Communication network

Abstract

We provide a communication network that integrates corporate intranets with various equipment systems using different communication protocols. [Solution] A communication network is provided which connects a plurality of local networks that manage the operation of equipment and an integrated server that collects and manages equipment operation information from each local network in a manner that enables communication between the local networks and the integrated server via gateways when the local networks use a communication protocol different from the communication protocol used by the integrated server. A group of gateways consisting of a plurality of gateways is shared by the plurality of local networks, and each of the plurality of gateways is configured to select one of the plurality of local networks and relay communication with the integrated server.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a communication network.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, the operation management of equipment has often been performed by workers who operate and monitor the equipment, and it has been necessary for the workers to be stationed in an operator's room provided around the equipment. When monitoring a plurality of pieces of equipment, it has been necessary to station workers in the operator's rooms provided for each piece of equipment.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 describes a technique for collecting device data, process control data, and process performance data from a plurality of systems included in the same plant and enabling remote control using two or more pieces of data.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, Patent Document 1 does not disclose a method for constructing a communication network that integrates various equipment systems having different communication protocols from the corporate intranet.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a communication network that integrates various equipment systems having different communication protocols from the corporate intranet.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] A communication network according to an aspect of the present invention is A communication network that connects multiple local networks for managing the operation of equipment and an integrated server that collects and manages equipment operation information from each local network, If the local network uses a communication protocol different from the communication protocol used by the integrated server, it is configured to be able to communicate with the integrated server via a gateway. A group of gateways, consisting of multiple gateways, is shared by multiple local networks. Each of the multiple gateways is configured to select one of the multiple local networks and relay communication with the integrated server (first configuration).

[0008] Furthermore, in the first configuration described above, each of the multiple gateways is configured to select one of the local networks based on predetermined conditions and relay communication with the integrated server. Each of the aforementioned gateways is capable of monitoring the communication status between the local network and the integrated server by the other gateways. If monitoring detects an abnormality in the communication status of the gateway, the monitoring gateway may be configured to communicate with the local network on behalf of the gateway in which the abnormality was detected, based on the predetermined conditions (second configuration).

[0009] Furthermore, in the second configuration described above, the multiple gateways may be connected to form a ring network and configured to monitor each other, and to communicate with the local network at predetermined intervals (third configuration).

[0010] Furthermore, in the second or third configuration described above, any of the multiple gateways can be in a standby state. The gateway that has been monitoring in standby mode may be configured to release the standby mode based on the predetermined conditions and communicate with the local network on behalf of the gateway in which an abnormality was detected (fourth configuration).

[0011] Furthermore, in any of the above configurations 1 to 4, the integrated server is configured to communicate with communication devices owned by the user via the company's intranet. The integrated server may be configured to issue control commands for the equipment via the gateway to a control device included in one of the multiple local networks, which has been identified from the multiple local networks, based on control signals from the communication device (fifth configuration). [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to the communication network of the present invention, it is possible to integrate a corporate intranet with various equipment systems using different communication protocols. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0013] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows the configuration of a management system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the gateway configuration. [Figure 3A] Figure 3A shows an example of a ring network configured with three gateways. [Figure 3B] Figure 3B shows an example of setting the priority of gateways used for each PLC (number of gateways = number of PLCs = 3). [Figure 3C] Figure 3C shows an example of communication operation corresponding to Figures 3A and 3B. [Figure 4A] Figure 4A shows an example of a ring network configured with four gateways. [Figure 4B]FIG. 4B is a diagram showing an example of setting the priority of the gateways to be used for each PLC (the number of gateways = 4, the number of PLCs = 3). [Figure 4C] FIG. 4C is a diagram showing an example of a communication operation corresponding to FIGS. 4A and 4B. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a configuration for remotely monitoring a compressed air supply system. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an inspection result sheet regarding chemicals used in a water treatment facility. MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0014] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0015] Summary of the Invention FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a management system (communication system) 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 1, the outline of the management system (communication system) 100 of the present invention will be described.

[0016] The management system 100 of the present invention is a system that enables remote monitoring of a plurality of facilities physically (spatially) separated within a site such as a steelworks, and also enables various operations (sheet creation and storage) related to the plurality of facilities.

[0017] For each of the m facilities (m is an integer of 2 or more), each facility is provided with sensors S1 to Sm for monitoring the operating state of the facility, control devices C1 to Cm, and operator PCs (personal computers) P1 to Pm.

[0018] Control devices C1 to Cm control each piece of equipment and are configured, for example, as PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers). Operators PCP1 to Pm, which are used as HMIs (Human Machine Interfaces) to transmit information between each piece of equipment and the operators, are equipped with monitors capable of displaying the detection results of sensors S1 to Sm and can output control signals to each of the control devices C1 to Cm.

[0019] Each of the sensors S1 to Sm, each of the control devices C1 to Cm, and each of the operators PCP1 to Pm are connected to one another, forming local networks LN1 to LNm, which utilize a communication protocol defined by the equipment manufacturer. Each of the local networks LN1 to LNm functions as a monitoring system for the respective piece of equipment. This enables the operational control of each piece of equipment.

[0020] Generally, operator PCs are located in operator rooms surrounding the equipment, and conventionally, personnel had to be stationed in the operator room of each piece of equipment in order to operate the equipment. The management system 100 of the present invention is a system that enables remote monitoring of multiple pieces of equipment and the performance of various tasks related to the equipment, without requiring personnel to be permanently stationed in the operator room.

[0021] In this invention, the types of equipment and sensors are not particularly limited. Examples of equipment include pumps (for example, for circulating water for purposes such as cooling or cleaning steel materials), generators, compressors (for example, for generating the pressure necessary to process steel materials into the appropriate shape), gas equipment, water treatment equipment, drainage equipment, and boilers. Examples of sensors for monitoring the operating status of these include pressure gauges and flow meters.

[0022] <2. Management System Details> <2-1. Connection Configuration> The management system 100 of the present invention comprises the aforementioned local networks LN1 to LNm, an integrated server 1, an information management server 2, a file sharing server 3, a report creation device 4, an imaging device 5, a mail server 6, and communication devices 7, 8, and 9 connected to the corporate intranet 10, and a plurality of gateways GW1 to GWn (where n is an integer of 2 or more) that intervene between the local networks LN1 to LNm and the integrated server 1 to perform communication protocol conversion.

[0023] Integrated Server 1 is configured as an SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol) server and collects and manages operational information for multiple pieces of equipment. Information Management Server 2 stores equipment inspection performance information, which will be described later. File Sharing Server 3 is configured to allow electronic files to be shared with the company's workers (including employees). Report Creation Device 4 can create equipment performance reports by launching a pre-configured program based on the fulfillment of predetermined conditions and executes RPA (Robotic Process Automation). Imaging Devices (Camera) 5 are installed on one or more pieces of equipment among the multiple pieces of equipment. Communication Devices 7-9 are devices used by workers, and their details will be described later.

[0024] The communication network NW is composed of local networks LN1 to LNm, integrated server 1, and gateways GW1 to GWn. This section provides a detailed explanation of the communication network NW.

[0025] In this invention, the communication protocol used in the corporate intranet 10 and the communication protocol used in the local networks LN1 to LNm are different protocols. An example of the communication protocol used in the corporate intranet 10 is the TCP / IP protocol. The communication protocol used in the local networks LN1 to LNm is set by the equipment installer or equipment manufacturer. The management system 100 of this invention includes multiple equipment monitoring systems, and for each equipment monitoring system, a communication protocol with a different communication standard from the aforementioned TCP / IP protocol (e.g., UDP / IP) is used as appropriate for the local networks LN1 to LNm.

[0026] Gateways GW1 to GWn act as intermediaries between the local network LN1 to LNm and the corporate intranet 10, performing communication protocol conversion and enabling data transmission and reception between control devices C1 to Cm and the integrated server 1.

[0027] In this invention, the gateway includes multiple gateways GW1 to GWn. In this invention, each gateway is not installed in a one-to-one relationship with each local network, but rather all gateways are shared among the local networks.

[0028] In other words, each gateway GW1 to GWn is connected via Ethernet and acts as a single group of gateways, interposing between the local networks LN1 to LNm and the corporate intranet 10. Which of the local networks LN1 to LNm each gateway GW1 to GWn relays data transmission and reception between and the corporate intranet 10 is determined according to predetermined conditions.

[0029] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the gateway GW. The gateway GW includes a communication unit 11, a control unit 12, and a communication unit 13.

[0030] The communication unit 11 relays communication between the local network LN and the integrated server 1. Specifically, the communication unit 11 may either transmit data received from the local network LN (control device C) to the integrated server 1 after converting the communication protocol, or transmit data received from the integrated server 1 to the local network LN (control device C) after converting the communication protocol.

[0031] The control unit 12 is composed of, for example, a CPU. The communication unit 13 is used for Ethernet connection with other gateways.

[0032] Here, we will explain an example where there are three gateways, i.e., n=3, using Figures 3A to 3C. Figure 3A shows a configuration in which gateways GW1 to GW3 are connected via Ethernet.

[0033] As shown in Figure 3A, the output of the communication unit 13 of gateway GW1 is input to the communication unit 13 of gateway GW2, the output of the communication unit 13 of gateway GW2 is input to the communication unit 13 of gateway GW3, and the output of the communication unit 13 of gateway GW3 is input to the communication unit 13 of gateway GW1, with cables connecting each of gateways GW1 to GW3. In other words, gateways GW1 to GW3 form a ring network.

[0034] In Figure 2, the control unit 12 can transmit the communication status of the communication unit 11 to other gateways using the communication unit 13. The communication status of the communication unit 11 indicates whether communication is taking place normally between the local network LN and the integrated server 1.

[0035] As a result, in a configuration like that shown in Figure 3A, for example, the communication status of the communication unit 11 of gateway GW3 transmitted from the communication unit 13 of gateway GW3 can be input to the communication unit 13 of gateway GW1, and the communication status of the communication unit 11 of gateway GW2 transmitted from the communication unit 13 of gateway GW2 can be input to the communication unit 13 of gateway GW1 via the communication unit 13 of gateway GW3. Therefore, gateway GW1 can obtain the communication status of the communication units 11 of both GW2 and GW3. Similarly, gateway GW2 can obtain the communication status of the communication units 11 of both GW1 and GW3, and gateway GW3 can obtain the communication status of the communication units 11 of both GW1 and GW2. In other words, gateways GW1 to GW3 can monitor the communication status of each other's gateways.

[0036] In the configuration shown in Figure 3A, for example, if the cable connection between gateway GW2 and GW3 is disconnected, input and output of the communication unit 13 in the direction from gateway GW2 to GW1 and GW3 is possible, and gateways GW1 to GW3 can monitor each other's communication status.

[0037] Here, the predetermined conditions mentioned above refer to, for example, the priority order of gateways to be used, which is determined for each of the control devices C1 to Cm. Figure 3B is a table illustrating the priority order when using gateways GW1 to GW3. In Figures 3B and 3C (and Figures 4B and 4C described later), control devices C1 to Cm are shown as PLC1 to PLCm. Also, here, as an example, the number of gateways and the number of control devices are equal, i.e., n=m=3. In Figure 3B, for example, for PLC1, the priority order is 1st to gateway GW1, 2nd to GW2, and 3rd to GW3. This priority order information is stored in the control unit 12.

[0038] Figure 3C illustrates the communication operation based on the configuration in Figure 3A and the conditions in Figure 3B. In Figure 3C, initially, the first priority for PLC1, PLC2, and PLC3 is gateway GW1, GW2, and GW3, respectively. Therefore, the communication units 11 of GW1, GW2, and GW3, under the control of the control unit 12, select to communicate with PLC1, PLC2, and PLC3, respectively, and perform the communication at predetermined intervals. Here, as shown in Figure 3C, if, for example, a failure occurs in the communication unit 11 of gateway GW2 at timing t1, the communication unit 11 of gateway GW2 will be unable to communicate in the next predetermined cycle. Therefore, at timing t2, the control unit 12 of gateway GW3 detects a communication abnormality in the communication unit 11 of gateway GW2 by monitoring gateway GW2. Then, in gateway GW3, the communication unit 11, under the control of the control unit 12, communicates with PLC3, for which gateway GW3 has the first priority, as well as with PLC2, for which gateway GW3 has the second priority (period T1 in Figure 3C). In other words, gateway GW3 communicates with PLC2 in place of the failed gateway GW2, and is shared between PLC2 and PLC3 for communication.

[0039] Next, we will explain an example where there are four gateways, i.e., n=4, using Figures 4A to 4C. Figure 4A shows a configuration in which gateways GW1 to GW4 are connected via Ethernet. Similar to the configuration in Figure 3A mentioned earlier, with a configuration like that in Figure 4A, gateways GW1 to GW4 can monitor the communication status of the other gateways.

[0040] Figure 4B is a table illustrating the priority order when using gateways GW1 to GW4. Here, as an example, the number of PLCs (control devices) is set to 3, i.e., m=3. In Figure 4B, for example, for PLC1, the priority order is 1st to gateway GW1, 2nd to GW4, 3rd to GW2, and 4th to GW3.

[0041] FIG. 4C is a diagram illustrating a communication operation based on the configuration of FIG. 4A and the conditions of FIG. 4B. In FIG. 4C, initially, since the first priorities of PLC1, PLC2, and PLC3 are gateway GW1, GW2, and GW3 respectively, the communication units 11 of GW1, GW2, and GW3 respectively select communication with PLC1, PLC2, and PLC3 under the control of the control unit 12, and perform such communication at a predetermined period. The communication unit 11 of gateway GW4 is in a standby state.

[0042] Here, as shown in FIG. 4C, for example, when a failure occurs in the communication unit 11 of gateway GW2 at timing t11, the communication unit 11 of gateway GW2 becomes unable to communicate in the next predetermined period. Therefore, at timing t12, the control unit 12 of gateway GW4 detects a communication abnormality in the communication unit 11 of gateway GW2 by monitoring gateway GW2. Then, in gateway GW4, the communication unit 11 performs communication with PLC2 for which gateway GW4 becomes the second priority under the control of the control unit 12. That is, gateway GW4 releases the standby state and communicates with PLC2 instead of the failed gateway GW2.

[0043] Note that the number of gateways and the number of PLCs (control devices) are not limited to the same number, and either one can be more. That is, n>m may be the case, or n<m may be the case. For example, let n = 2 and m = 10, and it may be possible to make one gateway standby. Note that the minimum number of gateways depends on the amount of data to be captured from the PLC.

[0044] Thus, according to the communication network NW of this embodiment, it becomes possible to integrate a plurality of equipment systems having different communication protocols from the enterprise intranet 10. By relaying a plurality of local networks and the enterprise intranet as a gateway group, it is possible to speed up data update by distributing the processing capacity and multiplex the communication system.

[0045] The number of gateways included in the gateway group and the predetermined communication cycle with each control device (PLC) are not particularly limited. However, the more gateways there are and the faster the predetermined cycle, the more frequently data updates can be performed, and the smoother remote operation from various communication devices used by workers, as described later, can be performed.

[0046] <2-2. Remote Monitoring> Next, we will provide specific examples and detailed explanations of remote monitoring that can be achieved with the management system 100.

[0047] <2-2-1. Communication Equipment> Before explaining remote monitoring, we will describe the communication devices 7-9 used by the workers. Communication device 7 is configured to connect directly to the company intranet 10 and is configured as a laptop computer, either assigned to each individual or shared by multiple people. Communication device 8 is configured as a mobile terminal (iPhone, Android, etc.) contracted with a telecommunications carrier, capable of sending and receiving emails to and from the mail server 6 connected to the company intranet 10. Communication device 9 is configured as a mobile terminal (iPad, etc.) that can connect to the company intranet 10 when its location information (GPS, GNSS, etc.) is within the geofence 15. Communication devices 7-9 can be used to monitor the equipment.

[0048] <2-2-2. Integrated Server Functions> The integrated server 1 of the present invention performs the functions necessary for workers to remotely monitor each piece of equipment based on data received from each equipment monitoring system (local network). In the present invention, the functions that the integrated server 1 can perform are automatic control function, notification function, and remote operation function. These three functions will be explained below based on the specific examples shown in Figure 5.

[0049] Figure 5 illustrates a configuration for remotely monitoring a compressed air supply system. The compressed air supply system in Figure 5 includes small compressors CPA~CPF and a large compressor CPG. The small compressors CPA~CPF and the large compressor CPG are connected to each other by piping 20. Compressed air is supplied to the factory FAA~FAD via piping 20. In addition to the compressed air supply system shown in Figure 5, a monitoring system for other equipment (e.g., water treatment equipment) may also be provided for the integrated server 1 and the gateway group GAG.

[0050] The small compressor CPA is installed near the factory FAA. The sensor SA is installed at the factory FAA and includes a pressure gauge PA, a flow meter FA, and a thermometer TA. The control unit (PLC) CA controls the small compressor CPA based on the detected values ​​output from sensor SA. The sensor SA and control unit CA constitute the local network LNA. Note that each local network shown in Figure 5, including the local network LNA, may include an operator PC (not shown).

[0051] The small compressor CPB is installed near the factory fabrication bay (FAB). The sensor SB is installed in the factory FAB and includes a pressure gauge PB, etc. In Figure 5, for convenience, the flow meter and thermometer are omitted from the illustration for sensors SB to SD. The control unit CB controls the small compressor CPB based on the detected values ​​output from sensor SB. The sensor SB and control unit CB constitute the local network LNB.

[0052] The small compressor CPC is installed near the factory FAC. The sensor SC is installed in the factory FAC and includes a pressure gauge PC, etc. The control unit CC controls the small compressor CPC based on the detected values ​​output from the sensor SC. The sensor SC and control unit CC form a local network LNC.

[0053] The small compressor CPD is installed near the factory FAD. The sensor SD is installed at the factory FAD and includes a pressure gauge PD, etc. The control unit CD controls the small compressor CPD based on the detected values ​​output from the sensor SD. The sensor SD and control unit CD form the local network LND.

[0054] The small compressors CPE and CPF, designed for remote operation, are controlled by control units CE and CF, respectively. These control units CE and CF constitute the local networks LNE and LNF, respectively. Manual control of the small compressors CPE and CPF is also possible.

[0055] The large compressor CPG is controlled by the control unit CG. The control unit CG constitutes the local network LNG.

[0056] The control devices CA to CG can communicate with the integrated server 1 via the gateway group GWG. The integrated server 1 has a first threshold (upper and lower limits) for controlling the small compressors CPA to CPF so that the compressed air pressure is at an appropriate level, and a second threshold (upper limit) for controlling the large compressor CPG to release the air into the atmosphere when there is an excess of compressed air.

[0057] <<Automatic control function>> The integrated server 1 collects detection values ​​from sensors SA to SD via control devices CA to CD and gateway group GWG. Based on the collected detection values, the integrated server 1 sends control commands to control devices CA to CG via gateway group GWG.

[0058] When the integrated server 1 detects a pressure drop because the reading of any of the pressure gauges PA to PD falls below the range of the first threshold, it calculates the insufficient flow rate and increases the output of the large compressor CPG via the control device CG to compensate for the insufficient flow rate, and also increases the output of any of the small compressors CPA to CPF via one of the control devices CA to CF. There are no particular limitations on which of the small compressors CPA to CPF is controlled, but it is desirable to control them in order, for example, starting with the small compressor closest to the factory where the pressure gauge reading has fallen outside the range of the first threshold.

[0059] Furthermore, if the detected value of any of the pressure gauges PA to PD exceeds the second threshold, the integrated server 1 controls the large compressor CPG via the control device CG to release the excess compressed air AR into the atmosphere, so that the pressure gauge value falls below the second threshold.

[0060] <<Notification function>> If the pressure gauge reading does not fall within the range of the first threshold or below the second threshold even with the automatic control described above, the integrated server 1 sends a notification to one of the communication devices 7-9 owned by the worker via the company intranet 10 indicating that remote operation is required. For example, an alarm is sent via email to communication device 8 via the mail server 6. The form of notification is not limited to email; it can also be an audio notification (alarm), a screen display (warning display), etc. The notification may also include information about the necessary work to be done (e.g., stopping the operation of the small compressors CPE and CPF).

[0061] <<Remote control function>> Upon receiving the notification described above, the operator can remotely control the equipment using communication devices 7-9. For example, when a control signal to stop the operation of the small compressor CPE is input from the communication device to the integrated server 1, the integrated server 1 sends a control command to the control device CE via the gateway group GWG based on the control signal, thereby stopping the operation of the small compressor CPE. At this time, the control command is sent to the control device CE, which is included in one of the specified local networks LNE among the multiple local networks, via one of the gateways in the gateway group GAG.

[0062] <> Furthermore, the notification function may be configured to prompt workers to perform on-site verification if necessary. In this case, after the workers have performed the verification on-site, they can manually control the small compressors CPE and CPF as needed. If the small compressors CPE and CPF are located in a remote location from the work site, they can be remotely controlled as needed using the remote control function.

[0063] Incidentally, operators can also perform remote monitoring without going through the integrated server 1 by using any of the communication devices 7 to 9. For example, if the imaging devices (cameras) 5, of which one or more are installed for each piece of equipment, are connected to the company's intranet 10, the video from each imaging device can be viewed using the communication device. Furthermore, if, after viewing the video, it is necessary to remotely operate the equipment, the remote operation function of the integrated server 1 can be used to perform the operation remotely, as described above.

[0064] <2-3. Various tasks related to equipment> The management system 100 of the present invention makes it possible to perform various tasks related to equipment. Specifically, it makes it possible to easily create and store inspection reports (inspection record reports) related to equipment. For example, by voice input of equipment inspection results (e.g., inventory data, tank pressure, etc.) to the communication device 9 (mobile terminal) within the geofence 15, the equipment inspection record information is stored in the information management server 2.

[0065] For voice input, for example, it may be in the form of answering a series of questions predetermined by the system (for example, "What is the inventory of raw material A? → What is the inventory of raw material B?..."). In this case, the worker answers the questions from the communication device 9 (on the screen or via voice) in order using voice, and the equipment inspection record information is stored in the communication device 9 via voice recognition, and the equipment inspection record information is sent from the communication device 9 to the information management server 2.

[0066] Alternatively, an employee may verbally input information to the communication device 9 without being asked (e.g., "Inventory of raw material A is...", "Inventory of raw material B is..."), and the communication device 9 or the information management server 2 may recognize the equipment inspection performance information from the verbally inputted information.

[0067] The report creation device 4 can start a pre-configured report creation program based on predetermined conditions and create an inspection performance report based on the equipment inspection performance information stored in the information management server 2. The predetermined conditions are not particularly limited, but for example, the device may be started at a specific time at the end of the month, or a report creation instruction may be input from the information management server 2 to the report creation device 4 via voice input to the communication device 9.

[0068] Figure 6 is an example of an inspection record for chemicals used in water treatment facilities. In Figure 6, the items PAC (polyaluminum chloride), polymer flocculant, caustic soda, and caustic soda concentrate tank are displayed. Figure 6 shows a record for a specific month and year.

[0069] In the PAC section, the top row displays the remaining amount and the average usage amount for the previous month, and the row below displays the daily remaining amount and usage amount. In the polymer flocculant section, the top row displays the remaining amount and the average usage amount for the previous month, and the row below displays the daily remaining amount and usage amount. In the caustic soda section, the top row displays the remaining amount for the previous month, and the row below displays the daily remaining amount. In the caustic soda concentrate tank section, the top row displays the remaining amount and the average usage amount for the previous month, and the row below displays the daily remaining amount and usage amount.

[0070] In the report shown in Figure 6, the remaining amount for the previous month and the daily remaining amount for each item are data entered by the worker via voice input into the communication device 9, while the average usage amount for the previous month and the daily usage amount for each item are data automatically calculated by the report creation device 4. As exemplified in Figure 6 for the polymer flocculant item, if the remaining amount increases, "In Stock" is automatically displayed in the usage amount item.

[0071] Furthermore, in the report in Figure 6, the upper right corner displays the reference values ​​for the remaining amounts of PAC and caustic soda concentrate that require ordering. In the example in Figure 6, the top section indicates that an order for PAC is necessary because the previous month's remaining amount is below the reference value, and that an order for PAC is necessary on the 1st of the month because the remaining amount of PAC is below the reference value. By checking the indication that an order is necessary, workers can place material orders. The report generation device 4 may also be configured to automatically perform the ordering process by activating a material ordering system (not shown) connected to the company's intranet 10 if it determines that an order is necessary.

[0072] The report generation device 4 may create inspection report forms based solely on equipment inspection performance information, or it may also create inspection report forms by referencing equipment operation information collected from each equipment monitoring system (local network LN1 to LNm) on the integrated server 1. For example, the inspection report form can display the date and sensor value at which the sensor showed an abnormal value during the month, along with other equipment operation information. It is also possible to create a report that displays equipment operation information for multiple pieces of equipment, such as similar pieces of equipment.

[0073] By linking the operational status of the factory (e.g., power consumption and water supply) included in Integrated Server 1 with the report generation device, the timing of material orders can be optimized based on material inventory status and operational status. For example, if a business site has multiple tanks storing the same chemical and the chemical is consumed in proportion to operations, managing only the remaining amount would result in different delivery dates for the tanker trucks transporting the chemical. However, by estimating the amount of chemical consumed from the factory's operational status, it becomes possible to replenish multiple tanks with a single tanker truck, thereby reducing transportation costs. Furthermore, by displaying the daily status of equipment operation (including planned operation) on the reports, it becomes possible to consolidate the ordering dates for multiple tanks storing the same chemical as much as possible.

[0074] Furthermore, it allows for verification of whether chemicals are being consumed appropriately in relation to the operating status, and enables early detection of abnormalities.

[0075] Furthermore, when creating downtime reports that display the type of malfunction, the date and time of the malfunction, and the actions taken, displaying power consumption allows for estimation of equipment downtime, leading to labor savings for workers.

[0076] The report creation device 4 stores the created inspection report in the file sharing server 3. For example, the communication device 9 connected to the company intranet 10 retrieves the inspection report from the file sharing server 3. This allows workers using the communication device 9 to view the report. The company intranet 10 does not have a web server that makes the equipment inspection report information stored in the information management server 2 accessible, and the information on the information management server 2 is inaccessible when the communication devices 7 and 9 are connected to the company intranet 10. However, as described above, the communication device 9 can access the inspection report from the file sharing server 3.

[0077] The document creation device 4 may also store the documents on the file sharing server 3 and send them as email attachments to specific workers via the mail server 6, making the documents viewable by the communication device 8. [Explanation of symbols]

[0078] 1. Integrated Server 2. Information Management Server 3. File sharing server 4. Document creation device 5. Imaging device 6 Mail Server 7-9 Communication equipment 10. Corporate intranet 11 Communications Department 12 Control Unit 13 Communications Department 15. Geofences 20 Piping 100 Management Systems AR Compressed Air C1~Cm Control Device CA~CG Control System CPA~CPF Small Compressor CPG Large Compressor FA flowmeter FAA~FAD Factory GW1~GWn Gateways GWG Gateway Group LN1~LNm Local Network LNA~LNG Local Network NW (Network Communication Network) PA~PD pressure gauge P1~Pm Operator PC S1~Sm Sensor SA-SD Sensor TA thermometer

Claims

1. A communication network that connects multiple local networks for managing the operation of equipment and an integrated server that collects and manages equipment operation information from each local network, If the local network uses a communication protocol different from the communication protocol used by the integrated server, it is configured to be able to communicate with the integrated server via a gateway. A group of gateways, consisting of multiple gateways, is shared by multiple local networks. Each of the aforementioned multiple gateways is configured to select one of the aforementioned local networks from the aforementioned multiple local networks and relay communication with the integrated server, forming a communication network.

2. Each of the aforementioned gateways is configured to select one of the aforementioned local networks based on predetermined conditions and relay communication with the aforementioned integrated server. Each of the aforementioned gateways is capable of monitoring the communication status between the local network and the integrated server by the other gateways. The communication network according to claim 1, wherein if an abnormality in the communication status of the gateway is detected by monitoring, the monitoring gateway communicates with the local network on behalf of the gateway in which the abnormality was detected, based on the predetermined conditions.

3. The communication network according to claim 2, wherein the plurality of gateways are connected to form a ring network and are configured to monitor each other, and communicate with the local network at predetermined intervals.

4. Any of the aforementioned gateways can be in a standby state. The communication network according to claim 2, wherein the gateway that has been monitoring in a standby state releases the standby state based on the predetermined conditions and communicates with the local network on behalf of the gateway in which an abnormality was detected.

5. Any of the aforementioned gateways can be in a standby state. The communication network according to claim 3, wherein the gateway that has been monitoring in a standby state releases the standby state based on the predetermined conditions and communicates with the local network on behalf of the gateway in which an abnormality was detected.

6. The aforementioned integrated server is configured to communicate with communication devices owned by users via the company's intranet. The communication network according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the integrated server issues control commands for equipment to a control device included in one of the multiple local networks identified from the plurality of local networks, via the gateway, based on control signals from the communication device.

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