Information processing apparatus and information processing method

Abstract

To provide a technique capable of integrating history data in the order of occurrence in actual time even when integrating history data in which a plurality of time returns exist.SOLUTION: According to an embodiment, an information processing device includes an interface configured to acquire first history data and second history data in which process data of a device and a time stamp are stored in respective rows, and a processor configured to arrange the first history data and the second history data in order of index numbers assigned to the respective rows, determine whether a time of an n-th row of the first history data is later than a time of an m-th row of the second history data, insert the m-th row between the n-th row and an (n-1) - th row when it is determined that the history data of the n-th row is later than the time of the m-th row, and assign new index numbers to respective rows of third history data generated by inserting the second history data into the first history data in order of arrangement.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] FIELD Embodiments of the present invention relate to an information processing device and an information processing method. [Background technology]

[0002] In plants, etc., monitoring systems record plant process data (pressure, flow rate, valve open / close status, etc.) as historical data to help identify the cause when an abnormality occurs. The above monitoring systems synchronize time with a time server, collect process data at the same time, and record normal time-synchronized data.

[0003] However, if a communication failure or other reason prevents synchronization with the time server, the monitoring system assigns a timestamp that is different from the actual time to the process data and records the out-of-time synchronization process data as normal data, which causes the unsynchronized history data to be displayed as normal data.

[0004] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for correcting historical data that has a time difference between a monitoring system and a time server. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-159448 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] When a communication failure or the like occurs and is then recovered, the timestamp of the process data returns to the actual time, resulting in a problem in which the recording order of the process data and the timestamp become out of sync (time reversal).

[0007] Furthermore, when monitoring system A and monitoring system B are integrated to build monitoring system C, if historical data that has time delays is integrated in the order of the timestamps, the historical data will be in a different order from the actual time, which will cause problems when displaying the historical data in chronological order on a display device, etc.

[0008] This invention was made in light of the above circumstances, and its purpose is to provide a technology that can integrate historical data in the order of occurrence in real time, even when the data includes multiple time steps. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] According to an embodiment, an information processing device includes an interface that acquires first history data and second history data, each row of which stores device process data and a timestamp; and a processor that arranges the first history data and the second history data in order of the index number assigned to each row, where n is any positive integer not greater than the number of rows of the first history data and m is any positive integer not greater than the number of rows of the second history data, determines whether the time of the n-th row of the first history data is later than the time of the m-th row of the second history data, and, if it is determined that the time of the n-th row of the history data is later than the m-th row, inserts the m-th row between the n-th row and the n-1-th row, and assigns a new index number to each row of third history data generated by inserting the second history data into the first history data in the arranged order. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of a monitoring system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of an information processing device according to an embodiment. [Figure 3]FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of first history data and second history data according to one embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of integrating historical data by rearranging each piece of historical data in chronological order. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of integrating historical data by inserting second historical data at the end of first historical data. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of an integration operation when two pieces of history data are integrated according to an embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a specific example of the case where the integration operation shown in FIG. 6 is performed. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] An information processing device and an information processing 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] (composition) A monitoring system according to an embodiment monitors a predetermined device (monitored device) in accordance with operations performed by a worker, etc. The monitoring system displays information about the monitored device on a terminal used by the worker, and monitors the monitored device based on operations input through the terminal, etc.

[0013] For example, the monitoring system is used in a plant, etc. The monitoring system monitors plant equipment related to the plant.

[0014] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of a monitoring system 1 according to an embodiment. A monitoring system 1 according to an embodiment includes a first information processing device 101, a second information processing device 102, and a third information processing device 103.

[0015] The first information processing device 101 is a server that monitors a plant device (not shown) that is a monitoring target device connected to the first information processing device. The first information processing device 101 stores first history data to which the system time (timestamp) of the first information processing device 101 is added. Here, the first history data is data in which, in each row, process data (pressure, flow rate, valve open / close state, etc.) of the plant device monitored by the first information processing device 101 and the time (system time) at which the process was performed are recorded.

[0016] The second information processing device 102 is a server or the like that monitors a plant device (not shown) that is a monitored device connected to the second information processing device. The second information processing device 102 stores second history data to which the system time (timestamp) of the second information processing device is added. Here, the second history data is data in which process data (pressure, flow rate, valve open / close state, etc.) of the plant device monitored by the second information processing device 102 is recorded in each row.

[0017] Here, it is assumed that an index number is assigned to each stored line of the first history data and the second history data, where the index numbers are assigned in the order in which the process data is recorded, such as 1, 2, 3, 4, ....

[0018] The third information processing device 103 is a device that integrates the first information processing device and the second information processing device. For example, the third information processing device 103 stores third history data that is obtained by integrating (merging) the first history data and the second history data.

[0019] That is, as shown in FIG. 1, in one embodiment, it is desired to integrate a first information processing device 101 and a second information processing device 102 into a system, and to store third history data, which is history data obtained by merging the first history data and the second history data, in the third information processing device.

[0020] 1, the third information processing device 103 is shown as a device separate from the first information processing device 101 and the second information processing device 102, but the third information processing device 103 may be either the first information processing device 101 or the second information processing device 102. For example, the second information processing device 102 may be integrated into the first information processing device 101.

[0021] Next, the information processing device 10 will be described. First, for the sake of simplicity, the first information processing device 101, the second information processing device 102, and the third information processing device 103 will be simply referred to as information processing device 10.

[0022] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the information processing device 10 according to an embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, the information processing device 10 includes a processor 11, a ROM 12, a RAM 13, an NVM 14, an operation unit 15, a display unit 16, an external communication unit 17, an internal communication unit 18, and the like.

[0023] The processor 11, the ROM 12, the RAM 13, the NVM 14, the operation unit 15, the display unit 16, the external communication unit 17, and the internal communication unit 18 are connected to one another via a data bus or the like. The information processing device 10 may include other components as needed in addition to the components shown in FIG. 2, or certain components may be excluded from the information processing device 10.

[0024] The processor 11 has a function of controlling the overall operation of the information processing device 10. The processor 11 may 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.

[0025] 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.

[0026] 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 information processing device 10. The ROM 12 also stores history data, which is process data of the plant equipment monitored by the information processing device 10. Details of the history data will be described later.

[0027] 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.

[0028] 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. Note that the history data may be stored in the NVM 14 instead of in the ROM 12.

[0029] The operation unit 15 receives input of various operations from an operator. The operation unit 15 transmits a signal indicating the input operation to the processor 11. For example, the operation unit 15 is configured with a mouse, a keyboard, a touch panel, or the like.

[0030] The display unit 16 displays image data from the processor 11. For example, the display unit 16 is configured with a liquid crystal monitor. Note that, when the operation unit 15 is configured with a touch panel, the display unit 16 may be formed integrally with the touch panel serving as the operation unit 15.

[0031] The external communication unit 17 is an interface for transmitting and receiving data to and from an external device such as a time server via a network, etc. For example, the external communication unit 17 supports a wired or wireless LAN (Local Area Network) connection.

[0032] The internal communication unit 18 is an interface for transmitting and receiving data to and from the plant equipment to be monitored. The internal communication unit 18 connects to the plant equipment via a network or the like. For example, the internal communication unit 18 supports wired or wireless LAN connections. The external communication unit 17 and the internal communication unit 18 may be integrally configured. Next, a description will be given of functions realized by the information processing device 10. The functions realized by the information processing device 10 are realized by the processor 11 executing a program stored in the internal memory, the ROM 12, the NVM 14, or the like.

[0033] The processor 11 has a function of controlling the external communication unit 17 or the internal communication unit 18 (i.e., the interface) to acquire the first history data and the second history data in response to an instruction input to the operation unit 15. The instruction may also include an instruction to integrate the first history data and the second history data to generate third history data.

[0034] The processor 11 has a function of controlling the arranging of the acquired first history data and second history data in the order of the index numbers assigned to each row.

[0035] Processor 11 has a function to determine whether the time of the nth row of the first history data is later than the time of the mth row of the second history data. Here, n is any positive integer equal to or less than the number of rows of the first history data, and m is any positive integer equal to or less than the number of rows of the second history data. Generally, the later the time, the larger the numerical value representing the time. Therefore, processor 11 has a function to determine whether the value indicating the time of the nth row is larger than the value indicating the time of the mth row.

[0036] Processor 11 has the function of inserting row m of the second history data between row n and row n-1 of the first history data when it determines that the time of row n is later than the time of row m, i.e., the value indicating the time of row n is greater than the value indicating the time of row m.

[0037] After inserting the mth row, processor 11 increments m, and if m+1 is less than or equal to the number of rows in the second history data, processor 11 has the function of determining whether the time of the nth row is later than the time of the m+1th row.

[0038] When processor 11 determines that the time of the nth row is earlier than the time of the mth row, i.e., the value indicating the time of the nth row is smaller than the value indicating the time of the mth row, it increments n, and if n+1 is less than or equal to the number of rows of the first history data, it has the function of determining whether the time of the n+1th row is later than the time of the mth row.

[0039] The processor 11 has a function of inserting the second history data from the mth row onwards after the history data of the nth row when n+1 is greater than the number of rows of the first history data. The processor 11 has a function of assigning a new index number to each row of the third history data in the order in which they are arranged, when it determines that m+1 is greater than the number of rows of the second history data, or after inserting the mth or subsequent rows of the second history data after the nth row of the history data.

[0040] (Problems with integrating historical data) Next, problems that arise when integrating historical data will be described. Generally, the information processing device 10 records process data (pressure, flow rate, valve open / close state, etc.) of plant equipment and timestamps (system time) of process execution as history data. The information processing device 10 also synchronizes time with a time server via the external communication unit 17 and collects process data at the same time as other information processing devices 10, i.e., records normal data in which the system time is synchronized with the actual time (time server time).

[0041] However, if synchronization with the time server cannot be performed due to a communication failure caused by a disaster or other reason, the system time of the information processing device 10 will deviate from the actual time. Therefore, the information processing device 10 will record process data to which a timestamp that deviates from the actual time has been added as normal data.

[0042] Furthermore, as described above, when a communication failure occurs and is then recovered, the system time of the process data is synchronized with the actual time, resulting in a phenomenon in which the recording order and timestamps of the process data are out of sync (time reversal).

[0043] Alternatively, if the information processing device 10 is old, or if it does not have the external communication unit 17 for security reasons, there is also an information processing device 10 that does not communicate with a time server. In other words, there exists an information processing device 10 that is not synchronized with a time server. In the case of such an information processing device 10, the system time of the information processing device 10 also becomes out of sync with the actual time. This deviation may be corrected by an administrator of the information processing device 10. This correction may cause the time to go back.

[0044] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of first history data and second history data according to one embodiment. FIG. 3 shows an example in which the process data for each row is arranged in the order of index numbers for the history data.

[0045] In the example of Figure 3, A is the first historical data and B is the second historical data. The example of Figure 3 shows historical data in the case where a communication failure occurs and then is restored. As shown in Figure 3, in the first historical data, a time regress occurs between index numbers 6 and 7. Similarly, in the second historical data, a time regress occurs between index numbers 9 and 10.

[0046] There are several possible methods for integrating historical data in which such time regressions have occurred.

[0047] For example, it is conceivable to rearrange each piece of history data in chronological order and integrate the history data in chronological order.

[0048] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of integrating historical data by rearranging each piece of historical data in chronological order. As shown in Figure 4, this type of integration method results in the order of plant equipment processes being reversed. For example, the order in which valves are opened and closed may be reversed, or the flow rate may become discontinuous, making it difficult to use the data as historical data.

[0049] Next, it is possible to integrate the history data by inserting the second history data at the end of the first history data.

[0050] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of integrating historical data by inserting second historical data at the end of first historical data. When the second historical data is added to the end of the first historical data and the historical data is integrated, a problem occurs when searching for time historical data by specifying a date and time from the integrated historical data (for example, by specifying a start date and time and an end date and time). For example, in the example of FIG. 5, if the start time is set to 0:01 and the end time is set to 0:15, the information processing device 10 cannot determine whether to acquire the first historical data from 0:01 to 0:15, or the second historical data up to 0:28. For example, if the first historical data from 0:01 to 0:15 is acquired, the data from 0:15 onward in the first historical data will also be acquired. In such integration, there is a problem in that it becomes difficult to perform a conditional search using the integrated historical data.

[0051] Therefore, when integrating historical data, it is necessary to integrate the historical data so that the process data is consistent (i.e., the order of processes in the plant equipment is correct) and so that the historical data can be acquired so that correct search results can be obtained when searching for conditions.

[0052] (Integrated Operation) Next, an operational procedure for integrating the first history data and the second history data to create the third integrated data will be described.

[0053] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of an integration operation when two pieces of history data are integrated according to an embodiment. The operation of this flowchart is realized by the processor 11 of the information processing device 10 reading and executing a program stored in the ROM 12 or NVM 14.

[0054] For example, the flowchart starts when the administrator inputs an integration instruction to the third information processing apparatus 103 and also inputs the first integrated data and the second integrated data to the third information processing apparatus 103 .

[0055] In step S101, the processor 11 acquires history data and arranges the history data in order of index numbers. The processor 11 acquires first history data and second history data input by the administrator. Then, the processor 11 arranges each history data in order of index numbers. Note that if the history data is arranged in order of index numbers, this process may be skipped.

[0056] In step S102, the processor 11 sets n=1 and m=1. That is, the processor 11 initializes variables. The processor 11 sets a variable corresponding to the index number of the first history data to n, and a variable corresponding to the index number of the second history data to m. In addition, the total number of first history data n max The second history data is m max Here, the total number of first history data n max and the second history data is max are the same as the number of rows in the first history data and the number of rows in the second history data, respectively. For example, in the case of the history data of FIG. 3, the total number of rows in the first history data, n max is 16, and the second history data is m max becomes 13. Furthermore, the nth row of the first historical data is represented as A_n, and the mth row of the second historical data is represented as B_m. For example, A_1 represents the data in the first row of the first historical data, and B_2 represents the data in the second row of the second historical data.

[0057] In step S103, processor 11 determines whether the time of A_n is later than the time of B_m. That is, processor 11 determines whether the time of A_n is greater than the time of B_m. If the time of A_n is later than the time of B_m, that is, the value indicating the time of A_n is greater than the value indicating the time of B_m, the process proceeds to step S104. On the other hand, if the time of A_n is earlier than the time of B_m, that is, the value indicating the time of A_n is equal to or less than the value indicating the time of B_m, the process proceeds to step S107.

[0058] In step S104, processor 11 inserts B_m between A_n and A_n-1. That is, processor 11 inserts the data of the mth row of the second history data between the (n-1)th row of the first history data and the nth row of the first history data.

[0059] In step S105, the processor 11 increments m by 1. That is, the processor 11 increments the variable m.

[0060] In step S106, the processor 11 determines whether m≦m max Determine whether the variable m is the total number m of second history data. max If it is determined that the number is equal to or less than the total number m of second history data, the process returns to step S103. max If it is determined that the value is greater than , the process proceeds to step S110.

[0061] In step S107, the processor 11 increments n by 1. That is, the processor 11 increments the variable n.

[0062] In step S108, the processor 11 max Determine whether the variable n is the total number n of first history data. max If it is determined that the number is equal to or less than the total number n of first history data, the process returns to step S103. max If it is determined that the value is greater than , the process proceeds to step S109.

[0063] In step S109, the processor 11 transfers the data after B_m to A_n max That is, processor 11 inserts the data from the mth row onwards of the second history data at the end of the first history data.

[0064] In step S110, processor 11 assigns an index number to the newly created history data (third history data) in the order in which the data is arranged.

[0065] The processor 11 generates the third history data by integrating the first history data and the second history data as described above.

[0066] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a specific example of the case where the integration operation shown in FIG. 6 is performed. The example of FIG. 7 shows an example in which the first history data and the second history data shown in FIG. 3 are integrated.

[0067] As shown in Fig. 7, the time of B_1 is 0:01, the same as the time of A_2, so n is incremented to 3 in step S103 and steps S107 to S108. Then, in step S103, it is determined that the time of A_3 is later than B_1. Then, in step S104, the data of B_1 is inserted between A_2 and A_3, and m is incremented in steps S105 to S106. Thereafter, the process described with reference to Fig. 6 is repeated to generate third history data.

[0068] 7, a time step back occurs between A_6 and A_7. When a time step back occurs in the first history data, in step S103, B_m is not inserted into A_n unless the time of B_m is later than the time of A_n. Therefore, even if a time step back occurs in the first history data, B_m is not inserted between them.

[0069] Furthermore, in the example of Figure 7, a time regress occurs between B_9 and B_10. When a time regress occurs in the second history data, the time of A_15 is later than the time of B_9, so it is earlier than B_9. Therefore, the data after B_10, where the time regress occurred, will be inserted in the same place as where B_9 was inserted.

[0070] (Effects of the embodiment) According to the embodiment described above, when integrating multiple pieces of history data (first history data and second history data), the history data can be integrated so that the process data is consistent and correct search results can be obtained when performing a conditional search.

[0071] This allows the historical data to be integrated in the order of occurrence in real time, even when the historical data includes time-back events.

[0072] [Other embodiments] In the above embodiment, an example of integrating two pieces of history data (first history data and second history data) has been shown, but it goes without saying that the same method as above can also be used when integrating multiple pieces of history data. For example, similar to the above process, one piece of history data can be integrated into the history data obtained by integrating two pieces of history data, and the above process can be repeated until all the history data has been integrated.

[0073] 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.

[0074] 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]

[0075] 1. Surveillance system 10, 101, 102, 103...Information processing device 11...Processor 12...ROM 13...RAM 15...Operation unit 16…Display section 17…External Communications Department 18...Internal Communications Department

Claims

1. an interface for acquiring first history data and second history data, each row of which stores process data and a timestamp of a device; arranging the first history data and the second history data in the order of index numbers assigned to each row; n is any positive integer equal to or less than the number of rows of the first history data, m is any positive integer equal to or less than the number of rows of the second history data, and determining whether the time of the n-th row of the first history data is later than the time of the m-th row of the second history data; If it is determined that the history data of the nth row is later than the time of the mth row, the mth row is inserted between the nth row and the n-1th row; assigning a new index number to each row of third history data generated by inserting the second history data into the first history data in the order in which they are arranged; An information processing device comprising: a processor.

2. The processor: After arranging the first history data and the second history data in order of index numbers, n=1 and m=1 are set; After inserting the mth row, increment m; If m+1 is equal to or less than the number of rows of the second history data, it is determined whether the time of the nth row is later than the time of the m+1th row. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

3. if the processor determines that m+1 is greater than the number of rows of the second history data, it assigns an index number to the third history data. The information processing device according to claim 2 .

4. The processor: If the time of the nth row is earlier than the time of the mth row, increment n; If n+1 is equal to or less than the number of rows of the first history data, it is determined whether the time of the n+1th row is later than the time of the mth row. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

5. The processor: If the n+1 is greater than the number of rows of the first history data, inserting the second history data from the mth row onwards after the history data of the nth row; assigning an index number to the third history data; The information processing device according to claim 4 .

6. At least one of the first history data and the second history data includes time return data resulting from the device being unable to communicate with a time server that indicates real time. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

7. At least one of the first history data and the second history data includes time-back data resulting from the device not having a communication means. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

8. An information processing method executed by a processor, comprising: acquiring first history data and second history data, each row of which stores process data of the device and a timestamp; arranging the first history data and the second history data in order of index numbers assigned to each row; determining whether n is any positive integer equal to or less than the number of rows of the first history data, m is any positive integer equal to or less than the number of rows of the second history data, and the time of the n-th row of the first history data is later than the time of the m-th row of the second history data; When it is determined that the history data of the nth row is later than the time of the mth row, inserting the mth row between the nth row and the n-1th row; assigning a new index number to each row of third history data generated by inserting the second history data into the first history data in the order in which they are arranged; An information processing method comprising:

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