Information processing device, information processing method, information processing program, and process control system

Abstract

A protocol converter (20) according to an embodiment includes a cache memory (21), an interface memory (22), and a transfer unit (23). A plurality of process values updated by the field device 10 are stored in the cache memory 21, the plurality of process values including one or more process values included in the first group and including a plurality of process values not included in the first group. A plurality of control data values associated with a plurality of respective process values are stored in the interface memory 22. The transmission unit 23 updates, in each cycle, control data associated with a process value that is not included in the first group and is not updated in the previous cycle among the plurality of control data values, together with a control data value associated with a corresponding process value included in the first group.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, an information processing program, and a process control system. Background Art

[0002] A process control system is known that performs monitoring, management, etc. of a factory based on a plurality of pieces of process data, such as sensor values, collected from field devices provided in the factory. Examples of field devices include devices such as temperature sensors, air pressure sensors, and gas concentration sensors, devices that detect the degree of opening of valves, devices that detect the state (on or off) of switches, and the like.

[0003] In addition, a plurality of process data outputted from each of the field devices is stored as process values ​​in the protocol converter. Each of the field devices updates these process values ​​stored in the protocol converter by outputting the process data.

[0004] Furthermore, the protocol converter stores the control data values ​​obtained by converting the process values ​​in the storage area. The processing performed by the protocol converter in this manner is called data exchange processing. The control controller acquires the data obtained through the data exchange processing as control operation data, performs operations using the acquired control operation data, and obtains information required for monitoring and management of the plant.

[0005] Reference List

[0006] Patent Literature

[0007] PTL 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2021-26717 Summary of the Invention

[0008] Technical issues

[0009] However, in the conventional protocol converter, there is a problem that the data exchange process cannot be efficiently performed in some cases.

[0010] In recent years, with the widespread adoption of Industrial Ethernet (registered trademark), the update cycle for process values ​​output from each field device has further shortened (accelerating the update process). Furthermore, various field devices are connected to process control systems to collect a variety of data. Consequently, there are increasing cases where field devices with widely varying process value update cycles are connected to the same field network. Furthermore, a field network is a communication network that includes multiple field devices and multiple protocol converters.

[0011] As the number of field devices connected to each of the protocol converters increases, the number of process values ​​to be subjected to data exchange processing by each of the protocol converters increases. Furthermore, as the number of target process values ​​increases, the performance of the data exchange processing performed by each of the protocol converters decreases. Furthermore, if the performance of each of the protocol converters decreases, delays are likely to occur in the data exchange processing.

[0012] In conventional protocol converters, in order to maintain the performance of data exchange processing based on process values ​​acquired from field devices having a short update cycle for the process values, it is necessary to limit the number of field devices to be connected.

[0013] As described above, it is difficult to efficiently operate a conventional protocol converter in a state where a large number of field devices including field devices with short update cycles of process values ​​are connected.

[0014] Therefore, an object of one aspect of an embodiment of the present invention is to efficiently perform a data exchange process.

[0015] Solution to the problem

[0016] According to one aspect of the embodiment, an information processing device includes: a first storage area in which multiple process values ​​updated by a field device are stored, the multiple process values ​​including one or more process values ​​included in a first group and including multiple process values ​​not included in the first group; a second storage area in which multiple control data values ​​associated with multiple corresponding process values ​​are stored; and an update unit which, in each cycle, updates, from among the multiple control data values, control data values ​​associated with process values ​​that are not included in the first group and have not been updated in the previous cycle, together with control data values ​​associated with corresponding process values ​​included in the first group.

[0017] According to one aspect of the embodiment, an information processing method executed by a computer, wherein the computer includes: a first storage area in which a plurality of process values ​​updated by a field device are stored, the plurality of process values ​​including one or more process values ​​included in a first group and a plurality of process values ​​not included in the first group; and a second storage area in which a plurality of control data values ​​associated with a plurality of corresponding process values ​​are stored, the method including: in each cycle, updating the control data values ​​associated with the process values ​​that are not included in the first group and have not been updated in the previous cycle among the plurality of control data values, together with the control data values ​​associated with the corresponding process values ​​included in the first group.

[0018] According to one aspect of the embodiment, an information processing program causes a computer to perform the following processing, wherein the computer includes: a first storage area in which a plurality of process values ​​updated by a field device are stored, the plurality of process values ​​including one or more process values ​​included in a first group and including a plurality of process values ​​not included in the first group; and a second storage area in which a plurality of control data values ​​associated with a plurality of corresponding process values ​​are stored, the processing including: in each cycle, updating the control data values ​​associated with the process values ​​that are not included in the first group and have not been updated in the previous cycle among the plurality of control data values, together with the control data values ​​associated with the corresponding process values ​​included in the first group.

[0019] A process control system includes: a process converter; a plurality of field devices which are provided in a factory and connected to the process converter; and a control controller which is connected to the process converter, wherein the process converter includes: a first storage area in which a plurality of process values ​​updated by the plurality of field devices are stored, the plurality of process values ​​including one or more process values ​​included in a first group and a plurality of process values ​​not included in the first group; a second storage area in which a plurality of control data values ​​associated with the plurality of corresponding process values ​​are stored; and an update unit which updates, in each cycle, control data values ​​associated with process values ​​not included in the first group and not updated in the previous cycle among the plurality of control data values, together with control data values ​​associated with the corresponding process values ​​included in the first group; wherein the control controller performs an operation by using the control data values ​​acquired from the second storage area.

[0020] Advantageous Effects of the Invention

[0021] According to the embodiment, the data exchange process can be efficiently performed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] [ Figure 1 ] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration example of a process control system according to the first embodiment.

[0023] [ Figure 2 ] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a data exchange process.

[0024] [ Figure 3 ] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating a data exchange process.

[0025] [ Figure 4 ] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating a data exchange process.

[0026] [ Figure 5 ] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating IO scanning.

[0027] [ Figure 6 ] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating a data exchange process.

[0028] [ Figure 7 ] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating a data exchange process.

[0029] [ Figure 8 ] Figure 8 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing performed by the protocol converter.

[0030] [ Figure 9 ] Figure 9 : is a flowchart showing the flow of basic data update processing.

[0031] [ Figure 10 ] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] The preferred embodiments of the information processing device, information processing method, information processing program, and process control system disclosed in the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. In addition, identical components are represented by identical reference numerals, and repeated descriptions will be omitted. Each of the embodiments may be used in any appropriate combination, as long as they do not conflict with each other. Furthermore, a protocol converter is an example of an information processing device.

[0033] Will refer to Figure 1 The configuration of the process control system according to the first embodiment is described. Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration example of a process control system according to the first embodiment.

[0034] like Figure 1 As shown, the process control system 1 includes a field device 10 , a protocol converter 20 , a control controller 30 , an operation and monitoring terminal 40 , and a device management apparatus 50 .

[0035] The field devices 10 are installed in the factory. The number of field devices 10 is not limited to Figure 1 The quantity shown in .

[0036] The factory is, for example, an oil factory, a petrochemical factory, a chemical factory, or a gas factory. By operating the factory, product materials such as liquefied natural gas (LNG), resins (plastics, nylon, etc.), and chemical products can be obtained.

[0037] In addition, the factory includes, for example, factory facilities, machinery facilities, production facilities, power generation facilities, storage facilities, and wellhead facilities for extracting oil, natural gas, etc. In addition, in the factory, facilities and equipment for producing product materials are provided.

[0038] Each of the field devices 10 acquires information related to the state of the plant. Examples of the field devices 10 include devices such as temperature sensors, pH sensors, speed sensors, acceleration sensors, air pressure sensors, and gas concentration sensors, devices that detect the degree of opening of valves, devices that detect the state of switches (on or off), and the like.

[0039] Each of the field devices 10 transmits a sensor value or detection result as process data to the protocol converter 20 based on a predetermined communication protocol. For example, each of the field devices 10 is connected to the protocol converter 20 via a coaxial cable and an optical fiber provided with a connector (such as an RJ45 connector). Then, each of the field devices 10 transmits the process data to the protocol converter 20 using an analog signal of 4 mA to 20 mA.

[0040] The protocol converter 20 stores therein the process data received from each of the field devices 10 as a process value. Every time the protocol converter 20 receives process data from the field device 10, the process value stored in the protocol converter 20 is updated.

[0041] The protocol converter 20 performs data exchange processing. In other words, the protocol converter 20 converts process values ​​into control data values ​​by performing protocol conversion. For example, if the communication protocol between each field device 10 and a corresponding protocol converter 20 is a 4mA to 20mA analog signal, the process value is a value indicating the 4mA to 20mA analog signal. The protocol converter 20 converts the process value into a value indicating a digital signal operating under the Ethernet protocol. Furthermore, the communication protocol at the conversion destination is determined based on the communication protocol between the protocol converter 20 and the control controller 30.

[0042] The protocol converter 20 transmits the control data value obtained from the data exchange process to the control controller 30 based on a predetermined communication protocol (for example, Ethernet protocol).

[0043] The control controller 30 performs the following operations: converting the received control data value into a format usable by the operation monitoring terminal 40 or the equipment management apparatus 50 , and transmitting the data obtained by the operation to the operation monitoring terminal 40 or the equipment management apparatus 50 .

[0044] For example, consider a case where the communication protocol between each field device 10 and a corresponding protocol converter 20 is a 4mA to 20mA analog signal, and the process value is 12mA. In this case, assume that the process value represents a temperature ranging from 0°C to 100°C, acquired by each field device 10. As an example, the control controller 30 performs the following calculation: (100°C - 0°C) × (12mA / (4mA + 20mA)) = 50°C. The control controller 30 then notifies the operator monitoring terminal 40 or the equipment management device 50 that the temperature is 50°C.

[0045] The operation monitoring terminal 40 is a terminal for monitoring the status of each of the facility devices installed in the factory. The device management apparatus 50 is a device for operating each of the devices including the field device 10 .

[0046] Next, the data exchange process and related processes performed by the protocol converter 20 will be described.

[0047] First, if Figure 2 As shown, each field device 10 updates the process value stored in the protocol converter 20 by sending a plurality of pieces of process data to the protocol converter 20 within a cycle that has been defined for each field device 10 . Figure 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a data exchange process.

[0048] Each of data A1, data B1, data C1, data D1, data E1, and data F1 is process data, and is transmitted by a different field device 10. Furthermore, a single field device 10 may transmit a plurality of pieces of process data.

[0049] Here, the transmission speed of each of data A1 and data B1 is higher than the transmission speed of each of data D1, data E1, and data F1. In addition, the state where the transmission speed is high means that process data is frequently transmitted, that is, the cycle of transmitting process data is short.

[0050] For example, the period for transmitting data A1 and data B1 is approximately 1 ms to 10 ms. Also, for example, the period for transmitting data D1, data E1, and data F1 is 100 ms or longer.

[0051] Here, as Figure 1 As shown, each of the protocol converters 20 includes a cache memory 21 , an interface memory 22 , and a transmission unit 23 .

[0052] The cache memory 21 and the interface memory 22 are implemented by volatile or nonvolatile storage devices. The cache memory 21 and the interface memory 22 may be storage areas of physically different storage devices. Furthermore, each of the cache memory 21 and the interface memory 22 may be a logical storage area provided in an associated storage device. The cache memory 21 is an example of a first storage area. Furthermore, the interface memory 22 is an example of a second storage area. Furthermore, the storage area may be restated as a storage unit, a storage device, or the like.

[0053] The transmission unit 23 is realized by an arithmetic unit such as a central processing unit (CPU), etc. The transmission unit 23 is one example of an updating unit.

[0054] The cache memory 21 stores therein a plurality of process values ​​updated by the field device 10 , including one or more process values ​​included in the high speed data group and a plurality of process values ​​not included in the high speed data group.

[0055] like Figure 2 As shown, data A2, data B2, data C2, data D2, data E2, and data F2 are stored in the cache memory 21. Data A2, data B2, data C2, data D2, data E2, and data F2 are updated (overwritten) by data A1, data B1, data C1, data D1, data E1, and data F1, respectively, transmitted from the associated field device 10.

[0056] Furthermore, as described above, each of data A1 and data B1 has a short transmission cycle. Here, it is assumed that data A2 and data B2, which correspond to process values ​​and are associated with data A1 and data B1, respectively, are included in the high-speed data group. In other words, the cache memory 21 stores one or more process values ​​included in the high-speed data group, which are updated more frequently than the multiple process values ​​not included in the high-speed data group (i.e., included in the basic data group). The high-speed data group is an example of the first group.

[0057] Data C2, data D2, data E2, and data F2 are not included in the high-speed data group. Data C2, data D2, data E2, and data F2 are included in the basic data group.

[0058] The transmission unit 23 performs data exchange processing in each cycle. The cycle in which the transmission unit 23 performs data exchange processing is, for example, approximately 10 ms to 20 ms. In this case, the cycle in which the transmission unit 23 performs data exchange processing is longer than the cycle in which the process values ​​included in the high-speed data group are updated, and shorter than the cycle in which the process values ​​included in the low-speed data group are updated.

[0059] The interface memory 22 stores a plurality of control data values ​​associated with a plurality of corresponding process values. Figure 2 As shown, data A3, data B3, data C3, data D3, data E3, and data F3 as control data values ​​are stored in the interface memory 22. Data A3, data B3, data C3, data D3, data E3, and data F3 are associated with data A2, data B2, data C2, data D2, data E2, and data F2 as process values, respectively.

[0060] In the data exchange process, the transmission unit 23 updates, in each cycle, the control data values ​​associated with the process values ​​that are not included in the high-speed data group and have not been updated in the previous cycle, among the plurality of control data values, together with the control data values ​​associated with the corresponding process values ​​included in the high-speed data group. The process values ​​not included in the high-speed data group are process values ​​included in the basic data group.

[0061] Furthermore, in the data exchange process, the transmission unit 23 stores (updates) a value obtained by converting the communication protocol of the process value stored in the cache memory 21 in the interface memory 22 as a control data value.

[0062] For example, the transmission unit 23 performs data exchange processing on some process values ​​included in the basic data group together with the process values ​​included in the high-speed data group in the k-th cycle (k is an integer). Then, the transmission unit 23 performs data exchange processing on some process values ​​included in the basic data group and not processed in the k-th cycle together with the process values ​​included in the high-speed data group in the k+1-th cycle.

[0063] Figure 3 and Figure 4 are schematic diagrams showing the data exchange processing performed in the kth cycle. Figure 3 As shown, the transmission unit 23 performs data exchange processing on the data A2 and data B2 corresponding to the process values ​​included in the high-speed data group in the kth cycle, thereby updating the data A3 and data B3. The symbol represented by "*" represents the process values ​​included in the high-speed data group and the control data values ​​associated with these process values.

[0064] Furthermore, the transfer unit 23 performs data exchange processing on the data C2 and the data D2 which are some process values ​​included in the basic data group in the k-th cycle, thereby updating the data C3 and the data D3 .

[0065] Here, as Figure 5 As shown, the controller 30 is controlled to perform IO scanning. Figure 5 Schematic diagram showing IO scanning. Figure 5As shown, IO scanning is a process in which the control controller 30 reads control data values ​​stored in the interface memory 22. During the IO scanning, the control controller 30 obtains data A3, data B3, data C3, data D3, data E3, and data F3 as control operation data A4, control operation data B4, control operation data C4, control operation data D4, control operation data E4, and control operation data F4, respectively.

[0066] The control controller 30 can asynchronously perform IO scanning for both the updating of the process value performed by the field device 10 and the data exchange processing performed by the protocol converter 20 .

[0067] For example, the controller 30 performs IO scanning in a cycle longer than that of the data exchange process. In other words, the transmission unit 23 performs the data exchange process in a cycle shorter than that of the IO scan.

[0068] Figure 6 and Figure 7 are schematic diagrams showing the data exchange processing performed in the k+1th cycle. Figure 6 As shown, the transmission unit 23 performs data exchange processing on the data A2 and the data B2 corresponding to the process values ​​included in the high-speed data group in the k+1th cycle, thereby updating the data A3 and the data B3.

[0069] In addition, the transfer unit 23 performs data exchange processing on the data E2 and the data F2 which are some process values ​​included in the basic data group in the (k+1)th cycle, thereby updating the data E3 and the data F3.

[0070] In this way, the transmission unit 23 performs data exchange processing on the process values ​​included in the high-speed data group with high update frequency in each cycle; and performs data exchange processing on the process values ​​included in the basic data group with low update frequency at a frequency of every other cycle or less.

[0071] The following will refer to Figure 8 The flow of processing performed by the protocol converter 20 is described. Figure 8 : is a flowchart showing the flow of the protocol converter.

[0072] First, if Figure 8 As shown, the protocol converter 20 updates the entire area as the target of the high-speed data transfer processing (step S11). In other words, the protocol converter 20 performs data exchange processing on the data A2 and data B2 as the process values ​​included in the high-speed data group. In addition, Figure 8 and Figure 9 The update shown in refers to the update of the data control value obtained through the data exchange process.

[0073] Then, the protocol converter 20 acquires the last completed area in which the basic data update has been performed (step S12). The last completed area is information for identifying the process value as the data exchange target included in the basic data group in the previous cycle.

[0074] Next, the protocol converter 20 performs basic data updating, ie, data exchange processing, on the process values ​​included in the basic data group (step S13). The processing performed at step S13 will be described in detail later.

[0075] Then, the protocol converter 20 stores the completion area in which the updating of the basic data has been performed (step S14).

[0076] The protocol converter 20 executes the processing performed at step S11 to step S14 in each cycle. The completion area stored at step S14 is acquired at step S12 performed at the next cycle.

[0077] In addition, the area where the completion area is stored (an example of a third storage area) can be a storage area of ​​a storage device set in the protocol converter 20, and can be the same as the storage area used by the cache memory 21 and the interface memory 22, or can be different from the storage area used by the cache memory 21 and the interface memory 22.

[0078] As described above, the protocol converter 20 (transmission unit 23) stores the completed area for which the basic data update has been performed in the storage area in each cycle. The completed area for which the basic data update has been performed is an example of information for identifying, from among a plurality of control data values, a control data value associated with a process value not included in the high-speed data group and having been updated.

[0079] In addition, the protocol converter 20 (transmitting unit 23) updates, in each cycle, from among a plurality of control data values, the control data value whose order has been assigned to immediately follow the control data value based on the last completed area identification, together with the control data value associated with the corresponding process value included in the high-speed data group.

[0080] Assume that the control data values ​​associated with the corresponding process values ​​included in the basic data set have been assigned the order of data C3, data D3, data E3, and data F3. Furthermore, the order of the next data F3 returns to the first order. In other words, the next control data value after data F3 is data C3.

[0081] In this case, the protocol converter 20 updates the control data value that follows the control data value based on the last completed area identification. For example, if the control data value based on the last completed area identification is data D3, the protocol converter 20 updates data E3.

[0082] Figure 9 is a diagram showing the basic data update process ( Figure 8 Flowchart of the process of step S13) shown in FIG. Figure 9 As shown, the protocol converter 20 updates the next area, that is, the control data value whose order has been designated to be next to the control data value that has been identified based on the last completed area (step S131).

[0083] Here, the protocol converter 20 determines whether another next area can be updated (step S132). For example, if data E3 has been updated in step S131, the protocol converter 20 determines whether data F3 can be updated.

[0084] If the next area can be updated (Yes at step S132), the protocol converter 20 returns to step S131 and repeats the process. On the other hand, if the next area cannot be updated (No at step S132), the protocol converter 20 ends the process.

[0085] The following will describe a procedure related to the determination processing (step S132) performed by the protocol converter 20. First, the protocol converter 20 assumes that the control controller 30 has acquired the cycle T0 of IO scanning.

[0086] Here, the protocol converter 20 obtains the execution of Figure 8 Steps S11 and S12 shown in FIG. Figure 9 The time required for the process of step S131 shown in FIG. 1 is T1. At this time, in some cases, the process of step S131 may have been performed multiple times due to repetition. The time T1 includes the time required for executing the process of step S131 once or multiple times.

[0087] Furthermore, the protocol converter 20 acquires the time T2 required in the case of further executing the process of step S131. The protocol converter 20 may estimate the time T2 based on a past track record, or may acquire a fixed value determined as T2.

[0088] If T1+T2<T0, the protocol converter 20 determines that the next area can be updated (Yes in step S132). Conversely, if T1+T2≧T0, the protocol converter 20 determines that the next area cannot be updated (No in step S132). As a result, the protocol converter 20 can complete the data exchange processing corresponding to one cycle within the IO scan cycle.

[0089] As described above, the protocol converter 20 (information processing device) according to this embodiment includes a cache memory 21, an interface memory 22, and a transmission unit 23. The cache memory 21 stores a plurality of process values ​​updated by the field device 10, including one or more process values ​​included in the first group and a plurality of process values ​​not included in the first group. The interface memory 22 stores a plurality of control data values ​​associated with the plurality of corresponding process values. The transmission unit 23 updates, in each cycle, the control data values ​​associated with the process values ​​not included in the first group and not updated in the previous cycle, along with the control data values ​​associated with the corresponding process values ​​included in the first group.

[0090] In this way, the plurality of process values ​​are divided into process values ​​that are exchanged every cycle and process values ​​that are exchanged every other cycle or less frequently. Therefore, the protocol converter 20 can increase the number of connectable field devices while improving the controllability and responsiveness of the data exchange process for field devices with short update cycles. This improves the efficiency of the data exchange process.

[0091] The cache memory 21 stores one or more process values ​​included in the first group, which are updated more frequently than the plurality of process values ​​not included in the first group. Thus, the protocol converter 20 can perform data exchange processing at a frequency suitable for the update cycle of each process value.

[0092] The transmission unit 23 stores the value obtained by converting the communication protocol of the process value stored in the cache memory 21 as the control data value in the interface memory 22. Therefore, the protocol converter 20 can transmit the process data to the control controller 30.

[0093] Transmitting unit 23 stores information identifying an updated control data value associated with a process value not included in the first group, among the plurality of control data values, in the third storage area in each cycle. Furthermore, transmitting unit 23 updates the control data value, whose order among the plurality of control data values ​​has been designated as immediately following the control data value identified based on the information stored in the third storage area, along with the control data value associated with the corresponding process value included in the first group. In this way, protocol converter 20 can perform data exchange processing without waste by storing the updated control data value in each cycle.

[0094] Unless otherwise specified, the flow of processes, control procedures, specific names, and information including various data or parameters shown in the above description and drawings may be arbitrarily changed.

[0095] Furthermore, the components of each unit shown in the figures are intended only to conceptually illustrate their functions and are not always physically configured as shown in the figures. In other words, the specific configuration of the separated or integrated configuration is not limited to the figures. Specifically, depending on various loads or usage conditions, all or part of the device can be configured by functionally or physically separating or integrating any unit. Furthermore, the protocol converter 20 may include the functionality of the control controller 30.

[0096] Furthermore, all or any part of each of the processing functions performed by each of the devices may be realized by a CPU and a program analyzed and executed by the CPU, or may be realized as hardware through wired logic.

[0097] Next, an example of the hardware configuration of the protocol converter 20 will be described. Figure 10 : is a schematic diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration. Figure 10 As shown, the protocol converter 20 includes a communication device 20a, a hard disk drive (HDD) 20b, a memory 20c, and a processor 20d. Figure 10 Each of the units shown in is connected to each other by a bus or the like.

[0098] The communication device 20a is a network interface card or the like, and communicates with another server. Figure 1 The functions shown in the program and DB.

[0099] The processor 20d reads and executes the data from the HDD 20b and the like. Figure 3 Each of the processing units shown executes a program for processing the same processing, and loads the read program into the memory 20c to execute Figure 1 20 d reads a program having the same function as that performed by the transmission unit 23 from the HDD 20 b or the like. Then, the processor 20 d executes a process for executing the same process as that performed by the transmission unit 23.

[0100] In this manner, the protocol converter 20 functions as an information processing device that executes an information processing method by reading and executing a program. Furthermore, the protocol converter 20 can also implement the same functions as those described in the above embodiment by reading the program from a recording medium using a media reader and executing the read program. Furthermore, the program described in the other embodiment is not limited to being executed by the protocol converter 20. For example, the present invention can also be similarly applied to situations where another computer or server executes the program, or where another computer and server collaborate to execute the program.

[0101] The program can be distributed via a network such as the Internet. In addition, the program can be executed by storing it in a recording medium readable by a computer-readable medium such as a hard disk, a floppy disk (FD), a CD-ROM, a magneto-optical disk (MO), a digital versatile disk (DVD), etc., and having a computer read the program from the recording medium.

[0102] Some examples of combinations of the disclosed technical features are described below. (1)

[0104] An information processing device, comprising:

[0105] a first storage area storing therein a plurality of process values ​​updated by the field device, the plurality of process values ​​including one or more process values ​​included in the first group and including a plurality of process values ​​not included in the first group;

[0106] a second memory area having stored therein a plurality of control data values ​​associated with a plurality of corresponding process values; and

[0107] An updating unit updates, in each cycle, control data values ​​associated with process values ​​not included in the first group and not updated in the previous cycle among the plurality of control data values, together with control data values ​​associated with corresponding process values ​​included in the first group. (2)

[0109] The information processing device according to (1), wherein the first storage area stores one or more process values ​​included in the first group, the one or more process values ​​being updated more frequently than the plurality of process values ​​not included in the first group. (3)

[0111] The information processing apparatus according to (1) or (2), wherein the updating unit stores a value obtained by converting a communication protocol of a process value stored in the first storage area in the second storage area as the control data value. (4)

[0113] The information processing device according to any one of (1) to (3), wherein

[0114] The updating unit is configured to:

[0115] In each cycle, information identifying a control data value among the plurality of control data values ​​that is associated with a process value not included in the first group and has been updated is stored in a third storage area, and

[0116] From among the plurality of control data values, a control data value whose order has been designated to be next to the control data value identified based on the information stored in the third storage area is updated together with control data values ​​associated with corresponding process values ​​included in the first group. (5)

[0118] An information processing method executed by a computer, wherein the computer comprises:

[0119] a first storage area storing therein a plurality of process values ​​updated by the field device, the plurality of process values ​​including one or more process values ​​included in the first group and including the plurality of process values ​​not included in the first group, and

[0120] a second storage area in which a plurality of control data values ​​associated with a plurality of corresponding process values ​​are stored,

[0121] The method comprises:

[0122] In each cycle, control data values ​​associated with process values ​​not included in the first group and not updated in the previous cycle among the plurality of control data values ​​are updated together with control data values ​​associated with corresponding process values ​​included in the first group. (6)

[0124] An information processing program causing a computer to execute the following processing, wherein the computer includes:

[0125] a first storage area storing therein a plurality of process values ​​updated by the field device, the plurality of process values ​​including one or more process values ​​included in the first group and including a plurality of process values ​​not included in the first group, and

[0126] a second storage area in which a plurality of control data values ​​associated with a plurality of corresponding process values ​​are stored,

[0127] The processing includes:

[0128] In each cycle, control data values ​​associated with process values ​​not included in the first group and not updated in the previous cycle among the plurality of control data values ​​are updated together with control data values ​​associated with corresponding process values ​​included in the first group. (7)

[0130] A process control system comprising:

[0131] process converters;

[0132] a plurality of field devices disposed in a factory and connected to the process converter; and

[0133] a control controller connected to the process converter, wherein

[0134] The process converter comprises:

[0135] a first storage area storing therein a plurality of process values ​​updated by the plurality of field devices, the plurality of process values ​​including one or more process values ​​included in the first group and including a plurality of process values ​​not included in the first group,

[0136] a second memory area in which a plurality of control data values ​​associated with a plurality of corresponding process values ​​are stored, and

[0137] an updating unit that updates, in each cycle, control data values ​​associated with process values ​​not included in the first group and not updated in the previous cycle among the plurality of control data values, together with control data values ​​associated with corresponding process values ​​included in the first group, wherein

[0138] The control controller performs an operation by using the control data value acquired from the second storage area.

[0139] Reference Signs List

[0140] 1 Process Control System

[0141] 10 Field Equipment

[0142] 20 Protocol Converter

[0143] 20a Communication device

[0144] 20b HDD

[0145] 20c Memory

[0146] 20d processor

[0147] 21 Cache memory

[0148] 22 interface memory

[0149] 23 Transmission Unit

[0150] 30 Control Controller

[0151] 40 Operation monitoring terminal

[0152] 50 Equipment Management Device

Claims

1. An information processing device, comprising: a first storage area storing therein a plurality of process values ​​updated by the field device, the plurality of process values ​​including one or more process values ​​included in the first group and including a plurality of process values ​​not included in the first group; a second memory area storing therein a plurality of control data values ​​associated with a plurality of corresponding process values; as well as An updating unit updates, in each cycle, control data values ​​associated with process values ​​not included in the first group and not updated in the previous cycle among the plurality of control data values, together with control data values ​​associated with corresponding process values ​​included in the first group.

2. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein The first storage area stores one or more process values ​​included in the first group, the one or more process values ​​being updated more frequently than the plurality of process values ​​not included in the first group.

3. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein The updating unit stores a value obtained by converting the communication protocol of the process value stored in the first storage area in the second storage area as the control data value.

4. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein: The updating unit is configured to: storing, in each cycle, in a third storage area information identifying a control data value among the plurality of control data values ​​that is associated with a process value not included in the first group and has been updated; as well as From among the plurality of control data values, a control data value whose order has been designated to be next to the control data value identified based on the information stored in the third storage area is updated together with control data values ​​associated with corresponding process values ​​included in the first group.

5. An information processing method executed by a computer, wherein: The computer comprises: a first storage area storing therein a plurality of process values ​​updated by the field device, the plurality of process values ​​including one or more process values ​​included in the first group and including a plurality of process values ​​not included in the first group; and a second storage area in which a plurality of control data values ​​associated with a plurality of corresponding process values ​​are stored, The method comprises: In each cycle, control data values ​​associated with process values ​​not included in the first group and not updated in the previous cycle among the plurality of control data values ​​are updated together with control data values ​​associated with corresponding process values ​​included in the first group.

6. An information processing program that causes a computer to execute the following processing, wherein: The computer comprises: a first storage area storing therein a plurality of process values ​​updated by the field device, the plurality of process values ​​including one or more process values ​​included in the first group and including a plurality of process values ​​not included in the first group, and a second storage area in which a plurality of control data values ​​associated with a plurality of corresponding process values ​​are stored, The processing includes: In each cycle, control data values ​​associated with process values ​​not included in the first group and not updated in the previous cycle among the plurality of control data values ​​are updated together with control data values ​​associated with corresponding process values ​​included in the first group.

7. A process control system comprising: process converters; a plurality of field devices disposed in the factory and connected to the process converter; as well as a control controller connected to the process converter, wherein The process converter comprises: a first storage area storing therein a plurality of process values ​​updated by the plurality of field devices, the plurality of process values ​​including one or more process values ​​included in the first group and including a plurality of process values ​​not included in the first group, a second memory area in which a plurality of control data values ​​associated with a plurality of corresponding process values ​​are stored, and an updating unit that updates, in each cycle, control data values ​​associated with process values ​​not included in the first group and not updated in the previous cycle among the plurality of control data values, together with control data values ​​associated with corresponding process values ​​included in the first group, wherein The control controller performs an operation by using the control data value acquired from the second storage area.

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