CN115210659A - Operation auxiliary system for industrial plant - Google Patents

Abstract

Industrial plants are assisted with operation assistance systems using force feedback so that even less experienced operators can mimic the proper operation of a skilled person. The system is provided with: an operation switch that transmits an input signal; a programmable logic controller continuously transmitting an operation signal; an auxiliary device that transmits an auxiliary signal based on the input signal and the job signal; and a ring-type wearable device that vibrates based on the auxiliary signal. The assist device calculates a current operation state of the industrial plant, extracts an appropriate input value range associated with the current operation state from the skilled operation information, and transmits an abnormality signal to the ring-type wearable device as an assist signal when an input value included in an input signal received from the operation switch is not included in the appropriate input value range.

Description

Operation assistance systems for industrial plants

technical field

The present invention relates to an operation assistance system for industrial plants.

Background technique

There are known industrial plants (steel plants, power plants, oil plants, chemical plants, etc.) that produce raw materials or resources required for industrial activities. A factory monitoring and control system in an industrial factory includes input and output devices (I/O) that connect many field devices (including actuators and sensors) that make up the factory, and a programmable logic controller (hereinafter referred to as PLC) that controls many field devices. A structure interconnected via a control network.

The operator performs operations for monitoring and control of the industrial plant. In the past, the operator's operation was visually confirmed by the light display of the operation panel, the parameter display of the operation panel, the screen display of the human machine interface (HMI), and the status of the produced material, which depended on the operator's tacit knowledge (Tacit Knowledge) ) (intuition/doorway/trick), use the handle or button of the operation panel to adjust the amount of operation for the actuator. Therefore, an operator with a small number of years of experience and a low work proficiency desires to be able to imitate the judgment in work based on the tacit knowledge acquired by the skilled operator.

Regarding such a subject, Patent Document 1 discloses a comprehensive diagnosis system for a rolling line. The comprehensive diagnosis system infers the cause of the abnormality based on the knowledge base, displays guidance on the screen, and prompts the operator to take action.

prior art literature

Patent Literature

Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 4-9214

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The problem to be solved by the invention

However, in the comprehensive diagnosis system of Patent Document 1, in a situation where it is necessary to keep an eye on the state of the material, there is a possibility that the guidance displayed on the screen may be overlooked. As a result, it is possible that the erroneous operation is not noticed. Therefore, the guidance display alone is not sufficient to assist the operator.

The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an operation aid for an industrial plant that allows an operator with little experience to imitate the appropriate operation of a skilled person in a situation where he must keep an eye on the state of the material. system.

means to solve the problem

In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the operation assistance system for an industrial plant according to the present invention is configured as follows.

Operation assistance systems for industrial plants include operation switches, programmable logic controllers, auxiliary devices, and ring-type wearable devices.

The above-mentioned operation switch transmits an input signal including an input value input by an operator.

The above-mentioned programmable logic controller is connected to the above-mentioned operation switch. The above-mentioned programmable logic controller controls an industrial plant based on the above-mentioned input signal. The said programmable logic controller continuously transmits the operation signal regarding the operation state of the said industrial plant to the said auxiliary device.

The ring-shaped wearable device worn by the operator is wirelessly connected to the auxiliary device. The above-mentioned ring-type wearable device vibrates based on the above-mentioned auxiliary signal.

The auxiliary device is connected to the operation switch and the programmable logic controller. The said auxiliary apparatus has the skill operation information which correlates the operation state of the said industrial plant and the suitable input value range of the said operation switch. The said auxiliary apparatus calculates the current work state of the said industrial plant based on at least one said work signal. The above-mentioned auxiliary device extracts the above-mentioned appropriate input value range associated with the above-mentioned current work state from the above-mentioned skilled operation information. When the input value included in the input signal received from the operation switch is not included in the appropriate input value range, the auxiliary device transmits an abnormal signal as the auxiliary signal to the ring-shaped wearable device .

Invention effect

According to the operation assistance system for an industrial plant according to the present invention, when the operator performs an operation that deviates from the appropriate input value range corresponding to the current work state, the ring-shaped wearable device can be vibrated. Through such force feedback, in a situation where the state of the material must be watched, the operator can be assisted more interactively and intuitively by delivering a stimulus to a tactilely sensitive finger than in the case of simply delivering it visually. In addition, it is also possible to convey various information to the operator by wearing a ring-type wearable device with different functions on multiple fingers.

According to the present invention, an operator with little experience can imitate an appropriate operation corresponding to the current work state based on the tacit knowledge (intuition/way/know-how) acquired by a skilled worker. As a result, it is possible to achieve an improvement in product quality of a production line, an improvement in productivity, and a reduction in work accidents.

Description of drawings

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of an operation assistance system for an industrial plant according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

2 is a diagram for explaining a notification of an operation start using vibration of the ring-type wearable device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of processing according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

4 is a diagram for explaining a vibration mode of the ring-type wearable device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

5 is a diagram for explaining an example of operation assistance of a rotary switch by the ring-type wearable device according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

6 is a diagram for explaining an example of operation assistance of a push-type momentary switch by the ring-type wearable device according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

7 is a diagram for explaining an example of operation assistance of a toggle momentary switch by the ring-type wearable device according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

8 is a diagram for explaining an example of operation assistance of a push-type alternate switch by the ring-type wearable device according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention.

9 is a diagram for explaining an example of operation assistance of the toggle switch by the ring-type wearable device according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention.

10 is a diagram for explaining an example of operation assistance of an executive switch by the ring-type wearable device according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention.

11 is a conceptual diagram showing a hardware configuration example of a processing circuit included in a PLC, an operation device, an auxiliary device, and a ring-type wearable device in each embodiment.

Detailed ways

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, in the embodiments shown below, when referring to numbers such as the number, number, amount, range, etc. of each element, unless it is specifically stated or clearly determined in principle as the number, The present invention is not limited to the mentioned numbers. In addition, the structure etc. which were demonstrated in the embodiment shown below are not necessarily essential to this invention, except the case where it specifically states or the case where it is clearly determined in principle. In addition, the same code|symbol is attached|subjected to the element common to each figure, and the overlapping description is abbreviate|omitted.

Embodiment 1.

(System Components)

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of an operation assistance system for an industrial plant according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

A factory monitoring and control system 1 of an industrial factory includes an actuator 2 , an input/output device 3 , a programmable logic controller 4 (hereinafter referred to as PLC4 ), a computer network 5 (hereinafter referred to as network 5 ), operation equipment 6 , and auxiliary devices 7 , Ring-type wearable device 8.

The connection relationship of each device will be described. The actuator 2 is connected to the PLC 4 via the input/output device 3 . The PLC 4 is connected to the operating device 6 and the auxiliary device 7 via the network 5 . The operating device 6 is connected to the PLC 4 and the auxiliary device 7 via the network 5 . The auxiliary device 7 is connected to the PLC 4 , the operation device 6 and the ring-shaped wearable device 8 via the network 5 . In particular, the auxiliary device 7 and the ring-type wearable device 8 are connected wirelessly.

The actuator 2 is a motor, a solenoid valve, a hydraulic device, and the like that constitute an industrial plant (eg, a steel plant).

The PLC 4 receives the input signal 12 from the operating device 6 and controls the actuator 2 based on the input signal 12 . In addition, the PLC 4 continuously transmits the work signal 11 concerning the work state of the industrial plant to the auxiliary device 7 .

The operation device 6 includes at least one of an operation panel 61 and a human-machine interface (HMI) device 62 . The operation panel 61 includes operation switches 60 as hardware. The HMI device 62 includes operating switches 60 as software operatively displayed on a monitor. The operation switch 60 transmits the input signal 12 including the input value input by the operator working in the industrial plant to the PLC 4 and the auxiliary device 7 .

The auxiliary device 7 receives the input signal 12 of the operation switch 60 and the operation signal 11 of the PLC 4 . The auxiliary device 7 transmits the auxiliary signal 13 to the ring-type wearable device 8 based on the input signal 12 and the work signal 11 .

The ring-type wearable device 8 is a device for an operator to wear on the body, preferably a smart ring to be worn on a finger. The ring-shaped wearable device 8 receives the assist signal 13 from the assist device 7 and vibrates based on the assist signal 13 .

The operation assistance system 10 for an industrial factory is mainly realized by the cooperation of the PLC 4 , the operation switch 60 , the auxiliary device 7 , and the ring-type wearable device 8 .

The assisting device 7 includes skilled operation information 70 , a work state calculating unit 71 , and an assisting processing unit 72 , which will be described later. The proficiency information 70 of the assisting device 7 , the work state calculation unit 71 , and the assist processing unit 72 cooperate to perform their functions, and transmit the assist signal determined based on the proficiency information 70 in accordance with the current work state to the ring-shaped wearable device 8 . The auxiliary device 7 is realized, for example, by an expert system or a machine learning system. For example, an expert system includes a knowledge base that converts professional knowledge into data, and an inference engine that derives data considered to be a correct solution based on data obtained from the knowledge base. Here, the knowledge base corresponds to the skilled operation information 70 , and the inference engine corresponds to the work state calculation unit 71 and the auxiliary processing unit 72 .

The assisting device 7 of the present embodiment realizes two assisting functions. The first assist function warns the operator of improper operation of the operation switch 60 by force feedback. The second auxiliary function urges the operator to start the operation of the operation switch 60 when the working state of the industrial plant is close to an abnormal state.

(1st auxiliary function)

First, a configuration pair for realizing the above-described first auxiliary function will be described.

The skilled operation information 70 is a collection of information that associates the work state of the industrial plant with an appropriate input value range of the operation switch 60 . The skilled operation information 70 is information obtained by digitizing the knowledge of the skilled operator. This knowledge includes past actual data and work history (operation timing, operation amount), etc., which are considered to be high in stability or quality of work. That is, the appropriate input value range is data concerning the operation state of the operation switch 60 by the skilled operator corresponding to the work state of the industrial plant. The proficiency information 70 is used to calculate an appropriate input value range for each work state. The proficiency information 70 is, for example, a knowledge base of an expert system that stores knowledge of a skilled operator, data learned by machine learning using an operation of a skilled operator as teacher data, or a job status and a proficiency corresponding to the job status. The knowledge of the operator establishes the associated table data and so on.

The work state calculation unit 71 calculates the current work state of the industrial plant based on at least one work signal.

The auxiliary processing unit 72 extracts an appropriate input value range associated with the current work state from the skilled operation information 70 . Next, the auxiliary processing unit 72 determines whether or not the input value included in the input signal received from the operation switch 60 is included in an appropriate input value range. Next, when the input value included in the input signal received from the operation switch 60 is not included in an appropriate input value range, the assist processing unit 72 transmits the abnormal signal to the ring-shaped wearable device 8 as an assist signal. The ring-shaped wearable device 8 vibrates in response to the abnormal signal, and stimulates the operator's sense of touch.

With such a configuration, it is possible to determine in real time whether or not the operator's operation is appropriate. When the operation switch 60 is operated beyond the appropriate input value range corresponding to the current work state, it is possible to warn the excessive operation of the operation switch 60 by force feedback on the operator's tactile sense. In particular, it is possible to assist a less experienced operator to imitate the appropriate operation of a skilled person in a situation where the state of the material must be watched and the guidance display is likely to be overlooked.

(Second auxiliary function)

Next, a configuration for realizing the second auxiliary function described above will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2 . The above-described first assist function assists the operator who is operating the operation switch 60 . However, even if the operation switch 60 is not operated, when the current work state is close to an abnormal state, it is desirable to call attention to the operation start of the operator. Therefore, the second auxiliary function urges the operator to start the operation of the operation switch 60 when the working state of the industrial plant is close to an abnormal state.

The proficiency information 70 includes information (a temporal change trend of the work state, a threshold value of a predetermined parameter) that can determine whether or not the current work state is close to an abnormal state based on the stored work signal.

When the auxiliary processing unit 72 has not received an input signal from the operation switch 60 for a predetermined time or more, it determines whether or not the current work state of the industrial plant is close to an abnormal state.

For example, whether or not the current work state is close to the abnormal state can be determined based on whether or not the abnormal state is reached within a predetermined time based on the temporal change trend of the work state, whether predetermined parameters exceed a threshold, and the like. When it is determined that the current work state is close to an abnormal state, the auxiliary processing unit 72 transmits an abnormality prediction signal that urges the operator to input the operation switch 60 as an auxiliary signal. The ring-shaped wearable device 8 vibrates in response to the abnormal prediction signal, and stimulates the operator's sense of touch. In addition, it is preferable that the vibration pattern of the second auxiliary function has a different period from that of the vibration pattern of the first auxiliary function in order to distinguish the meaning of the vibration.

With this configuration, as shown in FIG. 2 , even when the operator is in a no-operation state, it is possible to analyze the change trend of the work state, and to transmit an assist signal urging the start of the operation when the operation of the operation switch 60 is required. The assisting device 7 draws the operator's attention to the need to start the operation by vibrating the ring-shaped wearable device 8 in the vibration pattern corresponding to the second assisting function. In this way, the second assist function can assist the less experienced operator based on the knowledge of the skilled operator.

(processing flow)

Referring to the flowchart of FIG. 3 , the flow of processing for realizing the above-described first auxiliary function and second auxiliary function will be described. The first auxiliary function is realized by the processing of steps S100 to S130. The second auxiliary function is realized by the processing of steps S100, S110, and steps S140 to S160. The processing flow of FIG. 3 is repeatedly executed.

The auxiliary device 7 continues to receive work signals from the PLC 4 . In step S100, the auxiliary device 7 calculates the current work state of the industrial plant based on the received work signal and the work state calculated in the past.

In step S110, the assisting device 7 determines whether or not the operation switch 60 has been operated by the operator. When the determination condition is satisfied, the process of step S120 is performed.

In step S120, the auxiliary device 7 determines whether or not the input value included in the input signal received from the operation switch 60 deviates from an appropriate input value range. Specifically, first, the auxiliary processing unit 72 extracts an appropriate input value range associated with the current work state from the skilled operation information 70 . Next, the auxiliary processing unit 72 determines whether or not the input value deviates from an appropriate input value range. When the determination condition is satisfied, the process of step S130 is performed.

In step S130, the auxiliary device 7 transmits the abnormal signal 14 to the ring-type wearable device 8 as the auxiliary signal 13 (FIG. 4). The ring-type wearable device 8 receives the abnormal signal 14 from the auxiliary device 7 . The ring-shaped wearable device 8 vibrates in the warning mode 15 (first mode) when the abnormal signal 14 is received ( FIG. 4 ). Then, the process of step S100 is executed again.

In addition, when the determination condition of step S120 is not satisfied, the operation performed by the operator is appropriate. In this case, the auxiliary signal is not transmitted, and the process of step S100 is performed again.

On the other hand, when the determination condition of step S110 is not satisfied, the process of step S140 is executed.

In step S140, the assisting device 7 determines whether or not there is no input by the operator for N seconds or more. When the auxiliary processing unit 72 has not received an input signal from the operation switch 60 for N seconds or more, the processing of step S150 is executed. When the determination condition of step S140 is not satisfied, the process of step S100 is executed again.

In step S150, the assisting device 7 determines whether or not it is necessary to urge the operator to start the operation. The auxiliary processing unit 72 determines whether or not the current work state of the industrial plant is close to an abnormal state based on the skilled operation information 70 . When the determination condition is satisfied, the process of step S160 is performed.

In step S160 , the assisting device 7 transmits, as the assisting signal 13 , the abnormality prediction signal 16 ( FIG. 4 ) that urges the operator to input to the operation switch 60 to the ring-type wearable device 8 . The ring-type wearable device 8 receives the abnormality prediction signal 16 from the auxiliary device 7 . When receiving the abnormality prediction signal 16, the ring-shaped wearable device 8 vibrates in the notification mode 17 (a second mode having a cycle different from the first mode) ( FIG. 4 ).

In addition, when the determination condition of step S150 is not satisfied, an auxiliary signal is not transmitted, this routine is temporarily terminated, and is executed again in the next control cycle.

As described above, according to the operation assistance system 10 for an industrial plant according to the present embodiment, it is possible to assist a less experienced operator based on the knowledge of a skilled operator by the above-described first assistance function and second assistance function. Therefore, even an operator with little experience can imitate the appropriate operation of a skilled worker corresponding to the current work state. As a result, the product quality improvement of a production line, the improvement of productivity, and the reduction of a work accident can be achieved.

(Variation)

In the present embodiment, it is assumed that both the first auxiliary function and the second auxiliary function are provided, but only one of the functions may be provided.

Embodiment 2.

(Rotary switch)

Embodiment 2 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 5 . 5 is a diagram for explaining an example of operation assistance of a rotary switch by the ring-type wearable device according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

The system of the present embodiment is basically the same as that of the first embodiment except for the following configurations concerning the operation switch 60 and the auxiliary device 7 shown in FIG. 1 .

In the present embodiment, the operation switch 60 is the rotary switch 20, and the input value of the operation switch 60 is the rotation angle value. The rotary switch 20 transmits the input signal 12 including the rotation angle value corresponding to the operation of the operator.

The appropriate input value range 21 of the above-mentioned skilled operation information 70 includes the rotation angle threshold value 22 of the rotary switch 20 . That is, the skilled operation information 70 includes a set of information that associates the work state of the industrial plant with the rotation angle threshold value 22 of the rotary switch 20 .

The assistance processing unit 72 of the assistance device 7 extracts the rotation angle threshold 22 associated with the current work state from the skilled operation information 70 .

Next, the auxiliary processing unit 72 determines whether or not the rotation angle value included in the input signal 12 received from the rotary switch 20 is within the rotation angle threshold value 22 .

Next, when the rotation angle value included in the input signal 12 received from the rotary switch 20 exceeds the rotation angle threshold, the auxiliary processing unit 72 sends the abnormal signal 14 ( FIG. 4 ) to the ring-shaped wearable as the auxiliary signal 13 Device 8 sends. The ring-shaped wearable device 8 vibrates according to the abnormal signal 14 to stimulate the operator's sense of touch.

For example, as shown in FIG. 5 , in the case where the rotation angle value of the rotary switch 20 is included in the appropriate input value range 21 , the ring-type wearable device 8 does not vibrate. On the other hand, from the moment when the rotation angle value of the rotary switch 20 exceeds the rotation angle threshold value 22, the ring-shaped wearable device 8 vibrates. Thus, inappropriate operation of the operator is warned using force feedback. Therefore, the rotary switch 20 can be suppressed from being deviated from the proper operation range.

Embodiment 3.

(momentary switch)

Embodiment 3 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 6 . 6 is a diagram for explaining an example of operation assistance of a push-type momentary switch by the ring-type wearable device according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

The system of the present embodiment is basically the same as that of the first embodiment except for the following configurations concerning the operation switch 60 and the auxiliary device 7 shown in FIG. 1 .

In this embodiment, the operation switch 60 is a push-type momentary switch 30, and the input value of the operation switch 60 is an ON value. The push-type momentary switch 30 transmits the input signal 12 including the ON value during the period when the operator presses it.

The suitable input value range of the above-mentioned skill operation information 70 includes the ON value continuation allowable period of the push-type momentary switch 30 . That is, the skilled operation information 70 includes a set of information associating the working state of the industrial plant with the ON value continuation allowable period of the push-type momentary switch 30 .

The assistance processing unit 72 of the assistance device 7 extracts the ON value continuation allowable period associated with the current work state from the skilled operation information 70 . In the example shown in FIG. 6, the ON value continuation allowable period is the period from time T1 to time T2.

Next, the auxiliary processing unit 72 determines whether or not the input signal 12 including the ON value has been continuously input from the push-type momentary switch 30 beyond the ON value continuation allowable period.

Next, when the input signal 12 including the ON value is continuously input from the push-type momentary switch 30 while the ON value continuation allowable period is exceeded, the auxiliary processing unit 72 sends the abnormal signal 14 ( FIG. 4 ) to the ring as the auxiliary signal 13 type wearable device 8 sent.

For example, in the example shown in FIG. 6, the ON value continuation allowable period is the period from time T1 to time T2. When the input signal 12 including the ON value is continuously input beyond the time T2, the ring-shaped wearable device 8 vibrates from the time beyond the time T2. Thus, inappropriate operation of the operator is warned using force feedback. Therefore, the push-type momentary switch 30 can be suppressed from being deviated from an appropriate operation range.

(Variation)

Incidentally, in the system of the third embodiment described above, the push-type momentary switch 30 is used as the operation switch 60 . However, as shown in FIG. 7 , a toggle-type momentary switch 31 may be used as the operation switch 60 .

Embodiment 4.

(alternating switch)

1 and 8, Embodiment 4 of the present invention will be described. 8 is a diagram for explaining an example of operation assistance of a push-type alternator switch by the ring-type wearable device according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention.

The system of the present embodiment is basically the same as that of the first embodiment except for the following configurations concerning the operation switch 60 and the auxiliary device 7 shown in FIG. 1 .

In this embodiment, the operation switch 60 is a push-type alternator switch 40, and the push-push alternator switch 40 alternately transmits an input signal 12 including an ON value and an OFF value every time the operator presses it input signal 12.

The appropriate input value range (appropriate input value data) of the above-mentioned skilled operation information 70 includes an appropriate state value (ON value or OFF value) of the push switch 40 . That is, the skilled operation information 70 includes a set of information that associates the work state of the industrial plant with an appropriate state value (ON value or OFF value) of the push switch 40 .

The assistance processing unit 72 of the assistance device 7 extracts an appropriate state value (ON value or OFF value) associated with the current work state from the skilled operation information 70 . In the example shown in FIG. 8, the appropriate state value of the push switch 40 is the OFF value around time T3.

Next, the auxiliary processing unit 72 determines whether or not the state value (ON value or OFF value) included in the input signal 12 received from the push switch 40 matches an appropriate state value.

Next, when the input signal 12 received from the push switch 40 includes the ON value and the appropriate state value is the OFF value, the auxiliary processing unit 72 transmits the auxiliary signal 13 to the ring-shaped wearable device 8 . Abnormal signal 14 (FIG. 4). In addition, when the input signal 12 received from the push switch 40 includes the OFF value and the appropriate state value is the ON value, the auxiliary processing unit 72 transmits the auxiliary signal 13 to the ring-type wearable device 8 . Abnormal signal 14.

For example, in the example shown in FIG. 8 , the push switch 40 is pressed by the operator at time T3 to output the input signal 12 including the ON value. On the other hand, at time T3, the appropriate state value is the OFF value. That is, the operator's operation at time T3 is inappropriate. Therefore, the ring-shaped wearable device 8 vibrates from time T3. Thereby, force feedback is used to warn the operator of inappropriate operation. Therefore, the push-type momentary switch 30 can be suppressed from being deviated from an appropriate operation range.

(Variation)

In addition, in the system of the above-mentioned Embodiment 4, the push switch 40 is used as the operation switch 60 . However, as shown in FIG. 9 , the toggle switch 41 may be used as the operation switch 60 .

Embodiment 5.

(execution switch)

Embodiment 5 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 10 . 10 is a diagram for explaining an example of operation assistance of an executive switch by the ring-type wearable device according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention.

The system of the present embodiment is basically the same as that of the first embodiment except that the operation device 6 shown in FIG. 1 includes the setting switch 51 and the following configurations regarding the operation switch 60 and the auxiliary device 7 .

The setting switch 51 can input a setting value. In the present embodiment, the operation switch 60 is the execution switch 50 . The execution switch 50 is pressed by the operator and transmits the input signal 12 including the set value input to the setting switch.

The appropriate input value range (appropriate input value data) of the above-described proficiency information 70 includes the appropriate value range of the set value input to the setting switch 51 . That is, the skilled operation information 70 includes a set of information that associates the work state of the industrial plant with the appropriate value range of the set value input to the setting switch 51 .

The assistance processing unit 72 of the assistance device 7 extracts, from the skilled operation information 70 , an appropriate value range associated with the current work state.

Next, the auxiliary processing unit 72 determines whether or not the set value included in the input signal 12 received from the execution switch 50 is included in the appropriate value range.

Next, when the set value included in the input signal 12 received from the execution switch 50 is not included in the appropriate value range, the auxiliary processing unit 72 transmits the abnormal signal 14 to the ring-shaped wearable device 8 as the auxiliary signal 13 (Figure 4).

FIG. 10 shows an example in which the execution switch 50 is pressed at time T4 even though the setting value input to the setting switch 51 is not appropriate. In this case, the operator's operation at time T4 is inappropriate. Therefore, the ring-type wearable device 8 vibrates from the time T4. Thereby, force feedback is used to warn the operator of inappropriate operation. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the execution switch 50 from continuing to be operated in a state where the set value is not appropriate.

(Hardware configuration example)

11 is a conceptual diagram showing a hardware configuration example of a processing circuit included in the PLC 4 , the operation device 6 , the auxiliary device 7 , and the ring-type wearable device 8 in each of the above-described embodiments. The above-mentioned functions are realized by the processing circuit. As one aspect, the processing circuit includes at least one processor 91 and at least one memory 92 . As another aspect, the processing circuit includes at least one dedicated hardware 93 .

When the processing circuit includes the processor 91 and the memory 92, each function is realized by software, firmware, or a combination of software and firmware. At least one of software and firmware is described as a program. At least one of software and firmware is stored in the memory 92 . The processor 91 realizes each function by reading out and executing a program stored in the memory 92 .

In the case where the processing circuit includes dedicated hardware 93, the processing circuit is, for example, a single circuit, a composite circuit, a programmed processor, or a combination thereof. Each function is realized by the processing circuit.

As mentioned above, although embodiment of this invention was described, this invention is not limited to the said embodiment, Various deformation|transformation can be carried out in the range which does not deviate from the summary of this invention.

Label description

1 Factory monitoring and control system

2 Actuators

3 Input and output devices

4 Programmable Logic Controller (PLC)

5 Network

6 Operating the device

7 Auxiliary devices

8 Ring-shaped wearables

10 Operational assistance systems for industrial plants

11 Working signal

12 Input signal

13 Auxiliary signal

14 Abnormal signal

15 Warning Mode

16 Abnormal Prediction Signals

17 Notification Mode

20 Rotary switch

21 Input value range

22 Rotation angle threshold

23 Rotary switch

30 push-button momentary switches

31 Toggle Momentary Switch

40 push-button alternator switch

41 toggle switch

50 Execution switch

51 Setting switch

60 Operation switch

61 Operation panel

62 Human Machine Interface (HMI) Devices

70 Proficiency Information

71 Operation Status Calculation Department

72 Auxiliary Processing Section

91 processors

92 memory

93 Hardware

Claims (7)

1. An operation assistance system for an industrial plant, characterized in that, have: operating the switch, sending an input signal containing the input value entered by the operator; A programmable logic controller, connected to the above-mentioned operation switch, controls the industrial plant based on the above-mentioned input signal, and continuously transmits an operation signal regarding the operation state of the above-mentioned industrial plant; an auxiliary device, connected to the operation switch and the programmable logic controller, and transmitting an auxiliary signal based on the input signal and the operation signal; and The ring-shaped wearable device worn by the above-mentioned operator is wirelessly connected to the above-mentioned auxiliary device, and vibrates based on the above-mentioned auxiliary signal; The above-mentioned auxiliary device has skilled operation information that associates the working state of the above-mentioned industrial plant with an appropriate input value range of the above-mentioned operation switch; The above-mentioned auxiliary device calculates the current operation state of the above-mentioned industrial plant based on at least one of the above-mentioned operation signals; The auxiliary device extracts the appropriate input value range associated with the current work state from the skilled operation information; When the input value included in the input signal received from the operation switch is not included in the appropriate input value range, the auxiliary device transmits an abnormal signal as the auxiliary signal to the ring-shaped wearable device . 2. The operation assistance system for an industrial plant according to claim 1, wherein: When the auxiliary device does not receive the input signal from the operation switch for a certain period of time or more, determine whether the current operating state of the industrial plant is close to an abnormal state; When it is determined that the current work state is close to the abnormal state, the auxiliary device transmits, as the auxiliary signal, an abnormality prediction signal urging the operator to input the operation switch. 3. The operation assistance system for an industrial plant according to claim 2, wherein: The above-mentioned ring-shaped wearable device vibrates in the first mode when receiving the above-mentioned abnormal signal; The ring-shaped wearable device vibrates in a second mode different from the first mode when receiving the abnormality prediction signal. 4. The operation assistance system for an industrial plant according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein The above-mentioned operation switch is a rotary switch that transmits the above-mentioned input signal including the rotation angle value; The above-mentioned appropriate input value range of the above-mentioned skilled operation information includes the rotation angle threshold value of the above-mentioned rotary switch; The auxiliary device extracts the rotation angle threshold associated with the current work state from the skilled operation information; When the rotation angle value included in the input signal received from the rotary switch exceeds the rotation angle threshold value, the auxiliary device transmits the abnormal signal as the auxiliary signal to the ring-shaped wearable device. 5. The operation assistance system for an industrial plant according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein The above-mentioned operation switch is a momentary switch, and the momentary switch transmits the above-mentioned input signal including the ON value only during the period of pressing; The above-mentioned suitable input value range of the above-mentioned skilled operation information includes the ON value of the above-mentioned momentary switch for a continuous allowable period; The auxiliary device extracts the ON value continuation allowable period associated with the current work state from the skilled operation information; When the input signal including the ON value is continuously input from the momentary switch beyond the ON value continuation allowable period, the auxiliary device transmits the abnormal signal as the auxiliary signal to the ring-shaped wearable device. 6. The operation assistance system for an industrial plant according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein The above-mentioned operation switch is an alternating switch that alternately transmits the above-mentioned input signal including an ON value and the above-mentioned input signal including an OFF value every time it is pressed; The above-mentioned appropriate input value range of the above-mentioned skilled operation information includes the appropriate state value of the above-mentioned alternating switch, that is, the ON value or the OFF value; The auxiliary device extracts the appropriate state value associated with the current work state from the skilled operation information; When the input signal received from the alternating switch includes an ON value and the appropriate state value is an OFF value, the auxiliary device transmits the abnormal signal as the auxiliary signal to the ring-shaped wearable device. 7. The operation assistance system for an industrial plant according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein Equipped with a setting switch capable of inputting a set value; The above-mentioned operation switch is an execution switch that is pressed by an operator to transmit the above-mentioned input signal including the above-mentioned set value; The above-mentioned appropriate input value range of the above-mentioned skilled operation information includes the above-mentioned appropriate value range of the above-mentioned set value input through the above-mentioned setting switch; The auxiliary device extracts the appropriate value range associated with the current work state from the skilled operation information; When the set value included in the input signal received from the execution switch is not included in the appropriate value range, the assisting device transmits an abnormal signal as the assisting signal to the ring-type wearable device.

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