the treatment are previously associated with the amount of power, or a calculation method using a predetermined algorithm, and is not particularly specified.

[0079] In addition to the functions of the cost calculation unit 150 in the first embodiment, the cost calculation unit 153 calculates the cost of acquiring (purchasing or generating, etc.) the first amount of electricity calculated by the power amount calculation unit 117. Specifically, the cost calculation unit 153 calculates the cost by multiplying a unit price for acquiring (purchasing or generating, etc.) a predetermined unit of electricity set in advance by the first amount of electricity calculated by the power amount calculation unit 117. The cost calculation unit 153 calculates the first treatment cost by adding the cost according to the calculated first amount of flocculant used, the cost according to the first amount of sludge generated, and the cost according to the first amount of electricity. The unit price of the amount of electricity is a value set at the time of contract, and is expressed in units of, for example, yen / kWh.

[0080] In addition to the functions of the cost calculation unit 160 in the first embodiment, the cost calculation unit 163 calculates the cost of acquiring (purchasing or generating, etc.) the second amount of electricity calculated by the power amount calculation unit 118. Specifically, the cost calculation unit 163 calculates the cost by multiplying a unit price for acquiring (purchasing or generating, etc.) a predetermined unit of electricity by the second amount of electricity calculated by the power amount calculation unit 118. The cost calculation unit 163 calculates the second treatment cost by adding the cost according to the calculated second amount of flocculant used, the cost according to the second amount of sludge generated, and the cost according to the second amount of electricity. The unit price of the amount of electricity is the same as that used by the cost calculation unit 153 when calculating the first treatment cost.

[0081] The following describes an information processing method in the information processing system shown in Fig. 12. Fig. 14 is a flowchart for explaining an example of an information processing method in the information processing system shown in Fig. 12.

[0082] The processes of steps S61 to S63 are the same as the processes of steps S1 to S3, respectively, described using the flowchart shown in Fig. 4. The power amount calculation unit 117 calculates a first amount of power based on the first usage calculated by the usage amount calculation unit 110 (step S64). Then, the cost calculation unit 153 calculates a first treatment cost based on the preset treatment unit price, the first usage calculated in step S62, the first amount of sludge generated calculated in step S63, and the first amount of power calculated in step S64 (step S65).

[0083] The processes of steps S66 to S67 are the same as the processes of steps S5 to S6, respectively, described using the flowchart shown in Fig. 4. The power amount calculation unit 118 calculates a second amount of power based on the second usage amount acquired by the usage amount acquisition unit 120 (step S68). Then, the cost calculation unit 163 calculates a second treatment cost based on the preset treatment unit price, the second usage amount acquired in step S66, the second amount of sludge generated calculated in step S67, and the second amount of power calculated in step S68 (step S69).

[0084] Next, the difference calculation unit 170 calculates the difference between the first processing fee calculated in step S65 and the second processing fee calculated in step S69 (step S70). Then, the coefficient unit 190 multiplies the difference calculated in step S70 by a preset coefficient (step S71). Next, the output unit 180 outputs the amount calculated in step S71 (step S72). At this time, the output unit 180 may add a preset basic fee to the amount calculated in step S71 and output the result.

[0085] In addition, the difference calculation unit 170 may calculate a difference according to each of the difference between the first usage amount and the second usage amount, the difference between the first sludge generation amount and the second sludge generation amount, and the difference between the first amount of electricity and the second amount of electricity.

[0086] In this manner, in this embodiment, monetary information indicating the billed cost amount corresponding to the difference between the treatment costs when adding a flocculant satisfying a preset concentration and when adding a flocculant in an amount calculated based on the measured flocculation state after measuring the flocculation state of the liquid stored in the flocculation tank is output. Therefore, the effect of optimizing the flocculant to be added can be specifically understood. Furthermore, the monetary information also includes the difference in the amount of electricity used for each of the treatment costs. This allows the effect of optimization to be specifically understood from other perspectives. Note that the information processing device 103 in this embodiment may not include the generation amount calculation units 130 and 140. That is, the cost calculation unit 153 may calculate the first treatment cost based on the first usage amount calculated by the usage amount calculation unit 110 and the first amount of electricity calculated by the electricity amount calculation unit 117, and the cost calculation unit 163 may calculate the second treatment cost based on the second usage amount acquired by the usage amount acquisition unit 120 and the second amount of electricity calculated by the electricity amount calculation unit 118.

[0087] Although the amount of gas discharged is used in the third embodiment and the amount of electricity consumed is used in the fourth embodiment to calculate the amount of money, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the cost of maintaining each water tank and pump (maintenance cost) may also be used. (Application example 1)

[0088] Figure 15 is a diagram showing a first application example of the information processing system of the present invention. Figure 15 shows an example of a water treatment system, to which the information processing system of the present invention is applied. The water treatment system shown in Figure 15 includes information processing device 100, control unit 200, raw water tank 300, coagulation tank 400, flow meters 500 and 510, level meter 520, sensor 600, coagulant tank 700, and pump 800 shown in Figure 1, as well as coagulation tank 410, solid-liquid separator 420, coagulant tank 710, and pump 810.

[0089] The coagulation tank 410 is a water tank (storage tank) for reacting the liquid treated in the coagulation tank 400 with a coagulant supplied from the coagulant tank 710 using a pump 810. The coagulation tank 410 has a predetermined capacity.

[0090] The flocculant tank 710 is a container that stores a flocculant. The flocculant stored in the flocculant tank 710 is a substance that is added to the water to be treated stored in the flocculation tank 410 to flocculate impurities contained in the water to treat the water to a desired liquid quality. The flocculant stored in the flocculant tank 710 is, for example, a polymer flocculant (polymer).

[0091] The pump 810 is an adding device that adds the flocculant stored in the flocculant tank 710 to the water to be treated stored in the flocculation tank 410 .

[0092] The solid-liquid separator 420 is a device into which the liquid treated in the coagulation tank 410 flows, separates the liquid into solids (sludge) and liquid (treated water), and discharges each of them.

[0093] Alternatively, the sensor 600 may measure the coagulation state of the coagulation material contained in the water to be treated stored in the coagulation tank 410, and the control unit 200 may calculate the amount of coagulant to be added by the pump 810 from the coagulant tank 710 to the coagulation tank 410 based on the coagulation state measured by the sensor 600 during the period in which the flow meter 500 measures the flow rate, and control the addition of coagulant from the coagulant tank 710 to the pump 810 based on a value indicating the calculated amount used. A flow meter (not shown) may be provided that measures the amount of coagulant to be added from the pump 810 to the coagulation tank 410, and the amount of coagulant measured by this flow meter may be used as the second amount used to perform the same process as described above. (Application example 2)

[0094] Figure 16 is a diagram showing a second application example of the information processing system of the present invention. Figure 16 shows an example of a water treatment system, to which the information processing system of the present invention is applied. The water treatment system shown in Figure 16 includes information processing device 100, control unit 200, raw water tank 300, coagulation tanks 400, 410, solid-liquid separator 420, flow meters 500, 510, level meter 520, sensor 600, coagulant tanks 700, 710, and pumps 800, 810 shown in Figure 15, as well as a coagulant tank 720 and a pump 820.

[0095] The coagulant tank 720 is a container that stores a coagulant. The coagulant stored in the coagulant tank 720 is a substance that is added to the water to be treated stored in the coagulation tank 400 to coagulate impurities contained in the water to treat the water to a desired liquid quality. The coagulant stored in the coagulant tank 720 is, for example, an organic coagulant.

[0096] Pump 820 is an addition device that adds a coagulant stored in coagulant tank 720 to the water to be treated stored in coagulation tank 400. The amount of coagulant that pump 820 adds from coagulant tank 720 to coagulation tank 400 may be controlled based on a control signal transmitted from control unit 200. In this case, control unit 200 calculates the amount of coagulant to be added from coagulant tank 720 to coagulation tank 400 by pump 820 based on the coagulation state measured by sensor 600 during the period in which flow meter 500 measures the flow rate, and controls pump 820 to add coagulant from coagulant tank 720 based on a value indicating the calculated amount used. A flow meter (not shown) that measures the amount of coagulant to be added from pump 820 to coagulation tank 400 may be provided, and the amount of coagulant measured by this flow meter may be used as the second amount used to perform the same process as described above. (Application example 3)

[0097] Figure 17 is a diagram showing a third application example of the information processing system of the present invention. Figure 17 shows an example of a water treatment system, to which the information processing system of the present invention is applied. The water treatment system shown in Figure 17 has a coagulation tank 410 to which liquid is supplied from the raw water tank 300 shown in Figure 15, and a solid-liquid separator 420. The coagulation tank 410 and the solid-liquid separator 420 are the same as those shown in Figure 15.

[0098] The sludge tank 430 receives and stores the solids (sludge) separated by the solid-liquid separator 420. Based on instructions from the control unit 200, the pump 830 adds a flocculant from the flocculant tank 730 to the sludge stored in the sludge tank 430. The dehydrator 440 dehydrates the sludge treated in the sludge tank 430, separating it into filtrate and dehydrated sludge, and discharging the filtrate and dehydrated sludge. The sludge tank 430 and the dehydrator 440 may be integrated. There are many types of dehydrators 440, including screw press types and multi-disk types, but they are not particularly limited. The flocculant in the flocculant tank 730 is a cationic polymer flocculant or an anionic polymer flocculant. The sensor 600 measures the flocculation state of the flocculants contained in the water to be treated stored in the sludge tank 430 and notifies the control unit 200. The control unit 200 calculates the amount of flocculant to be added from the flocculant tank 730 to the sludge tank 430 by the pump 830 based on the flocculation state measured by the sensor 600 during the period when the flow meter 500 measured the flow rate, and controls the addition of flocculant from the flocculant tank 730 to the pump 830 based on a value indicating the calculated amount. The control unit 200 may further control the operating state (e.g., rotation speed) of the dehydrator 440 based on the flocculation state measured by the sensor 600 during the period when the flow meter 500 measured the flow rate. For example, when the control unit 200 controls the rotation speed of the dehydrator 440, the power consumption of the dehydrator 440 corresponding to the rotation speed is calculated as the amount of power described in the fourth embodiment. (Example of usage fees)

[0099] When using the information processing system of the present invention, it is necessary to set a fee according to the usage. The fee is determined by taking into consideration the results when the amount of flocculant added is controlled according to the flocculation state in the flocculation layer, compared to when a fixed amount of flocculant is added to the flocculation tank.

[0100] FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an example of association information referenced to determine service usage fees for the information processing system of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 18, the amounts of inorganic flocculant, polymer flocculant, and organic coagulant added when a fixed amount of flocculant is added to the coagulation tank (before the test) are associated with the amounts of inorganic flocculant, polymer flocculant, and organic coagulant added when the amounts are controlled using a coagulation sensor (Test 1-1 results, Test 1-2 results), and these are stored in a database (not shown). Based on a comparison between the pre-test and Test 1-1 results and a comparison between the pre-test and Test 1-2 results, a reduced cost (A) and an additional cost (B) for each added amount are calculated and stored. The service usage fee (C) is stored as C = α × A + B using a fee conversion coefficient (α). If there is no additional cost, B = 0. The fee conversion coefficient (α) is a coefficient used in the calculation by the coefficient unit 190 described above.

[0101] FIG. 19 is a diagram showing another example of association information referenced for determining service usage fees for the information processing system of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 19, the inorganic flocculant addition amount and polymer flocculant addition amount when a fixed amount of flocculant is added to the flocculation tank (before the test) are associated with the inorganic flocculant addition amount and polymer flocculant addition amount when the addition amount is controlled using a flocculation sensor (Test 2-1 result) and are stored in a database (not shown). Based on a comparison between the before-test and Test 2-1 results, reduced cost (A) and additional cost (B) for each addition amount are calculated and stored. The service usage fee (C) is stored as C = α × A + B using a fee conversion coefficient (α). If there is no additional cost, B = 0. The fee conversion coefficient (α) is a coefficient used in the calculation by the coefficient unit 190 described above.

[0102] Although the above description has been given by allocating each function (process) to each component, this allocation is not limited to the above. Furthermore, the configuration of the components is also not limited to the above-described embodiments, which are merely examples. Furthermore, each embodiment may be combined.

[0103] The processes performed by the information processing devices 100 and 101 described above may be performed by logic circuits manufactured for each purpose. Alternatively, a computer program (hereinafter referred to as a program) describing the process steps may be recorded on a recording medium readable by the information processing devices 100 and 101, and the program recorded on the recording medium may be read and executed by the information processing devices 100 and 101. Recording media readable by the information processing devices 100 and 101 include removable recording media such as floppy disks, magneto-optical disks, digital versatile discs (DVDs), compact discs (CDs), Blu-ray discs, and universal serial bus (USB) memories, as well as memories such as read-only memory (ROM) and random access memory (RAM) built into the information processing devices 100 and 101, and hard disc drives (HDDs). The programs recorded on the recording media are read by a CPU provided in the information processing devices 100 and 101, and the same processes as those described above are performed under the control of the CPU. Here, the CPU operates as a computer that executes a program read from a recording medium on which the program is recorded. [Explanation of symbols]

[0104] 100, 101, 102, 103 Information processing equipment 110 Usage amount calculation section 115,116 Emissions Calculation Department 117,118 Electric energy calculation section 120 Usage amount acquisition part 130,140 Generation amount calculation section 150,152,153,160,162,163 Cost Calculation Section 170 Difference Calculation Department 180 Output section 190 Coefficient part 200 control section 210 Transmitter 300 Raw Water Tank 400,410 Coagulation tank 420 Solid-liquid separator 430 Sludge tank 440 Dehydrator 500,510 Flow meter 520 Liquid level gauge 600 sensors 700,710,730 Flocculant Tank 720 Coagulant Tank 800,810,820,830 Pump 900 Expense billing device

Claims

1. a flow rate measuring means for measuring the flow rate of the liquid flowing into the water tank; a pump that adds chemicals to the liquid stored in the water tank; a sensor for measuring the state of an object contained in the liquid to which the chemical is added by the pump; a usage amount calculation unit that calculates a first usage amount of the chemical based on a preset concentration of the chemical and the flow rate measured by the flow rate measurement means; a first cost calculation unit that calculates a first processing cost based on a preset processing unit price and the first usage amount; a control unit that controls the pump based on the state of the object measured by the sensor during the period in which the flow rate measurement means measures the flow rate; a usage amount acquiring unit that acquires a second usage amount of the chemical added by the pump controlled by the control unit during a period in which the flow rate measuring means measures the flow rate; a second cost calculation unit that calculates a second processing cost based on the processing unit price and the second usage amount; a difference calculation unit that calculates a difference between the first processing fee and the second processing fee; an output unit that outputs amount information indicating an amount corresponding to the difference calculated by the difference calculation unit.

2. 2. The information processing system according to claim 1, the chemical is a flocculant, The sensor is an information processing system that measures the state of flocculants contained in the liquid to which the pump has added the flocculant.

3. 3. The information processing system according to claim 2, a first generation amount calculation unit that calculates a first sludge generation amount based on the first usage amount; a second generation amount calculation unit that calculates a second sludge generation amount based on the second usage amount, the first cost calculation unit calculates the first treatment cost based on the treatment unit price, the first usage amount, and the first sludge generation amount; The second cost calculation unit calculates the second treatment cost based on the treatment unit price, the second usage amount, and the second sludge generation amount.

4. 3. The information processing system according to claim 2, a first emission calculation unit that calculates a first emission amount of gas emitted when producing the first usage amount of flocculant; a second emission calculation unit that calculates a second emission amount of gas emitted when producing the second usage amount of flocculant, the first cost calculation unit calculates the first processing cost based on the processing unit price, the first usage amount, and the first discharge amount; The second cost calculation unit calculates the second processing cost based on the processing unit price, the second usage amount, and the second emission amount.

5. 3. The information processing system according to claim 2, a first power amount calculation unit that calculates a first amount of power consumed when performing a treatment using the first usage amount of flocculant; a second power amount calculation unit that calculates a second amount of power consumed when performing treatment using the second amount of flocculant, the first cost calculation unit calculates the first processing cost based on the processing unit price, the first usage amount, and the first power amount; The second cost calculation unit calculates the second processing cost based on the processing unit price, the second usage amount, and the second power amount.

6. 6. The information processing system according to claim 1, The usage amount calculation unit calculates the first usage amount based on the maximum concentration of the chemical added at each predetermined time interval since the flow rate measurement means started measuring the flow rate and the flow rate measured by the flow rate measurement means.

7. 7. The information processing system according to claim 1, a coefficient unit that multiplies the difference calculated by the difference calculation unit by a predetermined coefficient; The output unit outputs amount information indicating the amount obtained by multiplying the difference calculated by the difference calculation unit by the coefficient calculated by the coefficient unit.

8. 8. The information processing system according to claim 7, The coefficient unit changes the coefficient depending on a period of time.

9. 9. The information processing system according to claim 7, The output unit outputs amount information indicating an amount obtained by adding a preset amount to the amount indicated by the amount information.

10. 10. The information processing system according to claim 1, An information processing system having a transmitting unit that transmits the amount information output by the output unit to a billing device that bills for expenses based on the amount indicated by the amount information.

11. a usage amount calculation unit that calculates a first usage amount of the chemical based on a preset concentration of the chemical and a flow rate of the liquid flowing into the water tank measured by a flow rate measurement means; a first cost calculation unit that calculates a first processing cost based on a preset processing unit price and the first usage amount; a usage amount acquiring unit that acquires a second usage amount of the chemical added during a period in which the flow rate measuring means measures the flow rate, by controlling a pump that adds the chemical to the liquid stored in the water tank based on a state of the object contained in the liquid to which the chemical has been added, the state being measured by a sensor that measures the state of the object; and a second cost calculation unit that calculates a second processing cost based on the processing unit price and the second usage amount; a difference calculation unit that calculates a difference between the first processing fee and the second processing fee; an output unit that outputs amount information indicating an amount corresponding to the difference calculated by the difference calculation unit.

12. a process in which a flow rate measuring means measures the flow rate of the liquid flowing into the water tank over a predetermined period of time; a process of calculating a first usage amount of the chemical based on a preset concentration of the chemical and the flow rate measured by the flow rate measuring means; a process of calculating a first processing cost based on a preset processing unit price and the first usage amount; a process of controlling a pump that adds the chemical to the liquid stored in the water tank during a period in which the flow rate measuring means measures the flow rate, based on a state of the object measured by a sensor that measures the state of the object contained in the liquid to which the chemical has been added; acquiring a second amount of the chemical added by the controlled pump during a period in which the flow rate is measured by the flow rate measuring means; calculating a second processing cost based on the processing unit price and the second usage amount; A process of calculating a difference between the first processing fee and the second processing fee; and outputting amount information indicating an amount corresponding to the calculated difference.

13. On the computer, calculating a first amount of the chemical to be used based on a predetermined concentration of the chemical and a flow rate of the liquid flowing into the water tank measured by a flow rate measuring means; calculating a first processing cost based on a preset processing unit price and the first usage amount; a step of controlling a pump that adds the chemical to the liquid stored in the water tank based on a state of the object contained in the liquid to which the chemical has been added, measured by a sensor that measures the state of the object during a period in which the flow rate measuring means measures the flow rate; acquiring a second amount of the chemical added by the controlled pump during a period in which the flow rate measurement means measured the flow rate; calculating a second processing cost based on the processing unit price and the second usage amount; calculating a difference between the first processing fee and the second processing fee; and outputting amount information indicating an amount corresponding to the calculated difference.

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