Notification system, notification method, and program

Abstract

To provide a notification system, a notification method, and a program for notifying abnormality information indicating that one of a plurality of ultrasonic vibrators is abnormal.SOLUTION: A notifying unit configured to notify abnormality information indicating an abnormality of one of the plurality of ultrasonic transducers 11, wherein the notifying unit notifies identification information of the one of the plurality of ultrasonic transducers 11 and the abnormality information in association with each other, and each of the plurality of ultrasonic transducers 11 is capable of controlling dirt on a first spot A1 of predetermined equipment present in a first regional P1.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a notification system, a notification method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there is a system that determines whether an abnormality occurs in a device based on the device's status information. In Patent Document 1, an information determination unit of a notification management server located in a remote monitoring center analyzes processed data, which is data obtained by processing operation data of a washer-dryer, and determines whether an abnormality has occurred in the washer-dryer. This operation data includes instantaneous values, control values, set values, operation modes, etc. of sensor data related to the washer-dryer. Note that the sensor data, which is the operation data of the washer-dryer, may use measurement values ​​from multiple types of sensors. Patent Document 2 discloses an event analysis unit that collects and analyzes events from each of a plurality of control zones and detects abnormalities in each of the plurality of control zones. Patent Document 2 also discloses that the events may be, for example, physical quantities (electric power, temperature, humidity, mass, volume, flow rate, etc.) detected by sensors provided in devices, etc., within an industrial control system. Patent document 3 discloses detecting vibrations caused by the driving of drive system components of a user device, reporting a vibration waveform indicating the detected vibration to a processing device, the processing device determining whether the user device is in an abnormal state based on the reported vibration waveform, and the expert terminal displaying the received vibration waveform. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-194436 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-226680 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-149060 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, Patent Documents 1 to 3 do not take into consideration ultrasonic vibrators.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned circumstances, and aims to provide a notification system, notification method, and program for notifying abnormality information indicating that one of multiple ultrasonic transducers is abnormal. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A notification system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a notification means for notifying abnormality information indicating an abnormality in one of a plurality of ultrasonic vibrators, wherein the notification means associates identification information of one of the plurality of ultrasonic vibrators with the abnormality information and notifies the abnormality information, and each of the plurality of ultrasonic vibrators is capable of preventing contamination at a first location of a specified facility located in a first area. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a notification system, a notification method, and a program for notifying abnormality information indicating that one of a plurality of ultrasonic transducers is abnormal. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic block diagram illustrating a system configuration of an abnormality determination system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram illustrating a system configuration of a server according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram showing a specific example of the functional configuration of a terminal device. [Figure 4] 10 is a history information table displayed on an output unit of a monitor terminal or a maintenance staff terminal. [Figure 5]10 is an example of a screen displayed on an output unit of an observer terminal. [Figure 6] 10 is an example of a screen displayed on an output unit of a maintenance staff terminal. [Figure 7] 10 is an example of a screen displayed on an output unit of a customer terminal. [Figure 8] 10 is a flow chart showing a workflow for dealing with an abnormality that occurs in the ultrasound system according to the present embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, an abnormality determination system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. The abnormality determination system is used, for example, to determine an abnormality in a device installed in a facility and to quickly take action against the abnormality. In this embodiment, the facility is, for example, a plant owned by a customer. The customer is, for example, a manufacturer of energy, petrochemicals, paper, food, beverages, or the like. In this embodiment, the device installed in the facility is, for example, an ultrasonic system attached to piping within the plant.

[0010] For example, an ultrasound system is installed in each of a plurality of customer plants. If an abnormality occurs in such an ultrasound system, a maintenance technician dispatched by the ultrasound system provider must visit the customer plant and take action such as repairing the abnormality. It is difficult to assign a maintenance technician to each of the multiple plants in which the ultrasound system is installed due to resource limitations, so it is preferable that the maintenance technician be assigned so that he or she can move between the multiple plants, for example.

[0011] To determine an abnormality in an ultrasonic system, for example, a monitor who is an employee of the ultrasonic system provider needs to compare the operating status information of one of the ultrasonic transducers installed in the ultrasonic system with the operating status information of another ultrasonic transducer that is different from the one installed in the ultrasonic system. Therefore, the monitor who determines the abnormality is required to be highly skilled. Due to resource limitations, it is difficult to assign skilled monitors to each of multiple plants where ultrasonic systems are installed. For this reason, it is preferable that the monitors be able to simultaneously determine abnormalities in the ultrasonic systems of multiple plants. Specifically, for example, specialized personnel are provided as monitors at a single remote monitoring center. It is also preferable that the remote monitoring center be able to centrally manage the operating status information of ultrasonic transducers at multiple sites.

[0012] For the above reasons, in order to quickly respond to an abnormality that occurs in the ultrasound systems installed in each of multiple plants, for example, the following system is preferable. That is, a monitor determines an abnormality in the ultrasound system at a remote monitoring center that can simultaneously monitor each of the ultrasound systems installed in the multiple plants. When the monitor determines an abnormality, the monitor instructs a maintenance worker stationed near the plant where the ultrasound system in which the abnormality was determined is installed to deal with the abnormality. The maintenance worker then visits the plant and takes action, such as repairing the abnormality. In this embodiment, maintenance personnel may be dispatched from businesses located in the vicinity of multiple plants, for example, which allows one maintenance personnel to move between multiple plants. Furthermore, the maintenance personnel may be an in-plant company located in each plant. That is, the maintenance personnel may be, for example, a company that has an office within the plant, or an employee of a customer that owns the plant. This may enable a faster response and ensure confidentiality.

[0013] To enable the above system, it is preferable that various information regarding the status of the plant and the ultrasound system be shared at least between the monitor and the maintenance personnel. Furthermore, the various information may be shared with the customer, for example. Furthermore, since the plant may contain confidential information, in order to quickly and smoothly accept maintenance personnel who are external personnel at the plant, it is more preferable that various information regarding the status of the ultrasound system, the location of the ultrasound system within the plant, and the like be shared with the customer. The abnormality determination system according to this embodiment has the following configuration, for example, to enable the above system.

[0014] FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram showing the system configuration of an abnormality determination system 1 according to an embodiment. The abnormality determination system 1 includes an ultrasound system 10, a server 20, and a terminal device 30. As shown in Fig. 1, the ultrasound system 10 and the server 20 are connected to each other so as to be able to communicate with each other via a network N. Furthermore, the server 20 and the terminal device 30 are connected to each other so as to be able to communicate with each other via the network N. The network N may be a network using wireless communication or a network using wired communication. The network N may be configured using, for example, the Internet or a local area network (LAN). The network N may also be configured by combining multiple networks.

[0015] In the following description, as shown in Figure 1, the area where the customer's plant is located may be referred to as the first area A1, and the area where the inspector is located may be referred to as the second area A2. Note that, for example, when there are multiple customers (when there are multiple pieces of equipment), there may be multiple first areas A1. Specifically, there may be multiple first areas A1 and first areas A1' that are separated from each other, such as the first areas A1 and A1' shown in Figure 1. The ultrasonic system 10 is attached to a pipe PL in a customer's plant. In other words, the ultrasonic system 10 is provided in a first area A1. As shown in FIG. 1 , the ultrasonic system 10 includes an ultrasonic transducer 11 and an external control device 12. As shown in FIG. 1 , a plurality of ultrasonic vibrators 11 are provided in the first area A1. More specifically, each of the plurality of ultrasonic vibrators 11 is attached, for example, to a first location P1 and a second location P2 of a predetermined facility located in the first area A1. The ultrasonic vibrators 11 may be provided at a third location, a fourth location, etc. (not shown). In this embodiment, the predetermined facility is the pipe PL. The first location P1 is any location in the longitudinal direction of the pipe PL. The second location P2 is a location spaced a predetermined distance from the first location P1 in the longitudinal direction of the pipe PL. The same may be true for the third location and the fourth location. In other words, the ultrasonic vibrators 11 may be provided at a plurality of locations spaced apart in the longitudinal direction of the pipe PL. The first location P1 will be described in detail below. The second location P2 is similar to the first location P1, so a description thereof will be omitted. The first location P1 includes both the inner and outer circumferential surfaces of the pipe PL. In this embodiment, the ultrasonic vibrator 11 is provided so that a portion that outputs ultrasonic waves is pressed against the outer circumferential surface of the pipe PL at the first location P1. At this time, as shown in FIG. 1, a plurality of ultrasonic vibrators 11 are provided at intervals in the circumferential direction of the pipe PL. In the example shown in FIG. 1, four ultrasonic vibrators 11 are provided circumferentially at the first location P1 of the pipe PL. However, the number of ultrasonic vibrators 11 is not limited to this, and two, three, or five or more ultrasonic vibrators 11 may be provided at the first location P1 of the pipe PL. In this embodiment, it is preferable that each of the plurality of ultrasonic vibrators 11 is attachable to and detachable from the first location P1.

[0016] As described above, each of the plurality of ultrasonic vibrators 11 generates ultrasonic waves at the first location P1 and the second location P2 using a known configuration. In this embodiment, ultrasonic waves refer to, for example, sound waves of 20 kHz to 1 MHz. This vibrates, for example, the inner circumferential surface of the pipe PL from the outside or the fluid flowing inside the pipe PL. For example, by vibrating the inner circumferential surface of the pipe PL with ultrasonic waves emitted by the ultrasonic vibrators 11, the ultrasonic vibrators 11 can prevent contamination of the inner circumferential surface of the pipe PL at the first location P1. Furthermore, for example, by applying ultrasonic waves emitted by the ultrasonic vibrators 11 to the fluid flowing inside the pipe PL, contamination can also be prevented in equipment such as a heat exchanger (not shown) located downstream of the fluid from the first location P1 or the second location P2. Here, there may be cases where any of the plurality of ultrasonic vibrators 11 provided as described above is unable to sufficiently vibrate the pipe PL due to a malfunction or other reasons. Therefore, in this embodiment, the plurality of ultrasonic vibrators 11 provided as described above may include an unused spare. In this way, for example, when any of the plurality of ultrasonic vibrators 11 is unable to sufficiently vibrate the pipe PL, a quick response may be made by switching to use of the spare.

[0017] 1, the external control device 12 is provided in the first area A1 and is connected to each of the plurality of ultrasonic transducers 11. The external control device 12 acquires operating status information indicating the operating status of each of the plurality of ultrasonic transducers 11 from logs output by the ultrasonic transducers 11, etc. The operating status information acquired by the external control device 12 in this manner is received by a receiving means 23a (described later) of the server 20. The external control device 12 may have a communication function for transmitting the acquired operating status information to the receiving means 23a.

[0018] In this embodiment, the operating status information may include, for example, any of the driving frequency of each of the multiple ultrasonic transducers 11, the phase difference between the first voltage applied to each of the multiple ultrasonic transducers 11 and the current generated by the first voltage, the waveform of the impedance of the system including the multiple ultrasonic transducers 11 and the first location P1, and the ultrasonic energy of each of the multiple ultrasonic transducers 11. The driving frequency may be expressed in Hz, for example. The voltage may be expressed in V, for example. The current may be expressed in A, for example. The phase difference may be expressed in degrees, for example. The waveform may be represented by a visible graphic, for example. The ultrasonic energy is the output of the ultrasonic transducer 11, and may be expressed in W, for example. The ultrasonic energy may be calculated using the frequency, current, and voltage, for example.

[0019] In the present embodiment, a plurality of ultrasonic systems 10 having the above-described configuration may be provided at intervals along the entire length of the piping PL, as shown in Fig. 1. In other words, a plurality of first locations P1 may be located in the piping PL. In this case, for example, as shown in Fig. 1, the second first location P1 in the ultrasonic system 10 may be referred to as the second location P2. However, the ultrasonic system 10 may also have a third location that is the third first location P1, a fourth location that is the fourth first location P1, or more first locations P1. In this embodiment, the ultrasonic system 10 including a plurality of ultrasonic vibrators 11 may mean that a plurality of ultrasonic vibrators 11 are provided at one first location P1 in the piping PL. Also, the ultrasonic system 10 including a plurality of ultrasonic vibrators 11 may mean that a plurality of first locations P1, each with a single ultrasonic vibrator 11 provided therein, are located in the piping PL. Furthermore, including an unused spare among the plurality of ultrasonic transducers 11 may mean, for example, that one of the plurality of ultrasonic transducers 11 provided at one first location P1 is a spare. Furthermore, including an unused spare among the plurality of ultrasonic transducers 11 may mean, for example, that one of the plurality of ultrasonic systems 10 provided at each of the plurality of first locations P1 is a spare. In a customer's plant, it is preferable that each of the multiple ultrasonic systems 10 thus provided can be identified by an individually assigned identification number. It is also preferable that the ultrasonic transducers 11 and external control devices 12 included in the ultrasonic systems 10 can be identified by individually assigned identification numbers. The relationship between these identification numbers and the ultrasonic systems 10 may be stored, for example, in the storage unit 22 of the server 20, which will be described next.

[0020] The server 20 processes or stores various information related to the ultrasound system 10. When an abnormality occurs in the ultrasound system 10, the server 20 transmits information necessary to quickly deal with the abnormality to the terminal device 30 via the network N as appropriate. In this embodiment, the server 20 is provided, for example, in a second area A2. The second area A2 is an area different from the first area A1. FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram showing the system configuration of the server 20 according to the embodiment. The server 20 is configured using an information processing device such as a personal computer, etc. As shown in FIG.

[0021] The communication unit 21 is a communication device. The communication unit 21 may be configured as, for example, a network interface. The communication unit 21 performs data communication with the external control device 12 of the ultrasound system 10 and the terminal device 30 via the network N in accordance with the control of the control unit 23. The communication unit 21 may be a device that performs wireless communication or a device that performs wired communication.

[0022] The storage unit 22 is configured using a storage device such as a magnetic hard disk drive or a semiconductor storage device. The storage unit 22 may be configured using, for example, a cloud server. The storage unit 22 stores data used by the control unit 23. The storage unit 22 stores data required when the control unit 23 performs processing. The storage unit 22 stores, for example, information for displaying various user interfaces, which will be described later, as a database. Details of the information thus stored in the storage unit 22 will be described later together with the description of the user interfaces in this embodiment.

[0023] The control unit 23 is configured using a processor such as a CPU and a memory. The control unit 23 functions as a receiving means 23a, a determining means 23b, a discrimination means 23c, a notification means 23d, and a storage control means 23e when the processor executes a program. In other words, the server 20 includes the receiving means 23a, the determining means 23b, the discrimination means 23c, the notification means 23d, and the storage control means 23e. As described above, in this embodiment, the server 20 is provided in the second region A2. In other words, the receiving means 23a, the determining means 23b, the discrimination means 23c, the notification means 23d, and the storage control means 23e are provided in the second region A2.

[0024] The receiving means 23a receives operating status information indicating the operating status of each of the plurality of ultrasonic transducers 11 from the external control device 12. More specifically, the receiving means 23a processes the operating status information received by the communication unit 21 from the external control device 12. The operating status information received by the receiving means 23a may be transmitted to, for example, the terminal device 30. The operating status information transmitted to the terminal device 30 may be visually displayed on the output unit 33 (described later). The operating status information received by the receiving means 23a may be stored in, for example, the memory unit 22.

[0025] The determination means 23b determines whether or not there is an abnormality in each of the ultrasonic transducers 11 based on the operating status information received by the receiving means 23a. In the present embodiment, the determination by the determination means 23b may be made, for example, by an observer inputting information to the observer terminal 30A (described later) that an abnormality has occurred in the ultrasonic transducer 11. In this case, the observer may determine whether or not there is an abnormality in the ultrasonic transducer 11 by, for example, checking the operating status information of each of the ultrasonic transducers 11 provided in the first area A1 using the observer terminal 30A. In other words, whether or not there is an abnormality in the ultrasonic transducer 11 may be determined by the observer. The determination by the determination means 23b determining whether or not there is an abnormality in the ultrasonic transducer 11 may be made by the server 20 accepting a determination result made by the observer based on the operating status information received by the receiving means 23a.

[0026] In this embodiment, for example, when the ultrasonic energy generated by the multiple ultrasonic transducers 11 in the ultrasonic system 10 is no longer sufficient, it is determined that an abnormality has occurred. In this embodiment, the ultrasonic energy may include, for example, the vibration level when the pipe PL vibrates and the ultrasonic output applied to the fluid flowing inside the pipe PL. Below, several examples of specific criteria for determining whether an abnormality has occurred in the ultrasonic transducers 11 will be described together with countermeasures corresponding to the criteria.

[0027] For example, when one of the plurality of ultrasonic vibrators 11 is unable to generate ultrasonic waves, the determination means 23b may determine that one of the plurality of ultrasonic vibrators 11 is abnormal. For example, the determination means 23b may determine that one of the plurality of ultrasonic vibrators 11 is unable to generate ultrasonic waves from the contents of operation status information received by the receiving means 23a from one of the plurality of ultrasonic vibrators 11. For example, when the receiving means 23a is unable to receive operation status information from one of the plurality of ultrasonic vibrators 11, the determination means 23b may determine that the ultrasonic vibrator 11 has broken down and is unable to generate ultrasonic waves. In such a case, the abnormality may be dealt with by, for example, replacing the ultrasonic vibrator 11 that is no longer able to generate ultrasonic waves, or by increasing the ultrasonic energy of an element other than the ultrasonic vibrator 11 that is no longer able to generate ultrasonic waves.

[0028] The determination means 23b may determine that the multiple ultrasonic transducers 11 are abnormal, for example, when the total output of the multiple ultrasonic transducers 11 is less than a predetermined output. In this embodiment, the output of the ultrasonic transducer 11 may be managed, for example, by an execution output. The predetermined output is, for example, an output determined by agreement between a customer and a provider of the ultrasound system 10. The predetermined output may be stored, for example, in the storage unit 22 of the server 20. The total output may be calculated as appropriate based on operating status information of the multiple ultrasonic transducers 11. The determination means 23b may compare, for example, the predetermined output stored in the storage unit 22 of the server 20 with the total output calculated as described above, and determine that the multiple ultrasonic transducers 11 are abnormal, if the total output is less than the predetermined output. In such a case, the abnormality may be addressed by, for example, replacing all of the ultrasonic vibrators 11 in the ultrasonic system 10. Alternatively, the abnormality may be addressed by increasing the ultrasonic energy of the ultrasonic vibrators 11 in the ultrasonic system 10. Alternatively, the abnormality may be addressed by strengthening (retightening) the fixation of the ultrasonic vibrators 11 to the piping PL.

[0029] In addition, the judgment means 23b may judge that one of the multiple ultrasonic vibrators 11 is abnormal if one of the multiple ultrasonic vibrators 11 experiences any of the following: a malfunction or deterioration, a decrease in the force pressing against the first location P1, or a shift in the attachment position at the first location P1. In this embodiment, a failure or deterioration of the ultrasonic transducer 11 includes, for example, a decrease in ultrasonic energy. Such a failure or deterioration of the ultrasonic transducer 11 is determined, for example, when the applied frequency (optimum driving frequency) of the ultrasonic transducer 11 shifts to a higher frequency. Furthermore, a failure or deterioration of the ultrasonic transducer 11 may be determined, for example, when oscillation of 100 W or more becomes impossible even after controlling parameters related to ultrasonic waves (for example, frequency and gain). The applied frequency of the ultrasonic transducer 11 may be confirmed, for example, based on operating state information of the ultrasonic transducer 11. In this embodiment, a decrease in the force pressing the ultrasonic transducer 11 against the first location P1 or a deviation in the mounting position of the ultrasonic transducer 11 at the first location P1 is appropriately determined, for example, by visually observing a waveform that indicates the relationship between frequency and impedance or phase difference, which is included in the operating status information of the ultrasonic transducer 11. Current and voltage waveform information may also be used for the determination. Such an abnormality may be determined, for example, by comparing the waveforms included in the operating status information of the ultrasonic transducer 11 with those before and after the occurrence of the abnormality. Such a waveform comparison may be performed, for example, by an observer visually observing the waveforms, or by the determination means 23b performing pattern recognition. In such a case, the abnormality may be addressed by, for example, adjusting the position of the ultrasonic vibrator 11 that has shifted (position adjustment) or by strengthening the fixation of the ultrasonic vibrator 11 to the pipe PL (retightening). Alternatively, the abnormality may be addressed by replacing the ultrasonic vibrator 11 that has broken down, deteriorated, or whose pressing force against the first location P1 has decreased.

[0030] The determination means 23b may determine that an abnormality has occurred, for example, when the drive frequencies of the multiple ultrasonic transducers 11 in the ultrasonic system 10 are significantly different from each other. Specifically, for example, when a decrease in ultrasonic energy of one of the multiple ultrasonic transducers 11 cannot be compensated for by an increase in ultrasonic energy of the other ultrasonic transducers 11, the determination means 23b may determine that one of the multiple ultrasonic transducers 11 is abnormal. Such an abnormality may be determined, for example, by comparing waveforms included in the operating status information of the ultrasonic transducers 11 with waveforms before and after the occurrence of the abnormality. Such waveform comparison may be performed, for example, by an observer visually inspecting the waveforms, or by the determination means 23b performing pattern recognition. In such a case, the abnormality may be dealt with by, for example, replacing the ultrasonic transducer 11 whose ultrasonic energy has decreased. Alternatively, the abnormality may be dealt with by increasing the ultrasonic energy of an ultrasonic transducer other than the ultrasonic transducer 11 whose ultrasonic energy has decreased.

[0031] The determination means 23c determines whether an abnormality has occurred in the ultrasound system 10 based on the operating status information received by the receiving means 23a. Specifically, the determination means 23c determines whether an abnormality has occurred in the ultrasound system 10 including, for example, multiple ultrasound transducers 11 and the external control device 12. The determination by the determination means 23c may be performed automatically based on, for example, the operating status information. In other words, whether an abnormality has occurred in the ultrasound system 10 including the multiple ultrasound transducers 11 and the external control device 12 may be determined without the intervention of an observer. Below, several examples of specific criteria for determining whether an abnormality has occurred in the ultrasound system 10 will be described together with corresponding countermeasures.

[0032] For example, when the number of ultrasonic transducers 11 determined to be abnormal by the determination means 23b is equal to or greater than a predetermined number among the plurality of ultrasonic transducers 11, the determination means 23c may determine that the ultrasonic system 10 including the plurality of ultrasonic transducers 11 and the external control device 12 is abnormal. The predetermined number may be, for example, arbitrarily determined in advance. For example, the determination means 23c may determine that the ultrasonic system 10 is abnormal by counting the number of ultrasonic transducers 11 determined to be abnormal by the determination means 23b and comparing it with the predetermined number. For example, in the ultrasound system 10, if it is determined that multiple ultrasound transducers 11 have simultaneously experienced an abnormality, it becomes difficult to compensate for the abnormality by increasing the ultrasonic energy of the ultrasound transducers 11 that are not experiencing an abnormality. In such a case, it may be determined that the entire ultrasound system 10 is abnormal. In addition, in such a case, the abnormality may be addressed by, for example, replacing the ultrasound transducers 11. Furthermore, when it is determined that multiple ultrasonic transducers 11 have simultaneously experienced an abnormality in the ultrasonic system 10, it is assumed that the external control devices 12 to which each of the multiple ultrasonic transducers 11 is connected are no longer able to accurately transmit and receive operational status information. Even in such a case, it may be determined that the entire ultrasonic system 10 is abnormal. In such a case, the abnormality may be addressed by, for example, replacing the external control device 12 or checking the connection status between the ultrasonic transducers 11 and the external control device 12.

[0033] For example, the determination unit 23c may determine that the external control device 12 is abnormal if the receiving unit 23a cannot receive the operating status information. The determination unit 23c may, for example, monitor whether the receiving unit 23a is properly receiving the operating status information. In this way, the determination unit 23c may determine whether the ultrasound system 10 is abnormal based on whether the receiving unit 23a is receiving the operating status information. In such a case, it is assumed that the external control devices 12 to which the multiple ultrasonic transducers 11 are connected are no longer able to accurately transmit and receive operating status information. Even in such a case, it may be determined that the entire ultrasonic system 10 is abnormal. In such a case, the abnormality may be addressed by, for example, replacing the external control device 12 or checking the connection status between the ultrasonic transducers 11 and the external control device 12.

[0034] The notification means 23d notifies a maintenance person or a customer of information related to the abnormality of the ultrasound system 10. For example, the notification means 23d transmits the information related to the abnormality of the ultrasound system 10 as visually observable information to a maintenance person terminal 30B or a customer terminal 30C, which will be described later. In other words, notification by the notification means 23d in this embodiment means that the information related to the abnormality of the ultrasound system 10 is displayed on the maintenance person terminal 30B or the customer terminal 30C. The following provides examples of information notified to the maintenance personnel or the customer by the notification means 23d.

[0035] The following three examples are given of information notified to the maintenance personnel by the notification means 23d. The notification means 23d may, for example, associate abnormality information indicating that one of the multiple ultrasonic transducers 11 is abnormal with abnormality degree information indicating the degree of the abnormality indicated by the abnormality information, and notify the maintenance personnel of the abnormality. The abnormality degree information is displayed, for example, as urgency information on the maintenance personnel terminal 30B or the customer terminal 30C (details will be described later). The notification means 23d may, for example, associate abnormality information indicating that one of the multiple ultrasonic transducers 11 is abnormal with countermeasure information indicating countermeasures for the abnormality indicated by the abnormality information, and notify the maintenance personnel of the association. The countermeasures for the abnormality are, for example, input by the supervisor as described above. The notification means 23d may, for example, notify a maintenance person of the operating status information. Details of the information notified to the maintenance personnel by the notifying means 23d will be described later together with various information displayed on the maintenance personnel terminal 30B.

[0036] The following two examples are given of information notified to the customer by the notification means 23d. The notification means 23d may notify the customer of abnormality information indicating that one of the multiple ultrasonic vibrators 11 is abnormal, response time information indicating when a maintenance worker will respond to the abnormality indicated by the abnormality information, and recovery time information indicating when one of the multiple ultrasonic vibrators 11 will recover from the abnormality indicated by the abnormality information. The notification unit 23d may notify the customer of the abnormality determined by the determination unit 23b when the degree of the abnormality determined by the determination unit 23b exceeds a predetermined standard. The predetermined standard may be, for example, the level of urgency. Details of the information notified to the customer by the notification means 23d will be described later together with various information displayed on the maintenance staff terminal 30B.

[0037] The storage control means 23e causes the storage unit 22 to store the above-mentioned various information. For example, when one of the multiple ultrasonic transducers 11 is newly determined to be abnormal by the judgment means 23b, the memory control means 23e may newly store in the memory unit 22 first region information indicating the first region A1 in which one of the multiple ultrasonic transducers 11 is installed. The storage control means 23e may store in the storage unit 22, for example, information relating to the history of the operating state information of each of the plurality of ultrasonic transducers 11, which is received by the receiving means 23a from the external control device 12. For example, when an abnormality occurs in the ultrasonic system 10, the ultrasonic vibrator 11, or the external control device 12, the memory control means 23e may store in the memory unit 22 information regarding the date and time when the abnormality occurred, the location where the abnormality occurred (e.g., prefecture), the identification number of either the ultrasonic system 10, the ultrasonic vibrator 11, or the external control device 12, the content of the abnormality, and the content of how to deal with the abnormality. The storage control means 23e may store, for example, information relating to the operating time, the target output, and the operation start time in the storage unit 22. The operating time, the target output, and the operation start time will be described in detail later.

[0038] Note that all or part of the functions of the control unit 23 may be realized using hardware such as an ASIC, PLD, or FPGA. The above program may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium. Examples of computer-readable recording media include portable media such as flexible disks, magneto-optical disks, ROMs, CD-ROMs, and semiconductor storage devices (e.g., SSDs), as well as storage devices such as hard disks and semiconductor storage devices built into computer systems. The above program may be transmitted via a telecommunications line.

[0039] The terminal device 30 provides various types of information regarding the status of the ultrasound system 10 to the monitor, maintenance personnel, and customer, respectively. This allows the various types of information to be shared among the monitor, maintenance personnel, and customer. In this embodiment, the various types of information are provided as appropriate from the server 20. Hereinafter, the terminal device 30 for the monitor may be referred to as the monitor terminal 30A, the terminal device 30 for the maintenance personnel may be referred to as the maintenance personnel terminal 30B, and the terminal device 30 for the customer may be referred to as the customer terminal 30C. When there is no need to distinguish between these, they will all be referred to as the terminal device 30. The monitor terminal 30A, the maintenance staff terminal 30B, and the customer terminal 30C are all configured using the same terminal device 30. For example, the monitor terminal 30A, the maintenance staff terminal 30B, and the customer terminal 30C may be configured by appropriately switching the operation mode of the terminal device 30.

[0040] 3 is a schematic block diagram showing a specific example of the functional configuration of the terminal device 30. The terminal device 30 is configured using information equipment such as a smartphone, tablet, personal computer, dedicated device, etc. The terminal device 30 includes a communication unit 31, an input unit 32, an output unit 33, a storage unit 34, and a control unit 35.

[0041] The communication unit 31 is a communication device. The communication unit 31 may be configured as, for example, a network interface. The communication unit 31 communicates data with other devices via the network N in accordance with the control of the control unit 35. The communication unit 31 may be a device that performs wireless communication or a device that performs wired communication.

[0042] The input unit 32 is configured using existing input devices such as a keyboard, a pointing device (mouse, tablet, etc.), buttons, a touch panel, etc. The input unit 32 is operated by a user when inputting user instructions to the terminal device 30. The input unit 32 may be an interface for connecting the input device to the terminal device 30. In this case, the input unit 32 inputs an input signal generated in the input device in response to a user input to the terminal device 30. The input unit 32 may be configured using a microphone and a voice recognition device. In this case, the input unit 32 acquires an acoustic signal generated by the user's speech, performs voice recognition on the words spoken by the user, and inputs character string information of the recognition result to the terminal device 30. The voice recognition process may be performed by the control unit 35. The input unit 32 may be configured in any way as long as it is capable of inputting user instructions to the terminal device 30.

[0043] The output unit 33 outputs information in a form that can be recognized by the user. The output unit 33 may be, for example, an image display device such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display. The output unit 33 may be an interface for connecting an image display device to the terminal device 30. In this case, the output unit 33 generates a video signal for displaying image data and outputs the video signal to the image display device connected to the output unit 30. The output unit 33 may be a device for outputting sound, such as a speaker. The output unit 33 may be an interface for connecting an audio output device, such as a speaker or headphones, to the terminal device 30. In this case, the output unit 33 generates an audio signal for reproducing audio data and outputs the audio signal to the audio output device connected to the output unit 30. The output unit 33 may be configured as a touch panel integrated with the input unit 32.

[0044] The storage unit 34 is configured using a storage device such as a magnetic hard disk drive or a semiconductor storage device. The storage unit 34 stores data used by the control unit 35. The storage unit 34 stores data required when the control unit 35 performs processing.

[0045] The control unit 35 is configured using a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a memory (main storage device). The control unit 35 functions when the processor executes a program. Note that all or part of the functions of the control unit 35 may be realized using hardware such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), a PLD (Programmable Logic Device), or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array). The program may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium. Examples of computer-readable recording media include portable media such as flexible disks, magneto-optical disks, ROMs, CD-ROMs, and semiconductor storage devices (e.g., SSDs: Solid State Drives), as well as storage devices such as hard disks and semiconductor storage devices built into computer systems. The program may be transmitted via a telecommunications line.

[0046] The control unit 35 may execute, for example, an application installed on its own device (terminal device 30). A specific example of such an application is an application provided to the terminal device 30 as a dedicated application for the abnormality determination system 1. Another specific example of such an application is a web browser application. Such an application may be pre-installed on the terminal device 30, or may be downloaded each time a determination process is executed. For example, when implemented as a web browser application, the terminal device 30 may download and execute the application from a device specified by a specific web server (for example, the web server itself or another server) in response to the terminal device 30 connecting to the web server. The control unit 35 operates according to the program of the application being executed. Such an application may operate, for example, using SaaS (Software as a Service).

[0047] The control unit 35 controls the terminal device 30 in response to user operations and information received from the server 20. For example, the control unit 35 transmits information input by the user operating the input unit 32 to the server 20 by using the communication unit 31. For example, when information transmitted from the server 20 is received by the communication unit 31 via the network N, the control unit 35 generates screen data based on the received information and causes the output unit 33 to display the screen data. Such screen data includes images and text indicating the information transmitted from the server 20. For example, when information transmitted from the server 20 is received by the communication unit 31 via the network N, the control unit 35 generates audio data based on the received information and causes the output unit 33 to output the audio data.

[0048] The information output to the monitor terminal 30A, the maintenance staff terminal 30B, and the customer terminal 30C will be described below. FIG. 4 shows a history information table TL displayed on the output unit 33 of the monitor terminal 30A or the maintenance staff terminal 30B. 4 is a user interface for displaying, as a history, information about work that has been performed or is currently being performed in response to an abnormality in the ultrasound system 10. The history information table TL may be displayed on the monitor terminal 30A in a manner switchable with a monitor information table TE, which will be described later. The history information table TL may be displayed on the maintenance staff terminal 30B in a manner switchable with a maintenance staff information table TS, which will be described later.

[0049] In the history information table TL shown in Fig. 4, the top row indicates the content of the information shown in the second and subsequent rows from the top. In the history information table TL shown in Fig. 4, the second and subsequent rows from the top record detailed information about an abnormality that has occurred in the ultrasound system 10, with each row recording separate information.

[0050] As shown in Figure 4, the history information table TL records, for each abnormality that occurs, date and time information TL1, region information TL2, first region information TL3, installation location information TL4, external control device identification number TL5, vibrator identification number TL6, abnormality content information TL7, response content information TL8, information source information TL9, information destination information TL10, and recovery status information TL11.

[0051] The date and time information TL1 is information relating to the date and time when an abnormality occurred. The date and time information TL1 indicates, for example, the date and time when it was determined that an abnormality occurred in the ultrasound system 10. The date and time information TL1 is stored in the memory unit 22 by the memory control means 23e, for example, at the time when it is determined that an abnormality occurred in the ultrasound system 10, and can be displayed in the history information table TL. Note that the determination of an abnormality in the ultrasound system 10 will be described later.

[0052] The region information TL2 is information about the region where the ultrasound system 10 in which the abnormality occurred is located. The region information TL2 is indicated, for example, by prefecture. The region information TL2 is stored in the memory unit 22 by the memory control means 23e based on, for example, the identification number of the external control device 12 in which it was determined that the abnormality occurred in the ultrasound system 10, and can be displayed in the history information table TL.

[0053] The first region information TL3 is information indicating the location of the first region A1 where the ultrasonic system 10 including one of the ultrasonic transducers 11 or the external control device 12 in which the abnormality occurred is installed, when an abnormality occurs in one of the plurality of ultrasonic transducers 11 or the external control device 12 as described above. In other words, the first region information TL3 is information indicating the location where the ultrasonic system 10 including the ultrasonic transducer 11 or the external control device 12 in which the abnormality occurred is installed. As described above, the first region A1 refers to the region where the customer's plant is located. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 4, the first region information TL3 may be expressed as the plant name. In this embodiment, the first region information TL3 is indicated by the name of the plant in the first region A1. In other words, the first region information TL3 is the name of the customer in the first region A1. The first region information TL3 is stored in the memory unit 22 by the memory control means 23e, for example, based on the identification number of the ultrasonic system 10 in which the abnormality was determined to have occurred, and can be displayed in the history information table TL.

[0054] The mounting position information TL4 is information indicating details of the pipe PL installed in the first area A1. When a plurality of pipes PL are installed in the first area A1, the mounting position information TL4 is information indicating the pipe PL in which the ultrasonic transducer 11 or ultrasonic system 10 in which an abnormality has occurred is installed. The individual pipe PL related to the mounting position information TL4 may be identified based on, for example, the identification number of the external control device 12 in the ultrasonic system 10 in which it was determined that an abnormality has occurred. The mounting position information TL4 is stored in the memory unit 22 by the memory control means 23e and can be displayed in the history information table TL.

[0055] The external control device identification number TL5 is information indicating an identification number individually assigned to the external control device 12 of the ultrasound system 10. In this embodiment, the external control device identification number TL5 can be used to identify the individual external control device 12 in which an abnormality has occurred. The external control device identification number TL5 is automatically registered, for example, based on the identification number of the ultrasound system 10 in which it has been determined that an abnormality has occurred.

[0056] The transducer identification number TL6 is information indicating identification numbers individually assigned to the ultrasonic transducers 11 provided in the piping PL related to the installation position information TL4. In this embodiment, the transducer identification number TL6 can be used to identify the individual ultrasonic transducer 11 in which an abnormality has occurred. This makes it possible to determine the first location P1 where the ultrasonic transducer 11 in which it has been determined that an abnormality has occurred is provided by the transducer identification number TL6. The transducer identification number TL6 is stored in the memory unit 22 by the memory control means 23e, for example, based on the identification number of the ultrasonic transducer 11 in which it has been determined that an abnormality has occurred, and can be displayed in the history information table TL. In this way, by displaying the external control device identification number TL5 and the transducer identification number TL6 together, it is possible to identify the individual external control device 12, and then identify the individual ultrasonic transducer 11 connected to the individual external control device 12. This makes it easier to identify the ultrasonic transducer 11 in which an abnormality has occurred, among the multiple ultrasonic transducers 11 provided in the ultrasound system 10.

[0057] The abnormality content information TL7 is information indicating the specific content of an abnormality that has occurred in the ultrasound system 10. Examples of abnormality content include positional deviation, inability to output ultrasound, and insufficient output. Positional deviation indicates that the position of the ultrasound transducer 11 has shifted. Inability to output ultrasound indicates that the ultrasound transducer 11 is no longer able to output ultrasound. Insufficient output indicates that the ultrasound transducer 11 is no longer outputting sufficient ultrasound. The abnormality content information TL7 is registered by an observer, for example, based on the result of the observer's judgment.

[0058] The countermeasure content information TL8 is information indicating a countermeasure method for the abnormality indicated by the abnormality content information TL7. For example, in the example shown in Fig. 4, from the top, it indicates strengthening the fixation of the ultrasonic vibrator 11 (retightening), increasing the output of ultrasonic vibrators 11 other than the ultrasonic vibrator 11 in which the abnormality occurred (increasing the output of other vibrators), adjusting the position of the ultrasonic vibrator 11 that has shifted (position adjustment), and replacing the ultrasonic vibrator 11 in which the abnormality occurred (replacement). The countermeasure content information TL8 is registered by the monitor, for example, based on the monitor's judgment.

[0059] The information source information TL9 is information indicating the source of various information recorded in the history information table TL. The information transmission destination information TL10 is information indicating the transmission destination of various information recorded in the history information table TL. For example, if the information source information TL9 is a monitor and the information destination information TL10 is a maintenance worker, it indicates that the information entered by the monitor has been sent to the maintenance worker. Specifically, it indicates that the abnormality content information TL7 (potential abnormalities described later) and the countermeasure content information TL8 (potential countermeasures described later) entered by the monitor have been transmitted to the maintenance worker. For example, if the information source information TL9 is a maintenance worker and the information destination information TL10 is a monitor, it indicates that the maintenance worker has completed the response to the abnormality. Specifically, it indicates that the abnormality content information TL7 actually confirmed by the maintenance worker on-site and the response content information TL8 actually carried out on-site have been transmitted to the monitor.

[0060] The recovery status information TL11 is information indicating whether or not the abnormality has been recovered. In the example shown in Fig. 4, only the second row from the top in the history information table TL indicates that the abnormality has not been recovered (NG), and all rows from the third row onwards indicate that the abnormality has been recovered (OK). If the recovery status information TL11 indicates that the abnormality has not been recovered (NG), this may mean that security personnel are currently taking action. The restoration status information TL11 is registered by a monitor based on the result of the monitor's judgment after, for example, the maintenance personnel has completed the response to the abnormality.

[0061] FIG. 5 is an example of a screen displayed on the output unit 33 of the monitor terminal 30A. As shown in FIG. 5, for example, an observer information table TE and operating status information OC are simultaneously displayed on the output unit 33 of the observer terminal 30A. The monitor information table TE is a user interface that displays information necessary for the monitor to deal with an abnormality in the ultrasound system 10. In the monitor information table TE shown in FIG. 5, the top row indicates the content of the information displayed in the second and subsequent rows from the top. In the monitor information table TE shown in FIG. 5, the second and subsequent rows from the top record detailed information about an abnormality that has occurred in the ultrasound system 10, with each row recorded separately. The monitor information table TE may also display information about ultrasonic transducers 11 that are functioning normally.

[0062] As shown in Figure 5, the monitor information table TE displays, for each abnormality that occurs, first region information TE1, urgency information TE2, date and time information TE3, external control device identification number TE4, vibrator identification number TE5, installation location information TE6, potential abnormality information TE7, potential response information TE8, operating time information TE9, target output information TE10, operation start time information TE11, and a send button TE12.

[0063] The first region information TE1 is the same information as the first region information TL3 in the history information table TL. The urgency information TE2 is information that indicates the degree of abnormality in the ultrasound system 10. In the example shown in FIG. 5, the rows from the second top of the monitor information table TE are A, B, and A, in that order. In this case, the abnormality indicated by A has a higher degree of urgency. In other words, this indicates that the priority of response by security personnel is high. The urgency level is higher, for example, when there is a high possibility that the operating time or ultrasound output as agreed upon between the customer and the provider of the ultrasound system 10 cannot be guaranteed. The urgency level is determined, for example, by a supervisor.

[0064] The date and time information TE3 is the same information as the date and time information TL1 in the history information table TL. The external control device identification number TE4 is the same information as the external control device identification number TL5 in the history information table TL. The transducer identification number TE5 is the same information as the transducer identification number TL6 in the history information table TL. The attachment position information TE6 is the same information as the attachment position information TL4 in the history information table TL.

[0065] The abnormality candidate information TE7 is information indicating the specific details of an abnormality that has occurred in the ultrasound system 10, and is estimated by an observer. The abnormality candidate information TE7 is registered by the observer, for example, based on the result of the observer's determination. The candidate countermeasure information TE8 is information indicating a countermeasure method for an abnormality that has occurred in the ultrasound system 10, and is proposed by an observer. The candidate countermeasure information TE8 is registered by the observer, for example, based on the observer's judgment.

[0066] The uptime information TE9 is information about the uptime that should be guaranteed for the ultrasound system 10, as determined by agreement between the customer and the provider of the ultrasound system 10. The target output information TE10 is information about the output of the ultrasonic transducer 11 that should be guaranteed in the ultrasonic system 10, which is determined between the customer and the provider of the ultrasonic system 10. In the ultrasound system 10, a monitor and a security guard manage the time related to the operating time information TE9 and the output related to the target output information TE10 so that they do not fall below these values. If there is a possibility that these values ​​will fall below these values, it may be treated as an abnormality in the ultrasound system 10.

[0067] The operation start time information TE11 is information indicating the time when the operation of the ultrasound system 10 started. In this embodiment, the time when the operation of the ultrasound system 10 started refers to, for example, the operation start date of the ultrasound transducer 11. Specifically, in this embodiment, the operation start time information TE11 is indicated, for example, by a date including the Gregorian calendar year. This preferably makes it possible to deal with cases where the life of the ultrasound transducer 11 is short, for example. Furthermore, the operation start time information TE11 may be indicated, for example, by a month including the Gregorian calendar year. The send button TE12 is used when the monitor sends information written in the monitor information table TE to the maintenance staff. For example, the monitor appropriately selects the send button TE12 by clicking or tapping via the input unit 32, thereby sending the information. The information sent in this manner is appropriately reflected in, for example, the maintenance staff information table TS described next. In the example shown in FIG. 5, the second and third rows from the top in the history information table TL indicate that the information has not been sent (yet), and the fourth row indicates that the information has been sent (yet). A graphic to be selected when sending information may be displayed on the send button TE12 next to the characters indicating this information. The graphic may be, for example, a rectangle as shown in FIG. 5. For example, when a monitor selects the graphic of the send button TE12 to send information to a maintenance worker, it is preferable that the display of the send button TE12 switches from not sent (yet) to sent (yet). When information is sent using the send button TE12, the color of the graphic provided on the send button TE12 may change.

[0068] The operating status information OC appropriately displays the above-mentioned operating status information. For example, the operating status information OC may display all of the above-mentioned operating status information, or may appropriately display information selected by the monitor. The operating status information OC may display, for example, the most recent detailed information about an abnormality in the ultrasound system 10 displayed in the monitor information table TE. Specifically, for example, the operating status information OC may automatically display information about an ultrasonic transducer 11 that may be abnormal. An ultrasonic transducer 11 that may be abnormal may be automatically detected, for example, by the server 20 or the like. An observer may visually check the information displayed in this manner to determine whether or not there is an abnormality in the ultrasonic transducer 11 related to the displayed information. The information about the most recent abnormality displayed in this manner may be hidden after the observer's determination is completed or after the abnormality has been recovered from. Furthermore, the operating state information OC may display, for example, various waveforms for indicating the above-mentioned states of each of the plurality of ultrasonic transducers 11.

[0069] FIG. 6 is an example of a screen displayed on the output unit 33 of the maintenance staff terminal 30B. As shown in FIG. 6, for example, a maintenance staff information table TS and operational status information OC are displayed on the output unit 33 of the maintenance staff terminal 30B. The maintenance staff information table TS is a user interface that displays information necessary for a maintenance staff to deal with an abnormality in the ultrasound system 10. Regarding the maintenance staff information table TS, only the differences from the monitor staff information table TE shown in Fig. 5 will be explained, and the other contents will be omitted as they are the same as the monitor staff information table TE. In the maintenance staff information table TS shown in Fig. 6, TS1 to TS6, TS9 to TS11, and OC are the same information as TE1 to TE6, TE9 to TE11, and OC in the monitor information table TE shown in Fig. 5. In the maintenance staff information table TS, information used by the monitor to determine an abnormality that does not need to be referenced by the maintenance staff may be hidden. Specifically, for example, in the maintenance staff information table TS, operating time information TS9 and target output information TS10 may be hidden. Here, for example, the abnormality candidate information TE7 registered by the monitor in the monitor information table TE may differ from the actual content of the abnormality. In such a case, the abnormality content information TS7 in the maintenance staff information table TS may be updated based on the results of on-site confirmation by the security staff. After the abnormality has been dealt with, the abnormality content information TS7 in the maintenance staff information table TS may be stored as abnormality content information TL7 in the history information table TL. Alternatively, in order to prevent exceptional responses from occurring on-site, the abnormality content information TL7 may be hidden in the maintenance staff information table TS in order to centralize judgments regarding abnormalities. 6, in place of the candidate solution information TE8 in the monitor information table TE, solution content information TS8 is displayed. While the candidate solution information TE8 is a candidate solution proposed by the monitor, the solution content information TS8 indicates the content of the solution actually performed by the maintenance staff. The solution content information TS8 is input by the maintenance staff. Furthermore, the send button TS12 in the maintenance staff information table TS differs from the send button TE12 in the monitor staff information table TE only in that the send button TS12 is used when the maintenance staff sends information to the monitor staff.

[0070] FIG. 7 is an example of a screen displayed on the output unit 33 of the customer terminal 30C. As shown in FIG. 7, for example, a customer information table TC is displayed on the output section 33 of the customer terminal 30C. The customer information table TC is a user interface that displays information necessary for a customer to deal with an abnormality in the ultrasound system 10. In the customer information table TC shown in Figure 7, the top row indicates the content of the information shown in the second and subsequent rows from the top. In the customer information table TC shown in Figure 7, the second and subsequent rows from the top record detailed information about an abnormality that has occurred in the ultrasound system 10, separated into rows. As shown in Figure 7, the customer information table TC displays, for each abnormality that occurs, status information TC1, urgency information TC2, date and time information TC3, transducer identification number TC4, response timing information TC5, whether entry is required TC6, recovery schedule TC7, and response status TC8.

[0071] The status information TC1 indicates that an abnormality has occurred in the ultrasound system 10 installed in the piping PL owned by the customer. The urgency information TC2 is the same as the urgency information TE2 in the monitor information table TE. In the customer information table TC, for example, only abnormalities whose urgency exceeds a predetermined standard may be displayed. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, in the customer information table TC, only abnormalities with an urgency of A or B may be displayed, and abnormalities with an urgency of C or lower may not be displayed. The date and time information TC3 is the same as the date and time information TL1 in the history information table TL. The transducer identification number TC4 is the same information as the transducer identification number TL6 in the history information table TL.

[0072] The response time information TC5 indicates the date and time when the maintenance personnel is expected to start responding to the abnormality. For example, the response time information TC5 is displayed based on information input by a security personnel after the maintenance personnel and the customer have completed arrangements for the maintenance personnel to visit the first area A1. The entry necessity TC6 displays whether or not a maintenance person needs to enter the first area A1 to deal with the abnormality. For example, the customer coordinates with the maintenance person about entry into the first area A1 based on the entry necessity TC6. This preferably enables the maintenance person to deal with the abnormality more smoothly. The recovery schedule TC7 is information indicating the date and time when the maintenance personnel is expected to complete their response to the abnormality. The recovery schedule TC7 is registered by the maintenance personnel, for example, based on the maintenance personnel's judgment. The response status TC8 is information indicating whether or not the maintenance staff has completed the response to the abnormality. In the example shown in Fig. 7, the second row from the top of the customer information table TC indicates "Not yet responded," "Resolved," and "Resolved," respectively. The response status TC8 is registered, for example, by the maintenance staff.

[0073] (Procedures for responding to abnormalities) The procedure for dealing with an abnormality that occurs in the ultrasound system 10 using the abnormality determination system 1 according to this embodiment will be described. FIG. 8 shows a workflow for dealing with an abnormality that occurs in the ultrasound system 10 according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 8, the workflow according to this embodiment includes a first step S1, a second step S2, and a third step S3.

[0074] (1st step) In the first step S1, for example, an observer determines whether an abnormality has occurred in the ultrasound system 10 (determination step). When determining whether an abnormality has occurred in the ultrasound system 10, the receiving means 23a first receives operating status information (receiving step). The operating status information received by the receiving means 23a is displayed on the output unit 33 as operating status information OC as described above. In this embodiment, the abnormality is determined, for example, by the observer visually checking the operating status information OC displayed on the output unit 33 of the observer terminal 30A. At this time, the information displayed on the operating status information OC may be, for example, information about an ultrasonic transducer 11 that may be abnormal, which is automatically detected by the server 20 or the like. If the observer determines that an abnormality has occurred in the ultrasound system 10 (S1: YES), the observer inputs information about the abnormality using the observer terminal 30A. Specifically, the observer inputs, for example, specific details of the abnormality and a method for dealing with the abnormality from the terminal to the system (step S1a), and the process proceeds to the second step S2. If the monitor does not determine that an abnormality has occurred in the ultrasound system 10 (S1: NO), the monitor attempts to improve the situation by controlling operation and then continues to determine (monitor) the abnormality in the ultrasound system 10. In other words, the monitor continues the first step S1. The first step S1 by the monitor is performed as needed until the process moves to the second step S2. The above-mentioned various information input by the monitor is stored in the storage unit of the server 20. The server 20 transmits this various information to the maintenance staff terminal 30B and the customer terminal 30C. Hereinafter, the above-mentioned various information input by the monitor will be simply referred to as various information.

[0075] (Second step) In the second step S2, first, the maintenance technician confirms various pieces of information using the maintenance technician terminal 30B. The customer confirms various pieces of information using the customer terminal 30C (step S2a). After confirming the various pieces of information, the maintenance technician and the customer make arrangements for the visit to the first area A1 (step S2b). Specifically, for example, the time the maintenance technician will arrive at the first area A1 is confirmed, and various procedures for entering the first area A1 are carried out. When making arrangements for the visit to the first area A1, the maintenance technician inputs into the maintenance technician terminal 30B the expected date and time when the maintenance technician will arrive at the first area A1 and begin troubleshooting, and the expected date and time when the troubleshooting will be completed and the ultrasound system 10 will be restored. The information thus input is stored in the memory unit 22 of the server 20 and can be displayed as troubleshooting timing information TC5 and recovery schedule TC7 in the customer information table TC. A maintenance technician visits the first area A1 and deals with the abnormality in the ultrasound system 10 based on various information (step S2c). At this time, the maintenance technician may take action based on the instructions from the monitor that are displayed on the maintenance technician terminal 30B. That is, the maintenance technician may take action based on the action content information TS8 displayed in the maintenance technician information table TS. The maintenance technician then inputs information related to the action using the maintenance technician terminal 30B (step S2d). Specifically, the maintenance technician inputs, for example, the action content that was actually taken in response to the abnormality and a statement that the action against the abnormality has been completed based on the action content. The information input by the maintenance personnel is transmitted by the server 20 to the monitor terminal 30A.

[0076] (Third Step) In the third step S3, the monitor uses the monitor terminal 30A to confirm that the maintenance personnel have completed their response, and then again determines whether there is an abnormality in the corresponding ultrasound system 10. If the abnormality has been resolved (S3: YES), the monitor inputs into the monitor terminal 30A that the corresponding ultrasound system 10 has been restored (step S3a) and returns to the first step S1 to resume monitoring. If the abnormality has not been resolved (S3: NO), the monitor returns to step S2c and instructs the maintenance personnel to take another response. The content of the response in this case may be determined, for example, by the monitor or the maintenance personnel. In this embodiment, the monitor continues to monitor the ultrasound system 10 as long as the plant continues to operate (S4: YES). For example, if the plant operation is temporarily stopped for cleaning, inspection, or the like (S4: NO), the monitor may stop monitoring the ultrasound system 10.

[0077] The above-described work procedure is used to deal with an abnormality in the ultrasound system 10. Details of the work performed to deal with the abnormality according to the above-described procedure may be stored as a work content history in the storage unit 22 of the server 20 as appropriate. A history information table TL may be created based on such a work content history. The work content history recorded in this manner is displayed on the monitor terminal 30A or the maintenance worker terminal 30B, and is accumulated as data on the frequency, time, and content of responses in multiple first areas A1, and may be used to predict the timing of the next abnormality response or to evaluate the work quality. This may contribute to considering the number of work hours and personnel allocation of security personnel, and to considering improvements to work quality. This evaluation may be performed, for example, by the provider of the ultrasound system 10.

[0078] As described above, according to the abnormality determination system 1 of this embodiment, the receiving means 23a provided in the second area A2 receives operating status information indicating the operating status of each of the ultrasonic transducers 11 provided in the first area A1 from the external control device 12 connected to each of the ultrasonic transducers 11. Then, based on the operating status information received by the receiving means 23a, the determining means 23b provided in the second area A2 determines whether or not there is an abnormality in each of the ultrasonic transducers 11 based on the operating status information received by the receiving means 23a. This allows the second area A2 to determine whether or not there is an abnormality in each of the ultrasonic transducers 11 provided in the first area A1. Therefore, for example, even if multiple first areas A1 each provided with ultrasonic transducers 11 are located at distant locations, the second area A2 can determine whether or not there is an abnormality in the ultrasonic transducer 11 in each of the multiple first areas A1.

[0079] Furthermore, each of the multiple ultrasonic vibrators 11 is attached to a first location P1 of a predetermined facility located in the first area A1. Each of the multiple ultrasonic vibrators 11 is attachable to and detachable from the first location P1, and can prevent contamination at the first location P1. In this way, each of the multiple ultrasonic vibrators 11 has the same purpose of preventing contamination at the first location P1 of the predetermined facility, and is provided at the same location, the first location P1. In this way, by providing multiple ultrasonic vibrators 11 for the same purpose at the same location, it is possible to ensure sufficient ultrasonic energy required at the first location P1. Therefore, it is possible to more reliably prevent contamination at the first location P1.

[0080] The total output value of the ultrasonic transducers 11 installed in the first area A1 may be determined by agreement with the client who owns the first location P1 to the first area A1. In this case, it is required that the total output value of the ultrasonic transducers 11 does not fall below the determined value. Therefore, the determination means 23b determines that one of the plurality of ultrasonic transducers 11 is abnormal when a decrease in ultrasonic energy of one of the plurality of ultrasonic transducers 11 cannot be compensated for by an increase in ultrasonic energy of the other ultrasonic transducers 11. This makes it easier to quickly deal with the abnormality of the ultrasonic transducer 11. Therefore, for example, it is easier to prevent the value of the total output of the plurality of ultrasonic transducers 11 from falling below a predetermined value.

[0081] The operating hours of the ultrasonic transducers 11 installed in the first area A1 may be determined by agreement with the client who owns the first location P1 to the first area A1. In this case, it is required that the operating hours of the ultrasonic transducers 11 do not fall below the determined time. Therefore, when one of the ultrasonic transducers 11 cannot generate ultrasonic waves, the determining means 23b determines that one of the ultrasonic transducers 11 is abnormal. This makes it easier to quickly deal with the abnormality of the ultrasonic transducer 11. Therefore, for example, it is easier to prevent the operating time of the ultrasonic transducers 11 from falling below a predetermined time.

[0082] Furthermore, the determination means 23b determines that the ultrasonic transducers 11 are abnormal when the total output of the ultrasonic transducers 11 is less than a predetermined output. This makes it easier to quickly deal with the abnormality of the ultrasonic transducers 11. Therefore, for example, it is easier to prevent the total output value of the ultrasonic transducers 11 from falling below a predetermined value.

[0083] Furthermore, the determination means 23b determines that one of the ultrasonic transducers 11 is abnormal when one of the ultrasonic transducers 11 experiences a breakdown or deterioration, a decrease in the force pressing the transducer against the first location P1, or a shift in the attachment position to the first location P1. This makes it easier to quickly deal with the abnormality in the ultrasonic transducer 11.

[0084] Furthermore, when the number of the ultrasonic transducers 11 determined to be abnormal by the determination means 23b is equal to or greater than a predetermined number, the determination means 23c determines that the ultrasonic system 10 including the ultrasonic transducers 11 and the external control device 12 is abnormal. This makes it easier to quickly deal with the abnormality of the ultrasonic transducers 11 described above. Furthermore, by also determining that the external control device 12 is abnormal in the above-mentioned cases, it makes it easier to appropriately deal with the abnormality of the ultrasonic system 10 including the ultrasonic transducers 11 and the external control device 12.

[0085] Furthermore, the determining means 23c determines that the external control device 12 is abnormal when the receiving means 23a cannot receive the operating status information from the external control device 12. This makes it easier to deal with the abnormality of the external control device 12 quickly.

[0086] Furthermore, the operating state information received by the receiving means 23a from the external control device 12 includes any one of the drive frequency of each of the plurality of ultrasonic vibrators 11, the phase difference between the first voltage applied to each of the plurality of ultrasonic vibrators 11 and the current generated by the first voltage, the waveform of the impedance of the system including the plurality of ultrasonic vibrators 11 and the first location P1, and the ultrasonic energy of each of the plurality of ultrasonic vibrators 11. This makes it possible to more reliably determine an abnormality in the ultrasonic vibrators 11, for example, without attaching a vibration meter to the piping PL.

[0087] Furthermore, the notification means 23d notifies the customer of anomaly information indicating that one of the plurality of ultrasonic transducers 11 is abnormal, response time information indicating when a maintenance person will respond to the abnormality indicated by the abnormality information, and recovery time information indicating when one of the plurality of ultrasonic transducers 11 will recover from the abnormality indicated by the abnormality information. This makes it easier to appropriately convey the information desired by the customer, who is the owner of the first location P1 to the first area A1.

[0088] For example, if the degree of abnormality determined by the determination means 23b exceeds a predetermined standard, a more rapid response may be required. Therefore, when the degree of abnormality determined by the determination means 23b exceeds the predetermined standard, the notification means 23d notifies the customer of the abnormality determined by the determination means 23b. This allows the customer to quickly understand that the degree of abnormality determined by the determination means 23b has exceeded the predetermined standard. Therefore, for example, it becomes easier to quickly make adjustments to respond to the abnormality.

[0089] Furthermore, the notification means 23d associates abnormality information indicating that one of the ultrasonic transducers 11 is abnormal with abnormality degree information indicating the degree of the abnormality indicated by the abnormality information, and notifies the maintenance personnel of the association. This allows the maintenance personnel to, for example, take appropriate action against the abnormal ultrasonic transducer 11 according to the degree of the abnormality.

[0090] Furthermore, the notification means 23d associates abnormality information indicating that one of the ultrasonic transducers 11 is abnormal with countermeasure information indicating countermeasures for the abnormality indicated by the abnormality information, and notifies the maintenance personnel of the association. This allows the maintenance personnel to easily understand countermeasures for the abnormal ultrasonic transducer 11, for example.

[0091] Furthermore, the notification means 23d notifies the maintenance personnel of operation status information indicating the operation status of each of the plurality of ultrasonic transducers 11. This allows the maintenance personnel to easily grasp, for example, whether the abnormality has been resolved by dealing with the abnormal ultrasonic transducer 11.

[0092] Furthermore, when one of the plurality of ultrasonic transducers 11 is newly determined to be abnormal by the determination means 23b, the memory control means 23e causes the memory unit 22 to newly store first area information indicating the first area A1 in which one of the plurality of ultrasonic transducers 11 is installed. This makes it possible, for example, to identify an area in which the first area information has been stored multiple times as an area with many abnormal ultrasonic transducers 11. This makes it easier to more appropriately allocate maintenance personnel, for example.

[0093] The plurality of ultrasonic transducers 11 also includes unused spare transducers. This allows, for example, when an abnormality occurs in one of the plurality of ultrasonic transducers 11, to respond to the abnormality by operating the unused spare transducer 11. This response can also be performed by a worker of the client who owns the first location P1 to the first area A1, before a maintenance worker arrives at the installation location of the ultrasonic transducer 11 where the abnormality occurred. This makes it easier to respond to the abnormality more quickly.

[0094] The technical scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure. For example, although the description has been given of the ultrasonic system 10 installed in the facility as the equipment attached to the piping PL in the plant, this is not limited thereto. The equipment installed in the facility may be any equipment, such as a heat exchanger or a concentrator in a papermaking plant or a food plant. In other words, the ultrasonic system 10 in the above-described anomaly determination system 1 may be replaced with any other device. In this case, the operating status information of the ultrasonic vibrator 11 and the method for dealing with anomalies may be replaced with appropriate corresponding ones. Furthermore, although it has been explained that whether or not an abnormality has occurred in the ultrasonic vibrator 11 may be determined by an observer, an artificial intelligence may make the determination instead of the observer. Furthermore, each of the above-described tasks performed by the observer may be performed by an artificial intelligence instead of the observer. Furthermore, the contents of the observer's determination regarding an abnormality may be learned by machine learning. In this way, the artificial intelligence may determine whether or not an abnormality has occurred in the ultrasonic vibrator 11 based on the results of machine learning. Furthermore, the operating status information may include any information other than those described above. Furthermore, if the multiple ultrasonic vibrators 11 include unused spares, the customer's worker may take emergency measures such as switching the connection between the external control device 12 and the ultrasonic vibrator 11 in which the abnormality has occurred to the unused spare ultrasonic vibrator 11 before the maintenance personnel arrive at the site where the abnormality has occurred.

[0095] In addition, within the scope of the present disclosure, the components in the above-described embodiments may be replaced with well-known components as appropriate, and the above-described modified examples may be combined as appropriate.

[0096] (Addendum) The abnormality determination system according to the embodiment can be understood, for example, as follows.

[0097] <1> An abnormality determination system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is characterized by comprising: a plurality of ultrasonic transducers provided in a first area; an external control device provided in the first area and connected to each of the plurality of ultrasonic transducers; a receiving means provided in a second area and receiving operating status information indicating the operating status of each of the plurality of ultrasonic transducers from the external control device; and a determination means provided in the second area and determining an abnormality in each of the plurality of ultrasonic transducers based on the operating status information received by the receiving means.

[0098] According to the above-described abnormality determination system, operating status information indicating the operating status of each of the ultrasonic transducers provided in the first region is received by a receiving means provided in the second region from an external control device connected to each of the ultrasonic transducers. Then, an abnormality in each of the ultrasonic transducers is determined by a determining means provided in the second region based on the operating status information received by the receiving means. This allows an abnormality in each of the ultrasonic transducers provided in the first region to be determined in the second region. Therefore, for example, even if multiple first regions in which ultrasonic transducers are provided are located at distant locations, an abnormality in the ultrasonic transducers in each of the multiple first regions can be determined in the second region.

[0099] <2> the above <1> In the abnormality determination system according to the present invention, each of the plurality of ultrasonic vibrators may be attached to a first location of a predetermined facility located in the first area, and each of the plurality of ultrasonic vibrators may be detachable from the first location and capable of preventing contamination of the first location.

[0100] Furthermore, each of the multiple ultrasonic vibrators is attached to a first location of a predetermined facility located in a first region. Each of the multiple ultrasonic vibrators is detachable from the first location and can prevent contamination at the first location. In this way, each of the multiple ultrasonic vibrators has the same purpose of preventing contamination at the first location of the predetermined facility, and is installed at the same location, the first location. In this way, by installing multiple ultrasonic vibrators for the same purpose at the same location, it is possible to ensure sufficient ultrasonic energy required at the first location. Therefore, it is possible to more reliably prevent contamination at the first location.

[0101] <3> the above <1> or <2> In the abnormality determination system according to the present invention, the determination means may be configured to determine that one of the plurality of ultrasonic vibrators is abnormal when a decrease in ultrasonic energy of one of the plurality of ultrasonic vibrators cannot be compensated for by an increase in ultrasonic energy of the other ultrasonic vibrators.

[0102] The total output value of the multiple ultrasonic transducers installed in the first region may be determined by agreement with the customer who is the owner of the first location or the first region. In this case, it is required that the total output value of the multiple ultrasonic transducers does not fall below the determined value. Therefore, the determining means determines that one of the ultrasonic transducers is abnormal when a decrease in ultrasonic energy of one of the ultrasonic transducers cannot be compensated for by an increase in ultrasonic energy of the other ultrasonic transducers. This makes it easier to quickly deal with the abnormality of the ultrasonic transducer. Therefore, for example, it is easier to prevent the total output value of the ultrasonic transducers from falling below a predetermined value.

[0103] <4> the above <1> from <3> In the abnormality determination system according to any one of the above aspects, the determination means may be configured to determine that one of the plurality of ultrasonic vibrators is abnormal when the one of the plurality of ultrasonic vibrators is unable to generate ultrasonic waves.

[0104] The operating hours of the ultrasonic transducers installed in the first region may be determined by agreement with the customer who owns the first location or the first region. In this case, it is required that the operating hours of the ultrasonic transducers do not fall below the determined hours. Therefore, when one of the ultrasonic transducers cannot generate ultrasonic waves, the determining unit determines that one of the ultrasonic transducers is abnormal. This makes it easier to quickly deal with the abnormality of the ultrasonic transducer. Therefore, for example, it is easier to prevent the operating time of the ultrasonic transducers from falling below a predetermined time.

[0105] <5> the above <1> from <4> In the abnormality determination system according to any one of the above aspects, the determination means may be configured to determine that the plurality of ultrasonic vibrators are abnormal when the total output of the plurality of ultrasonic vibrators is less than a predetermined output.

[0106] Furthermore, the determining means determines that the ultrasonic transducers are abnormal when the total output of the ultrasonic transducers is less than a predetermined output. This makes it easier to quickly deal with the abnormality of the ultrasonic transducers. Therefore, for example, it is easier to prevent the total output of the ultrasonic transducers from falling below a predetermined value.

[0107] <6> the above <1> from <5> In the abnormality determination system according to any one of the above aspects, the determination means may be configured to determine that one of the plurality of ultrasonic vibrators is abnormal when one of the plurality of ultrasonic vibrators experiences any of the following: a breakdown or deterioration, a decrease in the force pressing against the first location, or a shift in the attachment position relative to the first location.

[0108] Furthermore, the determining means determines that one of the ultrasonic transducers is abnormal when one of the ultrasonic transducers has failed or deteriorated, the force pressing it against the first location has decreased, or the attachment position relative to the first location has shifted. This makes it easier to quickly deal with the abnormality in the ultrasonic transducer.

[0109] <7> the above <1> from <6> In any one of the above aspects of the abnormality determination system, a configuration may be adopted in which the system further includes a determination means for determining that an ultrasonic system including the plurality of ultrasonic vibrators and the external control device is abnormal when a predetermined number or more of the plurality of ultrasonic vibrators are determined to be abnormal by the determination means.

[0110] Furthermore, the discrimination means determines that an ultrasound system including the plurality of ultrasound transducers and the external control device is abnormal when a predetermined number or more of the plurality of ultrasound transducers are determined to be abnormal by the determination means. This makes it easier to quickly deal with the abnormality of the ultrasound transducers. Furthermore, by also determining that an abnormality exists in the external control device in the above-mentioned case, it makes it easier to appropriately deal with the abnormality of the ultrasound system including the plurality of ultrasound transducers and the external control device.

[0111] <8> the above <1> from <7> In the abnormality determination system according to any one of the above aspects, a configuration may be adopted which further includes a determination means for determining that the external control device is abnormal when the receiving means is unable to receive the operating status information.

[0112] Furthermore, the determining means determines that the external control device is abnormal when the receiving means cannot receive the operating status information from the external control device, thereby facilitating a prompt response to the abnormality in the external control device.

[0113] <9> the above <1> from <8> In the abnormality determination system according to any one of the above aspects, the operating status information may include any one of the driving frequency of each of the plurality of ultrasonic vibrators, the phase difference between a first voltage applied to each of the plurality of ultrasonic vibrators and a current generated by the first voltage, the waveform of the impedance of a system including the plurality of ultrasonic vibrators and a first location of a specified facility located in the first area, and the ultrasonic energy of each of the plurality of ultrasonic vibrators.

[0114] Furthermore, the operating state information received by the receiving means from the external control device includes any one of the drive frequency of each of the plurality of ultrasonic vibrators, the phase difference between the first voltage applied to each of the plurality of ultrasonic vibrators and the current generated by the first voltage, the waveform of the impedance of the system including the plurality of ultrasonic vibrators and the first location, and the ultrasonic energy of each of the plurality of ultrasonic vibrators. This makes it possible to more reliably determine an abnormality in the ultrasonic vibrators, for example, without attaching a vibration meter to the piping.

[0115] <10> the above <1> from <9> In any one of the above embodiments, the abnormality determination system may further include a notification means for associating abnormality information indicating that one of the plurality of ultrasonic vibrators is abnormal, response time information indicating when a maintenance worker will respond to the abnormality indicated by the abnormality information, and recovery time information indicating when one of the plurality of ultrasonic vibrators will recover from the abnormality indicated by the abnormality information, and notifying the customer of the association of the information.

[0116] Furthermore, the notification means notifies the customer of the abnormality information indicating that one of the ultrasonic transducers is abnormal, the response time information indicating when a maintenance worker will respond to the abnormality indicated by the abnormality information, and the recovery time information indicating when one of the ultrasonic transducers will recover from the abnormality indicated by the abnormality information, in association with each other. This makes it easier to appropriately convey the information desired by the customer, who is the owner of the first location or first region.

[0117] <11> the above <1> from <10> In any one of the above embodiments, the abnormality determination system may be configured to further include a notification means for notifying a customer of the abnormality determined by the determination means when the degree of the abnormality determined by the determination means exceeds a predetermined standard.

[0118] For example, if the degree of abnormality determined by the determination means exceeds a predetermined standard, a more rapid response may be required. Therefore, the notification means notifies the customer of the abnormality determined by the determination means when the degree of abnormality determined by the determination means exceeds the predetermined standard. This allows the customer to quickly understand that the degree of abnormality determined by the determination means has exceeded the predetermined standard. Therefore, for example, it becomes easier to quickly make adjustments to respond to the abnormality.

[0119] <12> the above <1> from <11> In any one of the above embodiments, the abnormality determination system may further include a notification means for associating abnormality information indicating that one of the plurality of ultrasonic vibrators is abnormal with abnormality degree information indicating the degree of abnormality indicated by the abnormality information, and notifying a maintenance worker of the association.

[0120] Furthermore, the notification means associates abnormality information indicating that one of the ultrasonic transducers is abnormal with abnormality degree information indicating the degree of the abnormality indicated by the abnormality information and notifies the maintenance personnel of the association. This allows the maintenance personnel to, for example, take appropriate action against the abnormal ultrasonic transducer depending on the degree of the abnormality.

[0121] <13> the above <1> from <12> In the abnormality determination system according to any one of the above aspects, a configuration may be adopted which further comprises a notification means for associating abnormality information indicating that one of the plurality of ultrasonic vibrators is abnormal with response content information indicating the response content for the abnormality indicated by the abnormality information, and notifying a maintenance worker of the association.

[0122] Furthermore, the notification means associates abnormality information indicating that one of the ultrasonic transducers is abnormal with countermeasure information indicating countermeasures for the abnormality indicated by the abnormality information and notifies the maintenance personnel of the association. This allows the maintenance personnel to easily understand countermeasures for the abnormal ultrasonic transducer, for example.

[0123] <14> the above <1> from <13> The abnormality determination system according to any one of the above aspects may further include a notification unit that notifies a maintenance person of the operating state information.

[0124] Furthermore, the notification means notifies the maintenance personnel of the operating status information indicating the operating status of each of the ultrasonic transducers, which allows the maintenance personnel to easily grasp, for example, whether the abnormality has been resolved by addressing the abnormal ultrasonic transducer.

[0125] <15> the above <1> from <14> In any one of the embodiments of the abnormality determination system, a configuration may be adopted which further includes a memory control means for causing a memory unit to newly store first region information indicating the first region in which one of the plurality of ultrasonic vibrators is installed when the determination means newly determines that one of the plurality of ultrasonic vibrators is abnormal.

[0126] Furthermore, when one of the ultrasonic transducers is newly determined to be abnormal by the determination means, the memory control means causes the memory unit to newly store first region information indicating a first region in which the one of the ultrasonic transducers is installed. This makes it possible, for example, to identify a region in which the first region information has been stored multiple times as a region with many abnormal ultrasonic transducers. This makes it easier to more appropriately allocate maintenance personnel, for example.

[0127] <16> the above <1> from <15> In the abnormality determination system according to any one of the above aspects, a configuration may be employed in which the plurality of ultrasonic transducers include unused spares.

[0128] The plurality of ultrasonic transducers also includes unused spare transducers. This allows, for example, if an abnormality occurs in one of the plurality of ultrasonic transducers, the unused spare transducer can be put into operation to deal with the abnormality. Furthermore, such a response can also be performed by a worker of the customer who owns the first location or first region, for example, before a maintenance worker arrives at the installation location of the ultrasonic transducer where the abnormality occurred. Therefore, it becomes easier to respond to the abnormality more quickly.

[0129] <17> An abnormality determination method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is a method for determining abnormalities in multiple ultrasonic transducers installed in a first region, and is characterized by comprising: a receiving step in a second region, receiving operating status information indicating the operating status of each of the multiple ultrasonic transducers; and a determining step in the second region, determining abnormalities in each of the multiple ultrasonic transducers based on the operating status information received by the receiving step.

[0130] <18> A program according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes: <1> from <16> The present invention is characterized in that the system functions as an abnormality determination system according to any one of the above aspects. [Explanation of symbols]

[0131] 1. Abnormality detection system 10 Ultrasound System 11 Ultrasonic transducer 12 External control device 20 servers 21 Communications Department 22 Memory section 23 Control Unit 23a Receiving means 23b Judgment means 23c Discrimination means 23d Means of Notification 23e Storage control means 30 Terminal Equipment 30A Monitor terminal 30B Maintenance personnel terminal 30C Customer Terminal 31 Communications Department 32 Input section 33 Output section 34 Storage section 35 Control Unit A1 Region 1 A2 Region 2 N Network P1 1st place PL piping S1 First step S2 Second step S3 Third step

Claims

1. a notification means for notifying abnormality information indicating an abnormality in one of the plurality of ultrasonic transducers; Equipped with the notification means notifies the abnormality information in association with identification information of one of the plurality of ultrasonic transducers; Each of the plurality of ultrasonic vibrators can prevent contamination at a first location of a predetermined facility located in a first area. A notification system characterized by:

2. the notification means notifies the identification information, the abnormality information, and abnormality degree information indicating the degree of the abnormality indicated by the abnormality information in association with each other. The notification system of claim 1 .

3. the notification means notifies the identification information, the anomaly information, and countermeasure content information indicating countermeasure content for the anomaly indicated by the anomaly information in association with each other. The notification system of claim 1 .

4. the notification means notifies the identification information, the abnormality information, and response time information indicating when a maintenance person should respond to the abnormality indicated by the abnormality information in association with each other. The notification system of claim 1 .

5. the notification means notifies the identification information, the abnormality information, and recovery time information indicating a time when recovery from the abnormality indicated by the abnormality information will be achieved in association with each other. The notification system of claim 1 .

6. the notification means notifies the identification information, the abnormality information, and location information indicating a location where the ultrasonic transducer is installed, in association with each other. The notification system of claim 1 .

7. the notification means notifies the identification information, the abnormality information, and operation status information indicating the operation status of each of the plurality of ultrasonic transducers in association with each other; The operating state information includes any one of a drive frequency of each of the plurality of ultrasonic vibrators, a phase difference between a first voltage applied to each of the plurality of ultrasonic vibrators and a current generated by the first voltage, an impedance waveform of a system including the plurality of ultrasonic vibrators and a first location of a predetermined facility located in the first area, and ultrasonic energy of each of the plurality of ultrasonic vibrators. The notification system of claim 1 .

8. the plurality of ultrasonic transducers are provided in the first region, The notification means is provided in a second region.

8. A notification system according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. an external control device connected to each of the plurality of ultrasonic transducers; a receiving means for receiving, from the external control device, operating status information indicating the operating status of each of the plurality of ultrasonic transducers; and a determination unit that determines an abnormality in each of the plurality of ultrasonic transducers based on the operating state information received by the receiving unit, The abnormality information indicates an abnormality determined by the determination means.

8. A notification system according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

10. Further provided is a determination means for determining that one of the plurality of ultrasonic transducers is abnormal when a decrease in ultrasonic energy of one of the plurality of ultrasonic transducers cannot be compensated for by an increase in ultrasonic energy of the other ultrasonic transducers, The abnormality information indicates an abnormality determined by the determination means.

8. A notification system according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

11. a determination unit that determines that one of the plurality of ultrasonic transducers is abnormal when the one of the plurality of ultrasonic transducers cannot generate ultrasonic waves; The abnormality information indicates an abnormality determined by the determination means.

8. A notification system according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

12. and a determination means for determining that the ultrasonic transducers are abnormal when the total output of the ultrasonic transducers is less than a predetermined output. The abnormality information indicates an abnormality determined by the determination means.

8. A notification system according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

13. a determining means for determining that one of the ultrasonic transducers is abnormal when one of the ultrasonic transducers has a failure or deterioration, a decrease in the force pressing the ultrasonic transducer against the first location, or a deviation in the attachment position to the first location occurs in the ultrasonic transducer, The abnormality information indicates an abnormality determined by the determination means.

8. A notification system according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

14. Further, a determination means for determining an abnormality in each of the plurality of ultrasonic transducers is provided, The abnormality information indicates the abnormality determined by the determination means when the degree of the abnormality determined by the determination means exceeds a predetermined standard.

8. A notification system according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

15. the notification means notifies at least one of a maintenance staff terminal, a customer terminal, and a monitor terminal; 8. A notification system according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

16. a storage control means for causing a storage unit to newly store first region information indicating the first region in which one of the plurality of ultrasonic transducers is installed when the determination means newly determines that one of the plurality of ultrasonic transducers is abnormal; 10. The notification system of claim 9, further comprising:

17. The plurality of ultrasonic transducers includes unused spare transducers.

8. A notification system according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

18. a notification step of notifying abnormality information indicating that one of the plurality of ultrasonic transducers is abnormal, the notification step includes notifying an identification number of one of the plurality of ultrasonic transducers in association with the abnormality information; Each of the plurality of ultrasonic vibrators can prevent contamination at a first location of a predetermined facility located in a first area. A notification method characterized by:

19. A computer is caused to function as the notification system according to any one of claims 1 to 7. A program characterized by:

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