Discharge Management System

Abstract

To provide a discharge management system capable of providing information which can more easily grasp relevance between pump operation and an event about the pump operation.SOLUTION: A discharge management system 1 includes pumps 20 for moving a fluid W1 from a sedimentation pond 2 and a sedimentation tank 3 to a discharge tank 5, a water gauge 11 for measuring a water level of the sedimentation pond 2, a water quality information acquisition part 12 for acquiring information about water quality of the fluid W1, an information processing device 40 for performing information processing on the basis of the water level and the water quality, and a terminal 50 connected communicably to the information processing device 40. The information processing device 40 includes a control part for controlling operation of the pumps 20 on the basis of the water level and the water quality, and a notification part for outputting notification information showing the water level, the water quality, and the number of pumps that operate among the plurality of pumps from the terminal 50 in a conformable format.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a discharge management system.

Background Art

[0002] In a sewage storage facility, a configuration is known in which a pump that discharges the stored sewage is operated according to the level of the stored sewage, and the operation of the pump is monitored and monitoring information can be transmitted by e-mail (for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, even if the monitoring information can be simply confirmed, it has been difficult to grasp the causal relationship between the operation of the pump and the events related to the operation of the pump, such as the reason why the pump is operating in a certain way.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a discharge management system that can provide information that makes it easier to grasp the relationship between the operation of a pump and events related to the operation of the pump.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the objective, the discharge management system of the present invention comprises: a plurality of pumps for moving liquid from a storage facility to a discharge facility; a water level meter for measuring the water level of the liquid stored in the storage facility; a water quality information acquisition unit for acquiring information on the water quality of the liquid stored in the storage facility; an information processing device for performing information processing based on the water level and the water quality; and a terminal connected to the information processing device for communication. The information processing device comprises: a control unit for controlling the operation of the plurality of pumps based on the water level and the water quality; and a notification unit for outputting notification information indicating the water level, the water quality, and the number of operating pumps among the plurality of pumps in a format that can be confirmed by the terminal.

[0007] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, when the first condition is met, the control unit stops all of the plurality of pumps, and the notification unit includes in the notification information indicating that the number of operating pumps among the plurality of pumps is 0, and the first condition is that the water quality deviates from a predetermined standard.

[0008] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, if the second condition is met after the first condition is met but before the first condition ceases to be met, the control unit does not operate the stopped plurality of pumps, the notification unit includes in the notification information indicating that the second condition has been met information indicating that the number of operating pumps among the plurality of pumps is 0, and the second condition is that the water level exceeds a predetermined threshold.

[0009] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, if the second condition is met while the first condition is not met, the control unit operates one or more of the plurality of pumps, and the notification unit includes information indicating which of the plurality of pumps is operating in the notification information indicating that the second condition has been met.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the threshold is set in multiple stages according to the number of pumps, and the control unit determines the number of pumps to operate from among the multiple pumps according to the relationship between the water level and the multiple threshold stages when the second condition is met while the first condition is not met.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the notification unit outputs the notification information in the form of a message that can be viewed via email, instant message, social networking service, or web browser. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide information that makes it easier to understand the relationship between the operation of a pump and events related to the operation of the pump. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0013] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing the main components of the discharge management system and an example of the main components included in the facilities related to the discharge management system. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing a specific example of the configuration of the pump and piping section. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing an example of display output by an information processing device. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a notification email format. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing another example of the format of a notification email. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows an example of a notification email following the format of Figure 4. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows an example of a notification email following the format of Figure 5. [Figure 8] Figure 8 shows an example of a notification email that primarily issues warnings related to turbidity. [Figure 9] Figure 9 shows an example of a notification email that primarily contains alerts related to pH. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a notification email when the water level rises after an event that requires caution regarding matters related to the water quality of the liquid W1. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the information processing apparatus. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the determination regarding the water quality of the liquid W1 and the flow of the processing accompanying the determination. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the flow of the branch determination processing according to the operating state of the pump. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the flow of the first water level determination processing. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the flow of the second water level determination processing. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the flow of the first water level determination processing when the information indicating the number of pumps whose operations have been confirmed is reflected in the notification email.

MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0014] Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the main configuration of the discharge management system 1 and the main configurations included in the facilities related to the discharge management system 1. The discharge management system 1 is a system related to a discharge management facility. The discharge management facility is a facility that sends out the liquid W1 stored in the sedimentation tank 2 and the sedimentation basin 3 by the inflow flow WF1 to the discharge tank 5 by the operation of the pump 20 and generates a discharge flow WF2 by discharging it from the outlet 6 of the discharge tank 5. In FIG. 1, the liquid storage mainly composed of water stored in the sedimentation tank 2 and the sedimentation basin 3 is taken as the liquid W1, and the liquid storage stored in the discharge tank 5 is taken as the liquid W2. However, the difference in these reference numerals is for the purpose of distinguishing the storage facilities and does not indicate the difference in the liquid storage. The movement of the liquid W1 from the sedimentation tank 2 to the sedimentation basin 3 is performed by the liquid W1 flowing into the sedimentation basin 3 from the sedimentation tank 2 through the inlet 4. The movement of the liquid W1 from the sedimentation basin 3 to the discharge tank 5 is due to the operation of the pump 20 sending out the liquid W1 through the piping section 30 to the discharge tank 5.

[0015] The inflow flow WF1 occurs, for example, at a construction site where there may be water outflow such as ground excavation. The discharge management facility adopting the discharge management system 1 is established, for example, for the purpose of appropriately discharging the liquid W1 caused by the inflow flow WF1 generated at such a construction site. However, the discharge management facility adopting the discharge management system 1 is not limited to this, and it may be established for the purpose of appropriately discharging the liquid W1 caused by the inflow flow WF1 generated by other natural phenomena.

[0016] The discharge management system 1 shown in FIG. 1 includes a water level gauge 11, a water quality information acquisition unit 12, a transmission / reception unit 13, a pump control unit 14, an imaging unit 15, an information processing device 40, and a terminal 50.

[0017] The water level gauge 11 measures the water level in the sedimentation tank 2. More specifically, the water level gauge 11 uses a certain water surface height within the sedimentation tank 2 as a reference point for "water level ±0m" and measures the water level indicated by the liquid W1 stored in the sedimentation tank 2. It should be noted that the sedimentation tank 2 and the sedimentation tank 3, which are continuous via the inlet 4, can be said to have essentially the same water level.

[0018] The water quality information acquisition unit 12 performs measurements related to the water quality of liquid W1. In this embodiment, the water quality information acquisition unit 12 includes a turbidity sensor for measuring the turbidity of liquid W1 and a pH sensor for measuring the hydrogen ion concentration of liquid W1. Hereinafter, when pH is mentioned, it refers to the hydrogen ion concentration measured by the pH sensor unless otherwise specified. In this embodiment, the turbidity of liquid W1 measured by the turbidity sensor is treated as turbidity expressed in turbidimetry units (unit: NTU).

[0019] The transmitting / receiving unit 13 is responsible for communication between the water level gauge 11, the water quality information acquisition unit 12, the pump control unit 14, and the imaging unit 15, and the information processing device 40. Specifically, the transmitting / receiving unit 13 functions as an information processing device that communicates with the information processing device 40. The transmitting / receiving unit 13 is also connected to the water level gauge 11, the water quality information acquisition unit 12, the pump control unit 14, and the imaging unit 15. The transmitting / receiving unit 13 transfers data output from the water level gauge 11, the water quality information acquisition unit 12, and the imaging unit 15 to the information processing device 40 via communication. The transmitting / receiving unit 13 also receives commands related to the operation of the pump control unit 14 from the information processing device 40 and transfers them to the pump control unit 14.

[0020] The pump control unit 14 controls the operation of the pump 20. As described above, the pump control unit 14 is connected to the transmitting / receiving unit 13. Commands regarding the operation of the pump control unit 14 are input from the information processing device 40 via the transmitting / receiving unit 13. When a command regarding the operation of the pump control unit 14 is input, the pump control unit 14 controls the operation of the pump 20 in accordance with the command.

[0021] The imaging unit 15 captures an image that allows for monitoring the operating status of the pump 20, and outputs the data of the captured image to the transmitting / receiving unit 13. The image data is then transferred to the information processing device 40 via the transmitting / receiving unit 13 and treated as data that can be displayed on the display of the information processing device 40.

[0022] The information processing device 40 controls the operation of the pump 20 based on information about the liquid W1 measured by the water level gauge 11 and the water quality information acquisition unit 12. As described above, the operation control of the pump 20 by the information processing device 40 is performed by outputting commands related to the operation of the pump control unit 14. Hereinafter, when it is written as "command to operate k pumps", it refers to a command related to the operation of the pump control unit 14 that is output for the operation control of the pump 20 by the information processing device 40. k is a natural number less than or equal to the number of pumps installed in the pump 20, or 0.

[0023] Furthermore, the information processing device 40 outputs notification information. In this embodiment, the notification information includes information about the liquid W1 measured by the water level gauge 11 and the water quality information acquisition unit 12, and information indicating the number of operating pumps among the multiple pumps provided as the pump 20. The notification information is output in a format that can be confirmed from the terminal 50 (for example, as a notification email, as described later).

[0024] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing a specific configuration example of the pump 20 and piping section 30. The pump 20 has multiple pumps. The pump 20 shown in Figure 2 has a first pump 21, a second pump 22, a third pump 23, a fourth pump 24, and a fifth pump 25. In other words, in the example shown in Figure 2, there are five pumps provided as the pump 20. The pump 20 only needs to have multiple pumps, and is not limited to five pumps as long as there are two or more. In the following description of the embodiment, we will assume that the pump 20 has a first pump 21, a second pump 22, a third pump 23, a fourth pump 24, and a fifth pump 25, as shown in Figure 2.

[0025] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 1, a piping section 30 is provided as a path for pumping liquid W1 from the sedimentation tank 3 to the discharge tank 5 by pump 20. The piping section 30 is a pipe through which the liquid W1 sent from pump 20 passes. The piping section 30 shown in Figure 2 has a first pipe 31, a second pipe 32, a third pipe 33, a fourth pipe 34, and a fifth pipe 35. Thus, the number of liquid W1 flow paths provided as the piping section 30 is the same as the number of pumps provided as pump 20. In other words, an independent flow path is provided for each pump.

[0026] Furthermore, Figure 2 shows the imaging range SR as the area including the vicinity of the discharge ports of the first pipe 31, second pipe 32, third pipe 33, fourth pipe 34, and fifth pipe 35. The imaging range of the image taken by the imaging unit 15, as explained with reference to Figure 1, is, for example, the imaging range SR. By setting this imaging range as the imaging range SR, the presence or absence of liquid W1 outflow from each of the first pipe 31, second pipe 32, third pipe 33, fourth pipe 34, and fifth pipe 35 can be confirmed by visually checking the display output of the information processing device 40. In other words, the operating status of the first pump 21, second pump 22, third pump 23, fourth pump 24, and fifth pump 25 can be confirmed by visually checking the display output of the information processing device 40.

[0027] Furthermore, the display output by the information processing device 40 is not limited to the display output of images captured by the imaging unit 15. The information processing device 40 may also display and output various types of information related to the liquid W1.

[0028] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the display output VG by the information processing device 40. The display output VG shown in Figure 3 includes a table showing the relationship between the measurement date and time and the measured value, and graphs showing the changes in the measured values ​​of turbidity, pH, and water level.

[0029] The "Measurement Date and Time" column in Figure 3 shows the date and time when various information about liquid W1 was measured. For example, "m1 / d1 / t1" in Figure 3 indicates the month, day, and time the measurement was taken. That is, "m1" indicates the month, "d1" indicates the day, and "t1" indicates the time. "t2," "t3," and "t4" each indicate a time different from "t1." "d2" indicates a day different from "d1."

[0030] The "Measured Values" column in Figure 3 shows the water quality and water level of liquid W1 as measured by the water level gauge 11 and the water quality information acquisition unit 12. For example, "p1" shows the turbidity of liquid W1 measured by the water quality information acquisition unit 12 at the time (month, day, and time) indicated by "m1 / d1 / t1". Also, "q1" shows the pH of liquid W1 measured by the water quality information acquisition unit 12 at the time (month, day, and time) indicated by "m1 / d1 / t1". Also, "r1" shows the water level measured by the water level gauge 11 at the time (month, day, and time) indicated by "m1 / d1 / t1". Similarly, p2, p3, p4, p5, ... each show the turbidity of liquid W1 at different time points. Also, q2, q3, q4, q5, ... each show the pH of liquid W1 at different time points. Furthermore, r2, r3, r4, r5, ... each represent the water level at different points in time.

[0031] The "Graph" column in Figure 3 individually displays the changes in turbidity, pH, and water level of liquid W1, as shown in the "Measured Values" column. In the example shown in Figure 3, the vertical axis represents the high and low levels of turbidity, pH, and water level of liquid W1, respectively, and the horizontal axis represents the passage of time. However, this is not the only way to display the graphs, and the specific display method can be changed as appropriate.

[0032] The process by which the information processing device 40 acquires information indicating the measurement results from the water level gauge 11 and the water quality information acquisition unit 12 is repeated, for example, at a predetermined measurement cycle (e.g., every 10 minutes or every 15 minutes), but is not limited to this. For example, the information processing device 40 may acquire information indicating the measurement results from the water level gauge 11 and the water quality information acquisition unit 12 at timings according to a predetermined schedule. Furthermore, as shown in the example of a viewable state as shown in Figure 3, the information processing device 40 may retain information indicating measurement results from the water level gauge 11 and the water quality information acquisition unit 12 acquired in the past, and output information indicating the relationship between multiple pieces of information.

[0033] Terminal 50 is an information processing device capable of confirming the notification information described above. Terminal 50 may be a mobile terminal such as a smartphone, or another type of terminal such as a fixed-installation information processing device. The information output by Terminal 50 is, for example, display output via a display, but may also be output by a method other than display, such as audio output. In this embodiment, the sending and receiving of notification information is done by sending and receiving emails to a predetermined email address, but it may also be done by other methods. For example, the notification information can be output in the form of a message that can be confirmed via one or more of the following: email, instant messaging installed on Terminal 50, a social networking service viewable from Terminal 50, or a web browser executable on Terminal 50, making it easier to confirm the notification information from Terminal 50. Hereinafter, when "notification email" is mentioned, it refers to an email intended for sending and receiving notification information. In this embodiment, multiple Terminal 50s are provided and individually given to multiple workers involved in work related to the discharge management facility (for example, improving water quality issues described later). That is, multiple workers can check notification emails using Terminal 50.

[0034] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the format of a notification email. The notification email includes a header H and a body. In Figures 4 to 10, the main information included in the header H is Subject information, From information, To information, and Date information. Subject information indicates the subject of the email. In the embodiment, the subject of the email is predetermined according to the content of the information to be notified, but in Figures 4 to 10, it is conveniently referred to as "email subject". From information indicates the email address treated as the sender (From) of the email. In the embodiment, the sender is predetermined, and in Figures 4 to 10, it is shown as "xxx@xxxx.xxx". From information indicates the email address treated as the recipient (From) of the email. In the embodiment, the recipient is predetermined, and in Figures 4 to 10, it is shown as "zzz@zzzz.zzz". Date information indicates the time the email was sent. In Figures 4 to 10, it is conveniently referred to as "yyyy / mm / dd tt:tt".

[0035] The body of the notification email will vary depending on the content being notified. The body shown in Figure 4 includes a facility identification information field T0, a latest value field T1, a pump operating count field T2, a trigger event field T3, and a measurement time field T4. The facility identification information field T0 indicates information that can identify the discharge management facility where the event that triggered the sending of the notification email occurred. Since the discharge management system 1 is not limited to just one discharge management facility, the facility identification information field T0 is set up to provide information that allows the recipient to understand which discharge management facility the notification email pertains to when multiple discharge management facilities are managed by the discharge management system 1. Note that if the discharge management system 1 manages only one discharge management facility, the facility identification information field T0 may be omitted.

[0036] The latest value column T1 shows the latest value measured by the water level gauge 11 and the water quality information acquisition unit 12. Specifically, in the latest value column T1, "p.pNTU" indicates the turbidity of liquid W1 as measured by the water quality information acquisition unit 12. Also, "qq" in "q.qpH" indicates the pH of liquid W1 as measured by the water quality information acquisition unit 12. Furthermore, "r.rr+α" in "r.rr+α meters" indicates the water level as measured by the water level gauge 11.

[0037] The number of pumps in operation column T2 indicates the number of pumps currently in operation out of the multiple pumps owned by pump 20. Specifically, the "k" in "k units" listed as the number of pumps in operation column T2 is the same as the "k" in the above-mentioned "command to operate k pumps".

[0038] The trigger event field T3 is a sentence indicating the event that triggered the sending of the notification email. Specifically, the sentence written as the trigger event field T3 includes a pre-prepared standard sentence for each event. Furthermore, if the trigger event is the water level measured by the water level gauge 11, it further includes a description indicating the water level threshold. Furthermore, if the trigger event is an event related to water quality measured by the water quality information acquisition unit 12, it further includes the latest value measured by the water quality information acquisition unit 12. Note that since the sentence written as the trigger event field T3 differs in Figures 4 to 10, individual codes such as sentences T31, T32, T33, T34, T35, T36, and T37 are added to distinguish them.

[0039] In the trigger event field T3, the sentence T31 shown in Figure 4 is, "The water level has exceeded the k-th control value r.rr meters for automatic control of the water level pump." This sentence is triggered by a rise in water level. Of this sentence, "k-th control value r.rr meters" indicates the water level threshold. The content of the sentence other than "k-th control value r.rr meters" is a standard phrase corresponding to "rise in water level".

[0040] The measurement time column T4 indicates the time when the value listed in the pump operation count column T2 was measured. In the examples shown in Figures 4 to 10, the time is shown as a combination of year, month, and day (yyyy / mm / dd), hour and minute (tt:tt), and second (ss), such as "yyyy / mm / dd tt:tt:ss". However, the format for showing the time is not limited to this, and any description that includes information sufficient to understand the time when the value listed in the pump operation count column T2 was measured is acceptable. Similarly, the latest value column T1, pump operation count column T2, and trigger event column T3 do not need to be exactly the same as the examples shown in Figures 4 to 10, but it is sufficient if the recipient of the notification email can understand similar information.

[0041] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing another example of the notification email format. The example in Figure 5 differs from the example in Figure 4 mainly in the value of the number of operating pumps listed in the pump operating count column T2 and the content of the trigger event column T3. Specifically, in the example in Figure 5, the value of the number of operating pumps listed in the pump operating count column T2 is "(k-1)". Also, the text T32 in Figure 5 is "The water level has fallen below the k-th order control value r.rr meters for automatic control of the water level pump." This text is triggered by a drop in the water level. Of this text, "k-th order control value r.rr meters" indicates the water level threshold. The content of this text other than "k-th order control value r.rr meters" is a standard phrase corresponding to "drop in the water level".

[0042] In reality, notification emails sent at different times will have different Date information in the header H and different specific times listed in the measurement time field T4, and the "latest value measured by the water level gauge 11 and water quality information acquisition unit 12" listed in the latest value field T1 may also differ. In the explanation referring to Figures 4 to 10, we will not provide special explanations for matters that should naturally differ in each of these notification emails, and will only explain matters that deserve special mention. That is, any identical entries in the header H, latest value field T1, and measurement time field T4 in the notification emails shown in Figures 4 to 10 do not reflect the actual state of the notification emails, but are merely for convenience. In Figures 4 and 5, the water level measured by the water level gauge 11 in the latest value field T1 changes from "r.rr+α" in Figure 4 to "r.rr-β" in Figure 5, and this is noted to show the relationship with the "k-th order management value r.rr meters".

[0043] Here, the relationship between the notification email, which was explained with reference to Figures 4 and 5, and the setting of the water level threshold in the embodiment will be explained with reference to Figures 6 and 7.

[0044] First, the setting of the water level threshold in the embodiment will be explained. In the embodiment, multiple threshold levels corresponding to the number of pumps in the pump 20 are provided as the water level threshold. That is, in the embodiment described with reference to Figure 2, five threshold levels are provided. Of these five threshold levels, the thresholds from the lowest water level to the highest water level are designated as the primary control value, secondary control value, tertiary control value, quaternary control value, and quintal control value. Thus, the threshold in the embodiment can be described as the k-th control value (where k is a natural number less than or equal to the number of pumps provided in the pump 20, as described above).

[0045] The primary, secondary, tertiary, quaternary, and quintal control values ​​are set appropriately according to various factors such as the size of the sedimentation tank 2 and sedimentation chamber 3, the amount of liquid W1 that can be stored in sedimentation tank 2 and sedimentation chamber 3, and the degree of water level variability based on the trend of the inflow flow WF1. To give just one example, one approach is to set a water level of 30 cm or less below the lower limit water level of sedimentation tank 2 or sedimentation chamber 3 (the top of the sedimentation tank) as the quintal control value, and then set the quaternary, tertiary, secondary, primary, and base values ​​(the state where the water level is considered to be ±0 m) for every predetermined water level drop (for example, 30 cm) from this base.

[0046] In this embodiment, if the water level measured by the water level gauge 11 exceeds the k-th order control value but does not exceed the (k+1)th order control value, the "command to operate k pumps" described above is output. In this case, a notification email containing the "text triggered by the rise in water level" as explained with reference to Figure 4 is sent. In this embodiment, when k=5, the 6th order control value corresponding to the (k+1)th order control value does not exist, so it is treated as not exceeding the (k+1)th order control value.

[0047] In this embodiment, if the water level measured by the water level gauge 11 falls below the k-th control value after the command to operate k pumps has been output, the command to operate (k-1) pumps is output, reducing the number of pumps to be operated by one. In this case, a notification email containing the text triggered by the drop in water level, as explained with reference to Figure 5, is sent.

[0048] Figure 6 shows an example of a notification email following the format of Figure 4. Figure 7 shows an example of a notification email following the format of Figure 5. Figures 6 and 7 illustrate the case where k=5 in Figures 4 and 5. In Figure 6, the number of operating pumps has become 5 because the water level has exceeded the 5th control value, as indicated by "5 units" in the number of operating pumps column T2 and the sentence T33, "The 5th control value r.rr meters for automatic control of the water level pumps has been exceeded." In Figure 7, the number of operating pumps has become 5, i.e., (k-1) units when k=5, as indicated by "4 units" in the number of operating pumps column T2 and the sentence T34, "The 5th control value r.rr meters for automatic control of the water level pumps has been exceeded." A similar approach is used to send notification emails according to the water level when the value of k is other values.

[0049] The explanation above, referring to Figures 4 through 7, describes the case where no event requiring notification regarding the water quality of liquid W1 has occurred. The following describes the case where an event requiring notification regarding the water quality of liquid W1 has occurred.

[0050] First, let's explain the turbidity of liquid W1. In this embodiment, a management standard value is set as a threshold for the turbidity of liquid W1. If the turbidity of liquid W1 measured by the water quality information acquisition unit 12 exceeds this management standard value, a notification email is sent to indicate this.

[0051] Figure 8 shows an example of a notification email primarily related to turbidity warnings. As indicated in text T35 of Figure 8, the statement "The management standard value [turbidity] f.ffNTU has been exceeded" indicates that the turbidity of liquid W1 measured by the water quality information acquisition unit 12 has exceeded the turbidity management standard value (f.ffNTU). In the example shown in Figure 8, "m.mNTU" in the latest value column T1 indicates that the turbidity management standard value (f.ffNTU) has been exceeded. The turbidity management standard value (f.ffNTU) will be set in accordance with the actual state of liquid W1 in the discharge management facility and the standard value that is permissible as the discharge flow WF2, but for example, f.ff = 20.00 is expected. This is merely an example and is not limited to this, and can be changed as appropriate.

[0052] Next, we will explain the pH of liquid W1. In this embodiment, a control standard value is set for the pH of liquid W1 that is treated as being within the normal pH range. If the pH of liquid W1 measured by the water quality information acquisition unit 12 deviates from this control standard value, a notification email is sent to indicate this.

[0053] Figure 9 shows an example of a notification email primarily related to pH warnings. As indicated in text T36 of Figure 9, the statement "The pH of liquid W1, measured by the water quality information acquisition unit 12, has deviated from the pH control standard (range from a.aapH to b.bbpH)" indicates that the pH of liquid W1 has deviated from the pH control standard (range from a.aapH to b.bbpH). In the example shown in Figure 9, "n.npH" in the latest value column T1 indicates that the pH has deviated from the pH control standard (range from a.aapH to b.bbpH). As an example of the pH control standard (range from a.aapH to b.bbpH), if the majority of the components of liquid W1 are rainwater, a.aa = approximately 5.00 and b.bb = approximately 5.70 are assumed, but this is merely an example and is not limited to this, and can be changed as appropriate.

[0054] In Figures 8 and 9, the number of pumps in operation, indicated by column T2, is "0". This is because if the discharge flow WF2 continues when an event requiring attention occurs regarding the water quality of liquid W1, such as turbidity or pH in the embodiment, it could affect the water quality at the discharge destination. In other words, in the embodiment, if the conditions for sending a notification email regarding at least one of turbidity and pH are met, the number of pumps in operation is set to 0 regardless of the water level. In this case, the command becomes "command to operate 0 pumps".

[0055] On the other hand, if the conditions for sending notification emails for at least one of turbidity and pH are met, the number of operating pumps will be set to 0 regardless of the water level, which will inevitably cause the water levels in sedimentation tank 2 and sedimentation tank 3 to rise. Therefore, even in this case, notification emails will be sent in response to the rise in water level. However, the number of operating pumps will be set to "0" to reflect the actual situation in this case.

[0056] Figure 10 shows an example of a notification email sent when the water level rises after an event requiring attention regarding the water quality of liquid W1 occurs. In Figure 10, the number of pumps in operation, indicated in the pump operation count column T2, is "0," while the text T37 contains standard phrases similar to those explained with reference to Figures 4 and 6.

[0057] In this embodiment, improvements to the water quality of liquid W1 are performed manually. To improve turbidity, for example, by adding a precipitating agent to the sedimentation tank 2, the coagulation and sedimentation of substances causing turbidity in liquid W1 is promoted. To improve pH, for example, by adding a pH adjusting agent such as a neutralizing agent, the control of the pH of liquid W1 is promoted.

[0058] Furthermore, even if an event requiring attention occurs regarding the water quality of liquid W1, there is no problem in restarting the discharge flow WF2 once the event has been resolved. Therefore, if the information processing device 40 determines that the event has been resolved based on the relationship between the measurements of the water quality information acquisition unit 12 and the criteria related to the event (for example, the turbidity threshold or the normal range of pH), it restarts the control to operate the pumps according to the water level. In other words, as long as the event is not resolved, the information processing device 40 does not restart the operation of the pumps according to the water level, and the number of operating pumps is set to 0.

[0059] As shown in Figure 10, the notification email indicates that the water quality issue with liquid W1 has not been improved, even though the trigger event field T3 (e.g., text T37) indicates a rise in water level, while the number of pumps in operation field T2 shows "0". Upon receiving such a notification email, recipients will realize that other recipients have not completed the water quality improvement process and will recognize that they should go to the storage facility (e.g., sedimentation tank 2 and sedimentation tank 3) and improve the water quality issue with liquid W1. In other words, recipients who receive the notification email will be more likely to recognize the need to improve the water quality issue with liquid W1, which was reported by other notification emails sent before the current notification email was sent (see Figures 8 and 9). Furthermore, if there are multiple workers, and one of them has an improvement in the water quality of liquid W1 due to another worker, that worker can substantially confirm that the improvement in the water quality of liquid W1 was made by another worker after receiving the notification email explained with reference to Figures 8 to 10, and then receiving a notification email indicating that the number of operating pumps has increased to one or more. On the other hand, if, in this case, the worker receives the notification email explained with reference to Figure 8 or Figure 9, and then receives the notification email explained with reference to Figure 10, that worker can understand the possibility that none of the other workers have carried out any improvement in the water quality of liquid W1. In other words, that worker can recognize with greater certainty the need to go to the site to perform the work themselves.

[0060] Thus, the information processing device 40 functions as a control unit that controls the operation of multiple pumps based on water level and water quality. The information processing device 40 also functions as a notification unit that outputs notification information indicating the water level, water quality, and the number of pumps operating among the multiple pumps.

[0061] Furthermore, as explained with reference to Figures 8 and 9, if the first condition is that the water quality deviates from a predetermined standard, when the first condition is met, the information processing device 40 stops all of the multiple pumps and includes information indicating that the number of operating pumps among the multiple pumps is 0 in the notification information indicating that the first condition has been met. Furthermore, if the second condition is that the water level exceeds a predetermined threshold, as explained with reference to Figure 10, if the second condition is met after the first condition has been met but before the first condition is no longer met, the information processing device 40 does not operate the multiple stopped pumps and includes information indicating that the number of operating pumps among the multiple pumps is 0 in the notification information indicating that the second condition has been met. Furthermore, as explained with reference to Figures 4 to 7, if the second condition is met while the first condition is not met, the information processing device 40 operates one or more of the multiple pumps and includes information indicating which pumps are operating among the multiple pumps in the notification information indicating that the second condition has been met.

[0062] As explained above, the sending of notification emails and various decisions related to the sending of notification emails are performed by the information processing device 40. The information processing device 40 will be described below with reference to Figure 11.

[0063] Figure 11 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the information processing device 40. The information processing device 40 includes a storage unit 41, an arithmetic unit 42, a communication unit 43, an input unit 44, and an output unit 45.

[0064] The storage unit 41 stores programs and the like related to the processing performed by the arithmetic unit 42. These programs and the like include software programs and data read during the execution of software programs. Specifically, the storage unit 41 includes one or more non-volatile storage devices, such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), SSD (Solid State Drive), or flash memory, and stores programs and the like in these storage devices. The storage unit 41 in this embodiment further includes a main memory device that functions as RAM (Random Access Memory).

[0065] The storage unit 41 stores water level threshold data 411, turbidity threshold data 412, pH range data 413, notification email information 414, judgment program 415, and email transmission 416 as programs related to the processing performed by the calculation unit 42. Although not shown in the figures, the storage unit 41 also stores programs necessary for the operation of the information processing device 40, such as programs that function as an operating system.

[0066] The water level threshold data 411 is data indicating water level thresholds (for example, primary, secondary, tertiary, quaternary, and quintal control values). The turbidity threshold data 412 is data indicating control standard values ​​treated as turbidity thresholds. The pH range data 413 is data indicating control standard values ​​treated as a normal pH range. The notification email information 414 is data containing various information necessary for sending the notification email, such as the standard text included in the notification email described above, the sender's and recipient's email addresses, and subject information. The judgment program 415 is a program for making judgments based on the relationship between the measured value of the water level gauge 11 and the water level threshold indicated by the water level threshold data 411, and the relationship between the measured value of the water quality information acquisition unit 12 and the control standard values ​​indicated by the turbidity threshold data 412 and pH range data 413. The email transmission 416 is a program for performing processing related to sending the notification email, which is carried out according to the execution result of the judgment program 415.

[0067] The information processing device 40 functions as a control unit that controls the operation of multiple pumps in the pump 20 based on the water level measured by the water level gauge 11 and the water quality measured by the water quality information acquisition unit 12, by having the calculation unit 42 read and execute the determination program 415. The information processing device 40 also functions as a notification unit that outputs notification information indicating the water level, water quality, and the number of operating pumps among the multiple pumps in a format that can be confirmed by the terminal 50, by having the calculation unit 42 read and execute the email transmission 416.

[0068] The arithmetic unit 42 performs arithmetic processing related to the operation of the information processing device 40. It includes an arithmetic circuit that functions as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), reads programs stored in the memory unit 41 and executes them, and performs various processes related to the operation of the information processing device 40. The communication unit 43 performs processing related to communication between the information processing device 40 and the transceiver unit 13 and communication between the information processing device 40 and the terminal 50. Specifically, the communication unit 43 includes a circuit that functions as a NIC (Network Interface Controller), and communicates with the transceiver unit 13 and the terminal 50 via a communication line formed by wired, wireless, or a combination of wired and wireless. The input unit 44 receives input operations for the information processing device 40. Specifically, the input unit 44 includes at least one input device, such as a mouse or keyboard, and receives input from the administrator of the information processing device 40 via such input device. The output unit 45 provides various outputs related to the operation of the information processing device 40. The output unit 45 includes a display capable of outputting a display, such as the display output VG (see Figure 3) described above.

[0069] The following explanation of the calculation processes performed by the calculation unit 42, specifically those related to the operation control of the pump 20 and the transmission of notification emails, will be provided with reference to Figures 12 to 16. The processing of the calculation unit 42, as explained with reference to Figures 12 to 16, is realized by the execution of the judgment program 415 and the email transmission 416 described above.

[0070] Figure 12 is a flowchart showing the flow of the determination of the water quality of liquid W1 and the processing associated with said determination. First, information indicating the normal range of turbidity and information indicating the normal range of pH are acquired (step S1). Specifically, the calculation unit 42 reads the turbidity threshold data 412 and the pH range data 413 to acquire the control standard value to be treated as the turbidity threshold and the control standard value to be treated as the normal pH range. Next, information indicating turbidity and information indicating pH are acquired (step S2). Specifically, the water quality information acquisition unit 12 measures the turbidity and pH of liquid W1, and information indicating the results of said measurement is transmitted to the pump control unit 14 via the transmission / reception unit 13. The processing in step S1 and the processing in step S2 are not in any order and may be performed in parallel or sequentially.

[0071] The calculation unit 42 determines whether at least one of the turbidity and pH of the liquid W1 obtained in step S2 deviates from the normal range obtained in step S1 (step S3). Specifically, it determines whether the turbidity of liquid W1 exceeds the control standard value treated as the turbidity threshold, whether the pH of liquid W1 deviates from the control standard value treated as the normal pH range, or whether both are true. If it is determined that neither the turbidity nor the pH of liquid W1 obtained in step S2 deviates from the normal range obtained in step S1 (step S3; No), the process shown in Figure 12 ends.

[0072] On the other hand, if, in step S3, it is determined that at least one of the turbidity and pH of the liquid W1 obtained in step S2 has deviated from the normal range obtained in step S1 (step S3; Yes), the calculation unit 42 stops all pumps (step S4). Specifically, the calculation unit 42 outputs a "command to operate 0 pumps". This output is transferred to the pump control unit 14 via the transmitting / receiving unit 13. The pump control unit 14 stops all of the multiple pumps of the pump 20 according to the transferred output. In this case, information indicating the water level is also acquired (step S5). Specifically, the water level is measured by the water level gauge 11, and information indicating the result of the measurement is transferred to the pump control unit 14 via the transmitting / receiving unit 13. The processes in step S4 and step S5 are not in any order and may be performed in parallel or sequentially.

[0073] After the processing in step S4 and step S5, the calculation unit 42 sends a notification email containing information indicating turbidity, pH, water level, number of pumps in operation, and items deviating from the normal range (step S6). Specifically, if the processing in step S3 determines that the turbidity has deviated from the normal range, the calculation unit 42 sends a notification email as described with reference to Figure 8. Also, if the processing in step S3 determines that the pH has deviated from the normal range, the calculation unit 42 sends a notification email as described with reference to Figure 9. If both turbidity and pH are determined to have deviated from the normal range, both notification emails may be sent individually, or a notification email combining the contents of both emails may be sent. The processing shown in Figure 12 is completed upon completion of the processing in step S6.

[0074] Figure 13 is a flowchart showing the flow of branching determination processing based on the operating status of the pumps. The calculation unit 42 determines whether all pumps are stopped in accordance with the water quality determination (step S11). Specifically, the determination of whether all pumps are stopped is made by the process of step S4, which was explained with reference to Figure 12. If it is determined that the pumps are not stopped (step S11; No), the first water level determination process is performed (step S12). If it is determined that all pumps are stopped in accordance with the water quality determination (step S11; Yes), the second water level determination process is performed (step S13).

[0075] Figure 14 is a flowchart showing the flow of the first water level determination process. First, information indicating the water level threshold is acquired (step S21). Specifically, the calculation unit 42 reads the water level threshold data 411 and acquires the water level threshold (for example, the primary control value, secondary control value, tertiary control value, quaternary control value, and quintal control value). Next, information indicating the water level is acquired (step S22). Specifically, the water level is measured by the water level gauge 11, and information indicating the result of the measurement is transmitted to the pump control unit 14 via the transmitting / receiving unit 13. The processes in step S21 and step S22 are not in any particular order and may be performed in parallel or sequentially.

[0076] The calculation unit 42 determines whether the water level obtained in step S22 exceeds the primary control value among the thresholds obtained in step S21 (step S23). If it is determined that the water level does not exceed the primary control value (step S23; No), the process shown in Figure 14 is terminated.

[0077] On the other hand, if the process in step S23 determines that the water level has exceeded the primary control value (step S23; Yes), the calculation unit 42 determines whether the water level obtained in the process in step S22 has exceeded the secondary control value among the thresholds obtained in the process in step S21 (step S24). If it is determined that the water level has not exceeded the secondary control value (step S24; No), the calculation unit 42 operates one pump (step S25). Specifically, the calculation unit 42 outputs a "command to operate one pump". As a result, the first pump 21 operates.

[0078] On the other hand, if the process in step S24 determines that the water level has exceeded the secondary control value (step S24; Yes), the calculation unit 42 determines whether the water level obtained in the process in step S22 has exceeded the tertiary control value among the thresholds obtained in the process in step S21 (step S26). If it is determined that the water level has not exceeded the tertiary control value (step S26; No), the calculation unit 42 operates the two pumps (step S27). Specifically, the calculation unit 42 outputs a "command to operate two pumps". As a result, the first pump 21 and the second pump 22 operate.

[0079] On the other hand, if the process in step S26 determines that the water level has exceeded the tertiary control value (step S26; Yes), the calculation unit 42 determines whether the water level obtained in the process in step S22 has exceeded the quaternary control value among the thresholds obtained in the process in step S21 (step S28). If it is determined that the water level has not exceeded the quaternary control value (step S28; No), the calculation unit 42 operates the three pumps (step S29). Specifically, the calculation unit 42 outputs a "command to operate three pumps". As a result, the first pump 21, the second pump 22, and the third pump 23 operate.

[0080] On the other hand, if the process in step S28 determines that the water level has exceeded the fourth control value (step S28; Yes), the calculation unit 42 determines whether the water level obtained in the process in step S22 has exceeded the fifth control value among the thresholds obtained in the process in step S21 (step S30). If it is determined that the water level has not exceeded the fifth control value (step S30; No), the calculation unit 42 operates the four pumps (step S31). Specifically, the calculation unit 42 outputs a "command to operate the four pumps". As a result, the first pump 21, the second pump 22, the third pump 23 and the fourth pump 24 operate.

[0081] On the other hand, if the process in step S30 determines that the water level has exceeded the fifth control value (step S30; Yes), the calculation unit 42 activates the five pumps (step S32). Specifically, the calculation unit 42 outputs a "command to activate five pumps." As a result, the first pump 21, the second pump 22, the third pump 23, the fourth pump 24, and the fifth pump 25 operate.

[0082] After any of steps S25, S27, S29, S31, or S32, information indicating turbidity and pH is acquired (step S33). Specifically, the water quality information acquisition unit 12 measures the turbidity and pH of the liquid W1, and information indicating the results of this measurement is transmitted to the pump control unit 14 via the transmitting / receiving unit 13. Note that the process in step S33 is not in any particular order from the processes in steps S21 and S22, and may be performed simultaneously or in parallel with them, or may be performed between the processes in step S24 and step S32.

[0083] Subsequently, the calculation unit 42 sends a notification email containing information such as turbidity, pH, water level, number of pumps in operation, and the relationship between the water level and the threshold (step S34). Specifically, the calculation unit 42 sends a notification email as described with reference to Figure 4. Furthermore, if the water level falls below the k-th control value that triggered the notification email as described with reference to Figure 4 after the notification email has been sent, the calculation unit 42 sends a notification email as described with reference to Figure 5. After the processing in step S34, the process shown in Figure 14 is completed.

[0084] Figure 15 is a flowchart showing the flow of the second water level determination process. The similarities and differences between the second water level determination process and the first water level determination process (see Figure 14) described above will be explained in detail. In the second water level determination process, first, the same steps S21 and S22 as in the first water level determination process are performed.

[0085] In the second water level determination process, unlike the first water level determination process, the processes from step S23 to step S32 are not performed. In the second water level determination process, after the processes of step S21 and step S22, the calculation unit 42 determines whether the water level obtained in step S22 exceeds at least the primary control value among the thresholds obtained in step S21 (step S41). If it is determined that the water level does not exceed the primary control value (step S41; No), the process shown in Figure 15 ends.

[0086] On the other hand, if the process in step S41 determines that the water level has exceeded at least the primary control value (step S41; Yes), the processes in steps S33 and S34, which are the same as the first water level determination process, are performed. However, the notification email sent in step S34 is a notification email indicating that the number of operating pumps is "0", as explained with reference to Figure 14. After the process in step S34, the process shown in Figure 14 is completed.

[0087] The first water level determination process, as explained with reference to Figure 14, assumes that the "command to operate k pumps" matches the actual number of pumps operating. In reality, there is a non-zero possibility that some or all of the multiple pumps of pump 20 may not operate as commanded for some reason. Therefore, a mechanism may be provided to confirm the number of pumps actually operating in response to the "command to operate k pumps," and the number of pumps confirmed by this mechanism may be reflected in the number of pumps in the notification email.

[0088] For example, based on the presence or absence of liquid W1 outflow from each of the first pipes 31, second pipe 32, third pipe 33, fourth pipe 34, and fifth pipe 35 obtained by imaging the imaging range SR by the imaging unit 15, the operation of each of the first pumps 21, second pump 22, third pump 23, fourth pump 24, and fifth pump 25 can be determined by image determination based on pattern matching or the like. That is, if an image corresponding to a pattern that corresponds to the "command to operate k pumps" is not obtained, it will be determined that the number of pumps actually operating is less than k. Furthermore, not limited to image determination, another example is to provide sensors capable of confirming the flow of liquid W1 inside each of the first pipes 31, second pipe 32, third pipe 33, fourth pipe 34, and fifth pipe 35, and based on the detection results of these sensors, the operation of each of the first pumps 21, second pump 22, third pump 23, fourth pump 24, and fifth pump 25 can be determined individually. Furthermore, feedback information indicating "whether or not it is operating normally" provided by the first pump 21, second pump 22, third pump 23, fourth pump 24, and fifth pump 25 may be utilized. For example, if any of the first pump 21, second pump 22, third pump 23, fourth pump 24, and fifth pump 25 does not operate due to a power failure, then the feedback information cannot be obtained from the pump that does not have power, and the pump that does not operate can be identified. By using one or more of these mechanisms, the number of pumps in the notification email can be determined separately from the "command to operate k pumps".

[0089] Figure 16 is a flowchart showing the flow of the first water level determination process when information indicating the number of pumps whose operation has been confirmed is reflected in the notification email. In the explanation referring to Figure 16, the differences and similarities with the explanation referring to Figure 14 described above will be specifically explained. In the process shown in Figure 16, first, the process of step S21 is performed, similar to the process explained referring to Figure 14. In addition, information indicating the water level, information indicating turbidity, and information indicating pH are acquired (step S51). Specifically, both the process of step S22 and the process of step S33 described above are performed. The process of step S21 and the process of step S51 are not in any order and may be performed in parallel or sequentially.

[0090] In the process shown in Figure 16, after the processes in step S21 and step S51, the processes from step S23 to step S32 are performed, similar to the process described with reference to Figure 14. Similar to the process described with reference to Figure 14, if it is determined in step S23 that the water level does not exceed the primary control value (step S23; No), the process shown in Figure 16 is terminated.

[0091] After processing in step S25, step S27, step S29, step S31, or step S32, pump operation confirmation information is acquired (step S52). Specifically, the operation of each of the multiple pumps is confirmed by one or more of the following: image determination based on imaging of the imaging range SR described above, sensors capable of confirming the flow of liquid W1 installed in each of the first pipe 31, second pipe 32, third pipe 33, fourth pipe 34, and fifth pipe 35, and feedback from each of the first pump 21, second pump 22, third pump 23, fourth pump 24, and fifth pump 25. After processing in step S52, the calculation unit 42 sends a notification email containing information such as turbidity, pH, water level, number of operating pumps, and the relationship between the water level and the threshold (step S53). The processing in step S53 is the same as the processing in step S34, except that the number of operating pumps in the number of operating pumps column T2 becomes the number of pumps whose operation was confirmed in the processing of step S52.

[0092] As described above, according to the embodiment, the discharge management system 1 includes a plurality of pumps (for example, a first pump 21, a second pump 22, a third pump 23, a fourth pump 24, and a fifth pump 25) that move a liquid (for example, liquid W1) from a storage facility (for example, a sedimentation tank 2 and a sedimentation tank 3) to a discharge facility (for example, a discharge tank 5), a water level gauge 11 that measures the water level of the liquid stored in the storage facility, a water quality information acquisition unit 12 that acquires information regarding the water quality of the liquid stored in the storage facility, an information processing device 40 that performs information processing based on the water level and water quality, and a terminal 50 that is communicatively connected to the information processing device 40. The information processing device 40 includes a control unit that controls the operation of the plurality of pumps based on the water level and water quality, and a notification unit that outputs notification information (for example, a notification email described with reference to Figures 4 to 10) indicating the water level, water quality, and the number of operating pumps among the plurality of pumps in a format that can be confirmed by the terminal 50.

[0093] This makes it possible to provide notification information, such as the water level, water quality, and the number of operating pumps among the multiple pumps installed in the storage facility (e.g., sedimentation tank 2 and sedimentation tank 3), in a way that can be viewed from the terminal 50. Therefore, it is possible to provide the user of the terminal 50 with information that makes it easier to understand the relationship between pump operation and events related to pump operation. For example, by making the workers at the discharge management facility users of the terminal 50, it is possible to provide those workers with information that makes it easier to understand the relationship between pump operation and events related to pump operation.

[0094] Furthermore, if the first condition is met, the control unit of the information processing device 40 stops all of the multiple pumps, and the notification unit of the information processing device 40 includes information indicating that the number of operating pumps among the multiple pumps is 0 in the notification information indicating that the first condition has been met. The first condition is that the water quality deviates from a predetermined standard (for example, a management standard value).

[0095] This allows the user of terminal 50 to be notified that the number of operating pumps has dropped to zero because the water quality (e.g., turbidity, pH) of the liquid (e.g., liquid W1) stored in the storage facility (e.g., sedimentation tank 2 and sedimentation tank 3) has deviated from predetermined standards (e.g., control standard values). In other words, it can be indicated that the reason the pumps have stopped is related to a water quality issue.

[0096] Furthermore, if the second condition is met after the first condition is met but before the first condition ceases to be met, the control unit of the information processing device 40 will not operate the multiple stopped pumps, and the notification unit of the information processing device 40 will include information indicating that the number of operating pumps among the multiple pumps is 0 in the notification information indicating that the second condition has been met. The second condition is that the water level exceeds a predetermined threshold.

[0097] This allows the terminal 50 to be notified that after the number of operating pumps has dropped to zero due to the water quality (e.g., turbidity, pH) of the liquid (e.g., liquid W1) stored in the storage facility (e.g., sedimentation tank 2 and sedimentation tank 3) deviating from predetermined standards (e.g., control standard values), the pumps remain unable to operate even when the water level exceeds a threshold. In other words, it can be suggested that improvement of the water quality issue is necessary in order to operate the pumps.

[0098] Furthermore, if the second condition is met but the first condition is not met, the control unit of the information processing device 40 operates one or more of the multiple pumps, and the notification unit of the information processing device 40 includes information indicating which of the multiple pumps is operating in the notification information indicating that the second condition has been met.

[0099] This makes it easier to understand the relationship between the water level in a storage facility (for example, sedimentation tank 2 and sedimentation tank 3) and the number of pumps operating among the multiple pumps installed in the storage facility. In other words, it makes it easier to understand the increase or decrease in pump operation in response to changes in water level.

[0100] Furthermore, the threshold is set in multiple stages according to the number of pumps (for example, primary control value, secondary control value, tertiary control value, quaternary control value, quintal control value), and the control unit of the information processing device 40 determines the number of pumps to operate from among the multiple pumps according to the relationship between the water level and the threshold in the multiple stages when the second condition is met while the first condition is not met.

[0101] This allows for the sequential control of the number of operating pumps in accordance with the water level in the storage facility (e.g., sedimentation tank 2 and sedimentation tank 3).

[0102] Furthermore, the notification unit of the information processing device 40 outputs the notification information in the form of a message that can be viewed via email, instant message, social networking service, or web browser.

[0103] This makes it easier to check the notification information from terminal 50.

[0104] It should be noted that the embodiments described above are merely examples and can be modified as appropriate without departing from the technical features of the present invention. For example, the water quality sensing by the water quality information acquisition unit 12 is not limited to turbidity and pH, but may further include the detection of specific chemical substances that are undesirable to be present in the discharged liquid in a predetermined proportion or more, and at least one of turbidity and pH may be omitted when such detection is the main objective. Furthermore, turbidity is not limited to that managed by turbidimetric turbidity, but may be managed by a degree based on a kaolin standard solution, for example.

[0105] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the arithmetic unit 42 of the information processing device 40 functions as a control unit and a notification unit through so-called software processing, but at least one of the control unit and the notification unit may be implemented by dedicated hardware. Also, a configuration that functions as a control unit and a configuration that functions as a notification unit may be provided separately in the information processing device.

[0106] Furthermore, the notification information may also include information showing the trend of measurements taken multiple times by the water level gauge 11 and the water quality information acquisition unit 12 according to a measurement cycle or schedule. In addition, if there is a significant change in at least one of the water level or water quality between the result of the latest measurement and the result of the measurement immediately preceding it, the notification information may also include information indicating this (for example, strings such as "sudden rise" or "sudden drop"). In this case, a reference value for determining the difference in measured values ​​that is treated as a "significant change" is predetermined, and information indicating this reference value is stored in the storage unit 41. Furthermore, based on the trend of measurements taken multiple times by the water level gauge 11 and the water quality information acquisition unit 12, the notification information may also include information predicting the trend for at least one of the water level and water quality beyond the latest measurement point. Known algorithms such as machine learning can be used for such predictions. Furthermore, the notification information may also include information indicating the estimated time when the water level or water quality will exceed a predetermined standard based on the prediction.

[0107] Furthermore, the criteria for triggering the output of notification information may be set in stages, corresponding to the degree of need for manual human intervention, so that preliminary notification information is output and notification information indicating that more urgent manual intervention is required is distinguished. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0108] 1. Discharge Management System 2. Sedimentation tank 3. Sedimentation tank 5. Discharge pond 11 Water level gauge 12 Water quality information acquisition department 40 Information Processing Devices 411 Water level threshold data 412 Turbidity threshold data 413 pH range data 415 Judgment Program 416 Email sending program 42 Arithmetic section 43 Communications Department 50 devices

Claims

1. Multiple pumps that move liquid from the storage facility to the discharge facility, A water level gauge for measuring the water level of the liquid stored in the aforementioned storage facility, A water quality information acquisition unit that acquires information regarding the water quality of the liquid stored in the aforementioned storage facility, An information processing device that performs information processing based on the water level and the water quality, The information processing device comprises a terminal that is communicatively connected to the aforementioned information processing device, The aforementioned information processing device is A control unit that controls the operation of the plurality of pumps based on the water level and the water quality, The system includes a notification unit that outputs notification information indicating the water level, water quality, and the number of operating pumps among the plurality of pumps in a format that can be viewed from the terminal, If the first condition is met, The control unit stops all of the multiple pumps, The notification unit includes in the notification information indicating that the first condition has been met information indicating that the number of operating pumps among the plurality of pumps is zero. The first condition is that the water quality deviates from a predetermined standard. If the second condition is met after the first condition is met but before the first condition ceases to be met, The control unit does not operate the stopped plurality of pumps, The notification unit includes in the notification information indicating that the second condition has been met information indicating that the number of operating pumps among the plurality of pumps is zero. The second condition is that the water level exceeds a predetermined threshold, If the second condition is met while the first condition is not met, The control unit operates one or more of the multiple pumps, The notification unit includes information indicating which of the multiple pumps is operating in the notification information indicating that the second condition has been met. As the threshold, multiple threshold levels are set according to the number of pumps. The control unit, when the second condition is met but the first condition is not met, determines the number of pumps to operate from among the multiple pumps according to the relationship between the water level and the multiple threshold levels. Discharge management system.

2. The notification unit outputs the notification information in the form of a message that can be viewed via email, instant message, social networking service, or web browser. The discharge management system according to claim 1.

Images