Test system, test apparatus, and test method

Abstract

To provide a technique capable of reducing a burden on a tester and making a work space compact.SOLUTION: According to an embodiment, a test system includes a management-side apparatus including an interface that acquires test instruction information, a processor that generates a test instruction based on the test instruction information, and a communication interface that transmits the test instruction to a product-side apparatus via a wireless LAN network, and a product-side apparatus including a processor that controls a test of a product based on the test instruction and generates test response information including a result of the test, and a communication interface that transmits the test response information to the management-side apparatus via the wireless LAN network.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] FIELD Embodiments of the present invention relate to a test system, a test apparatus, and a test method. [Background technology]

[0002] In water supply and sewerage monitoring and control system testing, testers connect the test simulator to each product in the monitoring and control system with test cables (mainly I / O cables) to check whether the products within the system are operating according to their specifications.

[0003] This test cable weighs approximately 2 kg, and test personnel manually connect and disconnect each test cable between products or between the test simulator and the product.

[0004] Furthermore, in the monitoring and control system market, competitors are increasingly offering low-cost and quick-delivery products, which is creating a demand for shorter test times. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-154115 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] When many products are used in a monitoring and control system test, the tester must manually disconnect and connect the test cables more frequently, which increases the test time and places a burden on the tester.

[0007] Furthermore, during busy periods, the number of products to be tested increases, creating the problem of insufficient workspace, and there is a demand for more compact workspace.

[0008] The present invention has been made in light of the above circumstances, and its purpose is to provide a technology that can reduce the burden on test personnel and make the work space more compact. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] According to an embodiment, the test system comprises a product-side device connected via a wired connection to a product that performs a monitoring and control system test, and a management-side device connected to the product-side device via a wireless LAN network, wherein the management-side device comprises an interface for acquiring test instruction information, a processor for generating a test instruction based on the test instruction information, and a communication interface for transmitting the test instruction to the product-side device via the wireless LAN network, and the product-side device comprises a processor for controlling the test of the product based on the test instruction and generating test response information including the results of the test, and a communication interface for transmitting the test response information to the management-side device via the wireless LAN network. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a monitoring and control system in a monitoring and control system test. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing one configuration of a product for carrying out a monitoring and control system test in a monitoring and control system according to one embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a management PLC according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a product-side PLC according to an embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a test operation of the monitoring and control system according to an embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the arrangement of a product-side PLC and access points according to one embodiment. [Figure 7]FIG. 7 is a diagram showing another example of the arrangement of the product-side PLC and the access points according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] The test system, test device, and test method will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. In the following embodiments, parts with the same numbers perform the same operations, and redundant description will be omitted. For example, when there are multiple identical or similar elements, a common symbol may be used to describe each element without distinguishing between them, or a subnumber may be used in addition to the common symbol to describe each element with distinction between them.

[0012] [Embodiment] (Test system configuration) FIG. 1 shows an example of a monitoring and control system for testing a monitoring and control system for water supply and sewerage systems. The monitoring and control system S includes a human interface station (HIS) 1, a server station (SVS) 2, a printer 3, a real time control station (RCS) 4, a sequence controller (SQC) 5, an auxiliary relay panel (RY) 6, a local control panel (LCB) 7, and a test simulator 8.

[0013] The human interface station 1, server station 2, printer 3, real-time control station 4, sequence controller 5, auxiliary relay panel 6, field operation panel 7, and test simulator 8 are connected to each other via a test cable 9 so that they can communicate with each other.

[0014] For the sake of simplicity, in the following description, the equipment for carrying out the monitoring and control system test, such as the real-time control station 4, sequence controller 5, auxiliary relay panel 6, local operation panel 7, etc., will be simply referred to as the product.

[0015] Generally, products are connected to one another, or between a test simulator 8 and a product, by a wired test cable 9. The test cable 9 is either an I / O cable or an Ethernet cable. As described above, the work of connecting and disconnecting the test cable 9 is a manual task performed by a tester, and therefore, the more products there are to be tested, the more work there is to be done to connect and disconnect the test cable 9, which increases the time required for the disconnection and connection work and the burden on the tester.

[0016] Therefore, in this embodiment, the products are not connected to each other using a test cable, but are connected to each other wirelessly using wireless technology such as Wi-Fi.

[0017] (Configuration of this embodiment) FIG. 2 is a diagram showing one configuration of a product for carrying out a monitoring and control system test in a monitoring and control system S according to one embodiment. A monitoring and control system S according to one embodiment includes a management side PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) 10, a first product side PLC 201, a second product side PLC 202, a first product 301, a second product 302, a Wi-Fi router, a first access point 401, a second access point 402, and a management device 50.

[0018] The management side PLC 10 is a management side device connected to the wifi router 400 and the management device 50. The management side PLC 10 is placed at any location within the monitoring and control system S. For example, the management side PLC 10 converts an input signal input by the management device 50 in accordance with a format that the wifi router 400 complies with, and controls the management device 50 to output the converted signal to the wifi router 400. Alternatively, the management side PLC 10 converts an input signal from the wifi router 400 in accordance with a format that the management device 50 complies with, and controls the management device 50 to output the converted signal to the management device 50.

[0019] The first product side PLC 201 is a test device connected to the first product 301 and the first access point 401. Similarly, the second product side PLC 202 is a test device connected to the second product 302 and the second access point 402. The first product side PLC 201 and the second product side PLC 202 convert an input signal from the first product 301 or the second product 302 according to a format that is compliant with the first access point 401 or the second access point 402, and output the converted signal to the first access point 401 or the second access point 402. Alternatively, the first product side PLC 201 and the second product side PLC 202 convert an input signal from the first access point 401 or the second access point 402 according to a format that is compliant with the first product 301 or the second product 302, and output the converted signal to the first product 301 or the second product 302.

[0020] As described above, the first product 301 and the second product 302 are products for conducting monitoring and control system tests, such as the real-time control station 4, the sequence controller 5, the auxiliary relay panel 6, and the local operation panel 7. However, the products are not limited to these, and may be any products capable of conducting monitoring and control system tests, such as power panels and instrumentation panels. Here, for example, the first product 301 is the auxiliary relay panel 6, and the second product 302 is the local operation panel 7.

[0021] In the first product 301, the first signal line terminal block 31 is connected by wire to the first product side PLC 201. Similarly, in the second product 302, the second signal line terminal block 32 is connected by wire to the second product side PLC 202. The cable used for the wired connection may be any I / O cable or Ethernet cable.

[0022] The wifi router 400, the first access point 401, and the second access point 402 are connected to each other via a wireless LAN 41. The wifi router 400, the first access point 401, and the second access point 402 may be general routers and access points that can be connected via the wireless LAN 41.

[0023] In addition, the wifi router 400, the first access point 401, the second access point 402, and the wireless LAN 41 may be part of a wireless LAN network. For example, in one embodiment, when the management PLC 10 transmits a signal to the first product PLC 201 or the second product PLC 202 via the wireless LAN network, this means that the signal is transmitted to the first product 301 via the wifi router 400, the wireless LAN 41, and the first access point 401 or the second access point.

[0024] The management device 50 is a device managed by a tester. The management device 50 may be any computer including one or more processors, such as a laptop computer, a mobile terminal, or a tablet. While FIG. 2 shows an example in which the management device 50 is connected to the management-side PLC 10, the management device 50 is not an essential device when conducting a monitoring and control system test.

[0025] In the following description, for simplicity, unless a distinction is particularly required, the first product-side PLC 201 and the second product-side PLC 202 will be referred to as product-side PLC 20. Similarly, the first product 301 and the second product will be referred to as product 30, and the first access point 401 and the second access point 402 will be referred to as access points.

[0026] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the management PLC 10 according to an embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3, the management PLC 10 includes a processor 11, a ROM 12, a RAM 13, an NVM 14, a communication interface 15, an input / output interface 16, and the like.

[0027] The processor 11, the ROM 12, the RAM 13, the NVM 14, the communication interface 15, and the input / output interface 16 are connected to one another via a data bus or the like. The control PLC 10 may include other components as needed in addition to the components shown in FIG. 4, or certain components may be excluded from the control PLC 10.

[0028] The processor 11 has a function of controlling the overall operation of the management PLC 10. The processor 11 may also include an internal cache and various interfaces. The processor 11 performs various processes by executing programs stored in advance in the internal memory, the ROM 12, or the NVM 14.

[0029] Some of the various functions realized by the processor 11 executing the programs may be realized by hardware circuits. In this case, the processor 11 controls the functions executed by the hardware circuits.

[0030] The ROM 12 is a non-volatile memory in which control programs, control data, etc. are stored in advance. The control programs and control data stored in the ROM 12 are pre-installed in accordance with the specifications of the management PLC 10. The ROM 12 may also store test programs to be executed by the products 30.

[0031] RAM 13 is a volatile memory. RAM 13 temporarily stores data being processed by processor 11. RAM 13 stores various application programs based on instructions from processor 11. RAM 13 may also store data required for executing application programs and execution results of application programs.

[0032] The NVM 14 is a nonvolatile memory to which data can be written and rewritten. For example, the NVM 14 is configured by, for example, a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), or a flash memory. The NVM 14 stores control programs, applications, various data, and the like according to the operational use of the information processing device 10.

[0033] The communication interface 15 is an interface for transmitting and receiving data to and from the Wi-Fi router 400, etc. For example, the communication interface 15 supports a wired LAN connection using an Ethernet cable.

[0034] The input / output interface 16 is an interface for transmitting and receiving data to and from the management device 50, etc. For example, the input / output interface 16 supports a wired connection using an I / O cable or an Ethernet cable.

[0035] The communication interface 15 and the input / output interface 16 may be integrally configured.

[0036] Next, a description will be given of the functions realized by the control PLC 10. The functions realized by the control PLC 10 are realized by the processor 11 executing a program stored in the internal memory, the ROM 12, the NVM 14, or the like.

[0037] The processor 11 has a function of acquiring test instruction information for conducting a test on the product 30. For example, the processor 11 acquires test instruction information transmitted from the management device 50.

[0038] Furthermore, processor 11 has a function of transmitting a test instruction. For example, processor 11 converts test instruction information into test instruction data that conforms to the format of wifi router 400, and transmits the test instruction to wifi router 400. Wifi router 400 transmits the test instruction to product-side PLC 20 connected to product 30 (first product 301) via wireless LAN 41 and access point 40.

[0039] The processor 11 also has a function of receiving test response information. The processor 11 also has a function of transmitting, to the wifi router 400, a test instruction intended for a product 30 (e.g., a second product 302) different from the product 30 (e.g., a first product 301) that received the test response information. The wifi router 400 transmits the test instruction to the product-side PLC 20 connected to the product 30 (the second product 302) via the wireless LAN 41 and the access point 40.

[0040] Furthermore, the processor 11 has a function of outputting test results. For example, the processor 11 generates test results in accordance with the format of the management device 50 based on test response information received from the product-side PLC 20, and outputs the test results to the management device 50.

[0041] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the product side PLC 20 according to an embodiment. As shown in FIG. 4, the product-side PLC 20 includes a processor 21, a ROM 22, a RAM 23, an NVM 24, a communication interface 25, an input / output board 26, and the like.

[0042] The processor 21, the ROM 22, the RAM 23, the NVM 24, the communication interface 15, and the input / output board 26 are connected to one another via a data bus or the like. Product side PLC 20 may include other components as needed in addition to the components shown in FIG. 5, or specific components may be excluded from product side PLC 20.

[0043] The processor 21 has a function of controlling the overall operation of the product-side PLC 20. The processor 21 may also include an internal cache and various interfaces. The processor 21 performs various processes by executing programs stored in advance in the internal memory, the ROM 22, or the NVM 24.

[0044] Note that some of the various functions realized by the processor 21 executing the programs may be realized by hardware circuits. In this case, the processor 21 controls the functions executed by the hardware circuits.

[0045] The ROM 22 is a non-volatile memory in which control programs, control data, etc. are pre-stored. The control programs and control data stored in the ROM 22 are pre-installed according to the specifications of the product-side PLC 20. The ROM 22 may also store test programs to be executed by the product 30.

[0046] The RAM 23 is a volatile memory. The RAM 23 temporarily stores data being processed by the processor 21. The RAM 23 stores various application programs based on instructions from the processor 21. The RAM 23 may also store data necessary for executing the application programs, execution results of the application programs, and the like.

[0047] The NVM 24 is a nonvolatile memory to which data can be written and rewritten. For example, the NVM 24 is configured by, for example, a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), or a flash memory. The NVM 24 stores control programs, applications, various data, and the like according to the operational use of the information processing device 10.

[0048] The communication interface 25 is an interface for transmitting and receiving data to and from the access point 40, etc. For example, the communication interface 25 supports a wired LAN connection using an Ethernet cable.

[0049] The input / output board 26 is an interface for transmitting and receiving data to and from the product 30. For example, the input / output board 26 supports a wired connection such as an I / O cable, and is connected to the first signal line terminal block 31 or the second signal line terminal block 32 by wire.

[0050] The communication interface 25 and the input / output board 26 may be integrally configured.

[0051] Next, a description will be given of functions realized by the product side PLC 20. The functions realized by the product side PLC 20 are realized by the processor 21 executing a program stored in the internal memory, the ROM 22, the NVM 24, or the like.

[0052] The processor 21 has a function of acquiring test control information stored in the ROM 22 or the NVM 24 based on a test command transmitted from the management-side PLC 10. The processor 21 also has a function of controlling the execution of a test of the product 30 based on the test control information. In other words, the processor 21 has a function as a test simulator 8.

[0053] The processor 21 has a function of acquiring test results obtained by testing the product 30. The processor 21 has a function of converting the test results into test response information in accordance with the format of the access point 40. The processor 21 then has a function of transmitting the test response information to the access point 40. The access point 40 transmits the test response information to the management side PLC 10 via the wireless LAN 41 and the Wi-Fi router 400.

[0054] (operation) Next, the operation when conducting a monitoring and control system test will be described. FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a test operation of the monitoring and control system according to an embodiment. The operation of this flowchart is realized by processor 11 of management side PLC 10 and processor 21 of product side PLC 20 reading and executing a program stored in ROM 12 or NVM 14, or ROM 22 or NVM 24, respectively.

[0055] For example, the flowchart begins when a tester inputs test instructions into the management PLC 10 from a management device 50 connected to the management PLC 10, or when a test management program stored in the management PLC 10 is started at a predetermined time.

[0056] In step ST101, the processor 11 acquires test instruction information. The processor 11 acquires the test instruction information stored in the ROM 12 or the NVM 14 based on an instruction output from the management device 50 or an instruction from a test management program stored in the ROM 12 or the NVM 14.

[0057] In step ST102, the processor 11 transmits a test instruction. The processor 11 generates a test instruction based on the test instruction information. Here, the test instruction is an instruction to the product-side PLC 20 to test the product 30. Then, the processor 11 transmits the test instruction to the first product-side PLC 201 connected to the first product 301 to be tested via the wireless LAN network (communication interface 15, Wi-Fi router 400, and wireless LAN 41).

[0058] In step ST103, the processor 21 of the first product-side PLC 201 transmits test response information. Based on the test instruction, the processor 21 acquires test control information stored in the ROM 22 or the NVM 24, and controls the testing of the first product 301 based on the test control information. Then, the processor 21 transmits the test response information including the test results to the management-side PLC via the wireless LAN network.

[0059] In step ST104, the processor 11 transmits a test instruction. Based on the test response information, the processor 11 generates a test instruction for the second product to be tested next. The processor 11 then transmits the test instruction via the wireless LAN network to the second product side PLC 202 connected to the second product 302 to be tested.

[0060] In step ST105, the processor 21 of the second product-side PLC 202 transmits test response information. Based on the test instruction, the processor 21 acquires test control information stored in the ROM 22 or the NVM 24, and controls the testing of the second product 302 based on the test control information. Then, the processor 21 transmits the test response information including the test results to the management-side PLC via the wireless LAN network.

[0061] If the test response information indicates that further testing of another product 30 is required, the operations of steps ST104 to ST105 may be repeatedly performed for the other product.

[0062] In step ST106, the processor 11 outputs the test results. After all tests are completed, the processor 11 outputs the test results to the management device 50. The management device 50 may perform control so that the test results are displayed on a display or the like.

[0063] (Example of product-side PLC 20 and access point 40 placement) Next, how the product side PLC 20 and the access point 40 are arranged will be described. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the arrangement of the product side PLC 20 and the access point 40 according to one embodiment. As shown in Fig. 6, the product-side PLC 20 and the access point 40 are placed in the internal space of the channel base 60 on which the product 30 is placed. For example, the product-side PLC 20 and the access point 40 are placed on a shelf 80 in the internal space of the channel base 60. By storing the product-side PLC 20 and the access point 40 inside the channel base 60 in this way, a work area for the tester can be secured. Also, as shown in Fig. 6, the A / D converter 70, which is connected to a power source, is also placed on the shelf 80.

[0064] 6, rails 61 are attached to the side of channel base 60, and shelf 80 can be moved to the work area by sliding on rails 61 toward the work area (front side). When shelf 80 is moved to the work area, test personnel can access each device arranged on shelf 80. In this way, by arranging product-side PLC 20 and access point 40 on shelf 80 inside channel base 60, connection between product 30, product-side PLC 20, and access point 40 can be easily made.

[0065] Furthermore, since the product-side PLC 20 and the access point 40 are placed directly below the product 30, there is a risk of damage and ground faults. Therefore, to reduce the risk of damage and ground faults, the product-side PLC 20 and the access point 40 are covered with a strong insulator. The insulator may be any insulator that is strong enough to withstand the force of the product 30 even if it shifts from the channel base 60 and rests on the insulator, such as reinforced plastic or magnetic material.

[0066] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing another example of the arrangement of the product side PLC 20 and the access point 40 according to an embodiment. 7, the product-side PLC 20 and access point 40 are placed in the internal space of the channel base 60, on which the product 30 is placed. In FIG. 7, the product-side PLC 20 and access point 40 are placed on a shelf 80 in the internal space of the channel base 60. By storing the product-side PLC 20 and access point 40 inside the channel base 60 in this way, a work area for the tester can be secured. Also, in FIG. 7, as in FIG. 6, the A / D converter 70, which is connected to a power source, is also placed on the shelf 80.

[0067] In the example of FIG. 7, casters 81 are attached to the four corners of the shelf 80 facing the floor. The casters 81 move on the floor, allowing the shelf 80 to be pulled out toward the work area (toward the front). The casters 81 may be attached at any position on the floor side of the shelf 80, as long as they are positioned so that they can slide on the floor. This allows test personnel to access each device placed on the shelf 80. By placing the product-side PLC 20 and access point 40 on the shelf 80 inside the channel base 60 in this way, it becomes easy to connect the product 30, the product-side PLC 20, and the access point 40.

[0068] Furthermore, the product-side PLC 20 and the access point 40 are disposed directly below the product 30. Therefore, in order to reduce the risk of damage and ground faults, the product-side PLC 20 and the access point 40 are covered with a strong insulating material.

[0069] (Effects of the embodiment) According to the embodiment described above, the management-side PLC 10 and the product-side PLC 20 are used to wirelessly connect the products 30 via the wireless LAN 41. This eliminates the need to connect the products 30 with the test cable 9. Furthermore, since the product-side PLC 20 operates as a test simulator, there is no need to place the test simulator 8 when testing the monitoring and control system.

[0070] Furthermore, the product-side PLC 20 and the access point 40 are stored inside the channel base 60 on which the product 30 is placed, thereby making it possible to secure a work area.

[0071] [Other embodiments] A program according to an embodiment may be transferred in a state where it is stored in an electronic device, or in a state where it is not stored in an electronic device. In the latter case, the program may be transferred via a network or in a state where it is stored in a storage medium. The storage medium is a non-transitory tangible medium. The storage medium is a computer-readable medium. The storage medium may take any form, such as a CD-ROM or a memory card, as long as it is capable of storing a program and is computer-readable.

[0072] Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be embodied in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope and spirit of the invention, and are also included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents as defined in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0073] S...Monitoring and control system 1...Human Interface Station 2. Server station 3. Printer 4. Real-time control station 5...Sequence controller 6…Auxiliary relay panel 7…On-site operation panel 8...Test simulator 9...Test cable 10…Device side PLC 11...Processor 12...ROM 13...RAM 14...NVM 15...Communication interface 16...Input / output interface 20, 201, 202...Product side PLC 21...Processor 22...ROM 23...RAM 24...NVM 25...Communication interface 26... Input / output board 30, 301, 302...Products 31, 32...Signal line terminal block 40, 401, 402...Access points 400...Wi-Fi router 41…Wireless LAN 50…Management device 60...Channel base 61...Rail 70...A / D converter 80…Shelf 81...Caster

Claims

1. a product-side device connected by wire to a product for which a monitoring and control system test is to be performed; a management-side device connected to the product-side device via a wireless LAN network; A test system comprising: The management side device an interface for obtaining test instruction information; a processor for generating test instructions based on the test instruction information; a communication interface that transmits the test instruction to the product-side device via the wireless LAN network; Equipped with The product side device is a processor that controls testing of the product based on the test instructions and generates test response information including results of the testing; a communication interface for transmitting the test response information to the management device via the wireless LAN network; A test system comprising:

2. The product-side device is disposed within an interior space of a channel base on which the product is disposed. The test system of claim 1 .

3. The product-side device is disposed on a shelf within the internal space of the channel base, and the shelf slides on a rail disposed on a side of the channel base and is movable onto a work area. The test system of claim 2 .

4. the product-side device is placed on a shelf in the internal space of the channel base, and the shelf can be moved to a work area by sliding casters attached to the shelf on a floor surface. The test system of claim 2 .

5. The product-side device is covered with a strong insulating material. The test system of claim 2 .

6. A test device that is connected to a product that performs a monitoring and control system test by wire and is connected to a management device via a wireless LAN network, a communication interface that receives a test instruction from the management device via the wireless LAN network; a processor that controls testing of the product based on the test instructions and generates test response information including results of the testing; the communication interface transmits the test response information to the management device via the wireless LAN network. Test equipment.

7. The processor of the management device Obtaining test instruction information; generating a test indication based on the test indication information; transmitting the test instruction to a product-side device connected via a wireless LAN network; Equipped with A processor of the product-side device connected by wire to a product that performs a monitoring and control system test, controlling testing of the product based on the test instructions; generating test response information including results of the test; transmitting the test response information to the management device via the wireless LAN network; A test method comprising:

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