Management device, management system, management method, and program
The management system addresses the challenge of nitrogen compound emissions by providing real-time monitoring and control, ensuring compliance with emission conditions and optimizing sensor usage, thus improving environmental management and operational efficiency.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- ASAHI KASEI KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
- Filing Date
- 2025-09-05
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-01
AI Technical Summary
Existing systems lack the capability to effectively manage and understand the environmental impact of nitrogen compounds, including their emission sources, discharge destinations, and the need for precise control and monitoring to ensure compliance with emission conditions.
A management system that collects and processes data from multiple sensors to generate distribution information on nitrogen compound quantities, emission points, and discharge destinations, allowing for real-time adjustments and fee calculations based on sensor usage and data transmission.
Enables precise monitoring and control of nitrogen compound emissions, ensuring compliance with emission conditions and optimizing sensor usage fees, thereby enhancing environmental management and operational efficiency.
Smart Images

Figure 0007868239000001_ABST
Abstract
Description
[Technical Field]
[0001] This invention relates to a management device, a management system, a management method, and a program. [Background technology]
[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a water treatment control system that includes a water quality estimation unit that uses an estimation model for inferring the total nitrogen concentration in treated water to estimate the total nitrogen concentration of treated water, which is an estimated value of the total nitrogen concentration in treated water, from processing data processed in a preprocessing unit. [Prior art document] [Patent] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 7286035 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]
[0003] A system is needed to help understand the environmental impact of nitrogen compounds. [Means for solving the problem]
[0004] A control device according to one aspect of this disclosure may include a collection unit that collects measurement-related information indicating the physical quantity of nitrogen compounds from each of a plurality of sensors that measure a physical quantity indicating the quantity of nitrogen compounds, and location information that identifies the measurement point measured by each of the plurality of sensors. The control device may also include a generation unit that generates distribution information indicating the physical quantity of nitrogen compounds collected from each of the plurality of sensors, and the distance between the measurement point measured by each of the plurality of sensors and the nitrogen compound emission point.
[0005] In the management device, the collection unit may collect the measurement-related information that further indicates the destination of the nitrogen compound, such as direct discharge to the atmosphere, ocean, lake, or river, or indirect discharge to the soil. The generation unit may generate the distribution information including the destination of the discharge.
[0006] In any of the above-mentioned management devices, the discharge destination information may include facility information of the source of the nitrogen compound discharge.
[0007] Any of the above-mentioned control devices may include a determination unit that determines whether the physical amount of the nitrogen compound measured by the sensor at the measurement point satisfies predetermined nitrogen compound emission conditions for the emission destination that discharges the nitrogen compound. If the physical amount of the nitrogen compound measured by the sensor at the measurement point does not satisfy the emission conditions, the control device may include an instruction unit that instructs the emission destination to adjust the amount of nitrogen compound discharged to satisfy the emission conditions.
[0008] Any of the above-mentioned management devices may include a determination unit that determines whether the physical amount of the nitrogen compound measured by the sensor at the measurement point satisfies predetermined nitrogen compound emission conditions for the emission destination that emits the nitrogen compound. If the physical amount of the nitrogen compound measured by the sensor at the measurement point does not satisfy the emission conditions, the management device may include an instruction unit that instructs the emission destination to adjust the amount of nitrogen compound emitted by an amount based on the emission destination information so that the emission conditions are met.
[0009] In any of the above-mentioned management devices, the collection unit may further collect the measurement-related information indicating the usage time of each of the plurality of sensors used to measure the physical quantity of nitrogen compounds. The management device may include a calculation unit that calculates the sensor usage fee for each of the plurality of sensors based on the usage time.
[0010] In any of the above-mentioned management devices, the generation unit may generate total nitrogen information indicating the total amount of nitrogen based on the physical quantities of the nitrogen compound collected from each of the plurality of sensors, and distribution information indicating the distance.
[0011] In any of the above-mentioned management devices, the generation unit may generate time-series information showing the physical quantities of the nitrogen compound collected from each of the plurality of sensors in a time-series manner.
[0012] In any of the above-mentioned management devices, the generation unit may generate time-series information showing the total amount of nitrogen based on the physical quantities of the nitrogen compound collected from each of the plurality of sensors in a time series.
[0013] Any of the management devices may include an authentication unit that authenticates the measurement-related information when the difference between the respective physical quantities shown in the measurement-related information collected from each of the multiple sensors that measure at measurement points within a predetermined distance range is less than or equal to a predetermined threshold.
[0014] In any of the management devices, the generation unit may generate the distribution information based on the measurement-related information authenticated by the authentication unit.
[0015] Any of the management devices may include a receiving unit that receives a request for measurement result information of the first sensor from a communication terminal that communicates with the first sensor among the plurality of sensors. The management device may also include a transmission control unit that, in response to the request for measurement result information, transmits the measurement result information generated by the generation unit to the communication terminal via a communication unit.
[0016] Any of the management devices may include a calculation unit that calculates data usage fees based on the number of times the measurement result information is transmitted or the amount of data.
[0017] A management system according to one aspect of this disclosure may include any of the management devices, a first sensor among the plurality of sensors, and a communication terminal that communicates with the first sensor. The communication terminal may include an instruction unit that instructs the first sensor to measure the physical amount of a nitrogen compound. The communication terminal may include an acquisition unit that acquires the physical amount of a nitrogen compound from the first sensor, which has measured the physical amount of the nitrogen compound in response to the instruction from the instruction unit. The communication terminal may include a transmission control unit that transmits measurement-related information to the management device via the communication unit, indicating the physical amount of the nitrogen compound acquired by the acquisition unit and location information that identifies the measurement point measured by the first sensor. The communication terminal may include a request unit that requests measurement result information of the first sensor from the management device. The communication terminal may include a display control unit that, in response to a request from the request unit, acquires measurement result information based on the measurement-related information from the management device and displays the measurement result information on a display unit.
[0018] In the management system, the measurement result information may include at least one of the following: distribution information showing the physical quantity of the nitrogen compound and the distance; distribution information showing the total amount of nitrogen based on the physical quantity of the nitrogen compound and the distance; time-series information showing the physical quantity of the nitrogen compound in time series; and time-series information showing the total amount of nitrogen based on the physical quantity of the nitrogen compound in time series.
[0019] In any of the aforementioned management systems, the first sensor may measure the physical quantity of the nitrogen compound only when it receives the instruction from the communication terminal.
[0020] In any of the above-mentioned management systems, the first sensor may include a light-emitting unit that irradiates the object to be measured with light in a specific wavelength band absorbed by the nitrogen compound to be measured. The first sensor may include a light-receiving unit that receives the light. The first sensor may include a transmission control unit that transmits the physical amount of the nitrogen compound, which is determined based on the amount of light received by the light-receiving unit, to the communication terminal via a communication unit.
[0021] In any of the above management systems, the first sensor may include a first light emitting unit that irradiates light in a first wavelength band absorbed by a first nitrogen compound and a second nitrogen compound in the measurement target to the measurement target. The first sensor may include a first light receiving unit that receives the light in the first wavelength band. The first sensor may include a second light emitting unit that irradiates light in a second wavelength band absorbed by the first nitrogen compound in the measurement target to the measurement target. The first sensor may include a second light receiving unit that receives the light in the second wavelength band. The first sensor may include a transmission control unit that transmits, to the communication terminal via a communication unit, the physical quantities of the first nitrogen compound and the second nitrogen compound respectively specified based on the amount of light received in the first wavelength band by the first light receiving unit and the amount of light received in the second wavelength band by the second light receiving unit.
[0022] A management method according to an aspect of the present disclosure may include a step in which a collection unit collects measurement-related information indicating a physical quantity of a nitrogen compound and location information specifying a measurement location measured by each of a plurality of sensors that measure the physical quantity indicating the amount of the nitrogen compound from each of the plurality of sensors. The management method may include a step in which a generation unit generates distribution information indicating the physical quantity of the nitrogen compound collected from each of the plurality of sensors and the distance between the measurement location measured by each of the plurality of sensors and the discharge location of the nitrogen compound.
[0023] A program according to an aspect of the present disclosure, when executed by a computer, causes the computer to function as a collection unit that collects measurement-related information indicating a physical quantity of a nitrogen compound and location information specifying a measurement location measured by each of a plurality of sensors that measure the physical quantity indicating the amount of the nitrogen compound from each of the plurality of sensors, and a generation unit that generates distribution information indicating the physical quantity of the nitrogen compound collected from each of the plurality of sensors and the distance between the measurement location measured by each of the plurality of sensors and the discharge location of the nitrogen compound.
[0024] The above summary of the invention does not list all the features of the present invention. Sub-combinations of these groups of features may also be inventions.
Brief Description of the Drawings
[0025] [Figure 1] It is a diagram showing an example of the system configuration of a nitrogen compound management system. [Figure 2] It is a diagram showing an example of the functional blocks of a management device. [Figure 3] It is a diagram showing an example of distribution information. [Figure 4] It is a diagram showing an example of time-series information. [Figure 5] It is a diagram showing an example of the functional blocks of a communication terminal. [Figure 6] It is a diagram showing an example of the functional blocks of a sensor. [Figure 7] It is a diagram showing an example of the functional blocks of a sensor according to a modified example. [Figure 8] An example of the hardware configuration is shown.
Modes for Carrying Out the Invention
[0026] The following embodiments do not limit the invention according to the claims. Not all combinations of features described in the embodiments are essential for the solution means of the invention.
[0027] FIG. 1 shows an example of the system configuration of a nitrogen compound management system 10. The management system 10 includes a management device 100, a plurality of communication terminals 200, and a plurality of sensors 300.
[0028] The sensor 300 measures physical quantities of nitrogen compounds such as nitrogen oxides (NOx), ammonium ions (NH4+), nitrite ions (NO2 - ), nitrate ions (NO3 - ), and ammonia (NH3). The physical quantity may be, for example, the concentration of nitrogen compounds. The unit of the physical quantity may be μg / L or ppm.
[0029] Sensor 300 may be an optical sensor that measures the physical quantity of a nitrogen compound by measuring the absorption rate of light in the frequency band absorbed by the nitrogen compound being measured. Sensor 300 may be, for example, an optical sensor equipped with a far-UVC LED. Sensor 300 may also be other types of sensors that detect nitrogen compounds, such as ion electrode type, semiconductor film type, IR optical type, or catalytic type.
[0030] The communication terminal 200 is a terminal capable of communicating with the sensor 300 and the management device 100. The communication terminal 200 may be, for example, a smartphone, tablet, or personal computer.
[0031] The management device 100 can communicate with the communication terminal 200 via the network 50. The management device 100 collects measurement-related information from the sensor 300 via the communication terminal 200, including the physical quantity of nitrogen compounds and location information that identifies the measurement points measured by the sensor 300.
[0032] Sensor 300 is equipment provided to the user. The management device 100 calculates the sensor usage fee for sensor 300 based on the time sensor 300 is used for measurement or the period during which sensor 300 is provided to the user. The communication terminal 200 may be owned by the user or provided on loan. The management device 100 may also calculate the data usage fee for the measurement result information of sensor 300 provided by the management device 100. The management device 100 may also calculate the data usage fee for the measurement result information based on the number of times the measurement result information is viewed or the amount of data.
[0033] Figure 2 shows an example of the functional blocks of the management device 100. The management device 100 comprises a control unit 110, a storage unit 130, and a communication unit 140. The management device 100 may be a computer.
[0034] The computer may be a personal computer, tablet computer, smartphone, workstation, server computer, or general-purpose computer, or it may be a computer system in which multiple computers are connected. Such a computer system is also a computer in a broad sense. The computer may be a dedicated computer designed for managing multiple sensors 300 that measure nitrogen compounds, or it may be dedicated hardware implemented by dedicated circuits. The computer may be implemented by a virtual computer environment. When a computer is used, the management device 100 is realized by executing a program on the computer.
[0035] The control unit 110 may consist of a microprocessor such as a CPU or MPU, a microcontroller such as an MCU, etc. The storage unit 130 may be a computer-readable recording medium and may include at least one of SRAM, DRAM, EPROM, EEPROM (registered trademark), and flash memory such as a USB memory.
[0036] The communication unit 140 is a communication interface for communicating with the communication terminal 200 via a network 50 such as the Internet. The communication unit 140 may communicate with the communication terminal 200 by wire or wireless connection.
[0037] The control unit 110 includes a collection unit 112, a generation unit 114, a determination unit 116, an instruction unit 118, a reception unit 120, a transmission control unit 122, a calculation unit 124, and an authentication unit 126.
[0038] The collection unit 112 collects measurement-related information from each of the multiple sensors 300 that measure physical quantities indicating the amount of nitrogen compounds, and location information that identifies the measurement point measured by each of the multiple sensors 300. The location information may, for example, indicate latitude and longitude.
[0039] The generation unit 114 generates distribution information that shows the physical quantity of nitrogen compounds collected from each of the multiple sensors 300, and the distance between the measurement point measured by each of the multiple sensors 300 and the nitrogen compound emission point.
[0040] Figure 3 shows an example of distribution information. As shown in Figure 3, the generation unit 114 may generate distribution information by mapping the physical quantity of nitrogen compounds measured by each sensor 300 and the measurement point of the sensor 300, i.e., the distance between the measurement point and the nitrogen compound emission point, onto a map.
[0041] The observation points for monitoring the effects of nitrogen compound emissions may not be the emission points themselves, but rather observation points located far from the emission points. For example, the emission points may be factories or farms that emit nitrogen compounds. The observation points may be aquaculture farms where seaweed such as wakame is cultivated. Alternatively, the observation points may be residential areas surrounding a farm. Or, the observation points may be locations where groundwater connected to wells exists.
[0042] The collection unit 112 may collect measurement-related information that further indicates destination information, specifying whether the nitrogen compounds are emitted to the atmosphere, ocean, lakes, or rivers (direct emissions) or to the soil (indirect emissions). The generation unit 114 may generate distribution information that includes destination information. The generation unit 114 may generate distribution information indicating whether the emissions are direct or indirect, as destination information, in correspondence with the physical amount of nitrogen compounds at the emission site. The generation unit 114 may generate distribution information indicating the atmosphere, ocean, lakes, rivers, or soil as destination information.
[0043] For example, in the case of indirect emissions, nitrogen compounds are likely to be decomposed by soil microorganisms, reducing their impact, which is more likely than in the case of direct emissions. The impact of nitrogen compounds at observation points differs depending on whether the emissions are direct or indirect. Therefore, by adding the emission method at the destination to the measurement-related information, in addition to the physical quantity of nitrogen compounds, the information can be used more effectively.
[0044] The emission destination information may include facility information for the source of nitrogen compounds. The emission method at the destination can be identified by the source facility. For example, if the facility is a farm, nitrogen compounds are emitted indirectly through the soil. If it is a factory, they are emitted directly through piping. By adding facility information to the measurement-related information in addition to the physical quantity of nitrogen compounds, it is possible to identify whether nitrogen compounds are emitted directly or indirectly, allowing for more effective use of the information.
[0045] The determination unit 116 determines whether the physical amount of nitrogen compounds measured by the sensor 300 at the measurement point meets the predetermined nitrogen compound emission conditions for the emission destination that emits nitrogen compounds. The determination unit 116 may also determine whether the physical amount of nitrogen compounds measured by the sensor 300 at the measurement point falls within the predetermined range of nitrogen compound emission physical amounts for the emission destination that emits nitrogen compounds.
[0046] If the physical amount of nitrogen compounds measured by the sensor 300 at the measurement point does not meet the emission conditions, the instruction unit 118 instructs the recipient to adjust the amount of nitrogen compounds emitted to meet the emission conditions. For example, if the physical amount of nitrogen compounds exceeds the upper limit of the emission physical amount range, the instruction unit 118 instructs the recipient to reduce the amount of nitrogen compounds emitted. On the other hand, if the physical amount of nitrogen compounds falls below the lower limit of the emission physical amount range, the instruction unit 118 instructs the recipient to increase the amount of nitrogen compounds emitted. The instruction unit 118 may send a message via the communication unit 140 to a predetermined destination, such as the recipient's email address, instructing a decrease or increase in the amount of nitrogen compounds emitted. The instruction unit 118 may send a message via the communication unit 140 to a predetermined destination, such as the recipient's email address, instructing a decrease or increase in the amount of nitrogen compounds emitted by an amount determined depending on whether it is a direct or indirect emission. In the case of indirect emission, the instruction unit 118 may send a message instructing a decrease or increase in the amount of nitrogen compounds emitted by an amount determined by taking into account the amount of nitrogen compounds decomposed in the soil.
[0047] The collection unit 112 may collect measurement-related information from the sensor 300 that shows the physical quantity of each type of nitrogen compound. The generation unit 114 may generate distribution information that shows the physical quantity of each type of nitrogen compound and the distance between the measurement point of the sensor 300 and the nitrogen compound emission point.
[0048] The generation unit 114 may generate total nitrogen information indicating the total amount of nitrogen based on the physical quantity of nitrogen compounds measured by the sensor 300. The generation unit 114 may generate total nitrogen information for each measurement point of the sensor 300, and distribution information indicating the distance between the measurement point of the sensor 300 and the nitrogen compound emission point.
[0049] The generation unit 114 may generate time-series information showing the physical quantities of nitrogen compounds collected from each of the multiple sensors 300 in a time-series format. The generation unit 114 may generate time-series information showing the total amount of nitrogen based on the physical quantities of nitrogen compounds collected from each of the multiple sensors 300 in a time-series format. The generation unit 114 may generate time-series information showing the physical quantities of each type of nitrogen compound collected from each of the multiple sensors 300 and the total amount of nitrogen based on the physical quantities of nitrogen compounds collected from each of the multiple sensors 300 in a time-series format.
[0050] As shown in Figure 4, the generation unit 114 generates nitrates (NO3) collected from each of the multiple sensors 300. - ), ammonium ion (NH4 + ), and time-series information showing the total quantity of elements in chronological order may be generated.
[0051] The reception unit 120 receives a request from the communication terminal 200 for measurement result information from the sensor 300 that communicates with the communication terminal 200. The transmission control unit 122 transmits the measurement result information generated by the generation unit 114 to the communication terminal 200 via the communication unit 140 in response to the request for measurement result information. The measurement result information may include at least one of the following: distribution information showing the distance k between the measurement point and the emission point of the sensor 300 and the physical amount of nitrogen compounds; distribution information showing the total amount of nitrogen based on the physical amount of nitrogen compounds and the distance k; time-series information showing the physical amount of nitrogen compounds in time series; and time-series information showing the total amount of nitrogen based on the physical amount of nitrogen compounds in time series. The communication terminal 200 may display the measurement result information on its display unit. The communication terminal 200 may display the measurement result information on the display unit provided by the sensor 300.
[0052] The calculation unit 124 calculates data usage charges based on the number of times measurement result information is transmitted to the communication terminal 200, the number of times the measurement result information is viewed, or the amount of data. The data usage charges calculated by the calculation unit 124 are provided to the communication terminal 200 or sensor 300 and may be displayed on the display unit of the communication terminal 200 or sensor 300.
[0053] The collection unit 112 may collect measurement-related information indicating the usage time of each of the multiple sensors 300 used to measure the physical quantity of nitrogen compounds. The calculation unit 124 may calculate the usage fee for each of the multiple sensors 300 based on the usage time.
[0054] The communication terminal 200 may be equipped with an application to cause the sensor 300 to measure the physical amount of nitrogen compounds. The sensor 300 may be controlled so that it cannot measure the physical amount of nitrogen compounds unless it receives a measurement instruction from the communication terminal 200 via this application. The communication terminal 200 may add the application startup time as the usage time of the sensor 300 to the measurement-related information and transmit it to the management device 100.
[0055] The authentication unit 126 authenticates the measurement-related information acquired from the sensor 300. The sensor 300 may transmit measurement-related information indicating identification information to the management device 100. The authentication unit 126 may authenticate the measurement-related information if the identification information indicated in the measurement-related information provided by the sensor 300 is registered in a table that shows the identification information of a legitimate sensor 300 that has been registered in advance.
[0056] The authentication unit 126 may authenticate measurement-related information if the sensor 300 has been calibrated according to predetermined conditions. The characteristics of the sensor 300 may change over time. The characteristics of the sensor 300 refer to, for example, the characteristics of the optical elements if the sensor 300 is a sensor with optical elements. The characteristics of optical elements may change over time. For this reason, the sensor 300 undergoes calibration to correct the measurement accuracy. The authentication unit 126 obtains calibration information from the sensor 300, including at least one of the calibration time, calibration date and time, calibration method, and calibrator information, and may authenticate measurement-related information if the calibration information satisfies predetermined conditions indicating that the calibration has been performed correctly.
[0057] The physical quantities of the same type of nitrogen compound measured by multiple sensors 300 at measurement points within a predetermined distance range are likely to have similar values. If the physical quantities of the same type of nitrogen compound measured by multiple sensors 300 show extremely different values, the reliability of the physical quantities of the nitrogen compound measured by that sensor 300 may be low.
[0058] Therefore, the authentication unit 126 authenticates the measurement-related information of each of the multiple sensors 300 if the difference between the physical quantities of the same type of nitrogen compound measured by multiple sensors 300 measuring at measurement points within a predetermined distance range is less than or equal to a predetermined threshold. On the other hand, the authentication unit 126 does not authenticate the measurement-related information from sensors 300 if the difference between the physical quantities of the same type of nitrogen compound measured by multiple sensors 300 installed within a predetermined distance range is greater than a predetermined threshold.
[0059] The calculation unit 124 may calculate the amount of nitrogen compound emissions at an emission site over a predetermined period from measurement-related information from a sensor 300 that measures at the emission site. The calculation unit 124 may calculate the amount of reduction of nitrogen compound emissions from the emission source over a predetermined period, such as one year, and request the issuing certification body to issue nitrogen credits corresponding to the amount of reduction.
[0060] Figure 5 shows an example of the functional blocks of a communication terminal 200. The communication terminal 200 comprises a control unit 210, a storage unit 230, a communication unit 240, and a display unit 250. The control unit 210 may be composed of a microprocessor such as a CPU or MPU, a microcontroller such as an MCU, etc. The storage unit 230 may be a computer-readable recording medium and may include at least one of SRAM, DRAM, EPROM, EEPROM (registered trademark), and flash memory such as a USB memory.
[0061] The communication unit 240 is a communication interface for communicating with the management device 100 via a network 50 such as the Internet. The communication unit 240 is also a communication interface for communicating with the sensor 300. The communication unit 240 may communicate with the management device 100 and the sensor 300 by wired or wireless means. The communication unit 240 may communicate with the sensor 300 by short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth®. The communication unit 240 may communicate with the management device 100 by long-range wireless communication such as LTE or 5G.
[0062] The control unit 210 includes an instruction unit 212, an acquisition unit 214, a request unit 216, a transmission control unit 218, and a display control unit 220.
[0063] The instruction unit 212 instructs the sensor 300 to measure the physical quantity of nitrogen compounds. The acquisition unit 214 acquires the physical quantity of nitrogen compounds from the sensor 300, which has measured the physical quantity of nitrogen compounds in response to the instruction from the instruction unit 212. The transmission control unit 218 transmits measurement-related information, which includes the physical quantity of nitrogen compounds acquired by the acquisition unit 214 and location information that identifies the measurement point measured by the sensor 300, to the management device 100 via the communication unit 240. The request unit 216 requests measurement result information from the sensor 300 from the management device 100. The display control unit 220 acquires measurement result information based on the measurement-related information from the management device 100 in response to the request from the request unit 216 and displays the measurement result information on the display unit 250.
[0064] The control unit 210 may cause the communication terminal 200 to function as an instruction unit 212, acquisition unit 214, request unit 216, transmission control unit 218, and display control unit 220 by executing the nitrogen compound measurement application stored in the storage unit 230. The sensor 300 may measure nitrogen compounds only when measurement is instructed via the nitrogen compound measurement application.
[0065] Figure 6 shows an example of the functional block of sensor 300. Sensor 300 comprises a control unit 310, a storage unit 330, a communication unit 340, a measurement unit 350, and a display unit 360.
[0066] The control unit 310 may consist of a microprocessor such as a CPU or MPU, a microcontroller such as an MCU, etc. The storage unit 230 may be a computer-readable recording medium and may include at least one of SRAM, DRAM, EPROM, EEPROM (registered trademark), and flash memory such as a USB memory.
[0067] The communication unit 340 is a communication interface for communicating with the communication terminal 200. The communication unit 340 may communicate with the communication terminal 200 by wire or wireless connection. The communication unit 340 may communicate with the communication terminal 200 by short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth®.
[0068] The measuring unit 350 includes a measuring light-emitting unit 352, a measuring light-receiving unit 354, a reference light-emitting unit 356, and a reference light-receiving unit 358.
[0069] The measuring light-emitting unit 352 and the reference light-emitting unit 356 emit light in a specific wavelength range absorbed by the nitrogen compound being measured. The measuring light-receiving unit 354 and the reference light-receiving unit 358 receive the light emitted by the measuring light-emitting unit 352 and the reference light-emitting unit 356. The measuring light-emitting unit 352 and the reference light-emitting unit 356 include an LED, which emits light in a specific wavelength range. The LED may be a far-UVC LED that emits far ultraviolet light. The measuring light-emitting unit 352 and the reference light-emitting unit 356 may emit light in a wavelength range of, for example, 225 nm to 260 nm.
[0070] The space from the light emitted from the measuring light-emitting unit 352 to the measuring light-receiving unit 354 is the space to be measured, and is a space where the nitrogen compound to be measured may exist. On the other hand, the space from the light emitted from the measuring light-receiving unit 354 to the reference light-receiving unit 358 is a reference space isolated from the space to be measured, and is a space where no nitrogen compound is present.
[0071] The measurement unit 350 includes a derivation unit 312 and a transmission control unit 314. The derivation unit 312 derives the concentration c of the nitrogen compound to be measured based on the amount of light received Im obtained from the measurement light receiving unit 354 and the amount of light received Ir obtained from the reference light receiving unit 358.
[0072] The derivation unit 312 derives the absorptivity A (A = 1 - Im / Ir) from the ratio of the amount of light received Im obtained from the measuring light receiving unit 354 and the amount of light received Ir obtained from the reference light receiving unit 358. The relationship between the absorptivity A and the concentration c can be expressed as A = α × c × L according to the Lambert-Beer law. Here, α is the absorption coefficient of the nitrogen compound being measured in space (gas or liquid), and L is the length of the optical path through which the light passes. Therefore, the derivation unit 312 derives the concentration c as a physical quantity of the nitrogen compound being measured from c = A / (α × L).
[0073] The transmission control unit 314 transmits measurement-related information, which indicates the concentration c of the nitrogen compound to be measured, derived by the derivation unit 213 as a physical quantity of the nitrogen compound to be measured, to the communication terminal 200 via the communication unit 340. The transmission control unit 314 may also transmit measurement management information to the management device 100 without going through the communication terminal 200. The transmission control unit 314 may automatically transmit measurement-related information to the communication terminal 200 or the management device 100 via the communication unit 340 each time the measurement by the measurement unit 350 is completed, or each time the measurement by the measurement unit 350 is performed a predetermined number of times.
[0074] The display unit 360 may display measurement result information requested from the communication terminal 200 to the management device 100 and provided by the management device 100. The display unit 360 may display the physical quantity of nitrogen compounds measured by the sensor 300 as measurement result information requested from the communication terminal 200 to the management device 100 and provided by the management device 100.
[0075] The measuring unit 350 may have an attachment that defines the space to be measured. The attachment has an opening that communicates with the space to be measured. Depending on whether the space to be measured is, for example, a gas or a liquid, there is a more appropriate size for the opening. Therefore, attachments with different opening sizes may be attached to the measuring unit 350 depending on the type of space to be measured.
[0076] The value of L may change depending on the attachment. That is, the coefficient used by the derivation unit 312 to derive the concentration c will differ depending on the attachment. The storage unit 330 may store a coefficient for deriving the concentration c for each type of attachment. The derivation unit 312 may read the coefficient corresponding to the type of attachment provided on the measurement unit 350 from the storage unit 330 and use that coefficient to derive the concentration c.
[0077] The concentration c may be derived by the control device 100. In this case, the sensor 300 may transmit type information indicating the type of attachment used for measurement to the control device 100 via the communication terminal 200.
[0078] Here, light in a specific wavelength range may be absorbed by multiple types of nitrogen compounds among the nitrogen compounds being measured. For example, sodium nitrite aqueous solution, which is a nitrogen oxide aqueous solution, absorbs light in the wavelength range of 240 nm or less. Sodium nitrate aqueous solution, which is a nitrogen oxide aqueous solution, absorbs light in the wavelength range of 240 nm or less. On the other hand, ammonium chloride aqueous solution, which is a reduced nitrogen compound aqueous solution, absorbs light in the wavelength range of 210 nm or less. In the above example, for example, the wavelength range of 200 nm to 240 nm is absorbed by both nitrogen oxide (sodium nitrate, sodium nitrite) aqueous solutions and reduced nitrogen compounds (ammonium chloride aqueous solution), while the wavelength range below 200 nm to 210 nm is absorbed only by reduced nitrogen compounds (ammonium chloride aqueous solution). Therefore, the concentration of the oxidized nitrogen compound (sodium nitrate, sodium nitrite) aqueous solution can be derived from the difference between the concentration c1 derived from the amount of light received in the wavelength range of 200 nm to 210 nm and the concentration c2 derived from the amount of light received in the wavelength range of 200 nm to 240 nm.
[0079] Figure 7 shows an example of the functional block of a sensor 300 for measuring nitrogen oxides (NOx) and reduced nitrogen compounds (NHx), respectively. Sensor 300 differs from sensor 300 shown in Figure 6 in that it has measuring units 350A and 350B instead of measuring unit 350. Measuring unit 350A has a measuring light-emitting unit 352A, a measuring light-receiving unit 354A, a reference light-emitting unit 356A, and a reference light-receiving unit 358A. Measuring light-emitting unit 352A and reference light-emitting unit 356A emit light in the wavelength range of 200 nm to 240 nm.
[0080] The measuring unit 350B includes a measuring light-emitting unit 352B, a measuring light-receiving unit 354B, a reference light-emitting unit 356B, and a reference light-receiving unit 358B. The measuring light-emitting unit 352B and the reference light-emitting unit 356B emit light in the wavelength range of 200 nm to 210 nm.
[0081] The output unit 312 calculates the total concentration c of the nitrogen oxide aqueous solution and the reduced nitrogen compound aqueous solution based on the light received amount ImA obtained from the measuring light receiving unit 354A and the light received amount IrA obtained from the reference light receiving unit 358A.A Derive it. Further, the derivation unit 312 derives the concentration c of the reduced oxide aqueous solution based on the received light amount ImB obtained from the light receiving unit 354B for measurement and the received light amount IrB obtained from the reference light receiving unit 358B. B Derive it. In addition, the derivation unit 312 derives the concentration c A From the concentration c B By subtracting, the concentration c of the oxidized nitrogen compound aqueous solution is derived. C Derive it.
[0082] According to the nitrogen compound management system 10 of the present disclosure, by providing distribution information indicating the distance between the measurement point and the observation point in addition to the physical quantity of the nitrogen compound, it becomes easier to grasp the influence of the nitrogen compound on the environment. The sensor 300 used in the management system 10 may be a leased item, and the sensor 300 is controlled so as not to measure the nitrogen compound without an instruction from the communication terminal 200. Therefore, when calculating the sensor usage fee due to the lease of the sensor 300 from the number of measurements, measurement time, etc., for example, by checking the log of the processing operation of the measurement application installed on the communication terminal 200 that gives the measurement instruction to the sensor 300, the sensor usage fee of the sensor 300 can be accurately calculated.
[0083] FIG. 8 shows an example of a computer 1200 in which a plurality of aspects of the present invention may be embodied in whole or in part. The program installed in the computer 1200 can cause the computer 1200 to function as an operation associated with the apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention or as one or more "parts" of the apparatus. Alternatively, the program can cause the computer 1200 to execute the operation or the one or more "parts". The program can cause the computer 1200 to execute the process according to an embodiment of the present invention or a stage of the process. Such a program may be executed by the CPU 1212 to cause the computer 1200 to execute certain operations associated with some or all of the blocks of the flowcharts and block diagrams described herein.
[0084] The computer 1200 according to this embodiment includes a CPU 1212 and RAM 1214, which are interconnected by a host controller 1210. The computer 1200 also includes a communication interface 1222 and input / output units, which are connected to the host controller 1210 via an input / output controller 1220. The computer 1200 also includes a ROM 1230. The CPU 1212 operates according to programs stored in the ROM 1230 and RAM 1214, thereby controlling each unit.
[0085] The communication interface 1222 communicates with other electronic devices via a network. A hard disk drive may store programs and data used by the CPU 1212 in the computer 1200. The ROM 1230 stores boot programs and / or programs that depend on the computer 1200's hardware, such as a boot program executed by the computer 1200 upon activation. Programs are provided via a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM, USB memory, or IC card, or via a network. Programs are installed in RAM 1214, which is also an example of a computer-readable recording medium, or in ROM 1230, and executed by the CPU 1212. The information processing described within these programs is read by the computer 1200, resulting in coordination between the programs and the various types of hardware resources described above. An apparatus or method may be configured to implement the operation or processing of information in accordance with the use of the computer 1200.
[0086] For example, when communication is performed between a computer 1200 and an external device, the CPU 1212 may execute a communication program loaded into RAM 1214 and, based on the processing described in the communication program, instruct the communication interface 1222 to perform communication processing. Under the control of the CPU 1212, the communication interface 1222 reads the transmission data stored in the transmission buffer area provided in RAM 1214 or a recording medium such as a USB memory, sends the read transmission data to the network, or writes the received data received from the network to a receive buffer area or the like provided on the recording medium.
[0087] Furthermore, the CPU 1212 may read all or necessary parts of a file or database stored on an external storage medium such as a USB memory stick into the RAM 1214, and perform various types of processing on the data in the RAM 1214. The CPU 1212 may then write the processed data back to the external storage medium.
[0088] Various types of information, such as various types of programs, data, tables, and databases, may be stored on the recording medium and subjected to information processing. The CPU 1212 may perform various types of processing on the data read from RAM 1214, including various types of operations, information processing, conditional judgments, conditional branching, unconditional branching, information retrieval / replacement, etc., as described throughout this disclosure and specified by the program instruction sequence, and write the results back to RAM 1214. The CPU 1212 may also retrieve information in files, databases, etc., within the recording medium. For example, if multiple entries are stored in the recording medium, each having an attribute value of a first attribute associated with an attribute value of a second attribute, the CPU 1212 may search among the multiple entries for an entry that matches the condition for which the attribute value of the first attribute is specified, read the attribute value of the second attribute stored in that entry, and thereby obtain the attribute value of the second attribute associated with the first attribute that satisfies a predetermined condition.
[0089] The program or software module described above may be stored on or near computer 1200 on a computer-readable storage medium. Alternatively, a recording medium such as a hard disk or RAM provided within a server system connected to a dedicated communication network or the Internet can be used as a computer-readable storage medium, thereby providing the program to computer 1200 via the network.
[0090] Computer-readable media may include any tangible device capable of storing instructions that can be executed by a suitable device. As a result, computer-readable media having instructions stored therein will comprise a product containing instructions that can be executed to create means for performing operations specified in a flowchart or block diagram. Examples of computer-readable media may include electronic storage media, magnetic storage media, optical storage media, electromagnetic storage media, semiconductor storage media, etc. More specific examples of computer-readable media may include floppy disks (registered trademark), diskettes, hard disks, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or flash memory), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM (registered trademark)), static random access memory (SRAM), compact disk read-only memory (CD-ROM), digital versatile disk (DVD), Blu-ray (RTM) disk, memory stick, integrated circuit card, etc.
[0091] Computer-readable instructions may include either source code or object code written in any combination of one or more programming languages. Source code or object code may include conventional procedural programming languages. These conventional procedural programming languages may include assembler instructions, instruction set architecture (ISA) instructions, machine instructions, machine-dependent instructions, microcode, firmware instructions, state-setting data, or object-oriented programming languages such as Smalltalk®, Java®, C++, etc., and the "C" programming language or similar programming languages. Computer-readable instructions may be provided to the processor or programmable circuit of a programmable data processing device locally or via a wide area network (WAN) such as a local area network (LAN) or the Internet. The processor or programmable circuit may execute computer-readable instructions to create means for performing operations specified in a flowchart or block diagram.
[0092] Here, "computer" can refer to a personal computer (PC), tablet computer, smartphone, workstation, server computer, or general-purpose computer, and may also refer to a computer system in which multiple computers are connected. Such a computer system in which multiple computers are connected is also called a distributed computing system and is a computer in a broad sense. In a distributed computing system, each of the multiple computers executes a part of the program, and the multiple computers execute the program collectively by passing data from the computers during program execution as needed.
[0093] Examples of processors include computer processors, central processing units (CPUs), processing units, microprocessors, digital signal processors, controllers, and microcontrollers. A computer may have one or more processors. In a multiprocessor system with multiple processors, each processor executes a portion of the program, and the processors collectively execute the program by passing program execution data between them as needed. For example, in the execution of multitasking, each of the multiple processors may execute a portion of each task in small chunks by switching tasks at each time slice. In this case, which part of a program each processor executes changes dynamically. Alternatively, which part of a program each of the multiple processors executes may be statically determined by multiprocessor-aware programming.
[0094] Although the present invention has been described above using embodiments, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the scope described in the above embodiments. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications or improvements can be made to the above embodiments. It will be clear from the claims that such modified or improved forms may also be included in the technical scope of the present invention.
[0095] It should be noted that the execution order of operations, procedures, steps, and stages in the devices, systems, programs, and methods shown in the claims, specifications, and drawings is not explicitly stated as "before," "prior to," etc., and that these can be implemented in any order unless the output of a previous process is used in a later process. Even if the operation flow in the claims, specifications, and drawings is described using phrases such as "first," "next," etc. for convenience, it does not mean that it is essential to perform the operations in that order. [Explanation of symbols]
[0096] 10 Management Systems 50 Networks 100 Management device 110 Control Unit 112 Collection Department 114 Generation part 116 Judgment section 118 Instruction section 120 Reception Department 122 Transmission Control Unit 124 Calculation Section 126 Authentication Department 130 Storage section 140 Communications Department 200 communication terminals 210 Control Unit 212 Instruction section 213 Derivation part 214 Acquisition Department 216 Request part 218 Transmission Control Unit 220 Display Control Unit 230 Storage section 240 Communications Department 250 Display section 300 sensors 310 Control Unit 312 Derivation part 314 Transmission Control Unit 330 Storage section 340 Communications Department 350,350A,350B measurement section 352, 352A, 352B Measurement light-emitting section 354,354A,354B Measurement light receiving section 356, 356A, 356B Reference light-emitting section 358,358A,356B Reference light receiving section 360 display 1200 Computers 1210 Host Controller 1212 CPU 1214 RAM 1220 Input / Output Controller 1222 Communication Interface 1230 ROM
Claims
1. A collection unit that collects measurement-related information, including the physical quantity of nitrogen compounds from each of several sensors that measure the physical quantity of nitrogen compounds, location information that identifies the measurement point measured by each of the multiple sensors, and emission destination information that identifies whether the destination of the nitrogen compounds is direct emission (at the atmosphere, ocean, lake, or river) or indirect emission (in the soil), A generation unit that generates distribution information indicating the physical quantity of the nitrogen compound collected from each of the plurality of sensors and the distance between the measurement point measured by each of the plurality of sensors and the nitrogen compound emission point, A determination unit that determines whether the physical quantity of the nitrogen compound measured by the sensor at the measurement point satisfies predetermined nitrogen compound emission conditions for the emission destination that emits the nitrogen compound, If the physical amount of the nitrogen compound measured by the sensor at the measurement point does not meet the emission conditions, the instruction unit instructs the emission destination to adjust the amount of the nitrogen compound to meet the emission conditions by an amount based on the emission destination information. A control device equipped with the following features.
2. The management device according to claim 1, wherein the generation unit generates the distribution information including the discharge destination information.
3. The control device according to claim 2, wherein the discharge destination information includes facility information of the source of the nitrogen compound discharge.
4. A determination unit that determines whether the physical quantity of the nitrogen compound measured by the sensor at the measurement point satisfies predetermined nitrogen compound emission conditions for the emission destination that emits the nitrogen compound, The control device according to claim 1, further comprising an instruction unit that, if the physical amount of the nitrogen compound measured by the sensor at the measurement point does not satisfy the emission conditions, instructs the emission destination to adjust the emission amount of the nitrogen compound to satisfy the emission conditions.
5. The collection unit further collects the measurement-related information indicating the usage time of each of the multiple sensors used when measuring the physical quantity of nitrogen compounds, The management device according to claim 1, further comprising a calculation unit that calculates the sensor usage fee for each of the plurality of sensors based on the usage time.
6. The management device according to claim 1, wherein the generation unit generates distribution information indicating the total amount of nitrogen based on the physical quantities of the nitrogen compound collected from each of the plurality of sensors, and the distance.
7. The management device according to claim 1, wherein the generation unit generates time-series information showing the physical quantities of the nitrogen compound collected from each of the plurality of sensors in a time series.
8. The management device according to claim 1, wherein the generation unit generates time-series information showing the total amount of nitrogen based on the physical quantities of the nitrogen compound collected from each of the plurality of sensors in a time series.
9. The management device according to claim 1, further comprising an authentication unit that authenticates each of the measurement-related information when the difference between each of the physical quantities shown in the measurement-related information collected from each of the multiple sensors that measure at measurement points within a predetermined distance range is less than or equal to a predetermined threshold.
10. The management device according to claim 9, wherein the generation unit generates the distribution information based on the measurement-related information authenticated by the authentication unit.
11. A receiving unit receives a request for measurement result information of the first sensor from a communication terminal that communicates with the first sensor among the plurality of sensors, The management device according to claim 1, further comprising a transmission control unit that transmits the measurement result information generated by the generation unit to the communication terminal via a communication unit in response to a request for the measurement result information.
12. The management device according to claim 11, further comprising a calculation unit that calculates data usage charges based on the number of transmissions or the amount of data of the measurement result information.
13. A control device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, The first sensor among the plurality of sensors, A management system comprising a communication terminal that communicates with the first sensor, The aforementioned communication terminal is The first sensor is equipped with an instruction unit that instructs the measurement of the physical quantity of a nitrogen compound, An acquisition unit that acquires the physical quantity of a nitrogen compound from the first sensor, which measures the physical quantity of the nitrogen compound in accordance with the instructions from the instruction unit, A transmission control unit transmits measurement-related information, which includes the physical quantity of the nitrogen compound acquired by the acquisition unit and location information that identifies the measurement point measured by the first sensor, to the management device via a communication unit. The management device includes a request unit that requests measurement result information from the first sensor, A display control unit that, in response to a request from the request unit, acquires measurement result information based on the measurement-related information from the management device and displays the measurement result information on the display unit. A management system equipped with the following features.
14. The management system according to claim 13, wherein the measurement result information includes at least one of the distribution information showing the physical quantity of the nitrogen compound and the distance, the distribution information showing the total amount of nitrogen based on the physical quantity of the nitrogen compound and the distance, time-series information showing the physical quantity of the nitrogen compound in time series, and time-series information showing the total amount of nitrogen based on the physical quantity of the nitrogen compound in time series.
15. The management system according to claim 13, wherein the first sensor measures the physical quantity of the nitrogen compound only when it receives the instruction from the communication terminal.
16. The first recall was, A light-emitting unit that irradiates the target object with light in a specific wavelength range that is absorbed by the nitrogen compound being measured, A light-receiving unit that receives the aforementioned light, A transmission control unit that transmits the physical quantity of the nitrogen compound, which is determined based on the amount of light received by the light receiving unit, to the communication terminal via a communication unit, The management system according to claim 13, comprising:
17. The first recall was, A first light-emitting unit that irradiates the object to be measured with light in a first wavelength band absorbed by the first nitrogen compound and the second nitrogen compound of the object to be measured, A first light-receiving unit that receives light in the first wavelength band, A second light-emitting unit that irradiates the object to be measured with light in a second wavelength band that is absorbed by the first nitrogen compound of the object to be measured, A second light-receiving unit that receives light in the second wavelength band, A transmission control unit that transmits to the communication terminal via a communication unit the physical quantities of the first nitrogen compound and the second nitrogen compound, which are determined based on the amount of light in the first wavelength band received by the first light receiving unit and the amount of light in the second wavelength band received by the second light receiving unit, The management system according to claim 13, comprising:
18. The collection unit collects measurement-related information, which includes the physical quantity of nitrogen compounds from each of several sensors that measure the physical quantity of nitrogen compounds, location information that identifies the measurement point measured by each of the several sensors, and destination information that identifies whether the destination of the nitrogen compounds is direct emission (at the atmosphere, ocean, lakes, or rivers) or indirect emission (in the soil). The generation unit generates distribution information indicating the physical quantity of the nitrogen compound collected from each of the plurality of sensors and the distance between the measurement point measured by each of the plurality of sensors and the nitrogen compound emission point. The determination unit determines whether the physical quantity of the nitrogen compound measured by the sensor at the measurement point satisfies the predetermined nitrogen compound emission conditions for the emission destination that emits the nitrogen compound. If the instruction unit determines that the physical quantity of the nitrogen compound measured by the sensor at the measurement point does not meet the emission conditions, it instructs the emission destination to adjust the emission amount of the nitrogen compound by an amount based on the emission destination information so that the emission conditions are met. A management method that includes the following features.
19. When executed by a computer, the computer will A collection unit that collects measurement-related information, including the physical quantity of nitrogen compounds from each of several sensors that measure the physical quantity of nitrogen compounds, location information that identifies the measurement point measured by each of the several sensors, and emission destination information that identifies whether the destination of the nitrogen compounds is direct emission (at the atmosphere, ocean, lake, or river) or indirect emission (in the soil), A generation unit that generates distribution information indicating the physical quantity of the nitrogen compound collected from each of the plurality of sensors and the distance between the measurement point measured by each of the plurality of sensors and the nitrogen compound emission point, A determination unit that determines whether the physical quantity of the nitrogen compound measured by the sensor at the measurement point satisfies predetermined nitrogen compound emission conditions for the emission destination that emits the nitrogen compound, If the physical amount of the nitrogen compound measured by the sensor at the measurement point does not meet the emission conditions, the instruction unit instructs the emission destination to adjust the amount of the nitrogen compound to meet the emission conditions by an amount based on the emission destination information. A program that makes something work.