JP7585111B2 - New and old monitoring and control switching system, and method for switching between new and old monitoring and control switching systems - Google Patents

Description

An embodiment of the present invention relates to a new and old monitoring and control switching system and a method for switching between the new and old monitoring and control switching systems.

Water treatment facilities related to water supply and sewerage, incineration facilities, factories, etc. are equipped with monitoring and control systems to monitor the operation of equipment and other facilities. In monitoring and control systems, there are cases where an existing system (old monitoring and control system) is updated to a new system (new monitoring and control system). Normally, the update from an existing system to a new system must be carried out without stopping the operation and monitoring and control of the facility.

Figure 13 is a system configuration diagram for explaining a switching method in a conventional monitoring and control system (see Patent Document 1).

The monitoring and control system shown in FIG. 13 comprises a lower system 2, an old system 3, a new system 4, and a relay device 5. The lower system 2 is a system that controls the operation of the control target devices 9-1 to 9-N. The lower system 2 comprises controllers 21-1 to 21-N. The controller 21-i controls the operation of the control target device 9-i. The control target devices 9-1 to 9-N are devices that are subject to monitoring or control by the monitoring and control system.

The old system 3 is an existing upper system that monitors or controls the lower system 2. The old system 3 is equipped with a monitoring operation terminal 31, and monitoring control servers 32-1 and 32-2. The monitoring operation terminal 31 has a function of providing a user interface for monitoring or controlling the lower system 2. The monitoring control servers 32-1 and 32-2 have a function of performing various data processing related to the monitoring or control of the lower system 2.

New system 4 is a newly established upper system that monitors or controls lower system 2. Specifically, new system 4 has a monitoring operation terminal 41 similar to monitoring operation terminal 31, and monitoring control servers 42-1 and 42-2 similar to monitoring control server 32, and thus has the same functions as old system 3. Hereinafter, unless there is a need to distinguish between them, monitoring control servers 42-1 and 42-2 will be referred to as monitoring control server 42.

The relay device 5 is a communication device that has the function of relaying communication between the lower system 2, the old system 3, and the new system 4. The relay device 5 is a communication device such as a layer 2 switch or a layer 3 switch.

The lower system 2, the old system 3, and the new system 4 are each accommodated in a different LAN (Local Area Network). The lower system 2 is accommodated in the lower LAN 20, the old system 3 is accommodated in the old upper LAN 30, and the new system 4 is accommodated in the new upper LAN 40.

In the conventional monitoring and control system shown in FIG. 13, a relay device 5 is provided to block communication between the old system 3 and the new system 4, and to relay communication between each upper system and the lower system 2.

JP 2019-117524 A

The problem that the embodiment of the present invention aims to solve is to provide a new/old monitoring and control switching system and a switching method between the new and old monitoring and control switching systems that enables switching from an old monitoring and control system to a new monitoring and control system without requiring a relay device.

According to an embodiment, the old/new monitoring and control switching system has a controller, an old monitoring and control system, a new monitoring and control system, and a transmission path. The controller transmits status data indicating the operating status of the equipment. The old monitoring and control system acquires the status data from the controller and monitors the operating status of the equipment. The new monitoring and control system acquires the status data from the controller and monitors the operating status of the equipment. The transmission path connects the controller to the old monitoring and control system and the new monitoring and control system via a first network and a second network, respectively. When the controller is in a state where the old monitoring and control system is connected via the first network and the second network, the controller communicates with the old monitoring and control system through at least the first network or the second network. Also, when the controller is connected to the old monitoring and control system via the first network and the new monitoring and control system via the second network, the controller communicates with the old monitoring and control system via the first network and communicates with the new monitoring and control system via the second network. Furthermore, when the controller is connected to the new monitoring and control system via the first network and the second network, it communicates with the old monitoring and control system through at least the first network or the second network.

1 is a block diagram showing an outline of the configuration of a new/old monitoring and control switching system according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a controller according to the embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configurations of an old server and a new server in the embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration example in which a relay device (system A) and a relay device (system B) are implemented. 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of a switching method for switching between old and new monitoring and control switching systems in this embodiment. A diagram showing the changes to the network connecting the old monitoring and control system, new monitoring and control system, and controller. A diagram showing the changes to the network connecting the old monitoring and control system, new monitoring and control system, and controller. A diagram showing the changes to the network connecting the old monitoring and control system, new monitoring and control system, and controller. 5A and 5B are diagrams for explaining a specific example of a transmission type setting unit in the embodiment. 5A and 5B are diagrams for explaining a specific example of a transmission type setting unit in the embodiment. 11A and 11B are diagrams for explaining a specific example of generation of third anomaly detection data in the embodiment. 11A and 11B are diagrams for explaining a specific example of generation of third anomaly detection data in the embodiment. FIG. 1 is a block diagram for explaining a switching method in a conventional monitoring and control system.

This embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings.

Figure 1 is a block diagram showing an outline of the configuration of the old and new monitoring and control switching system of this embodiment. The old and new monitoring and control switching system includes an old monitoring and control system 10, a new monitoring and control system 100, and controllers 201 and 202.

The new and old monitoring and control switching system builds a new monitoring and control system 100 while continuing to operate the old monitoring and control system 10, and changes the connection between the controllers 201, 202 and the old monitoring and control system 10 to a connection between the controllers 201, 202 and the new monitoring and control system 100 without using a relay device, thereby switching from the old monitoring and control system 10 to the new monitoring and control system 100.

The controllers 201 and 202 are subsystems that control the operation of equipment (not shown) that is the subject of monitoring and control by the monitoring and control system. Although two controllers 201 and 202 are shown in FIG. 1, one controller or three or more controllers may be provided. Each of the multiple controllers 201 and 202 is connected to one or more pieces of equipment, and collects various data indicating the operating status of the equipment (e.g., status, fault, and measurement data) and transmits it to the old monitoring and control system 10 or the new monitoring and control system 100.

The old monitoring and control system 10 is a higher-level system that monitors or controls the controllers 201, 202. The old monitoring and control system 10 includes an old monitoring and control device 1 and an old server 11. The old monitoring and control device 1 has the function of acquiring data indicating the operating status of the equipment connected to the controllers 201, 202, and outputting control instructions (operation output and setting value data) for the equipment to the controllers 201, 202. The old server 11 has the function of performing various data processing related to the monitoring or control of the lower-level system. Although only one old monitoring and control device 1 and one old server 11 are shown in FIG. 1, a configuration in which multiple units of each are provided is possible.

The new monitoring and control system 100 is a newly established higher-level system that monitors or controls the controllers 201 and 202. The new monitoring and control system 100 has the same functions as the old monitoring and control system 10 or expanded functions by including a new monitoring and control device 101 and an old server 11 similar to the old monitoring and control device 1 and old server 11 provided in the old monitoring and control system 10.

In the old and new monitoring and control switching system, the controllers 201, 202, the old monitoring and control system 10, and the new monitoring and control system 100 are interconnected by redundant transmission paths. FIG. 1 shows an example in which they are connected by a duplicated LAN (Local Area Network). The duplicated LAN includes an A-system network (first network) and a B-system network (second network).

The controllers 201 and 202 are connected by a duplicated network consisting of a control system (system A) 251 and a control system (system B) 252.

The old monitoring and control device 1 and old server 11 of the old monitoring and control system 10 are connected by a duplicated network made up of the old monitoring and control system control system (A system) 51 and the old monitoring and control system control system (B system) 52. When the old monitoring and control system 10 is in operation, the old monitoring and control system control system (A system) 51 and control system (A system) 251 are connected via control system (A system) 351, and the old monitoring and control system control system (B system) 52 and control system (B system) 252 are connected via control system (B system) 352.

The new monitoring and control device 101 and new server 111 of the new monitoring and control system 100 are connected by a duplicated network consisting of the new monitoring and control system control system (A system) 151 and the new monitoring and control system control system (B system) 152. When the new monitoring and control system 100 is in operation, the new monitoring and control system control system (A system) 151 and the control system (A system) 251 are connected via the control system (A system) 451, and the new monitoring and control system control system (B system) 152 and the control system (B system) 252 are connected via the control system (B system) 452.

The old monitoring and control system 10, the new monitoring and control system 100, and the controllers 201 and 202 are connected by a duplicated network, so that even if a failure occurs in one of the networks (e.g., system A), the other network (e.g., system B) can be used to continue processing for control and monitoring, providing a redundant function.

Therefore, if either the control system (system A) 351 or the control system (system B) 352 of the old monitoring and control system 10 is disconnected, the old monitoring and control device 1 and old server 11 can continue to operate by communicating with the controllers 201, 202 through the other control system (system A) 351 or control system (system B) 352 that remains connected.

Similarly, when either control system (A system) 451 or control system (B system) 452 is in a connected state, the new monitoring and control device 101 and new server 111 of the new monitoring and control system 100 can communicate with the controllers 201, 202 and perform operations through the connected control system (A system) 351 or control system (B system) 352. Also, when the new monitoring and control device 101 and new server 111 are connected by both control system (A system) 451 and control system (B system) 452, they can perform monitoring and control operations in a redundant state.

Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of controllers 201 and 202 in this embodiment.

The controllers 201 and 202 are equipped with a CPU (Central Processing Unit), memory, auxiliary storage device, etc., which are connected by a bus, and various functions are realized by the CPU executing a program stored in the memory. By executing the program, the controllers 201 and 202 function as a device equipped with a control unit 211, an input unit 212, a display unit 213, a communication unit 214, and a storage unit 215.

The control unit 211 executes various processes related to the control of the facility equipment to be controlled. The control unit 211 has the functions of a transmission type setting unit 211A and a status monitoring unit 211B.

The transmission type setting unit 211A sets whether the control system (A system (first network)) and the control system (B system (second network)) will communicate by broadcast transmission or multicast transmission. For example, the control system (A system) can be set to broadcast transmission of the old monitoring and control system 10, the control system (B system) to multicast transmission of the new monitoring and control system 100, or the control system (A system) can be set to multicast transmission of the old monitoring and control system 10, and the control system (B system) to broadcast transmission of the new monitoring and control system 100. The control unit 211 can execute the setting of the transmission type by the transmission type setting unit 211A in a state in which the old monitoring and control system 10 and the new monitoring and control system 100 are communicating. The control unit 211 transmits data to the old monitoring and control system 10 or the new monitoring and control system 100 by broadcast transmission or multicast transmission through the communication unit 214 according to the setting of the transmission type.

The status monitoring unit 211B receives abnormality detection data (first abnormality detection data) indicating the status information of the devices in the system (old monitoring control device 1, old server 11) transmitted (issued) from the old monitoring control system 10 (old server 11) and abnormality detection data (second abnormality detection data) indicating the status information of the devices in the system (new monitoring control device 101, new server 111) transmitted (issued) from the new monitoring control system 100 (new server 111) via the communication unit 214, and monitors the operating status of the old monitoring control system 10 and the new monitoring control system 100. The status monitoring unit 211B generates abnormality detection data (third abnormality detection data) indicating the status of the old monitoring control system 10 and the new monitoring control system 100 based on the first abnormality detection data and the second abnormality detection data, and can determine abnormalities in the devices in the system based on this abnormality detection data. In other words, during the process of switching from the old monitoring and control system 10 to the new monitoring and control system 100, it is possible to correctly detect abnormalities even if the old monitoring and control system 10 and the new monitoring and control system 100 are operated side by side.

The input unit 212 is configured using input devices such as a keyword, a mouse, a touch panel, etc. The input unit 212 may also be a communication interface that connects the input device to the old monitoring and control device 1. The input unit 212 accepts data input and control instructions for the old monitoring and control device 1, and outputs them to the control unit 211.

The display unit 213 includes a display device such as a liquid crystal display. The display unit 213 may also be an interface for connecting a display device. The display unit 213 displays a user interface (e.g., a setting screen) related to the monitoring or control of the controllers 201, 202.

The communication unit 214 is a communication interface that connects to a duplicated LAN (control system (A system) 251 and control system (B system) 252).

The storage unit 215 is configured using a storage device such as a hard disk drive (HDD) device or a solid state drive (SSD) device. The storage unit 215 stores various information necessary for operation. For example, the storage unit 215 stores programs for executing monitoring and control processing, data referenced when the programs are executed, and the like. Furthermore, the storage unit 215 stores identification definition information for identifying the old monitoring and control system 10 and the new monitoring and control system 100.

For example, the control unit 211 determines whether or not the received data received through the communication unit 214 includes identification information of the new monitoring and control system 100. If the received data includes the identification information of the new monitoring and control system 100 defined by the identification definition information, the control unit 211 determines that the sender is the new monitoring and control system 100, and if the identification information is not included, the control unit 211 determines that the sender is the old monitoring and control system 10. Therefore, when the monitoring and control system is switched, the old monitoring and control system 10 does not need to make program changes (upgrade the software) such as adding identification information different from that of the new monitoring and control system 100 to the data.

Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the old server 11 and the new server 111 in this embodiment.

The old server 11 and the new server 111 each include a CPU (Central Processing Unit), memory, auxiliary storage device, etc., which are connected via a bus, and various functions are realized by the CPU executing programs stored in the memory. By executing the programs, the old server 11 and the new server 111 function as a device including a control unit 121, an input unit 122, a display unit 123, a communication unit 124, and a memory unit 125.

The control unit 121 executes various processes related to the control of the facility equipment to be controlled. The control unit 121 has a function of providing various data (e.g., status, fault, and measurement data) indicating the operating status of the facility equipment received from the controllers 201 and 202 to the monitoring control device. The control unit 121 also has the function of a status information transmission unit 121A.

The status information transmission unit 121A transmits status information data indicating the status of devices in the system to the controllers 201, 202. The status information transmission unit 121A of the old server 11 collects status information of the old monitoring control device 1 in the system, generates first abnormality detection data indicating status information of its own device (old server 11) and the old monitoring control device 1, and transmits it to the controllers 201, 202. The new server 111 of the new monitoring control system 100 collects status information of the new monitoring control device 101 in the system, generates second abnormality detection data indicating status information of its own device (new server 111) and the new monitoring control device 101, and transmits it to the controllers 201, 202.

The input unit 122 is configured using input devices such as a keyword, a mouse, a touch panel, etc. The input unit 122 may also be a communication interface that connects the input devices to the new monitoring and control device 101. The input unit 122 accepts data input and control instructions for the new monitoring and control device 101 and outputs them to the control unit 121.

The display unit 123 includes a display device such as a liquid crystal display. The display unit 123 may also be an interface for connecting a display device. The display unit 123 displays a user interface (e.g., an operation screen) related to the monitoring or control of the controllers 201, 202.

The communication unit 124 is a communication interface that connects to a duplicated LAN (control system (system A) and control system (system B)). The communication unit 124 of the old server 11 is connected to the old monitoring and control system control system (system A) 51 and the old monitoring and control system control system (system B) 52. The communication unit 124 of the new server 111 is connected to the new monitoring and control system control system (system A) 151 and the new monitoring and control system control system (system B) 152.

The storage unit 125 is configured using a storage device such as a hard disk drive (HDD) device or a solid state drive (SSD) device. The storage unit 125 stores various information necessary for operation. For example, the storage unit 125 stores programs for executing monitoring and control processes, data referenced when the programs are executed, and the like.

Next, we will explain how to switch from the old monitoring and control system 10 to the new monitoring and control system 100.

First, to compare the old and new monitoring and control switching systems in this embodiment, we will explain the case where a relay device is used to switch from the old monitoring and control system 10 to the new monitoring and control system 100.

Figure 4 shows an example of a configuration in which a relay device (A system) 301 and a relay device (B system) 302 are implemented between the old monitoring and control system 10 and the new monitoring and control system 100 and the controllers 201 and 202.

The A-system data of the operation output and setting value data from the old monitoring and control device 1 of the old monitoring and control system 10 is transmitted from the old monitoring and control system control system (A-system) 51 via the relay device (A-system) 301 and the control system (A-system) 251 to the controller 201 or controller 202.

Similarly, the B system data of the operation output and setting value data from the old monitoring and control device 1 of the old monitoring and control system 10 is transmitted from the old monitoring and control system control system (B system) 52 via the relay device (B system) 302 and the control system (B system) 252 to the controller 201 or controller 202.

In addition, A-system data of status, fault, and measurement data from controller 201 or controller 202 is sent from old monitoring and control system control system (A-system) 51 of old monitoring and control system 10 to old monitoring and control device 1 and old server 11 via control system (A-system) 251 and relay device (A-system) 301.

Similarly, the B system data of the status, fault, and measurement data of the controller 201 or the controller 202 is transmitted from the old monitoring and control system control system (B system) 52 of the old monitoring and control system 10 to the old monitoring and control device 1 and the old server 11 via the control system (B system) 252 and the relay device (B system) 302.

On the other hand, the A system data of the operation output and setting value data from the new monitoring and control device 101 of the new monitoring and control system 100 is transmitted from the new monitoring and control system control system (A system) 151 to the controller 201 or controller 202 via the relay device (A system) 301 and the control system (A system) 251.

Similarly, the B system data of the operation output and setting value data from the new monitoring and control device 101 of the new monitoring and control system 100 is transmitted from the new monitoring and control system control system (B system) 152 to the controller 201 or controller 202 via the relay device (B system) 302 and the control system (B system) 252.

In addition, the A system data of status, fault, and measurement data from the controller 201 or controller 202 is transmitted from the new monitoring and control system control system (A system) 151 of the new monitoring and control system 100 to the new monitoring and control device 101 and new server 111 via the control system (A system) 251 and relay device (A system) 301.

Similarly, the B system data of the status, fault, and measurement data of the controller 201 or controller 202 is transmitted from the new monitoring and control system control system (B system) 152 of the new monitoring and control system 100 to the new monitoring and control device 100 and new server 111 via the control system (B system) 252 and relay device (B system) 302.

As described above, by using relay device (A system) 301 and relay device (B system) 302, the networks of the old monitoring and control system (old monitoring and control device 1, old server 11) and the new monitoring and control system (new monitoring and control device 101, new server 111) are separated. This prevents data from being mixed up between the old monitoring and control system 10 and the new monitoring and control system 100, making it possible to effectively utilize the system during the transitional period of changeover.

However, when the old and new monitoring and control systems are operated side by side, the relay device (A system) 301 and the relay device (B system) 302 are effective during the switchover but are unnecessary after the switchover is complete. Therefore, in a short-term switchover, the purchase cost of the relay device (A system) 301 and the relay device (B system) 302 and the operation costs such as securing the installation space are incurred.

Next, the operation of the switching method between the old and new monitoring and control switching systems in this embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 5. FIGS. 6, 7, and 8 are diagrams showing changes in the network (control systems (system A) and (system B)) connecting the old monitoring and control system 10, the new monitoring and control system 100, and the controllers 201 and 202.

Step S1 in Figure 5 shows the state before the switchover, in which only the old monitoring and control system 10 is in operation. In step S1, the new monitoring and control system 100 has not yet been installed.

As shown in FIG. 6(A), the controllers 201, 202 are connected to the old monitoring and control device 1 and old server 11 of the old monitoring and control system 10, the A system network (old monitoring and control system control system (A system) 51, control system (A system) 351), and the B system network (old monitoring and control system control system (B system) 52, control system (B system) 352). The controllers 201, 202 and the old monitoring and control system 10 communicate with each other to monitor and control the facility equipment.

Step S2 in FIG. 5 shows the state where construction of the new monitoring and control system 100 has begun. The new monitoring and control system 100 is constructed while continuing operation of the old monitoring and control system 10.

As shown in FIG. 6(B), the controllers 201 and 202 are connected to the old monitoring and control system 10 via the A-system network and the B-system network. On the other hand, the controllers 201 and 202, the new server 111 of the new monitoring and control device 100, and the new monitoring and control device 101 are not connected to either the A-system network (new monitoring and control system control system (A-system) 151) or the B-system network (new monitoring and control system control system (B-system) 152).

The controllers 201, 202 and the old monitoring and control system 10 continue to communicate with each other to monitor and control the facility equipment.

Step S3 in FIG. 5 is a preparation step for operating the old monitoring and control system 10 and the new monitoring and control system 100 side by side. As shown in FIG. 7(A), in the old monitoring and control system 10, the connection via the control system (B system) 352 is stopped, and the old monitoring and control system control system (B system) 52 is disconnected from the control system (B system) 252. The controllers 201 and 202 are now connected only to the old monitoring and control system control system (A system).

The controllers 201, 202 and the old monitoring and control system 10 are operated only through one of the A-system networks (old monitoring and control system control system (A-system) 51, control system (A-system) 351, control system (A-system) 251) and perform monitoring and control of the facility equipment.

Step S4 in FIG. 5 is a step of connecting the new monitoring and control system 100 to the controllers 201 and 202. As shown in FIG. 7(B), only the new monitoring and control system control system (B system) 152 of the new monitoring and control system 100 is connected to the control system (B system) 252 via the control system (B system) 452. Therefore, the controllers 201 and 202 are connected to the new monitoring and control system 100 (new server 111, new monitoring and control device 101) via the B system network (new monitoring and control system control system (B system) 152, control system (B system) 452, control system (B system) 252). At this time, the controllers 201 and 202 are not connected to the A system network (new monitoring and control system control system (A system) 151) of the new monitoring and control system 100.

Step S5 in FIG. 5 is a step for operating the old monitoring and control system 10 and the new monitoring and control system 100 side by side. As shown in FIG. 7(B), the old monitoring and control system 10 (old monitoring and control device 1, old server 11) is connected to the controllers 201, 202 via the A system network (old monitoring and control system control system (A system) 51, control system (A system) 351, control system (A system) 251), and the new monitoring and control system 100 (new monitoring and control device 100, new server 111) is connected via the B system network (new monitoring and control system control system (B system) 152, control system (B system) 452, control system (B system) 252).

As a result, the old monitoring and control system 10 and the new monitoring and control system 100 do not use mixed control system LANs, so data sent and received between the controllers 201 and 202 does not get mixed up, making it possible to operate them side by side.

In addition, there is no redundancy because the old monitoring and control system 10 is connected to the controllers 201, 202 only via the A-system network, and the new monitoring and control system 100 is connected to the controllers 201, 202 only via the B-system network. However, since monitoring can be performed by both the new monitoring and control system 100 and the old monitoring and control system 10, the system is redundant, and operation can continue even if one of the monitoring and control systems experiences an abnormality. Furthermore, if the period of parallel operation is short, there is almost no risk of this happening.

In this way, in the new and old monitoring and control switching system of this embodiment, unlike the new and old monitoring and control switching system shown in Figure 4, there is no need to install relay device (A system) 301 for control system A and relay device B system 302 for control system B. This means that there is no need to purchase relay device (A system) 301 and relay device B system 302 or secure installation space, which reduces costs.

Step S6 in FIG. 5 is a step for removing the old monitoring and control system 10 from the parallel operation of the old monitoring and control system 10 and the new monitoring and control system 100. As shown in FIG. 8 (A), in the old monitoring and control system 10, the connection by the control system (A system) 351 is stopped, and the old monitoring and control system control system (A system) 51 is disconnected from the control system (A system) 251. As a result, the controllers 201, 202 are no longer connected to the old monitoring and control system 10.

The controllers 201, 202 and the new monitoring and control system 100 are operated only through one of the B-system networks (new monitoring and control system control system (B-system) 152, control system (B-system) 452, control system (B-system) 252) and perform monitoring and control of the facility equipment.

Step S7 in FIG. 5 is the final step operated only by the new monitoring and control system 100. As shown in FIG. 8(B), the new monitoring and control system control system (A system) 152 of the new monitoring and control system 100 is connected to the control system (A system) 251 via the control system (A system) 451. Therefore, the controllers 201 and 202 are connected to the new monitoring and control system 100 (new server 111, new monitoring and control device 101) via the A system network (new monitoring and control system control system (A system) 151, control system (A system) 451, control system (A system) 251) and the B system network (new monitoring and control system control system (B system) 152, control system (B system) 452, control system (B system) 252). Therefore, the new monitoring and control system 100 and the controllers 201 and 202 are in a state where they can communicate with each other and perform monitoring and control of the facility equipment. This completes the switch from the old monitoring and control system 10 to the new monitoring and control system 100.

In this way, in the new and old monitoring and control switching system of this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, there is no need to install a relay device (A system) 301 and a relay device (B system) 302 between the old and new monitoring and control systems 10 and 100 and the controllers 201 and 202, and switching is possible without mixing up the data of the old and new monitoring and control systems.

Therefore, costs can be reduced because there is no need to install a relay device. Also, because no relay device is installed, there is no need for space to install a relay device.

In addition, there will be no need to upgrade the software of the old monitoring and control system, which will reduce costs and risk by not making modifications.

Next, we will explain how to change the transmission type of the control system LAN between the old monitoring and control system 10 and the new control monitoring and control system 100.

For example, the transmission of status data from the controllers 201, 202 is performed by broadcast transmission to the old monitoring and control system 10, and by multicast transmission to the new monitoring and control system 100. Conventionally, when changing the transmission type to the monitoring and control system, the controllers 201, 202 were stopped and the data transmission function in the controllers 201, 202 was switched over. Also, when switching the transmission type, it was necessary to set both the control system A and the control system B to the same transmission type. For example, when switching from broadcast transmission to multicast transmission, both the control system A and the control system B were switched over to multicast transmission.

In the controllers 201 and 202 of this embodiment, the transmission type setting unit 211A provided in the control unit 211 allows the transmission type to be changed individually for each of the control systems A and B. Therefore, it is possible to set one system to broadcast transmission and the other system to multicast transmission.

In the new/old monitoring and control switching system of this embodiment, the old monitoring and control system 10 and the new monitoring and control system 100 are operated side-by-side in the state shown in FIG. 7(B).

Therefore, for example, even if the old monitoring and control system 10 only supports broadcast transmission and the new monitoring and control system 100 supports multicast transmission, control system A connected to the old monitoring and control system 10 is set to broadcast transmission, and control system B is set to multicast transmission. This allows for a smooth switchover from the old monitoring and control system 10 to the new monitoring and control system 100 without causing problems due to differences in transmission types.

In addition, when the old monitoring and control system 10 and the new monitoring and control system 100 are operated side by side, the control system LAN of one system is disconnected, so broadcast transmission and multicast transmission are not mixed. Also, for example, if the new monitoring and control system 100 is made compatible with both broadcast transmission and multicast transmission, it will be possible to switch the transmission type while remaining connected.

Figures 9 and 10 are diagrams for explaining specific examples of the transmission type setting unit 211A in this embodiment.

Figure 9 shows an example of a configuration in which the controllers 201 and 202 are controlled by ladder software (program). As shown in Figure 9, the ladder software is provided with a function (transmission type setting section 211A) that can set broadcast transmission or multicast transmission for each of control system A ("BROADCAST_A") and control system B ("BROADCAST_B").

For example, when a transmission type setting is instructed by operating the input unit 212, the control unit 211 causes the display unit 213 to display the setting screen shown in FIG. 9.

The control unit 211 sets broadcast transmission by setting the number in the LD of the ladder software shown in FIG. 9 to "0" through an input operation on the input unit 212, and sets multicast transmission by setting the number in the LD to "1" through an input operation on the input unit 212.

The control unit 211 of the controllers 201 and 202 executes data transmission between control system A (control system (A system) 251) and control system B (control system (B system) 252) via the communication unit 214 by broadcast transmission or multicast transmission, according to the setting by the transmission type setting unit 211A.

When a transmission type setting is requested online from the old server 11 or new server 111, or from an information processing device (such as a personal computer) not shown, which are connected via the network, the control unit 211 may cause the requesting device to display the setting screen shown in FIG. 9. When a setting operation is performed on the requesting device in the same manner as described above, the control unit 211 receives the setting contents and stores them in the storage unit 215 (online switching). The control unit 211 switches the transmission type depending on the setting contents.

Conventionally, the controllers 201 and 202 were stopped before switching, but with ladder software, it is possible to change settings while the controllers 201 and 202 are operating. Therefore, during the process of switching from the old monitoring and control system 10 to the new monitoring and control system 100, monitoring and control can be continued without stopping the controllers 201 and 202.

Figure 10 is a diagram showing an example of a setting function (transmission type setting unit 211A) different from that shown in Figure 9. As shown in Figure 10, a function (transmission type setting unit 211A) is provided that allows broadcast transmission or multicast transmission to be parameter-set for each of the control system A transmission type setting and the control system B transmission type setting using an engineering tool or the like for the controllers 201 and 202. In the example of Figure 10, broadcast transmission or multicast transmission can be selected individually for each of the control systems A and B using a pull-down menu or the like.

For example, when a transmission type setting is instructed by operating the input unit 212, the control unit 211 causes the display unit 213 to display the setting screen shown in FIG. 10.

The control unit 211 sets broadcast transmission or multicast transmission in the pull-down menus of the control system A and the control system B shown in FIG. 10 by inputting operations on the input unit 212.

The control unit 211 of the controllers 201 and 202 executes data transmission between control system A (control system (A system) 251) and control system B (control system (B system) 252) via the communication unit 214 by broadcast transmission or multicast transmission according to the setting by the transmission type setting unit 211A. Also, online switching may be possible in the same manner as described above.

The new monitoring and control system 100 (new monitoring and control device 100, new server 111) and controllers 201 and 202 are compatible with both broadcast and multicast transmission. The old monitoring and control system 10 may also be upgraded to become compatible.

Next, we will explain how the controllers 201, 202 of the old and new monitoring and control switching system in this embodiment monitor the status of the old and new monitoring and control system 100.

The old server 11 of the old monitoring and control system 10 detects the status of the devices in the system (old monitoring and control device 1, old server 11) and transmits first abnormality detection data indicating the status information of each device to the controllers 201, 202. In addition, the new server 111 of the new monitoring and control system 100 detects the status of the devices in the system (new monitoring and control device 101, new server 111) and transmits second abnormality detection data indicating the status information of each device to the controllers 201, 202.

The controllers 201 and 202 monitor the system status (whether the connected devices are started up normally) based on the first abnormality detection data or the second abnormality detection data transmitted from the old monitoring and control system 10 and the new monitoring and control system 100 using the status monitoring unit 211B of the control unit 211.

In the old/new monitoring and control switching system of this embodiment, the old monitoring and control system 10 and the new monitoring and control system 100 are operated side-by-side in the state shown in FIG. 7(B). In this state, if first abnormality detection data is received from the old monitoring and control system 10 and second abnormality detection data is received from the new monitoring and control system 100, a situation may occur in which stable abnormality monitoring is not possible, such as a mixture of status information or chattering (for example, abnormality detection data indicating that a device in the old monitoring and control system 10 is abnormal and that a device in the new monitoring and control system 100 is normal is alternately received).

In the new/old monitoring and control switching system in this embodiment, third abnormality detection data indicating status information of the old and new monitoring and control systems is generated based on the abnormality detection data received from each of the old monitoring and control system 10 and the new monitoring and control system 100, and abnormalities are monitored based on the third abnormality detection data.

Below, a specific example of generating the third anomaly detection data in this embodiment is described.

As shown in Figure 11 (A), the format of the anomaly detection data to be sent from the old server 11 and the new server 111 is set. In the example shown in Figure 11 (A), one word (2 bytes) of data is prepared, with 0 bit unused and 1 to F bits assigned to the station numbers (STN1 to STN15), respectively.

When an abnormality occurs in a device within the system, abnormality detection data is generated in which the bit of the station number corresponding to the device where the abnormality occurred is set to "1". When the received abnormality detection data includes a station number that has changed from "0" to "1", the controllers 201 and 202 determine that an abnormality has occurred in the device corresponding to this station number.

Therefore, if an abnormality has occurred in a device in only one of the monitoring and control systems, controllers 201 and 202 will receive abnormality detection data in which the bit of the station number corresponding to the abnormal device is set to "1" and abnormality detection data in which the bit of the same station number is set to "0" (chattering will occur).

To prevent chattering, the third anomaly detection data is generated as follows:

Figure 11 (B) shows the setting of station numbers for devices connected to the old monitoring and control system 10, such as the old monitoring and control device 1 and old server 11 of the old monitoring and control system 10.

In the example shown in FIG. 11(B), there are three old monitoring and control devices 1, with station numbers 1, 2, and 3, and one old server 11, with station number 11(B).

Figure 11 (C) also shows the setting of station numbers connected to the new monitoring and control system 100, such as the new monitoring and control device 101 and new server 111 of the new monitoring and control system 100.

In the example shown in Figure 11 (C), there are three new monitoring and control devices 101, with station numbers 8, 9, and 10, and one new server 111, with station number 12 (C).

At this time, the station numbers of the old monitoring and control system 10 and the new monitoring and control system 100 must not overlap.

Figures 12 (A) and (B) show examples of chattering. As shown in Figure 12 (A), in the first abnormality detection data from the old monitoring and control device 1, station number 1 is set to "1" indicating an abnormality, but in the second abnormality detection data from the new monitoring and control device 101, station number 1 is set to "0", turning the abnormality OFF.

The state monitoring unit 211B therefore performs masking (AND) processing on the first abnormality detection data shown in Fig. 12(A) with the data of the station number setting for the first abnormality detection data of the old monitoring and control system 10 shown in Fig. 11(B). Also, the state monitoring unit 211B performs masking (AND) processing on the second abnormality detection data shown in Fig. 12(B) with the data of the station number setting for the second abnormality detection data of the new monitoring and control system 100 shown in Fig. 11(C).

Then, the status monitoring unit 211B can create third abnormality detection data for the old and new monitoring and control systems by ORing the masked data of the first abnormality detection data and the masked data of the second abnormality detection data, as shown in FIG. 12(C).

The status monitoring unit 211B monitors the status of the equipment of the old monitoring and control system 10 and the new monitoring and control system 100 based on the third abnormality detection data. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 7(B), even in a situation where the old monitoring and control system 10 and the new monitoring and control system 100 are operated side by side, it is possible to continue to perform monitoring and control correctly.

In this embodiment, when switching from the old monitoring and control system to the new monitoring and control system, the old monitoring and control system is connected via the controller and control system A, and the new monitoring and control system is connected via the controller and control system B, but this embodiment is presented as an example. When switching from the old monitoring and control system to the new monitoring and control system, the old monitoring and control system may be connected via the controller and control system B, and the new monitoring and control system may be connected via the controller and control system A. In that case, control system A is the second network, and control system B is the first network.

Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are within the scope of the invention and its equivalents as set forth in the claims, as well as the scope and gist of the invention.

The processes described in the above-mentioned embodiments can be written as a program that can be executed by a computer onto a recording medium such as a magnetic disk (flexible disk, hard disk, etc.), an optical disk (CD-ROM, DVD, etc.), or a semiconductor memory, and provided to various devices. They can also be transmitted via a communication medium and provided to various devices. The computer reads the program recorded on the recording medium, or receives the program via the communication medium, and executes the above-mentioned processes by having its operation controlled by this program.

1...old monitoring and control device, 11...old server, 51...old monitoring and control system control system (A system), 52...old monitoring and control system control system (B system), 101...new monitoring and control device, 111...new server, 151...new monitoring and control system control system (A system), 152...new monitoring and control system control system (B system), 201, 202...controller, 121, 211...control unit, 121A...status information transmission unit, 211A...transmission type setting unit, 211B...status monitoring unit, 122, 212...input unit, 123, 213...display unit, 124, 214...communication unit, 125, 215...storage unit, 251...control system (A system), 252...control system (B system).

Claims (6)

A controller that transmits status data indicating an operating status of the facility device;
an old monitoring and control system that acquires the status data from the controller and monitors the operating status of the facility equipment;
a new monitoring and control system that acquires the status data from the controller and monitors the operating status of the facility equipment;
The controller, the old monitoring and control system, and the new monitoring and control system are connected via a first network and a second network,
The controller:
When the old monitoring and control system is connected via the first network and the second network, the old monitoring and control system communicates with the old monitoring and control system via at least the first network or the second network;
When the old monitoring and control system is connected via the first network and the new monitoring and control system is connected via the second network, the old monitoring and control system communicates via the first network and the new monitoring and control system communicates via the second network;
When the new monitoring and control system is connected via the first network and the second network, the new monitoring and control system communicates with the new monitoring and control system via at least the first network or the second network.
Old and new monitoring and control switching system. The controller:
2. The old and new monitoring and control switching system of claim 1, wherein the first network communicates by broadcast transmission of the old monitoring and control system and the second network communicates by multicast transmission of the new monitoring and control system, or the first network communicates by multicast transmission of the old monitoring and control system and the second network communicates by broadcast transmission of the new monitoring and control system. The controller:
3. The old and new monitoring and control switching system according to claim 1, further comprising a transmission type setting unit that sets whether the first network and the second network are to be used for communication, either broadcast transmission or multicast transmission. The old/new monitoring and control switching system according to claim 3, wherein the controller executes the setting of the transmission type by the transmission type setting unit when in a state of communication with the old monitoring and control system or the new monitoring and control system. The controller:
The old and new monitoring and control switching system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a status monitoring unit that generates third abnormality detection data indicating the status of the old monitoring and control system and the new monitoring and control system based on first abnormality detection data indicating the status of the devices in the system transmitted from the old monitoring and control system, and second abnormality detection data indicating the status of the devices in the system transmitted from the new monitoring and control system. A controller that transmits status data indicating an operating status of the facility device;
an old monitoring and control system that acquires the status data from the controller and monitors the operating status of the facility equipment;
a new monitoring and control system that acquires the status data from the controller and monitors the operating status of the facility equipment;
A switching method for a new and old monitoring and control switching system having a transmission line connecting the controller, the old monitoring and control system, and the new monitoring and control system via a first network and a second network,
The controller is connected to the old monitoring and control system via the first network and the second network, and communicates with the old monitoring and control system through at least the first network or the second network;
The controller is connected to the old monitoring and control system via the first network and to the new monitoring and control system via the second network, and communicates with the old monitoring and control system via the first network and communicates with the new monitoring and control system via the second network;
A method for switching between new and old monitoring and control switching systems, comprising a step in which the controller is connected to the new monitoring and control system via the first network and the second network, and communicates with the new monitoring and control system through at least the first network or the second network.