Monitoring system, monitoring method, and monitoring program

Abstract

To provide a monitoring system for grasping a work environment from the outside even under poor communication conditions, a monitoring method and a monitoring program.SOLUTION: A monitoring system 10 comprises a portable slave unit 20 and a master unit 40 which is connected to the slave unit 20 by a power line P1. The slave unit 20 includes: a gas detector 24 which measures a gas concentration; and a temperature / humidity sensor 28 which measures environmental measurement values. The master unit 40 executes display processing in which a measured gas concentration measurement value from the gas detector 24 and the environmental measurement values from the temperature / humidity sensor 28 are acquired and displayed on a manager terminal 60. In a case where the gas concentration measurement value and the environmental measurement values satisfy a warning condition, the master unit 40 executes warning processing including a mail transmission to the manager terminal 60.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a monitoring system, a monitoring method, and a monitoring program for monitoring the environment around work performed in a space such as an underground pit of a building.

Background Art

[0002] In the underground part of a building, there may be a space called an underground pit where drainage pipes and the like are arranged. This underground pit is used for performing maintenance work on equipment that drains sewage and rainwater temporarily and then pumps it out. Here, when the building is made of reinforced concrete, the underground pit is covered with reinforced concrete, so it has no openings other than inspection ports and is a closed space. Therefore, it is difficult for outside air to be exchanged in the underground pit, so there may be only a low concentration of oxygen or harmful gases may exist indoors.

[0003] Therefore, a lighting device equipped with a gas detection device has been studied (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In the lighting device described in Patent Document 1, when the gas detection device detects that a predetermined gas concentration has been reached, the display color of the lighting device is switched. Thereby, it warns the operator that the gas concentration in the work area is a concentration harmful to the human body.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, when a warning is issued by the lighting system, it may not be possible for the workers to handle the situation on their own. In such cases, external intervention may be necessary depending on the environment inside the underground pit. However, underground pits are enclosed spaces, and communication conditions are often poor. Therefore, it is difficult for external parties to monitor the working environment in which the workers are performing their tasks. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A monitoring system that solves the above problems comprises a portable sub-unit and a master unit connected to the sub-unit by a wire, and is a monitoring system that monitors the environmental conditions around the sub-unit, wherein the sub-unit is equipped with a measuring instrument for measuring the surrounding environment, and the master unit performs display processing of the measurement results obtained from the measuring instrument and alarm processing that outputs an alarm if the measurement results satisfy alarm conditions. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, the work environment can be monitored externally even in environments with poor communication conditions. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the configuration of the monitoring system in the embodiment. [Figure 2] This is an explanatory diagram of the hardware configuration of the embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a perspective view illustrating the appearance of the monitoring equipment in the embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a front view illustrating the external appearance of the slave unit in the embodiment. [Figure 5] This is a rear-view perspective illustrating the appearance of the slave unit in the embodiment. [Figure 6] This is a right side view illustrating the external appearance of the slave unit in the embodiment. [Figure 7] This is a flowchart illustrating the procedure for tag installation in the embodiment. [Figure 8] This is a flowchart illustrating the processing procedure of the monitoring method in the embodiment. [Figure 9] This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the usage status of the monitoring system in the embodiment. [Figure 10] This is an explanatory diagram of the monitoring status screen in the monitoring system of the embodiment. [Figure 11] This is an explanatory diagram of the location screen in the monitoring system of the embodiment. [Figure 12] This is an explanatory diagram of the location screen in the monitoring system of the embodiment. [Figure 13] This is a flowchart illustrating the processing procedure for alarm handling in the monitoring system of the embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] The following describes one embodiment of the monitoring system, monitoring method, and monitoring program using Figures 1 to 13. In this embodiment, the system is described as a monitoring system for monitoring the environmental conditions inside an underground pit in order to perform maintenance work in the underground pit of a building. This underground pit is a closed space located at the very bottom of the building and is only open to the surface through an inspection hatch. This inspection hatch is, for example, 1 meter square and is usually covered by a lid.

[0010] As shown in Figure 1, the monitoring system 10 of this embodiment includes a monitoring device 15 comprising a slave unit 20 and a master unit 40 connected to the slave unit 20 by a wire. The master unit 40 of the monitoring device 15 is connected to the administrator terminal 60.

[0011] (Description of hardware configuration) Figure 2 illustrates the hardware configuration of the information processing device H10 that constitutes the administrator terminal 60. The information processing device H10 includes a communication device H11, an input device H12, a display device H13, a storage device H14, and a processor H15. Note that this hardware configuration is just one example, and it can also be implemented with other hardware.

[0012] The communication device H11 is an interface that establishes a communication path with other devices and performs data transmission and reception, such as a network interface or a wireless interface.

[0013] The input device H12 is a device that accepts the input of various information, such as a mouse or a keyboard. The display device H13 is a display or the like that displays various information. Note that a touch panel display may be used as the input device H12 and the display device H13.

[0014] The storage device H14 is a storage device that stores data and various programs for executing the various functions of the administrator terminal 60. Examples of the storage device H14 include a ROM, a RAM, a hard disk, and the like.

[0015] The processor H15 controls each process in the administrator terminal 60 using the programs and data stored in the storage device H14. Examples of the processor H15 include a CPU, an MPU, and the like. This processor H15 expands the program stored in the ROM or the like into the RAM and executes various processes for each process.

[0016] The processor H15 is not limited to performing software processing for all processes it executes. For example, the processor H15 may include a dedicated hardware circuit (e.g., an application-specific integrated circuit: ASIC) that performs hardware processing for at least a part of the processes it executes. That is, the processor H15 may be configured as follows.

[0017] 〔1〕One or more processors that operate according to a computer program (software) 〔2〕One or more dedicated hardware circuits that execute at least a part of various processes 〔3〕A combination thereof, including circuitry

[0018] A processor includes a CPU and memory such as RAM and ROM, where memory stores program code or instructions configured to cause the CPU to perform processing. Memory, or computer-readable media, includes any available media that can be accessed by a general-purpose or dedicated computer.

[0019] (Configuration of monitoring device 15) Next, we will explain the functions of each monitoring device 15. As shown in Figure 1, the monitoring device 15 comprises a slave unit 20 and a master unit 40 connected to the slave unit 20 by a power line P1.

[0020] <Functions of the handset 20> The sub-unit 20 includes a gas detector 24, a lighting device 25, a housing 26, an emergency button 27, a temperature and humidity sensor 28, a tag reader 31, a camera 32, and a flashlight 33. Details other than the housing 26 will be described later. The housing 26 of the slave unit 20 houses a control unit 35, a wireless communication unit 36, a PLC communication unit 37, and a power receiving unit 38.

[0021] The control unit 35 is supplied with data signals from the gas detector 24, emergency button 27, temperature and humidity sensor 28, tag reader 31, and camera 32, which will be described later. The control unit 35 is equipped with the storage device H14 and processor H15 of the information processing device H10 described above, and transmits the acquired various data to the master unit 40 via the PLC communication unit 37. In this embodiment, the control unit 35 transmits the gas concentration measurement value measured by the gas detector 24, the emergency signal corresponding to the pressing of the emergency button 27, the environmental measurement value measured by the temperature and humidity sensor 28, the information read by the tag reader 31, and the image data captured by the camera 32. The gas concentration measurement value and the environmental measurement value correspond to the measurement results. Furthermore, the control unit 35 receives a data signal from the master unit 40 instructing the flashlight 33 to blink (as described later), and causes the flashlight 33 to blink.

[0022] The wireless communication unit 36 ​​functions as a Wi-Fi® access point for the mobile terminal carried by the worker, and performs wireless communication with external devices such as the mobile terminal. The PLC communication unit 37 transmits and receives data to and from the master unit 40 using the power line P1, in accordance with the control of the control unit 35. The power receiving unit 38 receives power from the master unit 40 via the power line P1 and also receives data for the flashing instructions of the flashlight 33. Furthermore, the power receiving unit 38 transmits data signals to the master unit 40 via PLC communication.

[0023] <Functions of the main unit 40> The master unit 40 includes a stacked rotating light 42, a power transmission unit 45a, a PLC communication unit 46a, an external communication unit 46b, and a control device 50. Details of the stacked rotating light 42 will be described later.

[0024] The power transmission unit 45a of the master unit 40 receives power from an external commercial power source and also supplies power to the slave unit 20 via the power line P1. In this embodiment, when equipment such as tools is connected to the outlet provided in the slave unit 20, the slave unit 20 receives power from the commercial power source. The power transmission unit 45a transmits and receives (communicates) data signals via PLC communication with the power receiving unit 38 of the slave unit 20.

[0025] The PLC communication unit 46a transmits and receives data with the slave unit 20 using the power line P1, in accordance with the control of the control unit 51 of the control device 50. The external communication unit 46b communicates with the administrator terminal 60 via a network. In this embodiment, the external communication unit 46b connects to the administrator terminal 60 via the internet from a SIM-equipped wireless router or optical fiber router connected using wireless LAN communication.

[0026] The control device 50 comprises a control unit 51, a drawing storage unit 52, and an environmental information storage unit 53. The control unit 51 includes the storage device H14 and processor H15 of the information processing device H10 described above, and performs management processing, acquisition processing, location identification processing, and emergency response processing. By executing a monitoring program, it functions as a management unit 511, acquisition unit 512, location identification unit 513, and emergency response unit 514. In this embodiment, the management unit 511 and location identification unit 513 perform display processing, and the emergency response unit 514 performs alarm processing.

[0027] The management unit 511 performs processes such as starting the program after power-on during the monitoring start process. The management unit 511 also performs management processes to monitor acquired environmental measurement values ​​and gas concentration measurement values. In this case, the management unit 511 stores the alarm conditions for whether or not to execute the alarm processing in the emergency response unit 514. For example, alarm conditions include receiving an emergency signal in response to pressing the emergency button 27 of the slave unit 20, the oxygen gas concentration being below a threshold, and the concentrations of toxic gases such as carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide being above a threshold. The management unit 511 stores the thresholds used for these alarm conditions. Then, if the management unit 511 determines that at least one of the alarm conditions is met, it executes the alarm processing.

[0028] The acquisition unit 512 performs the process of acquiring various data obtained from the slave unit 20. Specifically, it acquires the gas concentration measurement value measured by the gas detector 24 of the slave unit 20, the environmental measurement value measured by the temperature and humidity sensor 28, the image from the camera 32, and the room identifier read by the tag reader 31. Furthermore, this acquisition unit 512 stores the threshold values ​​for the environmental measurement value and the gas concentration measurement value to be acquired.

[0029] The location identification unit 513 performs processing to determine the current location of the slave unit 20. Specifically, the location identification unit 513 uses the room identifier acquired by the acquisition unit 512 and the associated drawing information to determine the current location of the slave unit 20.

[0030] The emergency response unit 514 executes alarm processing according to the judgment of the management unit 511. The emergency response unit 514 sends an emergency email to the administrator terminal 60. For this reason, the emergency response unit 514 stores the email address of the administrator terminal 60. Furthermore, the emergency response unit 514 controls the flashing of the flashlight 33 of the slave unit 20 and the illumination of the stacked rotating light 42 of the master unit 40, and outputs an alarm sound from a speaker (not shown).

[0031] The drawing storage unit 52 stores drawing data for the underground pit. This drawing data pertains to the drawing of the underground pit where work is to be performed. This drawing data includes a building identifier, the location of each room, and a room identifier for each sub-room.

[0032] The building identifier is an identifier used to identify the building (or its blueprint) in which each underground pit is located. The location of each room is determined by the coordinates that specify the position of each small room (area) in this drawing (underground pit). The room identifier is an identifier used to identify the space of this small room. This room identifier is stored in the IC tag.

[0033] The environmental information storage unit 53 stores the data acquired by the acquisition unit 512 along with the time of acquisition. In this embodiment, the gas concentration measurement value measured by the gas detector 24 of the slave unit 20, the environmental measurement value measured by the temperature and humidity sensor 28, the image from the camera 32, and the room identifier read by the tag reader 31 are stored.

[0034] (Functional configuration of administrator terminal 60) The administrator terminal 60 is a computer terminal used by administrators who manage workers. This administrator terminal 60 is connected to the master unit 40 via the internet and receives screen data from the master unit 40, displaying the surrounding environment of the worker's work area in the underground pit. In addition, this administrator terminal 60 receives emergency emails when alarm processing is performed.

[0035] (Configuration of the sub-unit 20) Next, we will describe the mechanical configuration of the slave unit 20 that realizes the functions of the slave unit 20 described above. Figures 4 to 6 show the front view, rear perspective view, and right side view of the slave unit 20. Note that the power line P1 is omitted in these figures.

[0036] As shown in Figures 4 to 6, the sub-unit 20 comprises a frame 21, a lighting device 25, and a rectangular box-shaped housing 26. The frame 21 is constructed by combining, for example, polyvinyl chloride pipes. The frame 21 has a lower end portion 21a in which one side (the rear side) of the rectangular frame is open.

[0037] Casters 22 are rotatably mounted on the underside of the lower end portion 21a at spaced intervals. Specifically, one caster 22 is mounted in the center of the front pipe, and two casters 22 are mounted on each of the two opposing pipes on the left and right.

[0038] As shown in Figure 5, the frame portion 21 has a pair of vertical portions 21b extending upward from each of the opposing pairs of pipes at the lower end portion 21a, and two spaced-apart connecting portions 21c. The pair of vertical portions 21b are connected in a loop shape at their upper ends to form a single member. The connecting portions 21c connect the vertical portions 21b horizontally.

[0039] The vertical section 21b is connected to the left and right pipes of the lower end portion 21a at a position between the casters 22. The vertical section 21b is connected so as to extend perpendicularly to the lower end portion 21a. As shown in Figure 6, the upper part of the vertical section 21b forms a gripping section 21ba that is inclined forward. In this embodiment, the upper end of the gripping section 21ba extends to a position in front of the center of gravity of the housing 26.

[0040] As shown in Figure 5, both ends of the mounting member 23 are fixed to the center of the vertical section 21b, directly above the connecting section 21c. The mounting member 23 is composed of an L-shaped angle having a vertical section and an upper surface section. Both ends of the vertical section of the mounting member 23 are longer than the upper surface section and are fixed to the vertical section 21b of the frame section 21. Furthermore, a latching portion (not shown) is provided on the vertical section of the mounting member 23. A gas detector 24 is detachably attached to this latching portion.

[0041] The gas detector 24 detects the concentration of gases (substances) around the sub-unit 20. In this embodiment, the gas detector 24 measures the concentrations of oxygen, hydrogen sulfide, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and methane. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the gas detector 24 performs detections at predetermined intervals (for example, every second). When the gas detector 24 has measured the concentration of each gas, it transmits the measured gas concentration value to the control unit 35 of the sub-unit 20 using local communication. In this embodiment, the gas detector 24 uses local communication (Bluetooth®).

[0042] The upper surface of the mounting member 23 is provided with two spaced-apart support portions 23G. These support portions 23G detachably grip the lighting device 25. The lighting device 25 is, for example, a cylindrical LED light that can illuminate the entire surrounding area. The lighting device 25 has a built-in battery and is equipped with an on / off switch. When the lighting device 25 is removed from the sub-unit 20, it can be used as a flashlight.

[0043] The upper and lower sides of the housing 26 are fixed to the connecting portion 21c of the frame portion 21. An emergency button 27 and a temperature and humidity sensor 28 are provided on the right side of the housing 26. The power line P1 extends from the right side of the housing 26 to the master unit 40.

[0044] The emergency button 27 is used to request rescue in an emergency. When the control unit 35 detects that the emergency button 27 has been pressed, it transmits an emergency signal to the master unit 40. The temperature and humidity sensor 28 measures temperature, humidity, and WBGT (Wet Bulb Globe Temperature) at predetermined intervals (for example, every second). In this embodiment, the temperature and humidity sensor 28 supplies these measured environmental values ​​to the control unit 35.

[0045] As shown in Figure 4, a power outlet 29 is provided on the left side of the housing 26. A power outlet for, for example, a tool, is plugged into this outlet 29. Power is then supplied to the tool via the outlet 29.

[0046] A tag reader 31 is provided on the front of the housing 26. This tag reader 31 reads information stored in an IC tag, which is a nearby storage medium, without contact. In this embodiment, it reads the room identifier stored in the IC tag. A camera 32 is fixed to the top surface of the housing 26. This camera 32 records video of the front and rear of the slave unit 20. Furthermore, a flashlight 33 is mounted on the underside of the housing 26. This flashlight 33 lights up (flashes) in response to an instruction signal from the master unit 40.

[0047] (Configuration of the main unit 40) Next, using Figure 3, we will explain the mechanical configuration of the master unit 40 that realizes the functions of the master unit 40 described above.

[0048] As shown in Figure 3, the master unit 40 comprises a main body 41, a stacked rotating light 42, a power box 45, and a control box 46. The main body 41 is composed of a trolley having two upper and lower base sections 41a and 41b with a substantially rectangular plane. Four spaced-apart casters 41c are rotatably mounted on the underside of the lower base section 41a of the main body 41. A handle 41d is provided near the short side of the upper base section 41b of the main body 41.

[0049] A stacked rotating beacon 42 is fixed to the upper surface of the upper base 41b. This stacked rotating beacon 42 is composed of two rotating beacons stacked on top of each other. In this stacked rotating beacon, a green rotating beacon is positioned on the lower side and a red rotating beacon is positioned on the upper side.

[0050] Two spaced reels R1 are rotatably mounted on the long side of the upper base portion 41b of the main body portion 41. Power lines P1 are wound around the reels R1. In this embodiment, the power lines P1 have a length of, for example, 100 m.

[0051] A power supply box 45 and a control box 46 are provided at the front and rear of the main unit 41. The power supply box 45 houses a power transmission unit 45a. The control box 46 houses the PLC communication unit 46a, the external communication unit 46b, and the control device 50 described above.

[0052] (Work in the underground pit) Next, using Figures 7 to 13, we will explain the monitoring method using the aforementioned monitoring system 10 during work in an underground pit.

[0053] Here, as shown in Figure 7, tag installation work is performed as preparatory work for carrying out work in the underground pit. In this tagging process, first, the room identifier is stored in the drawing storage unit (step S1-1). Specifically, the control unit 51 of the control device 50 stores the room identifier assigned to each room, associating it with each room stored in the drawing storage unit 52.

[0054] Next, the process of writing room identifiers to the IC tags is performed (step S1-2). Specifically, the room identifiers for each room stored in the drawing storage unit 52 are written to the memory of each IC tag and stored.

[0055] Next, the IC tags are placed (step S1-3). Specifically, an IC tag is placed in each room identified by the room identifier stored in the IC tag. In this case, the IC tags are suspended from the ceiling of the room or elsewhere using string or similar means.

[0056] (Monitoring process) Afterward, the workers perform their tasks in the underground pit. First, the area around the inspection hatch of the underground pit is covered with a safety fence. Then, the monitoring device 15 is moved to the vicinity of the inspection opening. In this case, as shown in Figure 3, with the slave unit 20 of the monitoring device 15 placed on the upper base 41b of the master unit 40, the worker carries the master unit 40 by holding its handle 41d.

[0057] Then, as shown in Figure 8, the power to the master unit 40 of the monitoring equipment 15 is turned on (step S2-1). Specifically, the operator connects the power supply of the master unit 40 to an external commercial power supply. When the power to the master unit 40 is turned on, the red rotating light of the stacked rotating light 42 lights up. Furthermore, power is supplied to the slave unit 20 via the power line P1 (step S2-2).

[0058] Next, the control unit 51 of the control device 50 of the master unit 40 starts the program (step S2-3). Then, when the program startup is complete, the management unit 511 of the control unit 51 turns off the red rotating light and turns on the green rotating light instead.

[0059] Meanwhile, the slave unit 20, having received power, executes the process to start transmitting environmental measurement values ​​and images (step S2-4). Specifically, the control unit 35 of the slave unit 20 transmits the environmental measurement values ​​(temperature, humidity, and WBGT measurements) measured by the temperature and humidity sensor 28 to the master unit 40 via the PLC communication unit 37, power receiving unit 38, and power line P1 at predetermined intervals (for example, every second). Furthermore, the control unit 35 also transmits the image data captured by the camera 32 to the master unit 40 via the PLC communication unit 37, power receiving unit 38, and power line P1. The slave unit 20 then continues to transmit this data to the master unit 40.

[0060] The control unit 51 of the control device 50 of the master unit 40 executes the process to start recording environmental measurement values ​​and images (step S2-5). Specifically, the acquisition unit 512 of the control unit 51 records the environmental measurement value data and image data acquired from the slave unit 20 in the environmental information storage unit 53, associating them with the current time of acquisition. From this point onward, the master unit 40 continues to record the environmental measurement value data and image data acquired from the slave unit 20 in the environmental information storage unit 53.

[0061] Meanwhile, the slave unit 20 executes the process to start transmitting the gas concentration measurement values ​​(step S2-6). Specifically, the worker, upon confirming that the green rotating light on the master unit 40 is lit, turns on the power to the gas detector 24. As a result, the gas detector 24 of the slave unit 20 measures the concentration of each gas and transmits it to the control unit 35 of the slave unit 20 via local communication. Each time the control unit 35 acquires a gas concentration measurement value, it transmits the gas concentration measurement value to the master unit 40 via the PLC communication unit 37, the power receiving unit 38, and the power line P1. From this point onward, the slave unit 20 continues to transmit the gas concentration measurement value data from the gas detector 24 to the master unit 40.

[0062] The control unit 51 of the control device 50 of the master unit 40 executes the process to start recording gas concentration measurement values ​​(step S2-7). Specifically, the acquisition unit 512 of the control unit 51 records the gas concentration measurement values ​​acquired from the slave unit 20 in the environmental information storage unit 53, associating them with the current time of acquisition. Here, the gas concentration measurement values ​​acquired are the concentrations of oxygen, hydrogen sulfide, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and methane. From this point onward, the master unit 40 continues to record the acquired gas concentration measurement value data in the environmental information storage unit 53.

[0063] Then, the control unit 51 of the control device 50 of the master unit 40 performs display processing of measured values, etc. (step S2-8). Specifically, the administrator uses the administrator terminal 60 to instruct the display of the monitoring screen. In response, the management unit 511 of the control unit 51 of the master unit 40 generates monitoring screen data including the latest measured values, thresholds, and latest images, etc., and transmits it to the administrator terminal 60. The administrator terminal 60 displays the monitoring screen on the display device H13 based on the acquired monitoring screen data.

[0064] In this case, as shown in Figure 10, the monitoring screen 800 is displayed on the display device H13 of the administrator terminal 60. This monitoring screen 800 includes display fields 801 and 802 that display the gas concentration measured by the gas detector 24 and the environmental measured by the temperature and humidity sensor 28, respectively, and a shooting screen section 805 that displays the image captured by the camera 32. Display fields 801 and 802 display each measured value along with a bar graph and a threshold value.

[0065] Afterward, the worker operates a lighting switch (not shown) to turn on the lighting device 25 of the sub-unit 20 (step S2-9). Then, as shown in Figure 3, the worker takes the slave unit 20, which is placed on the upper base 41b of the master unit 40, and descends through the inspection hatch D1, which is surrounded by the safety fence F1.

[0066] As a result, as shown in Figure 9, the sub-unit 20 is brought into the small room A1 of the underground pit below the inspection hatch D1. The small room A1 of the underground pit corresponds to the spatial area. In this case, if the oxygen gas concentration in the small room A1 of the underground pit is low, the master unit 40 will execute an alarm. As a result, the stacked rotating light 42 on the master unit 40 will light up red, and an emergency notification email will be sent to the administrator terminal 60. These alarm processes will be described later.

[0067] Then, the slave unit 20 performs the Wi-Fi connection process (step S2-10). Specifically, it configures the mobile terminal carried by the worker to enable Wi-Fi communication. As a result, the slave unit 20 functions as an access point.

[0068] Next, the process of reading the room identifier of the installed IC tag is performed (step S2-11). Specifically, the worker moves the slave unit 20, which was lowered into small room A1, to the vicinity of the IC tag T1 installed in small room A1. Then, after bringing the IC tag T1 close to the tag reader 31 of the slave unit 20, the tag reader 31 is made to read the information stored in the IC tag T1. As a result, the slave unit 20 reads the room identifier from the IC tag T1 via the tag reader 31 and transmits it to the master unit 40 via the power line P1.

[0069] The control unit 51 of the control device 50 of the master unit 40 performs the process of recording the room identifier (step S2-12). Specifically, the acquisition unit 512 of the control unit 51 stores the acquired room identifier in the environmental information storage unit 53, associating it with the time it was acquired.

[0070] Next, the control unit 51 of the control device 50 of the master unit 40 executes the location display process (step S2-13). Specifically, the administrator instructs the display of the location using the administrator terminal 60. In response, the location identification unit 513 of the control unit 51 of the master unit 40 retrieves a drawing containing the small room identified by the acquired room identifier from the drawing data stored in the drawing storage unit 52. The location identification unit 513 then generates location screen data with a mark that distinguishes the small room of the room identifier from other parts, and transmits it to the administrator terminal 60. The administrator terminal 60 retrieves the location screen data, including measured values, from the master unit 40 and displays it on the display device H13.

[0071] Figure 11 shows the location screen 850 displayed on the display device H13. This location screen 850 includes a diagram 855 of the underground pit. Furthermore, this diagram 855 shows the location L1 of the small room A1 from which the tag reader 31 of the slave unit 20 read the IC tag T1.

[0072] Subsequently, as shown in Figure 9, the worker finishes their work in small room A1 and moves to another small room A2 to perform their work. Upon reaching small room A2, the worker has the tag reader 31 of the slave unit 20 read the IC tag T2 installed in small room A2. As a result, the monitoring system 10 executes the processes described in steps S2-11 to S2-13.

[0073] As a result, as shown in Figure 12, when the control unit 51 of the control device 50 of the master unit 40 obtains a room identifier for a new IC tag T2, it displays the location L2 of the small room A2 associated with that room identifier on the location screen 860, diagram 865.

[0074] (Alarm processing) Next, we will explain the alarm processing in the monitoring device 15. The control unit 51 of the control device 50 of the master unit 40 performs a determination process to determine whether or not the alarm conditions have been met (step S3-1). Specifically, the management unit 511 of the control unit 51 determines whether or not the stored alarm conditions have been met. For example, the management unit 511 checks whether or not an emergency signal has been received and compares the acquired gas concentration measurement values ​​with threshold values ​​for various gases.

[0075] Here, if the control unit 51 of the control device 50 of the master unit 40 determines that the alarm conditions were not met (i.e., "NO" in step S3-1), it waits until an emergency signal is received or new gas concentration measurements are obtained.

[0076] Meanwhile, if the control unit 51 of the control device 50 of the master unit 40 determines that the alarm conditions have been met (if the answer is "YES" in step S3-1), it performs the process of lighting the alarm light and outputting an alarm sound (step S3-2). Specifically, the emergency response unit 514 of the control unit 51 turns off the green rotating light of the stacked rotating light 42 and turns on the red rotating light. Furthermore, the emergency response unit 514 outputs an alarm sound from the speaker. In addition, the emergency response unit 514 makes the flashlight 33 of the slave unit 20 blink.

[0077] Next, the control unit 51 of the control device 50 of the master unit 40 executes the emergency email notification process (step S3-3). Specifically, the emergency response unit 514 of the control unit 51 sends an emergency email to the administrator's email address that it has stored. In this case, the emergency response unit 514 may include in the emergency email the content of the alarm conditions that the management unit 511 has determined to have been met. The administrator terminal 60 executes the process of displaying the emergency email (step S3-4). Specifically, the administrator terminal 60 displays the received emergency email on the display device H13. Upon seeing the emergency email, the administrator then takes appropriate action.

[0078] (action) The monitoring system 10 comprises a portable slave unit 20 and a master unit 40 connected to the slave unit 20 via a power line P1. This allows the master unit 40 to display the conditions inside the underground pit where the slave unit 20 is brought, to an administrator terminal 60 via the power line P1 that supplies power to the slave unit 20.

[0079] According to this embodiment, the following effects can be obtained. (1) In this embodiment, the monitoring equipment 15 of the monitoring system 10 comprises a portable slave unit 20 and a master unit 40 connected to the slave unit 20 via a power line P1. The slave unit 20 is equipped with a gas detector 24 and a temperature and humidity sensor 28 for measuring the surrounding environment. When the slave unit 20 is brought into the underground pit, it supplies the measured gas concentration values ​​and environmental values ​​via the power line P1 to the master unit 40 outside the underground pit where the communication environment is good. As a result, the control unit 51 of the master unit 40 can quickly grasp the environmental conditions in the underground pit where the worker is working via the monitoring screen of the display device H13 of the administrator terminal 60.

[0080] (2) In this embodiment, the control unit 51 of the master unit 40 executes alarm processing when it determines that the alarm conditions have been met in accordance with the emergency signal or gas concentration measurement value (if "YES" is found in step S3-1). In this alarm processing, the master unit 40 performs the process of lighting the alarm light and outputting an alarm sound, and performs the process of notifying the administrator terminal 60 of an emergency email (steps S3-2, S3-3). This makes it possible to notify workers of any abnormalities occurring in the underground pit via the slave unit 20, and to quickly notify the administrator via the master unit 40 outside the underground pit.

[0081] (3) In this embodiment, each small room A1, A2 in the underground pit is equipped with IC tags T1, T2, each containing a room identifier that identifies the small room A1, A2 in which it is located. The slave unit 20 reads the IC tags T1, T2 to obtain the room identifier and transmits it to the master unit 40. The control unit 51 of the master unit 40 displays the small rooms A1, A2 corresponding to the obtained room identifier on the underground pit diagram on the location screens 850, 860 to the administrator terminal 60. This makes it possible to determine the current location (location L1, L2) of the worker who has brought in the slave unit 20.

[0082] (4) In this embodiment, the sub-unit 20 is provided with a plurality of casters 22 on the lower end portion 21a of the frame portion 21. This makes it easy to carry the sub-unit 20 together with the worker working in the underground pit.

[0083] (5) In this embodiment, a gripping portion 21ba is formed on the upper part of the vertical portion 21b of the frame portion 21 of the sub-unit 20, which is inclined toward the front side facing the housing 26. As a result, the gripping portion 21ba is positioned toward the housing 26 side, which is heavier due to the inclusion of the control unit 35 and the power receiving unit 38, so the sub-unit 20 can be easily lifted and carried into the underground pit.

[0084] (6) In this embodiment, the control unit 51 of the master unit 40 displays the gas concentration measurement values ​​and environmental measurement values ​​acquired by the slave unit 20, along with the threshold values ​​for each measurement value, in the monitoring screen 800, including display fields 801 and 802. This makes it possible to understand the relationship between the measurement values ​​and the threshold values, so that the environmental conditions in the underground pit can be understood even before the alarm conditions are met.

[0085] This embodiment can be implemented with the following modifications. This embodiment and the following modifications can be combined with each other to the extent that they do not contradict each other technically. In the above embodiment, the master unit 40 of the monitoring device 15 performed a determination process to determine whether or not the alarm conditions were met. The determination process to determine whether or not the alarm conditions are met is not limited to the master unit 40, but may also be performed by a management server separate from the master unit 40, or by the control unit 35 of the slave unit 20. In the former case, the management server is equipped with a drawing storage unit and an environmental information storage unit, and stores threshold values ​​for various measured values. The master unit 40 then transfers the acquired measured values ​​and images to the management server, and the management server may determine the alarm conditions. Furthermore, when the control unit 35 of the slave unit 20 determines the alarm conditions, the flashlight 33 can be flashed quickly.

[0086] In the above embodiment, the gas detector 24 of the slave unit 20 transmitted the gas concentration measurement value to the control unit 35 via local communication. Any communication method can be used to supply the gas concentration measurement value measured by the gas detector 24 to the control unit 35 of the slave unit 20.

[0087] In the above embodiment, the sub-unit 20 includes a gas detector 24 for measuring gas concentration and a temperature and humidity sensor 28 for measuring temperature, humidity, and WBGT. The measuring instruments for measuring the environmental conditions around the sub-unit 20 are not limited to these gas detector 24 and temperature and humidity sensor 28. For example, the sub-unit 20 may measure other hazardous substances or acquire vital data of workers, etc.

[0088] In the above embodiment, the control unit 51 of the master unit 40 performed the following in the alarm processing shown in Figure 13: lighting a warning light and outputting an alarm sound (step S3-2) and notifying an emergency email (step S3-3). The alarms output in the alarm processing are not limited to these processes. For example, the master unit 40 may be further equipped with a flashlight, and this flashlight may be made to blink.

[0089] In the above embodiment, the lighting device 25 of the slave unit 20 uses a cylindrical LED light that functions as a flashlight when attached and detached. The lighting device provided on the slave unit 20 is not limited to this. For example, it may be a fixed lighting device that cannot be removed from the slave unit 20. Furthermore, it may be a lighting device whose lighting direction can be changed.

[0090] In the above embodiment, IC tags T1 and T2, each storing a room identifier that identifies room A1 and A2, are placed in each small room A1 and A2 within the underground pit. The storage medium is not limited to IC tags, as long as it can be read in each area, as long as the storage medium storing an identifier that identifies each area of ​​space, such as each small room in the underground pit, is readable in that area. For example, a code image storing an area identifier that identifies this area (room) may be provided in each room (area). Furthermore, the identification information stored in the storage medium is not limited to room identifiers or area identifiers that identify areas (locations). For example, media identification information that identifies the storage medium may be used. In this case, the area identifier is associated with the media identification information and stored, and the area identifier is identified from the read media identification information.

[0091] In the above embodiment, the monitoring device 15 was used for work inside an underground pit, which is a closed space with no openings except for an inspection port. The monitoring device 15 is not limited to work inside an underground pit; for example, it may be brought into a space with poor communication conditions, such as a room where radiation is used, and used for work.

[0092] Next, the technical concepts that can be understood from the above embodiments and alternative examples are described below. (a) A monitoring system comprising a portable sub-unit, a base unit connected to the sub-unit by a wire, and a management server that communicates with the base unit, wherein the system monitors the environmental conditions around the sub-unit, The aforementioned sub-unit is equipped with a measuring instrument for measuring the surrounding environment, The master unit transmits the measurement results obtained from the measuring instrument to the management server. The management server displays the measurement results, A monitoring system characterized by executing an alarm process when the aforementioned measurement results satisfy the alarm conditions. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0093] A1, A2... Small room as an area, D1... Inspection hatch, F1... Safety fence, L1, L2... Location, P1... Power line, R1... Reel, T1, T2... IC tag as storage medium, 10... Monitoring system, 15... Monitoring equipment, 20... Slave unit, 21... Frame section, 21a... Lower end, 21b... Vertical section, 21ba... Gripping section, 21c... Connecting section, 22, 41c... Caster, 23... Mounting member, 23G... Support section, 24... Gas detector, 25... Lighting device, 26... Housing, 27... Emergency button, 28... Temperature and humidity sensor, 29... Outlet section, 3 1...Tag reader, 32...Camera, 33...Flashlight, 35, 51...Control unit, 36...Wireless communication unit, 37, 46a...PLC communication unit, 38...Power receiving unit, 40...Master unit, 41...Main unit, 41a, 41b...Base unit, 41d...Handle, 42...Stackable rotating light, 45...Power supply box, 45a...Power transmission unit, 46...Control box, 46b...External communication unit, 50...Control device, 52...Drawing storage unit, 53...Environmental information storage unit, 60...Administrator terminal, 511...Management unit, 512...Acquisition unit, 513...Location identification unit, 514...Emergency response unit.

Claims

1. A monitoring system comprising a portable unit that can be carried by an operator in a closed space, and a master unit that is wiredly connected to the portable unit and placed in an open space, wherein the system monitors the environmental conditions around the portable unit, The aforementioned sub-unit is A measuring instrument that measures gas concentration as a measurement result, A wireless communication unit that communicates wirelessly with the worker's mobile device and functions as an access point, An emergency button that outputs an emergency signal indicating a request for rescue in an emergency, in response to being pressed by the aforementioned worker, The system includes a communication unit that transmits the measured gas concentration and the emergency signal to the master unit via the wired power line, The slave unit receives power from the master unit via the power line. The aforementioned master unit is An external communication unit that communicates with the administrator terminal via the network, Equipped with a lighting device, Display processing of the measurement results obtained from the measuring instrument, If the measurement result satisfies the alarm conditions, or if the emergency signal is received, the alarm process that outputs an alarm is executed. The monitoring system is characterized in that, in the alarm processing, the lighting device is turned on and an emergency email is sent via the external communication unit to the administrator terminal to display the content of the alarm condition that has been determined to be met.

2. The master unit is connected to a drawing storage unit that stores drawing information relating the location of the area in the enclosed space into which the slave unit is brought, and identification information that identifies the area. The aforementioned slave unit is equipped with a reader that reads information stored on a storage medium. The monitoring system according to claim 1, characterized in that the master unit obtains the identification information of the storage medium read by the reader from the slave unit, identifies the location of the area corresponding to the identification information from the drawing storage unit, and performs the display process.

3. A method for monitoring the environmental conditions around a sub-unit, comprising a sub-unit that can be carried by an operator in a closed space, and a master unit that is wiredly connected to the sub-unit and placed in an open space, the monitoring system comprising: The aforementioned sub-unit is A measuring instrument that measures gas concentration as a measurement result, A wireless communication unit that communicates wirelessly with the worker's mobile device and functions as an access point, An emergency button that outputs an emergency signal indicating a request for rescue in an emergency, in response to being pressed by the aforementioned worker, The system includes a communication unit that transmits the measured gas concentration and the emergency signal to the master unit via the wired power line, The slave unit receives power from the master unit via the power line. The aforementioned master unit is An external communication unit that communicates with the administrator terminal via the network, Equipped with a lighting device, Display processing of the measurement results obtained from the measuring instrument, If the measurement result satisfies the alarm conditions, or if the emergency signal is received, the alarm process that outputs an alarm is executed. The monitoring method is characterized in that, in the alarm processing, the lighting device is turned on and an emergency email is sent via the external communication unit to the administrator terminal to display the content of the alarm condition that has been determined to be met.

4. A program for monitoring the environmental conditions around a slave unit using the control unit of a monitoring system comprising a slave unit that is portable by an operator in a closed space and a master unit that is wiredly connected to the slave unit, is located in an open space and has a control unit, the program comprising: The aforementioned sub-unit is A measuring instrument that measures gas concentration as a measurement result, A wireless communication unit that communicates wirelessly with the worker's mobile device and functions as an access point, An emergency button that outputs an emergency signal indicating a request for rescue in an emergency, in response to being pressed by the aforementioned worker, The system includes a communication unit that transmits the measured gas concentration and the emergency signal to the master unit via the wired power line, The slave unit receives power from the master unit via the power line. The aforementioned master unit is An external communication unit that communicates with the administrator terminal via the network, Equipped with a lighting device, The control unit, Display processing of the measurement results obtained from the measuring instrument, If the measurement result satisfies the alarm conditions, or if the emergency signal is received, the alarm process that outputs an alarm is executed. The monitoring program is characterized in that, in the alarm processing, it turns on the lighting device and also functions as a means to send an emergency email to the administrator terminal via the external communication unit to display the content of the alarm condition that has been determined to be met.

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