Information processing device, information processing method, and information processing program

The information processing device uses oscillator circuits with corrosion sensors to detect frequency fluctuations, addressing the challenge of electronic component deterioration from environmental factors, enabling early failure prediction and preventing system shutdowns.

JP7819663B2Active Publication Date: 2026-02-25YOKOGAWA ELECTRIC CORP
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Patent Information

Application Number
JP2023043501
Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Patents
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2023-03-17
Publication Date
2026-02-25
Estimated Expiration
2043-03-17

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Electronic components on printed circuit boards deteriorate due to external environmental factors such as corrosive gases and dust, leading to failures in electronic devices and potential shutdowns of plant control systems, which are difficult to detect.

Method used

An information processing device and method that utilizes an oscillator circuit with corrosion sensors to detect fluctuations in frequency due to changes in capacitance or inductance values caused by corrosion, allowing for early detection of abnormalities in printed circuit boards.

Benefits of technology

Enables prediction of electronic device failures due to external environments, facilitating timely maintenance and preventing system shutdowns by detecting capacitance or inductance changes in the circuit board.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Patent Text Reader

Abstract

To enable prediction of electronic device failure due to an external environment.SOLUTION: An information processing device 10 disclosed herein is configured to acquire a frequency of a signal output from an oscillation circuit mounted on a printed circuit board P and provided with a corrosion sensor, an electronic element formed of a conductive metal, and detect an abnormality of the printed circuit board P based on frequency fluctuation.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1
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Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] In recent years, there has been a demand for more accurate measurement, more advanced communication and control, and more stable operation of electronic devices such as sensors, communication devices, and control devices that make up plant control systems. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 10-062476 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The electronic devices are equipped with printed circuit boards on which various electronic components are attached to form electronic circuits. The electronic components on these printed circuit boards can deteriorate due to external environmental factors, such as corrosive gases and dust in the atmosphere. Such deterioration can cause failures in the electronic devices, leading to shutdowns of plant control systems and even plant shutdowns. However, it is difficult to detect deterioration of the electronic components on the printed circuit boards installed inside the electronic devices due to the external environment.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above, and is capable of predicting failure of electronic devices due to external environments such as corrosive gases and dust in the atmosphere. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The present invention provides an information processing device comprising an oscillator circuit mounted on a substrate, an acquisition unit that acquires the frequency of a signal output from the oscillator circuit, which includes an electronic element formed from a conductive metal, and a detection unit that detects an abnormality in the substrate based on fluctuations in the frequency.

[0007] The present invention also provides an information processing method in which a computer executes processing to acquire the frequency of a signal output from an oscillator circuit mounted on a substrate, the oscillator circuit including an electronic element formed from a conductive metal, and detect an abnormality in the substrate based on fluctuations in the frequency.

[0008] The present invention also provides an information processing program that causes a computer to execute a process of acquiring the frequency of a signal output from an oscillator circuit mounted on a substrate, the oscillator circuit including an electronic element formed from a conductive metal, and detecting an abnormality in the substrate based on fluctuations in the frequency. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to predict failure of an electronic device due to the external environment. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example and a processing example of an information processing system according to an embodiment; [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a specific example 1-1 of a corrosion sensor according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a specific example 1-2 of a corrosion sensor according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a specific example 1-3 of a corrosion sensor according to an embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a second specific example of the corrosion sensor according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of an information processing device of an information processing system according to an embodiment. [Figure 7]FIG. 1 is a circuit diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a corrosion detection circuit according to an embodiment. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the overall flow of information processing according to the embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] An information processing device, an information processing method, and an information processing program according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to the embodiment described below.

[0012] [Embodiment] The configuration and processing of the information processing system according to the embodiment, the configuration and processing of the information processing device, etc., and the flow of each process will be described below in order, and finally the effects of the embodiment will be described.

[0013] 1. Configuration and Processing of Information Processing System 100 The configuration and processing of an information processing system 100 according to an embodiment will be described in detail using Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration and processing of the information processing system 100 according to an embodiment. Below, an example of the configuration of the entire information processing system 100, an example of processing by the information processing system 100, a specific example of a corrosion sensor S, and the effects of the information processing system 100 will be described. Note that in the embodiment, an information processing device 10 that detects an abnormality caused by a corrosive gas G in the atmosphere of a plant will be described as an example, but an abnormality caused by dust or moisture in the atmosphere may also be detected, and the target object and field of use are not limited.

[0014] (1-1. Example of the overall configuration of the information processing system 100) The information processing system 100 includes an information processing device 10. In the example of Fig. 1, the information processing device 10 is a desktop PC (Personal Computer), but it may be any device including a printed circuit board P, such as a server device, a sensor device, or a network switch.

[0015] The information processing device 10 has a printed circuit board P including a corrosion detection circuit D. The corrosion detection circuit D is configured by an oscillation circuit O including corrosion sensors S (SC, SL) described later.

[0016] (1-2. Processing Example of Information Processing System 100) As an example of processing by the information processing system 100 described above, processing executed by the information processing device 10 installed in a plant will be described. Below, the circuit signal acquisition processing and the corrosion abnormality detection processing will be described in that order. Note that the following processing can also be executed in a different order. Also, some of the following processing may be omitted.

[0017] (1-2-1. Circuit signal acquisition processing) The information processing device 10 acquires a corrosion detection circuit signal output by the corrosion detection circuit D (see FIG. 1(1)). For example, the information processing device 10 acquires a frequency F of the corrosion detection circuit signal output by the corrosion detection circuit D including a corrosion sensor SC in the form of a capacitor facing a copper foil. C and monitor the corrosion detection circuit signal.

[0018] The corrosion sensor SC is an electronic element formed by placing copper foils opposite each other and exhibiting a constant capacitance value (electric capacity) C. The corrosion sensor SC corrodes due to corrosive gas G such as hydrogen sulfide in the atmosphere. When this happens, the corrosion of the copper foil of the corrosion sensor SC changes the capacitance value C, and the frequency F of the corrosion detection circuit signal output by the corrosion detection circuit D increases. C also changes (see Figure 1(2)).

[0019] In addition, the frequency F of the corrosion detection circuit signal output from the corrosion detection circuit D including the inductor-like corrosion sensor SL in which copper foil is installed in a spiral or vortex shape LThe corrosion sensor SL is an electronic element formed by placing copper foil in a spiral or vortex shape and exhibiting a constant inductance value (inductance coefficient) I. The corrosion sensor SL corrodes due to corrosive gas G such as hydrogen sulfide in the atmosphere. When this happens, the inductance value I changes as the copper foil of the corrosion sensor SL corrodes, and the frequency F of the corrosion detection circuit signal output by the corrosion detection circuit D increases. L also changes.

[0020] (1-2-2. Corrosion abnormality detection processing) The information processing device 10 detects an abnormality (corrosion abnormality) caused by corrosion of the printed circuit board P based on the monitored corrosion detection circuit signal (see FIG. 1(3)). For example, the information processing device 10 detects a frequency F of the corrosion detection circuit signal output by the corrosion detection circuit D including the corrosion sensor SC. C to frequency F C Frequency fluctuation value ΔF such as deviation C Calculate the frequency fluctuation value ΔF C is the threshold X C If this is the case, the occurrence of a corrosion abnormality in the printed circuit board P is detected.

[0021] The information processing device 10 may also detect a corrosion abnormality based on a corrosion sensor SL, which is a corrosion sensor S having the same function as the corrosion sensor SC described above. That is, the information processing device 10 detects a corrosion abnormality based on a frequency F of a corrosion detection circuit signal output by a corrosion detection circuit D including the corrosion sensor SL. L to frequency F L Frequency fluctuation value ΔF such as deviation L Calculate the frequency fluctuation value ΔF L is the threshold X L If this occurs, the occurrence of a corrosion abnormality in the printed circuit board P may be detected.

[0022] The information processing device 10 issues an alarm to the plant manager when it detects a corrosion abnormality in the printed circuit board P. At this time, the information processing device 10 may notify the plant manager that the printed circuit board P may fail, or may automatically switch to a backup device.

[0023] (1-3. Specific examples of corrosion sensor S) Specific examples of the corrosion sensor S used in the information processing system 100 will be described using Figs. 2 to 4. Figs. 2 to 4 are diagrams showing a specific example 1 (1-1, 1-2, 1-3) of the corrosion sensor S according to the embodiment. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing a specific example 2 of the corrosion sensor S according to the embodiment. Below, specific example 1 of the capacitor-like corrosion sensor SC, specific example 2 of the inductor-like corrosion sensor SL, the connection method of the corrosion sensor S, the metal material, and the detectable corrosive gas G will be described in that order.

[0024] (1-3-1. Example 1) 2 to 4, a specific example 1 of a capacitor-like corrosion sensor SC will be described. As shown in FIG. 2, the corrosion sensor SC is formed as part of a corrosion detection circuit D on a printed circuit board P. Note that in the example of FIG. 2, only the portion corresponding to the corrosion sensor SC is illustrated, and details of the corrosion detection circuit D are omitted. In this case, the corrosion sensor SC is installed by being exposed as a wiring pattern on the printed circuit of the oscillation circuit O so that the copper foil faces it. Alternatively, the corrosion sensor SC may be formed by exposing the surface of a printed circuit board P that uses copper foil as a base so that the copper foil portions face it. In this case, the corrosion sensor SC is exposed in a bare state without being covered with a resist (protective film) as shown by the shaded area in FIG. 2.

[0025] As shown in FIG. 3(1), the corrosion sensor SC is formed with copper foils facing each other, and exhibits a capacitance value C(1) in the corrosion detection circuit D. At this time, the oscillation circuit O including the corrosion sensor SC generates a frequency F corresponding to the capacitance value C(1). COn the other hand, as shown in FIG. 3(2), when the corrosion sensor SC is corroded by the corrosive gas G over time and the copper foil becomes thinner, the corrosion detection circuit D indicates a capacitance value C(2) that is smaller than the capacitance value C(1). At this time, the oscillation circuit O including the corrosion sensor SC generates a signal of frequency F C (1) A frequency greater than F C As described above, in the example of FIG. 3, the capacitance value C of the corrosion sensor SC decreases from capacitance value C(1) to capacitance value C(2) due to corrosion by the corrosive gas G, and the frequency F of the oscillation circuit O including the corrosion sensor SC decreases. C is the frequency F C (1) to F C (2)

[0026] In addition, when dust (dirt) or the like adheres to the corrosion sensor SC, the capacitance value C of the corrosion sensor SC decreases compared to before the dust or the like adhered, and the frequency F of the oscillation circuit O including the corrosion sensor SC C increases compared to before dust and other particles adhered.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 4, the corrosion sensor SC may be installed by being exposed as a wiring pattern on the printed circuit of the oscillation circuit O, with multiple branched copper foils facing each other. The corrosion sensor SC may also be formed by exposing the surface of a printed circuit board P that uses copper foil as a base, with multiple branched copper foils facing each other. Note that the example in FIG. 4 only illustrates the portion corresponding to the corrosion sensor SC formed as part of the corrosion detection circuit D on the printed circuit board P, and the details of the corrosion detection circuit D are omitted. In this case, the corrosion sensor SC is exposed in a bare state without being covered with a resist, as shown by the shaded area in FIG. 4.

[0028] (1-3-2. Example 2) A second specific example of an inductor-like corrosion sensor SL will be described using FIG. 5. As shown in FIG. 5, the corrosion sensor SL is formed as part of a corrosion detection circuit D on a printed circuit board P. Note that in the example of FIG. 5, only the portion corresponding to the corrosion sensor SC is illustrated, and details of the corrosion detection circuit D are omitted. In this case, the corrosion sensor SL is installed by exposing the copper foil as a wiring pattern on the printed circuit of the oscillation circuit O so that the copper foil is formed in a spiral or swirl shape. Alternatively, the corrosion sensor SL may be formed by exposing the copper foil portion in a spiral or swirl shape on the surface of a printed circuit board P that uses copper foil as a base. Note that the corrosion sensor SL may be installed as an inductor, which is an essential electronic element that forms the corrosion detection circuit D, or as an electronic element dedicated to detecting corrosion.

[0029] The corrosion sensor SL has copper foil formed in a spiral or vortex shape, and exhibits an inductance value I(1) in the corrosion detection circuit D. At this time, the oscillation circuit O including the corrosion sensor SL generates a frequency F corresponding to the inductance value I(1). L On the other hand, if the corrosion sensor SL is corroded by the corrosive gas G over time and the copper foil becomes thinner, the corrosion detection circuit D will indicate an inductance value I(2) that is smaller than the inductance value I(1). At this time, the oscillation circuit O including the corrosion sensor SL will output a signal of frequency F L (1) A frequency greater than F L As described above, in the example of FIG. 5, the inductance value I of the corrosion sensor SL decreases from the inductance value I(1) to I(2) due to corrosion caused by the corrosive gas G, and the output frequency of the oscillation circuit O including the corrosion sensor SL decreases to the frequency F L (1) to F L (2)

[0030] Furthermore, when dust or the like adheres to the corrosion sensor SL, the inductance value I of the corrosion sensor SL decreases compared to before the dust or the like adheres, and the frequency F of the oscillation circuit O including the corrosion sensor SL decreases. Lincreases compared to before dust and other particles adhered.

[0031] (1-3-3. Connection method of the corrosion sensor S) The connection method of the corrosion sensors S according to the embodiment is not particularly limited. For example, in the oscillation circuit O, the corrosion sensors SC are connected in parallel and the corrosion sensors SL are connected in series, but this is not particularly limited.

[0032] (1-3-4. Metallic materials) The metal material forming the corrosion sensor S according to the embodiment is preferably copper, which is generally used in printed circuit boards P, but is not particularly limited thereto. For example, the metal material forming the corrosion sensor S may be silver. Furthermore, the metal material forming the corrosion sensor S may be an alloy or plating made of multiple metals.

[0033] (1-3-5. Detectable Corrosive Gas G) Although the detectable corrosive gas G according to the embodiment has been described as hydrogen sulfide, the detectable corrosive gas G is not limited thereto. For example, the detectable corrosive gas G may be ammonia, chlorine, or sulfur dioxide.

[0034] (1-3-6. Other) The corrosion sensor S according to the embodiment can detect corrosion other than that caused by the corrosive gas G. For example, the corrosion sensor S can also detect deterioration such as adhesion of dust particles in the atmosphere, adhesion of water vapor in the atmosphere, and oxidation due to oxygen in the atmosphere.

[0035] (1-4. Effects of the Information Processing System 100) The background and overview of the information processing system 100 will be explained below, and then the effects of the information processing system 100 will be explained.

[0036] (1-4-1. Background of the Information Processing System 100) When a system including a printed circuit board P, such as a plant, is operating, if the printed circuit board P breaks down, the operation of the system will stop. In particular, if the printed circuit board P is exposed to a corrosive gas G, the corrosive gas G will corrode the electronic components on the printed circuit board P, causing a sudden failure. If the printed circuit board P breaks down, its electronic circuit will no longer function, causing the entire system to stop. The information processing system 100 can be applied to a system including the above-described printed circuit board P, in which the printed circuit board P may be exposed to an atmosphere of corrosive gas G.

[0037] (1-4-2. Overview of Information Processing System 100) In the information processing system 100, the information processing device 10 acquires the frequency F of the corrosion detection circuit signal output by a corrosion detection circuit D including a corrosion sensor S, and monitors the corrosion detection circuit signal. At this time, as the metal of the corrosion sensor S corrodes, the capacitance value C and the inductance value I change, and the frequency F of the corrosion detection circuit signal output by the corrosion detection circuit D also changes. Then, when the frequency F of the corrosion detection circuit signal output by the corrosion detection circuit D including the corrosion sensor S becomes equal to or greater than a threshold X, the information processing device 10 detects the occurrence of a corrosion abnormality in the printed circuit board P. Furthermore, when the information processing device 10 detects a corrosion abnormality in the printed circuit board P, it notifies an alarm to a plant manager or switches to a backup device.

[0038] (1-4-3. Effects of the information processing system 100) The information processing system 100 is expected to have the following advantages. First, the information processing system 100 can detect fluctuations in the capacitance value C and the inductance value I by monitoring the corrosion sensor S at a frequency F using an oscillator circuit O. At this time, the information processing system 100 can detect small fluctuations in the capacitance value C and the inductance value I due to corrosion, dust, or the like by comparing the frequency F with the highly accurate clock signal that the information processing system 100 uses. Second, while the reference technology also allows for detection of corrosive gas G by exposing simple copper wiring on a printed circuit board P and measuring the electrical resistance of the wiring, the information processing system 100 can process fluctuations in the capacitance value C and the inductance value I as digital signals without requiring expensive electronic elements such as an analog-to-digital (AD) converter that measures electrical resistance by passing a current through copper foil, thereby enabling detection of corrosive gas G at low cost.

[0039] As described above, the information processing system 100 can predict failure of electronic devices due to the external environment.

[0040] 2. Configuration and Processing of Information Processing Device 10 of Information Processing System 100 The configuration and processing of the information processing device 10 included in the information processing system 100 shown in Fig. 1 will be described using Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the information processing device 10 of the information processing system 100 according to the embodiment. Below, an example of the configuration of the entire information processing system 100 according to the embodiment will be described, and then an example of the configuration and processing of the information processing device 10 according to the embodiment will be described in detail.

[0041] (2-1. Example of the overall configuration of the information processing system 100) 6, the information processing system 100 includes an information processing device 10. The information processing device 10 may be a desktop PC, a server device, a sensor device, a network switch, or the like, as long as it includes a printed circuit board P. Note that the information processing system 100 may include a plurality of information processing devices 10, which may be communicatively connected via a predetermined communication network so that they can be used as backup devices for each other.

[0042] (2-2. Configuration example of information processing device 10) An example of the configuration and processing of information processing device 10 will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Information processing device 10 has a communication unit 11, a storage unit 12, a control unit 13, and a corrosion detection circuit D. Note that information processing device 10 may also have an input unit (e.g., a keyboard, a mouse, etc.) that accepts various operations from an administrator of information processing device 10, etc., and a display unit (e.g., a liquid crystal display, etc.) that displays various information.

[0043] (2-2-1. Communications Department 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. The communication unit 11 can also perform data communication with an operator's terminal (not shown).

[0044] (2-2-2. Storage section 12) The storage unit 12 stores various pieces of information that the control unit 13 refers to when it operates and various pieces of information that the control unit 13 acquires when it operates. Here, the storage unit 12 can be realized by, for example, a semiconductor memory element such as a random access memory (RAM) or a flash memory, or a storage device such as a hard disk or an optical disk. Note that, in the example of Fig. 6, the storage unit 12 is installed inside the information processing device 10, but it may be installed outside the information processing device 10, or multiple storage units may be installed.

[0045] (2-2-3. Control unit 13) The control unit 13 is responsible for overall control of the information processing device 10. The control unit 13 has an acquisition unit 13a and a detection unit 13b. 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). The control unit 13 may be installed on a printed circuit board P that includes a corrosion detection circuit D, or may be installed on a printed circuit board P that does not include a corrosion detection circuit D.

[0046] (2-2-3-1. Acquisition part 13a) The acquisition unit 13a acquires a corrosion detection circuit signal. For example, the acquisition unit 13a acquires a frequency F of the corrosion detection circuit signal output from an oscillator circuit O mounted on a printed circuit board P and including a corrosion sensor S, which is an electronic element formed of a conductive metal. The acquisition unit 13a may store the acquired frequency F in the storage unit 12.

[0047] Regarding the frequency F, for example, the acquisition unit 13a acquires the frequency F of the corrosion detection circuit signal output by the Colpitts oscillation circuit as the oscillation circuit O based on the capacitance value C indicated by the corrosion sensor SC. C The acquisition unit 13a also acquires the frequency F of the corrosion detection circuit signal output by the Colpitts oscillator circuit serving as the oscillator circuit O based on the inductance value I indicated by the corrosion sensor SL. L Get.

[0048] Frequency F of the corrosion detection circuit signal output based on the corrosion sensor SC C To explain a specific example, the acquisition unit 13a acquires a frequency F corresponding to the capacitance value C(1). C (1), the frequency F corresponding to the capacitance value C(2) C (2), the frequency F corresponding to the capacitance value C(3) C(3), ... are acquired and stored in the storage unit 12. Note that C(1), C(2), C(3), ... indicate capacitance values ​​C at predetermined times, and F C (1), F C (2), F C (3), ... is the frequency F corresponding to the capacitance value C at a given time C Shows.

[0049] Frequency F of the corrosion detection circuit signal output based on the corrosion sensor SL L To explain a specific example, the acquisition unit 13a acquires a frequency F corresponding to the inductance value I(1). L (1), the frequency F corresponding to the inductance value I(2) L (2), the frequency F corresponding to the inductance value I(3) L (3), ... are acquired and stored in the storage unit 12. Note that I(1), I(2), I(3), ... indicate the inductance value I at a predetermined time, and F L (1), F L (2), F L (3), ... is the frequency F corresponding to the inductance value I at a given time L Shows.

[0050] The acquisition unit 13a detects corrosion using a high-precision clock signal generated by a crystal oscillator used by logic components such as a CPU and FPGA on the printed circuit board P, and a counter. To explain this in detail, the acquisition unit 13a counts how many times the signal output from the corrosion sensor S toggles during the time it takes to count the high-precision clock signal from the crystal one million times, and determines the degree of corrosion based on the count. Here, the acquisition unit 13a converts the 10 MHz clock signal output from the crystal oscillator into a 1 MHz reference signal via a frequency divider and counts using a counter. Meanwhile, the acquisition unit 13a counts the signal output from the corrosion sensor S as a corrosion detection circuit signal using a counter. The acquisition unit 13a then acquires the frequency F by counting how many times the corrosion detection circuit signal toggles during one second of the clock signal converted to the 1 MHz reference signal.

[0051] (2-2-3-2. Detection unit 13b) The detection unit 13b executes an abnormality occurrence detection process and an abnormality alarm notification process as follows.

[0052] (Abnormality detection process) The detection unit 13b detects an abnormality in the printed circuit board P based on a fluctuation in the frequency F. For example, the detection unit 13b detects the occurrence of an abnormality in the printed circuit board P by using the frequency F acquired by the acquisition unit 13a. At this time, the detection unit 13b calculates a frequency fluctuation value ΔF from the acquired frequency F, and detects the occurrence of an abnormality in the printed circuit board P when the frequency fluctuation value ΔF is equal to or greater than a threshold value X. The detection unit 13b may store the calculated frequency fluctuation value ΔF in the storage unit 12. The detection unit 13b may also acquire the threshold value X, which indicates the occurrence of an abnormality in the printed circuit board P, from the storage unit 12.

[0053] Here, the frequency variation value ΔF using the difference from the initial value will be described. For example, the detection unit 13b detects the frequency F of the corrosion detection circuit signal in the initial state (t=0) output by the oscillation circuit O. C The initial frequency F C (0) and frequency F at time t C The difference between the frequency fluctuation value ΔF at time t C (t) where the frequency fluctuation value ΔF C (t)=|F C (t)-F C (0)|. Then, the detection unit 13b calculates ΔF C (t)≧X C If so, it is determined that an abnormality caused by the corrosion sensor SC has occurred at time t.

[0054] Furthermore, the detection unit 13b detects the frequency F of the corrosion detection circuit signal in the initial state (t=0) output by the oscillation circuit O. L The initial frequency F L (0) and frequency F at time t L The difference between the frequency fluctuation value ΔF at time t L(t) where the frequency fluctuation value ΔF L (t)=|F L (t)-F L (0)|. Then, the detection unit 13b calculates ΔF L (t)≧X L If so, it is determined that an abnormality caused by the corrosion sensor SL has occurred at time t.

[0055] Next, a frequency fluctuation value ΔF using the difference from the average value will be described. For example, the detection unit 13b detects N frequencies F for one day that are determined to be operating normally. C Using this, the average frequency F C (Ave)=ΣF C Calculate (i) / N and calculate the average frequency F C (Ave) and frequency F at time t C The average deviation, which is the difference between C (t) where the frequency fluctuation value ΔF C (t)=|F C (t)-F C (Ave)|. Then, the detection unit 13b calculates ΔF C (t)≧X C If so, it is determined that an abnormality caused by the corrosion sensor SC has occurred at time t.

[0056] The detector 13b also detects N frequencies F for one day that are determined to be operating normally. L Using this, the average frequency F L (Ave)=ΣF L Calculate (i) / N and calculate the average frequency F L (Ave) and frequency F at time t L The average deviation, which is the difference between L (t) where the frequency fluctuation value ΔF L (t)=|F L (t)-F L (Ave)|. Then, the detection unit 13b calculates ΔF L (t)≧X LIf so, it is determined that an abnormality caused by the corrosion sensor SL has occurred at time t.

[0057] (Abnormal alarm notification processing) When detecting the occurrence of an abnormality, the detection unit 13b issues an abnormality alarm. For example, when the calculated frequency fluctuation value ΔF is equal to or greater than the threshold value X, the detection unit 13b issues an abnormality alarm to a terminal used by a plant manager.

[0058] To explain the abnormal alarm, for example, the detection unit 13b detects the calculated frequency fluctuation value ΔF C is the threshold X C or more, or the calculated frequency fluctuation value ΔF L is the threshold X L If the frequency is above this level, an abnormal alarm is sent to the terminal used by the plant manager, and the average frequency F C (Ave) or average frequency F L The detection unit 13b notifies the plant manager of the occurrence time of the abnormality estimated from the rate of change of (Ave). The detection unit 13b can also notify the terminal used by the plant manager of the abnormality alarm and switch to the backup device.

[0059] (2-2-4. Corrosion detection circuit D) The corrosion detection circuit D has an oscillator circuit O including a corrosion sensor S.

[0060] (2-2-4-1. Oscillation circuit O)

[0061] The oscillator circuit O is realized by a Colpitts oscillator circuit. The oscillator circuit O is not limited to a Colpitts oscillator circuit, and may be, for example, a Hartley oscillator circuit, a Clapp oscillator circuit, or the like.

[0062] The oscillator circuit O outputs a signal of frequency F based on the value indicated by the corrosion sensor S, which is an electronic element. For example, the oscillator circuit O outputs a signal of frequency F based on the capacitance value C indicated by the corrosion sensor SC. CThe signal is output every second. The output interval is not limited to one second and can be set to any time. The oscillation circuit O also generates a signal of the corresponding frequency F based on the inductance value I indicated by the corrosion sensor SL. L The signal is output every second. Note that the output interval is not limited to one second and can be set to any time.

[0063] (2-2-4-2. Corrosion Sensor S) The corrosion sensor S is an electronic element made of a conductive metal. For example, the corrosion sensor S is an electronic element made of copper. The corrosion sensor S is not limited to copper, and may be made of, for example, silver, a copper alloy, a silver alloy, a copper-plated metal, a silver-plated metal, or the like.

[0064] The corrosion sensor S is realized by at least one of a capacitor-like corrosion sensor SC and an inductor-like corrosion sensor SL. The corrosion sensor SC is an electronic element that exhibits a predetermined capacitance value C by forming at least two metal foils made of metal facing each other. The corrosion sensor SC can also be formed using a metal plate or metal wire. The corrosion sensor SL is an inductor (coil) that forms an oscillator circuit O, and is an electronic element that exhibits a predetermined inductance value I by forming metal foil made of metal into a spiral or vortex shape. The corrosion sensor SL can also be formed using a metal plate or metal wire.

[0065] (2-2-4-3. Specific example of corrosion detection circuit D) A specific example of a corrosion detection circuit D having an oscillation circuit O and a corrosion sensor S will be described using FIG. 7. FIG. 7 is a circuit diagram showing an example of the configuration of a corrosion detection circuit D according to an embodiment. In the example of FIG. 7, the oscillation circuit O is configured as a Colpitts oscillation circuit (dotted line in FIG. 7). Furthermore, the corrosion sensor S is configured as one corrosion sensor SC and one corrosion sensor SL (dashed line in FIG. 7). As shown in FIG. 7, the corrosion detection circuit D outputs, via the oscillation circuit O, a corrosion detection circuit signal at a frequency F corresponding to the capacitance value C indicated by the corrosion sensor SC and the inductance value I indicated by the corrosion sensor SL.

[0066] [3. Flow of Processing of Information Processing System 100] Using FIG. 8, the flow of processing of the information processing system 100 according to the embodiment will be described. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the overall flow of information processing according to the embodiment. Note that the processing of the following steps S101 to S105 can also be executed in a different order. Also, some of the processing of the following steps S101 to S105 may be omitted.

[0067] (3-1. Circuit Signal Acquisition Processing) First, the information processing device 10 executes circuit signal acquisition processing (step S101). For example, the information processing device 10 acquires a corrosion detection circuit signal of frequency F output by a corrosion detection circuit D including a corrosion sensor S and monitors the corrosion detection circuit signal.

[0068] (3-2. Circuit Signal Determination Processing) Second, the information processing device 10 executes circuit signal determination processing (step S102). For example, the information processing device 10 calculates the frequency F of the acquired corrosion detection circuit signal, that is, the count number of corrosion detection signals per unit time, calculates a frequency fluctuation value ΔF, and compares it with a threshold value X. At this time, when ΔF≥X (step S102: Yes), the information processing device 10 proceeds to the processing of step S103. On the other hand, when ΔF<X (step S102: No), the information processing device 10 returns to the processing of step S101.

[0069] (3-3. Corrosion Abnormality Detection Processing) Third, the information processing device 10 executes corrosion abnormality detection processing (step S103). For example, the information processing device 10 detects that an abnormality due to corrosion has occurred on the printed circuit board P on which the corrosion detection circuit D is mounted.

[0070] (3-4. Corrosion Abnormality Notification Processing) Fourth, the information processing device 10 executes a corrosion abnormality notification process (step S104). For example, when the information processing device 10 detects a corrosion abnormality, it notifies the terminal of the plant manager that an abnormality due to corrosion has occurred in the printed circuit board P.

[0071] (3-5. Backup device switching process) Fifth, the information processing device 10 executes the backup device switching process (step S105) and ends the process. For example, when the information processing device 10 detects a corrosion abnormality, it automatically switches to a backup device that is a different information processing device.

[0072] 4. Effects of the embodiment Finally, the effects of the embodiment will be described below: Effects 1 to 5 corresponding to the processing according to the embodiment will be described below.

[0073] (4-1. Effect 1) First, in the processing according to the above-described embodiment, the information processing device 10 acquires the frequency F of a corrosion detection circuit signal output from an oscillator circuit O mounted on a printed circuit board P, the oscillator circuit O including a corrosion sensor S, which is an electronic element formed of a conductive metal, and detects an abnormality in the printed circuit board P based on fluctuations in the frequency F. Therefore, this processing makes it possible to predict failure of electronic devices due to the external environment.

[0074] (4-2. Effect 2) Secondly, in the process according to the above-described embodiment, the information processing device 10 includes, as the oscillation circuit O, a corrosion sensor SC, which is an electronic element that exhibits a predetermined capacitance value C by placing at least two metal foils made of metal facing each other. Therefore, in this process, a failure of an electronic device due to the external environment can be predicted using a capacitor-like electronic element.

[0075] (4-3. Effect 3) Thirdly, in the process according to the above-described embodiment, the information processing device 10 includes a corrosion sensor SL, which is an electronic element that exhibits a predetermined inductance value I by forming a metal foil made of metal into a spiral or vortex shape, as an inductor that forms the oscillation circuit O. Therefore, in this process, the inductor formed in the oscillation circuit O can be used to predict failure of the electronic device due to the external environment.

[0076] (4-4. Effect 4) Fourth, in the process according to the above-described embodiment, the information processing device 10 uses copper as the metal of the corrosion sensor S, which is an electronic element. Therefore, in this process, it is possible to predict failure of an electronic device due to the external environment inexpensively and simply.

[0077] (4-5. Effect 5) Fifth, in the process according to the embodiment described above, the information processing device 10 calculates a frequency variation value ΔF of the frequency F of the signal output from the oscillation circuit O, and detects that an abnormality has occurred in the printed circuit board P when the calculated frequency variation value ΔF is equal to or greater than the threshold value X. Therefore, in this process, it is possible to immediately predict and notify the occurrence of a failure of the electronic device due to the external environment.

[0078] 〔system〕 The information including the processing procedures, control procedures, specific names, various data and parameters shown in the above documents and drawings can be changed arbitrarily unless otherwise specified.

[0079] Furthermore, the components of each device shown in the figure are functional concepts and do not necessarily have to be physically configured as shown. In other words, the specific form of distribution and integration of each device is not limited to that shown. In other words, all or part of them can be functionally or physically distributed and integrated in any unit depending on various loads, usage conditions, etc.

[0080] Furthermore, all or any part of the processing functions performed by each device may be realized by a CPU and a program analyzed and executed by the CPU, or may be realized as hardware using wired logic.

[0081] [Hardware] Next, an example of the hardware configuration of the information processing device 10 will be described. Note that other devices may also have a similar hardware configuration. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration. As shown in FIG. 9, the information processing device 10 has a communication device 10a, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 10b, a memory 10c, and a processor 10d. The components shown in FIG. 9 are connected to each other via a bus or the like.

[0082] The communication device 10a is a network interface card or the like, and communicates with other servers. The HDD 10b stores programs and DBs that operate the functions shown in FIG.

[0083] The processor 10d reads out a program that executes the same processes as the respective processing units shown in FIG. 6 from the HDD 10b or the like and loads it into the memory 10c, thereby operating a process that executes each function described in FIG. 6 or the like. For example, this process executes the same functions as the respective processing units of the information processing device 10. Specifically, the processor 10d reads out a program that has the same functions as the acquisition unit 13a, the detection unit 13b, or the like from the HDD 10b or the like. Then, the processor 10d executes a process that executes the same processes as the acquisition unit 13a, the detection unit 13b, or the like.

[0084] In this way, the information processing device 10 operates as a device that executes various processing methods by reading and executing a program. The information processing device 10 can also realize functions similar to those of the above-described embodiment by reading the program from a recording medium using a medium reading device and executing the read program. Note that the program in these other embodiments is not limited to being executed by the information processing device 10. For example, the present invention can also be applied in the same way to cases where another computer or server executes a program, or where these execute a program in cooperation with each other.

[0085] This program can be distributed via a network such as the Internet. In addition, this program can be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a hard disk, a flexible disk (FD), a CD-ROM, a magneto-optical disk (MO), or a digital versatile disk (DVD), and can be executed by being read from the recording medium by a computer.

[0086] 〔others〕 Some examples of combinations of the disclosed technical features are set out below.

[0087] (1) An information processing device comprising: an oscillator circuit mounted on a substrate, the oscillator circuit including an electronic element formed from a conductive metal; an acquisition unit that acquires the frequency of a signal output from the oscillator circuit; and a detection unit that detects an abnormality in the substrate based on fluctuations in the frequency.

[0088] (2) The information processing device according to (1), wherein the oscillator circuit includes the electronic element that exhibits a predetermined capacitance value by forming at least two metal foils made of the metal so as to face each other.

[0089] (3) An information processing device according to (1) or (2), wherein the inductor forming the oscillator circuit includes the electronic element that exhibits a predetermined inductance value by forming a metal foil made of the metal into a spiral or vortex shape.

[0090] (4) The information processing device according to any one of (1) to (3), wherein the metal is copper.

[0091] (5) An information processing device described in any one of (1) to (4), wherein the detection unit calculates a fluctuation value of the frequency of the signal output from the oscillator circuit, and detects that an abnormality has occurred in the board when the calculated fluctuation value becomes greater than or equal to a threshold value.

[0092] (6) An information processing method in which a computer executes a process to acquire the frequency of a signal output from an oscillator circuit mounted on a substrate, the oscillator circuit including an electronic element formed of a conductive metal, and detect an abnormality in the substrate based on fluctuations in the frequency.

[0093] (7) An information processing program that causes a computer to execute a process of acquiring the frequency of a signal output from an oscillator circuit mounted on a substrate, the oscillator circuit including an electronic element formed of a conductive metal, and detecting an abnormality in the substrate based on fluctuations in the frequency. [Explanation of symbols]

[0094] 10. Information processing equipment 11 Communications Department 12 Storage section 13 Control Unit 13a Acquisition part 13b Detection unit 100 Information Processing Systems

Claims

1. an acquisition unit that acquires the frequency of a signal output from an oscillator circuit mounted on a substrate, the oscillator circuit including an electronic element formed of a conductive metal; a detection unit that calculates a fluctuation value of the frequency, and when the calculated fluctuation value is equal to or greater than a threshold value, detects that an abnormality has occurred in the substrate, and notifies the occurrence time of the abnormality estimated from the rate of change of the average value of the frequency; An information processing device comprising:

2. The oscillator circuit comprises: The electronic element includes at least two metal foils made of the metal, which are formed facing each other, and exhibits a predetermined capacitance value. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

3. The inductor forming the oscillation circuit is The electronic element exhibits a predetermined inductance value by forming a metal foil made of the metal into a spiral or vortex shape. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

4. The metal is copper. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

5. The information processing device is a plurality of information processing devices installed in a plant, The detection unit When an abnormality is detected in the board, switching from the own device to another device is performed. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

6. The computer Acquiring a frequency of a signal output from an oscillator circuit mounted on a substrate, the oscillator circuit including an electronic element formed of a conductive metal; a fluctuation value of the frequency is calculated, and when the calculated fluctuation value is equal to or greater than a threshold value, it is detected that an abnormality has occurred in the substrate, and a time when the abnormality has occurred is notified, which is estimated from a rate of change in the average value of the frequency. An information processing method that performs processing.

7. On the computer, Acquiring a frequency of a signal output from an oscillator circuit mounted on a substrate, the oscillator circuit including an electronic element formed of a conductive metal; a fluctuation value of the frequency is calculated, and when the calculated fluctuation value is equal to or greater than a threshold value, it is detected that an abnormality has occurred in the substrate, and a time when the abnormality has occurred is notified, which is estimated from a rate of change in the average value of the frequency. An information processing program that executes processing.

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