Information processing device and information processing method

Abstract

To achieve an information processing apparatus that can reduce a burden imposed on a user during set-up.SOLUTION: An information processing apparatus comprises at least one processor (11) that executes acquisition processing of acquiring sensor data transmitted from sensors (3a) belonging to a sensor group, conversion processing of converting the sensor data acquired through the acquisition processing into a specific format, and providing processing of providing the sensor data whose format is converted through the conversion processing to a main facility (2).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] At production sites, technology is used to operate a programmable logic controller (PLC) built into equipment based on sensor data acquired from multiple sensors. Known ways of connecting multiple sensors to equipment include connecting multiple sensors directly to the equipment, and connecting multiple sensors to the equipment via a relay device.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a wiring system in which multiple proximity sensors are connected to a PLC via a relay box. The relay box described in Patent Document 1 includes a transmission wiring connection terminal connected to each of the multiple proximity sensors and a bus wiring connection terminal connected to the PLC. Signals output from each proximity sensor are collected in the relay box via the transmission wiring and provided to the PLC via the bus wiring. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2011-164966 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, multiple sensors manufactured by different companies may be connected to the main equipment. Furthermore, sensors connected to the main equipment are not limited to sensors that transmit binary sensor data, such as proximity sensors. Therefore, the sensor data acquired by the main equipment from each sensor may include sensor data in a format that the PLC of the main equipment cannot correctly interpret. Therefore, in order to use the sensor data in the PLC of the main equipment, a conversion process must be performed in the PLC of the main equipment to convert the sensor data format into a format that the PLC of the main equipment can correctly interpret. Therefore, each time a new sensor is introduced, a program must be created to perform a conversion process corresponding to the format of the sensor data transmitted from the sensor, and the program must be installed in the PLC of the main equipment. As a result, introducing new sensors has been a heavy burden for users.

[0006] In the wiring system described in Patent Document 1, the relay box converts the signal acquired from the proximity sensor into a network signal format that can be transmitted via bus wiring. However, this conversion converts the sensor data into a format that can be transmitted via bus wiring, but does not convert it into a format that allows the PLC of the main facility to correctly interpret the data content. Therefore, sensors that can be used in the wiring system described in Patent Document 1 are limited to those that do not require the latter conversion, such as proximity sensors that transmit binary sensor data.

[0007] One aspect of the present invention is to provide an information processing device that functions as a relay device that relays communications between sensors and main equipment, and that aims to realize an information processing device that reduces the burden that may be placed on users when introducing a new sensor. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to solve the above problem, an information processing device according to one embodiment of the present invention includes at least one processor that executes an acquisition process for acquiring sensor data transmitted from each sensor belonging to a sensor group, a conversion process for converting the sensor data acquired in the acquisition process into a specific format that can be interpreted by a controller of a main equipment, and a provision process for providing the sensor data whose format has been converted in the conversion process to the main equipment. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to realize an information processing device that can reduce the burden on the user during setup. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a front view showing the appearance of an information processing device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the information processing device shown in FIG. 1 together with its peripheral devices. [Figure 3] 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of sensor data stored in a memory of the information processing device shown in FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 4] 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of a sensor address map stored in a memory of the information processing device shown in FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 5] 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of equipment data stored in a memory of the information processing device shown in FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 6] 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of an address map for equipment of equipment data stored in a memory of the information processing device shown in FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 7] 2 is a flowchart showing a method for relaying sensor data by the information processing device shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 8] 2 is a flowchart showing a method for relaying equipment data by the information processing device shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 9] 8 is a diagram showing an example of a sensor display screen that the information processing device displays on a display in the sensor data relay method shown in FIG. 7. FIG. [Figure 10] 9 is a diagram showing an example of an equipment display screen that is displayed on a display by an information processing device in the equipment data relay method shown in FIG. 8. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] The information processing device in this application is a device that relays communication between each sensor belonging to a sensor group and the main facility, and communication between each auxiliary facility belonging to an auxiliary facility group and the main facility. The information processing device according to this embodiment will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0012] (Appearance of information processing device) The appearance of an information processing device 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a front view showing the appearance of the information processing device 1.

[0013] As shown in FIG. 1, the information processing device 1 includes a power button 7, a power indicator light 8, and an abnormality indicator light 9.

[0014] The power button 7 is a button for activating or deactivating the information processing device 1. When the user presses the power button 7 while the information processing device 1 is deactivated, the information processing device 1 activates, and when the user presses the power button 7 while the information processing device 1 is deactivated, the information processing device 1 deactivates. The power indicator light 8 is an indicator light that indicates that the information processing device 1 is operating. When the information processing device 1 is operating, the power indicator light 8 is lit, and when the information processing device 1 is deactivated, the power indicator light 8 is extinguished. The abnormality indicator light 9 is an indicator light that indicates that an abnormality has occurred in the information processing device 1. When the information processing device 1 is operating normally, the abnormality indicator light 9 is extinguished, and when the information processing device 1 is not operating normally, the abnormality indicator light 9 is lit. The abnormality indicator light 9 may also be configured to light up when an abnormality occurs in a sensor or ancillary equipment connected to the information processing device 1.

[0015] (Configuration of an information processing system including an information processing device) The configuration of an information processing system S including the information processing device 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the information processing system S.

[0016] The information processing system S includes, in addition to the information processing device 1, a main facility 2, a group of sensors 3, a group of auxiliary facilities 4, and a display 5.

[0017] The main equipment 2 is a device that plays a major role in the production line. An example of the main equipment 2 is a molding device that molds casting molds. The main equipment 2 is equipped with a PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) 21. The PLC 21 controls each part of the main equipment 2 based on sensor data acquired from each sensor that constitutes the sensor group 3 via the information processing device 1, and equipment data acquired from each ancillary equipment that constitutes the ancillary equipment group 4 via the information processing device 1.

[0018] The sensor group 3 is made up of a plurality of sensor slave stations 3a1, 3a2, ... (one example of "sensor" in the claims) and a sensor master 3b. Hereinafter, when the sensor slave stations 3a1, 3a2, ... are referred to without identifying the individual ones, they will be referred to as sensor slave stations 3a.

[0019] The sensor slave station 3a is a device for detecting the surrounding conditions of the sensor slave station 3a, such as the condition of the main facility 2, the surrounding conditions of the main facility 2, the condition of the auxiliary facility 4a, the surrounding conditions of the auxiliary facility 4a, the condition of raw materials, the condition of intermediate products, or the condition of a product. Examples of the sensor slave station 3a include an open / close sensor, a temperature sensor, and a PATLITE (registered trademark). The sensor slave station 3a transmits the detected value of the sensor slave station 3a together with status information of the sensor slave station 3a to the sensor master 3b as sensor data. Here, the status information of the sensor slave station 3a indicates, for example, the usage status of the sensor slave station 3a, the presence or absence of a monitoring function, the communication status, the radio wave intensity, and the remaining battery level. The sensor slave station 3a and the sensor master 3b are wirelessly connected, for example, by EnOcean (registered trademark), ZigBee (registered trademark), Bluetooth Low Energy (registered trademark), or the like.

[0020] Some sensor devices have multiple sensor functions, such as a temperature / humidity sensor that detects both temperature and humidity. In this case, each sensor function of the sensor device is treated as a sensor slave station 3a. Therefore, multiple sensor slave stations 3a may correspond to a single sensor device.

[0021] The sensor master 3b is a device for relaying communication between each sensor slave station 3a and the information processing device 1. The sensor master 3b transmits the detection values ​​and status information of each sensor slave station 3a connected to the sensor master 3b, together with the status information of the sensor master 3b, to the information processing device 1 as sensor data. Here, the status information of the sensor master 3b indicates, for example, the communication status of the sensor master 3b and the number of times data has been acquired. The sensor master 3b and the information processing device 1 are connected by wire, for example, Ethernet (registered trademark).

[0022] The incidental facilities group 4 is made up of a plurality of incidental facilities 4a1, 4a2, .... Hereinafter, when referring to the incidental facilities 4a1, 4a2, ... without identifying the individual facilities, they will be referred to as incidental facilities 4a.

[0023] The auxiliary equipment 4a is a device that supports the main equipment 2. Examples of the auxiliary equipment 4a include a conveyor, a cylinder, and a dust collector. The auxiliary equipment 4a includes a PLC 41. The PLC 41 of each auxiliary equipment 4a controls each component of the auxiliary equipment 4a. The PLC 41 of each auxiliary equipment 4a transmits the digital and analog outputs of the auxiliary equipment 4a, along with status information of the auxiliary equipment 4a, to the information processing device 1 as equipment data. The digital output of the auxiliary equipment 4a, also referred to as an operation signal, indicates, for example, whether automatic operation is possible, whether automatic operation is in progress, whether an abnormality has occurred, or whether an emergency stop is in progress. The analog output of the auxiliary equipment 4a indicates, for example, the conveyor feed speed, the cylinder operating pressure, the dust collector air volume, and the amount of power used. The status information of the auxiliary equipment 4a indicates, for example, the usage status of the auxiliary equipment 4a, whether a monitoring function is enabled, and the communication status. The incidental equipment 4a and the information processing device 1 are connected by wire, for example, via CC-Link (registered trademark).

[0024] The information processing device 1 is a device for relaying communications between the main facility 2 and the sensor group 3, and between the main facility 2 and the auxiliary facility group 4. As shown in FIG. 2, the information processing device 1 includes a processor 11, a memory 12, an input / output IF 13, a communication IF 14, and a PLC 15. The processor 11, the memory 12, the input / output IF 13, the communication IF 14, and the PLC 15 are connected to one another via a bus. The information processing device 1 can be realized, for example, by adding the PLC 15 to a small single-board computer such as Raspberry Pi (registered trademark).

[0025] The memory 12 stores a sensor data set D1, an equipment data set D2, a sensor address map M1, and an equipment address map M2, along with an information processing program P. The processor 11 references the sensor data set D1, the equipment data set D2, the sensor address map M1, and the equipment address map M2, and executes an information processing method, which will be described later, in accordance with the information processing program P. An example of a device that can be used as the processor 11 is a CPU (Central Processing Unit). An example of a device that can be used as the memory 12 is a flash memory.

[0026] The input / output IF 13 is an interface for connecting the display 5. For example, an HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) (registered trademark) is used as the input / output IF 13. The communication IF 14 is an interface for communicating with the sensor master unit 3b. For example, an Ethernet interface is used as the communication IF 14. The PLC 15 is a controller for communicating with the main equipment 2 (PLC 21) and the auxiliary equipment 4a (PLC 41). The PLC 15 is able to access an equipment data set D2 and an equipment address map M2 via a bus. The PLC 15, the main equipment 2 (PLC 21) and the auxiliary equipment 4a (PLC 41) are connected by CC-Link.

[0027] (Configuration of sensor data set and sensor address map) The configuration of the sensor data set D1 stored in the memory 12 of the information processing device 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a diagram showing the configuration of the sensor data set D1.

[0028] As shown in Fig. 3, the sensor data set D1 is made up of configuration information 91, status information 92, output information 93, and monitoring information 94. Each piece of information making up the configuration information 91, status information 92, output information 93, and monitoring information 94 is managed by consecutive word numbers. In Fig. 3, the first word number of the configuration information 91 is "Head," the first word number of the status information 92 is "Comm.", the first word number of the output information 93 is "Data," and the first word number of the monitoring information 94 is "Mon.", and the content of the information corresponding to each word number is shown.

[0029] The configuration information 91 is information indicating the configuration of the sensor group 3. The configuration information 91 includes, for example, the number of sensor master devices 3b, the type code and IP address of each sensor master device 3b, the number of sensor slave stations 3a connected to each sensor master device 3b, the total number of sensor slave stations 3a, and the type code of each sensor slave station 3a. The configuration information 91 may be set by a manufacturer before shipping the information processing device 1, or may be set by a user after shipping the information processing device 1. The configuration information 91 may include offset values ​​(differences from the first word number of the configuration information 91) of the first word numbers of the status information 92, output information 93, and monitoring information 94, system information of the information processing device 1, and the like.

[0030] The status information 92 is a collection of status information of each sensor slave station 3a and status information of the sensor master 3b. As described above, the status information of each sensor slave station 3a is obtained as sensor data from that sensor slave station 3a via the sensor master 3b. Also, as described above, the status information of the sensor master 3b is obtained from the sensor master 3b. The status information 92 may include a keep-alive signal of the information processing system S and comprehensive sensor slave station information that summarizes the status information of all the sensor slave stations 3a. Examples of the comprehensive sensor slave station information include information indicating whether the communication status of all the sensor slave stations 3a is normal and information indicating whether the remaining battery power of all the sensor slave stations 3a is normal.

[0031] The output information 93 is a collection of the detection values ​​of each sensor slave station 3a. As described above, the detection values ​​of each sensor slave station 3a are acquired as sensor data from that sensor slave station 3a.

[0032] The monitoring information 94 is a collection of judgment conditions and judgment results for each sensor slave station 3a. The judgment conditions for each sensor slave station 3a are expressed, for example, by a threshold value. In this case, the judgment result for each sensor slave station 3a is given as a result of comparing the detection value of that sensor slave station 3a with this threshold value. The judgment conditions for each sensor slave station 3a may be set by the manufacturer before shipping the information processing device 1, or may be set by the user after shipping the information processing device 1. The judgment result for each sensor slave station 3a is derived by the information processing device 1 every time the detection value of that sensor slave station 3a is updated.

[0033] The configuration of the sensor address map M1 serving as address information stored in the memory 12 of the information processing device 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a diagram showing the configuration of the sensor address map M1.

[0034] The sensor address map M1 is a table that associates word numbers assigned to each piece of information included in the sensor data set D1 with addresses in the memory of the PLC 21 included in the main equipment 2.

[0035] The processor 11 of the information processing device 1 reads each piece of information included in the sensor data set D1, such as configuration information 91, status information 92, output information 93, and monitoring information 94, from the memory 12 of the information processing device 1, and writes the information to the memory of the PLC 21 provided in the main equipment 2. At this time, the processor 11 of the information processing device 1 determines the area in the memory of the PLC 21 to write each piece of information to, in accordance with the sensor address map M1. For example, in the sensor address map M1, word number Data+001 is associated with addresses EEE to E'E'E'. Therefore, the processor 11 of the information processing device 1 writes the detection value of the first sensor slave station, which is assigned word number Data+001 in the sensor data set D1, to the area in the memory of the PLC 21 assigned addresses EEE to E'E'E'.

[0036] The processor 11 of the information processing device 1 may write the sensor data acquired from each sensor constituting the sensor group 3 to the memory of the PLC 21 provided in the main equipment 2 in accordance with the information processing program P. In this case, address information corresponding to the above-mentioned sensor address map M1 will be included inside the information processing program P.

[0037] (Configuration of equipment data set and equipment address map) The configuration of the equipment data set D2 stored in the memory 12 of the information processing device 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing the configuration of the equipment data set D2.

[0038] As shown in Fig. 5, the equipment data set D2 is composed of configuration information 95, status information 96, output information 97, input information 98, and monitoring information 99. Each piece of information constituting the configuration information 95, status information 96, output information 97, input information 98, and monitoring information 99 is managed by consecutive word numbers. In Fig. 5, the first word number of the configuration information 95 is "Head," the first word number of the status information 96 is "Comm.", the first word number of the output information 97 is "S_data," the first word number of the input information 98 is "O_data," and the first word number of the monitoring information 99 is "Mon.", and the content of the information corresponding to each word number is shown.

[0039] The configuration information 95 is information indicating the configuration of the ancillary equipment group 4. The configuration information 95 includes, for example, the number of ancillary equipment 4a and the type code of each ancillary equipment 4a. The configuration information 95 may also include offset values ​​(differences from the first word numbers of the configuration information 95) of the first word numbers of the status information 96, output information 97, input information 98, and monitoring information 99, system information of the information processing device 1, and the like.

[0040] The status information 96 is a collection of status information of each ancillary equipment 4a. As described above, the status information of each ancillary equipment 4a is acquired as equipment data from that ancillary equipment 4a. The status information 96 may also include a keep-alive signal of the information processing system S, a low battery signal of the information processing device 1, and the like.

[0041] The output information 97 is a collection of the digital output and analog output of each ancillary equipment 4a. As described above, the digital output and analog output of each ancillary equipment 4a are acquired as equipment data from that ancillary equipment 4a. The output information 97 may include comprehensive ancillary equipment information that combines the digital outputs (operation signals) of all the ancillary equipment 4a. Examples of comprehensive ancillary equipment information include information indicating whether all the ancillary equipment 4a are normal or not, and information indicating whether all the ancillary equipment 4a are capable of automatic operation or not.

[0042] The input information 98 is a collection of digital inputs and analog inputs of each ancillary equipment 4a. The digital input of each ancillary equipment 4a is also called a command signal and represents a command for that ancillary equipment 4a. The analog input of each ancillary equipment 4a is also called a command value and represents a command value for that ancillary equipment 4a. The digital inputs and analog inputs of each ancillary equipment 4a are obtained from the PLC 21 of the main equipment 2. The input information 98 may also include an ancillary equipment overall command that aggregates the command signals for all the ancillary equipment 4a. Examples of the ancillary equipment overall command include an all-ancillary equipment automatic start command that commands all the ancillary equipment 4a to automatically start up, and an all-ancillary equipment automatic stop command that commands all the ancillary equipment 4a to automatically stop.

[0043] The monitoring information 99 is a collection of judgment conditions and judgment results for each ancillary equipment 4a. The judgment conditions for each ancillary equipment 4a are expressed, for example, by a threshold value. In this case, the judgment result for each ancillary equipment 4a is given as a result of comparing the digital output of that ancillary equipment 4a with this threshold value. The judgment conditions for each ancillary equipment 4a may be set by the manufacturer before shipping the information processing device 1, or may be set by the user after shipping the information processing device 1. The judgment result for each ancillary equipment 4a is derived by the information processing device 1 every time the digital output of that ancillary equipment 4a is updated. The judgment history for each ancillary equipment 4a may be included in the monitoring information 99. The judgment history for each ancillary equipment 4a may include, for example, the number of times the judgment result for that ancillary equipment 4a has been true.

[0044] The configuration of the equipment address map M2 as address information stored in the memory 12 of the information processing device 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is a diagram showing the configuration of the equipment address map M2.

[0045] The equipment address map M2 is a table that associates word numbers assigned to each piece of information included in the equipment data set D2 with addresses in the memory of the PLC 21 included in the main equipment 2.

[0046] The processor 11 of the information processing device 1 reads each piece of information included in the equipment data set D2 as the configuration information 95, the status information 96, the output information 97, and the monitoring information 99 from the memory 12 of the information processing device 1, and writes the information to the memory of the PLC 21 provided in the main equipment 2. At this time, the processor 11 of the information processing device 1 determines the area in the memory of the PLC 21 to write each piece of information in accordance with the equipment address map M2. For example, in the equipment address map M2, word number S_S_Data+001 corresponds to addresses UUU to U'U'U'. Therefore, the processor 11 of the information processing device 1 writes the digital output of the first incidental equipment, which is assigned word number S_Data+001 in the equipment data set D2, to the area in the memory of the PLC 21 assigned addresses UUU to U'U'U'.

[0047] Furthermore, the processor 11 of the information processing device 1 reads each piece of information included in the equipment data set D2 as input information 98 from the memory of the PLC 21 provided in the main equipment 2, and writes it to the memory 12 of the information processing device 1. At this time, the processor 11 of the information processing device 1 determines the area in the memory of the PLC 21 from which to read each piece of information, in accordance with the equipment address map M2. For example, in the equipment address map M2, word number O_Data+001 corresponds to addresses WWW to W'W'W'. Therefore, the processor 11 of the information processing device 1 reads the digital input of the first incidental equipment, which is assigned word number O_Data+001 in the sensor data set D1, from the area in the memory of the PLC 21 assigned addresses WWW to W'W'W'.

[0048] The processor 11 of the information processing device 1 may write the equipment data acquired from each of the ancillary equipment constituting the ancillary equipment group 4 to the memory of the PLC 21 provided in the main equipment 2 in accordance with the information processing program P. In this case, address information corresponding to the above-mentioned equipment address map M2 will be included inside the information processing program P.

[0049] (Sensor data relay method) The sensor data relay method Sa in the information processing device 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 7. Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing the sensor data relay method Sa.

[0050] As shown in FIG. 7, the sensor data relay method Sa includes an acquisition process S1, a conversion process S2, a determination process S3, a provision process S4, and a display process S5.

[0051] The acquisition process S1 is a process in which the processor 11 of the information processing device 1 acquires sensor data transmitted from each sensor slave station 3a constituting the sensor group 3. In the acquisition process S1, the sensor slave station 3a transmits the sensor data to the sensor master 3b periodically or whenever a detection value changes. The sensor master 3b also transmits the sensor data received from the sensor slave station 3a to the information processing device 1 periodically or whenever it receives sensor data from the sensor slave station 3a. The processor 11 of the information processing device 1 also receives the sensor data transmitted from the sensor slave station 3a.

[0052] The conversion process S2 is a process for converting the sensor data acquired in the acquisition process S1 into a specific format that can be interpreted by the PLC 21 of the main equipment 2. In the conversion process S2, the processor 11 of the information processing device 1 extracts status information and detection values ​​of the sensor slave station 3a from the sensor data acquired in the acquisition process S1. The processor 11 of the information processing device 1 also converts the extracted status information into a format that can be interpreted by the PLC 21 of the main equipment 2, and writes the extracted status information into the memory 12 as status information 92 of the sensor data set D1. The processor 11 of the information processing device 1 also converts the extracted detection values ​​into a format that can be interpreted by the PLC 21 of the main equipment 2, and writes the extracted detection values ​​into the memory 12 as output information 93 of the sensor data set D1. For example, when sensor data "55:0:07:02:0a:0a:21:05:1c:fc:a6:09:b8:01:37:90" is acquired from a specific sensor, the processor 11 converts the information regarding the detection value in the acquired sensor data to "1" and also converts the information regarding the status information in the acquired sensor data to "RSSI -55."

[0053] The determination process S3 is a process for determining whether or not the sensor data acquired in the acquisition process S1 satisfies a specific condition. In the determination process S3, the processor 11 of the information processing device 1 (1) compares the detection value of the sensor slave station 3a written in the memory 12 as the output information 93 of the sensor data set D1 with a threshold written in the memory 12 as the monitoring information 94 of the sensor data set D1, and (2) writes the comparison result in the memory 12 as the monitoring information 94 of the sensor data set D1.

[0054] The providing process S4 is a process for providing the sensor data whose format has been converted in the conversion process S2 to the main facility 2. In the providing process S4, the processor 11 of the information processing device 1 converts the sensor data set D 1 The information processing device 1 reads out each piece of information constituting the status information 92, output information 93, and monitoring information 94, and writes it into the memory of the PLC 21 provided in the main equipment 2. At this time, the processor 11 of the information processing device 1 determines which information should be written into which area of ​​the memory of the PLC 21 by referring to the sensor address map M1.

[0055] The display process S5 is a process for displaying the sensor data acquired in the acquisition process S1 or information obtained from the sensor data on the display 5. In the display process S5, the processor 11 of the information processing device 1 generates a sensor display screen for displaying the sensor data. The processor 11 of the information processing device 1 also outputs the generated sensor display screen to the display 5. Specific examples of the sensor display screen will be described later with reference to different drawings.

[0056] 7, the processor 11 of the information processing device 1 may further execute a change process S6 for changing the conditions used in the determination process S3 based on a user operation. In the change process S6, the processor 11 of the information processing device 1 changes the sensor data set D 1 The threshold value stored in the memory 12 as the monitoring information 94 is changed to a value designated by the user.

[0057] Furthermore, the processor 11 of the information processing device 1 may further execute a monitoring process S7, a notification process S8, and a reconnection process S9, as shown in FIG.

[0058] The monitoring process S7 is a process in which the processor 11 of the information processing device 1 monitors the data transmission interval of each sensor slave station 3a belonging to the sensor group 3. In the monitoring process S7, the processor 11 of the information processing device 1 monitors the data transmission interval from the sensor master 3b. The processor 11 monitors the data transmission interval based on the status information 92 of the sensor data set D1 stored in the memory 12. If the data transmission interval of the sensor master 3b exceeds a specific time, the processor 11 determines that the connection with the sensor master 3b is in error.

[0059] The notification process S8 is a process for notifying a connection error when the data transmission interval of the sensor parent device 3b monitored in the monitoring process S7 exceeds a specific time. In the notification process S8, if the processor 11 of the information processing device 1 determines in the monitoring process S7 that the connection with the sensor parent device 3b is in error, the processor 11 displays a notification of the connection error on the display 5.

[0060] The reconnection process S9 is a process in which the processor 11 of the information processing device 1 attempts to reconnect to the sensor parent device 3b when communication with the sensor parent device 3b is interrupted. In the reconnection process S9, the processor 11 of the information processing device 1 executes reconnection to the sensor parent device 3b for which a connection error was determined in the monitoring process S7. The processor 11 of the information processing device 1 repeatedly executes the reconnection process S9 until connection with the sensor parent device 3b is established.

[0061] (Facility data relay method) The facility data relay method Sb in the information processing device 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 8. Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing the facility data relay method Sb.

[0062] As shown in FIG. 8, the equipment data relay method Sb includes an acquisition process S20, a conversion process S21, a determination process S22, a provision process S23, and a display process S24.

[0063] The acquisition process S20 is a process in which the processor 11 of the information processing device 1 acquires equipment data transmitted from each of the ancillary equipment 4a that constitutes the ancillary equipment group 4. In the acquisition process S20, the ancillary equipment 4a1 transmits equipment data to the information processing device 1 periodically or whenever its state changes.

[0064] The conversion process S21 is a process for converting the equipment data acquired in the acquisition process S20 into a specific format that can be interpreted by the PLC 21 of the main equipment 2. In the conversion process S21, the processor 11 of the information processing device 1 extracts status information, digital output, and analog output of the incidental equipment 4a1 from the equipment data acquired in the acquisition process S20. The processor 11 of the information processing device 1 also converts the extracted status information into a format that can be interpreted by the PLC 21 of the main equipment 2, and writes the status information 96 of the equipment data set D2 to the memory 12. The processor 11 of the information processing device 1 also converts the extracted digital output and analog output into a format that can be interpreted by the PLC 21 of the main equipment 2, and writes the extracted digital output and analog output into the memory 12 as output information 97 of the equipment data set D2. For example, the processor 11 converts the equipment data into the specific format by performing a process of rearranging (sorting) information included in the equipment data and / or a process of bundling (bit packing) information included in the equipment data. In the equipment data relay method Sb, the conversion process S21 may be omitted, and the equipment data may be written to the memory 12 without converting the format.

[0065] The determination process S22 is a process for determining whether or not the equipment data acquired in the acquisition process S20 satisfies a specific condition. In the determination process S22, the processor 11 of the information processing device 1 (1) compares the digital output and / or analog output of the incidental equipment 4a1 written to the memory 12 as the output information 97 of the equipment data set D2 with a threshold value written to the memory 12 as the monitoring information 99 of the equipment data set D2, and (2) writes the comparison result to the memory 12 as the monitoring information 99 of the equipment data set D2.

[0066] The providing process S23 is a process for providing the equipment data whose format has been converted in the conversion process S21 to the main equipment 2. In the providing process S23, the processor 11 of the information processing device 1 reads out each piece of information constituting the status information 96, output information 97, and monitoring information 99 of the equipment data set D2, and writes it to the memory of the PLC 21 provided in the main equipment 2. At this time, the processor 11 of the information processing device 1 determines which information should be written to which area of ​​the memory of the PLC 21 by referring to the equipment address map M2.

[0067] The display process S24 is a process for displaying the equipment data acquired in the acquisition process S20 or information obtained from the equipment data on the display 5. In the display process S5, the processor 11 of the information processing device 1 generates a display screen for ancillary equipment for displaying the equipment data. The processor 11 of the information processing device 1 also outputs the generated display screen for ancillary equipment to the display 5. Specific examples of the display screen for ancillary equipment will be described later with reference to different drawings.

[0068] 8, the processor 11 of the information processing device 1 may further execute a change process S25 for changing the conditions used in the determination process S22 based on a user operation. In the change process S25, the processor 11 of the information processing device 1 changes the threshold value stored in the memory 12 as the monitoring information 99 of the equipment dataset D2 to a value specified by the user.

[0069] Moreover, the processor 11 of the information processing device 1 may further execute an acquisition process S26 and a provision process S27 as shown in FIG.

[0070] The acquisition process S26 is a process in which the processor 11 of the information processing device 1 acquires a command signal and a command value from the main equipment 2. In the acquisition process S26, the processor 11 of the information processing device 1 reads out the command signal and the command value from the memory of the PLC 21 of the main equipment 2. The processor 11 of the information processing device 1 also writes the read-out command signal and command value into the memory 12 as input information 98 of the equipment data set D2. At this time, the processor 11 of the information processing device 1 determines which information to read out and from which area of ​​the memory of the PLC 21 by referring to the equipment address map M2.

[0071] The providing process S27 is a process for providing the command signal and the command value to each of the incidental facilities 4 a. In the providing process S27, the processor 11 of the information processing device 1 reads each piece of information constituting the output information 97 of the equipment data set D2 from the memory 12 and transmits it to each of the incidental facilities 4 a.

[0072] (Display screen example) 9 and 10, an example of a display screen that the information processing device 1 displays on the display 5 will be described. Fig. 9 is an example of a sensor display screen that the information processing device 1 displays on the display 5 in the sensor data relay method Sa. Fig. 10 is an example of an equipment display screen that the information processing device 1 displays on the display 5 in the equipment data relay method Sb.

[0073] The sensor display screen shown in FIG. 9 displays information about the sensor slave station 3a selected by the user and information about the sensor master 3b that relays the sensor data transmitted from the sensor slave station 3a.

[0074] The information related to the sensor slave station 3a includes not only the detected values ​​of the sensor slave station 3a (indicators showing temperature and vibration in the illustrated example), but also configuration information of the sensor slave station 3a (name and ID in the illustrated example) and status information of the sensor slave station 3a (remaining battery level and radio wave intensity in the illustrated example).The information related to the sensor master unit 3b includes not only status information of the sensor master unit 3b but also configuration information of the sensor master unit (name in the illustrated example).

[0075] The facility display screen shown in FIG. 10 displays information about the auxiliary facility 4a selected by the user.

[0076] The information related to the incidental equipment 4a includes the operation signal of the incidental equipment 4a (in the illustrated example, an indicator showing whether the equipment is in operation or not, or whether it is operating abnormally or not), as well as monitoring information of the incidental equipment 4a (in the illustrated example, replacement information, number of settings, and current value). The equipment display screen may also include a user interface shown in Fig. 10 for changing the threshold value included in the monitoring information.

[0077] (Additional notes) The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims. Embodiments obtained by appropriately combining the technical means disclosed in different embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0078] 1. Information processing equipment 2 Main equipment 3 Sensor Group 3a Sensor slave station 3b Sensor parent unit 4. Ancillary facilities 5. Display

Claims

1. An information processing device, an acquisition process for acquiring sensor data transmitted from each sensor belonging to the sensor group; a conversion process for converting the sensor data acquired in the acquisition process into a specific format that can be interpreted by a controller of the main equipment; the sensor group is configured by a plurality of sensor slave stations and a sensor master device that relays communication between the plurality of sensor slave stations and the information processing device; the sensor data includes detection values ​​and status information of the plurality of sensor slave stations and status information of the sensor master; the state information of the plurality of sensor slave stations includes at least one of a usage state, presence or absence of a monitoring function, a communication state, a radio wave intensity, and a remaining battery level; The status information of the sensor master device includes at least one of a communication status and a number of data acquisition times.

1. An information processing device comprising:

2. The processor: The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 , further comprising a providing process for providing the sensor data, the format of which has been converted in the conversion process, to a main facility.

3. a memory storing address information in which each sensor belonging to the sensor group is associated with an area in the memory of the main equipment to which sensor data transmitted from the sensor is to be written; In the providing process, the processor writes the sensor data transmitted from each sensor belonging to the sensor group to an area on a memory of the main equipment that is associated with the sensor in the address information.

3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein:

4. The processor further executes a display process of displaying the sensor data acquired in the acquisition process or information obtained from the sensor data on a display.

4. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the information processing device is a computer.

5. the processor further executes a determination process to determine whether the sensor data acquired in the acquisition process satisfies a specific condition; In the display process, the processor displays the result of the determination process on the display.

5. The information processing apparatus according to claim 4,

6. the processor further executes a change process for changing the specific condition based on a user operation.

6. The information processing apparatus according to claim 5,

7. The processor further executes a monitoring process of monitoring a data transmission interval of each sensor belonging to the sensor group, and a notification process of notifying a connection error when a data transmission interval of any of the sensors belonging to the sensor group exceeds a specific time interval.

7. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the information processing device is a computer.

8. In the acquisition process, the processor acquires sensor data transmitted from each sensor belonging to the sensor group via the sensor master device; The processor further executes a reconnection process for attempting to reconnect with the sensor parent device when communication with the sensor parent device is interrupted.

8. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the information processing device is a computer.

9. An information processing method used in an information processing device, an acquisition process in which at least one processor acquires sensor data transmitted from each sensor belonging to the sensor group; a conversion process in which the processor converts the sensor data acquired in the acquisition process into a specific format, the sensor group is configured by a plurality of sensor slave stations and a sensor master device that relays communication between the plurality of sensor slave stations and the information processing device; the sensor data includes detection values ​​and status information of the plurality of sensor slave stations and status information of the sensor master; the state information of the plurality of sensor slave stations includes at least one of a usage state, presence or absence of a monitoring function, a communication state, a radio wave intensity, and a remaining battery level; The status information of the sensor master device includes at least one of a communication status and a number of data acquisition times. An information processing method comprising:

10. The processor further includes a providing process for providing the sensor data whose format has been converted in the conversion process to a main facility.

10. The information processing method according to claim 9.

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