Information processing method and information processing device

Abstract

To appropriately grasp whether each of a plurality of measuring apparatuses is installed so as to be able to transfer measurement data of a steam trap. to a server device with no loss by using a relay function of a flood-type mesh network.SOLUTION: In an information processing method in an information processing device for supporting a construction of a communication system in which each of a plurality of measuring apparatuses transmits measurement data of a steam trap to a server device by using a relay function of a flood-type mesh network, a computer belonging to the information processing device instructs the plurality of measuring apparatuses to execute verification processing through the server device, and the verification processing is processing for transmitting prescribed data for verification to the server device by using the relay function, and outputs information showing a first measuring apparatus that transmits the data for verification received by the server device and information showing a second measuring apparatus different from the first measuring apparatus in the plurality of measuring apparatuses in modes different from each other.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a technology for supporting the construction of a communication system in which measurement data of a steam trap obtained by each of a plurality of measurement devices is transmitted to a server device. [Background technology]

[0002] In facilities such as plants and factories equipped with steam piping systems, condensate (drain) can occur within the piping system due to heat exchange or heat radiation. If this condensate remains within the piping system, it can cause a decrease in operating efficiency. For this reason, steam traps are generally installed in appropriate locations within the piping system, and the condensate is discharged outside the piping system using these steam traps.

[0003] If the sealing performance of a steam trap is impaired due to aging, malfunction, or the like, steam in a steam piping system will leak to the outside through the steam trap, resulting in unnecessary steam loss. For this reason, an inspection device such as that disclosed in Patent Document 1 listed below is used to periodically measure the temperature and vibration of the steam trap, and the operating condition of each steam trap is diagnosed based on this measurement data and necessary information such as threshold values.

[0004] However, in large-scale facilities, there may be thousands or tens of thousands of steam traps installed. In such cases, it takes a great deal of time for workers to manually diagnose the operating status of each steam trap. For this reason, some facilities employ a communication system in which a measuring device that measures the operating status of each steam trap is permanently installed on each steam trap, and the measurement data is periodically transmitted wirelessly from the measuring device to a server device, which then diagnoses the operating status of each steam trap.

[0005] The above-mentioned communication system generally employs a so-called routed mesh network configuration that uses three types of devices: a server device, a measurement device, and a relay device. Specifically, multiple measurement devices installed in close proximity are grouped, and a relay device capable of long-distance wireless communication is provided for each group. Each relay device receives measurement data from multiple measurement devices belonging to the same group, aggregates the received measurement data, and forwards it to a server device with or without the intervention of one or more relay devices in other groups.

[0006] In recent years, in order to reduce the cost of installing and powering relay devices in routed mesh networks, the adoption of a configuration using the relay function of a flooded mesh network has been attracting attention in the above communication system. Specifically, each measurement device uses the relay function to repeatedly forward its own measurement data and measurement data received from other measurement devices to other measurement devices, and the measurement data is transmitted to a server device without going through a relay device. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 2954183 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] However, it is not easy to change an existing communication system from a routed mesh network configuration to a flood mesh network configuration using relay functions. For example, even if a server device and multiple measurement devices are installed within a communication distance on a map, measurement data from some measurement devices may not be transferred to the server device. Specifically, this occurs when there is an obstacle, such as a pipe, door, or wall, near the measurement device that blocks radio wave propagation, or when there is a large difference in elevation between the measurement device and a nearby measurement device, resulting in the three-dimensional distance required to propagate radio waves to the nearby measurement device exceeding the communication distance of the measurement device.

[0009] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and aims to provide an information processing method and information processing device that can properly determine whether each of multiple measurement devices is installed so that measurement data can be transferred to a server device without loss using the relay function of a flood-type mesh network. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] An information processing method according to one embodiment of the present invention is an information processing method in an information processing device that supports the construction of a communication system, the communication system comprising a plurality of measurement devices and a server device, each of the plurality of measurement devices transmitting measurement data of a steam trap to the server device using a relay function of a flood-type mesh network, a computer possessed by the information processing device instructing the plurality of measurement devices to execute a verification process via the server device, the verification process being a process of transmitting predetermined verification data to the server device using the relay function, and the server device outputs information indicating a first measurement device that transmitted the verification data received, and information indicating a second measurement device, different from the first measurement device, among the plurality of measurement devices, in mutually different forms.

[0011] In this aspect, information indicating the first measurement device that transmitted the verification data received by the server device and information indicating the second measurement device different from the first measurement device are output in different modes. Therefore, according to this aspect, by referring to the output information, it is possible to appropriately determine whether the first measurement device among the multiple measurement devices is installed so that it can transfer measurement data to the server device without loss using the relay function, and whether the remaining second measurement device is not installed so that it can transfer measurement data to the server device without loss using the relay function.

[0012] In the above aspect, a map image showing a map of a facility in which the plurality of measuring devices and the server device are installed may be acquired, and in the output, a predetermined first image may be displayed at the installation position of the first measuring device in the map image, and an image may be output in which a second image different from the first image is displayed at the installation position of the second measuring device in the map image.

[0013] According to this aspect, by referring to the output image, the installation positions of the first measurement device and the second measurement device can be intuitively grasped.

[0014] In the above aspect, the verification data includes a list storing one or more measurement devices to which the verification data has been transferred using the relay function in the order in which the verification data has been transferred, and the output may further include information indicating a route from the first measurement device to the server device via each of the one or more measurement devices indicated in the list included in the verification data in the order in which the verification data has been transferred.

[0015] According to this aspect, by referring to the output information indicating the route, it is possible to intuitively understand that the relay function can be used to transfer the measurement data of the first measurement device to the server device via the route without loss.

[0016] In the above aspect, if the second measurement device exists at a time when a predetermined time has elapsed since the execution of the verification process was instructed, installation information indicating the installation locations of the multiple measurement devices and the server device may be obtained, a group of devices among the server device and the multiple measurement devices that are installed closer to the server device than the second measurement device may be identified, a proximity device among the group of devices that is installed closest to the second measurement device may be identified, the installation locations of the one or more communication devices may be determined so that the proximity device, each of the one or more communication devices having the relay function, and the second measurement device are installed at an interval of less than a predetermined distance on a map, and information indicating the installation locations of the one or more communication devices may further be output.

[0017] According to this aspect, by further installing one or more communication devices at the installation locations indicated by the output information, the proximity device, each of the one or more communication devices, and the second measurement device can be installed on the map at intervals of less than a predetermined distance. In this case, it is possible to improve the possibility that the measurement data of the second measurement device and the measurement data transferred to the second measurement device will be transferred to the proximity device via the one or more communication devices without loss. As a result, even if the second measurement device is installed on the map at a distance greater than a predetermined distance from the proximity device, it is possible to improve the possibility that the measurement data of the second measurement device will be transferred to the server device without loss.

[0018] Thus, according to this aspect, it is possible to appropriately present the installation of one or more communication devices according to the installation location of the second measurement device so that the second measurement device can use the relay function to transfer measurement data to the server device without loss.

[0019] In the above aspect, the plurality of measurement devices and the server device are installed in a specified facility, the facility is divided into a plurality of areas arranged in a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns, the installation information indicates the row number and column number of the area in which each of the plurality of measurement devices and the server device is installed as the installation location of each of the plurality of measurement devices and the server device, and the installation location of the one or more communication devices may be indicated by the row number and column number of the area in which each of the one or more communication devices is installed.

[0020] According to this aspect, the locations where the plurality of measurement devices, the server device, and the one or more communication devices are installed can be intuitively grasped by the row number and column number of the area.

[0021] An information processing device according to one embodiment of the present invention is an information processing device that supports the construction of a communication system, the communication system comprising a plurality of measurement devices and a server device, each of which transmits measurement data of a steam trap to the server device using a relay function of a flood-type mesh network, an instruction unit that instructs the plurality of measurement devices to execute a verification process via the server device, the verification process being a process of transmitting predetermined verification data to the server device using the relay function, and an output unit that outputs, in different forms from each other, information indicating a first measurement device that transmitted the verification data received by the server device and information indicating a second measurement device of the plurality of measurement devices that is different from the first measurement device.

[0022] According to this aspect, the same effects as those of the above-described information processing method can be obtained. [Effects of the Invention]

[0023] According to the present invention, it is possible to properly determine whether each of multiple measurement devices is installed so that measurement data can be transferred to a server device without loss using the relay function of a flood-type mesh network. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0024] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an overall configuration of a communication system. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an information processing device. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of installation information. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a map image. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of an image output by an output unit. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart showing a communication environment verification process. [Figure 7] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating modified examples of images output by an output unit. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0025] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Elements with the same reference numerals in different drawings indicate the same or corresponding elements.

[0026] <System configuration> First, an example configuration of a communication system 100 will be described in which each of a plurality of measurement devices 1 transmits measurement data of a steam trap to a server device 2 using the relay function of a flood-type mesh network. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of the communication system 100. The communication system 100 is configured to include a plurality of measurement devices 1 and a server device 2.

[0027] The plurality of measuring devices 1 and the server device 2 are provided with a communication circuit having a relay function of a flood type mesh network such as a Bluetooth (registered trademark) Mesh network, and form a so-called flood type network.

[0028] A plurality of measuring devices 1 are permanently installed (set up) at each of a plurality of steam traps installed at appropriate locations in a piping system in a facility such as a plant or factory equipped with a steam piping system. Each measuring device 1 measures the operating state of the steam trap in which it is installed. Each measuring device 1 uses the relay function of the flooding network to transfer packets containing measurement data indicating the measured operating state, information indicating the destination device (hereinafter referred to as destination information), information indicating the source device (hereinafter referred to as source information), etc., to a server device 2, either via one or more measuring devices 1 or without going through them.

[0029] A flooding mesh network, also known as a flooding mesh network, is a network in which each device (hereinafter referred to as a node) installed in a mesh pattern sequentially transmits data to other nodes in a flood-like manner. Specifically, each node belonging to a flooding mesh network has a relay function. The relay function is a function that broadcasts packets containing data to be transmitted and destination information for the data, receives packets broadcast by other nodes, and further broadcasts (transfers) the received packets.

[0030] If packets are repeatedly sent and received between specific nodes, like a game of catch, the packets may not reach their destination. To avoid this, the relay function temporarily stores (caches) packets that have been received. Furthermore, if the relay function receives a packet that is identical to the stored packet, the received packet is discarded without being broadcast.

[0031] For example, the solid thick arrow portion in Fig. 1 shows an example in which, when the measurement device 1 at the bottom left uses the relay function of the flooding mesh network to send a packet to the server device 2, the packet sent from the measurement device 1 at the bottom left is broadcast by multiple nodes and transmitted to the server device 2. On the other hand, the dashed thick arrow portion in Fig. 1 shows an example in which, when the server device 2 uses the relay function of the flooding mesh network to send a packet to the measurement device 1 at the bottom left, the packet sent from the server device 2 is broadcast by multiple nodes and transmitted to the measurement device 1 at the bottom left.

[0032] The server device 2 is installed in the same facility as the multiple measurement devices 1. The server device 2 manages information related to the multiple steam traps, multiple measurement devices 1, and server device 2 installed in the facility. Specifically, the server device 2 stores a management ledger that lists the identification information, installation location, manufacturer, model, etc. of the multiple steam traps, multiple measurement devices 1, and server device 2 installed in the facility. The server device 2 also stores an image (hereinafter, referred to as map image) showing a map of the facility in which the multiple measurement devices 1 and server device 2 are installed.

[0033] The server device 2 diagnoses the operating state of the steam trap where each measuring device 1 is installed based on the measurement data etc. contained in the packet received from each of the multiple measuring devices 1. The server device 2 manages the operating states of the multiple steam traps by storing the identification information of the steam trap where each measuring device 1 is installed, the diagnostic data indicating the results of the diagnosis, and the measurement data used for the diagnosis in association with each other.

[0034] The server device 2 further includes a communication circuit compatible with any communication method such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) or Ethernet (registered trademark), and is configured to be able to communicate with external devices such as an information processing device 3 described later.

[0035] The server device 2 may be configured to communicate with a predetermined cloud server and diagnose the operating state of the steam trap at the location where each of the measuring devices 1 is installed, based on measurement data and the like contained in packets received from each of the multiple measuring devices 1. The server device 2 may also be configured to manage the operating states of multiple steam traps by communicating with a predetermined cloud database.

[0036] <Configuration of information processing device 3> Next, an information processing device 3 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the information processing device 3. The information processing device 3 performs a process of verifying whether a communication environment similar to that of the above-described communication system 100 has been established in a target facility (hereinafter referred to as a communication environment verification process). The information processing device 3 is configured by a mobile information processing device such as a laptop computer, a tablet terminal, or a smartphone. However, the information processing device 3 is not limited to a mobile information processing device, and may be configured by a stationary information processing device such as a desktop computer.

[0037] Specifically, the information processing device 3 includes an operation unit 33, a display unit 34, a storage unit 35, a communication unit 36, an interface unit (hereinafter referred to as IF unit) 37, and a control unit 31 (computer).

[0038] The operation unit 33 is configured with a keyboard, a mouse, etc., which are used by the operator to input various information. The display unit 34 is configured using a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, etc. Note that the operation unit 33 and the display unit 34 may be configured as one unit by using a touch panel display.

[0039] The storage unit 35 is configured using any rewritable storage device such as a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), or a flash memory.

[0040] The communication unit 36 ​​is configured using a communication circuit compatible with any communication method such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) or Ethernet (registered trademark), and communicates with external devices such as the server device 2.

[0041] The IF unit 37 is configured with input / output terminals to which a flash memory such as an SD card or a USB memory can be detachably connected. When the flash memory is connected to the IF unit 37, the IF unit 37 inputs and outputs information between the flash memory and the control unit 31. Note that the information processing device 3 does not necessarily have to be provided with the IF unit 37.

[0042] The control unit 31 is configured by a computer equipped with a CPU, etc. As shown in the solid-line rectangular portion in Fig. 2, the control unit 31 has an acquisition unit 311, a verification unit 312 (instruction unit), and an output unit 313 as functions realized by the CPU executing a predetermined program.

[0043] The acquisition unit 311 acquires information indicating the installation locations of the plurality of measuring devices 1 and the server device 2 installed in the facility of interest (hereinafter referred to as installation information) and a map image.

[0044] Specifically, the acquisition unit 311 acquires installation information and a map image from the server device 2 installed in the target facility by communicating with the server device 2 using the communication unit 36. If a flash memory storing the installation information is connected to the IF unit 37, the acquisition unit 311 may acquire the installation information stored in the flash memory using the IF unit 37. Similarly, if a flash memory storing a map image is connected to the IF unit 37, the acquisition unit 311 may acquire the map image stored in the flash memory using the IF unit 37.

[0045] 3 is a diagram showing an example of the installation information 91. As shown in FIG. 3, the installation information 91 includes the installation location (e.g., X1, Y1), identification information (ID) (e.g., M1), manufacturer (e.g., Miyawaki), model (e.g., MR1), and communication distance (e.g., D1) of each of the multiple measurement devices 1 installed in the facility of interest. Similarly, the installation information 91 includes the installation location (e.g., X0, Y0), identification information (ID) (e.g., SV), manufacturer (e.g., Company A), model (e.g., SV1), and communication distance (e.g., D1) of the server device 2 installed in the facility of interest.

[0046] The installation locations of the multiple measuring devices 1 and server devices 2 included in the installation information 91 are indicated by the row number and column number of the area AR in which each measuring device 1 is installed when the facility in which the multiple measuring devices 1 and server devices 2 are installed is divided into multiple areas AR arranged in multiple rows and multiple columns.

[0047] Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a map image 92. For example, the map image 92 shown in Fig. 4 is an image showing a map of a facility in which the 12 measurement devices 1 and one server device 2 shown in Fig. 3 are installed. The map image 92 shows an example in which the facility is divided into 100 areas AR arranged in 10 rows and 10 columns. Note that in this embodiment, for the sake of convenience, the areas AR are assumed to be squares with each side measuring 10 m, but the shape of the areas AR is not limited to this.

[0048] For example, the installation position "X1, Y1" of the measurement device 1 with ID "M1" in Fig. 3 indicates that the measurement device 1 is installed in the area AR (Fig. 4) with column number "X1" and row number "Y1". Similarly, the installation position "X0, Y0" of the server device 2 with ID "SV" in Fig. 3 indicates that the server device 2 is installed in the area AR (Fig. 4) with column number "X0" and row number "Y0".

[0049] The communication distance of the measurement device 1 included in the installation information 91 indicates the upper limit of the distance over which communication can be performed using the relay function of the communication circuit included in the measurement device 1. Similarly, the communication distance of the server device 2 included in the installation information 91 indicates the upper limit of the distance over which communication can be performed using the relay function of the communication circuit included in the server device 2.

[0050] For example, Figure 4 shows an example of a map image 92 displaying an area CM1 within a communication distance "D1" equivalent to 2.5 times (25 m) one side of the area AR from the installation location of a measuring device 1 with an installation location of "X8, Y6" and ID "M8," in which the measuring device 1 can communicate using the relay function.

[0051] Similarly, Figure 4 shows an example of an area CM2 displayed on a map image 92, within a communication distance "D2" (30 m) from the installation location where a measuring device 1 with an installation location of "X5, Y2" and an ID of "M4" can communicate using the relay function. Also, Figure 4 shows an example of an area CM3 displayed on a map image 92, within a communication distance "D3" (20 m) from the installation location where a measuring device 1 with an installation location of "X6, Y8" and an ID of "M6" can communicate using the relay function.

[0052] Returning to Fig. 2, the verification unit 312 verifies whether each of the multiple measurement devices 1 installed in the target facility is installed so that it can transfer measurement data to the server device 2 without loss using the relay function.

[0053] Specifically, the verification unit 312 instructs the plurality of measurement devices 1 to execute a verification process via the server device 2. The verification process is a process of transmitting predetermined verification data to the server device 2 using the relay function.

[0054] More specifically, the verification unit 312 uses the communication unit 36 ​​to instruct the server device 2 installed in the target facility to send an instruction to execute the verification process to the multiple measurement devices 1. In response to this instruction, the server device 2 uses the relay function to broadcast, to each of the multiple measurement devices 1, a packet including data indicating the instruction to execute the verification process, destination information indicating the target measurement device 1 to which the data is to be sent, and source information indicating the server device 2 from which the data is sent.

[0055] The measurement device 1 receives a packet containing data indicating an instruction to execute a verification process and executes the verification process in accordance with the instruction indicated by the data contained in the packet. In the verification process, the measurement device 1 uses the relay function to broadcast a packet containing predetermined verification data, destination information indicating the server device 2 to which the verification data is to be sent, and source information indicating the measurement device 1 itself as the sender of the verification data.

[0056] Furthermore, when the measurement device 1 receives a packet containing verification data, destination information indicating the server device 2, and source information indicating another measurement device 1, the measurement device 1 also broadcasts the packet using the relay function. As a result, the packet containing the verification data sent by the measurement device 1 is transferred to the server device 2 via one or more measurement devices 1, or is sent to the server device 2 without passing through one or more measurement devices 1.

[0057] The verification data includes a list of one or more measurement devices 1 to which the verification data has been transferred using the relay function, stored in the order in which the verification data was transferred. For example, when the measurement device 1 uses the relay function to broadcast a packet including the verification data, destination information indicating the server device 2, and source information indicating another measurement device 1, the measurement device 1 adds its own identification information to the list included in the verification data.

[0058] When the server device 2 receives the packet including the verification data, the server device 2 transmits the verification data and source information included in the packet to the information processing device 3.

[0059] In the information processing device 3, when the communication unit 36 ​​receives the verification data and the sender information from the server device 2, the verification unit 312 acquires the verification data and the sender information. Then, the verification unit 312 determines that the measurement device 1 indicated by the sender information is a measurement device 1 (hereinafter, referred to as a first measurement device) that is installed so as to be able to transfer measurement data to the server device 2 without loss using the relay function.

[0060] On the other hand, the verification unit 312 determines that a measuring device 1 other than the first measuring device among the multiple measuring devices 1 indicated by the installation information 91 acquired by the acquisition unit 311 is a measuring device 1 (hereinafter referred to as the second measuring device) that is not installed so that measurement data can be transferred to the server device 2 without loss using the relay function.

[0061] The output unit 313 outputs information indicating the result of the verification by the verification unit 312. Specifically, the output unit 313 outputs information indicating the measurement device 1 determined to be the first measurement device and information indicating the measurement device 1 determined to be the second measurement device as a result of the verification by the verification unit 312 in different formats.

[0062] For example, the output unit 313 displays a predetermined image (hereinafter referred to as the first image) at the installation position of the first measuring device in the map image 92 acquired by the acquisition unit 311, and outputs an image in which an image different from the first image (hereinafter referred to as the second image) is displayed at the installation position of the second measuring device in the map image 92.

[0063] Furthermore, the output unit 313 may refer to the sender information and verification data acquired by the verification unit 312, and output information indicating a route from the first measuring device indicated by the sender information to the server device 2 via one or more measuring devices 1 indicated in the list included in the verification data in transfer order. In this case, by referring to the output information indicating the route, it is possible to intuitively understand that the measurement data of the first measuring device can be transferred to the server device 2 via the route in question without loss using the relay function.

[0064] 5 is a diagram showing an example of an image output by the output unit 313. For example, it is assumed that the acquisition unit 311 acquires the installation information 91 shown in FIG. 3 and the map image 92 shown in FIG. 4. In this case, it is assumed that the verification unit 312 determines that ten measuring devices 1 with IDs "M1" to "M5," ID "M7," and IDs "M9" to "M12" included in the installation information 91 are first measuring devices. It is also assumed that the verification unit 312 determines that, of the twelve measuring devices 1 included in the installation information 91, two measuring devices 1 with IDs "M6" and "M8," which are different from the ten first measuring devices, are second measuring devices.

[0065] 5 shows an image 92a output by the output unit 313 in the above case, in which a first image G1 showing white circles at the installation positions of the above ten first measuring devices in the map image 92 (FIG. 4) is displayed, and a second image G2 showing black circles at the installation positions of the above two second measuring devices is displayed. This allows the installation positions of the first measuring devices and the second measuring devices to be intuitively grasped.

[0066] Furthermore, Figure 5 shows an example in which, in the above case, the output unit 313, by referring to the source information indicating each of the above 10 first measuring devices acquired by the verification unit 312 and the verification data acquired together with the source information, further displays a third image G3 showing an arrow indicating the route from the first measuring device to the server device 2 via each of one or more measuring devices 1 indicated in the list included in the verification data in the order of transfer for each of the above 10 first measuring devices.

[0067] 5, a third image G3 is displayed showing a route from a first measuring device with ID "M9" to the server device 2 via five measuring devices 1 with IDs "M7," "M5," "M4," "M10," and "M1" in the order of transfer. Also, a third image G3 is displayed showing a route from a first measuring device with ID "M2" to the server device 2 via seven measuring devices 1 with IDs "M3," "M12," "M11," "M5," "M4," "M10," and "M1" in the order of transfer.

[0068] 5, the route from the measuring device 1 with ID "M5" to the server device 2 via the three measuring devices 1 with IDs "M4," "M10," and "M1," which overlap in the two routes, is displayed as a single route. However, the manner in which the output unit 313 displays the information indicating the route is not limited to this. For example, the output unit 313 may display images indicating the routes that overlap in multiple routes separately (shifted) from each other, or may display character strings indicating the route for each measuring device 1 near the installation location of each measuring device 1.

[0069] The output destination of the information indicating the verification result by the output unit 313 may be at least one of the display unit 34, the storage unit 35, the communication unit 36, and the IF unit 37. That is, the output unit 313 may display the information indicating the verification result on the display unit 34, or may store the information indicating the verification result in the storage unit 35. The output unit 313 may also control the communication unit 36 ​​to transmit the information indicating the verification result to an external device such as a cloud server. If a flash memory is connected to the IF unit 37, the output unit 313 may use the IF unit 37 to store the information indicating the verification result in the flash memory. In this case, the information indicating the verification result stored in the flash memory can be referenced on an information processing terminal such as a personal computer used by the manager of the facility.

[0070] <Communication environment verification process> Next, a description will be given of the communication environment verification process performed in the information processing device 3. Fig. 6 is a flowchart showing the communication environment verification process.

[0071] The control unit 31 starts the communication environment verification process at a predetermined timing. The predetermined timing is, for example, the timing when a user such as a manager of the facility performs a predetermined operation to start the communication environment verification process using the operation unit 33. The predetermined timing is not limited to this, and may also be the timing when the communication unit 36 ​​receives information requesting the start of the communication environment verification process from an external device such as the server device 2.

[0072] When the communication environment verification process is started, the acquisition unit 311 acquires installation information 91 and a map image 92 indicating the installation locations of the multiple measurement devices 1 and the server device 2 installed in the target facility from the server device 2 (step S11). Then, the verification unit 312 instructs the multiple measurement devices 1 to execute the verification process via the server device 2 (step S12).

[0073] The verification unit 312 waits until a predetermined time (e.g., 6 seconds) has elapsed since step S12 was executed (NO in step S13), until the server device 2 receives a packet containing verification data and sender information, and the communication unit 36 ​​receives the verification data and sender information from the server device 2 (NO in step S14).

[0074] Assume that the server device 2 receives a packet including verification data and source information during the predetermined time (e.g., 6 seconds) since step S12 was executed (NO in step S13), and the communication unit 36 ​​receives the verification data and source information from the server device 2 (YES in step S14). In this case, the verification unit 312 acquires the verification data and source information, and determines that the measurement device 1 indicated by the source information is the first measurement device (step S15).

[0075] When the predetermined time (e.g., 6 seconds) has elapsed since step S12 was executed (YES in step S13), the verification unit 312 determines that a measuring device 1, which is different from the measuring device 1 determined to be the first measuring device in step S14, among the multiple measuring devices 1 indicated by the installation information 91 and map image 92 acquired in step S11 is a second measuring device (step S16).

[0076] After step S16, the output unit 313 outputs information indicating the measurement device 1 determined to be the first measurement device in step S14 and information indicating the measurement device 1 determined to be the second measurement device in step S16 in different formats (step S17). This causes the control unit 31 to end the communication environment verification process.

[0077] The control unit 31 may repeat the communication environment verification process until the number of times the communication environment verification process has been executed reaches a predetermined number (for example, 50 times), or until a predetermined verification time (for example, 300 seconds) has elapsed since the communication environment verification process was started at a predetermined timing.

[0078] As described above, according to this embodiment, information indicating the first measuring device that transmitted the verification data received by the server device 2 and information indicating a second measuring device, different from the first measuring device, among the multiple measuring devices 1 installed in the target facility are output in different formats. Therefore, by referring to the output information, it is possible to appropriately determine whether the first measuring device among the multiple measuring devices 1 is installed so that it can transfer measurement data to the server device 2 without loss using the relay function, and whether the remaining second measuring device is not installed so that it can transfer measurement data to the server device 2 without loss using the relay function.

[0079] The above-described aspects are merely examples of embodiments of the present invention, and are not intended to limit the present invention. For example, the present invention may be modified as shown below.

[0080] (1) If there is a measurement device 1 determined to be a second measurement device in step S16 of the communication environment verification process shown in Fig. 6, the information processing device 3 may be configured to propose the installation of one or more communication devices having the relay function. This configuration can be configured, for example, as follows.

[0081] As shown in the dashed rectangular portion in FIG. 2, the control unit 31 further includes a determination unit 314 as a function realized by the CPU executing a predetermined program.

[0082] The verification unit 312 further determines whether the nearby device is installed at a distance of a predetermined communication distance (predetermined distance) or more from the measurement device 1 to be processed (hereinafter, the target device) based on the installation information 91 (FIG. 3) acquired by the acquisition unit 311, for the measurement device 1 determined to be the second measurement device in step S16 (FIG. 6).

[0083] The nearby device is the device (server device 2 or measurement device 1) that is installed closest to the target device among the group of devices installed in the area AR closer to the server device 2 than the target device, among the server device 2 and the multiple measurement devices 1. The area AR closer to the server device 2 than the target device is the area AR that has at least one of the column number and row number smaller than the area AR where the target device is installed.

[0084] For example, as in the specific example described in the above embodiment, it is assumed that in step S11 (FIG. 6) of the communication environment verification process, the acquisition unit 311 acquires the installation information 91 shown in FIG. 3 and the map image 92 shown in FIG. 4. Also, it is assumed that in step S16 (FIG. 6), two measurement devices 1 with IDs "M8" and "M6" included in the installation information 91 are determined to be second measurement devices. In this case, the verification unit 312 determines, as target devices, each of the two measurement devices 1 with IDs "M8" and "M6" included in the installation information 91, based on the installation information 91 (FIG. 3), whether a nearby device is installed at a distance equal to or greater than a predetermined distance from the target device.

[0085] In determining that the measurement device 1 with ID "M8" is the target device, the verification unit 312 identifies the server device 2 and the eleven measurement devices 1 with IDs "M1" to "M7" and "M9" to "M12" that are installed in an area AR closer to the server device 2 than the target device, as shown in Figure 4, as a group of devices installed in an area AR closer to the server device 2 than the target device.The verification unit 312 then identifies the measurement device 1 with ID "M9" that is installed closest to the target device among the group of devices as a nearby device.

[0086] As shown in Fig. 3, the communication distance in the area AR where the measurement device 1 with ID "M8" is installed is "D1" (25 m). As shown in Fig. 4, the distance between the area AR with column number "X8" and row number "Y6" where the measurement device 1 with ID "M8" that is the target device is installed and the area AR with column number "X9" and row number "Y4" where the measurement device 1 with ID "M9" that is the nearby device is installed is less than "D1" (25 m). Therefore, when determining that the measurement device 1 with ID "M8" is the target device, the verification unit 312 determines that the nearby device is not installed at a distance greater than the predetermined communication distance from the target device.

[0087] Similarly, when determining that the measurement device 1 with ID "M6" is the target device, the verification unit 312 identifies the measurement device 1 with ID "M8", which is installed closest to the target device among the group of devices installed in the area AR on the server device 2 side of the target device, as shown in Figure 4, as the nearby device.

[0088] As shown in Fig. 3, the communication distance in the area AR where the measurement device 1 with ID "M6" is installed is "D3" (20 m). As shown in Fig. 4, the distance between the area AR with column number "X6" and row number "Y8" where the measurement device 1 with ID "M6" that is the target device is installed and the area AR with column number "X8" and row number "Y6" where the measurement device 1 with ID "M8" that is the nearby device is installed is greater than "D3" (20 m). Therefore, when determining that the measurement device 1 with ID "M6" is the target device, the verification unit 312 determines that the nearby device is installed at a distance greater than a predetermined communication distance from the target device.

[0089] For a measurement device 1 (target device) determined by the verification unit 312 to have a proximity device installed at a distance greater than a predetermined communication distance, the determination unit 314 determines the installation locations of the one or more communication devices so that the proximity device, each of the one or more communication devices having a relay function, and the measurement device are installed at intervals less than the predetermined communication distance (predetermined distance) on the map.

[0090] In the above specific example, the determination unit 314 determines the installation locations of one or more communication devices with relay function for the measurement device 1 with ID "M6" for which the verification unit 312 has determined that the nearby device is installed at a distance greater than a predetermined communication distance.

[0091] 7 is a diagram showing a modified example of image 92b output by output unit 313. For example, determination unit 314 determines that one communication device with ID "C1" is to be installed in area AR with column number "X7" and row number "Y7" so that, for a measurement device 1 with ID "M6," one or more communication devices, and the measurement device 1 with ID "M6" are installed at an interval of less than a predetermined communication distance "D3" (20 m), in relation to the measurement device 1 with ID "M8," which is the nearest neighboring device on the server device 2 side of the measurement device 1 with ID "M6."

[0092] The output unit 313 further outputs information indicating the result of the determination made for each of the measurement devices 1 determined to be the second measurement device by the verification unit 312. The output unit 313 also outputs information indicating the installation locations of the one or more communication devices determined by the determination unit 314.

[0093] Specifically, it is assumed that there is no measurement device 1 determined to be installed at a distance greater than a predetermined communication distance from the proximity device in the determination performed on each of the measurement devices 1 determined by the verification unit 312 to be the second measurement device. In this case, the output unit 313 adds information indicating that the measurement device 1 determined to be the second measurement device is installed on the map so that measurement data can be transferred to the server device 2 without loss (for example, a character string (text) "On the map, there is no problem with the installation locations of the measurement devices with IDs "M8" and "M6") to the information output in step S17 (FIG. 6).

[0094] On the other hand, as in the above specific example, suppose that there is a measurement device 1 that is determined to be a second measurement device by the verification unit 312 as being installed at a distance of a predetermined communication distance or more from a nearby device in the determination performed on each measurement device 1 that the verification unit 312 has determined to be a second measurement device. In this case, the output unit 313 adds information indicating the installation locations of one or more communication devices determined by the determination unit 314 for that measurement device 1 to the information output in step S17 (FIG. 6).

[0095] For example, Figure 7 shows image 92b in which the output unit 313 adds image G4 showing a hatched triangle to the installation position "X7, Y7" of the communication device with ID "C1" in the image (Figure 5) output in step S17 as information indicating the installation position of the communication device with ID "C1" determined by the determination unit 314 for the measurement device 1 with ID "M6" whose nearby device has been determined to be installed at a distance greater than a predetermined communication distance.

[0096] As shown in FIG. 7, the output unit 313 may further add a character string (text) H1 proposing the installation of one or more communication devices determined by the determination unit 314 to the image (FIG. 5) output in step S17.

[0097] According to this modified embodiment, by placing one or more communication devices with reference to the image 92b ( FIG. 7 ) output by the output unit 313, the measurement device 1 determined to be the second measurement device, each of the one or more communication devices, and the proximate device of the measurement device 1 determined to be the second measurement device can be placed on the map at intervals of less than a predetermined distance. In this case, it is possible to improve the possibility that the measurement data of the second measurement device and the measurement data transferred to the second measurement device will be transferred to the proximate device via one or more communication devices without loss. This improves the possibility that the measurement data of the second measurement device will be transferred to the server device 2 without loss, even if the second measurement device is placed on the map at a distance greater than a predetermined distance from the proximate device.

[0098] In this way, according to this modified embodiment, the installation of one or more communication devices according to the installation location of the measuring device 1 determined to be the second measuring device can be appropriately presented so that the measuring device 1 determined to be the second measuring device can transfer the measurement data to the server device 2 without loss using the relay function.

[0099] (2) In the above embodiment and modified embodiment, the installation locations of the measurement device 1, the server device 2, and one or more communication devices are represented by the column number and row number of the area AR that includes the installation locations. However, the installation locations of the measurement device 1, the server device 2, and one or more communication devices are not limited to this, and may be represented by latitude, longitude, altitude, etc.

[0100] (3) The upper limit of the distance over which each measurement device 1 and server device 2 can communicate using the relay function of the flood mesh network may be set to a specific distance (e.g., 30 m) that is independent of the installation location, and the communication distance between each measurement device 1 and server device 2 may not be included in the installation information 91 (FIG. 3). Also, the installation information 91 (FIG. 3) may not include the manufacturers of each measurement device 1 and server device 2. Also, the installation information 91 (FIG. 3) may not include the models of each measurement device 1 and server device 2. [Explanation of symbols]

[0101] 1: Measuring equipment 2: Server device 3: Information processing equipment 91: Installation information 92: Map image 100: Communication Systems 311: Acquisition Department 312: Verification section (instruction section) 313: Output section 314: Decision section AR: Area G1: First image G2: Second image

Claims

1. An information processing method in an information processing device that supports construction of a communication system, the communication system includes a plurality of measurement devices and a server device, and each of the plurality of measurement devices transmits measurement data of the steam trap to the server device using a relay function of a flooded mesh network; The computer included in the information processing device includes: instructing the plurality of measurement devices to execute a verification process via the server device; the verification process is a process of transmitting predetermined verification data to the server device using the relay function; outputting, in different formats, information indicating a first measuring device that transmitted the verification data received by the server device and information indicating a second measuring device, which is different from the first measuring device, among the plurality of measuring devices; Information processing methods.

2. further acquiring a map image showing a map of a facility in which the plurality of measurement devices and the server device are installed; In the output, a predetermined first image is displayed at an installation position of the first measuring device in the map image, and an image in which a second image different from the first image is displayed at an installation position of the second measuring device in the map image is output. The information processing method according to claim 1 .

3. the verification data includes a list of one or more measurement devices to which the verification data has been transferred using the relay function, the list storing the information in the order in which the verification data has been transferred; The output further includes outputting information indicating a route from the first measurement device to the server device via each of the one or more measurement devices indicated in the list included in the verification data in the order of transfer.

3. The information processing method according to claim 1 or 2.

4. If the second measurement device exists when a predetermined time has elapsed since the execution of the verification process was instructed, acquiring installation information indicating installation locations of the plurality of measurement devices and the server device; Identifying a group of devices that are installed closer to the server device than the second measurement device among the server device and the plurality of measurement devices; Identifying a nearby device that is installed closest to the second measurement device among the group of devices; determining installation positions of the one or more communication devices such that the proximity device, each of the one or more communication devices having the relay function, and the second measurement device are installed at intervals of less than a predetermined distance on a map; further outputting information indicating the installation locations of the one or more communication devices; The information processing method according to claim 1 .

5. the plurality of measurement devices and the server device are installed in a predetermined facility, The facility is divided into a plurality of areas arranged in a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns; the installation information indicates row numbers and column numbers of an area in which each of the plurality of measurement devices and the server device is installed as installation positions of each of the plurality of measurement devices and the server device; The installation positions of the one or more communication devices are indicated by row numbers and column numbers of an area in which each of the one or more communication devices is installed. The information processing method according to claim 4.

6. An information processing device that supports the construction of a communication system, the communication system includes a plurality of measurement devices and a server device, and each of the plurality of measurement devices transmits measurement data of the steam trap to the server device using a relay function of a flooded mesh network; an instruction unit that instructs the plurality of measurement devices to execute a verification process via the server device; Equipped with the verification process is a process of transmitting predetermined verification data to the server device using the relay function; an output unit that outputs, in different formats, information indicating a first measuring device that transmitted the verification data received by the server device and information indicating a second measuring device, which is different from the first measuring device, among the plurality of measuring devices; The information processing device further comprises:

Images