JP2007218740A - Liquid level sensor device, concrete product, and submergence state detection system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a technology capable of detecting a liquid level with a smaller power consumption than a conventional constitution. <P>SOLUTION: This liquid level sensor device for detecting the liquid level includes sensor units comprising a plurality of sensor units arranged respectively on each height determined beforehand, and having each unit circuit wherein an impedance is changed when the liquid level reaches each sensor unit; a circuit formed by connecting the plurality of unit circuits carried by the plurality of sensor units to an internal power source; and the first detection means for detecting the liquid level based on a current flowing in the circuit or on a circuit voltage, changing corresponding to the impedance change. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a liquid level sensor device that can be installed outdoors and can appropriately measure the level of water flooded due to water damage, a concrete product incorporating the liquid level sensor device, and a flooded state detection using the liquid level sensor device About the system.

  Due to the rainy season front, typhoon, cumulonimbus development, etc., a large amount of rain may occur in a short time, causing flooding and flooding. In such floods, drainage does not catch up with the increase of surface water in urban areas and the vicinity, such as the flooding of rivers caused by abnormally increased river flow and river water crossing the levee or breaching the levee. Or, there is inland flooding where drainage is hindered by river increase or storm surge, and sewage and irrigation canals overflow. Flood damage from outside water flooding or inland water flooding can be enormous, so river water, ground water, sewage, irrigation water, etc. to prevent flood damage or to minimize damage from flood damage When damage such as water level or inundation occurs, it is important to monitor the damage status. In particular, since inland flooding occurs locally in a short time, simple inundation detection and rapid transmission of detection information are important for evacuation and damage reduction of residents, and social needs are increasing.

  Conventionally, a water level (liquid level) sensor for measuring a water level (liquid level) of a river or a tank is known. As a water level sensor, an ultrasonic method, a method based on image processing, a method using an optical system combining an optical fiber, LED, and a light receiver, a pressure sensing method using a differential pressure water level gauge, MEMS, etc., electrical conduction between electrodes There are a method based on the degree and a method using a float switch.

Also, a system is known in which these water level sensors are installed at many outdoor locations, and the water level at a predetermined point is detected based on the water level measured by the water level sensor. Patent Document 1 includes at least one water level monitoring device (water level sensor) installed in a water collector at an unspecified location in a city gas conduit, and an information management device for managing information on the water level monitoring result by the device. A water level monitoring system is disclosed. Patent Document 2 discloses a groundwater level monitoring system in which water level gauges (water level sensors) for measuring a groundwater level are provided at a plurality of locations, and measurement data of the water level meters are transmitted to a monitoring device to monitor changes in the groundwater level. Has been.
JP 2003-194612 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2003-196776

  However, the ultrasonic level, the method based on image processing, the method using the optical system, and the water level sensor based on the pressure sensing method have high power consumption and are difficult to be driven by batteries or solar cells. There was a need to supply. Therefore, when these water level sensors are used outdoors, the location where the water level sensor can be placed is restricted by the environment such as the topography and the power infrastructure, and each water level at the location where the water level sensor is placed is appropriately detected in the event of a flood. It was difficult to construct a system that effectively grasps the inundation situation in the area where the water level sensor is located.

  In addition, the water level sensor by a float type switch or an electrode system consumes less power than these water level sensors. However, although a float-type switch or an electrode-type water level sensor can detect the presence or absence of liquid such as water at a certain point, it cannot precisely measure to what level the liquid level has reached. In addition, although it is possible to detect which sensor the liquid level has reached by providing a plurality of float-type switches and electrode-type water level sensors, the configuration becomes complicated and the fluctuation of the liquid level can be detected efficiently. I couldn't.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and can be used outdoors without the need for an external power supply. For example, when measurement is required such as in the event of a flood, the liquid level (water level, etc.) due to inundation or the like is driven. It is an object of the present invention to provide a technology capable of appropriately and efficiently detecting a device with a small apparatus configuration.

In order to achieve the above object, a liquid level sensor device according to the present invention comprises at least the following configuration. That is, a liquid level sensor device for detecting a liquid level,
A sensor unit comprising a plurality of sensor units respectively arranged at a predetermined height, each having a unit circuit whose impedance changes when the liquid level reaches the sensor unit;
A circuit formed by connecting a plurality of the unit circuits included in the plurality of sensor units and an internal power supply;
Detecting means for detecting the liquid level based on a current or a circuit voltage flowing in the circuit, which changes in accordance with a change in the impedance;
Is provided.

  According to the liquid level sensor device of the present invention, it can be used outdoors without requiring an external power supply, and is driven when measurement is necessary, so that the liquid level such as the water level can be appropriately and efficiently achieved with a small device configuration. Techniques that can be detected can be provided. Therefore, by using this liquid level sensor device, it is possible to effectively grasp the inundation situation at the time of flood damage in an urban area or the like.

  Embodiments according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the constituent elements described in this embodiment are merely examples, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention only to them.

<< First Embodiment >>
In the present embodiment, a liquid level sensor device that detects a liquid level, an inundation status detection system that includes the liquid level sensor device and a host computer, detects an inundation status due to water damage, and the like to detect the inundation status. A concrete product with a liquid level sensor device installed outdoors will be described.

(Inundation status detection system)
First, with reference to FIG. 1, the structure of the inundation condition detection system which concerns on this embodiment is demonstrated. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram exemplarily showing the basic configuration of the inundation status detection system according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the inundation status detection system includes a liquid level sensor device 100, a host computer 200, and a network 300 serving as a communication path for these devices, which will be described later.

  The liquid level sensor device 100 is a liquid (eg, rainwater, muddy water, river water, groundwater, surface water, seawater, snowmelt water, sewage, irrigation water, inundation, etc.) generated by flooding such as flooding of outside water or inland water. It is a device that detects the surface level (water level, etc.). As will be described later, the liquid level sensor device 100 includes a plurality of sensor units respectively arranged at predetermined heights. This sensor unit is a device that detects that the liquid level reaches the sensor unit. In addition, the liquid level sensor device 100 includes a wireless communication antenna for wirelessly communicating information indicating the liquid level detected at the time of flooding to the host computer 200. In addition, the liquid level sensor device 100 is installed at an appropriate outdoor location in order to accurately grasp the inundation situation due to water damage or the like. For example, by installing in roads, intersections, parks, sewers and irrigation canals, river basins where flooding frequently occurs, estuaries where the water level fluctuates due to tides, etc. It will be possible to effectively grasp the inundation situation at the time of flood. In addition, by installing a plurality of liquid level sensor devices 100 in the same water channel (including sewage, irrigation channel, river, etc.), it will be possible to effectively grasp the inundation status of the water channel.

  The host computer 200 is an information processing device that analyzes the flooded state based on information received from the liquid level sensor device 100. The host computer 200 is realized by, for example, a personal computer (PC) or a workstation (WS). The host computer 200 includes a user interface such as an instruction input device that receives an instruction input from the user to the inundation status detection system and a display device that displays an analysis result or the like related to the inundation status.

  The network 300 is a line through which data can be transmitted and received, and can be configured with various device configurations regardless of wired / wireless. For example, wireless communication, LAN (Local Area Network), public line (analog line, ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network), etc.) and WAN (Wide Area Network) in conformity with a specific low power standard “ARIB STD-T67”, A wireless LAN or the like can be used. However, since the liquid level sensor device 100 transmits information indicating the liquid level by a radio signal, the network 300 includes a relay device that can receive a radio signal such as a base station, a radio access point, and a radio antenna.

  The network 300 can be configured by, for example, a plurality of relay devices that automatically form an ad hoc network and perform multi-hop communication. When the network 300 is configured in this way, the host computer 200 can easily collect information on the flooding situation from a wide range of locations without being bothered by the setting of the liquid level sensor device 100 and complicated wiring. It becomes possible. As a communication protocol on the network 300, for example, TCP / IP (Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol) or the like can be adopted. In addition, the network 300 can be configured by a so-called ubiquitous sensor network.

  The configuration of the inundation status detection system illustrated in FIG. 1 is a basic one for explaining the operation and effect of the configuration according to the present embodiment assuming inundation due to flood damage or the like in an urban area or the like. Therefore, when the inundation status detection system is actually used in various scenes, if the host computer 200 can acquire information detected by the liquid level sensor device, there are restrictions on applications, purposes, topography, installation environment, and the like. Various configurations can be made based on conditions. For example, the host computer 200 may directly receive a radio signal from the liquid level sensor device 100 and perform analysis.

(Liquid level sensor device 100)
Next, the configuration of the liquid level sensor device 100 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically showing the main part of the liquid level sensor device 100. The liquid level sensor device 100 is configured by connecting a plurality of sensor units 110 (110a and 110b) and a detection device (first detection means) 160. 2A shows a configuration in which the sensor unit 110 is realized by the float type sensor 110a, and FIG. 2B shows a configuration in which the sensor unit 110 is realized by the electrode type sensor 110b. The configuration shown in FIG. 2 includes four sensor units 110a and 110b, respectively, as an example.

  The sensor unit 110 is a device for detecting that the liquid level has reached the sensor unit 110, and each of the unit circuits 140 (140a, 140b, etc.) whose impedance changes when the liquid level reaches the sensor unit 110, respectively. Have. Providing a unit circuit for each sensor unit 110 is one of the features of the configuration according to the present embodiment, and thus power consumption can be reduced. The configuration of the sensor unit 110 and the unit circuit 140 will be described later. As shown in FIG. 2, the liquid level sensor device 100 includes a plurality of sensor units 110, and each sensor unit 110 is arranged at a predetermined height according to the liquid level to be detected. For this reason, in this embodiment, the structure which has arrange | positioned the sensor unit 110 by the predetermined | prescribed space | interval on the support | pillar 190 extended in a substantially vertical direction is assumed. The support 190 can be made of a material having such a strength that a plurality of parts can be installed. For example, the support 190 can be made of metal, cement, ceramic, reinforced plastic, or the like. Further, it is possible to configure the column 190 with a cylindrical member so that the circuit 150 is installed inside or outside the column 190. However, the sensor unit 110 can be arranged at different heights depending on the application and purpose. The interval between adjacent sensor units 110 determines the measurement accuracy, and the distance between the lowermost sensor unit 110 and the uppermost sensor unit 110 determines the measurement range. For this reason, for example, the distance between the lowermost sensor unit 110 and the uppermost sensor unit 110 is set large (for example, 2 m or more) in a place where the fluctuation of the water level is severe, and the interval between the sensor units 110 is also set large (for example, By setting it to about 0.5 m), it is possible to accurately track and detect severe fluctuations in the water level. For example, in a place where the fluctuation of the water level is gentle, the distance between the lowermost sensor unit 110 and the uppermost sensor unit 110 is set to be small (for example, 1 m or less), and the interval between the sensor units 110 is also made small (for example, By setting it to about 5 cm, it is possible to accurately detect fluctuations in the water level. Thus, by appropriately arranging the sensor unit 110 according to the measurement location, it is possible to effectively detect the inundation situation at the time of flood damage in an urban area or the like.

  In the liquid level sensor device 100, a plurality of unit circuits 140 included in the plurality of sensor units 110 and an internal power source 151 are connected to form a circuit 150 as shown in FIG. The internal power supply 151 is a power source that supplies power to the circuit 150, and can be realized by, for example, a storage battery (battery) that can be operated independently, a solar battery, or the like. As described above, when the internal power supply 151 is realized by a device that can operate independently, the liquid level sensor device 100 can be freely installed outdoors without being restricted by the infrastructure environment such as the laying state of the electric wires.

  The detecting device 160 detects that the liquid level has reached the level of each sensor unit 110 based on the current or circuit voltage flowing through the circuit 150 that changes according to the change in the impedance of the unit circuit 140. It is a device that detects whether or not it exists. As described above, each of the sensor units 110 is disposed at a predetermined height, and the impedance of the unit circuit 140 changes when the liquid level reaches the sensor unit 110. Therefore, depending on which sensor unit 110 the liquid level reaches, the impedance of the circuit 150 changes in a constant manner, and as a result, the current or circuit voltage flowing through the circuit 150 changes in a constant manner. Based on the current or circuit voltage flowing through the circuit, the detection device 160 determines which liquid level (the height based on a certain position, for example, from the road surface) Detects whether it reaches the depth of flood. In the present embodiment, the liquid level is detected based on the current or circuit voltage flowing in the circuit 150. For example, a capacitor is provided in the circuit, and the liquid level is determined based on the same principle depending on the amount of electricity stored in the capacitor. Needless to say, it can be detected. That is, any electrical parameter having an equivalent relationship may be used. As described above, in the configuration according to the present embodiment, the sensor unit 110 and the unit circuit 140 are combined, the unit circuit 140 is connected to configure the circuit 150, and the liquid level is set by the current or circuit voltage flowing through the circuit 150. Therefore, it is possible to detect the fluctuation of the liquid level appropriately and efficiently with a small apparatus configuration.

  The liquid level sensor device 100 preferably includes an antenna (wireless communication means) 170 for wirelessly communicating information indicating the liquid level detected by the detection device 160 to an external device. The antenna can be realized by a device based on a known standard such as a wireless LAN antenna or a mobile phone antenna. The detection device 160 controls the detected information to be transmitted via the antenna 170 together with identification information (location information, position information) for identifying the liquid level sensor device 100. However, the detection device 160 controls to send the detected information only when a preset timing (for example, every hour, every day, etc.) or when a liquid is detected.

(Float type sensor)
Next, a float type sensor 110a, which is a suitable sensor unit 110, will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a schematic view illustrating the configuration of the float sensor 110a. 3A shows the circuit configuration of the unit circuit 140a included in the float sensor 110a, and FIG. 3B shows the internal configuration of the float sensor 110a.

  The float type sensor 110a includes a float (floating means) 112 that can float according to the liquid level. In addition, the unit circuit 140a included in the float sensor 110a includes a switch (switch means) 141 that switches connection according to the float 112 floating, and a resistor 142. The impedance of the unit circuit 140a is that of the connection in the switch 141. It changes by switching. That is, the impedance changes according to the float 112 floating. 3A illustrates a unit circuit 140a in which a switch 141 and a resistor 142 are connected in parallel.

  The float 112 is configured by an object having a density lower than that of the liquid for detecting the liquid level, such as a foam containing a polystyrene foam or an air layer. In the example of FIG. 3, the float 112 is provided so as to be movable along the stem 114. Therefore, when the periphery of the float type sensor 110 a is filled with liquid, the float 112 floats along the stem 114. Magnets 126 (126 a and 126 b) are attached to the float 112, and the magnet 126 moves as the float 112 floats. Further, stoppers 116a and 116b are provided at the upper and lower portions of the stem 114, and the float 112 is movable between the stoppers 116a and 116b. Further, the stem 114 may be realized by the support 190.

  The stem 114 includes a glass tube 118 having a hollow region therein, and a pair of electrodes 120 a and 120 b are inserted into the glass tube 118. Each of the electrodes 120a and 120b is provided with a lead piece 124 (124a and 124b) having one end connected to the lead wire (128a and 128b) and the other end having a contact portion 122 (122a and 122b). Yes. However, the contact portions 122a and 122b are provided at positions facing each other, and the lead piece 124 is formed of an elastic conductive material.

  In the example of FIG. 3, the switch 141 is realized by the contact portion 122 being connected or disconnected by the magnetic force of the magnet 126. That is, in the normal state where the float 112 is not floating, the contact portion 122 is separated and the lead wire 128 is cut. Here, when the float 112 floats due to the liquid, the magnet 126 moves together with the float 112 floating. When the magnet 126 moves to the vicinity of the contact portion 122, the contact portions 122a and 122b are guided to the N pole and the S pole by the magnets 126a and 126b, and are guided to the center by this magnetic attraction, and eventually the contact portion 126a. 126b are mechanically connected. When the liquid disappears and the float 112 descends, the magnet 126 also descends so that no magnetic force acts on the contact portions 122a and 122b, and the contact portions 122a and 122b are cut.

  The unit circuit 140a includes, for example, the switch 141 and the lead wire 128 realized as described above, and further includes a resistor 142 (not shown in FIG. 3B). For this reason, the impedance of the unit circuit 140a changes due to the switching of the connection in the switch 141. For example, in the unit circuit 140a illustrated in FIG. 3A, when the liquid does not reach the float sensor 110a and the switch 141 is disconnected, the impedance of the unit circuit 140a is R. On the other hand, when the liquid reaches the float sensor 110a and the switch 141 is connected, the impedance of the unit circuit 140a is zero. Since the circuit 150 is configured by connecting the unit circuit 140 whose impedance changes in accordance with the presence or absence of the liquid as described above, the liquid level is detected by measuring the current or the circuit voltage flowing through the circuit 150. Can do. Detailed circuit configurations of the unit circuit 140a including the switch 141 and the resistor 142 and the circuit 150 will be described later.

(Electrode type sensor)
Next, an electrode type sensor 110b as the sensor unit 110 in FIG. 2 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a schematic view illustrating the configuration of the electrode type sensor 110b. As shown in FIG. 4, the electrode type sensor 110b may have a stick type (FIG. 4A), electrode type (FIG. 4B), pin type (FIG. 4C), or the like. it can.

  The unit circuit 140b included in the electrode type sensor 110b is connected to a pair of electrodes 130 (130a and 130b) arranged with a space therebetween and a resistor 132 (described later with reference to FIG. 8). In the configuration illustrated in FIG. 4, the electrode 130 is provided on the insulating portion 134, and each electrode 130 is provided with a lead wire 136. Note that the electrode type sensor 110 b can be connected to the column 190 by the attachment portion 138.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the electrodes 130a and 130b are spatially separated, and the impedance between the electrodes 130a and 130b is almost infinite as it is, and no current flows. Here, consider a case where the liquid is immersed in both the electrodes 130a and 130b by water immersion or the like. In this case, in the case of a liquid caused by flooding during a flood, some ions are included due to mud components, etc., so that the impedance between the electrodes 130a and 130b becomes small and a minute current flows. Thus, the impedance of the unit circuit 140b changes when the liquid is filled between the electrodes 130a and 130b. A detailed circuit configuration of the unit circuit 140b including the electrode 130 and the resistor 132 and the circuit 150 will be described later.

(Circuit configuration)
Next, circuit configurations of the circuit 150 and the unit circuit 140 will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 5 is a schematic view illustrating the configuration of a circuit 150 formed by connecting the unit circuit 140 and the internal power supply 151. However, FIG. 5 shows a circuit configuration when the sensor unit 110 is configured by the float type sensor 110a.

  In FIG. 5, a circuit 150 is configured by connecting four unit circuits 140a, two resistors 153 and 154, and an internal power supply 151 in series. The unit circuit 140a formed for each sensor unit 110 is configured by connecting a switch 141 and a resistor 142 in parallel. However, the operating principle of the switch 141 is as described above. In FIG. 5, reference numeral 152 denotes a terminal for measuring a voltage, and 155 denotes ground. The resistors 153, 154, and 142 have different resistance values as shown in FIG.

  In such a configuration, the impedance of the unit circuit 140a changes depending on the switching of the connection in the switch 141. For example, consider a unit circuit 140a in which a resistor 142 having a resistance value R5 and a switch 141 (sw4) are connected in parallel. When the liquid level does not reach the sensor unit 110 having the unit circuit 140a, the switch 141 is disconnected and the impedance of the unit circuit 140a is R5. On the other hand, when the liquid level reaches the sensor unit 110, the float 112 moves and the switch 141 is connected, so the impedance becomes zero. Thus, the impedance of the unit circuit 140a changes depending on the presence or absence of the surrounding liquid.

  Since the circuit 150 is configured by connecting in series the unit circuits 140a whose impedance changes depending on the presence or absence of the liquid, to which sensor unit 110 the liquid level has reached based on the current or circuit voltage flowing through the circuit 150 That is, the liquid level can be detected. This will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of the voltage of the power supply and the resistance value of the resistor. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the relationship between the switch operating state and the circuit voltage.

  In FIG. 6, reference numeral 601 illustrates that the voltage of the power supply 151 is 5V. Reference numeral 602 exemplifies the resistance value of each resistor in FIG. In this case, the relationship between the connection relationship of the switch 141 and the voltage at the terminal 152 is as shown in FIG. For example, when no switch 141 is connected (“off”), that is, when the liquid level has not reached any sensor unit 110, the terminal voltage is 2.92 V as in 701. Alternatively, when sw1 and sw2 are connected ("on") and sw3 and sw4 are not connected ("off"), that is, when the liquid level reaches the second sensor unit 110 from the bottom, 703 Thus, the terminal voltage is 1.32.

  Thus, since the sensor level 110 at which the liquid level has reached, that is, the liquid level and the voltage at the terminal 152 correspond one-to-one, the liquid level can be detected based on the voltage at the terminal 152. Based on such a principle, the detection device 160 detects the liquid level based on the circuit voltage indicated by the voltage at the terminal 152. Note that, according to Ohm's law, the circuit voltage and the current flowing through the circuit 150 have a one-to-one correspondence. Therefore, the configuration may be the same as detecting the liquid level based on the current instead of the circuit voltage. In addition, since the configuration of the circuit 150 is relatively simple, the configuration according to the present embodiment can detect the liquid level appropriately and efficiently.

  As shown in FIG. 6, in the configuration according to this embodiment, the resistance values of the resistors in each of the unit circuits 140 are not necessarily the same. For this reason, it is possible to distinguish the switch 141 based on the value of the circuit voltage (the voltage at the terminal 152) and detect the connection relationship of the switches, thereby detecting the liquid level based on the circuit voltage. In addition, the failure of the sensor unit 110 can be detected.

  This will be described with reference to FIGS. In a normal operation, when a certain switch 141 is connected, the liquid level has reached the sensor unit 110 having the switch 141. In this case, normally, the liquid level also reaches the sensor unit 110 below the sensor unit 110, and accordingly, the switch of the sensor unit 110 below should be connected. Thus, as long as the liquid level rises from the bottom to the top, in normal operation, the switch 141 is connected in order from the bottom. Therefore, it is impossible in normal operation that only sw4 is connected ("on") and sw1 to sw3 are not connected ("off") as in 703, and one of the sensor units 110 fails. I understand that Similarly, as shown in 704, it is normal operation that sw2 and sw3 installed above it are connected ("on") even though sw1 is not connected ("off"). It cannot be found that one of the sensor units 110 has failed.

  In the above example, since the resistance values of the resistors in each of the unit circuits 140 are not all the same, the connection relationship of the switch 141 and the circuit voltage have a one-to-one relationship. Therefore, according to the configuration according to the present embodiment, it is possible to detect not only the liquid level but also the failure of the sensor unit 110 depending on the case by analyzing the circuit voltage. In addition, according to Ohm's law, the failure of the sensor unit 110 can be similarly detected by the current flowing through the circuit 150.

  Note that the resistances illustrated in FIG. 6 have different resistance values, but some of the resistance values may be the same. For example, in FIG. 5, a configuration in which the resistance values of the resistors R2 and R3 are the same is considered. In this case, the failure of the sensor unit 110 including the switches sw1 and sw2 cannot be detected depending on the circuit voltage, but the failure of the sensor unit 110 including the switches sw3 and sw4 can be detected. As described above, only the failure of a specific sensor unit 110 constituting the liquid level sensor device 100 can be detected by selecting the resistance value. Therefore, for example, the resistance value may be selected so that only the failure of the sensor unit 110 that is particularly likely to fail can be detected.

  The circuit configuration in the case where the sensor unit 110 is configured by the float sensor 110a has been exemplarily described above, but it goes without saying that the same applies to the case where the sensor unit 110 is configured by another method. As an example, the case where the sensor unit 110 is configured by the electrode type sensor 110b will be further described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a schematic view illustrating the configuration of a circuit 150 formed by connecting a unit circuit 140b and an internal power supply 151 included in the electrode type sensor 110b.

  In FIG. 8, a circuit 150 is configured by connecting four unit circuits 140b, two resistors 153 and 154, and an internal power supply 151 in series. The unit circuit 140b is configured by connecting the electrode 130 and the resistor 132 in parallel. Similarly to FIG. 5, reference numeral 152 denotes a voltage measuring terminal, and 155 denotes ground.

  As described above, the impedance of the unit circuit 140b changes when the liquid level reaches the sensor unit 110 and the liquid is filled between the electrodes 130a and 130b, and the circuit 150 depends on the presence or absence of such liquid. A plurality of unit circuits 140b whose impedance changes are connected in series. Therefore, similarly to the case where the sensor unit 110 is realized by the float sensor 110a, it is possible to detect which sensor unit 110 has reached the liquid level based on the current or circuit voltage flowing through the circuit 150. It goes without saying that the failure of the sensor unit 110 can be detected as described above by configuring the unit circuits 140 so that the resistance values of the resistors are not all the same.

  5 and 8, the unit circuit 140 is configured by connecting the switch 141 or the electrode 130 and the resistor 142 or 132 in parallel, and the circuit 150 connects the unit circuit 140 and the power source 151 in series. The case where it is configured is illustrated. However, the circuit configuration is not limited to this, and the circuit can be appropriately configured according to the application and purpose. Another circuit configuration will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is a schematic view illustrating another configuration of the circuit 150 formed by connecting the unit circuit 140 and the internal power supply 151. However, FIG. 9 illustrates a circuit configuration when the sensor unit 110 is configured by the float sensor 110a.

  In the circuit 150 shown in FIG. 9, the resistor 154 and the four unit circuits 140a are connected in parallel, and the resistor 154 and the unit circuit 140a, the resistor 153, and the power source 151 are connected in series. Each unit circuit 140a is configured by connecting a switch 141 and a resistor 142 in series. However, the operating principle of the switch 141 is as described above. Similarly to FIG. 5, reference numeral 152 denotes a terminal for measuring a voltage, and 155 denotes ground.

  Even in such a configuration, the impedance of the unit circuit 140a changes depending on the switching of the connection in the switch 141. For example, consider a unit circuit 140a in which a resistor 142 having a resistance value R2 and a switch 141 (sw1) are connected in series. When the liquid level does not reach the sensor unit 110 having the unit circuit 140a, the switch 141 is disconnected, so that the impedance of the unit circuit 140a is infinite. On the other hand, since the switch 141 is connected when the liquid level reaches the sensor unit 110, the impedance is R2. Thus, the impedance of the unit circuit 140a changes depending on the presence or absence of liquid around the sensor unit 110.

  Since the circuit 150 is configured by connecting unit circuits 140a whose impedance changes depending on the presence or absence of such liquid in parallel, the liquid level reaches which sensor unit 110 based on the current or circuit voltage flowing through the circuit 150. It is possible to detect the level and measure the liquid level. As the circuit voltage, for example, the voltage of the terminal 152 can be used. In addition, as a current used for detecting the liquid level, a current flowing through the resistor 154 can be used, for example. This is because these voltages or currents have a one-to-one correspondence with the connection relationship of the switch 141.

  Although the case where the sensor unit 110 is configured by the float type sensor 110a has been described in FIG. 9, the same applies to the case where the sensor unit 110 is configured by another method such as the electrode type sensor 110b. Further, the circuit configurations of the unit circuit 140 and the circuit 150 are not limited to those illustrated in FIGS. Further, as described above, it is obvious that the failure of the sensor unit 110 can be detected as described above by configuring the resistance values of the resistors in each of the unit circuits 140 not to be the same. . Further, as described above, the liquid level sensor device 200 according to the present embodiment has the internal power supply 151. For this reason, the liquid level sensor device 200 according to the present embodiment can be used outdoors without the need for the external power supply 151. Further, as illustrated in FIGS. 5, 8, and 9, the circuit 150 formed by connecting the unit circuits 140 can be configured relatively simply, so that the liquid level can be detected appropriately and efficiently with a small device configuration. can do.

(Protection tube)
With the above configuration, the liquid level sensor device 100 can be applied to detect inundation due to water damage in an urban area or the like. However, when installed outdoors, the liquid level sensor device 100 is exposed to dirt, wind and rain, impact, and the like. Therefore, it is preferable that the durability is high. Therefore, it is preferable to further improve the durability of the liquid level sensor device 100 by providing a protection means for maintaining the detection performance of the liquid level sensor device 100. Then, next, the protection tube 180 as a protection means will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 10 is a schematic view illustrating the protective tube 180.

  In FIG. 10, reference numeral 181 denotes an outer wall of the protective tube 180, which can be made of a highly durable material such as concrete, acrylic, ceramic, glass, and stainless steel. By providing the outer wall, it becomes difficult to be exposed to wind and rain, and the influence of pressure due to water flow in a flood or the like can be reduced. Moreover, since it acts also as a buffer material in a place where the water level fluctuates, the water level can be measured more accurately. Reference numeral 182 denotes a wire mesh which prevents stones, impurities, dust, fallen leaves, etc. contained in the liquid from flowing into the main part of the liquid level sensor device 100 and allows only liquid to flow into and out of the outer wall 181. . By providing the wire mesh 182, durability of the sensor unit 110 or the like (float type sensor 110a, electrode type sensor 110b or the like) can be improved. The protective tube here is not limited to a tubular tube, but refers to any tube having an outer wall or a cover.

  FIG. 10A illustrates a configuration in which a plurality of circular wire meshes 182 are provided on the outer wall 181. (B) illustrates a configuration in which a plurality of circular holes 183 are provided in the outer wall 181. Similar to the wire mesh 182, the hole 183 prevents stones, impurities, dust, fallen leaves, and the like contained in the liquid from flowing into the main part of the liquid level sensor device 100, and allows only the liquid to flow into and out of the outer wall 181. . (C) illustrates a configuration in which a plurality of rectangular wire nets 182 are provided on the outer wall 181. (D) illustrates a configuration in which a rectangular wire mesh 182 and an inspection port 184 for inspecting the sensor unit 110 are provided on the outer wall 181. In (e), instead of the outer wall 181, the protective tube 180 is constituted by a wire mesh 182. (F) illustrates a configuration in which a vertically long rectangular wire mesh 182 is provided on the outer wall 181. (G) illustrates a configuration in which a vertically long rectangular wire mesh 182 and a circular wire mesh 182 are provided on the outer wall 181.

  The configuration of these protective tubes 180 is exemplary, and any configuration may be used as long as the detection performance relating to the liquid level of the liquid level sensor device 100 can be maintained. As described above, by providing the protective tube, detection performance can be maintained even when used outdoors for a long period of time.

(Example of mounting the liquid level sensor device 100)
The liquid level sensor device 100 can be mounted in various forms such as a bollard (car stop) and a pole. Therefore, next, an example of mounting the liquid level sensor device 100 will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 11 is a schematic view illustrating a bollard on which the liquid level sensor device 100 according to this embodiment is mounted. 11, 110 is a sensor unit (float type sensor 110a in FIG. 11), 160 is a detection device, 170 is an antenna, 151 is a solar cell as an internal power source, 181 is an outer wall, 182 is a wire mesh, and 185 is a cover. Yes. However, the cover 185 protects the liquid level sensor device 100 from the outside, and can be made of, for example, a transparent material such as acrylic. By mounting the liquid level sensor device 100 in this manner, the liquid level sensor device 100 can be installed as a bollard and a sensor terminal in various places such as an urban area.

  FIG. 12 is a schematic view illustrating a pole on which the liquid level sensor device 100 according to this embodiment is mounted. In FIG. 12, 180 is a protective tube 180 in which the sensor unit 110 and the like are built, 150 is a circuit, 151 is a solar cell as an internal power source, 160 is a detection device, 170 is an antenna, and 500 is a pole. As described above, the liquid level sensor device 100 can be installed in various places such as an urban area by installing the liquid level sensor device 100 on the pole. By using a high object such as a pole, wireless communication can be performed better.

  FIG. 13 is an example of a concrete product installed outdoors, and is a schematic view illustrating the external configuration of a concrete product in which the liquid level sensor device 100 according to the present embodiment is built. However, FIG. 13 illustrates a concrete product that can also be used as a bollard. 13A is a top view, and FIGS. 13B and 13C are side views. In FIG. 13, 110 is a sensor unit, 151 is a solar cell as an internal power source, 160 is a detection device, 170 is an antenna, 180 is a protective tube, 185 is a cover, 400 is a concrete wall, and 410 is a slit. However, the liquid flows in and out through the slit 410. Thus, since the concrete product incorporates the liquid level sensor device 100 (including the one provided with the protective tube 180), it can be provided as a single independent product. In addition, although the concrete product which can be used also as a bollard was illustrated in FIG. 13, a concrete product is not restricted to this. For example, the concrete product can be mounted as various concrete poles as shown in FIG. 12, concrete signs, concrete structures, or the like. The concrete wall in the concrete product also serves as a protective tube.

(Host computer 200)
Next, the hardware configuration of the host computer 200 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 14 is a block diagram schematically showing the hardware configuration of the host computer 200. As shown in FIG.

  In FIG. 14, reference numeral 210 denotes a CPU. The CPU 210 executes an application program, an operating system (OS), a control program, and the like stored in the hard disk device 205, which will be described later, and performs control for temporarily storing information, files, and the like necessary for executing the program in the RAM 202. . In the present embodiment, it functions as an analysis unit that analyzes the inundation status based on the information received from the liquid level sensor device 100.

  A ROM 201 stores therein various data such as a program such as a basic I / O program, font data used in basic processing, and template data. A RAM 202 temporarily stores various data, and functions as a main memory, work area, and the like of the CPU 210.

  Reference numeral 203 denotes an external storage drive for realizing access to a recording medium, and a program or the like stored in the medium (recording medium) 204 can be loaded into the computer system. The media 204 includes, for example, a flexible disk (FD), a CD-ROM, a CD-R, a CD-RW, a PC card, a DVD, an IC memory card, an MO, a memory stick, and the like.

  An external storage device 205 uses an HD (hard disk device) that functions as a large-capacity memory in this embodiment. The HD 205 stores application programs, OS, control programs, related programs, and the like.

  Reference numeral 206 denotes an instruction input device, which corresponds to a keyboard, a pointing device (such as a mouse), a touch panel, or the like. Using the instruction input device 206, the user instructs the host computer 200 to input a command or the like for controlling the device.

  A display 207 displays a command input from the instruction input device 206, a response output of the host computer 200 to the command, and the like. The display 207 functions as a display unit that displays the analysis result of the inundation situation.

  Reference numeral 209 denotes a system bus that controls the flow of data in the host computer 200. Reference numeral 208 denotes an interface (hereinafter referred to as I / F), which exchanges data with an external device via the I / F 208. The I / F 208 functions as a receiving unit that receives information detected by the liquid level sensor device 100 and wirelessly communicated by the antenna 170.

  In addition, it can also be comprised as an alternative of a hardware apparatus with the software which implement | achieves a function equivalent to the above each apparatus.

  In the present embodiment, an example is shown in which the program and related data according to the present embodiment are directly loaded from the medium 204 to the RAM 202 and executed. However, every time the program according to the present embodiment is operated, the program is already executed. May be loaded into the RAM 202 from the HD 205 in which is installed. It is also possible to record the program according to the present embodiment in the ROM 201, configure it as a part of the memory map, and execute it directly by the CPU 210.

  In the present embodiment, for convenience of explanation, a configuration in which the host computer 200 according to the present embodiment is realized by one device will be described, but the configuration may be realized by a configuration in which resources are distributed to a plurality of devices. For example, storage and calculation resources may be distributed in a plurality of devices. Alternatively, resources may be distributed for each component virtually realized on the host computer 200, and parallel processing may be performed.

(Processing of the host computer 200)
Next, processing executed by the host computer 200 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing executed by the host computer 200.

  First, in step S <b> 101, the CPU 210 controls the host computer 200 so as to receive information from the liquid level sensor device 100. The information from the liquid level sensor device 100 is information such as the liquid level detected by the liquid level sensor device 100 and wirelessly communicated by the antenna 170.

  Next, in step S <b> 102, the CPU 210 controls the host computer 200 so as to analyze the inundation status based on the received information. That is, based on the position of the liquid level sensor device 100 and information detected by the liquid level sensor device 100, the inundation situation in each place is analyzed.

  Next, in step S103, the CPU 210 controls the display 207 to display the analysis result in step S102. FIG. 16 is a diagram exemplifying a display screen of an analysis result related to a flooding situation due to flooding in an urban area. In FIG. 16, 1601 is a map showing a flooding situation. On the map 1601, an icon indicating the liquid level detected by the liquid level sensor device 100 is displayed and controlled at a position corresponding to the place where the liquid level sensor device 100 is installed. For example, display control is performed on icons that are color-coded for each liquid level. As described above, since the inundation situation is indicated by the icon on the map 1601, the user of the host computer 200 can grasp the inundation situation at a glance.

  As described above, since the liquid level sensor device 100 according to the present embodiment detects the liquid level based on the current or circuit voltage flowing through the circuit 150 due to the change in the impedance of the unit circuit 140, the device is smaller than the conventional device. It is possible to detect the liquid level finely with the configuration. That is, the float type sensor 110a, the electrode type sensor 110b and the like are combined with the unit circuit 140, and the unit circuit 140 is connected to form the circuit 150, and the liquid level is detected based on the current or voltage flowing through the circuit 150. Therefore, it is possible to appropriately detect the fluctuation of the liquid level with an efficient configuration. Further, since the liquid level sensor device 100 according to the present embodiment operates with low power consumption as described above, it can be operated with a battery, and the liquid level sensor device 100 can be installed over a wide range even outdoors. In addition, it is possible to reduce the operating cost related to the replacement of the battery and the cost of the water level sensor when the solar battery is used, and it is possible to use the battery for a long period of time. In addition, since the liquid level sensor device 100 according to the present embodiment includes the plurality of sensor units 110, the range of the liquid level height that can be detected is wide.

  When the sensor unit 110 is realized by the float sensor 110a, the impedance of the unit circuit 140a and the circuit 150 is changed by switching the connection of the switch 141, so that the liquid level position can be accurately measured. Further, when the sensor unit 110 is realized by the electrode type sensor 110b, since it does not involve a mechanical operation like the float type sensor 110a, it is possible to maintain high durability that can reduce the risk of failure.

  Further, in the configuration according to the present embodiment, the resistance values of the resistors in each of the plurality of unit circuits 140 are not necessarily the same, and therefore the sensor unit 110 is based on the value of the current flowing through the circuit 150 or the circuit voltage. Can detect faults.

  In addition, since the protective tube 180 for maintaining the detection performance of the liquid level sensor device 100 is provided, the durability of the liquid level sensor device 100 can be increased, and it can be used outdoors for a long period of time.

  In addition, the liquid level sensor device 100 according to the present embodiment includes the antenna 170 that wirelessly communicates information indicating the liquid level detected by the detection device 160 to the external device. The height of the surface can be monitored simultaneously. Further, since communication is performed wirelessly, the range of places where the liquid level sensor device 100 can be installed is wide.

  Moreover, according to the concrete product incorporating the above-described liquid level sensor device 100 (including the one provided with the protective tube 180), in addition to the functions (for example, bollards and poles) of the original various concrete products, The sensor device 100 can be provided as a single independent product (sensor terminal).

  Further, the liquid level sensor device 100 according to the present embodiment can be operated by a battery because of low power consumption as described above, and has a wireless communication function. For this reason, the liquid level sensor device 100 can operate independently over a long period of time, and a desired inundation detection system can be designed flexibly regardless of topography, power infrastructure, or the like. Therefore, it is suitable for monitoring the inundation situation caused by flooding in an urban area.

  The liquid level sensor device 100 according to the present embodiment is a liquid level sensor device that detects a liquid level, and includes a sensor unit 110, a detection device 160, and a protective tube 180. However, the sensor unit 110 is composed of a plurality of sensor units respectively arranged at predetermined heights, and each detects that the liquid level reaches the sensor unit. Further, the detection device 160 detects the liquid level based on the detection result in each of the sensor units 110. Further, the protective tube 180 maintains the detection performance of the liquid level sensor device. For this reason, according to such a structure, durability of the liquid level sensor device 100 can be improved as compared with the conventional structure, and it can withstand long-term use outdoors.

<< Other Embodiments >>
In the configuration according to the first embodiment, the circuit 150 is always conducted by the internal power supply 151. However, the detection device 160 and the antenna 170 may be configured to be activated only when the liquid level reaches the sensor unit 110. With such a configuration, the power consumption of the liquid level sensor device 100 can be further reduced. For example, it is possible to further save power consumption by configuring the circuit 150 to be conducted by the internal power supply 151 only when the liquid level reaches one of the sensor units 110. The sensor unit 110 that is the basis of such power supply conduction control is referred to as a trigger sensor.

  FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating a circuit configuration in which the circuit 150 is turned on by the internal power supply 151 only when the liquid level reaches one of the sensor units 110. In FIG. 17, the internal power supply 151 is incorporated in the unit circuit 140c of the sensor unit 110 installed at the bottom, and there is no internal power supply 151 other than that. The internal power supply 151 does not conduct to the circuit 150 as long as the switch sw4 is disconnected. For this reason, the circuit 150 illustrated in FIG. 17 is turned on by the internal power supply 151 only after the liquid level reaches the sensor unit 110 installed at the bottom and the switch sw4 of the sensor unit 110 is connected. Become. That is, the lowermost sensor unit 110 functions as a trigger sensor.

  In such a configuration, the internal power supply 151 is disconnected from the circuit 150 during normal times when no liquid is detected, so that the power consumption of the power supply can be further reduced. Note that the circuit configuration shown in FIG. 17 is an example, and any configuration may be used as long as the circuit 150 is turned on by the internal power supply 151 for the first time when the liquid level reaches one of the sensor units 110. FIG. 17 illustrates the case where the sensor unit 110 is configured by the float type sensor 110a. However, even when the sensor unit 110 is configured by another method such as the electrode type sensor 110b, the power consumption can be achieved by the same method. Can be reduced.

  Further, the detection device 160 may be configured to apply a voltage to the circuit 150, that is, to control the timing of current flow. For example, the detection device 160 may set a predetermined interval (for example, 5 minutes to January, etc.) and control to apply a voltage to the circuit 150 only at the measurement interval. This interval is synchronized with the timing at which the liquid level sensor device 100 wirelessly communicates information to the external device via the antenna 170, so that the liquid level sensor device 100 sends information on the latest liquid level etc. to the external device. Can be configured. Note that the detection device 160 is not always activated, and is configured to be in a sleep state other than the timing of detecting the liquid level or communicating with an external device, thereby realizing low power consumption. Can do. For this reason, for example, when the liquid level sensor device 100 is driven by a battery, the liquid level sensor device 100 can operate independently for a long period of time, and the management cost of the liquid level sensor device 100 can be reduced. Note that low power consumption can be realized by performing control so as to perform measurement of physical quantities related to climate such as temperature and humidity simultaneously with detection of the liquid level. The detection of the physical quantity will be described later.

  Further, the detection of the liquid level and the timing of communication with the external device may be controlled in accordance with the liquid level detection of the trigger sensor. This timing control will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 18 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of the liquid level sensor device 100. In FIG. 18, reference numerals 1801 to 1804 denote a sensor A, a sensor B, a sensor C, and a sensor D as the sensor unit 110. 160 is a detection device, and 170 is an antenna as described above. As shown in FIG. 18, the sensor A 1801, the sensor B 1802, the sensor C 1803, and the sensor D 1804 are installed in this order from the lower part to the upper part. Hereinafter, the case where the sensor A 1801 functions as a trigger sensor will be described as an example, but the same applies when other sensors (1802 to 1804) function as trigger sensors.

  FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing in which the detection device 160 controls the detection of the liquid level and the timing of communication with the external device. First, in step S201, the detection device 160 determines whether or not the trigger sensor (sensor A1801) has detected the liquid level. If detected (YES in step S201), the process proceeds to step S203. If not detected (NO in step S201), the process proceeds to step S202.

  In step S202, a voltage is applied to the circuit 150 as described above, and the liquid level is detected based on the current or circuit voltage flowing through the circuit 150. At this time, a physical quantity related to the climate may be detected. Then, the detected information is sent to an external device (host computer 200). Further, it waits for a predetermined period ta (for example, 24 hours), and returns to step S201.

  When the liquid level is detected in step S201 (YES in step S201), it is necessary to closely track the fluctuation of the liquid level. For this reason, in step S203 and subsequent steps, processing is performed in which the interval between detection of the liquid level and communication with the external device is performed every period (tb) shorter than ta for a certain period (tc).

  In step S203, as in step S202, a voltage is applied to the circuit 150, the liquid level is detected based on the current or circuit voltage flowing through the circuit 150, and the detected information is sent to the external device (host computer 200). . And after waiting for period tb (for example, 10 minutes), it progresses to step S204. However, it is the same that the physical quantity related to the climate may be detected.

  In step S204, it is determined whether or not a predetermined period tc (for example, 12 hours) has elapsed since it was determined in step S201 that the trigger sensor has detected the liquid level. If it has elapsed (YES in step S204), the process returns to step S201, and the interval between the detection of the liquid level and the communication with the external device is returned to the normal time. If it has not elapsed (NO in step S204), the process returns to step S203, and control is performed so as to further track the fluctuation of the liquid level.

  As described above, by controlling the detection of the liquid level and the timing of communication with the external device according to the liquid level detection, unnecessary power consumption is prevented, and if necessary, the fluctuation of the liquid level due to water immersion etc. Can be tracked in detail. For this reason, the detection of a liquid level can be performed appropriately and efficiently.

In the above configuration, the liquid level sensor device 100 detects the liquid level by the sensor unit 110 for measuring the liquid level and sends the detected information to the external device. In addition to the liquid level, other physical quantities related to other climates may be detected, and the detected information may be sent to an external device. However, the physical quantity related to the climate includes, for example, at least one of temperature, humidity, wind direction, wind speed, rainfall, solar radiation, and light quantity. These physical quantities can be detected by providing a known detection device (second detection means).
Note that the reliability of the physical quantity can be improved by detecting the physical quantity under a predetermined standard observation condition.

  For example, the temperature can be measured by installing a contact sensor or a non-contact sensor. The contact type sensor is a method in which an object is directly contacted and measured, and there are a platinum resistance thermometer, thermistor, thermocouple, and the like. The non-contact sensor is a sensor that measures infrared rays emitted from an object and measures the temperature of the object from the amount of infrared rays. A typical example is a surmobile.

  Humidity can be measured by using a wet and dry bulb type humidity sensor, a hair type humidity sensor, a quartz vibration type humidity sensor, a polymer humidity sensor, or a metal oxide humidity sensor. Polymer humidity sensors and metal oxide humidity sensors have good compatibility with electronic circuits, and have the advantage of reducing the size.

  In addition, by observing the observation conditions such as the height from the ground surface where the temperature sensor and humidity sensor are installed and whether it is exposed to direct sunlight, conforming to the standard of the observation conditions, the reliability of the measured value of the sensor can be improved. it can.

  The wind direction should be measured with an ultrasonic anemometer, arrow feather anemometer, etc., and the wind speed should be measured by installing a thermal anemometer, impeller anemometer, ultrasonic anemometer, Pitot tube anemometer. Can do. In particular, low power consumption can be achieved by using an impeller-type anemometer that combines a generator and an impeller. The rainfall can be measured by installing a rain gauge and a self-recording rain gauge, the solar radiation can be measured by installing a thermal solar radiation meter / quantum solar radiation meter / chemical reaction solar radiation meter, and the light intensity can be measured by installing an ultraviolet light meter.

  The wind direction, wind speed, solar radiation, light intensity, etc. are affected by buildings and trees, so it is necessary to determine the installation interval and height according to the height of the buildings and trees.

  The liquid level sensor device 100 further includes a detection device for detecting physical quantities related to these climates, and the antenna 170 is further configured to wirelessly communicate information detected by the detection device to the host computer 200. Thus, the host computer 200 can acquire and monitor daily information (for example, the amount of ultraviolet rays, the washing index, and the photochemical smog) based on other parameters in addition to the height of the liquid level.

It is the schematic diagram which showed the basic composition of the inundation condition detection system exemplarily. It is the figure which showed the principal part of the liquid level sensor apparatus typically. It is the schematic diagram which illustrated the structure of the float type sensor. It is the schematic diagram which illustrated the structure of the electrode type sensor. It is the schematic diagram which illustrated the structure of the circuit formed by connecting a unit circuit and an internal power supply. It is the figure which showed an example of the voltage of a power supply, and the resistance value of resistance. It is the figure which showed the relationship between the operating condition of a switch, and a circuit voltage. It is the schematic diagram which illustrated the structure of the circuit formed by connecting a unit circuit and an internal power supply. It is the schematic diagram which illustrated the structure of the circuit formed by connecting a unit circuit and an internal power supply. It is the schematic diagram which illustrated the protective tube. It is the schematic diagram which illustrated the bollard by which the liquid level sensor apparatus was mounted. It is the schematic diagram which illustrated the pole by which the liquid level sensor apparatus was mounted. It is the schematic diagram which illustrated the external appearance structure of the concrete product installed in the outdoors, Comprising: The liquid level sensor apparatus was incorporated. It is the block diagram which showed typically the hardware constitutions of the host computer. It is the flowchart which showed the flow of the process which a host computer performs. It is the figure which illustrated the display screen of the analysis result which concerns on a flooding condition. It is the figure which illustrated the circuit structure that a circuit is electrically connected by an internal power supply when a liquid level reaches a sensor unit. It is the figure which showed the structure of the liquid level sensor apparatus typically. It is the flowchart which showed the flow of the process in which a detection apparatus controls the detection of a liquid level, and the timing of communication with an external device.

Claims (11)

A liquid level sensor device for detecting a liquid level,
A sensor unit comprising a plurality of sensor units respectively arranged at a predetermined height, each having a unit circuit whose impedance changes when the liquid level reaches the sensor unit;
A circuit formed by connecting a plurality of the unit circuits included in the plurality of sensor units and an internal power supply;
First detecting means for detecting the liquid level based on a current or a circuit voltage flowing in the circuit, which changes according to a change in the impedance;
A liquid level sensor device comprising: The sensor unit includes floating means that can float in accordance with the liquid level,
The unit circuit includes switch means that switches connection according to the floating of the floating means, and a resistor,
The liquid level sensor device according to claim 1, wherein the impedance of the unit circuit is changed by switching of the connection in the switch unit. In the unit circuit, a pair of electrodes arranged with a space and a resistor are connected,
2. The liquid level sensor device according to claim 1, wherein the impedance of the unit circuit is changed by filling a liquid between the electrodes. 3. 4. The liquid level sensor device according to claim 2, wherein the circuit is turned on by the internal power supply when the liquid level reaches the sensor unit. 5. 5. The liquid level sensor device according to claim 2, wherein the resistance values of the resistors in each of the plurality of unit circuits are not all the same. 6. Furthermore,
The liquid level sensor device according to claim 1, further comprising a protection unit for maintaining the detection performance of the liquid level sensor device. Furthermore,
The liquid level sensor according to claim 1, further comprising a wireless communication unit that wirelessly communicates information indicating the liquid level detected by the first detection unit to an external device. apparatus. A second detection means for detecting a physical quantity related to the climate;
The liquid level sensor device according to claim 7, wherein the wireless communication unit further wirelessly communicates information detected by the second detection unit to the external device. It is a concrete product installed outdoors, Comprising: The concrete product characterized by incorporating the liquid level sensor apparatus of any one of Claims 1 thru | or 8. A liquid level sensor device according to claim 7 or 8 and a host computer, wherein the water level detection system detects a water level due to water damage.
The host computer
Receiving means for receiving information detected in the liquid level sensor device and wirelessly communicated by the wireless communication means;
Analyzing means for analyzing the inundation status based on the received information;
And a display means for displaying the analysis result. A liquid level sensor device for detecting a liquid level,
A plurality of sensor units each arranged at a predetermined height, each detecting the liquid level reaching the sensor unit;
Detection means for detecting the liquid level based on a result of the detection in each of the sensor units;
Protection means for maintaining the detection performance of the liquid level sensor device;
A liquid level sensor device comprising:

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