System and method for transmitting data

Abstract

The invention provides a technology capable of reducing the management cost of setting information required for data transmission. A data transmission system, which is a computer system for transmitting data acquired from a field device to another device on a network, comprises at least: a communication device which is connected to the field device so as to be capable of data communication and which receives data acquired from the field device; and a communication control server that receives the data from the communication device and transmits the data to other devices on the network. The communication device generates a guide indicating a transmission destination and a transmission order of the data and transmits the guide to the communication control server. The communication control server transmits the data to the other device on the basis of the instruction received from the communication device. The other device includes at least one of the following servers: a service server that performs prescribed data processing corresponding to a service requested by a user on the data received from the communication control server and returns the data to the communication control server; and a data server that stores the data received from the communication control server in a storage space.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a technology for transmitting data. Background Technology

[0002] In recent years, in order to improve factory production efficiency and reduce labor costs, the manufacturing industry is moving towards DX (Direct Execution) technology, which increases the need to centralize data from field equipment on the manufacturing floor into an IT environment for advanced analysis.

[0003] In the above context, for example, Patent Document 1 describes a technique for transmitting data held by field devices to a required data server after performing various processing steps in a gateway device.

[0004] Here, for example, if the technology provided in Patent Document 2 is used, the various processing functions in the gateway device can be configured as external servers, creating a structure usable from multiple sites. Thus, a data transmission system characterized by delegating necessary processing to external servers instead of providing processing functions to each site can be achieved.

[0005] Existing technical documents

[0006] Patent documents

[0007] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-102974

[0008] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2022-047624 Summary of the Invention

[0009] The technical problem that the invention aims to solve

[0010] In implementing a large-scale data transmission system in the above structure, the number of field devices is very large, and the processing requirements and destination data servers for each field device are expected to differ. Therefore, the amount of system-managed configuration information, such as user-required processing information and destination data server information, becomes very large. Furthermore, during operation, this configuration information is expected to dynamically change due to changes in the destination data server and user-required processing.

[0011] On the other hand, in the technology provided in Patent Document 2, since the routing server centrally manages the setting information, the management cost of the setting information is expected to become very high.

[0012] The present invention was developed in view of the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a technology that can reduce the management cost of setting information required for data transmission.

[0013] Technical solutions to the problem

[0014] The data transmission system of the present invention is a computer system for transmitting data acquired from a field device to other devices on a network. It includes at least: a communication device connected to the field device in a manner capable of data communication, receiving data acquired from the field device; and a communication control server that receives the data from the communication device and transmits the data to other devices on the network. The communication device generates instructions indicating the transmission destination and transmission order of the data, and sends these instructions to the communication control server. Based on the instructions received from the communication device, the communication control server transmits the data to other devices. The other devices include at least one of the following servers: a service server that performs prescribed data processing on the data received from the communication control server in accordance with the service requested by the user and sends the data back to the communication control server; and a data server that stores the data received from the communication control server in storage space.

[0015] Other technical problems and their solutions disclosed in this application will become clear through the specific implementation and accompanying drawings.

[0016] Invention Effects

[0017] According to the present invention, the management cost of setting information required for data transmission can be reduced. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating the overall structure of a system, including a data transmission system.

[0019] Figure 2 This is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of the processing flow in the first embodiment.

[0020] Figure 3 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the instruction manual in the first embodiment.

[0021] Figure 4 This is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of the processing flow in the second embodiment.

[0022] Figure 5 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the instruction manual in the second embodiment.

[0023] Figure 6 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the overall system structure in the third embodiment.

[0024] Figure 7 This is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of the processing flow in the third embodiment.

[0025] Figure 8 This is an example of a displayed screen. Detailed Implementation

[0026] Hereinafter, each embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0027] Furthermore, the various embodiments are merely examples for illustrating the present invention, and appropriate omissions and simplifications have been made to make the description clearer. In addition, the present invention can also be implemented in various other ways.

[0028] To facilitate understanding of the invention, the positions, sizes, shapes, and extents of the constituent elements illustrated in the accompanying drawings do not always represent their actual positions, sizes, shapes, and extents. Therefore, the invention is not limited to the positions, sizes, shapes, and extents disclosed in the accompanying drawings.

[0029] In the following description, the same or similar structures are sometimes labeled with the same reference numerals, thus omitting repeated descriptions.

[0030] Furthermore, when there are multiple identical constituent elements, constituent elements with the same function, or constituent elements in the same location, different suffixes are sometimes added to the same reference numeral for description. Additionally, when it is not necessary to distinguish between the multiple constituent elements, the suffixes are sometimes omitted in the description. Furthermore, unless otherwise specified, each constituent element may be single or multiple.

[0031] Sometimes we use terms like "table," "list," or "queue" to describe information, but information can also be expressed using other data structures. For example, information such as "XX table," "XX list," or "XX queue" can be called "XX information." When describing identification information, we use terms like "identification information," "identifier," "name," "ID," or "number," but these terms can be interchanged.

[0032] In some implementations, the processing performed by the executing program is described. Here, the computer executes the program using a processor (e.g., CPU (Central Processing Unit), GPU (Graphics Processing Unit)), and uses storage devices (e.g., memory) and interface devices (e.g., communication ports) to perform the processing specified by the program. Therefore, the processor can be considered the main body performing the processing of the executing program. Similarly, the main body performing the processing of the executing program can also be a controller, device, system, computer, or node that has a processor. The main body performing the processing of the executing program only needs to be a control unit (computation unit), which can include dedicated circuitry for performing specific processing. Here, dedicated circuitry can be, for example, an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), or a CPLD (Complex Programmable Logic Device).

[0033] The program can be installed onto a computer from a program source. The program source can be, for example, a program distribution server or a computer-readable storage medium (e.g., a non-transitory recording medium). If the program source is a program distribution server, the program distribution server includes a processor and storage resources for storing the program to be distributed. The processor of the program distribution server can distribute the program to other computers. Furthermore, in this implementation, two or more programs can be implemented as one program, or one program can be implemented as two or more programs.

[0034] Furthermore, in the following description, the term "yyy part" is sometimes used to describe functions. However, a function can be implemented by a processor executing more than one program, or by more than one dedicated circuit (e.g., FPGA or ASIC), or by a combination thereof. When a function is implemented by a processor executing a program, since the specified processing is performed using appropriate storage devices and / or interface devices, the function can be considered to be at least a part of the processor. The processing described with a function as the subject can be considered to be the processing performed by the processor or a controller, device, system, computer, or node having that processor. The description of each function is just one example; multiple functions can be combined into one function, or one function can be divided into multiple functions.

[0035] Additionally, the following description uses expressions such as "send", "transmit", and "receive", but the server / client relationship in communication is not limited by these expressions, and the server / client relationship can also be the opposite.

[0036] Additionally, in the following description, "interface device" can refer to one or more interface devices. These one or more interface devices can be at least one of the following.

[0037] • One or more I / O (Input / Output) interface devices. An I / O (Input / Output) interface device is an interface device corresponding to at least one of an I / O device and a remote display computer. The I / O interface device corresponding to the display computer can be a communication interface device. At least one I / O device can be one of a user interface device, such as an input device like a keyboard and pointing device, and an output device like a display device.

[0038] • One or more communication interface devices. One or more communication interface devices can be one or more communication interface devices of the same type (e.g., one or more NICs (Network Interface Cards)) or two or more communication interface devices of different types (e.g., NICs and HBAs (Host Bus Adapters)).

[0039] Additionally, in the following description, "storage device" can refer to at least memory in both memory and persistent storage devices.

[0040] Additionally, in the following description, "memory" refers to one or more storage devices as an example, typically main storage devices. At least one memory device in the memory can be a volatile memory device or a non-volatile memory device.

[0041] Additionally, in the following description, "persistent storage device" can refer to one or more persistent storage devices as an example of more than one storage device. Persistent storage devices can typically be non-volatile storage devices (such as secondary storage devices), specifically, such as HDD (Hard Disk Drive), SSD (Solid State Drive), NVME (Non-Volatile Memory Express) drives, or SCM (Storage Class Memory).

[0042] Additionally, in the following description, "processor" can refer to more than one processor device. At least one processor device typically refers to a microprocessor device such as a CPU, but can also be other types of processor devices such as a GPU. At least one processor device can be single-core or multi-core. At least one processor device can also refer to a processor core. At least one processor device can also refer to a processor device in a broader sense, such as the dedicated circuit mentioned above.

[0043] Additionally, in the following description, "data transmission system" can refer to a system consisting of one or more physical computers, or it can include systems implemented on physical computing resource groups (such as cloud platforms) (such as cloud computing systems). The "display" of display information by the data transmission system can mean displaying the display information on a display device on the computer, or the computer sending the display information to the display computer (in the latter case, the display computer displays the display information).

[0044] <First Implementation>

[0045] First, regarding the structural example of the data transmission system 1 in the first embodiment, refer to... Figure 1 Please provide an explanation.

[0046] Figure 1 This is a diagram that schematically illustrates an example of the structure of the overall system (hereinafter also referred to as the "overall system") including the data transmission system 1 in the first embodiment and the second embodiment described later.

[0047] (Example of overall system structure)

[0048] The data transmission system 1 is a computer system that reduces the management costs of various information about field devices 40a, 40b, 40c...40n (hereinafter collectively referred to as "field device 40" when referring to them in general terms and when not specifically distinguished) that are limited by resources and usage policies. It is implemented by computer devices and server devices having the structures described below.

[0049] In addition, field devices 40 include, for example, computer devices and control devices such as PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers) that control various production equipment such as industrial equipment, personnel, and machine tools in a factory.

[0050] The data transmission system 1 is as follows Figure 1As shown in the example, the system includes at least communication devices 10a, 10b, 10c...10n (hereinafter collectively referred to as "communication device 10" in general and unless otherwise specified) that are data-communicationly connected to corresponding field devices 40, and a communication control server 20 that is data-communicationly connected to each communication device 10 as constituent elements. In addition, each communication device 10 is physically or logically connected to one or more field devices 40 in a one-to-one or one-to-N ratio.

[0051] That is, the communication control server 20, such as Figure 1 For example, each communication device 10 is connected to a suitable network 60 such as the Internet or a dedicated line.

[0052] In addition, the communication control server 20, such as Figure 1 For example, it can also be connected to various service servers 30 such as virus scanning server 30a and virus removal server 30b, and various data servers 50 via network 60 for data communication.

[0053] That is, the data transmission system 1 is a computer system that, as part of the smart factory control, acquires data (hereinafter referred to as "field data") representing various information about each field device 40 installed within the factory, and transmits the acquired field data to various service servers 30 such as virus scanning server 30a and virus removal server 30b, as well as various data servers 50. The data transmission system 1 achieves this series of processes through the cooperation of its constituent elements, namely, the various communication devices 10 and the communication control server 20.

[0054] In addition, various service servers 30 such as communication devices 10, communication control server 20, virus inspection server 30a and virus removal server 30b, and various data servers 50 are connected to the network 60 via wired connections through known communication equipment (not shown), but wireless connections are also possible.

[0055] Similarly, each field device 40 is wired to each communication device 10 via a known communication device (not shown), but can also be wirelessly connected.

[0056] Furthermore, the components of the data transmission system 1, namely the various communication devices 10 and / or the communication control server 20, can be interconnected via network 60 using user terminals (not shown), such as laptops, tablets, and smartphones held by the factory's equipment managers. In this case, the user terminals can be connected to network 60 wirelessly or via a wired connection.

[0057] Furthermore, each communication device 10 and / or communication control server 20 can also be interconnected with other computer devices and server devices via network 60 for data communication.

[0058] In addition, in this embodiment, such as Figure 1 As illustrated, each communication device 10 and / or communication control server 20 is composed of a single device. However, for example, each communication device 10 and / or communication control server 20 may also be composed of multiple devices.

[0059] In addition, in this embodiment, such as Figure 1 As illustrated, each communication device 10 and the communication control server 20 is constructed from different devices. However, each communication device 10 and the communication control server 20 may also be constructed from the same device. In this case, the communication control server 20 may be configured to include some or all of the functions performed by each communication device 10. Furthermore, at least one communication device 10 may be configured to include some or all of the functions performed by the communication control server 20.

[0060] In addition, the data transmission system 1 may be configured, for example, to include various service servers 30 such as virus checking server 30a and virus removal server 30b and / or various data servers 50 undertaking some or all of the functions.

[0061] (Example of functional modules of communication device 10)

[0062] Next, an example of the various functional modules of the communication device 10 will be described. The modules described below do not represent the structure of a hardware unit, but rather the modules of a functional unit.

[0063] The communication device 10 is configured to have functional modules including a control unit (not shown), a storage unit (not shown), a communication unit 101, and an input / output unit 102.

[0064] The control unit performs various data processing tasks based on the programs and data stored in the storage unit and the data acquired by the communication unit 101. The control unit functions as an interface between the storage unit and the communication unit 101.

[0065] The control unit has a manual generation unit 103 as a functional module.

[0066] The instruction generation unit 103 generates an instruction (instruction information) 70 that includes at least the processing information requested by the user, as well as information about the various service servers 30 and various data servers 50 that serve as the destination for the transmission of field data.

[0067] The control unit is constructed using a processor such as a CPU, and it can implement such functional modules by executing a prescribed program. Alternatively, a logic circuit such as an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) can be used instead of a processor to construct the control unit. Furthermore, a combination of a processor and logic circuits can also be used to construct the control unit.

[0068] The storage unit is constructed using storage devices such as memory, and stores programs that supply various processing commands to the control unit and data representing various information used in the processing executed by the control unit.

[0069] The storage unit has a manual storage unit 104 as a functional module.

[0070] The instruction manual storage unit 104 stores the instruction manual 70 generated by the instruction manual generation unit 103 as data.

[0071] The communication unit 101 is responsible for communication processing with the communication control server 20 and other devices such as user terminals via the network 60. The communication unit 101 is constructed, for example, using a NIC (Network Interface Card) or HBA (Host Bus Adapter).

[0072] The input / output unit 102 is responsible for various processing related to the I / O (Input / Output) interface, i.e., the user interface. The input / output unit 102 is configured to include functional modules of an input unit (not shown) and an output unit (not shown).

[0073] The input section is responsible for handling user input, including accepting user input. The input section may be configured using a touch panel or similar device to detect various user actions.

[0074] The output section is responsible for processing user interface data, including displaying various images and sounds on a display device to indicate processing results. The output section may be configured using a touchscreen or LCD monitor, for example.

[0075] In addition, the above descriptions of each function are just examples. Multiple functions can be combined into one function, or one function can be divided into multiple functions.

[0076] Furthermore, in this embodiment, it is described that each function of the communication device 10 is implemented by a single computer device. However, each function can also be implemented by multiple interconnected computer devices or server devices. In addition, the communication device 10 can be a structure including a general-purpose computer device such as a laptop PC and a web browser installed therein, or it can be a structure including a web server and various portable devices.

[0077] (Example of functional modules of communication control server 20)

[0078] Next, an example of the various functional modules possessed by the communication control server 20 will be described. The modules described below do not represent the structure of hardware units, but rather the modules of functional units.

[0079] The communication control server 20 is configured with functional modules including a control unit (not shown), a storage unit (not shown), and a communication unit 201.

[0080] The control unit performs various data processing tasks based on the programs and data stored in the storage unit and the data acquired by the communication unit 201. The control unit functions as the interface between the storage unit and the communication unit 201.

[0081] The control unit has functional modules including a manual reading unit 202 and a manual content reflection unit 203.

[0082] The instruction manual reading unit 202 reads the instruction manual 70 received from the communication device 10 via the communication unit 201.

[0083] Furthermore, the instruction content reflection unit 203, based on the content of the instruction 70 read by the instruction reading unit 202, determines the transmission destination and transmission order of the field data received via the communication unit 201. The transmission order may be arbitrary.

[0084] The control unit is constructed using a processor such as a CPU, and it can implement such functional modules by executing a prescribed program. Alternatively, a logic circuit such as an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) can be used instead of a processor to construct the control unit. Furthermore, a combination of a processor and logic circuits can also be used to construct the control unit.

[0085] The storage unit is constructed using storage devices such as memory, and stores programs that supply various processing commands to the control unit and data representing various information used in the processing executed by the control unit.

[0086] The communication unit 201 is responsible for communication processing with various communication devices 10, service servers 30 such as virus scanning servers 30a and virus removal servers 30b, and / or other devices such as various data servers 50 via the network 60. The communication unit 201 is constructed, for example, using a NIC (Network Interface Card) or HBA (Host Bus Adapter).

[0087] Alternatively, the communication control server 20 may also have an input / output unit (not shown) composed of functional modules including an input unit (not shown) and an output unit (not shown).

[0088] The input / output section is responsible for various processing related to the I / O (Input / Output) interface, i.e., the user interface. The input / output section is composed of functional modules including an input section (not shown) and an output section (not shown).

[0089] The input section is responsible for handling user input, including accepting user input. The input section may be configured using a touch panel or similar device to detect various user actions.

[0090] The output section is responsible for processing user interface data, including displaying various images and sounds on a display device to indicate processing results. The output section may be configured using a touchscreen or LCD monitor, for example.

[0091] In addition, the above descriptions of each function are just examples. Multiple functions can be combined into one function, or one function can be divided into multiple functions.

[0092] Furthermore, in this embodiment, it is described that each function of the communication control server 20 is implemented by a single computer device. However, each function can also be implemented by multiple interconnected computer devices or server devices. Additionally, the communication control server 20 can be a structure including a general-purpose computer device such as a laptop PC and a web browser installed therein, or it can be a structure including a web server and various portable devices.

[0093] Furthermore, each communication device 10 and / or communication control server 20 constituting the data transmission system 1 may also possess other functions in addition to the aforementioned functions. For example, a communication device 10 may be configured to include a portion of the functions possessed by the communication control server 20, and the communication control server 20 may be configured to include a portion of the functions possessed by the communication device 10.

[0094] The service server 30 only needs to have the functions required for transmitting field data, and different service servers 30 can exist for each function. For example, the virus scanning server 30a mentioned above is a service server 30 that has the function of performing virus scanning processing on field data. In addition, the virus removal server 30b mentioned above is a service server 30 that has the function of removing computer viruses from field data infected with computer viruses. Furthermore, the service server 30 is not limited to these specific examples and may also have functions other than those focused on security services.

[0095] (Processing flow example)

[0096] Next, the process flow executed in the first embodiment will be described.

[0097] Figure 2This is a sequence diagram illustrating the overall system processing flow in the case where the communication control server 20 transmits field data to the service server 30 and the data server 50 based on the instruction 70a generated by the communication device 10, as an example of the processing flow executed in the first embodiment.

[0098] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, a specific example of the service server 30 is envisioned as a virus checking server 30a. Therefore, the following explanation assumes that the destination of the field data transmitted to the communication control server 20 is the virus checking server 30a and the data server 50.

[0099] Additionally, the following description uses expressions such as "send", "transmit", and "receive", but the server / client relationship in communication is not limited by these expressions, and the server / client relationship can also be the opposite.

[0100] In step S101, the control unit of the communication device 10 uses the instruction generation unit 103 to perform processing to generate an instruction manual 70a based on the user's input operation received via the input / output unit 102. Thus, an instruction manual 70a corresponding to the content of the input operation is generated. Figure 3 The diagram shows an example of the instruction manual 70a generated in step S101. In the first embodiment, instruction manual 70a includes the IP address information of the communication device 10, the IP address information and transmission protocol information of the data server 50, the service ID of the virus scanning server 30a representing the processing information requested by the user, the data information of the processing object, and an electronic signature for the purpose of ensuring integrity. Furthermore, the information included in instruction manual 70a is not limited to these contents; it may also include detailed information for achieving more precise control. Additionally, the structure of instruction manual 70a can be recorded in a structured form or in a list form. After the control unit of the communication device 10 completes its processing in step S101, it proceeds to step S102.

[0101] In step S102, the control unit of the communication device 10 performs the process of sending the instruction 70a generated in step S101 to the communication control server 20 via the communication unit 101. Thus, the instruction 70a is sent to the communication control server 20. The control unit of the communication control server 20 receives the instruction 70a via the communication unit 201. After the processing in step S102 is completed, the control unit of the communication control server 20 proceeds to step S105.

[0102] In step S103, the control unit of the field device 40 performs processing to send field data to the communication device 10. As a result, the field data is sent to the communication device 10. The control unit of the communication device 10 receives the field data via the communication unit 101. After the processing in step S103 is completed, the control unit of the communication device 10 proceeds to step S104.

[0103] In step S104, the control unit of the communication device 10 performs the process of transmitting the field data received in step S103 to the communication control server 20 via the communication unit 101. As a result, the field data is transmitted to the communication control server 20. The control unit of the communication control server 20 receives the field data via the communication unit 201. After the processing in step S104 is completed, the control unit of the communication control server 20 proceeds to step S106 and waits until the processing in step S105 is completed.

[0104] In step S105, the control unit of the communication control server 20 performs the process of reading the contents of the instruction manual 70a received in step S102 using the instruction manual reading unit 202. Thus, the contents of the instruction manual 70a are read. After the processing in step S105 is completed, the control unit of the communication control server 20 proceeds to step S106.

[0105] In step S106, the control unit of the communication control server 20 executes the instruction manual content reflection unit 203 to determine the transmission destination server 30 (hereinafter referred to as "transmission destination") and the transmission order of the field data received in step S104 based on the content of the instruction manual 70a read in step S105. Thus, the transmission destination and transmission order of the field data reflecting the content of the instruction manual 70a are determined. After the control unit of the communication control server 20 completes the processing in step S106, it proceeds to step S107.

[0106] In step S107, the control unit of the communication control server 20 performs the process of transmitting the field data, whose transmission destination and transmission order were determined in step S106, to the transmission destination via the communication unit 201 according to the transmission order. Furthermore, as described above, in the first embodiment, a specific example of the service server 30 is envisioned as a virus scanning server 30a. Therefore, the control unit of the communication control server 20 transmits the field data to the virus scanning server 30a via the communication unit 201. The control unit of the virus scanning server 30a receives the field data via the communication unit. After the processing in step S107 is completed, the control unit of the virus scanning server 30a proceeds to step S108.

[0107] In step S108, the control unit of the virus checking server 30a performs a process to check whether the field data received in step S107 is infected with a computer virus (hereinafter also referred to as "virus checking process"). As a result, data representing the result of the virus checking process (hereinafter also referred to as "virus checking process result data") is acquired for the field data. After the processing in step S108 is completed, the control unit of the virus checking server 30a proceeds to step S109.

[0108] In step S109, the control unit of the virus inspection server 30a performs the process of sending the virus inspection result data obtained in step S108 to the communication control server 20 via the communication unit. Furthermore, the control unit of the virus inspection server 30a can differentiate between confirmed computer virus infection and non-infected computer virus infection status by sending a list containing both an identifier for the computer virus infection and a flag indicating whether the computer virus is infected. Thus, the virus inspection result data is sent to the communication control server 20. The control unit of the communication control server 20 receives the virus inspection result data via the communication unit 201. After completing the processing in step S109, the control unit of the communication control server 20 proceeds to step S110.

[0109] In step S110, the control unit of the communication control server 20 performs the process of reading the virus check processing result data received in step S109 and confirming the virus check processing result for the on-site data related to the virus check processing result data. Thus, the result of the virus check processing for the on-site data is confirmed. After the processing in step S110 is completed, the control unit of the communication control server 20 proceeds to step S111.

[0110] Furthermore, the description of the first embodiment details the process in step S110 where the virus check of the field data is confirmed to be negative, meaning the field data is not infected with any computer virus. In contrast, the details of the process in step S110 where the virus check of the field data is confirmed to be positive, meaning the field data is infected with a computer virus, are described in the second embodiment. Figure 4 This will be discussed in connection with the following text.

[0111] In step S111, if the virus check of the field data results in a negative result, meaning the field data is not infected with any computer virus, the control unit of the communication control server 20 performs the process of transmitting the field data to the data server 50 via the communication unit 201 based on the processing result of step S106. Thus, normal field data without any computer virus infection is transmitted to the data server 50. After receiving the field data via the communication unit, the control unit of the data server 50 terminates the process. Figure 2 The sequence diagram shows the processing.

[0112] Thus, based on the data transmission system 1, the instruction manual 70 generated by each communication device 10 can be used to efficiently manage the transmission destination and sequence of field data. That is, by distributing the management of the setting information required for data transmission among each communication device 10, the management cost of this setting information can be reduced.

[0113] The above describes the first implementation method, referring to... Figures 1-3 An explanation was provided.

[0114] <Second Implementation>

[0115] Next, for the second embodiment, refer to Figure 1 and Figures 4-5 Please provide an explanation.

[0116] Furthermore, the second embodiment illustrates a system operation example when the application service is changed. In the second embodiment, the data transmission system 1 updates the contents of the instruction manual 70 in the communication device 10, thereby changing the application service.

[0117] (Example of overall system structure)

[0118] The overall system in the second embodiment is also Figure 1 The system shown in the example is the same as the overall system in the first embodiment. Therefore, this is identical to what has already been described, and thus the description is omitted here.

[0119] (Example of functional modules of communication device 10 and communication control server 20)

[0120] Furthermore, the functional modules of each communication device 10 and communication control server 20 in the second embodiment are the same as those in the first embodiment, so the description is omitted here.

[0121] (Processing flow example)

[0122] Next, the process flow executed in the second embodiment will be explained.

[0123] Figure 4This is a sequence diagram illustrating the overall system processing flow in the case where the communication control server 20 transmits field data to the service servers (30a, 30b) and the data server 50 based on the updated instruction manual 70b in the communication device 10, as an example of the processing flow executed in the second embodiment.

[0124] In addition, in the second embodiment, specific examples of the service server 30 are envisioned as a virus checking server 30a and a virus removal server 30b. Therefore, the following explanation assumes that the destination of the field data sent by the communication control server 20 is the virus checking server 30a, the virus removal server 30b, and the data server 50.

[0125] Additionally, the following description uses expressions such as "send", "transmit", and "receive", but the server / client relationship in communication is not limited by these expressions, and the server / client relationship can also be the opposite.

[0126] In step S201, the control unit of the communication device 10 uses the instruction generation unit 103 to perform a process of updating the generated instruction 70a to instruction 70b based on the user's input operation received via the input / output unit 102. Thus, the generated instruction 70a is updated to instruction 70b corresponding to the content of the input operation. Figure 5 An example of the updated instruction manual 70b is shown below. In the second embodiment, instruction manual 70b includes the IP address information of the communication device 10, the IP address information and transmission protocol information of the data server 50, the service ID of the virus inspection server 30a (representing user-requested processing information) and the data information of the processing target, the service ID of the virus removal server 30b and the data information of the processing target, and an electronic signature for the purpose of ensuring integrity. Furthermore, the information included in instruction manual 70b is not limited to these contents; it may also include detailed information for achieving more precise control. Additionally, the structure of instruction manual 70b can be described in a structured form or in a list form. After the control unit of the communication device 10 completes the processing in step S201, it proceeds to step S202.

[0127] In step S202, the control unit of the communication device 10 performs the process of sending the updated instruction 70b from step S201 to the communication control server 20 via the communication unit 101. Thus, the instruction 70b is sent to the communication control server 20. The control unit of the communication control server 20 receives the instruction 70b via the communication unit 201. After the processing in step S202 is completed, the control unit of the communication control server 20 proceeds to step S205.

[0128] In step S203, the control unit of the field device 40 performs processing to send field data to the communication device 10. As a result, the field data is sent to the communication device 10. The control unit of the communication device 10 receives the field data via the communication unit 101. After the processing in step S203 is completed, the control unit of the communication device 10 proceeds to step S204.

[0129] In step S204, the control unit of the communication device 10 performs the process of transmitting the field data received in step S203 to the communication control server 20 via the communication unit 101. As a result, the field data is transmitted to the communication control server 20. The control unit of the communication control server 20 receives the field data via the communication unit 201. After the processing in step S204 is completed, the control unit of the communication control server 20 proceeds to step S206 and waits until the processing in step S205 is completed.

[0130] In step S205, the control unit of the communication control server 20 performs the process of reading the contents of the instruction manual 70b received in step S202 using the instruction manual reading unit 202. Thus, the contents of the instruction manual 70b are read. After the processing in step S205 is completed, the control unit of the communication control server 20 proceeds to step S206.

[0131] In step S206, the control unit of the communication control server 20 executes the process of the instruction manual content reflection unit 203 determining the transmission destination and transmission order of the field data received in step S204 based on the content of the instruction manual 70b read in step S205. Thus, the transmission destination and transmission order of the field data reflecting the content of the instruction manual 70b are determined. After the processing in step S206 is completed, the control unit of the communication control server 20 proceeds to step S207.

[0132] In step S207, the control unit of the communication control server 20 performs the process of transmitting the field data, whose transmission destination and transmission order were determined in step S206, to the transmission destination via the communication unit 201 according to the transmission order. Furthermore, as described above, in the second embodiment, specific examples of the service server 30 are envisioned as a virus scanning server 30a and a virus removal server 30b. Therefore, the control unit of the communication control server 20 first transmits the field data to the virus scanning server 30a via the communication unit 201. The control unit of the virus scanning server 30a receives the field data via the communication unit. After the processing in step S207 is completed, the control unit of the virus scanning server 30a proceeds to step S208.

[0133] In step S208, the control unit of the virus scanning server 30a performs virus scanning processing on the field data received in step S207. As a result, virus scanning processing result data is obtained for the field data. After the processing in step S208 is completed, the control unit of the virus scanning server 30a proceeds to step S209.

[0134] In step S209, the control unit of the virus inspection server 30a performs the process of sending the virus inspection result data obtained in step S208 to the communication control server 20 via the communication unit. Furthermore, the control unit of the virus inspection server 30a can selectively send on-site data confirming computer virus infection and on-site data indicating otherwise, or it can send a list containing both an identifier for the on-site data and a flag indicating whether the computer is infected. Thus, the virus inspection result data is sent to the communication control server 20. The control unit of the communication control server 20 receives the virus inspection result data via the communication unit 201. After completing the processing in step S209, the control unit of the communication control server 20 proceeds to step S210.

[0135] In step S210, the control unit of the communication control server 20 reads the virus check result data received in step S209 and verifies the virus check result for the on-site data related to the virus check result data. Thus, the result of the virus check is verified for the on-site data. After the control unit of the communication control server 20 completes its processing in step S210, it proceeds to step S211.

[0136] Furthermore, the details of the processing procedure in step S210, where the virus check of the field data is confirmed to be negative (i.e., the field data is not infected with any computer virus), and an explanation as part of the first embodiment, are provided. Figure 2 The same applies as described above. In contrast, the description of the second embodiment details the process in step S210 where the virus check of the field data is confirmed to be positive, i.e., the field data is infected with a computer virus.

[0137] In step S211, if the virus check of the field data results in a positive result, indicating that the field data is infected with a computer virus, the control unit of the communication control server 20 executes the process of sending the field data to the virus removal server 30b via the communication unit 20. Thus, the field data confirmed to be infected with a computer virus is sent to the data server 50. The control unit of the virus removal server 30b receives the field data via the communication unit. After the processing in step S211 is completed, the control unit of the virus removal server 30b proceeds to step S212.

[0138] In step S212, the control unit of the virus removal server 30b performs a process to remove the computer virus infected by the field data received in step S211 (hereinafter also referred to as "virus removal process"). As a result, the computer virus infected by the field data is removed, restoring the computer to a normal state free of computer viruses. After the process in step S212 is completed, the control unit of the virus removal server 30b proceeds to step S213.

[0139] In step S213, the control unit of the virus removal server 30b performs the process of sending the field data restored to a normal state after the virus removal process in step S212 to the communication control server 20 via the communication unit. Thus, the field data restored to a normal state after the virus removal process is sent to the communication control server 20. The control unit of the communication control server 20 receives the restored field data via the communication unit 201. After the processing in step S213 is completed, the control unit of the communication control server 20 proceeds to step S214.

[0140] In step S214, the control unit of the communication control server 20 performs a process to confirm whether the field data received in step S213 is in a normal state. Thus, the field data is confirmed to be in a normal state. When the processing in step S214 is completed, the control unit of the communication control server 20 proceeds to step S215.

[0141] In step S215, the control unit of the communication control server 20 executes the process of transmitting the field data confirmed as normal in step S214 to the data server 50 via the communication unit 201. Thus, the field data confirmed as normal is transmitted to the data server 50. After receiving the field data via the communication unit, the control unit of the data server 50 terminates the process. Figure 4 The sequence diagram shows the processing.

[0142] Thus, according to the data transmission system 1, the updated instructions 70 of each communication device 10 can be used to efficiently manage the transmission destination and sequence of field data. That is, by distributing the management of the setting information required for data transmission among each communication device 10, the management cost of such setting information can be reduced. In addition, according to the data transmission system 1, by updating the instructions 70, processing applied to the data can be easily added and / or removed.

[0143] The above describes the second implementation method, referring to... Figures 4-5 An explanation was provided.

[0144] <Third Implementation Method>

[0145] Next, for the third embodiment, refer to Figures 6-7 Please provide an explanation.

[0146] Figure 6 This is a diagram that schematically illustrates an example of the structure of the overall system including the data transmission system 1 in the third embodiment.

[0147] (Example of overall system structure)

[0148] like Figure 6 As shown in the example, the overall system in the third embodiment is for Figure 1 The overall system in the first and second embodiments shown in the examples further includes a system with a publishing server 80.

[0149] The publishing server 80 is at least data-communicatingly connected to each communication device 10 via the network 60. Thus, the publishing server 80, for example, publishes programs that cooperate with the data transmission system 1 to each communication device 10. Additionally, for example, when adding a new service, the publishing server 80 publishes various information about the new server (hereinafter also referred to as "new service information") to each communication device 10.

[0150] (Example of functional modules of communication device 10 and communication control server 20)

[0151] Furthermore, the functional modules of each communication device 10 and communication control server 20 in the third embodiment are the same as those in the first and second embodiments, so the description is omitted here.

[0152] (Processing flow example)

[0153] Next, the process flow executed in the third embodiment will be explained.

[0154] Figure 7 This is a sequence diagram illustrating the process flow between the publishing server 80 and each communication device 10 when the publishing server 80 makes various publications to each communication device 10, as an example of the processing flow executed in the third embodiment.

[0155] Additionally, content identical to that already described is omitted.

[0156] First, the process flow between the publishing server 80 and each communication device 10 when the publishing server 80 publishes a program to each communication device 10 will be explained.

[0157] In step S301, the control unit of the publishing server 80 processes the program related to the publishing and instruction generation unit 103 for each communication device 10 via the communication unit. As a result, the program is published to each communication device 10. The control unit of each communication device 10 receives the program via the communication unit 101. When the processing in step S301 is completed, the process proceeds to step S302.

[0158] In step S302, the control unit of each communication device 10 executes the processing of the program received in installation step S301. As a result, the program is installed in each communication device 10.

[0159] Next, the process of processing performed between the publishing server 80 and each communication device 10 is explained when the publishing server 80 notifies each communication device 10 that a new service server 30 providing a new server has been added, or when an existing service server 30 has been deleted due to changes or termination of service content.

[0160] In step S303, the control unit of the publishing server 80 performs processing via the communication unit to notify each communication device 10 of the addition or deletion of a new service server 30, etc. Thus, these notifications regarding the addition or deletion of service servers 30 are sent to each communication device 10. The control unit of each communication device 10 receives this notification via the communication unit 101. After the processing in step S303 is completed, the process proceeds to step S304.

[0161] In step S304, the control unit of each communication device 10 performs processing that reflects the information represented by the notification received in step S303. Thus, the information represented by the notification is reflected to each communication device 10. Specifically, this information regarding the addition or deletion of the service server 30 is reflected in the processing performed by the instruction generation unit 103 when generating or updating the instruction 70, and / or the content of the instruction 70 generated or updated through this processing.

[0162] In addition, the publishing server 80 is not limited to the above examples such as program publishing and various notifications about the service server 30, but can also publish other various data and / or notify other various information to each communication device 10.

[0163] Furthermore, as mentioned above, the data transmission system 1 only needs to be a system that includes at least each communication device 10 and a communication control server 20. That is, the data transmission system 1 in the third embodiment can further include a publishing server 80. Figure 6 The overall system is shown in the example.

[0164] In this case, the data transmission system 1 can also use the publishing server 80 to generate the instruction manual 70 and then publish it to each communication device 10.

[0165] so, Figure 6 In the overall system of the third embodiment shown in the example, the publishing server 80 simultaneously publishes various programs to each communication device 10 and sends various notifications regarding the addition or deletion of service server 30. This further reduces the management costs of the configuration information required for data transmission.

[0166] <Example of a display screen>

[0167] Next, refer to Figure 8 This describes the display screen shown to the user of data transmission system 1.

[0168] Figure 8 This is a diagram showing an example of the display screen in the first to third embodiments.

[0169] like Figure 8 As shown in the example, the instruction manual generation screen 90 includes an information input box 91, an application service checkbox 92, and an instruction manual generation / update button 93.

[0170] Information input box 91 is a user interface for users of data transmission system 1 to input necessary information when generating or updating instruction manual 70. Specific examples of information input box 91 include information input box 91a for the IP address of data server 50, information input box 91b for the protocol used when transmitting data to data server 50, and information input box 91c for data as a service application object, etc.

[0171] Application service checkbox 92 is a user interface for users of data transmission system 1 to perform operations on requests for processing flags when generating or updating instructions 70. Specific examples of application service checkbox 92 include application service checkbox 92a, which adds a flag indicating a request for virus check service, and application service checkbox 92b, which adds a flag indicating a request for virus removal service, etc.

[0172] The "Generate / Update Guidebook" button 93 is triggered when generating or updating the guidebook 70, based on the information entered in the information input box 91 and the service information selected in the application service check box 92.

[0173] The embodiments of the present invention described above can be summarized as follows.

[0174] (1) Data transmission system 1 is a computer system that transmits data acquired from field device 40 to other devices (30, 50) on network 60, comprising at least: a communication device 10 connected to field device 40 in a manner capable of data communication, receiving data (field data) acquired from field device 40; and a communication control server 20 that receives the data from communication device 10 and transmits the data to other devices (30, 50) on network 60. Communication device 10 generates a instruction 70 indicating the transmission destination and transmission order of the data and sends the instruction 70 to communication control server 20. Communication control server 20 transmits the data to other devices (30, 50) based on the instruction 70 received from communication device 10. Other devices (30, 50) include at least one of the following servers: a service server 30 that performs prescribed data processing on the data received from communication control server 20 in accordance with the service requested by the user and sends it back to communication control server 20; and a data server 50 that stores the data received from communication control server 20 in storage space. Thus, based on the data transmission system 1, the instruction manual 70 generated by each communication device 10 can be used to efficiently manage the transmission destination and sequence of field data. That is, by distributing the management of the setting information required for data transmission among each communication device 10, the management cost of this setting information can be reduced.

[0175] (2) After updating the contents of the instruction manual 70, the communication device 10 sends it to the communication control server 20. The communication control server 20 transmits the data to other devices (30, 50) based on the updated instruction manual 70. Because of this, the data transmission system 1 can easily add and / or remove processing applied to the data by updating the instruction manual 70.

[0176] (3) The instruction manual 70 shall include at least the identifier of the communication device 10 and the identifiers of other devices (30, 50).

[0177] (4) The communication device 10 generates instruction manual 70 based on the input operations received from the user.

[0178] (5) When generating the instruction 70, the communication device 10 reflects the service change information received from the publishing server 80 to the instruction 70.

[0179] (6) Identify the communication device 10 and the service server 30 based on the instruction manual 70, and determine the service usage fee that the user of the communication device 10 is required to pay.

[0180] (7) The communication device 10 is a device capable of connecting to the field device 40 in a data communication manner, capable of receiving data (field data) acquired from the field device 40 and sending it to the communication control server 20 on the data communication-connected network 60. It generates a transmission instruction 70 indicating the transmission destination and transmission order of the data to be transmitted from the communication control server 20 and sends it to the communication control server 20. The instruction 70 includes at least an identifier of the communication device 10 and identifiers of other devices (30, 50) on the network 60 requested by the user. The other devices (30, 50) on the network 60 requested by the user include at least one of the following servers: a service server 30, which performs data processing on the data received from the communication control server 20 in accordance with the service requested by the user and sends it back to the communication control server 20; and a data server 50, which stores the data received from the communication control server 20 in storage space.

[0181] (8) The communication control server 20 is a server device capable of connecting to the communication device 10 in a data communication manner, and transmitting data received from the communication device 10 to other devices (30, 50) on the network 50. It transmits the data to the other devices (30, 50) based on a instruction 70 received from the communication device 10 indicating the data's destination and transmission order. The other devices (30, 50) include at least one of the following servers: a service server 30, which performs data processing on the data received from the communication control server 20 in accordance with the service requested by the user and sends it back to the communication control server 20; and a data server 50, which stores the data received from the communication control server 20 in storage space.

[0182] (9) The service server 30 is a server device that can be connected to the communication control server 20 in a way that enables data communication, performs prescribed data processing on the data received from the communication control server 20, and performs prescribed data processing on the data received from the communication control server 20 based on the instructions from the communication control server 20 and sends the data back to the communication control server 20.

[0183] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and can be implemented using any constituent elements without departing from its spirit.

[0184] The above-described embodiments, examples, and modifications are merely illustrative, and the present invention is not limited to these contents as long as they do not impair the characteristics of the invention. Furthermore, while various embodiments, examples, and modifications have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these contents. Other methods conceivable within the scope of the technical concept of the present invention are also included within the scope of the present invention.

[0185] In the above diagrams, the control lines and information lines shown are those deemed necessary for illustration, but do not necessarily represent all control lines and information lines used in the implementation. For example, it can be assumed that almost all structures are interconnected.

[0186] Furthermore, the configuration of each functional unit in the data transmission system 1 described above is only one example. The configuration of each functional unit can be modified to achieve the optimal configuration from the perspective of the performance, processing efficiency, and communication efficiency of the hardware and software of the data transmission system 1.

[0187] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0188] 1: Data transmission system.

Claims

1. A data transmission system for transmitting data acquired from field devices to other devices on a network, characterized in that, At least including: A communication device, which is connected to the field device in a manner capable of data communication, and receives data acquired from the field device; and A communication control server that receives the data from the communication device and transmits the data to other devices on the network. The communication device generates a guide indicating the transmission destination and transmission order of the data, and sends the guide to the communication control server. The communication control server transmits the data to the other devices based on the instructions received from the communication device. The other devices include at least one of the following servers: A service server that performs data processing on the data received from the communication control server in accordance with the service requested by the user and then sends the data back to the communication control server; and A data server that stores the data received from the communication control server in storage space.

2. The data transmission system as described in claim 1, characterized in that: After updating the content of the instruction manual, the communication device sends it to the communication control server. The communication control server transmits the data to the other devices based on the updated instructions.

3. The data transmission system as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The instruction manual includes at least the identifier of the communication device and the identifier of the other devices.

4. The data transmission system as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The communication device generates the instruction manual based on input operations received from the user.

5. The data transmission system as described in claim 1, characterized in that: When generating the instruction manual, the communication device reflects the service change information received from the publishing server into the instruction manual.

6. The data transmission system as described in claim 1, characterized in that: Based on the instructions, the communication device and the service server are identified, and the service usage fee to be paid by the user of the communication device is determined.

7. A communication device capable of connecting to a field device in a data communication manner, capable of receiving data acquired from the field device and transmitting it to a communication control server on a data communication-connected network, characterized in that: Generate a guide indicating the transmission destination and transmission order of the data to be transmitted from the communication control server and send it to the communication control server; The instruction manual includes at least the identifier of the communication device and the identifiers of other devices on the network as requested by the user; The other devices on the network requested by the user include at least one of the following servers: A service server that performs data processing on the data received from the communication control server in accordance with the service requested by the user and then sends the data back to the communication control server; and A data server that stores the data received from the communication control server in storage space.

8. A communication control server, capable of connecting to a communication device in a data communication manner, and capable of transmitting data received from the communication device to other devices on a network, characterized in that: Based on the instructions received from the communication device indicating the data's transmission destination and order, the data is transmitted to the other devices. The other devices include at least one of the following servers: A service server that performs data processing on the data received from the communication control server in accordance with the service requested by the user and then sends the data back to the communication control server; and A data server that stores the data received from the communication control server in storage space.

9. A service server capable of connecting to a communication control server in a data communication manner, and capable of performing prescribed data processing on data received from the communication control server, characterized in that: According to the instructions from the communication control server, the data received from the communication control server is subjected to the prescribed data processing and then sent back to the communication control server.

10. A method for transmitting data from a field device to other devices on a network, characterized in that: In a computer system comprising at least a communication device that is connected to the field device in a manner capable of data communication and receives data acquired from the field device, and a communication control server that receives the data from the communication device and transmits it to other devices on the network. The communication device generates a guide indicating the transmission destination and transmission order of the data and sends it to the communication control server. The communication control server transmits the data to the other devices based on the instructions received from the communication device; The other devices include at least one of the following servers: A service server that performs data processing on the data received from the communication control server in accordance with the service requested by the user and then sends the data back to the communication control server. and A data server that stores the data received from the communication control server in storage space.

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