JP7468074B2 - Management system and server department - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a management system and a server unit.

A maintenance management method is known in which communication is possible between equipment in a heat supply facility or the like and a control device at a management base or management center via a communication line, and when an abnormality occurs in the heat supply facility or the like, the control device receives abnormality data sent from the equipment in the heat supply facility or the like, stores the received abnormality data on a web server, and the abnormality data stored on the web server can be viewed on a mobile device carried by a maintenance worker (for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2002-298270 A

If communication is not possible between a managed device such as a boiler and a control device such as a server unit, the server unit cannot collect data from the managed device, and therefore, even if a maintenance worker accesses the server unit from a terminal device, he or she cannot view the abnormality occurrence data.
In addition, it is difficult to carry out tasks such as preventive maintenance based on the data of the managed devices stored in the server section.

One aspect of the present invention is a management system that includes a remote management system that connects managed devices, a server unit, and an operation terminal device via a communication line and stores operation information of the managed devices in the server unit, and non-managed devices that do not belong to the remote management system, the management system including a supply terminal device that acquires partial data of the operation information of the non-managed devices and transmits it to the server unit, the server unit derives management guideline information that serves as a management guideline based on the operation information of the managed devices, and a derivation unit that derives management information of the non-managed devices based on the management guideline information and the partial data of the operation information of the non-managed devices transmitted from the supply terminal device.

In one aspect of the present invention, in the above-mentioned management system, when identification information that specifies the scope of application of the management guideline information is specified in deriving the management guideline information, the derivation unit performs either or both of a trend estimation of driving data and statistical processing of driving data for the driving information stored in association with the identification information.

In one aspect of the present invention, in the above-mentioned management system, when part identification information, which is information that identifies each of one or more parts that make up the managed device, is specified in deriving the management guideline information, the derivation unit performs either or both of a trend estimation of part data and statistical processing of part data for the operation information stored in association with the part identification information.

In one aspect of the present invention, in the above management system, the management information includes at least one of the equipment performance, part replacement timing, inspection timing, part lifespan, and estimated cause of failure of the non-managed equipment.

One aspect of the present invention is a server unit that belongs to a remote management system, is connected to managed devices and an operation terminal device via a communication line, and stores operation information of the managed devices, and includes a communication unit that receives information including partial data from a supply terminal device that acquires partial data of operation information of non-managed devices that do not belong to the remote management system, a derivation unit that derives management guideline information that serves as a management guideline based on the operation information of the managed devices, and derives management information of the non-managed devices based on the management guideline information and the partial data, and an output unit that outputs the management information derived by the derivation unit.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a management system and a server unit that can acquire and manage management information of non-managed devices (hereafter abbreviated as non-managed devices) even if the non-managed devices are not capable of communicating with the server unit (cannot communicate with the server unit due to lack of communication facilities/infrastructure, or lack of a communication contract, etc.).

FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a management system according to an embodiment. 1 is a diagram showing an operation terminal device, a server unit, a managed device, a supply terminal device, and a non-managed device included in the management system of the present embodiment. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of derivation of management guideline information in the management system of the present embodiment. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of partial data acquisition of a supply terminal device in the management system of the present embodiment. FIG. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of partial data acquisition by a server unit in the management system of the present embodiment. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of derivation of management information in the management system of the present embodiment. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of derivation of management information for a part in the management system of the present embodiment.

Next, the management system and the server unit of the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. The embodiment described below is merely an example, and the embodiment to which the present invention is applied is not limited to the following embodiment.
In addition, in all the drawings for explaining the embodiments, the same reference numerals are used for the parts having the same functions, and the repeated explanation is omitted.

(Embodiment)
1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a management system according to an embodiment. The management system 1 according to the embodiment includes a remote management system 1-1 and a non-remote management system 1-2.
The remote management system 1-1 comprises a server section 100, an operation terminal device 200, and devices to be managed 300-1 to 300-n (n is an integer greater than 0).
The server unit 100 and the operation terminal device 200 are connected to each other via a VPN. The server unit 100 and the managed devices 300-1 to 300-n are connected to each other via a closed network CNW. The closed network CNW is a network that is physically separated from the Internet. An example of a closed network CNW is a mobile phone network. In addition, the server unit 100 and each of the managed devices 300-1 to 300-n may be connected to each other via an analog line or via a PHS (personal handy-phone system) communication network.
The non-remote management system 1-2 includes a supplying terminal device 400 and a non-managed device 500. The supplying terminal device 400, the non-managed device 500, and the operation terminal device 200 are directly connected with a cable, or are connected via a network such as a wireless LAN. They may also be connected by wireless communication such as infrared communication or Bluetooth (registered trademark). The supplying terminal device 400 and the server unit 100 are connected via a VPN.
The non-remote management system 1-2 includes a plurality of non-managed devices and a device management device (not shown), and the plurality of non-managed devices and the device management device may be connected to each other via a closed network. Also, the operation terminal device 200 may have the functions of the supply terminal device 400.

The managed devices 300-1 to 300-n detect the operating conditions of their own managed devices and store the operating information in association with occurrence date and time information. The managed devices 300-1 to 300-n are provided with communication devices that perform wired or wireless communication, and transmit the stored operating information to the server unit 100 via a closed network. The managed devices 300-1 to 300-n may also transmit the detected operating information to the server unit 100 in real time.
The managed devices 300-1 to 300-n communicate the operation information to the server unit 100 continuously or at a predetermined interval (every few hours, days, or weeks, etc.). For example, the communication interval may be set according to the amount of data to be communicated and its importance, such as every few hours for data with a short sampling period of the detection unit and every few weeks for data with a long sampling period of the detection unit. In addition, the managed devices 300-1 to 300-n communicate the operation information to the server unit 100 by requesting and responding to the operation information transmitted from the server unit 100 to the managed devices. The managed devices may store a communication schedule (such as a communication interval) for the server unit 100, and transmit the operation information to the server unit 100 based on the schedule.
Hereinafter, any one of the managed devices 300-1 to 300-n will be referred to as a managed device 300.

The server unit 100 stores the received operating information in association with the identification information of the managed device 300 and occurrence date and time information (such as the server unit reception date and time information or the occurrence date and time information stored in the managed device), and performs information processing such as statistical analysis (statistical processing) of the data contained in the operating information and/or information processing and calculations such as trend analysis (trend estimation).
The server unit 100 derives and stores information (hereinafter referred to as management guideline information) serving as a management guideline regarding changes in device performance, component deterioration, etc., based on the accumulated operation information of the managed device 300. The server unit 100 receives partial data of the operation information of the non-managed device 500 from the supplying terminal device 400, and stores the information in association with the occurrence date and time information stored in the non-managed device 500. The server unit 100 may also store the partial data in association with the date and time information at which the server unit received the partial data. The server unit 100 derives and stores information (hereinafter referred to as management information) for managing the non-managed device 500 based on the management guideline information and the partial data.

The non-managed device 500 detects the driving status of the non-managed device 500 itself, and stores partial data of the driving information in association with the occurrence date and time information. The non-managed device 500 is equipped with a communication device that performs wired or wireless communication, performs connection processing between the non-managed device 500 and the supplying terminal device 400, and transmits partial data of the driving information (hereinafter abbreviated as partial data) to the supplying terminal device 400.

The supplying terminal device 400 receives a partial data acquisition instruction from the operation terminal device 200, acquires partial data from the non-managed device 500, and stores the acquired partial data in a storage unit in association with the identification information and generation date and time information of the non-managed device 500. The supplying terminal device 400 receives a transmission instruction from the operation terminal device 200, and transmits the stored partial data to the server unit 100.
The supplying terminal device 400 may automatically transmit the partial data to the server unit 100 when the supplying terminal device 400 first establishes a connection with the server unit 100 after acquiring the partial data from the non-managed device. In addition, it is preferable to transmit the partial data stored in the supplying terminal device 400 only to the server unit 100 in order to avoid risks such as data leakage.

When an operation to acquire partial data of the non-managed device 500 is performed, the operation terminal device 200 creates a partial data acquisition instruction for acquiring the partial data of the non-managed device 500 and transmits the partial data acquisition instruction to the supplying terminal device 400. The supplying terminal device 400 receives the partial data acquisition instruction, acquires and stores the partial data of the specified non-managed device 500. The supplying terminal device 400 creates a response indicating that acquisition of the partial data has been completed, and transmits it to the operation terminal device 200.
The operation terminal device 200 creates a transmission instruction for transmitting the partial data stored in the supplying terminal device 400 to the server unit 100 , and transmits the instruction to the supplying terminal device 400 .
The operation terminal device 200 accepts an operation by a personnel to request management information of a non-managed device 500, and transmits a result of the operation to the server unit 100. The server unit 100 receives the operation result transmitted by the operation terminal device 200, and transmits a management information response including the management information to the operation terminal device 200. The operation terminal device 200 receives the management information response transmitted by the server unit 100, and displays the management information.
Here, the operation terminal device 200 separately instructs the supplying terminal device 400 to obtain partial data from the non-managed device 500, instructs the supplying terminal device 400 to transmit the partial data stored in the supplying terminal device 400 to the server unit 100, and requests management information from the server unit 100, but some or all of these may be performed simultaneously or consecutively.

The non-managed device 500 and the managed devices 300-1 to 300-n are, for example, boilers, water treatment equipment, food equipment, medical equipment, thermoelectric solution equipment, hydrogen generation devices, etc. Here, the food equipment is equipment that performs food thawing, cooling, sterilization, cooking, and cold water cooling. The medical equipment is equipment that performs cleaning, sterilization, etc. for medical, industrial, and research use. The thermoelectric solution equipment is equipment that aims to improve the efficiency of energy systems that utilize thermal energy, such as compressors, heat pumps, and fuel cells.
Each of the managed devices 300-1 to 300-n is connected to the server unit 100 via a closed network, and transmits operation information of the managed device to the server unit 100. The non-managed device 500 is connected to a supplying terminal device 400, and transmits partial data of the operation information to the server unit 100 via the supplying terminal device 400.
The operation terminal device 200, the server unit 100, and the managed device 300 included in the remote management system 1-1, and the supply terminal device 400 and the non-managed device 500 included in the non-remote management system 1-2 will be described in detail below.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an operation terminal device, a server unit, devices to be managed, a supply terminal device, and devices to be unmanaged, which are included in the management system of this embodiment.
(Operation terminal device)
The operation terminal device 200 is realized as a smartphone, a mobile terminal, a personal computer, a tablet terminal device, a wristwatch-type terminal device, a glasses-type terminal device, or other information processing equipment. The operation terminal device 200 includes, for example, a communication unit 210, a processing unit 240, a storage unit 250, an operation unit 260, and a display unit 270.

The operation unit 260 is operated by personnel. The communication unit 210 communicates between the operation terminal device 200 and the server unit 100 and the supply terminal device 400. The processing unit 240 accepts and processes information provided to the operation terminal device 200 from the outside (operation of the operation unit by personnel, information from the server unit received by the communication unit) and acquires and processes internal information. The display unit 270 displays based on information from the processing unit 240.

Specifically, the operation unit 260 is configured, for example, by a touch panel, detects a touch operation on a screen displayed on the display unit 270 , and outputs the detection result of the touch operation to the processing unit 240 .
When a worker performs an operation to acquire partial data of the non-managed device 500, the operation unit 260 detects the touch operation and outputs a detection result of the touch operation to acquire the partial data to the processing unit 240. Here, the detection result of the touch operation to acquire partial data includes identification information of the non-managed device from which partial data is to be acquired and information specifying the partial data to be acquired.
The processing unit 240 acquires a detection result of a touch operation for acquiring partial data, and creates a partial data acquisition instruction addressed to the supply terminal device 400. The processing unit 240 outputs the created partial data acquisition instruction to the communication unit 210.
The communication unit 210 transmits a partial data acquisition instruction to the supplying terminal device 400. The communication unit 210 receives a response to the partial data acquisition instruction from the supplying terminal device 400, and outputs the response to the processing unit 240. The processing unit 240 creates display information based on the response to the acquired partial data acquisition instruction, and outputs the display information to the display unit 270. The display unit 270 displays the acquired display information.

(Server unit 100)
The server unit 100 is realized by a device such as a personal computer, a server, an industrial computer, etc. The server unit 100 includes, for example, a communication unit 110, a derivation unit 130, a processing unit 140, and a storage unit 150.
The storage unit 150 stores device information 152, operation information 153, partial data 154, management guideline information 156, and management information 158. The device information 152, operation information 153, partial data 154, management guideline information 156, and management information 158 may be stored on a cloud.

The server unit 100 receives operating information of the managed device 300 periodically or at a specified timing, and stores the information in association with the identification information of the managed device and the occurrence date and time information (such as the server unit reception date and time information or the occurrence date and time information stored in the managed device).
For example, when the server unit 100 requests the managed device 300 for operating information and the managed device responds with the operating information, the processing unit 140 creates an instruction to request the operating information based on the timing or cycle of requesting the operating information stored in the device information 152 of the storage unit 150, and outputs the instruction to the communication unit 110. The communication unit 110 transmits an instruction to request the operating information to the relevant managed device 300, and receives the operating information from the relevant managed device 300. The communication unit 110 outputs the received operating information to the processing unit 140. The processing unit 140 acquires the operating information from the communication unit 110, and stores the acquired information in the operating information 153 of the storage unit 150 in association with the identification information of the managed device and the occurrence date and time information (such as the server unit reception date and time information or the occurrence date and time information stored in the managed device 300).
By accumulating operating information for a large number of managed devices, the server unit 100 becomes able to estimate standard management indicators (management guideline information) such as changes in equipment performance and component deterioration for each model or operating condition of the managed devices.

When the server unit 100 receives information requesting management guideline information from the operation terminal device 200, it derives management guideline information that serves as a guideline for managing the managed devices 300. Also, when it receives information requesting management information of the non-managed devices 500 from the operation terminal device 200, it may be configured to derive management guideline information and then derive management information. Alternatively, it may derive management guideline information when it receives partial data from the supply terminal device 400 and a certain period of time, such as one month or six months, has passed since the previous derivation of management guideline information, or when a certain amount of operation data has been accumulated since the previous derivation of management guideline information.
The derivation unit 130 derives management guideline information that serves as a standard management index for the managed device 300 based on the operation information of the managed device stored in the operation information 153 of the storage unit 150 .

Here, an example is described in which the server unit 100 receives information requesting management guideline information from the operation terminal device 200. The communication unit 110 of the server unit 100 receives the information requesting management guideline information from the operation terminal device 200 and outputs it to the processing unit 140. The processing unit 140 acquires the information requesting management guideline information and outputs it to the derivation unit 130. The derivation unit 130 derives management guideline information based on information stored in the operation information 153 of the memory unit 150.

The derivation unit 130 performs information processing and calculations such as statistical analysis and/or trend analysis of the data accumulated in the operation information 153. For example, based on the operation information associated with the occurrence date and time, the result of a time series analysis of the change in the performance of the equipment over time since the managed equipment 300 started operating in the factory can be derived as the management guideline information for each model or each operating condition. In addition, when deriving the management guideline information from the operating time (years, months, hours) and the equipment performance (e.g., boiler efficiency, salt rejection rate, pump efficiency, etc.), the management guideline information may be the result of a regression equation of two parameters or a regression equation at any point in time (year, month, hour), or the result of a statistical analysis such as the 95% confidence interval of the regression equation may be the management guideline information. In addition, the average value of the performance of a certain model for a certain number of years of installation may be simply calculated.

The derivation unit 130 outputs the derived results to the processing unit 140. The processing unit 140 outputs the obtained derivation results to the communication unit 110, and the communication unit 110 transmits the derivation results to the operation terminal device 200. In this way, the server unit 100 accumulates the operation information of a large number of managed devices 300, and can derive standard management information (management guideline information) such as changes in device performance and component deterioration for each model or operating condition of the managed devices 300.

The server unit 100 receives partial data for the non-managed device 500 from the supplying terminal device 400, and stores the data in association with the identification information of the non-managed device 500 and the occurrence date and time information (such as the server unit reception date and time information or the occurrence date and time information stored in the non-managed device).
The partial data is data of operation information for a predetermined period stored in the non-managed device 500 or in a storage device (not shown) provided outside the non-managed device 500. For example, when the non-managed device is a boiler, one month's and one week's worth of operation information (detection result data and alarm data (including occurrence time) at a predetermined sampling period) are stored in the storage unit 550 of the boiler.
For example, when the operation terminal device 200 transmits a partial data acquisition instruction to the supplying terminal device 400, the supplying terminal device 400 that receives the instruction acquires partial data of the non-managed device 500 and further transmits the acquired partial data to the server unit 100, the communication unit 110 of the server unit 100 receives the partial data and outputs it to the processing unit 140. The processing unit 140 outputs the acquired partial data to the storage unit 150. The storage unit 150 stores the acquired partial data in the partial data 154 in association with generation date and time information. The method of acquiring partial data by the server unit 100 is not limited to this, and the supplying terminal device 400 may be configured to automatically transmit the partial data to the server unit 100 when it acquires partial data of the non-managed device 500.

When the server unit 100 receives information requesting management information from the operation terminal device 200, it derives management information corresponding to the non-managed device 500 specified by the operation terminal device 200. Also, when partial data of the non-managed device 500 is received from the supplying terminal device 400, it may be configured to obtain management guideline information corresponding to the received partial data from the management guideline information 156 and derive management information. The management information is information used for the maintenance and management of the non-managed device 500.
Here, a case will be described as an example in which the server unit 100 receives information requesting management information from the operation terminal device 200. The communication unit 110 receives the information requesting management information and outputs it to the processing unit 140. The processing unit 140 acquires the information requesting management information and outputs it to the derivation unit 130.

The derivation unit 130 derives management information based on the management guideline information stored in the management guideline information 156 of the memory unit 150 corresponding to the identification information of the non-managed device included in the information requesting the management information, and the partial data stored in the partial data 154.
For example, the derivation unit 130 designates the model of the non-managed device from the identification information of the non-managed device, calculates bias and difference of partial data by statistical analysis for management guideline information derived from data of the managed device that meets the designated conditions, and derives management information. Also, a time series analysis of the operation time and detection result of the managed device 300 that meets the designated conditions may be performed, and the management information may be derived by applying a time series analysis model to the partial data. As an example, a regression equation of the operation time and predetermined detection result data may be obtained, the detection value calculated from the regression equation may be set as a standard value, and the difference between the standard value and partial data may be set as management information.
The management information includes at least one of the following: device performance of the non-managed device, timing of replacing parts, time of inspection, and estimated cause of failure. The management information may also be either or both of standard values of the managed device 300 in device (part) performance, device (part) remaining life, and degree of deterioration (degree of wear) of the device (part) at any point in time, and the difference between the standard values and actual values or estimated values of the non-managed device.

The derivation unit 130 outputs the derived management information to the processing unit 140. The processing unit 140 outputs the acquired management information to the communication unit 110 and the storage unit 150, the communication unit 110 transmits the acquired management information to the operation terminal device 200, and the storage unit 150 stores the acquired management information in the management information 158.

(Management target device 300)
The managed device 300 is realized as a device having an information processing function. The managed device 300 includes, for example, a communication unit 310, a processing unit 340, and a storage unit 350.
The managed device 300 stores the detection result of the detection unit (not shown) in the storage unit 350 in association with occurrence date and time information, and transmits the stored result to the server unit 100. In addition, alarm information created by an alarm generation unit (not shown) based on the detection result of the detection unit may be stored in the operation information 353 in association with the alarm occurrence date and time. The alarm information may be transmitted to the server unit when the alarm is created.
For example, when the communication unit 310 receives information requesting driving information from the server unit 100, the communication unit 310 outputs the information requesting the driving information to the processing unit 340. The processing unit 340 acquires the driving information stored in the driving information 353, creates a response to the request for driving information, and outputs the response to the communication unit 310. The communication unit 310 transmits the response to the request for driving information to the server unit 100.

The transmission of the operation information from the managed device 300 to the server unit 100 is not limited to this, and the detection unit (not shown) may output the detection result to the processing unit 340 every time the detection result occurs (for example, every sampling period), and the processing unit 340 may transmit the detection result to the server unit 100 via the communication unit 310. In addition, the alarm information created by the alarm generation unit (not shown) may be transmitted to the server unit 100 in association with the alarm occurrence date and time when the alarm information is created.
The storage unit 350 stores driving information 353. The driving information 353 may be stored on a cloud.

(Supply terminal device)
The supply terminal device 400 is realized by a device such as a personal computer, a server, an industrial computer, etc. The supply terminal device 400 includes, for example, a communication unit 410, a processing unit 440, and a storage unit 450.
The supplying terminal device 400 communicates between the non-managed device 500 and the server unit 100 via the network NW. The supplying terminal device 400 receives partial data transmitted by the non-managed device 500, and stores the received partial data in a storage unit in association with the identification information of the non-managed device and generation date and time information. The supplying terminal device 400 transmits the stored partial data to the server unit 100.

Specifically, for example, when the operation terminal device 200 transmits a partial data acquisition instruction to the supply terminal device 400, the communication unit 410 receives the partial data acquisition instruction and outputs it to the processing unit 440. The processing unit 440 confirms that communication with the non-managed device 500 is connected, and outputs information requesting the partial data of the non-managed device 500 to the communication unit 410. The communication unit 410 transmits the information requesting the partial data to the non-managed device 500.
The communication unit 410 receives a response including partial data from the non-managed device 500 and outputs the response to the processing unit 440. The processing unit 440 acquires the response to the request for partial data and outputs the response to the storage unit 450. The storage unit 450 stores the response to the request for partial data in the partial data 454 in association with the identification information of the non-managed device. The partial data 454 may be stored on a cloud.
When the operation terminal device 200 transmits an instruction to the supply terminal device 400 to transmit the stored partial data to the server unit 100, the communication unit 410 receives the instruction and outputs it to the processing unit 440. The processing unit 440 acquires the instructed partial data from the partial data 454 and outputs it to the communication unit 410, and the communication unit 410 transmits the instructed partial data to the server unit 100.

(Non-managed device 500)
The unmanaged device 500 is realized as a device having an information processing function. The unmanaged device 500 includes, for example, a communication unit 510, a processing unit 540, and a storage unit 550.
The non-managed device 500 stores the detection result of the detection unit (not shown) in the storage unit 550 in association with the occurrence date and time information. In addition, alarm information created by an alarm generation unit (not shown) based on the detection result of the detection unit may be stored in the storage unit 550 as driving information in association with the alarm occurrence date and time. Driving information 553 may be stored on a cloud. The partial data is driving information for a certain period stored in the storage unit 550 (including information on parts such as the detection result of the detection unit, information on the driving state, and alarm information).
For example, when the communication unit 510 is connected to the supply terminal device 400, the communication unit 510 outputs information on the connection with the supply terminal device 400 to the processing unit 540. The processing unit 540, triggered by the information on the connection with the supply terminal device 400, acquires partial data stored in the driving information 553 and outputs the partial data to the communication unit 510. The communication unit 510 transmits the partial data to the server unit via the network.

The above-mentioned communication units 110, 210, 310, 410, and 510 are realized by communication devices. Specifically, the communication units 110, 210, 310, 410, and 510 are configured by devices that perform wired communication. In addition, the communication units 110, 210, 310, 410, and 510 may be configured by wireless devices that perform wireless communication using wireless communication technologies such as LTE and wireless LAN. The communication unit 110 communicates via a closed network CNW. The communication unit 210 communicates with the server unit 100 via a VPN, and the communication unit 310 communicates with the server unit 100 via the closed network CNW.

The above-mentioned storage unit 150, storage unit 250, storage unit 350, storage unit 450, and storage unit 550 are configured with a HDD (Hard Disk Drive), a flash memory, a RAM (Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), etc. The program (software) stored in the storage unit 150 is executed by a hardware processor such as a CPU, thereby realizing the functions of the derivation unit 130 and the processing unit 140. The program (software) stored in the storage unit 250, storage unit 350, storage unit 450, and storage unit 450 is executed by a hardware processor such as a CPU, thereby realizing the functions of the processing unit 240, processing unit 340, processing unit 440, and processing unit 540, respectively.
In addition, some or all of these functional units may be realized by hardware (including circuitry) such as a large scale integration (LSI), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), or a graphics processing unit (GPU), or may be realized by cooperation between software and hardware. The program may be stored in advance in a storage device (a storage device having a non-transient storage medium) such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or a flash memory, or may be stored in a removable storage medium (non-transient storage medium) such as a DVD or a CD-ROM, and may be installed by mounting the storage medium in a drive device. Programs such as applications may be downloaded via a network.

(Operation of management system: Deriving management guideline information)
The remote management system of this embodiment includes a server unit 100, an operation terminal device 200, and a managed device 300. The server unit 100 and the managed device 300 are connected to each other via a closed network CNW, and the operation terminal device 200 is connected to the server unit 100 via a VPN.
The managed device 300 detects the operating status of the managed device itself, stores the operating information in association with the occurrence date and time information, and transmits the stored operating information to the server unit via the closed network CNW. The server unit 100 stores the received operating information in the storage unit 150.

3 is a diagram showing a flow in which management guideline information is derived based on the operation information 153 stored in the server unit 100 in the management system of this embodiment. The management guideline information is used to derive management information for the non-managed devices 500. In preparation for deriving management information or when management guideline information based on operation data stored in the server unit 100 is required, personnel can operate the operation terminal device 200 to obtain the management guideline information.
Furthermore, the management guideline information may be used for the maintenance and inspection of the managed device 300 and the non-managed device 500. For example, when a maintenance personnel inspects a non-managed device 500 that he/she is in charge of, the maintenance personnel can use the management guideline information of the model to which the non-managed device 500 belongs as a management guideline, thereby improving the efficiency of the work by identifying the areas that need to be inspected with priority and preparing replaceable parts.
FIG. 3 illustrates a process in which the operation terminal device 200 creates a management guideline information request to request management guideline information for a non-managed device 500, transmits it to the server unit 100, and based on the transmitted management guideline information request, the server unit 100 creates a management guideline information response and transmits it to the operation terminal device 200.

(Step S1-1)
The operation terminal device 200 creates a management guideline information request to request management guideline information for the specified managed device by a personnel performing a touch operation to request management guideline information including specification of the range of data for the managed device from which the management guideline information is to be derived (e.g., the model of the managed device).
(Step S2-1)
The operation terminal device 200 performs a connection process with the server unit 100 .
(Step S3-1)
The operation terminal device 200 transmits the created management guideline information request to the server unit 100 .
(Step S4-1)
The server unit 100 receives the management guideline information request transmitted by the operation terminal device 200 .
(Step S5-1)
The server unit 100 derives the management guideline information of the specified device to be managed based on the received management guideline information request.

(Step S6-1)
The server unit 100 creates a management guideline information response addressed to the operation terminal device 200 and including the derived management guideline information.
(Step S7-1)
The server unit 100 transmits the created management guideline information response to the operation terminal device 200 .
(Step S8-1)
The operation terminal device 200 receives the management guideline information response transmitted by the server unit 100 .
(Step S9-1)
The operation terminal device 200 acquires the management guideline information contained in the received management guideline information response, and displays the acquired management guideline information.
(Step S10-1)
The server unit 100 stores the created management guideline information response.

Here, an example is shown in which the model of the managed device is specified as the range of managed device data from which management guideline information is derived, but this is not limiting. The range of managed device data may be specified based on one or more conditions such as the model, capacity (performance), installation area, installation industry, water supply quality, or other operating environment of the managed device. By accumulating operation information for a large number of managed devices, the server unit 100 can estimate standard management information (management guideline information) such as changes in device performance and component deterioration based on a sufficient number of managed device data, even when a range of managed device data is specified.

The management guideline information is derived based on a statistical analysis and/or a trend analysis of the operation information of the managed devices stored in the server unit 100. By combining data of the managed devices with the same identification information according to the generation date and time, the operation information of the managed devices 300 can grasp the progress of the device performance continuously from the initial state when the managed devices start operating.
The operating information from which the management guideline information is derived includes the temperature, pressure, amount, current, voltage, and the number of times (or cumulative number, frequency) the valves and switches are opened and closed, etc., detected by the detection unit. Here, the detection signal output from the detection unit is included in the current and voltage. It may also include the duration (or cumulative time) of a specified operating state, the number of times (or cumulative time) a specified event occurs, etc. For example, in a boiler, this may include the combustion time in a specified combustion state and the number of blows. The operating information may also include alarm information (alarm type, number of occurrences, frequency, etc.) created by the managed device 300.

In the above embodiment, the case where there is one operation terminal device 200 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this example. For example, the present invention can be applied to a case where there are a plurality of operation terminal devices 200.
In the above embodiment, the server unit 100 derives the management guideline information, but the present invention is not limited to this example. For example, the management guideline information derived in advance may be input to the server unit 100 from outside the server unit 100.

The non-remote management system 1-2 of this embodiment includes a supplying terminal device 400 and a non-managed device 500, which are connected by wire or wireless communication. The non-managed device 500 detects the operating status of its own non-managed device, stores partial data of the operating information in association with occurrence date and time information, and transmits the partial data to the supplying terminal device 400. The supplying terminal device 400 is also connected via a network to the operation terminal device 200 and server unit 100 that constitute the remote management system 1-1. The supplying terminal device 400 transmits the stored partial data to the server unit 100, and the server unit 100 stores the partial data.

In the management system 1 of this embodiment, an operation will be described in which a supply terminal device 400 acquires partial data from a non-managed device 500 by an operation performed by a staff member to acquire partial data of the non-managed device 500. Fig. 4 shows a process in which the operation terminal device 200 transmits a partial data acquisition instruction to the supply terminal device 400 and receives a partial data response from the supply terminal device 400, and a process in which the supply terminal device 400 acquires partial data from the non-managed device 500 and transmits the partial data response to the operation terminal device 200.
(Step S1-2)
The unmanaged device 500 detects the status of the unmanaged device 500 .
(Step S2-2)
The non-managed device 500 stores partial data that is at least a part of the detection result of the status of the non-managed device 500 .
(Step S3-2)
The operation terminal device 200 creates a partial data acquisition instruction for acquiring the partial data of the non-managed device 500 by the employee performing an operation for acquiring the partial data of the non-managed device 500 .
(Step S4-2)
The operation terminal device 200 performs connection processing with the supply terminal device 400 .
(Step S5-2)
The operation terminal device 200 transmits the created partial data acquisition instruction to the supply terminal device 400 .

(Step S6-2)
The non-managed device 500 performs connection processing with the supplying terminal device 400 .
(Step S7-2)
The unmanaged device 500 transmits the partial data to the supplying terminal device 400 .
(Step S8-2)
The supplying terminal device 400 receives the partial data transmitted by the non-managed device 500 .
(Step S9-2)
The supplying terminal device 400 associates the received partial data with the identification information of the non-managed device 500 and stores it in the partial data 454 of the storage unit 450 .
(Step S10-2)
The supplying terminal 400 creates a partial data response indicating that storage of the partial data in the storage unit 450 has been completed.
(Step S11-2)
The supply terminal device 400 transmits the created partial data response to the operation terminal device 200 .
(Step S12-2)
The operation terminal device 200 receives the partial data response transmitted by the supplying terminal device 400 .
(Step S13-2)
The operation terminal device 200 displays on the display unit 270 the information that indicates that storage in the storage unit 450 has been completed, the information being included in the received partial data response.
(Step S14-2)
The supply terminal device 400 transmits (outputs) the created partial data to the server unit 100 .

In the above-described embodiment, the partial data response to the operation terminal device 200 does not include the partial data, but may include the partial data. In this case, it is desirable to take strong security measures to prevent the partial data from being leaked from the operation terminal device 200 to the outside.
In addition, although an example in which a person performs an operation to acquire partial data of the non-managed device 500 has been shown here, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when the non-managed device 500 and the supplying terminal device 400 are connected, partial data may be transmitted from the non-managed device 500 to the supplying terminal device 400 using information on this connection as a trigger.

In the management system of this embodiment, a flow will be described in which a staff member issues an instruction to transmit partial data stored in the supply terminal device 400 from the supply terminal device 400 to the server unit 100, where the partial data is transmitted from the supply terminal device 400 to the server unit 100 and stored in the server unit 100. Fig. 5 shows a process in which the operation terminal device 200 transmits a partial data transmission instruction to the supply terminal device 400 and receives a partial data transmission completion response from the supply terminal device 400, and a process in which the server unit 100 stores the partial data transmitted from the supply terminal device 400.
(Step S1-3)
The operation terminal device 200 creates an instruction to send the partial data stored in the supply terminal device 400 to the server unit 100 when a personnel performs an operation to send the partial data stored in the supply terminal device 400 to the server unit 100.
(Step S2-3)
The operation terminal device 200 performs connection processing with the supply terminal device 400 .
(Step S3-3)
The operation terminal device 200 transmits the generated partial data transmission instruction to the supply terminal device 400 .
(Step S4-3)
The server unit 100 performs connection processing with the supply terminal device 400 .
(Step S5-3)
The supply terminal device 400 transmits the partial data to the server unit 100 .

(Step S6-3)
The server unit 100 receives the partial data transmitted by the supply terminal device 400 .
(Step S7-3)
The server unit 100 stores the received partial data in the partial data 154 of the storage unit 150 .
(Step S8-3)
The server unit 100 creates a partial data reception response indicating that storage of the partial data in the storage unit 150 has been completed.
(Step S9-3)
The server unit 100 transmits the created partial data reception response to the supply terminal device 400 .
(Step S10-3)
The supplying terminal device 400 creates a partial data transmission completion response indicating that storage of the partial data in the server unit 100 has been completed.
(Step S11-3)
The supply terminal device 400 transmits the created partial data transmission completion response to the operation terminal device 200 .
(Step S12-3)
The operation terminal device 200 receives the partial data transmission completion response transmitted by the supplying terminal device 400 .
(Step S13-3)
The operation terminal device 200 displays on the display unit 270 the information that indicates that storage in the storage unit 150 has been completed, the information being included in the received partial data response.

Here, the partial data to be transmitted is described as being stored in the supplying terminal device 400, but this is not limited thereto. When a plurality of partial data are stored in the storage unit 450 of the supplying terminal device 400, all the partial data may be transmitted to the server unit 100, or designated partial data may be transmitted to the server unit 100. For example, by associating the partial data with identification information consisting of the identification information of the non-managed device and the partial data acquisition date and time, it is possible to identify each partial data when transmitting all the partial data, and to designate the partial data to be transmitted to the server unit 100 by the identification information consisting of the identification information of the non-managed device 500 and the partial data acquisition date and time when transmitting designated partial data to the server unit 100.
In addition, although an example in which a person instructs the supply terminal device 400 to transmit partial data to the server unit 100 has been shown here, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when the supply terminal device 400 and the server unit 100 are connected for the first time after the supply terminal device 400 acquires the partial data, the supply terminal device 400 may automatically transmit the partial data to the server unit 100.

(Acquisition of management information)
In this embodiment, management information is derived based on the management guideline information and partial data stored in the server unit 100. The management information is information used for the maintenance and management of the non-managed devices 500.
Fig. 6 is a diagram showing a flow of acquiring management information of a non-managed device 500 in the management system of this embodiment. Fig. 6 explains a process in which the operation terminal device 200 creates a management information request for requesting management information of a non-managed device 500, transmits it to the server unit 100, and the server unit 100 creates a management information response based on the transmitted management information request, and transmits it to the operation terminal device 200.
(Step S1-4)
When the operator performs a touch operation to request management information, the operation terminal device 200 creates a management information request for requesting management information including identification information of the specified non-managed device.
(Step S2-4)
The operation terminal device 200 performs a connection process with the server unit 100 .
(Step S3-4)
The operation terminal device 200 transmits the created management information request to the server unit 100 .
(Step S4-4)
The server unit 100 receives the management information request transmitted by the operation terminal device 200 .
(Step S5-4)
The server unit 100 determines whether the received management information request includes information on the application range of the operating data, thereby determining whether the application range is specified.

(Step S6-4)
When it is determined that the scope of application is not specified, the server unit 100 acquires the scope of application based on the identification information (device ID such as a device number) of the specified non-managed device 500 .
(Step S7-4)
When the server unit 100 determines that the applicable range is specified, it derives management guideline information based on the operating information included in the applicable range.
(Step S8-4)
The server unit 100 derives management information based on the partial data of the specified non-managed device 500 stored in the storage unit 150 and the derived management guideline information that matches the applicable range.
(Step S9-4)
The server unit 100 creates a management information response including the derived management information and addressed to the operation terminal device 200. The server unit 100 transmits the created management information response to the operation terminal device 200.
(Step S10-4)
The operation terminal device 200 receives the management information response sent by the server unit 100 .
(Step S11-4)
The operation terminal device 200 acquires the management information contained in the received management information response, and displays the acquired management information.
(Step S12-4)
The server unit 100 stores the created management information response.

In FIG. 6, by specifying the scope of application, the management guideline information can be derived more appropriately. For example, by setting the scope of application to managed devices of the same model and installed in the same area as the non-managed devices 500, it is possible to derive management guideline information that takes into account not only the model but also regional differences in water quality, etc. Also, here, a case has been described in which the management guideline information and partial data stored in the server unit 100 are used, but this is not the only example. For example, the management guideline information may be derived, and then the management information may be derived. Alternatively, a management information request may be sent from the operation terminal device 200 to the server unit 100, and partial data may be sent from the supply terminal device 400, and based on this, the management guideline information may be derived, and the management information may be derived.

The number of partial data from which the management information is derived may be one or more. When the management information is derived based on the management guideline information and a plurality of partial data, not only does the amount of partial data increase, but the management information can also be derived by adding information on the change over time of the partial data.
For example, if the second partial data is acquired six months after the first partial data is acquired, the management target can be derived by adding information on the direction and speed of change of the six-month partial data. Furthermore, if the third partial data is acquired six months after the second partial data is acquired, the management information can be derived by adding information on the change in speed (such as accelerating or decelerating, or changing direction) to the direction and speed of change. Furthermore, if the first partial data is acquired during a test run (first operation after the equipment is installed), it can be used as information on the initial state of the non-managed equipment, and the subsequent partial data can be understood as a change from the initial state.

(Modification of the embodiment)
In the modified embodiment, in addition to managing the managed devices 300 and non-managed devices 500 at the device level, management is also performed at the component level that constitutes the devices. Basically, a management system that manages the managed devices 300 and non-managed devices 500 can be applied as a management system that manages components. A management system that manages at the component level performs the following processes in addition to the processes of a management system that manages at the device level.
The server unit 100 stores, as operation information and management guideline information, part status information and part life information (probability of breakage or unusability at any point in time, useful life, replacement timing, etc.) of the managed device 300. The management guideline information is derived based on the operation information of the managed device.

The managed device 300 and the non-managed device 500 each have a detection unit (not shown) that detects the component status, and stores the component status information in a storage unit by associating the detection result of the detection unit with the occurrence date and time information and the component identification information. For example, the detection unit may be a motor current detection unit, a switch opening and closing count detection unit, a component temperature detection unit, a component current detection unit, a component voltage detection unit, a fluid pressure detection unit, and a fluid temperature detection unit. The server unit 100 acquires the component status information stored in the managed device 300, and stores it in association with the identification information and component identification information of the managed device 300.

The part life information is input by operating the operation unit 260 of the operation terminal device 200, and is stored in the server unit 100 or the managed device 300. The part life information stored in the managed device 300 is transmitted to the server unit 100 and stored therein.
For example, when part A of the managed device 300 is replaced, the identification information of the managed device, part identification information of part A, and the end date of use of part A are input from the operation terminal device 200. The server unit 100 receives the replacement information of part A from the operation terminal device 200, compares it with the start date of use of part A stored in the server unit 100, calculates the usage period of part A, and stores it. In addition, a large amount of data such as the usage period of part A of the managed device 300 may be accumulated, and the probability of replacement (breakage) based on the usage period may be calculated. By obtaining part life information, preventive maintenance and repairs such as planned part replacement or replenishing spare parts can be efficiently performed.

The supplying terminal device 400 acquires partial data of the part status information (part data) stored in the non-managed device 500, and stores the partial data in the storage unit 450 in association with the identification information and part identification information of the non-managed device. If the non-managed device 500 stores part life information, the part life information may be included in the partial data. The server unit 100 acquires partial data of the part status information including the identification information and part identification information of the non-managed device from the supplying terminal device 400, and stores the partial data in the storage unit 150.
The server unit 100 derives management guideline information for the designated part based on the part status information and/or part life information included in a predetermined application range stored in the storage unit 150, and stores the information in the storage unit 150. The server unit 100 derives management information for the part of the designated non-managed device 500 based on the management guideline information for the designated part stored in the storage unit 150 and partial data of the part status information of the designated non-managed device. The predetermined application range is, for example, managed devices of the same model as the designated non-managed device 500 from which management information is to be derived, and part status information associated with the same part identification information.

The server unit 100 may derive part usage information (for example, whether a solenoid valve in a combustion supply line is located at the most upstream or the second most upstream) from the identification information and part identification information of the managed devices 300 and non-managed devices 500, and store the information in association with part status information acquired from the managed devices 300 and non-managed devices 500. By deriving part management guideline information with a narrowed scope of application based on the way the parts are used, more appropriate management information can be derived. Furthermore, the part usage information may be input from the operation terminal device 200 and associated with the corresponding part status information. Furthermore, a part may include a group of parts (assembly) assembled to have a specified function.

7 is a diagram showing a flow in which an employee makes a request for management information on parts of a non-managed device 500 and acquires management information related to part status information in the management system of this embodiment. The server unit 100 is assumed to have stored in advance in the storage unit 150 the operation information and part status information of the managed device 300 and partial data of the operation information and part status information of the non-managed device 500.
(Step S1-5)
When the operator performs a touch operation to request management information, the operation terminal device 200 creates a management information request for requesting management information of the specified non-managed device. The management information request includes identification information of the specified non-managed device and identification information of the specified part.
(Step S2-5)
The operation terminal device 200 performs a connection process with the server unit 100 .
(Step S3-5)
The operation terminal device 200 transmits the created management information request to the server unit 100 .
(Step S4-5)
The server unit 100 receives the management information request transmitted by the operation terminal device 200 .
(Step S5-5)
The server unit 100 derives the model of the managed device to which the scope of application applies from the received identification information of the unmanaged device, and acquires part status information of the managed device associated with the model.

(Step S6-5)
The server unit 100 obtains, from the part status information obtained in the previous step, part status information of the managed device that is associated with the same part identification information as the specified part identification information.
(Step S7-5)
The server unit 100 derives management guideline information based on the acquired part status information.
(Step S8-5)
The server unit 100 derives management information for the designated non-managed device based on partial data of the part status information for the designated managed device stored in the server unit 100 and the derived management guideline information.
(Step S9-5)
The server unit 100 creates a management information response including the derived management information and addressed to the operation terminal device 200. The server unit 100 transmits the created management information response to the operation terminal device 200.
(Step S10-5)
The operation terminal device 200 receives the management information response sent by the server unit 100 .
(Step S11-5)
The operation terminal device 200 acquires the management information contained in the received management information response, and displays the acquired management information.
(Step S12-5)
The server unit 100 stores the created management information response.

In Fig. 7, in order to derive management guideline information, the model of the device to be managed is narrowed down, and then the parts are narrowed down by the part identification information to obtain part status information for the applicable range, but it is also possible to narrow down the parts by the part identification information and then restrict the model. Also, in Fig. 7, application ranges 1 and 2 are shown, but the number of application ranges may be increased as necessary. For example, by adding part usage information as application range 3, management guideline information can be derived for parts that use similar parts, and more appropriate management information can be obtained.
Here, the case where the server unit 100 derives the management guideline information has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this example. For example, the server unit 100 may derive the management guideline information in advance and store the derived management guideline information in the storage unit 150. For example, when requests for management information are repeatedly made from a plurality of operation terminals for a specific part, the management information can be derived efficiently in a short time by storing the management guideline information in advance in the storage unit 150. The management information of a part may be acquired by a single management status request. In addition, the management guideline information of a non-managed device and the management information of a specified part may be acquired. In this case, the management information request is assumed to include, without omission, the non-managed device 500 requesting the management information and information identifying the part.

Although the present invention has been described above using the embodiments, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments and examples, and various modifications and substitutions can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. The configurations described in the above-mentioned embodiments and examples may be appropriately combined.
In addition, all or part of the functions of each unit of the management system 1 in the above-mentioned embodiment may be realized by recording a program for realizing these functions on a computer-readable recording medium, reading the program recorded on the recording medium into a computer system, and executing it. Note that the "computer system" here includes hardware such as the OS and peripheral devices.

Furthermore, "computer-readable recording medium" refers to portable media such as flexible disks, optical magnetic disks, ROMs, and CD-ROMs, as well as storage units such as hard disks built into computer systems. Furthermore, "computer-readable recording medium" may also include devices that dynamically store programs for a short period of time, such as communication lines when transmitting programs via networks such as the Internet or communication lines such as telephone lines, and devices that store programs for a certain period of time, such as volatile memory within a computer system that serves as a server or client in such cases. Furthermore, the above-mentioned programs may be ones that realize some of the functions described above, or may be ones that can realize the functions described above in combination with programs already recorded in the computer system.

1...Management system, 1-1...Remote management system, 1-2...Non-remote management system, 100...Server unit, 110...Communication unit, 130...Derivation unit, 140...Processing unit, 150...Storage unit, 152...Equipment information, 153...Operation information, 154...Partial data, 156...Management guideline information, 158...Management information, 200...Operation terminal device, 210...Communication unit, 240...Processing unit, 250...Storage unit, 260...Operation unit, 270...Display unit, 300-1 to 300-n, 300...Managed device, 310...Communication unit, 340...Processing unit, 350...Storage unit, 353...Operation information, 400...Supply terminal device, 410...Communication unit, 440...Processing unit, 450...Storage unit, 454...Partial data, 500...Non-managed device, 510...Communication unit, 540...Processing unit, 550...Storage unit, 553...Operation information

Claims (5)

A management system including a remote management system that connects a managed device, a server unit, and an operation terminal device via a communication line, and stores operation information of the managed device in the server unit, and a non-managed device that does not belong to the remote management system,
The management system includes:
a supply terminal device that acquires partial data of the operation information of the non-managed device and transmits the partial data to a server unit;
The server unit is
A management system comprising: a derivation unit that derives management guideline information serving as a management guideline based on operation information of the managed equipment, and derives management information of the non-managed equipment based on the management guideline information and partial data of the operation information of the non-managed equipment transmitted from the supply terminal device. When identification information for identifying the scope of application of the management guideline information is specified in deriving the management guideline information,
The management system according to claim 1 , wherein the derivation unit performs either one or both of a trend estimation of driving data and a statistical process of the driving data on the driving information stored in association with the identification information. When part identification information that identifies one or more parts constituting the device to be managed is specified in deriving the management guideline information,
The management system according to claim 1 , wherein the derivation unit performs either one or both of a tendency estimation of part data and a statistical process of part data on the driving information stored in association with the part identification information. The management system according to claim 1 , wherein the management information includes at least one of equipment performance, part replacement timing, inspection timing, and an estimate of a cause of failure of the non- managed equipment. A server unit that belongs to a remote management system, is connected to a managed device and an operation terminal device via a communication line, and stores operation information of the managed device,
a communication unit that receives information including partial data from a supply terminal device that acquires partial data of operation information of a non-managed device that does not belong to the remote management system;
a derivation unit that derives management guideline information serving as a management guideline based on the operation information of the managed device, and derives management information of the non-managed device based on the management guideline information and the partial data;
an output unit that outputs the management information derived by the derivation unit.

Images