JP7481537B2 - Information processing system, information processing method, and information processing device - Google Patents

Description

This disclosure relates to an information processing system, an information processing method, and an information processing device.

Conventionally, there is known a technique for transmitting information from a terminal device or the like to a cloud server, and for the transmitted information to be processed in the cloud server. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a server device in a cloud computing system that generates a document file based on original data received from a client device.

JP 2018-055241 A JP 2018-120343 A JP 2018-128855 A JP 2016-192000 A JP 2015-184805 A

In the cloud computing system disclosed in Patent Document 1, the server device performs processing based on data received from the client device, so an increase in the amount of data sent from the client device may increase the load on the communication line between the client device and the server device, or the processing load on the server device.

The purpose of this disclosure is to reduce the load on communication lines and server devices.

An information processing system according to some embodiments includes an information processing device and a cloud. The information processing device receives equipment information indicating at least a sound generated from equipment in the plant, the color of the equipment, or an odor around the equipment, acquired by a first sensor device installed in the plant, and production information indicating at least a production volume of a product in the plant or a quality of the product, acquired by a second sensor device installed in the plant, and transmits the equipment information and production information to the cloud. The cloud builds a data model for determining whether the operating state of the plant is normal or abnormal based on the equipment information and production information received from the information processing device, and transmits the data model to the information processing device. The information processing device receives new equipment information acquired by the first sensor device and new production information acquired by the second sensor device, and executes a determination process for determining whether the operating state of the plant is normal or abnormal using the data model based on the new equipment information and new production information. As a result, the information processing device executes processing related to the operating state of the plant using the data model built in the cloud, so no communication occurs between the cloud and the information processing device to execute processing related to the operating state of the plant. This reduces the load on the communication line and the server device.

An information processing method according to some embodiments is an information processing method executed by an information processing system including an information processing device and a cloud, and includes the steps of: the information processing device receiving equipment information indicating at least a sound generated from equipment included in the plant, the color of the equipment, or an odor around the equipment, acquired by a first sensor device installed in the plant, and production information indicating at least a production volume of a product in the plant or a quality of the product, acquired by a second sensor device installed in the plant; the information processing device transmitting the equipment information and the production information to the cloud; the cloud constructing a data model for determining whether the operating status of the plant is normal or abnormal based on the equipment information and production information received from the information processing device; the cloud transmitting the data model to the information processing device; the information processing device receiving new equipment information acquired by the first sensor device and new production information acquired by the second sensor device; and the information processing device executing a determination process for determining whether the operating status of the plant is normal or abnormal using the data model based on the new equipment information and new production information. As a result, the data model constructed in the cloud is used by the information processing device to execute processing related to the operating status of the plant, so no communication occurs between the cloud and the information processing device to execute processing related to the operating status of the plant. This reduces the load on communication lines and server devices.

An information processing device according to some embodiments includes a communication unit and a control unit. The communication unit receives equipment information indicating at least a sound generated from equipment in the plant, the color of the equipment, or an odor around the equipment, acquired by a first sensor device installed in the plant, and production information indicating at least a production volume of a product in the plant or a quality of the product, acquired by a second sensor device installed in the plant. The communication unit transmits the equipment information and the production information to a cloud, and receives from the cloud a data model for determining whether the operating state of the plant is normal or abnormal, which is constructed by the cloud based on the equipment information and the production information. The communication unit receives new equipment information acquired by the first sensor device and new production information acquired by the second sensor device, and the control unit executes a determination process for determining whether the operating state of the plant is normal or abnormal using the data model based on the new equipment information and the new production information. As a result, the information processing device executes a process related to the operating state of the plant using the data model constructed in the cloud, and therefore no communication occurs between the cloud and the information processing device to execute a process related to the operating state of the plant. This reduces the load on the communication line and the server device.

An information processing system according to some embodiments includes an information processing device and a cloud, where the information processing device transmits data acquired from sensors installed in a plant to the cloud, the cloud constructs a data model for executing processing related to the operating state of the plant based on the data received from the information processing device, transmits the data model to the information processing device, and the information processing device executes processing related to the operating state of the plant using the data model received from the cloud. As a result, since the information processing device executes processing related to the operating state of the plant using the data model constructed in the cloud, no communication occurs between the cloud and the information processing device to execute processing related to the operating state of the plant. This reduces the load on communication lines and server devices.

In one embodiment, the information processing device may perform integration processing of data acquired from the sensors and transmit the integrated data to the cloud. As a result, processing is performed using data that integrates multiple types of information, and therefore processing can be performed with higher accuracy compared to when processing is performed using a single type of information.

In one embodiment, the information processing device may perform integration processing by associating production information related to the production of products in a plant with equipment information related to equipment equipped in the plant. This allows processing to be performed using data that integrates production information and equipment information, making it possible to perform processing with higher accuracy compared to when processing is performed using only either the production information or the equipment information.

In one embodiment, the processing related to the operating status may be processing to determine whether the operating status of the plant is normal or abnormal. This allows the information processing device to determine the operating status of the plant.

In one embodiment, when the information processing device acquires new data that cannot be used to determine whether the operating status of the plant is normal or abnormal using the data model, the information processing device transmits the new data to the cloud, and the cloud may update the data model based on the new data received from the information processing device. This updates the data model.

In one embodiment, the cloud may transmit the updated data model to an information processing device, and the information processing device may execute processing related to the operating status of the plant using the updated data model received from the cloud. This allows the information processing device to determine the operating status of the plant using the latest updated data model.

An information processing method according to some embodiments is an information processing method executed by an information processing system including an information processing device and a cloud, and the information processing includes the steps of transmitting data acquired from a sensor installed in the plant to the cloud, constructing a data model for executing processing related to the operating state of the plant based on the data received from the information processing device by the cloud, transmitting the constructed data model to the information processing device by the cloud, and executing processing related to the operating state of the plant by the information processing device using the data model received from the cloud. As a result, since the information processing device executes processing related to the operating state of the plant using the data model constructed by the cloud, no communication occurs between the cloud and the information processing device to execute processing related to the operating state of the plant. This reduces the load on the communication lines and the server device.

An information processing method according to some embodiments includes a communication unit that transmits data acquired from a sensor installed in a plant to a cloud and receives from the cloud a data model constructed by the cloud for executing processing related to the operating state of the plant, and a control unit that executes processing related to the operating state of the plant using the data model. As a result, processing related to the operating state of the plant is executed by the information processing device using the data model constructed by the cloud, and no communication occurs between the cloud and the information processing device to execute processing related to the operating state of the plant. This reduces the load on communication lines and server devices.

This disclosure makes it possible to reduce the load on communication lines and server devices.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of an information processing system according to a comparative example. 2 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a process in the information processing system of FIG. 1 . FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of an information processing system according to an embodiment. FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of the information processing device shown in FIG. 3 . 4 is a flowchart showing an example of a process executed by the information processing device of FIG. 3 . FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a process in the information processing system of FIG. 3 . FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram showing an example of processing in the information processing system of FIG. 3 . 4 is a flowchart showing an example of a process executed by the information processing device of FIG. 3 . FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a process in the information processing system of FIG. 3 .

One embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

First, an example of an information processing system according to a comparative example will be described with reference to FIG.

Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an information processing system 2 according to a comparative example. The information processing system 2 includes a cloud 200. The cloud 200 executes processing based on data measured by various sensor devices 210 installed in a plant 20.

The plant 20 includes industrial plants such as chemical plants, plants that manage and control wellheads and surrounding areas of gas and oil fields, plants that manage and control hydroelectric, thermal and nuclear power generation, plants that manage and control environmental power generation such as solar and wind power, plants that manage and control water supply and sewage systems and dams, and other plants. The plant 20 includes various types of equipment depending on the processes to be executed. FIG. 1 shows a pipeline 21 as an example of the equipment. For example, liquid flows through the pipeline 21.

In the example shown in FIG. 1, the sensor device 210 is attached to the pipeline 21 and measures data such as information about the pipeline 21 and information about the liquid flowing through the pipeline 21. The sensor device 210 may include, but is not limited to, for example, a pressure gauge that measures pressure, a flow meter that measures flow rate, a thermometer that measures temperature, a vibration sensor such as an acceleration sensor that measures vibration, a sound collection device that collects abnormal sounds within the plant, an imaging device that photographs the situation and objects within the plant, an odor sensor that obtains information about odors, a position detection device that outputs position information of each device, etc.

Each sensor device 210 is connected to the communication device 220 so that it can communicate information, for example, via wired communication or wireless communication. Each sensor device 210 transmits measured data to the communication device 220.

The communication device 220 is configured to be capable of communicating with the cloud 200 via a network. The communication device 220 has an interface capable of transmitting data acquired from the sensor device 210, and transmits the data acquired from the sensor device 210 to the cloud 200.

Cloud 200 is a server system built in a cloud environment. Cloud 200 executes a predetermined process using data received from communication device 220.

For example, the cloud 200 includes an analysis engine 201 having an algorithm for analyzing data, and executes a construction process for constructing a data model 202 in the analysis engine 201 using data received from the communication device 220. The analysis engine 201 may be any known analysis engine capable of constructing the data model 202, and may be, for example, AI (Artificial Intelligence) analysis. The data model 202 is, for example, a program for executing a process related to the operating state of a plant. Specifically, for example, the data model 202 may be a program capable of determining whether data measured by various sensor devices 210 is within a normal range or an abnormal range. That is, the cloud 200 constructs the data model 202, which is a program capable of determining whether data measured by various sensor devices 210 is within a normal range or an abnormal range, using data received from the communication device 220 in the analysis engine 201. The cloud 200 may execute a construction process when the data received from the communication device 220 reaches a specific amount. The analysis engine 201 may, for example, classify each piece of data received from the communication device 220 as being within a normal range or an abnormal range, and build a data model 202 based on the classification results.

For example, the cloud 200 constructs the data model 202 and then executes a determination process in which data acquired from the communication device 220 is applied to the data model 202. That is, data continuously measured by the sensor devices 210 is transmitted from the communication device 220, and when the cloud 200 acquires the data transmitted from the communication device 220, it uses the data model 202 to determine whether the data measured by the various sensor devices 210 is within a normal range or an abnormal range.

The cloud 200 transmits the result of the judgment process (hereinafter also referred to as the "judgment result") to the terminal device 230 connected to the cloud 200 so as to be capable of communicating information via the network. The terminal device 230 may be any terminal device including a personal computer, a tablet terminal, etc. The terminal device 230 is located inside the plant 20 in FIG. 1, but may be located outside the plant 20. The terminal device 230 is a terminal device used, for example, by a manager who manages the operating status of the plant 20. The terminal device 230 displays the judgment result received from the cloud 200 on the display screen of the terminal device 230. The manager can know the judgment result by looking at the display screen of the terminal device 230.

Figure 2 is a sequence diagram showing an example of processing in the information processing system 2 of Figure 1. First, the sensor device 210 measures data related to the pipeline 21 (step S1). The sensor device 210 transmits the measured data to the communication device 220 (step S2). The communication device 220 transmits the data acquired from the sensor device 210 to the cloud 200 via a network (step S3). The cloud 200 executes a construction process to construct a data model 202 based on the data acquired from the communication device 220 (step S4). The cloud 200 may store the constructed data model 202 in a specified memory.

When the data model 202 is constructed by the construction process, the cloud 200 performs a judgment process. Specifically, the sensor device 210 measures data related to the pipeline 21 (step S5). The sensor device 210 transmits the measured data to the communication device 220 (step S6). The communication device 220 transmits the data acquired from the sensor device 210 to the cloud 200 via the network (step S7). The cloud 200 executes a judgment process using the data model 202 constructed in step S4 based on the data acquired from the communication device 220 (step S8). The cloud 200 transmits the judgment result generated by the judgment process S8 to the terminal device 230 (step S9). The terminal device 230 displays the received judgment result on a display screen (step S10). Steps S5 to S10 may be executed repeatedly and continuously.

In the judgment process of step S8, for example, when the data model 202 cannot judge certain data, the cloud 200 can use the data (new data) to perform an update process of the data model 202. When the cloud 200 cannot judge, for example, the data cannot be classified as normal or abnormal by the data model 202. In this case, the cloud 200 uses the analysis engine 201 to rewrite and update the data model 202 so that the new data that cannot be judged can be judged as normal or abnormal. For example, the analysis engine 201 may judge whether the new data is within a normal range or an abnormal range, and update the data model 202 to reflect the judgment result.

In the information processing system 2, as shown in steps S7 to S9 of FIG. 2, for example, data is transmitted from the communication device 220 to the cloud 200, a determination process is executed in the cloud 200, and the determination result is transmitted to the terminal device 230. Therefore, when performing the determination process, data is continuously transmitted from the communication device 220 to the cloud 200. Also, the determination result is continuously transmitted from the cloud 200 to the terminal device 230. Such data transmission and reception increases the load on the communication line between the communication device 220 and the cloud 200, and on the communication line between the cloud 200 and the terminal device 230.

If a problem occurs in the communication line between the communication device 220 and the cloud 200, or in the communication line between the cloud 200 and the terminal device 230, causing a communication failure, problems may occur such as the determination process not being able to be executed because data is not sent to the cloud 200, or the administrator not being able to see the determination result because the determination result is not sent to the terminal device 230.

In addition, in the information processing system 2, the determination process is performed in the cloud 200, and therefore the processing load in the cloud 200 increases as the number of devices that are the subject of the determination process increases.

Furthermore, if a problem occurs in the cloud 200 and the server stops, the judgment process and update process will not be executed. In other words, in such a case, the judgment function in the information processing system 2 will not function.

In the following, this disclosure describes an information processing system that can solve the problems of the information processing system 2 described with reference to Figures 1 and 2.

Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an information processing system 1 according to an embodiment. The information processing system 1 includes a cloud 100. The cloud 100 executes a predetermined process based on data measured by various sensor devices 110a and 110b installed in the plant 10.

The plant 10 may include the plant described in the plant 20. Like the plant 20, the plant 10 may also include various facilities, and FIG. 3 shows a pipeline 11 as an example. For example, a liquid flows through the pipeline 11.

In this embodiment, a first sensor device 110a and a second sensor device 110b are attached to the pipeline 11. A plurality of first sensor devices 110a and a plurality of second sensor devices 110b may be attached to the pipeline 11.

The first sensor device 110a acquires information about the equipment of the plant 10 (hereinafter also referred to as "equipment information"). The equipment information is, for example, information about the state and properties of the equipment itself. Specifically, the equipment information may include, but is not limited to, the sound generated by the equipment, the color of the equipment, the temperature of the equipment, the smell around the equipment, and the like. The equipment information is not information about the products produced in the plant 10, but is information about the state and properties of the equipment itself that does not directly affect the production of the products. The first sensor device 110a may be a sensor capable of acquiring such equipment information, and may include, for example, a sound collecting device that acquires the sound of the equipment, an imaging device that captures an image of the equipment, a thermometer that measures the temperature of the equipment, and an odor sensor that acquires information about the smell around the equipment.

The first sensor device 110a is connected to the first collection device 140a so as to be able to communicate information, for example, via wired communication or wireless communication. Each of the first sensor devices 110a transmits the acquired facility information to the first collection device 140a.

The first collection device 140a is, for example, configured by a computer. The first collection device 140a transmits the equipment information acquired from the first sensor device 110a to the information processing device 150, for example, via a network 160 within the plant.

The second sensor device 110b acquires information related to the production of products in the plant 10 (hereinafter also referred to as "production information"). The production information includes, for example, information that may affect the production status of the product and the status and properties of the product itself. The production information may include information related to the production volume and quality of the product. Specifically, the production information may include, but is not limited to, the flow rate, pressure, and temperature of substances related to the product (hereinafter also referred to as "product-related substances"). Product-related substances include, for example, the product itself, as well as raw materials and by-products. The production information is information related to the production volume and quality of the product. The second sensor device 110b may be a sensor capable of acquiring such production information, and may include, for example, a flowmeter that measures the flow rate, a pressure gauge that measures the pressure, and a thermometer that measures the temperature.

The second sensor devices 110b are connected to the second collection device 140b so as to be able to communicate information, for example, via wired or wireless communication. Each of the second sensor devices 110b transmits the acquired production information to the second collection device 140b.

The second collection device 140b is, for example, configured by a computer. The second collection device 140b transmits the production information acquired from the second sensor device 110b to the information processing device 150, for example, via a network 160 within the plant.

The information processing device 150 executes an integration process that integrates the equipment information acquired from the first collection device 140a and the production information acquired from the second collection device 140b. The integration process is performed by associating equipment information and production information at the same time or time period. The integration process can generate data that associates, for example, the state of the equipment with the amount of product being produced or the quality of the product.

The information processing device 150 transmits data generated by the integration process (hereinafter also referred to as "integrated data") to the cloud 100 via the communication device 120. In the cloud 100, as described below, a data model 102 is constructed based on the integrated data, and the data model 102 is transmitted from the cloud 100 to the information processing device 150 via the communication device 120. The data model 102 is, for example, a program for executing processing related to the operating status of a plant. Specifically, for example, the data model 102 may be a program capable of determining whether the integrated data is within a normal range or an abnormal range.

The information processing device 150 performs processing related to the operation of the plant using the data model 102 acquired from the cloud 100 via the communication device 120. The processing related to the operation of the plant may be, for example, a determination process for determining whether the operating status of the plant is normal or abnormal.

FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of the information processing device 150. As shown in FIG. 4, the information processing device 150 includes a communication unit 151, a control unit 152, and a storage unit 153.

The communication unit 151 transmits and receives information to and from external devices based on the control of the control unit 152. The communication unit 151 has an interface that can transmit and receive information to and from external devices. The communication unit 151 communicates with, for example, the first collection device 140a, and receives equipment information from the first collection device 140a. The communication unit 151 communicates with, for example, the second collection device 140b, and receives production information from the second collection device 140b. The communication unit 151 also communicates with the communication device 120, and transmits equipment information and production information to the communication device 120. The communication unit 151 also receives from the communication device 120 the data model 102 that the communication device 120 received from the cloud 100.

The control unit 152 controls and manages the entire information processing device 150, including each functional block of the information processing device 150. The control unit 152 can be configured as software executed on any suitable processor, such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) that executes a program that defines a control procedure, or can be configured by a dedicated processor specialized for each process. Such programs are stored, for example, in the storage unit 153 or an external storage medium connected to the information processing device 150.

The control unit 152 executes an integration process. As described above, the integration process is a process for associating equipment information with production information. The integrated data generated by the integration process is transmitted to the communication device 120 and transmitted to the cloud 100 via the communication device 120. The integrated data generated by the integration process may be stored in the storage unit 153. The control unit 152 may transmit the integrated data to the communication device 120 each time the integration process is executed, may transmit the integrated data to the communication device 120 when a certain amount of integrated data has been accumulated, or may transmit the integrated data to the communication device 120 periodically at predetermined time intervals.

The control unit 152 performs processing related to the operation of the plant using the data model 102 acquired from the cloud 100. Here, the processing related to the operation of the plant is described as a determination process for determining whether the operating status of the plant is normal or abnormal. The control unit 152 uses the data model 102 to determine whether the integrated data is within a normal range or an abnormal range. The communication unit 151 may transmit the determination result via the network 160 within the plant 10 to other devices connected to the network 160.

The storage unit 153 can be configured with a semiconductor memory, a magnetic memory, or the like. The storage unit 153 stores various information and programs for operating the information processing device 150. The storage unit 153 may also function as a work memory. The storage unit 153 may store, for example, acquired equipment information and production information. The storage unit 153 may store, for example, generated integrated information. The storage unit 153 may store, for example, the data model 102 acquired from the cloud 100.

Referring again to FIG. 3, the communication device 120 is configured to be able to communicate information with the cloud 100 via a network. The communication device 120 has an interface capable of transmitting data acquired from the information processing device 150, and transmits the data acquired from the information processing device 150 to the cloud 100. The communication device 120 also receives a data model 102 from the cloud 100 via the network, and transmits the received data model 102 to the information processing device 150.

In addition, the information processing system 1 may not include the communication device 120, and instead the information processing device 150 may include the functions of the communication device 120. In this case, the information processing device 150 transmits the equipment information acquired from the first collection device 140a and the production information acquired from the second collection device 140b directly to the cloud 100 from the communication unit 151. The information processing device 150 also receives the data model directly via the communication unit 151. In this specification, the communication device 120 is described as being provided as an independent device different from the information processing device 150.

The cloud 100 is a server system built in a cloud environment. The cloud 100 executes a construction process to build a data model 102 using data received from the communication device 120.

For example, the cloud 100 includes an analysis engine 101 having an algorithm for analyzing data, and executes a construction process for constructing a data model 102 in the analysis engine 101 using integrated data received from the communication device 120. The analysis engine 101 can be any known analysis engine capable of constructing the data model 102, similar to the analysis engine 201 described with reference to FIG. 1. For example, the analysis engine 101 constructs the data model 102, which is a program capable of determining whether the operating state of the plant is within a normal range or an abnormal range. The analysis engine 101 may classify, for example, each piece of integrated data received from the communication device 120 as being within a normal range or an abnormal range, and construct the data model 102 based on the classification result. The cloud 100 may store the constructed data model 102 in a predetermined memory.

The cloud 100 transmits the data model 102 constructed by the construction process to the communication device 120. When the communication device 120 receives the data model 102 from the cloud 100, it transmits the data model 102 to the information processing device 150. The information processing device 150 stores the received data model 102, for example, in the storage unit 153. The information processing device 150 executes the above-mentioned determination process using the stored data model 102.

The terminal device 130 may be any terminal device including a personal computer, a tablet terminal, etc. The terminal device 130 is a terminal device used by, for example, an administrator who manages the operating status of the plant 10. The terminal device 130 is connected to the second collection device 140b so as to be able to communicate information, for example as shown in FIG. 3. The second collection device 140b transmits production information acquired from, for example, the second sensor device 110b to the terminal device 130. The terminal device 130 displays the production information received from the second collection device 140b on a display screen. The administrator can know the production information by looking at the display screen of the terminal device 130.

The information processing device 150 may transmit the judgment result generated by the judgment process to the terminal device 130 via the network 160. The terminal device 130 displays the judgment result received from the information processing device 150 on a display screen. The administrator can know the judgment result by the information processing device 150 by looking at the display screen of the terminal device 130.

The terminal device 130 may have an input interface such as, for example, a button, a dial, or a touch panel that is integrally provided on the display screen. The administrator can use the input interface to perform input operations to execute a predetermined process on devices configured to be able to communicate with the terminal device 130. For example, the administrator can perform input operations on field devices configured to be able to communicate with the terminal device 130. Here, the field devices may include, in addition to the sensor devices described above, valve devices such as flow control valves and on-off valves, actuator devices such as fans and motors, audio devices such as speakers, display devices such as displays, etc.

Figure 5 is a flowchart showing an example of processing executed by the information processing device 150. At the start of the flowchart in Figure 5, it is assumed that the data model 102 has not yet been constructed.

The information processing device 150 acquires equipment information from the first collection device 140a and production information from the second collection device 140b (step S11).

The information processing device 150 executes an integration process to integrate the equipment information and production information acquired in step S11 (step S12).

The information processing device 150 transmits the integrated data generated in step S12 to the cloud 100 via the communication device 120 (step S13).

The cloud 100 uses the analysis engine 101 to construct a data model 102 based on the acquired integrated data, and transmits the data model 102 to the information processing device 150 via the communication device 120.

The information processing device 150 receives the data model 102 constructed in the cloud 100 via the communication device 120 (step S14). The information processing device 150 may store the received data model 102 in the storage unit 153.

After storing the data model 102 in the memory unit 153, the information processing device 150 can execute a determination process. Specifically, the information processing device 150 acquires equipment information from the first collection device 140a and production information from the second collection device 140b (step S15), and executes an integration process of the equipment information and the production information (step S16).

The information processing device 150 performs a determination process using the data model 102 on the integrated data generated in step S16 to determine whether the plant's operating status is normal or abnormal (step S17).

The information processing device 150 transmits the judgment result in step S17 to, for example, the terminal device 130 (step S18). The terminal device 130 displays the received judgment result on a display screen. The administrator can know the judgment result made by the information processing device 150 by looking at the display screen.

Figure 6 is a sequence diagram showing an example of processing in the information processing system 1. Figure 6 mainly shows an example of processing related to the construction of the data model 102.

As shown in FIG. 6, the first sensor device 110a acquires facility information (step S21). The first sensor device 110a transmits the facility information acquired in step S21 to the first collection device 140a (step S22). The first collection device 140a transmits the received facility information to the information processing device 150 (step S23).

The second sensor device 110b also acquires production information (step S24). The second sensor device 110b transmits the production information acquired in step S24 to the second collection device 140b (step S25). The second collection device 140b transmits the received production information to the information processing device 150 (step S26).

Steps S21 to S23 and steps S24 to S26 may be executed in parallel.

The information processing device 150 executes an integration process to integrate the received equipment information and production information (step S27). The information processing device 150 transmits the integrated data to the communication device 120 (step S28). The communication device 120 transmits the integrated data received from the information processing device 150 to the cloud 100 (step S29).

The cloud 100 uses the analysis engine 101 to construct a data model 102 based on the integrated data (step S30). The cloud 100 may store the constructed data model 102 in a specified memory.

The cloud 100 transmits the constructed data model 102 to the communication device 120 (step S31). The communication device 120 transmits the received data model 102 to the information processing device 150 (step S32). The information processing device 150 stores the received data model 102 in the storage unit 153 (step S33). In this way, preparation for the determination process in the information processing device 150 is completed.

Figure 7 is a sequence diagram showing an example of processing in the information processing system 1. Figure 7 shows an example of processing mainly related to determining the operating status of a plant.

In the information processing system 1, in steps S41 to S47, the sensor devices acquire equipment information and production information, and the information processing device 150 integrates the equipment information and production information. Steps S41 to S47 are similar to steps S21 to S27 in FIG. 6, respectively, and therefore will not be described in detail here.

The information processing device 150 executes a determination process for determining whether the operating status of the plant is normal or abnormal using the data model 102 stored in the storage unit 153 for the integrated data generated in the integration process of step S47 (step S48). The information processing device 150 transmits the determination result in step S48 to, for example, the terminal device 130 (step S49).

The terminal device 130 displays the received judgment result on the display screen (step S50). The administrator can know the judgment result made by the information processing device 150 by looking at the display screen.

The processes for determining the operating status of the plant from step S41 to step S50 may be executed repeatedly.

In this way, according to the information processing system 1 of this embodiment, the data model 102 is constructed in the cloud 100, and the constructed data model 102 is transmitted to the information processing device 150. Then, the judgment process is executed in the information processing device 150. Therefore, no communication occurs between the cloud 100 and the information processing device 150 to perform the judgment process, and the judgment process is completed within the information processing device 150. Therefore, according to the information processing system 1, the processing load in the cloud 100 and the load on the communication line with the cloud 100 can be reduced compared to when the judgment process is executed in the cloud 100.

In addition, according to the information processing system 1, since the judgment process is completed within the information processing device 150, even if a communication failure occurs between the cloud 100 and the information processing device 150, the judgment process can be continued.In addition, according to the information processing system 1, since the judgment process is completed within the information processing device 150, even if a problem occurs in the cloud 100, the judgment process can be continued.In addition, according to the information processing system 1, since the judgment process is completed within the information processing device 150, it is easier to prevent know-how included in the equipment information or production information used in the judgment process from leaking outside the information processing device 150 when the judgment process is executed.

Furthermore, according to the information processing system 1, the information processing device 150 generates integrated data that integrates equipment information and production information, and executes processes such as construction processing and judgment processing using the integrated data. By executing processing using the integrated data in this manner, it is possible to execute a more multifaceted analysis using more information compared to, for example, executing processing using only equipment information or production information. Therefore, according to the information processing system 1, it is possible to execute judgment processing with higher accuracy. Also, for example, if the information processing system 1 can execute predictive maintenance of equipment using the integrated data, it is possible to detect failures and abnormalities earlier by using the integrated data.

If, for example, a determination cannot be made for a certain integrated data in the determination process of steps S17 and S48 using the data model 102, the information processing device 150 may transmit the integrated data to the cloud 100. When the cloud 100 receives new integrated data from the information processing device 150 via the communication device 120, it can use the new integrated data to perform an update process for the data model 102.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of processing executed by the information processing device 150, and is a flowchart showing an example of a specific determination process. The information processing device 150 may execute the flowchart of FIG. 8 after generating integrated data by, for example, an integration process.

The information processing device 150 uses the data model 102 to determine whether the generated integrated data is within the range of data indicating normal operation of the plant (step S51).

If the information processing device 150 determines that the generated integrated data is within the range of data indicating normal operation of the plant (Yes in step S51), it determines that the operating status of the plant is normal (step S52).

On the other hand, if the information processing device 150 determines that the generated integrated data is not within the range of data indicating normal operation of the plant (No in step S51), it determines whether the operating status of the plant is within an abnormal range (step S53).

If the information processing device 150 determines that the generated integrated data is within the range of data indicating abnormal operation of the plant (Yes in step S53), it determines that the operating condition of the plant is abnormal (step S54).

On the other hand, if the information processing device 150 determines that the generated integrated data is not included in the range of data indicating abnormal operation of the plant (No in step S53), the integrated data cannot be determined using the data model 102, and so the information processing device 150 transmits the integrated data to the cloud 100 (step S55).

Figure 9 is a sequence diagram showing an example of processing in the information processing system 1. Figure 9 mainly shows an example of processing related to updating the data model 102.

The information processing device 150 executes a judgment process (step S61). If the information processing device 150 is unable to make a judgment on the integrated data using the data model 102 in the judgment process, the information processing device 150 transmits the integrated data (new data) that was the subject of the judgment in the judgment process to the communication device 120 (step S62). The communication device 120 transmits the new data received from the information processing device 150 to the cloud 100 (step S63).

The cloud 100 executes an update process of the data model 102 by the analysis engine 101 using the new data received from the communication device 120 (step S64). For example, the cloud 100 uses the analysis engine 101 to rewrite and update the data model 102 so that it can determine whether the new data received from the communication device 120 is normal or abnormal. For example, the analysis engine 101 may determine whether the new data is within a normal range or an abnormal range, and update the data model 102 to reflect the result of the determination.

The cloud 100 transmits the updated data model 102 generated by the update process of step S64 to the communication device 120 (step S65). The communication device 120 transmits the data model 102 received from the cloud 100 to the information processing device 150 (step S66). The information processing device 150 stores the data model 102 received from the communication device 120, for example, in the storage unit 153 (step S67). After this, the information processing device 150 can execute a determination process using the updated data model 102 stored in step S67. The determination process is executed, for example, by the process described with reference to FIG. 7.

In this way, according to the information processing system 1, when it is not possible to determine whether the operating status of the plant is normal or abnormal using the data model 102, the data that cannot be determined is transmitted to the cloud 100, and an update process for the data model 102 is performed in the cloud 100. The information processing device 150 performs a determination process using the updated data model 102. Therefore, even when the information processing device 150 acquires data that cannot be used to determine the operating status of the plant, it becomes possible to determine the operating status of the plant using the latest data model 102 that has been appropriately updated. Furthermore, by performing the update process, the range of data that can be determined using the data model 102 is expanded.

In addition, according to the information processing system 1, when it is not possible to determine whether the operating status of the plant is normal or abnormal using the data model 102, the data is transmitted to the cloud 100. Therefore, during normal times when data that can be determined is acquired, no communication with the cloud 100 is performed, thereby reducing the load on the communication line.

The timing of transmission of various data such as integrated data and data models used in the information processing system 1 may be determined as appropriate. For example, various data may be transmitted when the communication line between the communication device 120 and the cloud 100 is operating normally. That is, in this case, when a fault occurs in the communication line, data is not transmitted or received, and data is transmitted or received when the communication line is restored.

Various data may be transmitted when a predetermined condition is satisfied. For example, when a predetermined amount of the above-mentioned undeterminable integrated data is accumulated in the information processing device 150, the data may be transmitted to the cloud 100 via the communication device 120. In this manner, even if, for example, a one-time noise or the like is detected as undeterminable data, the data model 102 is not immediately updated based on the data. In this case, for example, data accumulated in the information processing device 150 as undeterminable integrated data that contains noise can be excluded by a predetermined algorithm provided in the information processing device 150, or by a predetermined input operation by, for example, an administrator.

In the above embodiment, the processing related to the operation of the plant executed in the information processing system 1 has been described as a determination process for determining whether the operating state of the plant is normal or abnormal. However, the processing related to the operation of the plant is not limited to this, and may be any processing related to the operation of the plant. For example, when the information processing device 150 is connected to field devices such as valve devices or actuator devices via the network 160, the information processing device 150 may execute a process for controlling the field devices as a processing related to the operation of the plant. In this case, the information processing device 150 controls the field devices based on, for example, facility information, production information, or integrated data. This may allow, for example, the production process or production volume of the product to be adjusted.

The present disclosure is not limited to the configurations specified in the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible without departing from the gist of the disclosure described in the claims. For example, the functions included in each component, step, etc. can be reconfigured so as not to cause logical inconsistencies, and multiple components or steps can be combined into one or divided.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1, 2 Information processing system 10, 20 Plant 11, 21 Pipeline 100, 200 Cloud 101, 201 Analysis engine 102, 202 Data model 110a First sensor device 110b Second sensor device 120, 220 Communication device 130, 230 Terminal device 140a First collection device 140b Second collection device 150 Information processing device 151 Communication unit 152 Control unit 153 Storage unit 160 Network 210 Sensor device

Claims (2)

An information processing device and a cloud,
the information processing device receives equipment information indicating at least a sound generated from equipment included in the plant, a color of the equipment, or an odor around the equipment, the equipment being acquired by a first sensor device installed in the plant that produces a product, and production information indicating at least a production volume of a product produced in the plant or a quality of the product, the production information being acquired by a second sensor device installed in the plant, and transmits the equipment information and the production information to the cloud;
the cloud classifies the equipment information and the production information received from the information processing device into information that falls within a normal range and information that falls within an abnormal range, and based on the classification result , constructs a data model for determining whether the operating status of the plant is normal or abnormal through artificial intelligence analysis , and transmits the data model to the information processing device;
the information processing device receives new equipment information acquired by the first sensor device and new production information acquired by the second sensor device, and executes a determination process to determine whether an operating state of the plant is normal or abnormal using the data model based on the new equipment information and the new production information ;
When the information processing device acquires new data for which it is not possible to determine whether the operating state of the plant is normal or abnormal using the data model, the information processing device transmits the new data to the cloud;
The cloud determines whether the new data received from the information processing device is within a normal range or an abnormal range, updates the data model by reflecting the determination result, and transmits the updated data model to the information processing device.
Information processing system. An information processing method executed by an information processing system including an information processing device and a cloud,
The information processing device receives equipment information, acquired by a first sensor device installed in a plant that produces a product , that indicates at least a sound generated from equipment included in the plant, a color of the equipment, or an odor around the equipment, and production information, acquired by a second sensor device installed in the plant, that indicates at least a production volume of a product produced in the plant or a quality of the product;
The information processing device transmits the facility information and the production information to the cloud;
The cloud classifies the equipment information and the production information received from the information processing device into information included in a normal range and information included in an abnormal range, and constructs a data model for determining whether the operating status of the plant is normal or abnormal by artificial intelligence analysis based on the classification result;
The cloud transmits the data model to the information processing device;
A step in which the information processing device receives new facility information acquired by the first sensor device and new production information acquired by the second sensor device;
a step of executing a determination process by the information processing device to determine whether an operating state of the plant is normal or abnormal by using the data model based on the new equipment information and the new production information;
When the information processing device acquires new data for which it is not possible to determine whether the operating state of the plant is normal or abnormal using the data model, the information processing device transmits the new data to the cloud;
The cloud determines whether the new data received from the information processing device is within a normal range or an abnormal range, updates the data model by reflecting the determination result, and transmits the updated data model to the information processing device;
An information processing method comprising:

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