Remote control system, remote control device, and remote control method

Abstract

To provide a remote control system that is easy and low cost in plant equipment such as water and sewage, water gates, factories, and power plants.SOLUTION: A remote control system for an operation panel that operates an operation target includes an operation unit that is retrofitted to the existing operation panel and performs an input to an input unit of the operation panel, and a command unit that sends an operation command to the operation unit, and this makes it possible to provide the remote control system for plant equipment such as water and sewage systems, floodgates, factories, and power plants easily and at low cost without making major changes to existing equipment.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a remote control system, a remote control device, and a remote control method, and more particularly to a remote control system, a remote control device, and a remote control method for a plant facility or the like. [Background technology]

[0002] Plant facilities such as water supply and sewerage systems, water gates installed at water sources and rivers, factory facilities, power plants, etc. are equipped with control systems to monitor these facilities to ensure their normal operation. These control systems collect information from measuring instruments that measure rainfall and flow rate, etc., and monitor the equipment that makes up the plant facilities, as well as control the plant equipment that makes up the plant facilities, such as gates, pumps, and flow valves.

[0003] There are two methods for controlling these plant devices: manual control, which involves directly operating a control panel installed on the plant equipment, and remote control, which uses wireless communication to control the plant devices. Push-button (manual) control devices that do not have remote control capabilities require workers to go to the location where the control device is installed, assess the situation, and press (operate) the button. In particular, in the event of a disaster, such on-site work is expected to be dangerous. To reduce the labor required and ensure safety, there is a demand for the installation of control devices that can be remotely operated and monitored from a distance.

[0004] For example, Patent Document 1 describes controlling the operation of a water gate by a general-purpose personal computer via an interface device. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] JP 2000-178947 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] Patent Document 1 describes that, in order to control the operation of a floodgate using a general-purpose personal computer, the operation panel of the floodgate transmits status information of the entire facility via an interface device, and the personal computer transmits a control signal to the operation panel to command opening and closing operations. In this way, conventional remote monitoring systems with remote operation functions are configured to collect each sensor signal and control signal in a control circuit, and link them to a remotely operable terminal via a communication device. In such a case, a signal cable for transmitting status information must be newly installed in each facility of the floodgate, and a graphic screen or trend display screen must be created in the remote operation terminal to display each center signal value, etc., which causes a problem that the introduction of a remote operation system requires a lot of time and cost. Therefore, there is a demand for technology that enables remote operation while making maximum use of the functions of existing equipment, without requiring long periods of time and large capital investment.

[0007] SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT EMBODIMENT An object of the present invention is to provide an easy and low-cost remote control system for plant facilities such as water supply and sewerage systems, water gates, factories, and power plants. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] As a result of thorough investigation into the above-mentioned problems, the inventors discovered that by configuring a remote control system for an operation panel to directly and physically operate push button switches, etc. on an existing operation panel, it is possible to construct a retrofit remote control system that can be easily operated and monitored remotely without making major changes to the existing control system, while reducing the time and cost required for modifications, and thus completed the present invention. That is, the present invention relates to the following remote control system, remote control device, and remote control method.

[0009] The remote control system of the present invention for solving the above problems is a remote control system of an operation panel that operates an object to be operated, which is installed as an add-on to an existing operation panel and is characterized in that it comprises an operating unit that inputs data to an input unit of the operation panel, and a command unit that sends operation commands to the operating unit. With this remote control system, the target object can be operated by physically inputting data into an existing control panel, making it possible to remotely control equipment without making major changes to the electrification of existing equipment or information management.

[0010] In addition, one embodiment of the remote control system of the present invention is characterized in that the command unit has a display unit that displays information to an operator, and an input receiving unit that enables the operator to remotely operate the control panel. According to this feature, workers in remote locations can accurately grasp information about equipment, and can safely input information from a remote control terminal to an on-site control panel even in the event of a disaster.

[0011] In one embodiment of the remote control system of the present invention, the display unit displays an image of the object to be operated and / or the control panel. This feature enables an operator to accurately grasp the status of the equipment and the operating status of the control panel from a remote location, thereby improving the effectiveness of remote control.

[0012] In one embodiment of the remote control system of the present invention, the input receiving unit has a feature that includes a selection and confirmation step. According to this feature, by providing a plurality of steps for input operation, it is possible to prevent operation errors by the operator and to increase the accuracy of remote operation.

[0013] In order to solve the above problems, the remote control device of the present invention is a remote control device that is retrofitted to an existing operation panel that operates an object to be operated, and is characterized in that it has an operating unit that inputs to an input unit of the operation panel, and a receiving unit that receives operation commands for the operating unit. With this remote control device, the object to be operated can be operated by physical input to an existing control panel, making it possible to provide a remote control device that can remotely operate equipment without making changes to the existing equipment, such as electrifying it or managing information.

[0014] In addition, one embodiment of the remote control device of the present invention is characterized in that it further comprises a transmission unit that transmits an image of the operation panel. This feature enables an operator to accurately grasp the status of the equipment and the operating status of the control panel from a remote location, thereby improving the effectiveness of remote control.

[0015] The remote control method of the present invention for solving the above problems is a remote control method of an operation panel that operates an operation object, which is retrofitted to an existing operation panel and comprises an operation means that inputs to an input section of the operation panel and a command means that sends an operation command to the operation section, and is characterized in that it comprises a step of operating the operation object via the operation panel based on the operation command of the command means. According to this remote control method, the object to be controlled can be operated by physical input to an existing control panel, making it possible to perform remote control of equipment without making major changes to the electrification of existing equipment or information management, etc. Effect of the Invention

[0016] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an easy and low-cost remote control system for large-scale facilities such as water supply and sewerage systems, water gates, factories, and power plants. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1] 1 is a configuration diagram showing an example of a remote control system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a schematic explanatory diagram showing an example of an equipment configuration according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 is a schematic explanatory diagram showing an example of an existing operation panel according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4]1 is a schematic right-side cross-sectional view showing an example of a remote control device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 5] 1 is a schematic front cross-sectional view showing an example of an arrangement of a remote control device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a schematic explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a remote control terminal according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 11 is a schematic explanatory diagram of a portable remote control terminal according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 11 is a schematic right cross-sectional view of an input attachment according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] 13A to 13C are schematic diagrams showing the operation of an input attachment according to a third embodiment of the present invention on a touch panel. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0018] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the remote control system according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Also, the description of the operation method of the remote control system according to the present invention shall be replaced with the description of the operation method of the remote control system according to the present invention. The remote control system described in the embodiment is merely an example for explaining the remote control system according to the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to this.

[0019] The remote control system of the present invention is used to monitor and control large-scale equipment to be operated while ensuring the safety of the operator. Examples of the equipment include plant equipment such as water supply and sewerage systems, water gates, factories, and power plants.

[0020] [First embodiment] A detailed configuration of the remote control system according to the first embodiment will be described below.

[0021] Fig. 1 is a configuration explanatory diagram showing an example of a remote control system 100 in this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 1, the remote control system 100 of the present invention is configured to transmit an operation command from a command unit 40 (remote control terminal 40a) to an input unit 17 (e.g., a push button switch, a select switch, a valve, a key switch, a breaker, etc.) of a control panel 8 by physical operation (operation of the input unit 17 by a physical load of the operation unit 32, not input of a signal related to an operation command).

[0022] Each device constituting the remote control system 100 will be described in detail below with reference to Fig. 1. The components of the remote control system 100 of the present invention are a command unit 40 (remote control terminal 40a) such as a general-purpose personal computer or a workstation, a monitoring device 6, and a remote control device 10, which are newly introduced equipment (equipment indicated by a dashed rectangle in Fig. 1), and an operation panel 8, a monitor device 11, and an operation target 1, which are existing equipment (equipment indicated by a solid-line rounded rectangle).

[0023] First, the command unit 40 further displays a display unit 42 that displays images from the monitoring device 6 on its screen, and an input receiving unit 46 that can input operation commands to the remote control device 10. Next, the monitoring device 6 has components such as a communication device 60a that can transmit captured images in real time, a Web camera 7, and a battery 70a, and the command unit 40 can monitor the status and operation state of outdoor equipment, the indicated value of the instrument displayed on the operation panel 8, and the operation status of the remote control device 10 via wireless communication lines, and can use these as a basis for determining operation commands to the remote control device 10. In addition, the communication device 60a, Web camera 7, and battery 70a can be general-purpose devices available on the market. In addition, the battery 70a may be connected to a power source in the facility by a cable, or may be a portable battery, a solar battery, or a battery that uses a self-generated power source of nearby equipment. In addition, the number and location of the monitoring devices 6 to be installed are not particularly limited, and they can be arranged according to the size, form, and status of the equipment configured in the facility. Furthermore, the status of the facility may be monitored from the air using a drone (unmanned aerial vehicle). Here, the command unit 40 that sends the operation command corresponds to the command means, and the operation unit 32 that inputs to the input unit 17 based on the operation command of the command means corresponds to the operation means.

[0024] Next, the remote control device 10 includes as its components the operating unit 32, a communication device 60b that receives operation commands from the command unit 40 to the operating unit 32 and video information from the monitoring device 6, and a battery 70b. Furthermore, the operating unit 32 is composed of an input member 34 and a drive unit 36. This remote control device 10 makes it possible to input operation commands to the input unit 17 arranged on the existing operation panel 8 by physical operation. This input refers to the input member 34 applying a physical load to the input unit 17 by the power supply from the drive unit 36, thereby changing the state of the input unit 17.

[0025] Subsequently, due to this change in state, an operation signal is transmitted to the operation target 1, and an operation command from the command unit 40 is executed by the equipment, devices, etc. that constitute the operation target 1. The communication device 60b, the operation unit 32, and the battery 70b may be general-purpose devices available on the market. The battery 70b may be connected to a power source in the facility by a cable, or may be a portable battery, a solar battery, or a battery that uses a self-generated power source in a nearby facility. The number, location, and installation manner of the remote control devices 10 are not particularly limited. Even if a plurality of operation panels 8 or input units 17 required for controlling the operation target 1 are present in different locations, by installing a remote control device 10 in each of them, the control information can be aggregated and processed in the command unit 40, thereby enabling reliable remote operation to be performed.

[0026] The input unit 17 (a device that transmits an operation signal to the operation target 1 in response to a change in state due to a physical operation) arranged on the existing operation panel 8 is not limited as long as it has a function of transmitting an operation signal to the operation target 1, and there is no need to make any changes to the existing input unit 17. By making a change to the mode of the operation unit 32, it is possible to input to the input unit 17 by the load of a physical operation. Examples of such input units 17 include push button switches, select switches, valves, key switches, and breakers. The mode of transmitting an operation signal to the operation target 1 is also not particularly limited, and existing equipment can be used.

[0027] The equipment to be operated 1 is not limited as long as the effect of the present invention is achieved. Examples include plant equipment such as water supply and sewerage, water gates, factories, and power plants. For example, in the event of a disaster at a power plant, it is difficult for workers to work for long periods of time, and in an emergency, time cannot be spent on remote operation construction, and the effect of the present invention, that is, the transition to remote operation can be easily made without making changes to existing equipment, can be more significantly achieved.

[0028] The monitor device 11 is an existing device that receives and displays information on each facility of the operation target 1 and environmental information. These existing monitor devices 11 can be used without modification, and the form of the monitor device 11 that can be used is not particularly limited. Examples of the monitor device 11 include instruments such as a barometer, rain gauge, water gauge, water level gauge, heat meter, thermometer, and pressure gauge, indicator lights such as indicator lights that indicate the occurrence of an abnormality, the continuation of operation, or the suspension of operation, and other video monitors. The information displayed on the monitor device 11 is captured as an image by the monitoring device 6, and the operator can make an operation decision based on the indicated values ​​of the instruments displayed on these as a reference. It is also possible to perform program processing on the information on the instruments captured as an image, and display it as a numerical value on the input receiving unit 46 of the command unit 40, or to use the obtained numerical value for deciding a control command.

[0029] With the above configuration, when controlling (remotely operating) existing equipment, it is possible to remotely operate the existing equipment without making new capital investments related to transmission and reception of operation signals, etc. The introduction of the remote operation system of the present invention is particularly effective when there is no hindrance to the normal operation of the existing equipment and when the introduction of the remote operation system does not require a long period of time or a large budget.

[0030] (Facility configuration to be operated) Next, a specific configuration of this embodiment will be described in detail with reference to Fig. 2 to Fig. 6, taking a watergate facility 1a as a specific example of the operation target 1. As shown in Fig. 2, the operation target 1 related to the remote operation system 100 of this embodiment is the watergate facility 1a, which includes, as existing facilities, an operation panel 8 for opening and closing the gate 2, and a monitoring window 4 for monitoring the surroundings such as the waterway 3 before and after the watergate facility 1a. In addition, as new facilities constituting the remote operation system 100, it includes Web cameras 7a, 7b, and 7c, and a remote operation device 10 for operating the operation panel 8 based on operation commands from a remote operation terminal 40a described later.

[0031] The Web cameras 7a and 7b are for monitoring the flow rate, status, and surrounding abnormalities of the waterway 3 before and after the watergate facility 1a, and the Web camera 7c is for monitoring the operation status of the gate 2. The captured images are configured to be transmitted in real time to the remote control terminal 40a via a communication device 60a (not shown). The number of Web cameras 7 to be installed, their installation positions, and shooting modes are not particularly limited, and can be set appropriately depending on the scale, purpose, and installation location of the watergate facility 1a. In addition, the Web camera 7 can be further installed for the purpose of monitoring facilities that affect the flow rate of the waterway 3, such as nearby water intakes, inflow rivers, and barrel gates. The communication device 60a also transmits images from the Web cameras 7 to the command unit 40.

[0032] The remote control device 10 is attached to an existing operation panel 8 as an add-on, and is used to perform input, which is a physical operation, to the input unit 17 of the operation panel 8. The shape of the remote control device 10 is not particularly limited, and can be appropriately selected according to the form, shape, etc. of the operation panel 8 that is the target. As described later, it may have a box-shaped housing 13 that covers the operation panel 8, or it may be one in which an operating unit 32 described later is attached to the operation device (input unit 17) of the operation panel 8 in a separately exposed state. In addition, the material is not limited, but it may be made of a transparent acrylic plate or the like so that the operation status of the operation panel 8 can be easily seen.

[0033] Next, Fig. 3 is a schematic explanatory diagram showing an example of an existing operation panel 8 according to the first embodiment. The operation panel 8 is for transmitting operation signals relating to control to the watergate equipment 1a, which is the operation target 1, based on the state of the waterway 3, etc. Normally, the operation panel 8 is made to order according to the installation state and purpose of the watergate equipment 1a, and its functions and layouts are very diverse. Here, examples of expected functions and aspects of the input section are explained, but the present invention is not limited to the following functions, layouts, and other aspects.

[0034] The control panel 8 is provided on the side wall of the control room 5 provided at the top of the floodgate (see Fig. 2). As shown in Fig. 3, the control panel 8 is equipped with an existing video monitor, namely, a control panel monitor 12, indicator lights 14, instruments 16, an emergency stop button switch 18, a push button switch 20, a key switch 22, a select switch 24, and a breaker 26. There is no particular limitation on the images displayed on the control panel monitor 12, but for example, as status information around the floodgate that cannot be seen from the monitoring window 4, it may be possible to display the water level of a tributary flowing into the waterway or an image around a water level adjustment gate provided at a nearby barrel gate.

[0035] Next, the indicator lamp 14 indicates a change in the state of the equipment and devices related to the water gate facility 1a by turning on, off, or blinking. The information displayed by the indicator lamp 14 is not particularly limited. For example, the indicator lamp 14 may display an abnormality and whether or not the operation is continued for the equipment attached to the water gate facility 1a, such as the gate 2, the electric motor (not shown), the reduction gear (not shown), the hydraulic motor (not shown), and the water intake pump (not shown). Next, the gauge 16 displays a measured value by a needle or the like. The measured value displayed by the gauge 16 is not particularly limited. For example, the water level of the waterway 3, the opening degree of the gate 2, the flow rate of the waterway, and the outside air pressure can be displayed as information necessary for determining the operation of the gate 2. Note that the display method may be a number, a gauge, or the like, in addition to a needle. Next, the emergency stop button switch 18 is for stopping the functions of the equipment and devices related to the water gate facility 1a in the event of an emergency. These functions are not particularly limited, but for example, they can be switches that stop the operation of the gate 2 and other associated equipment in an emergency such as a disaster.

[0036] Next, the function of the push button switch 20 is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, a function for switching on and off the power supply of devices such as the gate 2, an electric motor (not shown), a reduction gear (not shown), a hydraulic motor (not shown), and a water intake pump (not shown). Next, the function of the key switch 22 is not particularly limited, but may indicate a state change by turning on or off each key, or may be used as a keyboard by linking each key with a number or the like. For example, it may be a function for switching the display of the operation panel monitor 12 or the display of the gauge 16, which are devices and facilities related to the water gate facility 1a, or may be a keyboard for inputting a PIN number for identifying the operator.

[0037] Next, the select switch 24 is a switch that can adjust the strength and mode in stages. The functions that can be adjusted by the select switch 24 are not particularly limited, but for example, the select switch 24 may adjust the opening and closing speed of the gate 2 in stages or adjust the sensitivity of the instrument 16. It is not limited to being adjustable in stages, but may be a switch that changes the strength and mode continuously like a valve. Next, the breaker 26 is for stopping the supply of power to the facility or equipment when an abnormality occurs in the operation target 1, or for restoring the power supply to the facility or equipment after an abnormality has stopped. The facility or equipment that the breaker 26 targets and the mode of its function are not particularly limited.

[0038] Next, Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 are schematic explanatory diagrams showing an example of the arrangement of each device when the remote control device 10 according to the first embodiment is attached to the operation panel 8. Fig. 4 shows a schematic right sectional view from the B-B' section in Fig. 5, and Fig. 5 shows a schematic front sectional view from the A-A' section in Fig. 4.

[0039] First, as shown in Fig. 4, a control panel monitoring Web camera 30 for monitoring the operating state of the control panel 8 in real time, and input attachments 32a and 32c for inputting data to the input unit 17 of the control panel 8 (emergency stop button switch 18 and select switch 24 in Fig. 4) by physical operation are arranged on the rear side of the housing 13 of the remote control device 10 from above. Note that the input attachments 32b, 32c, 32d, and 32e are omitted in Fig. 4 for ease of understanding. The input attachments 32a, 32b, 32c, 32d, and 32e are the operating unit 32 that performs input operations to the input unit 17 of the control panel 8.

[0040] Here, it is preferable that the remote control device 10 is attached to the operation panel 8 in an easily detachable manner. This is because it makes it easy to switch from remote operation to direct operation on the operation panel 8. That is, when remote operation by the remote operation terminal 40a becomes impossible, it becomes possible to immediately switch from remote operation to direct operation on-site by an operator.

[0041] The method of attaching such an easily attachable and detachable remote control device 10 is not particularly limited, and a known method can be used. Although the housing 13 and the operation panel 8 can be engaged with each other by screws or the like, when considering attachment and detachment in an emergency, a configuration in which the remote control device 10 is held on the operation panel 8 by, for example, magnetic force of permanent magnets fixed to both the housing 13 and the operation panel 8, hook-and-loop fasteners, or removable adhesive tape is used as an attachment method that does not require tools, is preferable. Also, when the operating unit 32 is attached to the input unit 17 of the operation panel 8 in a separately exposed state, the operating unit 32 can be attached to the operation panel 8 by a similar method.

[0042] 5, the operation panel monitoring Web camera 30 is installed inside the front side of the housing 13 of the remote control device 10, in the center of the upper part, and is arranged so as to monitor (photograph) as wide an area as possible for the operation panel monitor 12, the indicator light 14, the gauge 16, and the input status to the input parts (emergency stop button switch 18, push button switch 20, key switch 22, select switch 24, and breaker 26) of the input attachments 32a, 32b, 32c, 32d, and 32e. The input attachments 32a, 32b, 32c, 32d, and 32e are installed at positions corresponding to the input parts 17 of the emergency stop button switch 18, the push button switch 20, the key switch 22, the select switch 24, and the breaker 26 so as to cover the input parts 17. The operation panel monitoring Web camera 30 and each of the input attachments 32 a , 32 b , 32 c , 32 d , and 32 e are all fixed to the inside of the rear surface of the housing 13 of the remote control device 10 .

[0043] In addition, the operation panel monitoring Web camera 30 can be a general-purpose Web camera, and the number, arrangement, shape, performance, etc. of the installed cameras are not particularly limited. For example, a configuration may be used in which a plurality of small CCD cameras are separately installed inside the individual input attachments 32a, 32b, 32c, 32d, and 32e. In addition, when the housing 13 is made of a light-transmitting material that allows the inside to be seen from the outside, or when the plurality of input attachments 32a, 32b, 32c, 32d, and 32e are separately fixed to the front side of the operation panel 8 while being exposed, the operation panel monitoring Web camera 30 may be configured to be fixed to the outside of the remote control device 10 by an arm or the like. Furthermore, in order to be able to capture as wide an area as possible of the remote control device 10, it is preferable that the operation panel monitoring Web camera 30 is provided with a wide-angle lens. The operation panel monitoring Web camera 30 corresponds to a transmission unit that transmits an image of the operation panel 8 to the remote control terminal 40a.

[0044] Next, as shown in FIG. 4, the input attachment 32a is for inputting to the emergency stop button switch 18. This input is an operation to push the emergency stop button switch 18 toward the operation panel 8. First, the communication device 60b receives an operation command to the input attachment 32a from the command unit 40. Next, based on the operation command, the drive unit 36a obtains power supply from a battery (not shown) and moves the input member 34a attached to the tip of the input attachment 32a toward the operation panel 8, thereby pushing in the emergency stop button switch 18 and completing the input. Upon completion of the input to the emergency stop button switch 18, an operation signal corresponding to the operation command from the command unit 40 is transmitted to the equipment and devices of the watergate facility 1a. The movement distance related to the input operation is determined according to the stroke at which the emergency stop button switch 18 is switched on and off. The communication device 60b is a receiving unit that receives an operation command from the command unit 40.

[0045] The input attachment 32c is for inputting to the select switch 24. This input is an operation for rotating the select switch 24 and changing the discontinuous selection state selected by the select switch 24. An input member 34c attached to the tip of the input attachment 32c is fixed so as to sandwich the knob portion 35 of the select switch 24 from both sides. First, the communication device 60b receives an operation command to the input attachment 32c from the command unit 40. Next, based on the operation command, the drive unit 36c, which has obtained power supply from a battery 70b (not shown), rotates the knob portion 35 around an axis that is at the center of the knob portion 35 and is vertical to the surface of the operation panel 8, thereby changing the state selected by the select switch 24 (7 stages in this embodiment). Upon completion of the input to the select switch 24, an operation signal corresponding to the operation command from the command unit 40 is transmitted to the equipment and devices of the watergate facility 1a.

[0046] In this way, by changing the shape, size, and fixing method of the input members 34 at the tips of the input attachments 32a, 32b, 32c, 32d, and 32e, and the driving modes of the driving units 36a, 36b, 36c, 36d, and 36e, depending on the shape and operation mode of the input unit 17, it is possible to execute input by physical operation to the input unit 17. For example, in the case of the push button switch 20, input can be executed using the input attachment 32b (not shown) with a configuration similar to that of the input attachment 32a. Also, in the case of the key switch 22, input can be executed by using nine input attachments 32d (not shown) with a configuration similar to that of the input attachment 32a, which is the same number as the number of switches. Furthermore, in the case of the breaker 26, for example, input can be executed by fixing two plate-shaped or rod-shaped input members 34e (not shown) to the panel surface 9 at the top and bottom and moving them horizontally up and down.

[0047] As various input modes of such input unit 17, for example, the operations shown in Table 1 below can be mentioned.

[0048] [Table 1]

[0049] As shown in Table 1, the operation mode of the push button switch to the input unit includes, as described above, a mode in which an operation command such as ON⇔OFF is switched or the presence or absence of selection is switched by a single press, or an operation mode is switched by continuously pressing for a certain period of time, or an operation continues only while the press is continued, etc. Examples of changes in the mode include the presence or absence of switching or selection depending on the stroke width or the pressing time. Next, examples of the operation mode of the rotating input unit include a valve that can adjust a continuous value, and a select switch that can take a small number of discontinuous values ​​as described above. In the case of a continuous rotation operation, examples include a mode in which the strength, angle, temperature, speed, or stop time of the target device as a timer is changed depending on the rotation angle. On the other hand, in the case of a discontinuous rotation operation, examples include a mode in which an operation command such as ON⇔OFF is switched or a selection, strength, angle, temperature, speed, or stop time as a timer is changed. It can also be rotated by pulling it around. In the case of a pull button to prevent erroneous operation such as emergency stop, a single pull can switch between ON and OFF or between selection and non-selection, or the operation can be switched by continuously pressing the button for a certain period of time, or the operation can continue only while the button is pressed, etc. Examples of such changes in operation include the width of the stroke or the change in pressing time that can determine whether or not to switch or select.

[0050] Next, FIG. 6 is a schematic explanatory diagram showing an example of a remote control terminal 40a according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The remote control terminal 40a of this embodiment is a desktop personal computer, and is a command unit 40 that sends an operation command to the operation unit 32. The remote control terminal 40a has a desktop screen 41 that displays the display unit 42, and a keyboard 48 as components. The display unit 42 displays various information to the worker, and has a Web camera monitor 42a and an operation panel Web camera monitor 42b as components. The Web camera monitor 42a is displayed at the top of the desktop screen 41, and live images transmitted from the Web cameras 7a, 7b, and 7c via wireless communication lines or the like are displayed. In addition, the operation panel Web camera monitor 42b is displayed at the bottom left of the desktop screen 41, and live images transmitted from the operation panel monitoring Web camera 30 via wireless communication lines or the like are displayed. Furthermore, an input receiving unit 46 is displayed at the bottom right of the desktop screen 41. An operator (not shown) determines the operation to be performed on the target based on information such as the images from the Web cameras 7a, 7b, 7c, the image on the operation panel monitor 12 obtained from the image of the operation panel monitoring Web camera 30, the indication value of the instrument 16, the state of the indicator light 14, and the operating status of the remote control device 10, and the operator clicks on the corresponding icon, etc. in the input receiving unit 46, and an operation command is sent. The remote control terminal 40 a corresponds to the command unit 40 , and the desktop screen 41 corresponds to the display unit 42 of the command unit 40 . The Web camera monitor 42 a displays the monitored object, and the operation panel Web camera monitor 42 b displays the image of the operation panel 8 .

[0051] Here, the display contents and manner displayed on the input receiving unit 46 are not particularly limited as long as they maintain normal operation of the operation target 1. For example, as gate operations, an "open" button icon corresponding to an operation command to open the gate 2, a "close" button icon corresponding to an operation command to close the gate 2, a "stop" button icon corresponding to an operation command to stop the operation of the gate 2, etc. may be displayed. Also, when it is necessary to stop all operations of the water gate facility 1a and related devices in the event of a disaster or emergency, an "emergency stop" button icon corresponding to an operation command to urgently stop the operation of the gate 2, etc. may be displayed. A configuration may be adopted in which an operation command is transmitted to the remote operation device 10 by selecting these icons.

[0052] (First erroneous operation prevention mechanism) Here, in order to prevent the operation command from being sent erroneously, the remote operation system of the present invention may have an erroneous operation prevention mechanism. Such an aspect of erroneous operation prevention is not particularly limited as long as it has a step of selecting an operation command and a step of confirming the operation command, thereby drawing the attention of the operator and enabling accurate input operation to be performed. For example, the erroneous operation prevention mechanism may be configured to take two steps, such as displaying a message confirming whether the input operation is correct after the operation command is selected in the input receiving unit 46, and confirming the input of the operation command by selecting an icon (e.g., "YES") that confirms the correctness. Also, when inputting an operation command, the user may be asked to input a secret number, and the input may be confirmed by inputting the secret number into the key switch 22. Furthermore, it is also possible to configure the input operation to be modified. For example, the input may be executed by maintaining an operation on an icon for a certain period of time.

[0053] [Second embodiment] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing a portable remote control terminal of a remote control device system according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0054] The portable remote control terminal 40b according to the second embodiment has the same functions as the desktop remote control terminal 40a according to the first embodiment, and thus has mobility. Note that, among the components of the remote control system 100 according to this embodiment, the components that are the same as those of the remote control system 100 according to the first embodiment will not be described.

[0055] As shown in Fig. 7, the mobile remote control terminal 40b of this embodiment is a smartphone or tablet type mobile terminal, and has a touch panel 52 as a display screen. The display screen is small and cannot display a lot of information like a desktop type personal computer, so only the surrounding image of the water gate facility 1a is displayed on the Web camera monitor 42a, as shown on the left display screen. In this display state, the display screen can be switched to the right display screen by swiping the touch panel 52 of the mobile terminal to the left or pressing the mobile terminal operation button 54.

[0056] The display screen on the right side displays an input receiving section 46 at the top and an operation panel Web camera monitor 42b at the bottom. In this manner, the required information can be switched by operating the touch panel 52 and the mobile terminal operation buttons 54. Note that the form of the display screen and the method of switching the display screen are not limited to these.

[0057] The mobile remote control terminal 40b allows remote operation of the watergate equipment 1a, which has the advantage of making it possible to remotely operate the watergate equipment 1a from a location where the safety of the site of the watergate equipment 1a is ensured, while checking the actual situation, including the situation of the surrounding equipment and facilities, thereby increasing the reliability and effectiveness of the operation. It also allows instructions and cooperation with other workers on site, making it possible to take faster and more reliable recovery measures, especially in the event of a disaster or other emergency.

[0058] (Second erroneous operation prevention mechanism) It is also assumed that a desktop remote control terminal 40a and a portable remote control terminal 40b, which are located at a remote location from the site, are used together as terminals capable of operating the operation target 1. In this case, multiple remote control terminals will operate the floodgate equipment 1a simultaneously. For this reason, it is assumed that operations will overlap or conflict with each other, which will hinder the understanding of the status of the floodgate equipment 1a and the accurate execution of operations. As a mechanism for preventing such erroneous operation, a configuration may be adopted in which, while one remote control terminal is operating the operation target 1, other remote control terminals cannot perform operations.

[0059] [Third embodiment] The remote control device 10 according to the third embodiment includes an input attachment 32f that can operate the touch panel when the operation panel 8 is a touch panel. Note that, among the configurations of the remote control system 100 in this embodiment, the description of the same configurations as those of the remote control system 100 in the first embodiment will be omitted.

[0060] A specific configuration of this embodiment will be described in detail with reference to Fig. 8 and Fig. 9. First, Fig. 8 is a schematic right sectional view of an input attachment according to a third embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Fig. 8, an operation panel 8 has an operation panel touch panel 53 on a panel surface 9. The function and aspect of this operation panel touch panel 53 are not limited, but it can be configured to enable, for example, gate operation, power operation, water level display, scene switching to the surrounding situation, etc.

[0061] An input attachment 32f is fixed to the rear side of the remote control device 10. The fixing method is not limited, and for example, it can be fixed separately to the operation panel 8. The input attachment 32f includes a drive unit 36f and an input member 34f as components, and the tip of the input member 34f has a touch pen shape, so that the touch panel can recognize the input. Based on an operation command from the remote control terminal 40a, the tip of the input member 34f presses a selection portion of the operation panel touch panel 53 by power supply from the drive unit 36f, thereby executing an input (operation).

[0062] On the other hand, Fig. 9 is a schematic diagram showing the operation on the touch panel of the input attachment according to the third embodiment of the present invention, and is a schematic front sectional view from the CC' section in Fig. 8. As shown in Fig. 9, the operation panel touch panel 53 displays a selection area where the gate 2 can be operated and the screen display can be switched, and numerical values ​​showing information such as the water level of the waterway 3. Inside the drive unit 36f, there are provided a horizontal slide fixing member 37 that can move in the longitudinal direction of the panel surface 9 (left and right in the figure) on a surface horizontal to the panel surface 9, and a vertical slide fixing member 38 that can move in the lateral direction of the panel surface 9 (up and down in the figure). The horizontal slide fixing member 37 and the vertical slide fixing member 38 each have holes penetrating almost the entire area in the longitudinal direction.

[0063] The input member 34f is slidably held at the position where the holes formed through the horizontal slide fixing member 37 and the vertical slide fixing member 38 intersect. With this configuration, the positions of the horizontal slide fixing member 37 and the vertical slide fixing member 38 are determined based on the operation command of the command unit 40, and the input member 34f is fixed on a desired display of the operation panel touch panel 53 by sliding them to a predetermined position. Then, the desired input is executed by pressing the tip of the input member 34f described above. Note that the manner of operation of the input member 34f is not limited to this embodiment. For example, the input member 34f may be fixed to the tip of an arm-shaped member, and the input member 34f may be moved to a desired position by operating the arm. [Industrial Applicability]

[0064] The remote control system of the present invention can be applied to the remote control of water supply and sewerage systems, water gates, plant facilities, hospitals, factories, power plants, and other plant facilities. Specifically, the remote control system can be suitably used as a remote control system that can be easily introduced at low cost when it is necessary to introduce a remote control system from the viewpoint of ensuring the safety of workers in the event of a disaster, etc., but there is no problem with the functionality of existing equipment and it is not possible to spend a long period of time or a large budget on the introduction of a new system. [Explanation of symbols]

[0065] 1 Operation object, 1a Water gate equipment, 2 Gate, 3 Waterway, 4 Monitoring window, 5 Operation room, 6 Monitoring device, 7, 7a, 7b, 7c Web camera, 8 Operation panel, 9 Panel surface, 10 Remote operation device, 11 Monitor device, 12 Operation panel monitor, 13 Housing, 14 Indicator light, 16 Instrument, 17 Input section, 18 Emergency stop button switch, 20 Push button switch, 22 Key switch, 24 Select switch, 26 Breaker, 30 Operation panel monitoring Web camera, 32 Operating section, 32a, 32b, 32c, 32d, 32e, 32f Input attachment, 34, 34a, 34b, 34c, 34d, 34e, 34f Input member, 35 Knob section, 36, 36a, 36b, 36c, 36d, 36e, 36f Drive section, 37 Horizontal slide fixing member, 38 Vertical slide fixing member, 40 Command unit, 40a Remote control terminal, 40b Portable remote control terminal, 41 Desktop screen, 42 Display unit, 42a Web camera monitor, 42b Operation panel Web camera monitor, 46 Input reception unit, 48 Keyboard, 52 Touch panel, 53 Operation panel touch panel, 54 Portable terminal operation button, 60a, 60b Communication device, 70a, 70b Battery, 100 Remote operation system

Claims

1. A remote control system for a control panel that controls an object to be controlled, An operation unit that is installed on the existing operation panel and inputs data to an input unit of the operation panel; A command unit that sends an operation command to the operation unit, The command unit has a display unit that displays an image of an operation target and / or an operation panel, and an input receiving unit for an operator to remotely operate the operation panel, A remote control system, characterized in that the command unit displays an image of the object to be operated and / or the control panel, and the input receiving unit on a screen.

2. A remote control system for a control panel that controls an object to be controlled, comprising: An operation unit that is installed on the existing operation panel and inputs data to an input unit of the operation panel; A command unit that sends an operation command to the operation unit, The command unit has a display unit that displays an image of an operation target and / or an operation panel, and an input receiving unit for an operator to remotely operate the operation panel, A remote control system, wherein the input receiving unit has a step of selecting an operation command and a step of confirming the operation command.

3. A remote control method for a control panel that controls an operation target, comprising: An operation means that is installed on the existing operation panel and inputs data to an input unit of the operation panel; A command means for sending an operation command to the operation means, The command means displays an image of the operation object and / or the operation panel and an input receiving section for a worker to remotely operate the operation panel on a screen; The remote control method, wherein the operating means operates the object via the operation panel based on an operation command from the command means.

4. A method for remotely operating an operation panel that operates an operation target, comprising: An operation means that is installed on the existing operation panel and inputs data to an input unit of the operation panel; A command means for sending an operation command to the operation means, the command means displays an image of an object to be operated and / or an operation panel, and an input receiving section for an operator to remotely operate the operation panel; The input receiving unit has a step of selecting an operation command and a step of confirming the operation command, The remote control method, wherein the operating means operates the object via the operation panel based on an operation command from the command means.

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