Test systems, test methods, and programs

Abstract

This invention provides a test system, test method, and program that can reduce the complexity of post-processing. [Solution] The test system comprises an input unit that inputs an output signal from a predetermined device as an input signal via a signal line, a recording unit that records the signal value of the input signal for a predetermined time if the signal value of the input signal satisfies predetermined conditions, and a determination unit that compares a pre-set test pattern with the recorded signal value and determines whether the signal value corresponds to a test based on the test pattern.

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a loop test apparatus intended to enable a single tester to perform a loop test. In the loop test apparatus described in Patent Document 1, for example, recording of test results is started when a measured value exceeds the upper limit of a range or falls below the lower limit of the range, and recording of test results is ended when the measured value exceeds the upper limit of the range or the voltage of a simulation signal becomes 0 V. [Prior Art Documents] [Patent Documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2014-085888 [Summary of the Invention] [Problem to be Solved by the Invention]

[0004] As described above, in the loop test apparatus described in Patent Document 1, for example, recording of a test result is started with a trigger that the measured value exceeds the upper limit of the range or falls below the lower limit of the range. However, there are cases where a measured value exceeds the upper limit of the range or falls below the lower limit of the range even when a loop test is not being executed. Therefore, the loop test apparatus described in Patent Document 1 has a problem in that recording may be erroneously performed when no loop test is conducted, and post-processing for distinguishing between correct records and incorrect records may be complicated.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above problem, and an object of the present disclosure is to provide a test system, a test method, and a program capable of reducing the complexity of post-processing. [Means for Solving the Problem]

[0006] To solve the above problems, the test system according to this disclosure includes an input unit that inputs an output signal output by a predetermined device as an input signal via a signal line, a recording unit that records the signal value of the input signal for a predetermined time if the signal value of the input signal satisfies predetermined conditions, and a determination unit that compares a pre-set test pattern with the recorded signal value and determines whether the signal value corresponds to a test based on the test pattern.

[0007] The test method relating to this disclosure includes the steps of: inputting an output signal output by a predetermined device as an input signal via a signal line; recording the signal value of the input signal for a predetermined time if the signal value of the input signal satisfies predetermined conditions; and comparing a pre-set test pattern with the recorded signal value to determine whether the signal value corresponds to a test based on the test pattern.

[0008] The program relating to this disclosure causes a computer to perform the following steps: input an output signal output by a predetermined device as an input signal via a signal line; record the signal value of the input signal for a predetermined time if the signal value of the input signal satisfies predetermined conditions; and compare a pre-set test pattern with the recorded signal value and determine whether the signal value corresponds to a test based on the test pattern. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] The test system, test method, and program of this disclosure can reduce the complexity of post-processing. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This is a block diagram showing an example configuration of a test system according to an embodiment of this disclosure. [Figure 2] This is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of an automated recording file according to the embodiment of this disclosure. [Figure 3] This is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of the target sensor list data according to the embodiment of this disclosure. [Figure 4]This is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of a test pattern according to the embodiments of this disclosure. [Figure 5] This figure illustrates an example of input for a simulated signal according to the embodiments of this disclosure. [Figure 6] This is a schematic diagram illustrating a test system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] This is a schematic diagram showing an example of the structure of a determination result list file according to the embodiment of this disclosure. [Figure 8] This flowchart shows an example of the operation of the recording unit according to the embodiment of this disclosure. [Figure 9] This flowchart shows examples of the operation of the test determination unit, the evaluation target signal value selection unit, the pass / fail determination unit, and the result output unit according to the embodiments of this disclosure. [Figure 10] This is a schematic block diagram showing the configuration of a computer according to the embodiments of this disclosure. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] Hereinafter, the test system, test method, and program according to the embodiments of this disclosure will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 10. In each figure, the same or corresponding components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions will be omitted as appropriate.

[0012] The test system 1 shown in Figure 1 is configured as a system that can perform loop checks (loop tests) to test the connections, range, accuracy, etc., between field instruments (detection terminals) and field actuators (operation terminals) and input / output devices and control devices in plants and the like. However, in the following, we will focus on the detection loop, which is the loop between the detection terminal and the receiving instrument, and will verify that the receiving instrument makes a predetermined indication (display of signal value, etc.) by applying a simulated signal from the detection terminal.

[0013] As shown in Figure 1, the test system 1 includes, for example, an operation monitoring device 2, a plurality of input / output devices 3, and a plurality of sensor devices 4. The operation monitoring device 2 is configured using one or more computers such as servers, and is connected to the input / output devices 3 etc. via a communication network 6 such as a serial communication network or a private network. It controls and monitors a plurality of sensor devices 4 (detection ends) installed at a site such as a plant, and a plurality of operating targets (operation ends) not shown, via the input / output devices 3 etc. Note that the sensor devices 4 are just one example of the configuration of the "predetermined devices" described herein.

[0014] The input / output device 3 comprises a plurality of input devices 31 (for example, detachably mounted). Each input device 31 comprises an input unit 311, an information processing unit 312, a storage unit 313, and a communication unit 314. The input unit 311 is connected to a sensor device 4 equipped with a sensor 42 via a pair of signal lines 5 that transmit output signals. As output signals, analog signals such as current signals of 4mA (0%) to 20mA (100%) and voltage signals of 1V (0%) to 5V (100%), or digital signals can be used. However, in this embodiment, a DC current signal of 4mA to 20mA is used as an example. The input unit 311 uses, for example, a resistor for current / voltage conversion, an amplifier, an A / D (analog / digital) converter, etc., to input the output signal based on the sensor signal output (detected) by the sensor 42 as an input signal via the signal line 5, and calculates the value of the input signal. In this embodiment, the value of the input signal (output signal) is called the signal value. The signal value is, for example, data obtained by digitizing the value of the input signal. The information processing unit 312 transmits the signal value of the input signal to the operation monitoring device 2 at a predetermined interval, for example, using the storage unit 313 and the communication unit 314. At that time, the signal value is transmitted with an identification code, which is identification information of the input device 31 or input unit 311 or sensor equipment 4, etc. The input / output device 3 also includes other devices, such as an analog output device and a digital output device, which are not shown in the figures.

[0015] The sensor device 4 includes a sensor 42 that detects a predetermined physical quantity, a change thereof, or the like, and a transmitter (also called a converter, transmitter, or the like) 41 that converts the sensor signal output (detected) by the sensor 42 into, for example, a current signal of 4 mA (0%) to 20 mA (100%) and outputs the converted signal to the signal line 5.

[0016] The operation monitoring device 2 can be configured using a computer such as a server as described above, and includes an information processing unit 21, a storage unit 22, and a communication unit 23 as functional blocks configured by a combination of hardware such as a computer and peripheral devices and software such as programs executed by the computer. The communication unit 23 transmits and receives predetermined information to and from the communication unit 314 and the like.

[0017] The information processing unit 21 includes, as functional blocks, a recording unit 211, a test determination unit 212, an evaluation target signal value selection unit 213, a pass / fail determination unit 214, and a result output unit 215.

[0018] The recording unit 211 records a signal value for a predetermined period of time when the signal value of an input signal input by the input unit 311 via a signal line 5 satisfies a predetermined condition. The predetermined condition is, for example, a case where after the signal value (current value) of the input signal becomes 0 mA (less than 0%) due to disconnection or other reasons, it returns to the normal range of 4 mA (0%) to 20 mA (100%). Meanwhile, the operation monitoring device 2 includes an annunciator (ANN), which is a device or function that notifies a predetermined abnormality using a display device, an indicator light, a buzzer, etc. when the abnormality occurs, and performs centralized monitoring, for example in parallel, on a plurality of abnormalities. When an event that requires notification of an abnormality occurs, after the event is resolved (this state is referred to as ANN recovery), the recording unit 211 records signal values representing analog signals and digital signals related to the event, with signal identification codes attached, at predetermined time intervals (referred to as time T1) for a predetermined period of time (referred to as time T2). These signal values are stored as an automatic recording file 221 in the storage unit 22 every time the predetermined condition is satisfied. Figure 2 shows a configuration example of the automatic recording file 221. The automatic recording file 221 includes the identification code, for example, the year, month, day, hour, minute and second when the file was created, and a plurality of signal values (data) for each time T1 within time T2. Note that the automatic recording file 221 may include information representing signal values corresponding to a plurality of identification codes corresponding to one ANN, for example.

[0019] The test determination unit 212 refers to the target sensor list data 222, compares a preset test pattern 223 with the signal value recorded by the recording unit 211 (the automatic recording file 221) for a preset target sensor, and determines whether the signal value corresponds to a test based on the test pattern. Note that the test determination unit 212 is one configuration example of the "determination unit" according to the present disclosure. Figure 3 shows an example of the target sensor list data 222. In the example shown in Figure 3, the target sensor list data 222 includes a plurality of pieces of identification information ("A01PX01", "A01PX02", "A01PX01", ...) for the input device 31, the input unit 311, the sensor device 4, or the like, which are information for identifying the sensor 42 that is the target of the loop check.

[0020] Figure 4 also shows an example of a test pattern 223. The test pattern 223 includes information representing the test pattern of the simulated signal input from the detection terminal during the loop check (in the example in Figure 4, "First Target Value" to "Fifth Target Value"). The test pattern 223 also includes information representing a reference value (range) for the test determination unit 212 to determine whether the signal value (automatic recording file 221) recorded by the recording unit 211 matches the test pattern ("Determination Range"). Furthermore, if the test determination unit 212 determines that the recorded signal value matches the test, the test pattern 223 includes information representing a reference value (range) for the pass / fail determination unit 214 to determine whether the signal value (automatic recording file 221) recorded by the recording unit 211 has passed the test ("Pass Range"), as will be described later. In the example shown in Figure 4, the test pattern includes the first to fifth target values, which are five target values ​​set for the current signal (0 to 100%) output from the transmitter 41 to the signal line 5. Furthermore, the judgment range ("±5%") represents the area (the range of values ​​recognized as the target value) defined by the upper and lower limits based on each target value. In this case, +5% of the target value is the upper limit of the judgment range, and -5% of the target value is the lower limit of the judgment range. However, the difference between the target value and the upper and lower limits does not have to be the same. Also, for example, either the target value or the upper or lower limit may be the same value. In other words, even when the judgment range is simply defined by the upper and lower limits, it is included in the meaning of "judgment range based on the target value" described later. The same applies to the pass range ("±1%") as to the judgment range.

[0021] For example, the test determination unit 212 determines that a signal value is subject to testing if the test pattern 223 includes information defining a target value and a determination range based on the target value, and the recorded signal value includes a value that falls within the determination range. Alternatively, for example, the test determination unit 212 determines that a signal value is subject to testing if the test pattern 223 includes information defining two or more determination ranges, and the recorded signal value includes a value that falls within two or more determination ranges. Alternatively, for example, the test determination unit 212 determines that a signal value is subject to testing if the evaluation target signal value selection unit 213 has selected one or more target values ​​for which an evaluation target signal value (data subject to pass / fail judgment; hereinafter also referred to as an evaluation target signal value) is selected for that target value.

[0022] In the test pattern 223 shown in Figure 4, there is no specific order in which the first to fifth target values ​​are reached. For example, in the automatic recording file 221 containing signal values ​​related to the target sensor, if signal values ​​that satisfy the above-described conditions are confirmed for the first target value (100%), second target value (75%), third target value (50%), fourth target value (25%), and fifth target value (0%), the test determination unit 212 determines that the signal values ​​qualify for testing. However, the test pattern is not limited to that shown in Figure 4. For example, the order in which each target value is passed may be included in the test pattern. For example, it may be required that the signal values ​​pass through each target value (%) in the order of 0, 25, 50, 75, 100, 75, 50, 25, and 0, or that the rise or fall is confirmed in one direction, or the number of target values ​​may be varied. Furthermore, for each target value, the time or number of consecutive signal values ​​within the judgment range or within the pass range may be defined. The judgment range and pass range may also be absolute or relative values. If absolute values ​​are used, for example, the judgment range for the first target value would be 100±5%, and the judgment range for the third target value would be 25±5%. On the other hand, if relative values ​​are used, for example, the judgment range for the first target value would be 100±5%, and the judgment range for the third target value would be 25±1.25 (=25*0.05)%. In addition, the target values ​​and ranges may be set commonly within the plant, or they may be set individually for each sensor.

[0023] Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of simulated signal input. In the example shown in Figure 5, the transmitter 41 shown in Figure 1 is replaced with a transmitter 41a compatible with the HART (Highway Addressable Remote Transducer) communication method. HART communication superimposes an AC digital signal using the FSK (Frequency Shift Keying) method onto an analog current signal, enabling communication between, for example, a portable communication terminal called a HART communicator 7 and a field device such as a transmitter 41a. In HART communication, for example, the HART communicator 7 can send instructions to the transmitter 41a to output a predetermined signal (for example, signals of 0, 25, 50, 75, or 100%). For example, if a tester inputs "output 50%" to the HART communicator 7, the HART communicator 7 will send an instruction to the transmitter 41a to "output 12mA," and the transmitter 41a will forcibly output 12mA (regardless of the sensor signal value). Note that the input of the simulated signal is not limited to this example. For example, the sensor could be removed and replaced with a signal generator, which could then generate a signal equivalent to the simulated signal.

[0024] Figure 6 shows an example of signal values ​​recorded by the recording unit 211 in the automatic recording file 221 during a loop check. The horizontal axis represents time, and the vertical axis represents the signal value of the current signal from 4mA (0%) to 20mA (100%). In the example shown in Figure 6, after the signal values ​​d001 to d004 (group G0) that ANN is to broadcast are observed by the input unit 311, the signal value d101 within the range of 0 to 100% is observed by the input unit 311 at time ts. In this case, the recording unit 211 records signal values ​​d001 to d153, etc., at time T1 intervals from time ts until time T2 is reached at time te, and creates the automatic recording file 221.

[0025] In the example shown in Figure 6, signal values ​​d103 to d109 (group G1) are within the judgment range based on the first target value. Also, signal values ​​d111 to d117 (group G2) are within the judgment range based on the second target value. Furthermore, signal values ​​d119 to d125 (group G3) are within the judgment range based on the third target value. Also, signal values ​​d126 to d132 (group G4) are within the judgment range based on the second target value. Furthermore, signal values ​​d133 to d139 (group G5) are within the judgment range based on the fifth target value. Furthermore, signal values ​​d140 to d146 (group G6) are within the judgment range based on the fourth target value. And signal values ​​d147 to d153 (group G7) are within the judgment range based on the second target value. For example, signal value d101 is within the judgment range based on the fourth target value. Furthermore, for example, the signal value d102 is not within the judgment range based on any of the target values.

[0026] In the example shown in Figure 6, for example, as described above, if the test determination unit 212 determines that a recorded signal value is eligible for a test when it includes a value that falls within the determination range, the test determination unit 212 confirms that the signal value d101 is included in the automatic recording file 221 and then determines that the signal value in the automatic recording file 221 is eligible for a test.

[0027] Furthermore, in the example shown in Figure 6, for example, as described above, if the test determination unit 212 determines that a recorded signal value is a test value when it contains two or more target values ​​that fall within each determination range, the test determination unit 212 confirms that the automatic recording file 221 contains signal values ​​d101 and d103, and then determines that the signal values ​​in the automatic recording file 221 are a test value.

[0028] Furthermore, in the example shown in Figure 6, for example, as described above, if the test determination unit 212 determines that a signal value is eligible for testing when the evaluation target signal value selection unit 213 has selected one or more (or a predetermined number (e.g., two) or more) target values ​​for which an evaluation target signal value is selected, then, for example, if the signal value d106 is selected as the evaluation target signal value for the first target value as described later, the test determination unit 212 determines that a signal value in the automatic recording file 221 is eligible for testing.

[0029] Furthermore, the signal value selection unit 213 shown in Figure 1 selects a signal value to be evaluated for each target value. The signal value to be evaluated is the signal value that is subject to judgment as to whether it is within the acceptable range. If the signal value to be evaluated is within the acceptable range, then that signal value to be evaluated is considered acceptable for that target value. The signal value selection unit 213 selects the signal value to be evaluated (the signal value to be evaluated) for the target value from among a plurality of signal values ​​(hereinafter referred to as the excluded signal value) obtained by excluding at least one of the signal value that first entered the judgment range and the signal value that was last in the judgment range from a predetermined number of signal values ​​that fall consecutively within the judgment range. The predetermined number of signal values ​​can be, for example, four or more.

[0030] Furthermore, the evaluation target signal value selection unit 213 can, for example, select the median of the excluded signal values ​​as the evaluation target signal value if the number of excluded signal values ​​is odd.

[0031] Furthermore, if the number of excluded signal values ​​is even, the evaluation target signal value selection unit 213 can select the median value obtained by subtracting the last signal value from the excluded signal values ​​as the evaluation target signal value. When the number of target signal values ​​is even, the median value is the average of the two signal values ​​in the middle. In contrast, in this configuration, when the number of excluded signal values ​​is even, the process of calculating the average can be omitted by making the number of target signal values ​​odd.

[0032] Furthermore, if multiple signal values ​​to be evaluated can be selected for the same target value, the evaluation target signal value selection unit 213 selects one of them. For example, if multiple signal values ​​to be evaluated can be selected for the same target value, the evaluation target signal value selection unit 213 adopts the last set evaluation target signal value as the evaluation target signal value for that target value.

[0033] The following explanation, with reference to Figure 6, describes an example in which the evaluation target signal value selection unit 213 selects the median value of multiple (three or more) signal values ​​(excluded signal values) obtained by excluding both the first signal value that entered the judgment range and the last signal value that was in the judgment range, from among five or more consecutive signal values ​​that fall within the judgment range, as the evaluation target signal value for the target value.

[0034] For example, for the first target value (100%), the signal values ​​d103 to d109 of group G1 are consecutively within the judgment range. The evaluation target signal value selection unit 213 excludes the signal value d103, which was the first to enter the judgment range, and the signal value d109, which was the last to enter the judgment range, and uses the five signal values ​​d104 to d108 as the excluded signal values. Then, the evaluation target signal value selection unit 213 selects the signal value d106, which is the median of the five signal values ​​d104 to d108, as the evaluation target signal value.

[0035] Similarly, the evaluation target signal value selection unit 213 selects signal value d122 as the evaluation target signal value from among signal values ​​d119 to d125 within the judgment range based on the third target value of group G3. Furthermore, the evaluation target signal value selection unit 213 selects signal value d136 as the evaluation target signal value from among signal values ​​d133 to d139 within the judgment range based on the fifth target value of group G5. Also, the evaluation target signal value selection unit 213 selects signal value d143 as the evaluation target signal value from among signal values ​​d140 to d146 within the judgment range based on the fourth target value of group G6.

[0036] Furthermore, for the signal values ​​d111~d117 (group G2), d126~d132 (group G4), and d147~d153 (group G7) within the judgment range based on the second target value, the evaluation target signal value selection unit 213 selects the median signal value d150 of the last group G6 as the evaluation target signal value.

[0037] Furthermore, the pass / fail determination unit 214 shown in Figure 1 compares the recorded signal value (automatic recording file 221) with the test pattern 223 and determines whether the signal value has passed the test when the test determination unit 212 determines that the recorded signal value (automatic recording file 221) is eligible for testing. The pass / fail determination unit 214 determines that the signal value has failed the test if, for example, no evaluation target signal value has been selected for at least one target value, or if at least one evaluation target signal value is outside the passing range. Also, if the test pattern 223 defines the order in which each target value is passed (order of arrival), the pass / fail determination unit 214 determines that the signal value has passed the test if, for example, each evaluation target signal value for each target value is within the passing range, and the chronological order of each evaluation target signal value matches the order of the test pattern 223.

[0038] In the example shown in Figure 6, since an evaluation target signal value has been selected for all target values, and all evaluation target signal values ​​are within the acceptable range, the pass / fail determination unit 214 determines that the signal value has passed the test.

[0039] Furthermore, the result output unit 215 shown in Figure 1 outputs a list of the pass / fail results for each recorded signal value that the test determination unit 212 has determined to be eligible for testing, for example, as a determination result list file 224. Figure 7 shows an example of the determination result list file 224. The determination result list file 224 shown in Figure 7 includes information on the pass / fail determination result, date, time, and the first to fifth target values ​​for each identification code. In the example shown in Figure 7, the pass / fail determination result is the pass or fail determination result by the pass / fail determination unit 214, and for each target value, it includes information indicating whether it is within or outside the pass range, whether or not an evaluation target signal value was selected (if not selected, it is "Not applicable"), etc. However, Figure 7 is just one example and is not limited to this example.

[0040] Next, with reference to Figure 8, an example of the operation of the recording unit 211 shown in Figure 1 will be described. The process shown in Figure 8 is started when an ANN recovery occurs. When the process shown in Figure 8 is started, the recording unit 211, for example, records the first signal value acquired after the recovery and starts recording the signal value corresponding to the ANN recovery (step S11). Next, the recording unit 211 waits until time T1 has elapsed (repeat of step S12:N), and after time T1 has elapsed (step S12:Y), it records the signal value of the input signal (step S13). Next, the recording unit 211 determines whether time T2 has elapsed or not (step S14). If time T2 has not elapsed (step S14:N), the recording unit 211 executes the process in step S12 again. If time T2 has elapsed (step S14:Y), the recording unit 211 records the automatic recording file 221 (step S15) and terminates the process shown in Figure 8.

[0041] Next, with reference to Figure 9, an example of the operation of the test determination unit 212, the evaluation target signal value selection unit 213, the pass / fail determination unit 214, and the result output unit 215 will be described. In the example shown in Figure 9, the test determination unit 212 determines that a signal value is suitable for testing when the evaluation target signal value selection unit 213 has selected an evaluation target signal value for two or more target values.

[0042] The process shown in Figure 9 is started, for example, manually in response to user instructions, or automatically at predetermined time intervals or at predetermined times. When the process shown in Figure 9 is started, the test determination unit 212 reads one of the unprocessed automatic recording files 221 (step S21). The test determination unit 212 refers to the target sensor list data 222 and determines whether the read automatic recording file 221 contains the signal values ​​of the target sensor (step S22). If the signal values ​​of the target sensor are contained (step S22: Y), the test determination unit 212 reads, for example, all the signal values ​​of the target sensor contained in the automatic recording file 221 during time T2 (hereinafter referred to as "the signal values" in the description of Figure 9) into a variable or the like (step S23). Next, the evaluation target signal value selection unit 213 executes the evaluation target signal value selection process (step S24). In step S24, for example, m or more consecutive signal values ​​that fall within the judgment range based on the target value are identified, and the median of these signal values, excluding the first and last signal values, is selected as the signal value to be evaluated for that target value. Note that for the same target value, the most recent (last) signal value to be evaluated is used. Also, in step S24, if there are no signal values ​​that satisfy the conditions, such as when there are no m or more consecutive signal values ​​that fall within the judgment range based on the target value, a signal value to be evaluated is not selected.

[0043] Next, the test determination unit 212 determines whether the signal value constitutes a test (step S25). In step S25, for example, if the signal value to be evaluated is selected for two or more target values, it is determined that it constitutes a test (step S25:Y).

[0044] If it is determined that the signal value is subject to testing (step S25:Y), the pass / fail determination unit 214 performs a pass / fail determination on the signal value (step S26). In step S26, for example, if there is an evaluation target signal value for all target values ​​and all evaluation target signal values ​​are within the pass range, the signal value is determined to be pass. Alternatively, for example, if an evaluation target signal value has not been selected for at least one target value, or if at least one evaluation target signal value is outside the pass range from the target value, the signal value is determined to be fail.

[0045] After step S26, the result output unit 215 adds the pass / fail judgment result to the judgment result list file 224 (step S27).

[0046] If the signal value of the target sensor is not included (step S22:N), if it is not determined that a test is required (step S25:N), or after step S27, the test determination unit 212 determines whether or not there are any unprocessed automatic recording files 221 (step S28). If there is a file to be processed next (step S28:Y), the test determination unit 212 repeats the processing from step S21 onwards. If there is no file to be processed next (step S28:N), the test determination unit 212 terminates the processing shown in Figure 9.

[0047] (Effects and Benefits) The test system 1, test method, and program with the above configuration include (or utilize) an input unit 311 that inputs an output signal (output signal output by sensor device 4) based on a sensor signal output by sensor 42 as an input signal via signal line 5; a recording unit 211 that records the signal value for a predetermined time if the signal value of the input signal satisfies predetermined conditions; and a test determination unit 212 (determination unit) that compares a pre-set test pattern 223 with the recorded signal value (automatic recording file 221) and determines whether the signal value corresponds to a test based on the test pattern. With this configuration, it is possible to determine whether the recorded signal value corresponds to a test based on the test pattern. Therefore, by utilizing this determination result, the complexity of post-processing can be reduced compared to when the determination result is not used.

[0048] The test pattern 223 includes, for example, information defining a target value and a judgment range based on the target value. The test judgment unit 212 (judgment unit) determines, for example, that a recorded signal value (automatic recording file 221) is a test value if it contains a value that falls within the judgment range. This configuration simplifies the process of determining whether or not a test is being conducted. Furthermore, it lowers the threshold for determining whether a test is being conducted, thus reducing the probability of a false negative result where a test was performed but it was not.

[0049] Furthermore, the test pattern 223 includes information defining, for example, two or more target values. The test determination unit 212 (determination unit) determines, for example, that a recorded signal value (automatic recording file 221) is a test value if it includes two or more target values ​​that fall within each determination range. This configuration reduces the probability of misidentifying a signal value that is not a test value as a test value. Specifically, for example, if a sensor that was disconnected unrelated to the test and had a signal value (current value) of 0mA (less than 0%) is reconnected, the signal value that returns to a normal range may coincidentally fall within each determination range. Even in this case, by using this determination method, the probability of misidentifying the signal value as a test value can be significantly reduced.

[0050] Furthermore, the evaluation target signal value selection unit 213 selects an evaluation target signal value to be used for pass / fail judgment against the target value from among a plurality of signal values ​​(excluded signal values) obtained by excluding at least one of the signal value that first entered the judgment range and the signal value that was last in the judgment range from a predetermined number of signal values ​​that fall consecutively within the judgment range. With this configuration, a statistically more appropriate value can be selected as the evaluation target signal value.

[0051] Furthermore, the evaluation target signal value selection unit 213, for example, if there is an odd number of excluded signal values, selects the median of the excluded signal values ​​as the evaluation target signal value. With this configuration, the evaluation target signal value can be selected with a simple process.

[0052] Furthermore, if the number of excluded signal values ​​is even, the evaluation target signal value selection unit 213 selects the median value obtained by subtracting the last signal value from the excluded signal values ​​as the evaluation target signal value. With this configuration, the evaluation target signal value can be selected with a simple process.

[0053] Furthermore, the test determination unit 212 (determination unit) determines, for example, that a signal value to be evaluated is selected for a target value of 1 or more target values, and that the signal value is subject to testing. With this configuration, it is possible to determine whether or not a signal is subject to testing based on a determination using multiple signal values ​​for at least one target value. Therefore, the accuracy of the determination can be improved. Note that the "1" in "1 or more target values" may be "2" or more, in which case the probability of mistakenly identifying a signal value that is not subject to testing as a signal value that is subject to testing can be reduced.

[0054] Furthermore, the test system 1 of this embodiment includes a pass / fail determination unit 214 that, when the test determination unit 212 (determination unit) determines that the recorded signal value corresponds to a test, compares the test pattern with the recorded signal value and determines whether the signal value has passed the test or not. With this configuration, both the determination of whether or not a test corresponds to a test and the pass / fail determination when it is determined that a test corresponds to a test can be performed.

[0055] The test pattern 223 includes information defining a pass range based on a target value smaller than the judgment range (the pass range is narrower than the judgment range). The evaluation target signal value selection unit 213 selects one evaluation target signal value (e.g., the latest signal value) from among multiple evaluation target signal values ​​that can be selected for the same target value. The pass / fail determination unit 214 determines that a signal value fails the test if, for example, no evaluation target signal value has been selected for at least one target value, or if at least one evaluation target signal value is outside the pass range. With this configuration, for example, the pass / fail status of the test can be determined using one evaluation target signal value for each target value.

[0056] Furthermore, the result output unit 215 outputs a list of the pass / fail results for each recorded signal value that was determined to be subject to testing. With this configuration, when it is determined that a test is required, it is possible to output a list indicating whether the test was passed or failed.

[0057] (Other embodiments) Although embodiments of this disclosure have been described in detail above with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to these embodiments and may include design changes, etc., that do not depart from the gist of this disclosure. In the above embodiments, sensor equipment 4 was given as an example of predetermined equipment, but predetermined equipment is not limited to equipment that outputs sensor signals. Predetermined equipment may be, for example, equipment that outputs signals such as control signals in process control.

[0058] <Computer Configuration> Figure 10 is a schematic block diagram showing the configuration of a computer according to at least one embodiment. The computer 90 includes a processor 91, main memory 92, storage 93, and an interface 94. The aforementioned operation monitoring device 2, input device 31, etc., are implemented in the computer 90. The operation of each of the aforementioned processing units is stored in storage 93 in the form of a program. The processor 91 reads the program from storage 93, loads it into main memory 92, and executes the above processing according to the program. The processor 91 also allocates memory areas in main memory 92 corresponding to each of the aforementioned storage units according to the program.

[0059] The program may be for implementing some of the functions that the computer 90 is to perform. For example, the program may perform functions in combination with other programs already stored in storage, or in combination with other programs implemented in other devices. In other embodiments, the computer may include a custom LSI (Large Scale Integrated Circuit) such as a PLD (Programmable Logic Device) in addition to, or instead of, the above configuration. Examples of PLDs include PAL (Programmable Array Logic), GAL (Generic Array Logic), CPLD (Complex Programmable Logic Device), FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), etc. In this case, some or all of the functions implemented by the processor may be implemented by the integrated circuit.

[0060] Examples of storage 93 include HDDs (Hard Disk Drives), SSDs (Solid State Drives), magnetic disks, magneto-optical disks, CD-ROMs (Compact Disc Read Only Memory), DVD-ROMs (Digital Versatile Disc Read Only Memory), and semiconductor memory. Storage 93 may be an internal medium directly connected to the bus of the computer 90, or an external medium connected to the computer 90 via an interface 94 or a communication line. Furthermore, if this program is distributed to the computer 90 via a communication line, the computer 90 that receives the program may expand it into main memory 92 and execute the above processing. In at least one embodiment, storage 93 is a tangible storage medium that is not temporary.

[0061] <Note> The test system 1 described in this embodiment can be understood, for example, as follows:

[0062] (1) The test system 1 according to the first embodiment includes an input unit 311 that inputs an output signal output by a predetermined device as an input signal via a signal line 5, a recording unit 211 that records the signal value of the input signal for a predetermined time if the signal value of the input signal satisfies predetermined conditions, and a determination unit (test determination unit 212) that compares a pre-set test pattern 223 with the recorded signal value and determines whether the signal value corresponds to a test based on the test pattern. According to this embodiment and each of the following embodiments, it is possible to determine whether the recorded signal value corresponds to a test based on the test pattern, thereby reducing the complexity of post-processing.

[0063] (2) The test system 1 according to the second embodiment is the test system 1 of (1), wherein the test pattern includes information that defines a judgment range based on a target value, and the judgment unit determines that the recorded signal value corresponds to the test if the signal value includes a value that falls within the judgment range.

[0064] (3) The test system 1 according to the third embodiment is the test system 1 of (1) or (2), wherein the test pattern includes information defining two or more judgment ranges, and the determination unit determines that the recorded signal value corresponds to the test if the recorded signal value includes a value that falls within two or more judgment ranges.

[0065] (4) The test system 1 according to the fourth embodiment is the test system 1 according to (1) to (3), further comprising an evaluation target signal value selection unit 213 that selects a signal value to be evaluated (evaluation target signal value) from among a plurality of signal values ​​(excluded signal values) obtained by excluding at least one of the signal value that first entered the fixed range and the signal value that was last in the fixed range from a predetermined number of signal values ​​that fall consecutively within the fixed range.

[0066] (5) The fifth aspect of the test system 1 is the test system 1 of (1) to (4), wherein the evaluation target signal value selection unit selects the median of the excluded signal values ​​as the evaluation target signal value if the number of excluded signal values ​​is odd.

[0067] (6) The sixth aspect of the test system 1 is the test system 1 of (1) to (5), wherein the evaluation target signal value selection unit, when the number of excluded signal values ​​is even, selects the median value obtained by subtracting the last signal value from the excluded signal values ​​as the evaluation target signal value.

[0068] (7) The seventh aspect of the test system 1 is the test system 1 of (1) to (6), wherein the determination unit (test determination unit 212) determines that the signal value to be evaluated corresponds to the test when one or more of the target values ​​are selected.

[0069] (8) The eighth aspect of the test system 1 is the test system 1 of (1) to (7), further comprising a pass / fail determination unit 214 that, when the determination unit determines that the recorded signal value corresponds to the test, compares the test pattern with the recorded signal value and determines whether the signal value has passed the test.

[0070] (9) The test system 1 according to the ninth aspect is the test system 1 of (1) to (8), wherein the test pattern includes information that defines a pass range that is included in the judgment range and is narrower than the judgment range, The system further includes an evaluation target signal value selection unit which selects a signal value to be subject to pass / fail determination for the target value from among a plurality of signal values, excluding at least one of the signal value that first entered the determination range and the signal value that was last in the determination range, from among a predetermined number of signal values ​​that fall consecutively within the determination range, and further includes an evaluation target signal value selection unit which selects one evaluation target signal value from among a plurality of evaluation target signal values ​​that can be selected for the same target value, and the pass / fail determination unit determines that a signal value fails the test if no evaluation target signal value has been selected for at least one of the target values, or if at least one evaluation target signal value is outside the pass range from the target value.

[0071] (10) The test system 1 according to the tenth embodiment is the test system 1 according to (1) to (9), and includes a result output unit that outputs a list of pass / fail results for each recorded signal value that is determined to be subject to the test. [Explanation of symbols]

[0072] 1…Testing System 2…Operation monitoring device 3… Input / Output Devices 31…Input device 311...Input section 4…Sensor equipment 41…Transmitter 42...Sensor 5... Signal wire 21… Information Processing Section 211... Records Department 212... Test and Judgment Section 213...Selection unit for the signal value to be evaluated 214... Pass / Fail Judgment Department 215...Result output section

Claims

1. An input section that receives the output signal from a specified device as an input signal via a signal line, A recording unit records the signal value of the input signal for a predetermined time if the signal value of the input signal satisfies predetermined conditions. A determination unit compares a pre-set test pattern with the recorded signal value and determines whether the signal value corresponds to a test based on the test pattern, A test system equipped with the following features.

2. The aforementioned test pattern includes information that defines a judgment range based on a target value, The determination unit determines that the recorded signal value corresponds to the test if the recorded signal value includes a value that falls within the determination range. The test system according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned test pattern includes information defining two or more judgment ranges, The determination unit determines that the recorded signal value corresponds to the test if it includes two or more values ​​that fall within the determination range. The test system according to claim 2.

4. An evaluation target signal value selection unit selects a signal value to be subject to pass / fail determination against the target value (hereinafter referred to as the evaluation target signal value) from among a plurality of signal values ​​(hereinafter referred to as the excluded signal value) obtained by excluding at least one of the signal value that first entered the determination range and the signal value that last entered the determination range from a predetermined number of signal values ​​that fall consecutively within the determination range. The test system according to claim 2, further comprising:

5. The signal value selection unit for evaluation selects the median of the excluded signal values ​​as the signal value for evaluation if the number of excluded signal values ​​is odd. The test system according to claim 4.

6. If the number of excluded signal values ​​is even, the evaluation target signal value selection unit selects the median value obtained by subtracting the last signal value from the excluded signal values ​​as the evaluation target signal value. The test system according to claim 4.

7. The determination unit determines that if one or more target values ​​are selected for the evaluation target signal value, the signal value corresponds to the test. The test system according to any one of claims 4 to 6.

8. When the determination unit determines that the recorded signal value corresponds to the test, the pass / fail determination unit compares the test pattern with the recorded signal value to determine whether the signal value has passed the test. The test system according to claim 1, further comprising:

9. The aforementioned test pattern includes information defining a judgment range based on a target value, and information defining a passing range that is included in the judgment range but is narrower than the said judgment range. From a predetermined number of signal values ​​that fall consecutively within the determination range, the system selects a signal value to be subject to pass / fail determination for the target value (hereinafter referred to as the "evaluation target signal value") from among a plurality of signal values, excluding at least one of the signal value that first fell within the determination range and the signal value that was last in the determination range; and further comprises an evaluation target signal value selection unit that, if multiple evaluation target signal values ​​can be selected for the same target value, selects one evaluation target signal value from among them. The pass / fail determination unit determines that a signal value fails the test if, for at least one of the target values, the signal value to be evaluated has not been selected, or if at least one of the signal values ​​to be evaluated is outside the acceptable range. The test system according to claim 8.

10. For each recorded signal value that is determined to be subject to the aforementioned test, a result output unit outputs a list of the pass / fail results of the aforementioned test. The test system according to claim 8, further comprising:

11. The steps include: inputting the output signal from a specified device as an input signal via a signal line; If the signal value of the input signal satisfies predetermined conditions, the step of recording the signal value for a predetermined time, A step of comparing a pre-set test pattern with the recorded signal value and determining whether the signal value corresponds to a test based on the test pattern, A test method that includes [details omitted].

12. The steps include: inputting the output signal from a specified device as an input signal via a signal line; If the signal value of the input signal satisfies predetermined conditions, the step of recording the signal value for a predetermined time, A step of comparing a pre-set test pattern with the recorded signal value and determining whether the signal value corresponds to a test based on the test pattern, A program that causes a computer to execute something.

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