CONTROL APPARATUS, WATER QUALITY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM, WATER QUALITY MANAGEMENT UNIT, AND WATER QUALITY SENSOR UNIT

A control apparatus can be connected to a water quality sensor. The control apparatus includes a plurality of input ports. The water quality sensor that can be disposed in a plurality of tanks whose number is equal to or less than the number of the input ports is detachably connected the input ports. Each of the input ports is related to any one of the plurality of tanks. The control apparatus receives a measurement value from the water quality sensor connected to one of the input ports, and stores or outputs to the outside the measurement value and a piece of identification information of the input port through which the measurement value is received, in such a manner that the measurement value and the piece of identification information of the input port are related to each other.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a control apparatus, a water quality management system, a water quality management unit, and a water quality sensor unit.

BACKGROUND ART

Patent Literature 1 discloses a product management system for managing growth of an aquatic organism. This product management system includes a control apparatus and a sensor. The sensor measures a piece of information relating to the quality of breeding water in a tank. A measurement value output from the sensor is input to the control apparatus.

CITATION LIST

Patent Literature

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

Technical Problem

In a system of this type, managing pieces of information relating to water quality and obtained at a plurality of tanks is desired.

However, if an individual management apparatus is provided for each of the plurality of tanks, cost is high, and an operator must provide a large amount of labor for each management apparatus.

In view of the above, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a technique for enabling management of pieces of information relating to water quality and obtained at a plurality of tanks, while suppressing an increase in cost and reducing the labor of an operator.

Solution to Problem

(1) A control apparatus of the present invention can be connected to a water quality sensor. The control apparatus of the present invention has a plurality of input ports. The water quality sensor that can be disposed in a plurality of tanks whose number is equal to or less than the number of the input ports is detachably connected to the above-described input ports. Each of the above-described input ports is related to any one of the above-described plurality of tanks. The control apparatus of the present invention receives a measurement value from the above-described water quality sensor connected to one of the input ports, and stores or outputs to the outside the above-described measurement value and a piece of identification information of the above-described input port through which the above-described measurement value is received, in such a manner that the measurement value and the piece of identification information of the input port are related to each other.

This control apparatus can store or output to the outside the measurement value from the water quality sensor in such a manner that the measurement value and the piece of identification information of the input port through which the measurement value is received are related to each other. Therefore, pieces of water quality information based on measurement values obtained at the plurality of tanks can be managed individually by a single control apparatus on a tank-by-tank basis. Accordingly, by virtue of this configuration, it is possible to manage pieces of information relating to water quality and obtained at a plurality of tanks, while suppressing an increase in cost and reducing the labor of an operator.

(2) The above-described plurality of input ports of the above-described control apparatus may be identical in shape.

This control apparatus enables connection of the same water quality sensor to the plurality of input ports as a common water quality sensor. Therefore, the number of water quality sensors needed for measurement can be reduced.

(3) The above-described control apparatus may be configured such that it can receive a piece of type information from the above-described water quality sensor connected to the above-described input port, the piece of type information representing a type of the above-described water quality sensor.

By virtue of this configuration, it is possible to manage pieces of water quality information in consideration of the type of the water quality sensor.

(4) A water quality management system of the present invention comprises the above-described control apparatus, and a storage terminal which stores pieces of water quality information based on the measurement values output from the control apparatus, in such a manner that the pieces of water quality information are distinguished from each other on the basis of the pieces of identification information of the input ports through which the measurement values are received.

By virtue of this water quality management system, the pieces of water quality information based on the measurement values output from the control apparatus can be stored in such a manner that the pieces of water quality information are automatically distinguished from one another on the basis of pieces of identification information of the input ports through which measurement values are received. Therefore, it is possible to easily manage the pieces of water quality information obtained from the tanks individually.

(5) The above-described storage terminal may be configured such that it can set a measurement mode to a permanent mode in which the above-described water quality sensor is permanently connected to one of the above-described input ports, or a spot mode in which the above-described water quality sensor is connected to one of the above-described input ports when necessary.

By virtue of this configuration, it is possible to perform more appropriate control depending on whether the measurement mode is the permanent mode or the spot mode.

(6) The above-described storage terminal may be configured such that, in the case where the storage terminal determines that the water quality sensor is not connected in the permanent mode, the storage terminal reports an anomaly.

By virtue of this configuration, the storage terminal can report an anomaly in the case where the storage terminal determines that the water quality sensor is not connected despite the measurement mode being the permanent mode.

(7) The above-described storage terminal may be configured such that it enables setting for establishing correspondence relationships between pieces of identification information of the above-described tanks and pieces of identification information of the above-described control apparatus and the above-described input ports.

By virtue of this configuration, the storage terminal can manage the pieces of water quality information based on the measurement values received from the control apparatus while relating the pieces of water quality information to the tanks.

(8) A plurality of the above-described control apparatuses may be provided. The above-described storage terminal may have a display section and may be configured to cause the display section to display pieces of water quality information based on the above-described measurement values received from the above-described control apparatuses, respectively.

By virtue of this configuration, the pieces of water quality information based on the measurement values output from the plurality of control apparatuses can be displayed by the display section of the storage terminal. Therefore, a managing person can check, by using the storage terminal, the pieces of water quality information obtained at the respective tanks.

(9) The above-described storage terminal may be configured such that it can set measurement conditions for the above-described control apparatus, under which the above-described water quality sensor connected to the above-described control apparatus performs measurement.

By virtue of this configuration, the conditions under which the water quality sensor performs measurement can be set not on the control apparatus side but on the storage terminal side. Therefore, the managing person can set the measurement conditions at the respective tanks by using the storage terminal, and, thus, it is possible to eliminate time and labor; such as for instructing a person at the site to set the measurement conditions.

(10) The above-described storage terminal may be configured such that, in the case where it determines that the piece of water quality information based on the above-described measurement value from the above-described water quality sensor is anomalous, the storage terminal outputs an anomaly signal.

By virtue of this configuration, it is possible to report an anomaly to an external apparatus in the case where the measurement value from the water quality sensor is an anomalous value.

(11) A water quality management unit of the present invention comprises the above-described water quality sensor and the above-described water quality management system.

(12) A water quality sensor unit of the present invention comprises the above-described water quality sensor and the above-described control apparatus.

Advantageous Effects of Invention

The present invention enables management of pieces of information relating to water quality and obtained at a plurality of tanks, while suppressing an increase in cost and reducing the labor of an operator.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

1. First Embodiment

1-1. Configuration of Water Quality Management Unit

A water quality management unit110shown inFIG.1includes a water quality management system100and a plurality of water quality sensors30(water quality sensors30A and30B in the example shown inFIG.1).

The water quality management system100is a system for managing the quality of breeding water in tanks90in which aquatic organisms are grown. The water quality management system100can manage the quality of breeding water in a plurality of tanks90. In the example shown inFIG.1, a production site where the tanks90are disposed includes a shipment tank area SA and an intermediate tank area CA. Tanks90A,90B,91A,91B,92A, and92B are disposed in the shipment tank area SA. Tanks93A,93B,94A,94B,95A, and95B are disposed in the intermediate tank area CA.

The water quality management system100includes a plurality of control apparatuses10(control apparatuses10A,10B,10C,10D,10E, and10F in the example shown inFIG.1) and a storage terminal40. The control apparatuses10constitute water quality sensor units101together with the above-described water quality sensors30.

As shown inFIGS.1and2, each control apparatus10includes a plurality of input ports20(input ports20A and20B in the example shown inFIG.1), a control section21, a storage section22, a communication section23, and an alarming section24.

The water quality sensors30are detachably connected to the input ports20. The plurality of input ports20are identical in shape. Therefore, the control apparatus10enables connection of the same water quality sensor30to any of the input ports20.

The control section21is, for example, an information processing apparatus including a CPU and can perform various types of computations, controls, and information processing. The storage section22is, for example, a memory such as ROM, RAM, or the like and stores various pieces of information. The communication section23is an apparatus which communicates with an external apparatus in accordance with a known scheme. Although the communication scheme employed in the present embodiment is radio communication, the communication scheme may be wire communication. The alarming section24has a function of reporting an anomaly when it occurs and is, for example, a display lamp, a speaker, or the like. The alarming section64reports an anomaly by, for example, lighting the display lamp in a predetermined display color or outputting a sound by the speaker.

Each water quality sensor30is, for example, a multiparameter water quality meter which can measure a plurality of items (parameters) regarding water quality. The parameters may be physical parameters such as the temperature of the breeding water, the flow speed of the breeding water, the redox potential of the breeding water, and the conductivity of the breeding water. Alternatively, the parameters may be chemical parameters such as the dissolved oxygen concentration of the breeding water, the pH of the breeding water, the salinity concentration of the breeding water, the calcium concentration of the breeding water, the magnesium concentration of the breeding water, the ammonia concentration of the breeding water, the nitrite concentration of the breeding water, and the nitric acid concentration of the breeding water. When a measurement condition is satisfied, the water quality sensor30measures the parameters and outputs measurement values. A piece of type information which represents the type of the water quality sensor30is stored in the water quality sensor30beforehand. Therefore, the water quality sensor30can output the piece of type information. No limitation is imposed on the timing when the water quality sensor30outputs the piece of type information. The timing when the water quality sensor30outputs the piece of type information may be, for example, the time when the water quality sensor30is connected to the control apparatus10or the time when the water quality sensor30outputs the measurement values.

The storage terminal40is configured, for example, as a computer and includes a control section41, a storage section42, a communication section43, an operation section44, a display section45, and a sound output section46. The control section41is, for example, an information processing apparatus including a CPU and can perform various types of computations, controls, and information processing. The storage section42is, for example, a memory such as ROM, RAM, or the like and stores various pieces of information. The communication section43is an apparatus which communicates with an external apparatus in accordance with a known scheme. Although the communication scheme employed in the present embodiment is radio communication, the communication scheme may be wire communication. The operation section44includes well known input devices such as a keyboard, a mouse, a touch panel, etc. The display section45is a well known display apparatus such as a display. The sound output section46is, for example, a speaker.

1-2. Preparation Before Measurement

The input ports20of the control apparatuses10are prepared in such a manner that one input port is provided for one tank90. For example, the input port20A of the control apparatus10A is provided for the tank90A, and the input port20B of the control apparatus10A is provided for the tank90B. The water quality sensor30connected to a certain input port20is disposed in a tank90corresponding to the certain input port20and measures the quality of the breeding water in the tank90. For example, the water quality sensor30connected to the input port20A of the control apparatus10A is disposed in the tank90A, which corresponds to the input port20A of the control apparatus10A, and measures the quality of the breeding water in the tank90A. Also, the water quality sensor30connected to the input port20B of the control apparatus10A is disposed in the tank90B, which corresponds to the input port20B of the control apparatus10A, and measures the quality of the breeding water in the tank90B. Similarly, the input ports20of the control apparatuses10B,10C,10D,10E, and10F are provided in such a manner that they correspond to the tanks91A,91B,92A,92B,93A,93B,94A,94B,95A, and95B, respectively.

In the storage terminal40, a setting for establishing a correspondence relationship between a piece of identification information of each tank90and pieces of identification information of the control apparatus10and the input port20provided for that tank90.FIG.4shows an example of a display image for establishing correspondence relationships between pieces of identification information of the tanks90and pieces of identification information of the control apparatuses10and the input ports20.

In the example shown inFIG.4, the piece of identification information of each control apparatus10is “control apparatus No.” and “IP address.” An arbitrary number is entered in each input field for “control apparatus No.” The IP address of the control apparatus10is entered in each input field for “IP address.” In the example shown inFIG.4, the piece of identification information of each input port20is “input port.” “A” or “B” is entered in each input field for “input port.”

In the example shown inFIG.4, the piece of identification information of each tank90is “tank information”; more specifically, “tank No.,” “tank type,” and “tank name.” Consecutive numbers are entered in input fields for “tank No.” An arbitrary character string is entered in each input field for “tank type”; specifically, “shipment tank,” “intermediate tank,” or the like is entered. An arbitrary character string is entered in each input field for “tank name.” In the example shown inFIG.4, a number is entered in each input field for “tank name.”

A managing person can establish the correspondence relationships between the pieces of identification information of the tanks90and the pieces of identification information of the control apparatuses10and the input ports20by inputting various pieces of information by using the operation section44. As a result, correspondence relationship data obtained by establishing the correspondence relationships between the pieces of identification information of the tanks90and the pieces of identification information of the control apparatuses10and the input ports20are stored in the storage terminal40.

As shown inFIG.4, in the storage terminal40, a measurement mode is set for each input port20. The measurement mode is “permanent mode” or “spot mode.” The permanent mode is a measurement mode in which water quality is measured by the water quality sensor30permanently connected to the input port20. The “spot mode” is a measurement mode in which, when measurement is performed, the water quality sensor30is connected to the input port20to measure water quality.

1-3. Measurement of Water Quality

When a predetermined measurement condition is satisfied, each control apparatus10measures water quality by using the water quality sensor30connected to the control apparatus10. The measurement condition is a condition for determining measurement timings. The measurement condition includes a measurement condition set beforehand and a condition which is satisfied upon receipt of an instruction from the outside (for example, the storage terminal40). Setting of the measurement condition is performed, for example, by the storage terminal40; more specifically, by a display image shown inFIG.5. The measurement condition is set for each of the above-described measurement modes.

A measurement period is set as the measurement condition for the “permanent mode,” and the measurement condition is satisfied every time the set measurement period elapses. Specifically, the measurement condition for the “permanent mode” is set as a result of entry of a numerical value into an input field for the “measurement interval” provided for “permanent measurement setting” ofFIG.5. The “measurement interval” is set, for example, in the unit of minute. An integer value (for example, 1 to 10) is entered in the input field for the “measurement interval.” The entered value is set as the measurement period.

Also, a measurement start time is set as the measurement condition for the “spot mode,” and the measurement condition is satisfied when the time elapsed after connection of the water quality sensor30reaches a measurement start time set beforehand. Also, a measurement time is set in addition to the measurement start time. The control apparatus10starts measurement when the time elapsed after connection of the water quality sensor30reaches the set measurement start time and ends the measurement when the time elapsed after start of the measurement reaches a measurement time set beforehand. Namely, the control apparatus10automatically starts the measurement by the water quality sensor30when the water quality sensor30is connected to one of the input ports20. Specifically, the measurement condition for the “spot mode” is set as a result of entry of numerical values into the input fields for the “measurement interval” and the “measurement time” provided for “spot measurement setting” ofFIG.5. The “measurement interval” is set, for example, in the unit of second. For example, any of 15, 30, 45, and 60 is entered in the input field for the “measurement interval.” The entered value is set as the measurement start time. The “measurement time” is set, for example, in the unit of minute. An integer value (for example, 5 to 30) is entered in the input field for the “measurement time.” In the “spot mode,” the control apparatus10does not perform measurement until the water quality sensor30once removed after completion of measurement is connected again.

The measurement conditions set at the storage terminal40are output to control apparatuses10and are stored in the control apparatuses10.FIG.1shows an example in which the measurement mode is assumed to be set to the “spot mode.” Only one water quality sensor30is prepared for the shipment tank area SA, and only one water quality sensor30is prepared for the intermediate tank area CA. However, as described above, the water quality sensors30can be attached to and detached from the input ports20, and the input ports20A and20B have the same shape. Therefore, a user can measure the quality of the breeding water in each of the tanks90by using one water quality sensor30commonly among the tanks90.

Each control apparatus10determines, for each input port20, whether or not the above-described measurement condition is satisfied. In the case where the control apparatus10determines that the measurement condition is satisfied, the control apparatus10instructs the water quality sensor30connected to the input port20, for which the control apparatus10determines that the measurement condition is satisfied, to measure water quality. The water quality sensor30having received the measurement instruction starts the measurement of water quality. Items to be measured are determined beforehand in accordance with the type of the water quality sensor30. When the water quality sensor30ends the measurement of water quality, the water quality sensor30outputs a measurement value. Upon receipt of the measurement value from the water quality sensor30, the control apparatus10stores and outputs to the outside the measurement value and the piece of identification information of the input port20through which the measurement value was received, in such a manner that the measurement value and the piece of identification information of the input port20are related to each other. Also, in the case where the control apparatus10has received from the water quality sensor30a piece of type information representing the type of the water quality sensor30, the control apparatus10stores and outputs to the outside the measurement value, the piece of identification information of the input port20, and the piece of type information in such a manner that the measurement value, the piece of identification information, and the piece of type information are related to one another.

In the case where the storage terminal40has received measurement values output from the control apparatuses10, respectively, the storage terminal40stores pieces of water quality information based on the received measurement values while distinguishing them from one another on the basis of the pieces of identification information of the input ports20related to the measurement values. Specifically, on the basis of the above-described correspondence relationship data and the piece of identification information of the input port related to each measurement value, the storage terminal40stores the piece of water quality information based on the measurement value in such a manner that the piece of water quality information is related to the tank90where that measurement value was measured. The “piece of water quality information based on the measurement value” may be the measurement value itself or a piece of information obtained by processing (for example, correcting) the measurement value. When the measurement value is processed, the measurement value may be processed by taking the type of the water quality sensor30into account.

The storage terminal40can display on the display section45a display image illustrated inFIG.6. On the display image illustrated inFIG.6, “tank numbers” and a “tank type,” a “state,” and “data” corresponding to each of the “tank numbers” are displayed. Each of display fields50for “state” shows a state by, for example, its display color or its state of lighting (a lighted state or a flashing state). Examples of “state” include a state in which measurement is performed in the spot mode, a state after completion of measurement in the spot mode, a state in which measurement is waited in the permanent mode, a state in which measurement is performed in the permanent mode, a state in which communication with the control apparatus10is not established, a state in which the water quality sensor30is not connected, a state in which the measurement value is anomalous, and a state in which the control apparatus10is anomalous. Display buttons52are displayed in display fields51for “data.”

When a display button52is operated, as shown inFIG.7, the storage terminal40displays, together with the “tank No.” and the “tank type” of a tank90corresponding to the operated display button52, “times” at which measurement was performed in that tank90and pieces of water quality information representing various items measured at each of the times.

The storage terminal40can perform different controls in accordance with the measurement mode. For example, in the case where the storage terminal40determines that the water quality sensor30is not connected in the permanent mode, the storage terminal40reports an anomaly. The storage terminal40reports the anomaly by a pop-up display on the display section45. When the storage terminal40reports the anomaly, the storage terminal40also displays a piece of information representing the input port20to which the water quality sensor30is not connected.

The storage terminal40determines whether or not each piece of water quality information is anomalous. In the case where the storage terminal40determines that the piece of water quality information is anomalous, the storage terminal40causes the anomaly to be reported at a production site where the measurement value, from which that piece of water quality information was obtained, was generated. As shown inFIG.8, the water quality management system100has a production-site-side apparatus60at each production site. Specifically, a production-site-side apparatus60A is disposed in the shipment tank area SA, and a production-site-side apparatus60B is disposed in the intermediate tank area CA.

As shown inFIG.9, each production-site-side apparatus60includes a control section61, a storage section62, a communication section63, and an alarming section64. The control section61is, for example, an information processing apparatus including a CPU and can perform various types of computations, controls, and information processing. The storage section62is, for example, a memory such as ROM, RAM, or the like and stores various pieces of information. The communication section63is an apparatus which communicates with an external apparatus in accordance with a known scheme. Although the communication scheme employed in the present embodiment is radio communication, the communication scheme may be wire communication. The alarming section64has a function of reporting an anomaly when it occurs and is, for example, a well known display apparatus such as a display. The alarming section64reports the anomaly by, for example, pop-up display.

In the case where a certain piece of water quality information represents an anomalous value, the storage terminal40outputs an anomaly signal to the production-site-side apparatus60at the production site where the measurement value, from which that piece of water quality information was obtained, was generated. Upon receipt of the anomaly signal, the production-site-side apparatus60reports the anomaly by the alarming section64.

1-4. Examples of Effects of the Present Configuration

Each control apparatus10is configured in such a manner that the control apparatus10can be connected to the water quality sensor30which is disposed in each of the plurality of tank90. The control apparatus10includes a plurality of input ports20to which the water quality sensor30is detachably connected. The control apparatus10receives a measurement value from the water quality sensor30connected to one of the input ports20, and stores and outputs to the outside the measurement value and a piece of identification information of the input port20through which the measurement value is received, in such a manner that the measurement value and the piece of identification information of the input port20are related to each other. This control apparatus10can store and output to the outside the measurement value from the water quality sensor30and the piece of identification information of the input port20through which the measurement value is received, in such a manner that the measurement value and the piece of identification information of the input port20are related to each other. Therefore, a plurality of pieces of water quality information based on the measurement values obtained at the plurality of tanks90can be managed individually by a single control apparatus10on a tank-by-tank basis. Accordingly, by virtue of this configuration, it is possible to manage pieces of information relating to water quality and obtained at the plurality of tanks90, while suppressing an increase in cost and reducing the labor of an operator.

Furthermore, the plurality of input ports20of each control apparatus10are identical in shape. This control apparatus10enables connection of the same water quality sensor30to the plurality of input ports20as a common water quality sensor. Therefore, the number of water quality sensors30needed for measurement can be reduced.

Furthermore, the control apparatus10can receive, from the water quality sensor30connected to the input port20, a piece of type information representing the type of the water quality sensor30. By virtue of this configuration, it is possible to manage pieces of water quality information in consideration of the type of the water quality sensor30.

Furthermore, the water quality management system100includes the control apparatus10and the storage terminal40. The storage terminal40stores pieces of water quality information based on the measurement values output from the control apparatus10in such a manner that the pieces of water quality information are distinguished from one another on the basis of pieces of identification information of the input ports20related to the measurement values. In this water quality management system100, since the pieces of water quality information based on the measurement values output from the control apparatus10can be stored in such a manner that the pieces of water quality information are automatically distinguished from one another on the basis of pieces of identification information of the input ports20, the pieces of water quality information obtained from the tanks90individually can be managed easily.

Furthermore, in the water quality management system100, the storage terminal40can set the measurement mode to the permanent mode in which the water quality sensor30is permanently connected to one of the input ports20or the spot mode in which the water quality sensor30is connected to one of the input ports20when necessary. By virtue of this configuration, it is possible to perform more appropriate control depending on whether the measurement mode is the permanent mode or the spot mode.

Furthermore, in the water quality management system100, the storage terminal40is configured such that, in the case where the storage terminal40determines that the water quality sensor30is not connected in the permanent mode, the storage terminal40reports an anomaly. By virtue of this configuration, it is possible to report an anomaly in the case where the water quality sensor30is determined not to be connected despite the measurement mode being the permanent mode.

Furthermore, in the water quality management system100, the storage terminal40enables setting for establishing correspondence relationships between the pieces of identification information of the tanks90and the pieces of identification information of the control apparatus10and the input ports20.

By virtue of this configuration, the storage terminal40can manage the pieces of water quality information based on the measurement values received from the control apparatus10in such a manner that the pieces of water quality information are related to the tanks90.

Furthermore, in the water quality management system100, a plurality of control apparatuses10are provided. The storage terminal40includes the display section45and causes the display section45to display the pieces of water quality information based on the measurement values received from the plurality of control apparatuses10. By virtue of this configuration, the pieces of water quality information based on the measurement values output from the plurality of control apparatuses10can be displayed by the display section45of the storage terminal40. Therefore, a managing person can check, by using the storage terminal40, the pieces of water quality information obtained at the respective tanks90.

Furthermore, in the water quality management system100, the storage terminal40can set measurement conditions for the control apparatus10under which the water quality sensor30connected to the control apparatus10performs measurement. By virtue of this configuration, the conditions under which the water quality sensor30performs measurement can be set not on the control apparatus10side but on the storage terminal40. Therefore, the managing person can set the measurement conditions at the respective tanks90by using the storage terminal40, and, thus, it is possible to eliminate time and labor; such as for instructing a person at the site to set the measurement conditions.

Furthermore, the water quality management system100includes the production-site-side apparatuses60provided at the respective production sites where the control apparatuses10are disposed. In the case where the storage terminal40determines that a piece of water quality information based on the measurement value from the water quality sensor30is anomalous, the storage terminal40outputs an anomaly signal to the production-site-side apparatus60provided at the production site where the measurement value, from which that piece of water quality information was obtained, was generated. Upon receipt of the anomaly signal, the production-site-side apparatus60reports the anomaly. By virtue of this configuration, in the case where the measurement value form the water quality sensor30is an anomalous value, the anomaly can be reported at the production site where the control apparatus10is disposed.

OTHER EMBODIMENTS

The present invention is not limited to the embodiment described by the above description and the drawings, and, for example, the following embodiments fall within the technical scope of the present invention. Also, various features of the above-described embodiment and the following embodiments may be combined freely so long as no conflict occurs.

In the above-described embodiment, the storage terminal is a stationary device (e.g., a computer). However, the storage terminal may be a portable device such as a smartphone, a tablet, or the like.

In the above-described embodiment, the water quality sensor is a multi-parameter water quality meter. However, the water quality sensor may be a sensor which measures only one item.

The above-described embodiment is configured in such a manner that, in the case where the storage terminal determines that a piece of water quality information based on a measurement value from a water quality sensor is anomalous, the storage terminal outputs an anomaly signal to the production-site-side apparatus, and the production-site-side apparatus reports the anomaly. However, the embodiment may be configured in such a manner that the storage terminal outputs an anomaly signal to a control apparatus, and the control apparatus reports the anomaly. Alternatively, the embodiment may be configured to report the anomaly by an image displayed on the display section of the storage terminal, a sound output from the sound output section thereof, or the like.

The above-described embodiment is configured in such a manner that one input port is related to one tank. However, the embodiment may be configured in such a manner that a plurality of input ports are related to one tank. Examples of the configuration in which a plurality of input ports are related to one tank include a configuration in which water quality sensors of different types are connected to the plurality of input ports, respectively, and a configuration in which water quality sensors which measure different items are connected to the plurality of input ports, respectively.

Notably, the embodiments disclosed this time should be considered to be illustrative and not to be restrictive in all aspects. The scope of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed this time, and it is intended that the present invention encompasses all modifications within the range shown by the claims and the range of equivalents of the claims.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST