Communication system, evaluation system, communication data evaluation method, and program

Abstract

To provide information, such as videos within a controlled area, according to the needs of visitors, and also enable two-way communication between the visitors and the staff in the controlled area.SOLUTION: In a communication system (100), a first network includes first communication devices (113, 114) that are located at the normal time within a controlled area (11) where communication with second communication devices (21, 22) is blocked, and a relay device (112) that is provided between the first communication devices (113, 114) and the second communication devices (21, 22) and stops functioning at the normal time, where the relay device (112) is activated based on a trigger signal from a communication device that is located in a location in the first network where the second communication devices (21, 22) are not located, and enables two-way communication between the first communication devices (113, 114) and the second communication devices (21, 22).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a communication system, an evaluation system, a communication data evaluation method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Plants such as waste incineration power plants and various factories hold facility tours with the aim of raising public awareness and understanding of environmental conservation. Most tours involve visitors actually visiting the site.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a viewing facility that includes multiple viewing areas, video devices installed in each viewing area that display explanatory information about each piece of equipment or the flow of a process, and a control unit that switches the explanatory information displayed on each video device to different information about the equipment or the flow of a process that is displayed before a visitor moves between the multiple viewing areas. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-068112 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, the viewing facility disclosed in Patent Document 1 is configured to display on a video device each piece of explanatory information selected from a video database that stores content including explanatory information about multiple pieces of equipment and each processing step, and various pieces of explanatory information are recorded in the video database in advance.

[0006] Furthermore, the observation facility of Patent Document 1 does not allow visitors to see the actual state of the facility, and visitors are limited to viewing images provided in one direction by the facility.

[0007] Furthermore, plants and other facilities have areas known as controlled areas, where only personnel who have received prescribed training are permitted to enter. Furthermore, due to their structure, it is often difficult to transmit and receive external radio waves inside the furnace room, which is a controlled area. Furthermore, for security reasons, existing facility management networks do not allow visitors to access them, making it inappropriate to use facility management networks for facility tours.

[0008] Due to the above constraints, it was difficult for trained staff to handle tours while engaging in two-way communication with visitors from outside the controlled area.

[0009] One aspect of the present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned conventional problems, and aims to provide technology that enables two-way communication between visitors and those within a managed area while providing information such as video within the managed area that meets the needs of the visitors. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a communication system according to one embodiment of the present invention is a communication system that controls communication in a first network including a first communication device located within a controlled area within a plant facility and a second communication device located outside the controlled area that communicates with the first communication device, wherein the first network includes the first communication device located within the controlled area where communication with the second communication device is normally blocked, and a relay device that is located between the first communication device and the second communication device and stops functioning normally, and that is activated based on a trigger signal from a communication device located in a location in the first network where the second communication device is not located, enabling two-way communication between the first communication device and the second communication device.

[0011] In order to solve the above problems, an evaluation system according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a first communication device located within a controlled area of ​​a plant facility, and a second communication device located outside the controlled area that communicates with the first communication device, via a first network between the first communication device and the second communication device, and two-way communication is performed between the first communication device and the second communication device, the two-way communication being performed between the first communication device and the second communication device, the two-way communication being performed between the first communication device and the second communication device via a second network different from the first network; and a data evaluation system that evaluates specified evaluation items based on the communication data stored in the database.

[0012] In addition, in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a communication data evaluation method according to one embodiment of the present invention includes the steps of: performing bidirectional communication between a first communication device located within a controlled area of ​​a plant facility and a second communication device located outside the controlled area that communicates with the first communication device via a first network between the first communication device and the second communication device; storing communication data regarding communication via the first network, which is obtained from the first communication device and the second communication device via a second network different from the first network, in a database; and evaluating specified evaluation items based on the communication data stored in the database.

[0013] In addition, in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a program according to one embodiment of the present invention causes a computer to perform the following processes: a process in which two-way communication is performed between a first communication device located within a controlled area of ​​a plant facility and a second communication device located outside the controlled area that communicates with the first communication device via a first network between the first communication device and the second communication device; and a process in which communication data regarding communication via the first network, which is obtained from the first communication device and the second communication device via a second network different from the first network, is stored in a database; and a process in which predetermined evaluation items are evaluated based on the communication data stored in the database. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] According to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide information such as images of the managed area according to the needs of the visitor, while enabling two-way communication between the visitor and the area within the managed area. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of a processing procedure of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure of the evaluation system according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure of a remote monitoring center according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] <Example of communication system configuration> 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a communication system 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention. This communication system is applicable to plant facilities such as waste incineration power generation facilities and plants with strict security areas (e.g., nuclear power plants). Below, a case where the communication system 100 according to this embodiment is applied to a waste incineration power generation facility, which is an example of a plant facility, will be described.

[0017] The communication system 100 includes a waste incineration power generation facility 1, tour locations 2-1 to 2-2, an evaluation system 3, and a remote monitoring center (remote monitoring system) 4, and is configured to be able to communicate via a wide area network (WAN (Wide Area Network)) such as the Internet. In the communication system 100, the plant control system 12 and other systems within the waste incineration power generation facility 1 are independent of each other, and the other systems within the communication system 100 can communicate with the plant control system 12 via a facility control local area network (LAN) 123.

[0018] <Configuration example of waste incineration power generation facility 1> Although not shown, the waste incineration power generation facility 1 is equipped with equipment such as a waste crane, an input hopper, a dust feeder, a grate, an incinerator, a boiler, a superheater, a coal economizer, a cooling tower, a filter-type dust collector, a chimney, etc., and these facilities will be collectively referred to as equipment (plant equipment). Although not shown, cameras that film the equipment are placed around each piece of equipment as filming devices, and the images filmed by the cameras can be distributed.

[0019] The waste incineration and power generation facility 1 includes a controlled area 11, a plant control system 12, a router 13, and firewalls 14 and 17. The firewalls 14 and 17 protect the networks (the controlled area tour network, the outside controlled area tour network, and the facility control LAN) by blocking unauthorized intrusion into the waste incineration and power generation facility 1 from the outside and prohibiting unauthorized access from the inside of the waste incineration and power generation facility 1 to the outside.

[0020] The controlled area 11 includes equipment 111 such as the furnace room, and is a shielded space that cannot transmit or receive radio waves from the outside, and only personnel who have received training in preventing exposure to dioxins can enter. Therefore, visitors cannot view images of the inside of the controlled area 11 up close in real time.

[0021] Additionally, for security reasons, it is not possible to connect to the network within the controlled area or for two-way communication between staff and visitors, which means that it is not possible to provide online visitors from remote locations with a realistic view of the inside of the controlled area.

[0022] Therefore, an AP (access point) 112 is provided within the managed area 11, and communication is enabled via a router 13 and a firewall 14 between a terminal device 21 located at the viewing location (classroom A) 2-1 and a terminal device 22 located at the viewing location (classroom B) 2-2, and a camera that captures images of equipment 111 located within the managed area 11, a camera 113 that captures images of the broadcaster, and a terminal device 114 used by broadcaster A. In the following description, the AP 112 and the router 13 may be collectively referred to as relay devices.

[0023] For example, the AP 112 can be constructed by installing communication equipment such as mesh WiFi (Wireless Fidelity) (registered trademark) within the controlled area 11. Alternatively, a wired LAN may be constructed using a LAN cable. This allows communication between the inside and outside of the controlled area 11 to be temporarily enabled only during limited times, such as during tours, making it possible to provide real-time video of the inside of the controlled area 11. This also enables two-way communication between visitors and staff at the waste-to-energy facility, making it possible to provide video according to the needs of the visitors. However, the construction method of the AP 112 is not limited to these.

[0024] Although the controlled area 11 is actually a space that is physically shielded by walls, it also includes a space where communication with the outside world is blocked by only permitting communication via AP 112 and the like and restricting other communications.

[0025] The network between terminal device 21 located at viewing location (classroom A) 2-1 and terminal device 22 located at viewing location (classroom B) 2-2, and the camera capturing images of equipment 111 located within managed area 11, camera 113 capturing images of broadcaster A, terminal device 114 used by broadcaster A, cameras capturing images of equipment located outside managed area 11, camera 15 capturing images of broadcaster B, and terminal device 16 used by broadcaster B will be referred to as a remote viewing network (first network). In Figure 1, the remote viewing network is indicated by a solid line. In the remote viewing network, communication is carried out using a VPN (virtual private network), maintaining high security within managed area 11.

[0026] Within controlled area 11, cameras that film equipment 111 inside the furnace room, etc., cameras 113 that film distributor A, terminal device 114 used by distributor A, etc. are placed. When visitors at viewing locations 2-1 and 2-2 use terminal devices 21 and 22 to tour controlled area 11, the video data filmed by the cameras that film equipment 111 in controlled area 11, the video data filmed by camera 113 that film distributor A, explanations (audio data) by distributor A, text data entered by distributor A operating terminal device 114, icons, and other information are distributed to terminal devices 21 and 22 via the remote viewing network.

[0027] The viewing location may be any location other than the waste-to-energy facility 1, and terminal devices at multiple viewing locations may be connected to the first network. The multiple viewing locations may include different classrooms in the same school, or may include locations in different schools.

[0028] Similarly, information such as video of the visitor, the visitor's conversation (audio data), text data entered by the visitor operating terminal device 21 or 22, icons, etc. are transmitted to terminal device 114 via the remote visitor network.

[0029] In addition, cameras are also placed on the equipment outside the controlled area 11, and a camera 15 that films broadcaster B outside the controlled area 11 and a terminal device 16 used by broadcaster B are also placed there.Video data taken by the camera that films the equipment outside the controlled area 11, video data taken by camera 15 that films broadcaster B, explanations (audio data) by broadcaster B, text data entered by broadcaster B by operating terminal device 16, icons, and other information are distributed to terminal devices 21 and 22 via the remote viewing network.

[0030] The camera that photographs the equipment 111 located within the managed area 11, the camera 113 that photographs broadcaster A, the terminal device 114, the camera that photographs the equipment located outside the managed area 11, the camera 15 that photographs broadcaster B, and the terminal device 16 may also be referred to as first communication devices. The terminal device 21 located in the observation location (classroom A) 2-1 and the terminal device 22 located in the observation location (classroom B) 2-2 may also be referred to as second communication devices. Information exchanged between the first communication device and the second communication device (such as video data, audio data, text data, and icons) is referred to as first communication data. The first communication data is provided with a timestamp indicating the time when the information, such as the video data, audio data, text data, and icons, was generated.

[0031] When the camera photographing the equipment and facilities 111 located within the controlled area 11, the camera 113 photographing broadcaster A, the terminal device 114, the camera photographing the equipment and facilities located outside the controlled area 11, the camera 15 photographing broadcaster B, and the terminal device 16 receive a transmission request from the evaluation system 3, they transmit the first communication data to the evaluation system 3. The network between the cameras photographing the equipment and facilities located in the waste-to-energy facility 1, the camera 15, the camera 113, the terminal devices 16 and 114, and the evaluation system 3 will be referred to as the tour evaluation network (second network). In Figure 1, the tour evaluation network is indicated by a dotted line.

[0032] The plant control system 12 includes a plant control device 121, a router 122, and a facility control LAN 123. The plant control device 121 controls the equipment and facilities 111 in the controlled area 11 and the equipment and facilities outside the controlled area 11 by transmitting control signals via the facility control LAN 123, thereby performing process management within the waste incineration power generation facility 1. As shown in Fig. 1, the equipment and facilities 111 are connected by a wire, and the control signals for controlling the equipment and facilities 111 are transmitted via this wire. Therefore, the information transmitted and received via the first network does not include the control signals for controlling the equipment and facilities 111.

[0033] Furthermore, when the plant control device 121 receives a transmission request from the remote monitoring center 4 via the router 122 and the facility control LAN 123, it transmits information indicating the control content of the equipment (control information) to the remote monitoring center 4. This control information is also referred to as second communication data. The second communication data is provided with a timestamp indicating the time when the equipment was controlled.

[0034] The network between the plant control system 12 and the remote monitoring center 4 will be referred to as the plant control network. In Fig. 1, the plant control network is indicated by a dashed line. In the plant control network, communication is performed using a VPN, maintaining high security within the plant control system 12. Note that the configuration of the plant control system 12 and the exchange of control information are merely examples and can be changed as appropriate.

[0035] <Example of evaluation system 3 configuration> The evaluation system 3 includes an evaluation PC (Personal Computer) 31, a tour access control PC 32, a router 33, a tour DB (first database) 34, and a firewall 35. The firewall 35 protects the network (evaluation LAN) within the evaluation system 3 by blocking unauthorized intrusion into the evaluation system 3 from the outside and prohibiting unauthorized access from the evaluation system 3 to the outside.

[0036] The evaluation PC 31 requests the first communication device and the second communication device to transmit the first communication data when visitors at the tour locations 2-1 and 2-2 are touring the waste incineration power generation facility 1 via the WAN 5. The evaluation PC 31 may periodically request the first communication device and the second communication device to transmit the first communication data, or may request the first communication device and the second communication device to transmit unsent first communication data.

[0037] The first communication device and the second communication device may store the first communication data during the tour and transmit the first communication data all at once when the tour ends. Also, for example, the cameras 15 and 113 capturing the equipment and the broadcaster may transmit images at a predetermined interval (for example, a frame every second) to reduce the amount of data.

[0038] The tour DB 34 accumulates the first communication data received from the first communication device and the second communication device in response to a transmission request from the evaluation PC 31. As described above, the first communication data is time-stamped, so the tour DB 34 may accumulate the first communication data in chronological order. The evaluation PC 31 searches the first communication data accumulated in the tour DB 34 and the second communication data accumulated in the control DB 41 to evaluate predetermined evaluation items, as will be described in detail later. The evaluation PC 31 may be replaced by a cloud service or the like. Hereinafter, the evaluation PC 31 and the cloud service may be collectively referred to as a data evaluation system.

[0039] The tour access control PC 32 controls access to the router 13 and the router 33 provided in the communication system 100. For example, if suspicious behavior is observed from a tour participant at the tour location 2-1 or 2-2, the PC 32 controls the router 13 to block access from the terminal device 21 or 22 used by the tour participant.

[0040] During normal times when no visitors are visiting, the tour access control PC 32 stops the functions of the relay devices (AP 112, router 13) to prevent communication between the first communication device and the second communication device. When a visitor is visiting, the relay devices (AP 112, router 13) are activated based on a trigger signal from a communication device (e.g., tour access control PC 32, terminal device 114, terminal device 16) located in a place where the second communication device is not located, enabling two-way communication between the first communication device and the second communication device.

[0041] For example, a person in charge of the evaluation system 3 can operate the tour access control PC 32 to send a trigger signal to the relay device (AP 112, router 13). Alternatively, distributor A can operate the terminal device 114 to send a trigger signal to the relay device (AP 112, router 13). Alternatively, distributor B can operate the terminal device 16 to send a trigger signal to the relay device (AP 112, router 13).

[0042] Furthermore, when communication between the viewing location 2-1 and the viewing location 2-2 is permitted, a router is interposed in the network between the terminal device 21 and the terminal device 22. If a problem occurs between a visitor at the viewing location 2-1 and a visitor at the viewing location 2-2, the router may be controlled to cut off communication between the terminal device 21 and the terminal device 22.

[0043] 1, the tour access control PC 32 is located in the evaluation system 3, but the tour access control PC 32 may be located elsewhere. For example, the tour access control PC 32 may be located in the managed area 11, and the distributor A may operate the tour access control PC 32 to control the router 13, etc.

[0044] <Configuration example of remote monitoring center 4> The remote monitoring center 4 includes a control DB (second database) 41 and a firewall 42. The firewall 42 protects the network within the remote monitoring center 4 by blocking unauthorized intrusion into the inside of the remote monitoring center 4 from the outside and prohibiting unauthorized access from the inside of the remote monitoring center 4 to the outside.

[0045] The control DB 41 stores the second communication data received from the plant control device 121. As described above, the second communication data is time-stamped, so the control DB 41 may store the second communication data in chronological order. In response to a request from the evaluation PC 31, the control DB 41 transmits the stored second communication data via a network (not shown).

[0046] <Processing Procedure of Communication System 100> 2 is a sequence diagram illustrating the processing procedure of the communication system 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Regardless of whether the tour location is inside or outside the controlled area 11, for example, before displaying images of the controlled area 11 on the terminal devices 21 and 22 used by the tour participants or on displays installed in the waste-to-energy facility 1, application buttons and the like are displayed.

[0047] Pressing the button then triggers an instruction to provide video to the cameras and terminal devices 114 in the managed area 11, and video acquisition conditions are displayed on the terminal device 114 in the managed area 11 in accordance with the visitor's request, establishing communication between the two. In addition to this, the terminal device 114 in the managed area 11 may basically call out to the visitor's terminal devices 21 and 22, and the visitor's terminal devices 21 and 22 may then respond to the call.

[0048] When visitors at viewing locations 2-1 and 2-2 begin to tour the waste incineration power generation facility 1, transmission and reception of information such as video data, audio data, and text data begins between the first communication device located in the controlled area 11 and the second communication device located at viewing locations 2-1 and 2-2 (S11).

[0049] Next, in response to a request from the evaluation system 3, the second communication devices located at the tour locations 2-1 and 2-2 transmit the first communication data to the evaluation system 3 (S12). Also, in response to a request from the evaluation system 3, the first communication data is transmitted from the first communication device located within the controlled area 11 to the evaluation system 3 (S13). The tour DB 34 in the evaluation system 3 stores the first communication data received from the first communication device and the first communication data received from the second communication device (S14).

[0050] Meanwhile, the plant control device 121 in the plant control system 12 controls the equipment and facilities 111 in the controlled area 11 and the equipment and facilities outside the controlled area 11 (S15). Then, in response to a request from the remote monitoring center 4, the plant control device 121 transmits information indicating the control content of the equipment and facilities (control information) to the remote monitoring center 4 as second communication data (S16). The control DB 41 in the remote monitoring center 4 accumulates the second communication data received from the plant control device 121 (S17).

[0051] Similarly, information such as video data, audio data, and text data is transmitted and received between the first communication device located within the managed area 11 and the second communication devices located at the tour locations 2-1 and 2-2 (S18). In response to a request from the evaluation system 3, the second communication devices located at the tour locations 2-1 and 2-2 transmit the first communication data to the evaluation system 3 (S19). Also, in response to a request from the evaluation system 3, the first communication data is transmitted from the first communication device located within the managed area 11 to the evaluation system 3 (S20). The tour DB 34 in the evaluation system 3 stores the first communication data received from the first communication device and the first communication data received from the second communication device (S21).

[0052] Similarly, the plant control device 121 in the plant control system 12 controls the equipment and facilities 111 in the controlled area 11 and the equipment and facilities outside the controlled area 11 (S22). Then, in response to a request from the remote monitoring center 4, the plant control device 121 transmits information indicating the control content of the equipment and facilities (control information) to the remote monitoring center 4 as second communication data (S23). The control DB 41 in the remote monitoring center 4 accumulates the second communication data received from the plant control device 121 (S24).

[0053] The same processing as in steps S11 to S24 is repeated. Then, when the visitors finish touring the tour locations 2-1 and 2-2 (S25), the control DB 41 in the remote monitoring center 4 transmits the accumulated second communication data to the evaluation PC 31 in response to a request from the evaluation PC 31 in the evaluation system 3 (S26).

[0054] Finally, the evaluation PC 31 in the evaluation system 3 refers to the timestamp and evaluates the specified evaluation items based on the first communication data stored in the tour DB 34 and the second communication data received from the control DB 41 (S27).

[0055] For example, the evaluation PC 31 analyzes the reactions of the visitor and the broadcaster by referring to the video data, audio data, text data, icons, etc. of the first communication data stored in the visitor DB 34. For example, the evaluation PC 31 may use video of the face of the visitor or the broadcaster captured by a camera to collect information on the emotions of the visitor or the broadcaster through facial recognition (facial expression identification) and obtain the reactions of the visitor or the broadcaster.

[0056] In addition, the evaluation PC 31 may collect information about the emotions of the visitor or broadcaster by searching the visitor DB 34 for icons representing the emotions that the visitor or broadcaster has entered into their terminal device, and obtain the reactions of the visitor or broadcaster.

[0057] The evaluation PC 31 may also analyze audio data and, for example, extract audio data when the audience cheers, thereby acquiring the audience's reactions. The evaluation PC 31 may also analyze text data, collect information on the emotions of the audience and the broadcaster, and acquire the audience's and the broadcaster's reactions.

[0058] The evaluation PC 31 analyzes the first communication data to identify the video data, audio data, text data, or icon that the visitor was interested in. Then, the evaluation PC 31 refers to the timestamp attached to the identified video data, audio data, text data, or icon to identify the time at which the event that the visitor was interested occurred.

[0059] The evaluation PC 31 can then extract the video of the event that the visitor was interested in by extracting from the visitor DB 34 the video data of the equipment and facilities that has a timestamp corresponding to that time. This makes it possible to determine which equipment and facilities in the waste-to-energy facility 1 the visitor was interested in.

[0060] Furthermore, the evaluation PC 31 uses analysis to identify the video data, audio data, text data, or icon that the visitor is interested in. Then, the evaluation PC 31 refers to the timestamp attached to the identified video data, audio data, text data, or icon to identify the time when the event that the visitor is interested in occurred.

[0061] Then, the evaluation PC 31 can extract the control information with the time stamp corresponding to that time from the second communication data, thereby extracting the process in the waste incineration power generation facility 1 in which the visitor showed interest. This makes it possible to determine which process in the waste incineration power generation facility 1 the visitor showed interest in.

[0062] Furthermore, the tour DB 34 may store and store the visitors' reactions and impressions during the tour in association with visitor information (e.g., the visitor's age, gender, etc.) to create a database. For example, the evaluation PC 31 may analyze the tour contents that were well-rated by each age group of visitors and present the analysis results to the waste incineration power generation facility staff.

[0063] 2 describes the processing procedure between the first communication device in the managed area 11 and the terminal devices 21 and 22 located at the tour locations 2-1 and 2-2. However, the same processing procedure can also be used for processing between the first communication device outside the managed area 11 and the terminal devices 21 and 22 located at the tour locations 2-1 and 2-2.

[0064] <Processing procedure for evaluation system 3> 3 is a flowchart illustrating the processing steps of the evaluation system 3 according to one embodiment of the present invention. When visitors at the tour locations 2-1 and 2-2 begin to tour the waste-to-energy facility 1, transmission and reception of information such as video data, audio data, and text data begins between the first communication device located in the controlled area 11 and the second communication device located at the tour locations 2-1 and 2-2. Note that transmission and reception of information such as video data, audio data, and text data may also be performed between the second communication device and a communication device outside the controlled area 11 (a camera 15 that captures images of equipment and facilities outside the controlled area 11, and a terminal device 16).

[0065] The evaluation PC 31 transmits a request to transmit first communication data to the first communication device located in the management area 11 and the second communication device located at the tour locations 2-1 and 2-2. When the tour DB 34 receives the first communication data from the first communication device located in the management area 11 and the second communication device located at the tour locations 2-1 and 2-2 (S31), it stores the received first communication data (S32).

[0066] Next, the evaluation PC 31 determines whether or not the visitors at the tour locations 2-1 and 2-2 have completed their tour of the waste incineration power generation facility 1 (S33). If the tour has not ended (S33, No), the process returns to step S31 and repeats the subsequent processes.

[0067] Furthermore, if the tour has ended (S33, Yes), the evaluation PC 31 transmits a request to the remote monitoring center 4 to send the second communication data (control information) stored in the control DB 41. When the evaluation PC 31 receives the second communication data from the control DB 41 (S34), it refers to the timestamp and searches for the first communication data stored in the tour DB 34 in association with the second communication data received from the control DB 41 (S35).

[0068] Finally, the evaluation PC 31 evaluates the predetermined evaluation items based on the first communication data and the second communication data (S36). For example, if the evaluation items are events in which the visitor showed interest, the evaluation PC 31 evaluates which process in the waste-to-energy facility 1 the visitor showed interest in. The evaluation PC 31 may also evaluate which video of which equipment in the waste-to-energy facility 1 the visitor showed interest in.

[0069] <Remote Monitoring Center 4 Processing Procedure> 4 is a flowchart for explaining the processing procedure of the remote monitoring center 4 according to one embodiment of the present invention. When visitors from the tour locations 2-1 and 2-2 begin to tour the waste-to-energy facility 1, the control DB 41 receives second communication data (information related to the control of the equipment and facilities 111) from the plant control device 121 in the plant control system 12 (S41), and stores the received second communication data (S42).

[0070] Next, it is determined whether or not the visitors at the tour locations 2-1 and 2-2 have completed their tour of the waste incineration power generation facility 1 (S43). If the tour has not ended (S43, No), the process returns to step S41 and the subsequent processes are repeated.

[0071] Also, if the tour has ended (S43, Yes), the control DB41 transmits the accumulated second communication data to the evaluation PC31 in the evaluation system 3 in response to a transmission request from the evaluation system 3 (S44), and ends the processing.

[0072] <Advantages of the communication system 100 according to this embodiment> As described above, according to the communication system 100 of this embodiment, the relay devices (AP 112, router 13) relay communication between the first communication devices (cameras that capture images of equipment, cameras 15, 113, terminal devices 16, 114) and the second communication devices (terminal devices 21, 22) located within the managed area 11. Therefore, visitors at the tour locations 2-1 and 2-2 can obtain information about the managed area 11, such as images of the managed area 11, and can also have two-way communication between the visitors and the area within the managed area 11.

[0073] Furthermore, communication between the first communication devices (cameras 15 and 113 that photograph equipment facilities, and terminal devices 16 and 114) and the second communication devices (terminal devices 21 and 22) is performed using a VPN. Therefore, high security can be maintained within the controlled area 11.

[0074] Furthermore, the evaluation PC 31 evaluates predetermined evaluation items based on the first communication data acquired from the tour DB 34 via the tour evaluation network (second network). Therefore, the evaluation PC 31 can evaluate information such as video data, audio data, and text data exchanged between the first communication device and the second communication device.

[0075] Furthermore, the evaluation PC 31 refers to the time stamp to search the first communication data accumulated in the tour DB 34. Therefore, the evaluation PC 31 can easily search for information such as video data, audio data, and text data.

[0076] Furthermore, the plant control device 121 controls the equipment 111 via a plant control network (third network). Therefore, the plant control device 121 can easily control the equipment 111 in the controlled area 11.

[0077] Furthermore, the control DB 41 acquires and stores information relating to the control of the equipment and facilities 111 by the plant control device 121 as second communication data via the plant control network (third network). Therefore, by referring to the second communication data stored in the control DB 41, information on processes and the like in the waste incineration power generation facility 1 can be acquired.

[0078] Furthermore, the evaluation PC 31 references the timestamps to search for the first communication data stored in the tour DB 34 and the second communication data stored in the control DB 41 in association with each other, and evaluates predetermined evaluation items based on the searched first communication data and second communication data. Therefore, the evaluation PC 31 can obtain information such as which processes in the waste incineration power generation facility 1 the visitors to the tour locations 2-1 and 2-2 showed interest in.

[0079] Furthermore, the tour access control PC 32 controls the relay device (router 13) via the remote tour network (first network) and controls access from the second communication device. Therefore, the tour access control PC 32 can block access from a visitor who has exhibited suspicious behavior, for example.

[0080] <Software implementation example> The functions of the first communication device, the second communication device, the evaluation PC 31, and the plant control device 121 (hereinafter referred to as "devices") are programs for causing a computer to function as the devices, and can be realized by programs for causing a computer to function as each control block of the devices.

[0081] In this case, the device includes a computer having at least one control device (e.g., a processor) and at least one storage device (e.g., a memory) as hardware for executing the program. The functions described in each of the above embodiments are realized by executing the program using the control device and storage device.

[0082] The program may be non-transitory and may be recorded on one or more computer-readable recording media. The recording media may or may not be included in the device. In the latter case, the program may be supplied to the device via any wired or wireless transmission medium.

[0083] Furthermore, some or all of the functions of the control blocks can be realized by logic circuits. For example, an integrated circuit in which a logic circuit that functions as each of the control blocks is formed is also included in the scope of the present invention. In addition, the functions of the control blocks can also be realized by, for example, a quantum computer.

[0084] 〔summary〕 A communication system according to a first aspect of the present invention includes: A communication system for controlling communication in a first network including a first communication device located within a controlled area of ​​a plant facility and a second communication device located outside the controlled area and communicating with the first communication device, The first network the first communication device that is normally placed in the controlled area where communication with the second communication device is blocked; a relay device that is provided between the first communication device and the second communication device and that stops functioning normally, The first network includes a relay device that is activated based on a trigger signal from a communication device located in a location where the second communication device is not located, and that enables two-way communication between the first communication device and the second communication device.

[0085] A communication system according to a second aspect of the present invention is the communication system according to the first aspect, The information transmitted and received in the two-way communication includes at least one of video data, audio data, and text data, but does not include control signals to equipment within the plant facility.

[0086] A communication system according to a third aspect of the present invention is the communication system according to the first or second aspect, the communication in the first network includes communication via a wide area network; The communication between the first communication device and the second communication device is performed using a virtual private network.

[0087] A communication system according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is the communication system according to the first or second aspect, the communication system further includes an evaluation system that evaluates predetermined evaluation items based on the first communication data, The evaluation system includes: a first database that stores the first communication data acquired from the first communication device and the second communication device via a second network between the evaluation system and the first communication device and the second communication device; and a data evaluation system that acquires and evaluates the first communication data from the first database via the second network.

[0088] A communication system according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is the communication system according to the fourth aspect, The first communication data stored in the first database is given a timestamp, The data evaluation system searches for the first communication data stored in the first database by referring to the timestamp.

[0089] A communication system according to a sixth aspect of the present invention is the communication system according to the fifth aspect, the communication system further includes a plant control system that controls plant equipment within the controlled area; The plant control system includes: The plant control device controls the plant equipment via a third network between the plant control system and the plant equipment.

[0090] A communication system according to a seventh aspect of the present invention is the communication system according to the sixth aspect, the communication system further comprises a remote monitoring system that monitors the plant control system; The remote monitoring system includes: The plant control device includes a second database that acquires and stores information relating to the control of the plant equipment by the plant control device as second communication data via the third network.

[0091] A communication system according to an eighth aspect of the present invention is the communication system according to the seventh aspect, a timestamp is added to the second communication data stored in the second database; The data evaluation system refers to the timestamp, searches for and correlates the first communication data stored in the first database with the second communication data stored in the second database, and evaluates specified evaluation items based on the searched first communication data and second communication data.

[0092] A communication system according to a ninth aspect of the present invention is the communication system according to the first or second aspect, The communication system further comprises: The system includes a terminal device that controls the relay device via the first network and controls access from the second communication device.

[0093] An evaluation system according to a tenth aspect of the present invention includes: a database for storing communication data relating to communication via a first network, the communication data being acquired from the first communication device and the second communication device via a second network different from the first network; the database storing communication data relating to communication via a first network, the first communication device being located within a controlled area of ​​a plant facility and a second communication device being located outside the controlled area and communicating with the first communication device; a data evaluation system that evaluates predetermined evaluation items based on the communication data stored in the database; Equipped with.

[0094] A communication data evaluation method according to an eleventh aspect of the present invention includes: a step of performing bidirectional communication between a first communication device arranged within a controlled area of ​​a plant facility and a second communication device arranged outside the controlled area and communicating with the first communication device via a first network between the first communication device and the second communication device; storing, in a database, communication data relating to communication via the first network, the communication data being acquired from the first communication device and the second communication device via a second network different from the first network; a step of evaluating predetermined evaluation items based on the communication data stored in the database; Includes:

[0095] A program according to a twelfth aspect of the present invention includes: On the computer, a process of performing bidirectional communication between a first communication device located within a controlled area of ​​a plant facility and a second communication device located outside the controlled area that communicates with the first communication device via a first network between the first communication device and the second communication device, and storing communication data related to communication via the first network, which is acquired from the first communication device and the second communication device via a second network different from the first network, in a database; A process of evaluating predetermined evaluation items based on the communication data stored in the database; Execute the following.

[0096] [Additional Notes] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims. Embodiments obtained by appropriately combining the technical means disclosed in different embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0097] 1 Waste incineration power generation facility 2-1~2-2 Observation location 3. Rating System 4. Remote Monitoring Center 5 WAN 11 Management area 12 Plant Control System 13,33,122 routers 14, 17, 35, 42 Firewall 15,113 cameras 16, 21, 22, 114 terminal equipment 31 Evaluation PC 32 Visitor access control PC 34 Tour DB 41 Control DB 100 Communication Systems 111 Equipment and equipment 112 AP 121 Plant control device 123 Facility control LAN

Claims

1. A communication system for controlling communication in a first network including a first communication device disposed within a controlled area of ​​a plant facility and a second communication device disposed outside the controlled area and communicating with the first communication device, The first network the first communication device that is normally placed in the controlled area where communication with the second communication device is blocked; a relay device that is provided between the first communication device and the second communication device and that stops functioning normally, A communication system comprising: a relay device in the first network that is activated based on a trigger signal from a communication device located in a location where the second communication device is not located, and that enables two-way communication between the first communication device and the second communication device.

2. 2. The communication system according to claim 1, wherein the information transmitted and received in the two-way communication includes at least one of video data, audio data, and text data, and does not include control signals to equipment within the plant facility.

3. communication in the first network includes communication via a wide area network; The communication between the first communication device and the second communication device is performed using a virtual private network.

3. A communication system according to claim 1 or 2.

4. the communication system further includes an evaluation system that evaluates predetermined evaluation items based on the first communication data, The evaluation system includes: a first database that stores the first communication data acquired from the first communication device and the second communication device via a second network between the evaluation system and the first communication device and the second communication device; a data evaluation system that acquires and evaluates the first communication data from the first database via the second network, 3. A communication system according to claim 1 or 2.

5. a timestamp is added to the first communication data stored in the first database; the data evaluation system searches for the first communication data stored in the first database by referring to the timestamp.

5. The communication system according to claim 4.

6. the communication system further includes a plant control system that controls plant equipment within the controlled area; The plant control system includes: a plant control device that controls the plant equipment via a third network between the plant control system and the plant equipment; The communication system according to claim 5 .

7. the communication system further comprises a remote monitoring system that monitors the plant control system; The remote monitoring system includes: a second database that acquires and stores information relating to the control of the plant device by the plant control device as second communication data via the third network; 7. The communication system according to claim 6.

8. a timestamp is added to the second communication data stored in the second database; the data evaluation system refers to the timestamp, searches for the first communication data stored in the first database and the second communication data stored in the second database in association with each other, and evaluates predetermined evaluation items based on the searched first communication data and second communication data.

8. The communication system according to claim 7.

9. The communication system further comprises: a terminal device that controls the relay device via the first network and controls access from the second communication device; 3. A communication system according to claim 1 or 2.

10. a database for storing communication data relating to communication via a first network, the communication data being acquired from the first communication device and the second communication device via a second network different from the first network; the database storing communication data relating to communication via a first network, the first communication device being located within a controlled area of ​​a plant facility and a second communication device being located outside the controlled area and communicating with the first communication device; a data evaluation system that evaluates predetermined evaluation items based on the communication data stored in the database; An evaluation system comprising:

11. a step of performing bidirectional communication between a first communication device disposed within a controlled area of ​​a plant facility and a second communication device disposed outside the controlled area and communicating with the first communication device via a first network between the first communication device and the second communication device; storing, in a database, communication data relating to communication via the first network, the communication data being acquired from the first communication device and the second communication device via a second network different from the first network; a step of evaluating predetermined evaluation items based on the communication data stored in the database; A communication data evaluation method comprising:

12. On the computer, a process of performing bidirectional communication between a first communication device located within a controlled area of ​​a plant facility and a second communication device located outside the controlled area that communicates with the first communication device via a first network between the first communication device and the second communication device, and storing communication data related to communication via the first network, which is acquired from the first communication device and the second communication device via a second network different from the first network, in a database; A process of evaluating predetermined evaluation items based on the communication data stored in the database; A program that executes the following.

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