JP2023177159A - Facility control system, information processing device, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a facility control system, an information processing device, and a program.SOLUTION: A facility control system 10 includes an SFP module 300 attached to a facility installed in a physical plant such as a factory 40 or 50 and including a communication module having a mobile communication unit capable of communicating with a carrier network 20 using a mobile communication method, and an information processing device (server 100). The information processing device includes: an information receiving unit that receives module identification information from a communication terminal 600 that has acquired the module identification information that can uniquely identify the communication module from the communication module; a linking unit that links the communication module to a port 210 of a virtual switch 200 built in a carrier network or the cloud based on the module identification information; and a routing control unit that controls routing of a plurality of communication modules of the physical plant linked to a plurality of ports of the virtual switch by the virtual switch.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

The present invention relates to an equipment control system, an information processing device, and a program.

Patent Document 1 describes a system for providing multi-cloud connectivity.
[Prior art documents]
[Patent document]
[Patent Document 1] Special Publication No. 2021-530908

According to one embodiment of the present invention, an equipment control system is provided. The equipment control system may include a communication module and an information processing device. The communication module may be attached to equipment installed in a facility. The communication module may include a mobile communication unit capable of communicating with a carrier network using a mobile communication method. The information processing device may include an information receiving unit that receives module identification information from a communication terminal that has acquired module identification information that can uniquely identify the communication module. The information processing device may include a linking unit that links the communication module to a port of a virtual switch built in the carrier network or cloud based on the module identification information. The information processing device may include a routing control unit that controls, by the virtual switch, routing of the plurality of communication modules of the facility linked to the plurality of ports of the virtual switch.

In the equipment control system, the information receiving unit may receive, from the communication terminal, the module identification information of the communication module attached to a switch of the facility to which equipment installed in the facility is communicatively connected.

In any of the above equipment control systems, the information processing device may include a switch control unit that generates the port in the virtual switch in response to a generation request from the communication terminal, and the linking unit The communication module may be linked to the port generated by the switch control unit. The switch control unit may add, to the virtual switch, a port corresponding to the communication module attached to equipment installed in a related facility related to the facility, and the linking unit may add a port corresponding to the communication module installed in equipment installed in a related facility related to the facility, and The communication module of the related facility may be linked to the added port, and the routing control unit may link the communication modules of the facility and the communication module linked to the plurality of ports of the virtual switch by the virtual switch. Routing of the plurality of communication modules of associated facilities may be controlled. The switch control unit may generate a port corresponding to the communication module installed in equipment installed in an unrelated facility that is not related to the facility in another virtual switch different from the virtual switch, and The unit may link the communication module of the unrelated facility to the port generated in the other virtual switch by the switch control unit, and the routing control unit may link the communication module of the unrelated facility to the port generated in the other virtual switch by the other virtual switch. Routing of the plurality of communication modules of the non-related facilities that are associated with the plurality of ports of the virtual switch may be controlled.

In any of the above equipment control systems, the information processing device may include a switch generation unit that generates the virtual switch in response to a generation request from the communication terminal, and the switch control unit is configured to generate the virtual switch in response to a generation request from the communication terminal. The port may be created in the virtual switch created by the virtual switch. The switch generation unit may generate the virtual switch at the MEC determined based on the location information of the facility from a plurality of MECs in the carrier network.

Any of the equipment control systems may further include the communication terminal. The communication terminal may include an identification information acquisition unit that acquires the module identification information from the communication module. The communication terminal may include a request transmitting unit that transmits a linking request including the module identification information acquired by the identification information acquiring unit to the information processing device. The linking unit may link the communication module to the port of the virtual switch based on the module identification information included in the linking request, and the identification information acquisition unit may link the communication module to the port attached to the communication module. The module identification information may be obtained by reading the module identification information from an information code including the module identification information of the communication module. The information processing device may include a providing unit that provides a web page related to the virtual switch, and the request sending unit may send the association request to the information processing device via the web page. .

In any of the above equipment control systems, the communication module may be a 5GSFP (Small Form-factor Pluggable) having a 5G module capable of communicating with the carrier network using a 5G (5th Generation) mobile communication system.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, an information processing device is provided. The information processing device receives module identification information that can uniquely identify the communication module from a communication module that is attached to equipment installed in a facility and has a mobile communication unit that can communicate with a carrier network using a mobile communication method. The information receiving unit may be provided to receive the module identification information from the acquired communication terminal. The information processing device may include a linking unit that links the communication module to a port of a virtual switch built in the carrier network or a cloud based on the module identification information. The information processing device may include a routing control unit that controls, by the virtual switch, routing of the plurality of communication modules of the facility linked to the plurality of ports of the virtual switch.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, a program for causing a computer to function as the information processing device is provided.

Note that the above summary of the invention does not list all the necessary features of the invention. Furthermore, subcombinations of these features may also constitute inventions.

An example of a conventional system 80 is schematically shown. 1 schematically shows an example of an equipment control system 10. An example of an SFP module 300 is schematically shown. An example of the functional configuration of the server 100 is schematically shown. An example of the flow of processing by the server 100 is schematically shown. An example of the hardware configuration of a computer 1200 functioning as a server 100 is schematically shown.

The world of the future is expected to be one in which things are more connected. This expectation is attracting attention in the manufacturing industry, and there is an urgent need to introduce new technologies such as automatic control and remote monitoring. In order to achieve this, it is desirable to connect all kinds of things wirelessly rather than by wire.Renovating existing equipment requires a large investment in equipment.There are existing equipment that can only be controlled through wired connections. In some cases, there are issues such as being irreplaceable, requiring the construction of a network that connects locations, requiring complicated settings and maintenance management for its construction and operation, and ensuring security. As a method to solve these issues, for example, there are methods to insert an SFP with a 5G module function (sometimes referred to as 5GSFP) into a switch and connect the switch to the network via 5G, and a method to connect the switch to the network via 5G. There is a method to facilitate connection between bases by creating a virtual switch in the network and connecting 5GSFP to each base. According to the former, equipment and switches can be made wireless without renewing existing equipment. Furthermore, existing equipment that can only be controlled via wires can be controlled by connecting it to the switch. According to the latter, by preparing a web page that allows you to create a virtual switch beyond the 5G network and add ports for connecting to the 5GSFP, you can create a virtual switch on the web page and connect the virtual switch. By connecting the 5GSFP of each base and the 5GSFP of each base, connection between bases is facilitated. By doing so, it will be possible to build a network between locations without having to make the complicated, advanced, specialized settings that have been required in the past. Another option would be to use a mobile router with 5G functionality, but this would require capital investment as existing switches would have to be replaced. Another option is Wi-Fi (registered trademark), but it requires a fixed line and requires complicated settings to build a network between locations. The reasons for using 5G are that it can be connected regardless of the presence or absence of a fixed line, and that it satisfies sufficient requirements in terms of delay and bandwidth as an alternative to wired networks. The equipment control system 10 according to this embodiment may be configured based on such an assumption.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described through embodiments of the invention, but the following embodiments do not limit the invention according to the claims. Furthermore, not all combinations of features described in the embodiments are essential to the solution of the invention.

FIG. 1 schematically depicts an example of a conventional system 80. System 80 realizes communication between factory A and factory B. In recent years, there has been an urgent need for factories to introduce automatic control, remote monitoring, etc. In order to control equipment, it has become essential to connect equipment to a network, and the issue is how to use the network. For example, first, it is necessary to decide whether to use wired or wireless communication, what communication standard to use, etc. while taking into account cost aspects.

In the conventional system 80, equipment such as arm robots is connected to a network via wires and managed. The factory is connected to other factories via wide area Ethernet (registered trademark) or the like. The system 80 requires complicated settings for routers and the like in each factory.

Wired connections have the disadvantages of being expensive to lay cables to factories and equipment, and being difficult to accommodate for movable equipment. Wireless is ideal for connecting all sorts of things, including moving robots.

In the system 80, for example, it is possible to enable wireless communication by equipment using Wi-Fi, but it is difficult to integrate all equipment wirelessly, and for equipment where synchronization and timing of issuing commands are important. can be a concern when using Wi-Fi. Furthermore, complicated settings are required for routers and the like.

FIG. 2 schematically shows an example of the equipment control system 10. In the equipment control system 10, communication by the equipment may be made wireless by attaching an SFP module 300 including a mobile communication module to the equipment. Furthermore, in the equipment control system 10, communication by the switch may be made wireless by attaching the SFP module 300 to the switch to which the equipment is connected.

The SFP module 300 may be able to communicate with the carrier network 20 using a mobile communication method. The SFP module 300 may access the carrier network 20 via the wireless base station 22.

The SFP module 300 may comply with the 5G mobile communication system. That is, the SFP module 300 may communicate with the carrier network 20 using the 5G mobile communication system. The SFP module 300 may be compliant with the LTE (Long Term Evolution) mobile communication system. The SFP module 300 may be compliant with a mobile communication system after the 6G mobile communication system. In this example, a case will be mainly described in which the SFP module 300 complies with the 5G mobile communication system.

In 5G, TSN (Time Sensitive Network) is specified, so timing and synchronization of commands are performed with low delay and high reliability. Therefore, 5G is particularly expected to meet the requirements for control in facilities such as factories.

The equipment control system 10 includes a server 100. Server 100 may be an example of an information processing device.

The equipment control system 10 may include an SFP module 300 that is attached to equipment installed in an arbitrary facility and has a mobile communication unit capable of communicating with the carrier network 20 using a mobile communication method. SFP module 300 may be an example of a communication module.

In FIG. 2, a factory 40 and a factory 50 are illustrated as examples of facilities. In the factory 40, equipment 410, equipment 420, and switches 430 are installed. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the SFP module 300 is attached to each of two pieces of equipment 410, and the SFP module 300 is attached to a switch 430 to which the two pieces of equipment 410 are communicatively connected. Equipment 420 has a mobile communication function.

In the factory 50, equipment 510, equipment 520, and 530 are installed. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the SFP module 300 is attached to a switch 530 to which two pieces of equipment 510 are communicatively connected. Equipment 520 has a mobile communication function.

Server 100 may be located at a location on the network that is accessible from SFP module 300. FIG. 2 illustrates a case where the server 100 is placed in a cloud. The cloud may include the Internet. Server 100 may be located within carrier network 20. The server 100 is placed in the MEC 24, for example.

The server 100 may generate the virtual switch 200. When the server 100 is located in the cloud, the server 100 may generate the virtual switch 200 in the cloud. The server 100 may generate a virtual switch 200 within the carrier network 20. The server 100 may generate the virtual switch 200 in the MEC 24. When the server 100 is located within the carrier network 20, the server 100 may generate the virtual switch 200 within the carrier network 20. The server 100 may generate the virtual switch 200 in the MEC 24.

The server 100 may create a port 210 in the virtual switch 200. The server 100 may create multiple ports 210 in the virtual switch 200.

The server 100 may create ports 210 corresponding to each of the plurality of SFP modules 300 in the factory 40 in the virtual switch 200 to enable communication and information sharing within the factory 40. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the virtual switch 200 may generate three ports 210 corresponding to each of the three SFP modules 300 in the factory 40. The server 100 may associate each of the three SFP modules 300 with each of the three ports 210, and control routing using the virtual switch 200 to realize communication between the three SFP modules 300.

The server 100 may further generate a port 210 corresponding to the equipment 420 and link the equipment 420 and the port 210. The server 100 may control routing to achieve communication between the three SFP modules 300 and the equipment 420 through the virtual switch 200.

When the factory 50 is a facility related to the factory 40, the server 100 is configured to provide information to each of the plurality of SFP modules 300 in the factory 40 and the factory 50 in order to enable communication and information sharing within the factory 40 and the factory 50. A corresponding port 210 may be created in the virtual switch 200. The case where the factory 50 is a facility related to the factory 40 may be, for example, the case where the factory 40 and the factory 50 are under the management of the same company or under the management of an affiliated company. Further, for example, the factory 50 may be a facility designated by the administrator of the factory 40 or the like.

In the example shown in FIG. 2, the virtual switch 200 may generate four ports 210 corresponding to three SFP modules 300 in the factory 40 and one SFP module 300 in the factory 50, respectively. The server 100 may associate each of the four SFP modules 300 with each of the four ports 210, and control routing using the virtual switch 200 to realize communication between the four SFP modules 300.

The server 100 may further generate two ports 210 corresponding to each of the equipment 420 and the equipment 520, and associate each of the equipment 420 and the equipment 520 with each of the two ports 210. The server 100 may control routing to achieve communication between the four SFP modules 300 , equipment 420 , and equipment 520 using the virtual switch 200 .

In the equipment control system 10, a setting method via a web portal may be provided as a method for facilitating the setting of the virtual switch 200. For example, the administrator 602 of the factory 40 and the factory 50 may access the web portal using the communication terminal 600 and perform settings.

Communication terminal 600 may be a smartphone. Note that communication terminal 600 may be a tablet terminal. Communication terminal 600 may be a PC (Personal Computer).

The server 100 may provide a web page that enables settings such as creating the virtual switch 200, creating the port 210, and associating the port 210 with the SFP module 300. The communication terminal 600 may be able to perform settings related to the virtual switch 200 by accessing the web page.

For example, the administrator 602 may access a web page provided by the server 100 using the communication terminal 600. The web page may include, for example, an item for creating the virtual switch 200, an item for adding the port 210, and an item for linking the port 210 and the SFP module 300.

When the administrator 602 selects an item for generating the virtual switch 200, a request for generating the virtual switch 200 is executed. The server 100 may generate the virtual switch 200 in response to the generation request.

When the administrator 602 selects an item for generating the port 210, a request for generating the port 210 is executed. The server 100 may generate the port 210 of the virtual switch 200 in response to the generation request.

After selecting the item for linking the port 210 and the SFP module 300, the administrator 602 may cause the communication terminal 600 to read module identification information that can uniquely identify the target SFP module 300. For example, a QR code (registered trademark) containing module identification information is attached to the SFP module 300, and the administrator 602 reads the QR code with the communication terminal 600 to read the module identification information into the communication terminal 600. You can let me. After reading the module identification information, the communication terminal 600 may transmit to the server 100 a request for associating the SFP module 300 and the port 210, including the module identification information. The server 100 may link the SFP module 300 and the port 210 in response to the link request.

If the administrator 602 desires to associate another SFP module 300 with another port 210, the administrator 602 may select an item for creating the port 210 again. As a result, the port 210 generation request is executed, and the server 100 may add the port 210. After selecting an item for linking the port 210 and the SFP module 300, the administrator 602 may cause the communication terminal 600 to read the module identification information of the target SFP module 300. After reading the module identification information, the communication terminal 600 may transmit to the server 100 a request for associating the SFP module 300 and the port 210, including the module identification information. The server 100 may link the SFP module 300 and the port 210 in response to the link request.

If the administrator 602 desires to configure a different network, the administrator 602 may select an item for creating the virtual switch 200 again. As a result, the request to generate the virtual switch 200 is executed, and the server 100 may generate the virtual switch 200.

The equipment control system 10 may provide a setting method via a native application as a method for facilitating the setting of the virtual switch 200. For example, the administrator 602 of the factory 40 and the factory 50 makes settings regarding the virtual switch 200 using a native application installed on the communication terminal 600. Here, we will mainly explain the differences from the setting method via the web portal.

The native application may include a function that enables settings such as creating the virtual switch 200, creating the port 210, and associating the port 210 with the SFP module 300. The server 100 may be able to perform settings regarding the virtual switch 200 by accepting a settings request from a native application of the communication terminal 600. For example, the native application includes an item for creating a virtual switch 200, an item for adding a port 210, and an item for associating the port 210 with the SFP module 300.

When the administrator 602 selects an item for generating the virtual switch 200, a request for generating the virtual switch 200 is executed. The server 100 may generate the virtual switch 200 in response to the generation request. When the administrator 602 selects an item for generating the port 210, a request for generating the port 210 is executed. The server 100 may generate the port 210 of the virtual switch 200 in response to the generation request.

After selecting the item for linking the port 210 and the SFP module 300, the administrator 602 may cause the communication terminal 600 to read module identification information that can uniquely identify the target SFP module 300. After reading the module identification information, the communication terminal 600 may transmit to the server 100 a request for associating the SFP module 300 and the port 210, including the module identification information. The server 100 may link the SFP module 300 and the port 210 in response to the link request.

If the administrator 602 desires to associate another SFP module 300 with another port 210, the administrator 602 may select an item for creating the port 210 again. As a result, the port 210 generation request is executed, and the server 100 may add the port 210. If the administrator 602 desires to configure a different network, the administrator 602 may select an item for creating the virtual switch 200 again. As a result, the request to generate the virtual switch 200 is executed, and the server 100 may generate the virtual switch 200.

According to the equipment control system 10, existing equipment can be made wireless without being updated. According to the equipment control system 10, by connecting equipment to a virtual switch, it becomes possible to easily connect between facilities regardless of location. According to the equipment control system 10, by using the carrier network 20, the connection destination can be determined from subscriber data, so it becomes possible to connect to the same connection destination regardless of location.

Furthermore, by using the 5G mobile communication system in the facility control system 10, it becomes possible to control facilities that are sensitive to delays and timing. Furthermore, it is possible to achieve higher security than LTE, such as by concealing IMSI. When going wireless, it is possible to do it as cheaply as home Wi-Fi, but that would not provide sufficient security. By using 5G, the authentication method will be changed to mobile, and security will be improved because management will be performed on the mobile network side. Also, in the case of facilities such as factories, it is important to ensure that commands reach the equipment at the specified timing, but with Wi-Fi it is difficult to guarantee this, but with 5G, this is difficult to guarantee. Since it is also standardized, it can be said that it is more suitable. Wi-Fi etc. cannot be used unless you are in a place where you can connect to a fixed line, but with 5G, you can access specific destinations and networks regardless of your location even in places where fixed lines are not available.

Further, according to the equipment control system 10, a setting method via a web portal or a setting method via a native application is provided, so wirelessization and networking using the communication terminal 600 are easy. settings can be achieved.

When the communication terminal 600 executes a request to generate the virtual switch 200, the server 100 obtains location information of the target SFP module 300 or the location of the target SFP module 300 among the multiple MECs 24 of the carrier network 20. The virtual switch 200 may be generated in the MEC 24 determined based on the location information of the facility. The server 100 may receive location information of the SFP module 300 from the communication terminal 600. The server 100 may receive facility location information from the communication terminal 600. For example, the server 100 may generate the virtual switch 200 in the MEC 24 that has the shortest communication distance with respect to the position of the SFP module 300 among the multiple MECs 24 . For example, the server 100 may generate the virtual switch 200 in the MEC 24 that has the shortest communication distance with respect to the location of the facility among the multiple MECs 24 .

FIG. 3 schematically shows an example of an SFP module 300. The SFP module 300 may include a housing 302, a connection section 304, a QR code 306 attached to the housing 302, and a mobile communication section 310 and an information providing section 312 inside the housing 302. Note that it is not essential that the SFP module 300 include all of these.

Connection 304 may be connected to equipment. The SFP module 300 may be attached to the equipment by connecting the connection part 304 to the equipment.

The QR code 306 may include module identification information that can uniquely identify the SFP module 300. QR code 306 may be an example of an information code. Another example of an information code is a barcode. Note that instead of or together with the QR code 306, a character string representing module identification information may be printed on the housing 302. In this case, the administrator 602 may manually input the printed module identification information into the communication terminal 600.

The mobile communication unit 310 may perform communication with the carrier network 20 using a mobile communication method. The mobile communication unit 310 may perform communication with the carrier network 20 using, for example, the 5G mobile communication method. The mobile communication unit 310 may use the LTE mobile communication system. The mobile communication unit 310 may use a mobile communication system after the 6G mobile communication system.

The information providing unit 312 may provide the communication terminal 600 with module identification information that allows the SFP module 300 to be uniquely identified. The information providing unit 312 may be, for example, an RFID tag that stores module identification information, and the module identification information may be read by the communication terminal 600. The information providing unit 312 communicates with the communication terminal 600 through so-called short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark), NFC, Felica (registered trademark), and infrared communication, and provides module identification information to the communication terminal 600. do. The information providing unit 312 may provide the module identification information to the communication terminal 600 by any other method.

The SFP module 300 may include both a QR code 306 and an information providing section 312. The SFP module 300 may include only one of the QR code 306 and the information providing section 312.

FIG. 4 schematically shows an example of the functional configuration of the server 100. The server 100 may include a storage section 102, a registration section 104, a provision section 106, an information reception section 108, a switch generation section 110, a switch control section 112, a linking section 114, and a routing control section 116. Note that it is not essential that the server 100 include all of these.

The registration unit 104 may register various information. The registration unit 104 may store the registered information in the storage unit 102. For example, the registration unit 104 may register a web page related to the virtual switch 200. The registration unit 104 may register a web page that allows settings related to the virtual switch 200. The registration unit 104 may register a web page generated by an administrator of the server 100 or the like. For example, the registration unit 104 may register a web page generated on the server 100. For example, the registration unit 104 may receive a web page generated by another device from the other device.

The providing unit 106 may provide information to the communication terminal 600 and the like. The providing unit 106 may transmit, for example, a web page related to the virtual switch 200 stored in the storage unit 102 to the communication terminal 600.

The information receiving unit 108 may receive various types of information. The information receiving unit 108 may receive various information via the carrier network 20.

For example, the information receiving unit 108 may receive information from the communication terminal 600. For example, the information receiving unit 108 may receive module identification information from the communication terminal 600 that has acquired the module identification information from the SFP module 300.

For example, the information receiving unit 108 may receive module identification information of the SFP module 300 attached to equipment installed in a facility from the communication terminal 600. For example, the information receiving unit 108 may receive from the communication terminal 600 module identification information of the SFP module 300 attached to a switch to which equipment installed in the facility is communicatively connected.

For example, the information receiving unit 108 may receive a request to generate the virtual switch 200 from the communication terminal 600. For example, the information receiving unit 108 receives a generation request sent by the communication terminal 600 in response to an item for generating the virtual switch 200 being selected on a web page provided to the communication terminal 600 by the providing unit 106. You may do so.

For example, the information receiving unit 108 may receive a request to generate the port 210 from the communication terminal 600. For example, the information receiving unit 108 receives a generation request sent by the communication terminal 600 in response to an item for generating the port 210 being selected on a web page provided to the communication terminal 600 by the providing unit 106. It's fine.

For example, the information receiving unit 108 may receive a linking request for linking the SFP module 300 and the port 210 from the communication terminal 600. For example, the information receiving unit 108 selects an item for associating the port 210 and the SFP module 300 on the web page provided to the communication terminal 600 by the providing unit 106, and the communication terminal 600 identifies the module of the SFP module 300. An association request sent by the communication terminal 600 in response to the information being read may be received.

The switch generation unit 110 may generate the virtual switch 200. The switch generation unit 110 may generate the virtual switch 200, for example, according to instructions from an administrator of the server 100 or the like. The switch generation unit 110 may generate the virtual switch 200 in the cloud. The switch generation unit 110 may generate the virtual switch 200 within the carrier network 20. The switch generation unit 110 may generate the virtual switch 200 in the MEC 24.

The switch generation unit 110 may generate the virtual switch 200 in response to a request for generation of the virtual switch 200 from the communication terminal 600. For example, the switch generation unit 110 may generate the virtual switch 200 in response to the information reception unit 108 receiving a request to generate the virtual switch 200 from the communication terminal 600.

When receiving a request to generate a virtual switch 200 corresponding to a facility from the communication terminal 600, the switch generation unit 110 may generate a virtual switch 200 corresponding to the facility. For example, the communication terminal 600 may transmit to the server 100 a generation request that includes facility identification information that can identify the facility. Communication terminal 600 may transmit to server 100 a generation request that further includes facility location information indicating the location of the facility.

When the information receiving unit 108 receives a generation request including facility location information, the switch generation unit 110 generates a virtual switch 200 in the MEC 24 determined based on the facility location information among the multiple MECs 24 in the carrier network 20. You may. For example, the switch generation unit 110 may generate the virtual switch 200 in the MEC 24 that has the shortest communication distance with respect to the location indicated by the facility location information, among the multiple MECs 24 . For example, the switch generation unit 110 refers to MEC registration data in which MECs 24 corresponding to each of a plurality of regions are registered, specifies the MEC 24 corresponding to the region including the location indicated by the facility location information, and assigns the MEC 24 to the MEC 24. A virtual switch 200 may also be generated. The MEC registration data may be registered in advance by the registration unit 104 and stored in the storage unit 102. As a result, the virtual switch 200 can be placed at a position where there is a high probability that there will be less delay in communication with the SFP module 300 in the facility, and communication by the SFP module 300 in the facility can be made more efficient.

The communication terminal 600 may transmit a generation request including facility location information of a plurality of facilities to the server 100. For example, the communication terminal 600 transmits a generation request including facility location information of mutually related facilities to the server 100. The switch generation unit 110 may generate the virtual switch 200 in the MEC 24 determined based on the plurality of facility location information among the plurality of MECs 24 in the carrier network 20. For example, the switch generation unit 110 may generate the virtual switch 200 in the MEC 24 having the shortest total communication distance with respect to the plurality of positions indicated by the plurality of facility location information among the plurality of MECs 24 . As a result, for example, the virtual switch 200 can be placed in a position where there is a high probability that communication delay will be lower for each of multiple facilities that share information, and communication between multiple facilities can be made more efficient. can.

The switch control unit 112 may control the virtual switch 200 generated by the switch generation unit 110. For example, the switch control unit 112 may create the port 210 in the virtual switch 200. For example, the switch control unit 112 may create the port 210 in the virtual switch 200 according to instructions from an administrator of the server 100 or the like.

The switch control unit 112 may generate a port 210 in the virtual switch 200 in response to a port 210 generation request from the communication terminal 600. For example, the switch control unit 112 may generate the port 210 in the virtual switch 200 in response to the information receiving unit 108 receiving a request to generate the port 210 from the communication terminal 600.

The linking unit 114 may link the port 210 of the virtual switch 200 and the SFP module 300. The linking unit 114 may link the port 210 generated in the virtual switch 200 by the switch control unit 112 and the SFP module 300.

For example, the linking unit 114 may link the port 210 of the virtual switch 200 and the SFP module 300 based on the module identification information received by the information receiving unit 108. The linking unit 114 may link the SFP module 300 identified by the module identification information and the port 210 of the virtual switch 200.

For example, the linking unit 114 links the SFP module 300 and the port 210 in response to the information receiving unit 108 receiving a linking request that links the SFP module 300 and the port 210, including the module identification information of the SFP module 300. You can tie it.

The routing control unit 116 may control routing by the virtual switch 200. The routing control unit 116 may control the routing of the plurality of SFP modules 300 of the facility, which are linked to the plurality of ports 210 of the virtual switch 200, by the virtual switch 200.

For example, when the information receiving unit 108 receives a request to generate a virtual switch 200 corresponding to one facility from the communication terminal 600, the switch generating unit 110 generates a virtual switch 200 corresponding to the one facility. good. The switch control unit 112 may add a port 210 corresponding to the SFP module 300 of the one facility to the virtual switch 200, and the linking unit 114 may link the added port 210 and the SFP module 300 of the one facility. The routing control unit 116 may use the virtual switch 200 to control the routing of the plurality of SFP modules 300 of the one facility that are linked to the plurality of ports 210 of the virtual switch 200. This makes it possible to easily realize wireless communication between multiple pieces of equipment in one facility.

For example, the switch control unit 112 may add a port 210 corresponding to the SFP module 300 of a related facility related to the one facility to the virtual switch 200 in response to a request from the communication terminal 600, and the linking unit 114 may link the added port 210 with the SFP module 300 of the related facility, and the routing control unit 116 may link the added port 210 with the SFP module 300 of the related facility, and the routing control unit 116 may link the added port 210 with the SFP module 300 of the related facility. may control the routing of the SFP module 300 of the facility and a plurality of SFP modules 300 of related facilities. Thereby, wireless communication between a plurality of facilities in one facility and related facilities can be easily realized.

The switch control unit 112 may create a port 210 corresponding to the SFP module 300 of an unrelated facility that is not related to the one facility in a virtual switch 200 different from the virtual switch 200 corresponding to the one facility in question. , The linked portion 114 can be linked to the added port 210 and the SFP module 300 of the non -related facility, and the routing control unit 116 is the number of other virtual switch 200 of the other virtual switch 200 by the other virtual switch 200. 210 may control the routing of multiple SFP modules 300 in unrelated facilities. This allows one facility and unrelated facilities to be managed separately.

FIG. 5 schematically shows an example of the flow of processing by the server 100. Here, the contents of processing by the server 100 when the administrator 602 uses the communication terminal 600 to perform settings will be described, with the starting state being a state in which SFP modules 300 are installed in a plurality of pieces of equipment in one facility.

In step (step may be abbreviated as S) 102, the communication terminal 600 transmits a generation request for the virtual switch 200, and the information receiving unit 108 receives the generation request. In S104, the switch generation unit 110 generates the virtual switch 200 in response to the information reception unit 108 receiving the generation request in S102. The server 100 may be in a state of waiting for a request to generate the port 210.

If the information receiving unit 108 receives a request to generate the port 210 from the communication terminal 600 (YES in S106), the process advances to S108. In S108, the switch control unit 112 creates a port 210 in the virtual switch 200 created in S104. The server 100 may be in a state of waiting for an association request.

If the information receiving unit 108 receives a request for associating the port 210 and the SFP module 300 from the communication terminal 600 (YES in S110), the process advances to S112. In S112, the linking unit 114 links the SFP module 300 specified by the communication terminal 600 and the port 210.

In S114, the server 100 determines whether a termination instruction has been received. When the server 100 receives the termination instruction from the communication terminal 600, the server 100 may terminate the process. If the termination instruction has not been received, the process returns to S106.

Note that although FIG. 5 describes a process flow in which the ports 210 are generated and the ports 210 are associated with the SFP module 300 one by one, the process is not limited thereto. For example, after generating a plurality of ports 210, the SFP modules 300 may be linked to the plurality of ports 210 in order.

FIG. 6 schematically shows an example of the hardware configuration of a computer 1200 functioning as the server 100. The program installed on the computer 1200 causes the computer 1200 to function as one or more "parts" of the apparatus according to the present embodiment, or causes the computer 1200 to perform operations associated with the apparatus according to the present embodiment or the one or more "parts" of the apparatus according to the present embodiment. Multiple units may be executed and/or the computer 1200 may execute a process or a stage of a process according to the present embodiments. Such programs may be executed by CPU 1212 to cause computer 1200 to perform certain operations associated with some or all of the blocks in the flowcharts and block diagrams described herein.

The computer 1200 according to this embodiment includes a CPU 1212, a RAM 1214, and a graphics controller 1216, which are interconnected by a host controller 1210. The computer 1200 also includes input/output units such as a communication interface 1222, a storage device 1224, a DVD drive 1226, and an IC card drive, which are connected to the host controller 1210 via an input/output controller 1220. DVD drive 1226 may be a DVD-ROM drive, a DVD-RAM drive, or the like. Storage device 1224 may be a hard disk drive, solid state drive, or the like. Computer 1200 also includes legacy input/output units, such as ROM 1230 and a keyboard, which are connected to input/output controller 1220 via input/output chips 1240.

The CPU 1212 operates according to programs stored in the ROM 1230 and RAM 1214, thereby controlling each unit. Graphics controller 1216 obtains image data generated by CPU 1212, such as in a frame buffer provided in RAM 1214 or itself, and causes the image data to be displayed on display device 1218.

Communication interface 1222 communicates with other electronic devices via a network. Storage device 1224 stores programs and data used by CPU 1212 within computer 1200. The DVD drive 1226 reads a program or data from a DVD-ROM 1227 or the like and provides it to the storage device 1224. The IC card drive reads programs and data from and/or writes programs and data to the IC card.

ROM 1230 stores therein programs that are dependent on the computer 1200 hardware, such as a boot program that is executed by the computer 1200 upon activation. I/O chip 1240 may also connect various I/O units to I/O controller 1220 via USB ports, parallel ports, serial ports, keyboard ports, mouse ports, etc.

The program is provided by a computer readable storage medium such as a DVD-ROM 1227 or an IC card. The program is read from a computer-readable storage medium, installed in storage device 1224, RAM 1214, or ROM 1230, which are also examples of computer-readable storage media, and executed by CPU 1212. The information processing described in these programs is read by the computer 1200 and provides coordination between the programs and the various types of hardware resources described above. An apparatus or method may be configured to implement the operation or processing of information according to the use of computer 1200.

For example, when communication is performed between the computer 1200 and an external device, the CPU 1212 executes a communication program loaded into the RAM 1214 and sends communication processing to the communication interface 1222 based on the processing written in the communication program. You can give orders. The communication interface 1222 reads transmission data stored in a transmission buffer area provided in a recording medium such as a RAM 1214, a storage device 1224, a DVD-ROM 1227, or an IC card under the control of the CPU 1212, and transmits the read transmission data. Data is transmitted to the network, or received data received from the network is written to a reception buffer area provided on the recording medium.

Further, the CPU 1212 causes the RAM 1214 to read all or a necessary part of a file or database stored in an external recording medium such as a storage device 1224, a DVD drive 1226 (DVD-ROM 1227), or an IC card. Various types of processing may be performed on the data. CPU 1212 may then write the processed data back to an external storage medium.

Various types of information, such as various types of programs, data, tables, and databases, may be stored on a recording medium and subjected to information processing. CPU 1212 performs various types of operations, information processing, conditional determination, conditional branching, unconditional branching, and information retrieval on data read from RAM 1214 as described elsewhere in this disclosure and specified by the program's instruction sequence. Various types of processing may be performed, including /substitutions, etc., and the results are written back to RAM 1214. Further, the CPU 1212 may search for information in a file in a recording medium, a database, or the like. For example, when a plurality of entries are stored in a recording medium, each having an attribute value of a first attribute associated with an attribute value of a second attribute, the CPU 1212 selects the first entry from among the plurality of entries. Search for an entry whose attribute value matches the specified condition, read the attribute value of the second attribute stored in the entry, and then set the attribute value to the first attribute that satisfies the predetermined condition. An attribute value of the associated second attribute may be obtained.

The programs or software modules described above may be stored in a computer-readable storage medium on or near computer 1200. Also, a storage medium such as a hard disk or RAM provided in a server system connected to a dedicated communication network or the Internet can be used as a computer-readable storage medium, thereby allowing the program to be transferred to the computer 1200 via the network. provide.

Blocks in the flowcharts and block diagrams of the present embodiments may represent stages in a process in which an operation is performed or a "part" of a device responsible for performing the operation. Certain steps and units may be provided with dedicated circuitry, programmable circuitry provided with computer readable instructions stored on a computer readable storage medium, and/or provided with computer readable instructions stored on a computer readable storage medium. May be implemented by a processor. Dedicated circuitry may include digital and/or analog hardware circuits, and may include integrated circuits (ICs) and/or discrete circuits. Programmable circuits can perform AND, OR, EXCLUSIVE OR, NAND, NOR, and other logical operations, such as field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), programmable logic arrays (PLAs), etc. , flip-flops, registers, and memory elements.

A computer-readable storage medium may include any tangible device capable of storing instructions for execution by a suitable device such that a computer-readable storage medium with instructions stored therein may be illustrated in a flowchart or block diagram. A product will be provided that includes instructions that can be executed to create a means for performing specified operations. Examples of computer-readable storage media may include electronic storage media, magnetic storage media, optical storage media, electromagnetic storage media, semiconductor storage media, and the like. More specific examples of computer readable storage media include floppy disks, diskettes, hard disks, random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read only memory (EPROM or flash memory). , Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (EEPROM), Static Random Access Memory (SRAM), Compact Disk Read Only Memory (CD-ROM), Digital Versatile Disk (DVD), Blu-ray Disc, Memory Stick , integrated circuit cards, and the like.

Computer-readable instructions may include assembler instructions, instruction set architecture (ISA) instructions, machine instructions, machine-dependent instructions, microcode, firmware instructions, state configuration data, or instructions such as Smalltalk®, JAVA®, C++, etc. any source code or object code written in any combination of one or more programming languages, including object-oriented programming languages such as may include.

The computer-readable instructions are for producing means for a processor of a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or other programmable data processing device, or programmable circuit to perform the operations specified in the flowchart or block diagrams. A general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or other programmable data processor, locally or over a local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), such as the Internet, to execute the computer readable instructions. It may be provided in a processor or programmable circuit of the device. Examples of processors include computer processors, processing units, microprocessors, digital signal processors, controllers, microcontrollers, and the like.

Although the present invention has been described above using the embodiments, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the range described in the above embodiments. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes or improvements can be made to the embodiments described above. It is clear from the claims that such modifications or improvements may be included within the technical scope of the present invention.

The execution order of each process, such as an operation, a procedure, a step, and a stage in the apparatus, system, program, and method shown in the claims, specification, and drawings, specifically refers to "before" or "before". It should be noted that they can be implemented in any order unless the output of the previous process is used in the subsequent process. Even if the claims, specifications, and operational flows in the drawings are explained using "first," "next," etc. for convenience, this does not mean that it is essential to carry out the operations in this order. It's not a thing.

10 equipment control system, 20 carrier network, 22 wireless base station, 40 factory, 50 factory, 80 system, 100 server, 102 storage unit, 104 registration unit, 106 provision unit, 108 information reception unit, 110 switch generation unit, 112 switch Control unit, 114 Linking unit, 116 Routing control unit, 200 Virtual switch, 210 Port, 300 SFP module, 302 Housing, 304 Connection unit, 306 QR code, 310 Mobile communication unit, 312 Information provision unit, 410 Equipment, 420 equipment, 430 switch, 510 equipment, 520 equipment, 530 switch, 600 communication terminal, 602 administrator, 1200 computer, 1210 host controller, 1212 CPU, 1214 RAM, 1216 graphic controller, 1218 display device, 1220 input/output controller, 1222 communication Interface, 1224 Storage device, 1226 DVD drive, 1227 DVD-ROM, 1230 ROM, 1240 Input/output chip

Claims (13)

A communication module having a mobile communication unit that is attached to equipment installed in a facility and capable of communicating with a carrier network using a mobile communication method;
Equipped with an information processing device and
The information processing device includes:
an information receiving unit that receives module identification information from a communication terminal that has acquired module identification information that can uniquely identify the communication module from the communication module;
a linking unit that links the communication module to a port of a virtual switch built in the carrier network or cloud based on the module identification information;
An equipment control system comprising: a routing control unit that controls, by the virtual switch, routing of the plurality of communication modules of the facility linked to the plurality of ports of the virtual switch. The equipment control according to claim 1, wherein the information receiving unit receives from the communication terminal the module identification information of the communication module attached to a switch of the facility to which equipment installed in the facility is communicatively connected. system. The information processing device includes:
a switch control unit that generates the port in the virtual switch in response to a generation request from the communication terminal;
The equipment control system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the linking unit links the communication module to the port generated by the switch control unit. The switch control unit adds a port corresponding to the communication module attached to equipment installed in a related facility related to the facility to the virtual switch,
The linking unit links the communication module of the related facility to the port added by the switch control unit,
4. The routing control unit controls, by the virtual switch, the routing of the plurality of communication modules of the facility and the plurality of communication modules of the related facility that are linked to the plurality of ports of the virtual switch. equipment control system. The switch control unit generates a port corresponding to the communication module installed in equipment installed in an unrelated facility unrelated to the facility in another virtual switch different from the virtual switch,
The linking unit links the communication module of the unrelated facility to the port generated in the other virtual switch by the switch control unit,
The equipment control system according to claim 4, wherein the routing control unit controls, by the other virtual switch, the routing of the plurality of communication modules of the unrelated facility linked to the plurality of ports of the other virtual switch. . The information processing device includes:
a switch generation unit that generates the virtual switch in response to a generation request from the communication terminal;
The equipment control system according to claim 3, wherein the switch control unit generates the port in the virtual switch generated by the switch generation unit. The equipment control system according to claim 6, wherein the switch generation unit generates the virtual switch in an MEC determined based on location information of the facility among a plurality of MECs in the carrier network. further comprising the communication terminal,
The communication terminal is
an identification information acquisition unit that acquires the module identification information from the communication module;
a request transmitting unit that transmits a linking request including the module identification information acquired by the identification information acquiring unit to the information processing device;
The equipment control system according to claim 1, wherein the linking unit links the communication module to the port of the virtual switch based on the module identification information included in the linking request. The identification information acquisition unit acquires the module identification information by reading the module identification information from an information code attached to the communication module and including the module identification information of the communication module. Equipment control system. The information processing device includes:
a providing unit that provides a web page related to the virtual switch;
The equipment control system according to claim 8, wherein the request transmitting unit transmits the linking request to the information processing device via the web page. The equipment control system according to claim 1, wherein the communication module is a 5GSFP (Small Form-factor Pluggable) having a 5G module capable of communicating with the carrier network using a 5G mobile communication method. from a communication terminal that has acquired module identification information that can uniquely identify the communication module from a communication module that is attached to equipment installed in a facility and has a mobile communication unit that is capable of communicating with a carrier network using a mobile communication method; an information receiving unit that receives module identification information;
a linking unit that links the communication module to a port of a virtual switch built in the carrier network or cloud based on the module identification information;
and a routing control unit that controls, by the virtual switch, routing of the plurality of communication modules of the facility linked to the plurality of ports of the virtual switch. A program for causing a computer to function as the information processing device according to claim 12.

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