Maintenance support system, information analysis server, information presentation server, and maintenance support method
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- KK TOSHIBA
- Filing Date
- 2025-01-24
- Publication Date
- 2026-08-05
Smart Images
Figure 2026126863000001_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a maintenance support system, an information analysis server, an information presentation server, and a maintenance support method.
Background Art
[0002] In a system such as a toll collection system of a road operator in an on-premises and closed network environment, when a failure occurs that causes an operation stop, a plurality of personnel need to cooperate to perform work for recovering from the failure. For example, a person in charge of facility maintenance checks the failure, identifies the failure location, and cooperates with the person in charge of maintenance of the related part. The person in charge of maintenance analyzes the log, prepares, replaces, and checks the operation of the failed parts. These series of operations are performed manually. Personnel and time are required for failure response or repair of the failure location, and since failures occur regardless of time, such as on holidays or late at night, it has become difficult to respond immediately to failures.
[0003] Therefore, in a system such as a toll collection system of a road operator, it is considered to replace parts, etc. preventively before an unexpected operation stop due to a part failure occurs. As a method of replacing parts preventively, there is a method of replacing parts that are known to frequently fail every time a predetermined period of use time elapses. It is also conceivable that a person familiar with the operation of the equipment incorporated in the system checks the log data of the equipment and anticipates the equipment likely to fail and performs part replacement, etc.
Prior Art Documents
Patent Documents
[0004]
Patent Document 1
Patent Document 2
Patent Document 3
Summary of the Invention
Problems to be Solved by the Invention
[0005] However, replacing parts at predetermined intervals is not a method of addressing the deterioration of parts, and it has the problem of forcibly replacing parts that could continue to function normally, resulting in a lot of waste, such as the need to prepare parts and personnel with the necessary skills for replacement work. In addition, predicting failures manually is practically difficult because it would require personnel with the skills to predict equipment failures to constantly monitor log data from a large amount of equipment incorporated into the system.
[0006] The objective of the present invention is to provide a maintenance support system, an information analysis server, an information presentation server, and a maintenance support method that can achieve stable maintenance without human intervention. [Means for solving the problem]
[0007] According to the embodiment, the maintenance support system includes an information collection server, an information analysis server, and an information presentation server. The information collection server includes a log collection unit and a log storage unit. The information analysis server includes an analysis unit. The information presentation server includes a presentation unit. The log collection unit collects log data showing the operational results of the monitored target. The log storage unit stores the log data collected by the log collection unit. The analysis unit extracts standard patterns indicating a normal state or non-standard patterns indicating a state deviating from a normal state from the state transitions obtained from the time-series log data stored in the log storage unit. The presentation unit presents a response method corresponding to the non-standard pattern extracted by the analysis unit. [Brief explanation of the drawing]
[0008] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of the entire road management system, including an ETC system to which the maintenance support system according to the embodiment is applied. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a perspective view showing an example of roadside equipment installation in an ETC system, which is an example of equipment monitored by the maintenance support system according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating the functions of a log collection server, which acts as an information collection server in the maintenance support system according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating the functions of the log analysis server, which serves as an information analysis server in the maintenance support system according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of processing content as an unstructured pattern for a log analysis server acting as an information analysis server in a maintenance support system according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6(a) shows the normal state of a vehicle detector, which is an example of equipment monitored by the maintenance support system according to the embodiment. Figure 6(b) shows the deteriorated state of a vehicle detector, which is an example of equipment monitored by the maintenance support system according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows an example of a state transition graph created by the state transition creation unit of the log analysis server in the maintenance support system according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating the functions of the response method presentation server, which acts as an information presentation server in the maintenance support system according to the embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]
[0009] The maintenance support system according to the embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. The maintenance support system according to this embodiment can be applied to any system that incorporates equipment and software requiring maintenance. In the embodiments described below, a road management system of a road operator will be described as an example of a system to which the maintenance support system is applied.
[0010] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of the entire road management system, including an ETC system to which the maintenance support system 10 according to the embodiment is applied. A road management system, as an example of a system to which the maintenance support system 10 according to this embodiment is provided, is a system that processes various information related to the operation of roads under the jurisdiction of a road operator. The road management system has the function of managing (monitoring, maintaining, and controlling) various devices (monitored devices) installed on roads and road-related facilities.
[0011] For example, a road management system is a system that includes a toll collection system (ETC system) that controls vehicle traffic and collects tolls from vehicles traveling on it. The ETC system collects tolls by wirelessly communicating with on-board units installed in vehicles traveling in the lanes of toll booths on toll roads. In addition to collecting tolls, the ETC system also controls vehicle traffic by opening and closing barriers installed in the lanes through which vehicles travel, and by providing guidance through roadside displays installed along the lanes.
[0012] In the configuration example shown in Figure 1, the road management system includes a log collection server (information collection server) 11, a log analysis server (information analysis server) 12, a response method suggestion server (information suggestion server) 13, a monitoring terminal 14, and various devices to be monitored. The log collection server 11, log analysis server 12, and response method suggestion server 13 constitute the maintenance support system 10.
[0013] The log collection server 11, log analysis server 12, and response method suggestion server 13 are installed in the ETC central unit 1, for example, at the headquarters of a road operator. However, the log collection server 11, log analysis server 12, and response method suggestion server 13 are not limited to being installed in the ETC central unit 1. Some or all of the log collection server 11, log analysis server 12, and response method suggestion server 13 may be installed in a maintenance room or other location outside the ETC central unit 1. For example, the log collection server 11 and log analysis server 12 may be installed in the ETC central unit 1, and the response method suggestion server 13 may be installed in a maintenance room.
[0014] The monitoring terminal 14 is installed in the maintenance management room, which is an example of the location where the maintenance staff is stationed. The maintenance management room may be within the headquarters of the road operator where the ETC central device 1 is installed, or it may be in another location. Also, the monitoring terminal 14 may be any device that can be monitored and operated by the maintenance staff and may be outside the maintenance management room. For example, the monitoring terminal 14 in the maintenance management room may be connected to the terminal (monitoring terminal) held by the maintenance staff in a remote location, and the terminal held by the maintenance staff may be made to execute the same functions as the monitoring terminal 14 as a monitoring terminal.
[0015] The ETC central device 1 may be provided with a communication control device to control the communication between each device in the road management system. For example, the ETC central device 1 controls the communication between the maintenance support system 10 or the monitoring terminal 14 and the devices to be monitored by the communication control device. Also, the ETC central device 1 may be made to control the communication between the log collection server 11, the log analysis server 12, the response method presentation server 1, and the monitoring terminal 14 by the communication control device.
[0016] As shown in FIG. 1, at each toll gate of the ETC system, a toll gate server 2, a lane server 3, and a roadside device 4 are provided. The toll gate server 2 and the lane server 3 are arranged in the machine room of the toll gate or the like. The toll server 2 is communicatively connected to the toll calculation unit, the charging control unit, and the maintenance support system 10 in the ETC central device 1.
[0017] Also, as shown in FIG. 1, the lane server 3 is connected to the roadside device 4 arranged in the lane of the toll gate. Further, the lane server 3 is communicatively connected to the toll server 2. For example, the lane server 3 supplies information such as log data obtained from the roadside device 4 via the toll server 2 to the log collection server 11 of the maintenance support system 10 of the ETC central device 1.
[0018] As shown in FIG. 1, the roadside device 4 includes an interface aggregation unit 401, a first antenna 411, a second antenna 412, a recovery antenna 413, vehicle detectors S1, S2, and S4, a license plate reader 421, a vehicle type discriminator 422, a traveling vehicle weight measuring device 423, a roadside display 424, an in-booth display 425, an ETC lane display board 426, a departure control device 427, a lane monitoring camera 428, a vehicle height gauge 431, an axle weight gauge 432, and an axle count meter 433, etc.
[0019] Next, the roadside device (lane device) 4 at a toll gate in an ETC system, which is an example of the device monitored by the maintenance support system 10 according to the embodiment, will be described. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an installation example of the roadside device 4 provided in a lane of a toll gate in an ETC system.
[0020] As shown in FIG. 2, each roadside device 4 is installed at various locations in the toll gate. In the configuration example shown in FIG. 2, at the entrance, two opposing islands 80 are provided, and a lane 81 is formed between these two islands 80. The vehicle 70 travels on the lane 81 in the direction of arrow a. Note that the downstream side of arrow a is outside the toll road, and the upstream side of arrow a is inside the toll road. In the embodiment, an example of the roadside device 4 for the entrance will be described, and the application example of the roadside device 4 for the exit is omitted, but the roadside device 4 can be applied to the exit in the same manner as the entrance.
[0021] As shown in FIG. 2, the interface aggregation unit 401 is provided on the island 80. The interface aggregation unit 401 aggregates information from each part and outputs it to the lane server 3. Each part connected to the interface aggregation unit 401 detects a failure and outputs failure information when a failure is detected. For example, the failure information is information for identifying the failure. Therefore, the information from each part may include failure information. Also, some of the parts connected to the interface aggregation unit 401 output log data respectively. Therefore, the information from each part may include log data. [[ID=十七]]
[0022] The interface aggregation unit 401 transmits entrance information and vehicle information to the lane server 3. The lane server calculates the toll based on the entrance information, vehicle information and exit information, and transmits the toll information to the interface aggregation unit 401 and the toll gate server 2. The interface aggregation unit 401 transmits the toll information to the first antenna 411, the second antenna 412, and the recovery antenna 413. The first antenna 411, the second antenna 412, and the recovery antenna 413 transmit the toll information to the onboard device of the vehicle 70.
[0023] Furthermore, sensors such as vehicle detector S1, vehicle detector S2, and vehicle detector S4 are installed on the island 80 in order from upstream to downstream. These vehicle detector S1, vehicle detector S2, and vehicle detector S4 sensors detect passing vehicles 70 and output vehicle detection signals to the interface aggregation unit 401. The interface aggregation unit 401 outputs the vehicle detection signals to the lane server 3. The lane server 3 detects the position of the vehicles 70 on the lane 81 based on the vehicle detection signals and controls the operation of the roadside device 4.
[0024] Furthermore, a first antenna 411, a second antenna 412, and a recovery antenna 413 are provided on the island 80 in order from upstream to downstream. The first antenna 411, the second antenna 412, and the recovery antenna 413 communicate with an on-board unit mounted on the vehicle 70, receiving various information transmitted from the on-board unit and transmitting various information to the on-board unit.
[0025] For example, in the roadside device 4 at the entrance, the first antenna 411, the second antenna 412, and the recovery antenna 413 transmit entrance information to an on-board unit installed in the vehicle 70. As a result, the on-board unit in the vehicle 70 stores the entrance information. In addition, in the roadside device 4 at the exit, the first antenna 411, the second antenna 412, and the recovery antenna 413 receive entrance information and vehicle information transmitted from the on-board unit in the vehicle 70 and transmit the entrance information and vehicle information to the interface aggregation unit 401.
[0026] Furthermore, on the island 80, an ETC lane indicator board 426, a roadside indicator 424, a start control unit 427, and a lane monitoring camera 428 are installed in order from upstream to downstream. For example, the ETC lane sign 426 is installed above the lane so that drivers of vehicles 70 approaching the tollbooth can see the displayed information, and it shows the lane's operational status (ETC only, general, or a mix of ETC and general).
[0027] The roadside display unit 424 outputs (displays) driving guidance such as slowing down, stopping, and starting to the driver of vehicle 70. In addition, the roadside display unit 424 outputs (displays) guidance such as toll information to the driver of vehicle 70.
[0028] The launch control unit 427 controls the opening and closing of the launch control bar 427a based on launch control information from the interface aggregation unit 401. When the launch control bar 427a is closed, it physically prevents the vehicle from passing (exiting lane 81), and when it is open, it allows the vehicle to pass. The lane monitoring camera 428 photographs the vehicle 70 when it enters or exits the lane.
[0029] Furthermore, a license plate reader 421 is provided on the island 80. The license plate reader 421 photographs the vehicle 70, reads the license plate from the photographed image, and outputs the reading result to the interface aggregation unit 401.
[0030] The vehicle type identification device 422 identifies the vehicle type based on information such as the number of axles, and outputs the identification result to the interface aggregation unit 401. The vehicle weight measuring device 423 measures the weight of the vehicle based on information such as axle load and outputs the measurement result to the interface aggregation unit 401. Furthermore, the system may be configured to include one of the following: a license plate reader 421, a vehicle type identification device 422, and a vehicle weight measuring device 423.
[0031] The vehicle height meter 431 is installed in conjunction with the license plate reader 421. The vehicle height meter 431 measures the vehicle height of the vehicle 70 passing through lane 81 using various sensors. The axle load meter 432 is provided in conjunction with the license plate reader 421 and the vehicle type identification device 422. The axle load meter 432 measures the weight of the axles of the vehicle 70 passing through lane 81 using various sensors. The axle counter 433 is installed in conjunction with the license plate reader 421. The axle counter 433 measures the number of axles of the vehicle 70 passing through lane 81 using various sensors.
[0032] Next, the configuration of the log collection server 11, log analysis server 12, and response method suggestion server 13 in the maintenance support system 10 according to the embodiment will be described. The log collection server 11, log analysis server 12, and response method suggestion server 13 are composed of server devices having a processor, storage unit, and various interfaces. However, the log collection server 11, log analysis server 12, and response method suggestion server 13 are not limited to being composed of separate server devices.
[0033] For example, the log collection server 11, the log analysis server 12, and the response method suggestion server 13 may be configured to be implemented on a single server device. Alternatively, any two of the log collection server 11, the log analysis server 12, and the response method suggestion server 13 (for example, the log collection server 11 and the log analysis server 12, or the log analysis server 12 and the response method suggestion server 13) may be configured to be implemented on a single server device. Furthermore, the log collection server 11, the log analysis server 12, and the response method suggestion server 13 may each be configured to be implemented on multiple server devices.
[0034] Each server 11, 12, and 13 implements various processing functions by executing programs stored in the memory unit by the processor. Each server 11, 12, and 13 also has a memory unit that includes a program memory for storing programs, a working memory for storing working data, and a data memory for storing data files, etc. Each server 11, 12, and 13 also has an interface that includes a communication interface for communicating with external devices and an interface for connecting devices. Each server 11, 12, and 13 may also be configured to have a display device and an operating device connected to its interface.
[0035] Next, the log collection server 11 in the maintenance support system 10 according to the embodiment will be described. Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating the functions of the log collection server 11 in the maintenance support system 10 according to this embodiment. As shown in Figure 3, the log collection server 11 has a function 101 for collecting log data from various devices to be monitored (log collection function) and a function 102 for accumulating (storing) the log data (log accumulation function). The log collection function 101 and the log accumulation function 102 in the log collection server 11 are realized by the processor executing a program stored in the memory unit.
[0036] First, the log collection function 101 includes a log collection unit 111 and a log format conversion unit 112. The log collection unit 111 acquires log data from the monitored devices. The log collection unit 111 supplies the log data acquired from each device to the log format conversion unit 112. The monitored devices from which the log collection unit 111 collects log data are the devices and software incorporated into the system. For example, the monitored devices from which the log collection unit 111 collects log data are not limited to roadside devices, but may also include lighting devices, display devices, detection devices, personal computers (PCs), servers, communication equipment, and proprietary devices.
[0037] For example, the log collection unit 111 communicates with each device to be monitored and acquires log files containing log data. The devices to be monitored are not limited to hardware and software; any device that outputs log files containing log data is acceptable. Hereinafter, the devices to be monitored will include not only hardware but also software used to perform specific processing.
[0038] The log format conversion unit 112 converts the log data acquired by the log collection unit 111 from each device into data in a predetermined format. The log format conversion unit 112 supplies the log data converted into the predetermined format to the log storage unit 121 in the log storage function 102.
[0039] For example, the log format conversion unit 112 only needs to convert the log data acquired by the log collection unit 111 into a format that can be stored in the log storage function 102. For example, the log format conversion unit 112 divides the log data according to the type of log data contained in the log file received from the device. In addition, the log format conversion unit 112 analyzes the structure of unstructured log data, especially from middleware and operating systems (OS), and supplies it to the log storage function 102 as log data in a predetermined format.
[0040] Next, the log storage function 102 includes a log storage unit 121 and a log database 122. The log storage unit 121 stores the log data collected from each device by the log collection function 101 in the log database 122. The log storage unit 121 acquires the log data converted to a predetermined format from the log format conversion unit 112 of the log collection function 101 and stores the log data in the predetermined format in the log database 122.
[0041] For example, the log storage unit 121 classifies the log data, which has been converted to a predetermined format and obtained from the log collection function 101, according to the log data device (hardware or software that is the source of the log data). The log storage unit 121 then arranges the log data classified by log data device in chronological order and stores it in the log database 122.
[0042] The log database 122 stores log data classified by device by the log storage unit 121 in chronological order. The log database 122 stores log data so that the log analysis server 12 can perform log analysis and statistical processing. The log database 122 is also accessible from the log analysis server 12, the response method suggestion server 13, and the monitoring terminal 14. The log analysis server 12, the response method suggestion server 13, and the monitoring terminal 14 retrieve log data stored in the log database 122 as needed.
[0043] Furthermore, the log database 122 may be configured to have a log data retention period (or deletion conditions). For example, a retention period may be set for log data stored in the log database 122, and log data that has exceeded the retention period may be deleted from the log database 122.
[0044] Next, the log analysis server 12 according to the embodiment will be described. Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating the functions of the log analysis server 12 according to this embodiment.
[0045] As shown in Figure 4, the log analysis server 12 has a function (log analysis function) 201 for analyzing log data collected by the log collection server 11. Furthermore, the log analysis server 12 includes a pattern input unit 202, a pattern learning unit 203, a pattern database (DB) 204, a statistical analysis unit 205, and a statistical analysis database 106.
[0046] The functions of the log analysis function (analysis unit) 201, pattern input unit 202, pattern learning unit 203, and statistical analysis unit 205 are realized by the processor of the log analysis server 12 executing programs stored in the memory unit. The pattern database (DB) 204 and the statistical analysis database 106 are also provided in the memory unit of the log analysis server 12. However, the pattern database 204 and the statistical analysis database 106 may be configured to be provided in a storage device outside the log analysis server 12.
[0047] Next, we will briefly explain the patterns that indicate potential equipment failures, which are extracted from log data by the log analysis function 201 of the log analysis server 12. Figure 5 is a simplified diagram illustrating a series of processes consisting of multiple processes performed using the monitored device. Process A, shown in Figure 5, is a process in which five processes (Process 1, Process 2, Process 3, Process 4, Process 5) are executed in sequence under normal conditions. Each process actually executed as Process A is analyzed by log data collected from the device. In other words, if it can be confirmed that the five processes were executed in the predetermined order based on the log data, it is determined that Process A was executed successfully (standard pattern).
[0048] In contrast, if one of the five processes is not executed (i.e., one process is skipped), the system deviates from a normal state, but if there are no problems with the result of process A, the system may continue to operate. The skipping of a specific process suggests that the equipment that performed that particular process has a malfunction that could lead to deterioration or failure.
[0049] As a specific example, if process 4 is skipped in process A as shown in Figure 5, and there are no problems with the result of process A, the system will continue executing process A. If such skipping of process 4 occurs frequently, it can be predicted that the likelihood of failure in the equipment that performs process 4 will increase.
[0050] The log analysis function 201 of the log analysis server 12 analyzes log data to extract patterns that occur outside of normal conditions, such as skipping specific processes as illustrated in Figure 5, as atypical patterns.
[0051] Figure 6 shows examples of normal and deteriorated states for a vehicle detector (e.g., vehicle detectors S1, S2, S4), which is an example of equipment to be monitored. As shown in Figure 6, the vehicle detector is equipped with multiple sensors (optical sensors) for detecting vehicles. In a normal state, the vehicle detector can detect vehicles with all sensors, as shown in Figure 6(a). As the vehicle detector deteriorates, some sensors may malfunction (fail to detect). In the example shown in Figure 6(b), the vehicle detector is in a deteriorated state where 4 out of 12 sensors are malfunctioning.
[0052] A vehicle detector will continue to operate if a predetermined number of its multiple sensors are functioning correctly, without being considered a malfunction of the vehicle detector itself. For example, suppose a vehicle detector equipped with 12 sensors, as shown in Figure 6, is considered a malfunction if 5 or more sensors fail (malfunction). In this case, the vehicle detector with 4 malfunctioning sensors will continue to operate.
[0053] A number of malfunctioning sensors close to the number of those classified as failures indicates that the vehicle detector is nearing failure. Therefore, by extracting the malfunctioning sensors from log data, the log analysis function 201 can indicate that the vehicle detector is deteriorating in proportion to the number of malfunctioning sensors, allowing for maintenance such as replacement or repair of the vehicle detector according to its deterioration status before the device itself fails.
[0054] The log analysis function 201 of the log analysis server 12 extracts atypical patterns indicating equipment degradation by analyzing the log data collected by the log collection server 11, in order to detect equipment degradation status as illustrated in Figure 6(b).
[0055] Next, we will describe an example configuration of the log analysis function 201 in the log analysis server 12, which extracts atypical patterns indicating normal and deviant states from log data as described above. In the configuration example shown in Figure 4, the log analysis function (log analysis unit) 201 includes a log analysis unit 211, a state transition creation unit 212, a pattern extraction unit 213, and a pattern discrimination unit 214, among others.
[0056] The log analysis unit 211 analyzes the log data stored in the log database 122 of the log collection server 11. For example, the log analysis unit 211 analyzes the processing content indicated by the log data stored in the log database 122. Based on the processing content indicated by the log data, the log analysis unit 211 identifies information that arranges the processing content actually executed by the device in chronological order as a series of processes.
[0057] The state transition creation unit 212 creates a state transition graph that shows the state transitions of each device in a process performed as a series of processes. For example, the state transition creation unit 212 creates a state transition graph that arranges the processing contents that correspond to a series of processes from the processing contents shown in the log data analyzed by the log analysis unit 211 in chronological order.
[0058] Figure 7 shows an example of a state transition graph created by the state transition creation unit 212. The state transition graph shown in Figure 7 illustrates the transitions in the detection position of vehicles within the toll booth lane by the vehicle detectors S1, S2, and S4 installed at the toll booth. Specifically, the state transition graph in Figure 7 shows the transitions of detection states F1, F2, F3, M1, M2, B1, and B2 at multiple detection positions for a single vehicle using arrows and other indicators.
[0059] In the state transition graph shown in Figure 7, detection state F1 indicates that the vehicle has detected its entry into the detection position "S1" of the vehicle detector S1. Detection state F2 indicates that the vehicle has detected its forward entry into position S1. Detection state F3 indicates that the vehicle has detected its forward exit from position S1.
[0060] Furthermore, detection state M1 indicates that the vehicle has been detected to have entered the detection position "S2" of the vehicle detector S2. Detection state M2 indicates that the vehicle has been detected to have left (left) position S2. Furthermore, detection state B21 indicates that the vehicle has been detected to have entered the detection position "S4" of the vehicle detector S4. Detection state B2 indicates that the vehicle has been detected to have left (left) position S4.
[0061] When a vehicle is traveling normally in a predetermined direction, the three vehicle detectors S1, S2, and S4 detect the vehicle in the order F1, F2, F3, M1, M2, B1, and B2. Therefore, the state transition graph will show that the transitions occurred in the order F1, F2, F3, M1, M2, B1, and B2. Conversely, if any detection fails, the state transition graph will differ from the normal state transition graph described above. By using such a state transition graph, it is possible to determine whether the state transitions obtained from the log data are normal or not.
[0062] The pattern extraction unit 213 extracts patterns indicated by the log data based on the state transition graph created by the state transition creation unit 212. The pattern extraction unit 213 determines whether the pattern indicated by the log data is a standard pattern indicating a normal state or an atypical pattern deviating from a normal state. If the pattern indicated by the log data is a normal state, the pattern extraction unit 213 extracts it as a standard pattern. If the pattern indicated by the log data deviates from a normal state, the pattern extraction unit 213 extracts it as an atypical pattern.
[0063] For example, the pattern extraction unit 213 refers to the standard patterns or non-standard patterns stored in the pattern database 204 to determine whether the pattern indicated by the log data is a standard pattern or a non-standard pattern. Alternatively, the pattern extraction unit 213 may also determine whether the pattern indicated by the log data is a standard pattern or a non-standard pattern based on information indicating non-standard or standard patterns entered by an operator, such as a manager, into the pattern input unit 202.
[0064] Furthermore, the pattern extraction unit 213 supplies the pattern extraction results indicated by the log data to the pattern learning unit 203, the statistical analysis unit 205, and the pattern discrimination unit 214. The pattern learning unit 203 learns standard and non-standard patterns based on the pattern extraction results indicated by the log data from the pattern extraction unit 213. Furthermore, when an operator inputs a standard or non-standard pattern for training into the pattern input unit 202, the pattern learning unit 203 learns standard or non-standard patterns based on the input standard or non-standard pattern and stores the learning results in the pattern database 204.
[0065] Furthermore, the statistical analysis unit 205 analyzes the trends in the log data by statistically processing the pattern extraction results obtained by the pattern extraction unit 213. The statistical analysis unit 205 stores the information obtained from the statistical analysis of the pattern extraction results as data for statistical analysis in the statistical analysis database 206. For example, the statistical analysis unit stores counts of specific states, etc., in the statistical analysis database 206 based on the analysis results of the trends in the log data obtained from the pattern extraction results.
[0066] The pattern discrimination unit 214 determines whether the pattern extracted by the pattern extraction unit 213 is an atypical pattern. If the pattern extracted by the pattern extraction unit 213 is not an atypical pattern, the pattern discrimination unit 214 continues to monitor for atypical patterns by performing log analysis for each device again. If the pattern extracted by the pattern extraction unit 213 is an atypical pattern, the pattern discrimination unit 214 outputs atypical pattern information indicating the content of the atypical pattern to the response method suggestion server 13.
[0067] Next, the response method presentation server 13, which serves as an information presentation server in the maintenance support system 10 according to the embodiment, will be described. Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating the functions of the response method suggestion server 13 in the maintenance support system 10 according to this embodiment.
[0068] As shown in Figure 8, the countermeasure suggestion server 13 has a function (countermeasure extraction function) 301 that extracts countermeasures for deteriorated parts based on the analysis results of the equipment log data, and a function (countermeasure suggestion function) 302 that suggests countermeasures. The countermeasure extraction function 301 and the countermeasure suggestion function 302 in the countermeasure suggestion server 13 are realized by the processor executing a program stored in the memory unit.
[0069] The response method suggestion server 13 has a response method extraction function 301 which includes a response method extraction unit 311, a response method learning unit 312, a response method input unit 313, and a response method database 314.
[0070] The response method extraction unit 311 extracts a response method for the degraded area indicated by the unstructured pattern information. When the response method extraction unit 311 obtains unstructured pattern information indicating an unstructured pattern extracted from log data by the log analysis server 12, it extracts a response method for the unstructured pattern obtained from the log analysis server 12. Once the response method extraction unit 311 has extracted a response method for the unstructured pattern from the log analysis server 12, it supplies the extracted response method to the response suggestion function 302.
[0071] For example, the response method extraction unit 311 extracts (selects) a response method for an unstructured pattern obtained from the log analysis server 12 based on the response methods for each unstructured pattern stored in the response method database 314. Alternatively, if the response method extraction unit 311 does not have a response method stored in the response method database 314 for an unstructured pattern supplied by the log analysis server 12, it may also extract a response method entered by the operator via the response method input unit 313.
[0072] Furthermore, the response method extraction unit 311 associates non-standard patterns with the extracted response methods and supplies them to the response method learning unit 312. The response method learning unit 312 learns response methods for atypical patterns. The response method learning unit 312 stores the learned results of response methods for atypical patterns in the response method database 314. The response method database 314 is a database that stores information indicating the response method for each atypical pattern.
[0073] For example, if information indicating a response method for an unstructured pattern is input to the response method input unit 313, the response method learning unit 312 learns a response method for an unstructured pattern based on the information input to the response method input unit 313.
[0074] The response method input unit 313 is used to input response methods for atypical patterns that have been identified through experience. Alternatively, the response method input unit 313 may be used to input response methods that have been found to be appropriate for atypical patterns extracted in the past. Furthermore, the information indicating the response methods for atypical patterns entered in the response method input unit 313 may be saved in the response method database 314 without passing through the response method learning unit 312.
[0075] Furthermore, the response method learning unit 312 learns response methods for unstructured patterns based on the response methods for unstructured patterns supplied from the response method extraction unit 311. For example, the response method learning unit 312 learns response methods for unstructured patterns based on the response methods for unstructured patterns supplied from the response method extraction unit 311 and the information input to the response method input unit 313.
[0076] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 8, the response method presentation server 13 has a data collection unit 321 and a response method presentation unit 322 as a response method presentation function 302. The data collection unit 321 collects data corresponding to the response method extracted by the response method extraction function 301. For example, the data collection unit 321 collects log data from the log collection server 11 of equipment that includes the deteriorated parts estimated from the non-standard pattern. Alternatively, the data collection unit 321 may communicate with the monitored equipment that includes the deteriorated parts estimated from the non-standard pattern and collect log data directly from that equipment.
[0077] The response method presentation unit 322 presents information including the response method. For example, the response method presentation unit 322 presents the response method extracted by the response method extraction function 301, along with the equipment degradation status indicated by the extracted non-standard pattern, and data collected by the data collection unit 321, to the monitoring terminal 14. The response method presentation unit 322 may also notify a specific notification recipient, such as the manufacturer of the equipment suspected to be degraded, of information indicating the degradation status, the target log data, and the response method.
[0078] Furthermore, the monitoring terminal 14 notifies maintenance personnel by displaying information such as response methods provided by the response method suggestion server 13 on a display device. This allows maintenance personnel to easily learn about equipment that is estimated to be deteriorating and how to respond to such crises. In addition to response methods, the monitoring terminal 14 also displays the deterioration status of the target equipment and actual log data on a display device for the maintenance personnel. This enables maintenance personnel to plan and execute parts replacement plans, and, if necessary, request analysis from equipment manufacturers, etc., by providing them with deterioration information and log data.
[0079] Furthermore, the monitoring terminal 14 can access the information stored in the statistical analysis database 206 of the log analysis server 12 and display it on a display device or the like. In this case, the monitoring terminal 14 may also be configured to accept instructions from maintenance personnel to collect log data. This allows maintenance personnel to check the information stored in the statistical analysis database 206 and then instruct the collection of log data.
[0080] For example, if the monitoring terminal 14 receives an instruction from the monitoring terminal 14 to collect log data from a specific device by a maintenance worker, it may request the response method suggestion function 302 of the response method suggestion server 13 to collect log data from that specific device. When the response method suggestion server 13 receives an instruction from the monitoring terminal 14 to collect log data from a specific device, the data collection unit 321 of the response method suggestion function 302 collects log data from the target device. In this case, the response method suggestion unit 322 of the response method suggestion server 13 should present the log data collected by the data collection unit 321 to the monitoring terminal 14.
[0081] Although the above-described embodiment was explained assuming that the maintenance support system is applied to a road management system of a road operator, the maintenance support system according to the embodiment can be applied to various systems. For example, the maintenance support system according to the embodiment can also be applied to a communication system that performs wireless communication. By applying the maintenance support system according to the embodiment to a communication system that performs wireless communication, it becomes possible to extract the deterioration state of communication equipment incorporated into the communication system from state transition patterns, etc., and to present a response method according to the deterioration state of the communication equipment.
[0082] As described above, the maintenance support system according to the embodiment includes a log collection server, a log analysis server, and a response method presentation server. The information collection server collects log data showing the operational results of the monitored target and stores the collected log data in a log storage unit. The information analysis server extracts standard patterns indicating a normal state or non-standard patterns indicating a state deviating from a normal state from the state transitions obtained from the time-series log data stored in the log storage unit. The information presentation server presents a response method corresponding to the non-standard pattern extracted by the information analysis server.
[0083] As a result, the maintenance support system according to this embodiment can automate the extraction of failure indicators for each piece of equipment incorporated into the system, continuously monitor the equipment mechanically, and present maintenance personnel with solutions for parts likely to fail, such as parts replacement and maintenance. Consequently, maintenance personnel will no longer have to perform unnecessary parts replacements at predetermined intervals, and will be able to plan for parts replacement and maintenance, etc., from the time failure indicators are extracted from actual log data until equipment failure occurs.
[0084] Furthermore, according to the maintenance support system of this embodiment, since it can suggest a response method in response to non-standard patterns extracted from log data collected by the server, there is no need for manual prediction of equipment failures, and the chances of overlooking potentially failing parts are reduced even as the system scales up. In addition, since the know-how related to fault response is accumulated in the system rather than being dependent on individual personnel, stable maintenance can be achieved.
[0085] Furthermore, each process in the maintenance support system described above can be executed by several software programs. Therefore, the processes described above can be realized by installing and executing these programs on each server device via a computer-readable storage medium containing several programs that execute the procedures for each process in the maintenance support system described above. For example, a server device can download the programs for executing the processes described above via the network, store the downloaded programs, and complete the program installation. Alternatively, each server device can read the programs for executing the processes described above from an information storage medium, store the read programs, and complete the program installation.
[0086] While several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be carried out in a variety of other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the claims of the invention and its equivalents. [Explanation of Symbols]
[0087] 1...ETC central unit, 2...Toll booth server, 3...Lane server, 4...Roadside unit, 10...Maintenance support system, 11...Log collection server (information collection server), 12...Log analysis server (information analysis server), 13...Response method suggestion server (information suggestion server), 14...Monitoring terminal, S1...Vehicle detector, S2...Vehicle detector, S4...Vehicle detector, 101...Log collection function, 102...Log storage function, 111...Log collection unit, 112...Log format conversion unit, 121...Log storage unit, 122...Log database, 201...Log 202... Pattern input unit, 203... Pattern learning unit, 204... Pattern database, 205... Statistical analysis unit, 206... Statistical analysis database, 211... Log analysis unit, 212... State transition creation unit, 213... Pattern extraction unit, 214... Pattern discrimination unit, 301... Response method extraction function, 311... Response method extraction unit (response method extraction unit), 312... Response method learning unit, 313... Response method input unit, 314... Response method database, 321... Data collection unit, 322... Response method presentation unit (presentation unit).
Claims
1. A maintenance support system having an information collection server, an information analysis server, and an information presentation server, The aforementioned information collection server is A log collection unit that collects log data showing the operational results of the monitored target, It has a log storage unit that stores the log data collected by the log collection unit, The aforementioned information analysis server, The log storage unit has an analysis unit that extracts a standard pattern indicating a normal state or an atypical pattern indicating a state deviating from a normal state from the state transitions obtained from the time-series log data stored in the log storage unit. The aforementioned information presentation server, The system includes a display unit that presents a response method corresponding to the atypical pattern extracted by the aforementioned analysis unit. Maintenance support system.
2. The aforementioned information analysis server, Furthermore, a pattern learning unit learns standard patterns or non-standard patterns based on the patterns extracted by the analysis unit, The system includes a pattern database that stores standard patterns or non-standard patterns learned by the pattern learning unit. The maintenance support system according to claim 1.
3. The aforementioned information analysis server, Furthermore, a statistical analysis unit analyzes the trends in log data from the patterns extracted by the aforementioned analysis unit, The system includes a statistical analysis database that stores the results of analysis performed by the statistical analysis unit as statistical analysis data. The maintenance support system according to claim 1.
4. The aforementioned information presentation server, Furthermore, it has a response method extraction unit that extracts a response method corresponding to the atypical pattern extracted by the analysis unit based on a response method database which stores information indicating how to respond to atypical patterns, The presentation unit presents the corresponding method extracted by the corresponding method extraction unit. A maintenance support system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.
5. The aforementioned information presentation server, Furthermore, the extraction unit of the corresponding method has a data collection unit that collects data based on the corresponding method extracted, The presentation unit presents the data collected by the data collection unit along with the corresponding method extracted by the corresponding method extraction unit. The maintenance support system according to claim 4.
6. The aforementioned information presentation server, Furthermore, there is a response method input section for inputting a response method for non-standard patterns, The system includes a learning unit that learns response methods to be stored in the response method database based on the response methods input by the response method input unit. The maintenance support system according to claim 4.
7. The aforementioned information presentation server, Furthermore, there is a response method input section for inputting a response method for non-standard patterns, The system includes a learning unit that learns response methods to be stored in the response method database based on the response methods input by the response method input unit and the response methods extracted by the response method extraction unit according to the non-standard pattern, The maintenance support system according to claim 4.
8. The log analysis unit analyzes the log data stored in the log storage unit in chronological order, A state transition creation unit creates information indicating state transitions based on the analysis of log data by the log analysis unit, An analysis unit extracts a standard pattern indicating a normal state or an atypical pattern indicating a state deviating from a normal state from the state transitions created by the state transition creation unit, An information analysis server.
9. Furthermore, a pattern learning unit learns standard patterns or non-standard patterns based on the patterns extracted by the analysis unit, The system includes a pattern database that stores standard patterns or non-standard patterns learned by the pattern learning unit. The information analysis server according to claim 8.
10. Furthermore, a statistical analysis unit analyzes the trends in log data from the patterns extracted by the aforementioned analysis unit, The system includes a statistical analysis database that stores the results of analysis performed by the statistical analysis unit as statistical analysis data. The information analysis server according to claim 8.
11. A database of response methods that stores information on how to respond to atypical patterns that indicate a state deviating from the normal state, A response method extraction unit extracts response methods corresponding to non-standard patterns extracted from log data by the information analysis server based on the information stored in the aforementioned response method database, The extraction unit for the aforementioned response method presents a response method corresponding to the non-standard pattern extracted by the information analysis server, and the presentation unit presents a response method corresponding to the non-standard pattern extracted by the information analysis server. An information presentation server that has [a certain feature].
12. Furthermore, the extraction unit of the corresponding method has a data collection unit that collects data based on the corresponding method extracted, The presentation unit presents the data collected by the data collection unit along with the corresponding method extracted by the corresponding method extraction unit. The information presentation server according to claim 11.
13. Furthermore, there is a response method input section for inputting a response method for non-standard patterns, The system includes a learning unit that learns a response method to be stored in the response method database based on a response method input unit for an unstructured pattern. The information presentation server according to claim 11.
14. The learning unit learns response methods to be stored in the response method database based on the response methods input by the response method input unit and the response methods extracted by the response method extraction unit in accordance with the non-standard patterns extracted by the information analysis server. The information presentation server according to claim 13.
15. The information gathering server collects log data showing the operational results of the monitored target, and stores the collected log data in the log storage unit. The information analysis server extracts standard patterns indicating a normal state or non-standard patterns indicating a state deviating from a normal state from the state transitions obtained from the time-series log data stored in the log storage unit. The information presentation server presents a response method corresponding to the non-standard pattern extracted by the information analysis server. Maintenance support method.