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

Abstract

To provide a pipeline grouping device that can automatically classify a plurality of pipelines forming a pipe network into groups and can update grouping processing based on a result of evaluation of the groups.SOLUTION: A pipeline grouping device comprises a grouping control unit that classifies a plurality of pipelines forming a pipe network into groups based on a predetermined index, and the pipeline grouping device comprises: a superimposed group extraction unit that extracts, from the groups obtained through the classification into groups performed by the grouping control unit, groups in which polygons subsuming pipelines belonging to the same group are superimposed with each other; a superimposition area calculation unit that calculates the superimposition area of the polygons that are extracted by the superimposed group extraction unit and in a superimposed state; and an update control unit that, when the superimposition area calculated by the superimposition area calculation unit satisfies a first predetermined condition, causes the grouping control unit to re-classify the pipelines subsumed in the polygons in the superimposed state into groups.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] In pipework such as the replacement of existing pipelines with new pipelines, while pipelines with high update priorities are scattered, operators set (group) pipework sections to include pipelines with high update priorities so that the work efficiency does not deteriorate.

[0003] Conventionally, for a pipeline network managed by computer mapping, operators have grouped a part of the pipeline network into a plurality of pipeline groups by operating a terminal so as to link each pipeline based on experience values. However, such grouping work is very complicated, requires a certain amount of time and labor, and has a problem of lacking reproducibility of the grouping results.

[0004] Note that Patent Document 1 proposes a hydraulic analysis method for setting a flow velocity coefficient for each pipeline constituting a pipeline network prior to hydraulic analysis of the pipeline network.

[0005] The hydraulic analysis method divides a pipeline network composed of a large number of pipelines into a plurality of groups for each pipeline judged to have the same hydraulic influence degree, sets a plurality of assumed values for the numerical value of the hydraulic influence degree that the pipelines constituting the group can take for each group, obtains a calculated value of the water head at an arbitrary water demand point in the pipeline network based on each of the plurality of assumed values, obtains a measured value of the water head at the water demand point in the pipeline network, and selects, for each group, an assumed value that minimizes the dispersion value between the calculated value and the measured value of the water head from among the plurality of assumed values given for each group, and obtains a combination of these selected assumed values.

[0006] Furthermore, in this hydraulic analysis method, pipelines that are judged to have equivalent hydraulic influences are grouped based on the criteria of having common pipe type, installation period, and diameter.

[0007] Patent Document 2 proposes an extraction system for extracting areas where supply is unavailable from a supply system consisting of pipes and valves spanning multiple meshes, using multiple computers. The extraction system comprises: equipment data holding means for holding equipment data such as pipes and valves; storage means for storing information about boundary nodes indicating intersections between the mesh boundaries and the pipes; attribute assigning means for assigning attributes to the boundary nodes; and extraction means for extracting areas where supply is unavailable from the supply system using the attributes assigned by the attribute assigning means. The equipment data holding means is such that the multiple computers divide the area and hold the equipment data, and all of the multiple computers hold information about the boundary nodes, with any one of the computers functioning as either the attribute assigning means or the extraction means. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0008] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2008-57142 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2001-282891 Public Relations [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0009] Patent Document 1 discloses a method for grouping pipelines by pipeline attributes such as pipe type, installation period, and diameter. Patent Document 2 discloses a method for extracting areas where supply is unavailable from a supply system in mesh units, using valves as boundaries.

[0010] However, none of the literature discloses a method for automatically setting the optimal construction section (grouping) in piping work, such as replacing existing pipelines with new ones, when there are scattered pipelines with high replacement priority, without compromising construction efficiency.

[0011] Furthermore, when grouping is done manually by operators based on their experience using a computer mapping system, there is a problem in that it is not possible to evaluate whether the results are appropriate or not. Therefore, it was difficult to group all pipe networks managed by municipalities and other large entities at once and evaluate the results.

[0012] Therefore, the inventors of this application propose a pipeline grouping device, a pipeline grouping method, and a pipeline grouping program that can automatically group multiple pipelines constituting a pipeline network and also evaluate the grouping (Japanese Patent Application No. 2022-97935).

[0013] The pipeline grouping device includes: a pipeline information storage unit that stores pipeline information associating pipeline identification information that individually identifies each pipeline with pipeline attribute information including location information for each pipeline; a base point setting unit that sets a grouping base point in one of a plurality of pipelines to be grouped based on the pipeline information; a polygon generation unit that repeatedly generates a polygon of a predetermined shape that includes one pipeline containing the base point and candidate pipelines located near the base point until a predetermined condition is reached, and when the predetermined condition is reached, groups each pipeline included in the polygon into the same group; and a grouping control unit that controls the polygon generation unit to repeatedly update the base point setting of a new grouping base point in one of a plurality of pipelines near the base point that have not yet been grouped, and to execute the polygon generation unit on the updated base point, until all pipelines constituting the pipeline network are grouped into one of the pipelines.

[0014] However, when carrying out construction work such as replacing pipelines based on the pipeline groups grouped by the aforementioned grouping control unit, if there are overlapping areas in the polygons of adjacent groups, the work may not proceed efficiently and may even become more time-consuming. For example, in areas where pipelines belonging to different groups are intertwined and construction is carried out on different schedules, traffic restrictions will be required for extended periods, and inconvenient situations such as repeated excavation and backfilling in the same area may occur.

[0015] In view of the above-mentioned problems, the object of the present invention is to provide a pipeline grouping device, a pipeline grouping method, and a pipeline grouping program that can automatically group multiple pipelines constituting a pipeline network and update the grouping process based on the evaluation results. [Means for solving the problem]

[0016] To achieve the above objective, the first characteristic configuration of the pipeline grouping device according to the present invention is a pipeline grouping device that groups a plurality of pipelines constituting a pipeline network, comprising: a grouping control unit that groups the plurality of pipelines using one of the following as an indicator: the total pipeline length, construction cost, elevation difference, dynamic pressure gradient, or residual chlorine concentration of the pipelines constituting the group; an overlapping group extraction unit that extracts from each group grouped by the grouping control unit groups in which polygons that enclose pipelines belonging to the same group overlap each other; an overlapping area calculation unit that calculates the overlapping area of ​​polygons extracted by the overlapping group extraction unit and that are in an overlapping state; and an update control unit that, when the overlapping area calculated by the overlapping area calculation unit satisfies a first predetermined condition in which the area ratio of the overlapping area to the area of ​​the polygon with the smaller area of ​​the two overlapping polygons is greater than a predetermined threshold, the grouping control unit regroups the pipelines enclosed by the polygons in an overlapping state.

[0017] The grouping control unit groups multiple pipelines constituting the pipe network into multiple groups based on predetermined indicators. If the indicator used as the basis for grouping is the total pipeline length of the pipelines constituting the group, the scope of work required for replacement, etc., for each group can be appropriately adjusted. If the indicator is the construction cost of the pipelines constituting the group, the construction cost required for replacement, etc., for each group can be appropriately adjusted. If the indicator is the elevation difference, dynamic pressure gradient, or residual chlorine concentration of the pipelines constituting the group, it becomes possible to divide the pipelines into groups that enable block water supply with appropriately adjustable water supply pressure and residual chlorine concentration. The overlapping group extraction unit extracts multiple groups in which polygons containing pipelines belonging to the same group overlap each other as subjects for evaluation. The quality of the grouping is evaluated based on the overlapping area calculated by the overlapping area calculation unit, and if the overlapping area satisfies the first predetermined condition, the pipelines included in the group in the overlapping state are grouped again by the grouping control unit. As a first predetermined condition, by adopting the area ratio of the area of ​​the overlapping region to the area of ​​the polygon with the smaller area, appropriate regrouping processing becomes possible.

[0018] The second characteristic configuration is that, in addition to the first characteristic configuration described above, the superimposed area calculation unit includes a process for calculating the coordinates of the intersection points of the superimposed polygons based on the positional information of the pipelines located within the contours of the polygons.

[0019] Since the laying information of each pipeline constituting the pipeline network is known, the contours of the polygons encompassing each pipeline belonging to the same group can also be determined. Therefore, based on the positional information of the pipelines within the contours of the polygons, the coordinates of the intersections of overlapping polygons can be calculated, and the overlapping area can also be calculated.

[0020] The third characteristic configuration, in addition to the first characteristic configuration described above, includes: a grouping control unit that groups the multiple pipelines using the total pipeline length or construction cost of the pipelines constituting the group as the indicator, a base point setting unit that sets a grouping base point on one of the multiple pipelines to be grouped based on pipeline information that associates pipeline identification information that individually identifies each pipeline constituting the pipeline network with pipeline attribute information including location information of each pipeline, and a process that generates a polygon of a predetermined shape that includes one pipeline containing the base point and candidate pipelines located near the base point, wherein the total pipeline length is a pre-set set pipeline length, or The system includes a polygon generation unit that repeats the process until the construction cost reaches a second predetermined condition defined by a pre-set construction cost, and once the second predetermined condition is reached, groups each pipeline enclosed in the polygon into the same group. The system is controlled to repeat the process of updating the base point setting via the base point setting unit to one of the multiple pipelines near the base point that have not yet been grouped, and then executing the polygon generation unit on the updated base point, until all pipelines constituting the pipeline network and subject to grouping are grouped into one of the base points.

[0021] Pipeline information is prepared in advance, which associates pipeline identification information that individually identifies each pipeline constituting the pipeline network with pipeline attribute information that includes the location information of each pipeline. In the base point setting unit, a base point for grouping is set in one of the multiple pipelines to be grouped. In the polygon generation unit, a process is repeated until the total pipeline length reaches a pre-set set pipeline length, or the construction cost reaches a pre-set set construction cost, which is a second predetermined condition. When the predetermined indicator is reached, each pipeline enclosed in the polygon is grouped into the same group. The grouping control unit controls the polygon generation unit to update the base point for a new grouping base point via the base point setting unit each time a grouping is completed, until all pipelines to be grouped into the pipeline network are grouped into one of several categories. In this way, the grouping of pipelines constituting the pipeline network is automated.

[0022] The first characteristic configuration of the pipeline grouping method according to the present invention is a pipeline grouping method for grouping a plurality of pipelines constituting a pipeline network, wherein the method includes: a grouping control process that groups the plurality of pipelines using one of the following as an indicator: the total pipeline length, construction cost, elevation difference, dynamic pressure gradient, or residual chlorine concentration of the pipelines constituting the group; an overlapping group extraction process that extracts from each group grouped by the grouping control process groups in which polygons that enclose pipelines belonging to the same group overlap each other; an overlapping area calculation process that calculates the overlapping area of ​​polygons extracted in the overlapping group extraction process and that are in an overlapping state; and an update control process that, when the overlapping area calculated in the overlapping area calculation process satisfies a first predetermined condition in which the area ratio of the overlapping area to the area of ​​the polygon with the smaller area of ​​the two overlapping polygons is greater than a predetermined threshold, the pipelines enclosed by the overlapping polygons are regrouped in the grouping control process.

[0023] The second characteristic configuration is, in addition to the first characteristic configuration described above, the grouping control process is a process that groups the multiple pipelines using the total pipeline length or construction cost of the pipelines constituting the group as the indicator, and a base point setting process that sets a base point for grouping on one of the multiple pipelines to be grouped based on pipeline information that associates pipeline identification information that individually identifies each pipeline constituting the pipeline network with pipeline attribute information including location information of each pipeline, and a process that generates a polygon of a predetermined shape that includes one pipeline containing the base point and candidate pipelines located near the base point, wherein the total pipeline length is a pre-set set pipeline length, or The process is repeated until the construction cost reaches a second predetermined condition defined by a pre-set construction cost, and once the second predetermined condition is reached, a polygon generation process is executed to group each pipeline enclosed in the polygon into the same group, and each time a grouping by the polygon generation process is completed, the process is controlled to repeat the following: updating the base point setting process to one of the multiple pipelines near the base point that have not yet been grouped, and executing the polygon generation process on the updated base point, until all pipelines constituting the pipeline network and subject to grouping are grouped into one of them.

[0024] A first characteristic configuration of the pipeline grouping program according to the present invention is a pipeline grouping program for causing a computer to execute a grouping method for grouping a plurality of pipelines constituting a pipe network, the grouping control process for grouping the plurality of pipelines using, as an index, any one of the total pipeline length, installation construction cost, elevation difference, dynamic pressure gradient, or residual chlorine concentration of the pipelines constituting the group, the overlapping group extraction process for extracting, from each group grouped by the grouping control process, a group in which polygons including the pipelines belonging to the same group overlap each other, the overlapping area calculation process for calculating the overlapping area between the overlapping polygons extracted by the overlapping group extraction process, and when the area ratio of the overlapping area calculated by the overlapping area calculation process to the area of the polygon with the smaller area among the two overlapping polygons is greater than a predetermined threshold, satisfying a first predetermined condition, the pipelines included in the overlapping polygons are grouped again by the grouping control process and the update control process for causing the computer to execute it lies in this point.

[0025] The second characteristic configuration is, in addition to the above-described first characteristic configuration, the grouping control process is a process of grouping the plurality of pipelines with the total pipeline length or the laying construction cost of the pipelines constituting the group as the index, and based on pipeline information associating pipeline identification information for individually identifying each pipeline constituting the pipeline network and pipeline attribute information including the position information of each pipeline, a base point setting process for setting a grouping base point for any one of the plurality of pipelines to be grouped, and a process of generating a polygon of a predetermined shape including one pipeline including the base point and candidate pipelines located in the vicinity of the base point are repeated until a second predetermined condition defined by a set pipeline length with the total pipeline length preset or a set construction cost with the laying construction cost preset is reached. When the second predetermined condition is reached, a polygon generation process for grouping each pipeline included in the polygon into the same group is included. Until all the pipelines constituting the pipeline network and subject to grouping are grouped into any one group, each time one grouping by the polygon generation process ends, the base point setting process is used to update and set a new grouping base point for any one of the plurality of pipelines not yet grouped in the vicinity of the base point, and the polygon generation process for the updated base point is repeated.

Effects of the Invention

[0026] As described above, according to the present invention, it has become possible to provide a pipeline grouping device, a pipeline grouping method, and a pipeline grouping program that can automatically group a plurality of pipelines constituting a pipeline network and can update the grouping process based on the evaluation results.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0027] [Figure 1] Explanation diagram of the pipeline grouping device according to the present invention [Figure 2] (a) is an explanatory diagram of a pipeline network to be grouped, and (b) is an explanatory diagram of the grouped pipeline network [Figure 3] Flowchart showing the procedure of the pipeline grouping method executed using the pipeline grouping device [Figure 4] (a) is an explanatory diagram of the relationship between a unit pipeline and a pipeline unit, and (b) is an explanatory diagram of a pipeline unit composed of a combination of unit pipelines. [Figure 5] (a) is a diagram illustrating the pipelines to be grouped first relative to the base point V1, (b) is a diagram illustrating the pipelines to be grouped next, and (c) is a diagram illustrating the pipelines to be grouped based on the increment of area. [Figure 6] (a) is a diagram illustrating the pipelines to be grouped next, and (b) is a diagram illustrating the pipelines to be grouped based on the area increment. [Figure 7] (a) is an explanatory diagram of base point V1', which is updated and set after base point V1, and (b) is an explanatory diagram of base point V1'', which is newly updated and set after the grouping process for base point V1' is completed. [Figure 8] (a) is an explanatory diagram of the pipelines before grouping, (b) is an explanatory diagram of the pipelines after grouping with a small overlapping area of ​​polygons, (c) is an explanatory diagram of the pipelines after grouping with a large overlapping area of ​​polygons, and (d) is an explanatory diagram of the pipelines after regrouping. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0028] The pipeline grouping device, pipeline grouping method, and pipeline grouping program according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0029] [Configuration of the pipeline grouping device] Figure 1 shows the configuration of the functional blocks of the pipeline grouping device 10. The pipeline grouping device 10 includes a computer unit 10A, input devices 10B connected to the computer unit 10A, a display device 10C, and a pipeline information storage unit 10D.

[0030] The computer unit 10A can be a general-purpose personal computer or laptop computer, the input device 10B can be a pointing device such as a mouse or a keyboard, the display device 10C can be a touch panel liquid crystal display or a printer, and the conduit information storage unit 10D can be a hard disk or the like. The conduit information storage unit 10D may be built on a database server in a remote location and connected to the computer unit 10A via a communication medium such as the internet.

[0031] The pipeline information storage unit 10D stores pipeline information that associates pipeline identification information, which individually identifies multiple pipelines constituting the pipeline network, with pipeline attribute information, which includes the location information of each pipeline. The location information of a pipeline is coordinate information indicating the pipe end position, the central position along the pipe axis, the position of bends, etc. More specifically, it is two-dimensional coordinates obtained by projecting the three-dimensional X,Y,Z coordinates indicating the laying position onto the X,Y horizontal plane. In addition to location information, the attribute information of a pipeline includes laying time, nominal diameter, pipe type, type of joint, type of external corrosion protection method (presence or absence of polyethylene sleeve), presence or absence of pipes to be replaced, presence or absence of leak repair, pipeline length, and replacement history. Based on the replacement history, the timing and necessity of future pipeline replacements are determined.

[0032] The computer unit 10A is equipped with a CPU board, a memory board, and various interface boards such as input / output interfaces and communication interfaces. The CPU operates based on the operation system program stored in the memory board, and the application program, also stored in the memory board's memory, is executed by the CPU to realize the intended function. In this example, the pipeline grouping device 10 is configured by storing a pipeline grouping program as the application program in memory, and the pipeline grouping method is executed by the CPU.

[0033] The pipeline grouping device 10 includes the following functional blocks: a base point setting unit 11, a polygon generation unit 12, an area calculation unit 13, an evaluation unit 14, a grouping control unit 15, an overlapping group extraction unit 16, an overlapping area calculation unit 17, and an update control unit 18. The base point setting unit 11 is a functional block that sets the grouping base point to one of the multiple pipelines to be grouped, based on the management information stored in the pipeline information storage unit 10D.

[0034] The polygon generation unit 12 is a functional block that repeatedly generates a polygon of a predetermined shape that encloses one pipeline including the base point and candidate pipelines located near the base point, until predetermined conditions set in advance are met. Once the predetermined conditions are met, it groups each pipeline enclosed in the generated polygon into the same group. Enclosement refers to the state in which each pipeline is contained within the polygon of the largest shape obtained by connecting the position information of each pipeline.

[0035] As a predetermined condition, one of the following indicators is adopted: whether the total length of the pipelines included in the polygon reaches the set pipeline length, or whether the construction cost for the pipelines included in the polygon reaches the set construction cost. If a construction cost per unit length is set in advance, it can be easily calculated by multiplying that construction cost by the pipeline length, but the method of calculating the construction cost is not limited to this.

[0036] The area calculation unit 13 is a functional block that calculates the area of ​​the polygon generated by the polygon generation unit. The evaluation unit 14 is a functional block that calculates an evaluation coefficient to evaluate the appropriateness of the grouping by adding the total pipeline length of the pipelines included in the polygon to the area calculated by the area calculation unit 13.

[0037] The grouping control unit 15 is a functional block that comprehensively controls the operation of the base point setting unit 11, the polygon generation unit 12, the area calculation unit 13, and the evaluation unit 14, and mainly controls the base point setting unit 11 and the polygon generation unit 12 to operate repeatedly.

[0038] In other words, after the initial grouping process is completed by initially activating the base point setting unit 11 and the polygon generation unit 12, the grouping control unit 15 controls the polygon generation unit 12 to update the base point for a new grouping in one of the multiple pipelines near the previously set base point that have not yet been grouped, via the base point setting unit 11, each time a grouping is completed. The polygon generation unit then repeats the execution of the polygon generation unit for the updated base point until all pipelines constituting the pipeline network are grouped into one of these.

[0039] Incidentally, when there are overlapping areas in polygons formed by adjacent groups, construction cannot always proceed efficiently and may even become more complicated. For example, in areas where pipelines belonging to different groups are intertwined and construction is carried out on different schedules, traffic restrictions may be required for extended periods, and inconvenient situations such as repeated excavation and backfilling in overlapping construction areas may occur.

[0040] To prepare for such cases, an overlapping group extraction unit 16, an overlapping area calculation unit 17, and an update control unit 18 are provided. The overlapping group extraction unit 16 is a functional block that, after all the pipelines constituting the pipeline network have been grouped into one of several categories by the grouping control unit 15, extracts multiple groups in which polygons that enclose pipelines belonging to the same group overlap each other.

[0041] The overlapping area calculation unit 17 is a functional block that calculates the overlapping area of ​​polygons that have been extracted by the overlapping group extraction unit 16 and are in an overlapping state. The update control unit 18 is a functional block that activates the grouping control unit 15 in order to regroup the pipelines contained within the overlapping polygons when the overlapping area calculated by the overlapping area calculation unit 17 satisfies a first predetermined condition.

[0042] The overlapping area calculation unit 17 includes a process for calculating the coordinates of the intersection points of overlapping polygons based on the position information of the pipelines located within the contours of each polygon. Although the pipeline information storage unit 10D manages the position information (layout information) of the pipelines, the coordinates of the intersection points of the overlapping areas are unknown. Therefore, the contour lines of the polygons in each group can be defined mathematically based on the known position information (layout information) of the pipelines belonging to each group. From the mathematical formula of these contour lines, the coordinates of the intersection points of the overlapping polygons can be determined, and the area of ​​the overlapping area can be calculated based on the coordinates of the intersection points.

[0043] Preferably, the first predetermined condition is defined by whether or not the area ratio Sd / S2 of the area of ​​the superimposed region to the area S2 of the polygon with the smaller area among the areas S1 and S2 (S1>S2) of the two polygons extracted by the superimposed group extraction unit 16 and in a superimposed state is greater than a predetermined threshold.

[0044] By adopting the area ratio Sd / S2 described above as the criterion for determining whether or not to regroup, the occupancy rate of the other polygons relative to the construction area represented by the smaller polygon can be evaluated. If the occupancy rate is high, it can be evaluated that the construction cannot be carried out efficiently, and if the occupancy rate is low, it can be evaluated that the construction can be carried out efficiently. In this embodiment, the threshold occupancy rate is set to 20%, and when the area ratio of the area of ​​the overlapping region to the area of ​​the smaller polygon becomes 20% or more, the update control unit 18 activates the grouping control unit 15. Note that the numerical value of the occupancy rate is not limited to 20%, but is set as appropriate according to the actual situation.

[0045] In other words, for all pipelines constituting two groups with an area ratio of 20% or more, the base point setting unit 11, polygon generation unit 12, area calculation unit 13, and evaluation unit 14 described above are repeatedly activated to perform a new grouping process. As the base point initially set by the base point setting unit 11, for example, the base point for the group corresponding to the polygon with the smaller area can be adopted.

[0046] Furthermore, if there are three or more polygons in an overlapping state, the above evaluation will be performed on two of each overlapping polygon.

[0047] Figure 2(a) shows an example of a pipe network diagram PND to be grouped. In Figure 2(a), the black triangles labeled as base point V1 to base point V4 are the base points initially set by the base point setting unit 11, and are set at multiple locations at the ends of the pipe network, in this example at locations separated in the east, west, north, and south directions. By performing the grouping process from each base point, four patterns of grouping results are ultimately obtained. The reason for setting the base points at the ends of the pipe network is that grouping in the direction toward the pipe network from the ends is efficient. However, it is also possible to set the base points in the central part of the pipe network and group in a direction that spreads outwards radially.

[0048] Figure 2(b) shows the grouping results for base point V1, with pipelines color-coded for each group and numerical values ​​representing each group. Since Figure 2(b) is shown in grayscale, the color-coded pipelines for each group are shown in varying shades of gray. Similar grouping patterns are generated for base points V2, V3, and V4, and the grouping control unit 15 determines one grouping pattern from the four based on the evaluation coefficient calculated by the evaluation unit 14. Note that the number of base points set in the pipeline network diagram to be grouped does not need to be multiple; a single base point V1 may be set.

[0049] [Explanation of pipeline grouping method] The following will specifically explain the procedure for pipeline grouping processing performed by the pipeline grouping device 10, using the case where the base point set in the base point setting unit 11 is base point V1 shown in Figure 2(a), based on the flowchart shown in Figure 3.

[0050] First, the grouping control unit 15 executes a series of preprocessing steps described below (SA1). When a pipeline network is a large-scale network comprising multiple water systems, it is preferable to divide the network into multiple sections based on water systems and group each section individually, rather than grouping the entire network at once, in order to avoid a decrease in the efficiency of the renewal work. Previously, when formulating actual pipeline renewal plans, it was fundamental to group by water system, and care had to be taken to ensure that no single group spanned multiple water systems, that is, that pipelines from different water systems were not mixed within a group. Furthermore, if the entire pipeline network were grouped at once, the calculation time by the pipeline grouping device 10 would increase, potentially leading to a decrease in efficiency. Therefore, the pipeline network shown in Figure 2(a) is shown as a pipeline network divided into single water systems.

[0051] The ends of each unit pipeline that makes up a pipeline network are either intersections with other pipelines or valve connection points. When grouping such unit pipelines, efficiency can be improved by forming pipeline units in advance, where multiple pipelines are combined so that both ends become valve connection points, and then grouping them as pipeline units.

[0052] Figure 4(a) shows a portion of a pipe network formed by connecting multiple unit pipes (pipelines 1 to 9). In the figure, black circles indicate intersections and white circles indicate valves. Pipelines with valves at both ends are formed from these pipe groups consisting of pipelines 1 to 9, and these are called pipe units.

[0053] Figure 4(b) shows that two pipeline units 1 and 2 have been formed based on pipeline 1 to pipeline 9. In this way, multiple pipeline units are formed by connecting them by following the intersections from a single unit pipeline. Note that if short pipeline units are dispersed, the efficiency of the subsequent grouping process will decrease, so it is preferable to integrate pipeline units with a length shorter than a predetermined length into other pipeline units connected via valves beforehand.

[0054] Grouping pipeline units in this way has the advantage of simplifying water-stopping procedures via each valve during actual pipeline replacement work. The following describes the grouping process performed using pipeline units as "pipes," but it is also possible to perform the grouping process on individual pipelines, and it goes without saying that the procedure is basically the same.

[0055] The construction year of each unit pipeline in the pipeline (pipeline unit) obtained in this way is acquired from the pipeline information of the unit pipeline. The ratio A1 / A2 of the total pipeline length A1 of pipelines prior to a predetermined construction year to the total pipeline length A2 of all unit pipelines constituting the pipeline (pipeline unit) is calculated, and pipelines (pipeline units) with a ratio equal to or greater than the predetermined ratio are selected as pipelines (pipeline units) to be grouped. The specific values ​​of the predetermined construction year and predetermined ratio are not particularly limited and can be set as appropriate.

[0056] Since branch pipes and main pipelines are of different construction types, grouping processing may be performed separately for each. For example, pipelines (pipeline units) may be pre-divided into branch pipes (e.g., nominal diameter 250 or less) and main pipelines (e.g., nominal diameter 300 or more).

[0057] After the preprocessing described above, the grouping control unit 15 activates the base point setting unit 11 and performs the base point initial setting process (SA2). This process sets the base point V1 shown in Figure 2(a). In this embodiment, the valve position, which is the end of the pipeline (pipeline unit), is selected as the base point V1, but any of the coordinate information such as the pipe end, the center along the pipe axis, or a bend point may be set as the base point V1.

[0058] Next, the polygon generation unit 12 is activated by the grouping control unit 15, and as shown in Figure 5(a), the pipe (pipe unit) SG1 with the longest pipe length from among multiple pipes (pipe units) including the base point V1 is incorporated into the first pipe (pipe unit) to be grouped. The symbol As1 indicates the area of ​​a polygon of a predetermined shape that encloses the pipe (pipe unit) SG1. Note that even when grouping is performed on unit pipes, it is sufficient to configure the system so that the unit pipe with the longest pipe length from among multiple unit pipes including the base point V1 is incorporated into the first unit pipe to be grouped.

[0059] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 5(b), the polygon generation unit 12 picks up a predetermined number of pipelines (pipe units) close to the base point V1 as candidate pipelines SG2 (SG2(1), SG2(2), SG2(3)), calculates the area As2 of the polygon that encloses one pipeline (pipe unit) SG1 and each candidate pipeline SG2 (SG2(1), SG2(2), SG2(3)), and selects the candidate pipeline SG2 that minimizes the ratio [increased area / additional pipe length] between the area increase ΔA (=As2-As1) due to each candidate pipeline SG2 (SG2(1), SG2(2), SG2(3)) and the pipe length of the candidate pipeline SG2, and groups them as the next pipeline (pipe unit). In this example, as shown in Figure 5(c), candidate pipeline SG2(2) is selected as the next pipeline (pipe unit).

[0060] In this example, the predetermined number is set to 3. The predetermined number can be set as appropriate, but increasing this number makes it easier to select a linear candidate pipeline SG2 with a small value for [increased area / additional pipe length], resulting in a linear and distorted area of ​​the grouped pipelines. In other words, the purpose is to avoid distortion of the construction area when replacing pipes on a grouped pipeline basis.

[0061] The pipelines (pipe units) closest to the base point V1 are selected in order from the closest pipeline (pipe unit) based on the shortest distance between the base point V1 and each pipeline (pipe unit).

[0062] As shown in Figures 6(a) and (b), the polygon generation unit 12 uses the area As2 of the polygon encompassing the grouped pipelines (pipe units) SG1 and SG2 with respect to the base point V1 as a reference, picks out a predetermined number of pipelines (pipe units) close to the base point V1 as candidate pipelines SG3 (SG3(1), SG3(2), SG3(3)), calculates the area As3 of the polygon encompassing the already grouped pipelines (pipe units) SG1 and SG2 and candidate pipelines SG3 (SG3(1), SG3(2), SG3(3)), selects the candidate pipeline SG3 that minimizes the ratio [increased area / additional pipe length] between the area increase ΔA (=As3-As2) due to candidate pipelines SG3 (SG3(1), SG3(2), SG3(3)) and the pipe length of candidate pipeline SG3, and groups it as the next pipeline (pipe unit).

[0063] For pipelines (pipe units) SG1, SG2, ... incorporated into the same group, the polygon processing in step SA3 is repeated (SA4) until predetermined conditions are met.

[0064] A predetermined condition is whether the total length of the pipelines included in the polygon reaches the set pipeline length. This process is repeated until the total length of the pipelines within the group exceeds the set pipeline length. When the total length exceeds the set pipeline length, the pipelines (pipe units) up to the immediately preceding one (SGn) are incorporated into the same group. The set pipeline length is set appropriately based on the pipeline replacement work process, etc.

[0065] Alternatively, instead of specifying the set pipeline length, the construction cost for the pipelines included in the polygon may be defined as a condition that the total construction cost for the pipelines reaches the set construction cost. By specifying the cost required for the replacement of a pipeline in a single section, construction costs can be managed appropriately.

[0066] When predetermined conditions are met (SA4,Y), the area calculation unit 13, activated by the grouping control unit 15, calculates the area Ag of the polygon encompassing all pipelines incorporated into the same group (SA5). The evaluation unit 14 then calculates the evaluation value Vg for the group by dividing the area Ag by the total pipeline length, which is the sum of the pipeline lengths belonging to the group (SA6). In other words, the evaluation value Vg is the area per unit pipeline length, and the smaller the evaluation value Vg, the more appropriate the grouping process is considered to be.

[0067] Furthermore, the evaluation value Vg is not limited to the value obtained by dividing the area Ag by the total length of the pipes included in the polygon, but rather to any value that takes into account the area Ag.

[0068] Furthermore, each time a group is generated that satisfies the predetermined conditions, the arithmetic mean of the previously generated group-specific evaluation values ​​Vg is calculated as the evaluation value VG for the entire group and stored in the pipeline information storage unit 10D (SA7). Note that when the first group is generated, the evaluation value Vg and the evaluation value VG for the entire group will be the same.

[0069] Each time a group satisfying predetermined conditions is generated in the polygon generation unit 12 and an evaluation value VG is calculated in the evaluation unit 14 (SA4,Y~SA7), the grouping control unit 15 determines whether all pipelines (pipe units) constituting the pipeline network have been grouped into any of the groups (SA8). If there are pipelines (pipe units) that have not been grouped (SA8,N), the grouping control unit 15 executes a base point update setting process via the base point setting unit 11 (SA15).

[0070] Once all pipelines are grouped into one of the groups (SA8,Y), the overlapping group extraction unit 16 determines whether there are any groups where polygons overlap with each other among the polygons that enclose pipelines belonging to the same group. If such groups exist, the groups corresponding to the overlapping polygons are extracted (SA9), and the overlapping area calculation unit 17 calculates the overlapping area (SA10).

[0071] The update control unit 18 evaluates the overlapping area calculated by the overlapping area calculation unit 17. When the overlapping area satisfies the first predetermined condition, that is, when the area ratio of the area of the overlapping region to the area of the polygon with the smaller area among the areas of the two polygons in the overlapping state is greater than the predetermined threshold (SA11, NG), in order to regroup the pipelines included in the overlapping polygons, the base point update setting process is started via the grouping control unit 15 (SA15). When the overlapping area does not satisfy the first predetermined condition, that is, when the area ratio of the area of the overlapping region to the area of the polygon with the smaller area among the areas of the two polygons in the overlapping state is smaller than the predetermined threshold (SA11, OK), a series of grouping processes are terminated, and all the generated grouping information is stored in the pipeline information storage unit 10D (SA12).

[0072] FIG. 8(a) shows a part of the pipe network diagram PND before grouping. FIG. 8(b) shows the pipe network diagram PND in a state where the polygons corresponding to the two groups GA1 and GB1 overlap. FIG. 8(c) exemplifies the pipe network diagram in a state where the polygons corresponding to the two groups GA2 and GB2 overlap.

[0073] In FIG. 8(b), the relationship between the area S(GA1) of the polygon of group GA1 and the area S(GB1) of the polygon of group GB1 is S(GA1) < S(GB1), and the area ratio S(d1) / S(GA1) of the area S(d1) of the overlapping region d1 (hatched) to the area S(GA1) of the polygon with the smaller area is smaller than the threshold value 0.2 (= 20%).

[0074] In FIG. 8(c), the relationship between the area S(A2) of the polygon of group GA2 and the area S(GB2) of the polygon of group GB2 is S(GA2) < S(GB2), and the area ratio S(d2) / S(GA1) of the area S(d2) of the overlapping region d2 (hatched) to the area S(GA2) of the polygon with the smaller area is greater than the threshold value 0.2 (= 20%).

[0075] In the example in Figure 8(b), groups GA1 and GB1 are maintained, while in the example in Figure 8(c), the pipelines belonging to groups GA2 and GB2 are grouped again. In Figure 8(d), groups GA3 and GB3 are generated by the regrouping process. The overlapping area S(d3) of groups GA3 and GB3 is less than the threshold of 0.2 (=20%).

[0076] As shown in Figure 7(a), the base point update setting process is a process that updates the base point for generating a new group. Excluding already grouped pipelines (pipe units), the process updates the valve position of the pipeline (pipe unit) that is closest in a straight line distance from the initial base point V1 to the new base point V1' (SA15).

[0077] Then, the grouping process described in steps SA3 to SA8 above is repeated for the updated base point V1'. Figure 7(b) shows the state after the grouping process for base point V1' has been completed and a new base point V1'' has been updated and set. When regrouping as described above, it is preferable to use, for example, the base point for the group with the smaller area as the base point initially set by the base point setting unit 11, but the base point for the group with the larger area may also be used.

[0078] In this way, once the grouping process is completed for base point V1 shown in Figure 2(a), the same grouping process is performed for the next base point V2, and then for the following base points V3 and V4 (SA10).

[0079] When the grouping process for the four base points V1 to V4 is completed, the grouping control unit 15 refers to the evaluation value for the entire group calculated in step SA7 and stored in the pipeline information storage unit 10D, and determines the grouping processing result with the highest evaluation value as the final grouping pattern (SA13).

[0080] As described above, the pipeline grouping method of the present invention is a pipeline grouping method that performs a grouping control process to group a plurality of pipelines constituting a pipeline network based on predetermined indicators, and is configured to perform an overlapping group extraction process that extracts from each group grouped by the grouping control process groups in which polygons that enclose pipelines belonging to the same group overlap each other, an overlapping area calculation process that calculates the overlapping area of ​​polygons extracted in the overlapping group extraction process and that are in an overlapping state, and an update control process that, if the overlapping area calculated in the overlapping area calculation process satisfies a first predetermined condition, regroups the pipelines enclosed by the overlapping polygons in the grouping control unit.

[0081] The predetermined indicator is the total pipeline length or construction cost of the pipelines constituting the group, and the pipeline grouping method further involves setting a base point for grouping on one of the multiple pipelines to be grouped, based on pipeline information which associates pipeline identification information that individually identifies each pipeline constituting the pipeline network with pipeline attribute information including the location information of each pipeline, and repeating a process to generate a polygon of a predetermined shape that includes one pipeline containing the base point and candidate pipelines located near the base point until a second predetermined condition set in advance is reached. The system includes a polygon generation process that, when certain conditions are met, groups each pipeline enclosed in the polygon into the same group. The grouping control process is configured to repeat the following actions each time a grouping by the polygon generation process is completed: a base point setting process, which updates the base point for a new grouping to one of several pipelines near the base point that have not yet been grouped; and the execution of the polygon generation process for the updated base point.

[0082] The second prescribed condition is whether the total pipeline length reaches the set pipeline length, or whether the construction cost reaches the set construction cost.

[0083] Furthermore, the pipeline grouping program according to the present invention is a pipeline grouping program that causes a computer to execute a grouping method for grouping multiple pipelines that constitute a pipeline network, comprising: a grouping control process that groups multiple pipelines based on predetermined indicators; an overlapping group extraction process that extracts from each group grouped by the grouping control process groups in which polygons that enclose pipelines belonging to the same group overlap each other; an overlapping area calculation process that calculates the overlapping area of ​​polygons extracted in the overlapping group extraction process and in an overlapping state; and a grouping control process that, when the overlapping area calculated in the overlapping area calculation process satisfies a first predetermined condition, groups the pipelines enclosed by the polygons in an overlapping state. process The system is configured to have the computer perform an update control process that regroups the data.

[0084] The embodiments described above represent one aspect of the present invention, and the technical scope of the present invention is not limited based on this description. It goes without saying that the specific configuration of each part can be appropriately modified and designed within the scope that the effects of the present invention are achieved.

[0085] For example, in the pipeline grouping process shown in Figure 3, it is possible to automate the series of processes from the pipeline grouping process in step SA3 to the grouping information storage process in step SA11, or a part of those processes, by using AI technology such as a genetic algorithm to find the optimal combination.

[0086] In the embodiments described above, an example was explained in which each pipeline constituting the pipeline network is grouped using either the total pipeline length of the constituting pipelines or the construction cost of the pipelines as a predetermined indicator for the purpose of re-laying the pipelines. However, the present invention is not limited to the purpose of re-laying pipelines. For example, when adopting a configuration in which water distribution areas are divided into blocks and managed in order to maintain stable water pressure and residual chlorine concentration in each water distribution area, it is preferable to adopt either the elevation difference, the dynamic pressure gradient, or the residual chlorine concentration as a predetermined indicator. [Explanation of symbols]

[0087] 10: Pipeline grouping device 10A: Calculator Unit 10B: Input devices 10C:Display equipment 10D: Pipe information storage section 11: Base point setting section 12: Polygon generator 13: Area calculation part 14: Evaluation Department 15: Grouping Control Unit 16: Superimposed group extraction unit 17: Overlap Area Calculation Unit 18: Update Control Unit V1: base point

Claims

1. A pipeline grouping device that groups together multiple pipelines that constitute a pipeline network, A pipeline grouping device comprising: a grouping control unit that groups a plurality of pipelines using one of the following as an indicator: the total pipeline length, construction cost, elevation difference, dynamic pressure gradient, or residual chlorine concentration of the pipelines constituting the group; an overlapping group extraction unit that extracts from each group grouped by the grouping control unit groups in which polygons that enclose pipelines belonging to the same group overlap each other; an overlapping area calculation unit that calculates the overlapping area of ​​polygons extracted by the overlapping group extraction unit and that are in an overlapping state; and an update control unit that, when the overlapping area calculated by the overlapping area calculation unit satisfies a first predetermined condition in which the area ratio of the overlapping area to the area of ​​the polygon with the smaller area of ​​the two overlapping polygons is greater than a predetermined threshold, the grouping control unit regroups the pipelines enclosed by the polygons in an overlapping state.

2. The pipeline grouping device according to claim 1, wherein the superimposed area calculation unit includes a process for calculating the coordinates of the intersection points of the superimposed polygons based on the positional information of the pipelines located on the contours of the polygons.

3. The grouping control unit groups the multiple pipelines using the total pipeline length or construction cost of the pipelines constituting the group as the indicator. A base point setting unit sets a grouping base point on any of the multiple pipelines to be grouped, based on pipeline information that associates pipeline identification information that individually identifies each pipeline constituting the pipeline network with pipeline attribute information including location information of each pipeline, The process of generating a polygon of a predetermined shape that encloses one pipeline including the base point and candidate pipelines located near the base point is repeated until the total pipeline length reaches a second predetermined condition defined by a pre-set set pipeline length or the construction cost reaches a pre-set set construction cost, and when the second predetermined condition is reached, the polygon generation unit groups each pipeline enclosed in the polygon into the same group, Equipped with, The pipeline grouping device according to claim 1, wherein, each time the polygon generation unit completes one grouping, the device controls the base point setting unit to update the base point of a new grouping base point in one of the multiple pipelines near the base point that have not yet been grouped, and to execute the polygon generation unit on the updated base point, until all pipelines constituting the pipeline network and subject to grouping are grouped into one of them.

4. A pipeline grouping method for grouping multiple pipelines that constitute a pipeline network, A grouping control process that groups the multiple pipelines using one of the following as an indicator: total pipeline length, construction cost, elevation difference, dynamic pressure gradient, or residual chlorine concentration of the pipelines constituting the group, A superimposed group extraction process is performed to extract from each group grouped by the grouping control process a group in which polygons that enclose pipelines belonging to the same group overlap each other, The process involves calculating the overlapping area of ​​polygons extracted in the aforementioned overlapping group extraction process and which are in an overlapping state, and If the superimposed area calculated in the superimposed area calculation process satisfies a first predetermined condition in which the area ratio of the superimposed area to the area of ​​the smaller of the two polygons in the superimposed state is greater than a predetermined threshold, then an update control process is performed to regroup the pipelines included in the polygons in the superimposed state using the grouping control process. A method for grouping conduits to perform this task.

5. The grouping control process is a process that groups the multiple pipelines using the total pipeline length or construction cost of the pipelines constituting the group as the indicator. A base point setting process sets a base point for grouping on one of the multiple pipelines to be grouped, based on pipeline information that associates pipeline identification information that individually identifies each pipeline constituting the pipeline network with pipeline attribute information including location information of each pipeline, The process of generating a polygon of a predetermined shape that encloses one pipeline including the base point and candidate pipelines located near the base point is repeated until the total pipeline length reaches a second predetermined condition defined by a pre-set set pipeline length or the construction cost reaches a pre-set set construction cost, and when the second predetermined condition is reached, the polygon generation process groups each pipeline enclosed in the polygon into the same group, Execute, The pipeline grouping method according to claim 4, wherein, each time a grouping by the polygon generation process is completed, the system controls the system to repeat the process of updating the base point setting process to one of the multiple pipelines near the base point that have not yet been grouped, and executing the polygon generation process on the updated base point, until all pipelines constituting the pipeline network and subject to grouping are grouped into one of them.

6. A pipeline grouping program that causes a computer to execute a grouping method for grouping multiple pipelines that constitute a pipeline network, A grouping control process that groups the multiple pipelines using one of the following as an indicator: total pipeline length, construction cost, elevation difference, dynamic pressure gradient, or residual chlorine concentration of the pipelines constituting the group, A superimposed group extraction process is performed to extract from each group grouped by the grouping control process a group in which polygons that enclose pipelines belonging to the same group overlap each other, The process involves calculating the overlapping area of ​​polygons extracted in the aforementioned overlapping group extraction process and which are in an overlapping state, and If the superimposed area calculated in the superimposed area calculation process satisfies a first predetermined condition in which the area ratio of the superimposed area to the area of ​​the smaller of the two polygons in the superimposed state is greater than a predetermined threshold, then an update control process is performed to regroup the pipelines included in the polygons in the superimposed state using the grouping control process. A pipeline grouping program that is executed by a computer.

7. The grouping control process is a process that groups the multiple pipelines using the total pipeline length or construction cost of the pipelines constituting the group as the indicator. A base point setting process sets a base point for grouping on one of the multiple pipelines to be grouped, based on pipeline information that associates pipeline identification information that individually identifies each pipeline constituting the pipeline network with pipeline attribute information including location information of each pipeline, The process of generating a polygon of a predetermined shape that encloses one pipeline including the base point and candidate pipelines located near the base point is repeated until the total pipeline length reaches a second predetermined condition defined by a pre-set set pipeline length or the construction cost reaches a pre-set set construction cost, and when the second predetermined condition is reached, the polygon generation process groups each pipeline enclosed in the polygon into the same group, Includes, The pipeline grouping program according to claim 6, which, each time a grouping by the polygon generation process is completed, updates the base point setting process to one of the multiple pipelines near the base point that have not yet been grouped, and executes the polygon generation process on the updated base point, until all pipelines constituting the pipeline network and subject to grouping are grouped into one of them.

Images