Plant equipment management system

Abstract

To provide a plant facility management system capable of reducing a time required for resolving a trouble occurring in a plant.SOLUTION: The plant facility management system includes: a beacon for transmitting beacon identification information to identify itself in the vicinity of a plurality of field devices to be managed; a mobile computer terminal for acquiring the beacon identification information from the beacon; and a server device communicably connected to the mobile computer terminal via a communication network. The server device has a database including the beacon identification information, a plurality of pieces of field device identification information, and a plurality of pieces of trouble information including trouble cases of the plurality of field devices. The mobile computer terminal having acquired the beacon identification information and the server device communicate with each other to extract desired trouble information from the database.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a plant facility management system that collects information on field devices arranged in a plant.

Background Art

[0002] The frequency of troubles occurring in a plant during operation is not small. Troubles in a plant range from failures that require the entire production system to be stopped to failures that can be recovered in a short time with a partial stop of equipment, and their failure causes are various. Identifying those failure causes and quickly restoring the production system to a normal state is important for suppressing plant losses. From the above, there is a strong desire to shorten the resolution time when a trouble occurs.

[0003] Generally, field devices arranged in a plant are connected via a device for controlling and monitoring the field devices and a network, and an abnormality of the field device can be detected by the device that controls and monitors it. However, even if an abnormality can be detected, it often does not reach the identification of the failure cause and the solution of the cause.

[0004] Trouble resolution procedures for returning a field device from an abnormal state to a normal state are accumulated and organized by on-site workers every time a trouble occurs in the past. However, information on the failure cause and the cause resolution procedure is often managed in a paper-based manner such as a notebook and is difficult to find immediately.

[0005] Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for providing an equipment inspection system that facilitates inspection and maintenance of field devices. In the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1, a beacon that transmits unique identification information for each field device in a plant is attached, and when a portable terminal approaches the beacon and receives the beacon-specific identification information, a field device inspection program is started to support the maintenance and inspection work of on-site workers.

[0006] Patent Document 2 discloses a method for managing plant equipment that displays processing data from field devices along with messages on a mobile terminal. In Patent Document 2, a beacon is attached to each field device in the plant that transmits unique identification information, and when a mobile terminal approaches a beacon and receives the beacon's unique identification information, the status of the field device (temperature, pressure, location, etc.) is displayed on the mobile terminal. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2016-162334 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2018-085105 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0008] The well-known technologies described above are intended to prevent abnormalities and accidents from occurring or to manage the status of field equipment within a plant, but they do not actually shorten the time required to resolve problems that may occur.

[0009] This invention was made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a plant equipment management system that can shorten the time required to resolve problems that occur within a plant. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] Embodiments of the present invention include a beacon positioned near a plurality of field devices to be managed and transmitting beacon identification information to identify itself; a portable computer terminal that establishes a communication connection with the beacon and acquires the beacon identification information; and a server device that is communicably connected to the portable computer terminal via a communication network. The server device has a database containing the beacon identification information, a plurality of field device identification information associated with the beacon identification information and identifying the plurality of field devices, and a plurality of trouble information associated with the plurality of field device identification information and including trouble cases for the plurality of field devices. The portable computer terminal transmits the acquired beacon identification information to the server device. The server device sends a push notification to the portable computer terminal indicating that it can transmit information from the database in response to the received beacon identification information. In response to the push notification, the portable computer terminal sends a first request to the server device to extract and transmit the plurality of trouble information from the database. In response to the received first request, the server device extracts the plurality of trouble information and transmits it to the portable computer terminal. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to one embodiment, a plant equipment management system is provided that can shorten the time required to resolve problems that occur within the plant. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1] This is a schematic block diagram illustrating a plant equipment management system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2(a) is a schematic plan view illustrating a part of a plant to which the plant equipment management system according to the first embodiment is applied. Figure 2(b) is a schematic enlarged view of part IIb of Figure 2(a). [Figure 3]Figure 3(a) is a schematic diagram illustrating the functions of a server device, which is part of the plant equipment management system according to the first embodiment. Figure 3(b) is a schematic diagram illustrating the functions of a beacon, which is part of the plant equipment management system according to the first embodiment. Figure 3(c) is a schematic diagram illustrating the functions of a smart device, which is part of the plant equipment management system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of the database function of a server device, which is part of the plant equipment management system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] This is an example of an input data screen for illustrating the input data function of a server device, which is part of a plant equipment management system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] This is a schematic diagram illustrating the screen display function of a smart device, which is part of the plant equipment management system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] This is an example of a schematic flowchart for explaining the operation of the plant equipment management system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] This is a schematic diagram illustrating the database function of a server device, which is part of a plant equipment management system according to the second embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0013] The embodiments will be described below with reference to the drawings. Please note that the drawings are schematic or conceptual, and the relationships between the thickness and width of each part, as well as the ratios of the sizes of the parts, are not necessarily identical to those of reality. Furthermore, even when representing the same part, the dimensions and ratios may differ between drawings. In this specification and in each figure, elements similar to those described above are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed explanations are omitted as appropriate.

[0014] (First embodiment) Figure 1 is a schematic block diagram illustrating a plant equipment management system according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, a plant facility management system 100 according to this embodiment includes a server device 1, a beacon 2, and a smart device (portable computer terminal) 3. The beacon 2 is disposed in the vicinity of field devices 20-1 to 20-n arranged in a preset area A within the plant. The field devices 20-1 to 20-n refer to measuring instruments or sensors that measure physical quantities related to control objects of devices and apparatuses installed in the plant, or physical quantities at specific locations within the plant, and include, for example, flow meters, thermometers, and the like. Further, the field devices 20-1 to 20-n include operating devices for operating or driving devices and apparatuses within the plant, and may include, for example, pumps, motors, valves, and the like.

[0015] The beacon 2 is communicably connected to the smart device 3. In FIG. 1, one beacon 2 is disposed, but as will be described later, a plurality of beacons 2 may be provided and arranged in the vicinity of each of a plurality of preset areas. When a plurality of areas are set, it is preferable that the areas do not overlap with each other, and by setting them in this way, the areas can be distinguished by the beacon 2.

[0016] The smart device 3 is communicably connected to the server device 1 via a communication network. The smart device 3 is, for example, a portable or mobile computer terminal that can be carried by a worker in the plant and can move within the plant together with the worker. The smart device 3 can, for example, transmit a request to the server device 1 by communicating with the server device 1 and browse data transmitted from the server device 1 in response to the request.

[0017] The communication network includes a wireless communication network, and in this example, it includes a wireless LAN router 4. The number of smart devices 3 is not limited to one, and a plurality of smart devices 3 may be provided. A plurality of smart devices 3 can be carried by a plurality of workers respectively. The wireless LAN router 4 communicably connects a plurality of smart devices 3 to the server device 1. In addition, when a plurality of smart devices 3 are provided, the server device 1 and the wireless LAN router 4 can identify each other and communicate with each other. However, in the following description, unless otherwise specified, it is assumed that one smart device 3 is connected to the server device 1.

[0018] The server device 1 is a computer device, for example, it is arranged in an operation room or an electrical room in a plant. The server device 1 has a database. The database stored in the server device 1 includes information about the area where the beacon 2 is installed, information about the field devices 20-1 to 20-n arranged in that area, and information about trouble cases and pending issues for each of the field devices 20-1 to 20-n.

[0019] Identification information is pre-assigned to the beacon 2. The beacon 2 transmits its identification information to the smart device 3. As will be described in detail later, the beacon 2 is communicable with the smart device 3 according to a short-range wireless communication protocol such as Bluetooth (registered trademark). When the smart device 3 enters the communication area of the beacon 2, a connection between the beacon 2 and the smart device 3 is established, and mutual communication becomes possible.

[0020] In the database owned by the server device 1, the identification information of the beacon 2 is associated with the information of the field devices 20-1 to 20-n arranged in the area A where the beacon 2 is installed. In addition, in this database, for each of the field devices 20-1 to 20-n, text data, video data, image data, etc. can be associated as information about past trouble cases and pending issues.

[0021] When a worker approaches a beacon 2 while carrying a smart device 3, the beacon 2 transmits its own identification information to the smart device 3, and the smart device 3 transmits the received identification information of beacon 2 to the server device 1. The server device 1 searches its database for the received identification information and extracts information associated with the retrieved identification information. The worker operates the smart device 3 to select and receive the information extracted by the server device 1. The information extracted by the server device 1 and acquired by the smart device 3 is information regarding trouble cases and concerns of field devices 20-1 to 20-n located near the beacon 2 that received the identification information. The worker can refer to the acquired trouble cases, etc., and immediately begin work related to identifying the cause of the failure.

[0022] The configuration and operation of the plant equipment management system 100 according to this embodiment will be described in more detail. First, let me explain the placement of Beacon 2. Figure 2(a) is a schematic plan view illustrating a part of a plant to which the plant equipment management system according to the first embodiment is applied. Figure 2(b) is a schematic enlarged view of part IIb of Figure 2(a). The plant equipment management system 100 according to this embodiment is applied to a plant as shown in Figure 2(a). Figure 2(a) shows a map of one facility F within the plant, which contains a machine M and rooms R1 to R4 such as an operation room and an electrical / instrumentation room. A safety passage P1 is provided between rooms R1 and R2 and the machine M, and a safety passage P2 is provided between rooms R3 and R4 and the machine M. Workers can move between safety passages P1 and P2 while carrying the smart device 3 shown in Figure 1.

[0023] In the example shown in Figure 2(a), an XY coordinate system consisting of the X and Y axes is provided to represent direction and position on the map. Machine M and rooms R1-R4 are arranged on the XY plane, which includes the X and Y axes, and safety passages P1 and P2 are located along the X axis. The X and Y axes may also be used to correspond to orientations to specify their respective positions on the map.

[0024] Within facility F, columns C1 to C5 are installed. Columns C1, C3, and C4 are positioned around machine M. Column C2 is positioned between rooms R1 and R2. Column C5 is positioned between rooms R3 and R4.

[0025] In the example shown in Figure 2(a), beacon 2 is placed on column C1. If multiple beacons are to be installed, they can be placed on other columns C2 to C5. Beacon 2 is not limited to columns; it can also be placed in other locations, such as on the walls of a room.

[0026] One beacon 2 corresponds to one area, and that one area can include multiple subdivided areas. In the example in Figure 2(b), one beacon 2 covers areas AA to AD, which are further subdivided from one area. The database stored in the server device 1 stores information on different field devices associated with each area from AA to AD. For example, in the database, area AA has n field devices, area AB has m field devices, area AC has k field devices, and area AD has p field devices. In this example, there are four subdivided areas, but there can be two, three, five or more, or even one area without subdivision, as long as the location of the field devices can be identified. For example, by associating links to actual map data with each area in the database, it becomes possible to know the approximate location of the field devices belonging to the subdivided areas.

[0027] Next, we will explain the functions of the server device 1, beacon 2, and smart device 3. Figure 3(a) is a schematic diagram illustrating the functions of a server device, which is part of the plant equipment management system according to the first embodiment.

[0028] Figure 3(a) is a schematic diagram illustrating the functions of a server device, which is part of the plant equipment management system according to the first embodiment. Figure 3(b) is a schematic diagram illustrating the functions of a beacon, which is part of the plant equipment management system according to the first embodiment. Figure 3(c) is a schematic diagram illustrating the functions of a smart device, which is part of the plant equipment management system according to the first embodiment.

[0029] As shown in Figure 3(a), the server device 1 has a database function 15, an input data function 16, a web server function 17, an API function 18, and a push notification function 19.

[0030] The database function 15 represents a database managed by the server device 1. The database may be stored in a storage device provided on the server device 1, or it may be stored in a storage device or data server connected to the server device 1 via a communication network outside of the server device 1.

[0031] The database function 15 stores information for identifying the area where beacons 2 and field devices 20-1 to 20-n are located, information for identifying field devices 20-1 to 20-n, and information on past trouble cases and concerns for each of the field devices 20-1 to 20-n. In the database function 15, this information is stored in the database associated with the identification information of beacon 2.

[0032] The input data function 16 is a function for inputting various types of information into the database function 15. The information in the database function 15 is pre-entered by the input data function 16.

[0033] The web server function 17 is used to display information extracted from the database function 15 in a web browser. As will be described later, when a smart device 3 capable of browsing with a web browser accesses the server device 1, the smart device 3 can display the data sent by the web server function 17.

[0034] The API (Application Interface) function 18 is an interface function for searching and extracting desired information from the database of the database function 15.

[0035] The push notification function 19 is a function in which the server device 1 responds to receiving identification information of beacon 2 from smart device 3 by sending a notification to smart device 3 that the identification information has been received. If the identification information of beacon 2 is found in the database, a notification to that effect may also be sent to smart device 3.

[0036] Figure 3(b) is a schematic diagram illustrating the functions of a beacon, which is part of the plant equipment management system according to the first embodiment. Beacon 2 has a Bluetooth communication function 21. Beacon 2 has been pre-paired and processed so that a communication connection is automatically established when a smart device 3 with Bluetooth communication functionality enters its communication range. The Bluetooth communication function 21 includes an identification information transmission function 22. The identification information transmission function 22 is a function that transmits identification information pre-set on Beacon 2 using the Bluetooth protocol.

[0037] Beacon 2 operates using a button cell battery or dry cell battery as its power source. To reduce the frequency of battery replacement for Beacon 2, it is preferable to apply a low-power version of Bluetooth or similar to the communication standard for Beacon 2. Furthermore, in this embodiment, multiple field devices can be associated with and linked to a single Beacon 2, so even in large plants, a large number of field devices can be managed with a small number of beacons. From the perspective of managing Beacon 2, the overall frequency of battery replacement can be reduced, making it possible to achieve higher productivity.

[0038] Figure 3(c) is a schematic diagram illustrating the functions of a smart device, which is part of the plant equipment management system according to the first embodiment. Smart device 3 has a Bluetooth communication function 31, a beacon communication function 33, a request function 34, and a screen display function 35.

[0039] The Bluetooth communication function 31 includes a beacon detection function 32. The Bluetooth communication function 31 establishes communication with beacon 2 when it enters the communication range of beacon 2 via the beacon detection function 32. The smart device 3 obtains identification information of beacon 2 from beacon 2 via the communication established with beacon 2 using the beacon communication function 33.

[0040] The request function 34 is a function that performs communication with the server device 1. The request function 34 accesses the web server function 17 of the server device 1 and requests the desired data. The smart device 3 displays the information extracted by the server device 1 on its screen using the screen display function 35.

[0041] The configuration of the database function 15 of server device 1 will be described below. Figure 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of the database function of a server device, which is part of the plant equipment management system according to the first embodiment. As shown in Figure 4, the database function 15 includes location information 151, field equipment information 152, and trouble case / concern information 153.

[0042] Location information 151 includes identification information 151a and area information 151b for beacon 2. Identification information 151a is pre-set for each beacon 2. In the example in Figure 4, one piece of identification information 151a is assigned to one beacon 2. When multiple beacons are deployed, the identification information is set so that multiple beacons can be identified.

[0043] Area information 151b is information representing the location where beacon 2 is placed and is associated with the identification information of beacon 2. In this example, areas (A) to (D) correspond to areas AA to AD described in relation to Figures 2(a) and 2(b), respectively. Areas (A) to (D) are identified and specified, for example, by the XY coordinates shown in Figure 1. Alternatively, links to map information data are set for areas (A) to (D), and when each area is selected and a request is sent from smart device 3, the Web server function 17 of server device 1 sends the map information data or a link to it for the selected area to smart device 3.

[0044] Field device information 152 is information that identifies the field devices placed in each of areas (A) to (D). In this example, field devices (1) to (n) are associated with area (A). Field devices (1) to (n) correspond to field devices 20-1 to 20-n shown in Figure 1, respectively. Although not shown in Figure 4, area (B) to area (D) also have corresponding field devices associated with them. Note that the map information for the areas may also include the location information of the field devices.

[0045] Trouble Case / Issues Information 153 contains information about trouble cases and issues for each field device. The Trouble Occurrence Date and Time field 153a contains the date and time the trouble occurred for the associated field device. The Trouble Cause field 153b contains the cause of the trouble for the associated field device. The Resolution Procedure field 153c contains information about the procedure for resolving the trouble for the associated field device. The Issues field 153d contains information about issues related to the trouble for the associated field device. The information in each of these fields is entered, for example, as text data. The Video / Image Data field 153e contains videos and image data related to the associated field device, or links to where the video data etc. is located.

[0046] The aforementioned database already contains pre-filled information. The input data function 16 of server device 1 is used to input this information. Figure 5 is an example of an input data screen illustrating the input data function of a server device, which is part of the plant equipment management system according to the first embodiment. Figure 5 shows the input data screen 161 representing the input data function 16 of the server device 1. The operator of the server device 1 displays the input data screen 161 on the server device 1 using the input data function 16 and inputs various information into the database.

[0047] As shown in Figure 5, the input data screen 161 displays a field device information display field 161a and an input data field 161b. The field device information display field 161a displays the identification information of the field device. The identification information of the field device is text data that represents, for example, the model number and function of the field device. In this example, the identification information of n field devices is displayed, and when one is selected (clicked), the input data field 161b related to that field device is displayed.

[0048] The "1. Trouble Occurrence Date and Time" field 161b1 corresponds to the Trouble Occurrence Date and Time field 153a in Figure 4. Field 161b1 contains information regarding the date and time the trouble occurred for the selected field device. The "2. Trouble Cause" field 161b2 corresponds to the Trouble Cause field 153b in Figure 4. Field 161b2 contains information regarding the cause of the trouble for the selected field device. The "3. Resolution Procedure" field 161b3 corresponds to the Resolution Procedure field 153c in Figure 4. Field 161b3 contains information regarding the resolution procedure for the trouble of the selected field device. The "4. Concerning Issues" field 161b4 corresponds to the Concerning Issues field 153d in Figure 4. Field 161b4 contains information regarding concerns related to the selected field device. The "5. Video / Image Data" field 161b5 corresponds to the Video / Image Data field 153e in Figure 4. Field 161b5 contains video and image data related to the selected field device.

[0049] Furthermore, location information and field device information can also be linked and entered using the input data function 16. If there is multiple trouble information for a single field device, the database function 15 will be pre-entered with this information. The specific examples of the database function 15 and input data function 16 are merely examples and are not limited to those examples.

[0050] The push notification function 19 of server device 1 will be described below. Figure 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating the screen display function of a smart device, which is part of the plant equipment management system according to the first embodiment. Figure 6 schematically shows the screen 3a of the smart device 3. As shown in Figure 6, when the server device 1 receives identification information of the beacon 2 from the smart device 3, it has a push notification function 19 that notifies the smart device 3 that it has received the information. As shown in Figure 6, the notification sent by the push notification function 19 is displayed on the screen 3a of the smart device 3. The wording of the notification sent by the push notification function 19 is pre-set. The notification sent by the push notification function 19 is not limited to text data, but may also be audio data, image data, or a combination of these.

[0051] The push notification function 19 may also send a notification to the smart device 3 indicating that the identification information of the beacon 2 received from the smart device 3 has been found in the database. Furthermore, the push notification function 19 may send a notification to the smart device 3 indicating that there is field device information 152 in the database that contains data for trouble cases / concerning issues 153. These notifications may be sent individually, or they may be sent sequentially.

[0052] Next, the operation of the plant equipment management system 100 according to this embodiment will be described. Figure 7 is an example of a schematic flowchart illustrating the operation of the plant equipment management system according to the first embodiment. Using Figure 7, we will explain the operation of the plant equipment management system 100 when a problem occurs near column C1 in Figure 2. The numbers in parentheses in Figure 7 represent the steps of operation of the plant equipment management system 100, with smaller numbers indicating that the processing steps progress from larger numbers. In Figure 7, a wireless LAN router 4 is provided in the communication path between the server device 1 and the smart device 3. The wireless LAN router 4 performs mutual conversion between data transmitted via wireless communication and data transmitted via wired communication, but the information is exchanged between the server device 1 and the smart device 3.

[0053] As shown in Figure 7, the Bluetooth communication function 21 of beacon 2 is activated, and in procedure (1), the identification information transmission function 22 transmits the identification information of beacon 2.

[0054] When the smart device 3 carried by the worker enters the communication range of beacon 2, in step (2), the smart device 3 activates the beacon communication function 33 via the beacon detection function 32. When the communication function of beacon 2 is Bluetooth, as in this example, the communication range of beacon 2 is approximately several tens of meters.

[0055] In step (3), the beacon communication function 33 receives the identification information of beacon 2 from beacon 2 and transmits the received identification information of beacon 2 to the server device 1.

[0056] In step (4), the API function 18 of the server device 1 searches the database of the database function 15 to extract the identification information of the beacon 2 received from the smart device 3.

[0057] In step (5), the API function 18 of the server device 1 passes the extracted identification information to the push notification function 19.

[0058] In step (6), the push notification function 19 of the server device 1 sends a push notification to the smart device 3 indicating that there is information regarding the area of ​​pillar C1. The screen display function 35 of the smart device 3 displays the received push notification on screen 3a.

[0059] In step (7), the worker carrying the smart device 3 taps screen 3a which displays the received push notification.

[0060] In step (8), the request function 34 of the smart device 3 requests the server device 1 for area information 151b associated with the identification information of the beacon 2. In this example, the area information 151b includes information for areas (A) to (D).

[0061] In step (9), the API function 18 of the server device 1 extracts information from the database for each of the area information 151b associated with the identification information of the beacon 2. If maps are associated with each area (A) to area (D), these maps are extracted.

[0062] In step (10), the Web server function 17 of the server device 1 sends the extracted area information 151b to the smart device 3. In this example, the extracted area information 151b is information for areas (A) to (D).

[0063] In step (11), the smart device 3 receives area information 151b. If the area information 151b includes map information, the screen display function 35 of the smart device 3 displays the received map information on the screen 3a of the smart device 3. The worker carrying the smart device 3 taps to select the desired map, for example, the map of area (A).

[0064] In step (12), the request function 34 of the smart device 3 sends a message to the server device 1 indicating that area (A) has been selected.

[0065] In step (13), the API function 18 of the server device 1 extracts field device information 152 associated with area (A).

[0066] In step (14), the Web server function 17 of the server device 1 transmits the extracted field device information 152 to the smart device 3.

[0067] In step (15), the smart device 3 receives field device information 152 and displays the received field device information 152 using the screen display function 35. The worker carrying the smart device 3 taps and selects the desired field device from the received field device information 152.

[0068] In step (16), the request function 34 of the smart device 3 sends information identifying the selected field device to the server device 1.

[0069] In procedure (17), the API function 18 of server device 1 extracts trouble case / concern information 153 associated with the selected field device.

[0070] In procedure (18), the Web server function 17 of the server device 1 transmits the extracted trouble case / concern information 153 to the smart device 3. This allows the worker carrying the smart device 3 to access the desired information more quickly at the site where the trouble occurred.

[0071] The effects of the plant equipment management system 100 according to this embodiment will be explained. The plant equipment management system 100 according to this embodiment includes a server device 1, which has a database containing field equipment trouble case and issue information 153 associated with the identification information of a beacon 2. The plant equipment management system 100 also includes a smart device 3 that is communicatively connected to the beacon 2, and the smart device 3 can acquire the identification information of the beacon 2 by communicating with the beacon 2. The smart device 3 transmits the acquired identification information of the beacon 2 to the server device 1, and the server device 1 transmits the field equipment trouble case and issue information 153 associated with the identification information of the beacon 2 to the smart device 3. The beacon 2 can be placed near where the field equipment is located. Therefore, a worker carrying the smart device 3 can quickly and easily obtain the associated field equipment trouble case and issue information 153 by approaching the beacon 2. Based on the obtained field equipment trouble case and issue information 153, the worker can perform troubleshooting work, enabling the rapid resolution of problems.

[0072] In the plant equipment management system 100 according to this embodiment, field devices are managed on a plant area basis. Specifically, the database of the plant equipment management system 100 can associate information of multiple field devices with the identification information of a single beacon via the area. This eliminates the need to place a beacon for each field device, reduces the burden of maintenance such as replacing the beacon's power supply, and contributes to improved productivity.

[0073] In the database of server device 1, multiple areas can be associated with the identification information 151a of beacon 2, and field devices can be associated with each area. This makes it easier to narrow down information about desired field devices and reduces the time required for information gathering.

[0074] The database can include not only text data but also video and image data. By associating a link to map data containing image data with area information 151b, the actual location of deployed field equipment can be determined, contributing to shortening the time required for investigations. By including video and image data in trouble case / concern information 153, it becomes easier and quicker to grasp the situation, including trouble phenomena and countermeasures that are difficult to understand from text data alone.

[0075] Server device 1 has a push notification function 19 that sends notifications according to the situation based on data associated with the identification information of beacon 2 in the database. This allows for the collection of necessary information at the location of the push notification, thereby reducing the time required for information investigation and contributing to the rapid resolution of problems.

[0076] (Second embodiment) The database managed by server device 1 can include the other information mentioned above, and can also include keywords related to trouble cases and pending issues. Figure 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating the database function of a server device, which is part of a plant equipment management system according to the second embodiment. As shown in Figure 8, the database managed by the database function 251 of the server device 1 of the plant equipment management system according to this embodiment includes keyword information 254 associated with area information. The keyword information 254 can include multiple keywords 254a. The keywords 254a are extracted in advance from trouble case / pending issue information 153 and set as keyword information 254.

[0077] As in this example, keyword information 254 has n keywords 254a set, and a single keyword 254a is not limited to relating to one type of field device, but can relate to multiple types of field devices.

[0078] A plant equipment management system equipped with a server device having the database function 251 described above operates as follows:

[0079] In other words, in the procedure (12) described in relation to Figure 7, after the request function 34 of the smart device 3 sends the selected area information to the server device 1, the API function 18 of the server device 1 extracts the keyword 254a associated with the area information.

[0080] Subsequently, the Web server function 17 of server device 1 sends keyword information 254 associated with the selected area information to smart device 3. The screen display function 35 of smart device 3 displays each keyword 254a of the keyword information 254 on the screen 3a of smart device 3.

[0081] The worker carrying the smart device 3 taps and selects the desired keyword 254a from the keywords 254a displayed on screen 3a. The beacon communication function 33 of the smart device 3 transmits the selected keyword 254a to the server device 1.

[0082] The API function 18 of server device 1 extracts field devices (1) and field devices (2) associated with the selected keyword 254a from the field device information 152. The Web server function 17 of server device 1 transmits information identifying the extracted field devices (1) and field devices (2) to smart device 3.

[0083] In this embodiment, the plant equipment management system operates as described above, allowing the smart device 3 to receive field device information 152 that is limited to field devices (1) and field devices (2) associated with keywords. Therefore, the time required to find desired trouble cases and pending issues is reduced.

[0084] In this way, a plant equipment management system can be realized that can shorten the time required to resolve problems that occur within the plant.

[0085] While several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be carried out in a variety of other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the claims and their equivalents. [Explanation of symbols]

[0086] 1…Server device, 2…Beacon, 3…Smart device, 4…Wireless LAN router, 15, 251…Database, 16…Input data function, 17…Web server function, 18…API function, 19…Push notification function, 20-1~20-n…Field device, 21, 31…Bluetooth communication function, 22…Identification information transmission function, 32…Beacon detection function, 33…Beacon communication function, 34…Request function, 35…Screen display function, 100…Plant equipment management system, 151…Location information, 152…Field device information, 153…Trouble case / pending issue information, 161…Input data screen

Claims

1. A beacon is placed near multiple field devices under management and transmits beacon identification information to identify itself, A portable computer terminal that establishes a communication connection with the beacon and acquires the beacon identification information, A server device that is connected to the aforementioned portable computer terminal via a communication network, Equipped with, The server device has a database containing the beacon identification information, a plurality of field device identification information associated with the beacon identification information and each identifying the plurality of field devices, and a plurality of trouble information associated with the plurality of field device identification information and each including trouble cases of the plurality of field devices. The portable computer terminal transmits the acquired beacon identification information to the server device. The server device sends a push notification to the portable computer terminal indicating that it is able to transmit information from the database in response to the received beacon identification information. The portable computer terminal, in response to the push notification, sends a first request to the server device to extract and transmit the multiple trouble information from the database. The server device is a plant equipment management system that, in response to the received first request, extracts the plurality of trouble information and transmits it to the portable computer terminal.

2. The database includes first area identification information that identifies a first area set according to the placement positions of the plurality of field devices, and second area identification information that identifies a second area. The first area and the second area are defined as different regions, The first area identification information and the second area identification information are associated with the beacon identification information, respectively. Some of the aforementioned field devices are associated with the first area identification information, The remaining of the aforementioned field devices are associated with the second area identification information. The server device transmits the first area identification information and the second area identification information to the portable computer terminal in response to the first request. The portable computer terminal transmits a second request to the server device to select either the received first area identification information or the second area identification information. The plant equipment management system according to claim 1, wherein the server device transmits a portion of the plurality of trouble information associated with the information selected by the received second request.

3. The database has keyword information containing multiple keywords, which are text data extracted from the multiple trouble information. The keyword information is associated with the beacon identification information, Among the multiple field devices, the field device that shares the keyword information is associated with the keyword information. The server device transmits the keyword information to the portable computer terminal in response to the first request. The portable computer terminal transmits a third request to the server device to select the plurality of keywords. The plant equipment management system according to claim 1, wherein the server device transmits a portion of the plurality of trouble information associated with the information selected by the received third request.

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