Management system, management method and program

Abstract

To provide a management system capable of reducing the cost and the downtime with a device exchange by reducing a load applied to a worker during the device exchange, a management method and a program.SOLUTION: In a management system in which a server 10 is mutually networked with a plurality of devices and, in a case where a first device 20 being operated in the plurality of devices breaks down, it can be substituted with a second device 30, the server 10 comprises: a storage section 14 which stores feature information of the first device 20; a detection section (a control section 11) which detects operating states of the first device 20 and the second device 30; and a determination section by which, in a case where the detection section detects operation stop of the first device 20 and operation start of the second device 30, based on whether or not feature information of the second device 30 satisfies a predetermined condition, it is determined whether or not the second device 30 is a succeeding machine of the first device 20.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a management system, a management method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, some factories have installed and operated multiple devices. In such factories, one of the multiple devices may break down and need to be replaced. In such cases, the factory's machines may stop working. Therefore, it is desirable for workers to quickly prepare a replacement device and resume operation. However, simply replacing the replacement device does not mean that it will function as a replacement. Workers must restore the network settings, device ID, and functions of the replacement device.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration that allows a user to easily switch devices when a device breaks down and a substitute device needs to be used temporarily. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2023-127273 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, in the configuration described in Patent Document 1, an operator logs in to a relay application to issue an instruction to replace a device. Therefore, when replacing a device, the operator needs to register replacement settings through the relay application in addition to replacing the hardware.

[0006] The present invention aims to provide a management system, a management method, and a program that can reduce the burden on workers when replacing devices, and reduce the costs and downtime associated with device replacement. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The invention described in claim 1 has been made to achieve the above object, A management system in which a server and a plurality of devices are interconnected through a network, and in which a first device in operation among the plurality of devices can be substituted by a second device when the first device fails, The server a storage unit that stores feature information of the first device; a detection unit that detects the operating states of the first device and the second device; a determination unit that, when the detection unit detects that the first device has stopped operating and the second device has started operating, determines whether the second device is a successor to the first device based on whether characteristic information of the second device satisfies a predetermined condition; and The present invention is characterized by comprising:

[0008] The invention described in claim 2 is the management system described in claim 1, The determination unit is characterized in that it compares the characteristic information of the second device with the characteristic information of the first device stored in the memory unit to determine whether the second device is a successor to the first device.

[0009] The invention described in claim 3 is the management system described in claim 1, the second device performs the same task as the first device; the characteristic information includes processing capability information for processing the task; The determination unit is characterized in that it compares the processing capacity information of the second device with the processing capacity information of the first device stored in the memory unit to determine whether the second device is a successor to the first device.

[0010] The invention described in claim 4 is the management system described in claim 3, The determination unit is characterized in that it determines that the second device is a successor to the first device if the processing capacity of the second device matches or is higher performance than the processing capacity of the first device.

[0011] The invention described in claim 5 is the management system described in claim 2, The characteristic information includes position information or function information.

[0012] The invention described in claim 6 is the management system described in claim 5, The location information is characterized by being at least one of the strength of a short-distance wireless signal with another device, the strength of ultrasonic communication with another device, the communication delay time with another device, and the network environment.

[0013] The invention described in claim 7 is the management system described in claim 5, The function information is characterized by being at least one of product information, model number information, and installed AI.

[0014] The invention described in claim 8 is the management system described in claim 5, the first device and the second device each include an imaging unit; The position information includes image information captured by the imaging unit.

[0015] The invention described in claim 9 is the management system described in claim 2, The judgment unit is characterized in that it compares each of the multiple pieces of characteristic information and judges that the second device is a successor to the first device if the total value of the scores obtained by calculating the degree of similarity of each piece of characteristic information exceeds a predetermined threshold.

[0016] The invention described in claim 10 is the management system described in claim 5, The determination unit determines that the second device is a successor to the first device when a difference between the position of the first device and the position of the second device is equal to or less than a predetermined value.

[0017] The invention described in claim 11 is the management system described in claim 6, The determination unit determines that the second device is a successor to the first device when the network environment of the first device and the network environment of the second device are the same.

[0018] The invention described in claim 12 is the management system described in claim 5, The determining unit determines that the second device is a successor to the first device when the functions of the second device are equal to or greater than the functions of the first device.

[0019] The invention described in claim 13 is the management system described in claim 1, The determination unit determines that the second device is a successor to the first device when a difference between a preset maintenance time and the current time is within a predetermined time.

[0020] The invention described in claim 14 is the management system described in claim 1, The device is characterized by including a management unit that disables the first device and enables the second device when the determination unit determines that the second device is a successor to the first device.

[0021] The invention described in claim 15 is the management system described in claim 14, The management unit controls a communication unit to cause the second device to send setting information of the first device, and establishes communication with the second device that has inherited the setting of the first device.

[0022] The invention described in claim 16 is A management method for a management system in which a server and a plurality of devices are connected to each other through a network, and in which when a first device in operation among the plurality of devices fails, a second device can take its place, comprising: a detecting step of detecting an operating state of the first device and the second device; a determination step of determining whether the second device is a successor to the first device based on whether characteristic information of the second device satisfies a predetermined condition when the detection step detects that the first device has stopped operating and the second device has started operating; Includes.

[0023] The invention described in claim 17 is A management system computer in which a server and a plurality of devices are connected to each other through a network, and in which a first device in operation among the plurality of devices can be substituted by a second device when the first device fails, a detection unit that detects the operating states of the first device and the second device; a determination unit that, when the detection unit detects that the first device has stopped operating and the second device has started operating, determines whether the second device is a successor to the first device based on whether characteristic information of the second device satisfies a predetermined condition; This is a program that functions as a [Effects of the Invention]

[0024] According to the present invention, the burden on the worker when replacing a device can be reduced, and the cost and downtime associated with device replacement can be reduced. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0025] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a main control configuration of each device constituting the management system according to the present embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a state in which a first device in operation transmits feature information to a server. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a state in which a first device in operation fails. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a state in which a second device is installed to replace a failed first device. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a state in which a second device to be substituted transmits feature information to a server. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a state in which a first device is disabled and a second device is enabled. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0026] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0027] 1, a management system 1 according to this embodiment includes a server 10, a first device 20, and a second device 30. In the management system 1, the server 10 and a plurality of devices (the first device 20 and the second device 30) are mutually connected via a network. In the case where a first device among the plurality of devices currently in operation breaks down, the management system 1 can substitute the second device.

[0028] The server 10 is, for example, an information device such as a PC or a WS (Work Station). The server 10 performs a predetermined operation in response to access from each device (first device 20, second device 30). The server 10 is configured as a single unit, but is not limited to this and may be configured as a plurality of units.

[0029] The server 10 includes a control unit 11, an operation unit 12, a display unit 13, a storage unit 14, and a communication unit 15.

[0030] The control unit 11 includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, etc., and centrally controls the operation of the server 10. Specifically, the control unit 11 controls each unit of the server 10 in cooperation with the CPU and program data expanded in the working area of ​​the RAM. The program data is stored in the ROM and the memory unit 14. For example, the control unit 11 detects the operating state of each device (first device 20, second device 30). That is, the control unit 11 functions as a detection unit of the present invention.

[0031] The operation unit 12 includes, for example, a keyboard, a pointing device such as a mouse, etc. The keyboard has character input keys, number input keys, and other keys associated with various functions, etc. The operation unit 12 accepts operation input from the operator and outputs an operation signal corresponding to the operation input to the control unit 11.

[0032] The display unit 13 includes a display such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), and displays an image based on a display control signal output from the control unit 11 on a display screen.

[0033] The storage unit 14 is configured by, for example, an HDD (Hard disk drive), a semiconductor memory, etc. The storage unit 14 stores data such as program data and various setting data in a manner that allows the control unit 11 to read and write the data. The storage unit 14 stores feature information transmitted from devices in operation.

[0034] The communication unit 15 is a communication interface having a communication IC (Integrated Circuit), a communication connector, etc. Under the control of the control unit 11, the communication unit 15 performs data communication with each device (the first device 20, the second device 30) using a predetermined communication protocol.

[0035] The first device 20 includes a control unit 21, an operation unit 22, a display unit 23, a storage unit 24, a communication unit 25, and an imaging unit 26.

[0036] The control unit 21 includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, etc., and centrally controls the operation of the first device 20. Specifically, the control unit 21 controls each unit of the first device 20 in cooperation with the CPU and program data expanded in a working area of ​​the RAM. The program data is stored in the ROM and the storage unit 24.

[0037] The operation unit 22 includes, for example, a keyboard, a pointing device such as a mouse, etc. The keyboard has character input keys, number input keys, and other keys associated with various functions, etc. The operation unit 22 accepts operation input from the operator and outputs an operation signal corresponding to the operation input to the control unit 21.

[0038] The display unit 23 includes a display such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), and displays an image based on a display control signal output from the control unit 21 on a display screen.

[0039] The storage unit 24 is configured by, for example, a HDD, a semiconductor memory, etc. The storage unit 24 stores data such as program data and various setting data in a manner that allows the control unit 21 to read and write data.

[0040] The communication unit 25 is a communication interface having a communication IC, a communication connector, etc. Under the control of the control unit 21, the communication unit 25 performs data communication with the server 10 using a predetermined communication protocol.

[0041] The imaging unit 26 is a camera built into the first device 20. The imaging unit 26 outputs image information generated by capturing an image to the control unit 21.

[0042] The second device 30 includes a control unit 31, an operation unit 32, a display unit 33, a storage unit 34, a communication unit 35, and an imaging unit 36. The second device 30 processes the same tasks as the first device 20.

[0043] The control unit 31 includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, etc., and centrally controls the operation of the second device 30. Specifically, the control unit 31 controls each unit of the second device 30 in cooperation with the CPU and program data expanded in a working area of ​​the RAM. The program data is stored in the ROM and the storage unit 34.

[0044] The operation unit 32 includes, for example, a keyboard, a pointing device such as a mouse, etc. The keyboard has character input keys, number input keys, and other keys associated with various functions. The operation unit 32 accepts operation input from the operator and outputs an operation signal corresponding to the operation input to the control unit 31.

[0045] The display unit 33 includes a display such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), and displays an image based on the display control signal output from the control unit 31 on the display screen.

[0046] The storage unit 34 is configured by, for example, a HDD, a semiconductor memory, etc. The storage unit 34 stores data such as program data and various setting data in a manner that allows the control unit 31 to read and write data.

[0047] The communication unit 35 is a communication interface having a communication IC, a communication connector, etc. Under the control of the control unit 31, the communication unit 35 performs data communication with the server 10 using a predetermined communication protocol.

[0048] The imaging unit 36 ​​is a camera built into the second device 30. The imaging unit 36 ​​outputs to the control unit 31 image information generated by capturing an image.

[0049] Next, the control of the management system 1 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 2 to Fig. 6. In the example shown in Fig. 2 to Fig. 6, the control when the second device 30 takes over when the first device 20 in operation breaks down will be described.

[0050] In the management system 1, a first device 20 in operation transmits characteristic information F1 to the server 10 (see FIG. 2). The server 10 stores the characteristic information F1 of the first device 20 transmitted from the first device 20 in operation in the storage unit 14. Each device stores its own characteristic information in the storage unit. The characteristic information includes location information, function information, and processing capacity information.

[0051] The location information includes information acquired by GPS, information acquired based on the relative positional relationship with other devices, image information captured by an imaging unit, etc. The other devices are third devices different from the first device 20 currently in operation and the second device to be substituted. Information acquired based on the relative positional relationship with other devices includes, for example, the strength of short-range wireless signals with other devices, the strength of ultrasonic communications with other devices, the communication delay time with other devices, the network environment (connected network configuration), etc.

[0052] Functional information includes product information, model number information, installed AI, LOT number, camera (imaging unit) resolution, CPU performance, and memory capacity. The processing capacity information is information for processing a task, such as the task to be executed and the resources required to execute the task.

[0053] When the first device 20 in operation breaks down (see FIG. 3), a worker installs a replacement second device 30 (see FIG. 4). At this time, the second device 30 is temporarily connected to the server 10. The control unit 31 of the second device 30 reads its own characteristic information F2 from the storage unit 34 and transmits it to the server 10 (see FIG. 5).

[0054] The control unit 11 of the server 10 determines whether or not the second device 30 is a successor to the first device 20. That is, the control unit 11 functions as a determination unit of the present invention. Specifically, when the control unit 11 detects that the first device 20 has stopped operating and the second device 30 has started operating, the control unit 11 determines whether the second device 30 is a successor to the first device 20. The stopped state is an inactive state. The inactive state is a state in which communication with the server 10 is not taking place, a state in which communication with the server 10 is taking place but a defect has occurred in the function, or the like. The started state is an active state. The active state is a state in which there is a temporary connection with the server 10, or the like.

[0055] Furthermore, the control unit 11 determines whether the second device 30 is a successor to the first device 20 based on whether the characteristic information of the second device 30 satisfies a predetermined condition.

[0056] An example of the predetermined condition is that the characteristic information of the second device 30 and the characteristic information of the first device 20 generally match. In this case, the control unit 11 first compares the characteristic information of the second device 30 with the characteristic information of the first device 20 stored in the storage unit 14. Next, the control unit 11 determines that the second device 30 is a successor to the first device 20 when the characteristic information of the second device 30 generally matches the characteristic information of the first device 20.

[0057] For example, if the difference between the position of the first device 20 and the position of the second device 30 is equal to or less than a predetermined value, the control unit 11 determines that the second device 30 is a successor to the first device 20. The predetermined value is a small value (e.g., 1 m) that allows the second device 30 to be assumed to be in approximately the same position as the first device 20. For example, first, the control unit 11 acquires GPS coordinates acquired by the second device 30 and GPS coordinates acquired by the first device 20. Next, the control unit 11 determines that the second device 30 is a successor if the straight-line distance between the acquired GPS coordinates is equal to or less than a predetermined value.

[0058] Furthermore, the control unit 11 determines that the second device 30 is a successor to the first device 20 based on the strength of short-range wireless signals from other devices. For example, the control unit 11 first acquires the strength of short-range wireless signals from other devices near the second device 30 and the strength of short-range wireless signals from other devices near the first device 20. Next, the control unit 11 converts the acquired short-range wireless signal strengths into distances, and determines that the second device 30 is a successor if the difference in distance is equal to or less than a predetermined value. The predetermined value is a small value (for example, 1 m) that allows the second device 30 to be assumed to be in approximately the same position as the first device 20.

[0059] Furthermore, the control unit 11 determines that the second device 30 is a successor to the first device 20 based on the strength of ultrasonic communication with other devices. For example, the control unit 11 first acquires the signal strength of ultrasonic communication with other devices near the second device 30 and the signal strength of ultrasonic communication with other devices near the first device 20. Next, the control unit 11 converts the acquired signal strength of each ultrasonic communication into distance, and determines that the second device 30 is a successor if the difference in distance is equal to or less than a predetermined value. The predetermined value is a small value (for example, 1 m) that allows the second device 30 to be assumed to be in approximately the same position as the first device 20.

[0060] Furthermore, the control unit 11 determines that the second device 30 is a successor to the first device 20 based on the communication delay time with the server 10. For example, first, the control unit 11 acquires the communication delay time between the second device 30 and the server 10 and the communication delay time between the first device 20 and the server 10. Next, the control unit 11 determines that the second device 30 is a successor if the difference between the acquired communication delay times is equal to or less than a predetermined value. The predetermined value is a small value (for example, 1 ms) that allows the second device 30 to be assumed to be in approximately the same location as the first device 20.

[0061] Furthermore, when the network environment of the first device 20 and the network environment of the second device 30 are the same, the control unit 11 determines that the second device 30 is a successor to the first device 20. For example, when the network in which the second device 30 is accommodated and the network in which the first device 20 is accommodated are the same, the control unit 11 determines that the second device 30 is a successor.

[0062] Furthermore, the control unit 11 determines that the second device 30 is a successor to the first device 20 based on image information captured by the imaging unit. For example, first, the control unit 11 acquires an image captured by the imaging unit 36 ​​of the second device 30 and an image captured by the imaging unit 26 of the first device 20. Next, the control unit 11 determines that the second device 30 is a successor if the background images, excluding moving objects, of the acquired images match by a predetermined percentage or more. The predetermined percentage is a large value (e.g., 90%) that allows the second device 30 to be assumed to be in approximately the same position as the first device 20.

[0063] Furthermore, the control unit 11 determines that the second device 30 is a successor to the first device 20 when the functions of the second device 30 are equal to or greater than the functions of the first device 20 . For example, the control unit 11 determines that the second device 30 is a successor when the model number of the second device 30 matches the model number of the first device 20. The control unit 11 also determines that the second device 30 is a successor when the lot number of the second device 30 is the same as or close to the lot number of the first device 20. The control unit 11 also determines that the second device 30 is a successor when the camera resolution of the second device 30 matches the camera resolution of the first device 20. The control unit 11 also determines that the second device 30 is a successor when the CPU performance of the second device 30 matches the CPU performance of the first device 20. The control unit 11 also determines that the second device 30 is a successor when the memory capacity of the second device 30 matches the memory capacity of the first device 20.

[0064] Another example of the predetermined condition is that the processing capacity of the second device 30 matches or exceeds that of the first device 20. In this case, the control unit 11 first compares the processing capacity information of the second device 30 with the processing capacity information of the first device 20 stored in the storage unit 14. Next, if the processing capacity of the second device 30 matches or exceeds that of the first device 20, the control unit 11 determines that the second device 30 is a successor to the first device 20.

[0065] For example, the control unit 11 determines that the second device 30 is a successor to the first device 20 if the second device 30 retains the ability to execute a task that was being executed by the first device 20. For example, in the case of an AI processing task with a required specification of 15 seconds, the control unit 11 determines that the second device 30 can execute the task if the AI ​​processing time of the second device 30 is 15 seconds or less. For example, if the AI ​​processing time of the first device 20 is 5 seconds and that of the second device 30 is 10 seconds, the execution capability of the second device 30 is lower than that of the first device 20. However, since the required specification is met, the control unit 11 determines that the second device 30 can execute the task.

[0066] Another example of the predetermined condition is that the difference between a preset maintenance time and the current time is within a predetermined time. If the difference between the maintenance time and the current time is within the predetermined time, the control unit 11 determines that the second device 30 is a successor to the first device 20. The predetermined time is short enough to allow for inference that the first device 20 has been replaced with the second device 30 during maintenance. By determining that the second device 30 is a successor when the difference between the maintenance time and the current time is within the predetermined time, it is possible to prevent damage from occurring due to an improper device replacement outside of maintenance.

[0067] When the control unit 11 determines that the second device 30 is a successor to the first device 20, it disables the first device and enables the second device. Specifically, the control unit 11 disables the authority, ID, etc. of the first device 20 and enables the authority, ID, etc. of the second device 30. This allows the first device 20 to be substituted by the second device 30. In other words, the control unit 11 functions as a management unit of the present invention. FIG. 6 shows an example of a state in which the first device 20 is disabled and the second device 30 is enabled.

[0068] Thereafter, the control unit 11 controls the communication unit 15 to cause the second device 30 to transmit the setting information of the first device 20. Then, the control unit 11 establishes a main connection for communication with the second device 30, which has taken over the setting of the first device 20. As a result, the first device 20 is completely replaced by the second device 30.

[0069] As described above, in the management system 1 according to this embodiment, the server 10 and multiple devices are interconnected via a network. In the management system 1, when a first device 20 among the multiple devices currently in operation fails, the second device 30 can replace the first device 20. The server 10 includes a storage unit 14, a detection unit (control unit 11), and a determination unit (control unit 11). The storage unit 14 stores characteristic information of the first device 20. The detection unit detects the operating states of the first device 20 and the second device 30. When the detection unit detects that the first device 20 has stopped operating and the second device 30 has started operating, the determination unit determines whether the second device 30 is a successor to the first device 20 based on whether the characteristic information of the second device 30 satisfies a predetermined condition. Therefore, according to the management system 1 of this embodiment, the first device 20 can be automatically replaced with the second device 30. This allows even an operator with limited knowledge of the system to easily replace the device, thereby reducing the burden on the operator. As a result, the cost and downtime associated with device replacement can be reduced.

[0070] Furthermore, the determination unit compares the characteristic information of the second device 30 with the characteristic information of the first device 20 stored in the storage unit 14 to determine whether the second device 30 is a successor to the first device 20. Therefore, the first device 20 can be automatically replaced with the second device 30. This reduces the cost and downtime associated with device replacement.

[0071] The second device 30 processes the same task as the first device 20. The characteristic information includes processing capacity information for processing the task. The determination unit compares the processing capacity information of the second device 30 with the processing capacity information of the first device 20 stored in the storage unit 14, and determines whether the second device 30 is a successor to the first device 20. Therefore, the first device 20 can be automatically replaced with the second device 30. This reduces the cost and downtime associated with device replacement.

[0072] Furthermore, the determination unit determines that the second device 30 is the successor to the first device 20 when the processing capability of the second device 30 matches the processing capability of the first device 20 or is higher performance than the first device 20. Therefore, the task of the first device 20 can be substituted by the second device 30 that can reliably process the task of the first device 20. This makes it possible to prevent problems from occurring due to device replacement.

[0073] The feature information also includes position information or function information. Therefore, the first device 20 can be replaced with the second device 30 that is similar in position or function to the first device 20. This makes it possible to prevent malfunctions caused by device replacement.

[0074] The location information is at least one of the strength of a short-range wireless signal with another device, the strength of ultrasonic communication with another device, the communication delay time with another device, and the network environment. Therefore, the first device 20 can be replaced with the second device 30, which is located in a similar position to the first device 20. This makes it possible to prevent malfunctions caused by device replacement.

[0075] In addition, the functional information is at least one of product information, model number information, and installed AI. Therefore, the first device 20 can be replaced with the second device 30, which has similar functions to the first device 20. This makes it possible to prevent malfunctions caused by device replacement.

[0076] Furthermore, the first device 20 and the second device 30 each include an imaging unit (imaging unit 26, imaging unit 36). The position information includes image information captured by the imaging unit. Therefore, the first device 20 can be replaced with the second device 30, which is located in a similar position to the first device 20. This makes it possible to prevent malfunctions caused by device replacement.

[0077] Furthermore, the determination unit determines that the second device 30 is the successor to the first device 20 when the difference between the position of the first device 20 and the position of the second device 30 is equal to or less than a predetermined value. Therefore, the first device 20 can be replaced with the second device 30, which is located in a similar position to the first device 20. This makes it possible to prevent malfunctions caused by device replacement.

[0078] Furthermore, the determination unit determines that the second device 30 is the successor of the first device 20 when the network environment of the first device 20 and the network environment of the second device 30 are the same. Therefore, the first device 20 can be replaced by the second device 30 connected to the same network as the first device 20. This makes it possible to prevent problems from occurring due to device replacement.

[0079] Furthermore, the determination unit determines that the second device 30 is a successor to the first device 20 when the functions of the second device 30 are equal to or greater than the functions of the first device 20 . Therefore, the task of the first device 20 can be substituted by the second device 30 that can reliably process the task of the first device 20. This makes it possible to prevent problems from occurring due to device replacement.

[0080] Furthermore, the determination unit determines that the second device 30 is the successor to the first device 20 when the difference between a preset maintenance time and the current time is within a predetermined time. Therefore, device replacement outside of maintenance can be suppressed, and damage caused by improper device replacement outside of maintenance can be suppressed.

[0081] The device also includes a management unit (control unit 11) that disables the first device 20 and enables the second device 30 when the determination unit determines that the second device 30 is a successor to the first device 20. Therefore, it is possible to prevent multiple devices from being enabled at the same time, which in turn prevents interference from the first device 20 after the second device 30 has been enabled instead, thereby preventing problems caused by enabling multiple devices at the same time.

[0082] The management unit also controls the communication unit 15 to cause the second device 30 to transmit the setting information of the first device 20, and establishes communication with the second device 30 that has taken over the setting of the first device 20. Therefore, the first device 20 can be automatically replaced with the second device 30. This reduces the cost and downtime associated with device replacement.

[0083] Although the present invention has been specifically described above based on the embodiments thereof, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments and can be modified within the scope of the present invention.

[0084] For example, in the above embodiment, one piece of feature information is compared to determine whether the second device 30 is a successor to the first device 20, but this is not limiting. For example, the control unit 11 may score the degree of agreement between multiple pieces of feature information and determine that the second device 30 is a successor when the total value exceeds a predetermined threshold. Specifically, first, the control unit 11 compares each piece of feature information. Next, the control unit 11 scores the degree of agreement between each piece of feature information. Then, the control unit 11 determines that the second device 30 is a successor when the total value of the scored degrees of agreement exceeds a predetermined threshold. The predetermined threshold is a large value that allows the second device 30 to be assumed to have substantially the same features as the first device 20.

[0085] As described above, the judgment unit compares multiple pieces of characteristic information with each other, and if the total value of the scores obtained by calculating the degree of similarity of each piece of characteristic information exceeds a predetermined threshold, the judgment unit judges that the second device 30 is the successor to the first device 20. This makes it possible to more accurately compare the first device 20 and the second device 30. This makes it possible to more reliably prevent problems from occurring due to device replacement.

[0086] In addition, the detailed configuration and operation of each device constituting the management system may be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0087] 1 Management System 10 Servers 11 Control unit (detection unit, judgment unit, management unit) 12 Control section 13 Display section 14 Storage section 15 Communications Department 20 First Device 21 Control section 22 Control section 23 Display section 24 Memory section 25 Communications Department 26 Imaging unit 30 Secondary Device 31 Control Unit 32 Operation section 33 Display section 34 Storage section 35 Communications Department 36 Imaging unit

Claims

1. A management system in which a server and a plurality of devices are interconnected through a network, and in which a first device in operation among the plurality of devices can be substituted by a second device when the first device fails, The server a storage unit that stores feature information of the first device; a detection unit that detects the operating states of the first device and the second device; a determination unit that, when the detection unit detects that the first device has stopped operating and the second device has started operating, determines whether the second device is a successor to the first device based on whether characteristic information of the second device satisfies a predetermined condition; and A management system comprising:

2. 2. The management system according to claim 1, wherein the determination unit compares the characteristic information of the second device with the characteristic information of the first device stored in the memory unit to determine whether the second device is a successor to the first device.

3. the second device performs the same task as the first device; the characteristic information includes processing capability information for processing the task; 2. The management system according to claim 1, wherein the determination unit compares processing capacity information of the second device with processing capacity information of the first device stored in the memory unit to determine whether the second device is a successor to the first device.

4. 4. The management system according to claim 3, wherein the determination unit determines that the second device is a successor to the first device if the processing capability of the second device matches or is higher performance than the processing capability of the first device.

5. The management system according to claim 2 , wherein the characteristic information includes location information or function information.

6. The management system described in claim 5, characterized in that the location information is at least one of the strength of short-range wireless signals with other devices, the strength of ultrasonic communication with other devices, the communication delay time with other devices, and the network environment.

7. 6. The management system according to claim 5, wherein the function information is at least one of product information, model number information, and installed AI.

8. the first device and the second device each include an imaging unit; 6. The management system according to claim 5, wherein the position information includes image information captured by the imaging unit.

9. The management system described in claim 2, characterized in that the judgment unit compares each of the multiple pieces of characteristic information and judges that the second device is a successor to the first device if the total value of the scores obtained by scoring the degree of similarity of each piece of characteristic information exceeds a predetermined threshold.

10. 6. The management system according to claim 5, wherein the determination unit determines that the second device is a successor to the first device when a difference between the location of the first device and the location of the second device is less than a predetermined value.

11. 7. The management system according to claim 6, wherein the determination unit determines that the second device is a successor to the first device when the network environment of the first device and the network environment of the second device are the same.

12. 6. The management system according to claim 5, wherein the determination unit determines that the second device is a successor to the first device when the functions of the second device are equal to or greater than the functions of the first device.

13. 2. The management system according to claim 1, wherein the determination unit determines that the second device is a successor to the first device when a difference between a pre-set maintenance time and the current time is within a predetermined time.

14. 2. The management system according to claim 1, further comprising a management unit that disables the first device and enables the second device when the judgment unit determines that the second device is a successor to the first device.

15. The management system according to claim 14, characterized in that the management unit controls a communication unit to cause the second device to send setting information of the first device, and connects communication with the second device to which the setting of the first device has been taken over.

16. A management method for a management system in which a server and a plurality of devices are connected to each other through a network, and in which a first device in operation among the plurality of devices can be substituted by a second device when the first device fails, comprising: a detecting step of detecting an operating state of the first device and the second device; a determination step of determining whether the second device is a successor to the first device based on whether characteristic information of the second device satisfies a predetermined condition when the detection step detects that the first device has stopped operating and the second device has started operating; Management methods including.

17. A management system computer in which a server and a plurality of devices are connected to each other through a network, and in which a first device in operation among the plurality of devices can be substituted by a second device when the first device fails, a detection unit that detects the operating states of the first device and the second device; a determination unit that, when the detection unit detects that the first device has stopped operating and the second device has started operating, determines whether the second device is a successor to the first device based on whether characteristic information of the second device satisfies a predetermined condition; A program to function as a

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