Network simulator, network simulation method, and computer-readable recording medium

Abstract

The present invention provides a network simulator, a network simulation method, and a computer-readable recording medium for effectively supporting the construction of a factory network. Communication information is acquired from a management DB (equivalent to an example of a "database") that defines communication information related to communication devices constituting a factory network, via communication or directly, and the acquired communication information is stored. Based on the stored communication information, the total communication volume of each communication device assumed in the communication implemented by each communication device is calculated, and based on the total communication volume, the actual communication volume of each communication device corresponding to an arbitrary estimation condition specified by a user is estimated, and at least whether there is a communication device whose actual communication volume exceeds the communication capacity is determined, and the determination result is output to the user.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a network simulator, a network simulation method and a computer-readable recording medium. Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, in order to support the construction of a communication network, a technology for simulating traffic forwarding and configuration processing between communication devices constituting the communication network has been proposed (for example, see Patent Document 1).

[0003]

Prior Technical Literature

[0004] [Patent Literature]

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 5750175

[0006] However, conventional technologies still have room for improvement in effectively supporting the construction of factory networks in various factories using petroleum, petrochemicals, chemicals, gases, and the like.

[0007] Traditionally, factory networks have been designed based on the designer's prior experience and knowledge. Consequently, it's difficult to confirm the appropriateness of the design beforehand. However, there are tools available that can be helpful for this kind of pre-confirmation.

[0008] Furthermore, in this regard, the above-mentioned prior art is merely a case where a network operator simulates communication forwarding in a communication network including forwarding nodes and transmission nodes, and sets processing so as not to generate a forwarding loop. Summary of the Invention

[0009] An object of the present invention is to provide a network simulator, a network simulation method, and a computer-readable recording medium that effectively support the construction of a factory network.

[0010] On the one hand, the network simulator involved includes: an acquisition unit, which acquires the communication information related to the communication devices constituting the factory network from a database defined by the communication information via communication or directly; a storage unit, which stores the communication information acquired by the acquisition unit; a calculation unit, which calculates the total communication volume of each communication device assumed in the communication implemented by each communication device based on the communication information stored in the storage unit; an estimation unit, which estimates the actual communication volume of each communication device corresponding to an arbitrary estimation condition specified by a user based on the total communication volume; a determination unit, which determines at least whether there is a communication device whose actual communication volume exceeds the communication capacity; and an output control unit, which outputs the determination result determined by the determination unit to the user.

[0011] One aspect involves a network simulation method that causes a computer to perform the following processing: obtaining the communication information related to the communication devices constituting the factory network from a database defined by the communication information via communication or directly; storing the obtained communication information; calculating the total communication volume of each communication device assumed in the communication implemented by each communication device based on the stored communication information; estimating the actual communication volume of each communication device corresponding to an arbitrary estimation condition specified by the user based on the total communication volume; determining at least whether there is a communication device whose actual communication volume exceeds the communication capacity; and outputting the determination result to the user.

[0012] One aspect involves a record of a network simulation program, which causes a computer to perform the following processing: obtaining the communication information related to the communication devices constituting the factory network from a database defined by the communication information via communication or directly; storing the obtained communication information; calculating the total communication volume of each communication device assumed in the communication implemented by each communication device based on the stored communication information; estimating the actual communication volume of each communication device corresponding to an arbitrary estimation condition specified by the user based on the total communication volume; determining at least whether there is a communication device whose actual communication volume exceeds the communication capacity; and outputting the determination result to the user.

[0013] Effects of the Invention

[0014] According to one embodiment, a network simulator, a network simulation method, and a computer-readable recording medium that effectively support the construction of a factory network can be provided. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of a plant control system.

[0016] Figure 2 This is a diagram schematically illustrating a network simulation method according to an embodiment.

[0017] Figure 3 This is a diagram showing an example of communication information.

[0018] Figure 4 This is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a network simulator.

[0019] Figure 5 This is a diagram (part 1) showing a display example of a simulation result screen.

[0020] Figure 6 This is a diagram (part 2) showing a display example of a simulation result screen.

[0021] Figure 7 This is a diagram (part 3) showing a display example of a simulation result screen.

[0022] Figure 8 FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a display example of a simulation result screen.

[0023] Figure 9 This is a flowchart showing the processing steps performed by the network simulator.

[0024] Figure 10 This is a hardware configuration diagram showing an example of a computer that realizes the function of a network simulator.

[0025] Description of Reference Numerals

[0026] 1 Plant control system; 2 Plant; 2a Field equipment; 10 Operation control device; 20 Operation monitoring device; 30 Alarm management device; 40 Integrated monitoring device; 50 Management device; 51 Management DB; 70 Network simulator; 71 First information acquisition I / F; 72 Second information acquisition I / F; 73 Output unit; 74 Input unit; 75 Storage unit; 75a Communication information; 75b Calculation method information; 75c Condition information; 75d Communication performance information; 76 Control unit; 76a Acquisition unit; 76b Calculation unit; 76c Output control unit; 76d Estimation unit; 76e Determination unit; N1 First network; N2 Second network; PN Plant network DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] The following describes in detail embodiments of the network simulator, network simulation method, and computer-readable recording medium disclosed in this application, based on the accompanying drawings. The present invention is not limited to these embodiments. Identical elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and duplicate descriptions are omitted where appropriate. The various embodiments can be combined as appropriate to the extent that no inconsistencies exist.

[0028] In the following, when a plurality of identical elements need to be distinguished, the same reference numerals are followed by “-n” (n is a natural number).

[0029] [Overall Configuration Example of This Embodiment]

[0030] First, an overall configuration example of a plant control system 1 according to the embodiment will be described. Figure 1 This is a diagram showing an example of the overall structure of a plant control system 1 according to an embodiment. The plant control system 1 is a plant system for controlling and monitoring the operation of the plant 2, and includes a plant network PN. The plant network PN refers to the communication infrastructure in the plant control system 1, or the entirety or part of the connection and communication achieved through the communication infrastructure. Figure 1 In the diagram, the entire main network PN-1 and the modular part of the plant network PN-2 are shown. Figure 1The entire or a portion of the plant network PN is shown only for convenience, and does not limit the structure of the plant network PN.

[0031] Factory 2 is an example of various facilities that utilize petroleum, petrochemicals, chemicals, and gases, and includes factories equipped with various facilities for obtaining products. Examples of products include LNG (liquefied natural gas), resins (plastics, nylon, etc.), and chemicals. Examples of facilities include factory facilities, machinery facilities, production facilities, power generation facilities, storage facilities, and facilities for extracting oil, natural gas, and other wellheads.

[0032] The factory 2 includes various devices for producing products, a plurality of field devices 2 a - 1 , 2 a - 2 , etc. for acquiring information on the status within the factory 2 .

[0033] Each field device 2a is a device such as a sensor installed in various locations in the factory 2. Field devices 2a are broadly classified into sensor devices and operating devices. Sensor devices are devices that acquire (detect, measure, etc.) physical quantities. Examples of sensor devices include pressure sensors, temperature sensors, pH sensors, velocity sensors, and acceleration sensors. Operating devices are devices that manipulate physical quantities. Examples of operating devices include valves, pumps, and fans, which are driven by motors and actuators.

[0034] The plant control system 1 is composed of a plurality of communication devices including the field device 2a. Figure 1 As shown, the plant control system 1 includes, in addition to the field device 2 a , an operation control device 10 , an operation monitoring device 20 , an alarm management device 30 , an integrated monitoring device 40 , and a management device 50 as communication devices.

[0035] The field device 2a and the operation control device 10 are connected to each other via a fieldbus or the like so as to be able to communicate with each other. The operation control device 10, the operation monitoring device 20, and the alarm management device 30 are connected to each other via a network N1 so as to be able to communicate with each other. The alarm management device 30 and the integrated monitoring device 40 are connected to each other via a network N2 so as to be able to communicate with each other.

[0036] The management device 50 is connected to the operation control device 10, the operation monitoring device 20, the alarm management device 30, and the integrated monitoring device 40 via the network N1 or the network N2 so as to be able to communicate with each other. Figure 1 In the example of FIG, the management device 50 is connected to the network N1.

[0037] Furthermore, network N1 can employ, for example, a dedicated control bus. Data transmitted and received via network N1 is data related to device 2, including data used to control device 2. This control can include real-time control. Therefore, preventing data transmission losses and other adverse events within network N1 is extremely important.

[0038] Therefore, the network N1 is, for example, duplicated from the perspective of improving reliability. In the case of duplication, the network N1 can also receive and send the same data in parallel in two communication paths. In this case, even if a fault occurs in one communication path, the transmission (sending and receiving) of data is maintained in the other communication path. As such a network N1, Vnet / IP (registered trademark) can be used. In addition, a LAN (Local Area Network) can be used as the network N2. In addition, the network N2 can also be duplicated from the perspective of improving reliability.

[0039] also, Figure 1 It does not necessarily represent the physical structure. Therefore, the network topology of the factory network PN is not limited to Figure 1 In addition, for example, the alarm management device 30 and the integrated monitoring device 40 may be present in the same device. In this case, the above-mentioned mutual communication is exchanged based on internal communication.

[0040] The operation control device 10 collects data from each field device 2a and executes process control using the data as process data. As an example of process control, the operation control device 10 basically executes PID control (Proportional-Integral-Differential Controller).

[0041] The operation control device 10 is generally configured as dedicated hardware connected to each field device 2a. However, at least some of the functions of a so-called Advanced Process Control (APC) server, which is configured as a general-purpose PC server, may also be implemented on the operation control device 10. In this case, the operation control device 10 can selectively execute advanced process control (APC) of the plant 2 as an example of process control, using control values ​​used in controlling the plant 2 or process values ​​indicating the operating status of the plant 2.

[0042] In addition, if Figure 1 As shown, when a plurality of operation control devices 10 are provided, the plant control system 1 constitutes a distributed control system (DCS: Distributed Control System) performed by each operation control device 10 .

[0043] The operation control device 10 also transmits and receives data in accordance with a standard for operation control of the plant 2 via an OPC (Open Platform Communications) server (not shown), a native interface, or other interfaces.

[0044] Furthermore, when detecting an abnormality in the process data value, a communication abnormality in each field device 2 a , a hardware abnormality, or the like, the operation control device 10 notifies an alarm to the operation monitoring device 20 and the alarm management device 30 .

[0045] The operation and monitoring device 20 is a device for operating and monitoring the plant 2. The operation and monitoring device 20 displays various information related to the plant 2 and allows an operator to monitor the operation of each field device 2a, the status of various processes, and the like.

[0046] The operation and monitoring device 20 displays various information related to the plant 2, such as graphical screens and trend screens. Graphical screens display the operation and status of each field device 2a in a graphical user interface (GUI). Trend screens display time-series changes in process data values, statistical values ​​such as maximum, minimum, and average values, and real-time values.

[0047] Furthermore, multiple graphic screens or trend screens can be expanded one by one on the display provided in the operation monitoring device 20. When displaying a graphic screen or trend screen, the operation monitoring device 20 makes a communication request to the operation control device 10 to obtain various information necessary to generate each of these screens.

[0048] The operation monitoring device 20 also receives a desired instruction operation from the operator for each field device 2a, and notifies the operation control device 10. The operation control device 10 controls each field device 2a based on the received instruction operation.

[0049] The alarm management device 30 provides the core functionality for alarm monitoring. It receives alarm notifications from the operation control device 10 and controls alarm state transitions based on alarm definition information that predefines alarm behavior, including alarm appearance, confirmation and other operational permissions, and the monitoring range for each operator. Furthermore, the alarm management device 30 notifies the integrated monitoring device 40 of alarm state transitions as alarm messages.

[0050] The alarm management device 30 can utilize either OPC or a unique standard other than OPC. When utilizing OPC, the operation control device 10 and the alarm management device 30 transmit and receive data in accordance with the OPC standard. When utilizing a unique standard other than OPC, the operation control device 10 and the alarm management device 30 transmit and receive data in accordance with the unique standard.

[0051] The integrated monitoring device 40 receives alarm messages from the alarm management device 30 and displays the alarm messages and current alarm status. The operator can check the overall status of the plant control system 1 including the alarm messages and current alarm status through the display contents displayed by the integrated monitoring device 40.

[0052] The management device 50 provides engineers with a toolkit for defining network definition information for the various communication devices that make up the plant control system 1, as well as the aforementioned alarm definition information. This toolkit includes a user interface (UI) for defining each definition information. Each definition information defined in this way is registered in a management database (DB) 51 within the management device 50.

[0053] [Current Problems]

[0054] However, the design of factory networks (PNs) has traditionally relied on the engineers' prior experience and knowledge. Consequently, it has been difficult to confirm the appropriateness of the design in advance. Furthermore, there are tools that are useful for such prior confirmation.

[0055] Furthermore, in addition to this, in order to complete the project for constructing and operating the plant network PN, the project must be advanced before the specifications of the plant network PN are finalized, and there are cases where the specifications are finalized or changed in the final stage of the project.

[0056] In addition to the above, in recent years, there has been an increasing number of projects that, in order to achieve more efficient construction of factory networks (PNs), divide a portion of the factory network using a modular approach, design and verify it before shipping and integrating it on-site. Similarly, the recent introduction of the so-called OPA (Open Process Architecture) has also led to a trend toward increasing the number of communication devices that must be considered in design.

[0057] As a result, even if the communication performed by the communication devices, such as the operation control device 10 and the operation monitoring device 20, exceeds the communication capabilities of the communication devices themselves, there is a possibility that the project will be carried out without the communication devices being made apparent.

[0058] In such cases, there is a risk that problems with communication capabilities may become apparent before the project reaches the actual testing stage, leading to unnecessary backtracking work such as design changes. Furthermore, in the worst-case scenario, there is a risk that the product may be shipped without the problem becoming apparent and then enter operation, where it may become apparent during operation, leading to a major equipment failure.

[0059] Therefore, in the network simulation method involved in the embodiment, communication information is obtained from a database in which communication information related to the communication devices constituting the factory network PN is defined, via communication or directly, and the obtained communication information is stored. Based on the stored communication information, the total communication volume of each communication device assumed in the communication implemented by each communication device is calculated. Based on the total communication volume, the actual communication volume of each communication device corresponding to an arbitrary estimation condition specified by the user is estimated, and at least whether there is a communication device whose actual communication volume exceeds the communication capacity is determined, and the determination result is output to the user.

[0060] [Overview of this embodiment]

[0061] Figure 2 This is a diagram briefly explaining the network simulation method according to the embodiment. Figure 3 is a diagram showing an example of communication information. Figure 2 As shown, a network simulator 70 is used in the network simulation method of the embodiment.

[0062] The network simulator 70 is a computer that performs the network simulation functions described below. It is used, for example, by engineers responsible for designing the factory network (hereinafter referred to as "users"). Network simulator 70 can be implemented, for example, using a desktop PC, a notebook PC, a tablet computer, a mobile phone including a smartphone, or a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant). Furthermore, network simulator 70 can also be implemented as a wearable device worn by the user.

[0063] like Figure 2 As shown, the network simulator 70 has a standard information acquisition interface. The network simulator 70 obtains communication information of communication devices in the plant network PN from the management DB 51 of the management device 50 via the standard information acquisition interface (step S1). The communication information is included in the network definition information.

[0064] like Figure 3As shown, the communication information includes, for example, the model of each communication device, the installation location (domain), the communication type, the number of communication data, the communication frequency, the communication relationship, etc. The communication type refers to the category of application communication implemented by each communication device. The category is, for example, the distinction between the above-mentioned graphic screen, trend screen, or other applications. The communication relationship is, for example, information about the communication partner indicating which other communication device the target communication device communicates with. For example, the target communication device is communication device A. When communication device A communicates with communication devices B to D as the communication partner, there are communication relationships (1) between communication device A and communication device B, (2) between communication device A and communication device C, and (3) between communication device A and communication device D with respect to communication device A, and these are defined without omission in the communication information. Moreover, the total communication volume of communication device A becomes the value obtained by adding the communication volumes of each of these (1) to (3). In addition, in the input of the estimation conditions described later, the communication details can be separately performed for each of these communication relationships (1) to (3), for example, the above-mentioned communication category and the use of each session can be filtered. For example, a user can arbitrarily specify whether or not a graphic screen should be used between communication devices A and B. Furthermore, when a user uses graphic screens between communication devices A and B, the user can arbitrarily specify the number of graphic screens. Furthermore, when a user uses graphic screens between communication devices A and B, the user can arbitrarily specify each graphic screen and adjust its use.

[0065] return Figure 2 . Furthermore, the standard information acquisition I / F is, for example, a communication I / F, implemented by a NIC (Network Interface Card). Furthermore, the standard information acquisition I / F is not limited to a communication I / F and may also be implemented by a USB (Universal Serial Bus) capable of directly connecting peripheral devices. These aspects also apply to the extended information acquisition I / F described later.

[0066] The network simulator 70 then calculates the total communication volume of each communication device based on the acquired communication information and a communication volume calculation method pre-programmed into the network simulator 70 (step S2). The total communication volume referred to here is the theoretical maximum communication volume of each communication device.

[0067] The network simulator 70 then provides the user with the calculated total traffic volume for each communication device. Based on the provided total traffic volume for each communication device, the user enters the desired simulation conditions. These conditions can include, for example, the number of graph screens and trend screens. These conditions can also be referred to as simulation conditions.

[0068] Then, the network simulator 70 estimates the actual traffic volume of communications performed in each communication device based on the input estimation conditions, after selecting whether or not the communication type used in each communication device is used (step S3).

[0069] The network simulator 70 then compares the estimated actual communication volume with the communication capabilities of each communication device pre-programmed into the network simulator 70 (step S4), and provides the user with a judgment result as a result of the comparison. The judgment result includes whether there are any communication devices that are performing communications exceeding their communication capabilities, and the margin of each communication device relative to its own communication capabilities. An example of a simulation result screen displaying such judgment results is shown in the example of the simulation result screen display using the [User Name] command. Figures 5 to 8 This will be described later in the description of .

[0070] Furthermore, in factory systems, the factory network PN is usually composed of communication equipment from multiple vendors, so all the information required for simulation may not be known. Figure 2 As shown, the network simulator 70 has an extended information acquisition I / F for such unknown information.

[0071] Then, the user prepares information related to unknown communication equipment, such as products from other vendors, as extended communication equipment information as needed, and causes the network simulator 70 to acquire this information via the extended information acquisition interface (step S1). The extended communication equipment information includes communication information, a method for calculating communication volume, communication capabilities, and the like, and is reflected as add-on information in steps S2, S3, and S4, respectively.

[0072] Thus, in the network simulation method involved in the embodiment, communication information is obtained from a database in which communication information related to the communication devices constituting the factory network PN is defined, via communication or directly, and the obtained communication information is stored. Based on the stored communication information, the total communication volume of each communication device assumed in the communication implemented by each communication device is calculated. Based on the total communication volume, the actual communication volume of each communication device corresponding to an arbitrary estimation condition specified by the user is estimated, and at least whether there is a communication device whose actual communication volume exceeds the communication capacity is determined, and the determination result is output to the user.

[0073] Therefore, according to the network simulation method according to the embodiment, it is possible to effectively support the construction of the plant network PN. Hereinafter, a configuration example of the network simulator 70 according to the embodiment will be described in more detail.

[0074] [Functional Configuration of Network Simulator 70]

[0075] Figure 4 70 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a network simulator 70. Figure 4In FIG. 1 , only components necessary for explaining the present embodiment are shown, and description of general components is omitted.

[0076] like Figure 4 As shown, the network simulator 70 includes a first information acquisition I / F 71 , a second information acquisition I / F 72 , an output unit 73 , an input unit 74 , a storage unit 75 , and a control unit 76 .

[0077] The first information acquisition I / F 71 and Figure 2 The standard information acquisition I / F shown in FIG. Figure 2 The extended information acquisition I / F shown is compatible.

[0078] The output unit 73 is realized by, for example, a display, and outputs a simulation result screen including the total communication volume of each communication device and the actual communication volume of each communication device under arbitrary estimation conditions.

[0079] The input unit 74 is realized by, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, etc., and receives various operations from the user, such as input of estimation conditions. Alternatively, the output unit 73 and the input unit 74 may be integrally formed of a touch panel display or the like.

[0080] The storage unit 75 is implemented by, for example, a semiconductor storage element such as a RAM (Random Access Memory), a flash memory (Flash Memory), or a storage device such as a hard disk or an optical disk. Figure 4 In the example of , the storage unit 75 stores communication information 75a, calculation method information 75b, condition information 75c, and communication capability information 75d.

[0081] Regarding communication information 75a, use Figure 3 The calculation method information 75b is information on the method for calculating the communication volume in each communication device, and includes, for example, a calculation algorithm for the communication volume in each communication device, a calculation model learned through machine learning, etc.

[0082] The calculation method information 75b may include calculation methods related to known communication devices in advance. In addition, the calculation method information 75b can be acquired and added via the second information acquisition I / F 72 as needed regarding calculation methods related to unknown communication devices.

[0083] Condition information 75c stores estimated conditions input by the user via input unit 74. Communication capability information 75d is information related to the communication capabilities of each communication device. The communication capabilities of known communication devices can be pre-programmed into communication capability information 75d. Furthermore, regarding the communication capabilities of unknown communication devices, communication capability information 75d can be acquired and added as needed via second information acquisition interface 72.

[0084] The control unit 76 is a controller implemented by, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), which executes various programs (corresponding to an example of a network simulation program) stored in the storage unit 75 (not shown) using RAM as a work area. Alternatively, the control unit 76 may be implemented by an integrated circuit such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array).

[0085] like Figure 4 As shown, the control unit 76 includes an acquisition unit 76a, a calculation unit 76b, an output control unit 76c, an estimation unit 76d, and a determination unit 76e, which realize or execute the functions and effects of the information processing described below. Figure 4 The structure shown in FIG. 1 may be any other structure as long as it is capable of performing the information processing described later. Figure 4 The connection relationship shown can also be other connection relationships.

[0086] The control unit 76 executes the Figure 2 This section describes the various processes of the network simulation function.

[0087] Acquisition unit 76a acquires communication information related to known communication devices from management database 51 via first information acquisition interface 71 and stores the information in communication information 75a. Furthermore, acquisition unit 76a acquires communication information related to unknown communication devices, a method for calculating communication traffic, and communication capabilities from the extended communication device information via second information acquisition interface 72 and stores the information in communication information 75a, calculation method information 75b, and communication capability information 75d, respectively.

[0088] Based on the communication information 75a and the calculation method information 75b, the calculation unit 76b calculates at least the theoretical maximum communication volume for each communication device, that is, the total communication volume for each communication device. Furthermore, the calculation unit 76b calculates the communication details for each communication device relative to this total communication volume. Furthermore, in addition to the total communication volume or communication details, the calculation unit 76b can also calculate various other calculated values ​​related to the communication of each communication device as appropriate. While confirming the total communication volume or communication details calculated by the calculation unit 76b, the user can adjust the estimation conditions by selecting whether or not to use the communication details for each communication device through the input unit 74.

[0089] The output control unit 76c controls the output unit 73 to output the calculation results calculated by the calculation unit 76b, namely, the total communication volume or communication details, etc. Specifically, the output control unit 76c generates an output screen that lays out the total communication volume or communication details, etc., and outputs it to the output unit 73. The output control unit 76c also controls the output unit 73 to generate an output screen that lays out the results of the determination by the determination unit 76e, described later, namely, the simulation results, and outputs it to the output unit 73.

[0090] Estimation unit 76d receives the calculation results from calculation unit 76b, accepts the estimated conditions input / adjusted by the user via input unit 74, and stores the estimated conditions in condition information 75c. Furthermore, based on condition information 75c, estimation unit 76d estimates the actual communication volume of each communication device, selecting whether the communication details used by each communication device are used.

[0091] The determination unit 76e compares the actual communication volume of each communication device estimated by the estimation unit 76d with the communication capacity of each communication device included in the communication capacity information 75d, and determines whether the actual communication volume of each communication device does not exceed the communication capacity of each communication device.

[0092] If there is a communication device whose actual communication volume exceeds the communication capacity, the determination unit 76e sets the comprehensive determination result to NG. If there is no communication device whose actual communication volume exceeds the communication capacity, the determination unit 76e sets the comprehensive determination result to OK.

[0093] Furthermore, the determination unit 76e calculates the comprehensive determination result and the margin of each communication device relative to its own communication capability, and notifies the output control unit 76c. The output control unit 76c generates, for example, a simulation result screen based on the various information notified from the determination unit 76e, and outputs the screen to the output unit 73.

[0094] [Example of display of simulation result screen]

[0095] Next, use Figures 5 to 8 A display example of the simulation result screen displayed on the output unit 73 by the output control unit 76 c will be described. Figure 5 1 is a diagram showing an example of a display of a simulation result screen. Figure 6 2 is a diagram showing an example of a display of a simulation result screen. Figure 7 3 is a diagram showing an example of a simulation result screen display. Figure 8 FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a display example of a simulation result screen.

[0096] like Figure 5 As shown, for example, the output control unit 76c causes the output unit 73 to display both the comprehensive judgment result of the entire simulation and the judgment result of each communication device as a simulation result screen.

[0097] Figure 5 The example shows that the comprehensive judgment result is "NG". In addition, a list of communication devices to be simulated is shown below the comprehensive judgment result, for example, showing the judgment result, communication device, installation location, actual communication volume, margin, etc. for each communication device.

[0098] Here, if Figure 5 As shown, assume that the judgment result of the operation control device 10-2 is NG (see the "×" mark in the figure). In this case, the output control unit 76c performs output control such as displaying the entire row corresponding to the operation control device 10-2 in the list in a different color from other rows, thereby clearly indicating the communication device with the NG judgment result.

[0099] In addition, here, it is assumed that the user selects the row of the operation control device 10-2 using the cursor Cr. Figure 6 As shown, the output control unit 76 c displays, for example, a detailed simulation result screen related to the operation control device 10 - 2 .

[0100] Figure 6 The example of shows, as a detailed simulation result, that in the communication performed by the operation control device 10 - 2 , there are communication requests for graphic screens, trend screens, etc., with the operation monitoring devices 20 - 1 and 20 - 2 as communication request sources, respectively.

[0101] In this case, as shown in the figure, the output control unit 76c performs output control such as highlighting (reference mark "!" in the figure) to clearly indicate the parameter value estimated to be inappropriate in the estimation condition.

[0102] In addition, the output control unit 76c may also select the parameter value when the user uses the cursor Cr. Figure 7 Output control is performed as shown to display guidance information for correcting the corresponding parameter values. Figure 7 The example shows an example of displaying guidance information indicating that the corresponding number of requests is excessive or the recommended value is less than 3. This can optimize the communication between the operation control device 10 and the operation monitoring device 20, for example, and can more effectively support the construction of the factory network PN.

[0103] exist Figure 8 Other examples of such guidance information are shown in FIG. Figure 8 As shown in the figure, as detailed simulation results, it is assumed that, in the communication performed by the alarm management device 30, it is clearly shown that the collection cycle parameter related to the operation control device 10-2 is inappropriate in the collection cycle in which the operation control devices 10-1 and 10-2 are respectively used as alarm collection sources.

[0104] When the user selects this parameter value, as shown in the figure, the output control unit 76c displays guidance information indicating that the corresponding period is too short and that the recommended value is greater than 100. This makes it possible to optimize communication between the operation control device 10 and the alarm management device 30, for example, and more effectively assist in establishing the plant network PN.

[0105] In addition, Figure 8 In the example, the alarm collection period is taken as an example, but it can also be the number of alarms collected per unit time.

[0106] [Processing Procedure Executed by the Network Simulator 70]

[0107] Next, use Figure 9 The processing procedure executed by the network simulator 70 will be described. Figure 9 This is a flowchart showing the processing procedure executed by the network simulator 70.

[0108] like Figure 9 As shown, first, the acquisition unit 76a acquires the communication information 75a (step S101). Then, the calculation unit 76b calculates the theoretical maximum communication volume of each communication device, that is, the total communication volume of each communication device, based on the communication information 75a and the calculation method information 75b (step S102).

[0109] Then, the output control unit 76c outputs the total communication volume of each communication device calculated by the calculation unit 76b (step S103).

[0110] Next, the estimating unit 76d acquires the condition information 75c inputted by the user via the input unit 74 (step S104). Then, the estimating unit 76d estimates the actual communication volume of each communication device corresponding to the condition information 75c (step S105).

[0111] Next, the determination unit 76e compares the actual communication volume of each communication device estimated by the estimation unit 76d with the communication capacity of each communication device included in the communication capacity information 75d to determine whether there is a communication device whose actual communication volume exceeds the communication capacity (step S106).

[0112] Here, if there is a communication device whose actual communication volume exceeds the communication capacity (step S106, yes), the determination unit 76e determines NG as the overall determination result of the simulation (step S107). If there is no communication device whose actual communication volume exceeds the communication capacity (step S106, no), the determination unit 76e determines OK as the overall determination result of the simulation (step S108).

[0113] Then, the output control unit 76c outputs the determination result of the determination unit 76e, the actual communication volume of each communication device, and the margin (step S109), and the processing ends.

[0114] [Effect]

[0115] As described above, the network simulator 70 according to the embodiment includes: an acquisition unit 76a for acquiring communication information 75a from a management DB 51 (an example of a "database"), which defines communication information related to communication devices constituting the plant network PN, either via communication or directly; a storage unit 75 for storing the communication information 75a acquired by the acquisition unit 76a; a calculation unit 76b for calculating the total communication volume of each communication device, assumed to be used in communications performed by each communication device, based on the communication information 75a stored in the storage unit 75; an estimation unit 76d for estimating the actual communication volume of each communication device corresponding to an arbitrary estimation condition specified by the user, based on the total communication volume; a determination unit 76e for determining whether at least one communication device has an actual communication volume exceeding its communication capacity; and an output control unit 76c for outputting the determination result determined by the determination unit 76e to the user. Therefore, the network simulator 70 according to the embodiment can effectively support the construction of the plant network PN.

[0116] Specifically, it is possible to systematically confirm in advance whether the factory network (PN) has been properly designed. Furthermore, this not only prevents rollbacks due to design errors but also minimizes the impact of unattainable specification changes on project completion. As a result, the risk of project extensions and increased costs due to increased man-hours can be minimized.

[0117] Furthermore, by performing simulations assuming the final network configuration during the modular design of the factory network PN, even large-scale factory network PNs connecting numerous communication devices can be completed with short lead times and high quality. This enables efficient and high-quality implementation of large-scale projects.

[0118] Furthermore, since the potential risk of a problem becoming apparent after the operation and causing a major equipment accident can be eliminated, it can contribute to the stable operation of the plant 2.

[0119] Furthermore, the acquisition unit 76a acquires communication information 75a related to known communication devices from the management device 50 having the management DB 51. Therefore, the network simulator 70 according to the embodiment can execute accurate simulation based on the actual network definition information of the plant network PN.

[0120] Furthermore, the acquisition unit 76a is configured to be able to extensively acquire communication information 75a, communication volume calculation methods, and communication capabilities related to unknown communication devices. Therefore, the network simulator 70 according to this embodiment enables accurate simulation even when unknown communication devices, such as products from other vendors, are incorporated into the factory network PN by extensively acquiring the communication information 75a of these devices.

[0121] Furthermore, communication information 75a includes at least the communication type of each communication device. Based on the estimation conditions, the estimation unit 76d estimates the actual traffic volume of each communication device, selecting whether each communication device is in use for each communication detail. Therefore, the network simulator 70 according to this embodiment can perform appropriate simulations based on whether or not a communication type is in use, such as screen display or other application processing.

[0122] Furthermore, if a communication device exists whose estimated actual communication volume exceeds its own communication capacity, the determination unit 76e determines that there is a communication error (NG) in the plant network PN based on the estimation condition. If a communication device whose estimated actual communication volume exceeds its communication capacity does not exist, the determination unit 76e determines that there is no communication error (OK) in the plant network PN based on the estimation condition. Therefore, the network simulator 70 according to the embodiment can appropriately evaluate the specified content of the estimation condition and prevent problems in the plant network PN's communication.

[0123] Furthermore, the output control unit 76c outputs the above-mentioned determination results, the actual communication volume of each communication device, and the margin of each communication device calculated by the determination unit 76e. Therefore, the network simulator 70 according to the embodiment can clearly indicate the location of problems in the construction of the plant network PN, allowing the user to immediately identify them.

[0124] Furthermore, the output control unit 76c outputs guidance information to the user urging correction of the estimation conditions based on the above determination result. Therefore, the network simulator 70 according to the embodiment can clearly indicate the location of problems in the construction of the plant network PN, and can further enable the user to make appropriate corrections.

[0125] [Other embodiments]

[0126] As mentioned above, although embodiment of this invention was demonstrated, this invention can also be implemented in various different forms other than the said embodiment.

[0127] [Display example, etc.]

[0128] The display layout and the like of the display examples used in the above-mentioned embodiments are merely examples and can be changed arbitrarily.

[0129] [Determination of total communication volume]

[0130] Furthermore, the above embodiment may also determine whether the total communication volume calculated by the calculation unit 76b is correct. For example, if the total communication volume calculated by the calculation unit 76b exceeds a predetermined reference value, the user may be prompted to reconsider the configuration of the factory network PN without accepting input of the estimated condition.

[0131] [Acquisition of Calculation Method Information 75b and Communication Capability Information 75d]

[0132] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the calculation method information 75b and the communication capability information 75d are pre-programmed into the network simulator 70. However, this information may be stored as a database on an external device and retrieved from the external device as needed. The external device may be implemented, for example, as a database management device within the plant control system 1 or as a cloud server accessible via the Internet or the like.

[0133] [system]

[0134] Information including processing steps, control steps, specific names, various data, and parameters shown in the above documents and drawings can be arbitrarily changed unless otherwise specified.

[0135] Furthermore, the components of the devices shown in the diagrams are conceptual and functional, and do not necessarily need to be physically configured as shown. That is, the specific methods of distributing and integrating the devices are not limited to those shown. Specifically, they can be functionally or physically distributed or integrated in arbitrary units, in whole or in part, depending on various loads, usage conditions, and the like.

[0136] Furthermore, all or any part of each processing function performed by each device may be realized by a CPU and a program analyzed and executed by the CPU, or may be realized as hardware based on wired logic.

[0137] [hardware]

[0138] The operation control device 10, the operation monitoring device 20, the alarm management device 30, the integrated monitoring device 40, the management device 50, and the network simulator 70 according to the above-mentioned embodiment are, for example, Figure 10 The network simulator 70 is implemented by the computer 100 having the structure shown. Figure 10 1 is a diagram showing a hardware configuration of an example of a computer 100 that realizes the functions of the network simulator 70 according to the embodiment.

[0139] like Figure 10 As shown, the computer 100 includes a communication device 100a, a HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 100b, a memory 100c, and a processor 100d. Figure 10 The various components shown are connected to each other via a bus or the like.

[0140] The communication device 100a is a NIC etc. and performs communication with other devices. Figure 4 Programs and databases for the functional operations shown.

[0141] The processor 100d reads and executes data from the HDD 100b or the like. Figure 4 The same processing program is developed in the memory 100c so that the execution Figure 4 The processes for the functions described in

[15] and

[16] are executed. For example, this processing performs the same functions as the processing units in network simulator 70. Specifically, processor 100d reads a program having the same functions as acquisition unit 76a, calculation unit 76b, output control unit 76c, estimation unit 76d, and determination unit 76e from HDD 100b, etc. Processor 100d then executes a process that performs the same processing as acquisition unit 76a, calculation unit 76b, output control unit 76c, estimation unit 76d, and determination unit 76e.

[0142] In this way, the computer 100 operates as an information processing device that performs various processing methods by reading and executing programs. Furthermore, the computer 100 can also achieve the same functions as the above-described embodiment by reading the above-described programs from a recording medium using a medium reader and executing the read programs. Furthermore, the programs described herein are not limited to being executed solely by the computer 100. For example, the present invention can also be applied to situations where a computer or server having other hardware structures executes the programs, or where these computers or servers collaborate to execute the programs.

[0143] The program can be distributed via a network such as the Internet. Alternatively, the program can be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a hard disk, a floppy disk (FD), a CD-ROM, an MO (Magneto-Optical Disk), or a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), and can be executed by a computer by reading from the recording medium. A recording medium recording the program is also one aspect of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A network simulator having: an acquisition unit that acquires the communication information from a database in which communication information related to communication devices constituting the factory network is defined, via communication or directly; a storage unit for storing the communication information acquired by the acquisition unit; a calculation unit that calculates, for each communication device, a theoretical maximum communication volume, i.e., a total communication volume, in the communication implemented by each communication device, based on the communication information stored in the storage unit, wherein the total communication volume is a total value of the communication volume of each communication device with respect to at least one communication object when the corresponding communication device communicates with the at least one communication object; an estimating unit that estimates, based on the total communication volume, an actual communication volume of each communication device corresponding to an arbitrary estimation condition specified by a user; A determination unit, for determining at least whether there is a communication device whose actual communication volume exceeds the communication capacity; as well as an output control unit that outputs the determination result determined by the determination unit to a user, The acquisition unit acquires the communication information related to the known communication device from the management device having the database, The acquisition unit is configured to be capable of acquiring the communication information, the communication volume calculation method, and the communication capability related to an unknown communication device in an expandable manner.

2. The network simulator according to claim 1, wherein: The communication information at least includes the communication type of each communication device. The estimating unit estimates the actual communication volume of communication performed in each communication device based on the estimation condition, after selecting whether or not each communication detail in each communication device is used.

3. The network simulator according to claim 1, wherein: The determination unit determines that there is an abnormality in the communication of the factory network based on the estimated condition when there is a communication device whose actual communication volume exceeds the communication capacity, and determines that there is no abnormality in the communication of the factory network based on the estimated condition when there is no communication device whose actual communication volume exceeds the communication capacity.

4. The network simulator according to claim 1, wherein: The output control unit outputs the determination result, the actual communication volume of each communication device, and the margin of each communication device calculated by the determination unit.

5. The network simulator according to claim 1, wherein: The output control unit outputs guidance information urging a user to correct the estimation condition based on the determination result.

6. A network simulation method, causing a computer to perform the following processing: Obtaining the communication information from a database in which communication information related to communication devices constituting the factory network is defined, via communication or directly; storing the acquired communication information; According to the stored communication information, for each communication device, a theoretical maximum communication volume, i.e., a total communication volume, is calculated, which is assumed to be a total value of the communication volume of each communication device relative to at least one communication object when the corresponding communication device communicates with the at least one communication object; estimating the actual communication volume of each communication device corresponding to an arbitrary estimation condition specified by a user based on the total communication volume; At least determining whether there is a communication device whose actual communication volume exceeds the communication capacity; as well as Output the judgment result to the user, obtaining the communication information related to the known communication equipment from the management device having the database, The communication information, the communication volume calculation method, and the communication capability related to unknown communication equipment can be obtained in an expandable manner.

7. A computer-readable recording medium having a network simulation program recorded thereon, The network simulation program enables the computer to execute the following processing: Obtaining the communication information from a database in which communication information related to communication devices constituting the factory network is defined, via communication or directly; storing the acquired communication information; According to the stored communication information, for each communication device, a theoretical maximum communication volume, i.e., a total communication volume, is calculated, which is assumed to be a total value of the communication volume of each communication device relative to at least one communication object when the corresponding communication device communicates with the at least one communication object; estimating the actual communication volume of each communication device corresponding to an arbitrary estimation condition specified by a user based on the total communication volume; At least determining whether there is a communication device whose actual communication volume exceeds the communication capacity; as well as Output the judgment result to the user, obtaining the communication information related to the known communication equipment from the management device having the database, The communication information, the communication volume calculation method, and the communication capability related to unknown communication equipment can be obtained in an expandable manner.

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