Candidate device presentation device, candidate device presentation method, and candidate device presentation program

Abstract

To provide a candidate apparatus presentation device, a candidate apparatus presentation method and a candidate apparatus presentation program with which it is possible to present a candidate apparatus that can be used as a substitute for an apparatus without requiring time and effort.SOLUTION: A candidate apparatus presentation device 1 comprises: a storage unit 10 that stores basic compatibility information 11 in which determination conditions for determining apparatus compatibility are associated to standard codes and property specification information 15a, 15b in which standard codes and specification values are corresponded to vendor product codes; a compatibility determination unit 23 that acquires a vendor product code regarding the specification identified by key information inputted by a key information input unit 22, acquires the standard codes and the specification values associated to the acquired vendor product code from the property specification information 15a, 15b, and determines, for each of the acquired standard codes, whether or not the specification values acquired from the property specification information 15a, 15b satisfy the determination conditions in the basic compatibility information 11; and a candidate apparatus output unit 24 that outputs a determination result of the compatibility determination unit 23.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a candidate device presentation device, a candidate device presentation method, and a candidate device presentation program. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, distributed control systems (DCS) have been constructed in plants and factories (hereinafter collectively referred to as "plants") to realize highly automated operations. This distributed control system is a control system in which controllers that control devices called field devices (measuring instruments, operating devices) are distributed and placed for each of several control loops.

[0003] In such a plant, when a field device fails, it is necessary to replace the failed field device with a spare part while minimizing the impact on the plant operation. However, there are cases where a spare part having the same specifications as the failed field device cannot be immediately prepared. In such a case, it is necessary to use a substitute part while the failed field device is being repaired or until a spare part having the same specifications is available.

[0004] The following Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for automatically determining whether two field devices are compatible. Specifically, the technique disclosed in the following Patent Document 1 extracts data related to two field devices, and executes a compatibility check based on the extracted data to determine whether the two field devices are compatible. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] JP 2013-206473 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] In many cases, whether a certain field device can be used as a replacement for a broken field device is judged by an expert based on inventory information and specifications. However, only an expert can make such a judgment, and there is a problem that it takes time to make the judgment. Here, it is considered that the compatibility of field devices can be automatically judged by using the technology disclosed in the above-mentioned Patent Document 1, but there are problems in that it takes time and may result in an incorrect judgment.

[0007] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned circumstances, and aims to provide a candidate device presentation device, a candidate device presentation method, and a candidate device presentation program that can present candidate devices that can be used as substitutes for a device without requiring any effort. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to solve the above problem, a candidate device presentation device (1) according to one aspect of the present invention includes a storage unit (10) for storing basic compatibility information (11) in which a standard code defining a device specification is associated with a judgment condition for judging compatibility of the device, and asset specification information (15) in which the standard code and a specification value are associated with a vendor product code defining the device specification specified by the device vendor, the asset specification information being first asset specification information (15a) about a device in use and second asset specification information (15b) about a device in stock, and an input unit (22) for inputting at least key information for identifying the device specification. a compatibility determination unit (23) that obtains the vendor product code for the specification identified by the key information input by the input unit, obtains the standard code and the specification value associated with the obtained vendor product code from the first asset specification information and the second asset specification information, and determines, for each of the obtained standard codes, whether or not the specification values ​​obtained from the first asset specification information and the second asset specification information satisfy the determination condition in the basic compatibility information; and an output unit (24) that outputs, as a candidate device, a device determined by the compatibility determination unit to satisfy the determination condition.

[0009] In addition, in the candidate device presentation device according to one embodiment of the present invention, the storage unit further stores tag information (14) in which a tag name attached to the device corresponds to information on the object to be measured by the device, and when the tag name is included in the key information, the compatibility determination unit makes a determination using the tag information in addition to a determination using the basic compatibility information.

[0010] In addition, a candidate device presentation device according to one aspect of the present invention determines, among the devices that the compatibility determination unit has determined to satisfy the determination conditions in the basic compatibility information, those in which the measurement object satisfies the conditions specified in the information of the measurement object associated with the tag name included in the key information.

[0011] In addition, in the candidate device presentation device according to one aspect of the present invention, the storage unit stores history information (16) indicating a history of devices selected from the presented candidate devices, and the output unit refers to the history information and outputs, as candidate devices, devices that have been determined by the compatibility determination unit to satisfy the determination condition and that have been selected frequently, with priority given to the selection.

[0012] In addition, in the candidate device presentation device according to one embodiment of the present invention, the storage unit further stores specification code conversion information (12) in which the standard code and the specification value are associated with the vendor product code, and asset information (13) in which information indicating whether an appliance is in use or in stock is associated with the vendor product code, and the candidate device presentation device further includes a pre-processing unit (21) that performs processing to generate the first asset specification information and the second asset specification information in advance using the specification code conversion information and the asset information.

[0013] In addition, a candidate device presentation device according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a communication unit (30) that receives the key information transmitted via a network (N), provides it to the input unit, and transmits the candidate device output from the output unit to the network.

[0014] A method for presenting candidate devices according to one aspect of the present invention is a method for presenting candidate devices using a storage unit that stores basic compatibility information (11) in which a standard code defining a device specification is associated with a judgment condition for judging compatibility of the device, and asset specification information (15) in which a standard code and a specification value are associated with a vendor product code defining the device specification specified by the device vendor, the storage unit storing first asset specification information (15a) about a device in use and second asset specification information (15b) about a device in stock, and an input unit (22) inputs at least key information for identifying the device specification. A compatibility determination unit (23) obtains the vendor product code for the specification identified by the key information input by the input unit, obtains the standard code and the specification value associated with the obtained vendor product code from the first asset specification information and the second asset specification information, and determines, for each of the obtained standard codes, whether or not the specification values ​​obtained from the first asset specification information and the second asset specification information satisfy the determination conditions in the basic compatibility information, and an output unit (24) outputs, as a candidate device, the devices determined by the compatibility determination unit to satisfy the determination conditions.

[0015] A candidate device presentation program according to one aspect of the present invention includes a computer using a storage unit (10) for storing basic compatibility information (11) in which a standard code defining a device specification is associated with a judgment condition for judging compatibility of the device, and asset specification information (15) in which the standard code and a specification value are associated with a vendor product code defining the device specification specified by the device vendor, the storage unit (10) storing first asset specification information (15a) about a device in use and second asset specification information (15b) about a device in stock, the computer including an input unit (22) for inputting at least key information for identifying the device specification, and The device functions as a compatibility determination means (23) that obtains the vendor product code for the specifications specified by the key information input by an input means, obtains the standard code and the specification value associated with the obtained vendor product code from the first asset specification information and the second asset specification information, and determines, for each of the obtained standard codes, whether or not the specification value obtained from the first asset specification information and the second asset specification information satisfies the determination condition in the basic compatibility information, and an output means (24) that outputs, as a candidate device, a device determined by the compatibility determination means to satisfy the determination condition. Effect of the Invention

[0016] According to the present invention, it is possible to present candidate devices that can be used as substitutes for a device without requiring much effort. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a main part of a candidate device presentation system; [Diagram 2] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of basic compatibility information according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3A] 11 is a diagram showing an example of specification code conversion information according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 3B] 11 is a diagram showing an example of specification code conversion information according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 4]FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a vendor product code according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 5] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of asset information according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of tag information according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7A] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of asset specification information regarding equipment in use in one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7B] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of asset specification information for equipment in inventory in one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] 4 is a flowchart illustrating a method for presenting candidate devices according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a key information input screen according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a display example of candidate devices in the embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0018] Hereinafter, a candidate device presentation device, a candidate device presentation method, and a candidate device presentation program according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. First, an overview of the embodiment of the present invention will be described, and then the embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail.

[0019] 〔overview〕 The embodiment of the present invention makes it possible to present candidate devices that can be used as substitutes for devices without requiring any effort. For example, when a device breaks down, it makes it possible to present candidate devices that can be used as substitutes for the broken device without requiring any effort on the part of the worker.

[0020] Here, it is considered that the compatibility of field devices can be automatically determined by using the technology disclosed in the above-mentioned Patent Document 1. However, the technology disclosed in the above-mentioned Patent Document 1 requires that the two field devices for which compatibility is to be determined be on the same network. For this reason, for example, it is necessary to connect both a broken device and a replacement device to the same network, which is time-consuming and laborious.

[0021] In addition, in the technology disclosed in the above-mentioned Patent Document 1, the setting parameters of two field devices are extracted and compared to determine compatibility. Therefore, even if two field devices have the same specifications, if there is a difference in the setting parameters, the devices may be erroneously determined to be incompatible even though they are compatible.

[0022] In an embodiment of the present invention, candidate devices are presented using basic compatibility information and asset specification information (first asset specification information and second asset specification information) stored in a storage unit. Here, the basic compatibility information is information in which a standard code that defines the specifications of the device is associated with a judgment condition for judging the compatibility of the device. Also, the asset specification information is information in which a standard code and a specification value are associated with a vendor product code that defines the specifications of the device specified by the device vendor. Here, the first asset specification information is asset specification information for a device in use, and the second asset specification information is asset specification information for a device in stock.

[0023] In an embodiment of the present invention, a compatibility determination unit obtains a vendor product code for specifications identified by at least key information that identifies the specifications of a device, and obtains a standard code and a specification value associated with the obtained vendor product code from the first asset specification information and the second asset specification information. The compatibility determination unit also determines, for each obtained standard code, whether or not the specification value obtained from the first asset specification information and the second asset specification information satisfies a determination condition in the basic compatibility information. Then, an output unit outputs a device that is determined by the compatibility determination unit to satisfy the determination condition as a candidate device. This makes it possible to present candidate devices that can be used as substitutes for a device without requiring any effort.

[0024] [Embodiment] <Candidate device presentation device> Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing a main configuration of a candidate device presentation system. As shown in Fig. 1, the candidate device presentation system SY includes a candidate device presentation device 1 and a terminal device 2 communicably connected via a network N. The network N is, for example, the Internet, a LAN (Local Area Network), a WAN (Wide Area Network), etc. The network N may be a wired network, a wireless network, or a mixed wired and wireless network.

[0025] The candidate device presentation device 1 includes a storage unit 10 (storage means), a processing unit 20, and a communication unit 30, and presents candidate devices that can be used as substitutes for devices such as field devices. For example, when key information that identifies at least the specifications of a device is transmitted from the terminal device 2, the candidate device presentation device 1 presents, to the terminal device 2, candidate devices that can be used as substitutes for a device having the specifications identified by the key information. The storage unit 10 may be implemented as a device separate from the candidate device presentation device 1.

[0026] The above key information is, for example, the information shown in (1) to (3) below. (1) Information including the model name and basic specification code of the device (see Figure 4) (2) Asset number, which is a number that identifies the user's asset (see Figure 5) (3) Information including the plant ID and the tag name of the equipment to identify the plant (see Figure 6)

[0027] The storage unit 10 stores various information necessary for the candidate device presentation device 1 to find candidate devices. Specifically, the storage unit 10 stores basic compatibility information 11, specification code conversion information 12, asset information 13, tag information 14, asset specification information 15, and history information 16. The basic compatibility information 11 and specification code conversion information 12 are information provided by the device vendor, and the asset information 13 and tag information 14 are information provided by the device user. The asset specification information 15 is information generated using the specification code conversion information 12 and the asset information 13.

[0028] 2 is a diagram showing an example of basic compatibility information in one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Fig. 2, basic compatibility information 11 is information in which "judgment conditions" are associated with "international standard codes."

[0029] The above-mentioned "international standard code" is a code that defines the specifications of classified equipment and is recognized as an international standard. The reason for using such an international standard code is to make it possible to present substitute products for equipment without being limited by the equipment vendor (manufacturer). For example, the international standard code may be one specified in IEC61987 "Electronic Dictionaries of Industrial Process Instruments". The "international standard code" illustrated in FIG. 2 includes a classification code (Top code) indicating the classification of the equipment, a specification code (Code) indicating the specifications of the equipment, and the name of the equipment. The standard code may be a national standard code recognized as a national standard in a certain country.

[0030] The above "determination conditions" are the determination conditions for determining the compatibility of devices. In the example shown in Figure 2, assuming that the specification value of the device before replacement is X and the specification value of the device after replacement is Y, there are determination conditions (OK) for X and Y to determine compatibility and determination conditions (NG) for X and Y to determine incompatibility. Note that in the example shown in Figure 2, an example where two determination conditions (OK and NG) are prepared is illustrated, but only one of the two determination conditions (OK or NG) may be prepared. Here, for example, the device before replacement is a defective device, and the device after replacement is a candidate device as a replacement.

[0031] For example, in the basic compatibility information 11 shown in Figure 2, the international standard code with the name "Minimum operating pressure" has a classification code of "0112 / 2 / / / 61987#ABC299" and a specification code of "0112 / 2 / / / 61987#ABB211". For this international standard code, a determination condition of "X≥Y" and a determination condition of "X<Y" are associated. Note that the determination condition of "X≥Y" is the determination condition (OK) for determining compatibility, and the determination condition of "X<Y" is the determination condition (NG) for determining incompatibility.

[0032] Figures 3A and 3B are diagrams showing an example of specification code conversion information in an embodiment of the present invention. Note that the specification code conversion information 12 shown in Figure 3A is the specification code conversion information for a device of the model name "Device AAA" in a vendor named "Company A". The specification code conversion information 12 shown in Figure 3B is the specification code conversion information for a device of the model name "Device BBB" in a vendor named "Company B". As shown in Figures 3A and 3B, the specification code conversion information 12 is information in which an "international standard code" and a "specification value" are associated with a "vendor product code".

[0033] Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a vendor product code in one embodiment of the present invention. The vendor product code is a unique code defined by the device vendor. The vendor product code shown in Fig. 4 is for a device with a model name of "Device AAA". The vendor product code shown in Fig. 4 specifies a basic specification code and specifications for each specification level. Specification level "0" is the device model name, specification level "1" is the output signal, and specification level "2" is the measurement span.

[0034] Specification level "0" does not specify a basic specification code, and specifies "differential pressure transmitter" as a specification. Specification level "1" specifies four codes ("D", "E", "J", "F") as basic specification codes that distinguish output signals, and specifies specifications for each code. Specification level "2" specifies five codes ("F", "L", "M", "H", "V") as basic specification codes that distinguish measurement spans, and specifies specifications for each code.

[0035] For example, the basic specification code "E" for specification level "1" means that the output signal is 4 to 20 mA DC output (HART communication type). Also, the basic specification code "M" for specification level "2" means that the pressure measurement span is 0.5 to 100 kPa. In this way, the vendor product code shown in Figure 4 defines the specifications of the device by the specification level and the basic specification code.

[0036] The "vendor product code" in the specification code conversion information 12 shown in Figures 3A and 3B is a unique code defined by the device vendor, similar to the vendor product code shown in Figure 4. The "vendor product code" exemplified in Figures 3A and 3B includes a "vendor name," a "model name," a "specification level," and a "code." The "specification level" included in the "vendor product code" is the specification level explained using Figure 4, and the "code" is the "basic specification code" explained using Figure 4. Note that, since the "specification level" and "code" included in the "vendor product code" identify the device specifications, hereinafter, these may be referred to as a "specification code."

[0037] The "international standard code" in the specification code conversion information 12 is the same as the "international standard code" explained using Fig. 2. The "specification value" in the specification code conversion information 12 is a specific value of the specification identified by the "vendor product code." This "specification value" includes a "value" and a "unit."

[0038] 3A, a "vendor product code" having a specification code of "1E" is associated with a classification code of "0112 / 2 / / / 61987#ABC200", an international standard code having a specification code of "0112 / 2 / / / 61987#ABA606", and a specification value of "HART". Also, a "vendor product code" having a specification code of "2M" is associated with a classification code of "0112 / 2 / / / 61987#ABC299", an international standard code having a specification code of "0112 / 2 / / / 61987#ABB211", and a specification value of "0.5kPa". In addition, the "vendor product code" with the specification code "2M" is associated with an international standard code with a classification code of "0112 / 2 / / / 61987#ABC299" and a specification code of "0112 / 2 / / / 61987#ABB212", as well as a specification value of "100 kPa".

[0039] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of asset information in one embodiment of the present invention. Asset information 13 is information relating to equipment (assets) owned by a user. As shown in FIG. 5, asset information 13 is information in which "asset number," "vendor product code," "vendor name," "plant ID," "status," and "location" are associated with each other. The above "asset number" is a number uniquely assigned to equipment (assets) owned by the user so that the user can manage the equipment. The above "vendor product code" is the same code as that shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B. The above "vendor name" is the name of the vendor of the equipment.

[0040] The above "Plant ID" is an identifier that identifies the plant operated by the user. The above "Status" is information that indicates the current status of the equipment. For example, there is "In Use" that indicates that the equipment is currently in use, and "In Stock" that indicates that the equipment is currently in stock. The above "Location" is information that indicates the installation location (or storage location) of the equipment. For example, there is "Field" if the equipment is installed at the site of the plant identified by the plant ID, and "Warehouse A," "Warehouse B," "Warehouse C," etc. that identify the warehouse if the equipment is stored in a warehouse.

[0041] Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of tag information in one embodiment of the present invention. Tag information 14 is information that is attached to equipment by a user to facilitate handling of the equipment owned by the user. As shown in Fig. 6, tag information 14 is information in which "plant ID", "tag name", "asset number", "information on object to be measured", and "environmental information" are associated with each other.

[0042] The above "Plant ID" is an identifier that identifies the plant operated by the user, similar to the "Plant ID" in the asset information 13 shown in FIG. 5. The above "Tag name" is an arbitrary character string that is assigned by the user to the equipment in the user's possession in order to facilitate the handling of the equipment. The above "Asset number" is a number that is uniquely assigned to the equipment in the user's possession in order for the user to manage the equipment (asset) in the user's possession, similar to the "Asset number" in the asset information 13 shown in FIG. 5.

[0043] The above-mentioned "information on the object to be measured" is information indicating the physical quantities that the device measures and the measurement range of each physical quantity. In the example shown in FIG. 6, "temperature," "pressure," and "pH" are listed as the physical quantities that the device measures. In addition, a measurement range is specified for each of "temperature," "pressure," and "pH." The above-mentioned "environmental information" is information indicating the installation environment of the device. In the example shown in FIG. 6, "outdoor with roof," "indoor," and "outdoor without roof" are specified.

[0044] The asset specification information 15 is information in which an international standard code and a specification value are associated with a specification code included in a vendor product code defined by the equipment vendor. This asset specification information 15 is divided into asset specification information 15a for equipment in use and asset specification information 15b for equipment in stock. The asset specification information 15 (15a, 15b) is generated in advance by a pre-processing unit 21 (details of which will be described later) of the processing unit 20 using the specification code conversion information 12 and the asset information 13.

[0045] 7A is a diagram showing an example of asset specification information for a device in use in one embodiment of the present invention. Asset specification information 15a for a device in use is prepared for each vendor product code. The asset specification information 15a shown in FIG. 7A is for a device whose vendor product code is indicated as "Device AAA-EM...".

[0046] Fig. 7B is a diagram showing an example of asset specification information for an in-stock device in one embodiment of the present invention. Asset specification information 15b for in-stock devices is prepared for each asset number. The asset specification information 15b shown in Fig. 7B is for a device with the asset number "40010034".

[0047] As shown in Figures 7A and 7B, the asset specification information 15a and 15b are information in which a specification code consisting of a "specification level" and a "code", an international standard code consisting of a "classification code" and a "specification code", and a specification value consisting of a "value" and a "unit" are associated with each other. In this way, the asset specification information 15a and 15b are associated with information that is almost the same as the specification code conversion information 12 shown in Figures 3A and 3B. It can be said that the asset specification information 15a and 15b are information in which the specification code conversion information 12 shown in Figures 3A and 3B is pre-classified according to the status (in use, in stock) of the equipment (asset) owned by the user.

[0048] The history information 16 is information obtained by collecting, for each user or for each company to which the user belongs, a history of candidate devices selected by the user from among the candidate devices previously presented by the candidate device presentation device 1. This history information 16 is provided in order to present appropriate candidate devices for each user or for each company to which the user belongs. The history information 16 is obtained, for example, by the processing unit 20 controlling the communication unit 30 to collect the selection status of the candidate devices in the terminal device 2. Note that, if the history information 16 is unnecessary, it is also possible to omit the history information 16.

[0049] The storage unit 10 may store various kinds of information other than the above-mentioned basic compatibility information 11, specification code conversion information 12, asset information 13, tag information 14, asset specification information 15, and history information 16. For example, the storage unit 10 may store a program that realizes the function of the processing unit 20, and data (so-called temporary data) that is temporarily generated when the processing unit 20 performs processing.

[0050] The processing unit 20 includes a pre-processing unit 21, a key information input unit 22 (input unit, input means), a compatibility determination unit 23 (compatibility determination means), and a candidate device output unit 24 (output unit, output means), and performs processing required to present candidate devices that can be used as substitutes for devices such as field devices. The pre-processing unit 21 performs processing to generate asset specification information 15a, 15b using specification code conversion information 12 and asset information 13 stored in the storage unit 10.

[0051] Specifically, the pre-processing unit 21 divides the asset information 13 into those whose "status" is "in use" and those whose "status" is "in stock." Then, for those whose "status" is "in use," the pre-processing unit 21 extracts information required for each vendor product code from the specification code conversion information 12 to generate asset specification information 15a. Also, for those whose "status" is "in stock," the pre-processing unit 21 extracts information required for each vendor product code from the specification code conversion information 12 to generate asset specification information 15b.

[0052] For example, in the asset information 13 illustrated in Fig. 5, the "status" of a device with a vendor product code of "Device AAA-EM..." is "In Use". The pre-processing unit 21 extracts, from the specification code conversion information 12 illustrated in Fig. 3A, those whose "vendor product code" has the model name "Device AAA" and the code "E" or "M". The pre-processing unit 21 also extracts, from the specification code conversion information 12 illustrated in Fig. 3A, those whose "vendor product code" has the model name "Device AAA" and whose specification level and code are not specified. In this way, the pre-processing unit 21 generates asset specification information 15a illustrated in Fig. 7A.

[0053] Also, for example, in the asset information 13 illustrated in Fig. 5, the device with the asset number "40010034" has a "status" of "in stock" and a vendor product code of "device AAA-DF...". The pre-processing unit 21 extracts from the specification code conversion information 12 illustrated in Fig. 3A those whose "vendor product code" has the model name "device AAA" and the code is "D" or "F". The pre-processing unit 21 also extracts from the specification code conversion information 12 illustrated in Fig. 3A those whose "vendor product code" has the model name "device AAA" and the specification level and code are not specified. In this way, the pre-processing unit 21 generates the asset specification information 15b illustrated in Fig. 7B.

[0054] The key information input unit 22 inputs key information transmitted from the terminal device 2. The key information transmitted from the terminal device 2 via the network and received by the communication unit 30 is input to this key information input unit 22. The key information input unit 22 outputs the input key information to the compatibility determination unit 23.

[0055] The compatibility determination unit 23 determines the compatibility of devices using the basic compatibility information 11 and the asset specification information 15 (15a, 15b). Specifically, the compatibility determination unit 23 acquires a vendor product code for a specification identified by key information input from the communication unit 30, and acquires an international standard and a specification value associated with the acquired vendor product code from the asset specification information 15a and the asset specification information 15b, respectively. For each acquired international standard code, the compatibility determination unit 23 determines whether the specification value acquired from the asset specification information 15a and the specification value acquired from the asset specification information 15b satisfy the determination conditions in the basic compatibility information 11.

[0056] The candidate device output unit 24 outputs devices that are determined by the compatibility determination unit 23 to satisfy all the determination conditions as candidate devices to the communication unit 30. Furthermore, the candidate device output unit 24 refers to the history information 16 stored in the storage unit 10 and preferentially outputs devices that are frequently selected as candidate devices among the devices that are determined by the compatibility determination unit 23 to satisfy all the determination conditions.

[0057] The communication unit 30 performs communication via the network N under the control of the processing unit 20. For example, when key information is transmitted from the terminal device 2 via the network N, the communication unit 30 receives the key information and provides it to the key information input unit 22. The communication unit 30 also transmits the candidate devices output from the candidate device output unit 24 to the terminal device 2. The communication unit 30 also collects the selection status of the candidate devices in the terminal device 2.

[0058] The functions of the processing unit 20 (the functions of the pre-processing unit 21, the key information input unit 22, the compatibility determination unit 23, and the candidate device output unit 24) may be realized by executing a program for realizing the functions by hardware such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit). In other words, the functions of the processing unit 20 may be realized by cooperation between software and hardware resources. Of course, the functions of the processing unit 20 may be realized by using hardware such as an FPGA, an LSI, or an ASIC.

[0059] The terminal device 2 is a device connected to a network N and capable of communicating with the candidate device presentation device 1 via the network N. The terminal device 2 is realized by, for example, a personal computer of a desktop type, a notebook type, a tablet type, or the like, which includes an operation unit having an input device such as a keyboard, and a display unit having a display device such as a liquid crystal display device. The operation unit and the display unit may be physically separated, or may be physically integrated, such as a touch panel type liquid crystal display device that has both a display function and an operation function.

[0060] The terminal device 2 is operated, for example, by a worker who performs equipment replacement work. The worker operates an operation unit to input, for example, key information for identifying the specifications of the broken equipment into the terminal device 2. Note that the key information may be input by operating the operation unit, or may be input by reading key information recorded in a QR code (registered trademark) or an RF tag. The terminal device 2 displays the candidate devices transmitted from the candidate device presentation device 1 via the network N.

[0061] <Candidate device presentation method> Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing a candidate device presentation method according to an embodiment of the present invention. The flowchart shown in Fig. 8 is executed every time key information is transmitted to the candidate device presentation device 1 via the network N. In the following, it is assumed that key information input by an operator is transmitted from the terminal device 2 to the candidate device presentation device 1 via the network N.

[0062] For ease of explanation, it is assumed here that basic compatibility information 11 and specification code conversion information 12 provided by an equipment vendor, and asset information 13 and tag information 14 provided by an equipment user are pre-stored in the storage unit 10 of the candidate device presentation device 1. It is also assumed that asset specification information 15 (15a, 15b) created by a pre-processing unit 21 using the specification code conversion information 12 and asset information 13 is pre-stored in the storage unit 10 of the candidate device presentation device 1.

[0063] Fig. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a key information input screen in one embodiment of the present invention. The input screen G1 shown in Fig. 9 is displayed on the terminal device 2. The input screen G1 shown in Fig. 9 is provided with a plurality of input fields F11 to F15 into which various information is input, and one button B1. Note that the input screen G1 shown in Fig. 9 is merely an example, and input fields and buttons other than the input fields F11 to F15 and button B1 shown in Fig. 9 may be provided.

[0064] The input field F11 is an input field in which a plant ID that identifies a plant is input, and the input field F12 is an input field in which a user ID that identifies a user is input. The input field F13 is an input field in which a tag name is input, and the input field F14 is an input field in which a product code is input. The input field F15 is an input field in which the measurement environment of the equipment is input. In the example shown in FIG. 9, the input field F15 has three input fields for inputting "temperature", "pressure", and "measurement target". The button B1 is a button for instructing a search for equipment compatible with the equipment identified by the key information input to the input screen G1.

[0065] Suppose that an operator operating the terminal device 2 inputs, for example, the product code of a broken device into the input field F14 of the input screen G1 shown in Fig. 9 and presses the button B1. Then, the product code input into the input field F14 of the input screen G1 is transmitted as key information from the terminal device 2 to the candidate device presentation device 1. Furthermore, the tag name input into the input field F13 is transmitted as key information from the terminal device 2 to the candidate device presentation device 1.

[0066] The key information transmitted from the terminal device 2 is received by the communication unit 30 of the candidate device presentation device 1 after passing through the network N, and is input to the key information input unit 22 of the processing unit 20 (step S11). The key information input to the key information input unit 22 is output to the compatibility determination unit 23. The compatibility determination unit 23 acquires a vendor product code for the specifications identified by the input key information (step S12). Note that if the input key information indicates a vendor product code, the processing of step Ss12 is omitted.

[0067] The compatibility determination unit 23 obtains the international standard code and specification value associated with the vendor product code from the asset specification information 15a and the asset specification information 15b, respectively (step S13). Here, since the asset specification information 15a is asset specification information about equipment in use, the international standard code and specification value obtained from the asset specification information 15a are about the broken equipment. On the other hand, since the asset specification information 15b is asset specification information about equipment in stock, the international standard code and specification value obtained from the asset specification information 15b are about equipment in stock that can be a candidate for a replacement.

[0068] Next, the compatibility determination unit 23 determines whether or not the specification value obtained from the asset specification information 15a and the specification value obtained from the asset specification information 15b satisfy the determination conditions in the basic compatibility information 11 for each acquired international standard code (step S14). Specifically, the compatibility determination unit 23 determines whether or not the specification value obtained from the asset specification information 15a is X and the specification value obtained from the asset specification information 15b is Y, and determines whether or not these specification values ​​satisfy the determination conditions shown in Fig. 2. The compatibility determination unit 23 performs such a determination for each acquired international standard code.

[0069] The candidate device output unit 24 outputs, as a candidate device, a device in stock that has been determined by the compatibility determination unit 23 to satisfy all the determination conditions to the communication unit 30 (step S15). Note that, among the devices that have been determined by the compatibility determination unit 23 to satisfy all the determination conditions, the candidate device output unit 24 may preferentially output, as a candidate device, a device that has been selected frequently by referring to the history information 16 stored in the storage unit 10. The candidate device output to the communication unit 30 is transmitted to the terminal device 2 via the network N. When the candidate device output to the network N is received by the terminal device 2, the candidate device is displayed on the display unit of the terminal device 2.

[0070] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of display of candidate devices in one embodiment of the present invention. The display screen G2 shown in FIG. 10 is displayed on the terminal device 2. As shown in FIG. 10, the display screen G2 displays a list of candidate devices transmitted from the candidate device presentation device 1. In the example shown in FIG. 10, the candidate devices are displayed in order of least amount of stock. The candidate devices may be displayed in order of most amount of stock. In the example shown in FIG. 10, an image showing the appearance and detailed information (product code, location, manufacturer, condition, quantity) are displayed for each candidate device. By referring to the contents of the display screen G2 displayed on the terminal device 2, a worker who replaces a device can quickly and easily find a device that can be used as a substitute for the broken device.

[0071] As described above, in this embodiment, the basic compatibility information 11 in which the judgment conditions for judging the compatibility of the equipment are associated with the international standard code, and the asset specification information 15a, 15b in which the international standard code and the specification value are associated with the vendor product code are stored in advance in the storage unit 10. The compatibility judgment unit 23 acquires the vendor product code for the specification specified by the key information input to the communication unit 30, and acquires the international standard code and the specification value associated with the acquired vendor product code from the asset specification information 15a, 15b. The compatibility judgment unit 23 judges whether or not the specification value acquired from the asset specification information 15a, 15b for each acquired international standard code satisfies the judgment conditions in the basic compatibility information 11. Then, the communication unit 30 outputs the equipment judged by the compatibility judgment unit 23 to satisfy the judgment conditions as a candidate equipment. This makes it possible to present candidate equipment that can be used as a substitute for the equipment without any effort.

[0072] The candidate device presentation device, the candidate device presentation method, and the candidate device presentation program according to the embodiment of the present invention have been described above, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and can be freely modified within the scope of the present invention. For example, in the above embodiment, the compatibility determination unit 23 determines whether or not the specification value acquired from the asset specification information 15a and the specification value acquired from the asset specification information 15b satisfy the determination condition of the basic compatibility information 11. However, when the key information includes tag information, the compatibility determination unit 23 may perform a determination using the tag information 14 shown in FIG. 6 in addition to the determination using the basic compatibility information 11.

[0073] Specifically, the compatibility determination unit 23 first performs a determination using the basic compatibility information 11 for things other than the measurement objects (e.g., "temperature", "pressure", and "pH") defined in the "information on the measurement object" included in the tag information 14 shown in Fig. 6. Then, the compatibility determination unit 23 may determine whether or not the things determined to satisfy the determination conditions in the basic compatibility information 11 satisfy the conditions defined in the "information on the measurement object" included in the tag information 14.

[0074] When an operator replaces a broken device, the operator tends to select a device that has a similar measurement target to the broken device from among the devices that are determined to satisfy the determination conditions in the basic compatibility information 11. By making a determination using the tag information 14 in addition to the determination using the basic compatibility information 11, the operator's tendency can be accommodated.

[0075] Furthermore, the key information transmitted from the terminal device 2 to the candidate device presentation device 1 may include user attributes (company name, country, industry, region, etc.) in addition to those shown in (1) to (3) above. Then, the candidate device presentation device 1 may present candidate devices according to the user attributes included in the key information. For example, in the case of an industry, devices for the industry that match the requirements of the industry can be set as candidate devices. The asset information 13 may include information indicating stocks in nearby factories and available stocks at the manufacturer, and the time to arrange for these stocks. Then, the candidate device presentation device 1 may present candidate devices taking into consideration the arrangement time, etc. Furthermore, if the country or region is one to which the standard to which the faulty device complies is applied, devices that comply with the standard of the same country or region can be set as candidate devices.

[0076] Furthermore, the key information transmitted from the terminal device 2 to the candidate device presentation device 1 may include environmental information (see FIG. 6) indicating the installation status of the device. By including the environmental information, it is possible to present suitable candidate devices according to the status in which the device is installed. For example, when the device is installed outdoors, it is possible to present devices that have been waterproofed or devices that are made of rust-resistant materials as candidate devices. [Explanation of symbols]

[0077] 1 Candidate device presentation device 10 Storage area 11 Basic compatibility information 12 Specification code conversion information 13 Asset Information 14 Tag Information 15 Asset Specifications 15a Asset Specifications 15b Asset Specifications 16 Historical Information 21 Pre-processing section 22 Key information input section 23 Compatibility determination section 24 Candidate device output section 30 Communications Department N Network

Claims

1. a storage unit for storing basic compatibility information in which a standard code defining a device specification is associated with a judgment condition for judging compatibility of the device, and asset specification information in which a standard code and a specification value are associated with a vendor product code defining a device specification specified by a device vendor, the storage unit storing first asset specification information for a device in use and second asset specification information for a device in stock; an input unit for inputting key information for identifying at least the specifications of the device; a compatibility determination unit that obtains the vendor product code for the specification specified by the key information input by the input unit, obtains the standard code and the specification value associated with the obtained vendor product code from the first asset specification information and the second asset specification information, and determines, for each of the obtained standard codes, whether or not the specification value obtained from the first asset specification information and the second asset specification information satisfies the determination condition in the basic compatibility information; an output unit that outputs a device determined by the compatibility determination unit to satisfy the determination condition as a candidate device; A candidate device presentation device comprising:

2. The storage unit further stores tag information in which a tag name attached to the device is associated with information on a measurement target of the device, When the tag name is included in the key information, the compatibility determination unit performs a determination using the tag information in addition to a determination using the basic compatibility information. The candidate device presentation device according to claim 1 .

3. The candidate device presentation device of claim 2, wherein the compatibility determination unit determines, among the devices determined to satisfy the determination conditions in the basic compatibility information, those in which the measurement object satisfies the conditions specified in the information of the measurement object associated with the tag name included in the key information.

4. the storage unit stores history information indicating a history of a device selected from the presented candidate devices, the output unit refers to the history information and preferentially outputs, as a candidate device, a device that has a high selection frequency among the devices that have been determined by the compatibility determination unit to satisfy the determination condition. The candidate device presentation device according to claim 1 .

5. the storage unit further stores specification code conversion information in which the standard code and the specification value are associated with the vendor product code, and asset information in which information indicating whether a device is in use or in stock is associated with the vendor product code, a pre-processing unit that performs a process of generating the first asset specification information and the second asset specification information in advance using the specification code conversion information and the asset information, The candidate device presentation device according to claim 1 .

6. The candidate device presentation device according to claim 1 , further comprising a communication unit that receives the key information transmitted via a network, provides the key information to the input unit, and transmits the candidate device output from the output unit to the network.

7. A method for presenting candidate devices using a storage unit that stores basic compatibility information in which a standard code defining a device specification is associated with a judgment condition for judging compatibility of the device, and asset specification information in which a standard code and a specification value are associated with a vendor product code defining a device specification specified by a device vendor, the asset specification information including first asset specification information for devices in use and second asset specification information for devices in stock, The input unit inputs key information that identifies at least the specifications of the device; a compatibility determination unit obtains the vendor product code for the specification specified by the key information input by the input unit, obtains the standard code and the specification value associated with the obtained vendor product code from the first asset specification information and the second asset specification information, and determines, for each of the obtained standard codes, whether or not the specification value obtained from the first asset specification information and the second asset specification information satisfies the determination condition in the basic compatibility information; an output unit outputs the device determined by the compatibility determination unit to satisfy the determination condition as a candidate device; Candidate device presentation method.

8. a computer using a storage unit that stores basic compatibility information in which a standard code that defines a device specification is associated with a judgment condition for judging compatibility of the device, and asset specification information in which a standard code and a specification value are associated with a vendor product code that defines a device specification specified by a device vendor, the computer storing first asset specification information for a device in use and second asset specification information for a device in stock; an input means for inputting key information for identifying at least the specifications of the device; a compatibility determination means for obtaining the vendor product code for a specification specified by the key information input by the input means, obtaining the standard code and the specification value associated with the obtained vendor product code from the first asset specification information and the second asset specification information, and determining, for each of the obtained standard codes, whether or not the specification value obtained from the first asset specification information and the second asset specification information satisfies the determination condition in the basic compatibility information; an output means for outputting a device determined by the compatibility determination means to satisfy the determination condition as a candidate device; A program that presents candidate equipment to function as a system.

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