Remote monitoring and operation system, relay device, remote monitoring and operation method, relay method and program

Abstract

To remotely monitor and operate an industrial apparatus more easily regardless of the specifications of a control system while ensuring security.SOLUTION: A remote monitoring operation system includes: a control system which controls an industrial apparatus; a remote monitoring and operating device which remotely monitors and operates the industrial apparatus by using the control system; and a relay device which relays information transmission between the control system and the remote monitoring and operating device. The control system and the relay device perform the information transmission to each other by using first software which is standard screen sharing software of the operation system. The relay device and the remote monitoring and operating device perform the information transmission to each other by using second software different from the first software.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a remote monitoring and operation system, a relay device, a remote monitoring and operation method, a relay method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] The operation of industrial equipment such as chemical plants is controlled by a distributed control system (DCS) consisting of a controller and clients. The controller is a control device that constantly executes a program to control the industrial equipment to be controlled (hereinafter simply referred to as the "controlled equipment"), but generally does not have functions such as saving and displaying data. On the other hand, the client is a terminal operated by the operator of the controlled equipment, and has the function of saving and displaying information collected from the controller. The client also accepts commands from the operator to the controller and transmits the commands to the controller.

[0003] Generally, the controller and the client are installed in close proximity, for example, in the same building, and are connected to each other via a network with sufficient security, such as a LAN (Local Area Network). In conventional DCS, the client was not installed in a remote location to remotely monitor or operate the controlled device, so there were no particular problems with the network, such as security and bandwidth. Conventionally, if a client was to be installed in a remote location, a network with a relatively small bandwidth had to be selected for the communication connection between the controller and the client for economic reasons, and there was almost no room for collecting additional information when collecting control information at a general collection interval of one second. Therefore, it was considered practically impossible to install the client in a remote location. Furthermore, conventionally, even if a client that could be used for remote monitoring existed, the specifications were different from those of a general client, and it was often a product that required the introduction of a special mechanism for remote monitoring. Therefore, conventionally, it was considered unrealistic to remotely monitor the controlled device using a DCS, much less to remotely operate it.

[0004] However, in recent years, there has been a demand for technology for remotely monitoring and remotely operating controlled devices (hereinafter simply referred to as "remote monitoring and operation") while ensuring sufficient security, for the purposes of preventing the spread of infectious diseases, reducing the travel and standby time of operators, and reducing personnel costs, etc. In addition, with the recent increase in capacity and speed of networks, the problem of securing bandwidth has been solved.

[0005] As a technology for remotely monitoring and operating controlled devices, for example, Patent Document 1 discloses a system capable of remotely maintaining a thermal power plant, while Patent Document 2 discloses a remote operation system capable of automatically or semi-automatically remotely starting and stopping a power plant according to the status of each device. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 3689767 [Patent Document 2] JP 2003-52083 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] Generally, when industrial equipment such as an air separation unit and the DCS that controls it are delivered from a supplier to a customer, the customer often specifies the manufacturer of the DCS. This is because customers who own multiple air separation units, in particular, may wish to standardize the manufacturer of the DCS that controls each air separation unit in order to improve the efficiency of operations such as training of operators for the air separation units, operation and management of the air separation units, and management of DCS equipment. In addition, even customers who are installing a new air separation unit tend to wish to standardize the manufacturer of the DCS that controls the air separation unit with the manufacturers of other industrial equipment, etc. that the customer has already introduced in their plant, taking into account the compatibility of the equipment, etc.

[0008] The thermal power plant maintenance service providing system described in the above Patent Document 1 is a system configured by a control device (corresponding to a controller), a maintenance tool (corresponding to a client), and a remote maintenance device for remotely operating the maintenance tool. However, the system described in Patent Document 1 is a system that assumes that the maintenance tool and the remote maintenance device will constantly communicate with each other, and the maintenance tool and the remote maintenance device are directly connected via a central processing unit and a communication device. Therefore, the system described in Patent Document 1 does not assume a case where the specifications of the control device and the maintenance tool (e.g., OS, model, manufacturer, etc.) are different from those of the remote maintenance device, or where the specifications of each device are changed from time to time. In such a case, the system described in Patent Document 1 requires redesigning the entire system.

[0009] The power plant remote operation system described in Patent Document 2 is a system composed of each control device of the industrial equipment (boiler control device, turbine control device, and auxiliary equipment sequence control device) (corresponding to a controller), an operator monitoring operation device (corresponding to a client), and a power plant remote centralized monitoring center. However, like the system described in Patent Document 1, the system described in Patent Document 2 is a system that assumes that the control devices of the industrial equipment, the operator monitoring operation device, and the power plant remote centralized monitoring center communicate constantly as necessary using devices with common specifications. Therefore, the system described in Patent Document 2 does not assume a case where the specifications of each control device and the operator monitoring operation device are different from those of the power plant remote centralized monitoring center (e.g., OS, model, manufacturer, etc.) or where the specifications of each device are changed each time. In such a case, the system described in Patent Document 2 requires redesign of the entire system. As described above, the conventional technology has a problem that the entire system needs to be redesigned when the specifications of the devices used in the control system change.

[0010] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned circumstances, and aims to provide a remote monitoring and operation system, a relay device, a remote monitoring and operation method, a relay method, and a program that can more easily remotely monitor and operate industrial equipment regardless of the specifications of the control system while ensuring security. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention has the following configuration. [1] A remote monitoring and operation system comprising: a control system for controlling an industrial device; a remote monitoring and operation device for remotely monitoring and operating the industrial device using the control system; and a relay device for relaying information transmission between the control system and the remote monitoring and operation device, The control system and the relay device Communication is established via an in-house communication network. Operator TingThe information is transmitted to each other using the first software, which is a screen sharing software standard in the system; The relay device and the remote monitoring and operation device have different first software. The operating system of the relay device and the operating system of the remote monitoring and operation device may be different from each other. A remote monitoring and operation system that uses second software to transmit the information to each other. [2] The remote monitoring and operation system described in [1], wherein the control system is a distributed control system having a control device that constantly controls the industrial equipment and a monitoring and operation device that monitors and operates the control device. [3] The monitoring operation device and the relay device are a first operator. Ting It operates by the system, The remote monitoring and operation device is Ting A second operating system separate from the system Ting The remote monitoring and operation system according to [2], which is operated by the system. [4] The relay device ,stomach A remote monitoring and operation system according to any one of [1] to [3], which is communicatively connected to the remote monitoring and operation system via the Internet. [5] The remote monitoring and operation system according to [4], wherein the relay device is connected to the Internet via a mobile router. [6] A remote monitoring and operation system according to any one of [1] to [5], wherein the second software is screen sharing software. [7] A remote monitoring and operation system described in any one of [1] to [6], wherein the industrial equipment is an air separation unit. [8] The remote monitoring and operation system according to any one of [1] to [7], wherein the second software has a two-step authentication function. [9] Relaying information transmission between a control system that controls industrial equipment and a remote monitoring and operation device that remotely monitors and operates the industrial equipment using the control system. and communicating with the control system via an in-house communication network. A relay device for performing Operator Ting a first information transmission unit that transmits information to and from the control system using first software that is a screen sharing software standard for the system; Different from the first software The operating system of the relay device and the operating system of the remote monitoring and operation device may be different from each other. a second information transmission unit that transmits the information to and from the remote monitoring operation device using second software;

[10] A remote monitoring and operation method using a computer of a control system that controls an industrial device, a computer of a remote monitoring and operation device that remotely monitors and operates the industrial device using the control system, and a computer of a relay device that relays information transmission between the control system and the remote monitoring and operation device, comprising: The control system and the relay device, Communication is established via an in-house communication network. Operator Ting a step of transmitting the information to each other using first software which is a screen sharing software standard for the system; The relay device and the remote monitoring and operation device have different first software. The operating system of the relay device and the operating system of the remote monitoring and operation device may be different from each other. and performing said information transmission between said devices using second software.

[11] Relaying information transmission between a control system that controls industrial equipment and a remote monitoring and operation device that remotely monitors and operates the industrial equipment using the control system. and communicating with the control system via an in-house communication network. A relay method by a computer of a relay device for performing a relay process, comprising the steps of: Operator Ting a first information transmission step of transmitting information to and from the control system using first software, which is a screen sharing software standard for the system; Different from the first software The operating system of the relay device and the operating system of the remote monitoring and operation device may be different from each other. a second information transmission step of transmitting the information to and from the remote monitoring operation device using second software.

[12] Relaying information transmission between a control system that controls industrial equipment and a remote monitoring and operation device that remotely monitors and operates the industrial equipment using the control system. and communicating with the control system via an in-house communication network. The relay device computer Operator Ting a first information transmission step of transmitting information to and from the control system using first software, which is a screen sharing software standard for the system; Different from the first software The operating system of the relay device and the operating system of the remote monitoring and operation device may be different from each other. A program for executing a second information transmission step of transmitting information between the remote monitoring operation device and the remote monitoring operation device using second software. Effect of the Invention

[0012] According to the present invention, it is possible to more easily remotely monitor and operate industrial devices, regardless of the specifications of the control system, while ensuring security. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] 1 is an overall configuration diagram of a remote monitoring and operation system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] 1 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of functions related to remote monitoring and operation by a remote monitoring and operation system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3] 2 is a sequence diagram showing the flow of operations of the remote monitoring and operation system 1 in one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0014] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, a remote monitoring and operation system, a relay device, a remote monitoring and operation method, a relay method, and a program according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0015] [Overall configuration of remote monitoring and operation system] The following describes the overall configuration of the remote monitoring and operation system 1. Fig. 1 is an overall configuration diagram of the remote monitoring and operation system 1 in one embodiment of the present invention. The remote monitoring and operation system 1 is an information system for remotely monitoring and operating an air separation unit 10 installed in a chemical plant P using a remote monitoring and operation terminal 60.

[0016] The air separation unit 10 is, for example, a device that separates air and produces industrial gases such as oxygen, nitrogen, and argon as products. Note that the air separation unit 10 is merely one example of an industrial device to be controlled, and the remote monitoring and operation system 1 may be an information system for remotely monitoring and operating industrial devices other than air separation units. Furthermore, the device to be controlled may be installed in a location other than the chemical plant P.

[0017] As shown in FIG. 1, the remote monitoring and operation system 1 includes a DCS 20, a bridge terminal 30, a network 50, and a remote monitoring and operation terminal 60.

[0018] The DCS 20 (control system) is a distributed control system that controls the air separation unit 10, which is a controlled device. As shown in FIG. 1, the DCS 20 is installed in a chemical plant P, similar to the air separation unit 10. The DCS 20 includes a controller 21 (control device) and a client terminal 22 (monitoring and operating device). The controller 21 and the client terminal 22 are communicatively connected via a control system bus 26. The control system bus 26 is a control system communication path dedicated to the DCS manufacturer for transmitting and receiving control information and various data between devices in the DCS 20, and is generally not open to users. In contrast, the information system bus 25 is an open information system communication path for transmitting and receiving information data between devices in the DCS 20. The information system bus 25 and the control system bus 26 are each an independent bus-type in-house communication network (bus-type LAN). As shown in FIG. 1, other devices, such as a printer 23, may be connected to the information system bus 25 of the DCS 20.

[0019] The controller 21 is an information processing device that constantly executes a program that controls the air separation unit 10. For example, the controller 21 is a Field Control Station (FCS), which is a device that controls industrial equipment. The controller 21 controls the air separation unit 10 in accordance with commands from the client terminal 22.

[0020] For example, controller 21 obtains instruction information indicating a command to monitor (e.g., check the operating status of) air separation unit 10 from client terminal 22. In this case, controller 21 outputs information indicating the operating status of air separation unit 10 based on measurement values ​​of various sensors (not shown) provided in air separation unit 10 to client terminal 22. Note that data on the measurement values ​​of the various sensors (not shown) are transmitted from air separation unit 10 to controller 21 at predetermined intervals (e.g., at one-second intervals).

[0021] Furthermore, for example, controller 21 acquires instruction information indicating a command to operate air separation unit 10 (for example, to change the setting of a controlled variable) from client terminal 22. In this case, controller 21 outputs instruction information requesting a change in the setting of a controlled variable of air separation unit 10 to air separation unit 10. Upon acquiring the instruction information output from controller 21, air separation unit 10 changes the setting of the controlled variable.

[0022] In this embodiment, the controller 21 does not include a user interface such as a display device that displays various data, a storage device that stores various data, etc. However, the controller 21 may include a user interface, a storage device, etc.

[0023] The client terminal 22 is an information processing device that functions as a user interface for the controller 21 and as a storage device that stores setting information and various data used in the production of industrial gas by the air separation unit 10. For example, the client terminal 22 is an OPS (Operator Station) that uses an FCS to monitor and operate industrial equipment. The client terminal 22 includes a general-purpose computer such as a personal computer.

[0024] For example, client terminal 22 accepts operation input from an operator indicating a command to monitor (e.g., check the operating status of) air separation unit 10. Client terminal 22 generates instruction information based on the operation input, and outputs the generated instruction information to controller 21. Client terminal 22 acquires information indicating the operating status of air separation unit 10 that is returned from controller 21 in response to the instruction information. Client terminal 22 presents the acquired information indicating the operating status of air separation unit 10 to the operator by displaying it on display unit 222, which will be described later.

[0025] Furthermore, for example, client terminal 22 accepts operation input from an operator indicating a command to operate air separation unit 10 (for example, to change the settings of control variables). Client terminal 22 generates instruction information based on the operation input, and outputs the generated instruction information to controller 21.

[0026] The client terminal 22 is a Ting System (OS;Operation ng The client terminal 22 operates on the Windows (registered trademark) OS, and has desktop sharing software (screen sharing software) that is standard for that OS installed. For example, the client terminal 22 operates on Windows (registered trademark), an OS from Microsoft Corporation, and has Remote Desktop, which is desktop sharing software that is standard for Windows (registered trademark), installed.

[0027] The bridge terminal 30 is an information processing device that functions as a relay device that relays communication between the remote monitoring operation terminal 60 and the client terminal 22. The bridge terminal 30 is configured to include a general-purpose computer such as a personal computer. The bridge terminal 30 transmits information displayed on the display unit 222 of the client terminal 22 to the remote monitoring operation terminal 60 and outputs various instruction information transmitted from the remote monitoring operation terminal 60 to the client terminal 22 so that an operator can remotely connect to the client terminal 22 from the remote monitoring operation terminal 60 and perform remote monitoring and operation of the air separation unit 10.

[0028] The bridge terminal 30 is connected to the information bus 25 of the DCS 20, and is installed with an IP address that does not overlap with other IP addresses within the information bus 25. The bridge terminal 30 runs on the same predetermined OS as the client terminal 22, and has desktop sharing software installed as standard for that OS. For example, the bridge terminal 30 runs on Windows (registered trademark), an OS from Microsoft, and has Remote Desktop installed as desktop sharing software standard for Windows (registered trademark).

[0029] With such a configuration, the bridge terminal 30 can use OS-standard desktop sharing software to share the display screen displayed on the display unit 222 of the client terminal 22 in the bridge terminal 30. Also, with such a configuration, the bridge terminal 30 can control the operation of the client terminal 22 using OS-standard desktop sharing software.

[0030] In this manner, in the remote monitoring and operation system 1 in this embodiment, the OS standard desktop sharing software is used, so the OS of the bridge terminal 30 must be the same as the OS of the client terminal 22.

[0031] Generally, OS-standard desktop sharing software may not have high security. Note that the security strength referred to here means, for example, the level of defense against unauthorized intrusion into the network, such as wiretapping or tampering of data flowing through the information bus 25, spoofing, and intrusion into the client terminal 22. In contrast, in the remote monitoring and operation system 1 of this embodiment, the bridge terminal 30 and the client terminal 22 are communicatively connected by the information bus 25, which is a bus-type LAN, and therefore security is ensured even when the OS-standard desktop sharing software is used.

[0032] In addition, it is generally difficult for a user to install software on a DCS on his / her own. For example, if software that is not supported by the DCS provider is used, the DCS may not be covered by the warranty. In contrast, the remote monitoring and operation system 1 of this embodiment is configured such that the bridge terminal 30 uses OS-standard desktop sharing software to control the operation of the client terminal 22, making it possible to remotely monitor and operate the air separation unit 10 without having to install software on the client terminal 22 on his / her own.

[0033] Furthermore, remote connection software (e.g., screen sharing software, etc.) that enables an operator to use the bridge terminal 30 using the remote monitoring operation terminal 60 is pre-installed in the bridge terminal 30. The same remote connection software is pre-installed in the remote monitoring operation terminal 60. The OS of the remote monitoring operation terminal 60 does not have to be the same as the OS of the bridge terminal 30, as long as the same remote connection software can be operated.

[0034] Unlike the above-mentioned OS-standard desktop sharing software, the remote connection software uses software that has a function such as a virtual private network (VPN) connection, which can ensure security even in communication via an open network such as the Internet. A VPN connection is one of the technologies that builds a virtual dedicated line on an open network such as the Internet. For example, TeamViewer (registered trademark), which is a commercially available remote connection software from TeamViwer AG, can be used as the remote connection software in this embodiment.

[0035] 1, the bridge terminal 30 connects to the network 50 via a mobile router 40-1. The network 50 is, for example, an open network (public network) such as the Internet. Also, for example, the mobile router 40-1 is a mobile Wi-Fi (registered trademark) router that connects to the network 50 via a wireless LAN. However, the present invention is not limited to such a configuration, and the bridge terminal 30 may be configured to connect to the network 50 via a wired connection without going through the mobile router 40-1, for example, if a wired connection is possible.

[0036] However, for example, in cases where a supervisor (SV) or the like performs remote monitoring operations for trial operation when a new air separation unit 10 is installed for each customer, the bridge terminal 30 may only be used once during the initial startup of the unit. In such cases, a configuration using a mobile router 40-1, as in the remote monitoring and operation system 1 of this embodiment, is considered to be more convenient, since it does not require the preparation of a wired network connection environment in advance.

[0037] 1, a remote monitoring operation terminal 60 (remote monitoring operation device) connects to a network 50 via a mobile router 40-2. Like the mobile router 40-1, the mobile router 40-2 is, for example, a mobile Wi-Fi (registered trademark) router that connects to the network 50 via a wireless LAN. However, the configuration is not limited to this, and the remote monitoring operation terminal 60 may be configured to connect to the network 50 via a wired connection without going through the mobile router 40-2, for example, if a wired connection is possible.

[0038] The remote monitoring operation terminal 60 is an information processing device operated by an operator, a SV, or the like to remotely monitor and operate the air separation unit 10. The remote monitoring operation terminal 60 is configured to include a general-purpose computer such as a personal computer. The remote monitoring operation terminal 60 is installed in a location away from the plant P, such as an office where an operator works.

[0039] The remote monitoring operation terminal 60 is pre-installed with the same remote connection software as that of the bridge terminal 30, which enables the operator to use the bridge terminal 30 using the remote monitoring operation terminal 60. As described above, the OS of the remote monitoring operation terminal 60 does not have to be the same as that of the bridge terminal 30, as long as the same remote connection software can be operated.

[0040] Use of this remote connection software enables the operator to remotely operate the bridge terminal 30 from the remote monitoring operation terminal 60. Also, as described above, the bridge terminal 30 can share the display screen displayed on the display unit 222 of the client terminal 22 on the bridge terminal 30 and control the operation of the client terminal 22 using desktop sharing software that is standard in the OS. This allows the operator to access the DCS 20 from the remote monitoring operation terminal 60 via the bridge terminal 30, which is a relay device, and perform remote monitoring and operation of the air separation unit 10.

[0041] The bridge terminal 30 and the remote monitoring operation terminal 60 of the present invention can be realized by a computer and a program, but all of the programs may be stored in a storage medium provided in each device as in this embodiment, or some of the programs may be recorded in a server (not shown) connected to the network 50 and executed on the server. For example, software such as the remote connection software may be software executed on a server, so-called cloud service type software.

[0042] As described above, the remote connection software is assumed to use software having a VPN connection function, which is a network technology that ensures security in an open network such as the Internet, but other technologies may also be used in combination to improve security. For example, as shown in Fig. 1, the remote monitoring and operation terminal 60 and the bridge terminal 30 of the remote monitoring and operation system in this embodiment use remote connection software that supports a two-step authentication function. Also, for example, Google Authenticator (registered trademark), an authentication system by Google, can be used as the two-step authentication function used by the remote connection software in this embodiment.

[0043] As shown in Fig. 1, the two-step authentication system 70 includes an authentication server 71 and a mobile terminal 72. The authentication server 71 has a function of performing two-step authentication, and stores authentication information used for the two-step authentication. For example, the authentication information stores a phone number assigned to the mobile terminal 72. The mobile terminal 72 is, for example, a smartphone held by the operator.

[0044] For example, when an operator starts the remote connection software to log in and tries to access the bridge terminal 30 from the remote monitoring operation terminal 60, the remote connection software transmits login information (for example, a user ID or a terminal ID used for logging in) to the authentication server 71 via the network 50. When the authentication server 71 receives the login information transmitted from the remote monitoring operation terminal 60 by the remote connection software, the authentication server 71 refers to the authentication information stored in advance and identifies a telephone number associated with the received login information. This telephone number is, in other words, a telephone number assigned to the mobile terminal 72. For example, the authentication server generates a password for two-step authentication and transmits the generated password to the identified telephone number by short message service (SMS). For example, the password for two-step authentication is a one-time password consisting of a random string of numbers. When the mobile terminal 72 receives information indicating the password for two-step authentication, the operator inputs the password into the remote connection software of the remote monitoring operation terminal 60. This completes the two-step authentication, and the remote monitoring operation terminal 60 can access the bridge terminal 30. The password for the two-step authentication may be a code that is automatically updated at regular intervals on the display unit 722 of the two-step authentication application 721 installed in the mobile terminal 72 carried by the operator of the remote monitoring operation terminal 60.

[0045] With such a configuration, the remote monitoring operation system 1 in this embodiment ensures security even when the remote monitoring operation terminal 60 and the bridge terminal 30 communicate with each other via the network 50, which is an open network.

[0046] [Function configuration] The functional configuration of each device of the remote monitoring and operation system 1 in this embodiment, related to the remote monitoring and operation of the air separation unit 10, will be described in further detail below.

[0047] 2 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of functions related to remote monitoring and operation by the remote monitoring and operation system 1 in one embodiment of the present invention. The minimum configuration of the remote monitoring and operation system 1 in this embodiment is composed of a client terminal 22, a bridge terminal 30, and a remote monitoring and operation terminal 60. In order to improve security, it is desirable to further include an authentication server 71 and a mobile terminal 72 that realize a two-step authentication function.

[0048] The client terminal 22 includes a controller control unit 221, a display unit 222, and OS standard desktop sharing software 223.

[0049] The controller control unit 221 is realized, for example, by a processor (not shown) such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) provided in the client terminal 22 reading and executing a program stored in advance in a storage device (not shown). The storage device is configured to include a storage medium such as a RAM (Random Access Memory), a flash memory, an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a HDD (Hard Disk Drive), and an SSD (Solid State Drive), or any combination of these storage media. The storage device may be built into the client terminal 22 or may be an external device.

[0050] The controller control unit 221 accepts an operation input indicating a command to monitor the air separation unit 10 (for example, to check the operating status). This operation input is transmitted from the remote monitoring operation terminal 60 in response to an operation by an operator, and is performed based on instruction information received by the client terminal 22 via the bridge terminal 30. The client terminal 22 generates instruction information based on the operation input, and outputs it to the controller 21. The controller control unit 221 also acquires information indicating the operating status of the air separation unit 10, which is returned from the controller 21 in response to the instruction information. The controller control unit 221 causes the display unit 222 to display the acquired information indicating the operating status of the air separation unit 10.

[0051] The controller control unit 221 also accepts operation input indicating a command to operate the air separation unit 10 (for example, to change the settings of the controlled variables). This operation input is transmitted from the remote monitoring operation terminal 60 in response to an operation by an operator, and is performed based on instruction information received by the client terminal 22 via the bridge terminal 30. The controller control unit 221 generates instruction information based on the operation input, and outputs it to the controller 21.

[0052] Display unit 222 is, for example, a display device such as a liquid crystal display (LCD), an organic EL (Electroluminescence) display, or a CRT (Cathode-Ray Tube) display. Display unit 222 may be built into client terminal 22 or may be an external device. Display unit 222 displays information indicating the operating status of air separation unit 10, for example, based on information acquired from controller 21.

[0053] The OS standard desktop sharing software 223 is installed on the specified OS (Operation ngThe OS standard desktop sharing software 223 is desktop sharing software that is included in advance in the Windows (registered trademark) of Microsoft Corporation, as described above. For example, the OS standard desktop sharing software 223 is a remote desktop that is software that is included in advance in Microsoft Windows (registered trademark). The OS standard desktop sharing software 223 is realized, for example, by a processor (not shown) included in the client terminal 22 reading and executing a program that is stored in advance in a storage device (not shown).

[0054] The OS standard desktop sharing software 223 acquires instruction information transmitted from the remote monitoring operation terminal 60 in response to an operation by an operator via the bridge terminal 30, and outputs it to the controller control unit 221. In addition, the OS standard desktop sharing software 223 outputs to the bridge terminal 30 information showing the display screen of the display unit 222, which includes various information such as the operating status of the air separation unit 10.

[0055] The bridge terminal 30 is configured to include OS standard desktop sharing software 301 and remote connection software 302. The OS standard desktop sharing software 301 and the remote connection software 302 are realized, for example, by a processor (not shown) included in the client terminal 22 reading and executing a program stored in advance in a storage device (not shown). The storage device may be built into the bridge terminal 30 or may be an external device.

[0056] The OS standard desktop sharing software 301 is desktop sharing software that is included in advance in the same OS as that of the client terminal 22. Therefore, as described above, the OS of the bridge terminal 30 must be the same as that of the client terminal 22.

[0057] The OS standard desktop sharing software 301 acquires instruction information transmitted from the remote monitoring operation terminal 60 in response to an operation by an operator from the remote connection software 302, and outputs the information to the client terminal 22. The OS standard desktop sharing software 301 also acquires information indicating a display screen to be displayed by the display unit 222 of the client terminal 22 from the client terminal 22, and outputs the information to the remote connection software 302. The information indicating the display screen to be displayed by the display unit 222 includes various information such as the operating status of the air separation unit 10, for example.

[0058] The remote connection software 302 is software that enables the bridge terminal 30 to be operated remotely from the remote monitoring operation terminal 60 via the network 50, which is an open network, while ensuring security. As described above, for example, the remote connection software 302 is TeamViewer (registered trademark), which is remote connection software from TeamViewer Inc.

[0059] The remote connection software 302, for example, obtains instruction information indicating a command to monitor the air separation device 10 (for example, to check the operating status) from the remote monitoring operation terminal 60 via the network 50 and outputs it to the OS standard desktop sharing software 301. The remote connection software 302 also obtains instruction information indicating a command to operate the air separation device 10 (for example, to change the settings of the control amount) from the remote monitoring operation terminal 60 via the network 50 and outputs it to the OS standard desktop sharing software 301.

[0060] Furthermore, the remote connection software 302 acquires, from the OS standard desktop sharing software 301, information indicating the display screen to be displayed by the display unit 222 of the client terminal 22, which information is returned from the client terminal 22 in response to instruction information indicating a command to monitor the air separation unit 10 output to the OS standard desktop sharing software 301. The remote connection software 302 transmits the acquired information indicating the display screen to be displayed by the display unit 222 to the remote monitoring operation terminal 60 via the network 50.

[0061] The remote monitoring and operation terminal 60 (remote monitoring and operation device) includes remote connection software 601 , a display unit 602 , and an operation unit 603 .

[0062] The remote connection software 601 is the same software as the remote connection software 302 installed in the bridge terminal 30. As described above, if the remote connection software is the same, the OS of the remote monitoring operation terminal 60 and the OS of the bridge terminal 30 may be different.

[0063] The remote connection software 601 acquires, from the operation unit 603, instruction information that is generated by an operator operating the operation unit 603 and indicates, for example, a command to monitor the air separation unit 10 (for example, to check the operating status). The remote connection software 601 transmits the acquired instruction information to the bridge terminal 30 via the network 50. The remote connection software 601 also acquires, from the operation unit 603, instruction information that is generated by an operator operating the operation unit 603 and indicates, for example, a command to operate the air separation unit 10 (for example, to change the settings of the control amount). The remote connection software 601 transmits the acquired instruction information to the bridge terminal 30 via the network 50.

[0064] The remote connection software 601 also receives, from the bridge terminal 30 via the network 50, information indicating the display screen to be displayed by the display unit 222 of the client terminal 22, which is returned from the client terminal 22 in response to instruction information indicating a command to monitor the air separation unit 10 transmitted to the bridge terminal 30. The remote connection software 601 outputs the received information indicating the display screen to be displayed by the display unit 222 to the display unit 602.

[0065] The display unit 602 is, for example, a display device such as a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, or a CRT display. The display unit 602 may be built into the remote monitoring operation terminal 60, or may be an external device. The display unit 602 displays, for example, a display screen of the display unit 222 of the client terminal 22 based on information output from the remote connection software 601. For example, the display screen of the display unit 222 of the client terminal 22 displayed on the display unit 602 includes information indicating the operating status of the air separation unit 10.

[0066] The operation unit 603 is a user interface that accepts operation input by an operator. The operation unit 603 is configured by, for example, input devices such as a keyboard, a mouse, and an input button, or a combination of these input devices. The operation unit 603 may be an input / output device integrated with the display unit 602, such as a touch panel. The operation unit 603 may be a device built into the remote monitoring operation terminal 60, or may be an external device.

[0067] The operator uses operation unit 603 to input operations for remotely monitoring and operating air separation unit 10 while referring to the display screen of display unit 222 of client terminal 22, for example, that is displayed on display unit 602.

[0068] The operation unit 603 generates, for example, instruction information indicating a command to monitor the air separation unit 10 (for example, to check the operating state) or instruction information indicating a command to operate the air separation unit 10 (for example, to change the settings of the controlled variables) based on an operation input by an operator. The operation unit 603 outputs the generated instruction information to the remote connection software 601.

[0069] In this way, according to the remote monitoring operation system 1 of this embodiment, desktop sharing software included as standard in the OS is used between the client terminal 22 and the bridge terminal 30, so there is no need to install new software in the client terminal 22 of the DCS 20 to perform remote monitoring operation. This makes it possible to avoid, for example, the DCS 20 becoming void of warranty by the manufacturer or the like. Also, while it may be difficult to ensure security with only the desktop sharing software that is standard in the OS, in the remote monitoring operation system 1 of this embodiment, security is ensured because the client terminal 22 and the bridge terminal 30 are connected for communication by the information bus 25, which is a bus-type network such as a LAN.

[0070] Furthermore, according to the remote monitoring and operation system 1 of this embodiment, any remote connection software can be used between the bridge terminal 30 and the remote monitoring and operation terminal 60. Therefore, according to the remote monitoring and operation system 1, it is possible to realize remote monitoring and operation of the air separation unit 10 without being limited by the specifications (e.g., OS, model, manufacturer, etc.) of the remote monitoring and operation terminal 60. For example, it is possible to select and use remote connection software with high security strength or remote connection software with high convenience.

[0071] Furthermore, in the remote monitoring and operation system 1 of this embodiment, so long as remote connection software that ensures sufficient security can be used, there are no limitations on the type of network between the bridge terminal 30 and the remote monitoring and operation terminal 60. This makes it possible for the remote monitoring and operation system 1 to realize remote monitoring and operation of the air separation unit 10 via an open network such as the Internet. In this way, the remote monitoring and operation system 1 of this embodiment allows for a high degree of freedom in the specifications of the terminal used for remote monitoring and operation, the remote monitoring software, the network configuration, and the like.

[0072] As described above, in order to enhance the security of the communication between the bridge terminal 30 and the remote monitoring operation terminal 60 by the remote connection software, an authentication function by the two-step authentication system 70 can be applied to the remote monitoring operation system 1.

[0073] 2, the two-step authentication system 70 includes an authentication server 71 and a mobile terminal 72. The authentication server 71 includes a two-step authentication control unit 711 and authentication information 712. The two-step authentication control unit 711 is realized, for example, by a processor (not shown) included in the authentication server 71 reading and executing a program stored in advance in a storage device (not shown).

[0074] The two-step authentication control unit 711 acquires, via the network 50, login information transmitted from the remote monitoring operation terminal 60 when the operator of the remote monitoring operation terminal 60 logs in to the remote connection software 601. The login information includes, for example, a user ID or a terminal ID used for the login. The two-step authentication control unit 711 refers to authentication information previously stored in the authentication server, and identifies a telephone number associated with the acquired login information. The two-step authentication control unit 711 transmits, for example, information indicating a two-step authentication password to the identified telephone number by short message service (SMS). This telephone number is a telephone number assigned to the mobile terminal 72 held by the operator of the remote monitoring operation terminal 60. The two-step authentication password may be a code that is automatically updated at regular intervals on a display unit 722 of a two-step authentication app 721 installed in the mobile terminal 72 held by the operator of the remote monitoring operation terminal 60.

[0075] However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration, and the two-step authentication control unit 711 may, for example, transmit the password for the two-step authentication to the operator of the remote monitoring operation terminal 60 by e-mail or the like. Any existing technology can be applied as the two-step authentication function in this embodiment.

[0076] The authentication information 712 is stored in advance in a storage device (not shown) included in the authentication server. The authentication information is, for example, data in which login information is linked to the telephone number of the mobile terminal 72. The storage device may be built into the authentication server 71 or may be an external device.

[0077] 2, the mobile terminal 72 includes a two-step authentication application 721 and a display unit 722. The two-step authentication application 721 is realized, for example, by a processor (not shown) included in the mobile terminal 72 reading and executing a program stored in advance in a storage device (not shown). The two-step authentication application 721 receives information indicating a two-step authentication password transmitted from the authentication server 71. The two-step authentication application 721 outputs the received information to the display unit 722.

[0078] The display unit 722 is, for example, a display device such as a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, a CRT display, etc. The display unit 722 displays a password for two-step authentication based on information output from the two-step authentication application 721.

[0079] When the operator checks the two-step authentication password displayed on the display unit 722, he or she inputs the password into the remote connection software 601 using the operation unit 603 of the remote monitoring operation terminal 60. This completes the two-step authentication, and the remote monitoring operation terminal 60 becomes able to access the bridge terminal 30 via the remote connection software 601.

[0080] [Remote monitoring and operation system operation] The following describes an example of the operation of the remote monitoring and operation system 1. Fig. 3 is a sequence diagram showing the flow of the operation of the remote monitoring and operation system 1 in one embodiment of the present invention. Note that each device involved in the remote monitoring and operation is assumed to be started up in advance.

[0081] First, the bridge terminal 30 is connected in advance to the user's DCS 20 (step S01). Specifically, the bridge terminal 30 is connected to the control system bus 26 that connects the controller 21 connected to the air separation unit 10 that is the target of the remote monitoring operation and the client terminal 22. The bridge terminal 30 is connected to the information system bus 25 by, for example, an operator such as a SV who performs the remote monitoring operation, or a user who owns the air separation unit 10.

[0082] Next, the remote monitoring operation terminal 60 starts the remote connection software 601 in response to the operation of the operation unit 603 by the operator (step 02). After starting up, the remote connection software 601 displays, for example, a login ID and password input screen on the display unit 602. When the correct login ID and password are input by the operator through the operation of the operation unit 603, the first stage of the two-stage authentication is completed. When the first stage of authentication is completed, the remote connection software 601 transmits login information to the authentication server 71 via the network 50 (step S03). The login information includes, for example, the user ID or terminal ID used for login. Note that the first stage of authentication may also be performed by the authentication server 71.

[0083] The authentication server 71 receives the login information transmitted from the remote monitoring operation terminal 60 by the remote connection software 601. When the login information is received, the two-step authentication control unit 711 refers to the authentication information 712 stored in advance and identifies the telephone number associated with the login information (step S04). This telephone number is the telephone number assigned to the mobile terminal 72 held by the operator of the remote monitoring operation terminal 60. Note that, instead of the telephone number, two-step authentication using other notification means such as e-mail may be used. The two-step authentication control unit 711 generates a two-step authentication password such as a one-time password consisting of a random string of numbers. The two-step authentication control unit 711 transmits information indicating the generated two-step authentication password to the identified telephone number by short message service (SMS) (step S05). Note that the two-step authentication password may be a code that is automatically updated at regular intervals on the display unit 722 of the two-step authentication app 721 installed in the mobile terminal 72 held by the operator of the remote monitoring operation terminal 60.

[0084] The mobile terminal 72 receives information indicating the two-step authentication password transmitted from the authentication server 71. The display unit 722 displays the two-step authentication password based on the received information (step S06). The operator of the remote monitoring operation terminal 60 refers to the two-step authentication password displayed on the display unit 722 of the mobile terminal 72, and inputs the password to the remote connection software 601 using the operation unit 603 (step S07). The remote connection software 601 transmits information indicating the input two-step authentication password to the authentication server 71 via the network 50 (step S08).

[0085] The authentication server 71 receives information indicating the two-step authentication password entered by the operator, which is transmitted from the remote monitoring operation terminal 60 by the remote connection software 601. The two-step authentication control unit 711 compares the two-step authentication password transmitted to the mobile terminal 72 in the above step S05 with the two-step authentication password entered by the operator (step S09). If the two two-step authentication passwords match, the two-step authentication control unit 711 transmits connection permission information indicating that a communication connection between the remote connection software 601 of the remote monitoring operation terminal 60 and the remote connection software 302 of the bridge terminal 30 is permitted to the remote monitoring operation terminal 60 via the network 50 (step S10).

[0086] The remote monitoring operation terminal 60 receives the connection permission information transmitted from the authentication server 71. When the remote connection software 601 receives the connection permission information, it completes the two-step authentication process (step S11).

[0087] Next, the remote connection software 601 generates information indicating a connection request to the remote connection software 302 of the bridge terminal 30 and a request to obtain the display screen of the bridge terminal 30 (step S12). The remote connection software 601 transmits the generated information to the bridge terminal 30 via the network 50 (step S13).

[0088] The bridge terminal 30 receives information indicating a connection request to the remote connection software 302 and a request to obtain a display screen, transmitted from the remote monitoring operation terminal 60. When the remote connection software 302 receives the information, it establishes a communication connection with the remote connection software 601 of the remote monitoring operation terminal 60 (step S14). Then, the remote connection software 302 starts transmitting information indicating the display screen of the bridge terminal 30 to the remote monitoring operation terminal 60 (step S15).

[0089] The remote monitoring operation terminal 60 receives information indicating the display screen of the bridge terminal 30 via the network 50. The remote connection software 601 displays the display screen of the bridge terminal 30 based on the received information on the display unit 602. Next, the remote connection software 601 generates information indicating a start request for the OS standard desktop sharing software 301 of the bridge terminal 30 by the operator's operation of the operation unit 603 (step S16). The remote connection software 601 transmits the generated information to the bridge terminal 30 via the network 50 (step S17).

[0090] The bridge terminal 30 receives information indicating a request to start the OS standard desktop sharing software 301, transmitted from the remote monitoring operation terminal 60. When the remote connection software 302 receives the information, it starts the OS standard desktop sharing software 301 (step S18). The OS standard desktop sharing software 301 generates information indicating a connection request to the OS standard desktop sharing software 223 of the client terminal 22 and a request to obtain the display screen of the display unit 222 of the client terminal 22. The remote connection software 601 transmits the generated information to the client terminal 22 via the information bus 25 (step S19).

[0091] The client terminal 22 receives information indicating a connection request with the OS standard desktop sharing software 223 and a request to obtain the display screen of the display unit 222, transmitted from the bridge terminal 30. When the OS standard desktop sharing software 223 receives the information, it establishes a communication connection with the OS standard desktop sharing software 301 of the bridge terminal 30 (step S20). Then, the OS standard desktop sharing software 223 starts transmitting information indicating the display screen of the display unit 222 to the bridge terminal 30 (step S21).

[0092] As a result, a communication connection is established between the OS standard desktop sharing software 301 of the bridge terminal 30 and the OS standard desktop sharing software 223 of the client terminal 22 via the information bus 25, and the display screen displayed on the display unit 222 of the client terminal 22 can be shared (i.e., desktop sharing) on ​​the bridge terminal 30. Furthermore, the remote connection software enables the display screen displayed on the display unit 222 of the client terminal 22 to be shared on the remote monitoring and operation terminal 60. As a result, the operator can refer to the display screen displayed on the display unit 222 of the client terminal 22 on the display unit 602 of the remote monitoring and operation terminal 60. The operator can then monitor the air separation unit 10 on the display unit 602 and operate the air separation unit 10 using the operation unit 603.

[0093] Next, the remote connection software 601 of the remote monitoring operation terminal 60 generates instruction information indicating a command to monitor the air separation unit 10 (for example, to check the operating status) through the operation of the operation unit 603 by the operator (step S22). The remote connection software 601 transmits the generated instruction information to the bridge terminal 30 via the network 50. Furthermore, when the bridge terminal 30 receives the instruction information, the OS standard desktop sharing software 301 of the bridge terminal 30 transmits the instruction information to the client terminal 22 via the information bus 25 (step S23).

[0094] The client terminal 22 receives the instruction information transmitted from the bridge terminal 30. The controller control unit 221 generates information indicating a request to obtain the operating status of the air separation unit 10 based on the received instruction information (step S24). The controller control unit 221 transmits the generated information to the controller 21 via the control system bus 26 (step S25).

[0095] The controller 21 receives information indicating a request to obtain the operating status of the air separation unit 10, transmitted from the client terminal 22. The controller 21 generates information indicating the operating status of the air separation unit 10 based on the received instruction information (step S26). The controller 21 transmits the generated information to the client terminal 22 via the control system bus 26 (step S27).

[0096] The client terminal 22 receives the information indicating the operating status of the air separation unit 10 transmitted from the controller 21. The display unit 222 displays a display screen based on the received information (step S28). Then, the OS standard desktop sharing software 223 transmits information indicating the display screen of the display unit 222 to the bridge terminal 30 via the information bus 25, and the remote connection software 302 of the bridge terminal further transmits the information to the remote monitoring operation terminal 60 via the network 50 (step S29).

[0097] The remote monitoring operation terminal 60 receives the information transmitted from the client terminal 22. The display unit 602 displays the display screen of the display unit 222 based on the received information (step S30). This allows the operator of the remote monitoring operation terminal 60 to remotely monitor the air separation unit 10 (for example, check the operating status).

[0098] Here, it is assumed that the operator has checked the operating state of the air separation unit 10 and has decided to perform an operation to change the settings of the controlled variables of the air separation unit 10. The remote connection software 601 of the remote monitoring operation terminal 60 generates instruction information indicating a command to operate the air separation unit 10 (to change the settings of the controlled variables) in response to the operator's operation of the operation unit 603 (step S31). The remote connection software 601 transmits the generated instruction information to the bridge terminal 30 via the network 50. Furthermore, when the bridge terminal 30 receives the instruction information, the OS standard desktop sharing software 301 of the bridge terminal 30 transmits the instruction information to the client terminal 22 via the information bus 25 (step S32).

[0099] The client terminal 22 receives the instruction information transmitted from the bridge terminal 30. The controller control unit 221 generates information indicating a request to change the setting of the controlled amount of the air separation unit 10 based on the received instruction information (step S33). The controller control unit 221 transmits the generated information to the controller 21 via the control system bus 26 (step S34).

[0100] The controller 21 receives information indicating a request to change the settings of the controlled variables of the air separation unit 10, transmitted from the client terminal 22. The controller 21 changes the settings of the controlled variables of the air separation unit 10 based on the received information (step S35). The air separation unit 10 operates based on the changed controlled variables (step S36). Various sensors (not shown) that measure the operating state of the air separation unit 10 transmit their measured values ​​to the controller 21 (step S37). The client terminal 22 receives information indicating the measured values ​​of the various sensors transmitted from the controller 21. The controller 21 generates information indicating the operating state of the air separation unit 10 based on the received measured values ​​(step S38). The controller 21 transmits the generated information to the client terminal 22 via the control system bus 26 (step S39).

[0101] The client terminal 22 receives information indicating the operating status of the air separation unit 10 transmitted from the controller 21. The display unit 222 displays a display screen based on the received information (step S40). Then, the OS standard desktop sharing software 223 transmits information indicating the display screen of the display unit 222 to the bridge terminal 30 via the information bus 25, and the remote connection software 302 of the bridge terminal further transmits the information to the remote monitoring operation terminal 60 via the network 50 (step S41).

[0102] The remote monitoring operation terminal 60 receives the information transmitted from the client terminal 22. The display unit 602 displays the display screen of the display unit 222 based on the received information (step S42). This allows the operator of the remote monitoring operation terminal 60 to remotely operate the air separation unit 10 (change the settings of the controlled variables). The operator of the remote monitoring operation terminal 60 can also remotely check the results of operating the air separation unit 10 (the results of changing the settings of the controlled variables).

[0103] As described above, the remote monitoring and operation system 1 in this embodiment has a configuration in which the DCS 20 and the remote monitoring and operation terminal 60 are connected for communication via the bridge terminal 30, which is a relay device. The OS of the client terminal 22 of the DCS 20 and the OS of the bridge terminal are the same OS (first operating system). Ting In the remote monitoring and operation system 1 of this embodiment, the display screen of the client terminal 22 is shared in the bridge terminal 30 using desktop sharing software (first software) that is standard in the OS. In this way, in the remote monitoring and operation system 1 of this embodiment, since the desktop sharing software that is standard in the OS is used, there is no need to install new software in the client terminal 22 of the DCS 20 in order to realize desktop sharing. This makes it possible to prevent the DCS 20 from becoming void of the manufacturer's warranty, for example.

[0104] In the remote monitoring and operation system 1 of this embodiment, the client terminal 22 of the DCS 20 and the bridge terminal 30 are connected by an information system bus 25 such as a LAN that ensures sufficient security. Therefore, in the remote monitoring and operation system 1 of this embodiment, even if the security strength of the desktop sharing software that is standard in the OS is not high, sufficient security is ensured.

[0105] Furthermore, in the remote monitoring operation system 1 of this embodiment, the bridge terminal 30 and the remote monitoring operation terminal 60 are connected using any remote connection software (second software), and the display screen of the client terminal 22 is shared with the remote monitoring operation terminal 60 via the bridge terminal 30. Therefore, in the remote monitoring operation system 1 of this embodiment, the bridge terminal 30 and the remote monitoring operation terminal 60 are not limited to specifications such as the OS, model, manufacturer, etc., as long as they can use the same remote connection software. For example, the OS of the remote monitoring operation terminal 60 can be the same as the OS of the client terminal 22 and the bridge terminal 30 (first operating system). Ting A different OS (second operating system) Ting In this way, the remote monitoring and operation system 1 in this embodiment can remotely monitor and operate industrial equipment such as the air separation unit 10 even using a remote monitoring and operation terminal 60 whose specifications are different from those of the client terminal 22.

[0106] In addition, since the remote monitoring operation system 1 in this embodiment can use any remote connection software, it is also possible to select software with higher security strength. As a result, in the remote monitoring operation system 1 in this embodiment, security can be sufficiently ensured even when remote monitoring operation is performed via an open network (public network) such as the Internet. For example, if remote connection software compatible with a two-step authentication system is used as in the remote monitoring operation system 1 in this embodiment, it becomes possible to perform remote monitoring operation while ensuring higher security strength.

[0107] With the configuration described above, the remote monitoring and operation system 1 in one embodiment of the present invention can more easily remotely monitor and operate industrial equipment regardless of the specifications of the control system (DCS) while ensuring security.

[0108] According to the above-described embodiment, the remote monitoring and operation system includes a control system for controlling industrial equipment, a remote monitoring and operation device for remotely monitoring and operating the industrial equipment using the control system, and a relay device for relaying information transmission between the control system and the remote monitoring and operation device. For example, the remote monitoring and operation system is the remote monitoring and operation system 1 in the embodiment, the industrial equipment is the air separation unit 10 in the embodiment, the control system is the DCS 20 in the embodiment, the remote monitoring and operation device is the remote monitoring and operation terminal 60 in the embodiment, and the relay device is the bridge terminal 30 in the embodiment.

[0109] The above control system and relay device are: Communication is established via an in-house communication network. Operator Ting The information is transmitted between the relay device and the remote monitoring and operation device using the first software, which is the system-standard screen sharing software. For example, the first software is the OS-standard desktop sharing software 223 and 301 in the embodiment. In addition, the relay device and the remote monitoring and operation device use different software from the first software. The operating system of the relay device and the operating system of the remote monitoring and operation device may not be the same. The information transmission between them is performed using a second software, for example, the second software is the remote connection software 302 and 601 in the embodiment.

[0110] In the above remote monitoring and operation system, the control system may be a distributed control system having a control device that constantly controls the industrial device and a monitoring and operation device that monitors and operates the control device. For example, the control device is the controller 21 in the embodiment, and the monitoring and operation device is the client terminal 22 in the embodiment.

[0111] In the above remote monitoring and operation system, the monitoring and operation device and the relay device are Ting The remote monitoring and operation device is operated by the first operator. Ting A second operating system separate from the system Ting For example, the first operator may TingThe system is Microsoft Windows (registered trademark) and the second operating system is Ting The system may be an open source Linux (registered trademark), Apple's Mac OS (registered trademark), Apple's iOS (registered trademark), or Google's Android (registered trademark).

[0112] In the above remote monitoring and operation system, a relay device I It may be communicatively connected to a remote monitoring and operation system via the Internet.

[0113] In the above remote monitoring and operation system, the relay device may be connected to the Internet via a mobile router, for example, the mobile routers 40-1 and 40-2 in the embodiment.

[0114] In the above remote monitoring and operation system, the second software may be screen sharing software (desktop sharing software).

[0115] In the above remote monitoring and operation system, the industrial equipment may be an air separation unit.

[0116] In the above remote monitoring and operation system, the second software may have a two-step authentication function. For example, the two-step authentication function is a function realized by using the two-step authentication system 70 in the embodiment.

[0117] According to the above-described embodiment, the relay device relays information transmission between a control system that controls an industrial device and a remote monitoring and operating device that remotely monitors and operates the industrial device using the control system. and communicating with the control system via an in-house communication network. For example, the relay device is the bridge terminal 30 in the embodiment, the industrial device is the air separation unit 10 in the embodiment, the control system is the DCS 20 in the embodiment, and the remote monitoring and operation device is the remote monitoring and operation terminal 60 in the embodiment.

[0118] The relay device includes a first information transmission unit and a second information transmission unit. For example, the first information transmission unit is a desktop sharing function (screen sharing function) of the OS standard desktop sharing software 301 in the embodiment, and the second information transmission unit is a remote connection function of the remote connection software 302 in the embodiment. The first information transmission unit is Ting The control system and the computer communicate with each other using the first software, which is the system-standard screen sharing software. For example, the first software is the OS-standard desktop sharing software 301 in the embodiment. The second information communication unit is a software that is different from the first software. The operating system of the relay device and the operating system of the remote monitoring and operation device may not be the same. The second software is used to communicate with the remote monitoring and operation device, for example, the second software is the remote connection software 302 in the embodiment.

[0119] The above-mentioned processing may be performed by recording a program for implementing the device of the remote monitoring and operating system 1 in the embodiment in a computer-readable recording medium, and reading and executing the program recorded in the recording medium into a computer system. The term "computer system" as used herein includes hardware such as an OS and peripheral devices. The term "computer system" also includes a WWW system equipped with a homepage providing environment (or display environment). The term "computer-readable recording medium" refers to portable media such as a flexible disk, a magneto-optical disk, a ROM, a CD-ROM, and a storage device such as a hard disk built into a computer system. The term "computer-readable recording medium" also refers to a storage device that holds a program for a certain period of time, such as a volatile memory (RAM) inside a computer system that becomes a server or a client when a program is transmitted via a network such as the Internet or a communication line such as a telephone line.

[0120] The above program may also be transmitted from a computer system in which the program is stored in a storage device or the like to another computer system via a transmission medium, or by transmission waves in the transmission medium. Here, the "transmission medium" that transmits the program refers to a medium that has the function of transmitting information, such as a network (communication network) such as the Internet or a communication line (communication line) such as a telephone line. The above program may also be one that realizes part of the above-mentioned functions. Furthermore, it may be a so-called difference file (difference program) that can realize the above-mentioned functions in combination with a program already recorded in the computer system.

[0121] Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described in detail above with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to this embodiment, and designs that do not deviate from the gist of the present invention are also included.

[0122] In particular, although an air separation apparatus has been shown in the above embodiment as an example of an industrial apparatus to which the present invention is directed, the separation means is not limited. That is, the same effects of the present invention can be obtained regardless of the type of apparatus used, such as a cryogenic air separation apparatus using distillation separation, an adsorption air separation apparatus using adsorption separation, a membrane air separation apparatus using membrane separation, or an apparatus combining these. The above cryogenic air separation apparatus also includes an apparatus for separating stable isotopes of hydrogen, oxygen, carbon, or nitrogen.

[0123] The industrial equipment covered by the present invention is not limited to air separation equipment. For example, the same effect of the present invention can be obtained even if other industrial equipment such as a liquefaction equipment that liquefies industrial gas, hydrogen, helium, neon, or other gas obtained in an air separation equipment to produce liquefied gas, a storage equipment that stores industrial gas or liquefied gas, a supply equipment that supplies industrial gas or liquefied gas, and a purification equipment that purifies industrial gas or liquefied gas is used. In addition, the same effect of the present invention can be obtained even if industrial equipment that uses industrial gas, liquefied gas, or other necessary gas, such as industrial equipment for compound semiconductor manufacturing, space environment test equipment, and refrigeration equipment, is used.

[0124] (Example) As an example, a cryogenic air separation plant using the present invention (feed air rate of 44,000 Nm per hour) will be described below. 3 An example will be described in which a cryogenic air separation unit (DCS) (Delta-V model, hereinafter referred to as Emerson DCS) manufactured by Emerson, a US DCS manufacturer, was used for monitoring and control of the cryogenic air separation unit. A terminal dedicated to the Emerson DCS supplied by Emerson was used as a device equivalent to the client terminal 22 in the above embodiment.

[0125] On the other hand, a commercially available personal computer was used as a device corresponding to the bridge terminal 30 in the above-mentioned embodiment. The OS of the personal computer runs on Microsoft Windows 10.0, and a remote desktop function, which is desktop sharing software, is installed. Therefore, by installing the bridge terminal 30 with an IP address that is not duplicated within the network of the information bus 25, it becomes possible to share the display screen displayed on the display unit 222 of the client terminal 22 in the bridge terminal 30. In addition, the bridge terminal 30 is installed with TeamViwer (registered trademark), which is desktop sharing software sold by TeamViwer AG. As a result, it becomes possible to share the display screen displayed on the display unit (not shown) of the bridge terminal 30 in the remote monitoring and operation terminal 60 installed outside the information bus 25 via the network 50 (Internet line) without constructing a VPN (Virtual Private Network).

[0126] When the remote monitoring operation terminal 60 accesses the bridge terminal 30, the access goes via an Internet line, so security is strengthened by registering models that can access the bridge terminal 30 in advance and by adopting a two-step authentication system 70. This makes it possible to operate and monitor the client terminal 22 from the remote monitoring operation terminal 60, and makes it possible to monitor and operate the cryogenic air separation device from a remote location.

[0127] (Effects in the Examples) The effects of the above embodiment will be supplemented below. In general, in the test run of an air separation unit, an operation instructor is dispatched to the site and often provides operation instruction to the user. However, when a problem that was not initially anticipated occurs, the dispatched operation instructor and the user, unlike the design engineer, often take time to solve the problem. In response to such a problem, the system using the present invention described above was adopted, and each of the design engineers of each element of the air separation unit was able to directly grasp the operating status and problem status of the air separation unit using the remote monitoring operation terminal 60 installed in their own company. Furthermore, a system environment was created in which the design engineers could provide timely support to the on-site operation instructor, leading to early problem solving.

[0128] In addition, after the trial run of the air separation unit for Company A was completed, Company B in the People's Republic of China requested operational guidance for the air separation unit delivered to Company B. In that case, by adopting the system using the present invention (installing the bridge terminal 30), the design engineer of the air separation unit was able to immediately grasp the operating status of the air separation unit using the remote monitoring operation terminal 60 installed in the company, without traveling to Company B in the People's Republic of China. This enabled accurate operational guidance to be provided without delay. In addition, the DCS of the air separation unit delivered to Company B in the People's Republic of China was a DCS manufactured by Yokogawa Electric Corporation, which was different from the DCS of the unit for Company A in Vietnam, but by installing the bridge terminal 30 using the present invention, it became possible to provide accurate and timely operational support from the remote monitoring operation terminal 60 without relying on the DCS manufacturer. [Explanation of symbols]

[0129] 1. Remote monitoring and operation system 10 Air Separation Unit 20 DCS 21 Controller 22 Client terminal 23 Printer 25 Information Bus 26 Control Bus 30 Bridge Terminal 40-1~40-2 Mobile router 50 Network 60 Remote monitoring and operation terminal 70 Two-factor authentication system 71 Authentication Server 72 Mobile Devices 221 Controller control section 222 Display section 223,301 OS standard desktop sharing software 302,601 Remote Connection Software 602,722 Display section 603 Operation section 711 Two-step authentication control section 712 Authentication Information 721 Two-factor authentication app

Claims

1. A remote monitoring and operation system including a control system for controlling an industrial device, a remote monitoring and operation device for remotely monitoring and operating the industrial device using the control system, and a relay device for relaying information transmission between the control system and the remote monitoring and operation device, the control system and the relay device are communicatively connected via an in-house communication network, and transmit information to each other using first software, which is a screen sharing software that is standard for an operating system; The relay device and the remote monitoring operation device transmit information to each other using second software that is different from the first software and can operate even if the operating system of the relay device and the operating system of the remote monitoring operation device are not identical. Remote monitoring and operation system.

2. The control system is a distributed control system having a control device that constantly controls the industrial device, and a monitoring and operation device that monitors and operates the control device. The remote monitoring and operation system according to claim 1.

3. the monitoring operation device and the relay device operate on a first operating system, The remote monitoring and operation device operates on a second operating system different from the first operating system. The remote monitoring and operation system according to claim 2.

4. The relay device is connected to the remote monitoring and operation system via the Internet. The remote monitoring and operation system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The relay device connects to the Internet via a mobile router. The remote monitoring and operation system according to claim 4.

6. The second software is a screen sharing software. The remote monitoring and operation system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

7. The industrial unit is an air separation unit. The remote monitoring and operation system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

8. The second software has a two-step authentication function. The remote monitoring and operation system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

9. A relay device that relays information transmission between a control system that controls an industrial device and a remote monitoring and operating device that remotely monitors and operates the industrial device using the control system, and is communicatively connected to the control system via an in-house communication network, a first information transmission unit that transmits information to and from the control system using first software, which is a screen sharing software standard in the operating system; a second information transmission unit that performs the information transmission between the relay device and the remote monitoring operation device using second software that is different from the first software and can operate even if the operating system of the relay device and the operating system of the remote monitoring operation device are not identical; A relay device comprising:

10. 1. A remote monitoring and operation method using a computer of a control system that controls an industrial device, a computer of a remote monitoring and operation device that remotely monitors and operates the industrial device using the control system, and a computer of a relay device that relays information transmission between the control system and the remote monitoring and operation device, a step of communicating between the control system and the relay device via an in-house communication network and transmitting information between the control system and the relay device using first software that is a screen sharing software standard for an operating system; a step in which the relay device and the remote monitoring operation device transmit the information to each other using second software different from the first software and operable even if the operating system of the relay device and the operating system of the remote monitoring operation device are not identical; The remote monitoring and operation method includes:

11. 1. A relay method by a computer of a relay device that relays information transmission between a control system that controls an industrial device and a remote monitoring and operating device that remotely monitors and operates the industrial device using the control system, and is communicatively connected to the control system via an in-house communication network, comprising: a first information transmission step of performing information transmission between the control system and the computer using first software, which is a screen sharing software standard for an operating system; a second information transmission step of transmitting the information between the relay device and the remote monitoring operation device using second software which is different from the first software and can operate even if the operating system of the relay device and the operating system of the remote monitoring operation device are not identical; The relay method has the following features.

12. A relay device relays information transmission between a control system for controlling an industrial device and a remote monitoring and operating device for remotely monitoring and operating the industrial device using the control system, and communicates with the control system via an in-house communication network. a first information transmission step of performing information transmission between the control system and the computer using first software, which is a screen sharing software standard for an operating system; a second information transmission step of transmitting the information between the relay device and the remote monitoring operation device using second software which is different from the first software and can operate even if the operating system of the relay device and the operating system of the remote monitoring operation device are not identical; A program for executing the above.

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