DATA COLLECTION DEVICE, DATA COLLECTION METHOD, DATA COLLECTION PROGRAM AND DATA COLLECTION SYSTEM

Abstract

Data collection device (10) comprising: a data receiving unit (21) for receiving fault information indicating a fault-affected device from a monitoring device (70) of one or more monitoring devices (70), each of which monitors a monitoring target device, wherein the fault-affected device is a device in which a fault has been detected; a similar device identification unit (22) for identifying at least one similar device, which is a monitoring target device similar to the trouble-affected device indicated by the trouble information received by the data receiving unit (21); a signal transmission unit (23) for setting, as a target monitoring device, a monitoring device (70) that monitors the at least one similar device identified by the similar device identification unit (22) among the one or more monitoring devices (70), and transmitting an instruction signal to increase a transmission amount of operation data of the at least one similar device to the target monitoring device; a data processing unit (24) for performing data processing on the operating data; and a resource management unit (25) for securing an increased amount of a resource used in data processing due to an increase in the transmission amount of operational data relating to the at least one similar device, wherein the similar device identification unit (22) identifies a plurality of similar devices and, if the increased amount of the resource cannot be secured for all similar devices by the resource management unit (25), narrows down the similar devices to one or more similar devices for which the resource can be secured.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a technology for collecting data indicating signs of the occurrence of disturbance. STATE OF THE ART

[0002] The railway business, the power generation business, and the like are business areas related to social infrastructure where continuous operation is extremely important. Condition-based maintenance initiatives are actively implemented in such business areas. Condition-based maintenance involves attaching a sensor to a piece of equipment, and acquiring and collecting operational data from the equipment. Then, by analyzing the collected operational data, a fault or failure indicator of the equipment is detected.

[0003] The operating data of the device acquired by the sensor is collected by a monitoring device provided in a network or assembly in which the device is installed and monitors for signs of malfunction. The monitoring device transmits the operating data to a data collection device, which collects and analyzes the operating data.

[0004] To implement high-precision condition-based maintenance, it is necessary to collect large amounts of data. However, the transmission bandwidth for transmitting operational data from many monitoring devices installed at remote locations is limited. Therefore, it is difficult to continuously transmit detailed data from all devices from remote locations and to collect the huge amount of operational data required for high-precision condition-based maintenance in the data collection device.

[0005] In order to realize high-precision condition-based maintenance, it is therefore necessary to prioritize the collection of highly relevant operational data.

[0006] Patent Literature 1 describes that when the probability of failure is high, measurement data is stored for a longer period before the time of anomaly detection than when the probability of failure is low. Therefore, Patent Literature 1 stores the most necessary data while reducing the amount of data to be stored. Patent Literature 2 shows a device management device with a processing circuit. The processing circuit acquires information indicating the occurrence of a first fault prediction of a first device. The processing circuit adjusts the detection sensitivity of a second fault prediction of a second device related to the information based on a relevance between the first device and the second device. REFERENCE LISTPATENT LITERATURE Patent literature 1: WO 2016 / 199210 A1 Patent literature 2: US 2021 / 0174951 A1 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONTECHNICAL PROBLEM

[0007] Data indicating signs of malfunctions are highly relevant for implementing high-precision condition-based maintenance. The technology described in Patent Literature 1 collects data on equipment that has experienced abnormalities. However, the technology described in Patent Literature 1 cannot collect data by focusing on equipment that has not yet experienced abnormalities, that is, equipment before malfunctions or failures occur. Therefore, the technology described in Patent Literature 1 cannot collect sufficient data indicating signs of malfunctions.

[0008] An object of the present disclosure is to enable data indicating signs of the occurrence of a fault to be collected efficiently. SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM

[0009] A data collection device according to the present disclosure comprises: a data receiving unit for receiving fault information indicating a fault-affected device from a monitoring device of one or more monitoring devices, each of which monitors a monitoring target device, wherein the fault-affected device is a device in which a fault has been detected; a similar device identification unit for identifying a similar device, which is the monitoring target device, that is similar to the trouble-affected device indicated by the trouble information received by the data receiving unit; and a signal transmission unit for setting, as a target monitoring device, a monitoring device that monitors the similar device identified by the similar device identification unit among the one or more monitoring devices, and transmitting an instruction signal to increase a transmission amount of operation data of the similar device to the target monitoring device. ADVANTAGEOUS EFFECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0010] In the present disclosure, the amount of operational data transmitted for a similar device similar to a device experiencing a failure is increased. In this way, operational data can be collected by focusing on devices likely to experience failures in the future. Consequently, it is possible to sufficiently collect data indicating signs of the occurrence of a failure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. 1 is a configuration diagram of a data collection system 100 according to Embodiment 1; Fig. 2 is a configuration diagram of a data collection device 10 according to Embodiment 1; Fig. 3 is a configuration diagram of a monitoring device 70 according to Embodiment 1; Fig. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation of the data collection system 100 according to Embodiment 1; Fig. 5 is a diagram explaining data stored in an operation data storage unit 31 according to Embodiment 1; Fig. 6 is a flowchart of a similar device identification process according to Embodiment 1; Fig. 7 is a diagram explaining data stored in a device information storage unit 32 according to Embodiment 1; Fig. 8 is a configuration diagram of a data collection device 10 according to Embodiment 2; Fig. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of operation of the data collection system 100 according to Embodiment 2; Fig. 10 is a configuration diagram of the data collection device 10 according to Embodiment 3; Fig. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of operation of the data collection system 100 according to Embodiment 3; Fig. 12 is a configuration diagram of the data collection device 10 according to Embodiment 4; and Fig. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation of the data collection system 100 according to Embodiment 4. DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS Embodiment 1.*** Description of the configuration ***

[0011] With reference to Fig. 1, a configuration of a data collection system 100 according to Embodiment 1 will be described.

[0012] The data collection system 100 includes a data collection device 10 and one or more clusters 50. The data collection device 10 and each cluster 50 are interconnected via a transmission channel 90. A specific example of the transmission channel 90 is a WAN. "WAN" is an abbreviation for Wide Area Network.

[0013] The data collection device 10 is a computer that collects operating data from a device 60. The system 50 includes one or more devices 60 and a monitoring device 70. The system 50 is, for example, a rail vehicle, a power plant, or an elevator. In Embodiment 1, the system 50 is described as a rail vehicle.

[0014] Device 60 is a monitoring target in which signs of malfunctions are to be monitored. Device 60 is equipped with one or more sensors 61. Sensor 61 acquires operating data from device 60. Monitoring device 70 is a computer that monitors target device 60.

[0015] With reference to Fig. 2, a configuration of the data collection device 10 according to Embodiment 1 will be described.

[0016] The data collection device 10 comprises hardware of a processor 11, a main memory 12, a mass storage 13 and a communication interface 14. The processor 11 is connected to other hardware components via signal lines and controls these other hardware components.

[0017] The data collection device 10 has, as functional components, a data receiving unit 21, a similar device identification unit 22, a signal transmission unit 23, and a data processing unit 24. The functions of the functional components of the data collection device 10 are implemented by software.

[0018] The mass storage 13 stores programs that implement the functions of the functional components of the data collection device 10. These programs are read into the main memory 12 by the processor 11 and executed by the processor 11. This implements the functions of the functional components of the data collection device 10.

[0019] The mass storage 13 implements an operating data storage unit 31 and a device information storage unit 32.

[0020] With reference to Fig. 3, a configuration of the monitoring device 70 according to Embodiment 1 will be described.

[0021] The monitoring device 70 comprises hardware of a processor 71, a main memory 72, a mass storage 73 and a communication interface 74. The processor 71 is connected to other hardware components via signal lines and controls these other hardware components.

[0022] The monitoring device 70 includes, as functional components, a fault determination unit 81, a data transmission unit 82, and a mode setting unit 83. The functions of the functional components of the monitoring device 70 are implemented by software.

[0023] The memory 73 stores programs that implement the functions of the functional components of the monitoring device 70. These programs are read into the main memory 72 by the processor 71 and executed by the processor 71. This implements the functions of the functional components of the monitoring device 70.

[0024] Each of processors 11 and 71 is an IC that performs processing. IC is an abbreviation for integrated circuit. Specific examples of each of processors 11 and 71 are a CPU, a DSP, and a GPU. CPU is an abbreviation for central processing unit. DSP is an abbreviation for digital signal processor. GPU is an abbreviation for graphics processing unit.

[0025] Each of the RAMs 12 and 72 is a memory device for temporarily storing data. Specific examples of each of the RAMs 12 and 72 are an SRAM and a DRAM. SRAM is an abbreviation for Static Random Access Memory. DRAM is an abbreviation for Dynamic Random Access Memory.

[0026] Each of the mass storage devices 13 and 73 is a storage device for storing data. A concrete example of each of the mass storage devices 13 and 73 is an HDD. HDD is an abbreviation for Hard Disk Drive. Alternatively, each of the mass storage devices 13 and 73 can also be a portable recording medium, such as an SD memory card (registered trademark), CompactFlash (registered trademark), NAND Flash, a flexible disk, an optical disc, a compact disc, a Blu-ray Disc (registered trademark), or a DVD. SD is an abbreviation for Secure Digital. DVD is an abbreviation for Digital Versatile Disk.

[0027] Each of the communication interfaces 14 and 74 is an interface for communication with external devices. Specific examples of the communication interfaces 14 and 74 are an Ethernet port (registered trademark), a USB port, and an HDMI port (registered trademark). USB is an abbreviation for Universal Serial Bus. HDMI is an abbreviation for High-Definition Multimedia Interface.

[0028] In Fig. 2, only one processor 11 is shown. However, there may be a plurality of processors 11, and the plurality of processors 11 may cooperate to execute the programs that implement the functions. Similarly, in Fig. 3, only one processor 71 is shown. However, there may be a plurality of processors 71, and the plurality of processors 71 may cooperate to execute the programs that implement the functions. *** Description of how it works ***

[0029] With reference to Fig. 4 to 7, an operation of the data collection system 100 according to Embodiment 1 is explained.

[0030] A method for operating the data acquisition device 10 in the data acquisition system 100 according to Embodiment 1 is equivalent to a data acquisition method according to Embodiment 1. A program that realizes the operation of the data acquisition device 10 in the data acquisition system 100 according to Embodiment 1 is equivalent to the data acquisition program according to Embodiment 1.

[0031] With reference to Fig. 4, a flow of operation of the data collection system 100 according to Embodiment 1 is described.

[0032] It is assumed that each of one or more monitoring devices 70 acquires measurement data at regular intervals from the sensor 61 installed in the device 60 included in the same network 50. It is assumed that a normal mode is set in each of the one or more monitoring devices 70 as an operating mode with respect to all devices 60. In the normal mode, the monitoring device 70 transmits normal data, which is part of the measurement data obtained from the sensor 61 during the operation of the device 60, in a normal cycle as operating data. (Step S101: Fault information transmission process)

[0033] A monitoring device 70 of the one or more monitoring devices 70 detects a fault in one of the devices 60. Then, the monitoring device 70 that detected the fault transmits fault information indicating a fault-affected device, which is the device 60 in which the fault occurred, to the data collection device 10.

[0034] Specifically, the failure determination unit 81 in each of the monitoring devices 70 determines, based on operational data, whether a failure has occurred in a respective one of the devices 60. The failure determination unit 81 designates the device 60 in which a failure has been determined as a failure-affected device. Existing technology can be used to determine whether a failure has occurred. When it is determined that a failure has occurred in each of the monitoring devices 70, the data transmission unit 82 transmits failure information indicating a failure-affected device to the data collection device 10. The failure information is, for example, information including identification information of the failure-affected device and operational data of the failure-affected device.The device affected by the fault is determined and the fault information is transmitted in one of the monitoring devices 70. (Step S102: Fault information reception process)

[0035] The data receiving unit 21 of the data collection device 10 receives the fault information transmitted in step S101. (Step S103: Similar Facility Identification Process)

[0036] The similar device identification unit 22 of the data collection device 10 identifies a similar device, which is the monitoring target device 60, that is similar to the trouble-affected device indicated by the trouble information received in step S102. The similar device identification process will be described in detail later. (Step S104: Signal transmission process)

[0037] The signal transmission unit 23 of the data collection device 10 designates the monitoring device 70 that monitors the similar device identified in step S103 as a target monitoring device 70 among the one or more monitoring devices 70. Then, the signal transmission unit 23 transmits to the target monitoring device 70 an instruction signal for increasing the transmission amount of operation data of the similar device.

[0038] Then, the signal transmission unit 23 transmits to the target monitoring device 70 an instruction signal for switching the operation mode of the similar device from the normal mode to a monitoring mode. In the monitoring mode, the monitoring device 70 transmits detailed data, which is more detailed than normal data, among the acquired data as operation data and / or transmits operation data at a shorter cycle than the normal cycle. That is, the monitoring mode is an operation mode in which a larger amount of operation data is acquired than in the normal mode. In Embodiment 1, it is assumed that detailed data is transmitted as operation data. (Step S105: Mode setting process)

[0039] The mode setting unit 83 of the target monitoring device 70 receives the instruction signal transmitted in step S104. Then, the mode setting unit 83 switches the operation mode of the similar device from the normal mode to the monitoring mode. (Step S106: Operational data transmission process)

[0040] The data transmission unit 82 of the target monitoring device 70 extracts detailed data from the detection data and sets it as operational data. The data transmission unit 82 then transmits the operational data to the data collection device 10.

[0041] In each monitoring device 70 except the target monitoring device 70, the data transmission unit 82 extracts normal data from the detection data and sets it as operation data. The data transmission unit 82 then transmits the operation data to the data collection device 10. (Step S107: Operational data reception process)

[0042] The data receiving unit 21 of the data collection device 10 receives the operating data transmitted in step S106. (Step S108: Data conversion process)

[0043] The data processing unit 24 of the data collection device 10 performs data processing on the operating data received in step S107. Specifically, the data processing unit 24 converts the operating data into a format suitable for analysis or the like. For example, if the operating data is binary data, it is conceivable to convert the operating data into decimal numbers.

[0044] If the operational data is collected as it is, the data conversion process can be omitted. (Step S109: Data collection process)

[0045] The data processing unit 24 of the data collection device 10 writes the operation data converted in step S108 to the operation data storage unit 31. As described later, in step S103, a similarity degree and a relevance degree are calculated for each similar facility. Therefore, the data processing unit 24 writes the similarity degree and the relevance degree of this similar facility, in association with the operation data concerning each similar facility, to the operation data storage unit 31.

[0046] For the devices 60, except for any similar device, the data processing unit 24 writes only operational data into the operational data storage unit 31.

[0047] With reference to Fig. 5, data stored in the operation data storage unit 31 according to Embodiment 1 will be explained.

[0048] The operating data storage unit 31 includes a sensor data storage unit 311 and an evaluation data storage unit 312.

[0049] The sensor data storage unit 311 stores operating data. The sensor data storage unit 311 stores a date and time, an individual identification number, and sensor information.

[0050] The date and time are the date and time at which an entry is written to the sensor data storage unit 311. The individual identification number is the identification information of the device 60 that is the subject of the operation data. The sensor information is detection data obtained from the sensor 61 installed in the device 60 that is the subject of the operation data. The detection data is a temperature, a switching-on value or a switching-off value of a relay circuit, a pressure value, or the like.

[0051] In Fig. 5, three pieces of sensor data are stored as each group of sensor information. However, the number of pieces of sensor information can be any number. The number of pieces of sensor information can be different for each device 60. Even for the same device 60, the number of pieces of sensor information can vary depending on whether the operation mode is the normal mode or the monitoring mode. When the operation mode is the monitoring mode, it is assumed that more pieces of sensor information are acquired than when the operation mode is the normal mode.

[0052] The evaluation data storage unit 312 stores evaluation data for each similar facility. The evaluation data storage unit 312 stores a date and time, a unique identification number, information about a faulty facility, a matching element, a similarity degree, and a relevance degree.

[0053] The date and time are the date and time at which an entry is written to the evaluation data storage unit 312. The same value as the value of a corresponding entry in the sensor data storage unit 311 is stored as the date and time. The individual identification number is the identification information of the device 60 that is the subject of the operation data. The information about the malfunctioning device is the identification information of a malfunctioning device to which a similar device is identified as being similar. The matching item is an item where a match has occurred between the similar device and the malfunctioning device. The similarity degree indicates the degree of similarity between the similar device and the malfunctioning device.The degree of relevance is an indicator that indicates the severity of an incident if the incident occurs in a similar facility.

[0054] The data processing unit 24 can assign an index to each of the similarity degree and the relevance degree and then write them to the operational data storage unit 31. When assigning indexes, the similarity degrees and the relevance degrees are stored sequentially. Therefore, it is possible to quickly search for operational data of a similar facility with a high similarity degree and a high relevance degree. This improves the practicality of analyzing the operational data.

[0055] With reference to Fig. 6, the similar device identification process (step S103 of Fig. 4) according to embodiment 1. (Step S201: Facility identification process)

[0056] The similar device identification unit 22 refers to the device information storage unit 32 and identifies the device 60, which is similar to the trouble-affected device, as a similar device through the trouble information.

[0057] With reference to Fig. 7, data stored in the device information storage unit 32 according to Embodiment 1 will be explained.

[0058] The facility information storage unit 32 includes a design information storage unit 321, a manufacturing information storage unit 322, a configuration information storage unit 323, and an operation information storage unit 324.

[0059] The design information storage unit 321 stores design information of the device 60. The design information storage unit 321 stores a model ID, a part model group, and a device type.

[0060] The model identifier is identification information for a designed component. The part model group is formed from one or more part model numbers. A part model is a model of a part that is part of the designed or developed component. The device type is information that represents a type of device 60. If the assembly 50 in which the device 60 is installed is a rail vehicle, the device type can be, for example, brakes, an engine, or an air conditioning system.

[0061] The manufacturing information storage unit 322 stores information generated in the manufacturing process of the device 60. An individual identification number, a model identifier, a part batch number group, and shipping information are stored in the manufacturing information storage unit 322.

[0062] The individual identification number is identification information of the device 60 that was manufactured. The model identifier is information for associating with design information used in manufacturing or production. The model identifier corresponds to the model identifier stored in the design information storage unit 321. The part batch number group contains a batch number of each of the one or more parts that are constituent parts of the device 60. The part batch number group contains a batch number for each part specified by the part model group in the corresponding design information. A batch number is information for identifying a part used in manufacturing. The shipping information is information that specifies a date and time for shipping the device 60.

[0063] The configuration information storage unit 323 stores information about the network 50 in which the device 60 is installed.

[0064] In Embodiment 1, the assembly 50 is a rail vehicle. The configuration information storage unit 323 stores formation information and vehicle information. The formation information includes a formation number, a carriage number, and a vehicle number. The vehicle information includes a vehicle number, an individual identification number, an installation date, and a deinstallation date.

[0065] The train set number is the identification information of a train set. The train set consists of one or more rail vehicles. The wagon number is the position of a rail vehicle within the train set. The vehicle number is the identification information of the railway car. The individual identification number is the identification information of the device 60. The installation date is the date on which the device 60 is installed (built into) the rail vehicle. The deinstallation or removal date is the date on which the device 60 is uninstalled or removed from the rail vehicle.

[0066] The operational information storage unit 324 stores data indicating the operational status of the device 60 in chronological order. The operational information storage unit 324 stores a date and time, a train number, and an actual train schedule.

[0067] The date and time are the dates and times at which operational information is recorded. The train set number is the identification information of a train set. The actual train route is the number of a train route that the train has actually completed in a train's route plan.

[0068] The similar device identification unit 22 searches the device information storage unit 32 for a similar device that is similar to the troubled device. Specifically, the similar device identification unit 22 determines whether the monitoring target device 60 is similar to the troubled device based on whether there is a match between the monitoring target device 60 and the troubled device with respect to at least one of the following (A) to (D): (A) a model of the device 60, (B) parts constituting the device 60, (C) the formation of the network 50 in which the device 60 is installed, and (D) the usage status of the network 50 in which the device 60 is installed.

[0069] A match in (C) means at least one of (C1) a match in the model of the device 60 coexisting in the network 50 and (C2) a match in the system configuration of the network 50. (C1) means that there is a match between the model of the device 60 other than the malfunctioning device in the network 50 in which the malfunctioning device is installed and the model of the device 60 other than the similar device in the network 50 in which the similar device is installed. (C2) means that there is a match between the network 50 in which the malfunctioning device is installed and the network 50 in which the similar device is installed with respect to a configuration such as the number of vehicles and the number of installed devices.

[0070] The usage status of (D) means at least one of the provision time, cumulative operating time, cumulative mileage, history of train schedules which the network 50 has actually traveled.

[0071] As a concrete example, the similar device identification unit 22 uses (A) to determine the device 60 in which the model of the device 60 matches that of the malfunctioning device as a similar device. In this case, the similar device identification unit 22 extracts the device 60 whose model ID matches that of the malfunctioning device in the manufacturing information storage unit 322. In this way, the similar device identification unit 22 can identify the similar device.

[0072] As another concrete example, the similar device identification unit 22 uses (A) and (B) to identify a similar device as explained below. First, the similar device identification unit 22 determines the device 60 in which the model of the device 60 and the batch numbers of parts constituting the device 60 match those of the malfunctioning device as a similar device. In this case, the similar device identification unit 22 extracts the device 60 whose model ID and part batch number group match those of the malfunctioning device in the manufacturing information storage unit 322. In this way, the similar device identification unit 22 can identify the similar device. (Step S202: Similarity degree calculation process)

[0073] The similar device identification unit 22 calculates a similarity degree indicating a degree of similarity to the malfunctioning device for each of the similar devices identified in step S201. The similarity degree is an indicator indicating how similar a similar device is to the malfunctioning device.

[0074] As a concrete example, the similar device identification unit 22 compares the components of the similar device with the components of the troubled device, and sets a high degree of similarity if there are many matching parts. This method of calculating a degree of similarity is effective when the above (A) is used to determine the device 60 in which the model of the device 60 matches that of the troubled device as the similar device.

[0075] A procedure for calculating a degree of similarity using the constituent parts of the device 60 is described below. (1) The similar device identification unit 22 extracts an entry that matches the individual identification number of the similar device from the individual identification numbers in the manufacturing information storage unit 322. Then, the similar device identification unit 22 acquires the model ID of the extracted entry. (2) The similar device identification unit 22 searches for the model ID acquired in (1) among the model IDs in the design information storage unit 321 and acquires the part model group of a matching entry. In this way, the constituent parts of the similar device are acquired.

[0076] The components of the similar device are assumed to be B0001, B0002, and B0005. The components of the faulty device are also identified similarly. The components of the faulty device are assumed to be B0011, B0012, and B0005. In this case, one of the three components matches the similar device and the faulty device. Therefore, the similar device identification unit 22 calculates the degree of similarity as 1 / 3 = 0.333. (Step S203: Relevance degree calculation process)

[0077] The similar facility identification unit 22 calculates a relevance degree for each of the one or more facilities in step S201. The relevance degree is an indicator indicating a severity level if a fault occurs in a similar facility.

[0078] Specifically, the similar facility identification unit 22 calculates a relevance degree such that a similar facility having the following characteristics (A') and (B') has a high relevance degree: (A') a high degree of deterioration and (B') a malfunction is expected to result in significant damage.

[0079] A procedure for calculating a relevance level using the above features is described below.

[0080] Regarding (A'), the similar device identification unit 22 determines a degree of deterioration based on information that enables the cumulative load of the device 60 to be determined, such as the cumulative mileage and the number of ON / OFF times of a relay circuit in the device 60. The ON / OFF of the relay circuit can be identified by referring to the sensor data storage unit 311 in the operation data storage unit 31. For example, the similar device identification unit 22 sets weights depending on the number of ON / OFF times of the relay circuit, such as 1 if the number of ON / OFF times of the relay circuit is 0 to 99 times, 2 if it is 100 to 199 times, and 3 if it is 201 to 299 times.With respect to (B'), the similar device identification unit 22 sets weights based on the expected damage severity for each device type. For example, the weights are set to 5 if the device type is a brake and to 6 if the device type is a motor. Then, the similar device identification unit 22 calculates a value resulting from multiplying the weight with respect to (A') and the weight with respect to (B') as the relevance degree. *** Effects of Embodiment 1 ***

[0081] As explained above, the data collection device 10 according to Embodiment 1 increases the transmission amount of operation data regarding a similar device similar to a device experiencing a malfunction. This makes it possible to collect operation data by focusing on devices likely to experience a malfunction in the future. Consequently, data indicating signs of malfunction occurrence can be sufficiently collected. By collecting data indicating indications of malfunction occurrence, it is possible to track changes in the condition of a device that lead to deterioration.

[0082] Furthermore, it is possible to correlate the configuration of parts of the device 60 and the combination with other devices 60 stored in the device information storage unit 32 with transitions in state changes that lead to deterioration of the device 60. In this way, it is also possible to determine trends in the deterioration of devices and to identify parts that could cause deterioration in a timely manner. *** Other configurations ***<Variante 1>

[0083] The similar facility identification unit 22 can narrow down similar facilities based on the degree of similarity or the degree of relevance. That is, the similar facility identification unit 22 can narrow down similar facilities by using at least one of a condition that the degree of similarity is higher than a first threshold and a condition that the degree of relevance is higher than a second threshold. This makes it possible to narrow down the facilities 60 whose transmission amount of operation data should be increased. <Variante 2>

[0084] In Embodiment 1, the cluster 50 includes a single monitoring device 70. However, the cluster 50 may also include a plurality of monitoring devices 70. When the cluster 50 includes a plurality of monitoring devices 70, one monitoring device 70 of the plurality of monitoring devices 70 is a main monitoring device 70, and each remaining monitoring device 70 is a backup monitoring device 70. The plurality of monitoring devices 70 may share the target device 60 to be monitored. Alternatively, the plurality of monitoring devices 70 may share the transmission processing of operational data. <Variante 3>

[0085] In embodiment 1, the functional components are implemented by software. However, in variant 3, the functional components can also be implemented by hardware. The differences from embodiment 1 are described with regard to this variant 3.

[0086] When the functional components are implemented by hardware, the data collection device 10 includes an electronic circuit instead of the processor 11, the RAM 12, and the mass storage 13. The electronic circuit is a dedicated circuit that implements the functions of the functional components, the RAM 12, and the mass storage 13.

[0087] When the functional components are implemented by hardware, the monitoring device 70 includes an electronic circuit instead of the processor 71, the RAM 72, and the mass storage 73. The electronic circuit is a dedicated circuit that implements the functions of the functional components, the RAM 72, and the mass storage 73.

[0088] Specifically, an electronic circuit is a single circuit, a composite circuit, a programmed processor, a parallel-programmed processor, a logic integrated circuit, a GA, an ASIC, or an FPGA. GA stands for gate array. ASIC stands for application-specific integrated circuit. FPGA stands for field-programmable gate array.

[0089] The functional components may be realized by a single electronic circuit, or the functional components may be distributed and realized by a plurality of electronic circuits. <Variante 4>

[0090] In variant 4, part of the functional components can be realized by hardware, and the rest of the functional components can be realized by software.

[0091] Each of the processor 11, the RAM 12, the mass storage 13, and the electronic circuit is referred to as a processing circuit. That is, the functions of the functional components are realized by the processing circuit. Embodiment 2.

[0092] Embodiment 2 differs from Embodiment 1 in that it uses a cloud as a platform for collecting data. Embodiment 2 describes this difference and omits the description of similar aspects. *** Description of the configuration ***

[0093] With reference to Fig. 8, a configuration of the data collection device 10 according to Embodiment 2 will be described.

[0094] The data collection device 10 differs from that in Fig. The data collection device 10 shown in Figure 2 is characterized by including a resource management unit 25 as a functional component. The functions of the resource management unit 25 are implemented, as with the other functional components, by software or hardware. *** Description of how it works ***

[0095] With reference to Fig. 9, a flow of operation of the data collection system 100 according to Embodiment 2 is described.

[0096] The processes of steps S301 to S303 are the same as the processes of steps S101 to S103 in Fig. 4. The processes of steps S305 to S310 are the same as the processes of steps S104 to S109 in Fig. 4. (Step S304: Resource management process)

[0097] The resource management unit 25 ensures increased computing resources (hereinafter referred to as resources) required for data processing by the data processing unit 24 due to an increase in the transmission amount of operational data with respect to the similar device. In Embodiment 2, a cloud is used as a platform for collecting data. This allows the available resources to be increased.

[0098] Specifically, the resource management unit 25 performs the following processing. As the amount of data to be processed increases, the resources required for data processing also increase. The resource management unit 25 calculates a required increase in resources based on an increase in the amount of operational data transmitted. The resource management unit 25 then secures the increased resources by changing the cloud settings.

[0099] For example, assume that the data volume that can be processed by a virtual server in the cloud is 1 Mbit / second. Mbit is an abbreviation for megabit. Also assume that the data volume transmitted by the monitoring device 70 when the similar device is set to the monitoring mode is calculated as 10 Mbit / second. In this case, the resource management unit 25 secures ten virtual servers in advance. For simplicity, the data volume of the operation data related to the device 60 set to the normal mode is assumed to be 0 here.

[0100] In this way, the amount of data transmitted by the device when the similar device is set to monitoring mode (10 Mbps in the above example) is specified. In this way, the resource management unit 25 can determine the required resources by calculating the total amount of transmitted data when each similar device is set to monitoring mode.

[0101] The resource management unit 25 may reduce the secured resources if the transmission amount of the operation data decreases for any reason. *** Effects of Embodiment 2 ***

[0102] As explained above, the data collection device 10 according to Embodiment 2 uses a cloud as a platform for collecting data. The data collection device 10 secures in advance an increased amount of resources required for data processing by the data processing unit 24 due to an increase in the transmission amount of operation data. In this way, excessive processing time required for processing to collect operation data due to resource constraints can be prevented.

[0103] The data collection device 10 according to Embodiment 2 can reduce the secured resources if the transmission amount of operational data decreases. This can prevent an increase in costs due to securing excessive resources. *** Other configurations ***<Variante 5>

[0104] There may be a case where the maximum amount of resources that can be secured is specified by a cloud contract or the like. In such a case, it may not be possible to secure the resources for the required resource increase. If the resources for the required resource increase cannot be secured, the similar facility identification unit 22 may narrow down similar facilities. Specifically, the similar facility identification unit 22 narrows down similar facilities based on the degree of similarity and the degree of relevance until the transmission amount is reduced to the point where resource shortages do not occur.

[0105] For example, assume that the data volume that can be processed by all contracted servers in the cloud (the maximum data volume that can be processed by the cloud) is 10 Mbps. On the other hand, assume that the transmission data volume of all similar devices is 12 Mbps. In this case, the transmission data volume of the similar devices is expected to exceed the maximum data volume that can be processed by the cloud. Therefore, the similar device identification unit 22 selects each similar device to be put into the monitoring mode one by one so that 10 Mbps is not exceeded among the similar devices, starting with one that has the largest multiplied value of the similarity degree and the relevance degree.For the sake of simplicity, the amount of operating data relating to the device 60 set to normal mode is assumed to be 0.

[0106] In this way, excessive processing time required for processing to collect operational data due to resource constraints can be avoided. Embodiment 3.

[0107] Embodiment 3 differs from Embodiments 1 and 2 in that a user is prompted to select the device 60 whose transmission amount of operation data is to be increased. In Embodiment 3, this difference is described, and the description of the same aspects is omitted.

[0108] Embodiment 3 describes a case where changes were made to Embodiment 2. However, it is also possible to make changes to Embodiment 1. *** Description of the configuration ***

[0109] With reference to Fig. 10, a configuration of the data collection device 10 according to Embodiment 3 will be described.

[0110] The data collection device 10 differs from that in Fig. The data collection device 10 shown in Figure 8 is characterized by including a device selection unit 26 as a functional component. The functions of the device selection unit 26, like the other functional components, are implemented by software or hardware.

[0111] Furthermore, the data collection device 10 is connected to a user terminal 91 via the communication interface 14. The user terminal 91 is a computer operated by the user, such as a PC. "PC" is an abbreviation for personal computer. *** Description of how it works ***

[0112] With reference to Fig. 11, a flow of operation of a data collection system 100 according to Embodiment 3 is described.

[0113] The processes of steps S401 to S403 are the same as the processes of steps S301 to S303 in Fig. 9. The processes of steps S405 to S411 are the same as the processes of steps S304 to S310 in Fig. 9. (Step S404: Facility selection process)

[0114] A device selection unit 26 transmits similarity information regarding each similar device identified in step S403 to the user terminal 91 to effect selection of a target device whose transmission amount of operation data is to be increased.

[0115] Specifically, the facility selection unit 26 designates each of one or more similar facilities as a similar target facility. The facility selection unit 26 sets the information about the similar target facility stored in the operation data storage unit 31 as similarity information about the similar target facility. The information stored in the operation data storage unit 31 includes matching items, similarity degrees, and relevance degrees. The facility selection unit 26 transmits similarity information regarding each similar facility to the user terminal 91 for display in a list. At this time, the facility selection unit 26 may also transmit the information related to the troubled facility stored in the facility information storage unit 32 to the user terminal 91 for display.Then, the specification which similar device is set as a target device is accepted by the user terminal 91.

[0116] The device selection unit 26 restricts similar devices to each target device specified by the user terminal 91. That is, the device selection unit 26 excludes similar devices that are not specified by the user terminal 91.

[0117] The device selection unit 26 may include data on matching items in the similarity information and may display the data on matching items when displaying the similarity information. For example, if the matching item between a similar device and a malfunctioning device is the part batch number group, the device selection unit 26 displays the batch number group of both the similar device and the malfunctioning device.

[0118] Indexes can be assigned to similarity levels and relevance levels when they are written to the operational data storage unit 31. The facility selection unit 26 can use the indexes when the similarity levels and relevance levels are displayed on the user terminal 91, for example, to arrange them in ascending order. This makes it easier for the user to select a similar facility.

[0119] The items displayed on the user terminal 91 are not limited to the degree of similarity, degree of relevance, and matching items with a malfunctioning facility. The information about a similar facility or a malfunctioning facility stored in the operation data storage unit 31 or the facility information storage unit 32 may be displayed in combination with information such as weather, climate, and temperature information from the Internet or the like. *** Effects of Embodiment 3 ***

[0120] As described above, the data collection device 10 according to Embodiment 3 displays information about similar facilities, etc., to prompt the user to select the facility 60 whose transmission amount of operation data should be increased. In this way, it is possible to collect operation data regarding the facility 60 from which the user wishes to collect operation data from a facility similar to a malfunction-affected facility. Embodiment 4.

[0121] Embodiment 4 differs from Embodiments 1 to 3 in that the collected operating data of a similar device is displayed on the user terminal 91. In Embodiment 4, this difference is described, and the description of the same aspects is omitted.

[0122] Embodiment 4 describes a case where changes were made to Embodiment 3. However, it is also possible to make changes to Embodiments 1 and 2. *** Description of the configuration ***

[0123] With reference to Fig. 12, a configuration of the data collection device 10 according to Embodiment 4 will be described.

[0124] The data collection device 10 differs from that in Fig. The data collection device 10 shown in FIG. 10 is characterized by including a data display unit 27 as a functional component. The functions of the data display unit 27 are implemented, as with the other functional components, by software or hardware. *** Description of how it works ***

[0125] With reference to Fig. 13, a flow of operation of the data collection system 100 according to Embodiment 4 is described.

[0126] The processes of steps S501 to S511 are the same as the processes of steps S401 to S411 in Fig. 11. (Step S512: Data display process)

[0127] The data display unit 27 transmits to the user terminal 91 the operation data regarding the similar device specified by the user terminal 91 among the operation data received in step S508. As a result, the operation data is displayed on the user terminal 91.

[0128] Specifically, the data display unit 27 transmits a list of similar facilities from which operating data has been collected to the user terminal 91 for display. The data display unit 27 then selects a similar facility whose operating data is to be referenced. Once the similar facility is selected, the data display unit 27 reads the operating data of the selected similar facility from the operating data storage unit 31. The data display unit 27 then transmits the read operating data to the user terminal 91 for display. *** Effects of Embodiment 4 ***

[0129] As described above, the data collection device 10 according to Embodiment 4 displays collected operation data from similar devices on the user terminal 91. This allows the user to check operation data that is an indication of a malfunction.

[0130] “Unit” in the above description can be interpreted as “circuit”, “step”, “operation”, “process” or “processing circuit”.

[0131] The embodiments and variants of the present disclosure have been described above. Two or more of these embodiments and variants may also be used in combination. Alternatively, one or two or more of them may be partially implemented. The present disclosure is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments and variants, and various modifications may be made as needed. LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS

[0132] 100: Data collection system, 10: Data collection device, 11: Processor, 12: Memory, 13: Mass storage, 14: Communication interface, 21: Data receiving unit, 22: Similar device identification unit, 23: Signal transmission unit, 24: Data processing unit, 25: Resource management unit, 26: Device selection unit, 27: Data display unit, 31: Operational data storage unit, 311: Sensor data storage unit, 312: Evaluation data storage unit, 32: Device information storage unit, 321: Design information storage unit, 322: Manufacturing information storage unit, 323: Configuration information storage unit, 324: Operational information storage unit, 50: Network, 60: Device, 61: Sensor, 70: Monitoring device, 71: Processor, 72: RAM, 73: Mass storage, 74: Communication interface, 81: Fault determination unit, 82: Data transmission unit, 83: Mode setting unit, 90: Transmission channel,91: User terminal.,

Claims

[1] Data collection device (10), comprising: a data receiving unit (21) to receive fault information indicating a fault-affected facility from a monitoring device (70) of one or more monitoring devices (70), each of which monitors a monitoring target facility, wherein the fault-affected facility is a facility in which a fault has been detected; a similar device identification unit (22) to identify at least one similar device, which is a monitoring target device, similar to the affected device, which is indicated by the disturbance information received by the data receiving unit (21); a signal transmission unit (23) to designate as a target monitoring device a monitoring device (70) which monitors the at least one similar device identified by the similar device identification unit (22) under the one or more monitoring devices (70), and to transmit an instruction signal to the target monitoring device to increase the amount of operational data transmitted by the at least one similar device; a data processing unit (24) to perform data processing relating to the operational data; and a resource management unit (25) to secure an increased quantity of a resource used in data processing due to an increase in the volume of operational data transmitted to at least one similar facility, wherein the similar facility identification unit (22) identifies a multitude of similar facilities and, if the increased quantity of the resource cannot be secured for all similar facilities by the resource management unit (25), narrows down the similar facilities to one or more similar facilities for which the resource can be secured. [2] Data collection device (10) according to claim 1, wherein in each of the one or more monitoring devices (70) a normal mode is set as an operating mode with respect to the monitoring target device, wherein the normal mode is a mode in which normal data obtained during operation are transmitted as the operating data with a normal cycle, and wherein the signal transmission unit (23) transmits an instruction signal to the target monitoring device to switch the operating mode with respect to the similar device from the normal mode to a monitoring mode in which transmission of detailed data that is more detailed than the normal data, and / or transmission of the operating data with a shorter cycle than the normal cycle, is carried out. [3] Data collection device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the similarity device identification unit (22) determines whether the monitoring target device is similar to the affected device, depending on whether there is a match between the monitoring target device and the affected device with respect to at least one of a device model, a part that is a component of a device, a configuration of a network in which a device is installed, and a usage status of a network in which a device is installed. [4] Data collection device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising: a facility selection unit (26) to display similarity information regarding each similar facility identified by the similar facility identification unit (22) in order to initiate the selection of a target facility for which the amount of operational data to be transmitted should be increased, wherein the signal transmission unit (23) designates a monitoring device which monitors the target device as the target monitoring device and transmits an instruction signal to increase the amount of operational data transmitted by the target device. [5] Data collection device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising: a data display unit (27) to display the operating data relating to a specified device among the operating data transmitted by the one or more monitoring devices (70). [6] Data collection methods, in full: Receiving fault information indicating a fault-affected facility from a monitoring device (70) of one or more monitoring devices (70), each of which monitors a monitoring target facility, wherein the fault-affected facility communicates with a computer to a facility in which a fault has been detected; The computer identifies at least one similar facility, which is a monitoring target facility, similar to the affected facility indicated by the fault information; Designating, as a target monitoring device, a monitoring device (70) which monitors the at least one similar device, under the one or more monitoring devices (70), and transmitting an instruction signal to increase the amount of operational data transmitted from the at least one similar device to the target monitoring device by the computer; Performing data processing relating to operational data by the computer; Securing an increased amount of a resource used in data processing due to an increase in the amount of operational data transmitted by the computer to at least one similar facility; and The computer narrows down a large number of similar facilities that have been identified to one or more similar facilities for which the resource can be secured, if the increased amount of the resource cannot be secured for all similar facilities. [7] Data collection program that causes a computer to function as a data collection device (10) in order to perform: a data reception process of receiving fault information indicating a fault-affected facility from a monitoring device (70) or one or more monitoring devices (70), each of which monitors a monitoring target facility, wherein the fault-affected facility is a facility in which a fault has been detected; a similar facility identification process of identifying at least one similar facility, which is a monitoring target facility, similar to the affected facility, as indicated by the fault information received through the data reception process; a signal transmission process of setting, as a target monitoring device, a monitoring device (70) which monitors the at least one similar device identified by the similar device identification process, under the one or more monitoring devices (70), and transmitting an instruction signal to increase a transmission quantity of operational data of the at least one similar device to the target monitoring device; a data processing process of carrying out data processing relating to operational data; and a resource management process of securing an increased amount of a resource used in data processing due to an increase in the amount of operational data transmitted to at least one similar facility, where, in the similar facility identification process, a large number of similar facilities are identified, and if the increased amount of the resource cannot be secured for all similar facilities through the resource management process, the similar facilities are narrowed down to one or more similar facilities for which the resource can be secured. [8] Data collection system (100) comprising one or more monitoring devices (70) and a data collection device (10), each of the one or more monitoring devices (70) monitoring a monitoring target device, wherein the data collection device (10) has a data receiving unit (21) to receive fault information indicating a fault-affected facility from a monitoring device (70) of one or more monitoring devices (70), wherein the fault-affected facility is a facility in which a fault has been detected; a similar device identification unit (22) to identify at least one similar device, which is a monitoring target device, similar to the affected device, which is indicated by the disturbance information received by the data receiving unit (21); a signal transmission unit (23) to designate as a target monitoring device a monitoring device (70) which monitors the at least one similar device identified by the similar device identification unit (22) under the one or more monitoring devices (70), and to transmit an instruction signal to the target monitoring device to increase the amount of operational data transmitted by the at least one similar device; a data processing unit (24) to perform data processing relating to the operational data; and a resource management unit (25) to secure an increased quantity of a resource used in data processing due to an increase in the volume of operational data transmitted to at least one similar facility, wherein each of the one or more monitoring devices (70) comprises: a mode setting unit (83) to switch an operating mode with respect to at least one similar device from a normal mode to a monitoring mode upon receipt of the instruction signal; and a data transmission unit (82) to increase the amount of operational data transmitted by at least one similar device when the operating mode is switched to monitoring mode by the mode setting unit (83), compared to when the operating mode is normal mode, and wherein the similar facility identification unit (22) identifies a multitude of similar facilities and, if the increased quantity of the resource cannot be secured for all similar facilities by the resource management unit (25), narrows down the similar facilities to one or more similar facilities for which the resource can be secured. [9] Data collection system (100) according to claim 8, further comprising: a user terminal (91) to display similarity information regarding the similar facility identified by the similar facility identification unit (22) in order to initiate the selection of a target facility for which the amount of operational data to be transmitted should be increased, wherein the signal transmission unit (23) designates a monitoring device (70) which monitors the target device as a target monitoring device and transmits an instruction signal to increase the amount of operating data transmitted by the target device.

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