Information providing system, information providing method, and computer-readable storage medium

Abstract

The present invention relates to an information provision system, an information provision method, and a computer-readable storage medium that efficiently implement a transition from an existing system to a new system. The information providing system includes: a control device that provides an operation screen for accessing a tag set for a component of a controller that controls an instrument in a workshop; and a management device that manages information of the tag. The management device is provided with: an acquisition unit that receives, from a first system, first tag information relating to a first tag set for a first component of a first controller, and acquires, from a second system, second tag information relating to a second tag set for a second component of a second controller; and a change notification unit that, on the basis of the first tag information and the second tag information, detects whether or not the valid tag has been converted from the first tag to the second tag, and notifies the control device of the detection result. The control device has a setting changing unit that changes the access target to the valid tag to the second controller on the basis of the detection result.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an information providing system, an information providing method and a computer-readable storage medium. Background Art

[0002] In a workshop, an automation system is introduced to automate the process of manufacturing various products. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technology related to the automation system.

[0003] Furthermore, when switching from an already installed automation system (hereinafter referred to as an existing system) to a newly installed automation system (hereinafter referred to as a new system), it is required to perform the system switching by a method called hot switching as much as possible.

[0004] Hot switching refers to a method in which the wiring for field instruments is changed from the I / O (Input / Output) of an existing system to the I / O connection of a newly installed system in a control cycle unit without stopping the operation of the workshop, and the functional modules connected to the I / O are also converted from the existing system to the new system at the same time.

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2022-46438 Summary of the invention

[0006] However, currently, the conversion from an existing system to a new system is sometimes not carried out efficiently.

[0007] For example, Figure 4 Based on the system structure, the operation of the workshop is continued in the form of a mixture of I / O and function modules of the existing system and the newly-established system until all I / O and function modules of the existing system are switched to the I / O and function modules of the newly-established system. Here, when changing from the existing system to the newly-established system, the allocation of tags used in the HMI (Human Machine Interface) for the operation of the workshop needs to be completed in a short time. If such an operation takes too much time, it will not be possible to restart the control cycle of the conversion object in time, and the possibility of having to stop the workshop increases.

[0008] In addition, Figure 4Differently, in the case of hot switching with both the HMI of the existing system and the newly installed system in operation, a team of operators including the operation monitoring operator of the workshop confirms the associated drawings of the tags to be the object of hot switching each time before the operation. At this time, the risk assessment for responding to events that may occur in the hot switching and the changed parts and complex sequence of the operation method of the workshop for responding to the above events are confirmed using the screen copy of the new and old HMIs. However, during the system conversion period, each time the tags that can be monitored change between the old and new HMIs, the new and old HMIs need to be operated to respond to the events, which increases the probability of human error and may cause downtime of the workshop.

[0009] In one aspect, an object is to provide an information providing system, an information providing method, and an information providing program that can assist in efficiently implementing a transition from an existing system to a newly installed system.

[0010] An information providing system according to one aspect includes: a control device that provides an operation screen for accessing a label set to a component of a controller for controlling an instrument in a workshop; and a management device that manages label information. The management device includes: an acquisition unit that receives first label information related to a first label set to a first component of a first controller from a first system (e.g., an existing system), and acquires second label information related to a second label set to a second component of a second controller from a second system (e.g., a newly established system); and a change notification unit that detects whether a valid label has been converted from the first label to the second label based on the first label information and the second label information, and notifies the control device of the detection result. The control device includes a setting change unit that changes the access target to the valid label to the second controller based on the detection result.

[0011] Regarding an information providing method involved in one aspect, a management device receives first tag information related to a first tag set for a first component of a first controller from a first system, obtains second tag information related to a second tag set for a second component of a second controller from a second system, detects whether a valid tag has changed from the first tag to the second tag based on the first tag information and the second tag information, notifies the control device of the detection result, and the control device changes the access target to the valid tag to the second controller based on the detection result.

[0012] One aspect involves a computer-readable storage medium that causes a computer to perform the following processing: receiving first tag information related to a first tag set for a first component of a first controller for an instrument in a control workshop from a first system, obtaining second tag information related to a second tag set for a second component of a second controller for an instrument in the control workshop from a second system, detecting whether a valid tag has changed from the first tag to the second tag based on the first tag information and the second tag information, and notifying a control device of the detection result.

[0013] Effects of the Invention

[0014] According to one embodiment, it is possible to assist in efficiently implementing the transition from an existing system to a new system. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] Figure 1 FIG. (1) is a diagram for explaining an example of a process of switching from an existing system to a new system.

[0016] Figure 2 FIG. (2) is a diagram for explaining an example of a process of switching from an existing system to a new system.

[0017] Figure 3 FIG. (3) is a diagram for explaining an example of a process of switching from an existing system to a new system.

[0018] Figure 4 FIG. (4) is a diagram for explaining an example of a process of switching from an existing system to a new system.

[0019] Figure 5 FIG. (5) is a diagram for explaining an example of a process of switching from an existing system to a new system.

[0020] Figure 6 FIG. (6) is a diagram for explaining an example of a process of switching from an existing system to a new system.

[0021] Figure 7 This is a diagram showing an example of a label information table.

[0022] Figure 8 This is a diagram showing an example of the updated label information table.

[0023] Fig. 9 This is a diagram showing an example of the structure of tags stored in the monitoring control application.

[0024] Fig.10 This is a diagram showing an example of a progress status screen.

[0025] Fig.11It is a functional block diagram showing the functional structure of the tag information providing server involved in this embodiment.

[0026] Fig.12 This is a diagram showing an example of an information management table.

[0027] Fig.13 It is a functional block diagram showing the functional structure of the control device according to the present embodiment.

[0028] Fig.14 This is a flowchart showing the processing flow of the tag information providing server according to the present embodiment.

[0029] Fig.15 This is a diagram for explaining a hardware configuration example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] Below, the information providing system, information providing method and computer-readable storage medium disclosed in the present application are described in detail based on the accompanying drawings. In addition, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments. In addition, the same reference numerals are marked on the same elements and repeated descriptions are appropriately omitted, and each embodiment can be appropriately combined within the scope of non-contradiction.

[0031] (Implementation Method)

[0032] (About the transition from an existing system to a new system)

[0033] An example of a process of converting a plant automation system from an existing system to a new system will be described. Figure 1 to Figure 6 This is a diagram for explaining an example of a process of switching from an existing system to a new system.

[0034] First of all, Figure 1 Provide explanation. Figure 1 The existing system 10 shown is an automation system before the new system is installed. For example, the existing system 10 includes a plant 1 and a controller 5.

[0035] Workshop 1 is the production equipment for petroleum / petrochemical, gas, iron / non-iron, chemical, electricity, food and medicine, etc.

[0036] There are many instruments installed in various places in Workshop 1. Figure 1 In the example shown, instruments 2a, 2b, 2c, and 2d are shown. For example, instruments 2a and 2c are transmitters. Instruments 2b and 2d are valves. In addition, other instruments may be provided in the workshop 1. Other instruments are pressure sensors, temperature sensors, flow sensors, pH sensors, speed sensors, acceleration sensors, pumps, motors, and the like.

[0037] The controller 5 is a hardware or software component that maintains process variables such as flow, pressure, level, temperature, etc. of the workshop 1 within a set range. The controller 5 has I / O and function modules.

[0038] The I / O is an information processing hardware component that receives a control output from the controller 5 and sends it to an instrument in the plant 1 , or receives a process value from an instrument in the plant 1 and sends it to the controller 5 .

[0039] The function module calculates and adjusts the control signal based on the difference (error) between the current state and the target state of the controlled object (PID<Proportional Integral Derivative> The functional module is connected to the equipment of the workshop 1 via I / O and forms a control loop.

[0040] Set tags for the I / O and function modules of the controller 5. For example, Figure 1 The tags “Tag AI1”, “Tag AO1”, “Tag AI2”, and “Tag AO2” shown are tags set for the I / O of the controller 5 . The tags “Tag PID1” and “Tag PID2” are tags set for the functional modules of the controller 5 .

[0041] For example, the I / O assigned with "Tag AI1" is connected to the instrument 2a by wiring 3a, and receives the process value from the instrument 2a. The functional module assigned with "Tag PID1" generates a control signal based on the process value from the instrument 2a, and outputs the generated control signal to the I / O assigned with "Tag AO1". The I / O assigned with "Tag AO1" is connected to the instrument 2b by wiring 3b, and sends the control signal to the instrument 2b.

[0042] The I / O assigned with "Tag AI2" is connected to the instrument 2c by wiring 3c, and receives the process value from the instrument 2c. The functional module assigned with "Tag PID2" generates a control signal based on the process value from the instrument 2c, and outputs the generated control signal to the I / O assigned with "Tag AO2". The I / O assigned with "Tag AO2" is connected to the instrument 2d by wiring 3d, and sends the control signal to the instrument 2d.

[0043] exist Figure 1 In the stage shown, the operator of the existing system 10 operates the HMI of the existing system 10 and communicates with the I / O and functional modules of the controller 5. In addition, the operator of the existing system 10 checks Alarms and Trends. Alarms are information indicating abnormalities and problems occurring in the existing system 10. Trends are information that visualizes changes in the history of process values ​​in the existing system 10 in a graph or the like.

[0044] The existing system 10 has various application software 6. For example, the various application software 6 include Historian, MPC (Model Predictive Control), and AMS (Asset Management System).

[0045] The historian is a process database that records the history of process variables, alarms, and events.

[0046] MPC uses the plant's prediction model to predict future plant output.

[0047] AMS is an asset management system that monitors and manages assets in a workshop.

[0048] Convert to Figure 2 A communication relay device 11 is added to the existing system 10. The communication relay device 11 is an OPC UA Server (Open Platform Communications Unified Architecture Server) or the like, and communicates with a Gateway 31 of the newly-installed system 20. The communication relay device 11 discloses the data of the I / O and functional modules of the existing system 10 to the monitoring and control application 30 of the newly-installed system 20.

[0049] exist Figure 2 A new system 20 is added. A monitoring and control application 30 is set in the new system 20. The monitoring and control application 30 has a Gateway 31, various application software 32, HMI, Alarms, and Trends. The Gateway 31 is an OPC UA Client, etc., which communicates with the communication relay device 11 of the existing system 10 and receives data from the I / O and functional modules of the existing system 10. In addition, the Gateway 31 also has a function as an OPC UA Server that provides data of the existing system to the various application software 32 and HMI, Alarms, and Trends. The various application software 32 include historians, software controllers, MPCs, and AMS. In addition, the monitoring and control application 30 provides HMI, Alarms, and Trends to the operators of the new system 20.

[0050] A soft controller is a type of controller and is a software component that does not have I / O but has a function of controlling a process variable.

[0051] Convert to Figure 3 Description. Figure 3As shown, the Gateway 31 of the monitoring control application 30 is connected to the communication relay device 11 via switches 7a and 7b. Switches 7a and 7b virtually represent the connection target of the Gateway 31. The Gateway 31 obtains the information of the tag set for the controller 5 from the communication relay device 11, and stores the obtained tag information. For example, the Gateway 31 communicates with the communication relay device 11, obtains and records the group of "Tag AI1", "Tag AO1", "Tag PID1" and the group of "Tag AI2", "Tag AO2", "Tag PID2" set for the I / O and function modules of the controller 5.

[0052] exist Figure 3 In the conversion phase, the operator of the newly installed system 20 can operate the HMI of the monitoring and control application 30 and read and write the I / O and functional modules of the controller 5 of the existing system 10. In addition, the HMI, alarms, trends, and various application software 6 of the existing system 10 are converted to the monitoring and control application 30 of the newly installed system 20. As a result, the operator can use the monitoring and control application 30 of the newly installed system 20 and become familiar with the operation of the existing system 10.

[0053] Convert to Figure 4 An operator who is different from the operator of the newly installed system 20 sets the controller 40 to the newly installed system 20. The controller 40 has the function of an OPC UA Server. The controller 40 and the inspection HMI 45 are connected to each other via the switch 7c. The switch 7c virtually indicates the connection destination of the controller 40.

[0054] The operator checks the control loop with the same function as the existing system 10 in advance with the same name as the label name of the existing system 10. The operator operates the inspection HMI 45 to set the same label as the I / O and function module of the controller 40 and the controller 5 to build the same control loop. Figure 4 In the example shown, the operator sets "Tag AI1", "Tag AO1", and "Tag PID1" in the I / O and function blocks of the controller 40 and constructs a control loop.

[0055] The operator connects the I / O of the controller 40 to which "Tag AI1" is assigned to the process simulator 50 using wiring 51a. The operator connects the I / O of the controller 40 to which "Tag AO1" is assigned to the process simulator 50 using wiring 51b. The operator checks the control cycle set in the controller 40 using the process simulator 50.

[0056] Convert to Figure 5If the inspection result of the control cycle of the controller 40 is normal, the operator performs physical maintenance on the instrument receiving the control signal from the controller 5, 40 so that the process value does not change significantly when the cycle is switched. For example, the operator fixes the opening of the instrument 2b (valve) in the workshop 1.

[0057] After the operator performs maintenance on the instrument, the operator changes the wiring of the instrument. For example, the operator removes the wiring between the I / O of the controller 5 and the instruments 2a and 2b. The operator connects the I / O of the controller 40 assigned with "Tag AI1" to the instrument 2a using the wiring 52a. The operator connects the I / O of the controller 40 assigned with "Tag AO1" to the instrument 2b using the wiring 52b.

[0058] Convert to Figure 6 In the above Figure 1 to Figure 5 Although not shown in the figure, the system includes a tag information providing server 100. Figure 1 to Figure 6 The existing system 10, the newly installed system 20, and the tag information providing server 100 shown are collectively referred to as an "information providing system".

[0059] During the transition from the existing system 10 to the newly installed system 20 , the tag information providing server 100 always communicates with the communication relay device 11 and the controller 40 . If a wiring change is detected, the OPC UA Server used to communicate with the controller's tags is switched from the existing system 10 to the newly installed system 20 .

[0060] In addition, the operator will Figure 5 For example, the operator releases the fixed opening of the instrument 2b (valve) in the workshop 1. The controller 40 of the newly installed system 20 starts the control loop related to the I / O set to "Tag AI1", the I / O set to "Tag AO1", and the functional module set to "Tag PID1".

[0061] For example, in Figure 1 to Figure 6 When the conversion is completed, the HMI of the newly installed system 20 communicates with the newly installed system 20 for each tag "Tag AI1", "Tag AO1", and "Tag PID1", and communicates with the existing system 10 for each tag "Tag AI2", "Tag AO2", and "TagPID2".

[0062] Every time the worker changes the connection destination of the remaining wiring, the tag information providing server 100 similarly changes the communication destination for the remaining control cycles.

[0063] As described above, regarding the workshop operation during the period when the existing system 10 and the newly installed system 20 coexist, the consistency of the workshop operation monitoring is provided, and the label name on the operation screen can be automatically and quickly changed, thereby improving the work efficiency of the system conversion, preventing operation errors, and reducing the risk of workshop downtime. For example, according to the information providing system, it is possible to assist in the efficient implementation of the conversion from the existing system 10 to the newly installed system 20.

[0064] (Functions of the information provision system)

[0065] The information providing system has a label information providing function, a change notification function, a setting change function, and a system conversion status monitoring function in order to provide a single interface for monitoring the operation of the workshop during the period when the existing system 10 and the newly installed system 20 are mixed. The label information providing function, the change notification function, the setting change function, and the system conversion status monitoring function of the information providing system are described in order below.

[0066] In addition, for example, in Figure 6 In the information providing system shown, the system 10 is set as an example of the "first system". The controller 5 is an example of the "first controller". The components (I / O, functional module) of the controller 5 are an example of the "first component". The labels set for the components (I / O, functional module) of the controller 5 are an example of the "first label". The information related to the labels set for the components (I / O, functional module) of the controller 5 is an example of the "first label information".

[0067] exist Figure 6 In the information providing system shown, the newly-established system 20 is an example of the "second system". The controller 40 is an example of the "second controller". The components (I / O, functional modules) of the controller 40 are an example of the "second components". The labels set for the components (I / O, functional modules) of the controller 40 are an example of the "second labels". Information related to the labels set for the components (I / O, functional modules) of the controller 40 is an example of the "second label information".

[0068] (About the tag information providing function)

[0069] The label information providing function will be described. For example, the label information providing function is a function of providing label information of I / O and functional modules to the monitoring control application 30. For example, the label information providing function is a function that the label information providing server 100 has.

[0070] For example, the tag information providing server 100 has the role of a Global Discovery Server and an Alias ​​Name Server constructed in accordance with OPC UA Part 12: Discovery and Global Services and Part 17: Alias ​​Names.

[0071] The label information providing server 100 communicates with the communication relay device 11 of the existing system 10 and the controller 40 of the new system 20, and registers the label names of the I / O and functional modules set for the controller 5 of the existing system 10 and the controller 40 of the new system 20 as aliases in the label information table.

[0072] Figure 7 is a diagram showing an example of a tag information table. Figure 7 As shown in FIG. 1 , the tag information table 141 includes an alias, a server index, and an OPC UA Server name associated with the server index. The alias is a clearly defined alternative name for any control node (e.g., I / O, controller, etc.) in the information providing system, and discloses information to the monitoring and control application 30. In this embodiment, the alias is handled as an alternative name for the tag name, and includes information such as the namespace name and server index of the OPC UA Server.

[0073] The server index is an index for identifying an OPC UA Server. In this embodiment, in the existing system 10, the server index of the communication relay device 11 functioning as an OPC UA Server is set to "SA11". In the newly-installed system 20, the server index of the controller 40 functioning as an OPC UA Server is set to "SA40".

[0074] exist Figure 7 In the example shown, aliases "AI1", "PID1", and "AO1" are set for the server index "SA11". In addition, the OPC UA Server name "communication relay device (installed system)" is associated with the server index "SA11". Therefore, it is indicated that the tags "AI1", "PID1", and "AO1" exist at the position of the controller 5 under the control of the communication relay device 11 corresponding to the server index "SA11".

[0075] The tag information providing server 100 Figure 7 The information of the tag information table 141 is notified to the supervisory control application 30 (for example, the OPC UA Client of the HMI) that uses the tag, and the supervisory control application 30 communicates with the OPC UA Server using the tag information table 141 .

[0076] Here, in the newly-established system 20, the tag name "PID1" is set for the controller 40 that functions as the OPC UA Server. The tag information providing server 100 communicates with the controller 40, such as Figure 8 The tag information table 141 is updated as shown.

[0077] Figure 8 is a diagram showing an example of an updated label information table. Figure 8 As shown in FIG. 1 , a group of an alias "PID1", a server index "SA40", and an OPC UA Server name "controller (new system)" is added to the tag information table 141. In addition, in the tag information table 141, different server indexes can be set for the same alias. For example, Figure 8 The tag information table 141 indicates that the tag “PID1” exists in both the controller 5 and the controller 40 under the jurisdiction of the communication relay device 11 .

[0078] (About the change notification function)

[0079] Next, the change notification function will be described. For example, the change notification function is a function of notifying the supervisory control application 30 of a change in the location of a useful tag. The change notification function is a function that the tag information providing server 100 has.

[0080] If the tag information providing server 100 detects that a server index has been changed to another server index for a specific alias, the tag information providing server 100 notifies the monitoring and control application 30 of the server index for the specific alias and the information of the changed server index. For example, if it is detected that the valid server index has been changed from "SA11" to "SA40" for the alias "PID1", the tag information providing server 100 notifies the monitoring and control application 30 that the valid server index for the alias "PID1" is "SA40".

[0081] The tag information providing server 100 detects that the server index has been changed in the following manner: The tag information providing server 100 is always communicating with the communication relay device 11 and the controller 40 .

[0082] The communication relay device 11 transmits information including the alias of the tag set for the controller 5, its own server index, and quality identification data to the tag information providing server 100. The quality identification data is "GOOD" when the tag is connected to the device by wiring and can be accessed. On the other hand, the quality identification data is "BAD" when the tag is not connected to the device by wiring and cannot be accessed. In addition, the quality identification data corresponds to "communication quality".

[0083] For example, when the communication relay device 11 sets the tag "Tag PID1" to the functional module of the controller 5, connects the tag "Tag AI1" to the instrument 2a via the wiring 3a, and connects the tag "Tag AO1" to the instrument 2b via the wiring 3b, the communication relay device 11 sends the information "Alias: PID1@{Server index: SA11} Quality identification data: GOOD" to the tag information providing server 100.

[0084] On the other hand, when the communication relay device 11 sets the tag "Tag PID1" for the functional module of the controller 5 and does not connect the tag "Tag AI1" and the tag "Tag AO1" to the instruments 2a and 2b through wiring, the communication relay device 11 sends the information "Alias: PID1@{Server index: SA11} Quality identification data: BAD" to the tag information providing server 100.

[0085] For example, when the controller 40 sets the tag "Tag PID1" for its own functional module, connects the tag "Tag AI1" to the instrument 2a via the wiring 52a, and connects the tag "Tag AO1" to the instrument 2b via the wiring 52b, the controller 40 sends the information "Alias: PID1@{Server index: SA40} Quality identification data: GOOD" to the tag information providing server 100.

[0086] On the other hand, when the controller 40 sets the tag "Tag PID1" for its own functional module and does not connect the tag "Tag AI1" and the tag "Tag AO1" to the instruments 2a and 2b through wiring, it sends the information "Alias: PID1@{Server index: SA40} Quality identification data: BAD" to the tag information providing server 100.

[0087] When the tag information providing server 100 receives the information "Alias: PID1@{Server index: SA11} Quality identification data: BAD" from the communication relay device 11 and the information "Alias: PID1@{Server index: SA40} Quality identification data: GOOD" from the controller 40, it detects that the valid server index for the alias "PID1" has changed from "SA11" to "SA40".

[0088] When the tag information providing server 100 detects that the valid server index for the alias "PID1" has changed from "SA11" to "SA40", it multicasts a "Model Change Event" with the detection content set to the communication network, so that the monitoring control application 30 can know the change of the server index.

[0089] (About the setting change function)

[0090] Next, the configuration change function will be described. For example, the configuration change function detects that the server index corresponding to a tag has been changed and changes the OPC UA Server name connected to the tag. The configuration change function is a function of the monitoring and control application 30.

[0091] The monitoring and control application 30 has an OPC UA Client function, and communicates with the communication relay device (OPC UA Server) 11, the controller (OPC UA Server) 40, and the tag information providing server 100 via the OPC UA Client function. The OPC UA Client of the monitoring and control application 30 supports the function of receiving the Model Change Event sent from the tag information providing server 100.

[0092] The supervisory control application 30 stores the OPC UA Server name of the communication partner as a parameter. Fig. 9 This is a diagram showing an example of the structure of tags stored in the monitoring control application 30 . Fig. 9 The structure of the tag shown is a data structure related to the tag named "PID1". Under the tag name "PID1", a plurality of item names are defined. Various parameters are defined under each item name. For example, under the item name "MV", Fig. 9 There are various parameters shown on the right side of , and as one of such parameters, there is "OPC Server Name (same as OPC UA Server Name)".

[0093] For example, if the monitoring and control application 30 obtains a "Model Change Event" indicating that the server index valid for the alias "PID1" has changed from "SA11" to "SA40" from the tag information providing server 100, the OPC UA Server name set for the "OPCServer name (the same as the OPC UA Server name)" is updated from the name associated with the server index "SA11" to the name associated with "SA40".

[0094] Although not shown in the figure, the monitoring and control application 30 updates the OPC UA Server name set for the "OPC Server Name" included in the jurisdiction of all item names under the jurisdiction of the tag name "PID1" 60 from the name associated with the server index "SA11" to the name associated with "SA40". As a result, the monitoring and control application 30 communicates with the controller 40 (new OPC UA Server) for the changed tag "PID1".

[0095] Furthermore, information related to each tag is set in the Gateway 31 of the monitoring control application 30 .

[0096] (About the system conversion status monitoring function)

[0097] The system conversion status monitoring function is described below. For example, the system conversion status monitoring function provides a screen that displays the progress status of the system conversion as an overview. The system conversion status monitoring function is a function of the tag information providing server 100. In the following description, the screen that displays the progress status of the system conversion as an overview is referred to as a "progress status screen."

[0098] Fig.10 is a diagram showing an example of a progress status screen. Fig.10 As shown, the progress status screen 70 includes a tag name, a conversion status, an OPC UA Server name, a latest process value, a data update time stamp, and quality identification data.

[0099] The tag name is a character string assigned to the tag. The conversion status is expressed in the color of the mark to indicate the status of the conversion. The OPC UA Server name is the name of the OPC UA Server under whose jurisdiction the tag corresponds to the tag name, and is set, for example, by the communication relay device 11 of the existing system 10 and the controller 40 of the newly installed system 20. The latest process value is the latest process value corresponding to the tag corresponding to the tag name. The data update timestamp indicates information related to the time when the data was updated (year, month, date, time, etc.). The instructions related to the quality identification data are the same as those described above. In Fig.10 In the description, a label set for the controller 5 of the existing system 10 is referred to as an “existing label”, and a label set for the controller 40 of the newly-installed system 20 is referred to as a “new label”.

[0100] When the quality identification data corresponding to the existing tag is "BAD" and the quality identification data corresponding to the newly-established tag is "GOOD", the tag information providing server 100 determines that normal communication is possible with the newly-established tag. When normal communication is possible with the newly-established tag, i.e., when the tag is converted, the tag information providing server 100 displays the background color of the square mark indicating the conversion state in the first color (e.g., green). For example, regarding the tag names "AI1" and "AO1" on the progress status screen 70, the tag information providing server 100 has completed the conversion from the existing system 10 to the newly-established system 20, and displays the background colors of the marks 71 and 72 in the first color.

[0101] When the quality identification data corresponding to the established tag is "GOOD" and the quality identification data corresponding to the newly established tag is "BAD", the tag information providing server 100 determines that normal communication is possible with the established tag. In the case of normal communication with the established tag, that is, in the case of a tag that has not started conversion, the tag information providing server 100 displays the background color of the square mark indicating the conversion state in the second color (e.g., yellow). For example, regarding the tag name "AI2" of the progress status screen 70, the tag information providing server 100 has not started conversion from the established system 10, and displays the background color of the mark 73 in the second color.

[0102] When the quality identification data corresponding to the existing tag is "BAD" and the quality identification data corresponding to the newly-set tag is "BAD", the tag information providing server 100 determines that the newly-set tag and the existing tag cannot communicate normally. When the newly-set tag and the existing tag cannot communicate normally, that is, when the tag is being converted, the tag information providing server 100 displays the background color of the square mark indicating the conversion state in a third color "e.g., orange". For example, regarding the tag name "AO2" on the progress status screen 70, the tag information providing server 100 cannot communicate normally with the newly-set tag and the existing tag, and displays the background color of the mark 74a in the third color.

[0103] Furthermore, when the quality identification data corresponding to the existing label is "BAD" and the quality identification data corresponding to the newly-set label is "BAD" for a period of time greater than or equal to a prescribed time (for example, the default value is set to 60 seconds), the label information providing server 100 flashes the background color of the square mark indicating the transition state with the fourth color "for example, red" and the fifth color "for example, black" every 500 milliseconds. For example, regarding the label name "AO2" of the progress status screen 70, when the quality identification data corresponding to the existing label is "BAD" and the quality identification data corresponding to the newly-set label is "BAD" for a period of time greater than or equal to a prescribed time, the label information providing server 100 flashes the background color of the mark 74b with the fourth color and the fifth color.

[0104] exist Fig.10 In the figure, for convenience of explanation, the mark 74a and the mark 74b are shown separately, and the mark corresponding to the label name "AO2" of the progress status screen 70 is the same as the marks corresponding to other label names.

[0105] The operator can refer to the progress status screen 70 displayed by the system conversion status monitoring function to know the progress status of the work in advance, and can contribute to completing the system conversion as planned.

[0106] (Functional Structure of Tag Information Providing Server 100)

[0107] Next, Figure 6 The configuration example of the tag information providing server 100 shown in FIG. Fig.11 is a functional block diagram showing the functional structure of the tag information providing server involved in this embodiment. Fig.11 As shown, the tag information providing server 100 has a communication unit 110, an input unit 120, a display unit 130, a storage unit 140, and a control unit 150. In addition, the functional units of the tag information providing server 100 are not limited to the functional units shown in the figure, and other functional units may also be provided. In addition, the tag information providing server 100 may be implemented by a plurality of server computers. The tag information providing server 100 is an example of a "management device".

[0108] The communication unit 110 performs data communication with the communication relay device 11 of the existing system 10 , the monitoring control application 30 of the new system, and the controller 40 .

[0109] The input unit 120 inputs various information to the control unit 150 of the tag information providing server 100. The input unit 120 is a keyboard, a mouse, a touch panel, or the like.

[0110] The display unit 130 displays information output from the control unit 150 of the tag information providing server 100. For example, the display unit 130 displays Fig.10 The progress status screen 70 described in is displayed.

[0111] The storage unit 140 stores a label information table 141 and an information management table 142. The storage unit 140 is implemented by a memory, a hard disk, or the like.

[0112] The tag information table 141 stores the alias, the server index, and the OPC UA Server name associated with the server index in association with each other. Figure 7 The contents of the instructions are the same.

[0113] The information management table 142 is a table for storing information obtained from the controller 5 of the existing system 10 and the controller 40 of the newly installed system 20 . Fig.12 142 is a diagram showing an example of the information management table 142. Fig.12 As shown in FIG. 1 , the information management table 142 has an alias, a server index, quality identification data, the latest process value, and a data update timestamp. Figure 7 The descriptions of quality identification data, the latest process value, and data update timestamp are the same as those in Fig.10 The contents described in are the same.

[0114] The control unit 150 is a processing unit that manages the entire tag information providing server 100, and is implemented by, for example, a processor. The control unit 150 includes a tag information providing unit 151, a change notification unit 152, and a system conversion status monitoring unit 153. The tag information providing unit 151 is an example of an "acquisition unit". The system conversion status monitoring unit 153 is an example of a display control unit.

[0115] The label information providing unit 151 executes the processing described in the above-mentioned “label information providing function” and provides the monitoring control application 30 with label information of the I / O and functional modules.

[0116] The tag information providing unit 151 communicates with the communication relay device 11 of the existing system 10 and the controller 40 of the newly installed system 20 to obtain various information related to the tag. For example, an alias, a server index (including an OPC UA Server name), quality identification data, the latest process value, and a data update timestamp are set for various information related to the tag. The tag information providing unit 151 registers the obtained tag information in the information management table 142. In addition, the various information related to the tag may include information other than the above information.

[0117] The label information providing unit 151 sets the relationship between the alias and the server index registered in the information management table 142 to the label information table 141. The label information providing unit 151 provides the monitoring control application 30 with information in the label information table 141.

[0118] The tag information providing unit 151 communicates with the communication relay device 11 of the existing system 10 and the controller 40 of the newly installed system 20, and repeatedly performs the above-mentioned processing each time various information related to the tag is acquired. The rest of the description of the tag information providing unit 151 is the same as the description of the above-mentioned "tag information providing function".

[0119] The change notification unit 152 executes the processing described in the above-mentioned “change notification function” and, when the location of a useful tag changes, notifies the monitor control application 30 of such change.

[0120] When the change notification unit 152 detects that a server index (for example, SA11) is changed to another server index (SA40) for a specific alias based on the information management table 142, it notifies the monitoring control application 30 of the server index for the specific alias, that is, the information of the changed server index. For example, the change notification unit 152 multicasts a "Model Change Event" in which the specific alias and the information of the changed server index are set to the communication network.

[0121] The change notification unit 152 repeatedly executes the above-mentioned process every time the information management table 142 is updated. The rest of the description about the change notification unit 152 is the same as the description of the above-mentioned "change notification function".

[0122] The system switching status monitoring unit 153 executes the processing described in the above-mentioned “system switching status monitoring function” and causes the display unit 130 to display the progress status screen 70 .

[0123] The system conversion status monitoring unit 153 specifies the status of conversion of the tag name (alias) based on the information management table 142 , and expresses the status of conversion in a square mark color.

[0124] For example, with respect to a certain tag name, when the quality identification data corresponding to the server index "SA11" is "BAD" and the quality identification data corresponding to the server index "SA40" is "GOOD", the system conversion status monitoring unit 153 determines that the conversion of the corresponding tag is completed, and displays the background color of the square mark indicating the conversion status of a certain tag name in the first color (for example, green).

[0125] Regarding a certain tag name, when the quality identification data corresponding to the server index "SA11" is "GOOD" and the quality identification data corresponding to the server index "SA40" is "BAD", the system conversion status monitoring unit 153 determines that the conversion of the tag has not been started, and displays the background color of the square mark indicating the conversion status of a certain tag name in a second color (for example, yellow).

[0126] Regarding a certain tag name, when the quality identification data corresponding to the server index "SA11" is "BAD" and the quality identification data corresponding to the server index "SA40" is "BAD", the system conversion status monitoring unit 153 determines that the tag is in conversion and displays the background color of the square mark indicating the conversion status of a certain tag name in a third color (for example, orange).

[0127] Regarding a certain tag name, when the quality identification data corresponding to the server index "SA11" is "BAD" and the quality identification data corresponding to the server index "SA40" is "BAD" for a period greater than or equal to a specified time (for example, the default value is set to 60 seconds), the system conversion status monitoring unit 153 flashes the background color of the square mark indicating the conversion status of a certain tag with the fourth color "for example, red" and the fifth color "for example, black" every 500 milliseconds.

[0128] The rest of the description about the system switching status monitoring unit 153 is the same as the description of the above-mentioned “system switching status monitoring function”.

[0129] (Functional Structure of Device Having Function of Monitoring and Controlling Application Program)

[0130] Next, the functional structure of the device having the function of monitoring the control application 30 will be described. Here, the device having the function of monitoring the control application 30 is referred to as "control device 200" for description. The control device 200 may be implemented by a plurality of computers or as a virtual machine.

[0131] Fig.13 is a functional block diagram showing the functional structure of the control device involved in this embodiment. Fig.13 As shown, the control device 200 includes a Gateway 210 , an input unit 220 , a display unit 230 , a storage unit 240 , and a control unit 250 .

[0132] The Gateway 210 is an OPC UA Server or an OPC UA Client, etc., and corresponds to the above-mentioned Gateway 31 .

[0133] The input unit 220 inputs various information to the control unit 250 of the control device 200. The input unit 220 is a keyboard, a mouse, a touch panel, or the like.

[0134] The display unit 230 displays information output from the control unit 250 of the control device 200. For example, the display unit 230 displays information on an operation screen based on the HMI, Alarms, and Trends.

[0135] The storage unit 240 stores various data used in the control unit 250. The storage unit 240 is implemented by a memory, a hard disk, or the like.

[0136] The interface providing unit 251 causes the display unit 230 to display an operation screen based on the HMI. In addition, the interface providing unit 251 causes the display unit 230 to display information of Alarms and Trends.

[0137] The interface providing unit 251 is connected to the communication relay device 11 or the controller 40 via the Gateway 210 and can access a valid tag. Fig. 9 As described in , a relationship between a label name and a server index corresponding to the label name is set in the Gateway 210, and the Gateway 210 switches the connection destination of the interface providing unit 251 based on such information.

[0138] For example, "SA11" is set as a server index corresponding to the tag name (alias) "PID1" in Gateway 210. In this case, when accessing a valid tag corresponding to the tag name (alias) "PID1", the interface providing unit 251 uses Gateway 210 to make the connection target become the communication relay device 11, and access the tag (the tag of PID1) of the controller 5 via the communication relay device 11.

[0139] On the other hand, "SA40" is set as the server index corresponding to the tag name (alias) "PID1" in Gateway 210. In this case, when accessing a valid tag corresponding to the tag name (alias) "PID1", the interface providing unit 251 uses Gateway 210 to change the connection target to the controller 40 and access the tag of the controller 40 (the tag of PID1).

[0140] The execution processing unit 252 has Figure 2 Functions corresponding to the various application software 32 described in etc.

[0141] The setting change unit 253 executes the processing described in the above-mentioned “setting change function”, detects that the server index corresponding to the tag has been changed, and changes the OPC UA Server name corresponding to the tag name set in the Gateway 210 .

[0142] The setting change unit 253 receives the Model Change Event transmitted from the tag information providing server 100 , and when the server index corresponding to the tag name (alias) has been changed, sets the changed server index.

[0143] For example, when the setting change unit 253 obtains a "Model Change Event" indicating that the effective server index has changed from "SA11" to "SA40" for the alias "PID1" from the tag information providing server 100, the OPC UA server name set for the "OPC server name (same as the OPC UA server name)" is updated from the name associated with the server index "SA11" to the name associated with "SA40". In addition, the setting change unit 253 updates the OPC UA server name set for the "OPC server name" included in the jurisdiction of all the item names under the jurisdiction of the tag name "PID1" from the name associated with the server index "SA11" to the name associated with "SA40".

[0144] The rest of the description about the setting change unit 253 is the same as the description of the above-mentioned “setting change function”.

[0145] (Processing Flow)

[0146] Next, the processing flow of the tag information providing server 100 according to the present embodiment will be described. Fig.14 1 is a flowchart showing the processing flow of the tag information providing server 100 according to this embodiment. Fig.14 As shown, the tag information providing unit 151 of the tag information providing server 100 communicates with the communication relay device 11 of the existing system 10 and the controller 40 of the new system 20 to obtain various information related to the tag, and registers the obtained various information into the information management table 142 (step S101).

[0147] The tag information providing server 100 determines the relationship between the alias and the server index based on the information management table 142 and updates the tag information table 141 (step S102). The tag information providing server 100 notifies the monitoring control application 30 (control device 200) of the information of the tag information table 141 (step S103).

[0148] The change notification unit 152 of the tag information providing server 100 determines whether the server index of the communication relay device 11 has been changed to the server index of the controller 40 for a specific alias based on the information management table 142 (step S104 ).

[0149] If a change has occurred (Yes in step S105), the change notification unit 152 multicasts the Model Change Event in which the relationship between the changed server index and the specific alias is set to the communication network (step S106). On the other hand, if no change has occurred (No in step S105), the change notification unit 152 advances the process to step S107.

[0150] The system switching status monitoring unit 153 of the tag information providing server 100 generates the progress status screen 70 based on the information management table 142 (step S107 ). The system switching status monitoring unit 153 causes the display unit 130 to display the progress status screen 70 (step S108 ).

[0151] When the processing is continued (Yes in step S109 ), the tag information providing server 100 advances the processing to step S101 . On the other hand, when the processing is not continued (No in step S109 ), the tag information providing server 100 ends the processing.

[0152] (Effect)

[0153] Next, the effect of the information providing system involved in the present embodiment is described. The tag information providing server 100 of the information providing system receives the first tag information related to the first tag set for the component of the controller 5 of the existing system 10, and receives the second tag information related to the second tag set for the component of the controller 40 of the newly installed system 20. The tag information providing server 100 detects whether the valid tag has changed from the first tag to the second tag based on the first tag information and the second tag information, and notifies the monitoring control application 30 (control device 200) of the detection result. The control device 200 of the information providing system changes the access target to the valid tag to the controller 40 based on the detection result of the tag information providing server 100. In this way, it is possible to assist in the efficient implementation of the transition from the existing system 10 to the newly installed system 20.

[0154] Furthermore, according to the information providing system, the assignment of tag names is changed automatically and in a short period of time, and the delay time for resuming control is only the connection target time of the wiring change at the site, which can reduce the risk of plant downtime.

[0155] In addition, according to the information providing system, the cycle changeover time can be shortened, and the pressure on the operator who monitors the operation in the workshop can be reduced.

[0156] Furthermore, according to the information providing system, since the label name of the operation screen of the HMI is automatically converted, the time required for conversion from the existing system 10 to the newly installed system 20 can be shortened.

[0157] Furthermore, the information providing system can provide a consistent workshop operation monitoring environment during the transition period from the existing system 10 to the new system 20, and even in the event of an unexpected event, it is possible to respond in the same manner as usual except for the labels being switched.

[0158] In addition, the communication relay device 11 is disposed in the existing system 10, and the tag information providing server 100 obtains various information related to the first tag (server index, tag name (alias), quality identification data) from the communication relay device 11, and obtains various information related to the second tag (server index, tag name (alias), quality identification data) from the controller 40. Thus, the tag information providing server 100 can easily grasp the status of the tags of the controller 5 of the existing system 10 and the status of the tags of the controller 40 of the newly installed system 20.

[0159] The tag information providing server 100 detects whether the tag corresponding to the same identification information has changed from the first tag to the second tag based on the communication quality of the first tag and the communication quality of the second tag. For example, when the communication quality included in the second tag information is better than the communication quality included in the first tag information, the tag information providing server 100 detects the change of the tag corresponding to the same identification information from the first tag to the second tag. Thus, it is possible to appropriately determine the change of the effective tag.

[0160] When the control device 200 detects a change from the first tag to the second tag, it changes the access destination to the tag corresponding to the same identification information from the communication relay device 11 to the controller 40. Thus, the operator of the newly installed system 20 can easily access the tag of the change destination using the operation screen.

[0161] The tag information providing server 100 displays the status of the transition from the first tag to the second tag (for example, the progress status screen 70 ). This allows a manager or the like involved in the system transition project using the hot-cut method to easily grasp the status of the tag transition.

[0162] [hardware]

[0163] Next, a hardware configuration example of the tag information providing server 100 will be described. Fig.15 This is a diagram for explaining an example of a hardware configuration. Fig.15 As shown, the tag information providing server 100 has a communication device 6a, a HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 6b, a memory 6c, and a processor 6d. Fig.15 The parts shown are connected to each other by a bus or the like.

[0164] The communication device 6a communicates with the communication relay device 11 of the existing system 10, the monitoring control application 30 of the new system 20, the controller 40, etc. Fig.11 The program that executes the functions shown is stored in a database (DB).

[0165] Processor 6d reads and executes data from HDD 6b, etc. Fig.11 The same processing program of each processing unit is developed in the memory 6c, thereby making the execution Fig.11 For example, the process performs the same functions as the processing units of the tag information providing server 100. Specifically, the processor 6d performs the following process, that is, performs the same processing as the tag information providing unit 151, the change notification unit 152, the system conversion status monitoring unit 153, etc.

[0166] In this way, the tag information providing server 100 performs an action as a tag information providing server that reads and executes a program to perform an information providing method. In addition, the tag information providing server 100 can also use a medium reading device to read the above program from a recording medium and execute the read program, thereby realizing the same function as the above embodiment. In addition, the program described in other embodiments is not limited to being executed by the tag information providing server 100. For example, when other computers or servers execute the program, or when they cooperate to execute the program, the present invention can also be applied in the same way.

[0167] The program can be deployed via a network such as the Internet. In addition, 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 read from the recording medium by a computer for execution.

[0168] (other)

[0169] Several examples of combinations of disclosed technical features are described below.

[0170] (1) An information providing system comprising: a control device that provides an operation screen for accessing a label set for a component of a controller for controlling equipment in a workshop; and a management device that manages information of the label, characterized in that:

[0171] The management device comprises:

[0172] an acquisition unit that receives first tag information related to a first tag set for a first component of a first controller from a first system, and acquires second tag information related to a second tag set for a second component of a second controller from a second system; and

[0173] a change notification unit that detects whether the valid tag has changed from the first tag to the second tag based on the first tag information and the second tag information, and notifies the control device of the detection result,

[0174] The control device includes a setting change unit that changes an access destination of the valid tag to the second controller based on the detection result.

[0175] (2) The information providing system according to (1), characterized in that the first system further includes a communication relay device that relays communication between the control device and the first controller.

[0176] (3) The information providing system according to (2) is characterized in that, as the first tag information, the acquisition unit acquires identification information of the communication relay device, identification information of the first tag, and communication quality related to the first tag from the communication relay device.

[0177] (4) The information providing system according to (3), characterized in that the acquisition unit acquires, as the second tag information, identification information of the second controller, identification information of the second tag, and communication quality related to the second tag from the second controller.

[0178] (5) The information providing system according to (4) is characterized in that the change notification unit detects whether the label corresponding to the same identification information has changed from the first label to the second label based on the communication quality contained in the first label information and the communication quality contained in the second label information.

[0179] (6) The information providing system according to (5) is characterized in that, when the communication quality contained in the second tag information is better than the communication quality contained in the first tag information, the change notification unit detects the change of the tag corresponding to the same identification information from the first tag to the second tag.

[0180] (7) The information providing system according to (5) or (6), characterized in that the setting change unit changes the access target of the tag corresponding to the same identification information from the communication relay device to the second controller based on the detection result.

[0181] (8) The information providing system according to any one of (1) to (7), wherein the management device further includes a display control unit that displays a transition status from the first tab to the second tab.

[0182] (9) An information providing method, which is an information providing method of an information providing system, the information providing system comprising: a control device that provides an operation screen for accessing a label set to a component of a controller for controlling an instrument in a workshop; and a management device that manages information of the label, wherein:

[0183] The information providing method performs the following processing:

[0184] The management device receives, from the first system, first tag information related to a first tag set for a first component of a first controller,

[0185] The management device acquires second tag information related to a second tag set for a second component of a second controller from a second system,

[0186] The management device detects whether the valid tag has changed from the first tag to the second tag based on the first tag information and the second tag information, and notifies the control device of the detection result.

[0187] The control device changes the access destination of the valid tag to the second controller based on the detection result.

[0188] (10) A computer-readable storage medium having an information providing program recorded thereon, wherein:

[0189] The information providing program causes the computer to execute the following processing:

[0190] receiving, from the first system, first tag information related to a first tag set for a first component of a first controller for controlling equipment in a plant,

[0191] acquiring, from the second system, second tag information associated with a second tag set for a second component of a second controller for controlling the equipment in the plant,

[0192] Based on the first tag information and the second tag information, it is detected whether the valid tag has changed from the first tag to the second tag, and the detection result is notified to the control device.

[0193] Description of the label

[0194] 1 Workshop

[0195] 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d instruments

[0196] 5.40 controller

[0197] 10 Established system

[0198] 11 Communication relay device

[0199] 20 New system

[0200] 30 monitoring control applications

[0201] 31. 210Gateway

[0202] 50 process simulators

[0203] 70 Progress Status Screen

[0204] 100 tag information providing server

[0205] 110 Communications Department

[0206] 120, 220 input unit

[0207] 130, 230 display unit

[0208] 140, 240 storage unit

[0209] 141 Label Information Table

[0210] 142 Information Management Table

[0211] 150, 250 control unit

[0212] 151 Label Information Provision Department

[0213] 152 Change Notification Department

[0214] 153 System conversion status monitoring unit

[0215] 200 control devices

[0216] 251 Interface Provider

[0217] 252 Execution Processing Unit

[0218] 253 Setting Change Department

Claims

1. An information providing system comprising: a control device that provides an operation screen for accessing a label set to a component of a controller for controlling an instrument in a workshop; and a management device that manages information of the label, wherein the information providing system is characterized in that: The management device comprises: an acquisition unit that receives first tag information related to a first tag set for a first component of a first controller from a first system, and acquires second tag information related to a second tag set for a second component of a second controller from a second system; and a change notification unit that detects whether the valid tag has changed from the first tag to the second tag based on the first tag information and the second tag information, and notifies the control device of the detection result, The control device includes a setting change unit that changes an access destination of the valid tag to the second controller based on the detection result.

2. The information providing system according to claim 1, characterized in that The first system further includes a communication relay device that relays communication between the control device and the first controller.

3. The information providing system according to claim 2, characterized in that The acquisition unit acquires, as the first tag information, identification information of the communication relay device, identification information of the first tag, and communication quality related to the first tag from the communication relay device.

4. The information providing system according to claim 3, characterized in that: The acquisition unit acquires, as the second tag information, identification information of the second controller, identification information of the second tag, and communication quality related to the second tag from the second controller.

5. The information providing system according to claim 4, characterized in that: The change notification unit detects whether a tag corresponding to the same identification information has been changed from the first tag to the second tag based on the communication quality included in the first tag information and the communication quality included in the second tag information.

6. The information providing system according to claim 5, characterized in that: When the communication quality included in the second tag information is better than the communication quality included in the first tag information, the change notification unit detects a change of the tag corresponding to the same identification information from the first tag to the second tag.

7. The information providing system according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that: The setting change unit changes, based on the detection result, an access destination for the tag corresponding to the same identification information from the communication relay device to the second controller.

8. The information providing system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: The management device further includes a display control unit that displays a transition status from the first tab to the second tab.

9. An information providing method, which is an information providing method of an information providing system, the information providing system comprising: a control device that provides an operation screen for accessing a label set to a component of a controller for controlling an instrument in a workshop; and a management device that manages information of the label, the information providing method being characterized in that: Perform the following processing: The management device receives, from the first system, first tag information related to a first tag set for a first component of a first controller, The management device acquires second tag information related to a second tag set for a second component of a second controller from a second system, The management device detects whether the valid tag has changed from the first tag to the second tag based on the first tag information and the second tag information, and notifies the control device of the detection result. The control device changes the access destination of the valid tag to the second controller based on the detection result.

10. A computer-readable storage medium having an information providing program recorded thereon, characterized in that: The information providing program causes the computer to execute the following processing: receiving, from the first system, first tag information related to a first tag set for a first component of a first controller for controlling equipment in a plant, acquiring, from the second system, second tag information associated with a second tag set for a second component of a second controller for controlling the equipment in the plant, Based on the first tag information and the second tag information, it is detected whether the valid tag has changed from the first tag to the second tag, and the detection result is notified to the control device.

Images