Sewer network environment monitoring device, sewer network environment monitoring method, and sewer network environment monitoring program

Abstract

To efficiently monitor a sewerage network.SOLUTION: A sewerage network environment monitoring device monitors an environment of a sewerage network provided within a prescribed area. The sewerage network environment monitoring device comprises: a first acquisition part to acquire a first sensor data indicating environment of main pipes near a position at which a first sensor is fitted from the first sensor fitted to at least one manhole among a plurality of manholes disposed on the main pipes of the sewerage network; a detection part to detect change of the environment in the main pipes by monitoring variation in the first sensor data in real time; and a second acquisition part to acquire a second sensor data, which is continuously measured by a second sensor fitted to a manhole on a branch pipe around the position at which the first sensor is fitted among branch pipes connected to the main pipes, from a storage medium for storing the second sensor data for a prescribed period in the manhole of the branch pipe, when the change of the environment is detected by the detection part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2A

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a sewer network environment monitoring device, a sewer network environment monitoring method, and a sewer network environment monitoring program.

Background Art

[0002] In the above technical field, Patent Document 1 discloses a remote monitoring system that changes the frequency at which a sensor installed in a sewer network or the like acquires sensor data and the frequency at which the sensor transmits the sensor data to a server according to the sensor data acquired by the sensor (see paragraphs

[0027] and

[0028] of the same document, claim 1, etc.).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the technology described in Patent Document 1, since all sensors and the server need to communicate constantly, the energy (electric power) required for storing and communicating sensor data becomes excessive, and due to the economic burden, it has been difficult to perform practical monitoring as the sewer network becomes wider.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] To achieve the above object, a sewer network environment monitoring device according to the present invention is a sewer network environment monitoring device that monitors the environment of a sewer network provided within a predetermined area, a first acquisition unit that acquires first sensor data indicating the environment of the main pipe at the position where the first sensor is attached from at least one manhole among a plurality of manholes provided in the main pipe of the sewer network; A detection unit that monitors fluctuations in the first sensor data in real time to detect changes in the environment inside the main pipe, When the detection unit detects a change in the environment, the second acquisition unit acquires second sensor data, which is continuously measured by second sensors attached to multiple manholes in branch pipes connected to the main pipe that are located around the position where the first sensor is attached, from a storage medium inside the manhole of the branch pipe where the second sensor data is recorded for a certain period of time. It is equipped with.

[0006] Furthermore, in order to achieve the above objective, the sewer network environment monitoring method according to the present invention is A method for monitoring the environment of a sewer network established within a designated area, A first acquisition step involves acquiring first sensor data indicating the environment of the main pipe at the location where the first sensor is installed, from a first sensor attached to at least one manhole among a plurality of manholes installed in the main pipe of the sewer network. A detection step of monitoring fluctuations in the first sensor data in real time to detect changes in the environment inside the main pipe, If a change in the environment is detected by the detection step, a second acquisition step is performed to acquire second sensor data, which is continuously measured by second sensors installed in multiple manholes located in branch pipes connected to the main pipe around the location where the first sensor is installed, from a storage medium inside the manhole of the branch pipe where the second sensor data is recorded for a certain period of time. Includes.

[0007] Furthermore, in order to achieve the above objectives, the sewer network environment monitoring program according to the present invention is A sewer network environment monitoring program that monitors the environment of the sewer network established within a designated area, A first acquisition step involves acquiring first sensor data indicating the environment of the main pipe at the location where the first sensor is installed, from a first sensor attached to at least one manhole among a plurality of manholes installed in the main pipe of the sewer network. A detection step of monitoring fluctuations in the first sensor data in real time to detect changes in the environment inside the main pipe, If a change in the environment is detected by the detection step, a second acquisition step is performed to acquire second sensor data, which is continuously measured by second sensors installed in multiple manholes located in branch pipes connected to the main pipe around the location where the first sensor is installed, from a storage medium inside the manhole of the branch pipe where the second sensor data is recorded for a certain period of time. Have the computer execute it. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, practical monitoring of a sewer network established within a predetermined area is possible. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1A] This figure illustrates an overview of the operation of a sewer network environment monitoring device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 1B] This figure illustrates the configuration of a first sensor used in a sewer network environment monitoring device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 1C] This figure illustrates the configuration of a second sensor used in a sewer network environment monitoring device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 1D] This figure illustrates the configuration of a water level meter for a second sensor used in a sewer network environment monitoring device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 1E] This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a water level meter, a second sensor used in a sewer network environment monitoring device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 1F]It is a schematic cross-sectional view of an optical fiber having a hetero-core portion in a water level gauge of a second sensor used in a sewer network environment monitoring device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 1G] It is a diagram showing a state in which the diaphragm of the second sensor is bent. [Figure 2A] It is a block diagram for explaining the configuration of a sewer network environment monitoring device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2B] It is a diagram for explaining a specific reference referred to by a specific part of a sewer network environment monitoring device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] It is a diagram for explaining an example of a first sensor data change threshold table and a second sensor data change threshold table included in a sewer network environment monitoring device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] It is a diagram for explaining the hardware configuration of a sewer network environment monitoring device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] It is a flowchart for explaining the processing procedure of a sewer network environment monitoring device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6A] It is a diagram for explaining the arrangement pattern of pipes in a sewer network in a sewer network environment monitoring device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6B] It is a diagram for explaining an outline of operations for another pattern of pipe arrangement in a sewer network in a sewer network environment monitoring device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be exemplarily and specifically described with reference to the drawings. However, the configurations, numerical values, processing flows, functional elements, etc. described in the following embodiments are merely examples, and modifications and changes thereof are freely possible, and are not intended to limit the technical scope of the present invention to the following description.

[0011] A preferred embodiment of the present invention, a sewer network environment monitoring device 100, will be described with reference to Figures 1A to 6B. Referring to Figure 1A, an overview of how the sewer network environment monitoring device 100 according to this embodiment identifies the causes of environmental changes in the main pipes 111 of the sewer network. The sewer network environment monitoring device 100 is used to identify the causes of environmental changes in the main pipes 111 of a sewer network 110 installed within a predetermined area.

[0012] The piping arrangement pattern of the sewer network 110 is a mesh, as shown in Figure 1A. Specifically, branch pipes 112 are arranged in a mesh pattern in plan view within a section surrounded by four main pipes 111. In Figure 1A, the main pipes 111 are shown with solid lines, and the branch pipes 112 are shown with dashed lines. Also, in Figure 1A, the arrows indicate the direction of sewage flow. Note that a section can be formed with at least three main pipes 111.

[0013] Manholes are provided in the main pipe 111 and branch pipes 112. Manholes are provided at intersections where the main pipes 111 intersect, at connections between the main pipes 111 and branch pipes 112, and within the pipelines of the branch pipes 112. In Figure 1A, "〇" represents manhole 121 located at an intersection where the main pipes 111 intersect. A first sensor 131 is attached to manhole 121 located at the intersection of the main pipes 111. In Figure 1A, "■" represents the first sensor 131. The first sensor 131 is the main sensor in the sewer network 110. The first sensor 131 acquires first sensor data indicating the environment inside the main pipe 111. The first sensor 131 has a wireless communication function, and the first sensor data acquired by the first sensor 131 is transmitted to the sewer network environment monitoring device 100. The acquisition of first sensor data by the first sensor 131 is performed continuously. The acquisition of first sensor data by the first sensor 131 may be performed continuously or intermittently, as long as it is done at all times. For example, first sensor data may be acquired at one-minute intervals and transmitted in real time each time it is acquired. Alternatively, the results of 10 acquisitions, i.e., first sensor data acquired over 10 minutes, may be transmitted all at once.

[0014] Second sensors 132 are installed in manholes located at the connection points between the main pipe 111 and the branch pipes 112, and in manholes located within the pipelines of the branch pipes 112. In Figure 1A, "▲" represents the second sensor 132. The second sensor 132 is a secondary sensor in the sewer network 110. The second sensor 132 continuously measures second sensor data indicating the environment inside the branch pipes 112. The second sensor 132 has wired or wireless short-range communication capabilities. The second sensor 132 is installed in multiple manholes located in the branch pipes 112.

[0015] The first sensor 131 and the second sensor 132 may operate using an internal power source such as a built-in battery, or they may operate when connected to an external power source. Furthermore, the power sources for the first sensor 131 and the second sensor 132 may be generated by heat, vibration, sunlight, etc.

[0016] The sewer network environment monitoring device 100 monitors fluctuations in first sensor data and detects whether the environment inside the main pipe 111 to which the first sensor 131 is installed is changing. For example, if a change in the environment at a certain location is detected by a first sensor 131a installed in the main pipe 111a, a worker moves by vehicle 117 to the vicinity of the second sensors 132a, 132b installed in multiple manholes provided in branch pipes 112a, 112b connected to the main pipe 111a, around the location where the first sensor 131a is installed. In this embodiment, the second sensors 132a, 132b are second sensors 132 installed in manholes at the connection points between the branch pipes 112a, 112b and the main pipes 111a, 111b. Since the vehicle 117 is equipped with location information for all the second sensors, it can quickly move to the installation locations of the second sensors 132a, 132b. Vehicle 117 has a communication function. Vehicle 117 communicates with the second sensors 132a and 132b, and vehicle 117 collects the second sensor data recorded on the second sensors 132a and 132b and stores it in a storage medium or other medium owned by vehicle 117. The communication between vehicle 117 and the second sensors 132a and 132b may be wired communication or wireless communication. From the viewpoint of easily acquiring the second sensor data, it is preferable that vehicle 117 acquires the second sensor data from the second sensor 132 by wireless communication. When acquiring the second sensor data from the second sensor 132 by wired communication, from the viewpoint of easily acquiring the second sensor data, it is preferable that the connection terminal of the second sensor 132 is exposed to the ground and that the connection terminal on the vehicle 117 side can be easily connected.

[0017] The second sensor data from both the second sensor 132a and the second sensor 132b may be collected by a single vehicle 117 in a patrol. Alternatively, the second sensor data from the second sensor 132a and the second sensor data from the second sensor 132b may be collected by separate vehicles 117.

[0018] Furthermore, in this embodiment, another sewer network section (not shown) is adjacent to the partitioned sewer network 110. In this case, when a change in the environment is detected by the first sensor 131a, it is desirable to acquire not only the second sensor data from the second sensors 132a and 132b located upstream of the position where the first sensor 131a is installed, but also the second sensor data from the second sensor 132 located in the adjacent sewer network section. The range for acquiring the second sensor data should be appropriately set based on the type of sensor data, after comparing the rate of change of the first sensor data acquired from each first sensor 131 installed on the main pipe 111.

[0019] The worker then moves the vehicle 117, which has collected the second sensor data, to the vicinity of the location of the sewer network environment monitoring device 100. Subsequently, the sewer network environment monitoring device 100 acquires the second sensor data from the storage medium of the vehicle 117 via wired or wireless communication. The sewer network environment monitoring device 100 then analyzes the acquired second sensor data to identify the cause of the change in the environment inside the main pipe 111a.

[0020] For example, if the first sensor 131a detects a decrease in water level, but neither the second sensor 132a nor the second sensor 132b detects a decrease in water level, the cause of the decrease in water level is identified between the first sensor 131a and the second sensor 132a, or between the first sensor 131a and the second sensor 132b, within the sewer network 110. This could be, for example, a crack in the piping causing a sewage leak, or a blockage in the piping causing sewage flow to stagnate. In this specification, "identification" includes an estimation with a certain degree of accuracy or reasonableness.

[0021] There are no particular restrictions on the location where the sewer network environment monitoring device 100 is installed. The sewer network environment monitoring device 100 may be installed, for example, in a management center that manages the sewer network 110 within a designated area. In some cases, it may be installed inside the vehicle 117 described above.

[0022] In this embodiment, the main pipe 111 in the sewer network environment monitoring device 100 is the main pipeline in the sewer network 110. The main pipe 111 and the branch pipes 112 can be distinguished by their inner diameter, with the pipe having a relatively larger inner diameter being the main pipe 111 and the pipe having a relatively smaller inner diameter being the branch pipe 112. If the sewer network 110 is equipped with three or more types of pipes with different inner diameters, the pipe with the relatively larger inner diameter among two arbitrarily selected types of pipes is the main pipe 111, and the pipe with the relatively smaller inner diameter is the branch pipe 112. However, this is conditional on the main pipe 111 being provided with a manhole 121. Therefore, if neither of the two arbitrarily selected types of pipes is provided with a manhole 121, then both of those two types of pipes are branch pipes 112.

[0023] Furthermore, it is possible to use two or more branch pipes 112 with different inner diameters for one type of main pipe 111.

[0024] Furthermore, the sewer network 110 may be a combined sewer system that does not separate sewage and rainwater, or a separate sewer system that separates sewage and rainwater. In this embodiment, the main pipes and branch pipes of the sewer network may be combined sewer pipes, or separate sewage pipes or rainwater pipes, respectively.

[0025] Furthermore, the materials used for the main pipe 111 and branch pipes 112 include concrete such as reinforced concrete; metals such as ductile cast iron; resins such as polyvinyl chloride and polyethylene; and ceramics.

[0026] Next, the configuration of the first sensor 131 will be described with reference to Figure 1B. The first sensor 131 may include, for example, a transceiver 141 and a water level gauge 151. The transceiver 141 can be attached, for example, to the underside of the manhole cover 121. The water level gauge 151 can be installed, for example, inside the main pipe 111. The transceiver 141 and the water level gauge 151 are connected by wire or wireless, and the water level of the sewage 116 in the main pipe 111 measured by the water level gauge 151 is transmitted by the transceiver 141 to the sewer network environment monitoring device 100. In Figure 1B, the dashed line connecting the transceiver 141 and the water level gauge 151 indicates that the transceiver 141 and the water level gauge 151 are connected by wire or wireless. The transceiver 141 is capable of wide-area communication. The transceiver 141 can, for example, be one that supports LTE (Long Term Evolution) communication or LPWA (Low Power Wide Area) communication. It is preferable that the transceiver 141 supports LTE communication because it eliminates the need to install a communication repeater. Since the transceiver 141 transmits the first sensor data to the sewer network environment monitoring device 100 via wireless communication, the first sensor data can be transmitted to the sewer network environment monitoring device 100 without opening the manhole cover 121.

[0027] The first sensor 131 is powered by a battery (not shown) attached to the underside of the manhole cover 121, and can measure data for periods ranging from two months to approximately four years, depending on the measurement frequency.

[0028] Taking advantage of its ability to perform real-time measurements through reliable communication, the first sensor 131 is preferably placed at key locations in the sewer network 110 as the main device for grasping area-wide trends in real time.

[0029] Since the transceiver 141 is capable of communicating over a wide area, the first sensor 131 tends to be made larger, and sufficient installation space may be required to install the first sensor 131.

[0030] Next, with reference to Figure 1C, the configuration of the second sensor 132 will be described. The second sensor 132 may include, for example, a transceiver 142 and a water level gauge 152. In this case, a storage medium on which the second sensor data is recorded for a certain period of time is built into either the transceiver 142 or the water level gauge 152. That is, the storage medium on which the second sensor data is recorded is located inside the manhole where the second sensor 132 is installed. The transceiver 142 can be attached, for example, to the underside of the manhole cover 121. The water level gauge 152 is installed inside the branch pipe 112. The transceiver 142 and the water level gauge 152 are connected by wire or wireless, and the water level of the sewage 116 inside the branch pipe 112 measured by the water level gauge 152 is transmitted externally, specifically to a vehicle 117, by the transceiver 142. In Figure 1C, the dashed line connecting the transceiver 142 and the water level gauge 152 indicates that the transceiver 142 and the water level gauge 152 are connected by wire or wireless means.

[0031] It is preferable to use a transceiver 142 that supports LoRa (Long Range) communication, for example. This reduces the power consumption and cost of the transceiver 142. The communication range of a LoRa-compatible transceiver 142 is approximately 100m. Also, when the vehicle 117 is traveling at 50km / h, by setting the standby interval of the transceiver 142 to 1182 seconds, second sensor data can be acquired from the transceiver 142 while the vehicle 117 is traveling. The transceiver 142 may also support NFC (Near Field Communication).

[0032] As described above, the second sensor 132 does not directly transmit second sensor data to the sewer network environment monitoring device 100. Instead, the second sensor data is transmitted to the sewer network environment monitoring device 100 via the vehicle 117. Therefore, the second sensor 132 does not need to have a wide-area communication function that allows direct communication with the sewer network environment monitoring device 100. A second sensor 132 capable only of short-range communication can be used. Consequently, the power required for the communication function of the second sensor 132 can be reduced.

[0033] Furthermore, since the second sensor data is acquired from the second sensor 132 only when an abnormality is detected in the first sensor 131, the second sensor 132 does not need to store the second sensor data for a long period of time. It is preferable that the storage medium provided in the second sensor 132 is capable of storing the second sensor data for a short period of time, specifically a few days to about one month.

[0034] Therefore, maintenance costs, including power consumption for storing and communicating sensor data from the second sensor 132, can be reduced. It is also possible to miniaturize the second sensor 132.

[0035] The water level gauge 152 of the second sensor 132 will be described in more detail with reference to Figure 1D. The water level gauge 152 is fixed in place by being immersed in the sewage 116 flowing inside the branch pipe 112 using a roughly circular snap-in jig 162. The water level gauge 152 is covered by a cover sheet 165.

[0036] The jig 162 can be installed, for example, at the open end of the branch pipe 112 at the connection point between the branch pipe 112 and the main pipe 111. Specifically, the jig 162 is fixed inside the branch pipe 112 as follows: First, the jig 162 is contracted circumferentially by the pipe diameter adjustment part 163, making the outer diameter of the jig 162 smaller than the inner diameter of the branch pipe 112. Then, after positioning the jig 162 inside the branch pipe 112, the jig 162 is expanded circumferentially by the pipe diameter adjustment part 163, bringing the outer surface of the jig 162 into contact with the inner surface of the branch pipe 112. After that, the L-shaped bracket 164 is fixed to the wall surface of the branch pipe 112.

[0037] The L-shaped bracket 164 is fixed to the inner circumferential surface of the jig 162 by welding, adhesive, or the like, at the upper surface of its bottom portion 164a. The L-shaped bracket 164 is made of a hard material such as metal or resin. The upright side portion 164b of the L-shaped bracket 164 is raised upward so as to have a flat surface on the opening side of the branch pipe 112 in the jig 162.

[0038] The pipe diameter adjustment section 163 is a rectangular plate made of a hard material such as metal or resin, and has multiple through holes 163a formed at intervals along its longitudinal direction at both ends. The pipe diameter adjustment section 163 and the L-shaped bracket 164 are fixed together by passing a bolt 167 through the through hole of the L-shaped bracket 164 and an appropriately selected through hole 12a of the pipe diameter adjustment section 163, and then fixing the bolt 167 with a nut 168.

[0039] The fixing method using jig 162 is superior to the conventional anchor fixing method because it does not require anchoring, resulting in excellent workability. Furthermore, no repairs are needed after removal. In addition, because the water level gauge 152 is located at the bottom of the pipe, accurate measurements are possible even at low water levels.

[0040] The water level gauge 152 is, for example, a water level gauge that uses a heterocore optical fiber having sections with different core diameters. The water level gauge 152 measures deformation by sensing the degree to which propagating light leaks through the intentionally provided sections with different core diameters. Specifically, it measures the water level by sensing the fluctuations (curvature) that occur when deformation occurs due to the action of water pressure.

[0041] In detail, the water level gauge 152 has an optical fiber 171 and a chamber 172, as shown in Figure 1E. The optical fiber 171 has an incident end optical fiber strand 171a, an exit end optical fiber strand 171b, and a heterocore portion HP inserted between the two optical fiber strands 171a and 171b. The heterocore portion HP is a short single-mode optical fiber having a core 181 and a cladding 182 provided on its outer periphery. For example, the diameter of the core 181 is 5 μm, the diameter of the cladding 182 is 125 μm, and the length of the heterocore portion HP is 125 μm. On the other hand, both optical fiber strands 171a and 171b are long single-mode optical fibers having a core 183 and a cladding 184 provided on its outer periphery. For example, the diameter of the core 183 is 9 μm, and the diameter of the cladding 184 is 125 μm. Thus, the core diameter of the heterocore HP is configured to be smaller than the core diameter of the optical fiber strands 171a and 171b.

[0042] The heterocore portion HP and the optical fiber strands 171a and 171b are joined coaxially or nearly coaxially by fusion bonding by discharge or the like, such that the cores 181 and 183 are joined at an interface 47 perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (see Figure 1F).

[0043] Since the heterocore portion HP exists in the middle of the optical fiber strands 171a and 171b, some of the light leaks into the cladding 182 of the heterocore portion HP due to the difference in core diameter at the interface 47, resulting in loss of transmitted light. The smaller the radius of curvature R of the heterocore portion HP and the optical fiber strands 171a and 171b in its vicinity, the greater the amount of light loss (leakage).

[0044] The chamber 172 is configured such that its overall appearance is approximately a rectangular parallelepiped, by fixing the upper frame 52 and the lower frame 53 in a watertight manner. These frames 52 and 53 are formed from hard materials such as dendritic resin, metal, or ceramics.

[0045] The upper frame 52 and the lower frame 53 are fixed together with the portions of the optical fiber strands 171a and 171b that are spaced apart on both sides from the heterocore portion HP sandwiched between them. The fixing of the two frames 52 and 53 forms a sealed space S inside the chamber 50.

[0046] A diaphragm 51, which is thinner than the other parts, is formed on the upper wall of the upper frame 52. In other words, a space (a space that constitutes part of the sealed space S) is provided in the upper frame 52 in the direction of its thickness, and the bottom of this space is made to be flexible enough to form the diaphragm 51.

[0047] Two support members 194 and 195 are fixed to the approximate center of the lower surface of the diaphragm 51, with a gap L0 between them, at one end (the upper end). Here, these support members 194 and 195 are made of the same material as the rest of the upper frame 52 and are integrated with the diaphragm 51.

[0048] Each of the supporting members 194 and 195 is an independent prismatic member, standing upright and extending downward from the lower surface of the diaphragm 51 with which its upper surface makes contact. Predetermined portions M and N of optical fiber strands 171a and 171b are fixed to the mask surface, which is the other end (lower end) of each supporting member 194 and 195, separated by a gap L1. The heterocore portion HP is located between these fixed portions M and N.

[0049] In the water level gauge 152 configured as described above, as shown in Figure 1G, when the external pressure is greater than the internal pressure, the diaphragm 51 bends and flexes downward in accordance with the pressure difference. This flexure is amplified in proportion to the vertical length of the indicator members 194 and 195, and the distance L2 between the fixed parts M and N becomes larger than the initial distance L1 (see Figure 1E). Therefore, compared to the case where the sensor part SP is directly fixed to the diaphragm 51, the distance L between the sensor part SP supported by the two indicator members 194 and 195 changes significantly, causing a large change in the curvature of the sensor part SP and resulting in a large change in the rate of light leakage transmitted through the optical fiber 40, thus enabling highly sensitive detection of the pressure difference.

[0050] While a conventional electrically powered rod-shaped water level gauge used for general water level measurement consumes 4W of power, the water level gauge 152 consumes only 0.5W. Compared to conventional water level gauges, the water level gauge 152 can reduce power consumption to 1 / 8, enabling long-term use. Furthermore, the optical fiber 171 of the water level gauge 152 is made of glass and does not require power to be supplied to the sensor part, so it has high lightning resistance and is resistant to chemical corrosion such as hydrogen sulfide, thus providing long-term durability.

[0051] Thus, the second sensor 132 can reduce communication costs compared to the first sensor 131. Furthermore, the second sensor 132 can shorten installation time compared to conventional sensors fixed by anchors. It can also significantly reduce power consumption compared to conventional rod-shaped water level gauges.

[0052] Taking advantage of its low cost and the fact that it can be installed in large numbers, the second sensor 132 is preferably placed between the main sensor 131 as a backup device to compensate for planar gaps.

[0053] In this embodiment, by utilizing information from both the main device, the first sensor 131, and the backup device (supplementary device), the second sensor 132, it is possible to improve the maintenance quality of the sewer network 110, streamline maintenance operations for the sewer network 110, and reduce costs.

[0054] Next, with reference to Figure 2A, the configuration of the sewer network environment monitoring device 100 will be described. The sewer network environment monitoring device 100 monitors the environment of the sewer network installed within a predetermined area. The device 100 comprises a first acquisition unit 201, a detection unit 202, a second acquisition unit 203, and a identification unit 204.

[0055] The first acquisition unit 201 acquires first sensor data indicating the environment of the main pipe 111 at the location where the first sensor 131 is installed, from a first sensor 131 attached to at least one of the multiple manholes 121 installed in the main pipe 111 of the sewer network 110. Examples of first sensor data include water level, water flow, temperature, turbidity, odor, hydrogen sulfide concentration, and oxygen concentration, and may include data containing at least one of these.

[0056] The first acquisition unit 201 continuously acquires the first sensor data. The acquisition of the first sensor data by the first acquisition unit 201 may be performed continuously or intermittently.

[0057] The detection unit 202 monitors fluctuations in the first sensor data in real time to detect changes in the environment inside the main pipe 111. Detection of environmental changes can be performed, for example, by determining whether the fluctuation rate of the first sensor data is above a predetermined threshold. Specifically, by determining that the fluctuation rate of the first sensor data is above a threshold, it is possible to detect that the environment inside the main pipe 111 to which the first sensor 131 that acquired the first sensor data is attached has changed. The fluctuation rate of the first sensor data can be determined based on the first sensor data at any two points in time. The fluctuation rate of the first sensor data may be, for example, the fluctuation rate of the latest first sensor data value relative to past first sensor data, for example, the first sensor data value from 10 minutes ago. Alternatively, it may be the fluctuation rate of the first sensor data value at a later point in the past relative to the first sensor data value at a past point in time.

[0058] Alternatively, environmental changes may be detected by determining whether the rate of change of the first sensor data at any single point in time exceeds a threshold.

[0059] When the detection unit 202 detects a change in the environment, the second acquisition unit 203 acquires second sensor data, which is continuously measured by second sensors 132 installed in multiple manholes located in branch pipes 112 connected to the main pipe 111 around the location where the first sensor 131 is installed, from a storage medium inside the manhole of the branch pipe 112 where the second sensor data is recorded for a certain period of time. In this embodiment, the second sensor data recorded on the storage medium inside the manhole of the branch pipe 112 is first transmitted to a storage medium in the vehicle 117. The second acquisition unit 203 acquires the second sensor data from the storage medium in the vehicle 117. The storage medium inside the manhole of the branch pipe 112 and the storage medium in the vehicle 117 can be an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), SSD (Solid State Drive), USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory, etc. The storage medium in the manhole of the branch pipe 112 and the storage medium in the vehicle 117 may be the same or different. Examples of the second sensor data include water level, water flow, temperature, turbidity, odor, hydrogen sulfide concentration, and oxygen concentration, and the data may include at least one of these.

[0060] The identification unit 204 analyzes the acquired second sensor data to identify at least one of the following: the cause of the detected change in the environment within the main pipe 111, the location of its occurrence, and the extent of the impact of the detected change in the environment within the main pipe 111 on the sewer network 110. Figure 2B shows examples of possible causes for changes in each detection item listed above as the first and second sensor data. In Figure 2B, branch pipes 112 from which second sensor data should be acquired when a change is detected in the main pipe 111 are shown as "reference branch pipes," divided into upstream and downstream sides relative to the main pipe 111. In Figure 2B, "+" indicates an increase in the detected item, and "-" indicates a decrease in the detected item. Also in Figure 2B, "○" indicates that acquisition of second sensor data is necessary, and "-" indicates that acquisition of second sensor data is unnecessary. Note that this figure is merely an example and may be modified as appropriate depending on the attributes and conditions of the area being monitored.

[0061] The identification unit 204 analyzes the second sensor data acquired by the surrounding second sensors 132 at the installation location of the first sensor 131 where the change was detected, starting with the data from the nearest location, based on the identification criteria shown in Figure 2B. The following describes how to analyze the second sensor data to identify the cause of the environmental change, the location where the cause of the environmental change occurred, and the scope of the environmental change's impact.

[0062] (1) When the detection item is water level (i) When the value of the first sensor data is increasing For example, if the first sensor data increases, possible causes include increased rainfall, pipe blockage downstream, groundwater inflow due to pipe damage upstream, and connection of new branch pipes upstream. When the first sensor data, which represents the water level, increases, the increase in the water level is typically due to an upstream cause, but it can also be due to a downstream cause. Therefore, when the first sensor data increases, it is preferable to refer to the second sensor data of branch pipes 112 both upstream and downstream of the first sensor data acquisition location in order to identify the location of the cause of the environmental change. Furthermore, in order to identify the scope of the impact of the environmental change, the second sensor data of branch pipes 112 both upstream and downstream of the first sensor data acquisition location should be referred to.

[0063] For example, if the data from the first sensor is increasing, but the data from the second sensor upstream remains unchanged, and the data from the second sensor downstream is increasing, there is a strong possibility that the pipe is blocked downstream of the location where the increased data from the second sensor was acquired. In this case, by referring to the increases and decreases in the second sensor data at multiple locations further downstream, the point where the data changes from increasing to decreasing can be identified as the location of the blockage. Conversely, if the data from the second sensor is increasing both upstream and downstream, there is a strong possibility that unexpected water is flowing in further upstream. In this case, by referring to the increases and decreases in the second sensor data at multiple locations further upstream, the point where the data changes from increasing to unchanged can be identified as the location of the unexpected inflow. As a result of the above, the scope of influence of the detected change in the first sensor data can also be naturally determined.

[0064] (ii) When the value of the first sensor data is decreasing For example, if the first sensor data decreases, possible causes include water loss (outflow to the outside) due to pipe damage upstream, pipe blockage upstream, and reinforcement of the main pipe 111 downstream (laying of new lines, replacement with enlarged diameter pipes). When the first sensor data decreases, in order to identify the location of the cause of the environmental change, the second sensor data of branch pipes 112 both upstream and downstream of the first sensor data acquisition location is referenced. Furthermore, in order to identify the scope of the environmental change's impact, the second sensor data of branch pipes 112 both upstream and downstream of the first sensor data acquisition location is referenced. As described above, the scope of the environmental change's impact can be identified based on the location where the pattern of increase or decrease in the second sensor data has changed.

[0065] (2) When the detection item is temperature (i) When the value of the first sensor data is increasing For example, if the data from the first sensor increases, one possible cause is a change in the type of inflowing water. Specifically, it is highly likely that hotter water has flowed in from a restaurant or similar source upstream of the location where the first sensor data was acquired. Detecting an increase in the temperature data from the first sensor can be used to detect the rate of pipe deterioration due to changes in the temperature inside the pipe. Examples of pipe deterioration include pipe corrosion.

[0066] If the data from the first sensor increases, the second sensor data from a branch pipe 112 upstream of the acquisition location of the first sensor data is referenced in order to identify the source of the environmental change. Furthermore, the second sensor data from a branch pipe 112 upstream of the acquisition location of the first sensor data is referenced in order to identify the extent of the environmental change's impact. The extent of the environmental change's impact can be identified, as described above, based on the location where the rate of increase or decrease in the second sensor data has changed. In the sewer network 110, it is generally unlikely that temperature changes downstream propagate upstream, so it is not always necessary to reference the second sensor data from a branch pipe 112 downstream of the acquisition location of the first sensor data.

[0067] (ii) When the value of the first sensor data is decreasing For example, if the first sensor data decreases, a possible cause is a change in the type of inflowing water. Specifically, it is highly likely that colder water has flowed in from a restaurant or similar establishment upstream of the location where the first sensor data was acquired. When the first sensor data decreases, in order to identify the location of the cause of the environmental change, the second sensor data of the branch pipe 112 upstream of the location where the first sensor data was acquired is referred to. In addition, in order to identify the scope of the impact of the environmental change, the second sensor data of the branch pipe 112 upstream of the location where the first sensor data was acquired is referred to. As mentioned above, the scope of the impact of the environmental change can be identified based on the location where the way the second sensor data increases or decreases has changed. In the sewer network 110, it is generally unlikely that temperature changes on the downstream side will propagate to the upstream side, so it is not always necessary to refer to the second sensor data of the branch pipe 112 downstream of the location where the first sensor data was acquired.

[0068] (3) When the detection item is turbidity (i) When the value of the first sensor data is increasing For example, if the data from the first sensor increases, possible causes include the inflow of sediment due to damage to the upstream pipe, flooding from the ground (road) during heavy rainfall, and blockage of the pipe upstream. When the data from the first sensor increases, in order to identify the location of the cause of the environmental change, the data from the second sensor of both branch pipes 112 upstream and downstream of the location where the first sensor data is acquired is referenced. Furthermore, in order to identify the scope of the impact of the environmental change, the data from the second sensor of both branch pipes 112 upstream and downstream of the location where the first sensor data is acquired is referenced. As described above, the scope of the impact of the environmental change can be identified based on the location where the way the data from the second sensor increases or decreases has changed.

[0069] (ii) When the value of the first sensor data is decreasing For example, if the first sensor data decreases, possible causes include changes in the inflow water, infiltration of groundwater due to pipe damage, etc. When the first sensor data decreases, in order to identify the location of the cause of the environmental change, the second sensor data of branch pipe 112 upstream of the first sensor data acquisition location is referred to. In the sewer network 110, it is generally unlikely that turbidity from the downstream side will propagate upstream, so it is not always necessary to refer to the second sensor data of branch pipe 112 downstream of the first sensor data acquisition location. Furthermore, in order to identify the scope of the impact of the environmental change, the second sensor data of branch pipe 112 both upstream and downstream of the first sensor data acquisition location is referred to. As described above, the scope of the impact of the environmental change can be identified based on the location where the way the second sensor data increases or decreases has changed.

[0070] (4) When the detected item is odor (i) When the value of the first sensor data is increasing For example, if the data from the first sensor increases, possible causes include deterioration of the inflowing wastewater and progression of a corrosive environment. When the data from the first sensor increases, in order to identify the location of the cause of the environmental change, the data from the second sensor of branch pipes 112 both upstream and downstream of the location where the first sensor data is acquired is referenced. Furthermore, in order to identify the scope of the impact of the environmental change, the data from the second sensor of branch pipes 112 both upstream and downstream of the location where the first sensor data is acquired is referenced. As described above, the scope of the impact of the environmental change can be identified based on the location where the pattern of increase or decrease in the second sensor data has changed.

[0071] The extent to which second sensor data is acquired within the sewer network 110 can be appropriately determined according to the piping arrangement pattern, pipe diameter, water pressure within the pipes, etc. For example, if the water pressure within the pipes is strong, the air within the pipes tends to flow from upstream to downstream, accompanied by the wastewater flowing through the pipes. Therefore, if the water pressure within the pipes is strong, the second sensor data upstream of the first sensor data acquisition location is more important than the second sensor data downstream. In other words, if the water pressure within the pipes is strong, it is not necessarily required to acquire second sensor data downstream of the first sensor data acquisition location. On the other hand, if air stagnates within the pipes due to weak water pressure, narrow pipes, etc., fluctuations in odor within the pipes may be transmitted both upstream and downstream. Therefore, if air stagnates within the pipes, it is preferable to refer to the second sensor data of branch pipes 112 both upstream and downstream of the first sensor data acquisition location.

[0072] (ii) When the value of the first sensor data is decreasing For example, if the data from the first sensor decreases, possible causes include improvements in the inflow wastewater and improvements in the corrosive environment. If the data from the first sensor increases, in order to identify the location of the cause of the environmental change, the data from the second sensor of both branch pipes 112 upstream and downstream of the location where the first sensor data was acquired is referenced. Similarly, in order to identify the scope of the impact of the environmental change, the data from both branch pipes 112 upstream and downstream of the location where the first sensor data was acquired is referenced. The scope of the impact of the environmental change can be identified based on the location where the pattern of increase or decrease in the second sensor data has changed, as described above.

[0073] (5) When the detection item is hydrogen sulfide concentration (i) When the value of the first sensor data is increasing For example, if the data from the first sensor increases, the cause may be the progression of a corrosive environment. When the data from the first sensor increases, in order to identify the location of the cause of the environmental change, the data from the second sensor in both the upstream and downstream branch pipes 112 of the location where the first sensor data was acquired is referenced. In addition, in order to identify the range of influence of the environmental change, the data from the second sensor in both the upstream and downstream branch pipes 112 of the location where the first sensor data was acquired is referenced. As described above, the range of influence of the environmental change can be identified based on the location where the way the data from the second sensor increases or decreases has changed. Furthermore, as described above, in the case where the detection item is odor, the extent to which the second sensor data is acquired in the sewer network 110 can be appropriately determined according to the arrangement pattern of the piping in the sewer network 110, the diameter of the piping, the water pressure in the piping, etc.

[0074] (ii) When the value of the first sensor data is decreasing For example, if the first sensor data decreases, possible causes include improvements in the corrosive environment. If the first sensor data increases, in order to identify the location of the cause of the environmental change, the second sensor data from both upstream and downstream branch pipes 112 of the first sensor data acquisition location is referenced. Similarly, in order to identify the scope of the environmental change's impact, the second sensor data from both upstream and downstream branch pipes 112 of the first sensor data acquisition location is referenced. The scope of the environmental change's impact can be identified, as described above, based on the location where the pattern of increase or decrease in the second sensor data has changed.

[0075] (6) When the detection item is oxygen concentration (i) When the value of the first sensor data is increasing In the sewer network 110, the oxygen concentration is always around 20.9%, and it is generally unlikely that the oxygen concentration will increase. Therefore, it is not necessarily necessary to detect an increase in the value of the first sensor data. Furthermore, if the detection unit 202 detects an increase in oxygen concentration, the identification unit 204 does not necessarily need to identify the cause of the environmental change. Therefore, when the first sensor data increases, it is not necessarily necessary to identify the location of the cause of the environmental change or the scope of its impact. In other words, it is not necessarily necessary to acquire the second sensor data.

[0076] (ii) When the value of the first sensor data is decreasing For example, if the data from the first sensor decreases, possible causes include the progression of a corrosive environment. This progression typically occurs in pipelines that have not undergone long-term inspections, in areas with accumulated sludge, and near pump pipes. Specific examples of this progression include the decomposition of organic matter and reactions caused by oxygen-consuming bacteria. If the data from the first sensor increases, to identify the source of the environmental change, the second sensor data from branch pipes 112 both upstream and downstream of the first sensor data acquisition location is referenced. Furthermore, to identify the extent of the environmental change's impact, the second sensor data from branch pipes 112 both upstream and downstream of the first sensor data acquisition location is referenced. The extent of the environmental change's impact can be identified, as described above, based on the location where the pattern of increase or decrease in the second sensor data has changed.

[0077] The cause of the environmental change within the main pipe 111, identified by the identification unit 204, is displayed, for example, on a display device (not shown) provided in the sewer network environment monitoring device 100. Alternatively, it is notified to the worker riding in the vehicle 117. The location of the occurrence may also be displayed or notified along with the cause.

[0078] The sewer network environment monitoring device 100 may have a proposal unit that proposes a solution to the cause identified by the identification unit 204.

[0079] Furthermore, the sewer network environment monitoring device 100 does not necessarily have to have the specific part 204.

[0080] Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a first sensor data fluctuation rate threshold table 301 and a second sensor data fluctuation rate threshold table 302, which are part of the sewer network environment monitoring device 100. The first sensor data fluctuation rate threshold table 301 is a table that stores threshold values ​​for the fluctuation rate of the first sensor data. Item 311 is the type of first sensor data. Fluctuation rate 312 is the fluctuation rate threshold for each type of first sensor data. The "●" in fluctuation rate 312 is its value, and a different value is set for each type of first sensor data. The first sensor data fluctuation rate threshold table 301 is, for example, held by the detection unit 202. The detection unit 202 refers to the first sensor data fluctuation rate threshold table 301 and determines whether the fluctuation rate of the first sensor data is above a predetermined threshold. Based on the presence or absence of an item 311 that is determined to have a fluctuation rate above the threshold, the detection unit 202 detects a change in the environment inside the main pipe 111. Specifically, if there is an item 311 whose fluctuation rate is determined to be above a threshold, the detection unit 202 determines that a change in the environment inside the main pipe 111 has been detected. The second sensor data fluctuation rate threshold table 302 is a table that stores thresholds for the fluctuation rate of the second sensor data. Item 321 is the type of second sensor data. Fluctuation rate 322 is the threshold for the fluctuation rate for each type of second sensor data. The "◆" in fluctuation rate 322 is its value, and a different value is set for each type of second sensor data. The second sensor data fluctuation rate threshold table 302 is, for example, held by the identification unit 204. The identification unit 204 refers to the second sensor data fluctuation rate threshold table 302 to determine whether the fluctuation rate of the second sensor data is above a predetermined threshold.

[0081] Referring to Figure 4, the hardware configuration of the sewer network environment monitoring device 100 will be described. The CPU (Central Processing Unit) 410 is a processor for arithmetic control and realizes the various functional configurations of the sewer network environment monitoring device 100 in Figure 2A by executing programs. The CPU 410 may have multiple processors and may execute different programs, modules, tasks, threads, etc. in parallel. The ROM (Read Only Memory) 420 stores initial data, fixed data such as programs, and other programs. The network interface 430 communicates with other devices via the network. Note that the CPU 410 is not limited to one, and may have multiple CPUs, or may include a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) for image processing. Furthermore, it is desirable that the network interface 430 has a CPU independent of the CPU 410 and writes or reads transmitted and received data 444 to or from the RAM (Random Access Memory) 440 area. It is also desirable to provide a DMAC (Direct Memory Access Controller) for transferring data between RAM 440 and storage 450 (not shown). Furthermore, the CPU 410 recognizes that data has been received or transferred to the RAM 440 and processes the data. The CPU 410 also prepares the processing results in the RAM 440 and leaves subsequent transmission or transfer to the network interface 430 or DMAC.

[0082] RAM440 is a random access memory used by the CPU410 as a temporary storage work area. RAM440 has a storage area reserved for storing the data necessary to realize this embodiment. The first sensor data 441 is data acquired by the first acquisition unit 201 from the first sensor 131. The second sensor data 442 is data acquired by the second acquisition unit 203 from the second sensor 132. The threshold data 443 is data expanded from the first sensor data fluctuation rate threshold table 301 and the second sensor data fluctuation rate threshold table 302 shown in Figure 3.

[0083] The transmitted and received data 444 is data transmitted and received via the network interface 430. The RAM 440 also has an application execution area 445 for running various application modules.

[0084] The storage 450 stores the database, various parameters, and the following data or programs necessary for realizing this embodiment. The storage 450 stores the first sensor data variation rate threshold table 301 and the second sensor data variation rate threshold table 302. The first sensor data variation rate threshold table 301 is a table that manages the relationship between item 311 and variation rate 312 shown in Figure 3. The second sensor data variation rate threshold table 302 is a table that manages the relationship between item 321 and variation rate 322 shown in Figure 3.

[0085] The storage 450 further stores a first acquisition module 451, a detection module 452, a second acquisition module 453, and a locating module 454. The first acquisition module 451 is a module that acquires first sensor data. The detection module is a module that monitors fluctuations in the first sensor data and detects changes in the environment inside the main pipe 111. The second acquisition module is a module that acquires second sensor data stored in the second sensor 132. The locating module 454 is a module that identifies the cause inside the main pipe 111 based on the acquired second sensor data. These modules 451 to 454 are read into the application execution area 445 of the RAM 440 by the CPU 410 and executed. The control program 455 is a program for controlling the entire sewer network environment monitoring device 100.

[0086] The input / output interface 460 interfaces with input / output devices for input / output data. The display unit 461 and the operation unit 462 are connected to the input / output interface 460. A storage medium 464 may also be connected to the input / output interface 460. Furthermore, a speaker 463 which is an audio output unit, a microphone (not shown) which is an audio input unit, or a GPS location determination unit may also be connected. Note that the RAM 440 and storage 450 shown in Figure 4 do not contain programs or data related to the general-purpose functions of the sewage network environment monitoring device 100 or other feasible functions.

[0087] Next, the processing procedure of the sewer network environment monitoring device 100 will be explained with reference to the flowchart shown in Figure 5. This flowchart is executed by the CPU 410 in Figure 4 using the RAM 440, and realizes the various functional configurations of the sewer network environment monitoring device 100 in Figure 2.

[0088] In step S501, the first acquisition unit 201 acquires first sensor data. In step S503, the detection unit 202 monitors fluctuations in the first sensor data and determines whether or not the environment inside the main pipe 111 has changed. If the detection unit 202 detects a change in the environment (YES in step S503), the sewer network environment monitoring device 100 proceeds to step S505. In step S505, the second acquisition unit 203 acquires second sensor data. Then, in step S507, the identification unit 204 analyzes the second sensor data and identifies the cause of the change in the environment inside the main pipe 111. In step S509, the identification unit 204 analyzes the second sensor data and identifies the location where the cause of the change in the environment inside the main pipe 111 originated. In step S511, the identification unit 204 analyzes the second sensor data and identifies the extent of the impact of the change in the environment inside the main pipe 111 on the sewer network 110. After step S511, step S513 is performed to propose a solution. Note that steps S507, S509, S511, and S513 are not necessarily required.

[0089] If the detection unit 202 does not detect a change in the environment (NO in step S503), the sewer network environment monitoring device 100 returns to step S501.

[0090] Steps S507, S509, and S511 can be performed in any order. For example, they may be performed in the order of S507, S509, and S511. Performing them in this order allows for the quick identification of the cause of the environmental change within the main pipe 111, enabling a swift response to the environmental change. It also allows for an assessment of the importance of the environmental change, such as whether there has been significant damage to the sewer network 110.

[0091] Alternatively, steps S511, S507, and S509 may be performed in that order. Performing the steps in this order allows for the rapid identification of the extent of the impact of environmental changes within the main pipe 111 on the sewer network 110, making it easier to grasp the scope and scale of repair work on the sewer network 110 and to plan the work. It also allows for more efficient inspection and maintenance of the sewer network 110. Furthermore, it prevents the monitoring of an unnecessarily wide area of ​​the environment within the sewer network 110. Therefore, more effective monitoring of the sewer network 110 can be achieved.

[0092] According to this embodiment, it is not necessary to constantly monitor all sensors installed in the sewer network 110, so the sewer network 110 can be monitored practically and efficiently. In other words, under normal circumstances, only the first sensor 131 needs to be monitored, and when the first sensor 131 detects an abnormality, the second sensor data from the second sensor 132 needs to be checked, thus enabling practical and efficient monitoring of the sewer network 110.

[0093] Furthermore, since a low-power, low-cost sensor can be used as the second sensor 132, the maintenance costs of the sewage network environment monitoring device 100 can be reduced.

[0094] Furthermore, while the first sensor 131 is prone to being made large, the second sensor 132 can be made smaller and consumes less power, resulting in lower costs. Therefore, by installing a small number of first sensors 131 and a large number of second sensors 132 in a sewer network 110 located within a predetermined area, the sewer network 110 can be comprehensively monitored.

[0095] Thus, the sewer network environment monitoring device 100 of this embodiment makes it possible to perform practical monitoring of the sewer network 110.

[0096] [Differentiation] The arrangement pattern of the piping in the sewer network 110 is not limited to the example shown in Figure 1A. The sewer network 110 may be, for example, a mesh-like sewer network 601 as shown in Figure 6A, a dendritic sewer network 602, a radial sewer network 603, or a ladder-like sewer network 604. In the sewer network 601, the main pipes 111 and branch pipes 112 are arranged in a mesh-like pattern in plan view. In the sewer network 602, multiple branch pipes 112 are connected to one main pipe 111. The sewer network 602 may have branch pipes (not shown) that further branch off from the branch pipes 112. In the sewer network 604, the upper main pipe 111a and the lower main pipe 111b in the figure may be connected by multiple branch pipes 112. In the sewer network 604 shown in Figure 6B, there are three branch pipes 112 connecting the upper main pipe 111a and the lower main pipe 112b, but the number of branch pipes 112 connecting the upper main pipe 111a and the lower main pipe 112b may be two or four or more. In Figure 6A, solid lines, dashed lines and arrows have the same meaning as in Figure 1A.

[0097] The sewer network 605 will be described in detail below with reference to Figure 6B. Unlike the sewer network 604 shown in Figure 6A, the sewer network 605 has only one branch pipe 112 connecting the upper main pipe 111a and the lower main pipe 112b. In Figure 6B, elements with the same reference numerals as in Figure 1A have the same function as those described in Figure 1A. As shown in Figure 6B, the sewer network 605 has a piping arrangement pattern in which two main pipes and one branch pipe 112 are connected. Specifically, the upper main pipe 111a and the lower main pipe 112b are connected by one branch pipe 112. In Figure 6B, the upper main pipe 111a and the lower main pipe 112b are shown with solid lines, and the branch pipe 112 is shown with a dashed line. Also in Figure 6B, the arrows indicate the direction of sewage flow. Furthermore, the upper main pipe 111a refers to the main pipe located upstream of the branch pipe 112, and the lower main pipe 111b refers to the main pipe located downstream of the branch pipe 112. The meanings of the upper main pipe 111a and the lower main pipe 111b will remain the same hereafter.

[0098] Manholes are provided in the upper main pipe 111a and the lower main pipe 11b. In Figure 6B, "〇" represents a manhole. The manholes are provided at the connection point between the upper main pipe 111a and the branch pipe 112, and at the connection point between the lower main pipe 111b and the branch pipe 112. Specifically, the upper main pipe manhole 121a is provided at the connection point between the upper main pipe 111a and one end (upstream side) of the branch pipe 112, and the lower main pipe manhole 121b is provided near the connection point between the lower main pipe 111b and the other end (downstream side) of the branch pipe 112.

[0099] First sensors are installed in the upper main pipe manhole 121a and the lower main pipe manhole 121b. In Figure 6B, "■" represents the first sensor. The first sensor is the main sensor in the sewer network 605. The upper first sensor 131a is installed in the upper main pipe manhole 121a, and the lower first sensor 131b is installed in the lower main pipe manhole 121b. The upper first sensor 131a acquires first sensor data indicating the environment inside the upper main pipe 111a at the location where the upper first sensor 131a is installed. The lower first sensor 131b acquires first sensor data indicating the environment inside the lower main pipe 111b at the location where the lower first sensor 131b is installed.

[0100] Furthermore, manholes are provided along the path of the branch pipe 112. A second sensor 132 is installed in the manhole provided along the path of the branch pipe 112. In Figure 6B, "▲" represents the second sensor 132. The second sensor 132 is a secondary sensor in the sewer network 110. The second sensor 132 acquires second sensor data indicating the environment inside the branch pipe 112.

[0101] Furthermore, in this embodiment, instead of collecting the second sensor data of the second sensor 132 using a vehicle 117 having communication functions and a storage medium, the second sensor data of the second sensor 132 may be collected using a small, portable device such as a smartphone, which can be carried by a worker. Alternatively, the second sensor data may be collected by connecting a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory or the like to the second sensor 132.

[0102] Alternatively, the worker may collect the second sensor data by removing the storage medium containing the second sensor data from the second sensor 132. In this case, after the worker removes the storage medium from the second sensor 132, the worker carries the storage medium to the vicinity of the sewer network environment monitoring device 100. The sewer network environment monitoring device 100 then acquires the second sensor data from the storage medium recovered by the worker via wired or wireless communication. In this case, the second sensor 132 does not need to have a communication function.

[0103] [Other embodiments] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. Various modifications can be made to the configuration and details of the present invention that can be understood by those skilled in the art within the scope of the present invention. For example, all judgments, etc., may be performed by computer resources as in this embodiment, or some of the judgments of changes in the first sensor data and the second sensor data, the identification of the cause and location of the detected change in the first sensor data, and the identification of the scope of the impact of the change may be performed by means other than computer resources. Furthermore, any system or device that combines the different features included in each embodiment in any way is also included in the scope of the present invention.

[0104] Furthermore, the present invention may be applied to a system composed of multiple devices or to a single device. Moreover, the present invention is applicable even when the information processing program that realizes the functions of the embodiment is supplied directly or remotely to the system or device. Therefore, a program installed on a computer to realize the functions of the present invention on a computer, a medium storing that program, and a WWW (World Wide Web) server that allows the program to be downloaded are also included in the scope of the present invention. In particular, at least a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing a program that causes a computer to execute the processing steps included in the above-described embodiment is included in the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A sewer network environment monitoring device that monitors the environment of the sewer network installed within a designated area, A first acquisition unit acquires first sensor data indicating the environment of the main pipe at the location where the first sensor is installed, from a first sensor attached to at least one manhole among a plurality of manholes installed in the main pipe of the sewer network. A detection unit that monitors fluctuations in the first sensor data in real time to detect changes in the environment inside the main pipe, When the detection unit detects a change in the environment, the second acquisition unit acquires second sensor data, which is continuously measured by second sensors installed in multiple manholes located in branch pipes connected to the main pipe around the position where the first sensor is installed, from a storage medium inside the manhole of the branch pipe where the second sensor data is recorded for a certain period of time. A sewer network environment monitoring device equipped with the following features.

2. The sewer network is a sewer network in which branch pipes are arranged in a mesh-like manner in plan view within a section surrounded by at least three main pipes, a first sensor is attached to a manhole provided at an intersection where the main pipes intersect, and a second sensor and a storage medium are attached to manholes provided at the connection points between each of the main pipes and the branch pipes, and at multiple locations in the pipelines of the branch pipes, as described in claim 1.

3. The sewer network is a sewer network in which a plurality of main pipes are connected by at least one branch pipe, or a sewer network in which a plurality of branch pipes are connected to one main pipe, and a first sensor is attached to a manhole provided at the connection between the main pipe and the branch pipe, and a second sensor and a storage medium are attached to a plurality of manholes provided in the pipeline of the branch pipe, as described in claim 1.

4. The sewer network environment monitoring device according to claim 1, wherein the first sensor data and the second sensor data include at least one of water level, temperature, turbidity, odor, hydrogen sulfide concentration, and oxygen concentration.

5. A method for monitoring the environment of a sewer network established within a designated area, A first acquisition step involves acquiring first sensor data indicating the environment of the main pipe at the location where the first sensor is installed, from a first sensor attached to at least one manhole among a plurality of manholes provided in the main pipe of the sewer network. A detection step of monitoring fluctuations in the first sensor data in real time to detect changes in the environment inside the main pipe, If a change in the environment is detected by the detection step, a second acquisition step is performed to acquire second sensor data, which is continuously measured by second sensors installed in multiple manholes located in branch pipes connected to the main pipe around the location where the first sensor is installed, from a storage medium inside the manhole of the branch pipe where the second sensor data is recorded for a certain period of time. A method for monitoring the environment of a sewer network, including the monitoring of sewer network conditions.

6. A sewer network environment monitoring program that monitors the environment of the sewer network established within a designated area, A first acquisition step involves acquiring first sensor data indicating the environment of the main pipe at the location where the first sensor is installed, from a first sensor attached to at least one manhole among a plurality of manholes provided in the main pipe of the sewer network. A detection step of monitoring fluctuations in the first sensor data in real time to detect changes in the environment inside the main pipe, If a change in the environment is detected by the detection step, a second acquisition step is performed to acquire second sensor data, which is continuously measured by second sensors installed in multiple manholes located in branch pipes connected to the main pipe around the location where the first sensor is installed, from a storage medium inside the manhole of the branch pipe where the second sensor data is recorded for a certain period of time. A sewer network environment monitoring program that is executed by a computer.

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