Plant operation support device

Abstract

A plant operation support device for use in a plant having one or more devices and a control device for controlling the one or more devices, the plant operation support device being provided with: a plant configuration diagram storage unit having a plant configuration diagram comprising the one or more devices; an alarm collection unit that collects an alarm of the device output from the control device when the control device determines that the output value output from the device is not within a predetermined range; an alarm generation unit that generates an alarm generation map that displays, on the plant configuration map, an alarm symbol indicating that the alarm has occurred from an abnormal device, which is the device that is the cause of the occurrence of the alarm; and a display unit that displays the alarm generation map.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a factory operation support device. Background Art

[0002] In Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2022-182564, a factory operation support device (factory monitoring device) is disclosed. This factory operation support device collects alarms (alarm information) output when an abnormality in the factory is detected and presents the collected alarms to the workers.

[0003] However, in a factory operation support device as described above, it is desired to present the alarms in a form that is easy for the workers to understand.

[0004] The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a factory operation support device that can present alarms in a form that is easy for the workers to understand.

[0005] Means for Solving the Problem

[0006] To solve the above problem, a factory operation support device according to Mode 1 of the present invention is a factory operation support device used in a factory having one or more devices and a control device for controlling the one or more devices. The factory operation support device includes: a factory structure diagram storage unit having a factory structure diagram composed of the one or more devices; an alarm collection unit that collects an alarm of the device output from the control device when the control device determines that an output value output from the device is not within a specified range; an alarm generation unit that generates an alarm occurrence diagram in which an alarm symbol for indicating that the alarm has occurred from the device that is the cause of the alarm occurrence, i.e., the abnormal device, is displayed on the factory structure diagram; and a display unit that displays the alarm occurrence diagram.

[0007] Further, Mode 2 of the present invention is the factory operation support device according to Mode 1, wherein the alarm generation unit generates the alarm symbol based on at least one of the occurrence time of the alarm, the disappearance time of the alarm, the position of the abnormal device, the occurrence frequency of the alarm, and the importance of the alarm in the generation of the alarm occurrence diagram.

[0008] Further, Mode 3 of the present invention is the factory operation support device according to Mode 2, wherein the alarm generation unit displays the alarm symbol when the alarm has occurred and does not display the alarm symbol when the alarm has disappeared in the generation of the alarm occurrence diagram.

[0009] Further, Mode 4 of the present invention is the factory operation support device as described in Mode 2 or Mode 3, wherein, in the generation of the alarm occurrence diagram, the alarm generation unit displays the alarm symbol on or near the abnormal device.

[0010] Further, Mode 5 of the present invention is the factory operation support device as described in any one of Modes 2 to 4, wherein, in the generation of the alarm occurrence diagram, the alarm generation unit makes at least one of the color and the size of the alarm symbol different according to the occurrence frequency of the alarm.

[0011] Further, Mode 6 of the present invention is the factory operation support device as described in any one of Modes 2 to 5, wherein, in the generation of the alarm occurrence diagram, the alarm generation unit makes at least one of the color and the size of the alarm symbol different according to the importance of the alarm.

[0012] Further, Mode 7 of the present invention is the factory operation support device as described in any one of Modes 1 to 6, and further includes a factory state diagnosis unit that diagnoses the state of the factory based on the alarm occurrence diagram.

[0013] Further, Mode 8 of the present invention is the factory operation support device as described in any one of Modes 1 to 7, and further includes a factory state prediction unit that predicts the state of the factory based on the temporal change of the alarm occurrence diagram.

[0014] Further, Mode 9 of the present invention is the factory operation support device as described in any one of Modes 1 to 8, and further includes: an alarm occurrence diagram storage unit that associates and stores the alarm occurrence diagram with event information including the date and time when the alarm occurred; and a retrieval unit that retrieves the alarm occurrence diagram based on the event information.

[0015] According to the above modes of the present invention, it is possible to provide a factory operation support device that can present an alarm in a form that is easy for an operator to understand.

[0016] With reference to the drawings, further features and modes of the present invention become apparent from the following detailed description of the embodiments. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing a factory operation support device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 2 is a diagram showing an example of an alarm occurrence diagram according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 3 This is a diagram showing an example of an alarm symbol related to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing an example of the temporal change of an alarm occurrence diagram related to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 5 This is a flowchart showing an example of a process performed in a factory operation support device related to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Embodiment

[0022] <Factory Operation Support Device>

[0023] Hereinafter, based on Figures 1 to 4 , a factory operation support device related to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0024] Figure 1 This is a block diagram showing the factory operation support device 1 related to the present embodiment. As Figure 1 shown, the factory operation support device 1 related to the present embodiment is used in a factory P having one or more (for example, a plurality of) devices 3 and a control device 2 that controls one or more devices 3. In addition, one control device 2 may be provided for each device 3, or one control device 2 may control a plurality of devices 3. The factory operation support device 1 related to the present embodiment includes an alarm collection unit 10, an alarm storage unit 11, a factory structure diagram storage unit 12, an alarm generation unit 13, a display unit 14, an alarm occurrence diagram storage unit 15, a retrieval unit 16, a factory state diagnosis unit 17, a factory state prediction unit 18, and an input unit 19.

[0025] The factory P is, for example, a chemical factory (oil refinery) for oil refining. As the devices 3 constituting the factory P, for example, the factory P has a distillation column 3a, a tank 3b, a pump 3c, and a pipe 3d. However, the type of the factory P using the factory operation support device 1 can be appropriately changed. For example, the factory P may also be a water treatment factory or the like. According to the type of the factory P, the types of the devices 3 constituting the factory P may also be changed.

[0026] When an abnormality occurs in the device 3 constituting the factory P, the control device 2 outputs an alarm. More specifically, when it is determined that the output value output from the device 3 is not within the specified range, the control device 2 outputs (generates) an alarm. Hereinafter, the device 3 that causes the occurrence of the alarm (that is, the device 3 in which an abnormality has occurred) may sometimes be referred to as the abnormal device 3A.

[0027] The input unit 19 detects and obtains the operations (inputs) of the operator. The input unit 19 functions as an interface for the operator to input information to the control device 2. The input unit 19 is, for example, a touch panel type sensor provided on the display unit 14, a wired or wirelessly connected keyboard, or the like.

[0028] The factory structure diagram storage unit 12 stores (has) the factory structure diagram F1. The factory structure diagram F1 is composed of one or more devices 3 (constituting the factory P). More specifically, the factory structure diagram F1 shows the devices 3 included in the factory P and their connection relationships (also refer to Figure 2 ). In the factory structure diagram F1, the actual positional relationships between the devices 3 in the factory P can also be reflected.

[0029] The alarm collection unit 10 collects (obtains) the alarms of the devices 3 output from the control device 2. The alarm collection unit 10 outputs the collected alarms to the alarm storage unit 11.

[0030] The alarm storage unit 11 obtains the alarms from the alarm collection unit 10. The alarm storage unit 11 stores (saves) the obtained alarms. In the alarm storage unit 11, multiple alarms output from the control device 2 can also be accumulated.

[0031] The alarm generation unit 13 refers to the alarm storage unit 11 to obtain the alarms output from the control device 2. In addition, the alarm generation unit 13 refers to the factory structure diagram storage unit 12 to obtain the factory structure diagram F1. The alarm generation unit 13 generates an alarm occurrence diagram F2 based on the obtained alarms and the factory structure diagram F1. The alarm generation unit 13 outputs the generated alarm occurrence diagram F2 to the alarm generation unit 13 and the display unit 14.

[0032] Figure 2 It is a diagram showing an example of the alarm occurrence diagram F2 according to the present embodiment. Figure 3 It is a diagram showing an example of the alarm symbol S according to the present embodiment. The alarm occurrence diagram F2 is a diagram in which the alarm symbol S is displayed on the factory structure diagram F1, and this alarm symbol S is used to indicate that an alarm has occurred from the abnormal device 3A. The shape of the alarm symbol S is not particularly limited, and it can be, for example, circular.

[0033] In the generation of the alarm occurrence diagram F2 of the device 3 according to the present embodiment, based on the occurrence time of the alarm (the timing of alarm occurrence), the disappearance time of the alarm (the timing of alarm disappearance), the position of the abnormal device 3A, the occurrence frequency of the alarm, and the importance of the alarm, the alarm symbol S is generated. Hereinafter, a specific description will be given.

[0034] First, the alarm generation unit 13 switches the display of the alarm symbol S in the alarm occurrence diagram F2 based on the occurrence time and disappearance time of the alarm. That is, in the generation of the alarm occurrence diagram F2, when an abnormality occurs in the abnormal device 3A and an alarm is generated, the alarm generation unit 13 displays the alarm symbol S. In other words, when an abnormality occurs in the abnormal device 3A and an alarm is generated, the alarm generation unit 13 generates the alarm occurrence diagram F2 with the alarm symbol S displayed. In addition, in the generation of the alarm occurrence diagram F2, when the abnormality of the abnormal device 3A is resolved and the alarm disappears, the alarm generation unit 13 makes the alarm symbol S not displayed. In other words, when the abnormality of the abnormal device 3A is resolved and the alarm disappears, the alarm generation unit 13 generates the alarm occurrence diagram F2 in which the alarm symbol S is not displayed (the alarm symbol S is not shown).

[0035] In addition, in the generation of the alarm occurrence diagram F2, the alarm generation unit 13 displays the alarm symbol S at a position corresponding to the position of the abnormal device 3A. In other words, the alarm generation unit 13 generates the alarm occurrence diagram F2 in which the position of the alarm symbol S corresponds to the position of the abnormal device 3A. Specifically, in the generation of the alarm occurrence diagram F2, the alarm generation unit 13 displays the alarm symbol S on or near the abnormal device 3A. In other words, the alarm generation unit 13 generates the alarm occurrence diagram F2 in which the alarm symbol S is displayed on or near the abnormal device 3A. In Figure 2 the example shown, there are multiple abnormal devices 3A, and correspondingly, multiple alarm symbols S are also displayed. And, for example, the distillation column 3a and the tank 3b are the abnormal devices 3A where an alarm has occurred, and the alarm symbol S is displayed on the distillation column 3a and on the tank 3b.

[0036] In addition, in the generation of the alarm occurrence diagram F2, the alarm generation unit 13 makes the size of the alarm symbol S different according to the occurrence frequency of the alarm. Specifically, the higher the occurrence frequency of the alarm, the larger the size of the alarm symbol S made by the alarm generation unit 13, and the lower the occurrence frequency of the alarm, the smaller the size of the alarm symbol S made by the alarm generation unit 13.

[0037] In addition, in the generation of the alarm occurrence diagram F2, the alarm generation unit 13 makes the color of the alarm symbol S different based on the importance of the alarm. Specifically, the higher the importance of the alarm, the more the alarm generation unit 13 makes the color of the alarm symbol S gradually change from cool colors (blue, cyan) to neutral colors (green, yellow-green), and then to warm colors (yellow, orange, red, magenta). In addition, in Figures 2 to 4 it, the color of the alarm symbol S is represented by the type (shading) of the shadow.

[0038] The alarm occurrence map storage unit 15 acquires the alarm occurrence map F2 output from the alarm generation unit 13. The alarm occurrence map storage unit 15 stores (saves) the acquired alarm occurrence map F2. In the alarm occurrence map storage unit 15, a plurality of alarm occurrence maps F2 output from the alarm generation unit 13 are accumulated. As Figure 4 shown, according to the occurrence status of alarms in the factory P, the alarm occurrence map F2 (alarm symbol S) can change over time. In Figure 4 , an example is shown where the importance of the alarm gradually increases and the color of the alarm symbol S changes from a cool color system to a warm color system.

[0039] The alarm occurrence map storage unit 15 according to the present embodiment associates and stores the alarm occurrence map F2 with event information. The so-called event information refers to information related to the operation of the factory P and the occurrence of alarms, and at least includes the date and time when the alarm occurs. As examples of event information other than the date and time, meteorological information at the time of alarm occurrence, information related to operations performed by operators on the factory P (equipment 3) at the time of alarm occurrence, information related to the switching of equipment 3, information related to the change of production brands, and information related to the failure of equipment 3 can be cited, but it is not limited thereto. Such event information is input into the factory operation support device 1, for example, through the operator operation input unit 19.

[0040] The retrieval unit 16 refers to the alarm occurrence map storage unit 15 and retrieves the alarm occurrence map F2 based on the event information. The retrieval unit 16 may also output the retrieved alarm occurrence map F2 to the display unit 14. The retrieval of the retrieval unit 16 is executed, for example, by a retrieval instruction through the operator operation input unit 19.

[0041] The factory state diagnosis unit 17 refers to the alarm occurrence map storage unit 15 and diagnoses the state of the factory P based on the alarm occurrence map F2. The factory state diagnosis unit 17 may also output the diagnosis result to the display unit 14.

[0042] Specifically, the factory state diagnosis unit 17 according to the present embodiment diagnoses the state of the factory P based on the presence, position, size, and color of the alarm symbol S shown in the alarm occurrence map F2. That is, the factory state diagnosis unit 17 may also diagnose the presence or absence of alarms in the factory P based on the presence or absence of the alarm symbol S in the alarm occurrence map F2. In addition, the factory state diagnosis unit 17 may also diagnose which equipment 3 the alarm has occurred in, that is, which equipment 3 is the abnormal equipment 3A, based on the position of the alarm symbol S in the alarm occurrence map F2. In addition, the factory state diagnosis unit 17 may also diagnose the occurrence frequency of the alarm based on the size of the alarm symbol S. In addition, the factory state diagnosis unit 17 may also diagnose the importance of the alarm based on the color of the alarm symbol S.

[0043] The factory state prediction unit 18 refers to the alarm occurrence map storage unit 15 and predicts the state of the factory P based on the temporal change of the alarm occurrence map F2. The factory state prediction unit 18 may also output the predicted result to the display unit 14.

[0044] Specifically, the factory state prediction unit 18 according to the present embodiment predicts the state of the factory P based on the presence or absence, position, size, and color change of the alarm symbol S accompanying the passage of time. For example, among the plurality of alarm occurrence maps F2 stored in the alarm occurrence map storage unit 15, as time passes, an alarm symbol S that did not initially exist may become present. In addition, the size of the alarm symbol S may increase, and further, the color of the alarm symbol S may change from a cool color system color to a warm color system color. In this case, the factory state prediction unit 18 may also predict that the state of the device 3 (abnormal device 3A) with the alarm symbol S has deteriorated.

[0045] In addition, the factory state prediction unit 18 may also estimate how the size of the alarm symbol S will change (increase) in the future based on the increase rate of the size of the alarm symbol S. That is, the factory state prediction unit 18 may also predict the state of the factory P based on the change in the size of the alarm symbol S. For example, a threshold value may be set for the size of the alarm symbol S (for example, if it exceeds this threshold value, the possibility of the device malfunctioning is relatively high, etc.). In this case, the factory state prediction unit 18 may also estimate the time until the size of the alarm symbol S exceeds the threshold value. Moreover, the factory state prediction unit 18 may also make the following prediction: before exceeding the threshold value, the state of the factory P is normal, and if it exceeds the threshold value, the possibility of the state of the factory P becoming abnormal is relatively high. Thus, if the device 3 is repaired or maintained before the time when the specified threshold value is reached, information that the state of the factory P is maintained as normal can be obtained, and thus it is easy to keep the state of the factory P as normal.

[0046] In addition, the factory state prediction unit 18 may also extract (learn) the alarm occurrence map F2 (alarm pattern) related to a certain symptom (for example, a certain device 3 malfunctions). Moreover, the factory state prediction unit 18 may detect the typical alarm occurrence map F2 (alarm pattern) when this symptom occurs during the operation of the factory P. Moreover, when such detection is performed, the factory state prediction unit 18 may also predict that the possibility of this symptom occurring is relatively high.

[0047] In addition, the factory state prediction unit 18 can also predict the state of the factory P based on the past alarm occurrence map F2 stored in the alarm occurrence map storage unit 15 and the event information associated therewith. For example, the factory state prediction unit 18 can also, based on the alarm occurrence map F2 when a past typhoon arrived, pre-grasp (learn) which device 3 had an alarm when the typhoon arrived, etc. Moreover, the factory state prediction unit 18 can also make a prediction that when the next typhoon arrives, it is highly likely that the device 3 that had an alarm when the past typhoon arrived will have an alarm again. Thus, it is possible to pre-predict how operations such as temperature management and quality management for the factory P should be carried out. That is, the factory state prediction unit 18 can also predict the state of the factory P based on the fact that the alarm occurrence map F2 depends on meteorological conditions. Thus, in the case of anticipating meteorology similar to that which occurred in the past, based on the occurrence status of the alarms in the past alarm occurrence map F2, it is possible to establish a prediction of which device 3 should be monitored with emphasis. In addition, the event information used by the factory state prediction unit 18 in the prediction is not limited to meteorological information. The factory state prediction unit 18 can also use the various information related to the operation of the factory P and the occurrence of alarms to predict the state of the factory P.

[0048] The display unit 14 acquires the alarm occurrence map F2 output by the alarm generation unit 13. The display unit 14 displays the acquired alarm occurrence map F2. In addition, the display unit 14 can also acquire and display the diagnostic result output by the factory state diagnosis unit 17 and the prediction result output by the factory state prediction unit 18. In addition, the display unit 14 can also acquire and display the search result output by the search unit 16. The display unit 14 is, for example, a liquid crystal display device, an organic EL (electroluminescence) display device, an electronic ink display device, etc.

[0049] In addition, in the above example, the occurrence frequency of the alarm corresponds to the size of the alarm symbol S, and the importance of the alarm corresponds to the color of the alarm symbol S, but the correspondence is not limited to this. That is, it is also possible that the occurrence frequency of the alarm corresponds to the color of the alarm symbol S, and the importance of the alarm corresponds to the size of the alarm symbol S.

[0050] In addition, in generating the alarm occurrence diagram F2, the alarm generation unit 13 may generate the alarm symbol S without basing on all of the alarm occurrence time, the alarm disappearance time, the location of the abnormal device 3A, the alarm occurrence frequency, and the importance of the alarm. The alarm generation unit 13 may also generate the alarm symbol S based on at least one of the alarm occurrence time, the alarm disappearance time, the location of the abnormal device 3A, the alarm occurrence frequency, and the importance of the alarm. For example, when the alarm generation unit 13 generates the alarm symbol S without considering the alarm occurrence frequency, the alarm generation unit 13 may also make both the color and the size of the alarm symbol S different according to the importance of the alarm. Similarly, when the alarm generation unit 13 generates the alarm symbol S without considering the importance of the alarm, the alarm generation unit 13 may also make both the color and the size of the alarm symbol S different according to the alarm occurrence frequency.

[0051] In addition, the aforementioned alarm collection unit 10 may directly output the collected alarms to the alarm generation unit 13 without passing through the alarm storage unit 11. In this case, the factory operation support device 1 may not include the alarm storage unit 11.

[0052] Furthermore, the functions of the respective units 10 to 19 included in the factory operation support device 1 may also be realized by a CPU (Central Processing Unit) executing a program. Alternatively, it is also possible to use hardware (circuit unit; including circuitry) such as an LSI (Large Scale Integration), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), and a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) to realize the functions of the respective units 10 to 19. Alternatively, it is also possible to realize the functions of the respective units 10 to 19 through the cooperation of software and hardware. In addition, the functions of the respective units 10 to 19 may be realized by the same hardware as each other or by different hardware.

[0053] <Processing performed in the factory operation support device>

[0054] Next, based on Figure 5 , an example of the processing performed in the factory operation support device 1 configured as described above will be described. Figure 5 It is a flowchart showing an example of the processing performed in the factory operation support device 1 according to the present embodiment.

[0055] First, an alarm collection step S1 is performed. In the alarm collection step S1, the alarm collection unit 10 collects the alarms of the device 3 output from the control device 2. The alarm collection unit 10 outputs the collected alarms to the alarm storage unit 11.

[0056] Next, an alarm storage step S2 is performed. In the alarm storage step S2, the alarm storage unit 11 obtains the alarms from the alarm collection unit 10. The alarm storage unit 11 stores the obtained alarms.

[0057] Next, an alarm occurrence diagram generation step S3 is performed. In the alarm occurrence diagram generation step S3, the alarm generation unit 13 refers to the alarm storage unit 11 to obtain the alarms output from the control device 2. In addition, the alarm generation unit 13 refers to the factory structure diagram storage unit 12 to obtain the factory structure diagram F1. The alarm generation unit 13 generates an alarm occurrence diagram F2 based on the obtained alarms and the factory structure diagram F1. The alarm generation unit 13 outputs the generated alarm occurrence diagram F2 to the alarm generation unit 13 and the display unit 14.

[0058] After the alarm occurrence diagram generation step S3, a display step S4 is performed. In the display step S4, the display unit 14 obtains the alarm occurrence diagram F2 output from the alarm generation unit 13. The display unit 14 displays the obtained alarm occurrence diagram F2.

[0059] After the alarm occurrence diagram generation step S3, an alarm occurrence diagram storage step S5 is performed. Additionally, the order of the display step S4 and the alarm occurrence diagram storage step S5 is not particularly limited. In the alarm occurrence diagram storage step S5, the alarm occurrence diagram storage unit 15 obtains the alarm occurrence diagram F2 output from the alarm generation unit 13. The alarm occurrence diagram storage unit 15 stores the obtained alarm occurrence diagram F2.

[0060] The alarm collection step S1 to the alarm occurrence diagram storage step S5 described above are repeated multiple times at regular time intervals. In the alarm occurrence diagram storage unit 15, multiple alarm occurrence diagrams F2 output from the alarm generation unit 13 are accumulated.

[0061] After the alarm collection step S1 to the alarm occurrence diagram storage step S5 are repeated a specified number of times, a factory state diagnosis step S6 is performed. In the factory state diagnosis step S6, the factory state diagnosis unit 17 refers to the alarm occurrence diagram storage unit 15 and diagnoses the state of the factory P based on the alarm occurrence diagram F2. The factory state diagnosis unit 17 may also output the diagnosis result to the display unit 14. The display unit 14 may also obtain and display the diagnosis result output by the factory state diagnosis unit 17.

[0062] After the alarm collection step S1 to the alarm occurrence diagram storage step S5 are repeated a specified number of times, the factory state prediction step S7 is performed. Additionally, the order of the factory state diagnosis step S6 and the factory state prediction step S7 is not particularly limited. In the factory state prediction step S7, the factory state prediction unit 18 refers to the alarm occurrence diagram storage unit 15 and predicts the state of the factory P based on the temporal change of the alarm occurrence diagram F2. The factory state prediction unit 18 may also output the predicted result to the display unit 14. The display unit 14 may also acquire and display the predicted result output by the factory state diagnosis unit 17.

[0063] Additionally, the factory state diagnosis step S6 and the factory state prediction step S7 may also be executed, for example, by an operator operating the input unit 19 to give an execution instruction. Or, the factory state diagnosis step S6 and the factory state prediction step S7 may also be automatically executed after the alarm collection step S1 to the alarm occurrence diagram storage step S5 are repeated a specified number of times.

[0064] <Effect of the factory operation support device>

[0065] Next, the effect of the factory operation support device 1 configured as described above will be described.

[0066] Conventionally, a factory operation support device has been known which, when an abnormality in the factory is detected, collects the output alarms and presents the collected alarms to the operator (for example, refer to Patent Document 1). In such a factory operation support device, it is desired to present the alarms in a form that is easy for the operator to understand.

[0067] Therefore, the factory operation support device 1 according to the present embodiment is a factory operation support device used in a factory P having one or more devices 3 and a control device 2 for controlling one or more devices 3, and the factory operation support device includes: a factory structure diagram storage unit 12 having a factory structure diagram F1 composed of one or more devices; an alarm collection unit 10 that collects an alarm of the device 3 output from the control device 2 when the control device 2 determines that the output value output from the device 3 is not within a specified range; an alarm generation unit 13 that generates an alarm occurrence diagram F2 on which an alarm symbol S for indicating that an alarm has occurred from the device 3 that is the cause of the alarm, i.e., the abnormal device 3A, is displayed on the factory structure diagram F1; and a display unit 14 that displays the alarm occurrence diagram F2.

[0068] According to this configuration, information related to the alarm is displayed as an alarm symbol S on the display unit 14 in the form of the alarm occurrence diagram F2 displayed on the factory structure diagram F1. Thus, the alarm can be presented in a form that is easy for the operator to understand.

[0069] In addition, in the conventional operation support device, the operation state of the factory P has not been diagnosed / predicted based on the visualized alarm information (alarm occurrence diagram). In addition, based on the visualized alarm information, it has been impossible to know the events at the time of alarm occurrence (for example, the process value is lower than the set value). On the contrary, it has been impossible to know what kind of alarm will occur when a certain event (for example, rainfall) occurs.

[0070] In contrast, the factory operation support device 1 according to the present embodiment further includes a factory state diagnosis unit 17 that diagnoses the state of the factory P based on the alarm occurrence diagram F2. With this configuration, the state of the factory P can be diagnosed.

[0071] In addition, the factory operation support device 1 according to the present embodiment further includes a factory state prediction unit 18 that predicts the state of the factory P based on the temporal change of the alarm occurrence diagram F2. With this configuration, the state of the factory P can be predicted.

[0072] In addition, the factory operation support device 1 according to the present embodiment further includes: an alarm occurrence diagram storage unit 15 that stores the alarm occurrence diagram F2 in association with event information including the date and time at the time of alarm occurrence; and a retrieval unit 16 that retrieves the alarm occurrence diagram F2 based on the event information. With this configuration, it is possible to know what kind of alarm will occur when a certain event occurs.

[0073] <Modification Example>

[0074] In addition, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various changes can be added without departing from the gist of the present invention.

[0075] For example, the alarm occurrence map storage unit 15 may also store the alarm occurrence map F2 in association with the detailed information of the alarm. As examples of the detailed information of the alarm, for example, the title of the alarm, the name of the device 3 (abnormal device 3A) where the alarm occurred, the location of the device 3 (abnormal device 3A), the occurrence frequency of the alarm, and the importance of the alarm can be cited. Moreover, these detailed information can also be displayed on the display unit 14 by the operator clicking on the alarm symbol S on the display unit 14. For example, it can also be that if the number of alarm occurrences per hour is 30 or more, information with importance level 3 is displayed; if it is 10 or more and 29 or less, information with importance level 2 is displayed; if it is 9 or less, information with importance level 1 is displayed. In addition, an alarm that requires immediate response can be displayed as importance level 3, an alarm that requires future attention can be displayed as importance level 2, and a minor alarm that does not require immediate response at present can be displayed as importance level 1. Further, by the operator clicking on the alarm symbol S, in addition to the above-mentioned detailed information, the cause of the alarm, the handling method therefor, etc. can also be displayed on the display unit 14.

[0076] In addition, the factory operation support device 1 may also include a plurality of terminals that can communicate with each other via the Internet or the like. Moreover, the display unit 14 for displaying the alarm occurrence map F2 may also be provided on a portable terminal such as a smartphone. By displaying the alarm occurrence map F2 on such a portable terminal, the operator can, at the location of the device 3 where the alarm occurred, perform operations on the device 3 based on the alarm information (for example, the handling method for the cause of the alarm) displayed on the portable terminal. Further, a portable terminal that pre-records the location information of the device 3 as the detailed information of the alarm and has a navigation function can also be used. In this case, the operator can smoothly move to the location of the device 3 where the alarm occurred through the navigation function of the portable terminal.

[0077] In addition, within the scope not departing from the gist of the present invention, the structural elements in the above-described embodiments can be appropriately replaced with known structural elements. Moreover, the above-described embodiments and modification examples can also be appropriately combined.

[0078] In addition, each structure included in the above-described factory operation support device 1 has a computer system inside. Moreover, a program for implementing the functions of each structure included in the above-described factory operation support device 1 can also be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium. By reading the program recorded in this recording medium into the computer system and executing it, the processing in each structure included in the above-described factory operation support device 1 is performed. Here, "reading the program recorded in the recording medium into the computer system and executing it" includes installing the program in the computer system. It is assumed that the "computer system" mentioned here includes hardware such as an OS and peripheral devices.

[0079] In addition, a "computer system" may also include a plurality of computer devices connected via a network including communication circuits such as the Internet, WAN, LAN, dedicated circuits, etc. Further, the so-called "computer-readable recording medium" refers to a storage device such as a flexible disc, optical disc, ROM, CD-ROM and other removable media, and a hard disk built in a computer system. Thus, a recording medium storing a program may also be a non-disposable recording medium such as a CD-ROM.

[0080] In addition, the recording medium also includes a recording medium provided inside or outside that can be accessed from a distribution server for distributing the program. Additionally, it may be a structure in which the program is divided into multiple parts, downloaded at different timings respectively, and then combined in each structure of the factory operation support device 1. Further, the distribution servers for distributing each of the divided programs may also be different. Furthermore, the so-called "computer-readable recording medium" is also assumed to include a volatile memory (RAM) inside a computer system such as a server or a client when the program is sent via a network, which holds the program for a certain period of time. In addition, the above program may also be used to implement a part of the above functions. Further, it may also be a so-called differential file (differential program) that can implement the above functions through combination with a program already recorded in the computer system.

[0081] In this specification, words indicating directions such as "front, rear, top, bottom, right, left, vertical, horizontal, longitudinal, transverse, row, and column" refer to these directions in the device of the present invention. Therefore, these words in the specification of the present invention should be interpreted relatively in the device of the present invention.

[0082] Words such as "configured" are configured to perform the functions of the present invention, or to represent the structure, elements, and parts of a device.

[0083] Furthermore, words expressed as "means-plus-function" in the claims should include any structure that can be used to perform the functions included in the present invention.

[0084] Words such as "unit" are used to represent a part of software that is programmed to perform structural elements, units, hardware, and desired functions. Typical examples of hardware are devices and circuits, but are not limited thereto.

[0085] The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, but the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. Without departing from the gist of the present invention, additional structures, omissions, substitutions, and other changes can be made. The present invention is not limited to the foregoing description, but only to the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A plant operation support device, which is used in a factory having one or more devices and a control device for controlling the one or more devices, the plant operation support device comprising: A plant structure diagram storage unit having a plant structure diagram consisting of the one or more devices; an alarm collecting unit for collecting alarms of the device outputted from the control device when the control device determines that the output value outputted from the device is not within a prescribed range; an alarm generating unit for generating an alarm occurrence diagram, the alarm occurrence diagram displaying an alarm symbol on the plant structure diagram, the alarm symbol being used to indicate that the alarm has occurred from the device that is the cause of the alarm, i.e., the abnormal device; as well as The display unit displays the alarm occurrence diagram.

2. The plant operation support device according to claim 1, wherein: The alarm generation unit generates the alarm symbol based on at least one of the alarm occurrence time, the alarm disappearance time, the location of the abnormal device, the alarm occurrence frequency, and the alarm importance when generating the alarm occurrence map.

3. The plant operation support device according to claim 2, wherein: The alarm generating unit displays the alarm symbol when the alarm occurs, and hides the alarm symbol when the alarm disappears, during the generation of the alarm occurrence map.

4. The plant operation support device according to claim 2, wherein: The alarm generating unit displays the alarm symbol on the abnormal device or near the abnormal device during the generation of the alarm occurrence map.

5. The plant operation support device according to claim 2, wherein: The alarm generation unit may make at least one of the color and the size of the alarm symbol different according to the occurrence frequency of the alarm when generating the alarm occurrence map.

6. The plant operation support device according to claim 2, wherein: The alarm generating unit may make at least one of the color and the size of the alarm symbol different according to the importance of the alarm when generating the alarm occurrence map. 7 . The plant operation support device according to claim 1 , further comprising a plant state diagnosis unit configured to diagnose a state of the plant based on the alarm occurrence map. 8 . The plant operation support device according to claim 1 , further comprising a plant state prediction unit configured to predict a state of the plant based on a temporal change in the alarm occurrence graph.

9. The plant operation support device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising: an alarm occurrence graph storage unit that associates and stores the alarm occurrence graph with event information including the date and time when the alarm occurs; and The search unit searches for the alarm occurrence map based on the event information.

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