JP2008102669A - Apparatus information management system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To solve the problem that since this ASSET management system is not made to correspond to general measuring equipment, it is necessary to complete and input management information manually, and since it is necessary for movable equipment to input update information each time it moves, the man-hours of management is increased. <P>SOLUTION: This equipment transmits unique information and operation information by using a network including e-mail, and an integrated equipment information management device receives the information, and performs unitary management, and creates quality information from the operation information, and displays the unique information, the operation information and the quality information in response to this request, and transmits it to the outside. Thus, it is possible to sharply reduce the management man-hours of the equipment, and to perform a maintenance operation from a wider point of view than the conventional manner by using the quality information or the like. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a device information management system that manages devices such as measuring devices and inspection devices, supports maintenance work, and manages the traceability of devices and devices.

  If you want to use trace records of shipped products to improve product quality, or manage the operation and maintenance of equipment and facilities deployed across multiple areas on the customer side, manage these equipment. Operational data must be obtained.

  In order to perform maintenance and management of equipment, a management sheet on which necessary items can be entered is created, and data necessary for maintenance management is collected using the management sheet. In some cases, spreadsheet software is used instead of the management sheet.

  There is an ASSET management system as a system for managing assets. FIG. 6 shows an outline of the ASSET management system. In FIG. 6, 10 is an ASSET management system, 11 is a device ledger database, 12 is a maintenance plan database, and 13 is a maintenance record database. The manager in charge registers the device information of the device to be managed, updates it, and deletes the device information of the device to be removed from management.

The ASSET management system 10 registers, updates, and deletes the input device information in the device ledger database 11. Further, the apparatus is maintained based on the maintenance plan stored in the maintenance plan database 12, and the result is stored in the maintenance record database 13. Some ASSET management systems that manage network devices detect that a device is connected to a network and automatically collect device information.
JP 2000-194751 A

  However, since such an ASSET management system is not compatible with general measurement devices, when an ASSET management system is used for device management, a person in charge of management must manually input device information. Therefore, when trying to manage many measuring devices, it takes time and effort to prepare and input device information, which increases the burden on the person in charge of management. In particular, in a system using distributed devices, the number of devices to be managed increases, and it is difficult to manually perform management information.

  In addition, there is a problem that there is no general-purpose system in which a device vendor efficiently supports the entire device after shipment throughout the life cycle of the device. Moreover, although mobile devices that can be easily moved are increasing, there is a problem that even if device information changes because such devices have moved, it is difficult to trace and manage them.

  In addition, since device information is often managed individually, there is a problem that information is divided and it is difficult to update device information in a timely manner. Furthermore, there has been a problem that an application based on device information cannot be sufficiently utilized for the division of information.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a device information management system that can collect and manage device information in a centralized manner, and can also handle devices of different types and devices managed in a hierarchical structure. It is in.

In order to solve such a problem, the invention according to claim 1 of the present invention,
A plurality of devices including a unique information storage unit in which unique information is stored, an operation information collection unit that collects operation information, and a transmission unit that transmits the unique information and the operation information to the outside;
Communicates with the plurality of devices, centrally manages the unique information and operation information sent from these devices, analyzes the operation information to create quality information, and, when requested, the unique information and operation information An integrated device information management device for displaying information and quality information and transmitting the information to the outside;
Is provided. Device information can be managed centrally.

The invention according to claim 2 is the invention according to claim 1,
The unique information includes a device management ID unique to the device, a device type, and device configuration information. Unique information can be acquired automatically.

The invention according to claim 3 is the invention according to claim 1 or claim 2,
The device has a diagnosis unit for checking the surrounding environment, and the result of the check by the diagnosis unit is transmitted to the integrated device information management apparatus. You can check whether it is installed in a non-conforming environment.

The invention according to claim 4 is the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The device stores position information indicating an installation location, and transmits the position information as unique information to the integrated device information management apparatus. You can manage the installation location.

The invention according to claim 5 is the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The device transmits unique information and operation information using mail. You can also manage mobile devices.

The invention according to claim 6 is the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
At least one device is connected, and a management device that transmits the unique information and operation information of the connected device to the general information management device is provided. It can also manage small devices that are difficult to incorporate communication functions that can be connected to a network.

The invention according to claim 7 is the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
The integrated device information management apparatus includes a product information master, and extracts information from the product information master using at least a part of the device management ID. There is no need to manually enter the unique information.

The invention according to claim 8 is the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
The integrated device information management apparatus includes a configuration management information master that stores information on software that runs on the device, and refers to the configuration management information master to determine whether software update is necessary. It is. The necessity of update can be automatically checked.

As is apparent from the above description, the present invention has the following effects.
According to the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth aspects, the device transmits the unique information and the operation information to the integrated device information management device, and the integrated device information management device transmits the information. In addition to central management, quality information is created from operation information, and the specific information, operation information, and quality information are displayed and transmitted to the outside as required.

  There is an effect that information of devices scattered over a wide range can be integrated and managed in a centralized manner, and management information can be flexibly expanded and updated according to usage. Also, there is an effect that proper operation and maintenance can be performed over the entire life cycle of the device by displaying the device information according to the request and transmitting it to the outside. For example, quality trends at the entire product or module level can be confirmed.

  In addition, since it is possible to analyze the occurrence of a failure without going to the installation site of equipment, it is possible to provide quick support and take measures according to the level of the failure. In addition, there is an effect that even if quality problems are inherent at the time of shipment, they can be detected early by checking the quality information.

  Further, by incorporating the product information and configuration management information master, the unique information can be acquired simply by inputting the device management ID, so that the input man-hours can be greatly reduced.

  The device information management system according to the present invention collects device specific information, its change information, and operation information via a network in a network environment including a wide area network, automatically constructs device information, and sends it from the device. This system is intended to automatically record the operation information that is received and to collect and record quality information from the operation information on a regular basis. Another object of the present invention is to perform appropriate operations throughout the life cycle of equipment by visualizing these quality information and operation information so that they can be inquired from terminals connected to the network.

  This system supports the maintenance of individual devices as described above, and also has a function of collecting configuration information and quality information of various devices and their configuration modules and managing them in association with the installation location of the devices. For this reason, in addition to the diagnostic information transmitted by the device itself by diagnosis, various event information indicating a change in the state of the device is recorded, so that information on the device and the module can be handled.

  In addition, the apparatus here assumes the apparatus which added the communication function to the measuring device, the control apparatus, the sensor, etc., or the apparatus which manages a measurement, a control apparatus, and a sensor. This device information management system may be used by a company that has introduced a device for its management, or may be used to support a device shipped by a device vendor or agent.

  Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of a device information management system according to the present invention. In FIG. 1, reference numeral 20 denotes an integrated device information management apparatus, which incorporates an integrated device information management database 21. This integrated device information management apparatus 20 is connected to a network 30. The network 30 uses a local area network, the Internet, a mail network for exchanging information using mail, or the like.

  Reference numerals 40a to 40d denote areas where devices are installed. Devices 42a and 43a are installed in the area 40a, and these devices are connected to the management device 41a via a communication path. The management device 41a is connected to the network 30. The areas 40b and 40c have the same configuration. The area 40b includes devices 42b and 43b and a management device 41b, and the area 40c includes devices 42c and 43c and a management device 41c. The area 40d has no management device, and the device 42d is directly connected to the network 30. Note that the devices 42a to 42d and 43a to 43c may be in-vehicle devices installed in a moving body such as a vehicle, mobile devices that can be carried, and mobile phones that can send mail.

  The devices 42a to 42c and 43a to 43c transmit their device information to the connected management devices 41a to 41c. The management devices 41a to 41c transmit device information sent from each device to the integrated device information management device 20 via the network 30. In addition, the device 42 d transmits its device information to the integrated device information management apparatus 20 via the network 30.

  The integrated device information management apparatus 20 stores the transmitted device information in the integrated device information management database 21. Also, quality information is created from the device information stored in the integrated device information management database 21, and this information is visualized and displayed so that proper operation can be performed throughout the entire life cycle of the device.

  The integrated device information management apparatus 20 not only simply stores and visualizes the information sent from the device, but also supports the maintenance work of each device, and has a function of centrally managing the collected device information in association with the installation location. Also have. For this reason, when recording various event information indicating a change in the state of the device, it is also possible to handle information on the device and module.

  Note that it may be difficult for a small device to have a communication function capable of directly communicating with the management devices 41 a to 41 c or the network 30. In such a case, a repeater (not shown) may be provided between the management devices 41a to 41c or the network 21 and a plurality of devices, and the repeater may have a communication function.

  FIG. 2 shows the configuration of the device. The device information transmitted by the device is roughly divided into two types: unique information and operation information. In FIG. 2, reference numeral 51 denotes a unique function unit, which is a part that realizes a function unique to the device. An operation information collection unit 52 collects operation information with reference to the device specific unit 51. The operation information includes the presence / absence and change value of a setting change, the presence / absence and type of an alarm, the presence and type of an error, the presence / absence of a high load, various counter values, the occurrence of an event and its occurrence time.

  A diagnostic unit 53 checks the ambient temperature, ambient humidity, remaining battery level, and the like to check whether the environment is suitable. A unique information storage unit 54 stores unique information. Specific information includes a device management ID for identifying a device, a device type, configuration information, user information, and the like. The configuration information includes the name of the module constituting the device and its corresponding version, and the name of the add-in software running on the device and its corresponding version. Reference numeral 55 denotes a location information storage unit that stores location information of the geographic information system (GIS). This position information is used when managing the installation location of the device in conjunction with the map information. A receiving unit 56 receives data transmitted from the management apparatus or data transmitted via the network 30. A transmission unit 57 autonomously transmits data to the management apparatus or the network 30.

  When a transmission request for device information is received from the management apparatus or the network 30, the reception unit 56 notifies the transmission unit 57 of the request. The transmission unit 57 acquires device information from the operation information collection unit 52, the diagnosis unit 53, the unique information storage unit 54, and the position information storage unit 55 in response to a request from the reception unit 56 or autonomously, and Alternatively, the acquired device information is output to the network 30.

  It should be noted that the items transmitted by the transmission unit 57 can be added or changed according to the application. The format of the device information is not particularly limited, but the corresponding item may be expressed in a language having a structure such as XML (Extensible Markup Language). The device information is transmitted when the device is started, when the device is maintained (periodic inspection, module replacement, etc.), when the device is shut down, when the integrated device information management device 20 makes an inquiry, and when the device itself issues an alarm, etc. This is done at the timing when it is determined that it is necessary to report.

  If the device is not connected to the management device or the network 30, or if the device is a portable device, the device information is transmitted by e-mail. Further, communication between the device and the management device (relay device) can be performed using a simple protocol such as SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol). Furthermore, when an inquiry function using a Web service is used, the integrated device information management apparatus 20 can directly make an inquiry to the apparatus or the management apparatus via the Internet and respond to the inquiry.

  FIG. 3 shows the types of information stored in the integrated device information management database 21. The integrated device information management database 21 is configured to unify the information necessary for maintenance and minimize the input burden on the administrator by automatically inputting data. For this reason, items that cannot be automatically entered, such as usage environment information, installation location, administrator or detailed device information, are separately registered and managed in association with the master data. Moreover, it is comprised so that it can respond also to the information inquiry request | requirement in the face of a customer, a product (equipment), a component module, etc.

  In FIG. 3, the integrated device information management database 21 stores device configuration information 21a, operation information 21b, product information master 21c, configuration management information master 21d, customer information 21e, quality information 21f, and device list (shipment information) 21g. Is done.

  The product information master 21c is master information in which product information described in a catalog is collected for each product. Product information of each device can be extracted from the product information master 21 using a part or all of the device management ID.

  The configuration management information master 21d is master information such as the name of the software group operating on each device, its version information, and the software update history. These pieces of information are used as maintenance information. For example, when software is updated, it is used as reference information for determining whether or not the update is necessary by checking the status of the configuration software of the operating device.

  The device list 21g is information such as a device management ID, device configuration information, and shipping destination (customer). These pieces of information are obtained from product shipment information or information generated by the management devices 41a to 41c, and are stored in CSV (Comma Separated Values) or XML (Extensible Markup Language) format. Device information can be initially generated using the device list 21g.

  The device configuration information 21a is information in which unique information (including configuration information) of each device is arranged for each device. The operation information 21b is information on the operation status of each device. The customer information 21f is information on the shipping destination (customer) of each device.

  The quality information 21f is information on the operation status and error rate for each unit period (month, week, day) for each device or module. Collecting operational information from multiple devices and analyzing them centrally provides valuable information for checking and improving quality throughout the lifecycle of the device or module. By referring to the quality information 21f, it is possible to check the operating rate and error occurrence history for each device and each module. If the utilization rate is low and the error rate is high, the problem and cause are investigated. By knowing the error occurrence status, it is possible to determine whether the problem is specific to the operating device or a problem common to the model. Moreover, if the relationship with a component module is found, the quality of the apparatus which is working can be improved by improving and replacing the module.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure when the integrated device information management apparatus 20 receives information through the management apparatuses 41a to 41c or directly. In FIG. 4, a reception process is performed in step (P4-1), and the received data is stored in a buffer. Next, in step (P4-2), syntax analysis is performed for each piece of device information to extract data. If the received data is described in XML, the analysis is performed according to the syntax of XML.

  Next, it is determined whether the information sent in the step (P4-3) is unique information. If the information is unique information, the integrated device information management database 21 is referred to in the step (P4-4) It is determined whether the device management ID of the unique information is new. If it is a new ID, new device information is generated and registered in the integrated device information management database 21 in step (P4-5). That is, device information, configuration information, recording date and time, etc. are extracted from the received data and stored in the integrated device information management database 21. At this time, corresponding information may be generated from the product information master 21c, the configuration management information master 21d, and the device list 21g.

  If the device management ID is already registered in the step (P4-4), the data received in the step (P4-6) is added and the date is changed. That is, if the received data and the data stored in the integrated device information management database 21 are different, the data and the update date are stored, and if they are the same, only the update date is updated.

  Since it is operation information that is not unique information in the step (P4-3), the device management ID and the update date are attached and stored in the integrated device information management database 21 as operation information. Thus, when the integrated device information management database 21 is searched using the device management ID as a key, the history of the device can be known.

  When the steps (P4-5), (P4-6), and (P4-7) are completed, it is determined in step (P4-8) whether the device management ID is the last. This is because the data sent from the management devices 41a to 41c or the repeater may include data of a plurality of devices. If it is the last ID, the process ends. If it is not the last device management ID, the process returns to step (P4-2).

  In order to centrally manage different types of device information, a management item is defined for each type of device, and a mechanism is provided that can flexibly map the collected information to a common management item. For this reason, the model information included in the received data is confirmed, and the management items are mapped.

  FIG. 5 shows a flowchart when inquiring data stored in the integrated device information management database 21. There are two types of inquiry, unique information inquiry and operation information inquiry, and can be executed by logging in from a browser terminal connected to the network 30.

  In FIG. 5, when data is received, reception processing is performed in step (P5-1), and when reception is completed, search preprocessing is performed in step (P5-2). Next, it is checked in step (P5-3) whether the search is for unique information. If the search is for unique information, the unique information is searched in step (P5-4) and the result is transmitted. If it is not a search for specific information, it is a search for operation information, so the operation information is searched in step (P5-5) and the result is transmitted.

  When the device information is inquired, it is possible to easily confirm a change in the configuration of the device, so that a great advantage can be obtained when the maintenance staff maintains the device. In addition, since the device configuration is centrally managed, the latest information can be easily confirmed, and whether or not maintenance / update is necessary can be easily investigated and confirmed. Furthermore, it is possible to know how long it has been operating from the history update date, and to determine whether the device is no longer used.

  When the operation information is searched, the operation information and history of the designated device can be obtained. Since operation information including a plurality of devices can be collected centrally, execution analysis along the time axis of the search target device can be easily performed. Therefore, the quality of maintenance work can be improved and work efficiency can be supported.

  By using this device information management system for managing devices scattered in a plurality of factories or a wide range, it is possible to manage the operation status of devices, or manage disposal and storage. Further, by utilizing the installation position information of the device, appropriate management can be performed in cooperation with the operation support system of the device.

  In addition, this equipment information management system can be applied to a plurality of warehouses and movable sales vehicles to manage inventory status and sales vehicle arrangement.

It is a block diagram which shows one Example of this invention. It is a block diagram of a management object apparatus. It is a block diagram of an integrated apparatus information management database. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of an integrated apparatus information management apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement at the time of an information inquiry. It is a block diagram of an ASSET management system.

Explanation of symbols

20 Integrated device information management device 21 Integrated device information management database 21a Device configuration information 21b Operation information 21c Product information master 21d Configuration management information master 21e Customer information 21f Quality information 21g Device list 30 Network 40a-40d Areas 41a-41c Management devices 42a- 42d, 43a to 43c Device 51 Specific function unit 52 Operation information collection unit 53 Diagnosis unit 54 Specific information storage unit 55 Location information storage unit 56 Reception unit 57 Transmission unit

Claims (8)

A plurality of devices including a unique information storage unit in which unique information is stored, an operation information collection unit that collects operation information, and a transmission unit that transmits the unique information and the operation information to the outside;
Communicates with the plurality of devices, centrally manages the unique information and operation information sent from these devices, analyzes the operation information to create quality information, and, when requested, the unique information and operation information An integrated device information management device for displaying information and quality information and transmitting the information to the outside;
A device information management system comprising:   The device information management system according to claim 1, wherein the unique information includes a device management ID unique to the device, a device type, and device configuration information.   3. The device information according to claim 1, wherein the device has a diagnosis unit that checks an ambient environment, and the result of the check by the diagnosis unit is transmitted to the integrated device information management apparatus. Management system.   4. The device information management according to claim 1, wherein the device stores position information indicating an installation location, and transmits the position information as unique information to the integrated device information management apparatus. system.   The device information management system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the device transmits unique information and operation information using mail.   6. The management apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a management device that is connected to at least one device and transmits unique information and operation information of the connected device to the integrated information management device. Equipment information management system.   7. The integrated device information management apparatus includes a product information master, and information is extracted from the product information master using at least a part of a device management ID. The device information management system described.   The integrated device information management apparatus has a configuration management information master that stores information on software that runs on the device, and refers to the configuration management information master to determine whether software update is necessary. The device information management system according to claim 1, wherein:

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