JP2023106652A - Program, information processing device, and method - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a technique that allows a user to easily switch between macro design and micro design when designing a large facility such as a chemical plant.SOLUTION: A server 20 of a plant design system 1 includes, as functions thereof: an operation mode switching module 2033 that receives switching between an overall mode (first operation mode) in which the whole of a predetermined area is displayed to edit arrangement of each facility and a unit mode (second operation mode) in which arrangement of objects constituting a plant in each facility is edited; an overall mode control module 2034 that receives an operation to edit arrangement of each facility; and a unit mode control module 2035 that receives an operation to edit arrangement of objects in each facility.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

The present disclosure relates to programs, information processing apparatuses, and methods.

In order to construct a large-scale facility such as a chemical plant, various designs are carried out for appropriately arranging various facilities on a vast site. The design of such a plant requires various considerations based on the functional requirements of the plant, maintainability of the equipment, and the geographical conditions of the candidate site for constructing the chemical plant, and requires an enormous amount of work. In order to support such work, design tools such as CAD are used to perform various designs such as arrangement of various facilities, arrangement of equipment, and routing of piping.

Patent Literature 1 discloses a technology of a design support device that supports the design of plant equipment and the like. This technique reduces the display load for representing a large amount of complicated 3D model shapes of large-scale plants by replacing the part data in the 3D shape data with simplified data and displaying them.

JP 2014-174708 A

By the way, in the design of a large-scale facility such as a chemical plant, it is necessary to consider how to arrange various facilities in the entire chemical plant, examine the details of each facility, arrange various devices, and route piping. The design is carried out in such a procedure that In other words, the design is carried out in such a procedure that the macro design of the entire chemical plant is followed by the micro design of various equipment. However, at the time of design study, it is necessary to go back from the micro design to the macro design, change the design content, and perform the micro design again. However, in the design of a large-scale facility such as a chemical plant, since the components to be arranged are different between the macro design and the micro design, existing design tools such as CAD can handle such rework. It was difficult and difficult to use. In addition, if rework occurs after routing the piping, it is necessary to reroute the piping.

Therefore, in the present disclosure, a technique for facilitating switching between macro design and micro design in the design of large-scale facilities such as chemical plants will be described.

According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a program for causing a computer having a processor and a memory to execute and designing a plant. The program instructs the processor to receive from the user an operation to switch between the first operation mode and the second operation mode, and in the first operation mode, arrange equipment in a certain area for plant design. and, in the second operation mode, a step of receiving an operation of arranging objects in units of one or a plurality of devices that make up the facility.

According to the present disclosure, it becomes possible to easily switch between macro design and micro design in the design of large-scale facilities such as chemical plants.

FIG. 4 is a plan view showing an example of a facility layout diagram by the plant design system; It is a figure which shows the structure of the whole plant design system 1. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of terminal device 10 configuring plant design system 1 of Embodiment 1. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a functional configuration of server 20 configuring plant design system 1 of Embodiment 1. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing data structures of a facility database 2021, a device database 2022, and a design space database 2023 stored by the server 20. FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing an example of a flow of operation mode switching processing by the plant design system 1 of Embodiment 1. FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing an example of the flow of piping route determination processing by the plant design system 1 of Embodiment 1. FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing an example of a flow of operation mode switching processing by the plant design system 1 of Embodiment 1. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a screen example of a space display in an initial state by the terminal device 10; FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of an overall mode screen displayed by the terminal device 10; FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a screen for road editing by the terminal device 10. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a unit mode screen displayed by the terminal device 10. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a screen for displaying a piping route by the terminal device 10; FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a functional configuration of a server 20 that configures the plant design system 1 of Embodiment 2; FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a screen for equipment layout by the terminal device 10. FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a screen for equipment layout by the terminal device 10. FIG.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same parts are given the same reference numerals. Their names and functions are also the same. Therefore, detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

<Overview>
An outline of plant design and a plant design system according to the present disclosure will be described below. This plant design system designs large-scale facilities for manufacturing chemical products through various production processes based on chemical reactions, such as LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas) plants and petrochemical plants. It is a system for The facility installed in the plant is, taking the LNG plant as an example, an acid gas removal facility that removes acid gases (H ₂ S, CO ₂ , organic sulfur, etc.) contained in the raw material gas to be liquefied. , sulfur recovery equipment that recovers elemental sulfur from the removed acid gas, moisture removal equipment that removes the moisture contained in the raw material gas, and refrigerants (mixed refrigerants, propane refrigerants, etc.) used for cooling and liquefying the raw material gas. Compression equipment, etc. are included. Here, plant equipment refers to a group of devices or a group of devices laid according to the purpose of the plant.

Designing such a large-scale plant includes, for example, the following steps. First, we will determine the plant equipment, various equipment such as pumps and heat exchangers, the layout of the frame (piping rack) for passing various pipes, the route of the main pipes, design the layout of the plant, and create a plot plan. Create a layout called Next, based on the functional requirements of the entire plant, we formulate detailed process units (a series of manufacturing processes) from the receipt of raw materials used in the plant to product shipment, and perform material/heat balance calculations for each process. Create a process flow called a process flow diagram (PFD). In addition, based on the PFD, the simulation is repeated to modify the process calculations, the routes of routing objects such as pipes or cables passing through each piece of equipment in the plant are determined (routed), and the detailed instrumentation diagram, P&ID ( Piping and Instrument Diagram) is created. The plant design system according to the present disclosure is a 3D CAD system for performing plant layout design and supporting process flow creation, routing, P&ID, etc. in each of these processes.

FIG. 1 is a plan view showing an example of a facility layout diagram by the plant design system according to the present disclosure. As shown in the layout diagram of FIG. 1, the plant includes units 100 (solid lines in FIG. ), subunits 200 (indicated by dashed lines in FIG. 1) obtained by dividing the unit 100 by function, person in charge, and equipment, and gate settings 300 (indicated by ) are arranged. The gate setting 300 is the boundary of the construction execution range, which is also called the battery limit, and indicates the connection relationship of pipes. The subunits 200 may be obtained by dividing the equipment within the unit 100 by function or person in charge, or by dividing each device within the unit 100 . Also, the subunit 200 may be further divided into a plurality of parts and arranged to have a plurality of hierarchical structures.

As mentioned above, in each process of plant design, the simulation is repeated, the process calculation is revised, and the plot plan is revised. need to do At that time, the gate settings 300 as shown in FIG. 1 may also be affected, and the plot plan may be modified by going back to the upstream process. In plant design, such rework inevitably occurs, so it is desirable that the 3D CAD system for supporting the design of each process also be able to cope with rework to upstream processes.

Therefore, in the plant design system according to the present disclosure, an overall mode (first operation mode) in which equipment (units) are arranged by displaying the entire fixed area that is the site of the plant, equipment constituting the equipment and the above and a unit mode (second operation mode) for arranging subunits (lower regions) such as the above, which can be switched as appropriate. For example, in the 3D CAD system according to the present disclosure, objects representing facilities are placed in the overall mode, and objects representing equipment and subunits are placed in the unit mode. In addition, the connection relationship of the pipes is maintained even when the operation mode is switched by setting the gate that indicates the connection relationship of the pipes. This makes it easy to switch to the overall mode and perform the design work of the upstream process even in the process where the design work is being performed in the unit mode. It should be noted that the object of the process of determining the route of the routing object as described above may be other than piping for transporting fluid in the plant and cables for supplying power to various devices or transmitting control signals. , the following embodiments describe piping routing.

<First embodiment>
The plant design system 1 will be described below. In the following description, for example, when the terminal device 10 accesses the server 20 , the server 20 responds with information for generating a screen on the terminal device 10 . The terminal device 10 generates and displays a screen based on information received from the server 20 .

<1 Overall configuration of plant design system 1>
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of the plant design system 1. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 2, the plant design system 1 includes a plurality of terminal devices (terminal device 10A and terminal device 10B are shown in FIG. , and the server 20 . The terminal device 10 and the server 20 are connected via a network 80 so as to be able to communicate with each other. Network 80 is configured by a wired or wireless network.

The terminal device 10 is a device operated by each user. Here, the user refers to a person who uses the terminal device 10 to perform plant design, which is a function of the plant design system 1 . The terminal device 10 is implemented by a stationary PC (Personal Computer), a laptop PC, or the like. In addition, the terminal device 10 may be, for example, a mobile terminal such as a tablet compatible with a mobile communication system or a smart phone.

The terminal device 10 is communicably connected to the server 20 via the network 80 . The terminal device 10 is a wireless base station 81 compatible with communication standards such as 5G and LTE (Long Term Evolution), and a wireless LAN (Local Area Network) standard such as IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) 802.11. It is connected to the network 80 by communicating with a communication device such as a wireless LAN router 82 . As shown as terminal device 10B in FIG.

The communication IF 12 is an interface for inputting and outputting signals so that the terminal device 10 communicates with an external device. The input device 13 is an input device (for example, a keyboard, a touch panel, a touch pad, a pointing device such as a mouse, etc.) for receiving an input operation from a user. The output device 14 is an output device (display, speaker, etc.) for presenting information to the user. The memory 15 temporarily stores programs and data processed by the programs, and is a volatile memory such as a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory). The storage unit 16 is a storage device for storing data, and is, for example, a flash memory or a HDD (Hard Disc Drive). The processor 19 is hardware for executing an instruction set described in a program, and is composed of arithmetic units, registers, peripheral circuits, and the like.

The server 20 executes a program that provides services that support plant layout design, process flow creation, routing, P&ID, etc. by a 3D CAD system for plant design, and information of each user for that, information of equipment , subunit information (equipment divided by function, person in charge, and equipment), equipment information, and virtual space designed (including those in the process of design). The server 20 constructs a three-dimensional virtual space for plant design, presents the virtual space to the user, and provides the user with the types and positions of facilities, subunits, and equipment to be placed in the virtual space, Accepts inputs such as instructions for piping routing. Specifically, for example, a viewpoint (virtual camera) in a virtual space for plant design is set, and the equipment, subunits, equipment, and piping (routing objects) arranged according to the user's instructions are viewed by the virtual camera. Rendering is performed based on the settings and displayed on the terminal device 10 . The server 20 arranges objects of equipment, subunits, or equipment in the virtual space based on the type and arrangement position of the equipment, subunits, or equipment, and routes piping (routing objects) based on user instructions. It is decided, routing is performed in the virtual space, and displayed on the user's terminal.

Server 20 is a computer connected to network 80 . The server 20 includes a communication IF 22 , an input/output IF 23 , a memory 25 , a storage 26 and a processor 29 .

The communication IF 22 is an interface for inputting and outputting signals for the server 20 to communicate with an external device. The input/output IF 23 functions as an interface with an input device for receiving input operations from the user and an output device for presenting information to the user. The memory 25 temporarily stores programs and data processed by the programs, and is a volatile memory such as a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory). The storage 26 is a storage device for storing data, such as a flash memory or HDD (Hard Disc Drive). The processor 29 is hardware for executing an instruction set described in a program, and is composed of arithmetic units, registers, peripheral circuits, and the like.

<1.1 Configuration of terminal device 10>
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the terminal device 10 configuring the plant design system 1 of Embodiment 1. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 3, the terminal device 10 includes a plurality of antennas (antenna 111, antenna 112), wireless communication units (first wireless communication unit 121, second wireless communication unit 122) corresponding to each antenna, and an operation unit. It includes reception unit 130 (including keyboard 131 and display 132 ), audio processing unit 140 , microphone 141 , speaker 142 , camera 150 , storage unit 160 , and control unit 170 . The terminal device 10 also has functions and configurations not particularly shown in FIG. 3 (for example, a battery for retaining power, a power supply circuit for controlling power supply from the battery to each circuit, etc.). As shown in FIG. 3, each block included in the terminal device 10 is electrically connected by a bus or the like.

The antenna 111 radiates a signal emitted by the terminal device 10 as radio waves. Antenna 111 also receives radio waves from space and provides a received signal to first wireless communication section 121 .

The antenna 112 radiates a signal emitted by the terminal device 10 as radio waves. Antenna 112 also receives radio waves from space and provides a received signal to second wireless communication section 122 .

The first wireless communication unit 121 performs modulation and demodulation processing for transmitting and receiving signals via the antenna 111 so that the terminal device 10 communicates with other wireless devices. The second wireless communication unit 122 performs modulation and demodulation processing for transmitting and receiving signals via the antenna 112 so that the terminal device 10 communicates with other wireless devices. The first radio communication unit 121 and the second radio communication unit 122 are communication modules including a tuner, an RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indicator) calculation circuit, a CRC (Cyclic Redundancy Check) calculation circuit, a high frequency circuit, and the like. The first radio communication unit 121 and the second radio communication unit 122 perform modulation/demodulation and frequency conversion of radio signals transmitted/received by the terminal device 10 and give received signals to the control unit 170 .

The operation accepting unit 130 has a mechanism for accepting user input operations. Specifically, operation accepting unit 130 includes a keyboard 131 and a display 132 . Note that the operation reception unit 130 may be configured as a touch screen that detects the user's touch position on the touch panel, for example, by using a capacitive touch panel.

The keyboard 131 accepts input operations by the user of the terminal device 10 . The keyboard 131 is a device for inputting characters, and outputs input character information to the control unit 170 as an input signal.

The display 132 displays data such as images, moving images, and text under the control of the control unit 170 . The display 132 is implemented by, for example, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display.

The audio processing unit 140 modulates and demodulates an audio signal. Audio processing section 140 modulates the signal supplied from microphone 141 and supplies the modulated signal to control section 170 . Also, the audio processing unit 140 provides an audio signal to the speaker 142 . The audio processing unit 140 is implemented by, for example, a processor for audio processing. Microphone 141 receives a voice input and provides voice signal corresponding to the voice input to voice processing section 140 . The speaker 142 converts the audio signal provided from the audio processing unit 140 into audio and outputs the audio to the outside of the terminal device 10 .

The camera 150 is a device for receiving light with a light receiving element and outputting it as a photographed image. The camera 150 is, for example, a depth camera that can detect the distance from the camera 150 to the subject.

The storage unit 160 is configured by, for example, a flash memory or the like, and stores data and programs used by the terminal device 10 . In one aspect, storage unit 160 stores user information 161 .

The user information 161 is information of a user who uses the terminal device 10 to perform plant design, which is a function of the plant design system 1 . The user information includes information for identifying the user (user ID), the name of the user, organizational information such as the company to which the user belongs, and the like.

The control unit 170 reads a program stored in the storage unit 160 and executes instructions included in the program to control the operation of the terminal device 10 . The control unit 170 is, for example, an application installed in the terminal device 10 in advance. The control unit 170 functions as an input operation reception unit 171, a transmission/reception unit 172, a data processing unit 173, and a notification control unit 174 by operating according to a program.

The input operation reception unit 171 performs processing for receiving a user's input operation to the input device such as the keyboard 131 .

The transmission/reception unit 172 performs processing for the terminal device 10 to transmit/receive data to/from an external device such as the server 20 according to a communication protocol.

The data processing unit 173 performs processing according to a program to perform computation on data input by the terminal device 10, and outputs the computation result to a memory or the like.

The notification control unit 174 performs processing for presenting information to the user. The notification control unit 174 performs processing for displaying a display image on the display 132, processing for outputting sound to the speaker 142, processing for causing the camera 150 to vibrate, and the like.

<1.2 Functional Configuration of Server 20>
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a functional configuration of server 20 that configures plant design system 1 of Embodiment 1. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 4 , the server 20 functions as a communication section 201 , a storage section 202 and a control section 203 .

The communication unit 201 performs processing for the server 20 to communicate with an external device.

The storage unit 202 stores data and programs used by the server 20 . The storage unit 202 stores a facility database 2021, an equipment database 2022, a design space database 2023, and the like.

The facility database 2021 is a database for holding information on facilities arranged in a virtual space presented for plant design in the plant design system 1 . Details will be described later.

The equipment database 2022 is a database for holding information such as equipment arranged in a virtual space presented for plant design in the plant design system 1 . Details will be described later.

The design space database 2023 is a database for holding information on the virtual space designed by the user. Details will be described later.

By the processor of the server 20 performing processing according to a program, the control unit 203 includes various modules such as a reception control module 2031, a transmission control module 2032, an operation mode switching module 2033, an overall mode control module 2034, a unit mode control module 2035, and a It performs the functions shown in piping routing module 2036 .

The reception control module 2031 controls processing for the server 20 to receive a signal from an external device according to a communication protocol.

The transmission control module 2032 controls the processing by which the server 20 transmits signals to external devices according to a communication protocol.

The operation mode switching module 2033 is an overall mode (the first operation mode) and a unit mode (second operation mode) in which one or a plurality of devices constituting the facility are arranged in units. For example, in the overall mode, objects representing facilities are arranged, and in the unit mode, objects representing devices and subunits are arranged. When starting plant design using the terminal device 10 or during design, the user performs a predetermined operation (for example, pressing a predetermined button on the screen) on the screen displayed on the display 132 of the terminal device 10. to instruct switching of the operation mode. Accordingly, the operation mode switching module 2033 receives the switching instruction and switches the operation mode.

When switching to the overall mode, the operation mode switching module 2033 displays the entire fixed area for plant design, that is, displays the fixed area from a macroscopic point of view, and changes the display amount of details of objects representing equipment and subunits. , for example, the display may be omitted.

For example, in response to switching to the overall mode, the operation mode switching module 2033 sets the viewpoint (virtual camera) in the virtual space in the overall mode so that the entire fixed area for plant design can be overlooked, and the object may not be rendered. Alternatively, in the overall mode, an image showing the entire fixed area for plant design can be displayed without constructing a three-dimensional virtual space, and the user can edit the arrangement of each facility (unit) in the fixed area. good too.

When switching to the unit mode, the operation mode switching module 2033 enlarges and displays the equipment, that is, displays the equipment from a microscopic point of view, and displays details of objects representing devices and subunits.

In addition, in each facility in the unit mode, a certain area within the facility may be defined as a subunit and managed by the server 20, and a certain area within the subunit may be managed as a subunit of a lower hierarchy. may be The operation mode switching module 2033 can also switch between an upper layer and a lower layer of a hierarchical structure in which the portion defined as a subunit is further divided into a plurality of layers in the unit mode.

The operation mode switching module 2033 can switch the operation mode even after piping is routed by the piping routing module 2036, which will be described later. At this time, the gate setting indicating the connection relationship of the pipes is stored in the design space database 2023, and the operation mode switching module 2033 refers to this gate setting information to display the screen, so that even if the operation mode is switched, the pipe routing can be performed. are configured to maintain connectivity between

Also, even after the piping is routed, it is possible to arrange or change the arrangement of facilities, subunits, or equipment by the overall mode control module 2034 or the unit mode control module 2035, which will be described later.

In this way, when the connection position of the pipe is changed due to the arrangement or change of the object (for example, the position of the pipe is shifted due to the change in the arrangement position of the equipment), the server 20 updates the gate setting information. be done.

As a result, the connection relationship of the pipes is maintained even if the positional relationship of the pipes is shifted, and the connection relation of the pipes is maintained even if the operation mode is switched.

The overall mode control module 2034 can display the entire fixed area where plant design is performed by the plant design system 1, and controls the process of receiving an operation for arranging equipment in units of facilities in the fixed area from the user.

The types of equipment that the overall mode control module 2034 accepts include, in the example of an LNG plant, the above acid gas removal equipment, sulfur recovery equipment, water removal equipment, compression equipment, as well as flares ( stacks), tanks for storing raw materials and products, and living quarters for workers. In the overall mode control module 2034, for example, in the 3D CAD system, by arranging objects representing facilities, facility units are arranged. Note that the arrangement of equipment units is not limited to the arrangement of objects representing equipment in a 3D CAD system. For example, in a layout diagram such as that shown in FIG. may be placed, or a specific area may be selected (by dragging or the like) on a plane to place the equipment.

When the user uses the terminal device 10 to design a plant, after switching to the overall mode by the operation mode switching module 2033, the user can view the facility in the virtual space displayed on the display 132 of the terminal device 10. Specify the type and placement position, or perform an operation to edit the size, type, or position of the installed facility. In response to this operation, the overall mode control module 2034 accepts an operation to edit the arrangement of equipment, and arranges or changes the equipment in the virtual space.

The overall mode control module 2034 accepts an operation to edit the arrangement of facilities even after piping is routed by a piping routing module 2036, which will be described later. At that time, when the connection position of the pipe connected to the equipment is changed, specifically, the position of the pipe may be shifted due to the change in the arrangement position of the equipment. In this case, the server 20 updates the information on the gate settings (connection relationships of pipes). In the overall mode control module 2034, the display of some or all of the pipes may be omitted in order to ensure the visibility of the equipment and the pipes after routing.

In addition, the overall mode control module 2034 controls the process of editing the arrangement of roads passing through a certain area that is the site of the plant. For example, a plant needs roads for construction vehicles to work on installed facilities, or for transporting raw materials and various materials used in the facilities, workers, and the like.

Therefore, the overall mode control module 2034 allows the placement of roads for the vehicle to pass. Roads that can be arranged by the overall mode control module 2034 are, for example, main roads, roads for general traffic vehicles, and roads for construction vehicles. The overall mode control module 2034 may selectably display the type of road (recommend the road to be arranged) according to the type (function) of adjacent facilities and the separation distance between facilities, and automatically The type may be selected and arranged, and the width (size) and length of the road may be editable.

The unit mode control module 2035 controls the process of receiving an operation from the user to arrange one or more equipment that constitutes the facility within the facility of the plant designed by the plant design system 1 .

The objects to be placed in units of equipment accepted by the unit mode control module 2035 are, for example, areas (subunits) obtained by dividing an equipment area (unit) according to functions and persons in charge, and equipment to be placed in equipment. is included. The devices arranged in the facility specifically include pumps, heat exchangers, filters, and valves. In the unit mode control module 2035, for example, in a 3D CAD system, by arranging objects representing devices or subunits, device units are arranged.

When the user uses the terminal device 10 to design a plant, after switching to the unit mode by the operation mode switching module 2033, the user can see subunits in the virtual space displayed on the display 132 of the terminal device 10. Alternatively, the operator designates the type and placement position of the object representing the device, or performs an operation to edit the size, type, or position of the placed object. In response to this operation, the unit mode control module 2035 accepts an operation to edit the placement of objects representing subunits or equipment, places the objects in the virtual space, and changes the position, type, etc. of the objects.

The unit mode control module 2035 accepts an operation of arranging equipment or subunits even after piping is routed by a piping routing module 2036, which will be described later. At that time, if the connection position of the pipe connected to the object is changed, specifically, if the position of the pipe is shifted due to a change in the placement position of equipment or subunits, etc., the gate setting (connection relationship of pipe) update the information in

When updating the gate setting information, the user may be allowed to select which of the gate settings in the overall mode is to be given priority, or which one should be given priority may be set in advance. The same applies to gate setting between the upper layer and the lower layer in the hierarchical structure of subunits, which will be described later.

The device that receives the operation to be edited by the unit mode control module 2035 may be a single device as described above, or may be a device group called a block pattern in which attached pipes and attached devices are arranged in advance on the device. .

Attached piping is, for example, piping that is pre-arranged in the vicinity of equipment. Attached devices are, for example, instrumentation devices such as valves and flowmeters that are pre-arranged in the vicinity of the devices. In the unit mode control module 2035, the type of device, the number of devices, the arrangement of devices (vertical and horizontal), the length of attached piping, the angle, the position of the fluid inlet or outlet, etc. may be editable. , may be editable by parameters input by the user.

In addition, when the operation mode switching module 2033 switches between the upper layer and the lower layer of the hierarchical structure in which the subunits are further divided into a plurality of subunits, the unit mode control module 2035 can be arranged in the subunits of the layer. subunits or devices may be configured to be selectable.

The piping routing module 2036 is a process of accepting an instruction operation (routing) from the user to determine the route of piping, which is a routing object between facilities or equipment arranged in a plant designed using the plant design system 1. to control.

Pipes arranged in the plant include, for example, pipes for transporting raw material gas, pipes for transporting absorption liquid for absorbing components removed from raw material gas, and pipes for transporting exhaust gas in the plant. etc., and are arranged for the flow of liquid or gaseous fluids.

For example, on the screen displayed on the display 132 of the terminal device 10, the user can select a predetermined location of the facility or equipment arranged in the virtual space (for example, gate setting of the facility, equipment or subunit, piping attached to the equipment). end points) as segments (connection points) for routing pipes. When routing piping, routing between facilities and equipment is performed so as to connect the relevant portions. The server 20 accepts the designation, and also accepts an operation (for example, pressing a predetermined button on the screen) to instruct piping routing from the user. In response to the piping routing instruction, the piping routing module 2036 performs piping routing.

In addition, in the piping routing module 2036, other devices that do not constitute the facility arranged in the virtual space, for example, predetermined points in the devices outside the range of the facility are set as a part (connection point) for routing the piping. It may be possible to determine the route of the routing object considering the connection point.

Note that the pipe routing module 2036 may perform pipe routing (so-called manual) based on detailed input information that the user performs in the virtual space, or may perform automatic routing by the user specifying start and end points. At this time, the direction of piping routing is determined according to predetermined conditions, and automatic routing is performed by an algorithm that avoids existing facilities, equipment, and piping. In addition, the piping routing module 2036 may be configured to perform routing of piping diameter, material, etc. specified by parameters input by the user or preset parameters. may be recommended to the user. Furthermore, the pipe routing module 2036 may perform pipe routing even for a range that is not displayed on the display 132 of the terminal device 10 depending on the operation mode.

<2 Data structure>
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the data structures of the facility database 2021, equipment database 2022, and design space database 2023 stored by the server 20. As shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 5, each record in the facility database 2021 includes an item "equipment ID", an item "equipment type", an item "BIM model data", and the like.

The item "equipment ID" is information for identifying each type of equipment that can be selected in the plant design system 1 in the overall mode.

The item "equipment type" is a name indicating the type of equipment, and stores name information such as acid gas removal equipment, sulfur recovery equipment, water removal equipment, and compression equipment, for example. The name indicating the type of facility may be a symbol designated by a predetermined standard or the like, or may be a model number designated by the manufacturer.

The item "BIM model data" is information indicating the data name (file name) of model data indicating an object of equipment arranged in the virtual space in the plant design system 1, and is model data used in the 3D CAD system. . The 3D CAD system provided by the server 20 constructs a three-dimensional virtual space and performs modeling to express the shapes of facilities, subunits, equipment, or routing objects in the three-dimensional virtual space. Also, a viewpoint (virtual camera) in the virtual space is set, and these facilities, subunits, equipment, or routing objects are rendered based on the settings of the virtual camera. The model data stored in the item "BIM model data" is model data for rendering the actual facility from the viewpoint of a predetermined virtual camera.

Although illustration is omitted, the facility database 2021 may store information on items that can be edited for facilities that can be arranged in the plant design system 1 .

Each record of the device database 2022 includes the item “device ID”, the item “device type”, the item “BIM model data”, and the like.

The item "equipment ID" is information for identifying each type of equipment that can be selected when the plant design system 1 is in the unit mode.

The item "equipment type" is a name indicating the type of equipment. For example, the name of the equipment arranged in the plant, specifically, the information of the name indicating equipment such as pumps, heat exchangers, filters, and valves. stored. The name indicating the type of device may be a symbol designated by a predetermined standard or the like, or may be a model number designated by the manufacturer.

The item "BIM model data" is information indicating the data name (file name) of model data, which indicates the object of the equipment arranged in the virtual space in the plant design system 1, and is the model data used in the 3D CAD system. . The model data stored in the item "BIM model data" is model data for rendering the actual subunit or equipment from the viewpoint of a predetermined virtual camera.

Although illustration is omitted, the equipment database 2022 may store information on items (parameters) that can be edited in equipment that can be arranged in the plant design system 1 .

Each record in the design space database 2023 includes an item “space ID”, an item “user ID”, an item “piping information in space”, and the like.

The item “space ID” is information for identifying each piece of virtual space information designed by the user in the plant design system 1 .

The item “user ID” is information for identifying each user who uses the plant design system 1 .

The item "intra-space piping information" is information related to objects representing facilities, equipment or subunits placed in the virtual space by the user in the plant design system 1, and piping for which routing has been performed. Coordinates”, item “placement”, item “detailed information (parameter)”, and the like.

The item "relative coordinate" is information indicating the relative position in the virtual space of an object representing equipment, equipment, or subunits placed in the virtual space. there is The relative coordinates are, for example, the relative coordinates of the reference position of the object (for example, the center position or the end point in one of six directions) when the virtual space is expressed by XYZ coordinates, but are limited to this method. do not have.

The item “arranged object” is information indicating an object arranged in the virtual space, and corresponds to the item “equipment ID” of the equipment database 2021 or the item “equipment ID” of the equipment database 2022 .

The item "detailed information (parameter)" is information indicating editing information when an object placed in the virtual space is edited, and stores, for example, editing parameters of the device in the unit mode.

Although illustration is omitted, the design space database 2023 may store information on pipes routed by the pipe routing module 2036 and information on gate settings.

The overall mode control module 2034 or the unit mode control module 2035 of the server 20 receives object placement information from each user and adds a record to the design space database 2023 as the process of placing the object in the virtual space is performed. Update. The pipe routing module 2036 adds and updates records to the design space database 2023 as the pipe routing is processed.

<3 Operation>
Operation mode switching processing and piping route determination processing by the plant design system 1 according to the first embodiment will be described below with reference to FIGS. 6 to 8 .

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of operation mode switching processing by the plant design system 1 of the first embodiment.

In step S121, the control unit 203 of the server 20 sends an instruction to the terminal device 10 to display the space in the initial state in order to receive input of the type and placement position of objects to be placed in the virtual space for plant design. Send via

In step S<b>111 , the transmitting/receiving unit 172 of the terminal device 10 receives instruction information for displaying the space in the initial state transmitted from the server 20 . The notification control unit 174 causes the display 132 to display the space in the initial state. The information on the space in the initial state may be transmitted to the terminal device 10 by the control unit 203 of the server 20, or stored in the terminal device 10 in advance.

In step S112, the input operation accepting unit 171 of the terminal device 10 accepts an input from the user for switching between the overall mode for editing the arrangement of facilities and the unit mode for editing the arrangement of objects within the facility. The transmitting/receiving unit 172 transmits information on the received switching instruction and user information to the server 20 . After that, the transmitting/receiving unit 172 receives instruction information for switching display to the operation mode specified by the user, which is transmitted from the server 20 . The notification control unit 174 causes the display 132 to display the space of the operation mode specified by the user. It should be noted that the subsequent processing will be described here assuming that the overall mode has been specified.

In step S<b>122 , the operation mode switching module 2033 of the server 20 receives the switching instruction information transmitted from the terminal device 10 via the communication unit 201 . The operation mode switching module 2033 transmits to the terminal device 10 via the communication unit 201 instruction information for switching display to the designated operation mode based on the received switching instruction information.

In step S113, the input operation reception unit 171 of the terminal device 10 allows the user to input the type of facility and the arrangement position in the virtual space showing the entire fixed area, which is the site of the plant, displayed on the display 132. accept. The transmitting/receiving unit 172 transmits to the server 20 the received input information of the type of facility and the arrangement position. After that, the transmitting/receiving unit 172 receives instruction information for displaying the facility in the virtual space, which is transmitted from the server 20 . The notification control unit 174 causes the display 132 to display a state in which the facility specified by the user is arranged in the virtual space.

In step S<b>123 , the overall mode control module 2034 of the server 20 receives through the communication unit 201 the input information on the type of facility and the arrangement position transmitted from the terminal device 10 . The overall mode control module 2034 transmits instruction information for displaying the facility in the virtual space to the terminal device 10 via the communication unit 201 based on the received information on the type and location of the facility. Also, the overall mode control module 2034 stores the received information on the type of facility and the arrangement position in the design space database 2023 .

In step S114, the input operation accepting unit 171 of the terminal device 10 accepts an input of an instruction to switch between the overall mode and the unit mode from the user. The transmitting/receiving unit 172 transmits information on the received switching instruction and user information to the server 20 . After that, the transmitting/receiving unit 172 receives instruction information for switching display to the operation mode specified by the user, which is transmitted from the server 20 . The notification control unit 174 causes the display 132 to display the space of the operation mode specified by the user. Note that the subsequent processing will be described here assuming that the unit mode has been specified.

In step S<b>124 , the operation mode switching module 2033 of the server 20 receives the switching instruction information transmitted from the terminal device 10 via the communication unit 201 . The operation mode switching module 2033 transmits to the terminal device 10 via the communication unit 201 instruction information for switching display to the designated operation mode based on the received switching instruction information.

In step S<b>115 , the input operation reception unit 171 of the terminal device 10 receives from the user the type, arrangement position, and location of objects representing equipment and subunits that constitute the plant, displayed on the display 132 . Accepts input of parameters for editing the object. The transmitting/receiving unit 172 transmits to the server 20 the input information of the received object type, arrangement position, and parameters for editing the object. After that, the transmitting/receiving unit 172 receives instruction information for displaying the object in the virtual space transmitted from the server 20 . The notification control unit 174 causes the display 132 to display a state in which the object specified by the user is arranged in the virtual space.

In step S<b>125 , the unit mode control module 2035 of the server 20 receives through the communication unit 201 the input information of the type of object, the placement position, and the parameters for editing the object, which are transmitted from the terminal device 10 . The unit mode control module 2035 transmits instruction information for displaying the object in the virtual space to the terminal device 10 via the communication unit 201 based on the received object type, arrangement position, and parameter information for editing the object. do. The unit mode control module 2035 also stores information on the received object type, placement position, and parameters for editing the object in the design space database 2023 .

As described above, the user of the plant design system 1 inputs an instruction to switch between the overall mode and the unit mode. Based on the switching instruction, an overall mode (first operation mode) that displays the entire fixed area that is the site of the plant and edits the layout of the equipment, or an object that represents the equipment and subunits that make up the plant in the equipment. Switching display to the unit mode (second operation mode) for editing the layout is performed. This allows the user to easily switch between macro design and micro design in the design of large-scale facilities such as chemical plants.

FIG. 7 is a flow chart showing an example of the flow of piping route determination processing by the plant design system 1 of the first embodiment. The pipe route determination process in the flowchart shown in FIG. 7 is added with the processes after step S211 and step S221 as subsequent processes of steps S115 and S125 of the operation mode switching process in the flowchart shown in FIG. , overlapping processing will not be described repeatedly. In the flowchart shown in FIG. 7, steps S111 to S114 and steps S121 to S124 are omitted.

In step S<b>211 , the input operation reception unit 171 of the terminal device 10 receives a request from the user from a predetermined location (for example, equipment, equipment, or subunit) displayed on the display 132 and placed in the virtual space. It accepts inputs that specify gate settings, end points of piping attached to equipment) as the start and end points of piping routing. The transmitting/receiving unit 172 transmits to the server 20 the received input information of the start and end points of piping routing. After that, the transmitting/receiving unit 172 receives instruction information for highlighting the start and end points of the piping routing transmitted from the server 20 . The notification control unit 174 causes the display 132 to display a state in which the start and end points of the piping routing specified by the user are highlighted.

In step S<b>221 , the pipe routing module 2036 of the server 20 receives the input information of the start and end points of pipe routing transmitted from the terminal device 10 via the communication unit 201 . The piping routing module 2036 transmits, to the terminal device 10 via the communication unit 201, instruction information for highlighting the designated starting and ending point of the piping routing based on the received information of the starting and ending point of the piping routing.

In step S212, the input operation reception unit 171 of the terminal device 10 receives an instruction from the user to perform pipe routing in the virtual space displayed on the display 132, and parameters for pipe routing (pipe diameter, material, etc.). accepts the input information of The transmitting/receiving unit 172 transmits the received piping routing instruction information to the server 20 .

In step S<b>222 , the pipe routing module 2036 of the server 20 receives through the communication unit 201 the instruction information for pipe routing and the input information of parameters for pipe routing that are transmitted from the terminal device 10 . The pipe routing module 2036 may acquire parameter information for pipe routing from information set in advance and stored in the storage unit 202 .

In step S223, the pipe routing module 2036 of the server 20 determines a pipe route based on the pipe routing start and end points received in step S221 and the parameter information for pipe routing acquired in step S222. At this time, automatic routing may be performed by a predetermined algorithm.

In step S<b>224 , the piping routing module 2036 of the server 20 transmits the determined piping route information and instruction information for displaying the piping route to the terminal device 10 via the communication unit 201 .

In step S214, the transmitter/receiver 172 receives the piping route information transmitted from the server 20 and the instruction information for displaying the piping route. The notification control unit 174 causes the display 132 to display a state in which the piping has been routed.

In step S<b>225 , the piping routing module 2036 of the server 20 stores the determined piping route information in the design space database 2023 .

As described above, the user of the plant design system 1 performs an input designating the start and end points of piping routing, and instructs piping routing. Based on parameters for piping routing input by the user or set in advance, a route of piping passing through the start and end points of the piping is determined and displayed on the display 132 of the terminal device 10 . Thereby, the user can design a piping route based on the conditions specified by the user, and can design an appropriate piping route by changing the conditions.

FIG. 8 is a flow chart showing an example of the flow of operation mode switching processing by the plant design system 1 of the first embodiment. The operation mode switching process in the flowchart shown in FIG. 8 is the process after step S311 and step S321 added as the subsequent process of steps S214 and S224 of the piping route determination process in the flowchart shown in FIG. , overlapping processing will not be described repeatedly. In the flowchart shown in FIG. 8, the illustration of steps S211 to S213 and steps S221 to S223 is omitted.

In step S311, the input operation receiving unit 171 of the terminal device 10 receives an input of an instruction to switch between the overall mode and the unit mode from the user. The transmitting/receiving unit 172 transmits information on the received switching instruction and user information to the server 20 .

In step S<b>321 , the operation mode switching module 2033 of the server 20 receives the switching instruction information transmitted from the terminal device 10 via the communication unit 201 . The operation mode switching module 2033 acquires the piping routing information stored in the design space database 2023 and the gate settings of facilities, equipment or subunits.

In step S322, the operation mode switching module 2033 of the server 20 transmits, to the terminal device 10 via the communication unit 201, instruction information for switching and displaying the designated operation mode based on the switching instruction information received in step S321. do. At this time, the piping routing information and the gate setting of the facility, equipment or subunit acquired in step S321 are transmitted, and instruction information for displaying the piping is transmitted.

In step S<b>312 , the transmitting/receiving unit 172 of the terminal device 10 receives instruction information transmitted from the server 20 for switching to the operation mode specified by the user. The notification control unit 174 causes the display 132 to display the space of the operation mode specified by the user. At this time, the piping is displayed on the display 132 based on the piping routing information and the gate setting of the facility, equipment or subunit transmitted in step S322.

As described above, the user of the plant design system 1 inputs an instruction to switch between the overall mode and the unit mode. Based on the switching instruction, switching display to the overall mode or the unit mode is performed. At this time, the piping is displayed based on the piping routing information and the gate settings of the equipment, equipment or subunits, and the layout of the equipment, equipment or subunits is changed and the connection position of the pipes is changed. However, the gate setting information is updated and the connection relationship of the pipes is maintained. This allows the user to easily switch between macro design and micro design in the design of a large-scale facility such as a chemical plant, and to deal with design rework and reexamination.

<4 Screen example>
Hereinafter, examples of screens for operation mode switching processing and piping route determination processing by the plant design system 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 to 13 .

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a screen example of the space display in the initial state of the terminal device 10. As shown in FIG. The screen example of FIG. 9 shows a screen example of a state in which an initial virtual space is displayed on the user's terminal device 10 for accepting input of the type and arrangement position of an object. This corresponds to step S111 in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 9, the display 132 of the terminal device 10 displays a virtual space 1031a in an initial state as a lattice input screen. It is possible to input an object representing one or a plurality of facilities, devices or subunits at any place in this grid-like virtual space 1031a. A menu display column is provided in the upper part of the display 132, and a mode switching button 1031b for instructing switching between the overall mode and the unit mode is arranged. When this mode switching button 1031b is pressed, a list of selectable operation modes is displayed in a pull-down format so that an operation mode can be selected.

When an arbitrary portion of the virtual space 1031a shown in FIG. 9 is clicked, etc., and dragged to move the position, the display range and orientation of the virtual space 1031a are moved. For example, moving up, down, left, and right moves the display range according to the movement, and rotating it rotates the display range. At this time, the virtual space 1031a shown in FIG. 9 is planar, but by rotating it, it is possible to display it stereoscopically as shown in FIG. 12 and the like. In addition, a direction display field 1031c is provided so that the direction of the display direction (north, south, east, and west) can be known when the display range is rotated, and is configured to move according to the rotation of the virtual space 1031a.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a screen example of the overall mode by the terminal device 10. As shown in FIG. The screen example of FIG. 10 shows a screen example of a state in which facilities are arranged in the virtual space 1031a shown in FIG. 9 by user's operation. This corresponds to step S113 in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 10, on the display 132 of the terminal device 10, facilities 1032a are displayed in a grid-like virtual space similar to the virtual space 1031a shown in FIG. Also, on the right side of the display 132, there is provided a facility selection column 1032b that allows selection of the type of facility stored in the facility database 2021. FIG. The equipment 1032a is equipment stored in the equipment database 2021, such as acid gas removal equipment, sulfur recovery equipment, moisture removal equipment, and compression equipment.

The user performs an operation of selecting (for example, clicking on the screen) an arbitrary point in the virtual space as a position for arranging the equipment. Then, an equipment selection field 1032b is displayed. When the type of equipment is selected from the displayed contents (for example, by clicking on the screen), the selected equipment 1032a is displayed as shown in FIG. Also, when the equipment 1032a is selected, an input field for editable parameters is displayed on the right side, and the equipment 1032a can be edited (for example, the size and angle can be changed) by inputting.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a screen for road editing by the terminal device 10. As shown in FIG. The example screen of FIG. 11 shows an example of a screen in which installations are arranged in the virtual space shown in FIG. 10 by the user's operation, and the arrangement of roads is edited in the overall mode. This corresponds to step S113 in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 11, on the display 132 of the terminal device 10, the facilities 1033a are arranged in the same manner as in the virtual space shown in FIG. . Also, on the right side of the display 132, there is provided a parameter input field 1033c for editing the road 1033b.

The road 1033b may be arranged according to the user's input instruction, or may be arranged automatically. The parameter input field 1033c is configured so that the type of the road 1033b, for example, a main trunk road, a road for general traffic vehicles, and a road for construction vehicles, can be selected. , etc., can be edited.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a screen example of the unit mode by the terminal device 10. As shown in FIG. The screen example of FIG. 12 shows a screen example in which an object is arranged in the virtual space 1031a shown in FIG. 9 by the user's operation. This corresponds to step S115 in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 12, the display 132 of the terminal device 10 displays a block pattern 1034a, which is an example of an object, arranged in a grid-like virtual space similar to the virtual space 1031a shown in FIG. Further, on the right side of the display 132, an object selection field 1034b is provided in which the types of objects (block patterns) stored in the device database 2022 can be selected. A block pattern 1034a is a block pattern stored in the device database 2022, and is a device such as a pump, a heat exchanger, a filter, or a valve provided with attached pipes or attached devices.

The user performs an operation of selecting (for example, clicking on the screen) an arbitrary location in the virtual space as a position for arranging the object. Then, an object selection column 1034b is displayed, and when the type of object is selected from the displayed contents (for example, by clicking on the screen), the selected block pattern 1034a is displayed as shown in FIG. Also, when the block pattern 1034a is selected, an editable parameter input field is displayed on the right side, and the block pattern 1034a can be edited (for example, the number of devices and the arrangement of devices can be changed) by inputting. . The attached pipe of the block pattern 1034a is provided with a fluid suction port and a fluid discharge port (also referred to as a suction pipe and a discharge pipe). image).

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a pipe route display screen of the terminal device 10. As shown in FIG. The screen example of FIG. 13 shows a state in which a piping route passing between the selected start position and end position is determined and displayed in the space displayed on the user's terminal device 10 by the user's operation. A screen example is shown. This corresponds to step S214 in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 13, on the display 132 of the terminal device 10, there is a line between the end point 1035a of the attached pipe of the block pattern similar to the block pattern 1034a shown in FIG. 12 and the end point 1035b of the attached pipe of another block pattern. , a routed piping route 1035c is displayed.

The user selects the end point 1035a shown in FIG. 13 as the start position (connection position) and selects the end point 1035b as the end position (connection position) (the start position and end position may be reversed). If an operation for piping routing is performed in this state, a piping route 1035c is determined and displayed. At this time, the direction of piping routing is determined according to a predetermined condition, automatic routing is performed by an algorithm that avoids existing facilities, equipment, and piping, and a piping route 1035c is determined. Note that if the user selects the end point 1035a as the start position and the end point 1035b as the end position, the end points 1035a and 1035b may be displayed in different manners (eg, different colors, different images).

<Summary>
As described above, according to the present embodiment, when an instruction to switch between the overall mode and the unit mode is input, the entire fixed area that is the site of the plant is displayed and arranged in units of equipment in the overall mode (the first mode). operation mode), or a unit mode (second operation mode) for editing the arrangement of objects in units of one or a plurality of devices constituting the facility. When switching to the overall mode, the entire fixed area for plant design is displayed, that is, the fixed area is macro-displayed. When switching to unit mode, the installation is displayed in an enlarged manner, ie a micro view of the installation. This allows the user to easily switch between macro design and micro design in the design of large-scale facilities such as chemical plants.

In addition, routing of pipes passing through the start and end points of the pipes is performed according to a user's instruction or based on preset parameters for pipe routing. This makes it possible to easily design the route of the piping that is essential for facilities such as chemical plants.

Further, according to the user's instruction, the virtual space after piping routing is switched to the overall mode or the unit mode. At this time, the piping is displayed based on the piping routing information and the gate setting of the object representing the facility, equipment or subunit, even if the placement of the object changes and the connection position of the piping changes. , the gate setting information is updated and the connection relationship of the piping is maintained. This allows the user to easily switch between macro design and micro design in the design of a large-scale facility such as a chemical plant, and to deal with design rework and reexamination.

<Second Embodiment>
Another embodiment of the plant design system 1 will be described below.

<1 Overall configuration of plant design system 1>
FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a functional configuration of server 20 that configures plant design system 1 according to the second embodiment. The overall configuration of the plant design system 1 and the configuration of the terminal device 10 in the second embodiment are the same as those in the first embodiment, and therefore will not be described repeatedly.
The configuration of the server 20 is the same as that of the first embodiment, except that it newly includes the function of a placement-impossible area presentation module 2037 as shown in FIG.
The function of the placement-impossible area presentation module 2037 in the second embodiment will be described below.

The placement-impossible area presentation module 2037, when arranging facilities in a certain area, which is the site of a plant designed by the plant design system 1, considers the facilities to be arranged in relation to the facilities that have already been arranged. Controls the display of areas where placement is not possible. A separation distance to be provided between the equipment and other equipment is set for the equipment. This separation distance is set according to the function of the facility, safety, accessibility for people to pass, and functionality for laying roads.

Therefore, when the user arranges equipment, the arrangement impossibility area presentation module 2037 determines the separation distance set for the already arranged equipment, and displays the area where the equipment to be arranged cannot be arranged. are displayed in a manner different from that of the area (for example, different colors or warning display).

In addition, in a certain area, which is the site of the plant, equipment that cannot be arranged downstream of a certain equipment in terms of the wind direction is set due to the wind direction in the area. For example, in the area where the plant is located, there are areas where constant winds such as westerly winds blow. Flares (stacks) and tanks for storing raw materials and products are placed downstream, and workers' living quarters are placed upstream.

Therefore, when the user arranges facilities, the arrangement impossibility area presentation module 2037 determines the relationship between the direction of the wind and the facilities that have already been arranged, and places areas where the facilities to be arranged cannot be arranged in other areas. display in a different manner (e.g., different colors or warning signs).

The separation distance to be provided between a certain piece of equipment and other pieces of equipment and information on other pieces of equipment that cannot be placed in relation to certain pieces of equipment due to the direction of the wind are stored in, for example, the equipment database 2021. The database 2021 is referenced to determine areas where equipment cannot be arranged.

<2 Data structure>
The data structure in the second embodiment is the same as in the first embodiment, so it will not be described repeatedly.

<3 Operation>
Since the operation in the second embodiment is the same as that in the first embodiment, it will not be described repeatedly.

<4 Screen example>
Below, examples of screens for equipment layout processing according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 15 and 16. FIG.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of a facility layout screen displayed by the terminal device 10. As shown in FIG. The screen example of FIG. 15 shows a screen example of a state in which equipment is about to be arranged in the virtual space 1031a shown in FIG. 9 by the user's operation. This corresponds to step S113 in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 15, the display 132 of the terminal device 10 displays a state in which the user is about to place a facility 1036a in a grid-like virtual space similar to the virtual space 1031a shown in FIG. At this time, the facility 1036b that has already been placed is displayed, and an area 1036c in which the facility 1036a cannot be placed due to the relationship with the facility 1036b is displayed, for example, in a color different from that of the virtual space.

When the user attempts to drag and place the facility 1036a, the placement-impossible area presentation module 2037 refers to the facility database 2021, determines the separation distance to be provided between the facility 1036b, and determines the range in which the facility 1036a cannot be placed. Area 1036 c is determined and displayed on display 132 . Note that when the user actually places the facility 1036a in the area 1036c, a different display (for example, warning on a pop-up screen) may be performed.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of a facility layout screen displayed by the terminal device 10. As shown in FIG. The screen example of FIG. 16 shows a screen example of a state in which equipment is about to be arranged in the virtual space 1031a shown in FIG. 9 by the user's operation. This corresponds to step S113 in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 16, the display 132 of the terminal device 10 displays a state in which the user is about to place a facility 1037a in a grid-like virtual space similar to the virtual space 1031a shown in FIG. At this time, the facility 1037b that has already been placed is displayed, and an area 1037c in which the facility 1037a cannot be placed due to the relationship with the facility 1037b is displayed, for example, in a color different from that of the virtual space.

When the user attempts to drag and place the facility 1037a, the placement prohibited area presentation module 2037 refers to the facility database 2021, and the facility 1037a cannot be placed due to the relationship between the wind direction set in the virtual space and the facility 1037b. Area 1037c, which is the range, is determined and displayed on display 132 . It should be noted that the direction of the wind can be set in the virtual space, and the display 132 may display an image indicating the direction of the wind (for example, an image like a weathervane).

<Summary>
As described above, according to the present embodiment, when a facility is to be placed, an area is displayed in which the facility to be placed cannot be placed due to the relationship with the already placed facilities and the wind direction. This allows for better placement of equipment.

Although the disclosed embodiments have been described above, they can be implemented in various other forms, and can be implemented with various omissions, substitutions, and modifications. These embodiments, modifications, omissions, substitutions and changes are included within the technical scope of the claims and their equivalents.

<Appendix>
The items described in each of the above embodiments will be added below.

(Appendix 1) A program for plant design by causing a computer comprising a processor (29) and a memory (25) to execute the program, the program causing the processor (29) to operate in the first operation mode or the second operation mode. (S122, S124), and a step of receiving an operation (S123 ), and a step (S125) of receiving an operation of arranging an object in units of one or more devices (200) constituting the facility in the second operation mode (S125).

(Appendix 2) The program according to (Appendix 1), which receives an operation of arranging an object on a facility-by-equipment basis in the first operation mode.

(Appendix 3) The program further determines the route of the routing object, and the step of determining the route of the routing object between facilities or equipment according to the instruction of the user who designs the plant (S222 to S223 ), the program according to (Appendix 1) or (Appendix 2).

(Appendix 4) In the step of determining the route of the routing object, other equipment that does not constitute the facility can be set as a connection point of the route, and the route of the routing object is determined in consideration of the connection point. ).

(Additional remark 5) After the route of the routing object is determined, the connection relationship (300) and the position between the facilities or equipment of the routing object are stored in the memory (25), and the first operation The program according to (Appendix 3) or (Appendix 4), which maintains the connection relationship and the position of the routing object even if the mode or the second operation mode is switched.

(Appendix 6) Based on whether the operation mode is the first operation mode or the second operation mode, the step of displaying an object for each facility or each device or a routing object (S122, S124, S224) is executed. , (Appendix 3) to (Appendix 5).

(Appendix 7) The method according to (Appendix 6), wherein the display amount of all or part of the object or routing target for each device is changed based on whether it is in the first operation mode or the second operation mode. program.

(Appendix 8) In the first operation mode and the second operation mode, if an operation is received after the route of the routing object is determined, and if there is a change in the connection relationship and position of the routing object, the The program according to any one of (Appendix 4) to (Appendix 7), which changes connection relationships and positions of stored routing objects.

(Appendix 9) The area in which the equipment is arranged can be divided into a plurality of sub-areas, and the second operation mode has one or more hierarchical structures corresponding to the configuration of the sub-areas. In the second operation mode of , receiving an operation after the route of the routing object is determined, and if there is a change in the connection relationship and position of the routing object, the connection of the routing object stored in the memory (Appendix 4) to ( A program according to any one of Appendix 8).

(Appendix 10) The program according to any one of (Appendix 3) to (Appendix 9), wherein, in the step of determining the route of the routing object, the route of the routing object in the range not displayed as the fixed area is determined.

(Appendix 11) The program according to any one of (Appendix 3) to (Appendix 10), wherein, in the step of determining the route of the routing object, the route of piping or cable is determined as the routing object.

(Appendix 12) The program according to any one of (Appendix 1) to (Appendix 11), wherein when switching between the first operation mode and the second operation mode is performed, the display range of the fixed area is changed.

(Appendix 13) The program according to any one of (Appendix 1) to (Appendix 12), which receives an operation of arranging roads passing through a certain area when in the first operation mode.

(Appendix 14) The program according to (Appendix 13), which receives an operation of editing the size of the road based on the function of the facility.

(Appendix 15) The program according to any one of (Appendix 1) to (Appendix 14), which, when in the first operation mode, displays areas in which equipment cannot be arranged in relation to already arranged equipment.

(Supplementary note 16) The program according to (Supplementary note 15), which displays an area in which the facility cannot be arranged based on the separation distance to be provided between the already arranged facility and the facility to be arranged.

(Appendix 17) The program according to (Appendix 15) or (Appendix 16), which displays an area in which equipment cannot be arranged based on the already arranged equipment and the wind direction set in a certain area.

(Appendix 18) In the second operation mode, any one of the equipment arranged in the plant, the attached piping arranged near the equipment, and the attached equipment attached to the equipment, or The program according to any one of (Appendix 1) to (Appendix 17), which receives an operation of arranging a plurality of objects.

(Appendix 19) An information processing device for plant design, comprising a control unit (203) and a storage unit (202), wherein the control unit switches between a first operation mode and a second operation mode. a step (2033) of receiving an operation from the user to perform the operation to perform the above; a step (2034) of receiving an operation of arranging facilities in units of facilities in a certain area where plant design is performed in the first operation mode; , a step (2035) of receiving an operation for arranging an object in units of one or more devices that constitute the facility.

(Appendix 20) A computer-implemented method for plant design comprising a processor (29) and a memory (25), the method comprising: Step (S122, S124) of receiving an operation from the user to switch the operation mode of (S122, S124), and a step of receiving an operation ( S123) and, in the second operation mode, a step of receiving an operation of arranging an object in units of one or more devices (200) constituting the facility (S125).

10 terminal device, 20 server, 80 network, 130 operation reception unit, 161 user information, 22 communication IF, 23 input/output IF, 25 memory, 26 storage, 29 processor, 201 communication unit, 202 storage unit, 2021 equipment database, 2022 Equipment database 2023 Design space database 203 Control unit 301 Communication unit 302 Storage unit 303 Control unit

Claims (20)

A program to be executed by a computer comprising a processor and a memory for plant design,
The program causes the processor to:
receiving an operation from the user to switch between the first operation mode and the second operation mode;
In the first operation mode, a step of receiving an operation of arranging equipment in units of equipment in a certain area where plant design is performed;
and a step of accepting an operation of arranging an object in units of one or more devices that constitute the facility in the second operation mode. 2. The program according to claim 1, wherein in said first operation mode, an operation of arranging objects for each facility is accepted. The program further determines a route of a routing object, comprising:
3. The program according to claim 1, wherein a step of determining a route of said routing object between said facilities or said devices is executed according to an instruction of a user who designs a plant. In the step of determining the route of the routing object, the other device that does not constitute the equipment can be set as a connection point of the route, and the route of the routing object is determined considering the connection point. 4. The program according to item 3. After the route of the routing object is determined, connection relationships and positions between the equipment or the equipment of the routing object are stored in the memory, and the first operation mode or the second 5. The program according to claim 3 or 4, which maintains the connection relationship and position of said routing object even if two operation modes are switched. 3 to 4, wherein the step of displaying the object for each facility or each device or the routing object is executed based on whether the first operation mode or the second operation mode is selected. Item 6. The program according to any one of Items 5. 7. The program according to claim 6, wherein the amount of display of all or part of the object for each device or the routing object is changed based on whether it is in the first operation mode or the second operation mode. . receiving an operation after the route of the routing object is determined in the first operation mode and the second operation mode;
8. The method according to any one of claims 4 to 7, wherein when the connection relation and position of said routing object are changed, the connection relation and position of said routing object stored in said memory are changed. program. The area where the equipment is arranged can be divided into a plurality of sub-areas,
the second operation mode has one or more hierarchical structures corresponding to the configuration of the lower region;
receiving an operation after the route of the routing object is determined in the second operation mode of the lower hierarchy;
changing the connection relationship and position of the routing object stored in the memory when the connection relationship and position of the routing object are changed;
9. The method according to any one of claims 4 to 8, wherein when switching to the second operation mode of the upper layer, the routing object is displayed based on the changed connection relationship and position of the routing object. or the program according to item 1. 10. The program according to any one of claims 3 to 9, wherein the step of determining the route of the routing object determines the route of the routing object within a range not displayed as the fixed area. 11. The program according to any one of claims 3 to 10, wherein in the step of determining the route of the routing object, the route of piping or cable is determined as the routing object. 12. The program according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein when switching between the first operation mode and the second operation mode is performed, the display range of the fixed area is changed. 13. The program according to any one of claims 1 to 12, which receives an operation of arranging roads passing through the fixed area when in the first operation mode. 14. The program according to claim 13, accepting an operation to edit the size of said road based on the function of said facility. 15. The program according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein when in the first operation mode, the area in which the facility cannot be arranged is displayed in relation to the already arranged facilities. 16. The program according to claim 15, which displays an area in which the equipment cannot be arranged based on the separation distance to be provided between the already arranged equipment and the equipment to be arranged. 17. The program according to claim 15 or 16, which displays an area in which the equipment cannot be placed based on the equipment that has already been placed and the wind direction that is set for the fixed area. In the second operation mode, any one of equipment arranged in the plant, attached piping arranged in the vicinity of the equipment, and attached equipment attached to the equipment as the object for each equipment in the second operation mode. 18. The program according to any one of claims 1 to 17, which receives an operation of arranging an object comprising a plurality of objects. An information processing device for performing plant design, comprising a control unit and a storage unit,
The control unit
receiving an operation from the user to switch between the first operation mode and the second operation mode;
In the first operation mode, a step of receiving an operation of arranging equipment in units of equipment in a certain area where plant design is performed;
an information processing apparatus for performing, in the second operation mode, receiving an operation for arranging an object in units of one or more devices constituting the facility. A computer implemented method comprising a processor and a memory for performing a plant design comprising:
The method comprises: the processor;
receiving an operation from the user to switch between the first operation mode and the second operation mode;
In the first operation mode, a step of receiving an operation of arranging equipment in units of equipment in a certain area where plant design is performed;
and a step of receiving an operation of arranging an object in units of one or more devices that constitute the facility in the second operation mode.