Monitoring device, monitoring method, and monitoring program

Abstract

To provide a monitoring device, a monitoring method and a monitoring program for monitoring aggregated information by generating monitoring information including an traffic for each concentrator.SOLUTION: A monitoring device includes an acquiring unit that acquires traffic information for each of a plurality of concentrators that relay communication from a plurality of corresponding smart meters, a generating unit that generates monitoring information including traffic of the plurality of concentrators by using the acquired traffic information for each of the concentrators, and a display unit that displays the generated monitoring information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] FIELD Embodiments of the present invention relate to a monitoring device, a monitoring method, and a monitoring program. [Background technology]

[0002] In a smart meter communication system centered on electricity meters, meter readings from hundreds of thousands to tens of millions of smart meters are collected by a central server via various communication paths. The smart meters transmit their data to the central server via relay devices that house multiple smart meters. Various wired and wireless wide-area communication networks are used between the smart meters, relay devices, and central server.

[0003] One of the monitoring methods for such smart meter communication systems is to monitor the percentage of all smart meters that successfully transmit meter readings to the central server, i.e., the meter reading collection rate. As the meter reading collection interval for electricity meters is typically 30 minutes, the collection rate is monitored every 30 minutes. Another monitoring method is to tally up the percentage of successful communications for each smart meter as the communication success rate, and consider the possibility of a malfunction if the communication success rate falls below a certain rate. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2023-012151 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, smart meter communication systems monitor hundreds of thousands to tens of millions of smart meters, so if each one is monitored individually, communication with each one is required, and the status must be recorded and judged, which increases the time required for fault detection and various costs involved in monitoring.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above, and has an object to monitor aggregated information by generating monitoring information including the traffic volumes of a plurality of concentrators. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The monitoring device of the embodiment includes an acquisition unit that acquires communication volume information for each of a plurality of concentrators that relay communications from a corresponding plurality of smart meters, a generation unit that uses the acquired communication volume information for each of the concentrators to generate monitoring information including the communication volumes of the plurality of concentrators, and a display unit that displays the generated monitoring information. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a communication system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the traffic information of the concentrator. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of attribute information of a concentrator. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of communication volume information stored in the storage unit of the monitoring device. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of communication volume information stored in the storage unit of the monitoring device. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing communication volume information of each branch office in chronological order. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing communication volume information of each branch office in chronological order. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining a method for extracting a concentrator where the traffic volume has suddenly decreased. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining a second extraction method for a concentrator where the traffic volume has suddenly decreased. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of monitoring information collected for each attribute information item. [Figure 11]FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing by the monitoring device. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a communication system according to the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The monitoring device, the monitoring method, and the monitoring program according to the present embodiment will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0010] Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a communication system (smart meter communication system) 1 according to the first embodiment. As shown in Fig. 1, a smart meter 2 for each consumer and a concentrator 3 that aggregates multiple nearby smart meters 2 are installed in the field. The communication system 1 receives data such as meter readings from the smart meters 2 via the multiple concentrators 3. The communication system 1 is, for example, an AMI (Advanced Metering Infrastructure) system that provides services such as remote meter reading (automatic meter reading).

[0011] The communication system 1 includes a plurality of network servers (a first network server 100, a second network server 200, etc.), a database server 20, a monitoring device (smart meter communication system monitoring device) 10, and the like.

[0012] The smart meter 2 is an information processing device installed, for example, at a location where a consumer receives services from a business (such as a home, company, building (such as a building), store, or factory). The smart meter 2 acquires meter reading data that indicates the physical quantities (such as electricity consumption, gas consumption, or water consumption) that are the targets of the services provided by the business to the consumer. The multiple smart meters 2 then transmit the acquired meter reading data to the concentrator 3.

[0013] The concentrator 3 is a device that relays communications from a plurality of corresponding smart meters 2. For example, the concentrator 3 receives data from the smart meters 2 through multi-hop communication.

[0014] Furthermore, the multiple concentrators 3 communicate with, for example, network servers (such as the first network server 100 and the second network server 200) via multiple wide area communication networks (such as WANs (Wide Area Networks) such as mobile phone networks and optical fiber networks).

[0015] The wide area communication network may be, for example, a wired network, a wireless network, or a combination of a wired network and a wireless network. The wireless network may be formed using, for example, a 4G (4th Generation) / LTE (Long Term Evolution) communication system, a 5G (5th Generation) communication system, or a WiMAX (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access) communication system. The wired network may be formed using, for example, Ethernet (registered trademark), optical fiber cables, or the like.

[0016] In order to absorb the differences between wide area communication networks and to keep data confidential, a virtual communication path (communication tunnel) is used for communication between the concentrator 3 and the network server.

[0017] The first network server 100 includes a communication unit 101 and an acquisition unit (communication traffic information acquisition unit) 102. The communication unit 101 of the first network server 100 communicates, for example, through a virtual communication tunnel for each of the multiple concentrators 3. The communication unit 101 records the number of packets, number of bytes, etc. sent and received to and from the concentrator 3 as communication traffic information. Usually, the communication traffic information is saved as communication statistical information by the OS (Operating System).

[0018] The acquisition unit 102 acquires, for example, communication traffic information including the traffic volume of the communication tunnel between the first network server 100 and the concentrator 3 from the communication unit 101. The acquisition unit 102 acquires communication traffic information for each of the multiple concentrators 3 and transmits the communication traffic information for each concentrator 3 to the monitoring device 10.

[0019] The second network server 200 includes a communication unit 201 and an acquisition unit 202. It has the same configuration as the first network server 100. Note that a plurality of network servers are provided, including the first network server 100 and the second network server 200.

[0020] Next, the database server 20 includes a storage unit 21. The storage unit 21 stores, for example, an attribute information table of the concentrators 3. In the attribute information table of the concentrators 3, attribute information for each concentrator 3 is recorded.

[0021] The attribute information table of the concentrator 3 records attributes such as the installation location (latitude, longitude, address, etc.) of the concentrator 3, information on the organization to which the concentrator 3 belongs (branch, subsidiary, etc.), model, number of smart meters accommodated, and information on the wide area communication network to be used. The attribute information in the attribute information table of the concentrator 3 is transmitted in response to a request from the monitoring device 10.

[0022] The monitoring device 10 includes a storage unit (communication traffic information storage unit) 11, a generation unit (communication traffic information aggregation unit) 12, a display unit (aggregated information display unit) 13, and a user I / F (Interface) .

[0023] The storage unit 11 acquires communication traffic information for each concentrator 3 from the acquisition unit 102 of the first network server 100, the acquisition unit 202 of the second network server 200, etc. The storage unit 11 may store the acquired communication traffic information, for example. Note that the storage unit 11 may be the acquisition unit of the monitoring device 10.

[0024] Next, the generation unit 12 acquires communication traffic information for each concentrator 3 from the storage unit 11. The acquisition timing is, for example, at regular time intervals. Alternatively, the information may be acquired when a request for acquisition is received from the user I / F 14. The generation unit 12 may also generate monitoring information including communication traffic for each of the multiple concentrators 3 using the acquired communication traffic information for each concentrator.

[0025] Furthermore, the generation unit 12 acquires attribute information of an attribute information table including at least location information of each of the plurality of concentrators 3 from the storage unit 21 of the database server 20. The generation unit 12 generates monitoring information including information obtained by classifying communication volume information by attribute information in the attribute information table of the concentrators 3.

[0026] The generation unit 12 may also generate monitoring information that represents the acquired communication volume information over time. For example, the generation unit 12 may generate monitoring information that includes information that represents the communication volume for each of the multiple concentrators 3 in time series. For example, the generation unit 12 may generate monitoring information for each attribute information selected by the user via the user I / F 14.

[0027] The display unit 13 is, for example, a display. It displays the monitoring information generated by the generation unit 12. The display unit 13 displays, for example, the monitoring information for each attribute information selected by the user. For example, the display unit 13 may display the monitoring information for each branch office. Alternatively, the display unit 13 may display the monitoring information for all the branches that are the subject of monitoring.

[0028] For example, the display unit 13 may display a list of communication charge information for all monitored branch offices like a dashboard. The display unit 13 may display the monitoring information generated by the generation unit 12 for each attribute information selected from the user I / F 14.

[0029] The user I / F 14 is a device that enables reception of input operations by a user (e.g., an operator of a monitoring device), output of information to the user, etc. Examples of the user I / F 14 include a keyboard, a pointing device, a touch panel mechanism, a speaker, a microphone, etc.

[0030] The user I / F 14 can perform an input operation to generate monitoring information in the generating unit 12. For example, an operation unit may be provided that allows the user to select attribute information that the user wants to display.

[0031] As described above, the number of smart meters 2 to be monitored can be reduced because the information aggregated for each concentrator 3 is monitored rather than all smart meters 2 being monitored. Furthermore, because communication volume information from multiple concentrators 3 is aggregated, monitoring can be performed at shorter intervals than if all smart meters 2 were monitored.

[0032] As a specific example, if a concentrator 3 accommodates an average of 500 smart meters 2 out of 1 million smart meters 2, it is possible to monitor multiple smart meters 2 by monitoring 1 million smart meters / 500 = 2,000 concentrators. In other words, monitoring 1 million smart meters 2 can be performed by monitoring 2,000 concentrators 3.

[0033] Furthermore, a concentrator 3 accommodating 500 smart meters 2 receives at least 500 packets as 30-minute meter readings in 30 minutes, so 500 meters / 30 minutes = 16 packets can be observed in one minute, enabling monitoring at short intervals. Furthermore, by aggregating communication volume information using attribute information including the branch office / office, public network type, installation location, etc. of the concentrator 3 held in the memory unit 21 of the communication system 1, monitoring by attribute information such as by branch office becomes possible.

[0034] This makes it possible to monitor the communication traffic information for each concentrator 3 relatively, and determine which area is experiencing a power outage, etc. Also, by monitoring the communication traffic information of a single concentrator 3, it is possible to detect changes in the communication traffic of multiple aggregated smart meters 2.

[0035] The monitoring device 10 is, for example, a computer, and includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), and a communication I / F. The CPU, ROM, RAM, and communication I / F are interconnected by a bus, and have a hardware configuration that utilizes a normal computer.

[0036] The CPU is a computing device that controls the monitoring device 10. The CPU corresponds to an example of a hardware processor. The ROM stores programs and the like that realize various processes by the CPU. The RAM stores data necessary for various processes by the CPU.

[0037] The program for executing information processing executed by the monitoring device 10 of this embodiment is provided by being pre-installed in a ROM or the like. The program executed by the monitoring device 10 of this embodiment may be provided by being recorded on a recording medium in a format that can be installed on the monitoring device 10 or in a format that can be executed. The recording medium is a medium that can be read by a computer. Examples of the recording medium include a CD (Compact Disc)-ROM, a flexible disk (FD), a CD-R (Recordable), a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk), a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory, and an SD (Secure Digital) card.

[0038] Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an example of communication volume information of the concentrator 3. As shown in Fig. 2, the communication volume information is stored by a function of the OS (Operating System) and is acquired by the acquisition unit 102, etc. As communication volume information, the concentrator ID of each concentrator 3 and the total amount of communication volume (number of packets, number of bytes) up to the present time of the concentrator 3 can be acquired.

[0039] For example, the interface ID of the communication tunnel between the concentrator 3 and the communication unit of the network server is set when the communication tunnel is created. In Fig. 2, the concentrator ID and the transmission / reception amount are shown, but the interface ID and the transmission / reception amount may also be shown.

[0040] Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an example of an attribute information table of the concentrator 3. As shown in Fig. 3, the attribute information table of the concentrator 3 records, as attribute information, the concentrator ID, the name of the branch office to which the concentrator 3 belongs, the name of the branch office to which the concentrator 3 belongs, the latitude and longitude where the concentrator 3 is installed, the number of smart meters (SM) accommodated, and the type of wide area network connected to the network server. In other words, it represents management information of each concentrator 3.

[0041] The wide area network type can be, for example, wired or wireless, or can be further classified into wired A, wired B, wireless A, and wireless B.

[0042] Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of communication volume information (total number) acquired by the storage unit 11 of the monitoring device 10. Fig. 4 shows time-series data in which the time acquired by the storage unit 11 and the network server ID are added to the communication volume information shown in Fig. 2. The network server ID is an ID assigned to the first network server 100, the second network server 200, etc.

[0043] 4, the storage unit 11 acquires communication volume information at one-minute intervals. In the case of concentrator ID: 123456, for example, at 11:30, the total communication volume up to 11:30 and the destination network server are displayed. At 11:31, the total communication volume up to 11:31 and the destination network server are displayed.

[0044] In this way, for example, when the number of received packets is taken as an example, the generation unit 12 can calculate that the number of received packets has increased by 110 from the difference in the number of received packets of concentrator ID: 123456 between 11:30 and 11:31.

[0045] Therefore, by acquiring communication traffic information at predetermined time intervals, the transition of communication traffic can be calculated. Note that the time interval for acquiring communication traffic information may be every 30 seconds or every 5 minutes.

[0046] In this case, it is clear that the traffic volume information for concentrator ID: 123456 was sent to the first network server 100 from the concentrator 3 with concentrator ID: 123456 because the server ID is "1".

[0047] Next, Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example of communication volume information (per collection interval) acquired by the storage unit 11 of the monitoring device 10. Fig. 4 shows the total number of communication volumes up to the acquired time. On the other hand, Fig. 5 shows the difference in communication volume for each time interval collected from the communication volume information (total number) in Fig. 4.

[0048] 5 shows an example in which the time interval at which the storage unit 11 collects data is one minute. For example, if the concentrator ID is 123456 and the acquisition time is 12:31, the number of received packets indicates the number of packets received from 12:30 to 12:31. In other words, it can be seen that the number of received packets in one minute was 110. FIG. 5 shows the number of packets and bytes sent and received, which are the communication volume for one minute.

[0049] Fig. 6 is a diagram showing communication volume information of each branch office in chronological order. Fig. 6 shows monitoring information in which the generation unit 12 tallies the total number of packets received by the concentrator 3 belonging to each branch office at five-minute intervals, for example.

[0050] As shown in Figure 6, the generation unit 12 uses attribute information acquired from the memory unit 21 and communication volume information acquired from the storage unit 11 to generate monitoring information based on information about each branch office and communication volume collected at each time interval.

[0051] Specifically, the generation of the monitoring information shown in Fig. 6 will be described. First, the generation unit 12 acquires information on the names of the branches linked to the concentrator IDs from the attribute information in the attribute information table of the concentrator 3. For example, it acquires multiple concentrator IDs included in each branch.

[0052] Next, the traffic volume for each time series linked to the concentrator ID is obtained from the traffic volume information. Then, the attribute information and traffic volume information are used to generate information showing the total traffic volume of the concentrator 3 of each branch office at 5-minute intervals.

[0053] The generated monitoring information is then displayed on the display unit 13. This allows the user to monitor temporal changes in the traffic information for each concentrator 3 by displaying the traffic information for each branch office in chronological order.

[0054] Furthermore, for example, in addition to the communication volume information of each branch office shown in Fig. 6, the generation unit 12 may generate monitoring information that aggregates the communication volume for each branch office and branch office, for example, using the communication volume information of the concentrator 3 shown in Fig. 2 and the attribute information of the concentrator 3 shown in Fig. 3. By generating monitoring information for each of various attribute information, the user can determine, for example, that a power outage has occurred in a specific area or that a failure has occurred in a specific wide area network.

[0055] Fig. 7 is a diagram showing communication volume information for each branch office in chronological order, similar to Fig. 6. Specifically, it is a diagram visualizing the aggregation results of Fig. 6 in the form of a line graph. As shown in Fig. 7, the horizontal axis represents the collection time, and the vertical axis represents the number of received packets, for example.

[0056] As an example, let us consider a case where the total communication volume of each branch office is collected at 5-minute intervals, as shown in Figure 7. The transition of the total number of received packets for branches A, B, C, and D is shown.

[0057] For example, in Figure 7, the graph shows that the number of packets received by Branch A dropped sharply compared to the other branches between 9:15 and 9:20. In this way, the user can determine changes in the communication volume of each branch by using monitoring information using graphs.

[0058] For example, when a user specifies a specific time range through the user I / F 14, the generation unit 12 generates and displays the number of received packets for that time. It is also possible to constantly display the change in the number of received packets up to the present time in real time.

[0059] 7 shows an example of a line graph display, but various display formats such as a bar graph, a pie chart, a table, etc. These may be selected by the user via the user I / F 14, for example.

[0060] 6 and 7 show an example of the change in the number of received packets at each branch office over time. Similarly, the generation unit 12 can also show the change in each branch office over time by using attribute information and communication volume information. It can also show the change in wide area network type.

[0061] Furthermore, the generation unit 12 can also display the change in traffic volume for each network server accommodated, for example, the change in traffic volume for each of the first network server 100, the second network server 200, etc.

[0062] In this way, the generation unit 12 can generate monitoring information showing the aggregation results according to the attribute information of the concentrator 3. In addition, for example, the generation unit 12 can generate monitoring information that summarizes multiple aggregation results as a dashboard and display it on the display unit 13.

[0063] Next, Fig. 8 is a diagram for explaining a method for extracting concentrators 3 where the communication volume has suddenly decreased. Fig. 8 shows the number of received packets acquired in time series at 5-minute intervals for each concentrator ID.

[0064] The generation unit 12 can, for example, extract concentrators 3 whose traffic volume has suddenly dropped from the acquired traffic volume information. Then, by aggregating and displaying attribute information of the concentrators 3 whose traffic volume has suddenly dropped, the information can be used as auxiliary information for the user to detect abnormalities.

[0065] A sudden drop in the traffic volume of a concentrator 3 can occur, for example, when a communication failure occurs due to a power outage or the like in a geographically localized location such as a specific point or region. When such a communication failure occurs, by extracting the concentrator 3 where the traffic volume has dropped significantly, it is possible to determine the specific branch or office where the communication failure may have occurred.

[0066] A sudden drop in communication volume refers to, for example, a case where the generation unit 12 acquires communication volume for a predetermined time and the acquired communication volume drops to 0. Another example refers to a case where the rate of decrease in communication volume becomes equal to or less than a predetermined rate and the generation unit 12 acquires communication volume for a predetermined time.

[0067] For example, the generation unit 12 can extract the concentrator 3 whose traffic volume has dropped suddenly by using the attribute information and the traffic volume information.

[0068] Specifically, for example, when the generation unit 12 acquires the number of received packets for each concentrator 3 at 5-minute intervals, it can extract a concentrator 3 for which the communication volume was 0 for the most recent two frames acquired at 9:20 and 9:25, and the average communication volume for the three frames prior to the most recent two frames is higher than 0, as a concentrator 3 for which the communication volume has changed suddenly.

[0069] Note that one frame is the number of received packets acquired at each time for each concentrator 3. In this case, one frame is the communication volume acquired at five-minute intervals. The generation unit 12 can extract concentrators 3 where the communication volume has suddenly decreased from the change in the number of received packets collected at regular intervals as shown in Fig. 5.

[0070] As shown in Figure 8, for example, the generation unit 12 can extract a concentrator 3 whose communication volume obtained at 9:20 and 9:25 was 0 and whose average communication volume obtained at 9:05, 9:10, and 9:15 was higher than 0 as a concentrator 3 whose communication volume changed suddenly.

[0071] The generation unit 12 detects a concentrator 3 whose communication volume has dropped below a predetermined level from the acquired communication volume information for each concentrator 3 and for which a predetermined time has passed while the communication volume has dropped below the predetermined level as a concentrator 3 with a high probability of abnormality, and generates monitoring information including information regarding the abnormality detection.

[0072] An example of information regarding abnormality detection is information indicating the number of concentrators 3 for which the communication volume has dropped below a predetermined level and for which a predetermined time has elapsed in a state where the communication volume has dropped below the predetermined level, from among the acquired communication volume information.

[0073] Next, Fig. 9 is a diagram for explaining the second extraction method for concentrators 3 where the communication volume has suddenly decreased. Fig. 9(a) shows an example in which the number of received packets is acquired at 5-minute intervals for each concentrator ID, as in Fig. 8.

[0074] FIG. 9(b) shows the concentrator ID, the items with average 1 and average 2, and the rate of decline. The item with average 2 shows the average of the most recent two frames in FIG. 9(a). The item with average 1 shows the average of the three frames before the most recent two frames in FIG. 9(a). The rate of decline shows the rate of decline from the item with average 1 to the item with average 2.

[0075] 9, the generation unit 12 extracts, for example, concentrators 3 with a decrease rate of less than 10%. Fig. 9 shows the monitoring information extracted by the generation unit 12, which serves as auxiliary information for the user to detect abnormalities in the concentrators 3.

[0076] The generation unit 12 obtains from the obtained communication volume information the average communication volume (first communication volume) for the three frames (first predetermined time) and the average communication volume (second communication volume) for the two frames (second predetermined time) immediately after the three frames, detects a concentrator 3 whose second communication volume has decreased at a rate equal to or lower than a predetermined rate relative to the first communication volume as a concentrator 3 with a high possibility of an abnormality, and generates monitoring information including information regarding the abnormality detection.

[0077] The information regarding abnormality detection is, for example, information indicating the number of concentrators 3 for which the second traffic volume has decreased at a rate equal to or less than a predetermined rate relative to the first traffic volume, based on the acquired traffic volume information.

[0078] Fig. 10 is a diagram showing an example of monitoring information that tallies the number of concentrators 3 with a high probability of abnormality for each attribute information. Specifically, it is a diagram showing the number of concentrators 3 for which the communication volume shown in Fig. 8 and Fig. 9 has dropped below a predetermined level for each attribute. In other words, it shows an example of a dashboard that tallies and graphs the number of concentrators 3 for which the communication volume has dropped suddenly for each attribute of the concentrator 3.

[0079] As shown in Figure 10, the generation unit 12 can use the attribute information and communication volume information to display on the display unit 13 the number of concentrators 3 whose communication volume has dropped below a predetermined level in multiple patterns for each attribute information.

[0080] 10 is an example of information related to abnormality detection. The monitoring information indicates the number of concentrators 3 with a high probability of abnormality for each attribute information.

[0081] Here, an example of an anomaly detection method will be described. Fig. 10(a) is a diagram showing the number of concentrators 3 for which the traffic volume of each branch office has dropped below a predetermined level. For example, as shown in Fig. 10(a), the number of concentrators 3 for which the traffic volume has dropped below a predetermined level is counted for each branch office.

[0082] It can be seen that the number of concentrators 3 where the communication volume has dropped below a predetermined level is higher in branch 1 than in branches 2 and 3. Therefore, for example, as shown in Fig. 10(b), branches 1 to 4 included in branch 1 are displayed.

[0083] Next, Fig. 10(b) is a diagram showing the number of concentrators 3 whose communication volume has dropped below a predetermined level for branches 1 to 4 included in the area of ​​branch 1. From the monitoring information shown in Fig. 10(b), it can be seen that the number of concentrators 3 whose communication volume has dropped below a predetermined level is higher for branches 1 and 2 than for branches 3 and 4.

[0084] Next, Fig. 10(c) is a diagram showing the number of concentrators 3 whose communication volume has dropped below a predetermined level for each wide area network type in the area of ​​branch office 1. From the monitoring information shown in Fig. 10(c), it can be seen that the number of concentrators 3 whose communication volume has dropped below a predetermined level is not significantly different among wired A, wired B, wireless A, and wireless B.

[0085] Figure 10(d) shows the location of concentrators 3 on a map using the extracted latitude and longitude information of the concentrators 3. From the monitoring information shown in Figure 10(d), it can be seen that concentrators 3 whose communication volume has dropped below a certain level are concentrated in a specific area a1 compared to areas a2, a3, a4, and a5 on the map.

[0086] In this way, by mapping the extracted concentrators 3 on a map using the latitude and longitude information, it is possible to determine whether there are any concentrators 3 clustered in a local area. In other words, it is possible to determine whether the communication failure is in a specific area or in only some of the concentrators 3.

[0087] Furthermore, by generating monitoring information divided by attribute information, it is possible to detect branches with a high probability of abnormalities from the monitoring information for each branch, and further to detect branches with a high probability of abnormalities from the monitoring information for each branch. Also, by using other attribute information, in this case, wide area network type, it is possible to detect whether there is an abnormality in the wide area network type.

[0088] In the example shown in Fig. 10(d), the installation locations of the concentrators 3 are displayed on a map, allowing the user to determine whether there is a bias. Alternatively, a clustering algorithm such as the DBSCAN method (Density Based Spatial Clustering of Applications with Noise) can be used to automatically determine whether there is a geographic bias.

[0089] For example, from the data of communication volume information for one day acquired by the generation unit 12, a time when a large number of concentrators 3, such as 100 or more, experienced a sudden drop in communication volume is extracted. Then, if the DBSCAN method detects a geographical bias in the location information of the concentrators 3 at the extracted specific time, it is possible to present it as in the graph and wide-area map of FIG.

[0090] Fig. 11 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing by the monitoring device 10. As shown in Fig. 11, the storage unit 11 acquires communication volume information from the acquisition units (acquisition unit 102, acquisition unit 202) of multiple network servers including, for example, the first network server 100 and the second network server 200 (step S1).

[0091] The traffic volume information is the traffic volume for each concentrator stored on the network server. The traffic volume information includes the concentrator ID for each concentrator 3 and the traffic volume including the amount of traffic sent and received. The traffic volume information indicates the traffic volume for each concentrator 3, so this information may be displayed as monitoring information.

[0092] Next, the generating unit 12 acquires the attribute information of the concentrator 3 from the storage unit 21 of the database server 20 (step S2).

[0093] The generation unit 12 generates monitoring information using the acquired communication volume information and attribute information (step S3). For example, the generation unit 12 generates monitoring information that summarizes the communication volume of each branch office in chronological order from the communication volume information and the concentrator ID of the attribute information.

[0094] The generating unit 12 may generate monitoring information that summarizes the traffic volume for each concentrator 3 in chronological order using the acquired traffic volume information.

[0095] The generation unit 12 determines whether an abnormality has been detected from the generated monitoring information (step S4). For example, an abnormality may be detected when a sudden drop in traffic volume of the concentrator 3 is detected. Alternatively, an abnormality may be detected when the rate of decrease in traffic volume is less than a predetermined value.

[0096] If no abnormality is detected (step S4: No), the generation unit 12 displays the generated monitoring information on the display unit 13 (step S5). For example, the user can edit the monitoring information to be displayed by selecting the attribute information item that the user wants to display. Specifically, if the user selects display by branch, the traffic volume of the concentrate for each branch is displayed in chronological order.

[0097] If an abnormality is detected (step S4: Yes), the generation unit 12 displays the monitoring information including the detected abnormality on the display unit 13 (step S6). For example, the monitoring information displayed when the user selects an attribute information item that the user wants to display and the monitoring information detected as an abnormality by the generation unit 12 are displayed.

[0098] In this way, by displaying abnormality detection monitoring information to the user, it is possible to inform the user of information about the concentrator 3 that is likely to be abnormal.

[0099] Fig. 12 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a communication system 1 according to the second embodiment. Each smart meter 2 and concentrator 3 are the same as those in Fig. 1. Communication between the smart meter 2 is relayed by the concentrator 3, and data is sent to a network server (such as the third network server 300 or the fourth network server 400) via the concentrator 3.

[0100] The communication system 1 includes a monitoring device 10, a database server 20, and network servers (a third network server 300 and a fourth network server 400).

[0101] 12 is a configuration example in which communication volume information of the concentrator 3 cannot be acquired on the network server. In the second embodiment, each concentrator 3 has a function corresponding to, for example, SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol).

[0102] The database server 20 has the same configuration as that shown in Fig. 1 and includes a storage unit 21. The monitoring device 10 includes a storage unit 11, a generation unit 12, a display unit 13, a user I / F 14, and an acquisition unit 15. The storage unit 11, the generation unit 12, the display unit 13, and the user I / F 14 have the same configuration as that shown in Fig. 1.

[0103] Each concentrator 3 transmits communication traffic information in response to an inquiry from the acquisition unit 15. As shown in the second embodiment, even if a virtual communication path is not used between the concentrator 3 and the network server, the acquisition unit 15 acquires communication traffic information from the concentrator 3, thereby making it possible to monitor the communication traffic information of the concentrator 3.

[0104] In the present embodiment, the monitoring device 10 is described as including the storage unit 11, the display unit 13, and the user I / F 14. However, the storage unit 11, the display unit 13, and the user I / F 14 may be provided externally. Also, the memory unit 21 of the database server 20 may be included in the monitoring device 10.

[0105] The monitoring device of this embodiment includes an acquisition unit that acquires communication volume information for each concentrator from multiple concentrators that relay communications from multiple corresponding smart meters, a generation unit that uses the acquired communication volume information for each concentrator to generate monitoring information including the communication volumes of the multiple concentrators, and a display unit that displays the generated monitoring information.

[0106] This allows for the communication traffic information of each concentrator, which aggregates the communication traffic information of the smart meters, to be displayed as monitoring information and monitored. In addition, since communication traffic information aggregated for each concentrator is acquired, communication traffic information can be acquired at shorter intervals than when communication traffic information is acquired for each smart meter.

[0107] Furthermore, the monitoring information generated by the monitoring device according to this embodiment includes, for example, information representing the traffic volume for each of a plurality of concentrators in chronological order. This allows the generation of monitoring information representing traffic volume information in chronological order. This allows the user to monitor changes in traffic volume in chronological order. Therefore, by comparing the traffic volumes of concentrators, it is possible to detect concentrators with a relative decrease in traffic volume.

[0108] Furthermore, the generation unit of the monitoring device according to this embodiment acquires attribute information including location information of each of a plurality of concentrators, and the monitoring information includes information in which communication volume information is classified by the attribute information. This makes it possible to generate and monitor communication volume information for each attribute information of the concentrator. In other words, it is possible to detect an abnormality, such as a decrease in communication volume at a concentrator, from the attribute information.

[0109] Furthermore, the generation unit of the monitoring device according to this embodiment generates monitoring information including information on abnormality detection when, for example, the acquired communication traffic information indicates that the communication traffic has fallen below a predetermined level and a predetermined time has elapsed in this state. This allows auxiliary information, such as information on concentrators that are likely to be abnormal, to be displayed to the user. This makes it easier for the user to detect abnormalities in the concentrators.

[0110] Furthermore, the generation unit of the monitoring device according to this embodiment acquires, for example, a first communication volume for a first predetermined time period and a second communication volume for a second predetermined time period from the acquired communication volume information, and generates monitoring information including information on abnormality detection when the second communication volume decreases at a rate equal to or less than a predetermined rate relative to the first communication volume. This allows auxiliary information, such as information on concentrators that are likely to be abnormal, to be displayed to the user, making it easier for the user to detect abnormalities in the concentrators.

[0111] Furthermore, the monitoring information of the monitoring device according to this embodiment indicates the number of concentrators with a high probability of anomaly detected for each attribute information, which allows the user to identify the area where an anomaly is occurring based on the number of concentrators with a high probability of anomaly.

[0112] Furthermore, the acquisition unit of the monitoring device according to this embodiment acquires communication traffic information that is an aggregate of communication traffic information from multiple smart meters, for example, by inquiring of the concentrator. This makes it possible to monitor the communication traffic information for each concentrator that is aggregated by the concentrator from the smart meters. Furthermore, the collection interval at which communication traffic information can be acquired can be shortened.

[0113] Furthermore, the acquisition unit of the monitoring device according to this embodiment acquires, for example, communication traffic information obtained by aggregating communication traffic information of multiple concentrators from a network server, thereby making it possible to monitor, as monitoring information, communication traffic information for each concentrator that aggregates communication traffic information of smart meters.

[0114] Furthermore, a monitoring method executed by the monitoring device according to this embodiment acquires communication traffic information for each of a plurality of concentrators that relay communication from a corresponding plurality of smart meters, generates monitoring information including the communication traffic of the plurality of concentrators using the acquired communication traffic information for each of the concentrators, and displays the generated monitoring information, thereby achieving the same effects as the monitoring device.

[0115] Furthermore, the computer included in the monitoring device according to this embodiment performs an acquisition step of acquiring communication traffic information for each of a plurality of concentrators that relays communication from a corresponding plurality of smart meters, a generation step of generating monitoring information including the communication traffic of the plurality of concentrators using the acquired communication traffic information for each of the concentrators, and a display step of displaying the generated monitoring information, thereby achieving the same effects as those of the monitoring device.

[0116] 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]

[0117] 1. Communication Systems 2. Smart meters 3 Concentrator 10 Monitoring equipment 11 Preservation Department 12 Generation part 13 Display section 14 User Interface 15 Acquisition Department 20 Database Server 21 Memory section 100 First Network Server 101 Communications Department 102 Acquisition Department 200 Second Network Server 201 Communications Department 202 Acquisition Department 300 Third Network Server 400 4th Network Server

Claims

1. an acquisition unit that acquires communication volume information for each of a plurality of concentrators that relays communication from a corresponding plurality of smart meters; a generating unit that generates monitoring information including the traffic volumes of the plurality of concentrators using the acquired traffic volume information for each of the concentrators; a display unit that displays the generated monitoring information; A monitoring device comprising:

2. the monitoring information includes information representing the traffic volume for each of the plurality of concentrators in time series; The monitoring device of claim 1 .

3. the generation unit acquires attribute information including location information of each of the plurality of concentrators; the monitoring information includes information obtained by classifying the communication volume information by the attribute information; The monitoring device of claim 1 .

4. The generation unit Detecting the concentrator in which the traffic volume has decreased to a predetermined level or less from the acquired traffic volume information and a predetermined time has elapsed in the state where the traffic volume has decreased to a predetermined level or less, and generating the monitoring information including information regarding abnormality detection. The monitoring device of claim 1 .

5. The generation unit acquiring a first communication volume for a first predetermined time period and a second communication volume for a second predetermined time period from the acquired communication volume information; detecting the concentrator in which the second traffic volume relative to the first traffic volume has become a predetermined or smaller decrease rate, and generating the monitoring information including information regarding the abnormality detection; The monitoring device of claim 1 .

6. The monitoring information indicates the number of the detected concentrators for each attribute information including location information of each of the plurality of concentrators.

6. The monitoring device according to claim 4 or 5.

7. the acquisition unit acquires the communication volume information obtained by aggregating the communication volume information of the plurality of smart meters by inquiring of the concentrator; The monitoring device of claim 1 .

8. the acquisition unit acquires the communication traffic information obtained by aggregating the communication traffic information of the plurality of concentrators by a network server. The monitoring device of claim 1 .

9. A monitoring method performed by a monitoring device, comprising: Acquires communication volume information for each of a plurality of concentrators that relays communication from a corresponding plurality of smart meters, generating monitoring information including the traffic volumes of the plurality of concentrators using the acquired traffic volume information for each of the concentrators; Displaying the generated monitoring information. Monitoring method.

10. The computer in the monitoring device an acquisition step of acquiring communication volume information for each of a plurality of concentrators that relays communication from a corresponding plurality of smart meters; a generating step of generating monitoring information including the traffic volumes of the plurality of concentrators using the acquired traffic volume information for each of the concentrators; a display step of displaying the generated monitoring information; A monitoring program that achieves this.

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