JP2020194444A - Data repeating device, data repeating method, monitoring system, server device, terminal device, and computer program - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a data repeating device, a data repeating method, a monitoring system, a server device, a terminal device and a computer program with which it is possible to transmit and receive data by a method that corresponds to the type of data, etc.SOLUTION: A data repeating device comprises: a receive unit for receiving the data transmitted by the device being monitored; a first generation unit for generating first data of time series from the data received by the receive unit; a first transmission processing unit for transmitting the first data generated by the first generation unit to a server device; a second generation unit for generating second data pertaining to the device being monitored, on the basis of the data received by the receive unit; and a second transmission processing unit for transmitting the second data generated by the second generation unit to the server device. The first transmission processing unit does not retransmit the first data when failed to transmit the first data to the server device, and the second transmission processing unit retransmits the second data when failed to transmit the second data to the server device.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

The present invention relates to a data relay device, a data relay method, a monitoring system, a server device, a terminal device, and a computer program for monitoring a monitored device.

In recent years, with the development of communication technology and the development of IOT (Internet Of Things) technology, remote monitoring systems have begun to be introduced in various environments. In the remote monitoring system, various data are aggregated from various devices such as a control device or a sensor to a server device via wired or wireless communication. The user accesses the server device using a terminal device such as a personal computer or a smartphone, acquires and browses various data collected in the server device, and thereby, the operating state of the device to be monitored and the presence or absence of a failure. Etc. can be grasped remotely.

Patent Document 1 proposes a remote monitoring system in which a remote monitoring device monitors the state of a remote monitoring target device. In this remote monitoring system, the remote monitoring device receives the abnormality notification information from the remote monitoring target device, and transmits the received notification information to the monitoring server. The monitoring server notifies the monitored computer of the received notification information by e-mail or the like.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2004-295162

Various data can be included in the data related to the monitored device aggregated in the server device. Regarding data transmission to the server device, a suitable transmission method may differ depending on the type of data and the like, but the conventional monitoring system has not sufficiently examined the data transmission method.

The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object of the present invention is a data relay device, a data relay method, a monitoring system, which can transmit and receive data by a method according to a data type and the like. The purpose is to provide a server device, a terminal device, and a computer program.

The data relay device according to the present invention includes a receiving unit that receives data transmitted by the monitored device, a first generation unit that generates first time-series data from the data received by the receiving unit, and the first generation unit. A first transmission processing unit that transmits the first data generated by the unit to the server device, a second generation unit that generates second data related to the monitored device based on the data received by the receiving unit, and the first generation unit. 2 A second transmission processing unit that transmits the second data generated by the generation unit to the server device is provided, and the first transmission processing unit fails to transmit the first data to the server device. The second transmission processing unit does not retransmit the first data, and when the transmission of the second data to the server device fails, the second data is retransmitted.

Further, in the data relay device according to the present invention, the data that the second generation unit has accumulated the data received by the reception unit over a predetermined period is used as the second data.

Further, in the data relay device according to the present invention, the second generation unit generates the second data related to the state change of the monitored device.

Further, in the data relay device according to the present invention, the data extracted by the first generation unit from a predetermined position of the data received by the reception unit is used as the first data, and the second generation unit is the receiving unit. Data indicating the state of the monitored device is extracted from a predetermined position of the received data, and the second data related to the state change of the monitored device is generated based on the plurality of the data extracted in time series.

Further, the data relay device according to the present invention includes a storage unit that stores the first data, and stores the first data in the storage unit after the first data is transmitted by the first transmission processing unit regardless of the success or failure of the transmission. The first data that has been created is erased.

Further, the data relay device according to the present invention includes a non-volatile storage unit that stores the second data or data for generating the second data, and the second transmission processing unit transmits the second data. The storage unit stores the second data or the data for generating the second data until the result is successful.

Further, in the data relay method according to the present invention, the data transmitted by the monitored device is received, the first data in time series is generated from the received data, and the generated first data is transmitted to the server device and received. When the second data related to the monitored device is generated based on the data, the generated second data is transmitted to the server device, and the transmission of the first data to the server device fails, the first data is generated. If the transmission of the second data to the server device fails without retransmitting the data, the second data is retransmitted.

Further, the monitoring system according to the present invention is a monitoring system in which a server device acquires data related to a monitored device via a data relay device, and the data relay device receives data transmitted by the monitored device. A receiving unit, a first generation unit that generates first time-series data from the data received by the receiving unit, and a first transmission processing unit that transmits the first data generated by the first generation unit to the server device. , A second generation unit that generates the second data related to the monitored device based on the data received by the reception unit, and a second transmission that transmits the second data generated by the second generation unit to the server device. The first transmission processing unit has a processing unit, and when the transmission of the first data to the server device fails, the first data is not retransmitted, and the second transmission processing unit does not retransmit the first data. When the transmission of the second data to the server device fails, the second data is retransmitted, and the server device transmits the first data and the second data transmitted by the data relay device. A receiving unit for receiving, a storage unit for storing the first data and the second data received by the receiving unit, and a transmission for transmitting the first data and the second data stored in the storage unit to the terminal device. Has a part.

Further, the server device according to the present invention transmits the first data related to the monitored device without retransmitting when the transmission fails, and retransmits the second data related to the monitored device when the transmission fails. A receiving unit that receives the first data and the second data from the data relay device that performs and transmits the data, a storage unit that stores the first data and the second data received by the receiving unit, and the storage unit. The unit includes a transmission unit that transmits the first data and the second data stored in the unit to the terminal device.

Further, in the server device according to the present invention, the transmission unit transmits the first data and the second data to the terminal device in response to a request from the terminal device.

In addition, the server device according to the present invention includes a complementary unit that complements the first data that was not transmitted from the data relay device due to a transmission failure based on the second data received by the receiving unit.

Further, the terminal device according to the present invention is the first data related to the monitoring target transmitted from the data relay device without retransmitting when the transmission fails, and the first data transmitted by retransmitting when the transmission fails. 2 The monitoring based on the receiving unit that receives the first data and the second data transmitted by the server device that receives and stores the data, and the first data and the second data received by the receiving unit. It is provided with a display processing unit that displays information related to the target on the display unit.

Further, in the terminal device according to the present invention, the receiving unit requests the server device to transmit data, receives the data transmitted by the server device in response to the request, and the display processing unit receives the data. Updates the display on the display unit each time the data is received.

Further, the computer program according to the present invention receives data transmitted by the monitored device to the computer, generates first time-series data from the received data, and transmits the generated first data to the server device. When the second data related to the monitored device is generated based on the received data, the generated second data is transmitted to the server device, and the transmission of the first data to the server device fails, the said When the transmission of the second data to the server device fails without retransmitting the first data, the process of retransmitting the second data is executed.

Further, the computer program according to the present invention transmits the first data related to the monitored device to the computer without retransmitting when the transmission fails, and when the transmission fails to transmit the second data related to the monitored device. The first data and the second data are received from the data relay device that retransmits and transmits the first data, and the received first data and the second data are stored in the storage unit, and the stored first data. And the process of transmitting the second data to the terminal device is executed.

Further, the computer program according to the present invention transmits the first data related to the monitoring target to be transmitted from the data relay device to the computer without retransmitting when the transmission fails, and retransmits when the transmission fails. Information related to the monitoring target based on the first data and the second data received by receiving the first data and the second data transmitted by the server device that receives and stores the second data. Is executed on the display unit.

In the present invention, a data relay device is interposed between the monitored device and the server device to relay data. The data relay device receives the data transmitted from the monitored device, generates the first data from the received data, and transmits the first data to the server device. At this time, the data relay device does not retransmit the first data even if the transmission to the server device fails. Further, the data relay device generates the second data based on the received data and transmits it to the server device. At this time, if the data relay device fails to transmit to the server device, the data relay device retransmits the second data. The data relay device provides two data transmission methods, that is, transmission of the first data that is not retransmitted and transmission of the second data that is retransmitted, to a server device suitable for the type of data and the like. Data transmission can be realized. The first data may include a plurality of types of data having different transmission cycles, intended uses, data structures, and the like. Similarly, the second data may include a plurality of types of data having different transmission cycles, intended uses, data structures, and the like.

Further, in the present invention, the data relay device transmits the data received from the monitored device to the server device as the second data to be retransmitted by accumulating the data over a predetermined period. As a result, the accumulated data including the first data that was not retransmitted can be transmitted to the server device as the second data, and the server device can acquire the first data that could not be received.

Further, in the present invention, the data relay device generates data related to the state change of the monitored device based on the data received from the monitored device, and transmits the generated data as the second data to the server device. As a result, the state change of the monitored device can be reliably transmitted to the server device.

Further, in the present invention, the data relay device uses data extracted from a predetermined position of data received from the monitored device as the first data. Further, the data relay device extracts data indicating the state of the monitored device from a predetermined position of the received data, and generates data related to the state change of the monitored device based on a plurality of data extracted in time series. As a result, the data transmitted from the monitored device can include a plurality of types of data, and the data relay device can generate the first data and the second data from a predetermined position of the data received from the monitored device.

Further, in the present invention, the storage unit of the data relay device stores the first data, and after the transmission of the first data, the first data is erased regardless of the success or failure of the transmission. As a result, it is possible to prevent the first data that is not retransmitted from being continuously stored and pressing the storage capacity of the storage unit.

Further, in the present invention, the data relay device stores the second data or the data for generating the second data in the non-volatile storage unit. The data relay device stores the second data or the data for generating the second data until the transmission is successful, and then erases the data after the transmission is successful. As a result, it is possible to prevent the second data that needs to be retransmitted from being lost.

Further, in the present invention, the server device that has received the first data and the second data related to the monitored device from the data relay device stores the received first data and the second data. The server device transmits the stored first data and the second data to the terminal device. The terminal device receives the first data and the second data from the server device, and displays the information related to the monitoring target on the display unit. As a result, the server device accumulates the data related to the monitored device, and the user can browse the data stored in the server by using the terminal device.

Further, in the present invention, the server device transmits the first data or the second data in response to a request from the terminal device. The terminal device requests the server device to transmit the first data or the second data, and updates the display of the display unit each time the first data or the second data is received from the server device in response to the request. As a result, the terminal device can acquire the data accumulated by the server device and display information about the monitored device.

Further, in the present invention, the server device complements the first data that was not transmitted from the data relay device due to the transmission failure based on the second data transmitted by the data relay device. As a result, the server device can acquire the first data that is not retransmitted by complementation based on the second data, and can reliably store and store the data related to the monitored device.

According to the present invention, data can be transmitted and received by a method according to the data type and the like.

It is a schematic diagram for demonstrating the outline of the monitoring system which concerns on this Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the gateway which concerns on this Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the server apparatus which concerns on this embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the terminal apparatus which concerns on this embodiment. It is a schematic diagram for demonstrating the structure of the data which a printing facility transmits to a gateway. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the log stored in the log storage part of the gateway. It is a schematic diagram for demonstrating the structure of the real-time data transmitted by a gateway. It is a schematic diagram for demonstrating the structure of the processing data transmitted by a gateway. It is a schematic diagram for demonstrating the structure of the past log data transmitted by a gateway. It is a schematic diagram for demonstrating the structure of the printing equipment DB of a server apparatus. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the real-time display of the information about a printing facility by a terminal device. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the operation status display of the information about a printing facility by a terminal device. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the period display of the information about a printing facility by a terminal device. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the data transmission processing performed by the printing equipment which concerns on this Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the data reception processing performed by the gateway which concerns on this Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the real-time data transmission processing performed by the gateway which concerns on this Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the transmission processing of the processing data performed by the gateway which concerns on this Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the transmission processing of the past log data performed by the gateway which concerns on this Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the process performed by the server apparatus which concerns on this Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the process performed by the terminal apparatus which concerns on this Embodiment.

Specific examples of the monitoring system according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to these examples, and is indicated by the scope of claims, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the scope of claims.

<System overview>
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram for explaining an outline of the monitoring system according to the present embodiment. The monitoring system according to the present embodiment is a system for remotely monitoring the state of one or a plurality of printing facilities 2 installed in the factory 1. In the present embodiment, the configuration of the monitoring system will be described by taking the printing equipment 2 of the factory 1 as an example of the monitoring target device, but the monitoring target device is not limited to the printing equipment 2 of the factory 1 and is various devices. Good. For example, the monitored device may be a device such as a wearable terminal worn by a person.

Factory 1 is a factory that produces books, posters, etc. by printing characters, images, etc. on paper media, for example. The factory 1 is provided with a printing facility 2 for printing on a paper medium. The printing facility 2 includes a tank for storing ink or toner for printing, a roller mechanism for transporting a paper medium, a printing mechanism for printing on a paper medium, a control mechanism for controlling the operation thereof, and these. It may include a sensor or the like that detects the temperature or the like related to the operation. A plurality of printing facilities 2 may be provided in one factory 1.

The printing facility 2 according to the present embodiment has a communication function for transmitting and receiving data via a communication line provided in the factory 1. One or a plurality of printing facilities 2 are connected to a gateway 3 provided in the factory 1 via a communication line. Note that FIG. 1 shows a configuration in which a plurality of printing facilities 2 are connected in a bus type, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a plurality of printing facilities 2 are connected in a star shape centering on a gateway 3. You may. Further, the printing equipment 2 and the gateway 3 may perform wireless communication instead of wired communication.

Each printing facility 2 displays, for example, the numerical information of the detection result obtained by detecting the remaining amount of ink or toner with the sensor, the numerical information of the detection result obtained by detecting the temperature or humidity of the device with the sensor, and the operating state of each mechanism. Data including various information such as the flag information to be shown is transmitted to the gateway 3. The data transmitted by the printing equipment 2 in the present embodiment includes numerical information and flag information. Each printing facility 2 repeatedly transmits this data at a predetermined cycle (for example, once every several seconds to several tens of seconds).

The gateway 3 is provided in the factory 1 and can communicate with one or more printing facilities 2 via a communication line in the factory 1. Further, the gateway 3 can communicate with the server device 4 by wireless communication using, for example, a mobile phone communication network or a wireless LAN (Local Area Network). However, the gateway 3 and the server device 4 may perform wired communication. The gateway 3 receives data periodically transmitted by the printing equipment 2, and performs a process of transmitting the received data to the server device 4. In the present embodiment, the gateway 3 transmits three types of data, (1) real-time data transmission, (2) processing data transmission, and (3) past log data transmission, based on the data received from the printing equipment 2. Is performed on the server device 4.

(1) Real-time data transmission The gateway 3 transmits data received from the printing equipment 2 to the server device 4 at a cycle similar to the data transmission cycle of the printing equipment 2 (for example, once every several seconds to several tens of seconds). Send. The gateway 3 acquires numerical information and flag information included in the received data from the printing equipment 2, generates one transmission data including a plurality of acquired information regarding the plurality of printing equipment 2, and transmits the transmission data to the server device 4. .. The real-time data does not have to include flag information.

(2) Transmission of processing data The gateway 3 refers to the flag information included in the plurality of data received from the printing equipment 2 in time series, and determines whether or not the state of the printing equipment 2 shown in the flag information has changed. .. The gateway 3 generates data indicating a change in flag information, and transmits this as processed data to the server device 4. The gateway 3 transmits processing data indicating a state change of the printing equipment 2 to the server device 4 at a cycle longer than the real-time data transmission cycle (for example, once every several tens of seconds to several minutes).

(3) Transmission of past log data The gateway 3 stores numerical information and flag information included in the received data from the printing equipment 2 over a predetermined period (for example, several hours to several days). The gateway 3 transmits all the stored information as past log data to the server device 4 with this predetermined period as a cycle. After the transmission of the past log data is completed, the gateway 3 may delete the stored past log data.

When the server device 4 receives the data from the gateway 3, the server device 4 gives a notification of the completion of reception to the gateway 3. The presence / absence of this notification allows the gateway 3 to determine whether the data transmission was successful or unsuccessful. When the gateway 3 fails to transmit the data to the server device 4, the gateway 3 can retransmit the data. However, the gateway 3 according to the present embodiment does not retransmit the above real-time data even if the data transmission fails. The gateway 3 retransmits the processed data and the past log data when the data transmission fails. The cause of the communication failure by the gateway 3 and the server device 4 may be any.

The server device 4 is installed outside the factory 1, for example, in a data center or the like. The server device 4 can send and receive data to and from the gateway 3 and the terminal device 5 and the like via wired or wireless communication. The server device 4 according to the present embodiment receives data transmitted from the gateway 3, stores and stores the received data. The server device 4 may store not only the data related to one factory 1 but also the data related to a plurality of factories 1.

Each time the server device 4 according to the present embodiment receives the above-mentioned real-time data transmitted from the gateway 3 at a predetermined cycle, the numerical information and flag information of one or more printing facilities 2 included in the received real-time data. And store the acquired information. In the present embodiment, the gateway 3 does not retransmit even if the transmission of real-time data fails. Therefore, the real-time data received and stored by the server device 4 may be lost in time series. Therefore, the server device 4 according to the present embodiment complements the numerical information and the flag information related to the real-time data that could not be received based on the processing data and the past log data received thereafter. However, the server device 4 may be configured to store past log data instead of storing real-time data.

Further, the server device 4 provides the stored information about the printing equipment 2 to the terminal device 5 used by the user. The server device 4 extracts necessary information from the accumulated information in response to a request from the terminal device 5, and transmits data including the extracted information to the terminal device 5. The terminal device 5 is a personal computer, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or the like, and may be a general-purpose information processing device having a communication function and a user interface. The user accesses the server device 4 by using an application program such as an Internet browser of the terminal device 5, and selects various menus or the like displayed on the browser to select the desired printing equipment of the desired factory 1. Information about 2 can be displayed on the terminal device 5.

For example, the user can display the remaining amount of ink, toner, etc. of the specific printing equipment 2 on the terminal device 5 in real time. In this case, a request for real-time display is given from the terminal device 5 to the server device 4, and the server device 4 transmits the real-time data received from the gateway 3 to the terminal device 5 in response to the request, so that the terminal device 5 is in real time. The display is realized. Further, for example, the user can display on the terminal device 5 the change in the remaining amount of ink, toner, etc. of the printing equipment 2 for one month. In this case, the terminal device 5 gives the server device 4 a request for displaying the remaining amount for one month, and in response to this request, the server device 4 acquires the accumulated information for one month and transmits it to the terminal device 5. As a result, the remaining amount display for one month is realized in the terminal device 5. The information display by the terminal device 5 is an example, and is not limited to this.

Further, in the monitoring system according to the present embodiment, the user can remotely control the printing equipment 2 by using the terminal device 5. For example, the user can give a control command for stopping the operation of the printing equipment 2 by using the terminal device 5. The terminal device 5 transmits the received control command to the server device 4 based on the user's operation. The server device 4 transmits the control command received from the terminal device 5 to the gateway 3. The gateway 3 transmits the received control command to the printing facility 2 to be controlled. The printing facility 2 that has received the control command performs control according to the received control command.

<Device configuration>
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the gateway 3 according to the present embodiment. The gateway 3 according to the present embodiment includes a processing unit (processor) 31, a storage unit (storage) 32, a transmission / reception buffer 33, a first communication unit (transceiver) 34, a second communication unit (transceiver) 35, and the like. Has been done. The processing unit 31 is configured by using an arithmetic processing unit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (Micro-Processing Unit). The processing unit 31 reads and executes the program 32a stored in the storage unit 32 to perform various processes for relaying data transmission / reception between the printing equipment 2 and the server device 4.

The storage unit 32 is configured by using, for example, a non-volatile memory element such as a flash memory, a magnetic storage device such as a hard disk, or the like. The storage unit 32 stores various programs executed by the processing unit 31 and various data required for processing by the processing unit 31. In the present embodiment, the storage unit 32 is provided with a log storage unit 32b that stores the program 32a executed by the processing unit 31 and stores the information included in the message received from the printing equipment 2 over a predetermined period. Has been done.

The program 32a may be written to the storage unit 32, for example, at the manufacturing stage of the gateway 3. For example, in the program 32a, the gateway 3 may acquire what is distributed by the server device 4 or other server devices or the like by communication. For example, in the program 32a, the gateway 3 may read the program 32a recorded on the recording medium 99 such as a memory card or an optical disk and store it in the storage unit 32. For example, in the program 32a, the writing device may read what has been recorded on the recording medium 99 and write it in the storage unit 32 of the gateway 3. The program 32a may be provided in the form of distribution via the network, or may be provided in the form recorded on the recording medium 99.

The transmission / reception buffer 33 is configured by using a volatile memory element such as a SRAM (Static Random Access Memory) or a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory). The transmission / reception buffer 33 temporarily stores the reception data received by the first communication unit 34 and the second communication unit 35, the transmission data generated by the processing unit 31, and the like.

The first communication unit 34 is connected to one or more printing facilities 2 via a communication line provided in the factory 1. For the connection between the gateway 3 and the printing equipment 2, for example, a standard such as RS-232C may be adopted, but the present invention is not limited to this, and various standards may be used. The first communication unit 34 receives the data transmitted from the printing equipment 2 and gives the received data to the processing unit 31 via the transmission / reception buffer 33. Further, the first communication unit 34 transmits the transmission data given by the processing unit 31 to the printing facility 2 via the transmission / reception buffer 33.

The second communication unit 35 can communicate with various devices via the network N including the Internet, wireless LAN, mobile phone communication network, and the like. In the present embodiment, the second communication unit 35 communicates with the server device 4 via the network N. The second communication unit 35 transmits the data given by the processing unit 31 to the server device 4 via the transmission / reception buffer 33. Further, the second communication unit 35 gives the received data received from the server device 4 to the processing unit 31 via the transmission / reception buffer 33.

Further, in the processing unit 31 of the gateway 3 according to the present embodiment, the processing unit 31 reads and executes the program 32a stored in the storage unit 32, so that the receiving processing unit 31a, the data acquisition unit 31b, and the data generation unit 31b are executed. The 31c, the transmission processing unit 31d, and the like are realized as software-like functional blocks. The reception processing unit 31a performs a process of receiving the data from the printing equipment 2 by acquiring the received data received from the printing equipment 2 by the first communication unit 34 from the transmission / reception buffer 33. Similarly, the reception processing unit 31a performs a process of receiving the data from the server device 4 by acquiring the received data received from the server device 4 from the transmission / reception buffer 33 by the second communication unit 35.

The data acquisition unit 31b performs a process of extracting and acquiring numerical information and flag information included in the data received from the printing equipment 2 received by the reception processing unit 31a. The numerical information and flag information acquired by the data acquisition unit 31b are information transmitted as real-time data and also information stored as log information. The data acquisition unit 31b adds identification information for identifying the printing equipment 2 that is the source of this data, information on the date and time when this data was received, and the like to the acquired numerical information and flag information, and stores the log in the storage unit 32. It is stored in the part 32b.

The data generation unit 31c performs a process of generating data to be transmitted to the server device 4 based on the information acquired by the data acquisition unit 31b and the information stored in the log storage unit 32b. The data generation unit 31c generates real-time data for transmission by adding a header, a footer, or the like to the numerical information and the flag information acquired by the data acquisition unit 31b. Further, the data generation unit 31c compares with the flag information of the data received immediately before each time the data acquisition unit 31b acquires the flag information, and extracts the data in which the flag information has changed, thereby extracting the data. Generates processing data indicating a change in flag information (indicating a change in the state of the printing facility 2). Further, the data generation unit 31c generates past log data by reading out a plurality of information accumulated in the log storage unit 32b over a predetermined period and putting them together.

The transmission processing unit 31d performs a process of transmitting the data for transmission generated by the data generation unit 31c to the server device 4 at a predetermined cycle. The transmission processing unit 31d can store the data for transmission in the transmission / reception buffer 33 and give a transmission command to the second communication unit 35 to transmit this data to the server device 4. The transmission processing unit 31d transmits real-time data at a cycle of, for example, once every few seconds to several tens of seconds. The transmission processing unit 31d transmits processing data at a cycle of, for example, once every several tens of seconds to several minutes. The transmission processing unit 31d transmits the past log data at a cycle of, for example, once every several hours to several days. The cycle in which the data generation unit 31c generates each data may be the same as the transmission cycle of each data.

Further, the transmission processing unit 31d performs a process of retransmitting the data when the transmission of the data to the server device 4 fails. After completing the reception of the data from the gateway 3, the server device 4 notifies the gateway 3 of the completion of the reception. If the gateway 3 does not receive the reception completion notification from the server device 4 within a predetermined time after the data is transmitted, the gateway 3 determines that the data transmission has failed and retransmits the data. However, in the present embodiment, the transmission processing unit 31d does not retransmit the real-time data even if the transmission fails. The transmission processing unit 31d retransmits the processed data and the past log data when the transmission fails.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the server device 4 according to the present embodiment. The server device 4 according to the present embodiment includes a processing unit (processor) 41, a storage unit (storage) 42, a communication unit (transceiver) 43, and the like. The processing unit 41 is configured by using an arithmetic processing unit such as a CPU or MPU. The processing unit 41 reads and executes the server program 42a stored in the storage unit 42 to store data related to the printing equipment 2 transmitted from the gateway 3, and data related to the printing equipment 2 to the terminal device 5. Performs various processes such as a process of transmitting.

The storage unit 42 is configured by using a large-capacity storage device such as a hard disk. The storage unit 42 stores various programs executed by the processing unit 41 and various data required for processing by the processing unit 41. In the present embodiment, the storage unit 42 stores the server program 42a executed by the processing unit 41. Further, the storage unit 42 is provided with a printing equipment DB (database) 42b for accumulating data related to the printing equipment 2.

The server program 42a may be written to the storage unit 42, for example, at the manufacturing stage of the server device 4. For example, in the server program 42a, the server device 4 may acquire what is distributed by another remote server device or the like by communication. For example, in the server program 42a, the server device 4 may read the server program 42a recorded on the recording medium 98 such as a memory card or an optical disk and store it in the storage unit 42. For example, in the server program 42a, the writing device may read what was recorded on the recording medium 98 and write it in the storage unit 42 of the server device 4. The server program 42a may be provided in a mode of distribution via a network, or may be provided in a mode recorded on a recording medium 98.

The printing facility DB 42b stores information such as numerical information and flag information included in the data received from the gateway 3, that is, information related to the printing facility 2. The information about the printing equipment 2 is stored in association with the identification information for identifying the factory 1, the identification information for identifying the printing equipment 2, and the information such as the date and time when the gateway 3 acquired the information. The printing facility DB 42b stores such information for a long period of several years to several decades, for example.

The communication unit 43 can communicate with various devices via a network N including the Internet, a wireless LAN, a mobile phone communication network, and the like. In the present embodiment, the communication unit 43 communicates with the gateway 3, the terminal device 5, and the like via the network N. The communication unit 43 transmits the data given by the processing unit 41 to another device, and gives the data received from the other device to the processing unit 41.

The storage unit 42 may be an external storage device connected to the server device 4. Further, the server device 4 may be a multi-computer including a plurality of computers, or may be a virtual machine virtually constructed by software. Further, the server device 4 is not limited to the above configuration, and may include, for example, a reading unit that reads information stored in a portable storage medium, an input unit that accepts operation input, a display unit that displays an image, and the like. ..

Further, in the processing unit 41 of the server device 4 according to the present embodiment, the processing unit 41 reads out and executes the server program 42a stored in the storage unit 42, thereby complementing the receiving processing unit 41a, the transmission processing unit 41b, and the processing unit 41. The unit 41c, the data processing unit 41d, and the like are realized as software-like functional blocks. The reception processing unit 41a performs a process of receiving the data transmitted from the gateway 3 via the network N by the communication unit 43. When the reception processing unit 41a receives the real-time data transmitted from the gateway 3, the reception processing unit 41a stores the information included in the data in the printing equipment DB 42b of the storage unit 42. When the reception processing unit 41a receives the processing data and the past log data transmitted from the gateway 3, the reception processing unit 41a gives the information included in the data to the complement unit 41c.

The transmission processing unit 41b performs a process of transmitting various data stored in the printing equipment DB 42b to the terminal device 5 via the network N by the communication unit 43. For example, the transmission processing unit 41b extracts information about a predetermined period and a predetermined printing facility 2 from the printing facility DB 42b in response to a request from the terminal device 5, and transfers data including the extracted information to the requesting terminal device 5. Send. Further, for example, when the terminal device 5 displays information about the printing equipment 2 in real time, the transmission processing unit 41b acquires the information included in the data received by the reception processing unit 41a, and the terminal device 5 needs this information. You may send to.

The complement unit 41c performs a process of complementing the information stored in the printing equipment DB 42b based on the processing data from the gateway 3 and the past log data received by the reception processing unit 41a. Since the real-time data transmitted by the gateway 3 is not retransmitted when the transmission fails, the information stored in the printing facility DB 42b based on the real-time data may be lost. For example, the complement unit 41c receives the past log data accumulated over a predetermined period at the gateway 3, extracts information not stored in the printing equipment DB 42b from the past log data, and prints the extracted information. By storing in the equipment DB 42b, the missing information of the printing equipment DB 42b can be supplemented.

The data processing unit 41d performs various processing processes on the data received from the gateway 3. For example, the data processing unit 41d can acquire numerical information about a specific printing facility 2 included in the past log data, and can generate data such as an average value or a deviation value for the acquired plurality of numerical information. Further, for example, the data processing unit 41d can generate image data obtained by graphing a plurality of numerical information. The data generated by the data processing unit 41d is not limited to the above, and various data can be generated by the processing of the data processing unit 41d.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the terminal device 5 according to the present embodiment. The terminal device 5 according to the present embodiment includes a processing unit (processor) 51, a storage unit (storage) 52, a communication unit (transceiver) 53, a display unit 54, an operation unit 55, and the like. The processing unit 51 is configured by using an arithmetic processing unit such as a CPU or MPU. By reading and executing the program 52a stored in the storage unit 52, the processing unit 51 performs various processes such as communication processing with the server device 4 and processing for displaying information about the printing equipment 2.

The storage unit 52 is configured by using a non-volatile memory element such as a flash memory. The storage unit 52 stores various programs executed by the processing unit 51 and various data required for processing by the processing unit 51. In the present embodiment, the storage unit 52 stores the program 52a executed by the processing unit 51. The program 52a may be written to the storage unit 52, for example, at the manufacturing stage of the terminal device 5. For example, in the program 52a, the terminal device 5 may acquire what is distributed by a remote server device or the like by communication. For example, in the program 52a, the terminal device 5 may read the program 52a recorded on the recording medium 97 such as a memory card or an optical disk and store it in the storage unit 52. For example, in the program 52a, the writing device may read what has been recorded on the recording medium 97 and write it in the storage unit 52 of the terminal device 5. The program 52a may be provided in the form of distribution via the network, or may be provided in the form recorded on the recording medium 97.

The communication unit 53 can communicate with various devices via a network N including the Internet, a wireless LAN, a mobile phone communication network, and the like. In the present embodiment, the communication unit 53 communicates with the server device 4 via the network N. The communication unit 53 transmits the data given by the processing unit 51 to the server device 4, and also gives the data received from the server device 4 to the processing unit 51.

The display unit 54 is configured by using a liquid crystal display or the like, and displays various images, characters, and the like based on the processing of the processing unit 51. The operation unit 55 accepts a user's operation by an input device such as a touch panel, a keyboard, or a mouse, and notifies the processing unit 51 of the accepted operation.

Further, in the terminal device 5 according to the present embodiment, the processing unit 51 reads out and executes the program 52a stored in the storage unit 52, so that the receiving processing unit 51a, the display processing unit 51b, and the like act as software-like functional blocks. It will be realized. The reception processing unit 51a performs a process of receiving the data transmitted from the server device 4 via the network N by the communication unit 53. The reception processing unit 51a gives the information included in the received data to the display processing unit 51b.

The display processing unit 51b performs a process of displaying information about the printing equipment 2 on the display unit 54 based on the information included in the data received by the reception processing unit 51a. In the present embodiment, the display processing unit 51b can perform three types of display: real-time display based on real-time data, flag information display based on processing data, and period display based on past log data.

<Data relay processing>
FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram for explaining the configuration of data transmitted by the printing equipment 2 to the gateway 3. The data transmitted by the printing equipment 2 in the present embodiment has a structure in which a header unit, a data unit, and a footer unit are connected. The header section includes, for example, identification information such as the ID or address of the printing equipment 2 that is the source of this data, and identification information such as the ID or address of the gateway 3 that is the destination of the data. Various information about the printing equipment 2 is stored in the data unit. The footer portion includes, for example, information for error detection or error correction of this data.

The transmission data of the printing equipment 2 has, for example, a predetermined data length, the head portion is assigned to the header portion, the end portion is assigned to the footer portion, and the portion between them is assigned to the data portion. How to use the data unit having a predetermined data length and what kind of information is transmitted may be different for each printing facility 2. In the illustrated example, the printing facility A divides the data unit into three areas, stores numerical information in the first area, stores flag information in the second area, and stores numerical information in the third area. doing. Further, the printing facility B divides the data unit into two areas, stores numerical information in the first area, and stores flag information in the second area.

Each printing facility 2 acquires, for example, numerical information related to the detection result of the sensor and flag information indicating its own operating state, etc., generates data in the illustrated format, and transmits the data to the gateway 3 at a predetermined cycle. .. The gateway 3 stores in advance information such as a table indicating what kind of information is stored in the data unit of the data transmitted by each printing facility 2 in the storage unit 32. The data acquisition unit 31b of the gateway 3 acquires numerical information and flag information from an appropriate position of the received data based on this table.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a log stored in the log storage unit 32b of the gateway 3. The gateway 3 according to the present embodiment receives data from the printing equipment 2 provided in the factory 1, acquires the information included in the received data, and stores it in the log storage unit 32b of the storage unit 32. The log storage unit 32b contains information such as an ID that identifies the printing equipment 2 of the data transmission source, numerical information and flag information stored in the data unit of the received data, and information on the reception date and time when this data is received. It is stored in association with each other. The gateway 3 can acquire the ID of the printing equipment 2 from the header portion of the received data. Further, the gateway 3 has a function of clocking the date and time, and the information of the data reception date and time can be acquired by this timing function.

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram for explaining the configuration of real-time data transmitted by the gateway 3. The gateway 3 according to the present embodiment generates real-time data having the configuration shown in the figure based on the information stored in the log storage unit 32b at a predetermined cycle (for example, once every several seconds to several tens of seconds). Send to the server device 4. The real-time data includes a gateway ID that identifies the gateway 3, date and time information for transmitting the real-time data, and information about one or more printing facilities 2.

The information about each printing facility 2 included in the real-time data includes information such as an ID that identifies the printing facility 2, information on the data part of the data received from the printing facility 2, and information on the date and time when this data was received. Are included, and these are also the information stored in the log storage unit 32b. The number of information about the printing equipment 2 included in the real-time data is the number of the printing equipments 2 connected to the gateway 3 at the maximum. That is, the real-time data includes one latest information about each printing facility 2.

When the gateway 3 reaches the transmission timing of the real-time data, the gateway 3 acquires the latest information about each printing facility 2 from the plurality of information stored in the log storage unit 32b, and the real-time data including the acquired plurality of information. Is generated and transmitted to the server device 4. At this time, the gateway 3 targets the information included in the data received from the printing equipment 2 after the previous transmission of the real-time data as the information included in the current real-time data. If the latest information about the printing facility 2 has already been transmitted as the previous real-time data, this information does not need to be included in the current real-time data.

The gateway 3 stores the generated real-time data in the transmission / reception buffer 33, and transmits the real-time data to the server device 4 by giving a transmission command to the second communication unit 35. When the server device 4 receives the data from the gateway 3, it notifies the completion of reception, and depending on the presence or absence of this notification, the gateway 3 determines whether or not the data transmitted by itself has been received by the server device 4, that is, whether the data transmission is correct or not. Can be determined. However, in the present embodiment, the gateway 3 does not retransmit the real-time data even if the transmission of the real-time data fails. The gateway 3 erases the real-time data stored in the transmission / reception buffer 33 regardless of the success or failure of transmission.

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram for explaining the configuration of processing data transmitted by the gateway 3. The gateway 3 according to the present embodiment has a cycle longer than the real-time data transmission cycle (for example, a cycle of once every several tens of seconds to several minutes), and is processed as shown based on the information stored in the log storage unit 32b. Data is generated and transmitted to the server device 4. The processing data includes a gateway ID that identifies the gateway 3, information on the transmission date and time of the previous processing data, information on the transmission date and time of the current processing data, and information on one or more printing facilities 2. There is. The information about each printing facility 2 included in the processing data includes information such as an ID that identifies the printing facility 2 and information in the data section of the data received from the printing facility 2 as well as real-time data, and this data is received. The information of the received date and time is included.

The gateway 3 examines the flag information included in the data received from the printing facility 2 after the transmission of the previous processing data. The gateway 3 compares the flag information for each printing facility 2 in chronological order, and extracts all the information at the timing when the flag information changes from the log storage unit 32b. The gateway 3 generates processing data including all the extracted information and transmits it to the server device 4. Therefore, the processing data may include a plurality of pieces of information regarding one printing facility 2.

The gateway 3 transmits the generated processing data to the server device 4, and determines whether or not the transmission of the processing data is correct based on whether or not the notification of the completion of reception from the server device 4 is received. In the present embodiment, when the gateway 3 fails to transmit the machining data, the gateway 3 retransmits the machining data. The machining data may be retransmitted without delay when it is determined that the transmission has failed. However, the gateway 3 according to the present embodiment retransmits the machining data by including the information of the machining data that failed to be transmitted in the machining data to be transmitted in the next cycle.

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram for explaining the configuration of the past log data transmitted by the gateway 3. The gateway 3 according to the present embodiment has a cycle longer than the processing data transmission cycle (for example, a cycle of several hours to once every few days), and based on the information stored in the log storage unit 32b, the illustrated past log is shown. Data is generated and transmitted to the server device 4. In the present embodiment, the past log data is generated separately for each printing facility 2, and the gateway 3 transmits the past log data for each printing facility 2 to the server device 4. Each past log data includes information such as an ID that identifies the printing equipment 2, a date and time range of information included in the past log data (first data reception time and last data reception time), and the printing equipment 2. The data unit stored in the log storage unit 32b and the data reception time information are included, respectively.

The gateway 3 transmits the information included in all the received data to the server device 4 as the past log data for the data received from the printing facility 2 after the transmission of the previous past log data. The gateway 3 may delete all the information stored in the log storage unit 32b after transmitting the past log data. When erasing the information in the log storage unit 32b, the gateway 3 may generate and transmit past log data including all the information stored in the log storage unit 32b.

The gateway 3 transmits the generated past log data to the server device 4, and determines whether or not the transmission of the past log data is correct or not based on whether or not the notification of the completion of reception from the server device 4 has been received. In the present embodiment, when the gateway 3 fails to transmit the past log data, the gateway 3 retransmits the past log data. The re-transmission of the past log data is performed by including the information of the past log data that failed to be transmitted in the past log data to be transmitted in the next cycle, similarly to the re-transmission of the processed data. However, if the gateway 3 determines that the transmission of the past log data has failed, the gateway 3 may retransmit the past log data without delay.

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram for explaining the configuration of the printing equipment DB 42b of the server device 4. The server device 4 according to the present embodiment receives the data transmitted from the gateway 3, acquires the information included in the received data, and stores it in the printing facility DB 42b. The printing equipment DB 42b contains information such as a gateway ID that identifies the gateway 3, an ID that identifies the printing equipment 2, information on a data portion of data received from the printing equipment 2, and reception of this data received by the gateway 3. The date and time information is stored in association with it.

In the present embodiment, each time the server device 4 receives the real-time data transmitted by the gateway 3, the server device 4 acquires the information included in the received real-time data and stores it in the printing facility DB 42b. Further, the server device 4 fails to transmit the real-time data from the gateway 3 to the server device 4, and uses the information related to the real-time data that could not be received by using the information included in the processed data or the past log data received thereafter. It complements and stores information in the printing equipment DB 42b. Note that the server device 4 may store the information in the printing facility DB 42b each time the past log data is received, instead of storing the information in the printing facility DB 42b each time the real-time data is received.

<Information display>
The server device 4 that stores the information about the printing equipment 2 obtained from the gateway 3 in the printing equipment DB 42b provides the information stored in the printing equipment DB 42b in response to the request from the terminal device 5. The terminal device 5 displays information about the printing facility 2 based on the information provided by the server device 4. In the present embodiment, the terminal device 5 can display information about the printing equipment 2 by three methods: (1) real-time display, (2) operation status display, and (3) period display.

For example, the user can perform operations such as selecting and switching the display method on the menu screen or the like displayed on the terminal device 5. Further, the user can perform an operation of selecting the printing equipment 2 for displaying the information. The selection contents such as the display method and the display target received by the terminal device 5 are transmitted from the terminal device 5 to the server device 4, and the server device 4 acquires the information of the printing facility 2 according to the user's selection from the printing facility DB 42b. It is transmitted to the terminal device 5. The terminal device 5 that has received the information from the server device 4 displays the information about the printing facility 2 by the method selected by the user.

(1) Real-time display FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing an example of real-time display of information about the printing equipment 2 by the terminal device 5. In the real-time display of this example, the numerical information of the ink remaining amount for each printing facility 2 is displayed. In the illustrated example, a graph showing the remaining amount of ink and the date and time when the information was acquired are displayed in association with each of the four printing facilities A to D. The display of this information is based on the numerical information included in the data transmitted by the printing equipment 2. In this example, it is assumed that the data transmitted by the printing equipment 2 includes the detection result of detecting the remaining amount of ink accumulated in the tank of the printing equipment 2 by a sensor or the like in the numerical information.

In the illustrated example, the information acquisition date and time for the printing facilities A to C is displayed as around 10:38 on April 15, 2019, but the information acquisition date and time for the printing equipment D is April 15, 2019. It is displayed as 4:12:41 of the day. This indicates that the information acquisition about the printing facility D has not been performed after 4:12:41, and the information about the printing facility D has not been updated in real time. For example, such a display may be made when the situation in which the information about the printing facility D cannot be acquired continues due to a factor such as a communication failure.

The real-time display by the terminal device 5 is performed based on the real-time data transmitted by the gateway 3. The terminal device 5 requests the server device 4 to acquire the information included in the real-time data in the same cycle as the transmission cycle of the real-time data by the gateway 3. The server device 4 transmits the information included in the real-time data to the terminal device 5 in response to the request from the terminal device 5. At this time, the server device 4 may directly acquire the information to be transmitted to the terminal device 5 from the real-time data received from the gateway 3, or may acquire the information from the printing equipment DB 42b. The terminal device 5 can update the display each time it receives the information from the server device 4 and provide the user with the latest numerical information regarding the printing equipment 2. In this example, the real-time display based on the numerical information about the printing equipment 2 is performed, but the real-time display based on the flag information may be performed. Further, the server device 4 does not transmit information in response to a request from the terminal device 5, but may transmit the information included in the received real-time data to the terminal device 5 each time the real-time data is received from the gateway 3. Good. Alternatively, the server device 4 may transmit the information included in the real-time data received from the gateway 3 to the terminal device 5 in the same cycle as the transmission cycle of the real-time data by the gateway 3.

Further, the transmission of real-time data by the gateway 3 is not retransmitted due to a failure. Therefore, in the real-time display, if the gateway 3 fails to transmit the real-time data, the terminal device 5 does not update the display. The display of the printing facility D in FIG. 11 is in a state where the display is not updated in real time. In such a case, the terminal device 5 may notify that the update of the real-time display is delayed. The terminal device 5 may display a message, an icon, or the like notifying that the display has not been updated when the real-time display has not been updated for a predetermined period of, for example, a real-time data transmission cycle or more. it can.

Even if the real-time display is delayed, the real-time display is restarted when the server device 4 subsequently acquires new real-time data. In the example shown in FIG. 11, the information update about the printing facility D is delayed at the end at 4:12:41, but when the server device 4 acquires new real-time data about the printing facility D, this real time The display is updated with the information of the date and time when the data was acquired.

(2) Operating Status Display FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram showing an example of operating status display of information related to the printing equipment 2 by the terminal device 5. In the operation status display, whether the state of each printing facility 2 is operating or stopped is shown by a timing chart with the horizontal axis as time. In this example, the period indicated by the hatched rectangle drawn in the drawing indicates that the printing facility 2 is in an operating state. The period during which no other rectangle is drawn indicates that the printing facility 2 is in a stopped state.

Further, the display relating to the printing facility C has a missing portion in a part thereof. In FIG. 12, this defective portion is shown as a rectangular region in which diagonal lines are connected by a straight line. This missing portion indicates that the server device 4 could not obtain the flag information regarding the printing facility C. Further, by displaying such a defective portion, it is possible to make the user recognize whether the printing facility C is in the stopped state or whether the flag information regarding the printing facility C cannot be acquired.

In this example, the flag information included in the data transmitted by each printing facility 2 includes a flag indicating whether the printing facility 2 is in the operating state or the stopped state. The operation status display by the terminal device 5 is performed based on the flag information included in the processing data transmitted by the gateway 3. The server device 4 transmits the information included in the processing data received from the gateway 3 to the terminal device 5 in the same cycle as the processing data transmission cycle by the gateway 3. At this time, the server device 4 may directly acquire the information to be transmitted to the terminal device 5 from the processing data received from the gateway 3, or may acquire the information from the printing equipment DB 42b. In this example, the server device 4 acquires, for example, the latest information from the received processing data, acquires information that goes back to a predetermined period from the printing facility DB 42b, and collectively transmits the acquired information to the terminal device 5. , The illustrated operating status can be displayed. The terminal device 5 can update the display in response to the transmission of information by the server device 4 and notify the user of the timing when the operating state of the printing equipment 2 has changed.

Further, for the missing part where the server device 4 could not acquire the flag information and could not display the appropriate operation status, it is based on the processing data acquired by the server device 4 or the information contained in the past log data. It is complemented and displayed.

(3) Period Display FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a period display of information regarding the printing equipment 2 by the terminal device 5. In the period display, the numerical information of each printing facility 2 is illustrated by a graph with the horizontal axis as time. In this example, the change in the ink remaining amount of each printing facility 2 over a predetermined period is displayed as a graph. The printing equipment 2 and the period to be displayed as the period display can be selected by the user on the terminal device 5. The terminal device 5 transmits information on the printing equipment 2 and the period selected by the user to the server device 4, and the server device 4 acquires the information related to the selected printing equipment 2 and the period from the printing equipment DB 42b and sends the information to the terminal device 5. Send.

Further, the display relating to the printing facility C has a missing portion in a part thereof. In FIG. 13, this defective portion is shown as a rectangular region in which diagonal lines are connected by a straight line. This missing portion indicates that the server device 4 could not obtain the past log data regarding the printing facility C. In the present embodiment, the past log data is retransmitted when the transmission fails. When the retransmitted past log data is acquired, the server device 4 stores and displays the missing portion by using the information included in the acquired past log data.

In the present embodiment, the period display is not updated even when the server device 4 receives new data from the gateway 3. The server device 4 transmits data for displaying the period only once in response to a request from the terminal device 5. After that, when the terminal device 5 changes the period, or when the display is updated, the terminal device 5 gives the server device 4 a request for displaying the period, and the request is answered. Accordingly, the server device 4 transmits necessary information to the terminal device 5, and the terminal device 5 updates the display. However, for example, even if the server device 4 transmits the latest information to the terminal device 5 each time the server device 4 receives real-time data from the gateway 3, and the terminal device 5 that receives the latest information updates the period display. Good.

In any of the above-mentioned real-time display, operating status display, and period display, the image of the display screen displayed on the terminal device 5 may be generated by the server device 4, or is generated by the terminal device 5. You may. When the server device 4 generates an image, the server device 4 may generate an image for display using the information acquired from the printing equipment DB 42b, and may transmit the generated image to the terminal device 5. When the terminal device 5 generates an image, the server device 4 transmits the information acquired from the printing equipment DB 42b to the terminal device 5, and the terminal device 5 generates an image for display using the information received from the server device 4. You may.

<Flow chart>
FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a procedure of data transmission processing performed by the printing equipment 2 according to the present embodiment. The printing facility 2 according to the present embodiment repeatedly transmits information to the gateway 3 at a predetermined cycle. The printing facility 2 determines whether or not the timing for transmitting data to the gateway 3 has been reached (step S1). When the data transmission timing has not been reached (S1: NO), the printing facility 2 waits until the transmission timing is reached. When the timing of transmitting data to the gateway 3 is reached (S1: YES), the printing facility 2 acquires numerical information such as the remaining amount of ink by using, for example, a sensor (step S2). Further, the printing facility 2 acquires flag information indicating its own operating state (step S3). The printing facility 2 generates data for transmission by adding an appropriate header portion and footer portion to the acquired numerical information and flag information (step S4). The printing facility 2 transmits the generated data to the gateway 3 (step S5), and ends the process.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a procedure of data reception processing performed by the gateway 3 according to the present embodiment. The reception processing unit 31a of the processing unit 31 of the gateway 3 according to the present embodiment determines whether or not the data transmitted from the printing equipment 2 has been received by the first communication unit 34 (step S11). When the data is not received (S11: NO), the reception processing unit 31a waits until the data is received. When the data from the printing facility 2 is received (S11: YES), the reception processing unit 31a acquires the data unit included in the predetermined position of the received data (step S12). The reception processing unit 31a adds reception time information for receiving this data to the acquired data unit (step S13). The reception processing unit 31a stores this data in the log storage unit 32b of the storage unit 32 in association with the ID of the printing equipment 2 of the transmission source (step S14), and ends the processing.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing a procedure of real-time data transmission processing performed by the gateway 3 according to the present embodiment. The gateway 3 according to the present embodiment repeatedly transmits real-time data related to the printing equipment 2 at a predetermined cycle. The transmission processing unit 31d of the processing unit 31 of the gateway 3 determines whether or not the timing for transmitting real-time data to the server device 4 has been reached (step S21). When the real-time data transmission timing has not been reached (S21: NO), the transmission processing unit 31d waits until the transmission timing is reached.

When the real-time data transmission timing is reached (S21: YES), the data acquisition unit 31b of the processing unit 31 prints each data from the log storage unit 32b for the data received from the printing equipment 2 after the previous real-time data transmission. Acquire the latest information one by one with equipment 2 (step S22). The data generation unit 31c of the processing unit 31 adds the ID of the gateway 3 and the transmission date / time information to the information of the printing equipment 2 acquired from the log storage unit 32b, and generates real-time data to be transmitted to the server device 4 ( Step S23). The transmission processing unit 31d stores the generated real-time data in the transmission / reception buffer 33 (step S24). The transmission processing unit 31d transmits the real-time data stored in the transmission / reception buffer 33 to the server device 4 by giving a transmission command to the second communication unit 35 (step S25). The transmission processing unit 31d erases the transmitted real-time data from the transmission / reception buffer regardless of whether or not the real-time data has been received by the server device 4 (step S26), and ends the processing.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing a procedure of processing data transmission processing performed by the gateway 3 according to the present embodiment. The gateway 3 according to the present embodiment repeatedly transmits processing data related to the printing equipment 2 at a predetermined cycle. The transmission processing unit 31d of the processing unit 31 of the gateway 3 determines whether or not the timing for transmitting the processing data to the server device 4 has been reached (step S41). When the transmission timing of the processing data has not been reached (S41: NO), the transmission processing unit 31d waits until the transmission timing is reached.

When the transmission timing of the processing data is reached (S41: YES), the data acquisition unit 31b of the processing unit 31 targets the data received from the printing facility 2 after the transmission of the previous processing data, and the information is changed in time series. Is compared, and the information in which the flag information has changed is acquired from the log storage unit 32b (step S42). Further, the data acquisition unit 31b determines whether or not the previous machining data is saved as saved data due to the failure of transmitting the previous machining data (step S43). When the stored data exists (S43: YES), the data acquisition unit 31b acquires the stored data (step S44) and proceeds to the process in step S45. If the stored data does not exist (S43: NO), the data acquisition unit 31b proceeds to step S45.

Next, the data generation unit 31c of the processing unit 31 adds the ID of the gateway 3, the transmission date / time information of the previous processing data, the transmission date / time information of this time, and the like to the information acquired in steps S42 and S44, and adds the server device. The processing data to be transmitted to No. 4 is generated (step S45). The transmission processing unit 31d stores the generated processing data in the transmission / reception buffer 33 (step S46). The transmission processing unit 31d transmits the processing data stored in the transmission / reception buffer 33 to the server device 4 by giving a transmission command to the second communication unit 35 (step S47).

The transmission processing unit 31d determines whether or not the notification of the completion of reception from the server device 4 for the processing data transmitted in step S47 has been received (step S48). When the notification of the completion of reception is received (S48: YES), the transmission processing unit 31d erases the processing data from the transmission / reception buffer 33 (step S49), and ends the processing. When the notification of reception completion is not received (S48: NO), the transmission processing unit 31d saves the processing data for retransmission (step S50) and ends the processing. The processing data is stored by using the storage area of the storage unit 32 or the transmission / reception buffer 33.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing a procedure of past log data transmission processing performed by the gateway 3 according to the present embodiment. The gateway 3 according to the present embodiment repeatedly transmits the past log data related to the printing equipment 2 at a predetermined cycle. The transmission processing unit 31d of the processing unit 31 of the gateway 3 determines whether or not the timing for transmitting the past log data to the server device 4 has been reached (step S61). When the transmission timing of the past log data has not been reached (S61: NO), the transmission processing unit 31d waits until the transmission timing is reached.

When the transmission timing of the past log data is reached (S61: YES), the data acquisition unit 31b of the processing unit 31 acquires all the information stored in the log storage unit 32b (step S62). Further, the data acquisition unit 31b determines whether or not the previous past log data is saved as saved data due to the failure to transmit the previous past log data (step S63). When the stored data exists (S63: YES), the data acquisition unit 31b acquires the stored data (step S64) and proceeds to the process in step S65. If the stored data does not exist (S63: NO), the data acquisition unit 31b proceeds to step S65.

Next, the data generation unit 31c of the processing unit 31 generates past log data in which the information is organized for each printing facility 2 based on the information acquired in steps S62 and S64 (step S65). The transmission processing unit 31d stores the generated past log data in the transmission / reception buffer 33 (step S66). The transmission processing unit 31d transmits the past log data stored in the transmission / reception buffer 33 to the server device 4 by giving a transmission command to the second communication unit 35 (step S67).

The transmission processing unit 31d determines whether or not the notification of the completion of reception from the server device 4 for the past log data transmitted in step S67 has been received (step S68). When the reception completion notification is received (S68: YES), the transmission processing unit 31d deletes the past log data from the transmission / reception buffer 33 (step S69). After that, the transmission processing unit 31d erases all the information stored in the log storage unit 32b (step S70), and ends the processing. If the reception completion notification is not received (S68: NO), the transmission processing unit 31d saves the past log data for retransmission (step S71), and ends the process. The past log data is saved by using the storage area of the storage unit 32 or the transmission / reception buffer 33.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing a procedure of processing performed by the server device 4 according to the present embodiment. The reception processing unit 41a of the processing unit 41 of the server device 4 according to the present embodiment determines whether or not the communication unit 43 has received the real-time data transmitted from the gateway 3 (step S81). When the real-time data is received (S81: YES), the reception processing unit 41a transmits a notification to the gateway 3 that the reception of the real-time data is completed (step S82). Next, the reception processing unit 41a stores the information included in the received real-time data in the printing equipment DB 42b (step S83), and ends the processing. The server device 4 may transmit this information to the terminal device 5 that requires the information included in the received real-time data, that is, the terminal device 5 that is performing real-time display.

When the real-time data is not received (S81: NO), the reception processing unit 41a determines whether or not the processing data transmitted from the gateway 3 is received by the communication unit 43 (step S85). When the processing data is received (S85: YES), the reception processing unit 41a transmits a notification to the gateway 3 that the reception of the processing data is completed (step S86). Next, the complement unit 41c of the processing unit 41 acquires the information included in the received processing data, performs a process of complementing the information not stored in the log storage unit 32b (step S87), and ends the process. The server device 4 may transmit this information to the terminal device 5 that requires the information included in the received processing data, that is, the terminal device 5 that displays the operating status.

When the processing data is not received (S85: NO), the reception processing unit 41a determines whether or not the communication unit 43 has received the past log data transmitted from the gateway 3 (step S89). When the past log data has not been received (S89: NO), the reception processing unit 41a returns the processing to step S81 and waits until any data is received. When the past log data is received (S89: YES), the reception processing unit 41a transmits a notification to the gateway 3 that the reception of the past log data is completed (step S90). Next, the complement unit 41c of the processing unit 41 acquires the information included in the received past log data, complements the information not stored in the log storage unit 32b (step S91), and ends the process.

The complementary processing of steps S87 and S91 of this flowchart does not necessarily have to be performed. If there is no defect in the information stored in the printing equipment DB 42b, or if the received data does not include the information corresponding to the defective portion, the complement processing is not performed.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing a procedure of processing performed by the terminal device 5 according to the present embodiment. The processing unit 51 of the terminal device 5 according to the present embodiment receives a display setting or the like related to the information of the printing equipment 2 desired by the user on the menu screen or the setting screen displayed on the display unit 54 (step S101). For example, the processing unit 51 accepts selection of whether to perform real-time display, operation status display, or period display, selection of the printing equipment 2 to be displayed, and the like. The processing unit 51 requests the server device 4 to acquire data necessary for displaying information about the printing equipment 2 based on the received display settings and the like (step S102).

The reception processing unit 51a of the processing unit 51 determines whether or not the data transmitted by the server device 4 has been received in response to the request (step S103). When the data is not received (S103: NO), the reception processing unit 51a waits until the data from the server device 4 is received. When the data from the server device 4 is received (S103: YES), the display processing unit 51b of the processing unit 51 displays the information of the printing equipment 2 on the display unit 54 based on the received data (step S104). Here, the display processing unit 51b performs real-time display, operation status display, or period display based on the display settings received in step S101.

In the present embodiment, by making a data acquisition request from the terminal device 5 to the server device 4, the terminal device 5 acquires the data necessary for display from the server device 4. In the case of real-time display, the terminal device 5 requests the server device 4 to acquire data at a predetermined cycle (for example, once every several seconds to several tens of seconds). In the case of the operation status display and the period display, the terminal device 5 requests the acquisition of data in response to the display update operation by the user.

After displaying the information, the reception processing unit 51a determines whether or not the timing of data acquisition for the server device 4 has been reached (step S105). In the case of real-time display, the timing of data acquisition occurs at a predetermined cycle, and in the case of operation status display and period display, data acquisition timing occurs according to the user's operation. When it is determined that the data acquisition timing has been reached (S105: YES), the reception processing unit 51a requests the server device 4 to acquire the data (step S106). The reception processing unit 51a determines whether or not the data from the server device 4 transmitted in response to the request has been received (step S107). When the data from the server device 4 is received (S107: YES), the display processing unit 51b updates the information display related to the printing equipment 2 based on the newly received data (step S108), and proceeds to step S105. return.

When the timing of data acquisition for the server device 4 has not been reached (S105: NO), the processing unit 51 determines whether or not the user has performed an end operation for displaying information regarding the printing equipment 2 (step S109). If the end operation has not been performed (S109: NO), the processing unit 51 returns the processing to step S105. When the end operation is performed (S109: YES), the display processing unit 51b ends the information display related to the printing equipment 2, displays, for example, a menu screen or the like on the display unit 54 (step S110), and ends the process.

<Summary>
The monitoring system according to the present embodiment having the above configuration performs a process of relaying data with a gateway 3 intervening between the printing equipment 2 to be monitored and the server device 4. The gateway 3 receives the data transmitted from the printing facility 2, acquires numerical information and flag information from the received data, generates real-time data (first data), and transmits the real-time data to the server device 4. .. At this time, the gateway 3 does not retransmit the real-time data even if the transmission to the server device 4 fails.

Further, the gateway 3 acquires numerical information, flag information, etc. stored in the log storage unit 32b based on the received data to generate processing data or past log data (second data), and the generated processing data or past The log data is transmitted to the server device 4. At this time, if the gateway 3 fails to transmit to the server device 4, the gateway 3 retransmits the processing data or the past log data that failed to be transmitted. By providing two data transmission methods, that is, transmission of real-time data including the first data that is not retransmitted and transmission of processed data or past log data that is retransmitted, the gateway 3 determines the type of data and the like. Data transmission to a suitable server device 4 can be realized.

Further, the gateway 3 according to the present embodiment stores the data received from the printing equipment 2 in the log storage unit 32b, and the data accumulated in the log storage unit 32b over a predetermined period is used as the past log data for retransmission. Send to the server device 4. As a result, the accumulated data including the information of the real-time data that was not retransmitted can be transmitted to the server device 4 as the past log data, and the server device 4 acquires the information of the real-time data that could not be received from the past log data. Can be done.

Further, the gateway 3 according to the present embodiment generates processing data related to the state change of the printing equipment 2 based on the data received from the printing equipment 2 and transmits the processing data to the server device 4. As a result, the state change of the printing equipment 2 can be reliably transmitted to the server device 4.

Further, the gateway 3 according to the present embodiment uses numerical information and flag information extracted from a predetermined position (data unit) of data received from the printing equipment 2 as real-time data. Further, the gateway 3 extracts flag information indicating the state of the printing equipment 2 from a predetermined position of the received data, and generates processing data related to the state change of the printing equipment 2 based on the plurality of flag information extracted in time series. To do. As a result, the data transmitted from the printing facility 2 can include a plurality of types of information, and the gateway 3 can generate real-time data and processing data from a predetermined position of the data received from the printing facility 2.

Further, the gateway 3 according to the present embodiment stores the real-time data to be transmitted to the server device 4 in the transmission / reception buffer 33, and deletes the real-time data from the transmission / reception buffer 33 when the transmission fails. As a result, it is possible to prevent the real-time data that is not retransmitted from being continuously stored and pressing the storage capacity of the transmission / reception buffer 33.

Further, the gateway 3 according to the present embodiment stores information for generating past log data in the non-volatile storage unit 32. The gateway 3 stores information for generating past log data in the storage unit 32 until the transmission is successful, and erases the information after the past log data is successfully transmitted. As a result, it is possible to prevent the past log data that needs to be retransmitted from being lost.

Further, the server device 4 according to the present embodiment receives real-time data, processing data, and past log data related to the printing equipment 2 from the gateway 3, and stores the information included in the received data in the equipment DB 42b of the storage unit 42. .. The server device 4 transmits the information stored in the equipment DB 42b to the terminal device 5. The terminal device 5 receives the data from the server device 4 and displays the information related to the printing equipment 2 on the display unit 54. As a result, the server device 4 accumulates information related to the printing equipment 2, and the user can browse the information stored in the server device 4 by using the terminal device 5.

The server device 4 may transmit the information included in the real-time data to the terminal device 5 each time the real-time data is received from the gateway 3. The terminal device 5 updates the display on the display unit 54 each time it receives information from the server device 4. As a result, the information related to the printing equipment 2 can be updated one by one by the terminal device 5, and the information related to the printing equipment 2 can be displayed in real time.

Further, the server device 4 according to the present embodiment complements the information related to the real-time data not transmitted from the gateway 3 due to the transmission failure based on the processing data and the past log data transmitted by the gateway 3. As a result, the server device 4 can acquire the information contained in the real-time data that is not retransmitted by storing the processing data and the past log data, and reliably stores and stores the information about the printing facility 2. be able to.

In the present embodiment, the monitoring target device is the printing facility 2, but the monitoring target of the monitoring system is not limited to the printing facility 2, and may be various devices. Further, the format and screen display of the transmitted data described in the present embodiment are merely examples, and are not limited thereto. Further, in the present embodiment, the server device 4 has a configuration in which the information included in the received real-time data is stored in the printing equipment DB 42b and the missing portion is supplemented with the processing data and the past log data, but the present invention is not limited to this. Absent. The server device 4 may be configured to receive past log data and store it in the printing equipment DB 42b.

The embodiments disclosed this time should be considered as exemplary in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the scope of claims, not the above-mentioned meaning, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the scope of claims.

1 Factory 2 Printing equipment (monitored equipment)
3 Gateway (data relay device)
4 Server device 5 Terminal device 31 Processing unit 31a Reception processing unit (Reception unit)
31b Data acquisition unit 31c Data generation unit (1st generation unit, 2nd generation unit)
31d Transmission processing unit (first transmission processing unit, second transmission processing unit)
32 Storage 32a Program (computer program)
32b Log storage unit 33 Transmission / reception buffer (storage unit)
34 1st communication unit 35 2nd communication unit 41 Processing unit 41a Reception processing unit (reception unit)
41b Transmission processing unit (transmission unit)
41c Complementary unit 42 Storage unit 42a Server program (computer program)
42b Printing equipment DB
43 Communication unit 51 Processing unit 51a Reception processing unit (reception unit)
51b Display processing unit 52 Storage unit 52a Program (computer program)
53 Communication unit 54 Display unit 55 Operation unit 97,98,99 Recording medium N network

Claims (16)

A receiver that receives data transmitted by the monitored device, and
A first generation unit that generates first time-series data from the data received by the reception unit, and
A first transmission processing unit that transmits the first data generated by the first generation unit to the server device, and
A second generation unit that generates second data related to the monitored device based on the data received by the reception unit, and a second generation unit.
It includes a second transmission processing unit that transmits the second data generated by the second generation unit to the server device.
When the first transmission processing unit fails to transmit the first data to the server device, the first transmission processing unit does not retransmit the first data.
When the second transmission processing unit fails to transmit the second data to the server device, the second transmission processing unit retransmits the second data.
Data relay device. The second generation unit uses the data received by the receiving unit as the second data accumulated over a predetermined period of time.
The data relay device according to claim 1. The second generation unit generates second data related to the state change of the monitored device.
The data relay device according to claim 1 or 2. The first generation unit uses data extracted from a predetermined position of the data received by the reception unit as the first data.
The second generation unit extracts data indicating the state of the monitored device from a predetermined position of the data received by the receiving unit, and the state of the monitored device is based on the plurality of data extracted in chronological order. Generate the second data related to the change,
The data relay device according to claim 3. A storage unit for storing the first data is provided.
After the transmission of the first data by the first transmission processing unit, the first data stored in the storage unit is erased regardless of the success or failure of the transmission.
The data relay device according to any one of claims 1 to 4. A non-volatile storage unit for storing the second data or data for generating the second data is provided.
Until the second transmission processing unit succeeds in transmitting the second data, the storage unit stores the second data or data for generating the second data.
The data relay device according to any one of claims 1 to 5. Receives the data transmitted by the monitored device and
Generate the first time series data from the received data,
Send the generated first data to the server device and
Based on the received data, the second data related to the monitored device is generated, and
The generated second data is transmitted to the server device, and the generated second data is transmitted to the server device.
If the transmission of the first data to the server device fails, the first data is not retransmitted.
When the transmission of the second data to the server device fails, the second data is retransmitted.
Data relay method. A monitoring system in which a server device acquires data related to a monitored device via a data relay device.
The data relay device is
A receiver that receives data transmitted by the monitored device, and
A first generation unit that generates first time-series data from the data received by the reception unit, and
A first transmission processing unit that transmits the first data generated by the first generation unit to the server device, and
A second generation unit that generates second data related to the monitored device based on the data received by the reception unit, and a second generation unit.
It has a second transmission processing unit that transmits the second data generated by the second generation unit to the server device.
When the first transmission processing unit fails to transmit the first data to the server device, the first transmission processing unit does not retransmit the first data.
When the second transmission processing unit fails to transmit the second data to the server device, the second transmission processing unit retransmits the second data.
The server device is
A receiving unit that receives the first data and the second data transmitted by the data relay device, and
A storage unit that stores the first data and the second data received by the receiving unit, and a storage unit.
It has a transmission unit that transmits the first data and the second data stored in the storage unit to the terminal device.
Monitoring system. From the data relay device that transmits the first data related to the monitored device without retransmitting when the transmission fails, and retransmits and transmits the second data related to the monitored device when the transmission fails. A receiving unit that receives the first data and the second data, and
A storage unit that stores the first data and the second data received by the receiving unit, and a storage unit.
A server device including a transmission unit that transmits the first data and the second data stored in the storage unit to the terminal device. The server device according to claim 9, wherein the transmission unit transmits the first data and the second data to the terminal device in response to a request from the terminal device. The server device according to claim 9 or 10, further comprising a complementary unit that complements the first data that was not transmitted from the data relay device due to a transmission failure based on the second data received by the receiving unit. A server device that receives and stores the first data related to the monitoring target that is transmitted from the data relay device without retransmitting when transmission fails and the second data that is retransmitted and transmitted when transmission fails. A receiver that receives the first data and the second data transmitted by
A terminal device including a display processing unit that displays information related to the monitoring target on the display unit based on the first data and the second data received by the receiving unit. The receiving unit requests the server device to transmit data, and receives the data transmitted by the server device in response to the request.
The terminal device according to claim 12, wherein the display processing unit updates the display of the display unit each time the receiving unit receives the data. On the computer
Receives the data transmitted by the monitored device and
Generate the first time series data from the received data,
Send the generated first data to the server device and
Based on the received data, the second data related to the monitored device is generated, and
The generated second data is transmitted to the server device, and the generated second data is transmitted to the server device.
If the transmission of the first data to the server device fails, the first data is not retransmitted.
A computer program that executes a process of retransmitting the second data when the transmission of the second data to the server device fails. On the computer
From the data relay device that transmits the first data related to the monitored device without retransmitting when the transmission fails, and retransmits and transmits the second data related to the monitored device when the transmission fails. Upon receiving the first data and the second data,
The received first data and the second data are stored in the storage unit, and the data is stored in the storage unit.
A computer program that executes a process of transmitting the stored first data and the second data to a terminal device. On the computer
A server device that receives and stores the first data related to the monitoring target that is transmitted from the data relay device without retransmitting when transmission fails and the second data that is retransmitted and transmitted when transmission fails. Receives the first data and the second data transmitted by
A computer program that executes a process of displaying information related to the monitoring target on a display unit based on the received first data and the second data.

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