Information management apparatus, information management method, and information management program

Abstract

To effectively provide information regarding a system to each of users.SOLUTION: An application server 10 stores setting information in which notification objects to be provided to each of users for each user of an application related to a system are set, notifies a system manager of occurrence of an abnormality when the abnormality occurs in the system, and controls the notification of the abnormality for each of users on the basis of the setting information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an information management device, an information management method, and an information management program.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a web application (hereinafter simply referred to as an "application" as appropriate) that collects plant information from plant equipment installed in a plant and performs a health check indicating the safe operating status of the plant is known. For example, the application notifies an administrator or a user of a threshold determination result indicating an abnormal value of data or error information indicating the occurrence of a system failure.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the prior art, it is difficult to effectively provide information related to the system to each user who uses the application. For example, in the prior art, since the threshold determination results and error information are not centrally managed, it is difficult to select the information required by the user and provide it as alert information.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above, and an object thereof is to effectively provide information related to the system to each user.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The present invention relates to an information management apparatus including: a storage unit that stores setting information in which a notification target to be notified to each user of an application related to a system is set for each user of the application related to the system; and a notification unit that notifies an administrator of the system of the abnormality when an abnormality occurs in the system and controls notification of the abnormality for each user based on the setting information.

[0007] Further, the present invention relates to an information management method in which a computer stores setting information in which a notification target to be notified to each user of an application related to a system is set for each user of the application related to the system, notifies an administrator of the system of the abnormality when an abnormality occurs in the system, and controls notification of the abnormality for each user based on the setting information.

[0008] Further, the present invention relates to an information management program for causing a computer to store setting information in which a notification target to be notified to each user of an application related to a system is set for each user of the application related to the system, notify an administrator of the system of the abnormality when an abnormality occurs in the system, and control notification of the abnormality for each user based on the setting information.

Advantages of the Invention

[0009] According to the present invention, there is an effect that information related to the system can be effectively provided to each user.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0010]

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Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] Hereinafter, an information management apparatus, an information management method, and an information management program according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described below.

[0012] 〔Embodiment〕 Hereinafter, the configuration of the information management system 100 according to the embodiment, the configuration of each device, and the flow of processing will be described in order, and finally the effects of the embodiment will be described.

[0013] 〔1. Configuration of Information Management System 100〕 Using FIG. 1, the configuration of the information management system 100 according to the embodiment will be described in detail. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the information management system 100 according to the embodiment. Hereinafter, the configuration example of the entire information management system 100, the processing of the information management system 100, and the problems of the information management system of the related art will be described in order, and finally, the effects of the information management system 100 will be described. In the embodiment, factory production remote monitoring using plant equipment, which is a device installed in a plant, will be described as an example. However, the device and the application field are not limited, and it can also be applied to environmental measurement remote monitoring such as power monitoring, wind power generation, water supply and drainage monitoring, and river monitoring.

[0014] (1-1. Configuration Example of the Entire Information Management System 100) The information management system 100 includes an application server 10 which is an information management device, an administrator terminal 20, user terminals 30 (30A, 30B, 30C), and plant equipment 40 (gateway device 41, sensor device 42, control device 43). Here, the application server 10 is constructed in a management area created in a cloud environment. Also, the administrator terminal 20 is a terminal device used by an application administrator (simply referred to as "administrator" as appropriate) who manages the entire information management system 100. Further, the user terminal 30 is a terminal device used by an application user (simply referred to as "user" as appropriate) who uses the application executed in the information management system 100.

[0015] The information management system 100 shown in FIG. 1 may include a plurality of application servers 10 and a plurality of administrator terminals 20. Note that the application server 10 is not limited to a server device constructed in a cloud environment, and may be a physical server, a virtual machine, a container, etc. constructed in an on-premises environment.

[0016] (1-2. Processing of the Entire Information Management System 100) The processing of the entire information management system 100 as described above will be explained. Note that the following steps S1 to S10 can also be executed in a different order. Also, among the following steps S1 to S10, some processing may be omitted.

[0017] (1-2-1. System Configuration History Registration Processing) The application server 10 registers the system configuration history (step S1). For example, the application server 10 stores structure information such as a network map showing the hierarchical structure of the system transmitted from the administrator terminal 20. At this time, each time the structure information is changed due to the addition of a device or the like, the application server 10 newly adds and stores the structure information.

[0018] (1-2-2. Alert Setting Input Processing) The user terminal 30 accepts the input of alert settings (step S2). For example, the user terminal 30 accepts inputs from each user, such as the type of error and the type of data determination result, as notification targets that the user receives as alert notifications. At this time, the user terminal 30 stores the accepted alert settings as setting information.

[0019] (1-2-3. Alert Setting Transmission Processing) The user terminal 30 transmits the alert settings to the application server 10 (step S3). For example, the user terminal 30 transmits the setting information to the application server 10. At this time, the application server 10 stores the received setting information.

[0020] (1-2-4. Data Collection Processing) The application server 10 collects data from the plant equipment 40 (step S4). For example, the application server 10 collects plant information such as communication data, measurement data, and control data from the gateway device 41, sensor device 42, and control device 43 installed in the plant.

[0021] (1-2-5. Data Determination Processing) The application server 10 determines whether the data is normal or abnormal (step S5). For example, when the measurement data collected from the sensor device 42 exceeds the threshold value, the application server 10 determines that the plant information is an abnormal value.

[0022] (1-2-6. Data determination history registration process) The application server 10 registers the data determination history (step S6). For example, the application server 10 stores determination information such as the numerical value of the determined abnormal value, the reason for occurrence, the occurrence time, and the occurrence location. At this time, each time the application server 10 determines an abnormal value in each plant or each device, it adds and stores the determination information.

[0023] (1-2-7. Error detection process) The application server 10 detects an error that has occurred in the system (step S7). For example, the application server 10 detects system-related failures (errors) such as failures of the plant device 40, congestion of the communication network, software defects of the application, and insufficient resources of the cloud infrastructure.

[0024] (1-2-8. Error detection history registration process) The application server 10 registers the error detection history (step S8). For example, the application server 10 stores error information such as the type of the detected error, the reason for occurrence, the occurrence time, and the occurrence location. At this time, each time the application server 10 detects an error in the system, it adds and stores the error information.

[0025] (1-2-9. Error - determination result notification process) The application server 10 notifies the administrator terminal 20 of the error determination result (step S9). For example, the application server 10 transmits all the determined abnormal values and all the detected errors to the administrator terminal 20. At this time, the administrator terminal 20 displays the received error determination result. Also, the application server 10 can notify the administrator terminal 20 of configuration information such as a network map of the system where an error or abnormal value has occurred, according to the administrator's request.

[0026] (1-2-10. Alert Notification Processing) The application server 10 notifies the user terminal 30 of an alert (step S10). For example, the application server 10 transmits to the user terminal 30 the alert information of the notification targets set by the user among the determined abnormal values and the detected errors. At this time, the user terminal 30 displays the received alert.

[0027] (1-3. Information Management Processing of Related Art) Below, after explaining the outline of the information management processing of the related art, the problems of the related art will be explained.

[0028] (1-3-1. Outline of Information Processing of Related Art) In the information management processing of the related art, the administrator of the system receives abnormal values and device errors via an application. Also, when a system error occurs in hardware, a cloud infrastructure, etc., the administrator identifies the cause by looking at logs and error displays. At this time, when the administrator examines the occurrence status of past errors, it is necessary to infer from the logs and the error occurrence status.

[0029] (1-3-2. Problems of Information Processing of Related Art) In the information management process of the related art, there are the following problems. First, in the information management process of the related art, the user cannot select the type of error that has occurred and receive an alert notification. Second, in the information management process of the related art, the system administrator needs to grasp the status of all systems and detect errors. Third, in the information management process of the related art, it is difficult for the system administrator to analyze the occurrence of errors before the change when the system configuration is changed.

[0030] (1-4. Effects of the information management system 100) Hereinafter, after explaining the outline of the information management system 100 according to the embodiment, the improvement points of the information management system 100 will be described.

[0031] (1-4-1. Outline of the information management system 100) In the information management system 100, the following processes are executed. First, the application server 10 registers a system configuration history. Second, the user terminal 30 receives an input of an alert setting. Third, the user terminal 30 transmits the alert setting to the application server 10. Fourth, the application server 10 collects data from the plant equipment 40. Fifth, the application server 10 determines normal values and abnormal values of the data. Sixth, the application server 10 registers a data determination history. Seventh, the application server 10 detects an error occurring in the system. Eighth, the application server 10 registers an error detection history. Ninth, the application server 10 notifies the administrator terminal 20 of the error determination result. Tenth, the application server 10 notifies the user terminal 30 of an alert.

[0032] Also, in the information management system 100, even when the system configuration is changed, the application server 10 can search for the history of the past system configuration. Similarly, the application server 10 can search for the history of past errors and alerts.

[0033] (1-4-2. Improvement Points of Information Management System 100) In the information management system 100, the following improvement points can be expected. First, the user can select the data threshold determination result and error information and receive a notification as an alert. Second, since the administrator can centrally manage all the threshold determination results and error information, it becomes easier to analyze troubles. Third, even when there is a change in the system configuration, the administrator can reproduce the system configuration at the time of occurrence of the error that occurred at the time of the past system configuration and analyze it while confirming it.

[0034] [2. Configuration of Each Device of Information Management System 100] Using FIG. 2, the functional configuration of each device included in the information management system 100 shown in FIG. 1 will be described. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of each device according to the embodiment. Hereinafter, after explaining the configuration example of the entire information management system 100 according to the embodiment, the configuration examples of the application server 10, the administrator terminal 20, the user terminal 30, and the plant equipment 40 according to the embodiment will be described in detail.

[0035] (2-1. Configuration Example of Entire Information Management System 100) As shown in FIG. 2, the information management system 100 includes an application server 10, an administrator terminal 20, a plurality of user terminals 30, and a plurality of plant equipment 40 (gateway device 41, sensor device 42, control device 43). The application server 10, the administrator terminal 20, and the user terminal 30 are communicably connected by a predetermined communication network in the cloud environment. Also, the plant equipment 40 is communicably connected by a communication network N such as a mobile phone line network.

[0036] Note that the application server 10 is not limited to a server device constructed in a cloud environment, and may be a physical server, a virtual machine, a container, etc. constructed in an on-premises environment.

[0037] (2-2. Configuration Example of Application Server 10) First, with reference to FIG. 2, a configuration example of the application server 10, which is an information management device, will be described. The application server 10 includes a communication unit 11, a storage unit 12, and a control unit 13. Note that the application server 10 may have an input unit (e.g., a keyboard, a mouse, etc.) that receives various operations from the system provider of the information management system 100, and a display unit (e.g., a liquid crystal display, etc.) for displaying various information.

[0038] (2-2-1. Communication Unit 11) The communication unit 11 controls data communication with other devices. For example, the communication unit 11 performs data communication with each communication device via a router or the like. In addition, the communication unit 11 can perform data communication with an operator's terminal (not shown).

[0039] (2-2-2. Storage Unit 12) The storage unit 12 stores various information referred to when the control unit 13 operates and various information acquired when the control unit 13 operates. The storage unit 12 includes a configuration information storage unit 12a, a determination information storage unit 12b, an error information storage unit 12c, and a setting information storage unit 12d. Here, the storage unit 12 can be realized by, for example, a semiconductor memory element such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) or a flash memory, or a storage device such as a hard disk or an optical disk. In the example of FIG. 2, the storage unit 12 is installed inside the application server 10, but it may be installed outside the application server 10, or a plurality of storage units may be installed.

[0040] (2-2-2-1. Configuration Information Storage Unit 12a) The configuration information storage unit 12a stores the structure information of the hierarchical structure of the system stored by the storage unit 13e of the control unit 13 described later. Here, with reference to FIG. 4, an example of the information stored in the configuration information storage unit 12a will be described. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration information storage unit 12a of the application server 10 according to the embodiment. In the example of FIG. 4, the configuration information storage unit 12a has items such as "application server identification information", "application information", and "configuration information".

[0041] The "application server identification information" indicates identification information for identifying the application server 10, such as the identification number or identification symbol of the application server 10. The "application information" indicates identification information for identifying an application, such as the identification number or identification symbol of the application executed by the application server 10. The "configuration information" indicates the hierarchical structure of the system managed by the application server 10, and is, for example, a network map for grasping the hierarchical relationship, connection relationship, etc. of the plant devices 40 included in the system.

[0042] That is, in FIG. 4, for the application server 10 identified by the application server identification information "AS001", an example is shown in which an application identified by the application identification information "Application 001" is installed and the configuration information of the system managed by the application server 10 is "System Configuration 001". Further, the configuration information stored in the configuration information storage unit 12a is generated each time the hierarchical structure of the system is changed and accumulated as a history of the hierarchical structure.

[0043] Here, with reference to FIG. 3, a network map, which is a specific example of configuration information, will be described. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a network map according to an embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3, the network map is information indicating the hierarchical relationship and connection relationship of plant devices 40 such as a gateway device 41, a sensor device 42, and a control device 43 connected to the application server 10. That is, in the example of FIG. 3, in "Plant A", the gateway device 41A is hierarchically connected to the plant device 40A-1 (sensor devices 42A-1, 42A-2, control device 43A-1) shown as "Plant device A1" and the plant device 40A-2 (sensor devices 42A-3, control device 43A-2) shown as "Plant device A2". Similarly, in "Plant B", the gateway device 41B is hierarchically connected to the plant device 40 (sensor devices 42B-1, 42B-2, control device 43B) shown as "Plant device B".

[0044] (2-2-2-2. Determination information storage unit 12b) The determination information storage unit 12b stores the determination information output by the determination unit 13b of the control unit 13 described later. Here, with reference to FIG. 5, an example of the information stored in the determination information storage unit 12b will be described. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the determination information storage unit 12b of the application server 10 according to an embodiment. In the example of FIG. 5, the determination information storage unit 12b has items such as "plant identification information", "time", and "determination result".

[0045] "Plant identification information" indicates identification information for identifying a plant, and is, for example, an identification number or identification symbol of a plant managed by the application server 10. "Time" indicates the time when the normality or abnormality of the data of the plant device 40 was determined, and is represented by, for example, the year, month, day, hour, minute, and second when the data was determined to be abnormal. "Determination result" indicates the result of determining the normality or abnormality of the data of the plant device 40, and is information including, for example, the identification number of the plant device 40 determined to be abnormal, the numerical value of the data, the degree of danger, etc.

[0046] That is, in FIG. 5, an example is shown in which, for the plant identified by the plant identification information "P011", the determination result at time "T001" is "Determination Result #1", the determination result at time "T002" is "Determination Result #2", the determination result at time "T003" is "Determination Result #3", and so on. Further, the determination information stored in the determination information storage unit 12b is stored each time the determination information is output by the determination unit 13b and accumulated as a history of determination results.

[0047] (2-2-2-3. Error Information Storage Unit 12c) The error information storage unit 12c stores the error information of the system output by the detection unit 13c of the control unit 13 described later. Here, an example of the information stored in the error information storage unit 12c will be described with reference to FIG. 6. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the error information storage unit 12c of the application server 10 according to the embodiment. In the example of FIG. 6, the error information storage unit 12c includes device error information 12c-1 which is error information of a device having items such as "error identification information", "time", and "device identification information", and system error information 12c-2 which is error information of the system infrastructure having items such as "error identification information", "time", and "system identification information".

[0048] "Error identification information" indicates identification information for identifying the type of error, and is, for example, the identification number or identification symbol of a system error. "Time" indicates the time when the system error occurred, and is represented by, for example, the year, month, day, hour, minute, and second when an error in a device, communication line, software, or cloud infrastructure is detected. "Device identification information" indicates identification information for identifying a device (apparatus), and is, for example, the identification number or identification symbol of the plant device 40. "System identification information" indicates identification information for identifying the system infrastructure, and is, for example, the identification number or identification symbol of a communication line, application software, or cloud infrastructure.

[0049] That is, regarding the device error information 12c-1, in FIG. 6, for the device error identified by the error identification information "Device Error #1", the device in which the error was detected at time "T001" is "Device A011", the device in which the error was detected at time "T002" is "Device A013", the device in which the error was detected at time "T003" is "Device B031",... is shown as an example. Also, the device error information 12c-1 stored in the error information storage unit 12c is stored each time a device error is detected and accumulated as an error history for the entire system.

[0050] Next, regarding the system error information 12c-2, in FIG. 6, for the system error identified by the error identification information "System Error #1", the system infrastructure in which the error was detected at time "T001" is "Communication System A011", the system infrastructure in which the error was detected at time "T002" is "Application System 001", the system infrastructure in which the error was detected at time "T003" is "Cloud System 001",... is shown as an example. Also, the system error information 12c-2 stored in the error information storage unit 12c is stored each time a system infrastructure error is detected and accumulated as an error history for the entire system.

[0051] (2-2-2-4. Setting Information Storage Unit 12d) The setting information storage unit 12d stores the setting information of each user stored by the storage unit 13e of the control unit 13 described later. The setting information storage unit 12d stores setting information in which a notification target to be notified to each user is set for each user of an application related to the system. For example, the setting information storage unit 12d stores, for each user, setting information in which errors to be notified among the errors occurring in the system infrastructure and abnormal values of data transmitted by devices to be managed by the user are set. Here, an example of the information stored in the setting information storage unit 12d will be described with reference to FIG. 7. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the setting information storage unit 12d of the application server 10 according to the embodiment. In the example of FIG. 7, the setting information storage unit 12d has items such as "user identification information" and "setting information".

[0052] "User identification information" indicates identification information for identifying a user, and is, for example, an identification number or identification symbol of a business operator using the application executed by the application server 10. "Setting information" indicates the notification target of the alert set by the user, and is, for example, a list of types of errors requesting alert notifications, types of data determination results, and the like.

[0053] That is, in FIG. 7, an example is shown in which the setting information is "alert setting 001" for the user identified by the user identification information "U001". Further, the setting information stored in the setting information storage unit 12d is updated each time the user changes the alert setting. Further, the setting information storage unit 12d can also store alert information (system errors, abnormal values of data, etc.) notified by the notification unit 13f of the control unit 13 described later.

[0054] (2-2-3. Control Unit 13) The control unit 13 controls the entire application server 10. The control unit 13 includes a collection unit 13a, a determination unit 13b, a detection unit 13c, an acquisition unit 13d, a storage unit 13e, and a notification unit 13f. Here, the control unit 13 can be realized by, for example, an electronic circuit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), or an integrated circuit such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array).

[0055] (2-2-3-1. Collection Unit 13a) The collection unit 13a collects the data transmitted by the device. For example, the collection unit 13a collects the plant information transmitted by the plant device 40 including a communication device, a sensor device, or a control device installed in the plant. To explain using a specific example, the collection unit 13a collects communication data from the gateway device 41 which is a communication device, measurement data from the sensor device 42 which is a measurement device, and control data from the control device 43.

[0056] (2-2-3-2. Determination Unit 13b) When the collected data exceeds a predetermined threshold, the determination unit 13b determines it as an abnormal value and outputs determination information. For example, when the collected plant information exceeds a predetermined threshold, the determination unit 13b determines it as an abnormal value and outputs determination information. To explain using a specific example, when the measurement data collected from the sensor device 42A exceeds a predetermined threshold, the determination unit 13b determines it as an abnormal value and outputs the determination information {Time: T001, Determination Result: Determination Result #1}.

[0057] (2-2-3-3. Detection Unit 13c) The detection unit 13c detects the occurrence of an error in the system and outputs error information. For example, the detection unit 13c detects the occurrence of a failure in a device, communication line, software, or cloud infrastructure that constitutes the system as an error. To explain using a specific example, when a failure occurs in the sensor device 42A, the detection unit 13c detects an error and outputs error information {time: T001, device identification information: device A001}.

[0058] (2-2-3-4. Acquisition unit 13d) The acquisition unit 13d acquires the configuration information of the system. For example, the acquisition unit 13d acquires a network map for grasping the hierarchical relationship, connection relationship, etc. of the plant equipment 40 included in the system. To explain using the example shown in FIG. 3, the acquisition unit 13d acquires configuration information such as {Plant A: Gateway device 41A (Sensor device 42A-1, Sensor device 42A-2, Control device 43A-1), Gateway device 41A (Sensor device 42A-3, Control device 43A-2)}, {Plant B: Gateway device 41B (Sensor device 42B-1, Sensor device 42B-2, Control device 43B)} as the network map.

[0059] In addition, the acquisition unit 13d acquires the configuration information of the system when an error occurs and the configuration information of the system when an abnormal value occurs. For example, when an error in the system such as a device, communication network, software, or cloud infrastructure occurs, the acquisition unit 13d acquires the configuration information of the system at the time of occurrence from the administrator terminal 20. Also, when an abnormal value occurs in the device of the plant equipment 40 (gateway device 41, sensor device 42, control device 43), the acquisition unit 13d acquires the configuration information of the system at the time of occurrence from the user terminal 30. Further, even when no error or abnormal value occurs, the acquisition unit 13d may periodically acquire the configuration information of the system from the administrator terminal 20 or a predetermined database.

[0060] (2-2-3-5. Storage unit 13e) The storage unit 13e stores the acquired configuration information of the system. For example, the storage unit 13e stores a network map for grasping the hierarchical relationship, connection relationship, etc. of the plant equipment 40 included in the system acquired by the acquisition unit 13d in the configuration information storage unit 12a.

[0061] Also, the storage unit 13e stores the output determination information. For example, the storage unit 13e stores the determination information including the abnormal values of the plant equipment 40 output by the determination unit 13b in the determination information storage unit 12b.

[0062] Also, the storage unit 13e stores the output detection information. For example, the storage unit 13e stores the detection information including errors of the system such as devices, communication networks, software, and cloud platforms output by the detection unit 13c in the error information storage unit 12c.

[0063] Furthermore, the storage unit 13e stores in the storage unit 12 an error history associating error information indicating an error with the configuration information of the system, and an abnormal value history associating determination information indicating an abnormal value with the configuration information of the system. To explain using a specific example, the storage unit 13e stores, as the error history, {error information: device A011, configuration information: system configuration 001} in the error information storage unit 12c. Also, the storage unit 13e stores, as the abnormal value history, {determination result: determination result #1, configuration information: system configuration 001} in the determination information storage unit 12b.

[0064] (2-2-3-6. Notification unit 13f) When an abnormality occurs in the system, the notification unit 13f notifies the administrator of the system of the abnormality and controls the notification of the abnormality for each user based on the setting information. For example, when an error occurs, the notification unit 13f notifies the administrator and the users set as the notification targets for the error, and when an abnormal value occurs, the notification unit 13f notifies the administrator and the users set as the notification targets for the abnormal value.

[0065] The following will be described using specific examples. As anomalies occurring in the system, there are "Abnormal Value A" which is an abnormal value of the gateway device 41 among the plant devices 40 to be monitored by the user, "Abnormal Value B" which is an abnormal value of the sensor device 42, and "Abnormal Value C" which is an abnormal value of the control device 43. Also, there are "Error A" which is a failure of the plant device 40, "Error B" which is network congestion of the communication network, "Error C" which is a defect in the application software, and "Error D" which is insufficient resources of the cloud infrastructure. At this time, the notification unit 13f notifies all the abnormal values ("Abnormal Value A", "Abnormal Value B", "Abnormal Value C") and all the errors ("Error A", "Error B", "Error C", "Error D") to the administrator's administrator terminal 20. On the other hand, when the user sets {gateway device 41, control device 43} for abnormal values and {communication system, application system, cloud system} for errors as notification targets for which alert notifications are requested in the setting information, the notification unit 13f notifies "Abnormal Value A" and "Abnormal Value C" for abnormal values and "Error B", "Error C", and "Error D" for errors to the user's user terminal 30.

[0066] As described above, when the alert is set for the type of device or the type of system, the notification unit 13f can control the notification for each type. Also, when the alert is set with specific devices, specific times, and specific locations as exclusion targets, the notification unit 13f can send alert notifications regarding targets other than the exclusion targets.

[0067] When the notification unit 13f receives a reference request for an error or an abnormal value from the administrator, it refers to the error history or the abnormal value history stored in the storage unit 12, identifies the configuration information of the system associated with the error information or the determination information included in the reference request, and notifies the identified system configuration information to the administrator.

[0068] To explain using a specific example, when the notification unit 13f receives a reference request for an error of "Plant A" from the administrator, it refers to the error history {error information: device A011, configuration information: system configuration 001} including the error information of the plant device 40A of "Plant A" stored in the error information storage unit 12c, and notifies the administrator terminal 20 of "system configuration 001", which is the system configuration information at the time of error occurrence. Further, when the notification unit 13f receives a reference request for an abnormal value of "Plant A" from the administrator, it refers to {judgment result: judgment result #1, configuration information: system configuration 001} as the abnormal value history including the judgment information of the plant device 40A of "Plant A" stored in the judgment information storage unit 12b, and notifies the administrator terminal 20 of "system configuration 001", which is the system configuration information at the time of abnormal value occurrence.

[0069] (2-3. Configuration example of the administrator terminal 20) The configuration example of the administrator terminal 20 will be described with reference to FIG. 2. For example, the administrator terminal 20 is realized by a notebook PC (Personal Computer), a desktop PC, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a mobile phone, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), or the like. The administrator terminal 20 includes an input / output unit 21 and a transmission / reception unit 22.

[0070] (2-3-1. Input / output unit 21) The input / output unit 21 is responsible for inputting various information to the administrator terminal 20. The input / output unit 21 is, for example, a mouse, a keyboard, or the like, and receives input of search conditions and the like to the administrator terminal 20. The input / output unit 21 is responsible for outputting various information from the administrator terminal 20. The input / output unit 21 is, for example, a display or the like, and outputs abnormal values in the plant, system errors, and the like.

[0071] (2-3-2. Transmission / reception unit 22) The transmission / reception unit 22 transmits various types of information. For example, the transmission / reception unit 22 transmits a reference request for configuration information to the application server 10. Also, the transmission / reception unit 22 receives various types of information. For example, the transmission / reception unit 22 receives determination information, error information, etc. transmitted by the application server 10.

[0072] (2-3-3. Specific Example of the Display Screen of the Administrator Terminal 20) Here, with reference to FIG. 8, a specific example of the display screen output by the input / output unit 21 of the administrator terminal 20 will be described. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a specific example of the display screen of the administrator terminal 20 according to the embodiment. Hereinafter, the description will be given in the order of "Received Notification List" and "Search Conditions" in the "Application Management System Notification Management Screen".

[0073] (2-3-3-1. Received Notification List) As shown in FIG. 8, the administrator terminal 20 displays the "Received Notification List", which is a notification list screen received from the application server 10. In the example of FIG. 8, the administrator terminal 20 displays the "System Error List", which is a notification regarding system infrastructure errors, in the order of error occurrence, the "Device Error List", which is a notification regarding device errors, in the order of error occurrence, and the "Data Abnormality Judgment List", which is a notification regarding the determination result of data, in the order of occurrence of abnormal values. At this time, the administrator can view the details of the notification regarding the selected item by clicking on some of the selected items in the displayed list.

[0074] (2-3-3-2. Search Conditions) As shown in FIG. 8, the administrator terminal 20 displays a "search condition", which is a condition input for analyzing the occurred errors and the like. In the example of FIG. 8, the administrator terminal 20 displays radio buttons that enable selection of "system configuration", "system error", "device error", and "data abnormality" as items to be searched (search target selection). Further, the administrator terminal 20 displays a pull-down menu that enables selection of a location to be searched and a text box in which a time to be searched can be input (search range selection). At this time, the administrator can search for the "system configuration", which is the configuration information of the system at the "workplace P001a" and "from 2022 / 07 / 21 to 2022 / 08 / 22", by clicking the "search start" button.

[0075] (2-3-3-3. Others) Similarly, the administrator can search for a "system error", which is an error in the system infrastructure that occurred at a predetermined location and during a predetermined period, a "device error", which is an error in a device that occurred at a predetermined location and during a predetermined period, and a "data abnormality", which is an abnormal value that occurred at a predetermined location and during a predetermined period.

[0076] (2-4. Configuration Example of User Terminal 30) With reference to FIG. 2, a configuration example of the user terminal 30 will be described. For example, the user terminal 30 is realized by a notebook PC, a desktop PC, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a mobile phone, a PDA, or the like. The user terminal 30 includes an input / output unit 31 and a transmission / reception unit 32.

[0077] (2-4-1. Input / Output Unit 31) The input / output unit 31 is in charge of input of various information to the user terminal 30. The input / output unit 31 is, for example, a mouse, a keyboard, or the like, and receives input of setting information regarding alarm notification to the user terminal 30. The input / output unit 31 is in charge of output of various information from the user terminal 30. The input / output unit 31 is, for example, a display or the like, and outputs abnormal values in the plant, system errors, and the like.

[0078] (2-4-2. Transmission / Reception Unit 32) The transmission / reception unit 32 transmits various types of information. For example, the transmission / reception unit 32 transmits setting information related to alarm notifications and the like to the application server 10. Also, the transmission / reception unit 32 receives various types of information. For example, the transmission / reception unit 32 receives determination information, error information, etc. transmitted by the application server 10.

[0079] (2-4-3. Specific Example of the Display Screen of the User Terminal 30) Here, with reference to FIG. 9, a specific example of the display screen output by the input / output unit 31 of the user terminal 30 will be described. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a specific example of the display screen of the user terminal 30 according to the embodiment. Below, the description will be given in the order of "Received Notification Settings", "Data Determination Notification", and "Error Notification" on the "Plant Monitoring System Notification Management Screen".

[0080] (2-4-3-1. Received Notification Settings) As shown in FIG. 9, the user terminal 30 displays "Received Notification Settings", which is a screen for setting the alert notifications received from the application server 10. In the example of FIG. 9, the user terminal 30 displays a setting screen for "Data Abnormality Determination" where the user can select an alert notification regarding the determination result of data, a setting screen for "Device Error" where the user can select an alert notification regarding device errors, and a setting screen for "System Error" where the user can select an alert notification regarding system infrastructure errors. At this time, the user can set to receive alert notifications by checking the displayed items.

[0081] (2-4-3-2. Data Determination Notification) As shown in FIG. 9, the user terminal 30 displays "Data Determination Notification", which is a screen for displaying the alert notification regarding data determination received from the application server 10. In the example of FIG. 9, the user terminal 30 displays "Abnormal data has been detected at Work Site 001b." as an alert notification regarding the determination result of data. At this time, the user can receive the latest alert notification by clicking the "Notification Confirmation" button.

[0082] (2-4-3-3. Error Notification) As shown in FIG. 9, the user terminal 30 displays an "Error Notification" which is a screen for displaying an alert notification regarding an error in the entire system received from the application server 10. In the example of FIG. 9, the user terminal 30 displays "There is no new received message." as an alert notification regarding an error in the entire system. At this time, the user can receive the latest alert notification by clicking the "Notification Confirmation" button.

[0083] (2-5. Configuration Example of Plant Equipment 40) Using FIG. 2, a configuration example of the plant equipment 40 will be described. For example, the plant equipment 40 is composed of a gateway device 41 which is a communication device, a sensor device 42 which is a measurement device, a control device 43 which controls the plant equipment, etc.

[0084] The gateway device 41 collects communication data. For example, the gateway device 41 collects the data volume of packet communication for each plant. The sensor device 42 collects measurement data. For example, the sensor device 42 collects temperature data, flow rate data, pressure data, etc. for each process of the plant. The control device 43 collects control data. For example, the control device 43 collects control signals for the gateway device 41 and the sensor device 42 for each plant.

[0085] [3. Processing Flow of Information Management System 100] Using FIG. 10, the processing flow of the information management system 100 according to the embodiment will be described. FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the information processing flow according to the embodiment. Note that the processes of the following steps S101 to S114 can also be executed in a different order. Also, among the processes of the following steps S101 to S114, some processes may be omitted.

[0086] (3-1. Configuration Information Control Processing) The application server 10 stores the configuration information of the system (step S101). For example, the application server 10 acquires the configuration information of the system at the time of error occurrence from the administrator terminal 20 and stores it in the configuration information storage unit 12a.

[0087] (3-2. Setting Information Control Process) First, the user terminal 30 sets an alert notification (step S102). For example, the user terminal 30 generates setting information in which an abnormal value or an error for requesting an alert notification is selected according to the input of the user. Second, the user terminal 30 transmits the setting information (step S103). For example, the user terminal 30 transmits the setting information in which an abnormal value or an error for requesting an alert notification is selected to the application server 10. Third, the application server 10 stores the setting information (step S104). For example, the application server 10 stores the setting information received from the user terminal 30 in the setting information storage unit 12d for each user.

[0088] (3-3. Judgment Information Control Process) First, the application server 10 collects data from the device (step S105). For example, the application server 10 collects plant information from the plant device 40. Second, the application server 10 determines whether the data is normal or abnormal (step S106). For example, the application server 10 determines that it is an abnormal value when the plant information exceeds a predetermined threshold. Third, the application server 10 notifies the judgment information (step S107). For example, the application server 10 transmits all the judgment information to the administrator terminal 20 and transmits the judgment information of the notification target set by the user for the user terminal 30. Fourth, the application server 10 stores the judgment information (step S108). For example, the application server 10 stores the judgment information that is the history of abnormal values in the judgment information storage unit 12b for each plant.

[0089] (3-4. Error Information Control Process) First, the application server 10 detects system errors (step S109). For example, the application server 10 detects abnormalities in devices, communications, applications, and cloud environments. Second, the application server 10 notifies error information (step S110). For example, the application server 10 sends all error information to the administrator terminal 20 and sends error information targeted for notification, which the user has set for alert notifications, to the user terminal 30. Third, the application server 10 stores error information (step S111). For example, the application server 10 stores error information, which is the history of system-wide errors, in the error information storage unit 12c for each type of error.

[0090] (3-5. Search Information Control Process) First, the administrator terminal 20 sends a search request (step S112). For example, the administrator terminal 20 requests the application server 10 to search for abnormal values and system configuration information at the time of error occurrence. Second, the application server 10 searches for requested information (step S113). For example, the application server 10 searches for the system configuration information sent from the administrator terminal 20 as requested information. Third, the application server 10 sends the requested information (step S114). For example, the application server 10 sends the identified configuration information to the administrator terminal 20 as requested information.

[0091] [4. Effects of the Embodiment] Finally, the effects of the embodiment will be described. Below, effects 1 to 7 corresponding to the processes according to the embodiment will be described.

[0092] (4-1. Effect 1) First, in the process according to the above-described embodiment, the application server 10 stores setting information in which a notification target to be notified to each user is set for each user of the application related to the system, and notifies the administrator of the system when an abnormality occurs in the system, and controls the notification of the abnormality for each user based on the setting information. Therefore, in this process, information related to the system can be effectively provided to each user.

[0093] (4-2. Effect 2) Second, in the process according to the above-described embodiment, the application server 10 stores setting information in which an error to be a notification target among errors occurring in the system base for each user and an abnormal value of data transmitted by a device to be managed by the user are set, and when an error occurs, notifies the administrator and the user set as the notification target for the error, and when an abnormal value occurs, notifies the administrator and the user set as the notification target for the abnormal value. Therefore, in this process, by making it possible to select a notification target for each user, information related to the system can be effectively provided to each user.

[0094] (4-3. Effect 3) Third, in the process according to the above-described embodiment, the application server 10 acquires the configuration information of the system when an error occurs and the configuration information of the system when an abnormal value occurs, and stores in the storage unit 12 an error history in which error information indicating the error is associated with the configuration information of the system and an abnormal value history in which determination information indicating the abnormal value is associated with the configuration information of the system. Therefore, in this process, by maintaining the system configuration at the time of occurrence of an abnormality in a searchable manner, information related to the system can be effectively provided to each user. For example, in this process, when searching for past errors, even if the system configuration is changed midway, since the history is managed in association with the system configuration information, it is possible to clearly grasp whether an error has occurred in the same system configuration in the past.

[0095] (4-4. Effect 4) Fourthly, in the process according to the above-described embodiment, when the application server 10 receives a reference request for an error or an abnormal value from the administrator, the application server 10 refers to the error history or the abnormal value history stored in the storage unit 12, identifies the configuration information of the system associated with the error information or the determination information included in the reference request, and notifies the administrator of the identified system configuration information. Therefore, in this process, by providing the administrator with the system configuration at the time of occurrence of an abnormality, information regarding the system can be effectively provided to each user.

[0096] (4-5. Effect 5) Fifthly, in the process according to the above-described embodiment, the application server 10 collects data transmitted by the device, determines that the collected data exceeds a predetermined threshold value as an abnormal value, outputs determination information, detects the occurrence of an error in the system, and outputs error information. Therefore, in this process, by performing the determination of the abnormal value and the detection of the error, information regarding the system can be effectively provided to each user.

[0097] (4-6. Effect 6) Sixthly, in the process according to the above-described embodiment, the application server 10 collects plant information transmitted by the plant device 40 including communication devices, sensor devices, or control devices installed in the plant, and determines that the collected plant information exceeds a predetermined threshold value as an abnormal value and outputs determination information. Therefore, in this process, by performing the determination of the abnormal value and the detection of the error in the plant, information regarding the system can be effectively provided to each user.

[0098] (4-7. Effect 7) Seventhly, in the process according to the above-described embodiment, the application server 10 detects the occurrence of a failure in a device, a communication line, software, or a cloud infrastructure that constitutes the system as an error. Therefore, in this process, by performing the determination of the abnormal value and the detection of the error in the cloud environment, information regarding the system can be effectively provided to each user.

[0099] 〔System〕 Regarding the processing procedures, control procedures, specific names, and information including various data and parameters shown in the above-mentioned documents and drawings, they can be arbitrarily changed unless otherwise specified.

[0100] In addition, each component of each illustrated device is a functional concept and does not necessarily have to be physically configured as shown in the figure. That is, the specific forms of distribution and integration of each device are not limited to those shown in the figure. In other words, all or part of it can be functionally or physically distributed and integrated in any unit according to various loads and usage situations.

[0101] Furthermore, each processing function performed by each device can be realized in whole or in any part by a CPU and a program analyzed and executed by the CPU, or can be realized as hardware by wired logic.

[0102] 〔Hardware〕 Next, a hardware configuration example of the application server 10, which is an information providing device, will be described. Note that other devices such as the administrator terminal 20 can have the same hardware configuration. FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining the hardware configuration example. As shown in FIG. 11, the application server 10 includes a communication device 10a, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 10b, a memory 10c, and a processor 10d. Also, each part shown in FIG. 11 is interconnected by a bus or the like.

[0103] The communication device 10a is a network interface card or the like and communicates with other servers. The HDD 10b stores programs and databases for operating the functions shown in FIG. 2.

[0104] The processor 10d reads a program that executes the same processes as each processing unit shown in FIG. 2 from the HDD 10b or the like and expands it in the memory 10c, thereby operating a process that executes each function described in FIG. 2 and the like. For example, this process executes the same functions as each processing unit of the application server 10. Specifically, the processor 10d reads a program having the same functions as the collection unit 13a, the determination unit 13b, the detection unit 13c, the acquisition unit 13d, the storage unit 13e, the notification unit 13f, etc. from the HDD 10b or the like. Then, the processor 10d executes a process that executes the same processes as the collection unit 13a, the determination unit 13b, the detection unit 13c, the acquisition unit 13d, the storage unit 13e, the notification unit 13f, etc.

[0105] In this way, the application server 10 operates as a device that executes various processing methods by reading and executing a program. Further, the application server 10 can also realize the same functions as the above-described embodiments by reading the program from the recording medium by the medium reading device and executing the read program. Note that the program in this other embodiment is not limited to being executed by the application server 10. For example, the present invention can be similarly applied when another computer or server executes the program, or when these cooperate to execute the program.

[0106] This program can be distributed via a network such as the Internet. Further, this program is recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a hard disk, a flexible disk (FD), a CD-ROM, a MO (Magneto-Optical disk), a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), etc., and can be executed by being read from the recording medium by a computer.

[0107] 〔Others〕 Some examples of combinations of the disclosed technical features are described below.

[0108] (1) A storage unit that stores setting information for setting notification targets to be notified to each user of an application related to the system, and a notification unit that, when an abnormality occurs in the system, notifies the administrator of the system and controls the notification of the abnormality for each user based on the setting information. An information management apparatus comprising:

[0109] (2) The storage unit stores, for each user, the setting information in which errors to be the notification targets among errors occurring in the base of the system and abnormal values of data transmitted by devices managed by the user are set. When an error occurs, the notification unit notifies the administrator and the user who sets the error as the notification target. When an abnormal value occurs, the notification unit notifies the administrator and the user who sets the abnormal value as the notification target. The information management apparatus according to (1).

[0110] (3) An acquisition unit that acquires configuration information of the system when the error occurs and configuration information of the system when the abnormal value occurs, and a storage unit that stores in the storage unit an error history in which error information indicating the error is associated with the configuration information of the system and an abnormal value history in which determination information indicating the abnormal value is associated with the configuration information of the system. The information management apparatus according to (1) or (2).

[0111] (4) When the notification unit receives a reference request for the error or the abnormal value from the administrator, it refers to the error history or the abnormal value history stored in the storage unit, specifies the configuration information of the system associated with the error information or the determination information included in the reference request, and notifies the administrator of the specified configuration information of the system. The information management apparatus according to (3).

[0112] (5) A collection unit that collects the data transmitted by the device, a determination unit that determines an abnormal value when the collected data exceeds a predetermined threshold and outputs determination information, and a detection unit that detects the occurrence of the error in the system and outputs error information. The information management device according to any one of (2) to (4).

[0113] (6) The collection unit collects plant information transmitted by plant devices including communication devices, sensor devices, or control devices installed in a plant. The determination unit determines an abnormal value when the collected plant information exceeds a predetermined threshold and outputs the determination information. The information management device according to (5).

[0114] (7) The detection unit detects the occurrence of a failure of a device, communication line, software, or cloud infrastructure that constitutes the system as the error. The information management device according to (5) or (6).

[0115] (8) A computer stores setting information in which a notification target to be notified to each user of an application related to the system is set. When an abnormality occurs in the system, the computer notifies the administrator of the system of the abnormality and controls the notification of the abnormality for each user based on the setting information. An information management method for executing a process.

[0116] (9) A computer stores setting information in which a notification target to be notified to each user of an application related to the system is set. When an abnormality occurs in the system, the computer notifies the administrator of the system of the abnormality and controls the notification of the abnormality for each user based on the setting information. An information management program for causing the process to be executed.

Explanation of Signs

[0117] 10 Application server 11 Communication unit 12 Storage unit 12a Configuration information storage unit 12b Judgment Information Storage Unit 12c Error Information Storage Unit 12d Setting Information Storage Unit 13 Control Unit 13a Collection Unit 13b Judgment Unit 13c Detection Unit 13d Acquisition Unit 13e Storage Unit 13f Notification Unit 20 Administrator Terminal 21 Input / Output Unit 22 Transmission / Reception Unit 30 User Terminal 31 Input / Output Unit 32 Transmission / Reception Unit 40 Plant Equipment 41 Gateway Equipment 42 Sensor Equipment 43 Control Equipment 100 Information Management System

Claims

1. A storage unit that stores setting information for setting notification targets to be notified to each user of an application related to a system; When an abnormality occurs in the system, a notification unit that notifies the administrator of the system of the abnormality and controls the notification of the abnormality for each user based on the setting information; Comprising: The storage unit: For each user, stores the setting information in which the error to be the notification target among the errors occurring in the system base and the abnormal value of the data transmitted by the device managed by the user are set; The notification unit: When the error occurs, notifies the administrator and the user who sets the error as the notification target, and when the abnormal value occurs, notifies the administrator and the user who sets the abnormal value as the notification target; An information management device.

2. An acquisition unit that acquires the configuration information of the system when the error occurs and the configuration information of the system when the abnormal value occurs; A storage unit that stores in the storage unit an error history in which error information indicating the error is associated with the configuration information of the system and an abnormal value history in which determination information indicating the abnormal value is associated with the configuration information of the system; The information management device according to claim 1, further comprising:

3. The notification unit: When receiving a reference request for the error or the abnormal value from the administrator, refers to the error history or the abnormal value history stored in the storage unit, identifies the configuration information of the system associated with the error information or the determination information included in the reference request, and notifies the administrator of the identified configuration information of the system; The information management device according to claim 2.

4. A collection unit that collects the data transmitted by the device; A determination unit that determines the abnormal value when the collected data exceeds a predetermined threshold and outputs determination information; A detection unit that detects the occurrence of the error in the system and outputs error information; The information management device according to claim 1, further comprising:

5. The collection unit: Collects plant information transmitted by plant equipment including communication equipment, sensor equipment, or control equipment installed in a plant; The determination unit: When the collected plant information exceeds a predetermined threshold, determines the abnormal value and outputs the determination information; The information management device according to claim 4.

6. The detection unit detects, as the error, the occurrence of a failure in a device, communication line, software, or cloud infrastructure that constitutes the system, The information management apparatus according to claim 4.

7. A computer stores setting information in which a notification target to be notified to each user of an application related to the system is set, when an abnormality occurs in the system, notifies the administrator of the system of the abnormality and controls the notification of the abnormality for each user based on the setting information, executes a process, stores, for each user, the setting information in which the error to be the notification target among the errors occurring in the system infrastructure and the abnormal value of the data transmitted by the device managed by the user are set, when the error occurs, notifies the administrator and the user who sets the error as the notification target, and when the abnormal value occurs, notifies the administrator and the user who sets the abnormal value as the notification target, An information management method.

8. A computer stores setting information in which a notification target to be notified to each user of an application related to the system is set, when an abnormality occurs in the system, notifies the administrator of the system of the abnormality and controls the notification of the abnormality for each user based on the setting information, causes to execute a process, stores, for each user, the setting information in which the error to be the notification target among the errors occurring in the system infrastructure and the abnormal value of the data transmitted by the device managed by the user are set, when the error occurs, notifies the administrator and the user who sets the error as the notification target, and when the abnormal value occurs, notifies the administrator and the user who sets the abnormal value as the notification target, An information management program.

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