JP7685774B2 - Piping data management system, piping data management method, and program - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a piping data management system and related technologies.

Currently, piping diagrams and other diagrams for piping systems are generally drawn using CAD systems. In other words, piping system data is often managed using CAD systems. In CAD system data (CAD data), piping systems are primarily represented using line diagrams.

At construction sites and the like, the path of pipes in a piping system may need to be changed. For example, if an unexpected obstacle is found at a construction site, the path of the pipes (piping route) may need to be changed at the discretion of the site to avoid the obstacle.

However, it is not always easy to operate a CAD system on-site. As a result, the CAD data may not be updated after a route change, and the piping condition after the route change may not be reflected in the CAD data. In such cases, the piping condition (condition of the piping route) may be unknown during subsequent maintenance or when a fault occurs.

This problem arises because managing piping system data using a CAD system is not necessarily easy.

Therefore, the objective of this invention is to provide technology that makes it easier to manage piping system data.

In order to solve the above problems, the piping data management system of the present invention comprises a control means for recording piping data comprising type information, position information, and hierarchical information of each fitting in a piping system in a data table to manage the data of the piping system, and the hierarchical information is information that makes it possible to distinguish fittings on a route before branching by a branch fitting from fittings on a route after branching by the branch fitting as fittings belonging to routes of different hierarchical levels, and is symbolized using a single or multiple symbol sets, with the number of the symbol sets representing the hierarchical level .

The hierarchical information may be symbolized using a single or multiple symbol sets that include characters, and the order of characters in each symbol set may represent the order of branch joints within the same hierarchy.

The hierarchical information of a non-branched joint may be symbolized by adding an auxiliary symbol composed of a different type of symbol from the characters used in the symbol set to the hierarchical information of the branched joint immediately preceding the non-branched joint, and the order of the auxiliary symbol may represent the order from the immediately preceding branched joint.

The hierarchical information may be symbolized using a single or multiple symbol sets that include numbers, and the order of numbers in each symbol set may represent the order of joints within the same hierarchy.

The piping data management system may further include an acquisition means for acquiring the type information and the position information of each of the joints, and connection information indicating the connection relationship of each of the joints, and the control means may generate the hierarchical information based on the connection information and the type information of each of the joints, and record the hierarchical information, the type information, and the position information in the data table.

The control means may determine whether each of the joints is a branch joint and whether the joint immediately preceding each of the joints belongs to the same hierarchical level as each of the joints based on the type information and the connection information, and generate the hierarchical information for each of the joints based on the determination result.

The acquisition means may acquire the position information of each of the joints in the piping data based on the position of each of the joints in the CAD data of the piping system, and may acquire the connection information of each of the joints based on the positional relationship of each of the joints in the CAD data.

When one of a plurality of fittings included in the piping system is specified, the control means may identify a piping route in the piping system that includes a fitting that is lower in the hierarchy to which the specified fitting belongs, and a fitting that is lower in the hierarchy than the specified fitting, based on the hierarchical information.

When the location of the fault in the piping system is known, the control means may identify, based on the hierarchical information, a piping route that includes a joint on a lower level in the hierarchy to which the fault location belongs and a joint on a lower level than the fault location, as a route within the affected range.

When a normal terminal device and an abnormal terminal device in the piping system are specified, the control means may estimate a normal route for the normal terminal device based on the hierarchical information, and may also estimate an abnormal route for the abnormal terminal device based on the normal route.

In order to solve the above problems, the piping data management method of the present invention comprises: a) a step in which a computer records piping data in a data table, the piping data including type information, position information, and hierarchical information of each fitting in a piping system, wherein the hierarchical information is information that enables a fitting on a route before branching by a branch fitting and a fitting on a route after branching by the branch fitting to be distinguished as fittings belonging to routes of different hierarchical levels, and is symbolized using a single or multiple symbol sets, with the number of the symbol sets representing the hierarchical level .

The hierarchical information may be symbolized using a single or multiple symbol sets that include characters, and the order of characters in each symbol set may represent the order of branch joints within the same hierarchy.

The hierarchical information of a non-branched joint may be symbolized by adding an auxiliary symbol composed of a different type of symbol from the characters used in the symbol set to the hierarchical information of the branched joint immediately preceding the non-branched joint, and the order of the auxiliary symbol may represent the order from the immediately preceding branched joint.

The hierarchical information may be symbolized using a single or multiple symbol sets that include numbers, and the order of numbers in each symbol set may represent the order of joints within the same hierarchy.

The piping data management method may further include a step b) of a computer acquiring the type information and the position information of each of the fittings, and connection information indicating a connection relationship of each of the fittings, and the step a) may include a step a-1) of a computer generating the hierarchical information based on the connection information and the type information of each of the fittings, and a-2) of a computer recording the hierarchical information, the type information, and the position information in the data table.

In step a-1), it may be determined based on the type information and the connection information whether each of the joints is a branch joint and whether the joint immediately preceding each of the joints belongs to the same hierarchical level as each of the joints, and the hierarchical information for each of the joints may be generated according to the determination results.

The step b) may include the steps of: b-1) a computer acquiring position information of each of the joints in the piping data based on the position of each of the joints in the CAD data of the piping system; and b-2) a computer acquiring the connection information of each of the joints based on the positional relationship of each of the joints in the CAD data.

The piping data management method may also include a step c) in which, when one of a plurality of fittings included in the piping system is specified, a computer identifies a piping route in the piping system based on the hierarchical information, the piping route including a fitting lower in rank within the hierarchy to which the specified fitting belongs, and a fitting lower in rank than the specified fitting.

The piping data management method may include a step d) where, when the location of a fault in the piping system is known, a computer identifies, based on the hierarchical information, a piping route that includes a joint on a lower-ranking side in the hierarchy to which the fault location belongs and a joint on a lower-ranking side than the fault location, as a route within an affected range.

The piping data management method may include the steps of e) a computer receiving designation of normal terminal instruments and abnormal terminal instruments in the piping system, and f) a computer estimating a normal route for the normal terminal instruments based on the hierarchical information, and estimating an abnormal route for the abnormal terminal instrument also based on the normal route.

In order to solve the above problem, a piping data management method of the present invention comprises the steps of: a) a computer acquiring piping data having type information, position information, and hierarchical information of each fitting in a piping system; and b) a computer converting the piping data into data for a CAD system and drawing each of the fittings and the routes connecting the fittings in the CAD system, wherein the hierarchical information is information that enables fittings on a route before branching by a branch fitting and fittings on a route after branching by the branch fitting to be distinguished as fittings belonging to routes of different hierarchical levels, and is symbolized using a single or multiple symbol sets, with the number of symbol sets representing the hierarchical level .

To solve the above problems, the program of the present invention is characterized in that it is a program for causing a computer to execute any of the above-mentioned piping data management methods.

The present invention makes it possible to more easily manage piping system data.

FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing a piping data management system. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a management device. 2 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a management server. FIG. 1 shows a typical joint. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a piping layout diagram drawn based on piping data. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a piping layout diagram in which joint information is expressed using another expression method. FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 6 . FIG. 2 is a diagram showing data of a first hierarchical level among piping data. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing data of a second hierarchical level among piping data. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing data of a third hierarchical level among piping data. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing data of a fourth hierarchical level of the piping data. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a piping layout diagram at the time of inputting some information. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a dialogue for inputting joint information. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a sub-dialog for inputting joint type information and pipe diameter information. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a dialog in which the contents of an input in a sub-dialog are reflected. FIG. 4 is a piping layout diagram drawn based on input joint information. FIG. 1 is a piping layout diagram showing joints of the first level. 13 is a diagram showing a situation in which information on a lower level joint is input into a dialog. FIG. FIG. 11 is a piping layout diagram drawn based on the joint information of the lower hierarchy. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing how a piping layout is updated in response to a change in the positions of some joints. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a state in which a new joint is added and a piping route is changed. This is a piping layout diagram in which affected paths due to obstacles, etc. are drawn. FIG. 11 is a piping layout diagram in which abnormal paths and the like related to the estimation results are depicted. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing hierarchical information etc. according to a modified example. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing hierarchical information etc. according to another modified example.

The following describes an embodiment of the present invention with reference to the drawings.

<1. System Overview>
1 is a conceptual diagram showing a piping data management system 1. The piping data management system 1 is a system that manages data related to a piping system 2. In the following, a water supply piping system is mainly exemplified as the piping system 2.

The piping system 2 is composed of pipes 3 and joints (also called pipe joints) 5. There are various types of joints 5, such as a direction-changing joint (elbow, etc.) that changes the direction of the flow of a fluid (here, water), a branch joint (tee, etc.) that branches the flow, and an extension joint (socket, etc.) that joins pipes to extend their length (see Figure 4).

A piping system 2 (also simply called piping) is formed by repeatedly connecting multiple pipes 3 with joints 5.

As shown in FIG. 1, the piping data management system 1 includes a management device (terminal device) 10 and a management server 30. The management device 10 and the management server 30 can communicate with each other via a network such as the Internet.

2. Management device 10 and management server 30
2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the management device 10. The management device 10 is configured as, for example, a tablet terminal, etc. The management device 10 is preferably a computer device that is suitable for portability.

As shown in FIG. 2, the management device 10 includes a controller 11 (also called a control unit), a memory unit (storage unit) 12, a communication unit 14, and an operation unit 15.

The controller 11 is a control device that is built into the management device 10 and controls the operation of the management device 10.

The controller 11 is configured as a computer system including one or more hardware processors (e.g., a CPU (Central Processing Unit)). The controller 11 executes a predetermined software program (hereinafter, also simply referred to as a program) stored in the storage unit 12 (a non-volatile storage unit such as a ROM and/or a hard disk) in the CPU or the like, thereby realizing various processes. The program (more specifically, a group of program modules) (also referred to as a "program product") may be recorded in a portable recording medium such as a USB memory, read from the recording medium, and installed in the management device 10. Alternatively, the program may be downloaded via a communication network or the like and installed in the management device 10. In the management device 10, a program (application program) for managing the piping data 200 (data related to the piping system 2) or the like is installed as the program.

The controller 11 uses the program to execute processes such as storing the piping data 200, inputting and outputting the piping data 200, changing the piping data 200, drawing piping layout diagrams of the piping system 2, and converting data between the piping data 200 and CAD data.

The memory unit 12 is configured with a storage device such as a hard disk drive (HDD) and/or a solid state drive (SSD). The memory unit 12 stores piping data 200, etc.

The communication unit 14 is capable of performing network communication via a network. In this network communication, various protocols such as TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol) are used. By using this network communication, the management device 10 can send and receive various data (such as captured image data) between a desired destination (such as the management server 30) via wired or wireless communication.

The operation unit 15 includes an operation input unit 15a that accepts operation input to the management device 10, and a display unit 15b (e.g., a display (liquid crystal display, etc.)) that displays and outputs various information. Here, a touch panel 15c (see FIG. 1) is provided that functions as part of the operation input unit 15a and as part of the display unit 15b. Alternatively, a mouse and a keyboard, etc. may be used as the operation input unit 15a.

Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the management server 30. The management server 30 is a device that transmits and receives data between the management device 10 and the like. The management server 30 also functions as a CAD device (CAD system) and the like. The management server 30 is also expressed as a cooperating device that cooperates with the management device 10.

As shown in FIG. 3, the management server 30 includes a controller 31 (also called a control unit), a memory unit (storage unit) 32, a communication unit 34, and an operation unit 35.

The controller 31 is a control device built into the management server 30 that controls the operation of the management server 30.

The controller 31 has the same hardware configuration as the controller 11 described above. The controller 31 executes a predetermined program stored in a storage unit (a non-volatile storage unit such as a ROM and/or a hard disk) 32 in a CPU or the like to realize various processes. The program may be recorded in a portable recording medium such as a USB memory, read from the recording medium, and installed in the management server 30. Alternatively, the program may be downloaded via a communication network or the like and installed in the management server 30. The management server 30 also has installed therein, as the program, a program for linking with the management device 10, a program for CAD (also referred to as CAD software), and the like.

The controller 31 uses the program to execute various CAD-related processes and various collaborative processes with the management device 10.

The memory unit 32 is composed of a storage device such as a hard disk drive (HDD) and/or a solid state drive (SSD). The memory unit 32 stores CAD data and the like related to the piping system 2.

The communication unit 34 is capable of performing network communication via a network. In this network communication, various protocols such as TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol) are used. By using this network communication, the management server 30 can send and receive various data (photographed image data, etc.) between a desired destination (such as the management device 10) via wired or wireless communication.

The operation unit 35 includes an operation input unit 35a that accepts operation input to the management server 30, and a display unit 35b that displays and outputs various information. A mouse and a keyboard are used as the operation input unit 35a, and a display (such as a liquid crystal display) is used as the display unit 35b. A touch panel that functions as both part of the operation input unit 35a and part of the display unit 35b may also be provided.

<3. Piping system>
As described above, the piping system 2 is configured to include the pipes 3 and the joints 5. Fig. 4 is a diagram showing typical joints (specifically, elbows, sockets, and tee joints).

The top row of Figure 4 shows an elbow (a direction-changing joint), the middle row of Figure 4 shows a socket (an extension joint), and the bottom row of Figure 4 shows a tee (a branch joint).

An elbow is a direction-changing joint that changes (converts) the direction of a fluid moving from the upstream side to the downstream side by a specified angle (such as 90 degrees).

A socket is an extension joint that connects pipes to extend their length. In addition to the function of connecting pipes to extend their length, some sockets (also called reducers or different-diameter sockets) also have the function of reducing (increasing) the size (diameter) of the pipe (changing the diameter before and after the joint). Such different-diameter sockets are both extension joints and pipe-diameter-changing joints. For example, in the middle socket (different-diameter socket) in Figure 4, the diameter of the pipe on the left side of the joint is different from the diameter of the pipe on the right side in the flow path (path) that flows from left to right through the joint (different-diameter socket) (more specifically, the diameter of the pipe on the right side is smaller than the diameter of the pipe on the left side). Here, different-diameter sockets (reducers) that have the latter function (diameter-changing function) are collectively referred to as "sockets."

A tee is a branch joint that branches a part of the fluid (a branch flow) flowing from the upstream side to the downstream side in a different direction (for example, at a 90-degree angle to the main flow direction). There are also tee (also called tees) with different diameters, in which the diameter of the pipe changes before and after the branch (specifically, the pipe diameter of the branch path (sub-path) (pipe diameter after branching) is different from the pipe diameter of the main path (pipe diameter before branching)). For example, in the different diameter tee at the bottom of Figure 4, the pipe diameter of the path (main path) that flows from left to right across the joint (tee) is different from the pipe diameter of the path (sub-path (branch path)) that branches from left to bottom across the joint. Specifically, the diameter of the lower pipe in the branch path is smaller than the diameter of the pipe on the left (and right). Here, both same-diameter tee and different-diameter tee (different-diameter tees) are collectively referred to as "tee".

<4. Piping Data 200>
<Outline of Piping Data 200>
In this embodiment, the piping data 200 (data related to the piping system 2) (see, for example, FIGS. 8 to 11 ) is mainly configured to include various information (type information, pipe diameter information, position information, hierarchical information, etc.) of the joints that constitute the piping system 2. The piping data 200 expresses the type information, pipe diameter information, position information, and hierarchical information of each joint of the piping system 2 in a table format. The piping data 200 expresses a piping route (piping layout) of the piping system 2 based on information of a plurality of joints that constitute the piping system 2. However, the piping data 200 is configured as data separate from the CAD data 400 that represents the piping route of the piping system 2 in a line diagram.

The fitting type information indicates which type of fitting it is from multiple types such as "L: elbow", "T: tee", and "S: socket".

The pipe diameter information of a fitting is information about the diameter (size) of the pipe (the pipe to be connected) to be connected with the fitting. For example, the pipe diameter information is information indicating which of the sizes determined by JIS standards or the like it is, and more specifically, it may be expressed as an A designation (nominal diameter of A series) indicating the pipe diameter. Furthermore, for fittings of different diameters (such as different diameter tee, different diameter socket, and different diameter elbow) in which the pipe diameters differ between the upstream side (main route side) and the downstream side (particularly the secondary route side) of the fitting, both pipe diameters (main size and secondary size) are managed as the pipe diameter information.

The position information of a joint is information that indicates the position of the representative point of the joint (such as the point where the center lines of the pipes to be connected at an elbow or tee (pipes before and after a direction change, or pipes before and after a branch) intersect). The position information is indicated, for example, by coordinate values (X, Y, Z) with a specified reference position (such as a reference position in a building or site) as the origin. However, this is not limited to this, and the position information may be indicated, for example, by the relative movement distance (also called the increment or displacement) (ΔX, ΔY, ΔZ) from the previous (or next) joint among the joints that are connected in sequence (by pipes).

The hierarchical information of a fitting is information indicating which of a plurality of hierarchical paths (flow paths) (also called a flow hierarchy) the fitting exists in (the path (hierarchical path) to which the fitting belongs). In other words, the hierarchical information of a fitting is information indicating the hierarchical level to which the fitting belongs (the rank within the piping system 2). The hierarchical information of a fitting is also called mainstream/division information (main/tributary information) indicating which of the hierarchical flows (main/division) the fitting belongs to. The hierarchical information is information that makes it possible to distinguish a fitting on a path before branching by a branch fitting (such as a tee) from a fitting on a path after branching by the branch fitting as fittings that belong to paths of different hierarchies (upper hierarchy path and lower hierarchy path).

Here, the hierarchical information is represented as a symbol. Specifically, the hierarchical information is represented as a hierarchy symbol. For example, in FIG. 5, "A", "A1", "Bt1", "BA", "BA1", "CAA", "CAAt1", etc. are shown as the hierarchical information (hierarchical symbol) of each joint.

Figure 5 shows an example of a piping layout diagram (piping route diagram) of the piping system 2, drawn based on the piping data 200. In the piping layout diagram of Figure 5, hierarchical information of each joint is shown. Note that in Figure 5 (and Figure 6, etc.), the thickness of the pipes in the piping system 2 (relative to the length of the pipes) is shown emphasized (deformed).

The following describes the hierarchical information (hierarchical symbols) with reference to Figure 5 etc.

In the main route (represented by the thickest pipe in Figure 5), the first branch joint (tee) located to the right (+X side) (also downstream) of the starting point SP is given hierarchical information "A". This "A" is also an identification symbol that uniquely identifies the branch joint (branch point). The branch joint (its representative point) is also referred to as branch point "A".

The second joint (elbow (non-branch joint)) located further to the right is given the hierarchical information "A1". Furthermore, the next joint (third joint) located further down (-Y side) (downstream) on the main route is given the hierarchical information "A2". After that, each joint on the downstream side is given the hierarchical information "B", "B1", "C", "C1", ... in order.

Here, in the main path (also called the highest hierarchical path or first level path), each time a branch joint (cheese) appears, the next-ranked letter (alphabet) (specifically, a capital letter) in the alphabetical order (for example, "A", "B", "C", ...) is assigned as hierarchical information (hierarchical symbol). For example, the first cheese is assigned "A", the second cheese is assigned "B", and the third cheese is assigned "C". In this way, "A", "B", "C", ... are also identification symbols that uniquely identify each branch joint (branch point).

For non-branch joints (joints that are not branch joints) in the first level route, numbers (Arabic numerals) are added as hierarchical information. Specifically, each time a non-branch joint (elbow, socket, etc.) appears, the next number (e.g., "1" or "2") is added to the right of the hierarchical information of the branch joint immediately before it (e.g., "A"), and information (e.g., "A1" or "A2") is added as hierarchical information for each non-branch joint. Similarly, non-branch joints between "B" and "C" are assigned "B1", etc., and non-branch joints between "C" and "D" are assigned "C1", "C2", etc. In this way, "A1", "A2", "B1", "C1", ... are also identification symbols that uniquely identify each non-branch joint.

In this way, for joints in the first level route (first level joints), hierarchical information expressed by a single alphabetical character (including an expression in which a number is added to the right of a single alphabetical character) is assigned.

For joints (second-level joints) in routes (second-level routes) branching from each branch joint at the first level, a second alphabet is added to the right of the first alphabet. In other words, a joint having hierarchical information (including "At", "Bt", "BA", etc.) expressed by (a combination of) two alphabets means that it is a joint in a second-level route. Here, the second alphabet is first given with a "t" (more specifically, a lowercase "t"), which represents a distributary or tributary. After that, each time a branch joint appears, the next uppercase alphabet ("A", "B", "C", ...) in alphabetical order is sequentially given as the second alphabet in place of the "t". In other words, a capital letter (starting with "A") is added to the branch joints in the branch, and a "t" is added to the non-branch joints in the branch up to the first branch joint.

For non-branch joints (elbows) in the second level path, information is given as the hierarchical information of each non-branch joint, in which the next-order number is added to the right of the alphabet representing the branch joint immediately before it. For example, for a non-branch joint immediately after a branch joint "BA", information is given as the hierarchical information of each non-branch joint, in which the next-order number (for example, "1" or "2") is added to the right of the alphabet "BA" representing the branch joint immediately before it (such as "BA1" or "BA2"). Similarly, for a non-branch joint immediately after the 0th branch joint "At0" (=A) (described later) in the second level path, information is given as the hierarchical information of each non-branch joint, in which the next-order number (for example, "1" or "2") is added to the right of the alphabet "At" representing the branch joint immediately before it (such as "At1" or "At2").

For joints (third level joints) in paths (third level paths) branching from each branch joint at the second level, a third alphabet is added to the right of the second alphabet. In other words, a joint having hierarchical information expressed by three alphabets means that it is a joint in a third level path. Here, the third alphabet is first assigned with "t" (specifically, lowercase t), and then, for each branch joint, the next alphabetical letter (uppercase alphabet) is assigned in order, replacing "t" and so on. For non-branch joints in a third level path, information (such as "CAt1") in which the next number (such as "1") is added to the right of the alphabet (such as "CAt") representing the branch joint immediately before is assigned as the hierarchical information of each non-branch joint.

The same applies to the joints (fourth level joints) in the paths (fourth level paths) that branch off from each branch joint at the third level, and to the joints in even lower levels of paths, etc.

Note that a branch (sub-route) (at a lower level) that branches off from branch point "A" is also expressed as "branch At." In other words, "At" is used as a symbol to identify (represent) the branch point, and also as a symbol to identify (represent) the branch (itself). The same is true for other symbols such as "Bt," "BAt," and "Ct."

As described above, alphabets are assigned to branch joints in the same hierarchy (same hierarchy flow) in sequence, and the number of letters of the alphabet increases as the hierarchy increases (as the rank becomes lower). In other words, a hierarchical symbol consisting of i consecutive unit symbol sets (also simply called symbol sets) with one alphabet character as a unit is assigned to a "branch joint" at the i-th level. For example, a hierarchical symbol (such as "B", "C") represented by a single (only one) symbol set (composed of one alphabet character units) is assigned to a branch joint at the first level. In addition, a hierarchical symbol (such as "At", "CA") consisting of two consecutive symbol sets (one alphabet character units) is assigned to a branch joint at the second level. Similarly, a hierarchical symbol (such as "CAt", "CAB") consisting of three consecutive symbol sets (one alphabet character units) is assigned to a branch joint at the third level.

In this way, the number of symbol sets represents (specifies) the hierarchical level. For example, the number of symbol sets "B" is 1, and symbol set "B" represents the first level (first hierarchy). Similarly, the number of symbol sets "At" is 2, and symbol set "At" represents the second level (second hierarchy). Furthermore, the number of symbol sets "CAB" is 3, and symbol set "CAB" represents the third level (third hierarchy).

In addition, each alphabet in the hierarchical symbol (the alphabet of the i-th symbol set) represents the order (order) of the branching point (branching joint) in the i-th level route (flow). Here, the alphabet "t" represents "0th".

For example, of the two symbol sets "BA", the first symbol set "B" indicates that it is the second (B) branch point in the first level route (main stream). The second symbol set "A" indicates that it is the first ("A") branch point in the second level route branching off from branch point "A". Therefore, the hierarchical symbol "BA" indicates that it is the first branch point in the second level route branching off from branch point B in the first level route.

Of the two symbol sets, "At" indicates that the first symbol set "A" is the first (A) branch point in the first level route (main stream). The second symbol set "t" indicates that the 0th (t) branch point (branch joint) in the second level route branched from the branch point "A". In other words, the hierarchy symbol "At" indicates that it is a joint (branch joint or non-branch joint) that exists before (upstream of) the first (first) branch joint (such as a tee) in the second level route. The hierarchy symbol "At0" indicates that it is the 0th joint in the second level route branched from the branch point "A" in the first level route (the joint immediately before the first joint (such as At1) in the second level route). The 0th joint in the second level route is also the starting point of the second level route, and corresponds to the branch joint (branch point) A that exists in the immediately upper hierarchical route (first level route). Therefore, the symbol "At0" is the starting point of the second level path, and also means the branch joint (branching point) "A" from which the path branches (within the first level path). Also, the starting point (0th joint) "At0" of the second level path is simply expressed as "At".

Similarly, of the three symbol sets "CAB", the first symbol set "C" indicates that it is the third (C) branch point in the first level route (main stream). The second symbol set "A" in the hierarchy symbol "CAB" indicates that it is the first (A) branch point in the second level route branching from the branch point C. The last (third) "B" in the hierarchy symbol "CAB" indicates that it is the second (B) branch point in the third level route branching from the branch point CA. Therefore, the joint "CAB" indicates that it is the second branch joint in the third level route branching from the first (A) branch point CA in a specific second level route. The specific second level route is a route branching from the third (C) branch point C in the first level route (main stream).

In this way, the ranking of characters in each symbol set (more specifically, alphabetical ranking, etc.) represents the ranking within the same hierarchy (more specifically, the ranking of branch joints).

For a "non-branch joint" at the i-th level, a hierarchical symbol is assigned to the hierarchical symbol (alphabetical portion) of the "branch joint" immediately preceding the non-branch joint, to which is added an auxiliary symbol (a symbol that supports the symbol set and is a different type of symbol from the characters used in the symbol set). Note that the "immediately preceding" joint refers to the joint that is higher in the hierarchy to which the joint belongs.

More specifically, for the non-branching joint, a hierarchical symbol (e.g., "At", "BA") consisting of i consecutive symbol sets is assigned a hierarchical symbol (e.g., "At2", "BA1") with an additional auxiliary symbol (here, a number). The number in the auxiliary symbol represents the rank (order) of the non-branching point (non-branching joint) in the i-th level path (flow) (more specifically, the rank from the previous branching point in the i-th level path).

For example, "BA1" (two symbol set "BA" + auxiliary symbol "1") indicates that the point is the first non-branching point (location of a non-branching joint) in the second level route from the previous branching point BA in the second level route. Similarly, "At2" (two symbol set "At" + auxiliary symbol "2") indicates that the point is the second non-branching point (location of a non-branching joint) in the second level route (flow) from the previous branching point At0 (= "At" = "A") in the second level route.

For non-branch joints (non-branch points) up to the first branch joint (branch point) in the i-th level route, "t" is assigned as the i-th symbol set in the hierarchy symbol. Here, the symbol "t" can be assigned not only to joints in the branch stream but also to joints in the main stream. For example, in FIG. 5, if a non-branch joint (elbow, etc.) exists between the start point SP of the main stream and the first branch joint "A", the hierarchy symbols "t1", "t2", ... are assigned. In this case, "t" means that it is a non-branch joint that exists from the start point SP of the main stream to the first branch point ("A"), and the number following "t" ("1", "2", etc.) indicates the order (sequence) from the start point SP. The start point SP may also be written as "t0".

By expressing the hierarchical information in a symbolic manner as described above, both machines (computers) and humans can easily understand the hierarchical information (specifically, the hierarchy (hierarchical level) of the fittings and the order within the same hierarchy). This in turn provides the advantage of making it easier to understand the hierarchical structure of the piping system 2.

In addition, the hierarchy symbol attached to a certain joint makes it easy to determine whether the joint is a branch joint or a non-branch joint. Specifically, a joint whose hierarchy symbol ends with an alphabet is a branch joint, and a joint whose hierarchy symbol ends with a number is a non-branch joint.

The branch (sub-route) that branches off from branch point "A" is also expressed as "branch At." In other words, "At" is used as a symbol to identify (represent) the branch point (joint) and also as a symbol to uniquely identify (represent) the branch.

<Example of implementation of piping data 200>
8 to 11 are diagrams showing an example of the implementation of piping data 200 (database). In the piping data 200 of FIG. 8 to FIG. 11, information on each fitting is recorded as one data record. Moreover, data records showing information on each fitting are arranged (vertically in FIG. 8, etc.) according to the connection order of each fitting. Here, in FIG. 8 to FIG. 11, the fitting information is shown as separate data tables for each hierarchical level (in a separate diagram), and the fitting information within the same hierarchical level is shown as separate data tables for each branch. However, this is not limited to this, and the fitting information may be configured as a continuous data table (a data table including multiple data records belonging to multiple levels).

Figure 8 is a diagram showing various information about multiple joints belonging to the first hierarchical level ("hierarchical level 1 (first level)"). The data table in Figure 8 (also referred to as first hierarchical data 210) contains information about joints in the mainstream.

Figure 9 is a diagram showing various information about multiple joints belonging to the second hierarchical level ("hierarchical level 2 (second level)"). The data in Figure 9 (also referred to as second hierarchical level data 220) includes information about the joints in each of the second hierarchical branch flows At, Bt, and Ct (see data tables 220a, 220b, and 220c).

Figure 10 is a diagram showing various information about multiple joints belonging to the third hierarchical level ("hierarchical level 3"). The data in Figure 10 (also referred to as third hierarchical level data 230) includes information about the joints in each of the third hierarchical level branches BAt, CAt, and CBt (see data tables 230a, 230b, and 230c).

Figure 11 is a diagram showing various information about multiple joints belonging to the fourth hierarchical level ("hierarchical level 4"). The data in Figure 11 (also referred to as fourth hierarchical level data 240) includes information about the joints in each of the fourth hierarchical level branches CAAt and CABt (see data tables 240a and 240b).

The top row of each data table lists information about the starting point of each flow (main flow or each branch flow), and the second row and below lists information (data records) about the fittings (from the first onwards) belonging to each flow, arranged in order from upstream to downstream.

Each data record also has multiple data fields. The multiple data fields include the following items: type of fitting, pipe diameter (main, secondary), hierarchical information (hierarchical symbol), incremental position (ΔX, ΔY, ΔZ), and coordinate position (X, Y, Z).

The "type" of the fitting is information that indicates the type of fitting, such as "T" (tee), "L" (elbow), or "S" (socket). In addition, "SP" indicates the starting point (starting end), and "V" indicates the valve (water faucet, etc.) that is connected at the end of the flow path.

The direction change angle of an "L" elbow is basically 90 degrees. Here, for elbows with a direction change angle of 90 degrees, the angle is not indicated. On the other hand, elbows with other direction change angles are indicated with a name that includes the angle, such as "L: elbow (45 degrees)." The same applies to the branching angle of a "T" tee.

In this case, information such as the type of elements other than fittings (for example, starting ends (starting points), terminal devices (valves, etc.)) is also stored in the "Type" column ("Type" field). However, this is not limited to this, and information on elements other than fittings may be stored in an item column (data field) provided separately from the "(fitting) type".

The "pipe diameter" of a fitting is information that indicates the diameter (size) of the pipe (the pipe to be connected) that is connected with the fitting. Here, to accommodate fittings of different diameters, two items, "main (size)" and "secondary (size)," are provided as pipe diameter information (pipe diameter size).

The "hierarchical information" of a joint is information that shows the hierarchical structure of the route, etc. to which the joint belongs. Here, the hierarchical information is expressed by a hierarchy symbol (see Figure 5, etc.).

In addition, items for two types of position information (increment amount and coordinate value) are provided as position information for joints. "Increment amount" is information indicating the increment amount (increment position) from the previous joint (or starting point), and is specifically composed of increment amounts (increment values) ΔX, ΔY, and ΔZ in each of the three directions, X, Y, and Z. "Coordinate value" is indicated by coordinate values X, Y, and Z with a specified reference position (such as a reference position in a building) as the origin. Note that, although items for two types of position information (increment amount and coordinate value) are provided here, this is not limiting, and only one of the two types of position information may be provided.

The type of fitting and pipe diameter are information that represents the basic configuration (physical configuration) of the fitting, and are also referred to as "basic fitting information." On the other hand, the hierarchical information and position information of the fitting are auxiliary information about the fitting, and are also referred to as "auxiliary fitting information."

In addition, in each of Figures 8 to 11, information on multiple joints in the same hierarchy is stored as vertically consecutive data records in accordance with the connection order of the multiple joints. Therefore, information on the previous joint of a certain joint in the same hierarchy is obtained by referencing the data record immediately above (immediately before) the certain joint. For example, information on the previous joint of joint A2 in the first hierarchy is obtained (as the data record of previous joint A1) by referencing the data record immediately above (immediately before) joint A2 (third row from the top) (see Figure 8).

Information on the routes (lower-level routes) that branch (diverge) from each branch joint in each level is obtained by identifying routes starting from each branch joint from the level information of the lower level. For example, information on the lower-level route (route of the next lower level (child level)) that branches (diverges) from branch joint C in the first level is obtained by identifying the route (route related to the divergence Ct) that starts from branch joint C (Ct0) from the level information of the lower level (second level) (see FIG. 9). Similarly, information on the lower-level route that branches from branch joint CB in the second level is obtained by identifying the route (route related to the divergence CBt) that starts from branch joint CB (CBt0) from the level information of the lower level (third level) (see FIG. 10).

Note that, although the above describes examples of piping data 200 as shown in Figures 8 to 11, the present invention is not limited to these. For example, in the data table constituting the above-mentioned piping data 200, other field information may be further provided for each data record. Examples of such other field information include "hierarchy level" ("hierarchy level 1", "hierarchy level 2", etc.), "adjacent joint information" (hierarchical information of the immediately preceding joint), and "presence or absence of a lower hierarchy table (sub-table)", etc.

<Example of joint information expression>
In addition, the type information and pipe diameter information of each joint may be combined with each other and expressed as follows.

For example, the information for fitting 501 (see FIG. 5) (fitting "A") is expressed as "50×20T." Here, the "T" in "50×20T" indicates that the fitting type is a tee, and "50×20" indicates that the pipe diameter in the main direction is 50 (nominal diameter) and the pipe diameter in the secondary direction (branch direction) is 20 (nominal diameter).

Furthermore, the type information and pipe diameter information of each fitting may be combined with the hierarchical information of the fittings and expressed as follows:

For example, the information of joint 501 (see FIG. 5) is expressed as "50×20T:A" (see FIG. 6). Here, the "A" next to "50×20T" indicates the hierarchical information of joint 501 (that it is the first branch joint in the first level route). Note that ":" is a delimiter that connects (associates) and separates "50×20T" and "A". However, this is not limited to this, and the delimiter may be a symbol other than ":" (such as "/" or "-").

In Figures 6 and 7, information on each joint is shown using this representation method. Note that Figure 7 is an enlarged view of a portion of Figure 6 (the portion surrounded by the dashed line). For convenience of illustration, the portion in Figure 6 is shown in the same representation as in Figure 5.

The information of each joint may be further combined with position information and expressed as follows. For example, the information of joint 501 is expressed as "50 x 20T: A: (X0 + ΔX1, Y0, Z0)". "(X0 + ΔX1, Y0, Z0)" is a value (for example, (0, 6000, 0)) indicating coordinate values (X, Y, Z) with a predetermined reference position as the origin. The position indicated by the coordinate values is also a position moved by +ΔX1 in the X direction relative to the coordinate values (X0, Y0, Z0) of the starting point SP. Note that the position information of joint 501 may be expressed as the relative movement distance (increment) (ΔX, ΔY, ΔZ) from the previous joint, as described above. The information of joint 501 may be expressed as, for example, "50 x 20T: A: ΔX = +2000". "ΔX=2000" indicates that the position is moved +2000 (mm: millimeters) in the X direction from the coordinate value of the previous joint.

Information about the pipes connected by the fittings is generated from the information about the fittings. For example, the actual length of the pipe connecting fittings "A (=At0)" and "At1" is calculated by subtracting a predetermined length (e.g., several tens of mm) determined for each fitting from the distance between the positions of fittings At0 and At1 (e.g., the increment ΔY in the Y direction). In addition, the pipe size is calculated based on the pipe diameter information (secondary size) of fitting At0 (=AB) or the pipe diameter information (primary size) of fitting At1.

<5. Generation process of piping data 200 (user input, etc.)>
Next, a process for generating the piping data 200 in the piping data management system 1 (a process for generating data according to user input) will be described. It is assumed here that the coordinate value of the start point SP and the coordinate values of each of the multiple end devices (valves V1 to V8) have already been registered in the piping data 200. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a state in which a piping layout diagram (piping route diagram) is generated based on such registered information, and the piping layout diagram is first displayed in the display area 300 of the display unit 15b (15c). In FIG. 12, only the start point SP and the end points V1 to V8 are arranged at positions according to their respective coordinate values.

The operator displays a pop-up menu by long-tapping (or clicking the right mouse button (also simply referred to as right-clicking)) on the start point SP (shown here as a circle) displayed on the display unit 15b (display area 300). The pop-up menu includes options such as "Add the next joint information of the same level", "Add the joint information of a lower level", "Change the joint information", and "Delete the joint information". When "Add the next joint information of the same level" is selected from the pop-up menu, the dialog (screen) 320 in FIG. 13 is displayed.

Dialog 320 has an input field 321 for "Information of the joint to be input," an input field 322 for "Hierarchy (flow level)," an input field 323 for "Adjacent joint information (hierarchical information of the previous joint)," and a button 325. The input fields 322 and 323 already display information that has been automatically determined based on the previous joint of the added joint (here, the start point SP). The input field 321 is still blank (no input has been made). The button 325 is a button for calling up a sub-dialog 330 (see FIG. 14) for inputting joint information (described later).

The dialogue 320 also has radio buttons 326, 327 for selecting the input method for position information (increment input method/coordinate value input method). The dialogue 320 also has increment fields 326X, 326Y, 326Z for inputting increment amounts in the X, Y, and Z directions, and coordinate value fields 327X, 327Y, 327Z for inputting coordinate values in the X, Y, and Z directions.

Furthermore, the dialog 320 has an OK button 328 and a Cancel button 329.

When button 325 is pressed in the display state of FIG. 13, sub-dialog 330 (FIG. 14) is displayed.

The subdialog 330 has an input field 331 for "Type of fitting," an input field 332 for "Pipe diameter size (primary size)," an input field 333 for "Pipe diameter size (secondary size)," an OK button 338, and a Cancel button 339. The input field 331 is configured as a list box.

The operator selects a desired option from among multiple options (including "T: Tee", "L: Elbow", "S: Socket", etc.) in input field 331 (list box). FIG. 14 shows "T: Tee" selected. The operator also inputs the main pipe diameter size (e.g., "50") in input field 332, and the secondary pipe diameter size (e.g., "20") in input field 333. Note that the pipe diameter (main size) of the immediately preceding fitting (e.g., "50") may be automatically pre-displayed in input field 332.

After that, when the OK button 338 is pressed, the input contents in the sub-dialog 330 are reflected in the input field 321 of the dialog 320 (see FIG. 15). At this time, in response to the input of the type information of the fitting, the hierarchical information of the fitting (here, the hierarchical symbol "A") is automatically calculated based on the type information and the hierarchical information of the previous fitting (here, the start point SP). In detail, the hierarchical information of the fitting (hierarchical symbol "A") is calculated based on the fact that the fitting is in the same hierarchical level (first hierarchical level) as the start point SP and is the first branch fitting (branch point). Then, as shown in FIG. 15, "50×25T:A" is displayed in the input field 321. As described above, "50×25T:A" indicates that the type of fitting is Tee (T), the pipe diameter (nominal diameter) in the main direction is "50", the pipe diameter (nominal diameter) in the secondary direction is "20", and the hierarchical symbol of the fitting is "A".

In this case, information equivalent to "50x25T:A" is input using the sub-dialog 330, but this is not limiting, and the character string "50x25T:A" may be directly input into the input field 321 of the dialog 320. In this case, the fitting type ("T:Tee") and pipe diameter information ("Main=50", "Secondary=25") may be automatically determined by the management device 10 based on the input character string "50x25T:A".

Furthermore, the operator inputs the position information of the joint. For example, the operator presses radio button 326 to select the increment input method and inputs "2000" (ΔX = +2000 (mm)) in increment column 326X. The management device 10 updates (calculates) the coordinate values (X, Y, Z) in response to the input of the increment amount (ΔX, ΔY, ΔZ) and (automatically) updates the display contents of coordinate value columns 327X, 327Y, and 327Z. For example, the coordinate values (X, Y, Z) are changed from (-2000, 6000, 0) to (0, 6000, 0), and the display contents of coordinate value column 327X change from "-2000" (Figure 13) to "0" (Figure 15). The operator may also press radio button 327 to select the coordinate value input method and input appropriate contents into each coordinate value column 327X, 327Y, and 327Z. In this case, the increments (ΔX, ΔY, ΔZ) are updated (calculated) in response to the input of coordinate values (X, Y, Z), and the display contents of the increment fields 326X, 326Y, and 326Z are automatically updated.

When the input is completed, the operator presses the OK button 328. In response to pressing the OK button 328, the input information is confirmed (the contents of the piping data 200 are updated). Specifically, in the piping data 200, information on the first fitting ("A") at the first hierarchical level is registered (updated) (see the data record in the second row from the top in FIG. 8). Also, in the data at the second hierarchical level (second hierarchical data) 210 (see FIG. 9) of the piping data 200, a data table 220a relating to the branch At branching from the fitting "A" is created. Then, in the top row of the data table 220a, information (data record) on the fitting "A" is registered as information on the 0th fitting (start point of the branch At) of the branch At. Note that if the cancel button 329 is pressed, the information entered using the dialogue 320 is canceled, and the piping data 200 is not updated.

Furthermore, in the display area 300 (also referred to as screen 300), a state in which a cheese (T) is placed at a position +2000 in the X direction from the start point SP (in response to pressing of the OK button 328) is drawn (see FIG. 16). More specifically, a state in which the start point SP and the cheese are connected by a pipe with a pipe diameter of "50" (main size) is drawn. In addition, "A" is displayed (near the cheese) as the hierarchical information of the cheese. Here, the cheese is drawn in a state in which it is provisionally placed in a predetermined direction (for example, a direction branching upward (+Y direction)). The direction of the cheese is appropriately corrected according to subsequent input (input of the second hierarchical level (joint information at the branch At)). For example, if the position of the next joint At1 is below the branch joint A (-Y side), the direction of the cheese is corrected (changed) to a direction branching downward (-Y direction). As shown in FIG. 6, "50×25T:A" (which includes not only "A" but also "50×25T") may be displayed as information about the cheese (near the cheese).

Similarly, when information on multiple fittings (A1, A2, B, B1, C, C1) at the first hierarchical level is input in sequence, data 210 (see FIG. 8) at the first hierarchical level of the piping data 200 is registered accordingly. Also, on the screen 300, the piping route (first hierarchical piping route) that passes through multiple fittings from the starting point SP is updated and drawn in sequence (see FIG. 17).

Next, we will explain the process of inputting information about joints at lower hierarchical levels.

For example, joint At1 (see Figure 5) of a lower hierarchical level path (second level path) that branches off from branch joint "A" to the +Y side is input as follows:

Specifically, in the display state of FIG. 17, the operator displays a pop-up menu by long-tapping (or right-clicking) on branch point "A" (shown here as a circle) displayed on the display unit 15b (display area 300). When "Add lower level joint information" is selected from the pop-up menu, the dialog 320 of FIG. 18 is displayed.

In the input fields 322 and 323 of the dialog 320, information that has been automatically generated based on the immediately preceding joint "A" of the added joint is already displayed. Specifically, since the newly created joint (additional joint) is one level lower than the immediately preceding joint "A" (first level), "second level" is specified as the level of the additional joint, and "second level" is displayed in the input field 322. In addition, the joint "A" is specified as the information on the immediately preceding joint of the newly created joint (additional joint), and "A" is displayed in the input field 323.

When the button 325 is pressed in the display state of FIG. 18, the subdialog 330 (see FIG. 14) is displayed. However, the pipe diameter (main size) (for example, "20") of the fitting to be input is (automatically) displayed in the input field 332 of the subdialog 330. Specifically, the process related to the subdialog 330 is an input process related to a fitting in the hierarchy (second hierarchy) one level lower than the fitting "A". Based on this, the sub-size (for example, "20") of the pipe diameter of the original fitting (the fitting in the hierarchy immediately above the fitting to be input) "A" is specified as the pipe diameter (main size) of the fitting to be input. The specified pipe diameter (main size) is then displayed in the input field 332. Note that the same size (for example, "20") as the input field 332 is displayed in the input field 333 as the initial state (or blank), and may be changed as necessary.

When "L: Elbow" is selected from among multiple options in the input field 331 (list box) in the sub-dialog 330 and the OK button 338 is pressed, the input contents in the sub-dialog 330 are reflected in the input field 321 of the dialog 320 accordingly. Specifically, based on the type information of the added joint "L: Elbow" (non-branched joint) and the hierarchical information of the immediately preceding joint ("A"), the hierarchical information of the added joint (here, the hierarchical symbol "At1") and the branch flow to which the added joint belongs ("At") are automatically obtained. In detail, based on the fact that the added joint is a joint in the hierarchical level (second hierarchical level) one level lower than the joint "A" and the first non-branched joint (branch point), the hierarchical information of the added joint (hierarchical symbol "At1") and the branch flow to which the added joint belongs ("At") are obtained. Then, as shown in FIG. 18, "20L: At1" is displayed in the input field 321. "20L:At1" indicates that the type of fitting is an elbow (L), the pipe diameter (nominal diameter) is "20", and the fitting hierarchy symbol is "At1".

The operator then inputs the position information of the joint. For example, the operator inputs "3000" (ΔY = +3000 (mm)) into the increment field 326Y. In response to the input of the increment amount (ΔX, ΔY, ΔZ), the coordinate values (X, Y, Z) are changed from (0, 6000, 0) to (0, 9000, 0), and the coordinate value fields 327X, 327Y, and 327Z are automatically updated.

When input is complete, the operator presses the OK button 328. In response to pressing the OK button 328, the input information is confirmed (the contents of the piping data 200 are updated). Specifically, in the data table 220a relating to the branch At of the second hierarchical data 220 (see the top row in Figure 9), information on the first fitting At1 at the second hierarchical level one level below fitting "A" is registered (updated) (see the data record in the second row from the top).

Furthermore, on the screen 300, an elbow (L) is depicted at +3000 in the Y direction from the branch point "A" (see FIG. 19). More specifically, the branch point "A" and the elbow are depicted as being connected by a pipe with a diameter of "20". In addition, "At1" is displayed (near the elbow) as the hierarchical information of the elbow. Here, the elbow is provisionally positioned facing right (the direction that changes the flow direction to the +X direction). However, the direction of the elbow is appropriately corrected according to subsequent input (input of information on the next joint in the branch At). Note that, as shown in FIG. 6, etc., "20L:At1" (which includes not only "At1" but also "20L") may be displayed (near the elbow) as the information of the elbow.

After that, when the information on the remaining fittings (At2, At3) at the second hierarchical level related to the split At is input in sequence according to the connection order, the information on the split At is registered (all) in the second hierarchical data 220 (see FIG. 9) of the piping data 200 accordingly. Also, on the screen 300, the second hierarchical piping route (piping route of the split At) starting from the branch point "A" is updated and drawn in sequence.

When inputting information about the fitting At3 (more specifically, valve V1) at the end of the branch At, "valve" is selected as the type of fitting in the subdialog 330 (although a valve is not strictly speaking a fitting, for convenience, it is treated as a type of "fitting" here). When a coordinate value (or an increment value) is input as position information in the dialog 320, the valve V1 having the same coordinate value as the input coordinate value (the input coordinate value itself, or the coordinate value calculated in response to the increment value input) is automatically identified (based on the information about the valve V1 that has been set in advance). If there is no valve that can be connected by the fitting At2, a warning is displayed (after pressing the OK button 328, etc.), and the input information is prompted to be changed, etc.

Similarly, when information on multiple joints (Bt1, Bt2, BA, BA1, BA2) at the second hierarchical level related to the branch Bt is input in sequence according to their connection order, information related to the branch Bt is (all) registered in the second hierarchical data 220 (see FIG. 9). Also, on the screen 300, the piping route of the second hierarchical level (piping route of the branch Bt) starting from the branch point B is updated and drawn in sequence. The same applies to other branches Ct, etc.

Furthermore, similar input processing is performed for the third and fourth hierarchical levels. As a result, the piping data 200 in Figures 8 to 11 is completed, and the piping layout diagram (piping route diagram) in Figure 5 or Figure 6 is drawn.

As described above, the management device 10 obtains type information of each joint (target joint) and connection information indicating the connection relationship of each joint (information of the joint immediately preceding each joint (information including the connection order between adjacent joints) and the hierarchical relationship between adjacent joints, etc.) through input from the operator.

For example, when inputting information about a joint to be added (a joint of interest), an operation such as tapping (long tapping) on the joint immediately preceding the joint of interest (the joint immediately preceding the joint of interest) corresponds to a process of inputting (specifying) which joint the joint immediately preceding the joint of interest is (information about the joint immediately preceding the joint of interest). In addition, whether or not the joint immediately preceding the joint of interest belongs to the same hierarchy as the joint of interest (in other words, the hierarchical relationship between adjacent joints) is determined according to the option selected in the pop-up menu. Specifically, when "Add next joint information of the same level" is selected, it is determined that the joint of interest and the joint immediately preceding the joint of interest belong to the same hierarchy. On the other hand, when "Add lower level joint information" is selected, it is determined that the joint of interest and the joint immediately preceding the joint of interest do not belong to the same hierarchy (the joint of interest belongs to a hierarchy one level lower than the joint immediately preceding the joint of interest). Furthermore, whether or not a particular joint to be processed (a joint of interest) is a branch joint is determined based on the information entered in input field 331 (or 321). For example, if "tee" or the like is entered as type information for the joint of interest, it is determined that the joint of interest is a branch joint. On the other hand, if "elbow" (a direction-changing joint) or "socket" (an extension joint) or the like is entered as type information for the joint of interest, it is determined that the joint of interest is not a branch joint (is a non-branch joint).

The management device 10 then automatically generates "hierarchical information" for each joint based on the type information of each joint (focus joint) (whether it is a branch joint or not) and the connection information of each joint (which joint is the previous joint, whether it belongs to the same hierarchical level as the previous joint, etc.).

In detail, the management device 10 determines whether a joint to be processed (a joint of interest) is a branch joint based on the input (acquired) type information, and determines whether the joint immediately preceding the joint of interest belongs to the same hierarchical level as the joint of interest based on the input (acquired) connection information. The management device 10 automatically generates hierarchical information for the joint of interest according to the result of the determination.

If the joint of interest belongs to the same hierarchy as the joint immediately preceding it, the number of symbol sets is maintained. If the joint of interest is a branching joint, no auxiliary symbol is added, and the alphabetical ranking of the last symbol set is incremented (+1). On the other hand, if the joint of interest is a non-branching joint, an auxiliary symbol is added, and the numerical ranking of the auxiliary symbol is incremented (+1).

If the joint of interest belongs to a hierarchy one level lower than the joint immediately preceding the joint of interest, the number of symbol sets is increased by one, and the alphabet (last alphabet) of the added symbol set is set to the initial state "t". When the joint of interest is a branching joint, no auxiliary symbol is added. On the other hand, when the joint of interest is a non-branching joint, an auxiliary symbol is added, and the number of the auxiliary symbol is set to the initial state "1".

In other words, for a branch joint (branch point), a hierarchy symbol is generated by incrementing the last alphabet of the hierarchy symbol of the branch point immediately preceding the branch point (or by adding one alphabet to the initial state (t)). On the other hand, for a non-branch joint (non-branch point), a hierarchy symbol is generated by adding a number indicating the rank from the hierarchy symbol of the branch point immediately preceding the non-branch point.

In particular, it is preferable that the hierarchical information (hierarchical symbols) be automatically generated based on the connection information and type information of each joint as described above. This allows the hierarchical information (hierarchical symbols) to be generated while minimizing the operator's workload.

In addition, in the above embodiment, each joint and the path (pipe) connected to each joint are drawn based on the piping data 200. Therefore, it is possible to visually grasp (in a illustrated state) the piping route (piping layout) of the piping system 2 without requiring CAD data.

<6. Partial route change processing using piping data 200>
Furthermore, it is possible to easily manage a piping route by using the above-described piping data 200. In particular, when a piping route is partially changed (during a design change, etc.), the above-described piping data 200 is extremely useful.

<Changing the joint position>
For example, when changing the positions of the joints At1 and At2 (see the left side of FIG. 20), the following process may be performed. Note that FIG. 20 is a diagram showing how the piping layout is updated in response to a change in the position of a part of the joints (At1). The left side of FIG. 20 shows the situation before the change, and the right side of FIG. 20 shows the situation after the change.

Specifically, in the data table 220a relating to the split flow At in the second hierarchical data 220 (see FIG. 9), a process is performed to change the value in the ΔY column of the data record in the second row from the top from the pre-change value ("3000") to the post-change value (for example, "4000").

In detail, in the display state of FIG. 5 (or FIG. 6, etc.), the operator displays a pop-up menu by, for example, long tapping on joint At1 displayed on display unit 15b (15c). When "Change joint information" is selected from the pop-up menu, a dialogue 320 (see FIG. 18, etc.) similar to that of FIG. 18 is displayed. Here, information on joint At1 (before the change) is displayed in dialogue 320. In dialogue 320, the operator performs an operation to change the content of increment column 326Y from the value before the change ("3000") to the value after the change (for example, "4000").

In response to this operation, the management device 10 (controller 11) changes the value of the Y column of the data record in the second row from the top of the data table 220a from the value before the change ("3000") to the value after the change (for example, "4000"). Furthermore, the management device 10 updates the coordinate values of the joints after the joint At1. Specifically, the coordinate value of the joint At1 is updated ((0, 9000, 0) → (0, 10000, 0)), and the coordinate value of the joint At2 is updated ((1000, 9000, 0) → (1000, 10000, 0)). In addition, the management device 10 updates the value of the ΔY column of the valve V1 next to the joint At2 (ΔY: 2000 → 1000). Here, it is assumed that the attribute information of the position information (coordinate value) of the valve V1 is preset to "fixed (unchangeable)". When this setting is made, the coordinate value of valve V1 is not changed, and the distance information (increment information) between valve V1 and the previous joint At2 is adjusted.

Furthermore, the screen 300 is updated. Specifically, the display positions of the fittings At1 and At2 within the screen 300 are changed (see the right side of FIG. 20). Specifically, the fittings At1 and At2 (elbow (L)) are positioned at a position ΔY = +4000 from the fitting "A", and the pipe connecting the fittings At1 and At2 is depicted as having been appropriately moved in the Y direction (upward in the figure) by the difference between before and after the change (+1000). In addition, the length of the pipe connecting the fittings "A" and At1 is appropriately adjusted and changed (to extend by "1000"), and the length of the pipe connecting the fittings At2 and the valve V1 (At3) is also appropriately changed (to shorten by "1000").

This type of processing allows the operator to easily change the piping layout with very simple operations. In detail, for example, by "only changing the increment ΔY" of fitting At1, it is possible to generate a piping layout (and a diagram representing said piping layout) (see the right side of Figure 20) in which the length of the pipe from fitting A to fitting At1, etc. is changed. It is also possible to automatically change the position of fitting At2 along with fitting At1.

Note that implementing the above-mentioned change process in a CAD system requires relatively cumbersome operations. Specifically, it requires operations such as moving fittings At1, At2 and the pipe (the pipe connecting fittings At1 and At2) (1000 in the +Y direction) on the CAD drawing and changing the length of the pipe (the pipe up to fitting At1 and the pipe from fitting At2). Compared to such operations (operations on the CAD), the above-mentioned change operations (change operations related to the piping data 200) are much easier ("only changing the increment amount ΔY").

<Adding (inserting) a new joint>
It is also possible to add (insert) a new joint. In Fig. 21, a situation is assumed in which the piping route is changed to avoid an obstacle, more specifically, a situation in which the position of the joint At2 (see Fig. 21) is changed and joints At3 and At4 are added (inserted between the joint At2 and the valve V1). In this case, the following processing may be performed. The left side of Fig. 21 shows the situation before the piping route is changed, and the right side of Fig. 21 shows the situation after the piping route is changed. Also, the center of Fig. 21 shows the situation during the change (at a certain point in time).

First, the position of joint At2 is changed in the same manner as described above. For example, a change is made from "ΔX = +4000" to "ΔX = +2000". At this time, the direction from joint At1 to joint At2 and the direction from joint At2 (after the change) to valve V1 are not perpendicular, so if joint At2 is an elbow (90 degrees), joint At1 and valve V1 cannot be connected. Therefore, the pipeline connecting joint At2 and valve V1 is not displayed, and instead a warning message (a thick dotted line in Figure 21) is displayed (see the center column of Figure 21).

Next, a process of adding the next joint (new At3) of the joint At2 is performed. Specifically, the operator displays a pop-up menu by long-tapping the joint At2 displayed on the display unit 15b (15c). When "Add next joint information of the same level" is selected from the pop-up menu, the dialogue 320 is displayed. Thereafter, similarly to the above, information on the new joint At3 (elbow) is input, and data on the new joint At3 is added. In detail, the data record of the new joint At3 is inserted between the data record of the joint At2 and the data record of the original joint At3 in the data table 220b. The display contents on the screen 300 are also updated, and the joint At3, etc. are also displayed. However, the pipeline connecting the joint At3 and the valve V1 is not displayed, and instead a warning message is displayed.

Furthermore, a process for adding a new joint (At4) next to joint At3 is performed in a similar manner. This adds data for the new joint At4. The display content on screen 300 is also updated, and the new joint At4, etc. are also displayed. At this time, provided that the new joint At4 is placed in an appropriate position, the warning display is erased, and the pipeline connecting the new joint At4 and valve V1 is also displayed (see the right column of Figure 21).

<Delete existing fitting>
Similarly, it is also possible to delete existing joints. For example, a process may be performed in which the piping route is changed from the right side to the left side in Fig. 21 (in the opposite direction to the above), more specifically, a process may be performed in which the joints At3 and At4 are deleted and the position of the joint At2 (see Fig. 21) is changed (due to the removal of an obstacle, etc.).

For example, first, a process to delete fitting At4 is performed. Specifically, the operator displays a pop-up menu by, for example, long-tapping fitting At4 displayed on display unit 15b (15c). When "Delete fitting information" is selected from the pop-up menu, the data record for fitting At4 is deleted. The display content on screen 300 is also updated, and (the image of) fitting At4 is deleted from screen 300. However, the pipeline connecting fitting At3 and valve V1 is not displayed, and instead a warning message is displayed.

Next, a process to delete fitting At3 is performed in a similar manner. In response to an operation by the operator (such as selecting "Delete fitting information"), the data record for fitting At3 is deleted. The display content on screen 300 is also updated, and (the image of) fitting At3 is deleted from screen 300. However, the pipeline connecting fitting At2 and valve V1 is not displayed, and instead a warning message is displayed.

Finally, a process to change the position of fitting At2 is performed. In response to the operator's operation, the data record of fitting At2 is updated. The display content on screen 300 is also updated. At this time, provided that fitting At2 is placed in an appropriate position, the warning display is erased and the pipeline connecting fitting At2 and valve V1 is also displayed (see the left column of Figure 21).

In the above embodiment, when a joint is added, the hierarchical symbol may be changed as needed. For example, when a new joint is added between joints "B" and "C", the new joint may be given the symbol "C" and the original joint "C" may be reassigned the symbol "D". The original joints "D" and onward may also be assigned symbols that are shifted in a similar manner. However, this is not limiting. For example, the existing joints may not be reassigned the hierarchical symbol, and the new joint may be assigned an unassigned alphabet (such as the alphabet next to the alphabet (e.g. "F") that was assigned to the last joint (e.g. "E")).

The same applies when a joint is deleted. A process of reassigning hierarchical symbols to joints other than the deleted joint may be performed, or conversely, a process of reassigning hierarchical symbols may not be performed.

7. Extraction of partial paths based on piping data 200
As described above, the hierarchical information is information that can distinguish, in particular, a joint on a route before the branching of a branch joint from a joint on a route after the branching as joints belonging to routes of different hierarchical levels (a higher hierarchical route and a lower hierarchical route). With such hierarchical information, it is possible to easily extract only a route of a predetermined level (a route downstream of a predetermined branch joint) (partial route information) from (all routes of) the piping system 2.

Specifically, based on the hierarchical information, the management device 10 can partially extract from the piping system 2 (identify in the piping system 2) a piping route that includes a fitting that is lower in rank (lower order side) in the hierarchy to which the specific fitting belongs, and a fitting that is lower in the hierarchy than the specific fitting. An example of the specific fitting is a single fitting (designated fitting) designated by an operator (administrator, etc.) from among multiple fittings included in the piping system 2.

For example, by using the hierarchical information described above, when a fault occurs in the piping system 2 and the location of the fault is known, it is possible to easily identify the scope of the fault (the route within the scope of the fault) (see FIG. 22).

In FIG. 22, a situation is assumed in which a fault (such as a water leak) has occurred between fittings CAt1 and CAA. Of the two, fitting CAt1, which is relatively higher up, is designated as the reference fitting (designated fitting). Then, a piping route that includes fittings (CAA, CAB, CAB1) lower in rank than fitting CAt1 (reference fitting) in the same hierarchical level as fitting CAt1, and fittings (CAAt1-CAAt4, CAABt1, CABt2) lower in rank than fitting CAt1, is identified as a route within the affected range. Note that fittings lower in rank than fitting CAt1 in the same hierarchical level as fitting CAt1 are also referred to as lower-ranking fittings in the hierarchical level to which the fault location belongs (or lower-ranking fittings in the same hierarchical level).

Specifically, the piping data management system 1 first acquires the location of the fault in the piping system 2 through input from the operator, etc.

Next, the piping data management system 1 identifies routes within the affected range based on the piping data 200 (particularly the hierarchical information) and the like. In detail, first, it is determined that "the reference joint CAt1 exists in the branch CAt of the third level route" by searching for "CAt1" in the piping data 200 (or based on the hierarchical symbol CAt). Then, based on the data table regarding the branch CAt in the third hierarchical data 230, the same level joints (CAA, CAB, CAB1) after the first joint CAt1 of the branch CAt are identified as joints on the lower order side in the same hierarchy. In addition, among the joints on the lower order side in the same hierarchy, the branch joints (CAA, CAB) are identified, and the joints belonging to the branch (CAAt, CABt) starting from the branch joint are identified. The joints (CAAt1 to CAAt4, CABt1, CABt2) belonging to the branch (CAAt, CABt) are identified as joints on the lower hierarchical side than the fault position. Specifically, these joints are identified based on the data table 240a for the branch CAAt and the data table 240b for the branch CABt in the fourth hierarchical data 240 (FIG. 11). If there are joints on an even lower hierarchical side than the joints belonging to these branches (CAAt, CABt), the even lower hierarchical side joints are also identified as joints on a lower hierarchical side than the fault position.

Then, the piping route that includes the joints (CAA, CAB) on the lower level in the hierarchy to which the fault location belongs and the joints (CAAt1 to CAAt4, CABt1, CABt2) on the lower level than the fault location are identified as routes within the affected range (routes within the affected range).

Furthermore, the piping data management system 1 draws (highlights in detail) the route within the affected range on the screen 300 (see FIG. 22). In FIG. 22, the route within the affected range (particularly the pipes) is highlighted by applying diagonal hatching. Note that the highlighting is not limited to the hatched display, and may be other displays such as a display with a specific color (display that allows the route within the affected range to be distinguished from other routes (routes other than the route within the affected range)). In addition, the "highlighting" of the route within the affected range may be a display that allows the route to be identified. All elements (including joints) within the route within the affected range may be highlighted, or elements (mainly pipes) excluding joints (such as tees and elbows) may be highlighted as shown in FIG. 22.

According to this aspect, the scope of the fault (path within the scope of the impact) can be easily identified. In addition, the path within the scope of the impact is highlighted within the piping route of the piping system 2, so that it is easy to grasp the scope of the impact within the entire piping system 2.

8. Estimation of abnormal path based on piping data 200
Furthermore, by utilizing the above-mentioned hierarchical information, it is possible to estimate an abnormal route (a route including the location where the abnormality occurs) for an abnormal terminal instrument (an instrument confirmed to be abnormal). Specifically, when a normal terminal instrument (such as a normal valve) and an abnormal terminal instrument (such as an abnormal valve) in the piping system 2 are specified, it is possible to estimate a normal route for a normal terminal instrument (an instrument confirmed to be normal) and an abnormal route for the abnormal terminal instrument based on the hierarchical information of the piping data 200.

Figure 23 shows a situation in which, of the terminal instruments (valves) V1 to V8, valves V5 and V7 are abnormal terminal instruments, valve V6 is a normal terminal instrument, and the other valves V1 to V4 and V8 are instruments of unknown status (instruments whose normal or unnormal status is unknown). More specifically, it is known that, for example, water is not coming out of valves V5 and V7 (an abnormality has occurred) and water is being supplied normally from valve V6. In this case, the path from joint CAA via joint CAB to valve V5 and the path from joint CAB via joint CABt1 to valve V7 are estimated to be abnormal paths (more specifically, paths that may have an abnormality occurring).

Specifically, the piping data management system 1 first acquires designation information for normal terminal instruments (normal valves, etc.) and abnormal terminal instruments in the piping system 2. For example, the designation information is acquired (accepted) by input by an operator (designation input of an abnormal instrument, etc., using the instrument status input screen). More specifically, valves V5 and V7 are designated as abnormal instruments, and valve V6 is designated as a normal instrument.

Next, the piping data management system 1 estimates normal routes for normal terminal devices based on the hierarchical information of the piping data 200, and estimates abnormal routes for abnormal terminal devices (from routes other than the normal routes).

Specifically, first, a normal route is estimated based on information about normal terminal devices. Because valve V6 is a normal device, the route from start point SP to valve V6 is estimated to be the normal route. More specifically, based on piping data 200, the route from valve V6 to the higher-ranking side (higher-ordering side) within the same hierarchy and to the higher hierarchy side is identified as the normal route.

In detail, first, based on the data table 240a (data table including valve V6) for the branch CAAt in the fourth hierarchical data 240 (see FIG. 11), it is determined that the route from valve V6 to branch point CAA is a normal route. In detail, in the data table 240a, the route from CAAt4 (=V6) at the bottom level via CAAt3 to CAAt1 back to CAAt0 (=CAA) at the top level is determined to be normal.

Next, based on the data table 230b (upstream data table including the branch point CAA) for the branch CAt in the third hierarchical data 230 (see FIG. 10), the route from the branch point CAA to the upstream joint CA, among the third level routes (branch CAt) which are the parent hierarchical routes (one level higher) of the branch CAat, is determined to be a normal route. In detail, in the data table 230b, the route from the third tier CAA from the bottom via CAt1 and returning to the top tier CAt0 (=CA) is determined to be normal.

Furthermore, based on the data table 220c (upstream data table including branch point CA) for the branch Ct in the second hierarchical data 220 (see FIG. 9), the second level route (branch Ct), which is the parent hierarchical route of the branch CAt, is also determined to be a normal route from branch point CA to the joint C upstream of the branch point CA.

Finally, based on the first hierarchical data 210 (see FIG. 8) (data table of the upstream (main) stream including branch point C), the route from branch point C to the upstream start point SP of the first level route (main) that is the parent hierarchical route of the branch Ct is also determined to be a normal route.

In this way, the route from valve V6 via branch points CAA, CA, and C to (return from) starting point SP (see FIG. 5, etc.) is determined to be the normal route. At this time, each branch point CAA, CA, and C is determined to be a normal point (also simply referred to as a "normal point") at least up to the branch point (up to the route upstream of the branch point), and the determination result is recorded. For example, each data record of the piping data 200 may further be provided with a flag column indicating whether or not the point is normal. Then, the data "1" (on = normal) is assigned to the flag column of the branch point (specifically, the data record) that is determined to be a normal point, and the data "0" (off) is assigned to the flag column of the other branch points.

In addition, if there are other normal terminal devices, the route from the other normal terminal devices to the start point SP is identified as the normal route in a similar manner based on the information of the other normal terminal devices and the piping data 200.

Then, the abnormal route is estimated based on the information from the abnormal terminal device.

First, the abnormal path estimation process for valve V5 is performed.

Because valve V5 is an abnormal terminal device, it is presumed that an abnormality has occurred on one of the paths returning from valve V5 to the upstream side (the higher-ranking side and/or the higher hierarchy side). However, it is presumed that no abnormality has occurred on the normal paths among the paths upstream of the abnormal terminal device. In other words, the above-mentioned normal path is excluded (from the abnormal path) and the abnormal path is presumed. The abnormal path estimation process is performed using the piping data 200. Specifically, a "normal point" (described above) is searched for while returning upstream from the abnormal terminal device, and the path from the normal point reached (by the search) to the abnormal terminal device (this time heading in the opposite direction downstream) is presumed to be the abnormal path.

In detail, first, based on the data table 230b for the branch CAt in the third hierarchical data 230 (see FIG. 10), it is determined that the branch point immediately before (the branch point immediately above) valve V5 is branch point CAB. It is determined that branch point CAB is not determined to be a normal point (based on the flag field (=OFF) of branch point CAB), and the process goes back further upstream from branch point CAB. Specifically, based on the same data table 230b, it is determined that the branch point immediately before branch point CAB is branch point CAA. In the normal route determination process described above, it is determined that branch point CAA is a normal point (the route returning from branch point CAA to the upper side is a normal route). Based on this, the route from branch point CAA via branch point CAB to valve V5 is estimated to be an abnormal route.

Next, the abnormal path estimation process for valve V7 is performed.

Similarly, since valve V7 is an abnormal terminal device, normal paths are excluded from the paths returning upstream from valve V7, and an abnormal path is estimated. Specifically, a "normal point" (described above) is searched for while returning upstream from valve V7, and the path from the normal point reached to the abnormal terminal device is estimated as the abnormal path. In detail, a search process for normal points is performed based on data tables 240b and 230b, and a path from valve V7 via branch point CAB to normal point CAA is searched for. Based on the search results, the path from branch point CAA (normal point) via branch point CAB (and non-branch joint CABt1) to valve V7 is estimated as the abnormal path.

Then, on the screen 300, the path (particularly the pipe) from branch point CAA via branch point CAB to valve V5 and the path (particularly the pipe) from branch point CAA via branch point CAB to valve V7 are drawn (highlighted (e.g., hatched)) as abnormal paths (see FIG. 23). Although not shown in FIG. 23, normal paths may also be highlighted in other types of manners. Note that the highlighting of abnormal paths (and normal paths) may be done in various manners similar to the highlighting of paths within the affected range (described above).

This type of processing makes it possible to determine normal routes for normal terminal devices based on the hierarchical information of the piping data 200, and to accurately estimate abnormal routes for abnormal terminal devices based on information about the normal routes (information about normal points). In addition, abnormal routes, etc. related to the determination results are drawn on the piping layout diagram, allowing the operator to easily grasp abnormal routes, etc.

9. Effects of the embodiment
As described above, the piping data management system 1 manages the data of the piping system 2 by recording in a data table the piping data 200 including type information (such as "T" or "L"), pipe diameter information, position information, and hierarchical information of each joint (pipe joint) in the piping system 2. This makes it possible to manage the piping routes of the piping system 2 relatively easily.

In conventional CAD systems, operations to change CAD data require operations such as drawing a line diagram on the screen. However, in environments such as construction sites, it is not easy to execute operations to change CAD data (operations to change a line diagram). Due to such circumstances, changes to piping routes may not be reflected in the CAD data.

On the other hand, in the above embodiment, the piping system 2 is managed by the piping data 200 expressed in a relatively simple data table (in short, in a tabular format). Therefore, it is possible to manage the piping route of the piping system 2 relatively easily. For example, when changing the piping route, it is not necessary to operate a CAD system on-site (redraw the drawing by operating CAD software). Since the change operation on the piping data 200 can be performed relatively easily, the change operation of the piping data 200 can be easily performed even at a construction site. For example, even when the piping route is changed on-site, the change operation of the piping data 200 can be easily performed on-site. Therefore, the change of the piping route is easily reflected appropriately in the piping data 200. In turn, the data of the piping system 2 is easily managed appropriately.

In addition, according to the piping data management system 1 of this embodiment, it is possible to manage the data (piping data) of the piping system 2 with a data table having a simple configuration. Therefore, it is possible to manage the data of the piping system relatively easily (easier than a conventional CAD system). For example, the piping data 200 has a small size compared to CAD data, and is therefore easy to handle. In addition, a device (computer) for running software that changes the CAD data requires relatively high CPU performance and drawing performance. In contrast, a device for running an application program that changes the piping data 200 does not require such high CPU performance (a device with lower hardware performance than a CAD system is sufficient). For example, the program (application program that changes the piping data 200) can be operated smoothly even on a smartphone or tablet terminal.

In addition, it is possible to more easily manage the piping route of the piping system compared to understanding the piping route of the piping system 2 based only on a line-drawn piping layout diagram (e.g., CAD drawing).

In particular, in the past, a manager (human) would understand the hierarchical structure of a piping system by looking at a drawing drawn by CAD (CAD drawing). Specifically, the manager (human) had to construct the hierarchical structure of the piping system 2 in his or her mind while looking at a piping layout drawing and sequentially tracing the joints (and pipes).

In contrast, according to the above embodiment, the piping data 200 includes hierarchical information (hierarchical symbols) for each joint in the piping system 2. In other words, the piping data 200 is digitized including the hierarchical structure of the piping routes of the piping system 2. The hierarchical information (hierarchical symbols) makes it possible to easily grasp the hierarchical structure of the piping system 2. Therefore, by using the piping data 200, managers and the like can easily grasp the hierarchical structure of the piping system 2 and manage the piping system 2.

In particular, by using the above-mentioned piping data 200, partial changes to the piping route (changing the position of a joint, adding and/or deleting a joint, etc.) can be easily realized. If a piping route is drawn using only a CAD system, the operations required to change the route are cumbersome. On the other hand, by using the above-mentioned piping data 200, it is possible to change the piping route relatively easily. Such changes to the piping route can be easily made during the construction and/or design of a new building, etc. Furthermore, they can also be easily made when renewing the piping route or during maintenance, etc.

In addition, the hierarchical information of each joint is coded. This makes it easy to understand the hierarchical structure of each joint.

In particular, the hierarchical information for each joint expresses the hierarchical level as the number of symbol sets (symbol sets represented by a single alphabet in the above embodiment) (simply put, the number of alphabets). This makes it easy to grasp the hierarchical level of each joint.

Each symbol set indicates branching points in the flow of each layer. In particular, the order of the alphabet in each symbol set expresses the order of branching joints in the same layer (ith layer). For example, the first (i=1) letter "C" in the two-letter alphabet (symbol set) "CA" means the third branching point in the first layer (i=1). The second (i=2) letter "A" following the letter "C" means the first branching point in the lower layer (second layer (i=2)) branched from the branching point C. Therefore, it is possible to easily grasp the route to a certain joint (which branching point is passed through to reach the certain joint).

Furthermore, branch joints are given a hierarchy symbol consisting only of letters, while non-branch joints are given a hierarchy symbol with a number (auxiliary symbol) at the end. Therefore, it is possible to easily distinguish between branch joints and non-branch joints.

10. Modifications, etc.
Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described contents.

<Display device for piping layout diagram based on piping data 200>
For example, in the above embodiment, the manner in which a piping layout diagram is drawn (displayed) based on the piping data 200 in the management device 10 has been described, but this is not limited to the above, and a piping layout diagram may be drawn (displayed) based on the piping data 200 in the management server 30.

<Conversion of piping data 200 to CAD data, etc.>
In the above embodiment, the piping layout diagram is displayed (directly) based on the piping data 200, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the piping data 200 may be converted into CAD data, and a piping layout diagram (CAD drawing) may be drawn based on the converted CAD data. In other words, the piping data 200 may be converted into data (CAD data) that can be read by a CAD system and that is used to draw each joint and a path connecting the joints in the CAD system. Then, a piping layout diagram (CAD drawing) based on the (converted) CAD data may be drawn (displayed) in the CAD system.

For example, the management device 10 may convert the piping data 200 into CAD data. In particular, the controller 11 may function as a data conversion unit that executes data conversion processing between the piping data 200 and CAD data. Here, it is assumed that in the management device 10, each fitting included in the piping data 200 is registered as a part image (grouped (unitized) as a collection of line drawings) by type.

Specifically, the management device 10 generates CAD data for drawing the following line diagrams, etc., based on the piping data 200. First, the management device 10 acquires type information of a certain joint (a joint of interest) based on the piping data 200, and identifies a part image of the joint corresponding to the type information (for example, a part image of an "elbow"). Then, in the generated CAD data (CAD drawing), the part image (a collection of line diagrams) of the joint is placed at a position according to the position information of the joint. The orientation of the joint (the orientation of the part image) may be determined (adjusted) according to the extension direction of the pipe connected to the joint. In addition, based on the position information of the joint and the pipe diameter information of the joint, a line segment (two line segments spaced apart according to the pipe diameter of the joint, etc.) representing the pipe connected to the joint is placed at an appropriate position. In the same manner, a plurality of joints, etc. (a plurality of joints and a plurality of pipes belonging to a plurality of hierarchies) included in the piping data 200 are drawn (towards the lower order side for each hierarchical level). CAD data for drawing such diagrams etc. is generated by converting the piping data 200.

In this way, after the management device 10 executes the process of generating CAD data based on the piping data 200 (the process of converting to CAD data), the converted CAD data is transmitted from the management device 10 to the management server 30 via the communication network. In response, the management server 30 receives (acquires) the CAD data based on the piping data 200.

Then, the management server 30 visualizes and displays a drawing based on the CAD data (CAD drawing). In detail, the management server 30 draws each joint and the paths connecting each joint, etc., using a CAD system.

By performing the above-described processing, the piping system 2 can be easily managed at the site, etc., using the piping data 200, and if necessary, a CAD drawing converted from the piping data 200 can be displayed in the CAD system.

The conversion process to CAD data may be performed by the management device 10 (controller 11, etc.) as described above, but is not limited to this and may be performed, for example, by the management server 30 (controller 31, etc.). In other words, the controller 31 may function as a data conversion unit that performs data conversion processing between the piping data 200 and the CAD data. Specifically, the original piping data 200 is transmitted from the management device 10 to the management server 30 via a communication network, and the management server 30 acquires the piping data 200. Thereafter, the management server 30 may perform a generation process (conversion process to CAD data) of CAD data (data for a CAD system) based on the piping data 200.

<Generation process of piping data 200 (generation process using CAD system)>
In the above embodiment, the piping data 200 is generated in response to an operation input by an operator, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the piping data 200 may be generated based on a CAD drawing (CAD data) depicting the piping system 2.

Here, it is assumed that software (data conversion software) that generates piping data 200 from CAD data is installed as add-in software (function expansion software) for the CAD software in the management server 30. If position information for each joint has already been entered and exists in the CAD data, the position information for each joint in the CAD data is used. Data that does not exist in the CAD data (for example, joint type information and connection information, etc.) is additionally entered by the operator using the above-mentioned function expansion software.

In detail, the function extension software can obtain connection information for each joint by performing an operation such as tracing each flow (main flow or each branch flow) from its starting point to its end point.

Specifically, the operator first selects "Input Main Stream Information" from the menu. Then, with the CAD drawing of the piping system 2 displayed on the operation screen of the CAD system, the operator clicks with the mouse on the reference points of each joint included in the main stream route (start point, one or more joints (specifically, the reference points of the joints), and end point (terminal end)) in sequence according to the order in which the fluid passes on the route. This allows information on multiple points belonging to the main stream (start point, intermediate point (reference point of the joint), end point (valve, etc.)). More specifically, the function extension software obtains information on which points (joints, etc.) belong to the main stream, information on the order of the multiple points belonging to the main stream, and position information of each joint. Furthermore, the operator inputs information on the type of joint and pipe diameter information as detailed information on each point. The management server 30 automatically generates hierarchical information for each joint in the main route based on this information (information on the start point, intermediate points, and end point of the main route, as well as type information for each point (joint) in the main route, etc.).

Next, the operator selects "Diversion information input" from the menu, and then performs the same operations as above. Specifically, the operator clicks on the reference points of each fitting included in one diversion path (start point (branch fitting), one or more fittings (specifically, fitting reference points), and end point (terminal end)) in sequence according to the order in which the fluid passes on the path. This allows information on multiple points belonging to that one diversion (start point, intermediate point (fitting reference point), end point (valve, etc.)). More specifically, the function extension software obtains information on which points (fittings, etc.) belong to that one diversion path, information on the order of the multiple points belonging to that one diversion path, and position information of each fitting. Furthermore, the operator inputs fitting type information and pipe diameter information as detailed information for each point. The management server 30 automatically generates hierarchical information for each joint in the one branch route based on this information (information on the start point, intermediate points, and end point of the one branch route, as well as type information for each point (joint) in the one branch route, etc.).

Operator operations and management server 30 processing are performed in a similar manner for other branch paths.

In this way, the type information, pipe diameter information, position information, and hierarchical information of each fitting in the main stream and all tributaries are acquired by the management server 30 (its function expansion software).Then, the management server 30 generates the piping data 200 based on the acquired information.

In this manner, the piping data 200 may be generated based on the CAD drawing (CAD data) depicting the piping system 2. The generated piping data 200 may be used in the management device 10 and the management server 30.

In addition, the pipe diameter information of the fitting (pipe diameter information of the piping data 200) may be obtained based on CAD data instead of being input by the operator. Specifically, the pipe diameter information of the piping data 200 may be obtained based on the width (pipe diameter) of the pipe drawn in the CAD data (CAD drawing).

In addition, when inputting the type information of the joint, only the branch joint among multiple branch joints may be designated as a "branch joint (tee)" (joints that are not designated may be determined to be non-branch joints).

Alternatively, if the CAD data already has fitting type information, the type information contained in the CAD data may be directly acquired as the type information of the piping data 200.

The positional relationship of each fitting in the CAD data may also be automatically read, and a hierarchical structure may be automatically generated. For example, the piping data 200 may be generated by using the position information, type information, and pipe diameter information of each fitting contained in the CAD data, and automatically acquiring (generating) the connection information of each fitting (the mutual positional relationship between multiple fittings) as follows.

In detail, it is determined that there is a route that passes through non-branching joints (elbows, sockets) in sequence in the direction in which the pipe extends or bends, from the start point of the flow at the same level (the start point of the main flow or branch flow (first the start point SP of the main flow)) until a branching joint (tee) appears. In other words, until a branching joint appears, a route is basically formed that connects joints (non-branching joints) in sequence, and a data table (piping data 200) representing that route is generated. As for the hierarchical information, it is sufficient to generate (assign) hierarchical symbols within the same hierarchical route in the same manner as above.

When a path branches at a branch joint, the path (flow) going further straight from the branch joint (towards the next joint along the direction connecting the branch joint and its immediately preceding joint) is automatically determined to be a same-level path (flow at the same level as the immediately preceding joint's belonging level). Then, the next joint (of the branch joint) in the same-level path is determined to be the next-ranked joint in the same hierarchy. On the other hand, the path (flow) going in a non-straight direction (for example, an orthogonal direction perpendicular to the direction connecting the branch joint and its immediately preceding joint) that branches off from the branch joint is automatically determined to be a lower-level path (flow at one level lower than the immediately preceding joint's belonging level). Then, the next joint (of the branch joint) in the lower-level path is determined to be the next-ranked joint in the lower hierarchy. In this way, based on the positional relationship of each joint in the CAD data, connection information of each joint in the piping data 200 is obtained.

Furthermore, based on such a determination result (connection information of each joint), hierarchical information for each joint is generated. For example, hierarchical information (hierarchical symbols) similar to the above may be assigned. In detail, different numbers of symbol sets (alphabet letters) may be assigned to joints in different hierarchical levels, and alphabets (and numbers) (within one symbol set) indicating ranking within the same hierarchy may be assigned to joints in the same hierarchy.

According to the above-described process, the piping data 200 is generated based on a CAD drawing (CAD data) depicting the piping system 2. As a result, in cases where CAD data already exists, it is not necessary to generate the piping data 200 from scratch, and it is possible to easily generate the piping data 200 by utilizing the existing CAD data. As a result, it is possible to facilitate management using the piping data 200.

<Hierarchy symbol>
In the above embodiment, "t" is given as a symbol representing the 0th branch point in the branch, but this is not limited thereto. For example, "A" may be given as a symbol representing the 0th branch point in the branch (see FIG. 24). In detail, "At" in the above embodiment may be changed to "AA", "Bt" may be changed to "BA", and "BA" may be changed to "BB". In addition, another symbol (for example, "#") may be used instead of "t" as a symbol representing the branch. For example, the branch At may be expressed as the branch "A#". In addition, "A" may be given as a symbol representing the 0th branch point in the main stream.

In addition, in the above embodiment, a symbol set with one alphabetical character as a unit (such as "B", "CB", "At", "CAB", etc.) is used, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a symbol set with two alphabetical characters, specifically a combination of an uppercase letter and a lowercase letter (such as "Ba", "Cf", "Az", etc.), may be used. Specifically, after the 26 characters Aa, Ba, Ca to Za are sequentially assigned, Ab, Bb, Cb to Zb, Ac to Zc, ..., As to Zs, At to Zt, Au to Zu, ..., Az to Zz may be sequentially assigned. The rank number of the first character (uppercase alphabet) represents the zeroth power of 26 in base 26, and the rank number of the second character (lowercase alphabet) (more precisely, the alphabetical rank number - 1) represents the first power of 26 in base 26. In this case, a different symbol (e.g., "#") can be used instead of "t" to represent the branch.

For example, "Cf7", "CfAcBa8", etc. can be assigned as the hierarchy symbols for the joints.

"Cf7" is composed of one symbol set ("Cf") combined with the auxiliary symbol "7". This "Cf" indicates the 133rd (=26*5+3) branch joint (branch point) (Cf) in the first level path, and "Cf7" indicates that it is the seventh non-branch joint from the branch joint Cf in the first level path.

Similarly, "CfAcBa8" is composed of three symbol sets ("Cf" + "Ac" + "Ba") and the auxiliary symbol "8"). "CfAc" indicates the 53rd (=26*2+1) (Ac) branch joint (branch point) in the "second level path" (Cf#) branched from the 133rd branch point Cf in the first level path. "CfAcBa" indicates the second (Ba) branch joint (branch point) in the "third level path" (CfAc#) branched from the branch joint CfAc. "CfAcBa8" indicates that it is the 8th non-branch joint from the branch joint CfAcBa in the third level path (CfAca#). In this case, the number of symbol sets also represents the hierarchical level, and the order in each symbol set (the order of the combination of two letters) represents the order in the same hierarchy.

A symbol set that uses one alphabetic character as a unit can accommodate a maximum of 26 branching points, whereas a symbol set that uses two alphabetic characters as a unit can accommodate many more branching points (for example, 676 characters = 26 x 26).

Furthermore, a symbol set with a unit of a predetermined number of three or more alphabetic characters may be used.

In addition, when a symbol set is used that uses combinations of uppercase and lowercase letters (such as "Ba", "Cf", and "Az"), first, uppercase letters (A-Z) may be added in sequence, and then combinations of uppercase and lowercase letters (Aa-Za, Ab-Zb, ..., Zz) may be added in sequence. In other words, the symbol set may be such that the first through twenty-sixth characters are represented by one alphabetical character, and the twenty-seventh character and onward are represented by two alphabetical characters (Aa-Za, Ab-Zb, ..., Zz). Furthermore, the symbol set may be such that the third character and onward are added in sequence ("A"-"Z", "Aa"-"Zz", "Aaa-Zzz").

In the above embodiment, the branch joint (branch point) is given an "alphabet" at the end of the hierarchy symbol, and the non-branch joint (non-branch point) is given a "number" at the end of the hierarchy symbol, but this is not limited to the above. For example, the hierarchy symbol may be a symbol in which a number is given to joints in the same hierarchy (whether they are branch joints or non-branch joints) to indicate their order (order) from the upstream. This makes it easy to understand the order in the same hierarchy. In addition, for branch joints, an "alphabet" that indicates that they are branch joints and distinguishes branch joints in the same hierarchy from each other may be given immediately after the number. In other words, the symbol set may be composed of numbers (only numbers) or a combination of numbers and letters.

For example, as shown in FIG. 25, the joints in the first level path may be assigned hierarchical symbols such as "1A", "2", "3", "4B", "5", "6C", .... The alphabet at the end indicates that it is a branch point (branch joint) (and the order of branch joints in the same hierarchy). Similarly, the joints in the second level path may be assigned hierarchical symbols such as "1A1", "1A2", "1A3", ..., "4B1", "4B2", "4B3A", ..., "6C1", "6C2", "6C3A", .... The joints in the third level path may be assigned hierarchical symbols such as "4B3A1", "4B3A2", ..., "6C3A1", "6C3A2A", .... In this case, the number of numbers represents the number of symbol sets (and thus the hierarchical level). For example, "4B1" (number of digits = 2) represents the second level, and "6C5B1" (number of digits = 3) represents the third level.

In this way, the hierarchical information may be symbolized using a single or multiple symbol sets comprising numbers (and letters). In this case, too, the number of symbol sets (symbol sets comprising at least one of numbers and letters) represents the hierarchical level. Furthermore, the ranking within each symbol set represents the ranking within the same hierarchy. More specifically, the ranking of the numbers within each symbol set (e.g., 1, 2, 3, ...) represents the ranking of the joints within the same hierarchy, and the ranking of the alphabets (letter ranking) within each symbol set represents the ranking of the branch joints within the same hierarchy.

With this kind of representation, the rank (order) of each joint in the same route can be easily understood by the "number", especially when there are many joints in the same route. For example, the hierarchy symbol "156G" can be easily understood to mean the 156th joint in the main stream (and the 7th branch joint in the main stream).

It is possible to express hierarchical information using only the alphabet, with the numbers (except for the last one) removed from the hierarchical symbol (see FIG. 25) in the modified example. For example, "CAA", with the numbers removed from "6C3A2A", represents the first branch point ("A") of a specific third level route (CA#). The specific third level route CA# is a route that branches at point A in a second level route (C), which branches at point C in a first level route. Also, "CAA3", with the numbers removed from "6C3A2A3", means the third joint of a fourth level route (CAA#) that branches from the first branch point ("A" (=CAA)) in a specific third level route (CA#). In this case, the total value of the number of alphabets and the number of numbers (the number of symbol sets consisting of either alphabets or numbers) represents the number of symbol sets (and thus the hierarchical level). For example, "CAA" (the sum = 3) represents the third level, and "CAA3" (the sum = 4) represents the fourth level.

In addition, although the symbol sets in the above embodiment (see FIG. 5, etc.) are primarily represented by alphabets (letters) and the auxiliary symbols are represented by numbers, this is not limiting. For example, conversely, the symbol sets may be primarily represented by numbers and the auxiliary symbols may be represented by alphabets (letters). When multiple symbol sets are consecutive (as a combination of numbers), a separator (such as "/" or "-") may be provided between the multiple symbol sets (multiple numbers). For example, "CBt1" in the above embodiment (FIG. 5) may be expressed as "3-2-0A".

In addition, in each of the above embodiments, the characters in the symbol set are not limited to the alphabet, but may be Greek letters, Hiragana, Katakana, etc. Furthermore, the numbers in the symbol set are not limited to Arabic numerals, but may be Roman numerals, Chinese numerals, etc.

＜Other＞
In the above embodiment and the like, information on the joint "immediately before" each of the joints is acquired as the connection order between adjacent joints, but this is not limited to this. For example, information on the joint "immediately after" each of the joints may be acquired as (information on) the connection order between adjacent joints.

In the above embodiment, the pipe diameter information is also recorded in the piping data 200. By using the pipe diameter information in the piping data 200, it is possible to appropriately manage the diameter of the pipe to be used in the piping. For example, based on the position information and pipe diameter information of each joint in the piping data 200, it is possible to appropriately calculate the length and pipe diameter of the pipe connecting each joint to the joint to which it is connected, and it is also possible to appropriately draw the pipe diameter in the piping layout diagram. However, this is not limited to this, and in cases where management of the pipe diameter is not required (for example, when only the position of the piping route is to be known), the piping data 200 does not need to have pipe diameter information.

In addition, in cases where pipe diameter information is not required, information on pipe diameter changing joints that are not branch joints (such as reduced diameter sockets (and reduced diameter elbows)) is not necessarily required.

In the above embodiments, the piping system 2 has been mainly described as a water supply piping system, but is not limited to this. For example, the piping system 2 may be a drainage piping system, an air conditioning piping system, or a gas piping system. The fluid flowing through the piping may be a liquid other than water (oil, etc.), or may be a gas such as gas.

In the above embodiments, the main stream gradually branches into a branch (from a higher level to a lower level) in a water supply piping system, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a tributary may gradually merge into a main stream (from a lower level to a higher level) in a drainage piping system. In this case, the direction of the fluid flow is reversed, but the same idea as above can be applied to the hierarchical information, etc.

In the above embodiment, the piping data management system 1 is configured to include a management device 10 and a management server 30, but is not limited to this. For example, the management device 10 may include the various functions of the management server 30 described above, and the piping data management system 1 may be configured by only the management device 10.

1 Piping data management system 2 Piping system 3 Pipe
5, 501 Joint 10 Management device 30 Management server 200 Piping data 320 Dialog 330 Sub-dialog SP Start point V1 to V8 Valve

Claims (22)

A control means for managing data of the piping system by recording piping data including type information, position information, and hierarchical information of each joint in the piping system in a data table;
Equipped with
A piping data management system characterized in that the hierarchical information is information that enables a fitting on a route before branching by a branch fitting to be distinguished from a fitting on a route after branching by the branch fitting as fittings belonging to routes of different hierarchical levels, the information being symbolized using a single or multiple symbol sets, and the number of symbol sets representing the hierarchical level . In the piping data management system according to claim 1 ,
A piping data management system characterized in that the hierarchical information is symbolized using a single or multiple symbol sets composed of characters, and the order of characters in each symbol set represents the order of branch fittings within the same hierarchy. In the piping data management system according to claim 2 ,
A piping data management system characterized in that the hierarchical information of a non-branched fitting is symbolized by adding an auxiliary symbol composed of a different type of symbol from the characters used in the symbol set to the hierarchical information of the branch fitting immediately preceding the non-branched fitting, and the information represents the order from the immediately preceding branch fitting by the order of the auxiliary symbols. In the piping data management system according to claim 1 ,
A piping data management system characterized in that the hierarchical information is symbolized using a single or multiple symbol sets composed of numbers, and the ranking of the numbers in each symbol set represents the ranking of fittings within the same hierarchy. In the piping data management system according to claim 1,
an acquisition means for acquiring the type information and the position information of each of the joints, and connection information indicating a connection relationship of each of the joints;
Further equipped with
a piping data management system characterized in that the control means generates the hierarchical information based on the connection information and the type information of each of the fittings, and records the hierarchical information, the type information, and the position information in the data table. 6. The piping data management system according to claim 5 ,
A piping data management system characterized in that the control means determines whether each of the fittings is a branch fitting and whether the fitting immediately preceding each of the fittings belongs to the same hierarchy as each of the fittings based on the type information and the connection information, and generates the hierarchical information of each of the fittings in accordance with the determination result. 6. The piping data management system according to claim 5 ,
A piping data management system characterized in that the acquisition means acquires the position information of each of the joints in the piping data based on the position of each of the joints in the CAD data of the piping system, and acquires the connection information of each of the joints based on the positional relationship of each of the joints in the CAD data. In the piping data management system according to claim 1,
A piping data management system characterized in that, when one of a plurality of fittings included in the piping system is specified, the control means identifies a piping route in the piping system based on the hierarchical information, the piping route including a fitting lower in rank within the hierarchy to which the specified fitting belongs, and a fitting lower in rank than the specified fitting. In the piping data management system according to claim 1,
A piping data management system characterized in that, when the location of a fault in the piping system is known, the control means identifies, based on the hierarchical information, a piping route that includes a joint on a lower level in the hierarchy to which the fault location belongs and a joint on a lower level than the fault location, as a route within the affected range. In the piping data management system according to claim 1,
A piping data management system characterized in that, when normal terminal instruments and abnormal terminal instruments in the piping system are specified, the control means estimates a normal route for the normal terminal instrument based on the hierarchical information, and also estimates an abnormal route for the abnormal terminal instrument based on the normal route. a) a step in which a computer records piping data including type information, position information, and hierarchical information of each joint in a piping system in a data table;
Equipped with
A piping data management method characterized in that the hierarchical information is information that enables a fitting on a route before branching by a branch fitting to be distinguished from a fitting on a route after branching by the branch fitting as fittings belonging to routes of different hierarchical levels, is symbolized using a single or multiple symbol sets, and the number of symbol sets represents the hierarchical level . The piping data management method according to claim 11 ,
A piping data management method characterized in that the hierarchical information is symbolized using a single or multiple symbol sets composed of characters, and the order of characters in each symbol set represents the order of branch fittings within the same hierarchy. The piping data management method according to claim 12 ,
A piping data management method characterized in that the hierarchical information of a non-branched fitting is symbolized by adding an auxiliary symbol composed of a different type of symbol from the characters used in the symbol set to the hierarchical information of the branch fitting immediately preceding the non-branched fitting, and the information represents the order from the immediately preceding branch fitting by the order of the auxiliary symbols. The piping data management method according to claim 11 ,
A piping data management method characterized in that the hierarchical information is symbolized using a single or multiple symbol sets composed of numbers, and the ranking of fittings within the same hierarchy is expressed by the ranking of numbers in each symbol set. The piping data management method according to claim 11 ,
b) a step in which a computer acquires the type information and the position information of each of the joints, and connection information indicating a connection relationship of each of the joints;
Further equipped with
The step a) comprises:
a-1) a step in which a computer generates the hierarchical information based on the connection information and the type information of each of the joints;
a-2) a step in which a computer records the hierarchical information, the type information, and the position information in the data table;
A piping data management method comprising: The piping data management method according to claim 15 ,
In the step a-1), it is determined based on the type information and the connection information whether each of the joints is a branch joint and whether a joint immediately preceding each of the joints belongs to the same hierarchical level as each of the joints, and the hierarchical information of each of the joints is generated according to a result of the determination. The piping data management method according to claim 15 ,
The step b) comprises:
b-1) a step in which a computer acquires the position information of each of the joints in the piping data based on a position of each of the joints in CAD data of the piping system;
b-2) a step in which a computer acquires the connection information of each of the joints based on a positional relationship of each of the joints in the CAD data;
A piping data management method comprising: The piping data management method according to claim 11 ,
c) when one of a plurality of fittings included in the piping system is designated, a piping route including a fitting lower in rank within a hierarchy to which the designated fitting belongs, and a fitting lower in rank than the designated fitting, is specified in the piping system based on the hierarchical information by the computer ;
The piping data management method further comprising: The piping data management method according to claim 11 ,
d) when the fault location in the piping system is known, the computer identifies a piping route including a joint on a lower level in the hierarchy to which the fault location belongs and a joint on a lower level than the fault location as a route within an affected range based on the hierarchical information;
The piping data management method further comprising: The piping data management method according to claim 11 ,
e) receiving , by a computer, designation of normal and abnormal terminal devices in the piping system;
f) estimating a normal route for the normal terminal device based on the hierarchical information, and estimating an abnormal route for the abnormal terminal device based on the normal route by the computer;
The piping data management method further comprising: a) acquiring piping data including type information, position information, and hierarchical information of each joint in a piping system by a computer ;
b) a step in which a computer converts the piping data into data for a CAD system and draws each of the joints and a path connecting the joints in the CAD system;
Equipped with
A piping data management method characterized in that the hierarchical information is information that enables a fitting on a route before branching by a branch fitting to be distinguished from a fitting on a route after branching by the branch fitting as fittings belonging to routes of different hierarchical levels, is symbolized using a single or multiple symbol sets, and the number of symbol sets represents the hierarchical level . A program for causing a computer to execute the piping data management method according to any one of claims 11 to 21 .

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