KR20220125337A - Manipulation Assist Systems for Industrial Plants - Google Patents

Abstract

An operation assist system for an industrial plant uses force feedback to assist so that even an inexperienced operator can imitate the proper operation of a skilled person. This system comprises an operation switch that transmits an input signal, a programmable logic controller that continuously transmits an operation signal, an assist device that transmits an assist signal based on the input signal and the operation signal, and a ring that vibrates based on the assist signal A wearable device is provided. The assist device calculates the current operation state of the industrial plant, extracts an appropriate input value range related to the current operation state from the skilled operation information, and the input value included in the input signal received from the operation switch is an appropriate input If it is not included in the value range, an abnormal signal is transmitted to the semi-circular wearable device as an assist signal.

Description

Manipulation Assist Systems for Industrial Plants

The present invention relates to an operation assist system for an industrial plant.

Industrial plants (steel plants, power plants, petroleum plants, chemical plants, etc.) that produce materials and resources necessary for industrial activities are known. The plant monitoring and control system of an industrial plant is a programmable control network that controls input/output devices (I/O) to which a plurality of field devices (including actuators and sensors) constituting the plant are connected, and a plurality of field devices via a control network. Logic controllers (hereinafter, referred to as PLCs) have a configuration in which they are connected to each other.

An operator performs operation for monitoring and control of an industrial plant. The conventional operation of the operator is performed by visually confirming the lamp display of the operation panel, the parameter display of the operation panel, the screen display of the human machine interface (HMI), and the state of the produced ash, and the operator's tacit knowledge Relying on (sense, tips, and know-how), the amount of operation for the actuator was adjusted with the handle or button of the operation panel. Therefore, there is little experience training and it is desired that an operator with a low work skill can imitate the judgment in operation by the tacit knowledge which the skilled operator has mastered.

With respect to such a subject, patent document 1 is disclosing the comprehensive diagnostic system of a rolling line. This comprehensive diagnostic system estimates the cause of an abnormality based on the knowledge base, displays guidance on the screen, and suggests the action to be taken to the operator.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 4-9214

However, in the comprehensive diagnosis system of patent document 1, under the situation which should watch the state of ashes, there exists a possibility of overlooking the guidance displayed on the screen. As a result, there is a possibility that the erroneous operation may not be noticed. Therefore, it cannot be said that the assist to the operator is sufficient only by the guidance indication.

The present invention has been made in order to solve the problems as described above, and in a situation where the state of the ash must be observed, an operator lacking experience provides an operation assist system for an industrial plant that can imitate the proper operation of a skilled person aim to

In order to achieve the said object, the operation assist system for industrial plants which concerns on this invention is comprised as follows.

An operation assist system for an industrial plant includes an operation switch, a programmable logic controller, an assist device, and a semi-type wearable device.

The operation switch transmits an input signal including an input value input to the operator.

The programmable logic controller is connected to the operation switch. The programmable logic controller controls the industrial plant based on the input signal. The said programmable logic controller continuously transmits the operation signal regarding the operation state of the said industrial plant to the said assist device.

The ring-type wearable device to be worn by the operator on the body is wirelessly connected to the assist device. The ring-shaped wearable device vibrates based on the assist signal.

The assist device is connected to the operation switch and the programmable logic controller. The said assist apparatus has skill operation information which correlated the operation state of the said industrial plant, and the appropriate input value range of the said operation switch. The said assist apparatus calculates the current operation state of the said industrial plant based on the at least 1 said operation signal. The said assist apparatus extracts the said appropriate input value range associated with the said current operation state from the said skilled operation information. The assist apparatus transmits an abnormal signal as the assist signal to the ring-shaped wearable device when the input value included in the input signal received from the operation switch is not included in the appropriate input value range.

ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to the operation assist system for industrial plants which concerns on this invention, when an operator performs operation which deviates from the appropriate input value range corresponding to a current operation state, a semi-shaped wearable device can be vibrated. According to such a force feedback, in a situation where the state of ashes must be observed, by transmitting a stimulus to a finger sensitive to the tactile sense, it is possible to interactively and intuitively assist the operator, compared to a case where the tactile sense is simply transmitted visually. In addition, a plurality of pieces of information may be transmitted to the operator by attaching ring-type wearable devices having different roles to a plurality of fingers.

ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, an inexperienced operator can imitate the appropriate operation according to the current operation state based on the tacit knowledge (sense, trick, know-how) which an expert has mastered. As a result, product quality improvement of a production line, productivity improvement, and reduction of an operation trouble can be achieved.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS It is a block diagram of the operation assist system for industrial plants which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention.
Fig. 2 is a diagram for explaining a notification of operation start using vibration of the semi-type wearable device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
3 is a flowchart for explaining a processing flow according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
Fig. 4 is a diagram for explaining a vibration pattern of the semi-circular wearable device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 5 is a diagram for explaining an example of assisting operation of a rotary switch by a semi-type wearable device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 6 is a diagram for explaining an example of assisting operation of a push-type momentary switch by a semi-type wearable device according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
7 is a diagram for explaining an example of assisting operation of a toggle type momentary switch by a semi-type wearable device according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 8 is a diagram for explaining an example of assisting operation of a push-type alternate switch by a semi-type wearable device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 9 is a diagram for explaining an example of assisting operation of a toggle-type alternate switch by a semi-type wearable device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 10 is a diagram for explaining an example of assisting operation of an execution switch by a semi-shaped wearable device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.
11 : is a conceptual diagram which shows the hardware structural example of the processing circuit which PLC in each embodiment, an operation device, an assist apparatus, and a semi-type wearable device have, respectively.

EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION Hereinafter, embodiment of this invention is described in detail with reference to drawings. However, in the embodiment shown below, when referring to the number of each element, such as the number, quantity, quantity, range, etc. This invention is not limited. In addition, the structure etc. which are demonstrated in embodiment shown below are not necessarily essential for this invention except the case where it is specifically indicated or the case where it is clearly specified in principle. In addition, the same code|symbol is attached|subjected to the element common in each figure, and overlapping description is abbreviate|omitted.

Embodiment 1.

(System configuration)

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS It is a block diagram of the operation assist system for industrial plants which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention.

The plant monitoring and control system (1) of an industrial plant includes an actuator (2), an input/output device (3), a programmable logic controller (4) (hereinafter referred to as PLC (4)), a computer network (5) (hereinafter referred to as a network (5) ), an operation device 6 , an assist device 7 , and a ring-shaped wearable device 8 .

The connection relationship of each apparatus is demonstrated. The actuator 2 is connected to the PLC 4 via the input/output device 3 . PLC 4 is connected to the operating device 6 and the assist device 7 via the network 5 . The operating device 6 is connected to the PLC 4 and the assist device 7 via the network 5 . The assist device 7 is connected to the PLC 4 , the operation device 6 , and the semi-type wearable device 8 via the network 5 . In particular, the assist device 7 and the ring-shaped wearable device 8 connect wirelessly.

The actuator 2 is a motor, a solenoid valve, a hydraulic device, etc. which constitute an industrial plant (for example, a steel plant).

The PLC 4 receives the input signal 12 from the operation device 6 , and controls the actuator 2 based on the input signal 12 . Moreover, PLC4 transmits the operation signal 11 regarding the operation state of an industrial plant to the assist apparatus 7 continuously.

The operation device 6 includes at least one of an operation panel 61 and a human machine interface (HMI) device 62 . The operation panel 61 includes an operation switch 60 as hardware. The HMI device 62 includes an operation switch 60 as software operably displayed on a monitor. The operation switch 60 transmits the input signal 12 containing the input value input to the operator who operates an industrial plant to the PLC 4 and the assist device 7 .

The assist device 7 receives the input signal 12 of the operation switch 60 and the operation signal 11 of the PLC 4 . The assist apparatus 7 transmits the assist signal 13 to the semi-shaped wearable device 8 based on the input signal 12 and the operation signal 11 .

The ring-shaped wearable device 8 is a device for an operator to wear on the body, and is preferably a smart ring to be worn on a finger. The semi-shaped wearable device 8 receives the assist signal 13 from the assist apparatus 7 and vibrates based on the assist signal 14 .

The operation assist system 10 for an industrial plant is mainly realized by the connection of the PLC 4 , the operation switch 60 , the assist device 7 , and the semi-type wearable device 8 .

The assist apparatus 7 is equipped with the skill operation information 70 mentioned later, the operation state calculation part 71, and the assist processing part 72. As shown in FIG. The assist device 7 exhibits its functions in conjunction with the skilled operation information 70, the operation state calculation unit 71, and the assist processing unit 72, and is based on the skilled operation information 70 according to the current operation state. and transmits the determined assist signal to the semi-shaped wearable device 8 . The assist device 7 is realized by, for example, an expert system or a machine learning system. For example, the expert system includes a knowledge base in which expert knowledge is dataized, and an inference engine that derives data considered to be a correct answer from data obtained from the knowledge base. Here, the knowledge base corresponds to the skilled operation information 70 , and the reasoning engine corresponds to the operation state calculation unit 71 and the assist processing unit 72 .

The assist apparatus 7 in this embodiment implement|achieves two assist functions. A 1st assist function warns an inappropriate operation of the operation switch 60 by an operator by force feedback. The 2nd assist function urges the operator to start operation of the operation switch 60, when the operation state of an industrial plant is approaching an abnormal state.

(1st assist function)

First, the structure for realizing the 1st assist function mentioned above is demonstrated.

The skilled operation information 70 is a set of information relating the operation state of the industrial plant and the appropriate input value range of the operation switch 60 . The skilled operation information 70 is information obtained by converting the knowledge of the skilled operator into data. This knowledge contains the past performance data, the operation history (operation timing, operation amount), etc. which are considered to be high in the stability or quality of operation. That is, an appropriate input value range is data regarding the operation state of the operation switch 60 by the skilled operator according to the operation state of an industrial plant. The skilled operation information 70 is used in order to calculate an appropriate input value range for every operation state. The skilled operation information 70 includes, for example, the knowledge base of the expert system in which the knowledge of the skilled operator is accumulated, data learned by machine learning using the operation of the skilled operator as teacher data, or the operation state and the operation state. It is table data etc. which correlated the knowledge of the corresponding skilled operator.

The operation state calculation unit 71 calculates the current operation state of the industrial plant based on at least one operation signal.

The assist processing unit 72 extracts an appropriate input value range associated with the current operation state from the skilled operation information 70 . Next, the assist processing unit 72 determines whether an input value included in the input signal received from the operation switch 60 is included in an appropriate input value range. Next, when the input value included in the input signal received from the operation switch 60 is not included in the appropriate input value range, the assist processing unit 72 transmits the abnormal signal as an assist signal to the semi-circular wearable device 8 . ) is sent to The ring-shaped wearable device 8 vibrates according to the abnormal signal, and stimulates the operator's sense of touch.

According to such a structure, it can determine in real time whether the operation of an operator is appropriate. When the operation switch 60 is operated beyond the appropriate input value range corresponding to the current operation state, excessive operation of the operation switch 60 can be warned by force feedback to the operator's tactile sense. In particular, under a situation where it is necessary to keep an eye on the state of the ashes and the indication of guidance is easy to overlook, an inexperienced operator can assist in imitating the proper operation of an expert.

(Second assist function)

Next, with reference to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the structure for realizing the 2nd assist function mentioned above is demonstrated. The first assist function described above assists the operator operating the operation switch 60 . By the way, even if it is a situation in which the operation switch 60 is not operated, when the present operation state is approaching an abnormal state, it is preferable that an operator can be alerted to an operation start. Therefore, the 2nd assist function urges the operator to start operation of the operation switch 60, when the operation state of an industrial plant is approaching an abnormal state.

The skillful operation information 70 contains the information (the temporal change tendency of an operation state, the threshold value of a predetermined parameter) which can determine whether the present operation state is approaching an abnormal state based on the accumulated operation signal.

The assist processing part 72 determines whether the present operation state of an industrial plant is approaching an abnormal state, when it has not received the input signal from the operation switch 60 for more than a fixed time.

For example, whether the current operation state is approaching the abnormal state is based on whether the abnormal state is reached within a predetermined time based on the temporal change tendency of the operation state, whether a predetermined parameter exceeds a threshold value, etc. can be judged by The assist processing part 72 transmits the abnormality prediction signal which urges the input to the operation switch 60 to an operator as an assist signal, when it determines with the current operation state approaching an abnormality state. The ring-shaped wearable device 8 vibrates according to the abnormality prediction signal, and stimulates the operator's sense of touch. Moreover, it is preferable that the vibration pattern by the 2nd assist function has a different period from the vibration pattern by the 1st assist function so that the meaning of vibration may be distinguished.

According to such a structure, as shown in FIG. 2, even when an operator is in a non-operation state, the assist signal which analyzes the change tendency of an operation state, and promotes operation start at the timing when operation of the operation switch 60 became necessary. can be sent. The assist apparatus 7 vibrates the ring-shaped wearable device 8 in a vibration pattern according to the second assist function, thereby alerting the operator to the necessity of initiating the operation. In this way, the 2nd assist function can assist an inexperienced operator based on the knowledge of an experienced operator.

(process flow)

With reference to the flowchart of FIG. 3, the process flow which implement|achieves the 1st assist function and 2nd assist function mentioned above is demonstrated. The 1st assist function is implement|achieved by the process of step S100 - step S130. The second assist function is realized by the processing of step S100, step S110, and step S140 to step S160. The processing flow in Fig. 3 is repeatedly executed.

The assist apparatus 7 receives an operation signal from PLC4 then. In step S100, the assist apparatus 7 calculates the present operation state of an industrial plant based on the received operation signal and the operation state calculated in the past.

In step S110, the assist device 7 determines whether there was an operation of the operation switch 60 by the operator. When the determination condition is satisfied, the processing of step S120 is executed.

In step S120, the assist apparatus 7 determines whether the input value contained in the input signal received from the operation switch 60 deviates from an appropriate input value range. Specifically, first, the assist processing unit 72 extracts an appropriate input value range associated with the current operation state from the skilled operation information 70 . Next, the assist processing unit 72 determines whether the input value deviates from an appropriate input value range. When the determination condition is satisfied, the processing of step S130 is executed.

In step S130 , the assist apparatus 7 transmits the abnormal signal 14 as the assist signal 13 to the semi-circular wearable device 8 ( FIG. 4 ). The semi-shaped wearable device 8 receives the abnormal signal 14 from the assist apparatus 7 . When the semi-shaped wearable device 8 receives the abnormal signal 14, it vibrates in the warning pattern 15 (first pattern) (FIG. 4). After that, the process of step S100 is executed again.

In addition, when the determination condition of step S120 is not satisfied, operation by an operator is appropriate. In this case, the assist signal is not transmitted, and the process of step S100 is re-executed.

On the other hand, when the determination condition of step S110 is not satisfied, the process of step S140 is executed.

In step S140, the assist apparatus 7 determines whether there is no input by the operator for N seconds or more. The assist processing part 72 executes the process of step S150, when it has not received the input signal from the operation switch 60 for N seconds or more. When the determination condition of step S140 is not satisfied, the process of step S100 is executed again.

In Step S150, the assist device 7 determines whether it is necessary to prompt the operator to start the operation. The assist processing unit 72 determines whether the current operating state of the industrial plant is approaching an abnormal state based on the skilled operation information 70 . When the determination condition is satisfied, the processing of step S160 is executed.

In step S160, the assist apparatus 7 transmits, as an assist signal 13, an abnormality prediction signal 16 for prompting the operator to input to the operation switch 60 to the semi-circular wearable device 8 (FIG. 4). The semi-shaped wearable device 8 receives the abnormality prediction signal 16 from the assist apparatus 7 . When the semi-shaped wearable device 8 receives the abnormality prediction signal 16, it vibrates in the notification pattern 17 (second pattern of a period different from the first pattern) (FIG. 4).

In addition, when the determination condition of step S150 is not satisfied, the assist signal is not transmitted and this routine is temporarily terminated, but is executed again in the next control cycle.

As explained above, according to the operation assist system 10 for an industrial plant which concerns on this embodiment, the 1st assist function and the 2nd assist function mentioned above convert an inexperienced operator based on the knowledge of a skilled operator. can assist Therefore, even an inexperienced operator can imitate the appropriate operation of the skilled person according to the current operation state. As a result, product quality improvement of a production line, productivity improvement, and reduction of an operation trouble can be achieved.

(variant example)

In this embodiment, although both a 1st assist function and a 2nd assist function are provided, it is good also as a thing provided with only either function.

Embodiment 2.

(Rotary switch)

With reference to FIG. 1 and FIG. 5, Embodiment 2 of this invention is demonstrated. Fig. 5 is a diagram for explaining an example of assisting operation of a rotary switch by a semi-type wearable device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

The system of this embodiment is basically the same as that of Embodiment 1 except for the following structures regarding the operation switch 60 and the assist device 7 shown in FIG.

In this embodiment, the operation switch 60 is the rotary switch 20, and the input value of the operation switch 60 is a rotation angle value. The rotary switch 20 transmits an input signal 12 including a rotation angle value according to an operator's operation.

The appropriate input value range 21 of the skilled operation information 70 described above includes the rotation angle threshold value 22 of the rotary switch 20 . That is, the skilled operation information 70 includes a set of information relating the operation state of the industrial plant and the rotation angle threshold value 22 of the rotary switch 20 .

The assist processing unit 72 of the assist device 7 extracts the rotation angle threshold value 22 associated with the current operation state from the skilled operation information 70 .

Next, the assist processing unit 72 determines whether or not the rotation angle value included in the input signal 12 received from the rotary switch 20 is within the rotation angle threshold value 22 .

Next, when the rotation angle value included in the input signal 12 received from the rotary switch 20 exceeds the rotation angle threshold value, the assist processing unit 72 serves as the assist signal 13 as the abnormal signal 14 ) ( FIG. 4 ) to the semi-shaped wearable device 8 . The ring-shaped wearable device 8 vibrates according to the abnormal signal 14, and stimulates the operator's sense of touch.

For example, as shown in FIG. 5 , when the rotation angle value of the rotary switch 20 is included in the appropriate input value range 21 , the semi-circular wearable device 8 does not vibrate. On the other hand, from the point in time when the rotation angle value of the rotary switch 20 exceeds the rotation angle threshold value 22, the semi-circular wearable device 8 vibrates. According to this, improper operation of the operator is warned using force feedback. Therefore, it can suppress that the rotary switch 20 deviates from an appropriate operation range and is operated.

Embodiment 3.

(momentary switch)

With reference to FIG. 1 and FIG. 6, Embodiment 4 of this invention is demonstrated. Fig. 6 is a diagram for explaining an example of assisting operation of a push-type momentary switch by a semi-type wearable device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

The system of this embodiment is basically the same as that of Embodiment 1 except for the following structures regarding the operation switch 60 and the assist device 7 shown in FIG.

In this embodiment, the operation switch 60 is a push type momentary switch 30, and the input value of the operation switch 60 is an ON value. The push-type momentary switch 30 transmits an input signal 12 containing an ON value only while the operator is holding it down.

The appropriate input value range of the skilled operation information 70 described above includes the ON value continuation permissible period of the push type momentary switch 30 . That is, the skilled operation information 70 contains the set of information which correlated the operation state of an industrial plant, and the ON-value continuation permissible period of the push type momentary switch 30. As shown in FIG.

The assist processing unit 72 of the assist device 7 extracts the ON value continuation allowable period associated with the current operation state from the skilled operation information 70 . In the example shown in FIG. 6, the ON value continuation allowable period is a period from time T1 to time T2.

Next, the assist processing unit 72 determines whether or not the input signal 12 including the ON value from the push-type momentary switch 30 is continuously being input beyond the ON value continuation allowable period.

Next, the assist processing unit 72, when the input signal 12 including the ON value is continuously inputted from the push-type momentary switch 30 beyond the ON value continuation permissible period, the assist signal 13 transmits the abnormal signal 14 (FIG. 4) to the semi-shaped wearable device 8 as

For example, in the example shown in FIG. 6, the ON value continuation permissible period is a period from time T1 to time T2. When the input signal 12 including the ON value is continuously input beyond the time T2, the semi-circular wearable device 8 vibrates from the time point exceeding the time T2. According to this, improper operation of the operator is warned using force feedback. Therefore, it can suppress that it deviates from an appropriate operation range and the push type momentary switch 30 is operated.

(variant example)

By the way, in the system of Embodiment 3 mentioned above, the push type momentary switch 30 is used as the operation switch 60 . However, as shown in FIG. 7 , a toggle type momentary switch 31 may be used as the operation switch 60 .

Embodiment 4.

(Alternate switch)

With reference to FIG. 1 and FIG. 8, Embodiment 4 of this invention is demonstrated. Fig. 8 is a diagram for explaining an example of assisting operation of a push-type alternate switch by a semi-type wearable device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

The system of this embodiment is basically the same as that of Embodiment 1 except for the following structures regarding the operation switch 60 and the assist device 7 shown in FIG.

In the present embodiment, the operation switch 60 is a push-type alternate switch 40, and the push-type alternate switch 40 includes an input signal 12 including an ON value and an OFF value each time the operator presses it. The input signal 12 including

The appropriate input value range (appropriate input value data) of the skilled operation information 70 described above includes an appropriate state value (ON value or OFF value) of the push-type alternate switch 40 . That is, the skilled operation information 70 includes a set of information relating the operation state of the industrial plant and the appropriate state value (ON value or OFF value) of the push-type alternate switch 40 .

The assist processing unit 72 of the assist device 7 extracts an appropriate state value (ON value or OFF value) associated with the current operation state from the skilled operation information 70 . In the example shown in FIG. 8, the appropriate state value of the push type alternate switch 40 is an OFF value in before and after time T3.

Next, the assist processing unit 72 determines whether or not the state value (ON value or OFF value) included in the input signal 12 received from the push-type alternate switch 40 coincides with an appropriate state value. .

Next, the assist processing unit 72 as the assist signal 13 when the input signal 12 received from the push type alternate switch 40 contains the ON value and the appropriate state value is the OFF value. The abnormal signal 14 ( FIG. 4 ) is transmitted to the semi-shaped wearable device 8 . In addition, the assist processing unit 72 is abnormal as the assist signal 13 when the input signal 12 received from the push type alternate switch 40 contains the OFF value and the appropriate state value is the ON value. The signal 14 is transmitted to the semi-circular wearable device 8 .

For example, in the example shown in FIG. 8, the push type alternate switch 40 is outputting the input signal 12 which was pressed by the operator in time T3, and contains the ON value. On the other hand, an appropriate state value at time T3 is an OFF value. That is, the operator's operation at time T3 is inappropriate. Therefore, the ring-shaped wearable device 8 vibrates from the time point T3. According to this, improper operation of the operator is warned using force feedback. Therefore, it can suppress that it deviates from an appropriate operation range and the push type momentary switch 30 is operated.

(variant example)

By the way, in the system of Embodiment 4 mentioned above, the push type alternate switch 40 is used as the operation switch 60. As shown in FIG. However, as shown in FIG. 9 , a toggle-type alternate switch 41 may be used as the operation switch 60 .

Embodiment 5.

(execute switch)

With reference to FIG. 1 and FIG. 10, Embodiment 5 of this invention is demonstrated. Fig. 10 is a diagram for explaining an example of assisting operation of an execution switch by a semi-shaped wearable device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

The system of this embodiment is basic except for the point that the operation device 6 shown in FIG. 1 is equipped with the setting switch 51, and the following structures concerning the operation switch 60 and the assist device 7 is the same as in Embodiment 1.

The setting switch 51 can input a setting value. In the present embodiment, the operation switch 60 is the execution switch 50 . The execution switch 50 transmits the input signal 12 which is pressed by the operator and contains the setting value input to the setting switch.

The appropriate input value range (appropriate input value data) of the skilled operation information 70 described above includes the appropriate value range of the set value input to the setting switch 51 . That is, the skilled operation information 70 includes a set of information relating the operation state of the industrial plant and the appropriate value range of the setting value input to the setting switch 51 .

The assist processing unit 72 of the assist apparatus 7 extracts an appropriate value range associated with the current operation state from the skilled operation information 70 .

Next, the assist processing unit 72 determines whether or not the set value included in the input signal 12 received from the execution switch 50 is included in an appropriate value range.

Next, when the setting value included in the input signal 12 received from the execution switch 50 is not included in the appropriate value range, the assist processing unit 72 serves as the assist signal 13 as the abnormal signal 14 ) ( FIG. 4 ) to the semi-shaped wearable device 8 .

10 shows an example in which the execution switch 50 was pressed at time T4 despite the inappropriate setting value input to the setting switch 51 . In this case, the operator's operation at time T4 is inappropriate. Therefore, the ring-shaped wearable device 8 vibrates from the time T4. According to this, improper operation of the operator is warned using force feedback. Therefore, it can suppress that the execution switch 50 is continuously operated in the state where a set value is inappropriate.

(Hardware configuration example)

11 : is a conceptual diagram which shows the example of the hardware structure of the processing circuit which PLC4, the operation device 6, the assist apparatus 7, and the semi-shaped wearable device 8 each have of each embodiment mentioned above. Each of the functions described above is realized by a processing circuit. In one aspect, the processing circuit includes at least one processor 91 and at least one memory 92 . In another aspect, the processing circuit includes at least one dedicated hardware 93 .

When the processing circuit includes the processor 91 and the memory 92, each function is realized by software, firmware, or a combination of software and firmware. At least one of software and firmware is described as a program. At least one of software and firmware is stored in the memory 92 . The processor 91 realizes each function by reading and executing the program stored in the memory 92 .

When the processing circuit is provided with dedicated hardware 93, the processing circuit is, for example, a single circuit, a complex circuit, a programmed processor, or a combination thereof. Each function is realized by a processing circuit.

As mentioned above, although embodiment of this invention was described, this invention is not limited to said embodiment, In the range which does not deviate from the meaning of this invention, it can carry out with various deformation|transformation.

1: Plant monitoring and control system
2: Actuator
3: input/output device
4: Programmable Logic Controller (PLC)
5: Network
6: operation device
7: Assist device
8: ring-shaped wearable device
10: Operation assist system for industrial plants
11: operation signal
12: input signal
13: assist signal
14: abnormal signal
15: warning pattern
16: abnormal prediction signal
17: notification pattern
20: rotary switch
21 : input value range
22: rotation angle threshold
23 : rotary switch
30: push type momentary switch
31: toggle type momentary switch
40: push type alternate switch
41: toggle type alternate switch
50 : run switch
51: setting switch
60: operation switch
61: operation panel
62: Human Machine Interface (HMI) Device
70: Skilled operation information
71: operation state calculation unit
72: assist processing unit
91: processor
92: memory
93: Hardware

Claims (7)

an operation switch for transmitting an input signal including an input value input to an operator;
a programmable logic controller that is connected to the operation switch, controls the industrial plant based on the input signal, and continuously transmits an operation signal related to an operation state of the industrial plant;
an assist device connected to the operation switch and the programmable logic controller and transmitting an assist signal based on the input signal and the operation signal;
and a ring-type wearable device, which is wirelessly connected to the assist device and vibrates based on the assist signal, to be worn by the operator on the body,
The assist device is
having skilled operation information correlating the operating state of the industrial plant with an appropriate input value range of the operation switch;
calculate a current operating state of the industrial plant based on the at least one operating signal;
extracting the appropriate input value range related to the current operation state from the skilled operation information;
When the input value included in the input signal received from the operation switch is not included in the appropriate input value range, transmitting an abnormal signal as the assist signal to the ring-shaped wearable device;
An operation assist system for an industrial plant, characterized by a. The method of claim 1,
The assist device is
When the input signal is not received from the operation switch for a certain period of time or more, it is determined whether the current operating state of the industrial plant is approaching an abnormal state;
When it is determined that the current operation state is approaching the abnormal state, transmitting an abnormality prediction signal for urging the operator to input to the operation switch as the assist signal;
An operation assist system for an industrial plant, characterized by a. 3. The method of claim 2,
The ring-shaped wearable device,
When the abnormal signal is received, it vibrates in a first pattern,
When the abnormal prediction signal is received, vibrating in a second pattern different from the first pattern;
An operation assist system for an industrial plant, characterized by a. 4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The operation switch is a rotary switch for transmitting the input signal including a rotation angle value,
The appropriate input value range of the skilled operation information includes a rotation angle threshold value of the rotary switch,
The assist device is
extracting the rotation angle threshold associated with the current operation state from the skilled operation information;
When the rotation angle value included in the input signal received from the rotary switch exceeds the rotation angle threshold value, transmitting the abnormal signal as the assist signal to the semi-type wearable device,
An operation assist system for an industrial plant, characterized by a. 4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The operation switch is a momentary switch that transmits the input signal including an ON value only while being pressed,
The appropriate input value range of the skilled operation information includes an ON value continuation allowable period of the momentary switch,
The assist device is
extracting the ON value continuation allowable period associated with the current operation state from the skilled operation information;
Transmitting the abnormal signal as the assist signal to the semi-type wearable device when the input signal including the ON value from the momentary switch is continuously input beyond the ON value continuation allowable period;
An operation assist system for an industrial plant, characterized by a. 4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The operation switch is an alternate switch that alternately transmits the input signal including an ON value and the input signal including an OFF value whenever pressed,
The appropriate input value range of the skilled operation information includes an appropriate state value (ON value or OFF value) of the alternate switch,
The assist device is
extracting the appropriate state value associated with the current operation state from the skilled operation information;
When the input signal received from the alternate switch includes an ON value and the appropriate state value is an OFF value, transmitting the abnormal signal as the assist signal to the ring-type wearable device;
An operation assist system for an industrial plant, characterized by a. 4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
A setting switch capable of inputting a set value is provided;
the operation switch is an execution switch which is pressed to an operator and transmits the input signal including the set value;
The appropriate input value range of the skill operation information includes an appropriate value range of the set value input to the setting switch,
The assist device is
extracting the appropriate value range related to the current operation state from the skilled operation information;
When the set value included in the input signal received from the execution switch is not included in the appropriate value range, transmitting an abnormal signal as the assist signal to the semi-circular wearable device,
An operation assist system for an industrial plant, characterized by a.

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