JP7517872B2 - Water quality control system, information processing device, program and water quality control method - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a water quality management system, an information processing device, a program, and a water quality management method.

Patent Document 1 describes a system that manages the quality of tap water supplied from a water purification plant to consumers via water pipelines. In the system described in Patent Document 1, a water quality monitor that measures water quality is installed inside a small water distribution pipe network that branches off from the main water distribution pipe network and heads toward the consumer side, and water distribution equipment that manages the quality of tap water is installed at the starting point of the small water distribution pipe network. In the system described in Patent Document 1, the quality of tap water flowing through the small water distribution pipe network is managed by the water distribution equipment based on the measurement results of the water quality monitor.

JP 2000-84537 A

In the system described in Patent Document 1, the installation and maintenance of equipment such as water quality monitors requires a lot of effort and cost.

The purpose of the present invention, which was made in light of these circumstances, is to more cheaply and simply manage the quality of tap water.

The water quality management system according to one embodiment of the present invention is a water quality management system that includes an information processing device, and the information processing device includes an acquisition means for acquiring photographed images related to the quality of tap water captured by a terminal device, and a state determination means for determining the state of the tap water from the photographed images acquired by the acquisition means.

An information processing device according to one embodiment of the present invention includes an acquisition means for acquiring an image related to the quality of tap water captured by a terminal device, and a state determination means for determining the state of the tap water from the image acquired by the acquisition means.

A program according to one embodiment of the present invention causes an information processing device to function as an acquisition means for acquiring photographed images related to the quality of tap water captured by a terminal device, and as a condition determination means for determining the condition of the tap water from the photographed images acquired by the acquisition means.

A program according to one embodiment of the present invention is configured by a plurality of information processing devices connected to each other in a communicable manner, and includes an acquisition means for acquiring photographed images related to the quality of tap water captured by a terminal device, a status determination means for determining the status of the tap water from the photographed images acquired by the acquisition means, and a water quality management means for controlling the water quality management of the tap water supplied from the water supply facility based on the determination result of the status determination means, and causes one of the information processing devices to function as at least one of the acquisition means, the status determination means, and the water quality management means.

A water quality management method according to one embodiment of the present invention includes the steps of acquiring an image related to the quality of tap water captured by a terminal device, determining the state of the tap water from the acquired image, and controlling the water quality management of the tap water supplied from the water supply facility based on the result of the determination.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to manage the quality of tap water more cheaply and easily.

1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a water quality control system according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 2 is a sequence diagram showing an example of an operation of the water quality control system shown in FIG. 1 . 4 is a flowchart showing an example of evaluation of reliability of a captured image by the image evaluation unit shown in FIG. 1 . FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining the residence time of tap water. 10 is a flowchart showing another example of the evaluation of reliability of a captured image by the image evaluation means shown in FIG. 1 .

The following describes an embodiment of the present invention with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, the same reference numerals indicate the same or equivalent components.

Figure 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a water quality management system 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The water quality management system 1 according to this embodiment is a system that manages the condition of tap water supplied to water consumers from a water supply facility such as a water purification plant.

The water quality management system 1 shown in FIG. 1 includes a terminal device 10, an information processing device 20, and a water quality management device 30 as a water quality management means.

The terminal device 10 is a device equipped with a photographing function such as a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or a digital camera. The terminal device 10 is equipped with a photographing unit 11 as a photographing means. The photographing unit 11 is a camera that generates a photographed image by photographing a predetermined range. The terminal device 10 photographs (acquires) a photographed image related to the water quality of tap water. A photographed image related to the water quality of tap water is an image that can be used to measure the water quality of tap water. A photographed image related to the water quality of tap water is, for example, an image of tap water supplied from a water supply facility (tap water collected from a faucet, water tap, water supply port, etc. installed in a residence or facility). In addition, a photographed image related to the water quality of tap water is an image of tap water to which a predetermined reagent (e.g., DPD reagent, STB reagent, potassium permanganate, phenol red, etc.) that reacts according to the water quality of tap water has been added. In addition, a photographed image related to the water quality of tap water is an image of a predetermined test paper to which tap water has been applied (e.g., a reagent applied or absorbed with a reagent and dried), or a predetermined test paper immersed in tap water. Moreover, the captured image related to the quality of tap water is an image of a specified test paper coated with tap water to which a specified reagent has been added, or a specified test paper immersed in tap water to which a specified reagent has been added. The tap water to be captured is not tap water that has been drawn and left for a period of time that would cause a change in water quality, but water that has been drawn and left for a period of time that would not cause a change in water quality. The tap water to be captured is water supplied from a water supply facility through a piping network. The tap water to be captured is water captured from a faucet, tap, water supply port, or the like at a location sufficiently far from the water supply facility (a location where water quality may change to the extent that water quality control is required before the tap water leaves the water supply facility and is sampled). In order to adequately control the quality of tap water, it is preferable to capture images of tap water sampled at multiple scattered locations, rather than at one location.

When the terminal device 10 has a communication function, the terminal device 10 may transmit to the information processing device 20 a captured image of tap water collected from a faucet, tap water to which a specified reagent has been added, or a specified test paper in contact with tap water. The captured image captured by the terminal device 10 may be transmitted to the information processing device 20 by another device having a communication function. In the following, for the sake of simplicity, photographing tap water collected from a faucet, tap water to which a specified reagent has been added, a specified test paper coated with tap water or tap water to which a specified reagent has been added, or a specified test paper immersed in tap water or tap water to which a specified reagent has been added may be collectively referred to as "taking an image of tap water".

The terminal device 10 may have a location information acquisition function that acquires location information of the terminal device 10 based on a GPS (Global Positioning System) signal or the like. When the terminal device 10 has the location information acquisition function, the terminal device 10 may transmit location information of the terminal device 10 at the time of shooting to the information processing device 20 together with the captured image. The location information of the terminal device 10 may be input by a user operating the terminal device 10. In addition, the terminal device 10 may transmit time information indicating the time the tap water was collected or the time the image was captured to the information processing device 20 together with the captured image. The time the tap water was collected can be input by the user operating the terminal device 10, for example.

The information processing device 20 is a device that acquires images captured by the terminal device 10, judges the state of tap water from the acquired images, and outputs the judgment result to the water quality management device 30. The information processing device 20 is, for example, a device such as a server device or a personal computer that can communicate with the terminal device 10 or other devices equipped with communication functions via a network. As shown in FIG. 1, the information processing device 20 has a communication unit 21 as an acquisition means, a memory unit 22, and a control unit 23.

The communication unit 21 is one or more communication interfaces that communicate with external devices via wired or wireless communication. In this embodiment, the communication unit 21 includes a communication interface that communicates with the terminal device 10 or another device equipped with a communication function. The communication unit 21 acquires an image of tap water transmitted from the terminal device 10 or another device, and outputs the image to the control unit 23.

The storage unit 22 is one or more memories. The memory may be, for example, a semiconductor memory, a magnetic memory, or an optical memory, but is not limited to these and may be any memory. The storage unit 22 functions, for example, as a primary storage device or a secondary storage device. The storage unit 22 is, for example, built into the information processing device 20, but may also be configured to be connected externally to the information processing device 20 via any interface.

The control unit 23 is one or more processors. The control unit 23 is, for example, but is not limited to, a microcontroller, and can be any processor, such as a general-purpose processor or a dedicated processor specialized for a specific process. The control unit 23 controls the operation of the entire information processing device 20.

Next, the software configuration of the information processing device 20 will be described with reference to FIG. 1. One or more programs used to control the operation of the information processing device 20 are stored in the storage unit 22. When the one or more programs are loaded by the control unit 23, they cause the control unit 23 to function as an image evaluation means 231 and a state determination means 232.

The image evaluation means 231 is an evaluation means for evaluating the reliability of the acquired captured image. Specific examples of evaluation of the reliability of the captured image by the image evaluation means 231 will be described later.

The state determination means 232 is a determination means for determining the state of tap water from the acquired photographed image. The state determination means 232, for example, determines whether the state of the tap water is in a state where water quality adjustment is required. For example, the state determination means 232 compares the water quality of the tap water measured from the photographed image with a predetermined reference value set by the tap water quality standard or management target, and determines that the water quality of the tap water is in a state where adjustment is required if the measured water quality is outside the reference value. The state determination means 232 may determine the state of the tap water from the photographed image evaluated by the image evaluation means 231 as having a certain level of reliability or higher. The state determination means 232 outputs the determination result to the water quality management device 30.

The water quality management device 30 is a device that controls the water quality management of tap water supplied from a water supply facility based on the judgment result of the state judgment means 232. The water quality management device 30 controls the residual chlorine concentration in the tap water, for example, based on the judgment result of the state judgment means 232.

In this embodiment, the terminal device 10 acquires captured images related to the quality of tap water, judges the state of the tap water from the captured images by the terminal device 10, and controls the quality management of the tap water based on the judgment result. Therefore, since there is no need to install equipment such as water quality monitors in the water pipelines and maintain them, the quality of tap water can be managed more cheaply and simply.

In this embodiment, the state determination means 232 has been described using an example in which the state of tap water is determined from a captured image that has been evaluated by the image evaluation means 231 as having a certain level of reliability, but this is not limited to this. The state determination means 232 may determine the state of tap water by directly using the captured image that has been acquired. Therefore, the image evaluation means 231 is not a required component.

However, when a user photographs tap water, there is a possibility that a human error may occur, such as the photograph not being taken properly. Therefore, as in this embodiment, by determining the state of tap water from a photographed image that has been evaluated to have a certain level of reliability, it is possible to improve the accuracy of the determination.

Next, we will explain the operation of the water quality management system 1 according to this embodiment.

Figure 2 is a sequence diagram showing the operation of the water quality management system 1 according to this embodiment, and is a diagram for explaining the water quality management method according to this embodiment. Note that in Figure 2, the terminal device 10 is assumed to have a communication function.

The terminal device 10 photographs tap water in accordance with the user's operation (step S11). The tap water to be photographed is, for example, tap water collected from a faucet installed in the consumer's residence or facility. As described above, tap water to which a specified reagent has been added may be photographed. Also, a specified test paper to which tap water has been applied or immersed in tap water may be photographed. Also, a specified test paper to which tap water to which a specified reagent has been added or immersed in tap water to which a specified reagent has been added may be photographed. If the terminal device 10 has a location information acquisition function, the terminal device 10 may acquire location information of the terminal device 10 when photographing the tap water. In this case, it is desirable to photograph the tap water near the location where the tap water is collected. By photographing the tap water near the location where the tap water is collected, the location where the photographed tap water is collected (such as the faucet from which the tap water is collected) can be identified from the location information of the terminal device 10. By identifying the location where the tap water is collected, the route of the water pipeline from the water supply facility to the location where the tap water is collected can be identified.

The terminal device 10 transmits the captured image related to the quality of tap water to the information processing device 20 (step S12). As described above, the terminal device 10 may transmit the location information of the terminal device 10 at the time of capturing the image to the information processing device 20 together with the captured image. The terminal device 10 may also transmit time information indicating the time the tap water was collected or the time the image was captured to the information processing device 20 together with the captured image.

The information processing device 20 receives (acquires) the captured image sent from the terminal device 10 via the communication unit 21 (step S13).

The information processing device 20 evaluates the reliability of the acquired captured image by the image evaluation means 231 (step S14). The information processing device 20 judges the state of the tap water from the captured image that is evaluated by the state judgment means 232 as having a certain level of reliability or higher (step S15). The state of the tap water can be judged using known techniques using the captured image. For example, the residual chlorine concentration in the tap water can be measured by adding a specific reagent to the tap water and observing the color development state, and the state of the tap water can be judged based on the measured residual chlorine concentration.

The information processing device 20 transmits the result of the determination of the state of the tap water to the water quality management device 30 (step S16). The water quality management device 30 controls the water quality management of the tap water supplied from the water supply facility based on the result of the determination of the state of the tap water by the information processing device 20 (step S17).

As described above, the water quality management method according to this embodiment includes a step of acquiring an image related to the quality of tap water captured by the terminal device 10 (step S13), a step of determining the state of the tap water from the acquired image (step S15), and a step of controlling the water quality management of the tap water supplied from the water supply facility based on the result of the determination (step S17).

Next, we will explain how the image evaluation means 231 evaluates the reliability of the captured image.

The image evaluation means 231 evaluates the reliability of the captured image, for example, by comparing the quality of tap water measured from the captured image of the evaluation target with the quality of tap water at a specified point from the water supply facility to the tap water sampling position. The image evaluation means 231 evaluates the reliability of the captured image, for example, by comparing the quality of tap water measured from the captured image with the quality of tap water at the outlet of the water supply facility. The image evaluation means 231 also evaluates the reliability of the captured image, for example, by comparing the quality of tap water measured from the captured image with the quality of tap water in the area where the tap water is sampled. Note that the method of evaluating the quality of tap water by the image evaluation means 231 is not limited to the method of comparing with the quality of tap water at a specified point, and any evaluation method can be used.

In addition, the reliability evaluation of the captured images by the image evaluation means 231 is not limited to the evaluation of the water quality of tap water, and other evaluation methods can be used. For example, when multiple captured images corresponding to a specific water sampling point are transmitted, the image evaluation means 231 may evaluate only a certain number of captured images as having high reliability and evaluate the remaining captured images as having low reliability so that these captured images do not excessively affect the overall evaluation. In addition, when the subject of the image is considered to be inappropriate (for example, when a captured image is erroneously selected or transmitted by mistake, or when an image that cannot measure the water quality is transmitted), the image evaluation means 231 may evaluate the reliability of the captured image as having low reliability. Furthermore, the image evaluation means 231 may evaluate the reliability of the captured image by taking into account the evaluation results of captured images transmitted from the same terminal device 10 in the past.

Figure 3 is a flowchart showing an example of evaluation of the reliability of a captured image by the image evaluation means 231. Figure 3 shows an example of evaluating the reliability of a captured image of an object to be evaluated by comparing the water quality of tap water measured from the captured image of the object to be evaluated with the water quality of tap water at the outlet of a water supply facility.

The image evaluation means 231 measures the water quality of tap water from the captured image of the evaluation target. In the following, the image evaluation means 231 measures the residual chlorine concentration of tap water.

The image evaluation means 231 judges whether the measured value x of the residual chlorine concentration measured from the photographed image of the evaluation target is equal to or less than the residual chlorine concentration C ₀ (x≦C ₀ ) (step S21). The residual chlorine concentration C ₀ is the residual chlorine concentration of tap water at the outlet of the water supply facility at a time point going back by the retention time t from the time of photographing the tap water. The retention time t is the time required for the tap water flowing out of the water supply facility to reach the tap water sampling position (faucet). Note that when the residual chlorine concentration of tap water at the outlet of the water supply facility does not fluctuate significantly within a certain period of time, or when there is a time period during which it cannot be measured due to maintenance, or when the amount of tap water used changes suddenly, the time going back from the time of photographing the tap water may be increased or decreased from the retention time t, or an arbitrary period including the retention time t may be set. In this case, the residual chlorine concentration C ₀ for evaluating reliability may be set based on the maximum, minimum, average, etc. of the residual chlorine concentration during that period of time.

For example, as shown in Fig. 4, tap water is supplied from a water supply facility 2 to a water consumer 3 via a pipeline _P1 , a pipeline _P2 , a pipeline _P3 , and a pipeline _P4 . In this case, the residence time t is the sum of the residence time _t1 of the tap water in the pipeline _P1 (the time it takes for the tap water to flow through the pipeline _P1 ), the residence time _t2 of the tap water in the pipeline P2, the residence time _t3 of the tap water _in the pipeline _P3 , and the residence time _t4 of the tap water in the pipeline _P4 (t = _t1 + _t2 + _t3 + _t4 ).

The residence time _tn of tap water in pipeline _Pn can be calculated based on the following formula (1), where _rn (m) is the pipe radius of pipeline _Pn , _yn (m) is the pipe length, and _Qn ( ^m3 /h) is the treatment flow rate of pipeline _Pn .
Residence time t _n =(πr _n ²・y _n )/Q _n ...Equation (1)

The image evaluation means 231 identifies the pipeline leading from the water supply facility to the tap water sampling position captured in the captured image of the evaluation target. The image evaluation means 231 identifies the water sampling position, for example, based on location information transmitted together with the captured image of the evaluation target. The image evaluation means 231 may also store, for example, a correspondence relationship between the terminal device 10 and the tap water sampling position captured by the terminal device 10, and identify the sampling position of the captured tap water based on that correspondence.

The image evaluation means 231 acquires the pipe radius r, pipe length y, and treatment flow rate Q of the pipeline leading to the tap water sampling position photographed from the water supply facility. The data of the pipe radius r, pipe length y, and treatment flow rate Q are stored in advance, for example, in the memory unit 22. The image evaluation means 231 calculates the residence time t using the above-mentioned formula (1) based on the pipe radius r, pipe length y, and treatment flow rate Q of the pipeline leading from the water supply facility to the water sampling position.

The image evaluation means 231 judges whether the measurement value x measured from the photographed image of the evaluation target is equal to or less than the residual chlorine concentration _C0 at the outlet of the water supply facility at the time the residence time t is before the photographed time of the photographed image of the evaluation target. Usually, the residual chlorine concentration of tap water decreases while the tap water is supplied from the water supply facility to the consumer. Therefore, if the measurement value x measured from the photographed image of the evaluation target is greater than the residual chlorine concentration _C0 , it is considered that the photographed image of the evaluation target was not photographed appropriately.

Therefore, referring back to FIG. 3, when it is determined that the measured value x is equal to or less than the residual chlorine concentration _C0 (step S21: Yes), the image evaluation means 231 evaluates that the captured image to be evaluated has a certain level of reliability or more (step S22).

Moreover, when it is determined that the measured value x is greater than the residual chlorine concentration _C0 (step S21: No), the image evaluation means 231 evaluates that the captured image to be evaluated does not have a certain level of reliability or higher (step S23).

After the processing of step S22 or step S23, the image evaluation means 231 outputs the evaluation result to the state determination means 232 (step S24) and ends the processing. The state determination means 232 treats the captured images that are evaluated as not having a certain level of reliability as defective and determines the state of the tap water.

Figure 5 is a flowchart showing another example of evaluation of the reliability of a captured image by the image evaluation means 231. Figure 5 shows an example of evaluating the reliability of a captured image of an object to be evaluated by comparing the water quality of tap water measured from the captured image of the object to be evaluated with the water quality of tap water in the area where the tap water is collected.

The image evaluation means 231 judges whether or not the measured value x of the residual chlorine concentration of tap water measured from the photographed image of the evaluation target is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold a and equal to or less than a threshold b (a<b) (a≦x≦b) (step S31). The predetermined thresholds a and b are values obtained by increasing or decreasing the residual chlorine concentration C of tap water in the area where the photographed tap water is collected by predetermined values α and β. Specifically, the threshold a=C−α and the threshold b=C+β. However, the threshold a>0 and the threshold b≦C _0. The predetermined values α and β are values that depend on the area, water temperature, piping deterioration state, piping material, and the like. Therefore, the image evaluation means 231 judges whether or not the measured value x measured from the photographed image of the evaluation target is within the range of the residual chlorine concentration expected in the area where the photographed tap water is collected.

The residual chlorine concentration C (mg/L) of tap water in an area can be calculated based on the following formula (2), where _C0 (mg/L) is the residual chlorine concentration of tap water at the outlet of the water supply facility, t is the residence time of tap water from the water supply facility to the area, and k (/h) is the residual chlorine reduction rate coefficient. The residual chlorine reduction rate coefficient k is a coefficient that depends on the water temperature, piping material, water quality, etc.
C=C ₀ e ^-kt ...Formula (2)

In this way, the image evaluation means 231 evaluates the reliability of the captured image by comparing the tap water quality measured from the captured image of the evaluation target with the tap water quality (theoretical value) expected in the area. However, the image evaluation means 231 may also evaluate the reliability of the captured image by comparing the tap water quality measured from the captured image of the evaluation target with the tap water quality (measured value) previously measured in the area. In addition, the value compared with the measured value x to evaluate the reliability may be set based on empirical rules. As described above, the method of evaluating the tap water quality by the image evaluation means 231 is not limited to the method of comparing with the tap water quality at the location, and any evaluation method may be used.

If it is determined that the measured value x is equal to or greater than the threshold value a and equal to or less than the threshold value b (step S31: Yes), the image evaluation means 231 evaluates the reliability of the image to be evaluated using an image of tap water taken at the same time as the image to be evaluated, but taken at a different water sampling position and through the same pipe as the tap water captured in the image to be evaluated (hereinafter referred to as an "image taken at the same time and same pipe"). Specifically, the image evaluation means 231 determines whether the measured value x measured from the image taken at the same time and same pipe is equal to or greater than the threshold value a and equal to or less than the threshold value b (step S32).

Here, images taken in the same time period as the image to be evaluated include images taken within a certain time (e.g., within a few minutes or hours) before or after the time the image to be evaluated was taken or the information processing device 20 acquired the image to be evaluated, or images acquired by the information processing device 20. In addition, if images of tap water are photographed, for example, at regular intervals (e.g., once a day) and on a fixed schedule (at a fixed time), images taken in the same time period as the image to be evaluated include images taken on the same schedule as the image to be evaluated.

The tap water sampling position is different between the video to be evaluated and the image of the same time and the same pipe. Therefore, when a terminal device 10 and the tap water sampling position captured by the terminal device 10 are associated with each other, the terminal device 10 that captured the image of the same time and the same pipe is different from the terminal device 10 that captured the video to be evaluated. Therefore, the image evaluation means 231 may evaluate the reliability of the image to be evaluated using an image captured by a terminal device 10 other than the terminal device 10 that captured the image to be evaluated.

When the measured value x measured from the image of the object to be evaluated and the measured value x measured from the image of the same time zone and same pipe are both equal to or greater than threshold a and equal to or less than threshold b, a similar tendency is observed between the image of the object to be evaluated and the image of the same time zone and same pipe. Therefore, it is considered that the image of the object to be evaluated was appropriately photographed. On the other hand, when the measured value x measured from the image of the object to be evaluated is equal to or greater than threshold a and equal to or less than threshold b, and the measured value x measured from the image of the same time zone and same pipe is less than threshold a or greater than threshold b, a different tendency is observed between the image of the object to be evaluated and the image of the same time zone and same pipe. Therefore, it is considered that at least one of the image of the object to be evaluated and the image of the same time zone and same pipe was not appropriately photographed.

Therefore, if it is determined that the measurement value x measured from an image taken during the same time period and of the same pipe is equal to or greater than the threshold value a and equal to or less than the threshold value b (step S32: Yes), the image evaluation means 231 evaluates that the image being evaluated has a certain level of reliability or higher (step S33).

Furthermore, if it is determined that the measurement value x measured from the image captured at the same time and of the same pipe is less than the threshold value a or greater than the threshold value b (step S32: No), the image evaluation means 231 evaluates that the captured image to be evaluated does not have a certain level of reliability (step S34). In this way, the image evaluation means 231 uses not only the measurement value x measured from the captured image of the evaluation target, but also other measurement values x (in step S32, the measurement value x measured from the image captured at the same time and of the same pipe) to evaluate whether the captured image to be evaluated has a certain level of reliability or not.

If it is determined that the measurement value x measured from the captured image of the evaluation target is less than the threshold value a or greater than the threshold value b (step S31: No), the image evaluation means 231 determines whether the measurement value x measured from the captured image of the same time period and the same pipe is greater than or equal to the threshold value a or less than or equal to the threshold value b (step S35).

When the measurement value x measured from the image of the evaluation target and the measurement value x measured from the image of the same pipe at the same time are both less than threshold value a or greater than threshold value b, a similar tendency is observed in the image of the evaluation target and the image of the same pipe at the same time. Therefore, it is considered that the image of the evaluation target has been appropriately photographed.

On the other hand, when the measurement value x measured from the photographed image of the evaluation object is less than threshold value a or greater than threshold value b, and the measurement value x measured from the photographed image of the same time period and the same pipe is equal to or greater than threshold value a and equal to or less than threshold value b, a different tendency is observed between the photographed image of the evaluation object and the photographed image of the same time period and the same pipe. In other words, only the measurement value x measured from the photographed image of the evaluation object passes through the same pipe as the tap water photographed in the photographed image of the evaluation object, and tap water collected at another water collection position falls outside the range of the measurement value x measured from the photographed image taken in the same time period as the photographed image of the evaluation object. Therefore, it is considered that the photographed image of the evaluation object was not photographed appropriately.

Therefore, if it is determined that the measurement value x measured from an image taken during the same time period and of the same pipe is less than the threshold value a or greater than the threshold value b (step S35: No), the image evaluation means 231 evaluates that the image being evaluated has a certain level of reliability or higher (step S33).

Furthermore, if it is determined that the measurement value x measured from the images taken during the same time period and of the same pipe is greater than or equal to the threshold value a and less than or equal to the threshold value b (step S35: Yes), the image evaluation means 231 determines whether the measurement value x measured from the most recent n images (hereinafter referred to as "the most recent n images taken from the same water sampling position") of tap water taken at the same water sampling position as the tap water taken in the image to be evaluated is greater than or equal to the threshold value a and less than or equal to the threshold value b (step S36).

In this way, the image evaluation means 231 may evaluate the reliability of the captured image of the evaluation target using other captured images of tap water captured at the same water sampling position as the captured image of the evaluation target. Furthermore, when a terminal device 10 and the tap water sampling position captured by the terminal device 10 are associated with each other, the terminal device 10 that captured the most recent n captured images of the same water sampling position is the same as the terminal device 10 that captured the captured video of the evaluation target. Therefore, the image evaluation means 231 may evaluate the reliability of the captured image of the evaluation target using other captured images captured by the terminal device 10 that captured the captured image of the evaluation target.

Even if the measured value x measured from an image taken at the same time and of the same pipe is equal to or greater than threshold a or equal to or less than threshold b, if the measured value x measured from the image of the subject to be evaluated and the measured value x measured from the most recent n images taken at the same water sampling position are both less than threshold a or greater than threshold b, a similar tendency is observed between the image of the subject to be evaluated and the most recent n images taken at the same water sampling position. Therefore, although the measured value x measured from the image of the subject to be evaluated is outside the range of residual chlorine concentration expected in the area where the tap water was sampled, the image of the subject to be evaluated is considered to have been taken appropriately.

On the other hand, if the measurement value x measured from the captured image of the evaluation target is less than threshold value a or greater than threshold value b, and the measurement value x measured from the captured images of the same time period and same pipe, and the measurement value x measured from the most recent n captured images of the same water sampling position are greater than or equal to threshold value a and less than threshold value b, then a different tendency is observed in the captured image of the evaluation target compared to the captured images of the same time period and same pipe, and the most recent n captured images of the same water sampling position. Therefore, it is considered that the captured image of the evaluation target was not captured appropriately.

Therefore, if it is determined that the measurement value x measured from the most recent n images taken at the same water sampling position is greater than or equal to the threshold value a and less than or equal to the threshold value b (step S36: Yes), the image evaluation means 231 evaluates that the captured image being evaluated does not have a certain level of reliability (step S34).

Furthermore, if it is determined that the measurement value x measured from the most recent n captured images of the same water sampling position is less than the threshold value a or greater than the threshold value b (step S36: No), the image evaluation means 231 evaluates that the captured image to be evaluated has a certain level of reliability or higher (step S33).

After processing in step S33 or step S34, the image evaluation means 231 outputs the evaluation result to the state determination means 232 (step S37) and ends the processing.

As described above, in this embodiment, the water quality management system 1 includes an information processing device 20. The information processing device 20 includes a communication unit 21 as an acquisition means for acquiring photographed images related to the quality of tap water captured by the terminal device 10, and a state determination means 232 for determining the state of the tap water from the acquired photographed images.

By determining the condition of tap water from images related to the quality of tap water taken by the terminal device 10, it is possible to determine the condition of tap water and control the quality management of tap water without installing a water quality monitor that measures water quality in the water pipeline. This reduces the effort and cost of installing and maintaining the equipment, and makes it possible to manage the quality of tap water more cheaply and easily.

In the above embodiment, an example was described in which the residual chlorine concentration was measured as the water quality of tap water from a captured image, but the present invention is not limited to this. Water quality that can be measured using a pack test or test paper can also be measured from a captured image. For example, the pH, chemical oxygen demand (COD), or nitrate nitrogen of tap water can be measured using a pack test. Also, the pH or hardness of tap water can be measured using test paper.

Although the present invention has been described based on the drawings and embodiments, it should be noted that those skilled in the art would easily be able to make various modifications and corrections based on this disclosure. Therefore, it should be noted that these modifications and corrections are included in the scope of the present invention. For example, the functions included in each means, step, etc. can be rearranged so as not to cause logical inconsistencies, and multiple means and steps can be combined into one or divided. The above is merely one embodiment of the present invention, and it goes without saying that various modifications may be made within the scope of the claims.

For example, the terminal device 10 may take photographs of tap water and measure the water quality, and the information processing device 20 may control the water quality management of tap water supplied from a water supply facility based on the measurement results of the terminal device 10.

In addition, in the above-described embodiment, the various means realized by the information processing device 20 are described as software configurations, but at least some of these means may be a concept that includes software resources and/or hardware resources.

In addition, a device such as a computer or a mobile phone can be used to function as the information processing device 20 according to the embodiment described above. The device can be realized by storing a program describing the processing contents for realizing each function of the information processing device 20 according to the embodiment in the memory of the device, and reading and executing the program by the processor of the device.

1 Water quality control system 2 Water supply facility 3 Water consumer 10 Terminal device 11 Photography unit (photography means)
20 Information processing device 21 Communication unit (acquisition means)
22 Memory unit 23 Control unit 231 Image evaluation means 232 State determination means P1 to P4 Pipes

Claims (11)

A water quality control system including an information processing device,
The information processing device includes:
An acquisition means for acquiring a photographed image related to the water quality of tap water, the photographed image being taken by a terminal device;
A state determination means for determining a state of the tap water from the photographed image acquired by the acquisition means;
an image evaluation means for evaluating the reliability of the photographed image acquired by the acquisition means;
Equipped with
the captured image is captured by an operation of a user of the terminal device,
The state determination means determines the state of the tap water from a captured image that is evaluated by the image evaluation means as having a certain level of reliability or higher. In the water quality control system according to claim 1 ,
The image evaluation means evaluates the reliability of the captured image by comparing the water quality of the tap water measured from the captured image with the water quality of the tap water at a specified point from the water supply facility that supplies the tap water to the location where the photographed tap water was collected. In the water quality control system according to claim 2 ,
A water quality management system in which the image evaluation means evaluates the reliability of the captured image by comparing the water quality of the tap water measured from the captured image with the water quality of the tap water at the outlet of the water supply facility. In the water quality control system according to claim 2 or 3 ,
The image evaluation means evaluates the reliability of the captured image by comparing the water quality of the tap water measured from the captured image with the water quality of the tap water in the area from which the tap water is collected. In the water quality control system according to any one of claims 1 to 4 ,
The image evaluation means evaluates the reliability of the captured image by using another captured image of tap water taken at the same water sampling location as the captured image. In the water quality control system according to any one of claims 1 to 5 ,
The image evaluation means evaluates the reliability of the captured image using a captured image taken by a terminal device different from the terminal device that captured the captured image. In the water quality control system according to any one of claims 1 to 6 ,
The image evaluation means evaluates the reliability of the captured image by using other captured images taken by the terminal device that captured the captured image. An acquisition means for acquiring a photographed image related to the quality of tap water, the photographed image being taken by a user having a terminal device;
A state determination means for determining a state of the tap water from the photographed image acquired by the acquisition means;
an image evaluation means for evaluating the reliability of the photographed image acquired by the acquisition means;
Equipped with
The state determination means determines the state of the tap water from a captured image that has been evaluated by the image evaluation means as having a certain level of reliability or higher. An information processing device,
An acquisition means for acquiring a photographed image related to the quality of tap water, the photographed image being taken by a user having a terminal device;
A state determination means for determining a state of the tap water from the photographed image acquired by the acquisition means;
an image evaluation means for evaluating the reliability of the photographed image acquired by the acquisition means;
Function as a
The state determination means determines the state of the tap water from a captured image that has been evaluated by the image evaluation means as having a certain level of reliability or higher. The water quality control system is constituted by a plurality of information processing devices connected to each other so as to be capable of communicating with each other, and includes an acquisition means for acquiring a photographed image related to the quality of tap water, which is taken by the operation of a user having a terminal device, a state determination means for determining the state of the tap water from the photographed image acquired by the acquisition means, an image evaluation means for evaluating the reliability of the photographed image acquired by the acquisition means, and a water quality management means for controlling the water quality management of the tap water supplied from a water supply facility based on the judgment result of the state determination means , wherein the state determination means determines the state of the tap water from the photographed image evaluated by the image evaluation means as having a certain level of reliability or higher. In order to constitute the water quality control system, the information processing device of one of the plurality of information processing devices is
A program that causes the device to function as at least one of the acquisition means, the state determination means , the image evaluation means , and the water quality management means. acquiring a photographed image related to the quality of tap water, the photographed image being taken by a user having a terminal device;
Evaluating the reliability of the acquired photographed image;
determining a state of the tap water from among the evaluated photographed images, photographed images that are evaluated to have a certain level of reliability or higher;
and controlling the water quality management of tap water supplied from a water supply facility based on the result of the judgment.

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