Information processing apparatus and information processing method

The information processing apparatus addresses the labor-intensive process of setting changes in monitoring devices by automating adjustments based on predefined conditions and utilizing an extraction and notification system to streamline repetitive tasks, thereby reducing administrative workload and enhancing efficiency.

JP7692845B2Active Publication Date: 2025-06-16AZBIL CORP
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Patent Information

Application Number
JP2022001409
Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Patents
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2022-01-07
Publication Date
2025-06-16
Estimated Expiration
2042-01-07

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Conventional monitoring devices require administrators to manually change settings for a large number of devices, leading to a significant workload and laborious processes.

Method used

An information processing apparatus that automates setting changes by determining whether setting items or groups meet predefined conditions, allowing for automatic adjustments to setting data, and includes an extraction unit to identify frequently changed setting items and a notification unit to prompt administrators for setting updates.

Benefits of technology

The solution reduces the workload associated with setting changes by automating repetitive tasks, improving efficiency, and allowing administrators to focus on other tasks while ensuring timely and accurate setting adjustments.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Patent Text Reader

Abstract

To provide an information processing apparatus that can reduce a workload on changing the setting of setting data compared to before.SOLUTION: An information processing apparatus (monitoring apparatus 10) comprises: a setting unit 101 that sets a condition for or the details of setting change to setting data that is set to a device communicably connected with the apparatus and that includes a plurality of setting items for every setting item or for every group obtained by collecting the plurality of setting items; a condition determination unit 103 that, based on the setting performed by the setting unit 101, determines if there is the setting item or the group satisfying the condition in the setting data; and a setting changing unit 104 that, when the condition determination unit 103 determines that there is the setting item or the group satisfying the condition, performs setting change to the setting item or the setting items included in the group in the setting data based on the settings performed by the setting unit 101.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information processing apparatus and an information processing method for changing settings of data set in a device communicably connected to its own device.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, an engineering device for creating setting data for operating a plurality of devices for monitoring or controlling devices is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). This engineering device is communicably connected to, for example, the above device, and can change the settings of data (hereinafter also referred to as "setting data") set in the device. That is, in the engineering device, it connects to the above device for monitoring the device, etc., displays a screen showing the setting data on a display device, and changes the settings of the setting data according to an operation by a user (such as a building administrator) on the screen, thereby intentionally changing the operation of the device.

[0003] In addition, a function for changing the settings of the above setting data is also installed in the monitoring device. The monitoring device is a device for monitoring the operations of many devices installed in a facility in relatively large-scale facilities such as buildings and plants. Also in the monitoring device, similar to the engineering device, it connects to the above device for monitoring the device, etc., displays a screen showing the setting data on a display device, and changes the settings of the setting data according to an operation by an administrator or the like on the screen, thereby enabling control of the operation of the device.

[0004] Note that the setting data set in the above device may include a plurality of setting items. In this case, in the monitoring device, the setting change of the setting data may be performed for each setting item or for each group of a plurality of setting items grouped together.

[0005] For example, when the monitoring device displays the setting data set in a device communicably connected to itself on the display device, among the plurality of setting items included in the setting data, specific setting items are grouped together, and it has a function of displaying the setting items for each group (hereinafter, also referred to as the "grouping function").

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0006]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0007] As described above, in the conventional monitoring device, an administrator or the like checks the screen showing the setting data and gives an instruction to change the settings for the setting data. For example, when an administrator or the like changes the settings such as the cooling / heating switching of the device, the setting change is made in accordance with the change of seasons or the like. At this time, since the administrator or the like needs to manually change the settings for a large number of devices provided in the facility, it is very laborious for the administrator or the like, and there is a problem that the work load is large.

[0008] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide an information processing device capable of reducing the work load related to setting changes for setting data more than before.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0009] The information processing apparatus according to the present disclosure is data set in a device communicably connected to the own device, and for setting data including a plurality of setting items, for each setting item or for each group formed by grouping a plurality of setting items, a setting unit that sets conditions and contents of setting changes, a condition determination unit that determines whether there is a setting item or group that satisfies the conditions among the setting data based on the setting by the setting unit, and when it is determined by the condition determination unit that there is a setting item or group that satisfies the conditions, a setting change unit that makes a setting change to the setting item or the setting items included in the group in the setting data based on the setting by the setting unit. An extraction unit that extracts, based on past operation logs, among the setting data, the setting items for which setting changes have been repeatedly made, the content of the setting changes, and the conditions for the setting changes; and a notification unit that issues a notification prompting to perform settings of the conditions and content of the setting changes for the setting items for which setting changes have been repeatedly made, based on the extraction result by the extraction unit It is characterized by this.

Effect of the Invention

[0010] According to the present disclosure, since it is configured as described above, the workload related to setting changes to setting data can be reduced more than before.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0011]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Embodiment 1. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a facility monitoring system 1 according to Embodiment 1. As shown in FIG. 1, the facility monitoring system 1 includes a monitoring device 10, an engineering device 20, a switching hub 25, an integrated controller 30, a primary device 40, and a secondary device 50. The monitoring device 10, the engineering device 20, the integrated controller 30, the primary device 40, and the secondary device 50 are communicably connected via the switching hub 25 and the network NW.

[0013] In FIG. 1, the facility monitoring system 1 is provided with one monitoring device 10, one engineering device 20, one switching hub 25, one integrated controller 30, and one primary device 40, and three secondary devices 50, but the number of each device is not limited to this. Further, although devices to be controlled or monitored are connected to the secondary device 50, the display of this device is omitted in FIG. 1.

[0014] The monitoring device 10 monitors the operations of the devices connected to the secondary device 50 via the primary device 40 and the secondary device 50. Specifically, the monitoring device 10 causes a display device to display a monitoring screen for monitoring the operations of the devices in response to an instruction from an administrator or the like. Further, the monitoring device 10 transmits a request for acquiring data necessary for configuring the monitoring screen to the primary device 40 and the secondary device 50 at a predetermined interval or in response to an instruction from an administrator or the like. Then, the monitoring device 10 configures a monitoring screen based on the data acquired from the primary device 40 and the secondary device 50, and causes the configured screen to be displayed on a display device 60 described later.

[0015] Note that the monitoring device 10 may also transmit the above data acquisition request to the integrated controller 30 in addition to the primary device 40 and the secondary device 50, and configure a monitoring screen based on the data acquired from the integrated controller 30, the primary device 40, and the secondary device 50.

[0016] Further, the monitoring device 10 also has a function (function of an information processing device) that enables automatic change of the content of the setting data set in the primary device 40 and the secondary device 50. The monitoring device 10 controls the operations of the devices connected to the secondary device 50 by this function. Note that when the setting data includes a plurality of setting items, the change of the setting data is performed for each setting item or for each group of a plurality of setting items. The function of the information processing device possessed by this monitoring device 10 will be described later.

[0017] The engineering device 20 performs engineering processing including the creation of the above-described setting data, and constructs the facility monitoring system 1. The setting data is, for example, setting data for the integrated controller 30 for the integrated controller 30 to monitor the state of the primary device 40, setting data for the primary device 40 for the primary device 40 to monitor or control subordinate secondary devices 50, and setting data for the secondary device 50 for the secondary device 50 to monitor or control subordinate devices. Further, the engineering device 20 holds, as engineering data, data obtained by combining the setting data for the primary device 40 and the setting data for the secondary device 50 in a holding unit (not shown).

[0018] The integrated controller 30 downloads, from the engineering device 20, the setting data corresponding to itself among the engineering data held by the engineering device 20, and monitors the state of the primary device 40 by operating based on the downloaded setting data. The integrated controller 30 and the primary device 40 are connected to the engineering device 20 via a switching hub 25 and are installed on the same layer of the network NW.

[0019] The primary device 40 downloads, from the engineering device 20, the setting data corresponding to itself among the engineering data held by the engineering device 20, and monitors or controls subordinate secondary devices 50 by operating based on the downloaded setting data.

[0020] The secondary device 50 downloads, from the engineering device 20, the setting data corresponding to itself among the engineering data held by the engineering device 20, and monitors or controls subordinate devices by operating based on the downloaded setting data. The devices are installed in the facility and are composed of, for example, sensors, thermometers, motors, dampers, or power meters.

[0021] Next, a configuration example of the monitoring device 10 will be described with reference to FIG. 2. Hereinafter, among the configurations of the monitoring device 10, only the configuration related to the automatic change of the content of the setting items (the configuration of the information processing device) will be described.

[0022] As shown in FIG. 2, the monitoring device 10 includes a setting unit 101, a display control unit 102, a condition determination unit 103, a setting change unit 104, and a holding unit 105. The monitoring device 10 is also connected to a display device 60 such as a display.

[0023] The setting unit 101 sets the conditions and content of setting changes for the setting data set in the devices (primary device 40 and secondary device 50) communicably connected to itself, where the setting data includes a plurality of setting items, for each setting item or for each group formed by grouping a plurality of setting items.

[0024] For example, when the monitoring device 10 displays the setting data set in the devices communicably connected to itself on the display device 60, among the plurality of setting items included in the setting data, it groups specific setting items and has a function (grouping function) of displaying the setting items for each group.

[0025] For example, assume that the setting items included in the setting data for each of the plurality of secondary devices 50 include setting items for controlling the room temperature of an air conditioner (AHU: Air Handling Unit). In this case, the monitoring device 10 groups the setting items commonly set for each of the secondary devices 50 into a group named "AHU Room Temperature Control" and displays the grouped setting items on a management screen prepared in advance for administrators or the like. FIG. 3 shows a display example when the setting items grouped into a group named "AHU Room Temperature Control" are displayed on the management screen.

[0026] The grouping function is used, for example, in the following cases. Usually, when an administrator or the like uses the monitoring device 10 to display setting items on the display device 60, first, the device for which the setting items are to be displayed is selected from a predetermined screen. Next, among the setting data set in the device, the setting items that the administrator wishes to display are searched for and selected, and the selected setting items are displayed on the display device 60. On the other hand, there are cases where an administrator or the like wants to display, in a list across devices, not the setting items set in a certain specific device, but the setting items commonly set in a plurality of devices. In such cases, by using the above-mentioned grouping function, an administrator or the like can display, in a list, the setting items commonly set in a plurality of devices.

[0027] In addition, when an administrator or the like sets the conditions and content for setting changes to the setting data, for example, from the menu displayed at the upper part of the management screen shown in FIG. 3, a screen for setting the conditions and content (hereinafter, also referred to as the "condition setting screen") is called and displayed on the display device 60. Then, the setting unit 101 sets the conditions and content for setting changes according to the operations of the administrator or the like on the displayed condition setting screen.

[0028] The condition for setting changes is a condition for making setting changes. Examples of the condition for setting changes include, for example, date and time. In this case, when the date and time set as the condition arrives, setting changes to the setting data are made.

[0029] In addition, examples of the condition for setting changes include, for example, changes in other setting items other than the setting items that are the setting target of the condition, or changes in setting items included in other groups other than the group that is the setting target of the condition. In this case, when the above-mentioned other setting items change, or when the setting items included in the above-mentioned other groups change, setting changes to the setting data are made.

[0030] In addition, the content of the setting change is the content of the setting change made to the setting item or group that satisfies the conditions exemplified above. As the content of the setting change, for example, in the case of the setting change of the heating / cooling switching of the equipment, the change from cooling to heating or the change from heating to cooling can be cited.

[0031] The display control unit 102 causes the display device 60 to display a monitoring screen for monitoring the operation of the device according to an instruction from an administrator or the like. In addition, the display control unit 102 causes the display device 60 to display the management screen and the condition setting screen exemplified in FIG. 3 according to an instruction from an administrator or the like. The details of the condition setting screen will be described later.

[0032] In addition, when the setting change unit 104 makes a setting change to the setting item on the screen displayed on the display device 60, the display control unit 102 updates the screen. That is, the display control unit 102 causes the display device 60 to display a screen showing the setting data after the setting change based on the setting data after the setting change by the setting change unit 104.

[0033] The condition determination unit 103 determines whether there is a setting item or group that satisfies the setting change condition among the setting data set in the devices (the primary device 40 and the secondary device 50) based on the setting by the setting unit 101.

[0034] When the setting change unit 104 determines that there is a setting item or group that satisfies the setting change condition by the condition determination unit 103, the setting change unit 104 makes a setting change to the setting item or the setting items included in the group among the setting data set in the devices (the primary device 40 and the secondary device 50) based on the setting by the setting unit 101.

[0035] The holding unit 105 holds various data used in the monitoring device 10. For example, the holding unit 105 holds data indicating the conditions and content of the setting change set by the setting unit 101.

[0036] Note that the monitoring device 10 is realized by a processing circuit such as a system LSI (Large Scale Integration) or a CPU (Central Processing Unit) that executes a program stored in a memory or the like.

[0037] Further, the holding unit 105 is constituted by an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), a memory, or the like.

[0038] Also, in the above, the case where the holding unit 105 is provided inside the monitoring device 10 has been shown. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the holding unit 105 may be provided outside the monitoring device 10.

[0039] Next, an operation example of the monitoring device 10 according to the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 4. Note that the monitoring device 10 repeatedly executes the operations shown in the flowchart of FIG. 4 at predetermined intervals.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 4, first, the setting unit 101 sets conditions and contents for setting changes for the setting data set in the devices communicably connected to its own device, the setting data including a plurality of setting items, for each of the setting items or for each group of specific setting items grouped together (step ST401).

[0041] Specifically, first, the display control unit 102 displays the above-described management screen (see FIG. 3) on the display device 60 in response to an instruction from an administrator or the like. Here, the administrator or the like selects a menu for calling the above-described condition setting screen from the menu bar displayed at the top of the management screen. In response to this selection operation, the display control unit 102 causes the condition setting screen to be displayed on the display device 60.

[0042] An example of the condition setting screen is shown in FIG. 5. The condition setting screen shown in FIG. 5 is a screen for setting conditions and contents for setting changes to the setting data.

[0043] This condition setting screen is configured to include, for example, a condition specification area 501 displayed at the upper part of the screen and an exclusion list area 502 displayed at the lower part of the screen. Also, at the lower end of the condition setting screen, there are displayed a registration button 503 for registering the conditions and the like set in the condition specification area 501 and the exclusion list area 502, and a deletion button 504 for deleting the conditions and the like set in the condition specification area 501 and the exclusion list area 502.

[0044] In the condition specification area 501, it is possible to set specific conditions for setting changes and the content. For example, the condition specification area 501 is configured to include columns for execution cycle, execution timing, device, I / O object, and parameter value.

[0045] Among these, in the column for the execution cycle, the cycle for making setting changes is set. The cycle is, for example, annually, monthly, and daily, etc.

[0046] In the column for the execution timing, the date and time (only the time when the cycle is daily) for making setting changes is set.

[0047] In the column for the device, information regarding the device that is the target for making setting changes to the setting data is set. The information regarding the device is, for example, the UD code and the name.

[0048] In the column for the I / O object, information regarding the setting data (setting item) that is the target for making setting changes is set. The information regarding the setting data (setting item) is, for example, the object No, object identifier (type, group ID, instance ID, property ID, and property name), and display name.

[0049] In the column for the parameter value, the content of the setting change is set. For example, in the column for the parameter value, the current value of the setting item and the change value indicating how to change the current value are set.

[0050] In addition, in the exclusion list area 502, for each condition and content set in the condition specification area 501, it is possible to set the settings of the targets for which setting changes are not made (excluded) even when the conditions are met. For example, the exclusion list area 502 is configured to include columns for devices and I / O objects. That is, in the exclusion list area 502, the targets for which setting changes are not made are set in units of devices or setting items (I / O objects).

[0051] For example, when an administrator or the like has a device or a setting item (I / O object) for which they do not want to make a setting change even when the conditions set in the condition specification area 501 are met, they set the information regarding the device or the setting item in this exclusion list area 502. The settings in the exclusion list area 502 can be made for each condition set in the condition specification area 501.

[0052] Next, a setting example for the condition setting screen is shown in FIG. 6. In the condition setting screen shown in FIG. 6, two conditions and contents for setting changes are set in the condition specification area 501. This setting is, for example, manually input by an administrator or the like in the condition specification area 501.

[0053] Among these, for the first one, the execution cycle is set to "every year" and the execution timing is set to "10 / 20 21:00:01". In the column of the I / O object, the type is set to "BV (Binary Value)", the property ID is set to "10", the property name is set to "current value", and the display name is set to "heating / cooling switching". In the column of the parameter value, the change value is set to "0 heating".

[0054] Note that since no information (UD code and name) regarding the device is set for the first one, it is not a setting change for the setting item of a specific device, but a setting of the conditions and contents for the setting change in units of a group that groups the I / O object (setting item) with the type set to "BV", the property ID set to "10", the property name set to "current value", and the display name set to "heating / cooling switching" as one group.

[0055] That is, the first item indicates that when it reaches 21:00:01 on October 20th every year, among the setting items set in the devices (primary device 40 and secondary device 50), the I / O object (setting item) belonging to the above group, that is, the parameter value (setting value) of the I / O object with type "BV", property ID "10", property name "current value", and display name "heating / cooling switching" is changed to "0 heating".

[0056] Also, the second item is set with an execution cycle of "every year" and an execution timing of "04 / 21 21:00:01. In the column of the I / O object, the type is set to "BV", the property ID is "10", the property name is "current value", and the display name is set to "heating / cooling switching". In the column of the parameter value, the change value is set to "1 cooling".

[0057] Since no information about the device is set in this second item either, it is not a setting change for the setting items of a specific device, but rather a setting of the conditions and content of the setting change in the same group unit as the first item. That is, the second item indicates that when it reaches 21:00:01 on April 21st every year, among the setting items set in the devices (primary device 40 and secondary device 50), the parameter value of the I / O object (setting item) belonging to the above group, that is, the I / O object with type "BV", property ID "10", property name "current value", and display name "heating / cooling switching" is changed to "1 cooling".

[0058] Also, in the condition setting screen shown in FIG. 6, in the exclusion list area 502, 4 exclusion targets for the conditions of the first item are set. This setting is also performed, for example, by manual input by an administrator or the like in the exclusion list area 502.

[0059] Among these, for the first one, in the device column, the UD code is set to "100040" and the name is set to "DDC 040". In the I / O object column, the type is set to "BV", the property ID is "10", the property name is "Current Value", and the display name is set to "Cooling / Heating Switch".

[0060] That is, for the first one, even for the I / O object (setting item) belonging to the above group, namely the I / O object with the type of "BV", the property ID of "10", the property name of "Current Value", and the display name of "Cooling / Heating Switch", if it is set in the device with the UD code of "100040" and the name of "DDC 040", it indicates that no setting change is to be made.

[0061] Similarly, for the second one, even for the I / O object (setting item) belonging to the above group, if it is set in the device with the UD code of "100041" and the name of "DDC 041", it indicates that no setting change is to be made. The same applies to the third and fourth ones.

[0062] In addition, when the administrator or the like deletes the content set in the condition specification area 501 and the exclusion list area 502, they select the row to be deleted and press the delete button 504 displayed at the lower part of the screen. Thereby, the content set in the selected row is deleted.

[0063] Also, when the administrator or the like completes the setting for the condition setting screen, they press the registration button 503 displayed at the lower part of the screen. Thereby, the setting unit 101 registers the data indicating the conditions and content of the setting change and the data indicating the exclusion target in the holding unit 105.

[0064] In addition, when the delete button 504 is pressed by the administrator or the like and the setting of the exclusion target is deleted from the exclusion list area 502, the setting unit 101 deletes the data indicating the exclusion target from the holding unit 105 so as to include the setting item that was the exclusion target again in the target for making setting changes.

[0065] Here, an example is shown where the administrator or the like sets four items to be excluded for the first condition above. However, the setting of the items to be excluded for the second condition above can also be performed in the same manner as above.

[0066] Next, based on the setting by the setting unit 101, the condition determination unit 103 determines whether there is a setting item or group among the setting data set in the device that satisfies the condition for setting change (step ST402).

[0067] Here, the condition determination unit 103 checks whether the current date and time is 21:00:01 on October 20th or 21:00:01 on April 21st. If the current date and time is either of the above dates and times, it determines that there is a group that satisfies the condition for setting change (step ST402; YES). Then, the process proceeds to step ST403.

[0068] On the other hand, if the current date and time is not any of the above dates and times, the condition determination unit 103 determines that there is no group that satisfies the condition for setting change (step ST402; NO). Then, the monitoring device 10 ends the process.

[0069] Next, when it is determined by the setting change unit 104 that there is a setting item that satisfies the condition by the condition determination unit 103 (step ST402; YES), based on the setting by the setting unit 101, setting change is performed on the relevant setting item among the setting data set in the device (primary device 40 and secondary device 50), or the setting items included in the group (step ST403). At this time, when the setting item to be excluded is set by the setting unit 101, the setting change unit 104 does not perform setting change on the setting item that is the exclusion target even if the condition is satisfied.

[0070] For example, in the above example, if the current date and time is 21:00:01 on October 20th, the condition determination unit 103 determines that there is a group that satisfies the condition. Therefore, based on the settings by the setting unit 101, the setting change unit 104 changes the parameter value of the I / O object (setting item) belonging to the above group, that is, the I / O object with the type of "BV", the property ID of "10", the property name of "current value", and the display name of "heating / cooling switching", among the setting data set in the devices (primary device 40 and secondary device 50), to "0 heating". However, the setting change unit 104 does not change the parameter value of the above I / O object set in the four devices (DDC 040 to DDC 043) set as the exclusion targets.

[0071] Also, if the current date and time is 21:00:01 on April 21st, the condition determination unit 103 determines that there is a group that satisfies the condition. Therefore, based on the settings by the setting unit 101, the setting change unit 104 changes the parameter value of the I / O object (setting item) belonging to the above group, that is, the I / O object with the type of "BV", the property ID of "10", the property name of "current value", and the display name of "heating / cooling switching", among the setting data set in the device, to "1 cooling".

[0072] Note that the display names of the above I / O objects are not necessarily set as "heating / cooling switching" for all I / O objects. For example, there may be I / O objects set with names slightly different from other I / O objects, such as "heating / cooling changeover". Therefore, the setting change unit 104 may also target for setting changes not only I / O objects that exactly match the name set in the condition but also I / O objects that partially match. In that case, the administrator or the like may arbitrarily set the degree of match with the name set in the condition for which it is targeted for setting changes.

[0073] Note that the display control unit 102 may display information indicating the result of the setting change by the setting change unit 104 on the condition setting screen. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, the display control unit 102 may display on the condition setting screen the total number of setting items targeted for the setting change by the setting change unit 104 and the breakdown thereof (the number of setting items for which the setting change was successfully made (success), and the number of setting items for which the setting change was not successfully made (failure)).

[0074] Specifically, for example, when the setting change unit 104 makes a setting change in step ST403, it counts the number of setting items for which the setting change was successfully made and the number of setting items for which the setting change was not successfully made. As a case where the setting change is not successfully made, for example, a case where the data of the setting item to be changed is damaged for some reason can be considered. Further, the setting change unit 104 sets the total of the number of setting items for which the setting change was successfully made and the number of setting items for which the setting change was not successfully made as the total number of setting items for which the setting change was made.

[0075] Then, based on the number of setting items counted by the setting change unit 104, the display control unit 102 displays on the condition setting screen the total number of setting items targeted for the setting change by the setting change unit 104 and the breakdown thereof, as shown in FIG. 7. Thereby, an administrator or the like can easily confirm the result of the setting change.

[0076] In addition, the display control unit 102 may display on the condition setting screen, in response to an instruction from an administrator or the like, as more detailed results, a list of setting items targeted for the setting change by the setting change unit 104 and the contents of the setting values before and after the change for each setting item. Thereby, an administrator or the like does not need to confirm whether the setting change was successfully made by displaying each setting item on the display screen one by one, and the convenience is improved.

[0077] Note that in the above description, an example is shown in which an administrator or the like manually inputs an exclusion target to the exclusion list area 502 of the condition setting screen. However, if there are many exclusion targets to be input, this input operation may be somewhat complicated for an administrator or the like.

[0078] Therefore, for example, on the condition setting screen, the display control unit 102 may display a button 801 for displaying a list of setting items to be set for change when the conditions are met, as shown in FIG. 8.

[0079] When this button 801 is pressed by an administrator or the like, the display control unit 102 causes a list 802 of setting items to be set for change when the conditions are met to be displayed on the display device. Then, the administrator or the like selects, with a mouse, a target for which no setting change is to be made from this list 802, and as indicated by the arrow in FIG. 8, drags the selected target directly to the exclusion list area 502. Then, when the selected target is dragged to the exclusion list area 502, the setting unit 101 makes the setting for the exclusion target. Thereby, the complexity of the setting work for the exclusion target is reduced for an operator or the like.

[0080] In the above description, an example in which the devices to be set for conditions and the like by the setting unit 101 and the devices to be set for change by the setting change unit 104 are the primary device 40 and the secondary device 50 has been described. However, the devices to be set for conditions and the like by the setting unit 101 and the devices to be set for change by the setting change unit 104 are not limited to this, and in addition to the primary device 40 and the secondary device 50, the integrated controller 30 may be included.

[0081] Further, in the above description, a case where the monitoring device 10 has the function of an information processing device has been shown. However, it is not limited to this, and the engineering device 20 may have the function of an information processing device. Further, the information processing device may be configured as a device separate from the monitoring device 10 and the engineering device 20.

[0082] As described above, according to the first embodiment, the information processing apparatus (monitoring apparatus 10) includes a setting unit 101 that sets setting change conditions and contents for setting data set in a device communicably connected to the own device, the setting data including a plurality of setting items, for each of the setting items or for each group formed by grouping a plurality of setting items; a condition determination unit 103 that determines whether there is a setting item or group that satisfies the conditions among the setting data based on the settings by the setting unit 101; and a setting change unit 104 that performs a setting change on the setting item or the setting items included in the group among the setting data based on the settings by the setting unit 101 when it is determined by the condition determination unit 103 that there is a setting item or group that satisfies the conditions. Thereby, the information processing apparatus according to the first embodiment can reduce the workload related to setting changes for the setting data as compared with the prior art.

[0083] Further, the condition for setting change set by the setting unit 101 is the date and time. Thereby, the information processing apparatus according to the first embodiment can perform setting changes on the setting data in accordance with the change of seasons or the like.

[0084] Further, the condition for setting change set by the setting unit 101 is a change in other setting items other than the setting item for which the condition is set, or a change in setting items included in other groups other than the group for which the condition is set. Thereby, the information processing apparatus according to the first embodiment can realize a setting change triggered by a change in other setting items, and the convenience is improved.

[0085] Further, when setting the setting change conditions and contents for each group formed by grouping a plurality of setting items, the setting unit 101 can set a setting item to be excluded from the setting change target (not to perform a setting change) even when the condition is satisfied. Thereby, the information processing apparatus according to the first embodiment can exclude any setting item in the group from the setting change target, and the convenience is improved.

[0086] Second Embodiment. In Embodiment 1, the monitoring device 10 sets the conditions and content for setting changes to be made to the setting items, and shows the case where the setting changes are automatically made to the setting items that satisfy the conditions. On the other hand, in Embodiment 2, a configuration will be described in which the monitoring device 10 extracts the setting items for which setting changes have been repeatedly made based on the past operation logs, and proposes the conditions and content to the administrator or the like.

[0087] In the following, as in Embodiment 1, the case where the monitoring device 10 has the functions of an information processing device will be described. However, the same applies to other cases (the case where the engineering device 20 has the functions of an information processing device, and the case where the information processing device is configured separately from the monitoring device 10 and the engineering device 20).

[0088] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the monitoring device 10b according to Embodiment 2. In the monitoring device 10b according to Embodiment 2 shown in this FIG. 9, an extraction unit 106 and a notification unit 107 are added to the monitoring device 10 according to Embodiment 1 shown in FIG. 2. Other configurations of the monitoring device 10b are the same as those of the monitoring device 10 according to Embodiment 1, and only the different parts will be described with the same reference numerals.

[0089] Note that the holding unit 105 in Embodiment 2 has a function of holding the past operation logs in addition to the functions of the holding unit 105 in Embodiment 1.

[0090] Specifically, for example, the setting change unit 104 registers, in the holding unit 105 as an operation log, data indicating the change result when the setting change is made. The holding unit 105 holds the operation logs registered by the setting change unit 104. Note that, in addition to the data indicating the result of the setting change by the setting change unit 104, the holding unit 105 may also hold, as an operation log, data indicating the result when the administrator or the like manually makes a setting change to a certain setting item.

[0091] Based on the past operation logs held by the holding unit 105, the extraction unit 106 extracts the setting items and the content of the changes for which setting changes have been repeatedly made among the setting data set in the device. Further, the extraction unit 106 extracts the conditions for setting changes based on the past operation logs held by the holding unit 105. In this case, the number of repetitions indicating when to target extraction by the extraction unit 106 when the setting change is repeated a certain number of times can be appropriately set by an administrator or the like.

[0092] Based on the extraction result by the extraction unit 106, the notification unit 107 issues a notification prompting to set the conditions and content of the setting change for the setting items for which the setting change has been repeatedly made. The mode of notification by the notification unit 107 is not particularly limited. For example, based on the extraction result by the extraction unit 106, the notification unit 107 generates text data describing the specific conditions and content of the setting change, and may notify the administrator or the like by instructing the display control unit 102 to display the generated text data on the display device 60.

[0093] Alternatively, based on the extraction result by the extraction unit 106, the notification unit 107 generates data of a condition setting screen displaying the specific conditions and content of the setting change, and may notify the administrator or the like by instructing the display control unit 102 to display the generated condition setting screen on the display device 60.

[0094] Also, the setting unit 101 in the second embodiment may set the conditions and content of the setting change for the setting data according to an instruction from an administrator or the like in response to the notification by the notification unit 107. That is, when an administrator or the like requests to perform condition setting as per the notification in response to the notification by the notification unit 107, the setting unit 101 in the second embodiment may be configured to set the conditions and content of the setting change along with the notification for the setting data in response to the request.

[0095] Next, an operation example of the monitoring device 10b according to Embodiment 2 will be described. Here, as a specific example, it is assumed that the operation log held in the holding unit 105 is in a state as shown in FIG. 10, for example. According to this operation log, for an I / O object (setting item) whose I / O object type is "BV", property ID is "10", and display name is "heating / cooling switching", the parameter value has been changed to "0 heating" in a plurality of devices. And thus, it can be inferred that the I / O objects (setting items) for which setting changes have been similarly made in many devices are those for which batch setting changes are to be made.

[0096] Therefore, based on the past operation log, the extraction unit 106 extracts the setting items and the change contents in the setting data for which setting changes have been repeatedly made. Note that the setting items to be extracted by the extraction unit 106 are, for example, I / O objects (setting items) in which the I / O object type, property ID, and display name are the same and the parameter value (setting value) has been changed to the same value. At this time, the extraction unit 106 performs extraction across a plurality of devices.

[0097] For example, when the operation log held in the holding unit 105 is in the state shown in FIG. 10, the extraction unit 106 extracts that the parameter value of the I / O object (setting item) whose type is "BV", property ID is "10", and display name is "heating / cooling switching" has been changed to "0 heating" as the setting items and the change contents for which setting changes have been repeatedly made.

[0098] In addition, the extraction unit 106 extracts the conditions for setting changes based on the past operation log. For example, when the operation log held in the holding unit 105 is in the state shown in FIG. 10, the extraction unit 106 extracts that setting changes are made around October 20th of each year as the conditions for setting changes.

[0099] Then, based on the extraction result by the extraction unit 106, the notification unit 107 issues a notification prompting the setting of the conditions and content of the setting change for the setting items for which the setting change is repeatedly performed. For example, as shown in FIG. 11, based on the extraction result by the extraction unit 106, the notification unit 107 generates data showing a condition setting screen in which conditions and content are input in the condition specification area 501, and instructs the display control unit 102 to display the generated data on the display device 60 of the condition setting screen, thereby notifying the administrator or the like. In other words, the notification unit 107 may propose the conditions and content of the setting change to the administrator or the like via the condition setting screen.

[0100] In the example of FIG. 11, in the first item of the condition specification area 501, the execution cycle is set to "every year", the execution timing is set to "10 / 20 21:00:01", in the column of the I / O object, the type is set to "BV", the property ID is set to "10", the property name is set to "current value", the display name is set to "heating / cooling switching", and in the column of the parameter value, the change value is set to "0 heating".

[0101] Also, at this time, the extraction unit 106 may extract I / O objects (setting items) in which the parameter values have not been changed among at least the I / O objects of the same type in the setting data based on the past operation logs. Further, as shown in FIG. 11, the notification unit 107 generates data showing a condition setting screen in which the extracted I / O objects (setting items) are input in the exclusion list area 502, and instructs the display control unit 102 to display the generated data on the display device 60 of the condition setting screen, thereby notifying the administrator or the like.

[0102] In this way, among the setting data, for I / O objects with at least the same type, I / O objects whose parameter values have not been changed may have been missed from the objects to be changed when setting changes were made in the past. Therefore, the notification unit 107 generates data indicating a condition setting screen in which such I / O objects (setting items) are input to the exclusion list area 502, and instructs the display control unit 102 to display the condition setting screen based on the generated data on the display device 60, so as to prompt an administrator or the like to confirm whether the I / O object has been missed from the objects to be changed.

[0103] Similarly, the extraction unit 106 may extract I / O objects (setting items) among the setting data whose parameter values have been changed to parameter values different from other parameter values among I / O objects with at least the same type based on past operation logs. Further, the notification unit 107 generates data indicating a condition setting screen in which the extracted I / O objects (setting items) are input to the exclusion list area 502, and may notify an administrator or the like by instructing the display control unit 102 to display the condition setting screen based on the generated data on the display device 60.

[0104] In this way, among the setting data, for I / O objects with at least the same type, I / O objects whose parameter values have been changed to parameter values different from other parameter values may have been intentionally changed to parameter values different from other parameter values when setting changes were made in the past. Therefore, the notification unit 107 generates data indicating a condition setting screen in which such I / O objects (setting items) are input to the exclusion list area 502, and instructs the display control unit 102 to display the condition setting screen based on the generated data on the display device 60, so as to prompt an administrator or the like to confirm whether the I / O object should also be an exclusion target this time.

[0105] On the one hand, managers and the like check the condition setting screen displayed as shown in Fig. 11. If there are no problems, they press the registration button 503 displayed at the bottom of the condition setting screen. On the other hand, if there are points to be corrected in the conditions and content entered in the condition specification area 501, managers and the like make predetermined corrections and press the registration button 503. Thereby, the setting unit 101 registers data indicating the conditions and content of the setting change in the holding unit 105.

[0106] Thereby, in the monitoring device 10b according to the second embodiment, in addition to the effects of the first embodiment, it is possible to efficiently propose the conditions and content of the setting change to managers and the like, and efficient setting change becomes possible.

[0107] Also, in the monitoring device 10b according to the second embodiment, by performing extraction by the extraction unit 106 as described above and performing notification by the notification unit 107 based on the extraction result, among at least I / O objects of the same type, it is possible to find I / O objects (setting items) whose parameter values have not been changed and notify managers and the like. Such I / O objects were originally supposed to have their parameter values changed, but there is a possibility that they have been missed from the change targets. In this regard, in the monitoring device 10b according to the second embodiment, as described above, among at least I / O objects of the same type, it is possible to easily find I / O objects (setting items) whose parameter values have not been changed and notify managers and the like, and prevent the occurrence of omission from the change targets.

[0108] Also, in the monitoring device 10b according to the second embodiment, by performing extraction by the extraction unit 106 as described above and performing notification by the notification unit 107 based on the extraction result, managers and the like can grasp I / O objects whose parameter values have been changed to parameter values different from other parameter values among at least I / O objects of the same type, and can easily confirm whether the I / O objects should also be excluded this time.

[0109] In the above description, an example has been described in which the extraction target setting items by the extraction unit 106 are I / O objects (setting items) in which the type, property ID, and display name of the I / O object are the same and have been changed to the same parameter value (setting value). However, the extraction unit 106 is not limited to this. In addition to the type, property ID, and display name of the I / O object, for example, the property name and instance ID may also be the same, and the I / O object (setting item) in which the parameter value (setting value) has been changed to the same may be the extraction target.

[0110] In the above description, an example has been described in which the notification unit 107 generates data indicating a condition setting screen in which the execution timing in the condition specification area 501 is set to "10 / 20 21:00:01" based on the extraction result by the extraction unit 106, and instructs the display control unit 102 to display the generated data on the display device 60 of the condition setting screen, thereby performing the notification.

[0111] However, in addition to this, the notification unit 107 may, for example, measure the communication status (congestion status) on the facility monitoring system 1 and generate data indicating a condition setting screen in which the execution timing taking into account the communication status is set. For example, the notification unit 107 may generate data indicating a condition setting screen in which the execution timing is set to a late-night time when the communication status (congestion status) on the facility monitoring system 1 is relatively good compared to other time zones. Thereby, the notification unit 107 can further notify (propose) more useful condition setting changes to the administrator or the like.

[0112] In addition to the above, the notification unit 107 may, for example, read weather forecast data processed in CSV format and generate data indicating a condition setting screen in which the execution timing taking into account the weather trend is set. For example, the notification unit 107 may generate data indicating a condition setting screen in which the execution timing is set to a date and time when the temperature or humidity is expected to fall below (or exceed) a threshold value. Thereby, the notification unit 107 can further notify (propose) more useful condition setting changes to the administrator or the like.

[0113] As described above, according to the second embodiment, the information processing apparatus (monitoring apparatus 10b) includes an extraction unit 106 that extracts, based on past operation logs, among the setting data, the setting items for which setting changes have been repeatedly made, the content of the setting changes, and the conditions for the setting changes, and a notification unit 107 that, based on the extraction result by the extraction unit 106, issues a notification prompting the setting of the conditions and content of the setting changes for the setting items for which setting changes have been repeatedly made. Thereby, in addition to the effects of the first embodiment, the information processing apparatus according to the second embodiment can efficiently propose the conditions and content of setting changes to an administrator or the like, enabling efficient setting changes.

[0114] Further, the extraction target by the extraction unit 106 when the setting item is an I / O object is an I / O object in which the type, property ID, and display name of the I / O object are the same and the setting has been changed to the same content. Thereby, the information processing apparatus according to the second embodiment can appropriately extract the tendency of setting changes of the I / O object that is the setting item from past operation logs.

[0115] Also, the setting unit 101, in response to an operation of an administrator or the like (user) with respect to the notification by the notification unit 107, sets the conditions and content of the setting changes for each setting item or for each group of a plurality of setting items grouped together in the setting data based on the notification. Thereby, an administrator or the like can easily set the conditions and content of the setting changes by operating in response to the notification.

[0116] Note that within the scope of the present disclosure, any free combination of the embodiments, or any modification of any component of each embodiment, or any omission of any component in each embodiment is possible.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0117] 1 Facility Monitoring System 10, 10b Monitoring Apparatus 20 Engineering Apparatus 25 Switching Hub 30 Integrated Controller 40 Primary Device 50 Secondary Device 60 Display Device 101 Setting Unit 102 Display Control Unit 103 Condition Judgment Unit 104 Setting Change Unit 105 Holding Unit 106 Extraction Unit 107 Notification Unit 501 Condition Specification Area 502 Exclusion List Area 503 Registration Button 504 Deletion Button 801 List Display Button 802 List of Setting Items NW Network

Claims

1. Data set in a device communicably connected to its own device, for setting conditions and contents of setting changes for each setting item or for each group formed by grouping a plurality of setting items in the setting data including a plurality of setting items, a setting unit; A condition determination unit that determines whether there is a setting item or group that satisfies the condition among the setting data based on the setting by the setting unit; When it is determined by the condition determination unit that there is a setting item or group that satisfies the condition, a setting change unit that makes a setting change to the setting item or the setting items included in the group in the setting data based on the setting by the setting unit; An extraction unit that extracts, based on past operation logs, setting items in which setting changes have been repeatedly made, contents of the setting changes, and conditions of the setting changes from the setting data; A notification unit that issues a notification prompting setting of conditions and contents of setting changes for setting items in which setting changes have been repeatedly made based on the extraction result by the extraction unit. An information processing apparatus characterized by the above.

2. The condition for setting change set by the setting unit is the date and time. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized by the above.

3. The condition for setting change set by the setting unit is a change in other setting items than the setting item for which the condition is set, or a change in setting items included in other groups than the group for which the condition is set. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized by the above.

4. When setting conditions and contents of setting changes for each group formed by grouping a plurality of setting items, the setting unit can set setting items to be excluded from the target of setting change even when the condition is satisfied. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by the above.

5. When the setting item is an I / O object indicating the setting content of the device, the extraction target by the extraction unit is an I / O object in which the type, property ID, and display name of the I / O object are the same and the setting has been changed to the same content. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that.

6. The setting unit sets the conditions and content of the setting change for each setting item or for each group of a plurality of setting items grouped together in the setting data based on the notification by the notification unit in response to the user's operation on the notification. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 5, characterized in that.

7. An information processing method by an information processing apparatus, A step in which a setting unit sets conditions and content for setting changes for each setting item or for each group of a plurality of setting items grouped together in setting data that is data set in a device communicably connected to its own device, A step in which a condition determination unit determines whether there is a setting item or group that satisfies the condition among the setting data based on the setting by the setting unit, A step in which a setting change unit, when it is determined by the condition determination unit that there is a setting item or group that satisfies the condition, makes a setting change to the setting item or the setting items included in the group in the setting data based on the setting by the setting unit, A step in which an extraction unit extracts, based on past operation logs, the setting items in the setting data for which setting changes have been repeatedly made, the content of the setting changes, and the conditions for the setting changes, A step in which a notification unit issues a notification prompting the setting of the conditions and content of the setting change for the setting items for which setting changes have been repeatedly made based on the extraction result by the extraction unit, An information processing method having the above steps.

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