Monitoring control device, monitoring control method, and computer program

Abstract

To provide a monitoring control device, a monitoring control method, and a computer program capable of guiding a user's operation while presenting operation contents.SOLUTION: A monitoring control device 100 according to the embodiment is a monitoring control device that performs monitoring control of a field device based on information acquired from the field device in a facility through a controller 200, and includes a determination unit 121 that determines whether or not to display a pop-up for guiding a user to perform an operation by determining occurrence of any event among one or a plurality of events which are registered in advance and for which the pop-up is to be displayed, and a presentation unit 122 that generates the pop-up corresponding to the occurring event and displays the generated pop-up on an operation screen operated by the user in a case where the determination unit 121 determines that the pop-up is to be displayed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] An embodiment of the present invention relates to a monitoring control device, a monitoring control method, and a computer program. [Background technology]

[0002] Buildings and other facilities are equipped with a variety of equipment, including electrical and air conditioning systems, and managers in charge of managing these systems use monitoring and control software. Monitoring and control software is equipped with a variety of functions, such as the ability to control the operating status of facility equipment to reduce power consumption and the ability to suppress equipment operation in the event of a fire.

[0003] In recent years, monitoring and control software has become increasingly multifunctional, and the information associated with facility management tasks has become increasingly complex, making it difficult to determine what operations are required. Furthermore, with on-site workers (users) aging and labor shortages, it is difficult for experienced workers to devote their time to teaching other workers how to operate the monitoring and control software. Therefore, there is a need for a function to support users by displaying the necessary information on the monitoring and control software screen and guiding them through the operations. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-134013 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The embodiments of the present invention have been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and have an object to provide a monitoring control device, a monitoring control method, and a computer program that can guide a user's operation while presenting the operation content. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The monitoring control device of the embodiment is a monitoring control device that monitors and controls field equipment within a facility based on information acquired from the field equipment via a controller, and includes a determination unit that determines whether or not a popup should be displayed by determining the occurrence of one or more pre-registered events for which a popup should be displayed to guide a user's operation, and a presentation unit that, when the determination unit 121 determines that the popup should be displayed, generates the popup corresponding to the occurring event and displays the generated popup on an operation screen operated by the user. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a monitoring and control system including a monitoring and control device according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a monitoring and control device according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the monitoring control device according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of an operation screen on which a pop-up of the monitoring control device according to the embodiment is displayed. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of an operation screen on which a pop-up of the monitoring control device according to the embodiment is displayed. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of an operation screen on which a pop-up of the monitoring control device according to the embodiment is displayed. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of an operation screen on which a pop-up of the monitoring control device according to the embodiment is displayed. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the monitoring control device according to the embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the monitoring control device according to the embodiment. [Figure 10]FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an operation screen on which a pop-up of the monitoring control device according to the embodiment is displayed. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of an operation screen on which a pop-up of the monitoring control device according to the embodiment is displayed. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a monitoring and control system including a monitoring and control device according to an embodiment. The monitoring and control system includes a monitoring and control device 100 and multiple controllers 200. The monitoring and control device 100 and the multiple controllers 200 are connected to each other via a network such as a wired LAN, and are capable of transmitting and receiving data and the like between them. The monitoring and control device 100 and the controllers 200 may also be configured to be connected to each other via a wireless network, and be capable of transmitting and receiving data and the like between them. The monitoring and control device 100 may also be configured to transmit and receive data and the like between them via the network, so that the controllers 200 can be monitored and controlled remotely.

[0009] The multiple controllers 200 are each connected to a different field device and transmit control commands from the monitoring and control device 100 to the field devices under their control. The multiple controllers 200 also acquire information about the field devices connected to them and transmit the information to the monitoring and control device 100.

[0010] Next, the configuration of the monitoring and control device 100 according to the embodiment will be described. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a monitoring and control device according to an embodiment. The monitoring and control device 100 is, for example, a personal computer (PC), and information is input by a user of the monitoring and control device 100, and the monitoring and control device 100 can monitor and control various field devices by exchanging information with multiple controllers 200. The monitoring and control device 100 also outputs information required for monitoring and control, such as information on field devices received from the controllers 200, to the user via an output device such as a display.

[0011] The monitoring and control device 100 includes an input unit 101, an output unit 102, a communication unit 103, a storage unit 104, a control unit 110, and a bus communication line BUS. The input unit 101, the output unit 102, the communication unit 103, the storage unit 104, and the control unit 110 are all connected via the bus communication line BUS, and are capable of transmitting and receiving data and the like.

[0012] The input unit 101 may include, for example, a user interface such as a mouse or keyboard for inputting changes to the values ​​of various settings of the monitoring and control device 100, a microphone, a touch panel, a camera, various sensors, etc. Furthermore, the input unit 101 receives (acquires) data signals output from multiple controllers 200. For example, the input unit 101 receives a data signal informing of the detection of an abnormality from a field device connected to the controller 200.

[0013] The output unit 102 may include, for example, a display means such as a monitor that allows visual recognition of an operation screen or the like required to operate the monitoring control device 100, or an audio output means that allows audible recognition using a speaker or the like. The output unit 102 may be configured to output image information or audio information to an externally connected display means or audio output means. The communication unit 103 transmits and receives various data between the monitoring and control device 100 and an external device (for example, a server, a cloud, etc.).

[0014] The storage unit 104 includes, for example, a main storage unit and an auxiliary storage unit. The main storage unit may include, for example, a ROM (read-only memory) and a RAM (random-access memory). The ROM is a non-volatile memory used exclusively for reading data, and can store data and various setting values ​​used by the control unit 110 when performing various processes. The RAM may be used as a so-called work area for temporarily storing data when the control unit 110 performs various processes. The main storage unit of this embodiment is, for example, a RAM, and is used as a memory.

[0015] The auxiliary storage unit is a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of a computer centered around the control unit 110. The auxiliary storage unit is, for example, an EEPROM (registered trademark) (electric erasable programmable read-only memory), an HDD (hard disk drive), or an SSD (solid state drive).

[0016] The auxiliary storage unit can store data used by the control unit 110 when it performs various processes, data generated by the processes in the control unit 110, various setting values, etc. The auxiliary storage unit is a memory that stores various information, and stores, for example, events for which a pop-up should be displayed, used in the guidance function described below, text data, and scenarios.

[0017] The control unit 110 includes at least one CPU (Central Process Unit), MPU (micro processing unit), GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), FPGA (field-programmable gate array), etc., and can realize various functions of the monitoring and controlling device 100 using computer programs such as system software, application software, or firmware stored in the memory unit 104.

[0018] The control unit 110 also operates monitoring and control software by executing a program stored in the storage unit 104. By operating the monitoring and control software, the control unit 110 monitors and controls the status of each field device in a facility managed by a monitoring and control system including the monitoring control device 100, based on information acquired from multiple controllers 200.

[0019] In the embodiment, the control unit 110 includes a guidance function activation unit 111, a guidance function 120, and a display function 130. The guidance function activation unit 111 activates the guidance function 120 on the monitoring and control software executed by the control unit 110. For example, when the guidance function activation unit 111 detects that the user has clicked on a specific area on the operation screen of the monitoring and control device 100, the guidance function activation unit 111 activates the guidance function 120. Furthermore, for example, when the guidance function activation unit 111 detects that the user has clicked on a specific area on the operation screen of the monitoring and control device 100, the guidance function activation unit 111 stops the guidance function 120.

[0020] The guidance function 120 monitors the operation of a user who performs supervisory control, and when it determines that an event requiring the display of a pop-up has occurred, it displays a pop-up on the currently open operation screen to guide the user through the operation while presenting the content necessary for the user's operation. The guidance function 120 is composed of an application determination unit 121, a guidance information presentation unit 122, and a display information storage processing unit 123.

[0021] The application determination unit 121 determines whether a pop-up should be displayed. The application determination unit 121 monitors a user's operation and determines the passage of time on an arbitrary operation screen, etc., to determine whether any of one or more events that should display a pop-up and that have been registered in advance by the user and stored in the storage unit 104 has occurred. When the application determination unit 121 determines that an event has occurred, it notifies the guidance information presentation unit 122 of identification information that can identify the occurring event. For example, the application determination unit 121 notifies the guidance information presentation unit 122 of an identification number that corresponds to the occurring event, among identification numbers that are uniquely assigned to one or more events that should display a pop-up, as the identification information.

[0022] When the application determination unit 121 determines that a pop-up should be displayed, the guide information presentation unit 122 acquires text data corresponding to the occurring event from the display information storage processing unit 123 and generates a pop-up having information to be displayed. The guide information presentation unit 122 also generates a pop-up having a link that displays a screen to be confirmed by the user.

[0023] The guidance information presenting unit 122 displays the generated pop-up at a predetermined position on the screen operated by the user. For example, the guidance information presenting unit 122 displays the generated pop-up at a position on the screen of the monitoring and control software that does not interfere with the user's operation.

[0024] In the embodiment, the pop-up displayed on the operation screen by the guide information presenting unit 122 includes a guide pop-up, which is a pop-up including a guide link that directly displays a screen that requires confirmation, operation, etc. by the user.

[0025] In the embodiment, the pop-up displayed on the operation screen by the guide information presenting unit 122 includes a detail display pop-up. The detail display pop-up is a pop-up including a detail button that displays information that the user should confirm, such as a required operation according to the operation screen.

[0026] The display information storage processing unit 123 acquires text data of text to be written in the pop-up generated by the guide information presentation unit 122. The text data is set for each event for which a pop-up should be displayed, and is stored in the storage unit 104 in association with identification information corresponding to the event. The display information storage processing unit 123 acquires the corresponding text data from the storage unit 104 based on the identification information notified by the guide information presentation unit 122, for example, and transmits the text data to the guide information presentation unit 122.

[0027] The display function 130 displays a specific operation screen on the monitoring and control software executed by the control unit 110. For example, when the user clicks on a link included in a pop-up generated by the guidance information presentation unit 122, the display function 130 displays an operation screen that the user should confirm. The display function 130 includes multiple display function units (in FIG. 2, a tutorial display function unit 131, a history display function unit 132, etc.) corresponding to the operation screens to be displayed. For example, the tutorial display function unit 131 directly displays a tutorial screen regardless of the operation screen currently being displayed.

[0028] Next, as an example of the operation of the monitoring control device 100 of the embodiment, an operation when a reminder pop-up is displayed will be described. Here, as an example of the operation of displaying a reminder pop-up, when the control unit 110 has updated history information in the monitoring and control software and the user has not yet checked the history screen that displays the updated history information, the operation of displaying a guidance pop-up that prompts the user to check the history screen on the operation screen that the user operates is exemplified.

[0029] FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the monitoring control device according to the embodiment. When the monitoring and control software is activated and the guidance function activation unit 111 activates the guidance function 120, the monitoring and control device 100 starts the following operation.

[0030] First, the application determining unit 121 determines whether or not the history information has been updated (step S101). If the history information has not been updated (step S101: NO), the application determining unit 121 repeats step S101.

[0031] If the history information has been updated (step S101: YES), the application determination unit 121 determines whether the user has checked the history screen within a specified time (step S102). The application determination unit 121 measures the elapsed time since it was determined in step S101 that the history information has been updated. Here, the specified time is a value that can be arbitrarily set by the user. If the user has checked the history screen within the specified time, the application determination unit 121 returns to step S101.

[0032] If it is determined that the user has not checked the history screen within the specified time (step S102: NO), the application determination unit 121 determines that the user has failed to check the history screen, which is an event that should cause a pop-up to be displayed, and notifies the guidance information presentation unit 122 of the identification information corresponding to the event.

[0033] The guidance information presenting unit 122 displays a guidance pop-up on the history screen (step S103). The guidance information presenting unit 122 acquires text data from the display information storage processing unit 123 based on the identification information notified from the application determining unit 121, and generates a guidance pop-up. The guidance information presenting unit 122 displays the generated guidance pop-up on an operation screen operated by the user.

[0034] 4 is a diagram showing an example of an operation screen on which a pop-up of the monitoring and control device according to the embodiment is displayed. In the example shown in FIG. 4, an operation screen window 10 for registering a control group in the monitoring and control software is opened.

[0035] 4, a guidance pop-up 20 is displayed in the lower right corner of the operation screen window 10 to remind the user that there is unconfirmed information on the history screen. The guidance pop-up 20 displays guidance content text 21 indicating that there is unconfirmed information on the history screen, and a guidance link 22 that is a link to display the history screen.

[0036] The guide information presenting unit 122 determines whether the guide link 22 of the guide popup 20 has been clicked (step S104). When the guide information presenting unit 122 determines that the guide link 22 has been clicked by the user (step S104: YES), the guide information presenting unit 122 displays a history screen and erases the guide popup 20 (step S105). When the guide information presenting unit 122 determines that the guide link 22 has been clicked, the display function 130 directly displays the history screen of the monitoring and control software in the history display function unit 132, which is the corresponding display function unit. The user can check unconfirmed information on the displayed history screen and can perform any necessary operation (step S106).

[0037] On the other hand, if the guide information presenting unit 122 determines that the guide link 22 has not been clicked (step S104: NO), it determines whether a certain time has passed since the guide pop-up 20 was displayed (step S107).If the guide information presenting unit 122 determines that a certain time has not passed since the guide pop-up 20 was displayed (step S107: NO), it returns to step S104.

[0038] If a certain time has passed since the guide pop-up 20 was displayed without the guide link 22 being clicked (step S107: YES), the guide information presenting unit 122 deletes the guide pop-up 20 (step S108). If the guide pop-up 20 has been deleted in step S108, the guide information presenting unit 122 returns to step S101.

[0039] As described above, if a certain period of time has passed due to a failure to check or the user not knowing which screen to check, while information that requires user confirmation, such as history, remains, the monitoring control device 100 displays a guidance pop-up on the operation screen currently open by the user, which has a guidance link leading to the screen that should be checked. This allows the user to notice that the information that should be checked has been omitted and to quickly check the screen that should be checked.

[0040] Although the operation of displaying a guidance pop-up that reminds that unconfirmed history information exists has been described as an example of the operation of the monitoring control device 100 to display a reminder pop-up, this is not limiting. For example, the monitoring control device 100 may display a pop-up in the monitoring control software that reminds that unconfirmed information other than history information such as an alarm exists, or may display a pop-up that reminds that some necessary operation, such as outputting an ON / OFF command to turn the power of a device, has been omitted.

[0041] Next, as an example of the operation of the monitoring control device 100 according to the embodiment, an operation of displaying a pop-up when an operation is stalled will be described. Here, examples of the operation of displaying a pop-up when an operation is stalled include an operation of displaying a guidance pop-up prompting the user to check the operation tutorial when the user does not perform any operation on any operation screen on the monitoring and control software executed by the control unit 110 for a specified time, and an operation of displaying a detailed display pop-up explaining the details of the operations possible on the current operation screen when the user does not perform any operation on a specific operation screen on the monitoring and control software for a specified time.

[0042] First, an operation of the monitoring control device 100 according to the embodiment to display a guidance pop-up prompting the user to check an operation tutorial will be described as an example of an operation of the monitoring control device 100 according to the embodiment to display a pop-up when an operation is stalled.

[0043] 5 is a diagram showing an example of an operation screen on which a pop-up of the monitoring and control device according to the embodiment is displayed. In the example shown in Fig. 5, an operation screen window 10 for registering a control group in the monitoring and control software is opened.

[0044] If the operation screen window 10 is open and no operation is performed by the user for a certain period of time, the monitoring control device 100 displays a guidance pop-up prompting the user to check the operation tutorial.

[0045] Specifically, when the operation screen window 10 for registering a control group in the monitoring and control software is open and the user does not perform any operation for a predetermined period of time, the application determination unit 121 of the guidance function 120 determines that the user's operation on any operation screen is stalled, and notifies the guidance information presentation unit 122 of identification information corresponding to the event. The guidance information presentation unit 122 acquires text data from the display information storage processing unit 123 based on the notified identification information, and generates a guidance pop-up prompting the user to check the operation tutorial. The guidance information presentation unit 122 displays the generated guidance pop-up on the operation screen operated by the user.

[0046] 5, a guidance pop-up 30 prompting the user to check the operation tutorial is displayed in the lower right corner of the operation screen window 10. The guidance pop-up 30 displays guidance content text 31 indicating that operation help is available on the operation tutorial screen, and a guidance link 32 for opening the operation tutorial screen.

[0047] When the guide link 32 of the guide popup 30 is clicked, the guide information presenting unit 122 opens an operation tutorial screen in the corresponding display function unit (tutorial display function unit 131) of the display function 130 and also erases the guide popup 30. Furthermore, for example, when a certain period of time has passed without the guide link 32 of the guide popup 30 being clicked, the guide information presenting unit 122 erases the guide popup 30.

[0048] Next, as an example of the operation of the monitoring control device 100 according to the embodiment to display a pop-up when an operation is stalled, the operation of displaying a detailed display pop-up that explains the details of the operations that can be performed on the current operation screen will be described.

[0049] 6 is a diagram showing an example of an operation screen on which a pop-up of the monitoring and control device according to the embodiment is displayed. In the example shown in Fig. 6, a group information registration window 11 is further opened in an operation screen window 10 for registering a control group in the monitoring and control software.

[0050] If the group information registration window 11 is open and no user operation is performed for a certain period of time, the monitoring and control device 100 displays a details display pop-up that explains the details of the operations that can be performed on the current operation screen.

[0051] Specifically, if the group information registration window 11 for registering a control group in the monitoring and control software is open and the user does not perform any operation for a predetermined period of time, the application determination unit 121 of the guidance function 120 determines that the user's operation on a specific operation screen is stalled, and notifies the guidance information presentation unit 122 of identification information corresponding to the event. The guidance information presentation unit 122 acquires text data from the display information storage processing unit 123 based on the notified identification information, and generates a detail display pop-up that explains details of operations that can be performed on the current operation screen. The guidance information presentation unit 122 displays the generated detail display pop-up on the operation screen operated by the user.

[0052] 6, a details display pop-up 40 prompting confirmation of the group information registration operation is displayed in the lower right corner of the operation screen window 10 in which the group information registration window 11 is open. The details display pop-up 40 displays a heading text 41 indicating that the group information registration operation can be confirmed, and a details button 42 that expands a detailed explanation of the operation.

[0053] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of an operation screen on which a pop-up of the monitoring control device according to the embodiment is displayed. When the details button 42 of the details display pop-up 40 is clicked, the guide information presenting unit 122 unfolds the details display pop-up 40 and displays the details text 43. For example, when a certain time has passed without the user clicking the details button 42, or when the group information registration window 11 is closed, the guide information presenting unit 122 erases the details display pop-up 40.

[0054] As described above, when the monitoring control device 100 determines that the user's operations on the monitoring control software are stalled, it displays a pop-up according to the open operation screen. That is, when a window requiring a specific operation is open, the monitoring control device 100 can prompt the user to confirm the required operation by displaying a detail display pop-up that explains details of the operations that can be performed in that window, and when another operation screen is open, it can prompt the user to check operation help by displaying a guidance pop-up that includes a guidance link to an operation tutorial.

[0055] Next, an operation of displaying a pop-up based on a pre-registered scenario will be described as an example of the operation of the monitoring control device 100 of the embodiment. That is, the monitoring control device 100 determines whether the user has performed the operation indicated by the pre-registered scenario, and displays a pop-up if the user has not performed the operation.

[0056] A scenario is information stored in the storage unit of the monitoring and control device 100 and registered for each event that is expected to be discovered by the user. In an embodiment, a scenario includes information on identification information, start conditions, operation procedures, a specified time, and a learning flag. The start condition is a condition used to determine whether an event corresponding to the scenario has occurred. The operation procedure is the content of the operation that the user should execute when the start procedure of the scenario is satisfied. The specified time is the time when the user should complete the operation indicated in the operation content when the start condition of the scenario is satisfied. The learning flag is a flag indicating whether the operation procedure indicated by the scenario could be executed within the specified time when the event indicated by the previous scenario occurred. In an embodiment, the learning flag of a scenario has True indicating that the operation procedure of the scenario could be executed and False indicating that it could not be executed as variables, and the initial value is False. Here, multiple operation procedures or specified times of a scenario can be set for each scenario.

[0057] Here, as an example of the operation of displaying a pop-up based on a pre-registered scenario, it is assumed that a scenario of "When field device A stops and an alarm occurs, check the status of the device from the function screen corresponding to field device A of the monitoring and control software." is registered.

[0058] Also, two timings for displaying the pop-up are provided, and the specified times are T1 and T2 (T1 < T2). That is, it is considered that a user who can complete the scenario without a time lag has completed the operation defined in the operation procedure by the specified time T1, but a user with little operation experience may not be able to complete the predetermined operation by the specified time T1. In that case, the monitoring and control device 100 displays a detailed display pop-up for displaying a detailed explanation of the operation on the operation screen and explains the necessary operation to the user. Also, if the operation cannot be completed by the specified time T2 after the specified time T1, since it is necessary to quickly check the device status, the monitoring and control device 100 displays a guidance pop-up for directly opening the function screen on the operation screen and guides the user to the screen where the user should quickly operate.

[0059] 8 and 9 are flowcharts showing an example of the operation of the monitoring control device according to the embodiment. When the monitoring and control software is activated and the guidance function activation unit 111 activates the guidance function 120, the monitoring and control device 100 starts the following operation.

[0060] First, the application determining unit 121 determines whether the state of the monitoring and control software matches the start condition of the scenario (step S201). For example, the application determining unit 121 determines whether an alarm has been issued in the monitoring and control software when field device A has stopped. If the application determining unit 121 determines that the state of the monitoring and control software does not meet the start condition of the scenario (step S201: NO), it repeats step S201.

[0061] If the application determination unit 121 determines that the state of the monitoring and control software satisfies the start condition of the scenario (step S201: YES), it determines whether the learning flag of the scenario is True (step S202). If the application determination unit 121 determines that the learning flag of the scenario is True (step S202: YES), it determines whether a specified time T1 has elapsed (step S203), and proceeds to step S210.

[0062] On the other hand, if the application determining unit 121 determines that the learning flag of the scenario is False (step S202: NO), it determines whether the user has performed a predetermined operation by the specified time T1 (step S204). If the user has performed an operation in accordance with the operating procedure of the scenario by the specified time T1 (step S204: YES), the application determining unit 121 returns to step S201.

[0063] If the application determination unit 121 determines that the user has not performed the specified operation defined in the operation procedure of the scenario by the specified time T1, the guidance information presentation unit 122 displays a detailed display pop-up on the operation screen operated by the user (step S205).

[0064] 10 is a diagram showing an example of an operation screen on which a pop-up of the monitoring and control device according to the embodiment is displayed. In the example shown in Fig. 10, an operation screen window 10 for registering a control group in the monitoring and control software is opened.

[0065] 10, a details display pop-up 50 is displayed in the lower right corner of the operation screen window 10, prompting the user to confirm the operation when an alarm (XX alarm) is issued when field device A stops. The details display pop-up 50 displays a heading text 51 indicating that an alarm has been issued, and a details button 52 that expands a detailed explanation of the operation.

[0066] The guide information presenting unit 122 determines whether the details button 52 of the details display popup 50 has been clicked (step S206). If the guide information presenting unit 122 determines that the details button 52 has not been clicked (step S206: NO), the process proceeds to step S210.

[0067] If it is determined that the details button 52 has been clicked (step S206: YES), the guide information presenting unit 122 opens the details text in the details display pop-up 50 (step S207).

[0068] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of an operation screen on which a pop-up of the monitoring control device according to the embodiment is displayed. When the user clicks the details button 52 in the details display pop-up 50 shown in Fig. 10, the guidance information presenting unit 122 unfolds the details display pop-up 50 and displays the details text 53 shown in Fig. 11. The details text 53 provides details of the operations required when an alert is issued.

[0069] The guide information presenting unit 122 determines whether a close button (not shown) on the detail display popup displaying the detail text has been clicked (step S208). The guide information presenting unit 122 continues to display the detail text on the detail display popup while the close button is not clicked (step S208: NO), and closes the detail text on the detail display popup when the close button on the detail display popup is clicked (step S208: YES) (step S209).

[0070] The application determining unit 121 determines whether the user has performed the operation specified in the detailed text of the detailed display pop-up (step S210). That is, the application determining unit 121 determines whether the user has performed the operation specified in the operating procedure of the scenario.

[0071] If the application determination unit 121 determines that the user has performed the operation according to the detailed text in the detailed display pop-up (step S210: YES), it sets the learning flag of the scenario to True (step S211). If the learning flag of the scenario is already True, the application determination unit 121 does not change it, and if it is False, it changes it to True.

[0072] If the application determining unit 121 determines that the user has not performed the operation according to the detailed text in the details display pop-up (step S210: NO), the application determining unit 121 determines whether the specified time T2 has elapsed (step S212). The application determining unit 121 repeats the determination in step S212 until the specified time T2 has elapsed (step S212: NO).

[0073] If the application determination unit 121 determines that the specified time T2 has elapsed (step S212: YES), it determines whether or not the user has performed a predetermined operation (step S213). That is, the application determination unit 121 determines whether or not the user has performed an operation defined in the operating procedure of the scenario by the specified time T2. If the application determination unit 121 determines that the specified operation has been performed (step S213: YES), the monitoring control device 100 ends its operation.

[0074] If it is determined that the user has not performed a predetermined operation (step S213: NO), the application determination unit 121 sets the learning flag of the scenario to False (step S214). If the learning flag of the scenario is already False, the application determination unit 121 does not change it, and if it is True, changes it to False.

[0075] The guidance information presenting unit 122 displays a guidance pop-up on the operation screen operated by the user (step S215). The guidance information presenting unit 122 acquires text data from the display information storage processing unit 123, generates a guidance pop-up having guidance content text and a guidance link, and displays the guidance pop-up on the operation screen. For example, the guidance information presenting unit 122 generates a guidance pop-up having guidance content text indicating that the device status of the field device A needs to be checked and a guidance link for opening a function screen corresponding to the field device A.

[0076] The guide information presenting unit 122 determines whether the guide link of the guide popup displayed on the operation screen has been clicked (step S216). If the guide information presenting unit 122 determines that the guide link has not been clicked (step S216: NO), the guide information presenting unit 122 repeats the determination of step S216.

[0077] When it is determined that the guide link of the guide pop-up displayed on the operation screen has been clicked (step S216: YES), the guide information presenting unit 122 displays the operation screen indicated by the guide link of the guide pop-up (step S217). After displaying the operation screen of the guide link destination in the functional unit of the display function 130 corresponding to the generated guide link, the guide information presenting unit 122 erases the guide pop-up. After performing the operation of step S217, the monitoring control device 100 ends its operation.

[0078] As described above, if the scenario learning flag is True and the user is able to perform the required operations defined in the scenario by the specified time T1, or if the scenario learning flag is False and the user was unable to perform the required operations by the specified time T1 but was able to perform the required operations by the specified time T2 after the specified time T1 while the details display pop-up was displayed on the operation screen, the monitoring control device 100 determines that the operations required in the event that an event corresponding to the scenario occurs have been learned, and sets the scenario learning flag to True. As a result, the next time an event of the same scenario occurs, the monitoring control device 100 will not display the details display pop-up.

[0079] Furthermore, if the monitoring control device 100 is unable to perform the required operation defined in the scenario by the specified time T2 that is later than the specified time T1, it displays a guidance pop-up on the operation screen that has a guidance link that displays the operation screen where confirmation and operation should be performed, and resets the learning flag to False. As a result, even if the learning flag is True, for the user who was unable to perform the required operation, the next time an event of the same scenario occurs, a detailed display pop-up can be displayed to allow the user to confirm an explanation of the required operation.

[0080] The program according to this embodiment may be transferred in a state where it is stored in an electronic device, or in a state where it is not stored in an electronic device. In the latter case, the program may be transferred via a network, or in a state where it is stored in a storage medium. The storage medium is a non-transitory tangible medium. The storage medium is a computer-readable medium. The storage medium may be in any form, such as a CD-ROM or a memory card, as long as it is capable of storing the program and is computer-readable.

[0081] Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be embodied in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope and spirit of the invention, and are also included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents as defined in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0082] 10...Operation screen window, 11...Group information registration window, 20,30...Guidance pop-up, 21,31...Guidance content text, 22,32...Guidance link, 40,50...Detail display pop-up, 41,51...Header text, 42,52...Detail button, 43,53...Detail text, 100...Monitoring control device, 101...Input unit, 102...Output unit, 103...Communication unit, 104...Memory unit, 110...Control unit, 111...Guidance function activation unit, 120...Guidance function, 121...Application determination unit, 122...Guidance information presentation unit, 123...Display information storage processing unit, 130...Display function, 131...Tutorial display function unit, 132...History display function unit, 200...Controller

Claims

1. A monitoring and control device that monitors and controls field devices in a facility based on information acquired from the field devices via a controller, a determination unit that determines whether or not a pop-up should be displayed by determining the occurrence of one or more events that should display a pop-up to guide a user's operation and that are registered in advance; a presentation unit that, when the judgment unit determines that the pop-up should be displayed, generates the pop-up corresponding to the occurring event and displays the generated pop-up on an operation screen operated by the user.

2. 2. The monitoring and control device according to claim 1, wherein the pop-up includes a guidance pop-up having a guidance link that opens an operation screen that requires confirmation and operation by the user, and a detail display pop-up having a detail button that displays details of operations that the user can perform on the operation screen that the user currently has open.

3. the determination unit determines that the pop-up should be displayed when a specified time has elapsed without the user confirming information in a state where information requiring confirmation by the user exists; The monitoring and control device according to claim 2 , wherein the presentation unit displays the guidance pop-up on an operation screen currently open by the user, the pop-up displaying a screen containing the information that needs to be confirmed by the user.

4. the determination unit determines that the pop-up should be displayed when a specified time has elapsed without the user performing any operation on an arbitrary operation screen; The monitoring and control device according to claim 2 , wherein the presentation unit displays the pop-up corresponding to an operation screen currently open by the user.

5. The monitoring and control device according to claim 4 , wherein the presentation unit displays the guidance pop-up that develops an operation tutorial screen that explains operations that can be performed by the user on an operation screen currently open by the user.

6. The monitoring and control device according to claim 4 , wherein the presentation unit displays the details display pop-up, which explains details of operations that can be performed on an operation screen currently opened by the user, on the operation screen.

7. a storage unit for storing a scenario registered for each of the events, the scenario including information on a start condition for determining whether the event has occurred, an operation procedure that is an operation required when the event has occurred, and a specified time that is a time by which the operation indicated in the operation procedure should be completed when the event has occurred; the determination unit determines the occurrence of the event based on the scenario; The monitoring and control device according to claim 2 , wherein the presenting unit displays the pop-up corresponding to the event determined to have occurred by the determining unit on an operation screen currently open by the user.

8. A monitoring and control method executed by a monitoring and control device that monitors and controls field devices in a facility based on information acquired from the field devices via a controller, comprising: determining whether or not to display a pop-up by determining the occurrence of one or more events that should display a pop-up for guiding the user to perform an operation while displaying the operation to be performed by the user, and When it is determined that the pop-up should be displayed, the monitoring and control method generates the pop-up corresponding to the occurring event and displays the generated pop-up on an operation screen operated by the user.

9. A computer program capable of causing a computer to execute the monitoring and control method according to claim 8.

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