Information processor, information processing method, and information processing program

Abstract

To easily share specific data with various devices in a distributed control system.SOLUTION: An information processor 100 according to the present embodiment forms a distributed control system on which distributed control is performed by a plurality of information processors arranged in the same network, the information processor having a data processing part 121, an update part 122, a data transmission part 123, and a determination part 124. The data processing part 121 performs data setting based on predetermined input. The update part 122 updates, upon each data setting performed by the data processing part 121, information related to the time of the aforementioned data setting. The data transmission part 123 transmits the data set by the data processing part 121 to another information processor that is included in the distributed control system.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing device, an information processing method, and an information processing program. [Background technology]

[0002] Nowadays, when multiple operators operate and monitor various equipment installed in large facilities such as industrial plants and buildings, equipment management systems such as Distributed Control Systems (DCS) are used. DCSs are sometimes configured with a master PC (Personal Computer) branching out to multiple slave PCs according to the nature of the work within the plant.

[0003] In addition, in a DCS, a management method may be adopted in which an operation monitoring screen is output according to the qualifications and authority of an operator within a single system (for example, see Patent Document 1). In this case, security information for each operator, such as a user name and password for identifying the operator, is managed as common information within the system. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2015-125745 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, in the conventional technology, there are cases where specific data cannot be easily shared among devices in a distributed control system. For example, in the conventional technology, information to be shared within the system, such as user information for identifying an operator, must be individually set by an engineer in each device, or a domain controller must be newly introduced to centrally manage the information, making it difficult to share the information. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the information processing device of the present invention is an information processing device that constitutes a distributed control system in which distributed control is performed by multiple information processing devices arranged in the same network, and is characterized in that it has a data processing unit that sets data based on a specified input, an update unit that updates information regarding the time when the data was set each time the data processing unit sets the data, and a data transmission unit that transmits the data set by the data processing unit to other information processing devices that constitute the distributed control system. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to easily share specific data among devices in a distributed control system. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a DCS system including an information processing device according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a DCS system according to a conventional technique and an example of the configuration of a DCS system according to this embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the information processing device according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a specific example of data stored in the information processing device according to the embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a specific example of data stored in the information processing device according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a specific example of data stored in the information processing device according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a specific example of the target data according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating the process of the provisional master node according to the embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure of the information processing device according to the embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Hereinafter, an embodiment of an information processing device, an information processing method, and an information processing program according to the present application will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the information processing device, the information processing method, and the information processing program according to the present application are not limited to the embodiment.

[0010] 1. Introduction First, a DCS system including an information processing device 100 according to this embodiment will be described. Fig. 1 is a diagram showing a DCS system including an information processing device according to the embodiment. In the example of Fig. 1, information processing devices 100-1 to 100-3, a security gateway, and a controller are connected by wire or wirelessly to configure the DCS system.

[0011] In addition, information can be sent and received between a control controller belonging to the DCS system and an information processing terminal owned by a facility manager or the like on an external information network via a security gateway from the control network within the DCS system.

[0012] Here, the information processing device 100 (hereinafter also referred to as a node) constituting the DCS system is an information processing terminal that cooperates with other information processing devices in the system to mutually communicate and monitor, and is realized, for example, by a PC (Personal Computer).

[0013] In addition, each node constituting the DCS system is assigned a node number, so that each node can be identified. In the example of Fig. 1, information processing device 100-1 is assigned Node1, information processing device 100-2 is assigned Node2, and information processing device 100-3 is assigned Node3.

[0014] The number of nodes constituting the DCS system is not limited to the example shown in FIG. 1, and can be increased or decreased to any number at the request of the system administrator or the operator of each facility.

[0015] Next, problems with conventional DCS systems will be explained. In recent years, with the improvement of computer processing power, DCS systems have been configured with a small number of PCs without installing a server device on the system. As mentioned above, in DCS systems, there are cases where a management method is adopted in which an operation monitoring screen is output within a single system according to the qualifications and authority of the operator. In such cases, it is necessary for all PCs in the DCS system to share account information for each operator.

[0016] Conventionally, therefore, software that centrally manages logon authentication and data for user accounts within a LAN (Local Area Network) and a domain controller, which is the computer that runs this software, are introduced into the DCS system to centrally manage account information for each operator.

[0017] Here, an example of the configuration of a DCS system when a domain controller is introduced in the conventional technology will be described. Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a DCS system in the conventional technology and an example of the configuration of a DCS system according to this embodiment. Fig. 2(1) shows an example of the configuration of a DCS system when a domain controller is introduced, and Fig. 2(2) shows an example of the configuration of a DCS system according to this embodiment.

[0018] In Figure 2 (1), "Operation / Monitoring HMI," "Monitoring Screen Distribution Server," "Monitoring Screen Client," and "Data Collection / Storage" are PCs that make up the DCS system. By introducing a domain controller into the DCS system, account information for each operator can be centrally managed and linked to each PC. As a result, each PC can output the operation / monitoring screen according to the operator's qualifications and authority.

[0019] However, there are several problems with introducing a domain controller into a DCS system. As mentioned above, if the DCS system does not have a server device, a new PC must be added as the domain controller, which incurs implementation costs. Also, when adding a new domain controller to existing equipment, the system must be shut down for engineering work to place each PC under the control of the domain controller, which incurs implementation costs.

[0020] In view of the problems with the conventional technology described above, the DCS system according to this embodiment allows each device to easily share specific data without introducing a device that centrally manages specific data, such as a domain controller. Here, with reference to Fig. 2(2), an example of the configuration of the DCS system according to this embodiment will be described. Fig. 2(2) shows an example of the configuration in which each PC shares specific data without introducing the domain controller shown in Fig. 2(1), and this is realized by each PC performing processing of the information processing device 100 described later.

[0021] The information processing device 100 constituting the DCS system according to this embodiment sets data based on a predetermined input, and each time data is set, updates information about the time when the data was set. Then, the information processing device 100 transmits the set data to other information processing devices constituting the DCS system.

[0022] For example, the information processing device 100 creates a newest edited data file for data edited by an engineer or worker inputting settings into the equipment, and updates the setting date and time of the data file stored as information for identifying a valid data file to the creation date and time of the newest data file when the newest data file is created.Then, the information processing device 100 transmits the newest data file to, for example, other nodes constituting the DCS system.

[0023] This allows the information processing device 100 to share the latest file edited in a specific node constituting the DCS system with the other nodes, so that specific data can be easily shared among the devices without introducing a device that centrally manages specific data, such as a domain controller. Note that the information processing device 100 performs the above-mentioned processing in the DCS system, which is a type of independent system, rather than in another network system, so that specific data can be easily shared among the devices in the DCS system.

[0024] 2. Configuration of Information Processing Device 100 Next, a configuration of the information processing device 100 shown in Fig. 1 will be described. Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the information processing device according to the embodiment. As shown in Fig. 3, the information processing device 100 according to the embodiment has a communication unit 110, a control unit 120, and a storage unit 130.

[0025] The communication unit 110 is realized by, for example, a network interface card (NIC), etc. The communication unit 110 is connected to each of the other information processing devices 100-2 to 100-n constituting the DSC system by wire or wirelessly, and transmits and receives information.

[0026] The storage unit 130 is realized by a storage device such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) or a hard disk. The storage unit 130 stores data and programs necessary for various processes by the control unit 120, and has a target data storage unit 131, a guarantee data storage unit 132, and a dependent data storage unit 133 as units closely related to the present invention.

[0027] The target data storage unit 131 stores target data set and edited by engineers and workers. Here, target data refers to a data file composed of information set to be shared among all nodes in the DCS system, such as account information for each operator and setting information for a USB (Universal Serial Bus) device.

[0028] Here, a specific example of data stored in the target data storage unit 131 will be described. Fig. 4 is a diagram showing a specific example of data stored in the information processing device according to the embodiment. In the example of Fig. 4, the target data storage unit 131 is composed of items of "file contents" and "saved file". "File contents" stores the contents of a file that has been set or edited, and "saved file" stores the corresponding file contents for files that have been saved so far.

[0029] For example, for "file content: password setting", the target data storage unit 131 stores files in order so that the history of files that have been set and edited can be referenced, such as "file 1, file 2, file 3, ...". Note that when a certain number of files are stored in the target data storage unit 131, the information processing device 100 may perform a process of deleting old files.

[0030] The guarantee data storage unit 132 stores information indicating valid data (latest data) from among the data stored in the above-mentioned target data storage unit 131. Here, a specific example of data stored in the guarantee data storage unit 132 will be described. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a specific example of data stored in the information processing device according to the embodiment. In the example of FIG. 5, the guarantee data storage unit 132 is composed of the items of "file contents", "valid file", and "update date and time".

[0031] The "valid file" stores the file name of the valid data (latest data) among the data stored in the target data storage unit 131, and the "update date and time" stores the date and time when the valid file was updated. For example, for "file content: password setting", the guaranteed data storage unit 132 stores "valid file: file 4" in association with "update date and time: 2023 / 7 / 1 12:00". Note that the data stored in the guaranteed data storage unit 132 is updated by overwriting each time a newly created file is set, and only valid data (latest data) is stored.

[0032] The subordinate data storage unit 133 stores information about the subordinate relationships of the nodes that constitute the DCS system. A specific example of data stored in the subordinate data storage unit 133 will now be described. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a specific example of data stored in the information processing device according to the embodiment. In the example of FIG. 6, the subordinate data storage unit 133 is configured with the items of "Master node", "Update date and time", and "Temporary master node determination method".

[0033] "Master node" stores the node number of a node that has been set as a master node in advance in a DCS system, and "update date and time" stores the date and time when the node number setting of the master node was updated. Also, "provisional master node determination method" stores the method for determining which node will become a provisional master node in the DCS system when an abnormality occurs in communication with the master node.

[0034] Here, the master node is a node that has a subordinate relationship with multiple slave nodes, and is, for example, a node that is permitted to edit files. On the other hand, the slave node is, for example, a node that can only view files, and shares specific data with the master node by receiving files from the master node. Also, the provisional master node is a node that is set so that it can perform the same processing as the master node until the master node is restored in the event of an abnormality in communication with the master node.

[0035] For example, the subordinate data storage unit 133 stores "Master node: Node 1", "Update date and time: 2023 / 7 / 3 9:00", and "Temporary master node determination method: Node with the smallest node number among nodes that can communicate" as information related to the subordinate relationship. Note that the data stored in the subordinate data storage unit 133 is updated by overwriting each time the data related to the subordinate relationship is changed, and only valid data (latest data) is stored.

[0036] Returning to the explanation of Fig. 3, the control unit 120 is realized by a CPU (Central Processing Unit), MPU (Micro Processing Unit), etc., executing various programs stored in a storage device inside the information processing device 100 using a RAM as a working area. The control unit 120 is also realized by an integrated circuit such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array). The control unit 120 has a data processing unit 121, an update unit 122, a data transmission unit 123, and a determination unit 124.

[0037] The data processing unit 121 sets data based on a predetermined input. For example, the data processing unit 121 sets the edited contents for the target data edited by the input of an engineer or worker, and creates a new file with the edited contents. After that, the data processing unit 121 stores the created new file in the target data storage unit 131 according to the contents of the target data.

[0038] Here, the object data set by the data processing unit 121 will be described. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a specific example of object data according to the embodiment. FIG. 7 shows an example of object data for changing an engineer's password. The data processing unit 121 sets a new password for "user name: engineer" by inputting a password change for "user name: engineer" into the example screen shown in FIG. 7, and stores a file created for the newly set information in the object data storage unit 131.

[0039] The contents of the target data are not limited to the password settings shown in FIG. 7, but may be, for example, policy information regarding passwords such as password length and password validity period, user information such as user name and access restrictions, and information regarding the removal of external devices.

[0040] Returning to the explanation of Fig. 3, when the determination unit 124 determines that the data processing unit 121 is not the master node, the data processing unit 121 sets data based on the input of data transmitted from the device that is the master node. For example, when the determination unit 124 described later determines that the data processing unit 121 is not the master node, the data processing unit 121 stores the file in the target data storage unit 131 based on the input of a file transmitted from the master node.

[0041] This allows the data processing unit 121 to store a valid file edited by the master node in a slave node that is not permitted to edit the target data. Note that the data processing unit 121 can also store a file in the target data storage unit 131 by inputting a file transmitted from another node, even in the case of normal nodes that are not subordinate to each other.

[0042] The update unit 122 updates information relating to the time when the data was set, every time the data processing unit 121 sets the data. For example, every time the data processing unit 121 creates a new data file, the update unit 122 overwrites the valid file in the guarantee data storage unit 132 with information on the latest data file, and also updates the date and time of the update using a time stamp.

[0043] In the above-mentioned process, the updating unit 122 updates the information on a valid file every time a new data file is created by the data processing unit 121, but the process is not limited to this, and for example, a past file stored in the target data storage unit 131 can be updated as a valid file by an external input. In addition, the data transmission unit 123, which will be described later, transmits the past file that has been updated as a valid file to other nodes.

[0044] This enables the information processing device 100 to restore the settings of the file from before the latest editing was performed, and allows the restored file to be shared across all nodes as a valid file.

[0045] The data transmission unit 123 transmits the data set by the data processing unit 121 to other information processing devices constituting the distributed control system. For example, the data transmission unit 123 refers to the information stored in the object data storage unit 131 and the information stored in the guarantee data storage unit 132, and transmits a valid file stored in the object data storage unit 131 to other nodes constituting the DCS system.

[0046] Moreover, when the determination unit 124 determines that the own device is the master node, the data transmission unit 123 transmits the data set by the data processing unit 121 to the other information processing devices. Furthermore, when the determination unit 124 determines that the own device is the tentative master node, the data transmission unit 123 transmits the data set by the data processing unit 121 to the other information processing devices.

[0047] For example, when the determination unit 124 described later determines that the data transmission unit 123 is a master node or a temporary master node, the data transmission unit 123 transmits a valid file stored in the target data storage unit 131 to a slave node that constitutes the DCS system.

[0048] The determination unit 124 determines the type of dependency of the device itself based on information about the dependency of each device constituting the distributed control system. For example, the determination unit 124 refers to the information stored in the dependency data storage unit 133, and if the node number of the master node at the time of startup is the node number of the device itself, it determines the device itself as a master node, if the node number of the master node at the time of startup is the node number of another device, it determines the device itself as a slave node, and if the node number of the master node at the time of startup is "NULL", "0", or "blank", it determines the device itself as a normal node.

[0049] The DCS system according to this embodiment can configure either a node group with a subordinate relationship or a node group without a subordinate relationship by setting information about the subordinate relationships. The following describes the characteristics and data sharing methods of a node group (with a subordinate relationship) composed of a master node and a slave node, and a node group (without a subordinate relationship) composed only of normal nodes.

[0050] First, a node group consisting of a master node and a slave node will be described. A node group consisting of a master node and a slave node is a system consisting of one master node and multiple slave nodes, in which only the master node is permitted to edit data, and the slave nodes are permitted only to view data. Therefore, the location where data is changed can be restricted to only the master node, which makes it easy to manage access. In this configuration, the master node is started first to maintain data consistency.

[0051] For example, the master node is normally started first and therefore does not send or receive data, whereas if an abnormality occurs and the provisional master node is started, when the master node starts up, it compares its own data with the data of the already started provisional master node, and if the data of the own node is the latest or has the same update date and time, it transmits the data to the slave node. On the other hand, if the data of the own node is older, it receives the data of the provisional master node. When the slave node starts up, it receives the latest data from the master node. This allows the node group consisting of the master node and the slave nodes to share data across all the nodes in the system.

[0052] Next, we will explain about a node group consisting of only normal nodes. A node group consisting of only normal nodes is a system consisting of multiple normal nodes, and all normal nodes are allowed to edit data. Therefore, it has the characteristic that the setup work for individual nodes can be easily performed.

[0053] For example, when a normal node starts up, it compares its own data with the data of other nodes, and if the data of its own node is older, it receives the latest data from the node that has the latest data. On the other hand, if the data of its own node is the latest or has the same update date and time, it transmits the data to the other node. This allows a node group consisting of only normal nodes to share data across all nodes in the system.

[0054] The above-mentioned node group consisting of master nodes and slave nodes and node group consisting of only normal nodes are changed by updating the data on the subordinate relationships. The following describes the process performed in the node to which the change in the subordinate relationship data is input, and the process performed in the other nodes.

[0055] For example, in the node to be operated, data processing unit 121 sets the changes to the data related to the subordinate relationships, and then data transmission unit 123 transmits the data related to the subordinate relationships after the change to other nodes. Thereafter, the node to be operated restarts control unit 120, so that determination unit 124 refers to the data related to the subordinate relationships after the change and determines the type of node. In response to this, in the other nodes, data processing unit 121 sets the data related to the subordinate relationships after the change transmitted from the node to be operated, and then restarts control unit 120, so that determination unit 124 refers to the data related to the subordinate relationships after the change and determines the type of node.

[0056] Through the above-described processing, when data regarding the dependency relationship to the node being operated on is changed, each node shares the changed data regarding the dependency relationship among all nodes, quickly configuring a system that reflects the changed dependency relationship.

[0057] When an abnormality occurs in communication between the device itself and a device that has been set as a master node based on the information on the subordinate relationship, the determination unit 124 determines whether or not the device itself is a provisional master node based on the information on the subordinate relationship. For example, when the determination unit 124 determines that the device itself is a slave node and an abnormality occurs in communication with the master node, the determination unit 124 refers to the "provisional master node determination method: node with the smallest node number among nodes with which the device itself can communicate" stored in the subordinate data storage unit 133, and determines whether or not the node with the smallest node number is among nodes with which the device itself can communicate.

[0058] Here, a case where an abnormality occurs in the master node and the processing is substituted by the provisional master node will be described. Fig. 8 is a diagram for explaining the processing of the provisional master node according to the embodiment. In the example of Fig. 8, a scene where an abnormality occurs in the communication of the master node, a scene where the processing is substituted by the provisional master node, and a scene where the abnormality in the communication of the master node is resolved and the master node returns to the network are sequentially shown.

[0059] In the example of Figure 8, a subordinate relationship is formed between "Operation / Monitoring HMI: Node 1", "Monitoring Screen Distribution Server: Node 2", "Monitoring Screen Client: Node 3", and "Data Collection / Storage: Node 4", with "Node 1" being the master node and "Node 2" to "Node 4" being slave nodes. Note that "Controller: Node 9" does not require access management with "Node 1" to "Node 4", so data is not shared between them.

[0060] First, a communication error occurs in the master node "Node 1", causing communication between the master node and the slave node to be cut off. Then, the determination unit 124 of each slave node determines that an error has occurred in communication with the master node, and refers to the "provisional master node determination method: node with the smallest node number among nodes that can communicate" to determine whether the node itself is a provisional master node.

[0061] The determination unit 124 of "Node2" determines that the node number of its own node is the smallest among "Node3" and "Node4" that can communicate with its own node, and determines its own node to be the provisional master node. As a result, "Node2" takes over the processing of the master node, making it possible to edit data at "Node2" and also transmitting data from "Node2" to "Node3" and "Node4", so that the data is shared among all nodes that can communicate with it.

[0062] After that, the communication error on "Node 1" is resolved and "Node 1" returns to the network, and communication between "Node 1" and each of "Node 2" to "Node 4" is restored. "Node 1", which has returned, compares the data it possesses with "Node 2", which was the provisional master node, and receives the latest (valid) data from "Node 2". Meanwhile, "Node 2", which was the provisional master node, returns to being a slave node, as communication with the master node has returned to normal.

[0063] Through the above-mentioned series of processes, even if an abnormality occurs in the master node, the processing of each node is substituted by the provisional master node, so data can be shared among all nodes without interruption of processing. Note that even if a node with a smaller node number than the provisional master node is added while the provisional master node is substituting for the processing, the provisional master node will not be replaced due to the smaller node number.

[0064] 3. Processing Procedure by Information Processing Device Next, an example of a processing procedure by the information processing device 100 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 9. Fig. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure in the information processing device according to the embodiment. Note that the steps below may be executed in a different order, and some processing may be omitted. In addition, the following describes, as an example, processing when data is edited in a master-slave node configuration.

[0065] The determination unit 124 of the information processing device 100 first determines whether the device itself is a master node (S101). If the device itself is determined to be a master node (S101; Yes), the data processing unit 121 sets the editing contents according to an external editing input for the target data, and creates a file of the edited target data (S102).

[0066] Then, the update unit 122 updates the contents of the guarantee data (S103). After that, the data transmission unit 123 transmits the created object data and the guarantee data file to another node (S104). Then, the information processing device 100 ends the process.

[0067] On the other hand, if it is determined that the information processing device 100 is not the master node (S101; No), the data processing unit 121 sets the file received from the master node (S105). After that, the update unit 122 updates the contents of the guarantee data (S106). Then, the information processing device 100 ends the process.

[0068] 4. Effects of the embodiment As described above, the information processing device 100 of this embodiment is an information processing device that constitutes a distributed control system in which distributed control is performed by multiple information processing devices arranged in the same network, and has a data processing unit 121, an update unit 122, and a data transmission unit 123.

[0069] The data processing unit 121 sets data based on a predetermined input. The update unit 122 updates information about the time when the data was set every time the data processing unit 121 sets the data. The data transmission unit 123 transmits the data set by the data processing unit 121 to other information processing devices constituting the distributed control system.

[0070] As a result, the information processing device 100 can share with other nodes the latest data corresponding to the latest setting time for specific data that has been set by editing from outside by updating the setting time of the data and transmitting the data to other nodes, thereby making it possible for specific data to be easily shared among each device in a distributed control system.

[0071] The information processing device 100 further includes a determination unit 124 that determines the type of dependency relationship of the device itself based on information about the dependency relationship of each device constituting the distributed control system. This allows the information processing device 100 to determine whether the device itself is a master node, a slave node, or a normal node based on the preset information about the dependency relationship, and therefore allows the configuration of a system corresponding to the information about the dependency relationship.

[0072] Furthermore, when the information processing device 100 determines that its own device is the master node by the determination unit 124, it transmits the data set by the data processing unit 121 to another information processing device. As a result, the information processing device 100 transmits specific data to a slave node only when its own device is the master node, so that the location where data is changed or transmitted can be limited to only the master node, making it easier to manage access.

[0073] Furthermore, when the information processing device 100 determines that its own device is not the master node by the determination unit 124, the information processing device 100 sets data based on input of data transmitted from a device that is the master node. As a result, when the information processing device 100 is a slave node, the information processing device 100 can set the contents of the latest data by receiving the latest data from the master node.

[0074] Furthermore, when an abnormality occurs in communication between the information processing device 100 and a device set as a master node based on information on the subordinate relationship, the information processing device 100 determines whether the information processing device 100 is a provisional master node based on the information on the subordinate relationship. Then, when the information processing device 100 determines that the information processing device 100 is a provisional master node, the information processing device 100 transmits data set by the data processing unit 121 to the other information processing devices.

[0075] As a result, even if an abnormality occurs in the master node in the network, the information processing device 100 can share data among all nodes because the data transmission process is performed by the provisional master node.

[0076] [5. Hardware Configuration] The information processing device 100 according to the embodiment described above is realized, for example, by a computer 1000 configured as shown in Fig. 10. Fig. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration. The computer 1000 has a configuration in which a CPU 1100, a RAM 1200, a ROM 1300, an auxiliary storage device 1400, a communication I / F (interface) 1500, and an input / output I / F (interface) 1600 are connected by a bus 1800.

[0077] The CPU 1100 operates and controls each unit based on a program stored in the ROM 1300 or the auxiliary storage device 1400. The ROM 1300 stores a boot program executed by the CPU 1100 when the computer 1000 is started up, programs that depend on the hardware of the computer 1000, and the like.

[0078] The auxiliary storage device 1400 stores programs executed by the CPU 1100, data used by the programs, etc. The communication I / F 1500 receives data from other devices via a predetermined communication network and sends it to the CPU 1100, and transmits data generated by the CPU 1100 to other devices via the predetermined communication network.

[0079] The CPU 1100 controls output devices such as a display and a printer, and an input / output device 1700 such as a keyboard and a mouse, via the input / output I / F 1600. The CPU 1100 acquires data from the input / output device 1700 via the input / output I / F 1600. The CPU 1100 also outputs generated data to the input / output device 1700 via the input / output I / F 1600.

[0080] For example, when the computer 1000 functions as the information processing device 100 according to this embodiment, the CPU 1100 of the computer 1000 executes a program loaded onto the RAM 1200 to realize the functions of the control unit 120 .

[0081] [6. Other] Of the processes described in the above embodiments, all or part of the processes described as being performed automatically can be performed manually, or all or part of the processes described as being performed manually can be performed automatically by a known method. In addition, the information including the processing procedures, specific names, various data and parameters shown in the above documents and drawings can be changed arbitrarily unless otherwise specified. For example, the various information shown in each drawing is not limited to the illustrated information.

[0082] In addition, each component of each device shown in the figure is a functional concept, and does not necessarily have to be physically configured as shown in the figure. In other words, the specific form of distribution and integration of each device is not limited to that shown in the figure, and all or part of them can be functionally or physically distributed and integrated in any unit according to various loads, usage conditions, etc.

[0083] The above-mentioned components include those that can be easily imagined by a person skilled in the art, those that are substantially the same, and those that are within the scope of what is called equivalent. Furthermore, the above-mentioned embodiments can be appropriately combined within a range that does not cause contradiction in the processing contents.

[0084] Moreover, the above-mentioned "section, module, unit" can be read as "means" or "circuit", etc. For example, a control section can be read as control means or a control circuit.

[0085] Although some of the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above with reference to the drawings, these are merely examples, and the present invention can be embodied in other forms that incorporate various modifications and improvements based on the knowledge of those skilled in the art, including the forms described in the Disclosure of the Invention section. [Explanation of symbols]

[0086] 100, 100-1 to 100-n Information processing device 110 Communications Department 120 Control section 121 Data Processing Unit 122 Update section 123 Data transmission unit 124 Judgment section 130 Storage section 131 Object data storage unit 132 Guarantee data storage unit 133 Dependent Data Storage Unit

Claims

1. An information processing device constituting a distributed control system in which distributed control is performed by a plurality of information processing devices arranged in the same network, A data processing unit that sets data based on a predetermined input; an update unit that updates information regarding a time when the data is set by the data processing unit; a data transmission unit that transmits the data set by the data processing unit to other information processing devices constituting the distributed control system; 13. An information processing device comprising:

2. The distributed control system further includes a determination unit that determines a type of dependency relationship of the device itself based on information about the dependency relationship of each device constituting the distributed control system.

2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1,

3. The data transmission unit transmits data set by the data processing unit to the other information processing devices when the determination unit determines that the device is a master node.

3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2.

4. The data processing unit sets the data based on the input of the data transmitted from a device that is a master node when the determination unit determines that the device itself is not a master node.

3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2.

5. the determination unit, when an abnormality occurs in communication between the device set as a master node based on the information regarding the dependency relationship and the device itself, determines whether the device itself is a provisional master node based on the information regarding the dependency relationship; The data transmission unit transmits data set by the data processing unit to the other information processing devices when the determination unit determines that the device is a provisional master node.

3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2.

6. An information processing method executed by an information processing device constituting a distributed control system in which distributed control is performed by a plurality of information processing devices arranged in the same network, comprising: A data processing step for setting data based on a predetermined input; an updating step of updating information regarding the time when the data was set each time the data processing step is performed; a data transmission step of transmitting the data set by the data processing step to other information processing devices constituting the distributed control system; 13. An information processing method comprising:

7. A computer as an information processing device constituting a distributed control system in which distributed control is performed by a plurality of information processing devices arranged in the same network, A data processing procedure for setting data based on a predetermined input; an update procedure for updating information regarding a time when the data was set each time the data was set by the data processing procedure; a data transmission procedure for transmitting the data set by the data processing procedure to another information processing device constituting the distributed control system; An information processing program characterized by causing the program to execute the above steps.

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