JP2019101964A - Network system, mobile terminal, and program for connection - Google Patents

Abstract

To solve the problem in which: a network system is demanded to be achieved, which has a simple configuration and provides assurance on security.SOLUTION: A network system comprises: control units; mobile terminals; and a sever device. The control units are each provided with an identification symbol that carries information for specifying the control unit. The mobile terminals each include: identification information generation means that acquires the information including the identification symbol, and generates identification information for authentication from the acquired information including the identification symbol; authentication means that, when connected to the control unit, executes authentication processing by using the identification information for authentication generated by the identification information generation means; connection means that, when the authentication processing executed by the authentication means is successful, executes connection processing on the server device; and data mediation means that mediates exchange of data between the control unit and server device.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a network system that includes a control device that controls a control target, a mobile terminal that configures the network system, and a connection program that is executed by the mobile terminal.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there is known a system for accessing, via a network, information of a device operating at a remote location. Such a system is also used for the purpose of identifying the cause from a remote location and assisting recovery when abnormal operation or failure of the device occurs.

  For example, JP-A-2016-103271 (PTL 1) allows a plurality of persons to share the operation status of the apparatus itself together with information indicating the operation status of the apparatus in the scene of maintenance from a remote place Disclose the system.

Unexamined-Japanese-Patent No. 2016-103271

  In the network system disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2016-103271 (Patent Document 1), it is necessary to prepare in advance a network for connecting the control device and the Web conference system. There are cost constraints for preparing a network to connect the control device and the Web conferencing system, and security constraints due to the placement of such a network, and no control device is available. It did not mean that it could be applied under the conditions.

  Therefore, there is a demand for the realization of a network system that has a simple configuration and can also provide security assurance.

  A network system according to an example of the present disclosure includes a control device, a mobile terminal connectable to the control device, and a server device. The controller is provided with an identification symbol carrying information for identifying the controller. The mobile terminal acquires the information including the identification symbol, and generates identification information for authentication from the information including the acquired identification symbol, and the identification information generation unit generates the identification information when connected with the control device. Authentication means for executing the authentication process using the authentication identification information, and connection means for executing the connection process with the server device when the authentication process by the authentication means is successful, and between the control device and the server device And data intermediation means for mediating the exchange of data.

  According to this disclosure, even a control device that does not have network connection means can connect to the server device. In addition, security assurance can also be obtained by executing authentication processing between the control device and the mobile terminal and connection processing between the mobile terminal and the server device.

  In the above disclosure, in response to the request from the authentication unit, the control device determines the propriety of the authentication request by collating the unique identification information stored in advance with the authentication identification information from the mobile terminal. It is also good.

  According to this disclosure, if the identification symbol given to the control device and the unique identification information stored in advance by the control device do not match successfully, the authentication process does not succeed, and security can be further enhanced.

  In the above disclosure, the server apparatus may determine whether or not to connect in response to a request including an access key stored in advance in the mobile terminal.

  According to this disclosure, security can be further enhanced because the connection is permitted only when the access key stored in advance in the mobile terminal is appropriate.

  In the above disclosure, the mobile terminal may further include shared area providing means for providing a shared area for sharing data with the control device.

  According to this disclosure, it is possible to save the trouble of the user reflecting the update etc. to the data held by each of the control device and the mobile terminal.

  In the above disclosure, the control device has user management information that defines a user who can access the control device. When the connection with the mobile terminal is established, the control device may copy the user management information to the shared area, and the user management information in the shared area may be configured to allow editing operation from the mobile terminal.

  According to this disclosure, it is possible to realize editing operation and the like on user management information using a mobile terminal having rich user interface functions.

  In the above disclosure, the network system may further include a management server device that provides a program for connection to the mobile terminal.

  According to this disclosure, the network system according to the present embodiment can be realized by using a general-purpose mobile terminal.

  In the above-mentioned disclosure, the management server device may monitor the amount of access to the server device, and may perform billing according to the amount of access.

  According to this disclosure, since it is possible to easily realize charging according to the access amount of the mobile terminal, it is possible to provide, for example, a prepaid service.

  In the above disclosure, the control device transmits the state information managed by the control device to the server device, and the server device transmits the operation instruction from the terminal device connected to the server device to the control device. Good.

According to this disclosure, data can be bi-directionally exchanged between the server device and the control device.
According to another aspect of the present invention, a mobile terminal connectable to a control device is provided. The mobile terminal acquires information including an identification symbol carrying information for specifying a control device assigned to the control device, and generates identification information for authentication from the information including the acquired identification symbol. If the authentication unit performs authentication processing using the authentication identification information generated by the identification information generation unit when connected to the generation unit and the control device, and if the authentication processing by the authentication unit succeeds, the authentication unit performs communication with the server device. Connection means for executing connection processing, and data mediation means for mediating exchange of data between the control device and the server device.

  According to this disclosure, even a control device that does not have network connection means can connect to the server device. In addition, security assurance can also be obtained by executing authentication processing between the control device and the mobile terminal and connection processing between the mobile terminal and the server device.

  According to still another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a program for connection executed on a mobile terminal connectable to a control device. The connection program acquires the information including the identification symbol carrying information for specifying the control device given to the control device in the mobile terminal, and the identification information for authentication from the information including the acquired identification symbol Generating an ID, performing authentication processing using the generated authentication identification information when connected to the control device, and executing connection processing with the server device if the authentication processing is successful. And mediating the exchange of data between the control device and the server device.

  According to this disclosure, even a control device that does not have network connection means can connect to the server device. In addition, security assurance can also be obtained by executing authentication processing between the control device and the mobile terminal and connection processing between the mobile terminal and the server device.

  According to the present embodiment, it is possible to realize a network system which can monitor a control device remotely and the like, which has a simple configuration and secure security.

It is a schematic diagram which shows the example of a whole structure of the remote maintenance system which concerns on this Embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows the hardware structural example of the control apparatus which concerns on this Embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows the hardware structural example of the mobile terminal which concerns on this Embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows the hardware structural example of the server apparatus for conferences which concerns on this Embodiment. It is a sequence diagram which shows the whole process procedure in the remote maintenance system which concerns on this Embodiment. It is a schematic diagram for demonstrating the operation at the time of acquiring the image containing an identification symbol in the remote maintenance system which concerns on this Embodiment. It is a schematic diagram for demonstrating the outline | summary of the information processing in the remote maintenance system which concerns on this Embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows the function structural example of the control apparatus which concerns on this Embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows the function structural example of the mobile terminal which concerns on this Embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows the example of a screen which the electronic conference application program of the mobile terminal of the remote maintenance system which concerns on this Embodiment provides. It is a schematic diagram which shows the example of a screen which the user management module of the mobile terminal of the remote maintenance system which concerns on this Embodiment provides. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence in the mobile terminal in the remote maintenance system which concerns on this Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence in the control apparatus for implement | achieving the authentication process between the control apparatus shown by FIG.12 S110, and a mobile terminal. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence in the server apparatus for conferences in order to implement | achieve the connection process to the electronic conference system from the control apparatus shown by FIG.12 S116. It is a schematic diagram which shows the modification of the remote maintenance system which concerns on this Embodiment.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The same or corresponding portions in the drawings have the same reference characters allotted and description thereof will not be repeated.

<A. Application example>
First, referring to FIG. 1, an example of a scene to which the present invention is applied will be described.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing an example of the overall configuration of the remote maintenance system 1 according to the present embodiment. In this specification, the term "remote maintenance system" is intended to express the main usage of a network system as described later, but the technical scope of the present invention is limited to the scope of this term. And should be rationally interpreted based on the recitation of the claims.

  Referring to FIG. 1, remote maintenance system 1 provides a platform for sharing various information in target facility 2 and giving a command to target facility 2 as needed.

  In the example illustrated in FIG. 1, the target facility 2 includes one or more control devices 100-1, 100-2,... (Hereinafter also referred to as “control device 100”). Control device 100 may be connected to field network 4. As the field network 4, an industrial network such as EtherCAT (registered trademark) or EtherNet / IP (registered trademark) may be used.

  The control device 100 corresponds to, for example, an industrial controller called a PLC (programmable controller), and controls various manufacturing facilities and machines (not shown). In control by control device 100, necessary information is acquired from the field side using a sensor or the like, and in accordance with a program executed by control device 100, predetermined control calculation is executed using the acquired information. By doing this, the control output is calculated. The control device 100 executes a sequence program, a motion program, and the like.

  The field network 4 includes one or more displays 300-1, 300-2, ... (hereinafter, also referred to as "displays 300"), and a manufacturing execution system (MES). The operation server device 350 may be connected.

  Typically, the target facility 2 is closed in the factory and can not be accessed from the outside.

  The remote maintenance system 1 has an electronic conference system capable of sharing various digital information (multimedia information) in real time in addition to the target facility 2. The teleconference system is provided by the conference server apparatus 400.

  The conference server device 400 receives data including at least one of an image and a voice from at least one of the terminal device 500 and the control device 100 connected via the network, and the received data is permanently or temporarily It holds and distributes to a device different from the transmission source of the data. Data distribution can be realized using any method. That is, the method for the conference server device 400 to multicast or broadcast may be adopted for all the devices connected to the network, or the conference server device 400 holds the data to be shared, Each of the devices connected to the network may access the stored data. Note that while the electronic conference system is activated, the conference server device 400 may hold data centrally so that it can be shared among a plurality of devices, but from the viewpoint of security It is preferable to automatically delete the shared data when the conference system is deactivated (finished).

  Although a web conferencing system implemented by combining a web server and a web browser exists as an example of the teleconferencing system, it is possible to share digital information between the control device 100 and one or more terminal devices 500. For example, a network system of any aspect or name may be adopted. For example, a network system called a "television conference system" may be adopted, and such a network system may be adopted when a new network system is put into practical use in the future. Also, the teleconference system may be provided on a private network accessible only by specific users, or may be provided on a public network such as the Internet. In any case, it is preferable to use a password or the like to restrict access to the user.

  Furthermore, multiple network systems may be used in combination. For example, necessary processing may be performed in response to a message posted by any user, and interactive behavior can be realized. Therefore, for example, a system such as a chat system or MMS (Multimedia Messaging Service) can be used.

  In the remote maintenance system 1, the control device 100 can participate in an electronic conference system as if it were a user. That is, the conference server device 400 receives an access from the control device 100, and from the viewpoint of the user of any terminal device 500 participating in the electronic conference system, the control device 100 is another terminal device 500 (or, As with the other terminal device 500), it looks like a single user. The control device 100 can also behave as a plurality of users by using the virtualization technology.

  Each user of the terminal device 500 can exchange electronic data with the control device 100 so that electronic data can be exchanged (shared) with users of other terminal devices 500. More specifically, the control device 100 transmits various information it has to the electronic conference system, and receives information (operation command) from any of the terminal devices 500 connected to the electronic conference system. In a typical implementation, the conference server device 400 collects information from the respective devices (the control device 100 and / or the terminal device 500) participating in the electronic conference system and Send or distribute collected information on request.

  In the remote maintenance system 1, interactive maintenance activities can be performed between the control device 100 and the conference server device 400 and / or the terminal device 500.

  The remote maintenance system 1 according to the present embodiment provides a mechanism capable of connecting the control device 100 to the electronic conference system by adopting a configuration capable of connecting the mobile terminal 200 to the control device 100. More specifically, in the remote maintenance system 1 according to the present embodiment, by connecting the mobile terminal 200 to the control device 100, the control device 100 is connected to the teleconference system via the mobile terminal 200. . In the present embodiment, mobile terminal 200 is connectable to control device 100.

  On the other hand, the control device 100 controls a device to be controlled, and it is necessary to prevent unauthorized access from the outside. In the remote maintenance system 1 according to the present embodiment, a function for preventing such unauthorized access is also provided.

  Even when the target facility 2 is not provided with a function for accessing from the outside by connecting the control device 100 and the electronic conference system using such a mobile terminal 200, the control device 100 that configures it. Remote maintenance can be realized at low cost. Further, the list of unauthorized access to the control device 100 can be reduced by the security function as described later.

  As described above, the remote maintenance system 1 using the electronic conference system according to the present embodiment uses a mobile terminal such as a smartphone, a tablet, and a notebook computer to electronically control a control device that does not have a means for network connection. It can connect to the conference system. At this time, security is ensured by executing connection authentication between the mobile terminal and the control device and connection authentication between the mobile terminal and the teleconference system.

  Further, in remote maintenance system 1 according to the present embodiment, access to information of control apparatus 100 can be managed on a per user basis, and such access control settings on a per user basis are edited on the mobile terminal. it can. Furthermore, as an additional function, it is possible to charge according to the access amount by the mobile terminal.

  Hereinafter, as a more specific application example of the present invention, a more detailed configuration and processing of the remote maintenance system 1 according to the present embodiment will be described.

<B. Hardware configuration of each device constituting the remote maintenance system 1>
First, an example of the hardware configuration of each device constituting the remote maintenance system 1 according to the present embodiment will be described.

(B1: hardware configuration of control device 100)
FIG. 2 is a schematic view showing an example of the hardware configuration of the control device 100 according to the present embodiment. Referring to FIG. 2, control device 100 implements control of a control target by causing a processor to execute a pre-installed program. More specifically, the control device 100 includes a processor 102 such as a central processing unit (CPU) or a micro-processing unit (MPU), a chipset 104, a main memory 106, a storage 108, and a network controller 116. A memory card interface 118, an internal bus controller 122, a field bus controller 124, and a local communication controller 130 are included.

  The processor 102 reads out the system program 110 and the user program 112 stored in the storage 108, and develops and executes the program in the main memory 106 to realize control of the control target. That is, the processor 102 cooperates with the main memory 106 and the storage 108 to realize a control unit that executes control operations. The storage 108 is configured by, for example, a flash memory.

  The system program 110 includes an instruction code for providing basic functions of the control device 100, such as data input / output processing and execution timing control. The user program 112 is arbitrarily designed according to the control target, and includes a sequence program 112A for executing sequence control and a motion program 112B for executing motion control.

  The chipset 104 implements processing of the control device 100 as a whole by controlling each component. The internal bus controller 122 is an interface that exchanges data with the I / O unit 126 connected with the control device 100 through the internal bus. The field bus controller 124 is an interface that exchanges data with the I / O unit 128 connected with the control device 100 via a field bus. Internal bus controller 122 and field bus controller 124 obtain control state values input to corresponding I / O units 126 and 128, respectively, and the operation result of processor 102 from corresponding I / O units 126 and 128. Output each as a control command.

  The network controller 116 is an interface that exchanges data with the control device 100 and other devices (such as the display 300 and the operation server device 350) connected via the field network 4. The network controller 116 uses a device according to the communication standard used for the field network 4. The network controller 116 may function as a communication master in the field network 4.

  The memory card interface 118 is configured such that the memory card 120 can be attached and detached, and data can be written to the memory card 120 and data can be read from the memory card 120.

  The local communication controller 130 is an interface for exchanging data with an external device such as the mobile terminal 200. Tool devices may be connected via the local communication controller 130. As the local communication controller 130, one of wired communication such as USB (Universal Serial Bus) may be adopted, or one of wireless communication such as wireless LAN (Local Area Network) or Bluetooth (registered trademark) may be adopted. It is also good. In the following description, it is assumed that the local communication controller 130 is connected to the mobile terminal 200 via the USB.

  The storage 108 further holds setting information 150 for realizing the remote maintenance system 1 according to the present embodiment. The setting information 150 connects the control device 100 and the mobile terminal 200 and includes various information for connecting to the electronic conference system. More specifically, the setting information 150 includes system setting information 152, unique identification information (hereinafter, also referred to as "unique ID") 154, and user management information 156. Details of the information included in the setting information 150 will be described later.

  In the above description, an implementation example is described in which the processor 102 of the control device 100 executes a program to provide a function as described later. However, a part of the functions provided by the control device 100 executing a program Alternatively, all may be implemented as a dedicated hardware circuit.

(B2: hardware configuration of the mobile terminal 200)
FIG. 3 is a schematic view showing an example of the hardware configuration of the mobile terminal 200 according to the present embodiment. Referring to FIG. 3, the mobile terminal 200 is a kind of computer having a communication function, and a processor executes a pre-installed program (sometimes referred to as “application” or “application program”). Thus, the functions necessary for the remote maintenance system 1 according to the present embodiment are provided.

  The mobile terminal 200 may be embodied, for example, in the form of a smartphone, a tablet, or a laptop computer. More specifically, the control device 100 includes a processor 202 such as a CPU or a graphic processing unit (GPU), a main memory 206, a display 208, an input unit 210, a camera 212, a microphone 214, and a speaker 216. , A local communication controller 218, a wireless communication controller 220, a mobile communication controller 222, and a storage 230. These components are communicably connected to each other via an internal bus 204.

  The processor 202 reads out various programs (OS 232 and connection application program 234) stored in the storage 230, develops the program in the main memory 206, and executes the program to connect the control device 100 and the electronic conference system. Provide features. The storage 230 is configured by, for example, a flash memory.

  The input unit 210 receives a user's operation, and outputs the content of the received operation to the processor 202 or the like. As the input unit 210, a keyboard, a touch panel, various buttons, a mouse, and the like are assumed. The camera 212 captures a still image or a moving image in the field of view. The camera 212 may be disposed on any outer surface of the mobile terminal 200. The microphone 214 converts the voice emitted by the user or the like into an electrical signal. The speaker 216 generates sound in response to an instruction from the processor 202 or the like.

  The local communication controller 218 is an interface for exchanging data with the control device 100 or the like. A wired communication such as USB may be adopted as the local communication controller 218.

  The wireless communication controller 220 is an interface for exchanging data with other mobile terminals 200 and the like. As the wireless communication controller 220, a wireless communication controller such as a wireless local area network (LAN) or Bluetooth (registered trademark) may be employed.

  The mobile communication controller 222 is an interface for exchanging data with any device on the Internet by wide area wireless communication. As the mobile communication controller 222, a wireless communication method such as LTE (Long Term Evolution) or WiMAX may be adopted.

(B3: hardware configuration of the conference server device 400)
FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of the conference server device 400 according to the present embodiment. Referring to FIG. 4, conference server apparatus 400 is a computer having a general-purpose architecture. In the conference server device 400, the processor executes a pre-installed program to realize various processes as described later.

  The conference server device 400 includes a processor 402 such as a CPU or MPU, a main memory 404, a hard disk (HDD) 406, a display 408 for presenting information to the user, and an input unit 410 such as a keyboard or mouse. And a network controller 412 for exchanging data with other devices. These components are communicably connected to each other via an internal bus 414.

  The hard disk 406 holds an operating system (OS) 420 for providing a basic program execution environment in the conference server apparatus 400 and a server program 422 for realizing the electronic conference system. These programs are read into the main memory 404 and executed by the processor 402.

(B4: hardware configuration of the terminal device 500)
The terminal device 500 is typically a computer having a general-purpose architecture. In the terminal device 500, the processor executes a pre-installed program to realize various processes as described later.

  The hardware configuration of the terminal device 500 is the same as the hardware configuration example of the conference server device 400 shown in FIG. 4, and thus the detailed description will not be repeated. However, instead of the server program 422, a client program or a browser application program for accessing the electronic conference system may be stored in a storage such as a hard disk.

  The terminal device 500 may be a general-purpose personal computer or a portable device (such as a smartphone or a tablet).

(B5: Hardware configuration of other devices)
The display 300 and the operation server device 350 do not have a direct relationship with the subject matter of the present invention, so a detailed description of hardware configuration examples and the like will not be given here. As the display 300 and the operation server device 350, devices having known hardware configurations can be used.

<C. Overall processing procedure in remote maintenance system 1>
Next, an overall processing procedure in the remote maintenance system 1 according to the present embodiment will be described.

  FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram showing an overall processing procedure in the remote maintenance system 1 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 5 shows an example of processing for connecting the control device 100 to the electronic conference system via the mobile terminal 200.

  Referring to FIG. 5, a user such as a maintenance worker operates mobile terminal 200 to acquire identification symbol 140 from control device 100. As a typical example, an identification symbol 140 indicating a unique ID 154 assigned to each of the control devices 100 is disposed on the exposed surface of the housing of the control device 100. As used herein, “identification symbol” is any medium provided to control device 100, and includes any medium carrying information for identifying control device 100 to which it is provided. . That is, the control device 100 is provided with an identification symbol carrying information for specifying the control device 100.

  Typically, "identification symbol" means a medium that is externally visible. The identification symbol 140 includes, for example, an arbitrary pattern (for example, a two-dimensional or three-dimensional barcode, a QR code (registered trademark) or the like), a character string, or the like.

  The user operates the mobile terminal 200 to capture the identification symbol 140 in the housing of the control device 100 (sequence SQ2), and stores an image including the identification symbol 140 in the mobile terminal 200 (sequence SQ4). . That is, the user validates the camera 212 of the mobile terminal 200, positions the mobile terminal 200 such that the identification symbol 140 is included in the field of view, and then presses the imaging button to include the identification symbol 140. Get an image. Such an identification symbol 140 is information that can be authenticated as the unique ID of the control device 100.

  FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram for explaining an operation at the time of acquiring an image including the identification symbol 140 in the remote maintenance system 1 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 6, the user operates the mobile terminal 200 to capture a range including the identification symbol 140 attached to the housing of the control device 100. An image including the identification symbol 140 is acquired by such an imaging operation.

  Again referring to FIG. 5, mobile terminal 200 generates authentication identification information (hereinafter also referred to as “authentication ID”) based on the acquired image including identification symbol 140 (sequence SQ6).

  In this state, it is assumed that control device 100 and mobile terminal 200 are physically connected. In the present embodiment, control device 100 and mobile terminal 200 are connected via a USB cable.

  Subsequently, mobile terminal 200 transmits an authentication request to control device 100 (sequence SQ8). In response to the authentication request, control device 100 and mobile terminal 200 execute authentication processing (sequence SQ10). In this authentication process, the unique ID held by the control device 100 and the authentication ID generated by the mobile terminal 200 are used.

  The unique ID and the authentication ID may be the same data strings corresponding to each other, or may be one that can uniquely generate the other from one like a kind of key pair. That is, it is verified whether the authentication ID generated from the identification symbol 140 affixed to a certain control device 100 is information that can correctly identify the control device 100 to which the identification symbol 140 is affixed.

  When the authentication process between control device 100 and mobile terminal 200 is successfully completed, the connection between control device 100 and mobile terminal 200 is established (sequence SQ12). Then, user management information 156 held in control device 100 is transmitted to mobile terminal 200 (sequence SQ14). These pieces of information are stored in the shared area virtually provided on the mobile terminal 200 (sequence SQ16). The user management information 156 defines one or more users who can access (login) the control apparatus 100. More specifically, the user management information 156 defines a user who is permitted to access the control device 100 among the users who can access the electronic meeting system. For the user who is permitted access, the content of the permitted access (access attribute such as reference only, reference and changeable, and access information such as which of the information managed by the control apparatus 100 can be accessed) Define the range etc.) As described later, the user management information 156 can also be edited on the mobile terminal 200.

  The shared area is a storage area that plays a role of a kind of buffer, and is capable of data writing and data reading from the control device 100 and data writing and data reading from the mobile terminal 200 itself.

  When user management information 156 is stored in the shared area of mobile terminal 200, mobile terminal 200 transmits a connection request to conference server apparatus 400 (sequence SQ18). In response to the connection request, the mobile terminal 200 and the conference server device 400 execute connection processing (sequence SQ20). In this connection process, the user management information 156 and the access key 244 stored in the shared area of the mobile terminal 200 are used.

  The access key 244 is stored in advance in the mobile terminal 200, is authentication information for accessing the electronic conference system, and is used for an authentication process including a key exchange procedure with the conference server device 400. Thus, in response to the request including the access key 244 stored in advance in the mobile terminal 200, the conference server device 400 determines whether or not the connection can be made.

  When the connection process between the mobile terminal 200 and the conference server device 400 ends successfully, the connection between the mobile terminal 200 and the conference server device 400 is established (sequence SQ22). Then, the state information managed by the control device 100 is transmitted to the mobile terminal 200 (sequence SQ24), and further transmitted to the conference server 400 via the mobile terminal 200 (sequence SQ26).

  The terminal device 500 connected to the conference server device 400 can access the status information from the control device 100 (sequence SQ28). When the instruction information is written by the conference server device 400 or the terminal device 500, the instruction information is transmitted to the mobile terminal 200 (sequence SQ30), and further transmitted to the control device 100 via the mobile terminal 200 (sequence SQ32). Control device 100 executes the process in accordance with the instruction information (sequence SQ34).

  The processing of sequences SQ24 to SQ34 is repeated while the control device 100 is connected to the teleconference system.

<D. Outline of information processing in remote maintenance system 1>
Next, an outline of information processing in the remote maintenance system 1 according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram for explaining an outline of information processing in the remote maintenance system 1 according to the present embodiment.

  Referring to FIG. 7, control device 100 stores in advance unique ID 154 and user management information 156. The unique ID 154 is used for the authentication process for the authentication ID generated in the mobile terminal 200. Also, when the authentication process between control device 100 and mobile terminal 200 is successful, user management information 156 is copied to shared area 250 generated on mobile terminal 200.

  The image 240 including the identification symbol 140 acquired by the imaging operation by the user is stored in the storage 230 of the mobile terminal 200. An authentication ID 242 is generated from the image 240 stored in the storage 230. The generated authentication ID 242 is stored in the shared area 250 provided by the mobile terminal 200. The shared area 250 also stores user management information 156 copied from the control device 100.

  The mobile terminal 200 includes an electronic conference system connection module 260, and mediates exchange of data between the control device 100 and the electronic conference system (conference server device 400). More specifically, the electronic conference system connection module 260 of the mobile terminal 200 performs an authentication process with the electronic conference system (conference server device 400) using the authentication ID 242 stored in the shared area 250. Do. When this authentication process is completed, the status information 170 updated by the control device 100 at predetermined intervals is transmitted to the electronic conference system (conference server apparatus 400) via the electronic conference system connection module 260 of the mobile terminal 200. . Further, the operation command 172 generated by the electronic conference system (conference server device 400) is transmitted to the control device 100 via the electronic conference system connection module 260 of the mobile terminal 200. The access from the teleconference system to the state information 170 and the transmission of the operation command 172 from the teleconference system are managed according to the user management information 156. That is, the electronic conference system connection module 260 of the mobile terminal 200 outputs the state information 170 or accepts the operation command 172 within the permitted range to the user for whom the permission is given according to the user management information 156. .

  The main functions of the remote maintenance system 1 according to the present embodiment can be realized by information processing among the control device 100, the mobile terminal 200, and the conference server device 400 as described above.

E. Functional configuration of each device constituting the remote maintenance system 1>
Next, an example of a functional configuration of each device constituting the remote maintenance system 1 according to the present embodiment will be described. As described above, in the remote maintenance system 1 according to the present embodiment, the control device 100 has a connection function for realizing connection with the mobile terminal 200, and an authentication procedure with the connected mobile terminal 200. Mobile terminal authentication function to perform

  The mobile terminal 200 also has an application program for connecting to the control device 100 and managing a user account for connecting to the electronic conference system. The mobile terminal 200 also has a function of generating an authentication ID based on an image including the identification symbol 140. Furthermore, the mobile terminal 200 has a function of providing a shared area 250 for sharing data with the control apparatus 100, and by using the shared area 250, the control apparatus 100 can be converted to an electronic conference system. It can be connected.

(E1: functional configuration of control device 100)
FIG. 8 is a schematic view showing an example of a functional configuration of the control device 100 according to the present embodiment. Referring to FIG. 8, control device 100 has, as functional components, OS 180, scheduler 182, input / output update module 184, user program execution module 186, variable management module 188, virtual communication module 190, and local. It includes a communication host module 192, an authentication module 194, an access management module 196, and a file synchronization module 198.

  The OS 180 provides a program execution environment on the control device 100 and executes various processes necessary for system maintenance.

  The scheduler 182 manages the execution cycle and the execution timing of the process of input / output update by the input / output update module 184 and the process of execution of the user program 112 by the user program execution module 186. That is, the scheduler 182 manages allocation of operation resources necessary for execution of the input / output update module 184 and the user program 112.

  The input / output update module 184 periodically obtains the state value via the I / O unit 126, 128 (FIG. 2) and outputs the control command via the I / O unit 126, 128 (FIG. 2). Run.

  The user program execution module 186 executes the user program 112 (typically, including the sequence program 112A and / or the motion program 112B) at predetermined cycles or events with reference to the system setting information 152. Do.

  The system setting information 152 includes, in addition to information on the number and position of I / O units connected to the control device 100, setting values of operations such as an update cycle, and the like.

  The variable management module 188 updates input / output values by the input / output update module 184 and / or variable values used for execution of the user program 112 by the user program execution module 186.

  The virtual communication module 190 manages communication with the mobile terminal 200 and communication with the conference server 400 via the mobile terminal 200. The virtual communication module 190 relies on the difference between directly connecting to the conference server device 400 via the network and indirectly connecting to the conference server device 400 via the mobile terminal 200. Instead, the same communication interface is provided to each module of the control device 100. For example, when the network used for connection to the conference server apparatus 400 is Ethernet (registered trademark), the virtual communication module 190 will recognize the authenticated mobile terminal 200 as a virtual Ethernet device. .

  The local communication host module 192 manages communication with the mobile terminal 200 when the mobile terminal 200 and the control device 100 are connected. That is, the local communication host module 192 provides the host function of the control device 100 when viewed from the mobile terminal 200. When the USB connection is adopted as the local communication, the local communication host module 192 provides the USB host function on the control device 100 side.

  The authentication module 194 authenticates the authentication ID 242 generated in the mobile terminal 200 with reference to the unique ID 154 in response to a request from the mobile terminal 200 or the like. Here, the authentication module 194 determines whether the authentication ID 242 generated in the mobile terminal 200 is generated based on the identification symbol 140 of the own device by referring to the unique ID 154. That is, in response to the request from the mobile terminal 200 authentication function, the authentication module 194 collates the unique ID 154 stored in advance with the authentication ID 242 from the mobile terminal 200 to determine whether the authentication request is appropriate. Thus, in the authentication module 194, when the mobile terminal 200 (in which the application program for providing the access function to the electronic conference system is installed) is connected to the control apparatus 100 by local communication (for example, USB connection) In addition, the mobile terminal 200 is provided with a function of collating the authentication ID 242 generated.

  The access management module 196 manages access from the outside according to the information defined in the user management information 156. That is, when receiving access from the outside, the access management module 196 permits access only when the access source and the access destination conform to the contents of the user management information 156.

  The file synchronization module 198 synchronizes data (files) held in the control device 100 with the shared area 250 generated on the mobile terminal 200. Typically, when the connection between the control device 100 and the mobile terminal 200 is established, the file synchronization module 198 copies the user management information 156 to the shared area 250 and the user by the editing operation from the mobile terminal 200. When the management information 156 is changed, the content of the change is also reflected on the user management information 156 in the control device 100. As such, the file synchronization module 198 provides a synchronization function of user management information 156 using the shared area 250 located on the connected mobile terminal 200.

  Each function and each module of control device 100 shown in FIG. 8 are typically realized by processor 102 of control device 100 executing system program 110 and user program 112, but the present invention is not limited thereto. , Any implementation can be adopted.

(E2: functional configuration of the mobile terminal 200)
FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of the mobile terminal 200 according to the present embodiment. Each function shown in FIG. 9 is typically realized by the processor 202 of the mobile terminal 200 executing the connection application program 234.

  Referring to FIG. 9, the mobile terminal 200 has, as functional configurations, a shared area manager 252, an electronic conference system connection module 260, an authentication module 262, an electronic conference application program 270, a user management module 280, and image acquisition. A module 290 and an authentication ID generation module 292 are included.

  The shared area manager 252 provides a shared area 250 for sharing data with the control device 100. The shared area manager 252 reflects the contents of the file in the shared area 250 to the control device 100 when the file in the shared area 250 is updated, and also updates the file in the shared area 250 to the file in the shared area 250. reflect. As described above, when the mobile terminal 200 is connected to the control device 100 by local communication, the shared area manager 252 provides a region in which data can be shared with the control device 100 which is the host. In the shared area 250, an authentication ID 242 used for connection authentication with the control device 100, an access key 244 used for connection with the electronic conference system, and user management information 156 existing in the control device 100. And are stored. The user management information 156 can be edited by an application program on the mobile terminal 200.

  The access key 244 may be stored in the mobile terminal 200 as a part of an application program when the application program for realizing the function according to the present embodiment is installed. Alternatively, the access key 244 may be acquired from the management server before using the function according to the present embodiment.

  The authentication module 262 executes an authentication process with the control device 100. More specifically, when the mobile terminal 200 is connected to the control device 100, the authentication module 262 executes an authentication process using the authentication ID generated by the authentication ID generation module 292.

  When the authentication process by the authentication module 262 is successful, the teleconference system connection module 260 executes connection processing with the teleconference system (conference server apparatus 400). Furthermore, the teleconference system connection module 260 mediates exchange of data between the control device 100 and the teleconference system (conference server device 400). The teleconference system connection module 260 also exchanges data between the mobile terminal 200 and the teleconference system (conference server apparatus 400).

  The teleconference application program 270 also provides the functions provided in the terminal device 500 connected to the teleconference system also on the mobile terminal 200. That is, the teleconference application program 270 provides a client function for connecting to the teleconference system. The teleconference application program 270 can also refer to information from another control device connected to the teleconference system.

  FIG. 10 is a schematic view showing an example of a screen provided by the electronic conference application program 270 of the mobile terminal 200 of the remote maintenance system 1 according to the present embodiment. Referring to FIG. 10, display 208 of mobile terminal 200 can display information from control device 100 connected to the electronic conference system. In the screen example shown in FIG. 10, based on collected information from one or more other control devices 100 instead of the control device 100 with which the mobile terminal 200 is in local communication connection, those control devices 100 are used. The operating status of the controlled plant is graphically displayed.

  More specifically, in the screen example shown in FIG. 10, there are three assembly lines and one press line as control targets. A device XXX exists in each of the assembly lines, and an indicator 602 indicating the operating state of each device is arranged in association with an object indicating each device XXX. In the press line, devices YYY and ZZZ exist, and an indicator 602 indicating the operating state of each device is arranged in association with the respective objects indicating the devices YYY and ZZZ.

  By providing the user interface screen as shown in FIG. 10, the user of the mobile terminal 200 can grasp at a glance the situation of the control object at the remote location.

  Thus, the mobile terminal 200 can display the state information managed by the control device 100 other than the control device 100 to which the mobile terminal 200 is connected. As shown in FIG. 10, state information managed by another control apparatus 100 may be acquired via the electronic conference system and displayed on the mobile terminal 200.

  Referring back to FIG. 9, user management module 280 provides a function for performing a change operation on user management information 156 stored in shared area 250. Examples of the change operation on the user management information 156 include addition / deletion of a user who gives access authority, change of the content of the access authority, and change of setting information of each user. As described above, the control device 100 has user management information 156 that defines a user who can access the control device 100. When the connection with the mobile terminal 200 is established, the control device 100 copies the user management information 156 to the shared area 250. The user management information 156 in the shared area 250 is configured to allow editing operation from the mobile terminal 200.

  Furthermore, the user management module 280 may provide a function for performing a change operation on the user management information 156 managed by the control device 100 other than the control device 100 to which the own terminal is connected.

  FIG. 11 is a schematic view showing an example of a screen provided by the user management module 280 of the mobile terminal 200 of the remote maintenance system 1 according to the present embodiment. Referring to FIG. 11, the display 208 of the mobile terminal 200 displays user management information 156 managed by the control device 100 to which the own terminal is connected.

  The user management information 156 illustrated in FIG. 11 includes a user name column 1562 for storing a user name, an additional information column 1564 for storing additional information, a level column 1566 indicating an access level, and a contact address such as an e-mail address. And an address column 1568 for storing.

  The user can update the user management information 156 displayed on the mobile terminal 200 and managed by the control device 100 of the connection destination. The update operation on the user management information 156 is realized by the user pressing the update operation button 610.

  Thus, the user management module 280 of the mobile terminal 200 has a function of displaying on the mobile terminal 200 the user management information 156 managed by the control device 100 to which the own terminal is connected, and the own terminal being connected. The function to edit / update the user management information 156 managed by the control device 100 on the own terminal and the user management information 156 managed by the control device 100 to which the own terminal is connected is newly added on the own terminal Provide a function to add management information of a specific user.

  Further, the user management module 280 of the mobile terminal 200 may update the user management information 156 managed by another control device 100 connected to the electronic conference system. In this case, it is preferable to provide an environment in which the user can easily select the target control device 100, for example, by displaying a list of other control devices 100 connected to the electronic conference system. Among the control devices 100 displayed in a list, an editing operation screen for the user management information 156 managed by the selected control device 100 may be provided. In addition, when any of the equipment or machine displayed in the screen example shown in FIG. 10 is selected, the screen transitions to a screen for editing the user management information 156 corresponding to the selected equipment or machine. It is also good.

  Thus, the user management module 280 of the mobile terminal 200 displays the user management information 156 managed by the control device 100 connected via the electronic conference system on the mobile terminal 200, and the electronic conference system And a function of editing and updating user management information 156 managed by the control device 100 connected via the user's own terminal, and a user managed by the control device 100 connected via the electronic conference system The management information 156 may be provided with a function of adding management information of a new user on the own terminal.

  Referring back to FIG. 9, the image acquisition module 290 provides a support function when acquiring an image including the identification symbol 140 from the target control device 100. More specifically, the image acquisition module 290 cooperates with the imaging application program to present necessary messages and the like to assist the imaging of the identification symbol 140 by the user. The image acquisition module 290 holds an image including the identification symbol 140 acquired by imaging.

  The authentication ID generation module 292 generates an authentication ID 242 from an image including the identification symbol 140 acquired by imaging. Specifically, the authentication ID generation module 292 performs image analysis on the image including the identification symbol 140 to specify the identification symbol 140 in the image, and from the character information indicated by the identification symbol 140, a predetermined algorithm In accordance with, the authentication ID 242 is generated. The generated authentication ID 242 is stored in the shared area 250. The authentication ID generation module 292 generates the authentication ID 242 from the identification symbol 140 attached to the control device 100 and stores the authentication ID 242 in the shared area 250.

  As described above, the image acquisition module 290 and the authentication ID generation module 292 acquire an image as information including the identification symbol 140, and use the authentication ID 242 (authentication identification information) from the information including the acquired identification symbol. It corresponds to the identification information generation unit to be generated.

<F. Processing Procedure of Main Processing in Remote Maintenance System 1>
Next, a processing procedure example of main processing in the remote maintenance system 1 according to the present embodiment will be described.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the mobile terminal 200 in the remote maintenance system 1 according to the present embodiment. The processing procedure illustrated in FIG. 12 is typically implemented by the processor 202 of the mobile terminal 200 executing the connection application program 234.

  Referring to FIG. 12, mobile terminal 200 urges the user to image identification symbol 140 arranged in control device 100 to be connected (step S100). The mobile terminal 200 acquires an image including the identification symbol 140 by performing imaging in response to a user operation (step S102). The mobile terminal 200 generates an authentication ID based on the image including the acquired identification symbol 140 (step S104).

  Subsequently, the mobile terminal 200 urges the user to establish local communication connection between the control device 100 to be connected and the own terminal (step S106). Then, it waits for the completion of the local communication connection with the control device 100 (step S108).

  When the mobile terminal 200 is connected to the control device 100 (YES in step S108), the mobile terminal 200 performs an authentication process with the control device 100 using the authentication ID generated in step S104 (step S110). If the authentication process with the control device 100 fails (NO in step S112), the mobile terminal 200 outputs an error display (step S114), and the process ends.

  If the authentication process with the control device 100 is successful (YES in step S112), the mobile terminal 200 subsequently starts the process of connecting to the electronic conference system using the access key 244 (step S116). If the connection process to the electronic conference system fails (NO in step S118), the mobile terminal 200 outputs an error display (step S114), and the process ends.

  If the connection process to the electronic conference system is successful (YES in step S118), the mobile terminal 200 displays the information acquired from the electronic conference system (step S120). The display of the information acquired from the teleconference system includes status information and the like from the control device 100 connected to the teleconference system.

  Then, the mobile terminal 200 sends the state information sent from the control device 100 to the electronic conference system, and sends the operation command sent from the electronic conference system to the control device 100 (step S122).

  Until the connection from the control device 100 to the electronic conference system via the mobile terminal 200 is cut off (YES in step S124), the process of step S122 is repeated. Thus, the control device 100 transmits the status information managed by the control device 100 to the electronic conference system (conference server device 400), and the electronic conference system (conference server device 400), the electronic conference system (conference An operation command from the terminal device 500 connected to the server device 400) is transmitted to the control device 100.

  On the other hand, when the connection from the control device 100 to the electronic conference system via the mobile terminal 200 is shut off, the process ends.

  Note that, in the mobile terminal 200, editing / updating processing on user management information is executed according to user operation.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a process procedure in control apparatus 100 for realizing the authentication process between control apparatus 100 and mobile terminal 200 shown in step S110 of FIG. The processing procedure illustrated in FIG. 13 is typically implemented by the processor 102 of the control device 100 executing the system program 110.

  Referring to FIG. 13, control device 100 acquires an authentication ID from mobile terminal 200 (step S200). Subsequently, the control device 100 collates the unique ID held in the own device with the acquired authentication ID (step S202), and notifies the mobile terminal 200 of the collation result (step S204).

  If the collation between the unique ID and the authentication ID is successful (YES in step S206), the control device 100 transmits the user management information 156 held in the own device to the mobile terminal 200 (step S208). Then, the authentication process ends.

  On the other hand, if the matching between the unique ID and the authentication ID fails (NO in step S206), the process of step S208 is not performed, and the authentication process ends.

  FIG. 14 is a flow chart showing the processing procedure in the conference server apparatus 400 for realizing the connection processing from the control device 100 to the electronic conference system shown in step S116 of FIG. The processing procedure shown in FIG. 14 is typically realized by the processor 402 of the conference server 400 executing the server program 422.

  Referring to FIG. 14, conference server apparatus 400 acquires access key 244 from mobile terminal 200 (step S300). Subsequently, the conference server device 400 executes an authentication process for the access key 244 from the mobile terminal 200 (step S302), and notifies the mobile terminal 200 of an authentication result (step S306).

  If the authentication process is successful (YES in step S306), the conference server device 400 transmits information set in advance among the information collected in the electronic conference system to the mobile terminal 200 (step S308). Then, the connection process to the electronic conference system ends.

  On the other hand, if the authentication process fails (NO in step S306), the process of step S308 is not performed, and the connection process to the electronic conference system ends.

<G. Additional function>
Next, some of the additional functions to the remote maintenance system 1 according to the above-described embodiment will be described.

(G1: billing function)
In the remote maintenance system 1 according to the present embodiment, the above-described function may be realized by installing a dedicated application program in the general-purpose mobile terminal 200. In the case of providing an application program in the form of such download, a function may be provided to charge the following usage fee.

  FIG. 15 is a schematic view showing a modification of the remote maintenance system 1 according to the present embodiment. In the remote maintenance system 1 shown in FIG. 15, a charge management server 450 is further added as compared with the remote maintenance system 1 shown in FIG. The charge management server device 450 distributes the connection application program 234 in response to a request from the mobile terminal 200, and at the same time the mobile terminal 200 is connected to the teleconference system (connection time), and / or the mobile It manages the amount of data (the amount of communication) that the terminal 200 exchanges with the teleconference system. Then, the charge management server device 450 charges, for each mobile terminal 200, an amount corresponding to the amount of access to the electronic conference system (connection time or communication amount).

  As described above, the charge management server device 450 provides the mobile terminal 200 with the connection application program 234 (connection program). Further, the charge management server device 450 may monitor the amount of access to the electronic conference system (conference server device 400) by the mobile terminal 200, and may execute the charge according to the amount of access.

  A unique access key 244 may be assigned to the connection application program 234 provided from the charge management server device 450, and the billing amount is determined for each user by associating the user with each access key 244. it can.

  Although FIG. 15 shows an example of a configuration in which the connection application program 234 is downloaded to the mobile terminal 200 via the electronic conference system, the present invention is not limited to this. The connection application program 234 itself is a normal Internet. It may be distributed for download via a line.

  The usage fee may be charged by the same method when the application program is distributed in the form of download as well as when it is used after being registered in advance.

  By providing such a charging function, it is possible to adopt a prepaid system, etc. For example, if there is an abnormality and it is necessary to temporarily connect the control device 100 to the teleconference system, it is more appropriate. It can correspond.

(G2: location notification function)
In the remote maintenance system 1 according to the present embodiment, the state information collected from the control device 100 may not include information such as a control target. Therefore, the mobile terminal 200 disposed between the control device 100 and the electronic conference system may transmit the position information. For example, the mobile terminal 200 has a function of acquiring position information such as GPS (Global Positioning System). By transmitting the position information acquired by such GPS to the electronic conference system, in the electronic conference system, it is possible to more easily identify the state information from the control device 100 installed in which facility become.

<H. Appendices>
The present embodiment as described above includes the following technical ideas.
[Configuration 1]
Network system (1),
A controller (100),
A mobile terminal (200) connectable to the control device;
And a server device (400) for receiving access from the control device,
The controller is provided with an identification symbol (140) carrying information for identifying the controller;
The mobile terminal is
Identification information generation means (292) for acquiring information including the identification symbol and generating authentication identification information (242) from the information including the acquired identification symbol;
An authentication unit (262) that executes an authentication process using the authentication identification information generated by the identification information generation unit when connected to the control device;
Connection means (260) for executing connection processing with the server device when the authentication process by the authentication means is successful;
A network system, comprising: data mediation means (260) mediating exchange of data between the control device and the server device.
[Configuration 2]
The control device determines the propriety of the authentication request by collating the unique identification information stored in advance with the authentication identification information from the mobile terminal in response to the request from the authentication unit. Network system described in.
[Configuration 3]
The network system according to Configuration 1 or 2, wherein the server device determines whether to allow connection in response to a request including an access key stored in advance in the mobile terminal.
[Configuration 4]
The network system according to any one of configurations 1 to 3, wherein the mobile terminal further comprises shared area providing means (252) for providing a shared area for sharing data with the control device.
[Configuration 5]
The control device comprises user management information (156) defining a user who can access the control device,
When the connection with the mobile terminal is established, the control device copies the user management information to the shared area (250).
The network system according to any one of configurations 1 to 4, wherein the user management information in the shared area is configured to allow editing operation from the mobile terminal.
[Configuration 6]
5. The network system according to any one of configurations 1 to 5, further comprising a management server device (450) for providing a connection program (234) to the mobile terminal.
[Configuration 7]
The network system according to Configuration 6, wherein the management server device monitors an amount of access to the server device by the mobile terminal, and executes charging according to the amount of access.
[Configuration 8]
The control device transmits state information managed by the control device to the server device.
The network system according to any one of configurations 1 to 7, wherein the server device transmits an operation command from a terminal device connected to the server device to the control device.
[Configuration 9]
A mobile terminal (200) connectable to the control device (100),
The information including the identification symbol (140) carrying information for specifying the control device given to the control device is acquired, and the identification information for authentication (242) is obtained from the information including the acquired identification symbol. Identification information generation means (292) to generate;
An authentication unit (262) that executes an authentication process using the authentication identification information generated by the identification information generation unit when connected to the control device;
Connection means (260) for executing connection processing with the server device when the authentication process by the authentication means is successful;
A mobile terminal comprising: data mediation means (260) mediating exchange of data between the control device and the server device.
[Configuration 10]
A connection program (234) executed on a mobile terminal (200) connectable to a control device (100), the mobile terminal comprising:
Acquiring information including an identification symbol carrying information for specifying the control device given to the control device, and generating authentication identification information from the information including the acquired identification symbol (S104) When,
Executing an authentication process using the generated authentication identification information when connected to the control device (S110);
Executing the connection process with the server device if the authentication process is successful (S116);
A program for connection, which executes a step of mediating exchange of data between the control device and the server device (S122).

<I. Advantages>
In general, when connecting a control device that controls a control target to a network, it is necessary to introduce a network device or a network device that secures security, such as a VPN (Virtual Private Network). In the case of adopting such a method, it has been difficult to obtain cost-effectiveness in terms of facility maintenance, since the cost and required man-hours are large.

  On the other hand, in the present embodiment, by using a general-purpose mobile terminal, network connection can be made with the control device, so that both the introduction cost and the required man-hour can be suppressed while maintaining the simple configuration. it can.

  Further, for example, when the control device and the mobile terminal are connected by USB, since the mobile terminal can be charged from the control device, continuous communication can be easily realized. In addition, with regard to the cost when using the network system, it is possible to use the payment by the application on the mobile terminal, etc., so it is possible to lower the barrier for introduction.

  It should be understood that the embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative and non-restrictive in every respect. The scope of the present invention is indicated not by the above description but by the claims, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 remote maintenance system, 2 object installation, 4 field network, 100 control apparatus, 102, 202, 402 processor, 104 chip set, 106, 206, 404 main memory, 108, 230 storage, 110 system program, 112 user program, 112 A Sequence program, 112B motion program, 116, 412 network controller, 118 memory card interface, 120 memory card, 122 internal bus controller, 124 field bus controller, 126, 128 I / O unit, 130, 218 local communication controller, 140 identification symbol , 150 setting information, 152 system setting information, 154 unique ID, 156 user management information, 170 Status information, 172 operation command, 180, 232 OS, 182 scheduler, 184 input / output update module, 186 user program execution module, 188 variable management module, 190 virtual communication module, 192 local communication host module, 194, 262 authentication module, 196 Access management module, 198 file synchronization module, 200 mobile terminal, 204, 414 internal bus, 208, 408 display, 210, 410 input unit, 212 camera, 214 microphone, 216 speaker, 220 wireless communication controller, 222 mobile communication controller, 234 Application program for connection, 240 images, 242 ID for authentication, 244 access keys, 250 shared areas, 252 shared area money , 260 electronic conference system connection module, 270 electronic conference application program, 280 user management module, 290 image acquisition module, 292 authentication ID generation module, 300 display unit, 350 operation server device, 400 conference server device, 406 hard disk , 422 server program, 450 charge management server device, 500 terminal device, 602 indicator, 610 update operation button, 1562 user name column, 1564 additional information column, 1566 level column, 1568 address column.

Claims (10)

A network system,
A controller,
A mobile terminal connectable to the control device;
And a server device,
The controller is provided with an identification symbol carrying information for identifying the controller,
The mobile terminal is
Identification information generation means for acquiring information including the identification symbol and generating authentication identification information from the information including the acquired identification symbol;
An authentication unit that executes an authentication process using the authentication identification information generated by the identification information generation unit when connected to the control device;
Connection means for executing a connection process with the server device when the authentication process by the authentication means is successful;
A network system comprising data mediation means for mediating exchange of data between the control device and the server device.   The control device determines the propriety of the authentication request by collating the unique identification information stored in advance with the authentication identification information from the mobile terminal in response to the request from the authentication unit. The network system according to 1.   The network system according to claim 1, wherein the server device determines whether or not connection is possible in response to a request including an access key stored in advance in the mobile terminal.   The network system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the mobile terminal further comprises shared area providing means for providing a shared area for sharing data with the control device. The control device has user management information that defines a user who can access the control device,
When the connection with the mobile terminal is established, the control device copies the user management information to the shared area;
The network system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the user management information in the shared area is configured to allow editing operation from the mobile terminal.   The network system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a management server device that provides a connection program to the mobile terminal.   The network system according to claim 6, wherein the management server device monitors an amount of access to the server device by the mobile terminal, and executes charging according to the amount of access. The control device transmits state information managed by the control device to the server device.
The network system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the server device transmits an operation command from a terminal device connected to the server device to the control device. A mobile terminal connectable to the control device,
Identification information generation means for acquiring information including an identification symbol carrying information for specifying the control device given to the control device, and generating authentication identification information from the information including the acquired identification symbol When,
An authentication unit that executes an authentication process using the authentication identification information generated by the identification information generation unit when connected to the control device;
Connection means for executing a connection process with the server device when the authentication process by the authentication means is successful;
A mobile terminal comprising data mediation means for mediating exchange of data between the control device and the server device. A program for connection executed in a mobile terminal connectable to a control device, the mobile terminal comprising:
Acquiring information including an identification symbol carrying information for specifying the control device given to the control device, and generating authentication identification information from the information including the acquired identification symbol;
Executing an authentication process using the generated authentication identification information when connected to the control device;
Executing the connection process with the server device if the authentication process is successful;
A program for connection, which executes the step of mediating exchange of data between the control device and the server device.

Images