Operation assistance system for industrial factories

Abstract

The operation assistance system for industrial factories uses force feedback for assistance so that even less experienced operators can imitate the appropriate operations of skilled workers. This system includes: an operation switch that sends an input signal; a programmable logic controller that continuously sends a work signal; an assistance device that sends an assistance signal based on the input signal and the work signal; and a ring-shaped wearable device that vibrates based on the assistance signal. The assistance device calculates the current work state of the industrial factory, extracts an appropriate input value range associated with the current work state from the skilled operation information, and when the input value included in the input signal received from the operation switch is not included in the appropriate input value range, sends an abnormal signal as an assistance signal to the ring-shaped wearable device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an operation assistance system for industrial plants. Background Art

[0002] Industrial plants (steel plants, power plants, oil plants, chemical plants, etc.) that produce raw materials or resources required for industrial activities are known. The plant monitoring and control system of an industrial plant has a structure in which an input / output device (I / O) connected to many field devices (including actuators and sensors) that make up the plant and a programmable logic controller (hereinafter referred to as PLC) that controls many field devices are connected to each other via a control network.

[0003] An operator performs operations for monitoring and controlling an industrial plant. The operations of conventional operators rely on the operator's tacit knowledge (intuition / know-how / skill) by visually confirming the lamp display on the operation panel, the parameter display on the operation panel, the screen display of the human-machine interface (HMI), and the state of the produced material, and adjusting the operation amount for the actuator with the handle or button on the operation panel. Therefore, operators with less years of experience and lower operation proficiency hope to be able to imitate the judgments in operations based on the tacit knowledge mastered by skilled operators.

[0004] Regarding such a problem, Patent Document 1 discloses an integrated diagnosis system for a rolling production line. This integrated diagnosis system infers the cause of an abnormality based on a knowledge base, displays a guide on the screen, and prompts the operator to take appropriate measures.

[0005] Prior Art Documents

[0006] Patent Documents

[0007] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 4-9214 Summary of the Invention

[0008] Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0009] However, in the integrated diagnosis system of Patent Document 1, in a situation where it is necessary to pay attention to the state of the material, it is possible to overlook the guide displayed on the screen. As a result, it is possible not to notice a misoperation. Therefore, the assistance for the operator is not sufficient only by the guide display.

[0010] The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide an operation assistance system for an industrial plant that enables an operator with less experience to imitate the appropriate operations of a skilled person even in a situation where it is necessary to pay attention to the state of the material.

[0011] Means for Solving the Problems

[0012] To achieve the above object, an operation assistance system for an industrial plant according to the present invention is configured as follows.

[0013] The operation assistance system for an industrial plant includes an operation switch, a programmable logic controller, an auxiliary device, and a ring-shaped wearable device.

[0014] The above operation switch sends an input signal containing an input value input by the operator.

[0015] The above programmable logic controller is connected to the above operation switch. The programmable logic controller controls the industrial plant based on the above input signal. The programmable logic controller continuously sends an operation signal regarding the operation state of the above industrial plant to the above auxiliary device.

[0016] The above ring-shaped wearable device worn on the body of the above operator is wirelessly connected to the above auxiliary device. The ring-shaped wearable device vibrates based on the above auxiliary signal.

[0017] The above auxiliary device is connected to the above operation switch and the above programmable logic controller. The auxiliary device has skilled operation information that associates the operation state of the above industrial plant with an appropriate input value range of the above operation switch. The auxiliary device calculates the current operation state of the above industrial plant based on at least one of the above operation signals. The auxiliary device extracts the appropriate input value range associated with the current operation state from the above skilled operation information. When the input value included in the above input signal received from the above operation switch is not included in the appropriate input value range, the auxiliary device sends an abnormal signal as the above auxiliary signal to the above ring-shaped wearable device.

[0018] Advantages of the Invention

[0019] According to the operation assistance system for an industrial plant according to the present invention, when the operator performs an operation that deviates from the appropriate input value range corresponding to the current operation state, the ring-shaped wearable device can be vibrated. Through such force feedback, in a situation where it is necessary to monitor the material state, by transmitting a stimulus to the tactile-sensitive finger, compared with simply transmitting visually, the operator can be assisted more interactively and intuitively. In addition, by wearing ring-shaped wearable devices with different functions on multiple fingers, various information can be transmitted to the operator.

[0020] According to the present invention, an operator with less experience can imitate an appropriate operation corresponding to the current operation state based on the tacit knowledge (intuition / gateway / know-how) mastered by a skilled person. As a result, it is possible to improve the product quality of the production line, improve productivity, and reduce work accidents. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] Figure 1 It is a configuration diagram of an operation assistance system for an industrial plant according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 2 It is a diagram for explaining the notification of the start of operation using the vibration of the ring-shaped wearable device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 3 It is a flowchart for explaining the processing flow according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 4 It is a diagram for explaining the vibration mode of the ring-shaped wearable device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 5 It is a diagram for explaining an operation assistance example of a rotary switch performed by the ring-shaped wearable device according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 6 It is a diagram for explaining an operation assistance example of a push-button momentary switch performed by the ring-shaped wearable device according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 7 It is a diagram for explaining an operation assistance example of a toggle momentary switch performed by the ring-shaped wearable device according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 8 It is a diagram for explaining an operation assistance example of a push-button alternate switch performed by the ring-shaped wearable device according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 9 It is a diagram for explaining an operation assistance example of a toggle alternate switch performed by the ring-shaped wearable device according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 10 It is a diagram for explaining an operation assistance example of an execution switch performed by the ring-shaped wearable device according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 11 It is a conceptual diagram showing hardware configuration examples of the processing circuits respectively possessed by the PLC, operation device, auxiliary device, and ring-shaped wearable device of each embodiment. Detailed Embodiments

[0032] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, in the embodiments shown below, when referring to numbers such as the number, quantity, amount, range, etc. of each element, the present invention is not limited to the mentioned number unless otherwise explicitly stated or clearly determined to be that number in principle. In addition, the structures and the like described in the embodiments shown below are not necessarily essential for the present invention unless otherwise explicitly stated or clearly determined to be so in principle. Further, the same reference numerals are given to common elements in the respective drawings, and redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0033] Embodiment 1.

[0034] (System configuration)

[0035] Figure 1 It is a configuration diagram of an operation assistance system for an industrial plant according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0036] The plant monitoring and control system 1 of the industrial plant includes an actuator 2, an input / output device 3, a programmable logic controller 4 (hereinafter referred to as PLC 4), a computer network 5 (hereinafter referred to as network 5), an operation device 6, an auxiliary device 7, and a ring-shaped wearable device 8.

[0037] The connection relationships of the respective devices will be described. The actuator 2 is connected to the PLC 4 via the input / output device 3. The PLC 4 is connected to the operation device 6 and the auxiliary device 7 via the network 5. The operation device 6 is connected to the PLC 4 and the auxiliary device 7 via the network 5. The auxiliary device 7 is connected to the PLC 4, the operation device 6, and the ring-shaped wearable device 8 via the network 5. In particular, the auxiliary device 7 and the ring-shaped wearable device 8 are wirelessly connected.

[0038] The actuator 2 is a motor, a solenoid valve, a hydraulic device, etc. that constitute an industrial plant (such as a steel plant).

[0039] The PLC 4 receives an input signal 12 from the operation device 6 and controls the actuator 2 based on the input signal 12. In addition, the PLC 4 continuously sends a job signal 11 regarding the job status of the industrial plant to the auxiliary device 7.

[0040] The operation device 6 includes at least one of an operation panel 61 and a human-machine interface (HMI) device 62. The operation panel 61 includes an operation switch 60 as hardware. The HMI device 62 includes an operation switch 60 as software that is operably displayed on a monitor. The operation switch 60 sends an input signal 12 including an input value input by an operator working in the industrial plant to the PLC 4 and the auxiliary device 7.

[0041] The auxiliary device 7 receives the input signal 12 of the operation switch 60 and the operation signal 11 of the PLC 4. Based on the input signal 12 and the operation signal 11, the auxiliary device 7 sends the auxiliary signal 13 to the ring-shaped wearable device 8.

[0042] The ring-shaped wearable device 8 is a device that the operator wears on the body. Preferably, it is a smart ring worn on the finger. The ring-shaped wearable device 8 receives the auxiliary signal 13 from the auxiliary device 7 and vibrates based on the auxiliary signal 13.

[0043] The operation assistance system 10 for industrial factories is mainly realized through the cooperation of the PLC 4, the operation switch 60, the auxiliary device 7, and the ring-shaped wearable device 8.

[0044] The auxiliary device 7 includes the skilled operation information 70, the operation state calculation unit 71, and the auxiliary processing unit 72 described later. The skilled operation information 70, the operation state calculation unit 71, and the auxiliary processing unit 72 of the auxiliary device 7 cooperate to perform their functions and send the auxiliary signal determined based on the skilled operation information 70 according to the current operation state to the ring-shaped wearable device 8. The auxiliary device 7 is implemented, for example, by an expert system or a machine learning system. For example, the expert system includes a knowledge base that digitalizes professional knowledge and an inference engine that derives data considered to be the correct answer based on the data obtained from the knowledge base. Here, the knowledge base corresponds to the skilled operation information 70, and the inference engine corresponds to the operation state calculation unit 71 and the auxiliary processing unit 72.

[0045] The auxiliary device 7 of this embodiment implements two auxiliary functions. The first auxiliary function warns of inappropriate operations of the operation switch 60 performed by the operator through force feedback. The second auxiliary function urges the operator to start operating the operation switch 60 when the operation state of the industrial factory is close to an abnormal state.

[0046] (The first auxiliary function)

[0047] First, the component pair used to implement the above first auxiliary function will be described.

[0048] The skilled operation information 70 is a set of information that associates the operating state of an industrial plant with an appropriate input value range of the operation switch 60. The skilled operation information 70 is information obtained by digitizing the knowledge of a skilled operator. This knowledge includes past actual data and operation history (operation timing, operation amount, etc.) that are considered to have high operation stability or quality. That is, the appropriate input value range is data on the operation state of the operation switch 60 performed by a skilled operator corresponding to the operating state of the industrial plant. The skilled operation information 70 is used to calculate the appropriate input value range for each operating state. The skilled operation information 70 is, for example, a knowledge base of an expert system storing the knowledge of a skilled operator, data learned through machine learning using the operation of a skilled operator as teacher data, or table data associating the operating state with the knowledge of a skilled operator corresponding to that operating state.

[0049] The operation state calculation unit 71 calculates the current operation state of the industrial plant based on at least one operation signal.

[0050] The auxiliary processing unit 72 extracts the appropriate input value range associated with the current operation state from the skilled operation information 70. Next, the auxiliary processing unit 72 determines whether the input value included in the input signal received from the operation switch 60 is included in the appropriate input value range. Next, when the input value included in the input signal received from the operation switch 60 is not included in the appropriate input value range, the auxiliary processing unit 72 sends an abnormal signal as an auxiliary signal to the ring-shaped wearable device 8. The ring-shaped wearable device 8 vibrates in response to the abnormal signal, stimulating the operator's sense of touch.

[0051] With such a configuration, it is possible to determine in real time whether the operator's operation is appropriate. When the operation switch 60 is operated outside the appropriate input value range corresponding to the current operation state, it is possible to warn of an excessive operation of the operation switch 60 by providing force feedback to the operator's sense of touch. In particular, in a situation where it is necessary to watch the state of the material and it is easy to miss the guidance display, it is possible to assist less-experienced operators in mimicking the appropriate operations of skilled operators.

[0052] (Second auxiliary function)

[0053] Next, refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2, the configuration for implementing the above-described second auxiliary function will be described. The above-described first auxiliary function assists the operator who is operating the operation switch 60. However, even when the operation switch 60 is not being operated, in a situation where the current operation state is close to an abnormal state, it is desirable to draw the operator's attention to the start of the operation. Therefore, the second auxiliary function urges the operator to start operating the operation switch 60 when the operation state in the industrial plant is close to an abnormal state.

[0054] The skilled operation information 70 includes information (temporal change trend of the operation state, threshold of a specified parameter) that can determine whether the current operation state is close to an abnormal state based on the stored operation signals.

[0055] The auxiliary processing unit 72 determines whether the current operation state of the industrial plant is close to an abnormal state when it has not received an input signal from the operation switch 60 for a certain period of time or more.

[0056] For example, whether the current operation state is close to an abnormal state can be determined based on whether the temporal change trend of the operation state will reach an abnormal state within a specified time, whether a specified parameter exceeds a threshold, etc. When the auxiliary processing unit 72 determines that the current operation state is close to an abnormal state, it sends an abnormal prediction signal that urges the operator to input to the operation switch 60 as an auxiliary signal. The ring-shaped wearable device 8 vibrates in response to the abnormal prediction signal, stimulating the operator's sense of touch. In addition, the vibration pattern of the second auxiliary function preferably has a different period from the vibration pattern of the first auxiliary function to distinguish the meaning of the vibration.

[0057] With such a configuration, as Figure 2 shown, even when the operator is in a non-operating state, it is possible to analyze the change trend of the operation state and send an auxiliary signal urging the start of the operation at the moment when the operation switch 60 needs to be operated. The auxiliary device 7 vibrates the ring-shaped wearable device 8 in a vibration pattern corresponding to the second auxiliary function to draw the operator's attention to the need to start the operation. In this way, the second auxiliary function can assist less experienced operators based on the knowledge of skilled operators.

[0058] (Processing Flow)

[0059] Referring to Figure 3 the flowchart, the processing flow for implementing the above-described first auxiliary function and second auxiliary function will be described. The first auxiliary function is implemented through the processing of steps S100 to S130. The second auxiliary function is implemented through the processing of steps S100, S110, and S140 to S160. Figure 3 The processing flow of

[0060] The auxiliary device 7 continuously receives operation signals from the PLC 4. In step S100, the auxiliary device 7 calculates the current operation state of the industrial plant based on the received operation signals and the operation states calculated in the past.

[0061] In step S110, the auxiliary device 7 determines whether there is an operation of the operation switch 60 by the operator. When the determination condition is satisfied, the process of step S120 is executed.

[0062] In step S120, the auxiliary device 7 determines whether the input value included in the input signal received from the operation switch 60 deviates from the appropriate input value range. Specifically, first, the auxiliary processing unit 72 extracts the appropriate input value range associated with the current operation state from the skilled operation information 70. Then, the auxiliary processing unit 72 determines whether the input value deviates from the appropriate input value range. When the determination condition is satisfied, the process of step S130 is executed.

[0063] In step S130, the auxiliary device 7 sends the abnormal signal 14 to the ring-shaped wearable device 8 as the auxiliary signal 13 ( Figure 4 ). The ring-shaped wearable device 8 receives the abnormal signal 14 from the auxiliary device 7. When the ring-shaped wearable device 8 receives the abnormal signal 14, it vibrates in the warning mode 15 (the first mode) ( Figure 4 ). Then, the process of step S100 is executed again.

[0064] In addition, when the determination condition in step S120 is not satisfied, the operation by the operator is appropriate. In this case, no auxiliary signal is sent, and the process of step S100 is executed again.

[0065] On the other hand, when the determination condition in step S110 is not satisfied, the process of step S140 is executed.

[0066] In step S140, the auxiliary device 7 determines whether there has been no input by the operator for N seconds or more. When the auxiliary processing unit 72 has not received an input signal from the operation switch 60 for N seconds or more, the process of step S150 is executed. When the determination condition in step S140 is not satisfied, the process of step S100 is executed again.

[0067] In step S150, the auxiliary device 7 determines whether it is necessary to urge the operator to start the operation. The auxiliary processing unit 72 determines whether the current operation state of the industrial plant is close to the abnormal state based on the skilled operation information 70. When the determination condition is satisfied, the process of step S160 is executed.

[0068] In step S160, the auxiliary device 7 transmits an abnormality prediction signal 16 urging the operator to input to the operation switch 60 as the auxiliary signal 13 Figure 4 ). The ring-shaped wearable device 8 receives the abnormality prediction signal 16 from the auxiliary device 7. When the ring-shaped wearable device 8 receives the abnormality prediction signal 16, it vibrates in the notification mode 17 (the second mode with a cycle different from the first mode) Figure 4 ).

[0069] In addition, when the determination condition in step S150 is not satisfied, the auxiliary signal is not transmitted, this routine is temporarily ended, and is executed again in the next control cycle.

[0070] As described above, according to the operation assistance system 10 for an industrial plant according to this embodiment, by the above-described first auxiliary function and second auxiliary function, it is possible to assist an operator with less experience based on the knowledge of a skilled operator. Therefore, even an operator with less experience can imitate the appropriate operations of a skilled person corresponding to the current operation state. As a result, it is possible to achieve an improvement in the product quality of the production line, an improvement in productivity, and a reduction in work accidents.

[0071] (Modification example)

[0072] In this embodiment, it is assumed that both the first auxiliary function and the second auxiliary function are provided, but it is also possible to provide only one of the functions.

[0073] Embodiment 2.

[0074] (Rotary switch)

[0075] Refer to Figure 1 and Figure 5 to describe Embodiment 2 of the present invention. Figure 5 is a diagram for explaining an example of operation assistance for a rotary switch performed by the ring-shaped wearable device according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

[0076] The system of this embodiment is basically the same as that of Embodiment 1 except for the following configuration regarding Figure 1 the operation switch 60 and the auxiliary device 7 shown.

[0077] In this embodiment, the operation switch 60 is a rotary switch 20, and the input value of the operation switch 60 is a rotation angle value. The rotary switch 20 transmits an input signal 12 including a rotation angle value corresponding to the operation of the operator.

[0078] The appropriate input value range 21 of the above-mentioned skilled operation information 70 includes the rotation angle threshold 22 of the rotary switch 20. That is, the skilled operation information 70 includes a set of information that associates the operation state of the industrial plant with the rotation angle threshold 22 of the rotary switch 20.

[0079] The auxiliary processing unit 72 of the auxiliary device 7 extracts the rotation angle threshold 22 associated with the current operation state from the skilled operation information 70.

[0080] Next, the auxiliary processing unit 72 determines whether the rotation angle value included in the input signal 12 received from the rotary switch 20 is within the rotation angle threshold 22.

[0081] Next, when the rotation angle value included in the input signal 12 received from the rotary switch 20 exceeds the rotation angle threshold, the auxiliary processing unit 72 uses the abnormal signal 14 ( Figure 4 ) as the auxiliary signal 13 and sends it to the ring-shaped wearable device 8. The ring-shaped wearable device 8 vibrates according to the abnormal signal 14 to stimulate the operator's sense of touch.

[0082] For example, as Figure 5 shown, when the rotation angle value of the rotary switch 20 is included in the appropriate input value range 21, the ring-shaped wearable device 8 does not vibrate. On the other hand, from the moment when the rotation angle value of the rotary switch 20 exceeds the rotation angle threshold 22, the ring-shaped wearable device 8 vibrates. Thus, the operator's inappropriate operation is warned using force feedback. Therefore, it is possible to suppress operating the rotary switch 20 outside the appropriate operation range.

[0083] Embodiment 3.

[0084] (Momentary switch)

[0085] Refer to Figure 1 and Figure 6 to describe Embodiment 3 of the present invention. Figure 6 is a diagram for explaining an operation assistance example of a push-type momentary switch performed by the ring-shaped wearable device according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

[0086] The system of the present embodiment is basically the same as that of Embodiment 1 except for the following configurations regarding the Figure 1 shown operation switch 60 and auxiliary device 7.

[0087] In the present embodiment, the operation switch 60 is a push-type momentary switch 30, and the input value of the operation switch 60 is an ON (open) value. The push-type momentary switch 30 sends an input signal 12 including the ON value during the period when the operator presses it.

[0088] The appropriate input value range of the above-mentioned skilled operation information 70 includes the ON value continuous allowable period of the push-button momentary switch 30. That is, the skilled operation information 70 includes a set of information that associates the operation state of the industrial plant with the ON value continuous allowable period of the push-button momentary switch 30.

[0089] The auxiliary processing unit 72 of the auxiliary device 7 extracts the ON value continuous allowable period associated with the current operation state from the skilled operation information 70. In Figure 6 the example shown, the ON value continuous allowable period is the period from time T1 to time T2.

[0090] Next, the auxiliary processing unit 72 determines whether an input signal 12 including the ON value has been continuously input from the push-button momentary switch 30 for a period exceeding the ON value continuous allowable period.

[0091] Next, when an input signal 12 including the ON value has been continuously input from the push-button momentary switch 30 for a period exceeding the ON value continuous allowable period, the auxiliary processing unit 72 sends an abnormal signal 14 ( Figure 4 ) as the auxiliary signal 13 to the ring-shaped wearable device 8.

[0092] For example, in Figure 6 the example shown, the ON value continuous allowable period is the period from time T1 to time T2. When an input signal 12 including the ON value is continuously input after time T2, the ring-shaped wearable device 8 vibrates from the time exceeding time T2. Thus, the operator is warned of inappropriate operation using force feedback. Therefore, it is possible to suppress operating the push-button momentary switch 30 outside the appropriate operation range.

[0093] (Modification example)

[0094] Incidentally, in the system of the above-described Embodiment 3, the push-button momentary switch 30 is used as the operation switch 60. However, as Figure 7 shown, a toggle momentary switch 31 may also be used as the operation switch 60.

[0095] Embodiment 4.

[0096] (Alternating switch)

[0097] Refer to Figure 1 and Figure 8 to describe Embodiment 4 of the present invention. Figure 8 is a diagram for explaining an example of operation assistance of a push-button alternating switch performed by a ring-shaped wearable device according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention.

[0098] The system of this embodiment except for regarding Figure 1Except for the following configurations of the operation switch 60 and the auxiliary device 7 shown, it is basically the same as the first embodiment.

[0099] In this embodiment, the operation switch 60 is a push-type alternating switch 40. Each time the operator presses the push-type alternating switch 40, it alternately sends an input signal 12 containing an ON value and an input signal 12 containing an OFF (off) value.

[0100] The appropriate input value range (appropriate input value data) of the above-mentioned skilled operation information 70 includes the appropriate state value (ON value or OFF value) of the push-type alternating switch 40. That is, the skilled operation information 70 includes a set of information that associates the operating state of the industrial plant with the appropriate state value (ON value or OFF value) of the push-type alternating switch 40.

[0101] The auxiliary processing unit 72 of the auxiliary device 7 extracts the appropriate state value (ON value or OFF value) associated with the current operating state from the skilled operation information 70. In Figure 8 the example shown, the appropriate state value of the push-type alternating switch 40 is the OFF value around time T3.

[0102] Next, the auxiliary processing unit 72 determines whether the state value (ON value or OFF value) included in the input signal 12 received from the push-type alternating switch 40 is consistent with the appropriate state value.

[0103] Next, when the input signal 12 received from the push-type alternating switch 40 contains an ON value and the appropriate state value is the OFF value, the auxiliary processing unit 72 sends an abnormal signal 14 to the ring-shaped wearable device 8 as the auxiliary signal 13 ( Figure 4 ). In addition, when the input signal 12 received from the push-type alternating switch 40 contains an OFF value and the appropriate state value is the ON value, the auxiliary processing unit 72 sends an abnormal signal 14 to the ring-shaped wearable device 8 as the auxiliary signal 13.

[0104] For example, in Figure 8 the example shown, the push-type alternating switch 40 is pressed by the operator at time T3 and outputs an input signal 12 containing an ON value. On the other hand, at time T3, the appropriate state value is the OFF value. That is, the operation of the operator at time T3 is inappropriate. Therefore, the ring-shaped wearable device 8 vibrates from time T3. Thus, a force feedback warning is given for the inappropriate operation of the operator. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the push-type alternating switch 40 from being operated outside the appropriate operation range.

[0105] (Variant example)

[0106] In addition, in the system of the above-described Embodiment 4, the push-type alternating switch 40 is used as the operation switch 60. However, as Figure 9 shown, a toggle-type alternating switch 41 may also be used as the operation switch 60.

[0107] Embodiment 5.

[0108] (Execution switch)

[0109] Refer to Figure 1 and Figure 10 to describe Embodiment 5 of the present invention. Figure 10 is a diagram for explaining an operation assistance example of an execution switch by a ring-shaped wearable device according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention.

[0110] The system of this embodiment is basically the same as that of Embodiment 1 except that Figure 1 the operation device 6 shown has a setting switch 51, and the following configurations regarding the operation switch 60 and the auxiliary device 7.

[0111] The setting switch 51 can input a setting value. In this embodiment, the operation switch 60 is an execution switch 50. When the execution switch 50 is pressed by the operator, an input signal 12 including the setting value input to the setting switch is sent.

[0112] The appropriate input value range (appropriate input value data) of the above-described skilled operation information 70 includes the appropriate value range of the setting value input to the setting switch 51. That is, the skilled operation information 70 includes a set of information associating the operation state of the industrial plant with the appropriate value range of the setting value input to the setting switch 51.

[0113] The auxiliary processing unit 72 of the auxiliary device 7 extracts the appropriate value range associated with the current operation state from the skilled operation information 70.

[0114] Next, the auxiliary processing unit 72 determines whether the setting value included in the input signal 12 received from the execution switch 50 is included in the appropriate value range.

[0115] Next, when the setting value included in the input signal 12 received from the execution switch 50 is not included in the appropriate value range, the auxiliary processing unit 72 sends an abnormal signal 14 to the ring-shaped wearable device 8 as an auxiliary signal 13 ( Figure 4 ).

[0116] In Figure 10shows an example in which, although the set value input to the setting switch 51 is inappropriate, the execution switch 50 is pressed at time T4. In this case, the operation of the operator at time T4 is inappropriate. Therefore, the ring-shaped wearable device 8 vibrates from time T4. Thus, a force feedback is used to warn the operator of the inappropriate operation. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the continued operation of the execution switch 50 in a state where the set value is inappropriate.

[0117] (Hardware configuration example)

[0118] Figure 11 is a conceptual diagram showing a hardware configuration example of the processing circuits respectively included in the PLC 4, the operation device 6, the auxiliary device 7, and the ring-shaped wearable device 8 of the above-described respective embodiments. The above-described respective functions are implemented by the processing circuits. As one form, the processing circuit includes at least one processor 91 and at least one memory 92. As another form, the processing circuit includes at least one dedicated hardware 93.

[0119] When the processing circuit includes the processor 91 and the memory 92, the respective functions are implemented by software, firmware, or a combination of software and firmware. At least one of the software and the firmware is described as a program. At least one of the software and the firmware is stored in the memory 92. The processor 91 realizes the respective functions by reading and executing the program stored in the memory 92.

[0120] When the processing circuit includes the dedicated hardware 93, the processing circuit is, for example, a single circuit, a composite circuit, a programmed processor, or a combination thereof. The respective functions are implemented by the processing circuit.

[0121] As described above, the embodiments of the present invention have been described, but the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be implemented in various modifications without departing from the gist of the present invention.

[0122] Reference numeral description

[0123] 1 Factory monitoring control system

[0124] 2 Actuator

[0125] 3 Input / output device

[0126] 4 Programmable logic controller (PLC)

[0127] 5 Network

[0128] 6 Operation device

[0129] 7 Auxiliary device

[0130] 8 Ring-shaped wearable device

[0131] 10 Operating assistance system for industrial factories

[0132] 11 Operation signal

[0133] 12 Input signal

[0134] 13 Auxiliary signal

[0135] 14 Abnormal signal

[0136] 15 Warning mode

[0137] 16 Abnormal prediction signal

[0138] 17 Notification mode

[0139] 20 Rotary switch

[0140] 21 Input value range

[0141] 22 Rotary angle threshold

[0142] 23 Rotary switch

[0143] 30 Push-button momentary switch

[0144] 31 Toggle momentary switch

[0145] 40 Push-button changeover switch

[0146] 41 Toggle changeover switch

[0147] 50 Execution switch

[0148] 51 Setting switch

[0149] 60 Operation switch

[0150] 61 Operation panel

[0151] 62 Human-machine interface (HMI) device

[0152] 70 Skilled operation information

[0153] 71 Operation status calculation unit

[0154] 72 Auxiliary processing unit

[0155] 91 Processor

[0156] 92 Memory

[0157] 93 Hardware

Claims

1. An operation assistance system for an industrial plant, characterized in that it comprises: an operation switch that sends an input signal including an input value input by an operator; a programmable logic controller connected to the operation switch, controlling the industrial plant based on the input signal, and continuously sending an operation signal regarding the operation state of the industrial plant; an auxiliary device connected to the operation switch and the programmable logic controller, sending an auxiliary signal based on the input signal and the operation signal; and a ring-shaped wearable device worn on the body of the operator, wirelessly connected to the auxiliary device and vibrating based on the auxiliary signal; the auxiliary device has skilled operation information associating the operation state of the industrial plant with an appropriate input value range of the operation switch, and the appropriate input value range of the operation switch is the operation amount of the operation state of the operation switch performed by a skilled operator corresponding to the operation state of the industrial plant; the auxiliary device calculates the current operation state of the industrial plant based on at least one of the operation signals; the auxiliary device extracts the appropriate input value range associated with the current operation state from the skilled operation information; when the input value input by the operator during operation in the industrial plant and included in the input signal received from the operation switch is not included in the appropriate input value range, the auxiliary device sends an abnormal signal as the auxiliary signal to the ring-shaped wearable device.

2. The operation assistance system for an industrial plant according to claim 1, characterized in that when the auxiliary device does not receive the input signal from the operation switch for a certain period of time or more, it determines whether the current operation state of the industrial plant is close to an abnormal state; when it is determined that the current operation state is close to the abnormal state, the auxiliary device sends an abnormal prediction signal urging the operator to input to the operation switch as the auxiliary signal.

3. The operation assistance system for an industrial plant according to claim 2, characterized in that the ring-shaped wearable device vibrates in a first mode when receiving the abnormal signal; the ring-shaped wearable device vibrates in a second mode different from the first mode when receiving the abnormal prediction signal.

4. The operation assistance system for an industrial plant according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the operation switch is a rotary switch that sends the input signal including a rotation angle value; the appropriate input value range of the skilled operation information includes a rotation angle threshold of the rotary switch; the auxiliary device extracts the rotation angle threshold associated with the current operation state from the skilled operation information; when the rotation angle value included in the input signal received from the rotary switch exceeds the rotation angle threshold, the auxiliary device sends the abnormal signal as the auxiliary signal to the ring-shaped wearable device.

5. The operation assistance system for industrial plants according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the operation switch is a momentary switch, and the momentary switch sends the above input signal containing the ON value only during the period when it is pressed; the appropriate input value range of the above proficient operation information includes the ON value continuous allowable period of the above momentary switch; the above auxiliary device extracts the ON value continuous allowable period associated with the above current operation state from the above proficient operation information; when the above input signal containing the ON value is continuously input from the above momentary switch for a period exceeding the ON value continuous allowable period, the above auxiliary device sends the above abnormal signal to the above ring-shaped wearable device as the above auxiliary signal.

6. The operation assistance system for industrial plants according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the operation switch is an alternating switch that alternately sends the above input signal containing the ON value and the above input signal containing the OFF value each time it is pressed; the appropriate input value range of the above proficient operation information includes the appropriate state value of the above alternating switch, that is, the ON value or the OFF value; the above auxiliary device extracts the above appropriate state value associated with the above current operation state from the above proficient operation information; when the above input signal received from the above alternating switch contains the ON value and the above appropriate state value is the OFF value, the above auxiliary device sends the above abnormal signal to the above ring-shaped wearable device as the above auxiliary signal.

7. The operation assistance system for industrial plants according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that it is provided with a setting switch capable of inputting a set value; the operation switch is an execution switch that is pressed by the operator to send the above input signal containing the above set value; the appropriate input value range of the above proficient operation information includes the appropriate value range of the above set value input through the above setting switch; the above auxiliary device extracts the above appropriate value range associated with the above current operation state from the above proficient operation information; when the above set value contained in the above input signal received from the above execution switch is not included in the above appropriate value range, the above auxiliary device sends an abnormal signal to the above ring-shaped wearable device as the above auxiliary signal.

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