Inspection system, inspection system operation method, and control program for controlling inspection system

Abstract

To provide an inspection system configured to select information accumulated in a data server in consideration of competence of a person in charge of inspection.SOLUTION: An inspection system includes an inspection terminal 3 and a data server 4. The inspection terminal 3 includes an input unit 31 and a communication unit 32. The data server 4 includes a communication unit 41 and a storage unit 42. Inspection data includes a user attribute value. At least one of the inspection terminal 3 and the data server 4 further includes an arithmetic unit 43. The arithmetic unit 43 is capable of executing: an inquiry function of querying a user database for the user attribute value of new input inspection data to obtain information related to a user from the user database; an update function of updating past inspection data with the new input inspection data; and a determination function of determining whether to execute the update function on the basis of the information related to the user.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an inspection system used to inspect equipment to be inspected that is arranged in a plant, as well as an operating method for the inspection terminal and a control program for controlling the inspection terminal. [Background technology]

[0002] Within the premises of plants such as petrochemical plants and thermal power plants, there are pipes that carry various fluids used in the operation of the plant. If the pipes are damaged, not only will the fluids be unable to flow, hindering plant operation, but there is also the risk of fluid leakage, causing harm to employees and the surrounding environment. To prevent such situations from occurring, regular and irregular inspections are conducted on the pipes installed in the plants.

[0003] Generally, a wide variety of fluids are used in plant operations, and because these fluids need to be used at various locations within the plant, numerous pipes are laid over considerable distances within the plant. Because of the large number and length of pipes, the amount of information required for the diagnostic history of the pipes can also be considerable. Therefore, how to efficiently and systematically manage such diagnostic history information is an important issue in plant management.

[0004] For example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 2017-4279 (Patent Document 1) discloses an information collection system that can be used for plant management, which includes an information collection terminal device and an information collection server device that collects input information transmitted from the information collection terminal. According to the system of Patent Document 1, a worker carrying the information collection terminal device visits a site where various machines and equipment are installed and inputs inspection results into the information collection terminal device, and the input information is stored in the information collection server device. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-4279 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] When operating a system such as that described in Patent Document 1, multiple terminal devices operate simultaneously, which means that information is uploaded from multiple terminal devices to a data server, which can lead to conflicts between pieces of information related to test results for the same test subject. A common method for avoiding such conflicts is to use the latest information to update the data server based on the last update date and time of each piece of conflicting information. However, this technique can result in the test results of a skilled technician being overwritten by the test results of a less skilled technician. Therefore, there is room for improvement in terms of accumulating accurate test results.

[0007] Therefore, there is a need to realize an inspection system that can select the information to be stored in the data server, taking into account the competence of the person who performed the inspection. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] A first inspection system according to the present invention is an inspection system used to inspect equipment to be inspected that is located in a plant, and comprises an inspection terminal and a data server, wherein the inspection terminal has an input device capable of accepting input operations and a communication device capable of communicating with the data server, and the data server has a communication device capable of communicating with the inspection terminal and a storage device that stores inspection data associated with the equipment to be inspected and a user database containing information related to a plurality of users, wherein the inspection data includes a user attribute value indicating the user who performed the inspection related to the inspection data, and at least one of the inspection terminal and the data server further has a calculation device, and the calculation device is capable of executing a query function that queries the user database for the user attribute value of the newly input inspection data and obtains information related to the user identified by the user attribute value from the user database, an update function that updates the past inspection data related to the equipment to be inspected that is associated with the newly input inspection data with the newly input inspection data, and a judgment function that determines whether to execute the update function based on the information related to the user obtained by the query function for the newly input inspection data.

[0009] a query step of querying the user database for the user attribute value of the newly input inspection data to obtain information on the user identified by the user attribute value from the user database; an update step of updating past inspection data on the inspection target equipment associated with the newly input inspection data with the newly input inspection data; and a determination step of determining whether to execute the update step based on the information on the user obtained in the query step for the newly input inspection data.

[0010] Further, a first control program according to the present invention is a control program for controlling an inspection system used to inspect equipment to be inspected that is arranged in a plant, the inspection system comprising an inspection terminal and a data server, the inspection terminal having an input device capable of receiving an input operation and a communication device capable of communicating with the data server, the data server having a communication device capable of communicating with the inspection terminal and a storage device that stores inspection data associated with the equipment to be inspected and a user database including information related to a plurality of users, the inspection data including a user attribute value indicating a user who performed an inspection related to the inspection data, and at least one of the inspection terminal and the data server. At least one of the methods further includes a calculation device, and when executed on the calculation device, causes the calculation device to perform a query function of querying the user database for the user attribute value of the newly input inspection data and obtaining information related to the user identified by the user attribute value from the user database, an update function of updating the past inspection data related to the equipment to be inspected that is associated with the newly input inspection data with the newly input inspection data, and a determination function of determining whether to execute the update function based on the information related to the user obtained by the query function for the newly input inspection data.

[0011] According to these configurations, whether or not the update function can be executed is determined based on information related to the user, so that it is possible to determine whether or not to execute the update function taking into account the ability of the user.

[0012] a communication device capable of communicating with the inspection terminal; a storage device for storing inspection data associated with the equipment to be inspected and a user database including information related to a plurality of users; and a computing device, wherein the inspection data includes a user attribute value indicating the user who performed the inspection related to the inspection data; and the computing device is configured to execute a query function for, when a plurality of pieces of inspection data conflict, querying the user database for the user attribute value included in each of the plurality of pieces of inspection data and obtaining information related to the user identified by the user attribute value from the user database; an update function for updating past inspection data related to the equipment to be inspected that is associated with newly input inspection data with the newly input inspection data; and a conflict processing function for selecting the inspection data to be used for the update function from the plurality of pieces of inspection data based on the information related to each user associated with each of the plurality of pieces of inspection data obtained by the query function.

[0013] a query process for querying the user database for the user attribute values ​​included in each of the plurality of pieces of inspection data when the plurality of pieces of inspection data conflicts, and acquiring information related to the user identified by the user attribute values ​​from the user database; an update process for updating the past inspection data related to the inspection target equipment that is associated with the newly input inspection data with the newly input inspection data; and a conflict processing process for selecting the inspection data to be used in the update process from the plurality of pieces of inspection data, based on the information related to each user associated with each of the plurality of pieces of inspection data acquired in the query process.

[0014] Further, a second control program according to the present invention is a control program for controlling an inspection system used to inspect equipment to be inspected that is arranged in a plant, the inspection system including an inspection terminal and a data server, the inspection terminal having an input device capable of receiving an input operation and a communication device capable of communicating with the data server, the data server having a communication device capable of communicating with the inspection terminal, a storage device that stores inspection data associated with the equipment to be inspected and a user database including information relating to a plurality of users, and a calculation device, the inspection data including a user attribute value indicating a user who performed an inspection related to the inspection data, and when executed by the calculation device, The present invention is characterized in that, when a conflict occurs in the test data, the arithmetic device executes a query function that queries the user database for the user attribute values ​​included in each of the plurality of test data and obtains information related to the user identified by the user attribute values ​​from the user database; an update function that updates the past test data related to the equipment to be inspected that is associated with the newly input test data with the newly input test data; and a conflict processing function that selects the test data to be used for the update function from the plurality of test data based on the information related to each user associated with each of the plurality of test data obtained by the query function.

[0015] According to these configurations, the test data to be reflected in the data server is determined based on information related to the user, so that the update function can be executed taking into account the ability of the user.

[0016] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below, but the scope of the present invention is not limited to the preferred embodiments described below.

[0017] In one aspect of the inspection system of the present invention, the inspection data further includes an equipment attribute value that identifies the equipment to be inspected with which the inspection data is associated, and the judgment function preferably further takes into account the equipment attribute value to determine whether or not to execute the update function.

[0018] This configuration makes it possible to classify equipment that has the authority to update inspection data according to the level of skill of the user, for example.

[0019] In one aspect of the inspection system of the present invention, the inspection data further includes a fluid attribute value that identifies the fluid handled in the inspected equipment to which the inspection data is associated, and it is preferable that the judgment function further takes into consideration the fluid attribute value to determine whether or not to execute the update function.

[0020] According to this configuration, for example, it is possible to limit the users who have the authority to update the inspection data, taking into consideration the degree of danger and importance of the fluid handled in the facility to be inspected.

[0021] In one aspect of the inspection system of the present invention, the inspection data further includes an importance attribute value that specifies the importance of the equipment to be inspected with which the inspection data is associated, and the judgment function preferably further takes into consideration the importance attribute value to determine whether or not to execute the update function.

[0022] This configuration enables the importance of equipment that has the authority to update inspection data to be classified according to the proficiency of the user.

[0023] In one aspect of the inspection system according to the present invention, the data server preferably includes the arithmetic device.

[0024] This configuration allows for the centralization of heavy-load calculation processing in the data server, making it possible to simplify the configuration of the test terminal. In particular, when multiple test terminals are installed, this leads to simplification of the configuration of the entire system.

[0025] In one aspect of the testing system of the present invention, it is preferable that the arithmetic device is further capable of executing a conflict processing function in which, when multiple pieces of test data conflict with each other, the calculation device executes the inquiry function for each of the multiple pieces of test data, and selects the test data to be used for the update function from the multiple pieces of test data based on the information related to each user associated with each of the multiple pieces of test data obtained by the inquiry function.

[0026] According to this configuration, the test data to be reflected in the data server is determined based on information related to the user, so that the update function can be executed taking into account the ability of the user.

[0027] Further features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following description of exemplary and non-limiting embodiments, which is given with reference to the drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0028] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an inspection system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an installed state of piping according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a layout plan screen according to the embodiment; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0029] An embodiment of an inspection terminal, an operation method, and a control program according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following, an inspection system 1 used to inspect a group of pipes 2 (FIG. 2) laid within the premises of a plant P such as a petrochemical plant or a thermal power plant will be described as an example. The inspection system 1 is one embodiment of the inspection system according to the present invention.

[0030] [Device configuration and system configuration] First, an inspection system 1 according to this embodiment and a piping group 2 to be diagnosed will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, the inspection system 1 according to this embodiment includes an inspection terminal 3 and a data server 4 configured to be able to communicate with each other. Here, the inspection terminal 3 is one embodiment of the inspection terminal according to the present invention. An inspector inspects each location of the piping group 2, which is made up of a large number of pipes 21 (an example of equipment to be inspected) laid within the premises of the plant P, and inputs the inspection results into the inspection terminal 3. The defect information input into the inspection terminal 3 is transmitted to the data server 4 and stored therein.

[0031] As shown in Fig. 2, the pipes 21 are laid while being supported by a plurality of racks 22 provided at intervals along the longitudinal direction of the pipes 21. The racks 22 have a width in the horizontal direction greater than the diameter of the pipes 21, and can accommodate a plurality of pipes 21 arranged horizontally. The racks 22 also have a plurality of levels in the vertical direction, and each of the levels can accommodate a plurality of pipes 21. That is, in order to make effective use of the site, the pipes 21 are laid in a concentrated manner in the horizontal and vertical directions.

[0032] A specific portion of each pipe 21 in the plant P is identified by a pipe name 21a assigned to each pipe 21, a rack number 22a assigned to each rack 22, and a tier number 22b assigned to each tier of each rack 22. For example, the location marked Ex1 in FIG. 2 is identified by the information "pipe No. 51," "directly above rack No. 34," and "tier 2F." Similarly, the location marked Ex2 in FIG. 2 is identified by the information "pipe No. 61," "between rack No. 34 and rack No. 35," and "tier 1F."

[0033] 1, the inspection system 1 includes an inspection terminal 3 and a data server 4. The inspection terminal 3 includes a touch panel 31 (which is an example of an input device and an example of a display device), a communication device 32, a position identification device 33, a storage device 34, and a calculation device 35. The data server 4 includes a communication device 41, a storage device 42, and a calculation device 43.

[0034] (Test terminal configuration) The touch panel 31 is implemented as a touch panel known in the art. The touch panel 31 is a device that can receive input operations from a user and can display information to the user.

[0035] The communication device 32 includes a mobile phone module 321, a wireless LAN module 322, and a short-range wireless communication module 323. As will be described below, the communication device 32 is capable of communicating with the data server 4 and also with other inspection terminals 3A.

[0036] The mobile phone module 321 is a known module that can be connected to a mobile phone line. From the viewpoint of communication speed, the mobile phone module 321 is preferably a module that can be connected to a mobile phone line configured as a wireless communication system of the fourth generation mobile communication system or later.

[0037] The wireless LAN module 322 is a known module that can be connected to a wireless LAN network. From the viewpoint of communication speed, the module is preferably compliant with a standard that enables relatively high-speed communication, such as IEEE802.11ax, IEEE802.11ac, or IEEE802.11n.

[0038] The mobile phone module 321 and the wireless LAN module 322 are responsible for communication between the inspection terminal 3 (communication device 32) and the data server 4 (communication device 41). That is, the inspection terminal 3 connects to the network N via the mobile phone module 321 or the wireless LAN module 322, and communicates with the data server 4 via the network N. Here, the network N can be the Internet, an intranet, or the like.

[0039] The short-range wireless communication module 323 is a known module capable of communicating with similar modules located relatively nearby, and may be, for example, a module conforming to the Bluetooth® standard. More specifically, the short-range wireless communication module 323 may be a module that communicates at an output of 100 mW or less. The short-range wireless communication module 323 configured in this manner has a communication range of approximately 100 m radius. For example, in the case of the Bluetooth® standard, a module that communicates at an output of 100 mW or less is defined as a module conforming to Bluetooth® Class 1.

[0040] The short-range wireless communication module 323 is responsible for communication between the test terminals 3. That is, two test terminals 3 can communicate with each other via their respective short-range wireless communication modules 323.

[0041] The position specifying device 33 is a device capable of specifying the current position of the inspection terminal 3. More specifically, the position specifying device 33 is implemented as a module of a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) represented by a GPS module.

[0042] The storage device 34 stores map data related to the plant P and inspection data associated with any of the multiple pipes 21. The storage device 34 also stores a control program for the inspection terminal 3. The storage device 34 can be implemented as a known storage device such as a hard disk drive or a solid state drive.

[0043] The arithmetic unit 35 is a device that executes various arithmetic processes executed in the inspection terminal 3, and can be implemented as a known arithmetic unit such as a CPU.

[0044] (Data server configuration) The communication device 41 is implemented as a LAN module. Considering that the data server 4 is usually installed as a stationary type, the LAN module may be wired or wireless. The data server 4 is connected to the network N via the communication device 41 and communicates with the inspection terminal 3 via the network N.

[0045] The storage device 42 stores the test data received from the test terminal 3 and a user database including information on multiple users who use the test terminal 3. The storage device 42 also stores a control program for the data server 4 (an example of a control program according to this embodiment). The storage device 42 can be implemented as a known storage device such as a hard disk drive or a solid state drive.

[0046] The arithmetic device 43 is a device that executes various arithmetic processes executed in the data server 4, and can be implemented as a known arithmetic device such as a CPU.

[0047] [Test data structure] The inspection data is data indicating the results of inspection of the piping group 2 (piping 21). The inspection data is associated with any of the multiple piping 21. More specifically, the inspection data includes, as attribute values, a data ID, a piping attribute value (an example of an equipment attribute value), a fluid attribute value, a date and time attribute value, a user attribute value, an importance attribute value, a synchronization attribute value, an inspection result attribute value, and a lock attribute value.

[0048] The pipe attribute value is information representing a portion of the pipe 21 to which the inspection data should be associated (hereinafter referred to as the "inspection location"), and serves to identify the location to be inspected. The inspection data includes, as the pipe attribute value, text data representing, for example, the pipe name 21a, the rack number 22a, and the tier number 22b. The pipe attribute value may also include information (such as longitude and latitude) that identifies the location of the inspection location instead of or in addition to the information such as the pipe name 21a. Furthermore, the pipe attribute value may further include information representing the function of the pipe 21 at the inspection location. For example, the pipe attribute value may include information representing the classification of the pipe 21 at the inspection location (main pipe, branch pipe, etc.).

[0049] The fluid attribute value is information that represents the fluid flowing through the inspection location. The inspection data includes, as fluid attribute values, text data representing the name of the fluid flowing through the pipe 21, numerical data representing the pressure and flow rate of the fluid, and the like.

[0050] The date and time attribute value is information that indicates the date and time when the inspection was performed on the inspection point. For example, the date and time attribute value is automatically acquired as the date and time when the inspection data was edited.

[0051] The user attribute value is information that represents the user who inputs the test data. The test data includes, for example, text data that represents the ID of the user who inputs the test data as the user attribute value. The users of the test terminal 3 input the test data while logged in to the test terminal 3 using a pair of ID and password that is individually assigned to each user. The ID of the user who is logged in when the test data is input is automatically used as the user attribute value.

[0052] The importance attribute value is information that indicates the importance of the inspection point. The inspection data includes, as the importance attribute value, for example, numerical data that indicates one of several predetermined importance levels. The importance attribute value may be freely set by the user of the inspection terminal 3, or may be automatically determined based on the piping attribute value, the fluid attribute value, or the like.

[0053] The synchronization attribute value is information indicating whether or not the test data is to be synchronized with the data server 4. Test data for which the synchronization attribute value is "1" is uploaded to the data server 4, and test data for which the synchronization attribute value is "0" is not uploaded to the data server 4. For example, when a location that was previously inspected is to be inspected again, the test data associated with that location is downloaded from the data server 4 to the inspection terminal 3, and the results of the re-inspection are input by updating the downloaded test data. In this case, the test data has a synchronization attribute value of "1", and after the results of the re-inspection are input, the updated test data is uploaded to the data server 4, and the test data stored in the data server 4 (storage device 42) is updated.

[0054] On the other hand, for inspection data of a location that has been newly inspected by the user of the inspection terminal 3, the user can arbitrarily select the synchronization attribute value. In this case, inspection data for which the synchronization attribute value is set to "0" is stored only in the inspection terminal 3 (storage device 34) that created the inspection data.

[0055] The inspection result attribute value is information that represents the result of an inspection of an inspection location. The inspection data includes, for example, text data that represents the result of an inspection of an inspection location as the inspection result attribute value, and is configured to be able to identify the presence or absence, type, degree, etc. of a defect. The inspection result attribute value may be input by the user as any text, or may be selected by the user from preset candidates.

[0056] The lock attribute value is information that indicates whether editing of test data is restricted depending on whether communication with the data server 4 is possible. Test data with a lock attribute value of "1" can, in principle, be edited only when communication with the data server 4 is possible. On the other hand, test data with a lock attribute value of "0" can, in principle, be edited regardless of whether communication with the data server 4 is possible.

[0057] The lock attribute value can be set in conjunction with other attribute values. For example, test data with a synchronization attribute value of "1" is test data that requires synchronization with the data server 4. Therefore, if the test data is edited while communication with the data server 4 is unavailable, there is a risk of test data conflicts occurring later. Therefore, the lock attribute value of test data with a synchronization attribute value of "1" is set to "1." Furthermore, test data with an importance attribute value exceeding a predetermined threshold value, for example, requires high management accuracy and should not be edited while communication with the data server 4 is unavailable. Therefore, the lock attribute value of test data with an importance attribute value exceeding a predetermined threshold value is set to "1." Hereinafter, test data with a lock attribute value set to "1" is referred to as locked test data.

[0058] The inspection data may include other attribute values ​​as described above, such as a treatment attribute value indicating treatment information for defects at the inspection location, an image attribute value including image data of the inspection location, etc.

[0059] [Configuration of the control program for the inspection terminal] In this embodiment, an inspection data editing function, a communication determination function, a layout diagram display function, and a lock control function are executed on the inspection terminal 3 side. Each of these functions is realized by a control program executed by the arithmetic unit 35 of the inspection terminal 3. In addition to the functions described below, a function for exchanging inspection data with the data server 4 is also executed, but since this is a well-known function for exchanging data between a data server and a terminal device, its description will be omitted.

[0060] (1) Inspection data editing function The inspection data editing function is a function for editing inspection data in accordance with input operations input by the user via the touch panel 31. When the inspection data editing function is executed, each attribute value included in the inspection data to be edited is displayed on the touch panel 31. In this embodiment, an editing window 6 is displayed superimposed on the layout drawing screen 5 (FIG. 3), and inspection data can be edited by performing operations on the editing window 6. At this time, attribute values ​​that the user can edit at will (for example, piping attribute values) and attribute values ​​that the user cannot edit at will (for example, date and time attribute values) are displayed in different formats.

[0061] (2) Communication detection function The communication determination function is a function that determines whether or not communication with the data server 4 via the communication device 32 (mobile phone module 321 and wireless LAN module 322) is possible, and whether or not communication with another inspection terminal 3A via the communication device 32 (short-range wireless communication module 323) is possible. The communication determination function can be executed in the background.

[0062] The determination of whether communication with the data server 4 is possible is made, for example, by actually periodically attempting communication with the data server 4. Alternatively, the determination of whether communication with the data server 4 is possible may be made based on the strength of radio waves received by the mobile phone module 321 and the wireless LAN module 322.

[0063] The determination of whether communication with another inspection terminal 3A is possible is performed, for example, by periodically attempting communication with the same type of short-range wireless communication module 323. If the short-range wireless communication module 323 is a module that complies with the Bluetooth (registered trademark) standard, the determination of whether communication is possible can be made through the transmission and reception of advertising packets. The fact that communication with another inspection terminal 3A is possible means that another inspection terminal 3A exists within the communication range of the short-range wireless communication module 323 (for example, a range with a radius of about 100 m), that is, in the vicinity of the inspection terminal 3.

[0064] (3) Layout diagram display function The layout plan display function is a function that displays a layout plan screen 5 (FIG. 3) on the touch panel 31. The layout plan screen 5 is a screen that displays a map 51 of the plant P on the touch panel 31 based on the map data and inspection data stored in the storage device 34, and also displays objects 52 representing each of a plurality of inspection locations on the map 51. Each object 52 is associated with inspection data, and the position of each object 52 on the map 51 is determined according to the piping attribute value of the inspection data. In other words, the object 52 created based on the inspection data is displayed at a position on the map 51 that represents the actual location of the piping 21 to which the inspection data should be associated.

[0065] The layout plan screen 5 displays a drawing number 53, a plant map 54, and a rack diagram 55 for identifying the position of the map 51 displayed on the layout plan screen 5 within the plant P.

[0066] When any of the objects 52 is touched while the layout screen 5 is displayed on the touch panel 31, an edit window 6 for the inspection data associated with that object 52 is displayed, and the display transitions to the inspection data editing function. This allows the user of the inspection terminal 3 to intuitively select the inspection data to be edited.

[0067] When the communication determination function determines that communication with the data server 4 is not possible, the layout plan display function displays the object 52A associated with the lock-target test data in a different manner from the other objects 52B. In other words, the display manner of each object 52 is determined by referring to the lock attribute value of the test data. Specifically, the object 52A associated with the lock-target test data is displayed in a relatively light color (e.g., gray), and the object 52B associated with the other test data is displayed in a relatively dark color (e.g., black). Touching the object 52A displayed in a light color does not transition to the test data editing function. On the other hand, touching the object 52B displayed in a dark color transitions to the test data editing function for the test data associated with the touched object.

[0068] On the other hand, when the communication determination function determines that communication with the data server 4 is possible, all objects 52 are displayed in the same manner. In this case, touching any of the objects 52 causes a transition to the test data editing function for the test data associated with the touched object 52.

[0069] The display manner of the object 52 is not limited to the distinction by color as exemplified above. For example, the object 52 may be distinguished by differences in shape, movement (e.g., lighting and blinking), size, etc. Also, the object 52A associated with the lock target test data may not be displayed. In this case, too, if the object 52A is considered to be displayed as a colorless object, it can be said that it is displayed in a manner different from the object 52B.

[0070] (4) Lock control function The lock control function is a function that temporarily changes whether or not test data that meets predetermined requirements is designated as test data to be locked (that is, the lock attribute value).

[0071] The first function of the lock control function is to temporarily release the designation of lock-target test data that meets certain requirements as lock-target test data. Specifically, the lock attribute value of lock-target test data that meets certain requirements is temporarily changed to "0." The specified requirements are that the test terminal 3 is located near the test location associated with the lock-target test data, and that no other test terminals 3A exist near the test terminal 3.

[0072] Whether or not the first requirement is met is determined based on the current location of the inspection terminal 3 identified by the location identification device 33. If the deviation between the current location of the inspection terminal 3 and the location of the inspection point identified by the piping attribute value of the lock target inspection data is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold, it is determined that the first requirement is met.

[0073] Whether the second requirement is met is determined based on the result of the determination made by the communication determination function as to whether communication with the other test terminal 3A is possible. When the communication determination function determines that communication with the other test terminal 3A is impossible, it is determined that the second requirement is met.

[0074] Satisfying the first requirement means that the inspection terminal 3 is located near the inspection location associated with the lock-target inspection data. Satisfying the second requirement means that no other inspection terminals 3A exist nearby. Considering these together, satisfying both requirements means that the inspection terminal 3 is located near the inspection location associated with the lock-target inspection data, and that no other inspection terminals 3A exist near the inspection location. In this situation, there is little risk of contention occurring for the inspection data of the inspection location, so even if the designation as lock-target inspection data is temporarily canceled, there is little chance of problems occurring.

[0075] The second function of the lock control function is to temporarily designate test data that meets certain requirements as test data to be locked. Specifically, the lock attribute value of the test data to be locked that meets the certain requirements is temporarily changed to "1." The certain requirements are that the test terminal 3 is located near the test location associated with the test data to be locked, and that another test terminal 3A exists near the test terminal 3. Here, the first requirement is the same as the first requirement of the first function. Furthermore, the second requirement is the opposite of the second requirement of the second function.

[0076] Satisfying the first requirement means that the test terminal 3 is located near the test location associated with the test data to be locked. Satisfying the second requirement means that another test terminal 3A exists nearby. Considering these two requirements together, satisfying both requirements means that the test terminal 3 is located near the test location associated with the test data to be locked, and that another test terminal 3A exists near the test location. In this case, it is presumed that multiple users are attempting to test the same test location, which means that there is a high possibility of test data conflicts occurring. Therefore, the test data is temporarily designated as test data to be locked to avoid conflicts.

[0077] Regardless of whether the first or second function is activated, the layout display function operates in accordance with the temporarily changed lock attribute value. That is, if the designation of the test data as the lock target test data is temporarily canceled in the lock control function, the object associated with the test data to be locked is displayed in a dark color even if communication with the data server 4 is unavailable. Then, when an object associated with the test data to be locked is touched, a transition is made to the test data editing function for the test data associated with the touched object.

[0078] Furthermore, when test data is temporarily designated as test data to be locked in the lock control function, the object associated with the test data is displayed in a light color even if communication with the data server 4 is possible. Furthermore, even if the object associated with the test data is touched, transition to the test data editing function does not occur.

[0079] For both the first function and the second function, when the two requirements specified in each function are no longer satisfied, the temporarily changed lock attribute value is returned to the original value.

[0080] [Configuration of the data server control program] In this embodiment, the data server 4 executes a query function, an update function, a determination function, and a conflict processing function. Each of these functions is realized by a control program executed by the arithmetic unit 43 of the data server 4. In addition to the functions described below, a function of exchanging test data with the test terminal 3 is also executed, but since this is a well-known function for exchanging data between a data server and a terminal device, its description will be omitted.

[0081] (1) Inquiry function The inquiry function is a function that queries the user attribute values ​​of newly input test data against the user database stored in the storage device 42, and obtains information related to the user identified by the user attribute values ​​from the user database. Here, "newly input test data" refers to test data that is newly input to the test terminal 3 or newly edited on the test terminal 3 and then uploaded to the data server 4. Each record in the user database uses the user attribute value as a key and stores information such as the name, proficiency level, qualifications, years of experience, and number of tests of the user identified by the user attribute value as an attribute. Therefore, by executing the inquiry function, it is possible to identify the name, proficiency level, qualifications, years of experience, number of tests, etc. of the user who performed the test related to the newly input test data.

[0082] (2)Update function The update function updates past inspection data for an inspection location associated with newly input inspection data with the newly input inspection data. Whether the newly input inspection data can update past inspection data is determined based on the piping attribute value and the date and time attribute value. In other words, inspection data containing a certain piping attribute value can be updated by new inspection data containing the same piping attribute value. In addition, the age of multiple inspection data is determined based on the date and time attribute value.

[0083] (3) Judgment function The determination function is a function that determines whether or not to execute the update function based on information related to the user who entered the newly entered test data. The information related to the user used for the determination here is identified by executing the inquiry function targeting the newly entered test data. Below, four functions that can be executed by the determination function are described, but it is not necessary that all functions are executed.

[0084] As a first function of the determination function, a determination can be made taking into account the pipe attribute values. For example, if the classification of pipes 21 (main pipes, branch pipes, etc.) for which the user has the authority to update the inspection data is set in advance according to the user's proficiency, it is possible to determine whether to execute the update process based on the combination of the proficiency of the user who inputs newly input inspection data and the classification of pipes 21 specified by the pipe attribute values ​​of the inspection data. For example, if a user whose proficiency does not meet a predetermined level is granted the authority to update inspection data only for branch pipes but not for main pipes, the inspection data for the main pipe entered by the user will not be used to update the inspection data for that main pipe in the data server 4.

[0085] In addition, as another aspect of the first function, if the floor (floor number 22b) of the piping 21 that has the authority to update the inspection data is set in advance according to the qualifications of the user, it is possible to determine whether or not to execute the update process based on the combination of the qualifications of the user who entered the newly input inspection data and the floor number 22b specified by the piping attribute value of the inspection data. This is an operation in which only users who are qualified to work at heights are permitted to update the inspection data of piping 21 that is at a height above a predetermined level.

[0086] A second function of the determination function may be to perform a determination taking into account fluid attribute values. For example, if the properties of the fluid (e.g., type of fluid, pressure, flow rate) of the pipe 21 authorized to update the test data are preset according to the user's skill level and qualifications, it is possible to determine whether to execute the update process based on a combination of information about the user who entered newly entered test data and the fluid in the pipe 21 identified by the fluid attribute values ​​of the test data. For example, for a pipe 21 that meets requirements such as a relatively low-risk fluid such as water or air flowing through it and a relatively low pressure and flow rate, even users with a relatively low skill level are permitted to update the test data. However, for a pipe 21 that meets requirements such as a relatively high-risk fluid such as hydrogen flowing through it and a relatively high pressure or flow rate, only users with a relatively high skill level are permitted to update the test data.

[0087] A third function of the judgment function is to make a judgment taking into account the importance attribute value. For example, if the range of importance of the piping 21 that has the authority to update the inspection data is set in advance according to the user's skill level and qualifications, it is possible to determine whether to execute the update process based on a combination of the information of the user who entered newly entered inspection data and the importance of the piping 21 specified by the importance attribute value of the inspection data. This function can also be used to limit the skill level of users who are allowed to update the inspection data depending on the level of importance.

[0088] A fourth function of the determination function is to perform a determination based only on information related to the user. For example, if a user whose number of tests does not meet a predetermined threshold is required to conduct tests as part of OJT, input test data into the test terminal 3, and upload the test data to the data server 4, but the test data is not used to update the test data on the data server 4, it is sufficient to determine whether or not to perform the update process based on the number of tests performed by the user who input the newly entered test data.

[0089] In all of the above-mentioned functions, the determination function is based on the technical idea of ​​determining whether to execute the update function by taking into account information that may represent the skill level of the user and, if necessary, the characteristics of the test location, thereby preventing inappropriate updating of test data by a user who does not have the necessary skills.

[0090] (4) Conflict handling function The conflict handling function is a function that selects test data to be used to update the test data in the data server 4 when multiple test data conflict. Here, multiple test data conflicts, for example, when the difference in date and time specified by the date and time attribute values ​​of each of the multiple test data is within a predetermined threshold (hereinafter referred to as the conflict threshold). Note that the conflict handling function is based on the premise that each of the multiple conflicting test data is test data that, in a situation where no conflict occurs, is determined to require the update function to be executed in the determination function. Furthermore, a query function is executed for each of the multiple test data.

[0091] The conflict handling function selects which of the multiple test data to use for the update function based on user-related information associated with each of the multiple test data. Here, user-related information refers to information that can determine the relative skill levels of the users who entered each test data based on the user-related information, such as the user's proficiency, qualifications, years of experience, and number of tests. In other words, when multiple test data conflict, the test data entered by the user who meets certain conditions, such as the highest level of proficiency or the highest level of qualifications, is assumed to be the most reliable test data, and is used for the update function. This allows more reliable test data to be stored in the data server 4.

[0092] As another aspect of the conflict processing function, importance attribute values ​​may also be taken into consideration. For example, for test data whose importance attribute values ​​are equal to or less than a predetermined threshold, the conflict threshold may be set to a relatively small value to make it difficult to determine whether a conflict exists. On the other hand, for test data whose importance attribute values ​​exceed the predetermined threshold, the conflict threshold may be set to a relatively large value to strictly determine whether a conflict exists. This configuration limits conflict processing to test points with high importance, thereby reducing the amount of computational processing and improving the reliability of the test.

[0093] Other Embodiments Finally, other embodiments of the inspection terminal, operation method, and control program according to the present invention will be described. Note that the configurations disclosed in the following embodiments can be applied in combination with the configurations disclosed in other embodiments, as long as no contradiction occurs.

[0094] In the above embodiment, the test terminal 3 has been described as having a touch panel 31 that is both an input device and a display device. However, in the test terminal according to the present invention, the input device and the display device may be provided separately. Such an input device may be a known input device such as a button, a lever, a keyboard, or a microphone. Furthermore, an example of such a display device is a liquid crystal display.

[0095] In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the query function, update function, and determination function are executed by the arithmetic device 43 of the data server 4. However, in the present invention, some or all of these functions may be executed by the arithmetic device of the inspection terminal. For example, the determination function may be executed on the inspection terminal side based on the ID of the user who logs in to the inspection terminal.

[0096] Regarding other configurations, it should be understood that the embodiments disclosed in this specification are illustrative in all respects and that the scope of the present invention is not limited thereby. Those skilled in the art will easily understand that appropriate modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Therefore, other embodiments modified without departing from the spirit of the present invention are naturally included in the scope of the present invention. [Industrial Applicability]

[0097] The present invention can be used, for example, in an inspection terminal used for inspecting a plant, as well as in an operation method for the inspection terminal and a control program for controlling the inspection terminal. [Explanation of symbols]

[0098] 1: Inspection system 2: Piping group 21: Piping 21a: Pipe name 22: Rack 22a: Rack number 22b: Tier number 3: Inspection terminal 3A: Other inspection terminals 31: Touch panel 32: Communication equipment 321: Mobile phone module 322: Wireless LAN module 323: Short-range wireless communication module 33:Location device 34: Storage device 35: Arithmetic device 4: Data Server 41: Communication equipment 42: Storage device 43: Arithmetic device 5: Layout screen 51: Object 52: Drawing number 53: Plant Map 54: Rack diagram 6: Edit window N: Network P: Plant

Claims

1. An inspection system used to inspect equipment to be inspected that is located in a plant, The system includes an inspection terminal and a data server, The inspection terminal, an input device capable of accepting input operations; a communication device capable of communicating with the data server, The data server, a communication device capable of communicating with the inspection terminal; a storage device that stores inspection data associated with the inspection target equipment and a user database that includes information related to a plurality of users; the test data includes a user attribute value indicating a user who performed the test related to the test data, At least one of the inspection terminal and the data server further includes a computing device; The computing device a query function of querying the user database for the user attribute value of the newly input test data and acquiring information related to the user identified by the user attribute value from the user database; an update function that updates the past inspection data related to the inspection target equipment associated with the newly input inspection data with the newly input inspection data; and a determination function that determines whether or not to execute the update function based on user-related information obtained by the inquiry function for the newly input test data.

2. The inspection data further includes an equipment attribute value that identifies the inspection target equipment with which the inspection data is associated; The inspection system according to claim 1 , wherein the determination function further considers the facility attribute value to determine whether or not to execute the update function.

3. the inspection data further includes a fluid attribute value that identifies a fluid handled in the inspection target facility with which the inspection data is associated; 3. The inspection system according to claim 1, wherein the determination function further takes into consideration the fluid attribute value to determine whether or not to execute the update function.

4. The inspection data further includes an importance attribute value that specifies the importance of the inspection target equipment with which the inspection data is associated; 4. The inspection system according to claim 1, wherein the determining function further takes into consideration the importance attribute value to determine whether or not to execute the update function.

5. 5. The inspection system according to claim 1, wherein the data server includes the computing device.

6. The computing device When a plurality of pieces of test data conflict with each other, the query function is executed for each of the plurality of pieces of test data; The inspection system of claim 4, further capable of executing a conflict processing function that selects the inspection data to be used for the update function from the plurality of inspection data based on the information regarding each user associated with each of the plurality of inspection data obtained by the query function.

7. An inspection system used to inspect equipment to be inspected that is located in a plant, The system includes an inspection terminal and a data server, The inspection terminal, an input device capable of accepting input operations; a communication device capable of communicating with the data server, The data server, a communication device capable of communicating with the inspection terminal; a storage device that stores inspection data associated with the inspection target equipment and a user database that includes information related to a plurality of users; a computing device; the test data includes a user attribute value indicating a user who performed the test related to the test data, The computing device a query function that, when a plurality of pieces of test data conflict, queries the user database for the user attribute values ​​included in each of the plurality of pieces of test data, and acquires information related to a user identified by the user attribute values ​​from the user database; an update function that updates the past inspection data related to the inspection target equipment associated with the newly input inspection data with the newly input inspection data; and a conflict processing function that selects the test data to be used for the update function from the plurality of test data based on information related to each user associated with each of the plurality of test data obtained by the query function.

8. 1. A method for operating an inspection system used to inspect equipment to be inspected that is located in a plant, comprising: the inspection system comprises an inspection terminal and a data server; The inspection terminal, an input device capable of accepting input operations; a communication device capable of communicating with the data server, The data server, a communication device capable of communicating with the inspection terminal; a storage device that stores inspection data associated with the inspection target equipment and a user database that includes information related to a plurality of users; the test data includes a user attribute value indicating a user who performed the test related to the test data, At least one of the inspection terminal and the data server further includes a computing device; The computing device a querying step of querying the user database for the user attribute value of the newly input test data and acquiring information related to the user identified by the user attribute value from the user database; an updating step of updating the past inspection data related to the inspection target equipment associated with the newly input inspection data with the newly input inspection data; and a determination step of determining whether or not to execute the update step based on information related to the user acquired in the inquiry step for the newly input test data.

9. 1. A method for operating an inspection system used to inspect equipment to be inspected that is located in a plant, comprising: the inspection system comprises an inspection terminal and a data server; The inspection terminal, an input device capable of accepting input operations; a communication device capable of communicating with the data server, The data server, a communication device capable of communicating with the inspection terminal; a storage device that stores inspection data associated with the inspection target equipment and a user database that includes information related to a plurality of users; a computing device; the test data includes a user attribute value indicating a user who performed the test related to the test data, The computing device a querying step of querying the user database for the user attribute values ​​included in each of the plurality of test data when the plurality of test data conflicts, and acquiring information related to the user identified by the user attribute values ​​from the user database; an updating step of updating the past inspection data related to the inspection target equipment associated with the newly input inspection data with the newly input inspection data; and a competition processing step of selecting the test data to be used in the update step from the plurality of test data based on information related to each user associated with each of the plurality of test data obtained in the inquiry step.

10. A control program for controlling an inspection system used to inspect equipment to be inspected that is located in a plant, the inspection system comprises an inspection terminal and a data server; The inspection terminal, an input device capable of accepting input operations; a communication device capable of communicating with the data server, The data server, a communication device capable of communicating with the inspection terminal; a storage device that stores inspection data associated with the inspection target equipment and a user database that includes information related to a plurality of users; the test data includes a user attribute value indicating a user who performed the test related to the test data, At least one of the inspection terminal and the data server further includes a computing device; When executed on the computing device, a query function of querying the user database for the user attribute value of the newly input test data and acquiring information related to the user identified by the user attribute value from the user database; an update function that updates the past inspection data related to the inspection target equipment associated with the newly input inspection data with the newly input inspection data; A control program that causes the arithmetic device to execute a judgment function that determines whether or not to execute the update function based on information related to the user obtained by the inquiry function for the newly input test data.

11. A control program for controlling an inspection system used to inspect equipment to be inspected that is located in a plant, the inspection system comprises an inspection terminal and a data server; The inspection terminal, an input device capable of accepting input operations; a communication device capable of communicating with the data server, The data server, a communication device capable of communicating with the inspection terminal; a storage device that stores inspection data associated with the inspection target equipment and a user database that includes information related to a plurality of users; a computing device; the test data includes a user attribute value indicating a user who performed the test related to the test data, When executed on the computing device, a query function that, when a plurality of pieces of test data conflict, queries the user database for the user attribute values ​​included in each of the plurality of pieces of test data, and acquires information related to a user identified by the user attribute values ​​from the user database; an update function that updates the past inspection data related to the inspection target equipment associated with the newly input inspection data with the newly input inspection data; A control program that causes the arithmetic device to execute a conflict processing function that selects the test data to be used for the update function from the plurality of test data based on information related to each user associated with each of the plurality of test data obtained by the inquiry function.

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