Control device, information processing method, and information processing program

Abstract

To provide a technique for realizing the meaning indicated by a sensor value.SOLUTION: A control device for controlling equipment includes a first acquisition unit that acquires sensor values detected by sensors arranged in the equipment, a second acquisition unit that acquires attribute information indicating attributes of the sensor values, and a calculation unit that determines a relational expression based on the attribute information and calculates a value with assigned meaning from the sensor values in accordance with the determined relational expression.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] In industrial automation systems, predetermined control is executed based on the sensor values ​​detected by the sensors. The sensor values ​​are often values ​​based on the detection range (for example, 50%).

[0003] Although it is possible to control using the sensor values ​​as they are, it is preferable to clarify the meaning and physical quantities indicated by the sensor values ​​in consideration of analysis, etc. For example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 2005-128721 (Patent Document 1) discloses a data collection unit having a calculation template for performing scaling such as normalization and unit conversion as calculation processing. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-128721 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] As disclosed in the above-mentioned prior art, it is sometimes necessary to perform calculation processing according to the situation, rather than always performing predetermined calculation processing.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a technique for realizing the meaning indicated by a sensor value. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A control device for controlling equipment according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a first acquisition unit that acquires sensor values ​​detected by sensors installed in the equipment, a second acquisition unit that acquires attribute information indicating attributes of the sensor values, and a calculation unit that determines a relational expression based on the attribute information and calculates a value that is assigned meaning from the sensor values ​​in accordance with the determined relational expression.This configuration allows the calculation of a value that is assigned meaning from the sensor values, making it possible to generalize processing that uses the calculated value that is assigned meaning.Furthermore, even if there is a change in specifications, it is possible to easily modify the processing algorithm, etc.

[0008] The attribute information may include the type of sensor and the range of the value to which the meaning is assigned. This configuration makes it easier to determine a relational expression for calculating the value to which the meaning is assigned from the sensor value.

[0009] The attribute information may further include a range of the sensor value. With this configuration, it is possible to easily determine the association between the range of the sensor value and the range of the value assigned with meaning.

[0010] The determined relational expression may include a definition for calculating a meaningful value from two or more sensor values. With this configuration, a target physical quantity or the like can be calculated using two or more sensor values ​​instead of a single sensor value.

[0011] The sensor values ​​may be provided with time stamps. This configuration allows for analysis of temporal changes in the values ​​calculated from the sensor values ​​and given meaning.

[0012] The attribute information may be included in a digital certificate. This configuration can improve the reliability of the attribute information.

[0013] According to another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an information processing method executed by a control device for controlling equipment, the information processing method including the steps of acquiring sensor values ​​detected by sensors arranged in the equipment, acquiring attribute information indicating attributes of the sensor values, determining a relational expression based on the attribute information, and calculating a value assigned meaning from the sensor values ​​in accordance with the determined relational expression.

[0014] According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an information processing program executed by a control device for controlling equipment, the information processing program causing the control device to execute the steps of acquiring sensor values ​​detected by sensors arranged in the equipment, acquiring attribute information indicating attributes of the sensor values, determining a relational expression based on the attribute information, and calculating a value assigned meaning from the sensor values ​​in accordance with the determined relational expression. [Effects of the Invention]

[0015] Embodiments of the present invention provide techniques for realizing the meaning of sensor values. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of a control device according to the present embodiment. [Figure 2] 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of a control system according to the present embodiment; [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of a control device according to the present embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of a support device that constitutes the control system according to the present embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of acquisition of attribute information in the control system according to the present embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a device that provides attribute information in the control system according to the present embodiment. [Figure 7]FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a process for changing the meaning of a sensor value depending on a state value in the control system according to the present embodiment. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure in the control system according to the present embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which the same or corresponding parts are designated by the same reference numerals and will not be described repeatedly.

[0018] [A. Application example] First, an example of a situation in which the present invention is applied will be described.

[0019] Generally, data managed by a control device such as a programmable logic controller (PLC) is often only considered for handling within the control device. That is, collected data may undergo a predetermined conversion process, assuming that the data will be used in a control program (e.g., a program written in a programming language specified in IEC 61131-3) executed by the control device. Therefore, the meaning of each piece of data is often understood only by users who are knowledgeable about the control device and the control program.

[0020] The control device according to this embodiment can embody the meaning indicated by the sensor value detected by the sensor.

[0021] 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of a control device 100 according to the present embodiment. Referring to FIG. 1, control device 100 has a function for controlling equipment. The function for controlling equipment will be described in detail later.

[0022] The control device 100 includes a first acquisition unit 130, a second acquisition unit 140, and a calculation unit 150.

[0023] The first acquisition unit 130 acquires a sensor value 50 detected by a sensor 40 installed in the facility. A plurality of sensors 40 may be installed in the facility. Also, one sensor 40 may detect a plurality of sensor values ​​50. In either case, the first acquisition unit 130 acquires a plurality of sensor values ​​50.

[0024] The second acquisition unit 140 acquires attribute information 60 indicating the attributes of the sensor value 50 detected by the sensor 40.

[0025] In this specification, "attribute information" encompasses information that is used directly or indirectly to determine a relational expression 152 for calculating a meaningful value 70 from a sensor value 50. The sensor 40 may provide the attribute information 60, or any device other than the sensor 40 may provide the attribute information 60. Specific examples of the attribute information 60 will be described later.

[0026] The second acquisition unit 140 may acquire a plurality of pieces of attribute information 60 for one sensor value 50. The method for acquiring the attribute information 60 is not limited to the method described below, and any method may be employed.

[0027] The calculation unit 150 determines a relational expression 152 based on the attribute information 60, and calculates a value 70 assigned meaning from the sensor value 50 in accordance with the determined relational expression 152.

[0028] In this specification, "meaningfully" means that the value itself has a specific meaning. For example, the value to which meaning is assigned may represent a physical quantity or a feature quantity that indicates some characteristic.

[0029] In this specification, the term "relational expression" includes a conversion expression used to calculate the signified value 70. However, the relational expression may directly output the input value (i.e., the sensor value 50 is directly calculated as the signified value 70).

[0030] The control device 100 may further include a time series database 160. The calculated signified values ​​70 may be stored in the time series database 160 in sequence.

[0031] According to the control device 100 of the present embodiment, the meaning indicated by the sensor value can be embodied.

[0032] [B. Example of overall control system configuration] Next, an example of the overall configuration of control system 1 according to the present embodiment will be described.

[0033] 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of a control system 1 according to the present embodiment. Referring to FIG. 2, the control system 1 may be a part of an industrial automation system.

[0034] The control system 1 includes a control device 100. The control device 100 executes control calculations for controlling equipment. In addition to the control calculations, the control device 100 may execute any application. The application may include processing directly or indirectly related to the control and management of equipment.

[0035] The control device 100 is connected to one or more devices. In the overall configuration example shown in Fig. 2, the control device 100 is connected to one or more devices via two field networks (field network 2 and field network 4), but the number of field networks may be one, or three or more. The control device 100 may also be directly connected to one or more devices.

[0036] An industrial network may be adopted as the field network 2 and the field network 4. Known industrial networks include, for example, EtherCAT (registered trademark), EtherNet / IP (registered trademark), DeviceNet (registered trademark), and CompoNet (registered trademark).

[0037] The control device 100 may be connected to an external device such as a server 300 via an information network 6.

[0038] In this specification, data acquired by the control device 100 from a source external to the control device 100 is collectively referred to as a "sensor value." Devices that detect (and generate) sensor values ​​are collectively referred to as a "sensor." For example, sensors are placed in equipment and measure or detect the state of the equipment or the work produced by the equipment. Sensors may generate digital values ​​(on or off) or analog values.

[0039] In this specification, data provided by the control device 100 to a device external to the control device 100 is collectively referred to as an "output value." Devices to which output values ​​are provided are collectively referred to as "actuators." For example, actuators are placed in equipment and perform tasks such as moving to a specified position or generating a specified force in accordance with the output value provided by the control device 100. Actuators may include relays and contactors that control the electrical continuity of a circuit. In this specification, "actuators" are not limited to devices that cause mechanical displacement or electrical change in accordance with the output value provided by the control device 100, but also include devices that perform processing using the output value.

[0040] The control device 100 may include at least one of an input unit for accepting sensor values ​​generated by a sensor and an output unit for providing output values ​​to an actuator.

[0041] The control device 100 may be connected to a support device 200 for generating programs to be executed by the control device 100 and for performing various settings.

[0042] In the overall configuration example shown in FIG. 2, the control device 100 is connected to a remote input / output device 10, a sensor unit 14, a servo driver 18, and an image processing device 24 via a field network 2.

[0043] The remote input / output device 10 transmits a sensor value indicating the on / off state of the relay 12 to the control device 100. The remote input / output device 10 may drive a coil of a relay (not shown) in accordance with the output value received from the control device 100.

[0044] The servo driver 18 drives the servo motor 20 in accordance with the output value received from the control device 100. The encoder 22 provides the servo driver 18 with a signal corresponding to the rotation of the servo motor 20. The servo driver 18 may transmit information (sensor value) indicating the state of the servo motor 20 calculated based on the signal from the encoder 22 to the control device 100. The servo driver 18 corresponds to at least one of an actuator and a sensor.

[0045] The image processing device 24 performs predetermined image processing on the image captured by the camera 26. The image processing device 24 transmits the image processing results (sensor values) to the control device 100. The image processing device 24 may control the image capturing timing and image capturing conditions of the camera 26 according to the output values ​​received from the control device 100.

[0046] In the overall configuration example shown in FIG. 2, the control device 100 is connected to a sensor driver 28 via a field network 4.

[0047] The sensor driver 28 transmits a state value (sensor value) corresponding to the signal detected by the sensor unit 30 to the control device 100.

[0048] The sensors and actuators are not limited to the devices shown in the overall configuration example in FIG. 2, and may be any sensors and actuators.

[0049] [C. Hardware configuration example] Next, an example of the hardware configuration of main devices in control system 1 according to the present embodiment will be described.

[0050] (c1: Example of hardware configuration of control device 100) 3 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of a control device 100 according to the present embodiment. Referring to FIG. 3, the control device 100 includes a processor 102 such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a GPU (Micro-Processing Unit), a memory 104, a storage 106, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) controller 108, a memory card interface 110, a field network controller 114, and a field network controller 116.

[0051] The processor 102 reads out a program stored in the storage 106, loads it into the memory 104, and executes it to realize the processing required by the control device 100.

[0052] The memory 104 is a volatile memory such as a dynamic random access memory (DRAM) or a static random access memory (SRAM).

[0053] The storage 106 is a non-volatile memory such as a NOR flash memory or a NAND flash memory. The storage 106 stores a system program 120, a user program 122, and the like. The information processing program according to the present invention corresponds to the system program 120 and / or the user program 122. A time-series database 160 (FIG. 1) may be located in the storage 106.

[0054] The system program 120 includes computer-readable instructions for executing basic processing of the control device 100. The system program 120 may include computer-readable instructions for implementing the first acquisition unit 130, the second acquisition unit 140, and the calculation unit 150 (all of which are shown in FIG. 1).

[0055] The user program 122 includes computer-readable instructions necessary for control calculations to control the equipment, and is generally created according to the equipment to be controlled.

[0056] The USB controller 108 exchanges data with the support device 200 and the like in accordance with the USB standard.

[0057] The memory card interface 110 is configured to allow a memory card 112 to be attached or detached. The memory card interface 110 writes data to the memory card 112 and reads data from the memory card 112.

[0058] The field network controller 114 exchanges data with devices connected via the field network 2. The field network controller 116 exchanges data with devices connected via the field network 4.

[0059] (c2: Example of hardware configuration of support device 200) 4 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of support device 200 constituting control system 1 according to the present embodiment. Support device 200 is configured using, for example, a general-purpose computer.

[0060] Referring to FIG. 4, the support device 200 includes a processor 202 such as a CPU and a GPU, a memory 204, a storage 206, an input interface 208, a display interface 210, a USB controller 212, a network controller 214, and an optical drive 216.

[0061] The processor 202 reads out a program stored in the storage 206, loads it into the memory 204, and executes it to realize the processing required by the support device 200.

[0062] The storage 206 is a non-volatile memory such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or a flash solid state drive (SSD), etc. The storage 206 stores a system program 220, a support program 222, project data 224, and the like.

[0063] The input interface 208 accepts user operations from input devices such as a keyboard and a mouse. The input devices may be part of the support device 200.

[0064] The display interface 210 outputs the processing results from the processor 202 to a display or the like. The display may be a part of the support device 200.

[0065] The USB controller 212 exchanges data with the control device 100 and the like in accordance with the USB standard.

[0066] The network controller 214 exchanges data with devices connected via a network.

[0067] The optical drive 216 reads data stored on an optical recording medium 218 such as a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc).

[0068] (c3: Example of hardware configuration of server 300) Server 300 according to this embodiment is configured using a general-purpose computer. The hardware configuration of a general-purpose computer is well known, so a detailed description will not be given.

[0069] (c4: Variation) 3 and 4 show examples in which the necessary processing is achieved by a processor executing a program, but some or all of the functions handled by the processor may be replaced by hardwired circuits (for example, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) and an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array)). Also, an SoC (System on Chip) incorporating a processor may be employed.

[0070] In this specification, the term "processor" encompasses processors in the narrow sense, such as CPUs and GPUs, as well as hardwired circuits such as ASICs and FPGAs, DSPs (Digital Signal Processors), and AI (Artificial Intelligence) chips. The term "processor" encompasses processing circuitry consisting of one or more pieces of arithmetic hardware.

[0071] [D. Calculation of Meaningful Values] An example of a process for calculating a value with meaning in control system 1 according to the present embodiment will be described.

[0072] (d1: sensor 40 having attribute information 60) 5 is a schematic diagram showing an example of acquisition of attribute information 60 in control system 1 according to the present embodiment. Referring to FIG. 5, control device 100 is electrically connected to sensor 40. Sensor 40 stores attribute information 60.

[0073] For example, when the control device 100 is connected to the sensor 40, it acquires the attribute information 60 stored in the sensor 40. After acquiring the attribute information 60, the control device 100 cyclically acquires the sensor values ​​detected by the sensor 40. Note that when the control device 100 and the sensor 40 communicate according to a communication protocol in which frames are transmitted cyclically, the sensor 40 sets the current sensor value in the cyclically transmitted frame, thereby enabling the control device 100 to cyclically acquire the sensor value.

[0074] The timing at which the control device 100 acquires the attribute information 60 is not limited to the time of connection and can be set arbitrarily. For example, the control device 100 may acquire the attribute information 60 when some condition is met, or may acquire the attribute information 60 in accordance with an external command.

[0075] The attribute information 60 may include information for determining a relational expression in the control device 100. For example, the attribute information 60 may include the following meta-information.

[0076] <Sensor Definition> <Sensor Identification> d5c7e4e77bc3019e< / Sensor Identification> <Sensor Type> Temperature Sensor< / Sensor Type> <Sensor Value Rage> 0:4095< / Sensor Value Rage> <Actual Value Rage> -100:100< / Actual Value Rage> <Actual Value Unit> Celsius< / Actual Value Unit> < / Sensor Definition> The above meta information means that the sensor 40 is a temperature sensor, the sensor value detected by the sensor 40 ranges from 0 to 4095 digits, and the sensor value ranges from -100 to 100°C (Celsius). The meta information includes unique identification information for identifying the sensor 40.

[0077] In this way, the attribute information 60 (meta information) may include the type of sensor (e.g., temperature sensor) and the range of the assigned value (e.g., -100 to 100°C). The attribute information 60 (meta information) may also include the range of the sensor value (e.g., 0 to 4095 digits).

[0078] When the control device 100 acquires the attribute information 60 (meta information), it determines the relational expression f=(sensor value)×200 / 4095−100.

[0079] In this way, the control device 100 determines the relational expression 152 by referring to the attribute information 60 .

[0080] After acquiring the attribute information 60, the control device 100 receives a frame in which one or more sensor values ​​are stored. Therefore, it is necessary to determine a correspondence between each sensor value stored in the frame and the sensor 40 that generated each sensor value. For example, each sensor may store its own identification information in the frame together with or instead of the sensor value. For example, the sensor may store its own identification information in a predetermined number of frames before starting to store sensor values ​​in frames, thereby enabling the control device 100 to identify the sensor 40 that is the source of the sensor value included in the frame.

[0081] The attribute information 60 may be included in a digital certificate. In this case, the sensor 40 may have a pre-prepared digital certificate. The digital certificate may include a signature issued by a certificate authority accessible to the control device 100. When the control device 100 obtains the digital certificate from the sensor 40, it can also verify the digital certificate using the public key of the certificate authority. Using a digital certificate makes it possible to prevent tampering with the attribute information 60 and ensure the authenticity of the sensor 40.

[0082] (d2: Device that provides attribute information 60) Fig. 6 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a device that provides attribute information 60 in control system 1 according to the present embodiment. Referring to Fig. 6, control device 100 is electrically connected to relay device 80. Relay device 80 is connected to a plurality of sensors 40-1 to 40-8. Relay device 80 transmits sensor values ​​detected by one or more sensors 40 to control device 100. Relay device 80 may be, for example, an IO-Link master.

[0083] The relay device 80 stores attribute information 60 corresponding to the sensors 40-1 to 40-8. For example, when the relay device 80 is connected to the control device 100, the relay device 80 transmits the attribute information 60 relating to the connected sensor 40 to the control device 100. At this time, the attribute information 60 may be prepared for each sensor 40 (channel).

[0084] The timing at which the relay device 80 transmits the attribute information 60 is not limited to the time of connection and can be set arbitrarily. For example, the relay device 80 may transmit the attribute information 60 when some condition is met, or may transmit the attribute information 60 in accordance with an external command.

[0085] Relay device 80 may sequentially transmit the sensor values ​​detected by sensors 40-1 to 40-8 to control device 100. For example, relay device 80 may repeat the process of transmitting the sensor values ​​from channel 1, channel 2, ..., channel 8 in order.

[0086] Alternatively, relay device 80 may cyclically transmit a set of sensor values ​​(a collection of sensor values ​​for channels 1 to 8) detected by sensors 40-1 to 40-8, respectively.

[0087] The attribute information 60 may include information for determining a relational expression in the control device 100. For example, the attribute information 60 may include the following meta-information.

[0088] <Sensor Definition> <channel> 1< / channel> <Sensor Identification> d5c7e4e77bc3019e< / Sensor Identification> <Sensor Type> Temperature Sensor< / Sensor Type> <Sensor Value Rage> 0:4095< / Sensor Value Rage> <Actual Value Rage> -100:100< / Actual Value Rage> <Actual Value Unit> Celsius< / Actual Value Unit> <channel> 2< / channel> <Sensor Identification> 453c7d0f79d7c3fe< / Sensor Identification> <Sensor Type> Pressure Sensor< / Sensor Type> <Sensor Value Rage> 0:4095< / Sensor Value Rage> <Actual Value Rage> -10:10< / Actual Value Rage> <Actual Value Unit> Gauge Pressure Pa< / Actual Value Unit> … < / Sensor Definition> The above meta information means that sensor 40-1 connected to channel 1 is a temperature sensor, the sensor value detected by sensor 40-1 ranges from 0 to 4095 digits, and the sensor value is -100 to 100°C (Celsius). When control device 100 acquires attribute information 60 (meta information), it determines the relational expression f = (sensor value) × 200 / 4095-100.

[0089] Furthermore, sensor 40-2 connected to channel 2 is a pressure sensor, and the sensor value detected by sensor 40-2 ranges from 0 to 4095 digits, meaning that the sensor value is -10 to 10 Pa (gauge pressure). Upon acquiring attribute information 60 (meta information), control device 100 determines the relational expression f=(sensor value)×200 / 4095-10.

[0090] Similarly, the attribute information 60 is referenced and relational expressions 152 are determined.

[0091] As with the sensor 40 shown in FIG. 5, a digital certificate including attribute information 60 may be used.

[0092] (d3: Adding attribute information 60 to the sensor value) In the above description, a processing example has been shown in which the control device 100 has acquired the attribute information 60 in advance, but the attribute information 60 may be attached to the sensor value. In this case, the sensor 40 or the relay device 80 may transmit the sensor value to which the attribute information 60 has been attached to the control device 100.

[0093] For example, when the above meta-information is transmitted in a state where it is attached to the sensor value, the following data structure may be adopted.

[0094] Temperature Sensor;0:4095;-100:100;Celsius;1506 In the above-described data structure, the contents of the attribute information 60 are arranged serially separated by semicolons, followed by the sensor values. Any data structure may be employed, but the sensor values ​​may be transmitted to the control device 100 with the attribute information 60 attached. By employing such a data structure, it is possible to easily calculate a value with meaning from each sensor value.

[0095] (d4: Association of sensor values ​​with timestamps) A corresponding timestamp may be assigned to the sensor value detected by the sensor 40. The timestamp may indicate the timing at which the sensor value was detected by the sensor 40, or may indicate the timing at which the sensor value was collected by the relay device 80. Alternatively, the timestamp may indicate the timing at which the sensor value was collected by the control device 100. Furthermore, any device located along the path of the sensor value transmitted from the sensor 40 to the control device 100 may assign a timestamp to the sensor value.

[0096] The timestamp may be added by the sensor 40 or the relay device 80, or may be added by the control device 100 when storing the data in the time-series database 160.

[0097] By assigning such a timestamp to the sensor value, it is possible not only to manage the meaning indicated by each sensor value, but also to analyze the meaning indicated by each sensor value over time.

[0098] (d5: Meaning of sensor values ​​according to state values) The meaning of the sensor value may be changed based on the state value 90 held by the control device 100.

[0099] 7 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a process for changing the meaning of a sensor value depending on a state value in control system 1 according to the present embodiment. Referring to FIG. 7, control device 100 is connected to sensor 40. Sensor 40 is switched between a state for detecting the sensor value of equipment 1 and a state for detecting the sensor value of equipment 2 depending on the operational state, etc. Control device 100 acquires, for example, a state value 90 indicating the operational state.

[0100] The attribute information 60 stored in the sensor 40 may include attribute information for when the sensor value of the facility 1 is detected and attribute information for when the sensor value of the facility 2 is detected.

[0101] Based on the status value 90, the control device 100 can determine a status in which the sensor 40 is detecting a sensor value from facility 1 (e.g., status value 90 = "1") and a status in which the sensor 40 is detecting a sensor value from facility 2 (e.g., status value 90 = "2"). When the sensor 40 is detecting a sensor value from facility 1, the control device 100 assigns meaning to the sensor value based on a relational expression determined based on attribute information about facility 1. On the other hand, when the sensor 40 is detecting a sensor value from facility 2, the control device 100 assigns meaning to the sensor value based on a relational expression determined based on attribute information about facility 2.

[0102] In this way, the control device 100 can easily calculate a value that is assigned meaning from the sensor value detected by the sensor 40 based on the attribute information 60 and the state value 90 and in accordance with the detection target of the sensor 40 .

[0103] (d6: Use of attribute information 60) In the above explanation, the process of calculating a meaningful value 70 from a sensor value 50 based on a relational expression determined based on attribute information 60 has been described, but the process of calculating a feature from one or more sensor values ​​50 may also be made dependent on attribute information 60.

[0104] As an example of using the attribute information 60, multiple sensor values ​​50 indicating a specific attribute may be selected based on the attribute information 60 assigned to each sensor value 50, and a feature value indicating the attribute may be calculated from the selected multiple sensor values ​​50. For example, a first sensor value indicating a force detected from the same equipment (motor) and a second sensor value indicating a movement amount may be used to calculate the amount of work performed on the equipment. In this way, the determined relational expression may include a definition for calculating a value assigned meaning from two or more sensor values ​​50.

[0105] As another example of using the attribute information 60, the method or granularity of data compression may be changed based on the attribute information 60. For example, if the sensor value 50 indicates a temperature, the data may be thinned out according to the expected rate of temperature change. Conversely, if the sensor value 50 indicates a current, the collection cycle may be shortened as much as possible.

[0106] [E. Processing Procedure Example] Next, an example of a processing procedure in control system 1 according to the present embodiment will be described.

[0107] 8 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure in the control system 1 according to the present embodiment. Each step shown in FIG. 8 may be realized, for example, by the processor 102 of the control device 100 executing the system program 120 and / or the user program 122.

[0108] 8, the control device 100 connects to one or more sensors 40 in accordance with configuration information prepared in advance (step S100). The control device 100 acquires attribute information 60 from the sensors 40 that have attribute information 60, among the one or more connected sensors 40 (step S102). If there is a sensor 40 for which attribute information 60 could not be acquired (YES in step S104), the control device 100 searches for the attribute information 60 of the sensor 40 for which attribute information 60 could not be acquired (step S106) and acquires the searched attribute information 60 (step S108). For example, the control device 100 may search for a relay device 80 to which the sensor 40 is connected, or may search for a server that manages the attribute information 60. In this way, the control device 100 executes a process of acquiring attribute information 60 indicating the attributes of the sensor value 50.

[0109] The control device 100 determines the relational expression 152 for each sensor 40 based on the acquired attribute information 60 (step S110).

[0110] When the control device 100 acquires the sensor value 50 detected by the sensor 40 (step S112), it calculates a value that is assigned meaning from the sensor value 50 detected by the sensor 40 according to the determined relational expression 152 (step S114).

[0111] In this way, the control device 100 executes a process of acquiring the sensor value 50 detected by the sensor 40 arranged in the facility. Then, the control device 100 determines a relational expression based on the attribute information 60, and executes a process of calculating a value assigned meaning from the sensor value 50 in accordance with the determined relational expression.

[0112] The processes of steps S110 and S114 do not have to be executed simultaneously with the acquisition of the sensor values ​​from the sensor 40, but may be executed after the sensor values ​​are collected.

[0113] Furthermore, if a server that manages the attribute information 60 of the sensor 40 is provided, the control device 100 may acquire the attribute information 60 of the sensor 40 that is the source of the sensor value by querying the server using identification information (Identification) that indicates the sensor value that needs to be collected as a key. By acquiring only the necessary attribute information 60, it is possible to reduce the wasteful consumption of resources for acquiring the attribute information 60. The server that manages the attribute information 60 may be the server 300 (see FIG. 2 ) or a server located on the cloud.

[0114] The attribute information 60 managed by the server may be, for example, a profile defined in the standard of the industrial network supported by the sensor 40 (for example, an ESI file of EtherCAT, an EDS file of EtherNet / IP, etc.).

[0115] The identification information may be determined according to a unique rule, or information from the industrial network may be used. For example, the EtherCAT Index / Subindex, the EtherNet / IP Class / Instance / Attribute, and the OPU / UA NodeId may be used as the identification information. By using the identification information from the industrial network, the required attribute information 60 can be easily acquired using the identification information, the collected sensor value (variable name), type information, etc. as keys.

[0116] [F. Variations] In the above, an example has been described in which the attribute information 60 includes information for calculating a value assigned meaning from the sensor value, but the attribute information 60 may include, in addition to or instead of the information, the security level, reliability, confidentiality (degree of secrecy) of the sensor value, etc. The control device 100 may determine how to handle the collected sensor value based on such information.

[0117] [G. Notes] The present embodiment as described above includes the following technical idea.

[0118] (Configuration 1) A control device (100) for controlling equipment, a first acquisition unit (130) that acquires a sensor value (50) detected by a sensor (40) arranged in the facility; a second acquisition unit (140) that acquires attribute information (60) that indicates an attribute of the sensor value; a calculation unit (150) that determines a relational expression (152) based on the attribute information and calculates a value (70) that is assigned meaning from the sensor value in accordance with the determined relational expression.

[0119] (Configuration 2) 2. The control device according to claim 1, wherein the attribute information includes a type of the sensor and a range of the assigned value.

[0120] (Configuration 3) 3. The control device according to claim 2, wherein the attribute information further includes a range of the sensor value.

[0121] (Configuration 4) 4. The control device according to any one of configurations 1 to 3, wherein the determined relational expression includes a definition for calculating the value assigned meaning from two or more of the sensor values.

[0122] (Configuration 5) 5. The control device according to any one of configurations 1 to 4, wherein the sensor value is provided with a timestamp.

[0123] (Configuration 6) 6. The control device according to any one of configurations 1 to 5, wherein the attribute information is included in an electronic certificate.

[0124] (Configuration 7) An information processing method executed by a control device (100) for controlling equipment, comprising: A step (S112) of acquiring a sensor value (50) detected by a sensor (40) arranged in the facility; Steps (S102, S108) of acquiring attribute information indicating attributes of the sensor value; determining a relational expression based on the attribute information, and calculating a value assigned meaning from the sensor value in accordance with the determined relational expression (S110, S114).

[0125] (Configuration 8) An information processing program (120, 122) executed by a control device (100) for controlling equipment, the information processing program causing the control device to: A step (S112) of acquiring a sensor value (50) detected by a sensor (40) arranged in the facility; Steps (S102, S108) of acquiring attribute information indicating attributes of the sensor value; determining a relational expression based on the attribute information, and calculating a value assigned meaning from the sensor value in accordance with the determined relational expression (S110, S114).

[0126] [H.Advantages] According to this embodiment, a value with meaning can be calculated from the sensor value based on attribute information indicating the attributes of the sensor value. By providing such attribute information, even a general-purpose application and a general-purpose computer can interpret the meaning of the sensor value. This can promote the use and utilization of data.

[0127] Furthermore, the ability to easily interpret the meaning of sensor values ​​makes it easier to add data to information models such as asset management shells.

[0128] Furthermore, by making it easy to interpret the meaning of sensor values, it is also possible to easily characterize collected sensor values ​​and values ​​calculated from sensor values, and to compress the data. Characterization and / or data compression can reduce the resources required for data processing and / or transmission.

[0129] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered to be illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, not by the above description, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0130] 1 Control system, 2, 4 Field network, 6 Information network, 10 Remote input / output device, 12 Relay, 14, 30 Sensor unit, 18 Servo driver, 20 Servo motor, 22 Encoder, 24 Image processing device, 26 Camera, 28 Sensor driver, 40 Sensor, 50 Sensor value, 60 Attribute information, 70 Semantically assigned value, 80 Relay device, 90 State value, 100 Control device, 102, 202 Processor, 104, 204 Memory, 106, 206 Storage, 108, 212 USB controller, 110 Memory card interface, 112 Memory card, 114, 116 Field network controller, 120, 220 System program, 122 User program, 130 First acquisition unit, 140 Second acquisition unit, 150 Calculation unit, 152 Relational equation, 160 Time series database, 200 Support device, 208 Input interface, 210 display interface, 214 network controller, 216 optical drive, 218 optical recording medium, 222 support program, 224 project data, 300 server.

Claims

1. A control device for controlling equipment, a first acquisition unit that acquires a sensor value detected by a sensor disposed in the facility; a second acquisition unit that acquires attribute information indicating an attribute of the sensor value; a calculation unit that determines a relational expression based on the attribute information, and calculates a value that is assigned meaning from the sensor value in accordance with the determined relational expression.

2. The control device according to claim 1 , wherein the attribute information includes a type of the sensor and a range of the assigned value.

3. The control device according to claim 2 , wherein the attribute information further includes a range of the sensor value.

4. 4. The control device according to claim 1, wherein the determined relational expression includes a definition for calculating the value assigned meaning from two or more of the sensor values.

5. The control device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the sensor values ​​are time-stamped.

6. The control device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the attribute information is included in an electronic certificate.

7. An information processing method executed by a control device for controlling equipment, acquiring a sensor value detected by a sensor disposed in the facility; acquiring attribute information indicating attributes of the sensor value; determining a relational expression based on the attribute information, and calculating a value assigned meaning from the sensor value in accordance with the determined relational expression.

8. An information processing program executed by a control device for controlling equipment, the information processing program including: acquiring a sensor value detected by a sensor disposed in the facility; acquiring attribute information indicating attributes of the sensor value; determining a relational expression based on the attribute information, and calculating a value assigned meaning from the sensor value in accordance with the determined relational expression.

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