Communication control system, control device, communication control method, and computer-readable storage medium

Abstract

The communication control system (500) has multiple control devices (100) that communicate via a 5G network and multiple controlled devices (200) that are controlled by the multiple control devices (100). Each control device (100) obtains the emergency stop group number of the emergency stop group to which it belongs from emergency stop group information. Furthermore, the control device (100) calculates the total number of emergency stop groups and creates slice information for connecting to a number of UPFs (Upload Power Providers) equal to the total number of emergency stop groups. The control device (100) registers with the 5G network, obtains target address information pointing to UPFs (410), i.e., UPF target address information, and stores information in a target address translation table that associates the emergency stop group number with the UPF as the target UPF in a way that prevents duplication among the UPFs that are transmission targets.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a communication control system, a control device, a communication control method, and a communication control program. Background Technology

[0002] Industrial networks are used for networks in industrial systems such as production lines or robots built in factories. To ensure high productivity and safety, industrial networks require high fault tolerance. Furthermore, factories differ from offices or data centers, often presenting environments with dust or vibration. Therefore, high fault tolerance is particularly important for the components that make up industrial networks. Various methods have been investigated to achieve this high fault tolerance.

[0003] For example, in Patent Document 1, regarding industrial networks, when a fault occurs in a link between devices constituting the network, the device adjacent to the location of the fault sends a message indicating the fault location according to a prescribed protocol. The device receiving the message then updates its routing table to avoid the fault location shown in the message. This avoids a single point of failure in the transmission path, improving the fault tolerance of the industrial system.

[0004] On the other hand, in recent years, the standardization and practical application of 5G (fifth-generation mobile communication system) have been developing. 5G networks provide wireless access to the public. Additionally, a method called local 5G has been conceived for building 5G networks as private networks in localized areas. The benefits of applying this local 5G to industrial systems, such as reduced cabling and simplified maintenance, are anticipated.

[0005] A 5G network consists of end-user terminals joining the network, the Radio Access Network (RAN) that performs the functions of a base station, and the 5G core. Data transmitted by the end-user terminals is forwarded to other end-user terminals or other networks such as the Internet via the RAN and then through the User Plane Function (UPF) on the 5G core. RAN is an abbreviation for Radio Access Network. UPF is an abbreviation for User Plane Function.

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 9-098180 Summary of the Invention

[0007] Industrial systems operate by coordinating multiple PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers) via a network and arbitrating multiple production lines. When applying 5G to industrial systems, a network is built between PLCs over the 5G network. In this case, the UPF (Programmable Logic Controller Platform) is responsible for forwarding all data exchanged between the PLCs. If the UPF fails and becomes inoperable, the linkage between PLCs becomes impossible, and all production lines that are the object of arbitration stop. That is, the UPF becomes the object of arbitration for the PLCs, i.e., the single point of failure for all production lines. Therefore, the following issue arises: when applying 5G networks to industrial systems, fault tolerance becomes vulnerable.

[0008] The purpose of this invention is to prevent the generation of a single point of failure on the 5G core in industrial systems that utilize 5G networks.

[0009] The communication control system of the present invention includes multiple control devices that communicate via a 5G network, and multiple controlled devices, each controlled by the multiple control devices.

[0010] In this communication control system,

[0011] Each of the plurality of control devices has:

[0012] An information creation unit calculates the total number of emergency stop groups based on emergency stop group information that associates the emergency stop group number assigned to an emergency stop group with each of the multiple control devices, and creates slice information for connecting to a number of UPFs equal to the total number of emergency stop groups, wherein the emergency stop groups are determined based on the extent of the impact of anomalies in each of the multiple controlled devices.

[0013] The 5G connection unit, based on the slice information, registers its control device with the 5G network and obtains the target address information pointing to the UPF, i.e., the UPF target address information; and

[0014] The target address information acquisition unit, based on the UPF target address information, associates the emergency stop group number with the UPF that is the transmission target in a manner that prevents duplication among the emergency stop groups, and stores the information that associates the emergency stop group number with the UPF that is the transmission target in the target address transformation table.

[0015] The effects of the invention

[0016] In the communication control system of the present invention, an emergency stop group number is associated with a UPF that is a transmission target in a manner that prevents duplication among emergency stop groups. Furthermore, the information linking the emergency stop group number with the UPF that is a transmission target is stored in a target address translation table. The control device can use this target address translation table to transmit data, thus limiting the impact of a UPF failure to the scope of the emergency stop group corresponding to the failed UPF, even if a UPF fails. This improves the fault tolerance of industrial systems. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating a structural example of the communication control system according to Implementation Method 1.

[0018] Figure 2 This is a diagram illustrating a structural example of the control device involved in Embodiment 1.

[0019] Figure 3 This is a diagram illustrating a detailed functional structure example of the control device involved in Embodiment 1.

[0020] Figure 4 This is a diagram illustrating a structural example of the target address translation table involved in Implementation Method 1.

[0021] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing the operation flow of process A in the control device according to embodiment 1.

[0022] Figure 6 This is a diagram showing the operation flow of process B in the control device according to embodiment 1.

[0023] Figure 7 This is a diagram showing the operation flow of process C in the control device according to embodiment 1.

[0024] Figure 8 This is a diagram illustrating a structural example of the control device involved in a variation of Embodiment 1. Detailed Implementation

[0025] Hereinafter, this embodiment will be described using the accompanying drawings. In each drawing, the same or corresponding parts are labeled with the same reference numerals. In the description of the embodiment, the description of the same or corresponding parts is appropriately omitted or simplified.

[0026] Implementation Method 1

[0027] ***Structure Description***

[0028] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating a structural example of the communication control system 500 according to this embodiment.

[0029] The communication control system 500 has multiple control devices 100 that communicate via a 5G network and multiple controlled devices 200 that are controlled by the multiple control devices 100 respectively.

[0030] The communication control system 500 is, for example, an industrial system composed of a PLC.

[0031] A PLC is a control device 100 that controls a production line or a robot, i.e., a controlled device 200.

[0032] In a PLC, when an anomaly occurs in a controlled device such as a production line or robot, which could cause injury to an operator or lead to unexpected actions, the controlled device is brought to an emergency stop. In PLCs constituting industrial systems, the scope of the anomaly's impact is grouped when it occurs. These groups are identified by identifiers and are pre-set in each PLC. Hereinafter, these identifiers are referred to as emergency stop group numbers, and in this embodiment, they are expressed numerically for convenience.

[0033] When a PLC detects an anomaly, it sends a message containing the emergency stop group number to all other PLCs. The PLC receiving this message compares the emergency stop group number set in the emergency stop group information with the emergency stop group number recorded in the message. If they match, the PLC immediately stops the production line or robot it controls. If they don't match, the PLC continues controlling the production line or robot.

[0034] In 5G, there is a feature called network slicing. This addresses various scenarios where applications connected to 5G networks require high-capacity communication or low-latency communication. Network slicing allows for the definition of a UPF (User-Defined Functionality) corresponding to the required communication quality for each application.

[0035] In this implementation, the functions of emergency stop group numbering and network slicing are utilized. Specifically, a network is constructed where data forwarding from the PLC is performed by the UPF corresponding to the emergency stop group number.

[0036] like Figure 1 As shown, the communication control system 500 includes a control device 100, a controlled device 200, a RAN 300, and a 5G core 400.

[0037] exist Figure 1In the diagram, four control devices 100 are illustrated as control devices 100_1, 100_2, 100_3, and 100_4. Additionally, four controlled devices 200 are illustrated as controlled devices 200_1, 200_2, 200_3, and 200_4. Furthermore, two RAN 300s, RAN 300_1 and 300_2, are illustrated as RAN 300s.

[0038] In the 5G core 400, two UPF 400s, UPF 410_1 and 410_2, are illustrated as UPF 410.

[0039] Sometimes, each or all of control devices 100_1, 100_2, 100_3, and 100_4 are referred to as control device 100. Sometimes, each or all of controlled devices 200_1, 200_2, 200_3, and 200_4 are referred to as controlled device 200. Sometimes, each or all of RAN 300_1 and 300_2 are referred to as RAN 300. Sometimes, each or all of UPF 410_1 and 410_2 are referred to as UPF 400.

[0040] Control devices 100_1, 100_2, 100_3, and 100_4 each control a production line or a robot-like device. Specifically, each control device 100_1, 100_2, 100_3, and 100_4 is connected to each controlled device 200_1, 200_2, 200_3, and 200_4. The controlled devices 200_1, 200_2, 200_3, and 200_4 are each production line or a robot-like device, and are controlled by the PLC.

[0041] The control device 100 is also called UE (User Equipment).

[0042] For control devices 100_1 and 100_2, emergency stop group number 1 is specified; for control devices 100_3 and 100_4, emergency stop group number 2 is specified.

[0043] The emergency stop group number refers to the group number assigned to the emergency stop group.

[0044] The emergency stop group is determined based on the scope of the impact of anomalies in each of the multiple controlled devices 200.

[0045] exist Figure 1 In the above, control devices 100_1 and 100_2 belong to emergency stop group number 1, and control devices 100_3 and 100_4 belong to emergency stop group number 2.

[0046] RAN 300_1 and 300_2 are the Radio Access Networks in 5G, which fulfill the responsibilities of base stations.

[0047] exist Figure 1 In this system, control devices 100_1 and 100_2 communicate with RAN 300_1, and control devices 100_3 and 100_4 communicate with RAN 300_2.

[0048] 5G Core 400 is the core network in a 5G network.

[0049] The core network is typically composed of various functional groups. In this embodiment, only the following functions related to actions are described.

[0050] UPF 410_1 and 410_2 are user plane functions in 5G. UPF 410_1 and 410_2 have the function of forwarding data sent from the terminal at the end of the 5G network to the destination address recorded in the data.

[0051] Figure 2 This is a diagram illustrating a structural example of the control device 100 according to this embodiment.

[0052] Figure 3 This is a diagram illustrating a detailed functional structure example of the control device 100 involved in this embodiment.

[0053] The control device 100 is a computer. The control device 100 has a processor 910, and other hardware such as a memory 921, an auxiliary storage device 922, an input / output interface 930, and a communication device 950. The processor 910 is connected to the other hardware via signal lines and controls the aforementioned hardware.

[0054] The control device 100 includes, as functional elements, a computing unit 110, a transmitting and receiving unit 120, a communication distribution unit 130, a 5G connection unit 140, and a storage unit 150. The storage unit 150 stores emergency stop group information 151 and a target address translation table 152.

[0055] like Figure 3 As shown, the communication distribution unit 130 includes an information acquisition unit 131, an information creation unit 132, a target address information acquisition unit 133, and a target address transformation unit 134.

[0056] The functions of the computing unit 110, the transmitting and receiving unit 120, the communication distribution unit 130, and the 5G connection unit 140 are implemented by software. The storage unit 150 is provided in the memory 921. Alternatively, the storage unit 150 may be provided in the auxiliary storage device 922, or it may be distributed between the memory 921 and the auxiliary storage device 922.

[0057] The processor 910 is a device that executes a communication control program. The communication control program is a program that implements the functions of the computing unit 110, the transmitting and receiving unit 120, the communication distribution unit 130, and the 5G connection unit 140.

[0058] Processor 910 is an IC (Integrated Circuit) that performs computational processing. Specific examples of processor 910 are CPU (Central Processing Unit), DSP (Digital Signal Processor), and GPU (Graphics Processing Unit).

[0059] Memory 921 is a storage device for temporarily storing data. Specific examples of memory 921 are SRAM (Static Random Access Memory) or DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory).

[0060] Auxiliary storage device 922 is a storage device for storing data. A specific example of auxiliary storage device 922 is an HDD. Alternatively, auxiliary storage device 922 can also be a removable storage medium such as an SD (registered trademark) memory card, CF card, NAND flash memory, floppy disk, optical disk, compact disk, Blu-ray (registered trademark) disc, or DVD. Furthermore, HDD is an abbreviation for Hard Disk Drive. SD (registered trademark) is an abbreviation for Secure Digital. CF is an abbreviation for CompactFlash (registered trademark). DVD is an abbreviation for Digital Versatile Disk.

[0061] The input / output interface 930 is a port for sending and receiving data with devices such as production lines or robots, i.e., the controlled device 200.

[0062] Alternatively, the input / output interface 930 may also have a port for connecting to input devices such as a mouse, keyboard, or touch panel. Specifically, the input interface is a USB (Universal Serial Bus) terminal. Furthermore, the input interface may also be a port for connecting to a LAN (Local Area Network).

[0063] Alternatively, the input / output interface 930 may also have a port for cable connection to an output device such as a display screen as an output interface. Specifically, the output interface is a USB terminal or an HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface) terminal. Specifically, the display screen is an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display). The output interface is also called a monitor interface.

[0064] Communication device 950 is a wireless device used for connecting to 5G networks.

[0065] Alternatively, the communication device 950 may also have a receiver and a transmitter, and connect to a communication network such as a LAN, the Internet, or a telephone line. Specifically, the communication device 950 is a communication chip or a NIC (Network Interface Card).

[0066] The communication control program is executed in the control device 100. The communication control program is read into the processor 910 and executed by the processor 910. The memory 921 stores not only the communication control program but also the operating system (OS). The processor 910 executes the communication control program while simultaneously executing the OS. The communication control program and the OS can also be stored in the auxiliary storage device 922. The communication control program and the OS stored in the auxiliary storage device 922 are loaded into the memory 921 and executed by the processor 910. Alternatively, part or all of the communication control program can be embedded into the OS.

[0067] The control device 100 may also have multiple processors that replace the processor 910. These multiple processors share the execution of the communication control program. Each processor, like the processor 910, is a device for executing the communication control program.

[0068] Data, information, signal values, and variable values ​​used, processed, or output by the communication control program are stored in registers or buffers within memory 921, auxiliary storage device 922, or processor 910.

[0069] Alternatively, the word "section" in each of the computing section 110, transmitting / receiving section 120, communication distribution section 130, and 5G connection section 140 can be replaced with "circuit," "process," "flow," "processing," or "circuit system." The communication control program causes the computer to perform computing processing, transmitting / receiving processing, communication distribution processing, and 5G connection processing. Alternatively, the word "processing" in computing processing, transmitting / receiving processing, communication distribution processing, and 5G connection processing can be replaced with "program," "program product," "storage medium containing a program that can be read by a computer," or "recording medium containing a program that can be read by a computer." Furthermore, the communication control method is a method performed by the control device 100 executing the communication control program.

[0070] The communication control program can also be provided stored on a computer-readable recording medium. Alternatively, the communication control program can also be provided as a program product.

[0071] ***Function Description***

[0072] The calculation unit 110 obtains the settings and operating status of the controlled device 200, calculates the control signals for controlling the operation of the controlled device 200, and outputs the calculation results to the controlled device 200.

[0073] The transmitting and receiving unit 120 transmits and receives control signals to other control devices 100 or controlled devices 200.

[0074] In the emergency stop group information 151, the emergency stop group number assigned to the emergency stop group is associated with each control device of the plurality of control devices 100. That is, the emergency stop group information 151 stores the emergency stop group number specified for each control device 100. Figure 1 In the example, emergency stop group number 1 is specified for control devices 100_1 and 100_2, and emergency stop group number 2 is specified for control devices 100_3 and 100_4.

[0075] The communication distribution unit 130 is also called the data communication distribution function.

[0076] Information acquisition unit 131 obtains the emergency stop group number from emergency stop group information 151. Information acquisition unit 131 is also called emergency stop group acquisition unit.

[0077] The information creation unit 132 calculates the total number of emergency stop groups based on the emergency stop group number and creates slice information for connecting to the same number of UPFs as the total number of emergency stop groups. Specifically, when the control device 100 joins the 5G network, the information creation unit 132 creates slice information required for connecting to the same number of UPFs as the total number of emergency stop group numbers, or for activating the same number of UPFs as the total number of emergency stop group numbers. The information creation unit 132 then outputs the slice information to the 5G connection unit 140. The information creation unit 132 is also called the slice information creation unit.

[0078] The 5G connection unit 140 registers its control device with the 5G network based on slice information and obtains the UPF target address information, i.e., the UPF target address information. If the 5G connection unit 140 connects its control device to the 5G network, the UPF target address information is sent from the 5G core 400.

[0079] The target address information acquisition unit 133 acquires the UPF target address information sent from the 5G core 400, and associates the emergency stop group number with the UPF target address information in a way that the UPFs that become target addresses among the emergency stop groups are not duplicated, and stores the associated information in the target address transformation table 152.

[0080] The target address transformation unit 134 refers to the target address transformation table 152 and transforms the target address information of the data by using the UPF corresponding to the emergency stop group number to which its own control device belongs as the target address.

[0081] Figure 4 This is a diagram illustrating a structural example of the target address transformation table 152 involved in this embodiment.

[0082] The target address transformation table 152 is stored in a form that associates the emergency stop group number with the UPF target address information.

[0083] exist Figure 4 In this configuration, for emergency stop group number 1, UPF 410_1 is set as the target UPF for transmission. Specifically, the target UPF address information for UPF 410_1 is set for emergency stop group number 1. Furthermore, for emergency stop group number 2, UPF 410_2 is set as the target UPF for transmission. Specifically, the target UPF address information for UPF 410_2 is set for emergency stop group number 2.

[0084] ***Instructions for Action***

[0085] Next, the operation of the control device 100 according to this embodiment will be described. The operation flow of the control device 100 is equivalent to a communication control method. In addition, the program that implements the operation of the control device 100 is equivalent to a communication control program. The communication control program causes the control device 100, which is a computer, to perform communication control processing.

[0086] The communication control processing of the control device 100 according to this embodiment includes process A, process B and process C.

[0087] Process A connects to the 5G network based on the emergency stop group pre-set for the control device 100.

[0088] In process B, the information used to transform the target address is stored in the target address transformation table 152 so that data can be forwarded to the UPF corresponding to the emergency stop group.

[0089] Process C transforms the target address information of the data transmitted by the control device 100 via 5G based on the information stored in process B.

[0090] <Process A>

[0091] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing the operation flow of process A in the control device 100 according to this embodiment.

[0092] If the control device 100 begins to join the 5G network, then the processing of step S101 begins.

[0093] In specific examples, regarding Figure 1 The operation of the control device 100_1 will be explained.

[0094] In step S101, the information acquisition unit 131 obtains the emergency stop group number set in the emergency stop group information 151. Specifically, the information acquisition unit 131 obtains the emergency stop group number specified for control devices 100_1 to 100_4 from the emergency stop group information 151.

[0095] In a specific example, Information Acquisition Department 131 acquired Emergency Stop Group numbers 1 and 2.

[0096] In step S102, the information creation unit 132 calculates the total number of emergency stop groups based on the emergency stop group number and creates slice information for connecting to the same number of UPFs as the total number of emergency stop groups.

[0097] In a specific example, the information creation unit 132 calculates that the total number of emergency stop groups is 2 based on the obtained emergency stop group numbers 1 and 2. Then, the information creation unit 132 creates slice information for connecting to the two UPFs.

[0098] In step S103, the information creation unit 132 outputs the slice information created in step S102 to the 5G connection unit 140.

[0099] In step S104, the 5G connection unit 140 connects its own control device to the 5G network based on the slice information.

[0100] In a specific example, the 5G connection unit 140 registers the control device 100_1 with the 5G network based on the slice information and establishes a connection to UPF 410_1 and 410_2.

[0101] <Process B>

[0102] Figure 6 This is a diagram showing the operation flow of process B in the control device 100 according to this embodiment.

[0103] Process B is performed after the connection between the control device 100 and the UPF is established.

[0104] In step S201, the target address information of UPF 410 in the 5G core 400, i.e., the UPF target address information, is sent from the 5G core 400 to the 5G connection unit 140. The 5G connection unit 140 obtains the UPF target address information sent from the 5G core 400.

[0105] In step S202, the target address information acquisition unit 133 acquires the UPF target address information sent in step S201 through the 5G connection unit 140.

[0106] In step S203, the target address information acquisition unit 133 stores information that associates the emergency stop group number with the target UPF in a manner that ensures the target UPFs are not duplicated among emergency stop groups in the target address transformation table 152 based on the UPF target address information. Specifically, the target address information acquisition unit 133 associates the emergency stop group number with the UPF target address information of the target UPF in a manner that ensures the UPFs 410_1 and 410_2 that are the targets of transmission between emergency stop group numbers 1 and 2 are not duplicated.

[0107] In a specific example, the target address information acquisition unit 133 stores the information that associates the UPF target address information of UPF410_1 with emergency stop group number 1 and the UPF target address information of UPF410_2 with emergency stop group number 2 in the target address transformation table 152.

[0108] <Process C>

[0109] Figure 7 This is a diagram showing the operation flow of process C in the control device 100 according to this embodiment.

[0110] Process C is performed after processes A and B when control device 100 sends data to other control devices. In a specific example, the case where control device 100_1 sends data to any of the other control devices 100_2 to 100_4 will be described.

[0111] In step S301, when sending data to other control devices, the target address transformation unit 134 transforms the target address information of the data based on the target address transformation table 152, so as to send the data to the sending target UPF corresponding to the emergency stop group to which its own control device 100 belongs.

[0112] Specifically, the target address transformation unit 134 obtains the UPF target address information of the transmission target UPF corresponding to the emergency stop group number of the emergency stop group to which its own control device 100 belongs from the target address transformation table 152.

[0113] In a specific example, the target address conversion unit 134 obtains the UPF target address information of UPF 410_1 corresponding to the emergency stop group number 1 of the emergency stop group to which its own control device 100_1 belongs, and uses it as the transmission target UPF.

[0114] In step S302, the target address transformation unit 134 transforms the target address information of the data transmitted by the transmitting and receiving unit 120 so that the data is transmitted to the transmission target UPF obtained in step S301.

[0115] In a specific example, the target address transformation unit 134 uses the UPF target address information of UPF 410_1 to transform the target address information of the data so that the data is sent to UPF 410_1.

[0116] Then, the sending and receiving unit 120 sends data based on the target address information of the data.

[0117] As described above, in the control device 100 of this embodiment, by taking processes A, B, and C, a structure is achieved in which data is forwarded by the UPF corresponding to the emergency stop group. This prevents the UPF on the 5G network from becoming a single point of failure in the industrial system. Even if a UPF fails, the impact of the failure can be limited to the scope of the emergency stop group corresponding to the failed UPF.

[0118] ***Other Structures***

[0119] In this embodiment, the functions of the computing unit 110, the transmitting / receiving unit 120, the communication distribution unit 130, and the 5G connection unit 140 are implemented in software. As a variation, the functions of the computing unit 110, the transmitting / receiving unit 120, the communication distribution unit 130, and the 5G connection unit 140 can also be implemented in hardware.

[0120] Specifically, the control device 100 has electronic circuitry 909 instead of processor 910.

[0121] Figure 8 This is a diagram illustrating a structural example of the control device 100 involved in a variation of this embodiment.

[0122] Electronic circuit 909 is a dedicated electronic circuit that implements the functions of computing unit 110, transmitting / receiving unit 120, communication distribution unit 130, and 5G connection unit 140. Specifically, electronic circuit 909 can be a single circuit, a composite circuit, a programmable processor, a parallel programmable processor, a logic IC, a GA, an ASIC, or an FPGA. GA is an abbreviation for Gate Array. ASIC is an abbreviation for Application Specific Integrated Circuit. FPGA is an abbreviation for Field-Programmable Gate Array.

[0123] The functions of the computing unit 110, the transmitting and receiving unit 120, the communication distribution unit 130, and the 5G connection unit 140 can be implemented by a single electronic circuit or distributed among multiple electronic circuits.

[0124] As another variation, some functions of the computing unit 110, the transmitting / receiving unit 120, the communication distribution unit 130, and the 5G connection unit 140 may be implemented by electronic circuits, while the remaining functions may be implemented by software. Alternatively, some or all of the functions of the computing unit 110, the transmitting / receiving unit 120, the communication distribution unit 130, and the 5G connection unit 140 may also be implemented by firmware.

[0125] The processor and electronic circuits are each also referred to as the processing circuit system. That is, the functions of the computing unit 110, the transmitting and receiving unit 120, the communication distribution unit 130, and the 5G connection unit 140 are realized through the processing circuit system.

[0126] ***Explanation of the effects of this implementation method***

[0127] As described above, the control device 100 according to this embodiment implements a structure in which data is forwarded by a UPF corresponding to an emergency stop group. This prevents the UPF on the 5G network from becoming a single point of failure in the industrial system. Even if a UPF fails, the impact of the failure is limited to the scope of the emergency stop group corresponding to the failed UPF. Therefore, the control device 100 according to this embodiment improves the fault tolerance of the industrial system.

[0128] In Embodiment 1 above, each part of the control device was described as an independent functional block. However, the structure of the control device may not be as described in the above embodiment. The functional blocks of the control device can have any structure as long as they can perform the functions described in the above embodiment. In addition, the control device may be a system composed of multiple devices rather than a single device.

[0129] Alternatively, multiple parts of Embodiment 1 can be combined and implemented. Or, only one part of this embodiment can be implemented. Furthermore, this embodiment can be implemented by any combination of its entirety or parts.

[0130] That is, in embodiment 1, various embodiments can be freely combined, or any structural elements of each embodiment can be modified, or any structural elements can be omitted in each embodiment.

[0131] Furthermore, the above-described embodiments are merely preferred embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention, its applications, or its uses. Various modifications can be made to the above-described embodiments as needed.

[0132] Explanation of the label

[0133] 100, 100_1, 100_2, 100_3, 100_4 Control devices, 110 Computing unit, 120 Transmitting and receiving unit, 130 Communication distribution unit, 131 Information acquisition unit, 132 Information creation unit, 133 Target address information acquisition unit, 134 Target address transformation unit, 140 5G connection unit, 150 Storage unit, 151 Emergency stop group information, 152 Target address transformation table, 200, 200_1, 200_2, 200_3, 200_4 Controlled devices, 300, 300_1, 300_2 RAN, 400 5G core, 410, 410_1, 410_2 UPF, 500 Communication control system, 909 Electronic circuit, 910 Processor, 921 Memory, 922 Auxiliary storage device, 930 Input / output interface, 950 Communication device.

Claims

1. A communication control system comprising multiple control devices communicating via a 5G network, and multiple controlled devices, each controlled by one of the multiple control devices, wherein, 5G is the fifth generation of mobile communication systems. In this communication control system, Each of the plurality of control devices has: The information creation unit calculates the total number of emergency stop groups based on emergency stop group information that associates the emergency stop group number assigned to the emergency stop group with each control device of the plurality of control devices, and creates slice information for connecting to the same number of UPFs as the total number of emergency stop groups. The emergency stop groups are determined based on the scope of the impact of anomalies in each of the plurality of controlled devices, and the UPF is a user plane function. The 5G connection unit, based on the slice information, registers its control device with the 5G network and obtains the target address information pointing to the UPF, i.e., the UPF target address information; and The target address information acquisition unit, based on the UPF target address information, associates the emergency stop group number with the UPF that is the transmission target in a manner that prevents duplication among the emergency stop groups, and stores the information that associates the emergency stop group number with the UPF that is the transmission target in the target address transformation table.

2. The communication control system according to claim 1, wherein, Each of the plurality of control devices has: The target address translation unit, when sending data to other control devices, translates the target address information of the data based on the target address translation table, so as to send the data to the UPF corresponding to the emergency stop group to which its own control device belongs; and The transmitting and receiving unit transmits the data based on the target address information of the data.

3. The communication control system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, Each of the plurality of control devices has an information acquisition unit that acquires the emergency stop group number set in the emergency stop group information. The information creation unit calculates the total number of emergency stop groups based on the emergency stop group number.

4. A control device included in a communication control system, the communication control system having a plurality of control devices communicating via a 5G network, and a plurality of controlled devices, each controlled by the plurality of control devices. in, The control device has: An information creation unit calculates the total number of emergency stop groups based on emergency stop group information that associates the emergency stop group number assigned to an emergency stop group with each of the multiple control devices, and creates slice information for connecting to a number of UPFs equal to the total number of emergency stop groups, wherein the emergency stop groups are determined based on the extent of the impact of anomalies in each of the multiple controlled devices. The 5G connectivity unit registers the control device with the 5G network based on the slice information, and obtains the target address information of the UPF, i.e., the UPF target address information; and The target address information acquisition unit, based on the UPF target address information, associates the emergency stop group number with the UPF that is the transmission target in a manner that prevents duplication among the emergency stop groups, and stores the information that associates the emergency stop group number with the UPF that is the transmission target in the target address transformation table.

5. The control device according to claim 4, wherein, The control device has: The target address translation unit, when sending data to other control devices, translates the target address information of the data based on the target address translation table, so as to send the data to the UPF corresponding to the emergency stop group to which its own control device belongs; and The transmitting and receiving unit transmits the data based on the target address information of the data.

6. The control device according to claim 4 or 5, wherein, The control device includes an information acquisition unit that acquires the emergency stop group number set in the emergency stop group information. The information creation unit calculates the total number of emergency stop groups based on the emergency stop group number.

7. A communication control method used in a communication control system, the communication control system having multiple control devices communicating via a 5G network, and multiple controlled devices, each controlled by the multiple control devices, wherein... 5G is the fifth generation of mobile communication systems. In this communication control method, The computer calculates the total number of emergency stop groups based on emergency stop group information that associates the emergency stop group number assigned to each of the plurality of control devices. It then creates slice information for connecting to a number of UPFs (User Plane Functions) equal to the total number of emergency stop groups. The number of emergency stop groups is determined based on the extent of impact of anomalies in each of the plurality of controlled devices. The UPF is a user plane function. The computer registers its control device with the 5G network based on the slice information to obtain the target address information pointing to the UPF, i.e., the UPF target address information. The computer associates the emergency stop group number with the UPF that is the target of transmission in a manner that ensures that the UPF that is the target of transmission does not repeat among the emergency stop groups, based on the UPF target address information, and stores the information that associates the emergency stop group number with the UPF that is the target of transmission in the target address translation table.

8. A computer-readable storage medium storing a communication control program used in a communication control system, the communication control system having multiple control devices communicating via a 5G network, and multiple controlled devices, each controlled by the multiple control devices, wherein... 5G is the fifth generation of mobile communication systems. This communication control program causes the computer to perform the following processes: Information creation processing, based on emergency stop group information that associates the emergency stop group number assigned to the emergency stop group with each of the multiple control devices, calculates the total number of emergency stop groups, and creates slice information for connecting to the same number of UPFs as the total number of emergency stop groups, wherein the emergency stop group is determined based on the scope of the impact of the anomaly in each of the multiple controlled devices, and UPF is a user plane function. 5G connection processing, based on the slice information, registers its own control device with the 5G network to obtain the target address information pointing to the UPF, i.e., the UPF target address information; and The target address information acquisition process involves associating the emergency stop group number with the UPF that is the target UPF for transmission in a manner that ensures that the UPFs that are the transmission targets among the emergency stop groups are not duplicated. The information that associates the emergency stop group number with the UPF that is the transmission target is stored in the target address transformation table.

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