JP2005309643A - Operation state monitoring device, monitoring object device, and program therefor - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an operation state monitoring device for monitoring the operation state of a monitoring object device, capable of further precisely determining the operating state of the monitoring object device. <P>SOLUTION: The monitoring object device 30 has a schedule of "connection report" transmission, and a report center device (the operation state monitoring device) 10 has a schedule of "connection report" confirmation. The report center device 10 monitors the operating state of the monitoring object device 20 by confirming receipt of "connection report" unilaterally transmitted therefrom. The device 30 reports information for its own power supply ON/OFF to the center device 10, and the center device 10 performs start/release of monitoring on the basis of the report. The device 10 automatically restarts the monitoring of the device 30 in a determined condition after releasing the monitoring by power supply OFF of the device 30. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a technology in which a call center that performs a maintenance service connected to a customer device that is a maintenance service target through a network automatically monitors the occurrence of a failure in the customer device. The present invention relates to an operation status monitoring device, a monitoring target device and their programs.

  Conventionally, when a failure occurs in a customer device connected to the call center via a network, there is a maintenance service in which the customer device automatically transmits failure information to the call center. When performing such a maintenance service, it is very important for the call center side to know the operating status of the customer device. This is because if the customer device itself is stopped due to a failure, the customer device cannot send a failure notification and cannot provide a sufficient maintenance service on the call center side.

  Conventionally, as a technology for the call center side to know the operating status of customer equipment, the call center makes an inquiry to the customer equipment connected via the network, and determines the operating status of the customer equipment based on whether there is a response from the customer equipment. There was technology. In such technology, a dedicated line is generally used for network connection.

  However, as the number of customer devices increases, there is a problem that the load on the call center side that needs to access each customer device increases. In addition, now that the Internet has become the center of network connection, information security has become stricter, and there is a problem that it is not possible to access customer devices from the call center side, which is not very desirable from the security aspect. It was.

  In response to such a situation, there is a technology for monitoring the operational status of a customer device by sending an email (periodic connection notification) unilaterally and periodically from the customer device to the call center and receiving the email. In such a technique, it is determined that an operation failure has occurred in the customer device when the periodic connection notification does not reach the call center.

For example, Patent Literature 1, Patent Literature 2, Patent Literature 3, Patent Literature 4 and the like are known as conventional technologies for monitoring the operational status of the monitoring target device.
JP-A-7-250156 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 5-22313 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-40192 Japanese Examined Patent Publication No. 7-101390

  As described above, by using a technology for transmitting a regular connection notification from the customer device to the call center, it is possible to determine that an operation failure has occurred in the customer device when the regular connection notification does not reach the call center. However, since the periodic connection notification is not transmitted even if the customer stops the power supply of the customer device due to circumstances, there is a problem that the call center erroneously determines that an operation failure has occurred in the customer device.

  In such a situation, there is a technique in which the customer apparatus notifies the call center of the ON / OFF of the power supply when the power of the customer apparatus is turned ON / OFF (see, for example, Patent Document 3 and Patent Document 4). In this technique, when the call center receives a power-off notification from a customer device, monitoring for the customer device is stopped, and when the power-on notification is received from the customer device, monitoring for the customer device is resumed.

  However, there is a problem that the call center cannot recognize when an operation failure occurs after the customer's device issues a power OFF notification and the power is turned OFF and the power cannot be turned ON. .

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to solve the above-described problems and to provide a technique that can optimally monitor the operating status of a customer device on the call center side.

  In order to solve the above-described problems, the customer apparatus that is operating normally periodically transmits a “connection notification” to the call center side, and the call center side periodically receives the “connection notification”. It is characterized by confirming the operation of the customer device by confirming. For this purpose, the customer apparatus side has a schedule for transmitting a “connection notification”, and the call center side has a schedule for confirming reception of the “connection notification”.

  The schedule for transmitting the “connection notification” on the customer apparatus side and the schedule for confirming the reception of the “connection notification” on the call center side exist independently while cooperating. When information related to the schedule (connection period, power outage period (power stop date / time, power return date / time), check interval after power return, etc.) is set and updated on the customer device side, the customer device notifies the set information. (“Connection cycle setting notification”, “Power supply stop period setting notification”, “Check interval setting notification after power recovery”, etc.) are transmitted to the call center side. The customer device creates a schedule for sending a “connection notification” based on the set / updated information, and the call center receives the “connection notification” based on the notification received from the customer device. Create a schedule to check.

  As described above, since the setting / update of the schedule in the customer apparatus is transmitted to the call center side by notification, the schedule in the customer apparatus can be easily changed.

  In addition, the customer device sends notifications (“Power ON Notification”, “Power OFF Notification”, “Other Notification”, etc.) to inform the call center of its own status (power ON / OFF, occurrence of abnormal condition, etc.). Send. On the call center side, the monitoring is started or the monitoring is canceled depending on the status of the customer device.

  Here, “connection notification”, notification of information related to the schedule, notification for conveying the status of the customer device, etc. are transmitted unilaterally from the customer device to the call center side, and the call center side confirms the operating status of the customer device. There is no need to access customer equipment from

  The main features of the present invention as described above will be described in a more easy-to-understand manner by dividing the cases.

  (1) When the customer apparatus is operating normally, it periodically transmits a “connection notification” to the call center side. The call center periodically checks whether there is a “connection notification” from the customer device. If the regular “connection notification” from the customer device cannot be confirmed, a failure has occurred in the customer device. Judge. The customer device transmits a “connection notification” transmission cycle to the call center by sending a “connection cycle setting notification” in advance.

  (2) When the customer device temporarily turns off the power, the customer device sends a “power off notification” to the call center. When the call center receives a “power OFF notification” from the customer device, the call center cancels the monitoring of the customer device. Thereafter, when a predetermined condition is satisfied, monitoring of the customer device is resumed. For example, the monitoring is started again at the timing of the first periodic “connection notification” confirmation, and then the periodic “connection notification” from the customer device is received at the next periodic “connection notification” confirmation timing. If it cannot be confirmed, it is determined that some trouble has occurred in the customer device.

  (3) When the customer apparatus turns on the power supply that has been in the OFF state, the customer apparatus transmits a “power ON notification” to the call center side. When the call center receives a “power ON notification” from the customer device, it starts monitoring the customer device. After the start of monitoring, it is the same as in (1).

  (4) When the customer apparatus stops operation for a certain period, it transmits a “power supply stop period setting notification” to the call center side. When the call center receives a “power outage period setting notification” from the customer device, the monitoring for the customer device is canceled at the power outage date and time indicated by the notification, and the monitoring for the customer device is resumed at the power recovery date and time indicated by the notification. To do. After a certain time from the power recovery date and time, the customer device sends a “connection notification” to the call center. After a certain time after resuming monitoring, the call center checks whether there is a “connection notification” from the customer device (check after power is restored), and if the “connection notification” from the customer device cannot be confirmed. , It is determined that some trouble has occurred in the customer device. The customer device notifies the call center side of the transmission timing of the “connection notification” after resuming monitoring by sending a “check interval setting notification after power recovery” in advance.

  (5) When a notification (“other notification”) other than the notification regarding the operation status of the customer device, such as a normal failure notification, is received from the customer device, the call center side starts monitoring the customer device. After the start of monitoring, it is the same as in (1).

  Specifically, the present invention relates to an operating status monitoring device (call center side device) in an operating status monitoring system that monitors the operating status of a monitoring target device (customer device), and that the monitoring target device is operating. Monitoring target device by confirming the reception of the connection notification from the monitoring target device according to the means for recording the schedule for confirming the reception of the connection notification and the schedule for checking the reception of the connection notification. Means for monitoring the operational status of the monitored device, and the means for monitoring the operational status of the monitored device is the result of an operational failure occurring in the monitored device when the connection notification from the monitored device cannot be confirmed. The monitoring of the monitoring target device is canceled when the power OFF notification, which is a notification indicating that the monitoring target device stops the power supply, is received. When subsequent predetermined condition is satisfied, automatically, characterized in that it comprises resuming means monitoring for the monitored device.

  In addition, the present invention is an operation status monitoring device in an operation status monitoring system that monitors the operation status of a monitoring target device, and performs reception confirmation of a connection notification that is a notification indicating that the monitoring target device is operating. And a means for monitoring the operation status of the monitored device by confirming reception of the connection notification from the monitored device according to the schedule for confirming reception of the connection notification. The means for monitoring the operation status of the target device includes a means for determining that an operation failure has occurred in the monitored device when reception of a connection notification from the monitored device cannot be confirmed, Monitoring is performed at the scheduled date and time when the monitoring target device indicated by the power outage period setting notification is stopped when a power outage period setting notice is received, which indicates the period during which Unmonitor for elephants device, characterized in that it comprises resuming means monitoring for the monitored device to the scheduled date and time the monitored device indicated by the power supply stop period setting notification returns the power.

  In addition, the present invention is a monitoring target device in an operating status monitoring system in which the operating status monitoring device monitors the operating status of the monitoring target device, and a connection notification that is a notification indicating that the operating status monitoring device is operating. The means for recording the schedule for sending to the device, the means for sending the connection notification to the operating status monitoring device according to the schedule for sending the connection notification, and the scheduled date and time of the period for shutting down its own power supply are set And a means for transmitting a power supply stop period setting notification, which is a notification indicating the power supply stop period, to the operation status monitoring device.

  The processing by each means described above can be realized by a computer and a software program, and the program can be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium or provided through a network.

  According to the present invention, it becomes possible to grasp the operating status of the customer device on the call center side without accessing the customer device from the call center side, so that the burden on the call center side is reduced.

  Further, since the call center side can grasp the power ON / OFF of the customer device, the detection accuracy of the operation failure occurrence is increased, and the call center support staff does not need to take unnecessary measures.

  In addition, even if an operation failure occurs after the customer device is turned off, or if an operation failure occurs during the power outage period, monitoring of the customer device that has been canceled on the call center side is automatically resumed. As a result, it becomes possible to detect the occurrence of an operation failure during cancellation of monitoring.

  Since this is a method of detecting an operation failure based on notification from the customer device to the call center, there is no security problem. That is, when the customer center is accessed from the call center side and the operation status information is collected, the customer side may have anxiety about information leakage in the customer device, but in the present invention, the call center side directly accesses the customer device. This eliminates security problems such as information leakage.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of an operation status monitoring system according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the operating status monitoring system, the call center has a reporting center device 10 that is an operating status monitoring device that monitors the operating status and failure occurrence of customer devices, and a support member who works for the call center monitors reports from the reporting center device 10. A call center system 20 is provided. Further, the reporting center device 10 is connected via a network 40 to a plurality of monitoring target devices 30 that are customer devices to be monitored for failure occurrence.

  The monitoring target device 30 performs a notification to notify the reporting center device 10 of its own operating status and abnormality occurrence status. As a notification method, e-mail can be used, for example. The reporting center device 10 determines the status of the monitoring target device 30 from the notification status from the monitoring target device 30, and if it is determined that there is some failure in the monitoring target device 30, the notification center device 10 notifies the call center system 20 to that effect. report. The support staff monitors the report from the report center apparatus 10 by the call center system 20, and responds to the monitoring target apparatus 30 in accordance with the contents of the report.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of notification from the monitoring target device to the notification center device in the present embodiment. The notifications that the monitoring target device 30 transmits to the notification center device 10 include those shown in FIG.

  (A) “Connection Notification”: Notification for informing the reporting center device 10 that the monitoring target device 30 is operating. It has information such as a device ID (ID for uniquely recognizing a device to be monitored) and a notification name (in this case, “connection notification”).

  (B) “Connection cycle setting notification”: This is a notification for the monitoring target device 30 to notify the reporting center device 10 of the periodic transmission cycle of the “connection notification”. It has information such as device ID, connection cycle (scheduling schedule for periodic “connection notification”), and notification name (in this case, “connection cycle setting notification”).

  (C) “Power supply stop period setting notification”: This is a notification for notifying the reporting center apparatus 10 of the stop period when the monitoring target device 30 is scheduled to stop the power supply for a long period of time. It has information such as device ID, power supply stop date / time (scheduled power-off date / time), power recovery date / time (scheduled power-on date / time), and notification name (in this case, “power supply stop period setting notification”).

  (D) “Check interval setting notification after power recovery”: Notification center indicating the time interval from the end of the power stop period (power recovery date and time) until the monitoring target device 30 transmits a “connection notification” for checking after power recovery This is a notification for transmitting to the device 10. Device ID, check interval after power recovery (time interval from power recovery date and time until “connection notification” is sent to check after power recovery), notification name (in this case “check interval setting notification after power recovery”), etc. With information.

  (E) “Power OFF Notification”: Notification for the monitoring target device 30 to notify the reporting center device 10 of its own power OFF. It has information such as a device ID and a notification name (in this case, “power off notification”). Sent immediately before the monitoring target device 30 is powered off.

  (F) “Power ON Notification”: This is a notification for the monitoring target device 30 to notify the reporting center device 10 of its own power ON. It has information such as a device ID and a notification name (in this case, “power-on notification”). Sent immediately after the monitoring target device 30 is powered on.

  (G) “Other notifications”: Notifications other than the above (a) to (f) transmitted from the monitoring target device 30 to the notification center device 10. For example, “normal failure notification” (a notification for the monitoring target device 30 to notify the center device 10 of any failure that has occurred to itself, device ID, failure information (information about the failure that has occurred), notification name (in this case) Etc.) with information such as “normal fault notification”).

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a report from the report center apparatus to the call center system in the present embodiment. The notification that the notification center device 10 transmits to the call center system 20 is as shown in FIG.

  (A) “Operation failure notification” (“timeout notification”): This notification is transmitted to the call center system 20 when the notification center device 10 determines that there is a problem with the operation status of the monitoring target device 30.

  (B) “Failure notification”: A notification transmitted from the notification center device 10 to the call center system 20 when a normal failure occurs in the monitoring target device 30.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the monitoring target device according to the present embodiment. The monitoring target device 30 includes a connection notification schedule DB (database) 31, a connection notification schedule setting unit 32, and a notification creation / transmission unit 33.

  In the connection notification schedule DB 31, schedule information for the monitoring target device 30 to transmit “connection notification” to the notification center device 10 is recorded. The connection notification schedule setting unit 32 sets / updates the record when the connection notification schedule DB 31 needs to be set / updated. The notification creation / transmission unit 33 creates and transmits a notification to be transmitted to the notification center device 10.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the structure of the connection notification schedule DB of the monitoring target device in the present embodiment. The connection notification schedule DB 31 records information about a connection cycle, a power supply stop period (power supply stop date and time, power supply return date and time), a check interval after power supply return, and a connection notification scheduled date and time.

  In the connection cycle, a cycle for periodically transmitting a “connection notification” is recorded. When the connection cycle is set / updated, the notification creation / transmission unit 33 creates a “connection cycle setting notification” and transmits it to the notification center device 10.

  In the power stop period, when the power of the monitored device 30 is scheduled to be stopped for a long time, the scheduled power off date and time (power stop date and time) and the scheduled power on date and time (power return date and time) are recorded. Is done. When the power stop period is set / updated, the notification creation / transmission unit 33 creates a “power stop period setting notification” and transmits it to the notification center device 10.

  In the check interval after power recovery, the time interval from the end of the power stop period (power recovery date and time) until the “connection notification” for checking after power recovery is sent is recorded. The check interval after power recovery is about 10 to 15 minutes. When the check interval after power recovery is set / updated, the notification creation / transmission unit 33 creates a “check interval setting notification after power recovery” and transmits it to the notification center device 10.

  In the scheduled connection notification date and time, the scheduled date and time for transmitting the next “connection notification” is recorded. When the scheduled connection notification date / time is reached, the notification creation / transmission unit 33 creates a “connection notification” and transmits it to the notification center device 10. The connection notification scheduled date and time is automatically set by the connection notification schedule setting unit 32.

  FIG. 6 is a connection notification scheduled date and time setting process flowchart of the monitoring target device according to the present embodiment. The monitoring target device 30 (1) transmits a “connection notification”, (2) transmits a “power ON notification”, (3) transmits a “connection cycle setting notification”, and (4) transmits a “power stop period setting notification”. Then, after sending (5) “check interval setting notification after power return”, a connection notification scheduled date / time change command is issued to the connection notification schedule setting unit 32.

  When receiving the connection notification scheduled date / time change command, the connection notification schedule setting unit 32 first calculates the scheduled transmission date / time Ta of the next periodic “connection notification” from the connection cycle of the connection notification schedule DB 31 (step S10). .

  It is confirmed whether or not the power supply stop period is set in the connection notification schedule DB 31 (step S11). If there is no power supply stop period, Ta is set in the connection notification schedule DB 31 as the connection notification scheduled date and time (step S12).

  In step S11, if there is a power stop period, a date Tb obtained by adding a check interval after power recovery to the power recovery date in the connection notification schedule DB 31 is calculated (step S13), and Ta and Tb are compared (step S14). ).

  In step S14, if Ta is earlier, Ta is set in the connection notification schedule DB 31 as the connection notification scheduled date and time (step S12).

  In step S14, if Tb is earlier, Tb is set in the connection notification schedule DB 31 as the connection notification scheduled date and time (step S15).

  FIG. 7 shows the operation of the monitoring target apparatus according to the present embodiment organized by pattern. The main operations of the monitoring target device 30 are summarized as follows.

(A) Elapsed connection notification scheduled date and time When the connection notification scheduled date and time of the connection notification schedule DB 31 has elapsed, a “connection notification” is transmitted to the reporting center device 10 to newly create the next connection notification scheduled date and time. The connection notification scheduled date / time in the connection notification schedule DB 31 is updated.

(B) Turn on the power
When the monitoring target device 30 is powered on, a “power on notification” is transmitted to the reporting center device 10. In addition, the next scheduled connection notification date and time is newly created, and the connection notification scheduled date and time in the connection notification schedule DB 31 is updated.

(C) Power off
When the power of the monitoring target device 30 is turned off, a “power off notification” is transmitted to the reporting center device 10 immediately before stopping.

(D) Setting / changing the connection cycle, power stop period, and check interval after power recovery When the connection cycle, power stop period, and check interval after power recovery in the connection notification schedule DB 31 are set / changed, "Notification", "Power supply stop period setting notification", and "Check interval setting notification after power return" are transmitted to the reporting center apparatus 10. In addition, the next scheduled connection notification date and time is newly created, and the connection notification scheduled date and time in the connection notification schedule DB 31 is updated.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a report center device in the present embodiment. The notification center device 10 includes a notification receiving unit 11, a connection notification schedule DB 12, a connection notification schedule setting unit 13, a failure detection unit 14, and a report creation / transmission unit 15.

  The notification receiving unit 11 receives a notification from the monitoring target device 30. In the connection notification schedule DB 12, schedule information for the notification center device 10 to confirm reception of “connection notification” from the monitoring target device 30 is recorded. The connection notification schedule setting unit 13 sets / updates the record when the connection notification schedule DB 12 needs to be set / updated. The failure detection unit 14 determines the operation status of the device based on the reception status of the “connection notification” from the monitoring target device 30 and the like, detects the operation failure, and detects “normal failure from the monitoring target device 30. The occurrence of an abnormal state of the device is detected based on the notification. When the failure detection unit 14 detects an operation failure of the monitoring target device 30, the notification creation / transmission unit 15 generates an “operation failure notification”, and when the failure detection unit 14 detects the occurrence of an abnormal state of the monitoring target device 30. , “Fault report” is created, and the created report is transmitted to the call center system 20.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the structure of the connection notification schedule DB of the notification center device in the present embodiment. In the connection notification schedule DB 12, information on the device ID, connection cycle, power supply stop period (power supply stop date / time, power supply return date / time), check interval after power return, connection notification scheduled date / time, notification not received flag, and previous notification name are monitored. Recorded for each target device 30.

  In the device ID, an ID for uniquely identifying the monitoring target device 30 is recorded. The reporting center device 10 identifies which monitoring target device 30 is the notification with the device ID included in each notification.

  In the connection cycle, a cycle in which the corresponding monitoring target device 30 periodically transmits a “connection notification” is recorded. This is the same information as the connection cycle of the connection notification schedule DB 31 of the corresponding monitoring target device 30. When the notification receiving unit 11 receives the “connection cycle setting notification”, the connection notification schedule setting unit 13 sets / updates the connection cycle of the corresponding monitoring target device 30 in the connection notification schedule DB 12.

  In the power-off period, when the monitoring target device 30 has a long-term power-off schedule, the power-off scheduled date / time (power-off date / time) and the power-on scheduled date / time (power return date / time) are recorded. This is the same information as the power stop period (power stop date / time, power return date / time) of the connection notification schedule DB 31 of the corresponding monitoring target device 30. When the notification receiving unit 11 receives “power stop period setting notification”, the connection notification schedule setting unit 13 sets / updates the power stop period of the corresponding monitoring target device 30 in the connection notification schedule DB 12.

  In the check interval after power recovery, the time interval from the end of the power stop period (power recovery date and time) in the monitoring target device 30 to the transmission of the “connection notification” for the check after power recovery is recorded. This is the same information as the check interval after power recovery in the connection notification schedule DB 31 of the corresponding monitoring target device 30. When the notification receiving unit 11 receives the “check interval setting notification after power recovery”, the connection notification schedule setting unit 13 sets / updates the check interval after power recovery of the corresponding monitoring target device 30 in the connection notification schedule DB 12.

  In the scheduled connection notification date and time, a scheduled date and time for confirming reception of the next “connection notification” is recorded. When the scheduled connection notification date / time is reached, the failure detection unit 14 checks whether there is a “connection notification” from the relevant monitoring target device 30. The connection notification scheduled date and time is automatically set by the connection notification schedule setting unit 13.

  Here, the connection notification scheduled date and time of the connection notification schedule DB 12 of the notification center device 10 is obtained by adding a predetermined grace time to the connection notification scheduled date and time of the connection notification schedule DB 31 of the corresponding monitoring target device 30. This is because it is considered that a certain amount of time is required for communication between the monitoring target device 30 and the notification center device 10 depending on the environment such as the Internet or electronic mail. The grace time is ideally about 10 minutes.

  The notification non-reception flag includes: (1) after the connection notification scheduled date / time of the connection notification schedule DB 12 has elapsed and the “power OFF notification” has been received immediately before, and the unreception flag has not yet been set, or (2) A non-received flag is set when the scheduled connection notification date / time of the connection notification schedule DB 12 has elapsed and the power supply is stopped. In addition, when any notification is received, the unreceived flag is canceled.

  In the immediately preceding notification name, the notification name of the notification received immediately before from the corresponding monitoring target device 30 is recorded. When receiving any notification, the notification receiving unit 11 updates the immediately preceding notification name of the relevant monitoring target device 30 in the connection notification schedule DB 12 with the notification name of the received notification.

  FIG. 10 is a connection notification scheduled date and time setting process flowchart of the notification center apparatus according to the present embodiment. The notification center device 10 (1) after receiving “connection notification”, (2) after receiving “connection cycle setting notification”, (3) after receiving “power supply stop period setting notification”, (4) “check interval after power recovery” After receiving the “setting notification”, (5) after the scheduled connection notification date / time of the connection notification schedule DB 12 has elapsed, the “power off notification” has been received immediately before, and the unreceived flag has not been set (6 ) A connection notification scheduled date / time change command is issued to the connection notification schedule setting unit 13 after the connection notification scheduled date / time in the connection notification schedule DB 12 elapses and during a power stop period.

  When receiving the connection notification scheduled date / time change command, the connection notification schedule setting unit 13 first determines the scheduled transmission date / time Ta of the next periodic “connection notification” of the monitoring target device 30 from the connection cycle of the connection notification schedule DB 12. Calculate (step S20).

  It is confirmed whether or not the power supply stop period is set in the connection notification schedule DB 12 (step S21). Set (step S22).

  In step S21, if a power stop period is set, a date Tb obtained by adding a check interval after power recovery to the power recovery date in the connection notification schedule DB 12 is calculated (step S23), and Ta and Tb are compared (step S24). ).

  In step S24, if Ta is earlier, the date and time when grace time t is added to Ta is set in the connection notification schedule DB 12 as the connection notification scheduled date and time (step S22). In step S24, if Tb is earlier, the date / time obtained by adding the grace time t to Tb is set in the connection notification schedule DB 12 as the connection notification scheduled date / time (step S25).

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart of the operation status determination process in the present embodiment. The example of FIG. 11 is an example of processing in which the failure detection unit 14 determines the operating status of the monitoring target device 30.

  The failure detection unit 14 checks whether the current time has passed the connection notification scheduled date / time of the connection notification schedule DB 12 (step S30), and receives the “connection notification” if the connection notification scheduled date / time has passed. It is confirmed whether it is (step S31). If “connection notification” is received, a connection notification scheduled date / time change command is issued to the connection notification schedule setting unit 13 (step S32), and the next connection notification scheduled date / time is awaited.

  In step S31, if the “connection notification” has not been received yet, it is confirmed whether the power supply is stopped during the power supply stop period in the connection notification schedule DB 12 (step S33). Then, a non-reception flag is set in the notification non-reception flag of the connection notification schedule DB 12 (step S34). Thereafter, a connection notification scheduled date / time change command is issued to the connection notification schedule setting unit 13 (step S32), and the next connection notification scheduled date / time is awaited (step S30).

  In step S33, if it is not during the power supply stop period, it is confirmed whether or not the previous notification is “power OFF notification” with the previous notification name in the connection notification schedule DB 12 (step S35). If not, it is determined that an operation failure has occurred in the relevant monitoring target device 30 (step S37).

  In step S35, if the immediately preceding notification is “power OFF notification”, it is confirmed whether an unreceived flag is set in the notification unreceived flag of the connection notification schedule DB 12 (step S36). If standing, it is determined that an operation failure has occurred in the monitoring target device 30 (step S37).

  In step S36, if an unreceived flag has not yet been set, an unreceived flag is set in the notification unreceived flag of the connection notification schedule DB 12 (step S34). Thereafter, a connection notification scheduled date / time change command is issued to the connection notification schedule setting unit 13 (step S32), and the next connection notification scheduled date / time is awaited (step S30).

  FIG. 12 shows the operation of the notification center apparatus according to this embodiment organized by pattern. The main operations of the reporting center device 10 are summarized as follows.

(A) Receiving “connection notification” When “connection notification” is received, if a non-reception flag is set in the notification non-reception flag of the relevant monitoring target device 30 in the connection notification schedule DB 12, it is canceled. In addition, the next scheduled connection notification date and time is newly created, the connection notification scheduled date and time of the corresponding monitoring target device 30 in the connection notification schedule DB 12 is updated, and the notification name (in this case, “connection notification”) is updated as the previous notification name. Record.

(B) Receive “Power ON Notification”, “Power OFF Notification”, “Other Notification” (“Normal Failure Notification”, etc.) “Power ON Notification”, “Power OFF Notification”, “Other Notification” (“Normal Notification”) In the case where a notification not received flag is set in the notification not received flag of the relevant monitoring target device 30 in the connection notification schedule DB 12, it is canceled. Also, the notification name (in this case, “power ON notification”, “power OFF notification”, “other notification” (“normal failure notification”, etc., respectively) )) Is recorded.

(C) Receives “connection cycle setting notification”, “power shutdown period setting notification”, “check interval setting notification after power recovery” “connection cycle setting notification”, “power shutdown period setting notification”, “check interval after power recovery” When the “setting notification” is received, if an unreceived flag is set in the notification unreceived flag of the relevant monitoring target device 30 in the connection notification schedule DB 12, it is canceled. In addition, a new connection notification scheduled date and time is newly created, the connection notification scheduled date and time of the relevant monitoring target device 30 in the connection notification schedule DB 12 is updated, and the notification name (in this case, “connection cycle setting”) is updated as the previous notification name. "Notification", "Power supply stop period setting notification", "Check interval setting notification after power recovery") is recorded.

(D) Elapsed connection notification scheduled date and time The operation of the notification center device 10 when the connection notification scheduled date and time of the connection notification schedule DB 12 has elapsed is divided into the following several patterns.

(1) When it is in the power supply stop period When the corresponding monitoring target device 30 is in the power supply stop period, a non-reception flag is set in the notification non-reception flag of the connection notification schedule DB 12. In addition, the next scheduled connection notification date and time is newly created, and the connection notification scheduled date and time of the relevant monitoring target device 30 in the connection notification schedule DB 12 is updated.

(2) When the notification immediately before is not the “power-off notification” but not the power-off period The relevant monitoring target device 30 is not in the power-off period, and the previous notice name of the relevant monitoring target device 30 in the connection notification schedule DB 12 is “ If it is not “power OFF notification”, an “operation failure notification” is created and transmitted to the call center system 20.

(3) When the previous notification is “power OFF notification” and the unreceived flag is set, not the power stop period, and the corresponding monitoring target device 30 is not in the power stop period and the corresponding monitoring in the connection notification schedule DB 12 If the immediately preceding notification name of the target device 30 is “power OFF notification” and an unreceived flag is set in the notification unreceived flag, an “operation failure notification” is created and transmitted to the call center system 20.

(4) When the previous notification is “power OFF notification” and the unreceived flag is not set, not the power stop period, and the corresponding monitoring target device 30 is not in the power stop period and the corresponding monitoring in the connection notification schedule DB 12 If the immediately preceding notification name of the target device 30 is “Power OFF notification” and the unreceived flag is not set in the notification unreceived flag, an unreceived flag is set in the notification not-received flag of the connection notification schedule DB 12; A new connection notification scheduled date and time is newly created, and the connection notification scheduled date and time of the monitoring target device 30 in the connection notification schedule DB 12 is updated.

  FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of the transition of the connection notification scheduled date and time in the present embodiment. Using FIG. 13, the transition of the connection notification scheduled date and time in the connection notification schedule DB 31 of the monitoring target device 30 (described as the connection notification scheduled date and time (monitoring target device) in FIG. 13), and the connection notification schedule DB 12 of the notification center device 10. The transition of the connection notification scheduled date and time (described in FIG. 13 as the connection notification scheduled date and time (report center device)) in FIG.

  In the connection notification schedule DB 31 and the connection notification schedule DB 12, the connection cycle is 10:11 every day, the power supply stop date is April 9, 17:00, the power recovery date is April 13, 2004, 8:00. It is assumed that the check interval after return is set to 15 minutes and the grace time is set to 10 minutes. It is assumed that the date and time when the power of the monitoring target device 30 is actually turned off is 16:30 on April 9, 2004, and the date and time when the power is turned on is 7:30 on April 13, 2004.

  (A) The monitoring target device 30 transmits “connection notification” at 10:11 on April 8, 2004, which is set as the connection notification scheduled date and time (monitoring target device), and the connection cycle is 10:11 every day. Therefore, 10:11 (b) on April 9, 2004 is set as the next connection notification scheduled date and time (monitoring target device).

  The notification center device 10 confirms the reception of the “connection notification” at 10:21 on April 8, 2004, which is set as the connection notification scheduled date and time (report center device), and the connection cycle is 10:11 every day. Yes, since the grace time is 10 minutes, 10:21 (b) on April 9, 2004 is set as the next connection notification scheduled date and time (report center device).

  (B) The monitoring target device 30 transmits a “connection notification” at 10:11 on April 9, 2004 set as the connection notification scheduled date and time (monitoring target device), and the next connection notification scheduled date and time (monitoring) As the target device, 10:11 (c) on April 10, 2004 is set.

  The notification center device 10 confirms the reception of the “connection notification” at 10:21 on April 9, 2004 set as the connection notification scheduled date and time (report center device), and the next connection notification scheduled date and time (report center) Device) is set to 10:21 (c) on April 10, 2004.

  Thereafter, the power of the monitoring target device 30 is turned off at 16:30 on April 9, 2004.

  (C) The monitoring target device 30 has already been turned off at 10:11 on April 10, 2004, which is set as the scheduled connection notification date (monitoring target device).

  The notification center device 10 could not confirm the reception of the “connection notification” at 10:21 on April 10, 2004, which is set as the scheduled connection notification date (report center device). Since the stop date and time is April 9, 2004, 17:00 to the power supply return date and time, April 13, 2004, 8:00, the next connection notification scheduled date and time (report center device) is April 11, 2004, 10:21 ( d) is set.

  (D) The monitoring target device 30 is in a state where the power is turned off.

  The notification center device 10 was not able to confirm the reception of “connection notification” at 10:21 on April 11, 2004, which is set as the connection notification scheduled date and time (report center device), but is in a power-off period. Therefore, 10:21 (e) on April 12, 2004 is set as the next connection notification scheduled date and time (report center device).

  (E) The monitoring target device 30 is in a state where the power is turned off.

  The notification center device 10 was not able to confirm the reception of the “connection notification” at 10:21 on April 12, 2004, which is set as the connection notification scheduled date and time (report center device), but is in a power-off period. Therefore, the next connection notification scheduled date and time (report center device) is set. At this time, the date and time obtained from the connection cycle and the grace time is 10:21 on April 13, 2004, and the date and time obtained from the power recovery date and time, the check interval after power restoration (15 minutes), and the grace time is 2004. Since it is 8:25 on April 13, 2012, 8:25 (f), April 13, 2004, which is earlier in time, is set as the next connection notification scheduled date and time (report center device).

  Thereafter, at 7:30 on April 13, 2004, the power of the monitoring target device 30 is turned on, and the monitoring target device 30 sets the next connection notification scheduled date and time (monitoring target device). At this time, the date and time obtained from the connection cycle is 10:11 on April 13, 2004, and the date and time obtained from the power return date and time and the check interval after power restoration is April 15th, 2004 and 8:15. Therefore, 8:15 (f), April 13, 2004, which is earlier in time, is set as the next connection notification scheduled date and time (monitoring target device).

  (F) The monitoring target device 30 transmits “connection notification” at 8:15 on April 13, 2004 set as the scheduled connection notification date (monitoring target device), and the connection cycle is 10:11 every day. Therefore, 10:11 (g) on April 13, 2004 is set as the next connection notification scheduled date and time (monitoring target device).

  The notification center device 10 confirms the reception of “connection notification” at 8:25 on April 13, 2004, which is set as the scheduled connection notification date and time (report center device), and the connection cycle is 10:11 every day. Yes, since the grace time is 10 minutes, 10:21 (g) on April 13, 2004 is set as the next connection notification scheduled date and time (report center device).

  (G) The monitoring target device 30 transmits “connection notification” at 10:11 on April 13, 2004, which is set as the connection notification scheduled date and time (monitoring target device), and the next connection notification scheduled date and time (monitoring) As the target device), 10:11 (h) on April 14, 2004 is set.

  The notification center device 10 confirms the reception of the “connection notification” at 10:21 on April 13, 2004 set as the connection notification scheduled date and time (report center device), and the next connection notification scheduled date and time (report center) Device) is set to 10:21 (h) on April 14, 2004.

  FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining an example of the operation pattern of the entire operation status monitoring system in the present embodiment. Hereinafter, examples of main operation patterns of the entire operation status monitoring system will be described with reference to FIG. Here, there is originally a difference between the connection notification scheduled date and time on the monitoring target apparatus 30 side and the connection notification scheduled date and time on the notification center apparatus 10 side, but the deviation is omitted in FIG. ing.

  FIG. 14A shows an example when the monitoring target device 30 is operating normally. Each time the scheduled connection notification date and time elapses, the monitoring target device 30 transmits a “connection notification”, and the notification center device 10 confirms the “connection notification”.

  FIG. 14B shows an example when an operation failure occurs in the monitoring target device 30 after the power is turned on. Upon receiving the “power ON notification” from the monitoring target device 30, the reporting center device 10 starts monitoring the monitoring target device 30. However, since there is no “connection notification” from the monitoring target device 30 at the first connection notification scheduled date and time after the power is turned on, the notification center device 10 creates an “operation failure notification” and transmits it to the call center system 20.

  FIG. 14C shows an example when an operation failure occurs in the monitoring target device 30 after the power is turned off. Upon receiving the “power OFF notification” from the monitoring target device 30, the reporting center device 10 cancels monitoring of the monitoring target device 30. Thereafter, since there is no “connection notification” from the monitoring target device 30 at the first connection notification scheduled date and time, the reporting center device 10 starts monitoring the monitoring target device 30. Here, the “operation failure notification” is not yet created. However, since there is no “connection notification” from the monitoring target device 30 at the next connection notification scheduled date and time, the notification center device 10 creates an “operation failure notification” and transmits it to the call center system 20.

  FIG. 14D shows an example in the case where an operation failure occurs in the monitoring target device 30 after transmitting “other notification”. In response to “other notification” from the monitoring target device 30, the reporting center device 10 starts monitoring the monitoring target device 30. However, since there is no “connection notification” from the monitoring target device 30 at the first connection notification scheduled date and time after receiving “other notification”, the notification center device 10 creates an “operation failure notification” and sends it to the call center system 20. Send.

  FIG. 14E shows an example in the case where an operation failure occurs in the monitoring target device 30 during a preset power supply stop period. The reporting center device 10 cancels the monitoring of the monitoring target device 30 at the power stop date and time set in advance. Thereafter, since the first connection notification scheduled date and time and the next connection notification scheduled date and time are during the power supply stop period, even if there is no “connection notification” from the monitoring target device 30, “operation failure notification” is not created. The reporting center device 10 starts monitoring the monitoring target device 30 at the power recovery date and time set in advance. Thereafter, since there is no “connection notification” from the monitoring target device 30 at the scheduled connection notification date and time (check after power recovery), the notification center device 10 creates an “operation failure notification” and transmits it to the call center system 20.

  The features of the embodiment of the present invention are listed as follows.

(Appendix 1)
An operational status monitoring device in an operational status monitoring system for monitoring the operational status of a monitored device,
Means for recording a schedule for confirming reception of a connection notification, which is a notification indicating that the monitored device is operating;
Means for monitoring the operating status of the monitored device by confirming reception of the connection notification from the monitored device according to a schedule for confirming reception of the connection notification,
The means for monitoring the operating status of the monitored device is:
Means for determining that an operational failure has occurred in the monitored device when reception of the connection notification from the monitored device has not been confirmed;
When a power-off notification, which is a notification indicating that the monitored device is to be powered off, is received, the monitoring of the monitored device is canceled, and then automatically when a predetermined condition is satisfied An operation status monitoring device comprising: means for resuming monitoring of the monitoring target device.

(Appendix 2)
An operational status monitoring device in an operational status monitoring system for monitoring the operational status of a monitored device,
Means for recording a schedule for confirming reception of a connection notification, which is a notification indicating that the monitored device is operating;
Means for monitoring the operating status of the monitored device by confirming reception of the connection notification from the monitored device according to a schedule for confirming reception of the connection notification,
The means for monitoring the operating status of the monitored device is:
Means for determining that an operational failure has occurred in the monitored device when reception of the connection notification from the monitored device has not been confirmed;
When receiving a power supply stop period setting notification, which is a notification indicating a period during which the monitored device stops power, the monitored device at the scheduled date and time when the monitored device indicated by the power supply stop period setting notification stops power supply An operation status monitoring device comprising: means for canceling the monitoring of the monitoring target device, and restarting the monitoring of the monitoring target device at a scheduled date and time when the monitoring target device indicated by the notification of setting of the power stop period returns power.

(Appendix 3)
In the operation status monitoring device described in appendix 1 or appendix 2,
Means for setting / updating a schedule for confirming reception of the connection notification based on notification of information for setting / updating a schedule for the monitoring target device to transmit the connection notification from the monitoring target device An operation status monitoring device comprising:

(Appendix 4)
A monitoring target device in an operating status monitoring system in which the operating status monitoring device monitors the operating status of the monitoring target device;
Means for recording a schedule for transmitting a connection notification, which is a notification indicating that the device is operating, to the operation status monitoring device;
Means for transmitting the connection notification to the operating status monitoring device according to a schedule for transmitting the connection notification;
And a means for transmitting a power supply stop period setting notification, which is a notification indicating the power supply stop period, to the operation status monitoring device when a scheduled date and time of the power supply stop period is set. Target device.

(Appendix 5)
An operational status monitoring system in which an operational status monitoring device monitors the operational status of a monitored device,
The monitored device is:
Means for recording a schedule for transmitting a connection notification, which is a notification indicating that the device is operating, to the operation status monitoring device;
Means for transmitting the connection notification to the operating status monitoring device according to a schedule for transmitting the connection notification;
A means for transmitting a power supply stop period setting notification, which is a notification indicating the power supply stop period, to the operation status monitoring device when a scheduled period for stopping its own power supply is set;
The operating status monitoring device is:
Means for recording a schedule for confirming reception of the connection notification;
Means for monitoring the operating status of the monitored device by confirming reception of the connection notification from the monitored device according to a schedule for confirming reception of the connection notification,
The means for monitoring the operating status of the monitored device is:
Means for determining that an operational failure has occurred in the monitored device when reception of the connection notification from the monitored device has not been confirmed;
When receiving a power supply stop period setting notification, which is a notification indicating a period during which the monitored device stops power, the monitored device at the scheduled date and time when the monitored device indicated by the power supply stop period setting notification stops power supply An operation status monitoring system comprising: means for canceling the monitoring of the monitoring target device and resuming monitoring of the monitoring target device at a scheduled date and time when the monitoring target device indicated by the notification of setting of the power stop period returns power.

(Appendix 6)
A program for causing a computer of an operating status monitoring device in an operating status monitoring system to monitor the operating status of a monitored device,
Said computer,
The monitoring is performed by confirming reception of the connection notification from the monitoring target device according to a preset schedule for confirming reception of the connection notification, which is a notification indicating that the monitoring target device is operating. Means for monitoring the operating status of the target device,
Means for determining that an operational failure has occurred in the monitored device when the reception of the connection notification from the monitored device cannot be confirmed;
When a power-off notification, which is a notification indicating that the monitored device is to be powered off, is received, the monitoring of the monitored device is canceled, and then automatically when a predetermined condition is satisfied Means for resuming monitoring of the monitored device;
Program for operating status monitoring device to function as

(Appendix 7)
A program for causing a computer of an operating status monitoring device in an operating status monitoring system to monitor the operating status of a monitored device,
Said computer,
The monitoring is performed by confirming reception of the connection notification from the monitoring target device according to a preset schedule for confirming reception of the connection notification, which is a notification indicating that the monitoring target device is operating. Means for monitoring the operating status of the target device,
Means for determining that an operational failure has occurred in the monitored device when the reception of the connection notification from the monitored device cannot be confirmed;
When receiving a power supply stop period setting notification, which is a notification indicating a period during which the monitored device stops power, the monitored device at the scheduled date and time when the monitored device indicated by the power supply stop period setting notification stops power supply Means for canceling the monitoring of the monitoring target device and restarting the monitoring of the monitoring target device at the scheduled date and time when the monitoring target device indicated by the notification of setting of the power stop period is restored.
Program for operating status monitoring device to function as

(Appendix 8)
A program for causing a computer of a monitored device in an operating status monitoring system to monitor the operating status of a monitored device by an operating status monitoring device,
Said computer,
Means for transmitting the connection notification to the operation status monitoring device according to a preset schedule for transmitting a connection notification, which is a notification indicating that the device is operating, to the operation status monitoring device;
Means for transmitting a power supply stop period setting notification, which is a notification indicating the power supply stop period, to the operation status monitoring device when a scheduled date and time of the power supply stop period is set;
Program for monitoring target devices to function as

It is a figure which shows the structural example of the operating condition monitoring system in embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of the notification from the monitoring object apparatus in this Embodiment to a report center apparatus. It is a figure which shows the example of the report from the report center apparatus in this Embodiment to a call center system. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the monitoring object apparatus in this Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of the structure of the connection notification schedule DB of the monitoring object apparatus in this Embodiment. 6 is a connection notification scheduled date and time setting process flowchart of the monitoring target device according to the present embodiment. The operation of the monitoring target device in this embodiment is organized by pattern. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the notification center apparatus in this Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of the structure of connection notification schedule DB of the notification center apparatus in this Embodiment. It is a connection notification scheduled date setting process flowchart of the notification center apparatus in this Embodiment. It is an operation condition determination processing flowchart in the present embodiment. The operation of the reporting center device in the present embodiment is organized by pattern. It is a figure which shows the example of transition of the connection notification scheduled date in this Embodiment. It is a figure explaining the example of the operation pattern of the whole operation condition monitoring system in this Embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

10 Report Center Device 11 Notification Receiver 12 Connection Notification Schedule DB
13 Connection Notification Schedule Setting Unit 14 Failure Detection Unit 15 Report Creation / Transmission Unit 20 Call Center System 30 Monitored Device 31 Connection Notification Schedule DB
32 Connection Notification Schedule Setting Unit 33 Notification Creation / Transmission Unit 40 Network

Claims (5)

An operational status monitoring device in an operational status monitoring system for monitoring the operational status of a monitored device,
Means for recording a schedule for confirming reception of a connection notification, which is a notification indicating that the monitored device is operating;
Means for monitoring the operating status of the monitored device by confirming reception of the connection notification from the monitored device according to a schedule for confirming reception of the connection notification,
The means for monitoring the operating status of the monitored device is:
Means for determining that an operational failure has occurred in the monitored device when reception of the connection notification from the monitored device has not been confirmed;
When a power-off notification, which is a notification indicating that the monitored device is to be powered off, is received, the monitoring of the monitored device is canceled, and then automatically when a predetermined condition is satisfied An operation status monitoring device comprising: means for resuming monitoring of the monitoring target device. An operational status monitoring device in an operational status monitoring system for monitoring the operational status of a monitored device,
Means for recording a schedule for confirming reception of a connection notification, which is a notification indicating that the monitored device is operating;
Means for monitoring the operating status of the monitored device by confirming reception of the connection notification from the monitored device according to a schedule for confirming reception of the connection notification,
The means for monitoring the operating status of the monitored device is:
Means for determining that an operational failure has occurred in the monitored device when reception of the connection notification from the monitored device has not been confirmed;
When receiving a power supply stop period setting notification, which is a notification indicating a period during which the monitored device stops power, the monitored device at the scheduled date and time when the monitored device indicated by the power supply stop period setting notification stops power supply An operation status monitoring device comprising: means for canceling the monitoring of the monitoring target device, and restarting the monitoring of the monitoring target device at a scheduled date and time when the monitoring target device indicated by the notification of setting of the power stop period returns power. A monitoring target device in an operating status monitoring system in which the operating status monitoring device monitors the operating status of the monitoring target device;
Means for recording a schedule for transmitting a connection notification, which is a notification indicating that the device is operating, to the operation status monitoring device;
Means for transmitting the connection notification to the operating status monitoring device according to a schedule for transmitting the connection notification;
And a means for transmitting a power supply stop period setting notification, which is a notification indicating the power supply stop period, to the operation status monitoring device when a scheduled date and time of the power supply stop period is set. Target device. A program for causing a computer of an operating status monitoring device in an operating status monitoring system to monitor the operating status of a monitored device,
Said computer,
The monitoring is performed by confirming reception of the connection notification from the monitoring target device according to a preset schedule for confirming reception of the connection notification, which is a notification indicating that the monitoring target device is operating. Means for monitoring the operating status of the target device,
Means for determining that an operational failure has occurred in the monitored device when the reception of the connection notification from the monitored device cannot be confirmed;
When receiving a power supply stop period setting notification, which is a notification indicating a period during which the monitored device stops power, the monitored device at the scheduled date and time when the monitored device indicated by the power supply stop period setting notification stops power supply Means for canceling the monitoring of the monitoring target device and restarting the monitoring of the monitoring target device at the scheduled date and time when the monitoring target device indicated by the notification of setting of the power stop period is restored.
Program for operating status monitoring device to function as A program for causing a computer of a monitored device in an operating status monitoring system to monitor the operating status of a monitored device by an operating status monitoring device,
Said computer,
Means for transmitting the connection notification to the operation status monitoring device according to a preset schedule for transmitting a connection notification, which is a notification indicating that the device is operating, to the operation status monitoring device;
Means for transmitting a power supply stop period setting notification, which is a notification indicating the power supply stop period, to the operation status monitoring device when a scheduled date and time of the power supply stop period is set;
Program for monitoring target devices to function as

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