Information processing device for equipment, and information processing system for equipment

Abstract

To provide an information processing device 6 for facilities and an information processing system 1 for facilities with which it is possible to improve convenience of a user who receives a notification regarding the state of a device 7.SOLUTION: There is provided an information processing device 6 for facilities comprising a PLC 8 for controlling operation of a device 7, and a programmable display 9 which is connected to an SNS server 3 via communication line 2, the programmable display 9 comprising a storage unit 95 for storing in association a plurality of access tokens generated by the SNS server 3 and a plurality of pieces of posted information in which a state of the device 7 is expressed by a character string, state acquisition means for acquiring state information that indicates the state of the device 7 from the PLC 8, a display control unit 96 for extracting posted information that corresponds to the state of the device 7 and at least one access token from the storage unit 95 when the state information satisfies a prescribed condition, and transmission means for transmitting the extracted posted information and access token in association to the SNS server 3.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 11

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus for facilities and an information processing system for facilities that include, for example, a programmable logic controller for controlling the operation of a device and transmit various types of information according to the state of the device to a server via a communication line.

Background Art

[0002] Facilities such as production facilities and elevators are provided with information processing devices for facilities, such as a programmable logic controller for controlling the operation of a device and a programmable display for displaying the state of the device detected by the programmable logic controller.

[0003] Recently, a technique has been proposed in which, in an information processing device for facilities, a programmable logic controller or a programmable display is connected to a server via a communication line and notifies the state of a device to a terminal owned by a maintenance person or a field worker (see Patent Document 1).

[0004] For example, in Patent Document 1, when a programmable display detects an abnormality of a device, it notifies the abnormality of the device to the terminal of a maintenance person or the terminal of a field worker by sending an email from the programmable display to a predetermined destination.

[0005] By the way, recently, there is a need to notify not only the abnormality of a device but also the maintenance time of the device, the operating status of the device, etc. as the state of the device to the terminal of a maintenance person, the terminal of a field worker, etc.

[0006] 〉In this case, not only does the number of emails received by the terminal of the maintenance person or the terminal of the field worker increase, but there is also a risk that the maintenance person or the field worker may overlook necessary notifications due to the mixture of unnecessary emails. For this reason, Patent Document 1 was inconvenient for maintenance personnel and field workers who receive notifications regarding the state of the device, and there was room for improvement.

Prior Art Documents

[0007] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2013-30163 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0008] In view of the above-mentioned problems, the present invention aims to provide an information processing device and an information processing system for equipment that can improve the convenience of users who receive notifications regarding the status of a device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] This invention comprises a programmable logic controller that controls the operation of a device and detects the state of the device, and a posting device connected via a communication line to a server that receives and stores posting information associated with a posting account and provides a service that distributes the posting information of the permitted posting account to user terminals owned by specific users who have been authorized to view it by the administrator of the posting account, and the posting device is configured to receive multiple posting information generated by the server for each posting account. Recognition Proof Information at least one of the aforementioned authentication information , and the status of the device is represented by a string. throw Manuscript information , state information indicating the state of the device association Multiple pieces of information A storage means for storing information and a device indicating the state of the device. The aforementioned A state acquisition means for acquiring state information from the programmable logic controller, The data obtained from the aforementioned programmable logic controller If the aforementioned state information satisfies the predetermined conditions, Acquired The aforementioned status information The aforementioned association Post information, BishoThe information processing device for equipment is characterized by comprising: an extraction means for extracting at least one piece of the aforementioned authentication information from the storage means; and a transmission means for associating the posted information extracted by the extraction means with the authentication information and transmitting it to the server, and causing the server to store the posted information based on the authentication information.

[0010] The device status mentioned above refers to things like whether or not there is a malfunction in the device, the number of times the device has operated, or the time elapsed since the device last operated. The above-mentioned posting account refers to an account used to connect to the server, consisting of a login name and password.

[0011] The authentication information mentioned above refers to things like access tokens, API keys, or encrypted information of posting accounts. The services mentioned above include, for example, social networking services, or services that allow users with viewing permission to share various types of information.

[0012] According to this invention, the information processing device for equipment can improve the convenience of users who receive notifications regarding the status of the device. Specifically, if the status information indicating the device status satisfies predetermined conditions, the posting device can determine the posting information and authentication information according to the device status by extracting posting information corresponding to the device status and at least one authentication information associated with the posting information using the extraction means.

[0013] In this case, since authentication information is generated in advance for each posting account, the posting device will determine which posting account to use to post the information based on the device's status. In other words, the posting device can distribute the destination of the posted information according to the device's status.

[0014] Furthermore, since user terminals do not display posting information from accounts other than those authorized to view it, the posting device can only receive notifications on the user terminal regarding the status of the device as desired by the user. This allows the equipment information processing device to improve convenience for users who receive notifications about the status of the device.

[0015] In one aspect of this invention, the authentication information may be an access token generated by the server based on the posting account, the posting device may include an API storage means that stores an API key for using the service in a confidential state, and the transmission means may be configured to transmit the access token and the posting information in association with the API key.

[0016] With this configuration, since the API key is stored in a confidential state, the posting device can prevent malicious third parties from knowing the API key. Therefore, even if, for example, a malicious third party obtains the access token, the information processing device for the facility can prevent unauthorized posting using terminals other than the posting device.

[0017] In addition, since the posting device does not store login names and passwords that make up a posting account, for example, it can prevent login names and passwords from being leaked to external parties. Therefore, the information processing device for the facility can prevent posting accounts from being misused by malicious third parties. This allows the equipment information processing device to improve the security of posting devices that notify the status of the device, thereby preventing fraudulent postings by malicious third parties.

[0018] In another aspect of this invention, the posted information may consist of a pre-set fixed string and a replacement string that is replaced according to the acquired state information, and the transmission means may be configured to replace the replacement string of the posted information extracted by the extraction means with a string representing the state of the device based on the state information and transmit it.

[0019] According to this configuration, since the replacement string of the posting information is replaced with a string representing the state of the device based on the state information, the posting device can replace, for example, a signal indicating the number of times since the device started operating with a string.

[0020] That is, the posting device can transmit posting information in which all states of the device are represented by strings to the server. Therefore, the user operating the user terminal can easily and accurately know the state of the device. <0​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​In another aspect of this invention, the server providing the service may be a server that provides social networking services set up by the administrator managing the posting account, allowing users who are permitted to view the posting information of the posting account to access the posting information.

[0025] With this configuration, the equipment information processing device can notify users of the device's status using existing social networking services. In this case, users who have used the existing services before can find out the device's status using the service they are familiar with.

[0026] Therefore, by utilizing existing social networking services, the information processing equipment for facilities can further improve user convenience. In addition, because access is restricted by the administrator, the information processing device for the facility can prevent an unspecified number of users utilizing existing services from knowing the status of the device.

[0027] Furthermore, this invention comprises the above-mentioned equipment information processing device, a display unit for displaying various information, and an operation reception unit for receiving various operations by an administrator, and a setting terminal that is communicably connected to the posting device of the equipment information processing device, the posting device comprising information acquisition means for acquiring various information transferred from the setting terminal, and the setting terminal comprising at least the operation of registering a posting account, the operation of registering and editing posting information, An operation to associate the posted information with status information indicating the status of the device of the aforementioned equipment information processing device, Registration of authentication information generated by the server based on the aforementioned posting account Made by The operation of associating the authentication information with the posting account, and the posting information and The aforementioned authentication information and the aforementioned state information and The operation receiving unit accepts an operation to associate the following: the associated posting account, the posting information, The aforementioned status information and a terminal storage means for storing the authentication information and the associated posting information , the aforementioned status information The system is characterized by comprising an information processing system for equipment and a transfer means for transferring the authentication information to the posting device.

[0028] According to this invention, the equipment information processing system can improve the convenience of users who receive notifications regarding the status of a device through the equipment information processing device described above. Furthermore, the equipment information processing system can improve the security of posting devices.

[0029] Specifically, since the posting information and authentication information received for registration at the configuration terminal are transferred to the posting device, the information processing system for the facility can eliminate the need to provide the posting device with means to accept various operations from, for example, the administrator who manages the posting account.

[0030] This allows the facility information processing system to prevent, for example, a malicious third party from registering or editing posting devices when the configuration terminal is not connected. Therefore, the facility information processing system can prevent tampering with or misuse of posting information and authentication information. Therefore, the information processing system for the equipment can improve the convenience for users who receive notifications about the status of the device, and can also improve the security of the posting equipment.

[0031] Furthermore, in an embodiment of this invention, the present invention may include a server that receives and stores posted information associated with a posting account, and provides a service that distributes the posted information of the permitted posting account to a user terminal owned by a specific user authorized to view it by the administrator of the posting account, wherein the server includes authentication information generation means for generating authentication information based on the posting account, account storage means for storing the posting account and the authentication information in association, posting storage means for storing the posted information obtained from the posting device in chronological order and associated with the posting account corresponding to the authentication information when the authentication information obtained from the posting device matches the authentication information in the account storage means, and distribution means for distributing the posted information associated with the permitted posting account in chronological order to the user terminal when a request to view the posted information of the permitted posting account is received from the user terminal.

[0032] With this configuration, the server stores the posted information acquired from the posting device in chronological order and distributes the posted information in chronological order, so the information processing system for the facility can display the status of the device in chronological order on the user terminal.

[0033] In this case, since the destination of the posted information is distributed according to the status of the device, the equipment information processing system can display only the status of the device desired by the user on the user's terminal in chronological order.

[0034] Furthermore, users operating the user terminal can see changes in the device's status over time, allowing them to easily and accurately understand the device's state. This allows the equipment information processing system to further improve the convenience for users who receive notifications about the status of devices. [Effects of the Invention]

[0035] The present invention provides an information processing device and an information processing system for equipment that can improve the convenience of users who receive notifications regarding the status of a device. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0036] [Figure 1] A configuration diagram showing the setup of an information processing system for equipment. [Figure 2] A block diagram showing the internal configuration of an information processing system for equipment. [Figure 3] A schematic diagram showing an overview of the account management table. [Figure 4] An explanatory diagram illustrating the posting information table and authentication information table. [Figure 5] A schematic diagram showing an overview of the menu screen displayed on the configuration terminal. [Figure 6] A schematic diagram showing an overview of the account management screen displayed on the configuration terminal. [Figure 7] A sequence diagram showing the processing steps involved in creating an account management table. [Figure 8] A sequence diagram showing the processing operations involved in creating a post information table and transferring it to a programmable display. [Figure 9] A schematic diagram showing an overview of the message management screen displayed on the configuration terminal. [Figure 10] A sequence diagram showing the processing steps involved in posting a message. [Figure 11] A flowchart illustrating the processing steps involved in the submission process. [Figure 12] An explanatory diagram illustrating the information that can be viewed and the public access settings. [Figure 13] A sequence diagram showing the processing operations related to viewing messages. [Figure 14] An explanatory diagram illustrating the message displayed on the user's terminal. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0037] One embodiment of this invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In this embodiment, an information processing system 1 for facilities that notifies a user terminal 4 of the state of a device 7 controlled by a programmable logic controller 8 via a social networking service will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 4.

[0038] Figure 1 shows the configuration diagram of the equipment information processing system 1, Figure 2 shows the block diagram of the internal configuration of the equipment information processing system 1, Figure 3 shows a schematic diagram of the account management table 55a, and Figure 4 shows an explanatory diagram illustrating the posting information tables 55b, 95b and the authentication information table 95a. Furthermore, Figure 4(a) shows a schematic diagram of the posting information tables 55b and 95b, and Figure 4(b) shows a schematic diagram of the authentication information table 95a.

[0039] As shown in Figure 1, the equipment information processing system 1 of this embodiment includes an SNS server 3 connected to a communication line 2, a user terminal 4 and a configuration terminal 5 that can connect to the SNS server 3 via the communication line 2, and an equipment information processing device 6 that is integrally installed in the production equipment.

[0040] First, SNS server 3 is a server set up by a provider of social networking services. This social networking service is a service where users interact with each other, for example, by having users who have created an account post messages, and other users who also have accounts view the posted messages and comment on them.

[0041] Furthermore, it is preferable for social networking services to have a function that allows users to restrict which users can publish messages, so that messages can be made public to specific users. In this embodiment, the social networking service is an existing service such as Twitter® or LINE®.

[0042] SNS server 3, which provides such services, has a function to store messages sent from a device to which an account used for posting (hereinafter referred to as a posting account) is registered, as posting information, associating it with the posting account.

[0043] Furthermore, SNS server 3 has a function that, when a request to view a post from a posting account is made from a device to which an account used for viewing (hereinafter referred to as a viewing account) is registered, delivers the post information posted by the posting account to the device to which the viewing account is registered. In addition, SNS server 3 has a function that allows the administrator, who manages the posting accounts, to permit the publication of posted information to specific viewing accounts through configuration operations.

[0044] As shown in Figure 2, this SNS server 3 consists of a line connection unit 31 that connects to the communication line 2, a storage unit 32 that stores various information, and a server control unit 33 that controls the operation of these units. Specifically, the line connection section 31 of the SNS server 3 is composed of, for example, a wired LAN module, and has the function of connecting to the communication line 2 and the function of sending and receiving various information via the communication line 2.

[0045] Furthermore, the storage unit 32 of the SNS server 3 is composed of a hard disk or the like and has the function of writing and storing various types of information, as well as the function of reading various types of information. This storage unit 32 stores a program for realizing a social networking service.

[0046] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 2, the memory unit 32 stores login name information 34 registered by users of the social networking service, as well as password information 34a, username information 34b, posting information 34c, access token 34d, viewing target information 34e, and public setting information 34f associated with the login name information 34.

[0047] Here, the login name information 34 is information indicating the login name used to log in to the social networking service, and is unique identification information that identifies the user of the social networking service. This login name information, when combined with the password information 34a, constitutes a user-specific account. Note that the login name information 34 consists of a string arbitrarily set by the user of the social networking service.

[0048] Furthermore, password information 34a is information indicating the password used to log in to the social networking service, and when combined with username information 34b, it constitutes a user-specific account. This password information 34a consists of a string arbitrarily set by the user of the social networking service.

[0049] Furthermore, username information 34b is a name used to refer to a user on social networking services (a so-called nickname), and consists of a string of characters arbitrarily set by the user. Furthermore, the posted information 34c is information indicating a message posted by a user, and consists of text, images, and videos.

[0050] Furthermore, the access token 34d is authentication information generated by the SNS server 3 in place of the login name and password to authenticate the user, and consists of a random string of characters. The access token 34d is generated by the SNS server 3 upon request from the user.

[0051] Furthermore, the viewing target information 34e is registered information that lists other users who wish to view the posted information, and it contains information indicating the usernames of those other users. This viewing target information 34e is set by the user. Furthermore, the public access settings information 34f contains information indicating whether or not the posted information 34c should be made public to specific users, and the usernames of those specific users to whom it should be made public. This public access settings information 34f is set by the user.

[0052] Furthermore, the server control unit 33 of the SNS server 3 consists of hardware such as a CPU and memory, and software such as programs and data. This server control unit 33 has a processing function for exchanging various types of information via the communication line 2, a processing function for exchanging various types of signals with the line connection unit 31 and the storage unit 32, and a function for controlling the operation of each unit connected via a predetermined bus.

[0053] Furthermore, user terminal 4 is a mobile terminal owned by a user who uses a social networking service. In this embodiment, users include maintenance personnel responsible for maintaining the production equipment on which the equipment information processing device 6 is installed, field workers who use the production equipment, and production management personnel responsible for managing production quantities, etc.

[0054] As shown in Figure 2, this user terminal 4 consists of a line connection unit 41, a storage unit 42, an operation display unit 43, and a control unit 44 that controls the operation of these units. Specifically, the line connection unit 41 of the user terminal 4 is composed of, for example, a wireless communication module, and has the function of connecting to the communication line 2 and the function of sending and receiving various information via the communication line 2.

[0055] Furthermore, the storage unit 42 of the user terminal 4 is composed of a hard disk or non-volatile memory, and has the function of writing and storing various types of information, and the function of reading various types of information. Furthermore, the memory unit 42 stores programs for using social networking services, etc.

[0056] The program for using this social networking service is executed by the control unit 44 and implements the functions of establishing a connection with the SNS server 3, sending messages created by the user to the SNS server, and viewing messages from other users.

[0057] Furthermore, the operation display unit 43 of the user terminal 4 is composed of, for example, a touch panel, and has the function of displaying various information to the user, the function of receiving various operations from the user, and the function of outputting information indicating the received operations to the control unit 44.

[0058] Furthermore, the control unit 44 of the user terminal 4 is composed of hardware such as a CPU and memory, and software such as programs and data. This control unit 44 has processing functions related to the exchange of various signals with the line connection unit 41, the storage unit 42, and the operation display unit 43, a function to process various information acquired via the communication line 2, and a function to control the operation of each unit connected via a predetermined bus.

[0059] Furthermore, the configuration terminal 5 is a terminal owned by the administrator of the facility information processing device 6, and is used to configure various operational settings for the facility information processing device 6, as described later, and to configure various settings necessary for the facility information processing device 6 to use social networking services.

[0060] This configuration terminal 5 is connected to the equipment information processing device 6 via a transfer cable C (see Figures 1 and 2), and is configured to transfer various information set by the administrator to the equipment information processing device 6. The configuration terminal 5 is connected to the equipment information processing device 6 only when transferring various types of information to the equipment information processing device 6.

[0061] As shown in Figure 2, such a configuration terminal 5 consists of a line connection unit 51 connected to a communication line 2, a terminal connection unit 52 connected to an equipment information processing device 6, a display unit 53 that displays various information, an operation reception unit 54 that accepts various operations from the administrator, a storage unit 55 that stores various information, and a configuration terminal control unit 56 that controls the operation of these units.

[0062] Specifically, the line connection section 51 of the configuration terminal 5 is composed of, for example, a wired LAN module, and has the function of connecting to the communication line 2 and the function of sending and receiving various information via the communication line 2. Furthermore, the terminal connection section 52 of the configuration terminal 5 is configured with a serial bus such as RS232C or USB, and has the function of connecting to the equipment information processing device 6 and the function of sending and receiving various information between it and the equipment information processing device 6.

[0063] Furthermore, the display unit 53 of the setting terminal 5 is composed of, for example, a liquid crystal display and has the function of displaying various information in response to instructions from the setting terminal control unit 56. Furthermore, the operation reception unit 54 of the configuration terminal 5 is composed of, for example, a keyboard, mouse, touchpad, or touch panel, and has the function of receiving various operations from the administrator and the function of outputting information indicating the received operations to the configuration terminal control unit 56.

[0064] Furthermore, the storage unit 55 of the configuration terminal 5 is composed of a hard disk or non-volatile memory and has the function of writing and storing various information, and the function of reading various information. This storage unit 55 stores programs that realize the function of creating the operation sequence and screen configuration of the equipment information processing device 6 (PLC8 and programmable display 9, described later), and the function of outputting the created content as a control program.

[0065] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 2, the memory unit 55 stores an account management table 55a for managing accounts for social networking services and a posting information table 55b for managing posted messages and the like. In addition, the memory unit 55 corresponds to the API of the SNS server 3 and also stores the API key 55c obtained in advance from the SNS server 3 in a confidential state.

[0066] As an example, the account management table 55a consists of a number column where the management number is registered, a username column, a login name column, a password column, and an access token column, as shown in Figure 3. The values ​​in the username column, login name column, password column, and access token column are registered in association with the values ​​in the number column.

[0067] More specifically, the username field contains the same username as the username information 34b of SNS server 3. The login name field contains the same login name as the login name information 34 of the SNS server 3 associated with the username information 34b.

[0068] The password field contains the same password as the password information 34a for the SNS server 3 associated with the login name information 34. The access token field contains the same access token as the access token 34d of the SNS server 3 associated with the login name information 34.

[0069] On the other hand, the posting information table 55b registers messages corresponding to the status of device 7, which will be described later, as well as the destination to which the messages are posted. More specifically, as shown in Figure 4(a), the post information table 55b consists of a device column, a trigger column, a post text column, and a token number column, and the values ​​in the trigger column, post text column, and token number column are registered in association with the value in the device column. Note that the token number column in the post information table 55b contains the value from the number column in the account management table 55a.

[0070] This posting information table 55b is registered on the configuration terminal 5, then transferred to the equipment information processing device 6 and stored as posting information table 95b. Therefore, posting information table 55b is the same as posting information table 95b of the equipment information processing device 6, which will be described in detail later.

[0071] Furthermore, the equipment information processing device 6 includes a function to control the operation of devices 7, such as motors, based on signals output by devices 7, such as sensors and flow meters, and a function to display the status of devices 7. Furthermore, the equipment information processing device 6 is connected to the communication line 2 and is configured to post messages to the SNS server 3 according to the status of the device 7.

[0072] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, this equipment information processing device 6 consists of multiple devices 7 such as sensors and motors, a programmable logic controller (hereinafter referred to as PLC) 8 electrically connected to the devices 7, and a programmable display 9 communicably connected to the PLC 8.

[0073] Specifically, the device 7 of the equipment information processing device 6 consists of equipment connected to the input section (not shown) of the PLC8, equipment connected to the output section (not shown) of the PLC8, or a memory that stores equipment and information located inside the PLC8.

[0074] For example, device 7 may include various sensors, flow meters, air meters, switches, motors, relay coils, indicator lights, internal relays, timers, data registers, etc. This device 7 outputs not only signals related to operation, but also signals indicating, for example, abnormalities in device 7.

[0075] Furthermore, the PLC8 of the equipment information processing device 6 operates according to a control program created and transferred by the administrator using the configuration terminal 5, and has the function of acquiring signals output by device 7 and the function of controlling the operation of device 7.

[0076] Furthermore, the PLC8 has a function to output information indicating the type of device 7 that acquired the signal, and information indicating the content of the signal, to the programmable display 9 as status information indicating the status of device 7.

[0077] Although detailed illustrations are omitted, this PLC8 consists of an input and output section to which device 7 is connected, an internal memory for storing signals acquired from device 7, a storage section for storing control programs, and a control section for controlling their operation.

[0078] Furthermore, the programmable display 9 of the equipment information processing device 6 operates according to a control program created and transferred by the administrator using the configuration terminal 5, and has a gateway function that connects to the communication line 2, a function that communicates with the configuration terminal 5 and the PLC 8, and a function that displays the status of the device 7.

[0079] As shown in Figure 2, this programmable display 9 includes a PLC input unit 91 to which the PLC 8 is connected, a line connection unit 92 to which the communication line 2 is connected, a terminal connection unit 93 to which the setting terminal 5 is connected, an operation display unit 94 and a storage unit 95, and a display control unit 96 that controls the operation of these units.

[0080] Specifically, the PLC input section 91 of the programmable display unit 9 is configured as a serial bus such as RS232C or USB, and has the function of connecting to the PLC 8 and the function of sending and receiving various information with the PLC 8. Furthermore, the line connection section 92 of the programmable display unit 9 is composed of, for example, a wired LAN module, and has the function of connecting to the communication line 2 and the function of sending and receiving various information via the communication line 2.

[0081] Furthermore, the terminal connection section 93 of the programmable display unit 9 is configured with a serial bus such as RS232C or USB, and has the function of connecting to the configuration terminal 5 via a transfer cable C, and the function of sending and receiving various information with the configuration terminal 5.

[0082] Furthermore, the operation display unit 94 of the programmable display unit 9 is composed of, for example, a touch panel, and has the function of displaying a screen showing the status of the device 7, the function of receiving operations to change the operating settings, and the function of outputting information indicating the received operations to the display control unit 96.

[0083] Furthermore, the memory unit 95 of the programmable display unit 9 is composed of a hard disk or non-volatile memory, and has the function of writing and storing various types of information, and the function of reading and storing various types of information.

[0084] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 2, the storage unit 95 stores the authentication information table 95a and the posting information table 95b transferred from the configuration terminal 5, as well as an error log 95c containing error information that occurred between the SNS server 3 and the configuration terminal 5. The storage unit 95 stores the posting information table 55b transferred from the configuration terminal 5 as the posting information table 95b.

[0085] More specifically, as shown in Figure 4(b), the authentication information table 95a consists of a token number column where a management number is registered and an access token column where an access token is registered, with the value in the token number column and the value in the access token column being registered in association.

[0086] The token number field contains the management number registered in the number field of the account management table 55a of the configuration terminal 5, which is used as the token number. The access token field contains the access token registered in the token number field of the account management table 55a of the configuration terminal 5.

[0087] On the other hand, the posting information table 95b registers the conditions, message, and destination for sending a message to the SNS server 3 according to the status of device 7. As shown in Figure 4(a), this posting information table 95b is composed of a device column, a trigger column, a post text column, and a token number column, similar to the posting information table 55b of the configuration terminal 5, and the values ​​in the trigger column, post text column, and token number column are registered in association with the values ​​in the device column.

[0088] More specifically, the device field contains the type of device 7 that triggers the message transmission. For example, as shown in Figure 4(a), the device field contains "emergency stop switch" as the type of device 7 acquired from the PLC8.

[0089] The trigger field contains the content of the signal from device 7 that triggers the sending of a message. For example, in the device field, as shown in Figure 4(a), "ON signal" is registered as the content of the signal for the "emergency stop switch".

[0090] The posting field contains the message that will be sent to SNS server 3 when device 7 in the device field is in the state specified in the trigger field. This posting field is configured by the administrator and contains messages consisting of predefined text or messages that include substitution strings that are replaced depending on the state of device 7.

[0091] For example, the message field contains a pre-defined message, as shown in Figure 4(a), which reads, "The emergency stop button has been pressed. Please check immediately."

[0092] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 4(a), the message "Yesterday's production was $DR$ units." is registered in the posting field, consisting of the replacement string "$DR$", which is replaced with a numerical value indicating the production quantity stored in the data register, and the standard strings "Yesterday's production was " and "units.".

[0093] The token number field contains the token number of the access token to which the message will be posted. More specifically, the token number field contains the management number registered in the number field of the account management table 55a of the configuration terminal 5, which is the token number in the token number field of the authentication information table 95a.

[0094] Furthermore, the display control unit 96 of the programmable display unit 9 is composed of hardware such as a CPU and memory, and software such as programs and data. This display control unit 96 has processing functions related to the exchange of various signals with the PLC input unit 91, line connection unit 92, terminal connection unit 93, operation display unit 94, and storage unit 95, a function to process various information acquired via the communication line 2, and a function to control the operation of each unit connected via a predetermined bus.

[0095] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 2, the display control unit 96 corresponds to the API of the SNS server 3, and also stores in a confidential state an API key 96a identical to the API key 55c stored in the configuration terminal 5. This API key 96a is obtained in advance from the SNS server 3 and registered, for example, in the firmware source or ROM.

[0096] Next, we will explain the processing operations related to the creation of the account management table 55a using the configuration terminal 5 in the equipment information processing system 1 with the above configuration, using Figures 5 to 7. Please note that the process for creating an account and obtaining an access token, as described later, differs depending on the social networking service used; therefore, this explanation will be presented as an example.

[0097] Furthermore, Figure 5 shows a schematic diagram of the menu screen 100 displayed on the configuration terminal 5, Figure 6 shows a schematic diagram of the account management screen 110 displayed on the configuration terminal 5, and Figure 7 shows a sequence diagram of the processing operations related to the creation of the account management table 55a.

[0098] When the administrator operates the configuration terminal 5, the configuration terminal control unit 56 of the configuration terminal 5 displays a menu screen 100 for accepting various settings on the display unit 53. For example, as shown in Figure 5, the menu screen 100 displays an equipment selection field 101 for selecting the target production equipment, a PLC setting button 102 for starting various settings related to the control of the PLC8, a display setting button 103 for starting various settings related to the control of the programmable display 9, and a transfer button 104 for transferring the settings related to the PLC8 and the programmable display 9 all at once.

[0099] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 5, the menu screen 100 displays an account management button 105 to start managing accounts, a message management button 106 to start managing messages, and a transfer button 107 to transfer account and message settings to the programmable display 9 all at once. In addition, as shown in Figure 5, a button 108 for closing the menu screen 100 is displayed on the menu screen 100.

[0100] When the administrator presses the account management button 105 on the menu screen 100, the setting terminal control unit 56 of the setting terminal 5 displays the account management screen 110, which manages accounts used by the equipment information processing device 6, on the display unit 53, as shown in Figure 6.

[0101] For example, the account management screen 110 displays a new registration button 111 for creating a new account, and an SNS integration button 112 for obtaining an access token necessary for linking with social networking services, as shown in Figure 6. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 6, the account management screen 110 displays a list display section 113 showing the information from the account management table 55a, and a button 114 for closing the account management screen 110.

[0102] When an administrator presses the new registration button 111 on the account management screen 110, the configuration terminal control unit 56 of the configuration terminal 5 opens a web browser, for example, as shown in Figure 7, and sends request information requesting a new registration screen for creating a new account, along with the API key 55c, to the SNS server 3 via the communication line 2 (step S201).

[0103] As shown in Figure 7, when the server control unit 33 of the SNS server 3 obtains request information and API key 55c from the configuration terminal 5, it authorizes communication with the configuration terminal 5 via the SNS server 3's API using the API key 55c obtained from the configuration terminal 5. Subsequently, the server control unit 33 sends new registration screen information, which shows the new account registration screen, as response information to the configuration terminal 5, as shown in Figure 7 (step S202).

[0104] As shown in Figure 7, when the configuration terminal control unit 56 of the configuration terminal 5 obtains response information from the SNS server 3, it displays a new account registration screen (not shown) on the display unit 53 via a web browser (step S203).

[0105] Subsequently, the administrator enters the login name, password, and username according to the instructions on the new registration screen displayed on the display unit 53, and then presses the registration button (not shown). At this time, the administrator also sets the posting to be visible only to specific users.

[0106] Then, when the administrator presses the registration button (not shown), the configuration terminal control unit 56 of the configuration terminal 5 sends the login name, password, username, and configuration information to be made public only to specific users as input information to the SNS server 3 (step S204).

[0107] As shown in Figure 7, when the server control unit 33 of the SNS server 3 receives input information from the configuration terminal 5, it stores the received input information in the storage unit 32 (step S205). Specifically, the server control unit 33 stores the acquired login name as login name information 34, the acquired password as password information 34a, and the acquired username as username information 34b, associating the password information 34a and username information 34b with the login name information 34 and storing them in the storage unit 32.

[0108] Furthermore, the server control unit 33 stores information indicating settings to be made public only to specific users as public setting information 34f, associating it with the login name information 34, in the storage unit 32. Subsequently, as shown in Figure 7, the server control unit 33 sends a registration completion notification to the configuration terminal 5 indicating that it has accepted the registration of a new account.

[0109] As shown in Figure 7, when the configuration terminal control unit 56 of the configuration terminal 5 receives a registration completion notification from the SNS server 3, it registers the username, login name, and password in the account management table 55a (step S206). At this time, the administrator enters the username, login name, and password into the list display section 113 of the account management screen 110, which is then registered in the account management table 55a.

[0110] Subsequently, when the administrator presses the SNS linking button 112, the configuration terminal control unit 56 sends request information requesting a login screen to the SNS server 3 via the communication line 2 (step S207). As shown in Figure 7, when the server control unit 33 of the SNS server 3 receives request information from the configuration terminal 5, it sends login screen information, which indicates the login screen, to the configuration terminal 5 as response information (step S208).

[0111] As shown in Figure 7, when the configuration terminal control unit 56 of the configuration terminal 5 obtains response information from the SNS server 3, it displays the obtained login screen (not shown) on the display unit 53 via a web browser (step S209). This login screen displays fields for entering a login name, a password, and a login button to log in to SNS server 3.

[0112] Then, when the administrator enters the login name and password and presses the login button, the configuration terminal control unit 56 of the configuration terminal 5 sends the login name and password as login information to the SNS server 3, as shown in Figure 7.

[0113] As shown in Figure 7, the server control unit 33 of the SNS server 3 obtains login information from the configuration terminal 5, authenticates the account based on the login information, and sends the integration screen information for SNS integration to the configuration terminal 5 (step S210).

[0114] As shown in Figure 7, when the configuration terminal control unit 56 of the configuration terminal 5 obtains the linkage screen information from the SNS server 3, it displays the linkage screen (not shown) on the display unit 53 (step S211). This linkage screen displays various setting buttons for linking the programmable display unit 9 with the social networking service.

[0115] Then, when the administrator follows the instructions on the linkage screen and presses the request button (not shown) to request an access token, the configuration terminal control unit 56 of the configuration terminal 5 sends token request information to the SNS server 3 requesting the provision of an access token, as shown in Figure 7.

[0116] As shown in Figure 7, when the server control unit 33 of the SNS server 3 obtains token request information from the configuration terminal 5, it starts the access token generation process (step S212), generates an access token based on the login name, and then stores it in the storage unit 32 in association with the login name information 34. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 7, the server control unit 33 transmits the generated access token to the configuration terminal 5 via the communication line 2.

[0117] As shown in Figure 7, when the configuration terminal control unit 56 of the configuration terminal 5 obtains an access token from the SNS server 3, it displays an access token notification screen (not shown) on the display unit 53 via a web browser, enabling the administrator to verify the access token (step S213).

[0118] Subsequently, when the access token is entered by the administrator into the list display unit 113 of the account management screen 110, the setting terminal control unit 56 registers it in the account management table 55a, as shown in Figure 7 (step S214).

[0119] In this way, the equipment information processing system 1 obtains the registration of a new account and the access token generated based on the account, and registers them in the account management table 55a of the configuration terminal 5.

[0120] Next, the processing operation of the equipment information processing system 1 related to the creation of the posted information table 55b and its transfer to the programmable display 9 will be explained using Figures 8 and 9. Figure 8 shows a sequence diagram of the processing operations related to the creation of the posted information table 55b and its transfer to the programmable display 9, and Figure 9 shows a schematic diagram of the message management screen 120 displayed on the configuration terminal 5.

[0121] When the menu screen 100 (see Figure 5) is displayed on the display unit 53 of the configuration terminal 5, and the administrator presses the message management button 106, the configuration terminal control unit 56 of the configuration terminal 5 displays the message management screen 120 on the display unit 53, as shown in Figure 8 (step S221).

[0122] For example, the message management screen 120 displays, as shown in Figure 9, a list display section 121 that shows the contents registered in the posting information table 55b, a device field 122 for selecting device 7, a trigger field 123 for selecting the trigger for posting the message, a destination selection field 124 for selecting the account to which the message will be posted, and a post text field 125 for entering the message.

[0123] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 9, the message management screen 120 displays a registration button 126 for registering messages, etc., in the posting information table 55b, and a button 127 for closing the message management screen 120.

[0124] The device field 122, trigger field 123, destination selection field 124, and post text field 125 are used when registering a new entry or editing part of the contents of the post information table 55b displayed in the list display section 121.

[0125] Returning to step S221 in Figure 8, after the administrator has entered information in the device field 122, trigger field 123, destination selection field 124, and post text field 125, and the registration button 126 is pressed, the setting terminal control unit 56 registers the input content in the post information table 55b and updates the list display unit 121 (step S222).

[0126] After the administrator confirms that the list display section 121 of the message management screen 120 has been updated, the administrator connects the programmable display unit 9 and the configuration terminal 5 with the transfer cable C, and then operates the configuration terminal 5 to display the menu screen 100 again on the display unit 53.

[0127] Subsequently, when the administrator presses the transfer button 107 on the menu screen 100, the setting terminal control unit 56 starts the transfer process (step S223), as shown in Figure 8, and generates the authentication information table 95a by extracting the management number and access token associated with each other from the account management table 55a. Furthermore, the setting terminal control unit 56 transfers the post information table 55b read from the storage unit 55 and the generated authentication information table 95a to the programmable display unit 9 via the transfer cable C.

[0128] In this case, the display control unit 96 of the programmable display unit 9 stores the post information table 55b acquired from the setting terminal 5 as the post information table 95b in the storage unit 95, as shown in Figure 8, and also stores the authentication information table 95a in the storage unit 95 in association with the post information table 95b (step S224).

[0129] After the transfer to the programmable display 9 is complete, the administrator will disconnect the transfer cable C and the configuration terminal 5 from the programmable display 9. In this way, the equipment information processing system 1 stores the posting information table 95b and the authentication information table 95a in the programmable display 9.

[0130] Next, the processing operation of the equipment information processing system 1 related to posting messages to the SNS server 3 will be explained using Figures 10 and 11. Figure 10 shows a sequence diagram of the processing operations related to posting a message, and Figure 11 shows a flowchart of the processing operations related to posting.

[0131] First, when the power to the production equipment is turned on, the PLC8 and the programmable display 9 each begin their processing operations. Specifically, when the power to the production equipment is turned on, the PLC8 outputs a control signal to device 7 to start the operation of device 7, and also starts acquiring the signal output by device 7.

[0132] In this case, as shown in Figure 10, the PLC8 transmits information indicating the type of device 7 and information indicating the content of the signal to the programmable display 9 as status information indicating the status of device 7 (step S231), based on the signal from device 7.

[0133] Furthermore, when the power to the production equipment is turned on, the display control unit 96 of the programmable display unit 9 starts posting processing to send a message to the SNS server 3 according to the status of the device 7, as shown in Figure 10 (step S232).

[0134] When the posting process is started, the display control unit 96 of the programmable display unit 9 determines whether or not it has acquired status information from the PLC 8, as shown in Figure 11 (step S241). If status information has not been obtained from PLC8 (step S241: No), the display control unit 96 waits for processing to be completed until status information is obtained from PLC8 or the power to the production equipment is cut off, as shown in Figure 11.

[0135] On the other hand, if status information is obtained from the PLC8 (step S241: Yes), the display control unit 96 determines whether the obtained status information is trigger information that will trigger the transmission of a message (step S242).

[0136] Specifically, the display control unit 96 retrieves the posting information table 95b from the storage unit 95 and compares it to see if the combination of the type of device 7 and the content of the signal corresponding to the acquired state information is registered in the posting information table 95b.

[0137] Then, if the combination of the type of device 7 corresponding to the status information and the content of the signal is registered in the posting information table 95b, the display control unit 96 determines that the acquired status information is trigger information.

[0138] On the other hand, if the combination of the type of device 7 corresponding to the status information and the content of the signal is not registered in the posting information table 95b, the display control unit 96 determines that the acquired status information is not trigger information.

[0139] In step S242 of Figure 11, if the acquired state information is not trigger information (step S242: No), the display control unit 96 returns to step S241, as shown in Figure 11. On the other hand, if the acquired status information is trigger information (step S242: Yes), the display control unit 96 extracts a message corresponding to the status information from the posting information table 95b (step S243).

[0140] For example, if the status information of the display control unit 96 is a combination of "emergency stop switch" and "ON signal", it extracts the message "The emergency stop button has been pressed. Please check immediately." from the posted information table 95b.

[0141] Subsequently, the display control unit 96 determines whether or not the extracted message contains a replacement string (step S244). If the message contains a replacement string (step S244: Yes), the display control unit 96 replaces the replacement string in the extracted message with a string based on the status information (step S245), and proceeds to step S246.

[0142] For example, if the status information is a combination of "timer" and "every 24 hours", the display control unit 96 replaces "$DR$" in the message "Yesterday's production count was $DR$ units" with a numerical value indicating the production count stored in the data register.

[0143] If the replacement of the replacement string is completed in step S245, or if the message does not contain the replacement string in step S244 (step S244: No), the display control unit 96 obtains an access token corresponding to the status information based on the authentication information table 95a and the posting information table 95b (step S246).

[0144] For example, if the status information is a combination of "emergency stop switch" and "ON signal", the display control unit 96 extracts the access token "Gogiwr@trlVusTekicod3&ith" which corresponds to "1" in the token number column of the authentication information table 95a, based on "1" in the token number column of the posting information table 95b.

[0145] In other words, in steps S243 to S246, the display control unit 96 selects the content of a message and distributes the message to its destination, according to the combination of the type of device 7 and the content of the signal acquired as status information.

[0146] Subsequently, the display control unit 96 reads the API key 96a that was stored in a confidential state (step S247). Furthermore, the display control unit 96 associates the access token extracted in step S246 with the API key 96a read in step S247 and sends it to the SNS server 3 (step S248).

[0147] Returning to Figure 10, when the server control unit 33 of the SNS server 3 obtains the access token and API key 96a from the programmable display 9, it starts the authentication process (step S234).

[0148] Specifically, the server control unit 33 allows communication between the SNS server 3 and the programmable display unit 9 via the SNS server 3's API using the API key 96a obtained from the programmable display unit 9.

[0149] Furthermore, the server control unit 33 determines whether the access token obtained from the programmable display unit 9 matches the access token 34d in the storage unit 32, and transmits the determination result as authentication result information to the programmable display unit 9.

[0150] For example, if the access token of the programmable display 9 does not match the access token 34d of the storage unit 32, the server control unit 33 sends authentication result information indicating authentication failure to the programmable display 9. On the other hand, if the access token of the programmable display 9 matches the access token 34d of the storage unit 32, the server control unit 33 transmits authentication result information indicating successful authentication to the programmable display 9.

[0151] Returning to step S248 in Figure 11, when the access token and API key 96a are sent to the SNS server 3, the display control unit 96 of the programmable display unit 9 determines whether the authentication result information obtained from the SNS server 3 is successful or not (step S249).

[0152] If the authentication result information indicates that authentication was successful (step S249: Yes), the display control unit 96 sends the message extracted in step S243 as posting information to the SNS server 3 (step S250), as shown in Figures 10 and 11, and returns the process to step S241.

[0153] On the other hand, if the authentication result information indicates an authentication failure (step S249: No), the display control unit 96 stores information indicating that authentication failed in the error log 95c, as shown in Figure 11 (step S251), and returns the process to step S241.

[0154] Returning to Figure 10, when the server control unit 33 of the SNS server 3 obtains post information from the programmable display 9, it associates the obtained post information with the access token obtained in step S234 and stores it in the storage unit 32.

[0155] In this process, the server control unit 33 adds time information indicating the current time to the acquired post information and stores the post information in chronological order. In this way, the equipment information processing system 1 uses the status of device 7 to send a message to the SNS server 3 via the programmable display 9.

[0156] Next, the processing operation of the equipment information processing system 1 related to viewing messages posted by the equipment information processing device 6 will be explained using Figures 13 and 14. Figure 12 shows an explanatory diagram illustrating the information to be viewed 34e and the public setting information 34f, and Figure 13 shows a sequence diagram of the processing operations related to viewing messages.

[0157] Furthermore, Figure 14 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the message displayed on the user terminal 4. Figure 14(a) shows a schematic diagram of the user selection screen 130 where the user to be viewed is selected, and Figure 14(b) shows a schematic diagram of the message screen 140 where the message corresponding to the selected user is displayed.

[0158] First, the public settings information 34f of the SNS server 3, which corresponds to the login name of the equipment information processing device 6, has the usernames of users who are permitted to publish the posted information 34c pre-registered by the administrator. Specifically, the public configuration information 34f corresponding to the login name "error" (username "Abnormal Notification") of the equipment information processing device 6 has the username "Worker" for field workers and the username "Maintenance Staff" for maintenance personnel registered, as shown in Figure 12(a).

[0159] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 12(b), the username of the maintenance person, "Maintenance Person," is registered in the public configuration information 34f, which corresponds to the login name "maintenance" (username "Maintenance Notification") of the equipment information processing device 6.

[0160] In other words, the field worker, who is a user, is permitted to view post information 34c posted under the username "Abnormal Notification". On the other hand, the maintenance staff, who is another user, is permitted to view post information 34c posted under the username "Abnormal Notification" and post information 34c posted under the username "Maintenance Notification".

[0161] Therefore, as shown in Figure 12(c), the username of the equipment information processing device 6 authorized by the administrator, "Abnormal Notification," is registered in the viewable information 34e corresponding to the field worker's username "Worker."

[0162] On the other hand, the information 34e that can be viewed, corresponding to the username "Maintenance Personnel" of the maintenance personnel, contains the usernames "Abnormal Notification" and "Maintenance Notification" of the equipment information processing device 6 authorized by the administrator, as shown in Figure 12(d).

[0163] In this situation, users such as maintenance personnel and field workers operate user terminal 4 to launch a program for using social networking services when checking the status of production equipment.

[0164] When the program starts, the control unit 44 of the user terminal 4 sends a viewing request to the SNS server 3, as shown in Figure 13 (step S261). At this time, the control unit 44 sends the viewing request information along with the login name of the user registered in the user terminal 4.

[0165] As shown in Figure 13, when the server control unit 33 of the SNS server 3 obtains browsing request information from the user terminal 4, it reads the browsing target information 34e corresponding to the user's login name from the storage unit 32 (step S262).

[0166] Furthermore, the server control unit 33 extracts the username of the user of the equipment information processing device 6 that is registered as a target for viewing from the read-out target information 34e (step S263). Subsequently, the server control unit 33 reads the post information 34c associated with the username extracted in step S263 in chronological order (step S264).

[0167] Then, the server control unit 33 associates the username extracted in step S263 with the post information 34c read in step S264 and sends it to the user terminal 4 as distribution information (step S265). At this time, the server control unit 33 sends the post information 34c in chronological order.

[0168] As shown in Figure 13, when the control unit 44 of the user terminal 4 obtains distribution information from the SNS server 3, it displays the obtained post information in chronological order, along with the usernames included in the distribution information, on the operation display unit 43 (step S266).

[0169] Specifically, if multiple usernames are associated with the distribution information, the control unit 44 of the user terminal 4 displays a user selection screen 130 on the operation display unit 43, prompting the user to select a username.

[0170] For example, if the user is a maintenance worker, the control unit 44 of the user terminal 4 displays on the operation display unit 43, as shown in Figure 14(a), that the user can select between a username named "Abnormal Notification" and a username named "Maintenance Notification".

[0171] Then, if the username "Abnormal Notification" is selected on the user selection screen 130, or if one username is associated with the distribution information, the control unit 44 of the user terminal 4 displays a message screen 140 on the operation display unit 43, as shown in Figure 14(b), which arranges the posted information corresponding to the username in chronological order.

[0172] As described above, the equipment information processing device 6 of this embodiment includes a PLC 8 that controls the operation of the device 7 and detects the status of the device 7, and a programmable display 9 connected via a communication line 2 to an SNS server 3 that receives and stores posted information associated with a posting account (the account of the programmable display 9) and provides a service that distributes posted information from authorized posting accounts to user terminals 4 owned by specific users who have been authorized to view it by the administrator of the posting account.

[0173] The programmable display unit 9 includes a storage unit 95 that stores multiple access tokens generated by the SNS server 3 for each posting account, and multiple posting information that represents the state of the device 7 as a string, and a state acquisition means (PLC input unit 91, display unit control unit 96) that acquires state information indicating the state of the device 7 from the PLC 8.

[0174] Furthermore, the programmable display 9 includes a display control unit 96 that, when the status information satisfies predetermined conditions, extracts from the storage unit 95 post information corresponding to the state of device 7 indicated by the status information, and at least one access token associated with the post information.

[0175] In addition, the programmable display unit 9 is equipped with a transmission means (line connection unit 92, display unit 96) that associates the post information extracted by the display unit control unit 96 with an access token and sends it to the SNS server 3, and stores the post information in the SNS server 3 based on the access token.

[0176] With this configuration, the equipment information processing device 6 can improve the convenience for users who receive notifications regarding the status of device 7. Specifically, if the status information indicating the state of device 7 satisfies predetermined conditions, the display control unit 96 extracts posting information corresponding to the state of device 7 and at least one access token associated with the posting information. Therefore, the programmable display 9 can determine the posting information and access token according to the state of device 7.

[0177] In this case, since an access token is generated in advance for each posting account, the programmable display 9 will determine which posting account will post the information to, depending on the state of device 7. In other words, the programmable display 9 can distribute the destination of the posting information according to the state of device 7.

[0178] Furthermore, since user terminal 4 does not display posting information from any posting accounts other than those it is authorized to view, the programmable display 9 can ensure that user terminal 4 receives only notifications regarding the status of device 7 as desired by the user. This allows the equipment information processing device 6 to improve the convenience for users who receive notifications regarding the status of device 7.

[0179] Furthermore, the programmable display unit 9 is equipped with a display control unit 96 that stores the API key 96a for using the service in a confidential state. The transmission means of the programmable display unit 9 (line connection unit 92, display control unit 96) is configured to transmit the access token and posting information in association with the API key 96a.

[0180] With this configuration, since the API key 96a is stored in a confidential state, the programmable display 9 can prevent malicious third parties from learning the API key 96a. Therefore, even if, for example, a malicious third party learns the access token, the equipment information processing device 6 can prevent unauthorized posting using terminals other than the programmable display 9.

[0181] In addition, since the programmable display 9 does not store login names and passwords that constitute a posting account, for example, it can prevent login names and passwords from being leaked to external parties. Therefore, the information processing device 6 for the facility can prevent posting accounts from being misused by malicious third parties. As a result, the equipment information processing device 6 can improve the security of the programmable display 9 that notifies the status of device 7, thereby preventing unauthorized postings by malicious third parties.

[0182] Furthermore, the posted information consists of a pre-set standard string and a replacement string that is replaced according to the acquired status information. The programmable display 9's transmission means (line connection unit 92, display control unit 96) is configured to replace the replacement string of the posted information extracted by the display control unit 96 with a string representing the status of device 7 based on the status information, and then transmit it.

[0183] With this configuration, the replacement string for the posted information is replaced with a string representing the state of device 7 based on the state information. Therefore, the programmable indicator 9 can replace, for example, a signal indicating the number of times since device 7 started operating with a string.

[0184] In other words, the programmable display 9 can send posting information, which represents the entire state of device 7 as a string, to the SNS server 3. Therefore, users operating the user terminal 4 can easily and accurately know the state of device 7. This allows the equipment information processing device 6 to further improve the convenience for users who receive notifications regarding the status of device 7.

[0185] Furthermore, the programmable display 9 connected to the PLC 8 is a posting device that posts messages to the SNS server 3 via the communication line 2. With this configuration, the equipment information processing device 6 can notify the user of the status of device 7 via the user terminal 4 simply by replacing, for example, an existing programmable display.

[0186] Furthermore, the SNS server 3 providing the service is a server that provides social networking services, where users who are permitted to view the posted information of a posting account are set up by the administrator who manages the posting account.

[0187] With this configuration, the equipment information processing device 6 can notify users of the status of device 7 using existing social networking services. In this case, users who have used the existing services before can find out the status of device 7 using the services they are familiar with.

[0188] Therefore, the information processing device 6 for the facility can further improve user convenience by utilizing existing social networking services. In addition, because access is restricted by the administrator, the facility information processing device 6 can prevent an unspecified number of users utilizing existing services from knowing the status of device 7.

[0189] Furthermore, the equipment information processing system 1 of this embodiment includes the equipment information processing device 6 described above, a display unit 53 for displaying various information, and an operation reception unit 54 for receiving various operations from an administrator, as well as a setting terminal 5 that is communicatively connected to the programmable display 9 of the equipment information processing device 6.

[0190] The programmable display unit 9 is equipped with information acquisition means (terminal connection unit 93, display unit control unit 96) that acquire various information transferred from the setting terminal 5.

[0191] On the other hand, the configuration terminal 5 is equipped with an operation reception unit 54 that accepts at least the following operations: registration of a posting account, registration and editing of posting information, registration of an access token generated by the SNS server 3 based on the posting account, an operation to associate the access token with the posting account, and an operation to associate the access token with the posting information.

[0192] Furthermore, the configuration terminal 5 includes a storage unit 55 that stores associated posting accounts, posting information, and access tokens, and a transfer means (terminal connection unit 52, configuration terminal control unit 56) that transfers the associated posting information and access tokens to the programmable display 9.

[0193] With this configuration, the equipment information processing system 1 can improve the convenience of users who receive notifications regarding the status of device 7 through the equipment information processing device 6 described above. Furthermore, the equipment information processing system 1 can improve the security of the programmable display 9.

[0194] Specifically, since the posting information and access token received for registration at the configuration terminal 5 are transferred to the programmable display 9, the information processing system 1 for the facility does not need to provide a means for receiving various operations from, for example, the administrator who manages the posting accounts on the programmable display 9.

[0195] As a result, the facility information processing system 1 can prevent, for example, a malicious third party from registering or editing the programmable display 9 when the configuration terminal 5 is not connected. Therefore, the facility information processing system 1 can prevent tampering with or misuse of posted information and access tokens. Therefore, the equipment information processing system 1 can improve the convenience of users who receive notifications regarding the status of device 7, and can also improve the security of the programmable display 9.

[0196] Furthermore, the information processing system 1 for the facility in this embodiment receives and stores posted information associated with a posting account, and includes an SNS server 3 that provides a service of distributing posted information from authorized posting accounts to user terminals 4 owned by specific users who have been authorized to view it by the administrator of the posting account.

[0197] This SNS server 3 includes a server control unit 33 that generates an access token based on the posting account, and a storage unit 32 that stores the posting account and the access token in association.

[0198] Furthermore, the SNS server 3 is equipped with a posting storage means (storage unit 32, server control unit 33) that, when the access token obtained from the programmable display 9 matches the access token 34d in the storage unit 32, stores the posting information obtained from the programmable display 9 in chronological order, associated with the posting account corresponding to the access token.

[0199] In addition, the SNS server 3 is equipped with distribution means (line connection unit 31, server control unit 33) that, when it receives a request from the user terminal 4 to view the posted information of a permitted posting account, distributes the posted information associated with the permitted posting account to the user terminal 4 in chronological order.

[0200] With this configuration, the SNS server 3 stores the posted information acquired from the programmable display 9 in chronological order and distributes the posted information in chronological order, so the facility information processing system 1 can display the status of device 7 in chronological order on the user terminal 4.

[0201] In this case, since the destination of the posted information is distributed according to the status of device 7, the facility information processing system 1 can display only the status of device 7 desired by the user on the user terminal 4 in chronological order.

[0202] Furthermore, users operating the user terminal 4 can see the changes in the state of device 7 over time, allowing them to easily and accurately understand the state of device 7. This allows the equipment information processing system 1 to further improve the convenience for users who receive notifications regarding the status of device 7.

[0203] Furthermore, because the programmable display 9 associates the posted information and access token and sends them to the SNS server 3, the information processing device 6 for the facility does not need the programmable display 9 to store information that can identify the user, such as the recipient's email address. Therefore, the information processing device 6 for the facility can prevent information that can identify a user, such as the recipient's email address, from being stolen by a malicious third party.

[0204] Furthermore, since the equipment information processing system 1 can transfer the same posting information table 55b and authentication information table 95a to multiple equipment information processing devices 6, the various setting tasks required for sending posting information can be simplified.

[0205] In the correspondence between the structure of this invention and the embodiments described above, The server of this invention corresponds to the SNS server 3 of the embodiment, The same applies to the following: The posting device is compatible with programmable display unit 9. Authentication information corresponds to the access token. The storage means corresponds to the storage unit 95, The status acquisition means corresponds to the PLC input unit 91 and the display control unit 96, If the specified conditions are met, it will respond as if it is trigger information. The extraction means and API storage means correspond to the display control unit 96. The transmission means consists of a line connection unit 92 and a display control unit 96. In response to, The information acquisition means corresponds to the terminal connection unit 93 and the display control unit 96, The terminal storage means corresponds to the storage unit 55, The transfer means consists of a terminal connection unit 52 and a setting terminal control unit 56. In response to, The authentication information generation means corresponds to the server control unit 33, The account storage means corresponds to the storage unit 32, The posting storage means corresponds to the storage unit 32 and the server control unit 33. The distribution means corresponds to the line connection unit 31 and the server control unit 33, This invention is not limited to the configuration of the embodiments described above, and many other embodiments can be obtained.

[0206] For example, in the embodiment described above, the production equipment was equipped with an information processing device 6 for the equipment, but the invention is not limited to this, and any suitable equipment having a PLC 8 and a programmable display 9 may be used, such as an elevator.

[0207] Furthermore, while maintenance personnel, field workers, and production managers are considered users of user terminal 4, users are not limited to these individuals; any appropriate person who wishes to receive notifications regarding the device status may also be considered a user.

[0208] Furthermore, while the system described as an information processing system for equipment using an existing social networking service is provided, it is not limited to this, and may also be an information processing system for equipment using a dedicated service that allows messages to be posted according to the status of device 7.

[0209] Furthermore, although the configuration terminal 5 and the programmable display 9 are connected via a transfer cable C to enable communication, the configuration terminal 5 and the programmable display 9 may also be connected wirelessly.

[0210] Furthermore, while user terminal 4 is described as a mobile device, it is not limited to this; it could also be a stationary terminal or a server different from SNS server 3. Furthermore, the information registered in the posting information tables 55b and 95b in Figure 4 is not limited to this embodiment and may be set as appropriate by the administrator.

[0211] Furthermore, while the account management table 55a, which contains the management number, username, login name, password, and access token (which is authentication information generated from the login name and password), is stored in the storage unit 55 of the configuration terminal 5, the system is not limited to this; an account management table containing only the management number, login name, and access token may also be stored in the storage unit 55 of the configuration terminal 5. This allows the facility information processing system 1 to prevent the password for the social networking service from being known to a third party via the configuration terminal 5.

[0212] Furthermore, in Figure 4, the token number column of the posting information tables 55b and 95b contains one management number registered in the number column of the account management table 55a. However, this is not limited to this, and multiple management numbers may be registered in the token number column of the posting information tables 55b and 95b as posting destinations corresponding to the status of device 7.

[0213] Furthermore, although the configuration is set up so that an administrator who manages posting accounts permits the disclosure of posting information 34c to specific viewing accounts, it is also possible that the configuration is set up so that when a user requests to view the posting information 34c, the administrator permits the disclosure of the posting information 34c, and this is registered in the disclosure setting information 34f.

[0214] Furthermore, while the programmable display 9 is configured to be authenticated by an access token, it is not limited to this configuration. For example, the programmable display 9 may be authenticated using encrypted information such as the login name and password.

[0215] Furthermore, in step S248 of Figure 11, the programmable display 9 associates the access token and the API key 96a and sends them to the SNS server 3. In step S249 of Figure 11, if the authentication result information from the SNS server 3 indicates successful authentication, the programmable display 9 sends the posting information to the SNS server 3 in step S250 of Figure 11. However, the transmission of posting information from the programmable display 9 to the SNS server 3 is not limited to the above-described process.

[0216] For example, depending on the specifications of the social networking service, the programmable display 9 may be configured to associate the access token, API key 96a, and posting information and send them to the SNS server 3 in step S248. In this case, the SNS server 3 allows communication with the programmable display 9 based on the acquired API key 96a, and further determines whether the acquired access token matches the access token 34d in the storage unit 32.

[0217] Then, if the SNS server 3 determines that authentication is successful, it accepts the posting information and sends information indicating successful authentication and a message indicating that posting is complete to the programmable display 9. If the SNS server 3 determines that authentication is unsuccessful, it sends information indicating unsuccessful authentication to the programmable display 9.

[0218] Furthermore, in step S266 of Figure 13, if multiple users are associated with the distribution information obtained from the SNS server 3, the user terminal 4 displays the user selection screen 130 on the operation display unit 43, but this is not limited to this case. For example, if multiple users are associated with the distribution information obtained from the SNS server 3, the operation display unit 43 may display a screen showing the posts of multiple users arranged in chronological order. In this case, by selecting a username displayed on the operation display unit 43, the operation display unit 43 will display a screen showing the posts corresponding to the selected username arranged in chronological order.

[0219] Furthermore, although the posting device that posts messages to the SNS server 3 via the communication line 2 is a programmable display 9 connected to the PLC 8, the system is not limited to this, and for example, the posting device for posting messages may be integrated into the PLC 8. In this case, since the posting device for posting messages is provided in the PLC 8, the equipment information processing device 6 can notify users of the status of device 7 via the user terminal 4 simply by replacing an existing PLC, for example.

[0220] Alternatively, the posting device for sending messages may be configured as a gateway device connected to the PLC8. In this case, the facility information processing device 6 can notify users of the status of device 7 via the user terminal 4 simply by replacing, for example, an existing gateway device.

[0221] Furthermore, in step S223 of Figure 8, when the administrator presses the transfer button 107, the posting information table 55b and the authentication information table 95a are transferred from the configuration terminal 5 to the programmable display 9, but this is not limited to the transfer. For example, when the configuration terminal 5 is connected to the programmable display 9, or when the administrator presses the transfer button 107, a process of authentication may be provided between the configuration terminal 5 and the programmable display 9. If authentication is successful, the configuration terminal 5 starts transferring the posting information table 55b and the authentication information table 95a to the programmable display 9.

[0222] This prevents the information processing system 1 from mistakenly transferring the posting information table 55b and the authentication information table 95a to devices that are not subject to transfer or to programmable display 9 when the configuration terminal 5 is connected to such devices. [Explanation of symbols]

[0223] 1…Information processing system for equipment 2…Communication lines 3…SNS server 4…User terminal 5…Setup terminal 6…Information processing equipment for facilities 7…Device 8…Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) 9…Programmable display 31…Line connection section 32...Storage section 33…Server Control Section 52…Terminal connection section 53...Display section 54... Operation reception unit 55...Storage section 56…Setting Terminal Control Unit 91...PLC input section 92...Line connection section 93...Terminal connection section 95...Storage section 96...Display Unit 96a... API key

Claims

1. A programmable logic controller that controls the operation of the device and detects the state of the device, The system includes a posting device connected via a communication line to a server that receives and stores posting information associated with a posting account, and provides a service that distributes the posting information of the permitted posting account to user terminals owned by specific users who have been authorized to view it by the administrator of the posting account. The device used for posting is, A storage means that stores multiple pieces of information associated with status information indicating the status of the device, including at least one of the multiple pieces of authentication information generated by the server for each posting account, and posting information representing the status of the device as a string; A state acquisition means for acquiring state information indicating the state of the device from the programmable logic controller, If the state information obtained from the programmable logic controller satisfies predetermined conditions, the extraction means extracts the posting information associated with the obtained state information and at least one authentication piece of information from the storage means. The system includes a transmission means that associates the extracted post information with the authentication information and transmits it to the server, and causes the server to store the post information based on the authentication information. Information processing device for equipment.

2. The authentication information is an access token generated by the server based on the posting account. The aforementioned posting device is, The system includes an API storage means that stores the API key for using the aforementioned service in a confidential state, The aforementioned transmission means is The configuration involves associating the API key with the access token and the posted information and transmitting them. The information processing device for equipment according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned posted information is, It consists of a pre-set fixed string and a replacement string that is replaced according to the acquired state information, The aforementioned transmission means is The extraction means replaces the replacement string in the extracted post information with a string representing the status of the device based on the status information, and then transmits it. The equipment information processing device according to claim 1 or claim 2.

4. The posting device is a programmable display connected to the programmable logic controller. An information processing device for equipment according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The posting device is integrally provided with the programmable logic controller. An information processing device for equipment according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

6. The posting device is a gateway device connected to the programmable logic controller. An information processing device for equipment according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

7. The server providing the aforementioned service is A user who is permitted to view the posted information of the aforementioned posting account is a server that provides social networking services, which is set up by the administrator who manages the aforementioned posting account. An information processing device for equipment according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. An information processing device for equipment according to any one of claims 1 to 7, It has a display unit for displaying various information, and an operation reception unit for receiving various operations from the administrator, and also includes a setting terminal that is communicatively connected to the posting device of the equipment information processing device, The aforementioned posting device is, The system includes an information acquisition means for acquiring various information transferred from the aforementioned configuration terminal, The aforementioned configuration terminal is The operation receiving unit accepts at least the following operations: registration of a posting account, registration and editing of posting information, associating the posting information with status information indicating the status of the device of the equipment information processing device, registration of authentication information generated by the server based on the posting account, associating the authentication information with the posting account, and associating the posting information with the authentication information with the status information. A terminal storage means that stores the associated posting account, posting information, status information, and authentication information, The system includes a transfer means for transferring the associated posting information, status information, and authentication information to the posting device. Information processing system for equipment.

9. The system includes a server that receives and stores posting information associated with a posting account, and provides a service that delivers the posting information of the authorized posting account to user terminals owned by specific users who have been authorized to view it by the administrator of the posting account. The server in question is, Authentication information generation means that generates authentication information based on the aforementioned posting account, An account storage means that stores the aforementioned posting account and the aforementioned authentication information in association with each other, If the authentication information obtained from the posting device matches the authentication information in the account storage means, the posting storage means stores the posting information obtained from the posting device in chronological order, associated with the posting account corresponding to the authentication information. The system includes a distribution means that, when a user terminal receives a request to view the posted information of the authorized posting account, distributes the posted information associated with the authorized posting account to the user terminal in chronological order. The equipment information processing system according to claim 8.

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