Information providing apparatus, information providing program, device registration system, and device registration method

Abstract

To facilitate the execution of communication settings of devices.SOLUTION: A provisioning server 10 acquires identification information of a device with which destination information indicating the location of a destination to which data is to be sent from the device is associated, receives a query for the destination information from the device, and notifies the device requesting the query of the destination information associated with the identification information of the device requesting the query.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an information providing apparatus, an information providing program, a device registration system, and a device registration method.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a technique using a cloud environment for collecting data from various devices such as gateway devices, sensor devices, and control devices installed in a plant or the like is known.

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, in constructing a data collection system using a cloud environment, it is difficult to easily execute communication settings for devices. This is because, in the prior art, individual settings are required for each layer of communication connection in the cloud environment, gateway devices, sensor devices, etc., and the engineering burden is large.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above, and an object thereof is to easily execute communication settings for devices.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The present invention provides an information providing apparatus including: an acquisition unit that acquires identification information of the device to which transmission destination information indicating a location to which data is to be transmitted from the device is associated; a reception unit that receives an inquiry of the transmission destination information from the device; and a notification unit that notifies the device that is the source of the inquiry of the transmission destination information associated with the identification information of the device that is the source of the inquiry.

[0007] Furthermore, the present invention provides an information providing program that causes a computer to execute a process of acquiring identification information of the device to which destination information indicating the location where data is to be transmitted from the device is associated, receiving an inquiry of the destination information from the device, and notifying the device that is the source of the inquiry of the destination information associated with the identification information of the device that is the source of the inquiry.

[0008] In addition, the present invention provides an equipment registration system including an information management device that executes a specified process on data received from a device and an information providing device. The information management device includes a transmission unit that transmits to the information providing device the identification information of the device to be collected, the destination information indicating the transmission destination of the data, and the identification information of the device associated with the destination information. The information providing device includes an acquisition unit that acquires the identification information from the information management device, a reception unit that receives an inquiry of the destination information from the device, and a notification unit that notifies the device that is the source of the inquiry of the destination information associated with the identification information of the device that is the source of the inquiry.

[0009] In addition, the present invention provides an equipment registration method executed by an equipment registration system including an information management device that executes a specified process on data received from a device and an information providing device. The process includes: the information management device transmitting to the information providing device the identification information of the device to be collected, the destination information indicating the transmission destination of the data, and the identification information of the device associated with the destination information; and the information providing device acquiring the identification information from the information management device, receiving an inquiry of the destination information from the device, and notifying the device that is the source of the inquiry of the destination information associated with the identification information of the device that is the source of the inquiry.

Advantages of the Invention

[0010] According to the present invention, there is an effect that the communication settings of the device can be easily executed.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0011]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0012] Hereinafter, an information providing device, an information providing program, a device registration system, and a device registration method 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.

[0013] 〔Embodiment〕 Hereinafter, the configuration of the device registration 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.

[0014] 〔1. Configuration of Device Registration System 100〕 Using FIG. 1, the configuration of the device registration system 100 according to the embodiment will be described in detail. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the device registration system 100 according to the embodiment. Hereinafter, a configuration example of the entire device registration system 100, the processing of the device registration system 100, and the problems of the device registration system 100P of the related art will be described in order, and finally, the effects of the device registration system 100 will be described. In the embodiment, factory production remote monitoring using plant devices, which are devices installed in a plant, will be described as an example, but the devices and application fields are not limited, and it can also be applied to environmental measurement remote monitoring such as power monitoring, wind power generation, water and sewage monitoring, and river monitoring.

[0015] (1-1. Configuration Example of the Entire Device Registration System 100) The device registration system 100 includes a provisioning server 10 which is an information providing device, an application server 20 which is an information management device, a receiving server 30 which is an information collection device, and plant devices 40 (gateway device 40A, sensor device 40B, control device 40C). Here, the provisioning server 10, the application server 20, and the receiving server 30 are constructed in a cloud environment. Also, the plant devices 40 are installed in the plant.

[0016] The device registration system 100 shown in FIG. 1 may include a plurality of provisioning servers 10, a plurality of application servers 20, or a plurality of receiving servers 30. Also, the application server 20 may have a configuration integrated with the receiving server 30.

[0017] (1-2. Processing of the Entire Device Registration System 100) The processing of the entire device registration system 100 as described above will be described. Note that the following steps S1 to S7 can also be executed in a different order. Also, among the following steps S1 to S7, some processing may be omitted.

[0018] (1-2-1. Device Information Setting Processing) Engineer E, who is an administrator of the machine registration system 100, sets device information in the application server 20 (step S1). For example, engineer E executes settings for the gateway device 40A, the sensor device 40B, the control device 40C, etc. on a network map that performs the logical configuration of the network. At this time, in the application server 20, as device information, identification information of the plant device 40 such as the hardware identification number, location information of the plant device 40 such as the global IP (Internet Protocol) address and the telephone number of the cellular line, and application information regarding the application that uses the plant information collected by the plant device 40 are registered. Further, in the application server 20, destination information regarding the receiving server 30 to which each device transmits is also registered.

[0019] (1-2-2. Device Information Registration Process) The application server 20 transmits the device information and the destination information to the provisioning server 10 (step S2). At this time, in the provisioning server 10, as device information, the identification information of the plant device 40, the location information of the plant device 40, etc. are registered.

[0020] (1-2-3. Connection Destination Inquiry Process) The plant device 40 transmits an inquiry about the communication connection destination (information transmission destination) of the plant device 40 to the provisioning server 10 (step S3). At this time, the plant device 40 transmits the identification information of the plant device 40 together with the inquiry about the communication connection destination to the provisioning server 10. Also, the plant device 40 connects based on the location information of the provisioning server 10 incorporated in the parameters of the storage area of the plant device 40 at the time of factory shipment, and requests the destination information, which is the location information of the receiving server 30 that is the communication connection destination, from the provisioning server 10. For example, the plant device 40 connects to the provisioning server 10 based on the global IP address or URL (Uniform Resource Locator) stored in the storage area by turning on the power, and requests the destination information of the receiving server 30.

[0021] (1-2-4. Connection Destination Response Processing) The provisioning server 10 transmits the response of the communication connection destination of the plant device 40 to the plant device 40 (step S4). At this time, the provisioning server 10 permits the connection of the plant device 40 using the device information as a whitelist, and transmits the destination information, which is the location information of the receiving server 30 such as the global IP address and URL, to the permitted plant device 40. That is, the provisioning server 10 determines whether the identification information acquired from the plant device 40 in step S3 above is included in the device information. Here, the provisioning server 10 permits the connection when the identification information is included in the device information, and does not permit the connection when the identification information is not included in the device information.

[0022] (1-2-5. Device Information Deletion Processing) The provisioning server 10 deletes the device information of the plant device 40 (step S5). At this time, the provisioning server 10 deletes the device information of the plant device 40 to which the destination information has been transmitted. In addition, the provisioning server 10 deletes the device information for which a predetermined period has elapsed since the acquisition of the device information in step S2 above.

[0023] (1-2-6. Plant Information Collection Processing) The plant device 40 transmits the plant information to the receiving server 30 of the communication connection destination (information transmission destination) (step S6). At this time, the plant device 40 changes the connection destination from the provisioning server 10 to the receiving server 30, and periodically transmits the plant information such as measurement data and control data acquired from the plant to the receiving server 30.

[0024] (1-2-7. Plant Information Registration Processing) The receiving server 30 transmits the received plant information to the application server 20 (step S7). Then, the plant information received by the application server 20 is operated by the application on the application server 20.

[0025] (1-3. Machine Registration System 100P) Using FIG. 2, after explaining the outline of the device registration process as the prior art, the problems of the prior art will be described. FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the device registration system of the prior art.

[0026] (1-3-1. Outline of the Prior Art Device Registration Process) As shown in FIG. 2, the device registration system 100P includes an application server 20, a reception server 30, and plant devices 40 (gateway device 40A, sensor device 40B, control device 40C). Here, the application server 20 and the reception server 30 are constructed in a cloud environment. Also, the plant devices 40 are installed in the plant. Hereinafter, the device registration processes 1 and 2 related to the device registration system 100P will be described.

[0027] (1-3-1-1. Device Registration Process 1) In the device registration process 1, for communication-related settings such as the setting of the cloud environment, the setting of the gateway device 40A which is a communication device, and the setting of the sensor device 40B and the control device 40C connected to the gateway device 40A, are required for each connection layer by on-site engineering. Also, in the device registration process 1, for the settings for each layer, it is necessary to confirm the system consistency between the respective layers. That is, in the device registration process 1, communication settings for performing communication from the gateway device 40A to the upper side are performed. Also, in the device registration process 1, the setting of the devices to which the gateway device 40A connects to the upper side is carried out. At this time, in the device registration process 1, the setting is performed by priority connection to the gateway device 40A, the sensor device 40B, etc., or by local wireless connection.

[0028] (1-3-1-2. Device Registration Process 2) In the device registration process 2, when engineering settings are not to be performed, a method of setting at the factory at the time of shipment can also be implemented. At this time, in the device registration process 2, the input of the settings of the gateway device 40A and the cloud environment can also be simplified by using the QR code (registered trademark) etc. attached to the sensor device 40B and the gateway device 40A.

[0029] (1-3-2. Problems of the device registration process of the reference technology) Hereinafter, regarding the problems of the device registration process of the reference technology, problem 1 in the case of performing engineering on-site (device registration process 1) and problem 2 in the case of completing the settings at the time of shipment (device registration process 2) will be described.

[0030] (1-3-2-1. Problem 1) In the device registration system 100P, when performing engineering on-site, there are the following problems. First, individual settings are required for each layer of communication connection, knowledge of communication settings for on-site work is required, and knowledge of communication and cloud environment for on-site engineering is required, so there is a limitation on the personnel who can perform engineering. Second, device settings for each layer are required, and as the number of connected devices increases, a huge amount of engineering man-hours are required on-site, such as for the cloud environment, gateway device 40A, sensor device 40B, etc. Third, the information set for each layer needs to be confirmed for overall consistency, and a lot of man-hours are also required for the confirmation work. Also, it is necessary to ensure that there are no contradictions in the settings of the connection source and the connection destination. Fourth, as the number of devices increases, management becomes complicated, mis-inputs increase, and man-hours for rollback are required. Fifth, since individual settings are made, even when performing a plurality of similar settings, it takes time to set them individually.

[0031] (1-3-2-2. Problem 2) In the equipment registration system 100P, when engineering is not performed on-site or when the settings are completed at the time of shipment, there are the following problems. That is, if it is not handled by on-site engineering, problems such as the URL of the cloud environment and the setting work of the gateway device 40A cannot be shipped until the customer's usage method is determined, the delivery time is long, and the production process becomes complicated will occur.

[0032] (1-4. Effects of the equipment registration system 100) Below, after explaining the outline of the equipment registration system 100 according to the embodiment, the effects of the equipment registration system 100 will be explained.

[0033] (1-4-1. Outline of the equipment registration system 100) In the equipment registration system 100, the provisioning server 10 acquires equipment information in which the identification information of the plant equipment 40 and the destination information indicating the location of the receiving server 30 to which the plant equipment 40 transmits data are associated, receives an inquiry of the destination information from the plant equipment 40, and based on the equipment information, notifies the plant equipment 40, which is the source of the inquiry, of the destination information associated with the identification information of the plant equipment 40 that is the source of the inquiry.

[0034] Also, the provisioning server 10 acquires equipment information from each of the plurality of application servers 20 that hold equipment information regarding plant equipment for which plant information such as sensor values is to be collected. Also, the provisioning server 10 receives an inquiry based on the location information that specifies the inquiry destination, which is set at the shipment stage before the plant equipment 40 is installed in the plant. Also, the provisioning server 10 determines whether the identification information of the plant equipment 40 that is the source of the inquiry is registered in the equipment information. If it is registered, it notifies the plant equipment 40 of the destination information, and if it is not registered, it outputs a warning indicating that it is not registered. Further, the provisioning server 10 stores the acquired equipment information, and deletes the equipment information of the plant equipment 40 for which the destination information has been notified, or the equipment information for which a predetermined time has elapsed after acquisition, among the stored equipment information.

[0035] As described above, the device registration system 100 can simplify the engineering work related to device settings on-site and centrally manage the overall consistency. Also, the device registration system 100 can connect to a specific cloud just by turning on the power without setting the shipped device on-site.

[0036] (1-4-2. Effects of the Device Registration System 100) In the device registration system 100, there are the following effects. First, since what is set in the cloud application is reflected in the lower-level system, the setting information is centrally managed and the consistency is not disrupted. Second, since on-site setting work is unnecessary, a significant reduction in engineering can be achieved. Third, since engineering work such as writing setting information to hardware on-site does not occur, on-site installation can be enabled without requiring engineer E to have knowledge such as advanced communication settings. Fourth, since the application is managed, copying of settings becomes possible, and the input load on engineer E can be reduced. Fifth, since the setting data of the provisioning server 10 is deleted after use, the device information is centrally managed only by the application server 20. As described above, the device registration system 100 can easily execute the communication settings of the device.

[0037] [2. Configuration of Each Device of the Device Registration System 100] Using FIG. 3, the functional configurations of each device included in the device registration system 100 shown in FIG. 1 will be described. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of each device according to the embodiment. Hereinafter, after explaining the configuration example of the entire device registration system 100 according to the embodiment, the configuration examples of the provisioning server 10, application server 20, reception server 30, and plant device 40 according to the embodiment will be described in detail.

[0038] (2-1. Configuration Example of the Entire Device Registration System 100) As shown in FIG. 3, the device registration system 100 includes a provisioning server 10, an application server 20, a receiving server 30, and a plant device 40. The provisioning server 10, the application server 20, and the receiving server 30 are communicably connected by a predetermined communication network in a cloud environment. Further, the plant device 40 has a communication function that enables communication via a communication network N such as a mobile phone network.

[0039] Note that the provisioning server 10, the application server 20, and the receiving server 30 are not limited to server devices constructed in a cloud environment, and may be physical servers, virtual machines, containers, or the like.

[0040] (2-2. Configuration Example of Provisioning Server 10) First, a configuration example of the provisioning server 10, which is an information providing device, will be described with reference to FIG. 3. The provisioning server 10 includes a communication unit 11, a storage unit 12, and a control unit 13. Note that the provisioning server 10 may have an input unit (e.g., a keyboard, a mouse, etc.) that receives various operations from an engineer E who is an administrator of the device registration system 100, and a display unit (e.g., a liquid crystal display, etc.) for displaying various information.

[0041] (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. Further, the communication unit 11 can perform data communication with a terminal of an operator (not shown).

[0042] (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 has a device information storage unit 12a. 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. 3, the storage unit 12 is installed inside the provisioning server 10, but it may be installed outside the provisioning server 10, or a plurality of storage units may be installed.

[0043] (2-2-2-1. Device Information Storage Unit 12a) The device information storage unit 12a stores the device information and the transmission destination information transmitted from the application server 20. Here, an example of the information stored in the device information storage unit 12a will be described with reference to FIG. 4. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the device information storage unit 12a of the provisioning server 10 according to the embodiment. In the example of FIG. 4, the device information storage unit 12a has items such as "device ID", "device transmission destination information", and "server transmission destination information".

[0044] The "device ID" indicates identification information for identifying the plant device 40, for example, the identification number of the plant device 40. The "device transmission destination information" indicates location information for specifying the location in the communication connection of the plant device 40, for example, the global IP address of the plant device 40, the phone number of the cellular line, etc. The "server connection destination information" indicates location information for specifying the location in the communication connection of the receiving server 30, for example, the global IP address of the receiving server 30, the URL, etc.

[0045] That is, in FIG. 4, for the plant device 40 identified by the device ID "Device A", the device destination information is "AAA.AA.AAA.A" and the server destination information is "aaa.aa.aaa.a". For the plant device 40 identified by the device ID "Device C", an example is shown where the device destination information is "CCC.CC.CCC.C" and the server destination information is "ccc.cc.ccc.c". Note that the device information stored in the device information storage unit 12a is appropriately deleted by the deletion unit 13d of the control unit 13 described later.

[0046] (2-2-3. Control Unit 13) The control unit 13 controls the entire provisioning server 10. The control unit 13 includes an acquisition unit 13a, a reception unit 13b, a notification unit 13c, and a deletion unit 13d. 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).

[0047] (2-2-3-1. Acquisition Unit 13a) The acquisition unit 13a acquires the identification information of the device to which the destination information indicating the destination to which data is to be transmitted from the device is associated. For example, the acquisition unit 13a acquires device information in which the identification information of each of a plurality of devices is associated with the destination information indicating the destination for transmitting the plant information of each of the plurality of devices. Further, the acquisition unit 13a acquires the identification information regarding the device that is the request source of the inquiry and the destination information associated with the identification information, which are transmitted from the application server 20. At this time, the acquisition unit 13a can also make an inquiry to the application server 20 to acquire the identification information regarding the device that is the request source of the inquiry and the destination information associated with the identification information. Further, the acquisition unit 13a acquires the identification information regarding the device for acquiring the plant information to be collected by each application server 20 from each of the plurality of application servers 20. Here, the device includes, for example, a communication device and a sensor installed in a plant, and is a plant device 40 that transmits the plant information (e.g., sensor value) acquired from the plant to the destination indicated by the destination information notified. Further, the device information includes, for example, the identification information of the plant device 40 such as the hardware identification number, the destination information that is the location information of the plant device 40 such as the global IP address or the telephone number of the cellular line, and the transmission information that is the location information of the receiving server 30 that is the data transmission destination of the plant device 40, and the like.

[0048] Regarding a specific example, the acquisition unit 13a acquires, as the device information of the gateway device 40A transmitted from the application server 20, the hardware identification number "Device A", the global IP address "AAA.AA.AAA.A" of the gateway device 40A, and the global IP address "aaa.aa.aaa.a" of the receiving server 30. Note that the acquisition unit 13a stores the acquired device information in the device information storage unit 12a.

[0049] (2-2-3-2. Reception unit 13b) The reception unit 13b receives an inquiry about destination information indicating the location to which the device transmits data from the device. For example, the reception unit 13b receives an inquiry about destination information from a device such as the plant device 40 that has been powered on and performs the first startup. Here, the first startup refers to the startup when the device is powered on for the first time after shipment, or the startup when the device is powered on for the first time after initialization. In addition, the reception unit 13b receives an inquiry from a device in which the self-device (provisioning server 10) is set as the inquiry destination at the shipment stage of the device that is the source of the inquiry.

[0050] Regarding a specific example, the reception unit 13b receives an inquiry about the destination information of the reception server 30 based on the global IP address "XXX.XX.XXX.X" of the provisioning server 10, which is set at the shipment stage before the plant device 40 that has been powered on and performs the first startup is installed in the plant.

[0051] (2-2-3-3. Notification unit 13c) The notification unit 13c notifies the device that is the source of the inquiry of the destination information associated with the identification information of the device that is the source of the inquiry. For example, the notification unit 13c notifies the device such as the plant device 40 at the time of the first startup of the destination information. At this time, the notification unit 13c determines whether the identification information of the device that is the source of the inquiry is registered in the identification information acquired from the application server 20. If it is registered, the notification unit 13c notifies the device of the destination information. If it is not registered, the notification unit 13c outputs to the device that it is not registered.

[0052] Regarding a specific example, when the notification unit 13c receives an inquiry from the gateway device 40A (identification number "Device A"), it refers to the device information storage unit 12a. Since the identification number "Device A" is registered, it transmits the global IP address "aaa.aa.aaa.a" of the reception server 30 to the gateway device 40A. On the other hand, when it receives an inquiry from the sensor device 40B (identification number "Device B"), it refers to the device information storage unit 12a. Since the identification number "Device B" is not registered, it transmits a warning indicating that it is unregistered to the sensor device 40B.

[0053] (2-2-3-4. Deletion unit 13d) The deletion unit 13d deletes the identification information of the device whose transmission destination information has been notified, or the identification information for which a predetermined time has elapsed since it was acquired from the application server 20 by the acquisition unit 13a, among the identification information stored in the device information storage unit 12a.

[0054] Regarding a specific example, when the deletion unit 13d receives an inquiry from the gateway device 40A and transmits the global IP address "aaa.aa.aaa.a" of the reception server 30 to the gateway device 40A, it deletes the identification number "Device A" of the gateway device 40A, the global IP address "AAA.AA.AAA.A" of the gateway device 40A, and the global IP address "aaa.aa.aaa.a" of the reception server 30 from the device information storage unit 12a. Also, when 10 days have elapsed after the device information of the sensor device 40B is acquired from the application server 20, the deletion unit 13d deletes the identification number "Device B" of the sensor device 40B, the global IP address "BBB.BB.BBB.B" of the sensor device 40B, and the global IP address "bbb.bb.bbb.b" of the reception server 30 from the device information storage unit 12a.

[0055] (2-3. Configuration example of the application server 20) With reference to FIG. 3, a configuration example of the application server 20, which is an information management device, will be described. The application server 20 includes a communication unit 21, a storage unit 22, and a control unit 23. Note that the application server 20 may have an input unit (e.g., a keyboard, a mouse, etc.) that receives various operations from an engineer E who is an administrator of the device registration system 100, and a display unit (e.g., a liquid crystal display, etc.) for displaying various information.

[0056] (2-3-1. Communication Unit 21) The communication unit 21 controls data communication with other devices. For example, the communication unit 21 performs data communication with each communication device via a router or the like. In addition, the communication unit 21 can perform data communication with a terminal of an operator (not shown).

[0057] (2-3-2. Storage Unit 22) The storage unit 22 stores various information referred to when the control unit 23 operates and various information acquired when the control unit 23 operates. The storage unit 22 includes a device information storage unit 22a and a plant information storage unit 22b. Here, the storage unit 22 can be realized by, for example, a semiconductor memory element such as a RAM or a flash memory, or a storage device such as a hard disk or an optical disk. In the example of FIG. 3, the storage unit 22 is installed inside the application server 20, but it may be installed outside the application server 20, or a plurality of storage units may be installed.

[0058] (2-3-2-1. Device Information Storage Unit 22a) The device information storage unit 22a stores device information set by an engineer E who is an administrator of the device registration system 100. Here, with reference to FIG. 5, an example of the information stored in the device information storage unit 22a will be described. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the device information storage unit 22a of the application server 20 according to the embodiment. In the example of FIG. 5, the device information storage unit 22a has items such as "device ID", "device source information", "server destination information", and "application information".

[0059] The "device ID" indicates identification information for identifying the plant device 40, for example, the identification number of the plant device 40. The "device source information" indicates location information for specifying the location in the communication connection of the plant device 40, for example, the global IP address of the plant device 40, the phone number of the cellular line, etc. The "server destination information" indicates location information for specifying the location in the communication connection of the receiving server 30, for example, the global IP address of the receiving server 30, the URL, etc. The "application information" is information for specifying the application that processes the plant information collected from the plant device 40.

[0060] That is, in FIG. 5, for the plant device 40 identified by the device ID "Device A", the device source information is "AAA.AA.AAA.A", the server destination information is "aaa.aa.aaa.a", and the application information is "Application A"; for the plant device 40 identified by the device ID "Device B", the device source information is "BBB.BB.BBB.B", the server destination information is "bbb.bb.bbb.b", and the application information is "Application B"; for the plant device 40 identified by the device ID "Device C", the device source information is "CCC.CC.CCC.C", the server destination information is "ccc.cc.ccc.c", and the application information is "Application C". An example is shown.

[0061] (2-3-2-2. Plant Information Storage Unit 22b) The plant information storage unit 22b stores the identification information of the device and the plant information collected by the plant device 40 and received via the receiving server 30. Here, an example of the information stored in the plant information storage unit 22b will be described with reference to FIG. 6. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the plant information storage unit 22b of the application server 20 according to the embodiment. In the example of FIG. 6, the plant information storage unit 22b has items such as "device ID" and "sensor value".

[0062] The "equipment ID" indicates identification information for identifying the plant equipment 40, and is, for example, the identification number of the plant equipment 40. The "sensor value" represents plant information and is measurement data, control data, etc. collected by the plant equipment 40 in the plant.

[0063] That is, in FIG. 6, for the plant equipment 40 identified by the equipment ID "Equipment A", the sensor value is "XXXXX", for the plant equipment 40 identified by the equipment ID "Equipment B", the sensor value is "YYYYY", and for the plant equipment 40 identified by the equipment ID "Equipment C", an example where the sensor value is "ZZZZZ" is shown.

[0064] (2-3-3. Control Unit 23) The control unit 23 is in charge of the overall control of the application server 20. The control unit 23 includes a receiving unit 23a and a transmitting unit 23b. Here, the control unit 23 can be realized by, for example, an electronic circuit such as a CPU or MPU, or an integrated circuit such as an ASIC or FPGA.

[0065] (2-3-3-1. Receiving Unit 23a) The receiving unit 23a receives the identification information of the device. For example, the receiving unit 23a receives the identification information of the plant equipment 40 transmitted from the terminal device of engineer E. Also, the receiving unit 23a receives the equipment information of the plant equipment 40 via a network map that performs the logical configuration of the network by the operation of engineer E. At this time, as the equipment information, the receiving unit 23a receives the identification information of the plant equipment 40 such as the identification number of the hardware, the location information of the plant equipment 40 such as the global IP address or the phone number of the cellular line, and the application information regarding the application used by the plant equipment 40. Note that the destination information is set by the application server 20 based on the settings of engineer E.

[0066] Specifically, the receiving unit 23a receives, as the device information of the gateway device 40A set by the operation of engineer E, the hardware identification number "Device A", the global IP address "AAA.AA.AAA.A" of the gateway device 40A, the global IP address "aaa.aa.aaa.a" of the receiving server 30, and the application information "Application A". The receiving unit 23a stores the received device information in the device information storage unit 22a.

[0067] Also, the receiving unit 23a receives the data collected by the device. For example, the receiving unit 23a receives the plant information transmitted by the receiving server 30. Specifically, the receiving unit 23a receives, as the plant information, the sensor value "XXXXX" collected by the gateway device 40A, the sensor value "YYYYY" collected by the sensor device 40B, and the sensor value "ZZZZZ" collected by the control device 40C. The receiving unit 23a stores the received plant information in the plant information storage unit 22b.

[0068] (2-3-3-2. Transmitting Unit 23b) The transmitting unit 23d transmits the identification information of the device associated with the destination information to the information providing device together with the destination information indicating the data transmission destination. For example, the transmitting unit 23d transmits the device information in which the identification information of the plant device 40 and the destination information of the receiving server 30 are associated to the provisioning server 10.

[0069] Specifically, the transmitting unit 23b transmits, as the device information of the gateway device 40A set by the operation of engineer E, the hardware identification number "Device A", the global IP address "AAA.AA.AAA.A" of the gateway device 40A, and the global IP address "aaa.aa.aaa.a" of the receiving server 30 to the provisioning server 10.

[0070] In addition, the transmission unit 23b notifies the device of an initialization instruction by causing the device to delete the destination information stored in the device. For example, after the first startup, the transmission unit 23b notifies the plant device 40 that stores the global IP address of the provisioning server 10 as the destination information of an initialization instruction, and causes the plant device 40 to delete the stored global IP address.

[0071] (2-4. Configuration Example of the Receiving Server 30) Using FIG. 3, a configuration example of the receiving server 30, which is an information collection device, will be described. The receiving server 30 includes a communication unit 31 and a control unit 32. Note that the receiving server 30 may have an input unit (for example, a keyboard, a mouse, etc.) that receives various operations from an engineer E who is an administrator of the device registration system 100, and a display unit (for example, a liquid crystal display, etc.) for displaying various information.

[0072] (2-4-1. Communication Unit 31) The communication unit 31 is in charge of data communication with other devices. For example, the communication unit 31 performs data communication with each communication device via a router or the like. In addition, the communication unit 31 can perform data communication with a terminal of an operator (not shown).

[0073] (2-4-2. Control Unit 32) The control unit 32 controls the entire receiving server 30. The control unit 32 includes a receiving unit 32a and a transmission unit 32b. Here, the control unit 32 can be realized by an electronic circuit such as a CPU or an MPU, or an integrated circuit such as an ASIC or an FPGA.

[0074] (2-4-2-1. Receiving Unit 31a) The receiving unit 31a receives the data and identification information collected by the device. For example, the receiving unit 31a receives the plant information collected by the plant device 40. To explain a specific example, the receiving unit 31a receives, as the plant information, the sensor value "XXXXX" collected by the gateway device 40A, the sensor value "YYYYY" collected by the sensor device 40B, and the sensor value "ZZZZZ" collected by the control device 40C. Note that the receiving unit 31a may store the received plant information in a storage unit (not shown).

[0075] (2-4-2-2. Transmitting unit 31b) The transmitting unit 31b transmits the data collected by the device. For example, the receiving unit 31a transmits the plant information and identification information collected by the plant device 40 to the application server 20. To explain a specific example, the transmitting unit 31b transmits, as the plant information, the sensor value "XXXXX" collected by the gateway device 40A, the sensor value "YYYYY" collected by the sensor device 40B, and the sensor value "ZZZZZ" collected by the control device 40C to the application server 20.

[0076] (2-5. Configuration example of plant device 40) Using FIG. 3, the configuration example of the plant device 40 will be described. For example, the plant device 40 includes a gateway device 40A which is a communication device, a sensor device 40B which is a measuring device, a control device 40C which controls the plant device, and the like. The plant device 40 (40A, 40B, 40C) has a collection unit 41 (41A, 41B, 41C) and a transceiver unit 42 (42A, 42B, 42C).

[0077] (2-5-1. Collection unit 41) The collection unit 41 collects data. For example, the collection unit 41 collects plant information which is data in the plant.

[0078] (2-5-2. Transceiver unit 42) The transmission / reception unit 42 transmits data. For example, the transmission / reception unit 42 transmits the plant information collected by the collection unit 41 to the reception server 30. Also, the transmission / reception unit 42 transmits an inquiry for transmission destination information indicating the location where the device transmits data. For example, when the power is turned on and the first startup is performed, the transmission / reception unit 42 refers to the global IP address of the provisioning server 10 that identifies the request destination of the inquiry set at the shipping stage, and transmits an inquiry for the global IP address of the reception server 30 to the identified provisioning server 10.

[0079] Also, the transmission / reception unit 42 receives data. For example, the transmission / reception unit 42 receives the global IP address of the reception server 30 from the provisioning server 10. Also, the transmission / reception unit 42 receives a warning from the provisioning server 10 that the plant device 40 is unregistered.

[0080] [3. Flow of Processing of Device Registration System 100] With reference to FIG. 7, the flow of processing of the device registration system 100 according to Embodiment 1 will be described. FIG. 7 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the flow of device registration processing according to the embodiment. Note that the processing of the following steps S101 to S111 can also be executed in a different order. Also, among the processing of the following steps S101 to S111, some processing may be omitted.

[0081] (3-1. Device Information Setting Processing) The engineer E, who is the administrator of the device registration system 100, sets device information in the application server 20 (step S101). For example, the engineer E sets the identification information of the plant device 40, the location information of the plant device 40, application information, etc. At this time, the application server 20 sets the transmission destination information based on the settings of the engineer E.

[0082] (3-2. Device Information Registration Processing) The application server 20 transmits device information and destination information to the provisioning server 10 (step S102). Then, the provisioning server 10 stores the transmitted device information in the storage unit 12 (step S103). For example, the provisioning server 10 stores the identification information of the plant device 40, the location information of the plant device 40, and the like.

[0083] (3-3. Connection Destination Inquiry Process) Based on the location information of the provisioning server 10 incorporated at the time of shipment, the plant device 40 transmits an inquiry about the receiving server 30 to which the plant device 40 connects to the provisioning server 10 (step S104). At this time, the plant device 40 transmits the identification information of the plant device 40 to the provisioning server 10 together with the inquiry about the communication connection destination.

[0084] (3-4. Connection Destination Reply Process) The provisioning server 10 searches for the connection destination of the plant device 40 based on the device information (step S105). Subsequently, based on the identification information obtained in step S105, if the device information obtained from the application server 20 is registered and the plant device 40 is permitted, the provisioning server 10 transmits the destination information of the receiving server 30, which is the data transmission destination, to the plant device 40 (step S106). On the other hand, if the device information obtained from the application server 20 is not registered based on the identification information obtained in step S105 and the plant device 40 is not permitted, the provisioning server 10 transmits a warning indicating non-permission to the plant device 40.

[0085] (3-5. Device Information Deletion Process) The provisioning server 10 deletes the device information of the plant device 40 (step S107). For example, the provisioning server 10 deletes the device information of the plant device 40 that has transmitted the destination information. Also, the provisioning server 10 deletes the device information for which a predetermined period has elapsed since the acquisition of the device information.

[0086] (3-6. Plant Information Collection Process) The plant device 40 collects plant information (step S108). Also, the plant device 40 transmits the plant information and identification information to the receiving server 30 at the communication connection destination (step S109).

[0087] (3-7. Plant Information Registration Process) The receiving server 30 transmits the received plant information and identification information to the application server 20 (step S110). Then, the application server 20 stores the transmitted plant information in the storage unit 22 (step S111) and ends the process.

[0088] [4. Effects of the Embodiment] Finally, the effects of the embodiment will be described. Below, effects 1 to 9 corresponding to the processes according to the embodiment will be described.

[0089] (4-1. Effect 1) First, in the process according to the above-described embodiment, the provisioning server 10 acquires the identification information of the device to which the transmission destination information indicating the location of the destination to which data is transmitted from the device is associated, receives a query for the transmission destination information from the device, and notifies the device that is the request source of the query of the transmission destination information associated with the identification information of the device that is the request source of the query. Therefore, in this process, the communication settings of the device can be easily executed.

[0090] (4-2. Effect 2) Second, in the process according to the above-described embodiment, the provisioning server 10 receives a query for the transmission destination information from the device that has been powered on and performs the first startup, and notifies the device at the time of the first startup of the transmission destination information. Therefore, in this process, the communication settings of the device can be easily executed by automatically setting the data transmission destination of the device.

[0091] (4-3. Effect 3) Thirdly, in the process according to the above-described embodiment, the provisioning server 10 acquires identification information regarding the device that is the source of the inquiry and destination information associated with the identification information, which are transmitted from the application server 20. Therefore, in this process, the communication settings of the device can be easily executed by automatically setting the data transmission destination for each device corresponding to the application.

[0092] (4-4. Effect 4) Fourthly, in the process according to the above-described embodiment, the provisioning server 10 makes an inquiry to the application server 20 and acquires identification information regarding the device that is the source of the inquiry and destination information associated with the identification information. Therefore, in this process, the communication settings of the device can be easily executed by automatically inquiring about the data transmission destination for each device corresponding to the application.

[0093] (4-5. Effect 5) Fifthly, in the process according to the above-described embodiment, the provisioning server 10 receives an inquiry from the device set as the inquiry destination at the shipping stage of the device that is the source of the inquiry. Therefore, in this process, individual settings do not need to be performed for the same device, so the communication settings of the device can be easily executed.

[0094] (4-6. Effect 6) Sixthly, in the process according to the above-described embodiment, the provisioning server 10 determines whether the identification information of the device that is the source of the inquiry is registered in the identification information acquired from the application server 20. If it is registered, the destination information is notified to the device, and if it is not registered, a message indicating that it is unregistered is output to the device. Therefore, in this process, the risk of information leakage due to setting errors and the like can be reduced, and the communication settings of the device can be easily executed.

[0095] (4-7. Effect 7) Seventhly, in the process according to the above-described embodiment, the provisioning server 10 holds the acquired identification information, and deletes the identification information of the device notified of the destination information among the held identification information, or the identification information for which a predetermined time has elapsed since acquisition. Therefore, in this process, even if there is a change in the setting, the device information can be centrally managed, so that the communication setting of the device can be easily executed.

[0096] (4-8. Effect 8) Eighthly, in the process according to the above-described embodiment, the device is a plant device that transmits the plant information acquired from the plant to the destination indicated by the notified destination information. Therefore, in this process, the communication setting of the plant device can be easily executed.

[0097] (4-9. Effect 9) Ninthly, in the process according to the above-described embodiment, the application server 20 notifies the device of an instruction to initialize the device by causing the device to delete the destination information stored in the device. Therefore, in this process, even when the device needs to be reset, the communication setting can be easily executed.

[0098] 〔System〕 Regarding the processing procedures, control procedures, specific names, and information including various data and parameters shown in the above documents and drawings, they can be arbitrarily changed unless otherwise specified.

[0099] Also, each component of each illustrated device is a functional concept, and it is not necessarily physically configured as shown in the figure. That is, the specific form of the dispersion and integration of each device is not limited to that shown in the figure. In other words, all or part of it can be functionally or physically dispersed and integrated in any unit according to various loads and usage situations.

[0100] Furthermore, all or any part of each processing function performed by each device can be implemented by a CPU and a program analyzed and executed by the CPU, or can be implemented as hardware by wired logic.

[0101] 〔Hardware〕 Next, a hardware configuration example of the provisioning server 10, which is an information processing device, will be described. Note that other devices such as the application server 20 and the reception server 30 can have the same hardware configuration. FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining the hardware configuration example. As shown in FIG. 8, the provisioning 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. 8 is interconnected by a bus or the like.

[0102] 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. 3.

[0103] The processor 10d reads a program for executing the same processing as each processing unit shown in FIG. 3 from the HDD 10b or the like and expands it in the memory 10c, thereby operating a process for executing each function described in FIG. 3 and the like. For example, this process executes the same functions as each processing unit of the provisioning server 10. Specifically, the processor 10d reads a program having the same functions as the acquisition unit 13a, the reception unit 13b, the notification unit 13c, the deletion unit 13d, etc. from the HDD 10b or the like. Then, the processor 10d executes a process for executing the same processing as the acquisition unit 13a, the reception unit 13b, the notification unit 13c, the deletion unit 13d, etc.

[0104] In this way, the provisioning server 10 operates as an apparatus that executes various processing methods by reading and executing a program. Also, the provisioning server 10 can read the program from a recording medium by a medium reading device and realize the same functions as those of the above-described embodiments by executing the read program. Note that the program in this other embodiment is not limited to being executed by the provisioning 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.

[0105] This program can be distributed via a network such as the Internet. Also, 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.

Explanation of Signs

[0106] 10 Provisioning server 11 Communication unit 12 Storage unit 12a Device information storage unit 13 Control unit 13a Acquisition unit 13b Reception unit 13c Notification unit 13d Deletion unit 20 Application server 21 Communication unit 22 Storage unit 22a Device information storage unit 22b Plant information storage unit 23 Control unit 23a Reception unit 23b Transmission unit 30 Reception server 31 Communication unit 32 Control Unit 32a Receiver 32b Transmitter 40 40A 40B 40C Plant Equipment 41 41A 41B 41C Collection Unit 42 42A 42B 42C Transceiver 100 Equipment Registration System

Claims

1. An acquisition unit that acquires, from an information management device that executes a specified process on data received from the device, identification information of the device to which transmission destination information indicating the location of the destination to which data is to be transmitted from the device is associated; A reception unit that receives an inquiry for the transmission destination information from the device; A notification unit that notifies the device that is the source of the inquiry of the transmission destination information associated with the identification information of the device that is the source of the inquiry; comprising: The information management device operates data received from the device by a specified application and enables initialization of the device. An information providing device.

2. The reception unit receives an inquiry for the transmission destination information from the device that has been powered on and performs its first startup, The notification unit notifies the device at the time of first startup of the transmission destination information. The information providing device according to claim 1.

3. The acquisition unit acquires the identification information regarding the device that is the source of the inquiry and the transmission destination information associated with the identification information, which are transmitted from the information management device. The information providing device according to claim 1.

4. The acquisition unit makes an inquiry to the information management device and acquires the identification information regarding the device that is the source of the inquiry and the transmission destination information associated with the identification information. The information providing device according to claim 1.

5. The reception unit receives the inquiry from the device in which the self-device is set as the inquiry destination at the shipping stage of the device that is the source of the inquiry. The information providing device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The notification unit determines whether the identification information of the device that is the source of the inquiry is registered in the identification information acquired from the information management device, and if it is registered, notifies the device of the transmission destination information, and if it is not registered, outputs to the device that it is not registered. The information providing device according to claim 3.

7. A storage unit that stores the identification information acquired by the acquisition unit; A deletion unit that deletes the identification information of the device for which the transmission destination information has been notified among the identification information stored in the storage unit, or the identification information for which a predetermined time has elapsed since it was acquired by the acquisition unit. The information providing device according to claim 1, further comprising:

8. The device is A plant device that transmits plant information obtained from a plant to a destination indicated by the transmission destination information notified thereto. The information providing apparatus according to claim 1.

9. In a computer, The identification information of the device to which transmission destination information indicating the location of the destination to which data is transmitted from the device is associated is obtained from an information management device that executes specified processing on the data received from the device, Receives an inquiry about the transmission destination information from the device, Notifies the device that is the source of the inquiry of the transmission destination information associated with the identification information of the device that is the source of the inquiry, Causes the processing to be executed, The information management device operates the data received from the device by a specified application and enables initialization of the device. Information providing program.

10. In a device registration system including an information management device that executes specified processing on data received from a device and an information providing device, The information management device, A transmission unit that transmits to the information providing device the identification information of the device associated with the transmission destination information together with the transmission destination information indicating the transmission destination of the data, The information providing device, An acquisition unit that acquires the identification information together with the transmission destination information from the information management device, A reception unit that receives an inquiry about the transmission destination information from the device, A notification unit that notifies the device that is the source of the inquiry of the transmission destination information associated with the identification information of the device that is the source of the inquiry, Comprises, The information management device operates the data received from the device by a specified application and enables initialization of the device. Device registration system.

11. The information management device, Notifies the device of an instruction to initialize the device by causing the device to delete the transmission destination information stored in the device. The device registration system according to claim 10.

12. In a device registration method executed by a device registration system including an information management device that executes specified processing on data received from a device and an information providing device, The information management device, A process of transmitting to the information providing device the identification information of the device associated with the transmission destination information together with the transmission destination information indicating the transmission destination of the data, The information providing device, Acquires the identification information from the information management device, Receives an inquiry about the transmission destination information from the device, A process of notifying the device that is the source of the inquiry of the destination information associated with the identification information of the device that is the source of the inquiry, Execute, The information management device operates the data received from the device by a specified application and enables initialization of the device. Device registration method.

Images