JP7748716B2 - Inspection system, inspection system operation method, and control program for controlling inspection system - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an inspection system used to inspect equipment located in a plant, as well as an operating method for the inspection terminal and a control program for controlling the inspection terminal.

Pipes are laid within the premises of plants such as petrochemical plants and thermal power plants to carry the various fluids used in the plant's operations. If the pipes are damaged, not only will the fluid be unable to flow, disrupting plant operations, but there is also the risk of fluid leakage, causing harm to employees and the surrounding environment. To prevent such situations from occurring, regular and irregular inspections are carried out on the pipes laid within the plant.

Generally, a wide variety of fluids are used in plant operations, and because these fluids need to be available for use at various locations within the plant, numerous pipes are laid over considerable distances within the plant. Because of the large number and length of pipes, the diagnostic history of the pipes can also contain a considerable amount of information. Therefore, how to efficiently and systematically manage this diagnostic history information can be said to be an important issue in plant management.

For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. 2017-4279 (Patent Document 1) discloses an information collection system that can be used for plant management. The system includes an information collection terminal device and an information collection server device that collects input information sent from the information collection terminal. According to the system in Patent Document 1, a worker carrying the information collection terminal device visits a site where various machines and equipment are installed and inputs inspection results into the information collection terminal device, which then accumulates the input information in the information collection server device.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-4279

When operating a system such as that described in Patent Document 1, multiple terminal devices will operate simultaneously, meaning that information will be uploaded to the data server from multiple terminal devices, which can lead to conflicts between pieces of information related to test results for the same test subject. A common method of avoiding such conflicts is to use the latest information to update the data server based on the last update date and time of each piece of conflicting information. However, with this technology, the results of tests performed by experienced personnel may be overwritten by the results of tests performed by less experienced personnel. Therefore, there is room for improvement in terms of accumulating accurate test results.

Therefore, there is a need to realize an inspection system that can select the information to be stored on the data server while taking into account the competence of the person conducting the inspection.

The first inspection system of the present invention is an inspection system used to inspect equipment to be inspected located in a plant, and includes an inspection terminal and a data server. The inspection terminal has an input device capable of receiving input operations and a communications device capable of communicating with the data server. The data server has a communications device capable of communicating with the inspection terminal and a storage device that stores inspection data associated with the equipment to be inspected and a user database containing information related to multiple users. The inspection data includes a user attribute value that indicates the user who performed the inspection related to the inspection data. At least one of the inspection terminal and the data server further includes a computing device. The computing device is capable of performing a query function that queries the user database for the user attribute value of newly input inspection data and obtains information related to the user identified by the user attribute value from the user database; an update function that updates the past inspection data for the equipment to be inspected that is associated with the newly input inspection data with the newly input inspection data; and a determination function that determines whether to execute the update function based on the user information obtained by the query function for the newly input inspection data.

A first operating method according to the present invention is a method for operating an inspection system used to inspect equipment to be inspected located in a plant, the inspection system comprising an inspection terminal and a data server, the inspection terminal having an input device capable of receiving input operations and a communication device capable of communicating with the data server, the data server having a communication device capable of communicating with the inspection terminal and a storage device that stores inspection data associated with the equipment to be inspected and a user database containing information related to multiple users, the inspection data including a user attribute value indicating the user who performed the inspection related to the inspection data, and at least one of the inspection terminal and the data server further having a computing device, and causing the computing device to execute a query step of querying the user database for the user attribute value of the newly input inspection data and obtaining, from the user database, information related to the user identified by the user attribute value, an update step of updating, with the newly input inspection data, past inspection data related to the equipment to be inspected that is associated with the newly input inspection data, and a determination step of determining whether to execute the update step based on the user information obtained in the query step for the newly input inspection data.

Furthermore, a first control program according to the present invention is a control program for controlling an inspection system used to inspect equipment to be inspected that is located in a plant, the inspection system comprising an inspection terminal and a data server, the inspection terminal having an input device capable of receiving input operations and a communication device capable of communicating with the data server, the data server having a communication device capable of communicating with the inspection terminal and a storage device that stores inspection data associated with the equipment to be inspected and a user database containing information relating to multiple users, the inspection data including a user attribute value indicating the user who performed the inspection related to the inspection data, and at least one of the inspection terminal and the data server. At least one of the methods further includes a computing device, and when executed on the computing device, causes the computing device to perform a query function that queries the user database for the user attribute values of the newly input inspection data and obtains information related to the user identified by the user attribute values from the user database; an update function that updates the past inspection data related to the equipment to be inspected that is associated with the newly input inspection data with the newly input inspection data; and a determination function that determines whether to execute the update function based on the user information obtained by the query function for the newly input inspection data.

With these configurations, whether or not to execute the update function is determined based on information related to the user, so the decision to execute the update function can be made taking into account the user's capabilities.

The second inspection system of the present invention is an inspection system used to inspect equipment to be inspected located in a plant, and includes an inspection terminal and a data server. The inspection terminal has an input device capable of receiving input operations and a communication device capable of communicating with the data server. The data server has a communication device capable of communicating with the inspection terminal, a storage device that stores inspection data associated with the equipment to be inspected and a user database containing information related to multiple users, and a computing device. The inspection data includes a user attribute value that indicates the user who performed the inspection related to the inspection data. The computing device is configured to perform the following functions when multiple pieces of inspection data conflict: a query function that queries the user database for the user attribute value included in each piece of inspection data and obtains information related to the user identified by the user attribute value from the user database; an update function that updates past inspection data related to the equipment to be inspected that is associated with newly input inspection data with the newly input inspection data; and a conflict processing function that selects the inspection data to be used for the update function from the multiple pieces of inspection data based on the information related to each user associated with each piece of inspection data obtained by the query function.

a query process for querying the user database for the user attribute values included in each of the plurality of pieces of inspection data when the plurality of pieces of inspection data conflicts, and acquiring information related to the user identified by the user attribute values from the user database; an update process for updating the past inspection data related to the inspection target equipment that is associated with the newly input inspection data with the newly input inspection data; and a conflict processing process for selecting the inspection data to be used in the update process from the plurality of pieces of inspection data, based on the information related to each user associated with each of the plurality of pieces of inspection data acquired in the query process.

A second control program according to the present invention is a control program for controlling an inspection system used to inspect equipment to be inspected that is located in a plant, the inspection system comprising an inspection terminal and a data server, the inspection terminal having an input device capable of receiving input operations and a communication device capable of communicating with the data server, the data server having a communication device capable of communicating with the inspection terminal, a storage device that stores inspection data associated with the equipment to be inspected and a user database containing information relating to multiple users, and a computing device, the inspection data including a user attribute value indicating the user who performed the inspection related to the inspection data, and when executed by the computing device, When a conflict occurs in the test data, the computing device is caused to execute a query function that queries the user database for the user attribute values included in each of the multiple test data and obtains information related to the user identified by the user attribute values from the user database; an update function that updates the past test data related to the equipment to be inspected that is associated with the newly input test data with the newly input test data; and a conflict processing function that selects the test data to be used for the update function from the multiple test data based on the information related to each user associated with each of the multiple test data obtained by the query function.

With these configurations, the test data to be reflected in the data server is determined based on information related to the user, so the update function can be executed taking into account the user's skills.

Preferred embodiments of the present invention are described below. However, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the preferred embodiments described below.

In one aspect of the inspection system according to the present invention, the inspection data preferably further includes an equipment attribute value that identifies the inspection target equipment with which the inspection data is associated, and the determination function preferably further takes into account the equipment attribute value when determining whether to execute the update function.

This configuration makes it possible to categorize equipment that has the authority to update test data based on the user's level of proficiency, for example.

In one aspect of the inspection system according to the present invention, the inspection data preferably further includes a fluid attribute value that identifies the fluid handled in the inspected equipment with which the inspection data is associated, and the determination function preferably further takes into account the fluid attribute value when determining whether to execute the update function.

With this configuration, it is possible to limit the users who have the authority to update test data, taking into consideration, for example, the risk and importance of the fluids handled in the equipment being tested.

In one aspect of the inspection system according to the present invention, the inspection data preferably further includes an importance attribute value that specifies the importance of the equipment to be inspected with which the inspection data is associated, and the determination function preferably further takes into account the importance attribute value when determining whether to execute the update function.

This configuration makes it possible to categorize the importance of equipment that has the authority to update inspection data according to the user's level of proficiency.

In one aspect of the testing system according to the present invention, the data server preferably includes the computing device.

This configuration allows for the centralization of high-load calculation processing on the data server, making it possible to relatively simplify the configuration of the testing terminal. This is particularly true when multiple testing terminals are installed, as it simplifies the configuration of the entire system.

In one aspect of the testing system according to the present invention, the computing device is preferably further capable of executing a conflict processing function in which, when a conflict occurs between multiple pieces of test data, the computing device executes the query function for each piece of test data, and selects the test data to be used for the update function from the multiple pieces of test data based on the information related to each user associated with each piece of test data obtained by the query function.

With this configuration, the test data to be reflected in the data server is determined based on information related to the user, so the update function can be executed taking into account the user's ability.

Further features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following description of exemplary, non-limiting embodiments, which proceeds with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an inspection system according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an installed state of piping according to the embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a layout plan screen according to the embodiment;

Embodiments of an inspection terminal, operating method, and control program according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The following description will use as an example an inspection system 1 used to inspect a group of pipes 2 (Figure 2) laid within the premises of a plant P, such as a petrochemical plant or a thermal power plant. Inspection system 1 is one embodiment of the inspection system according to the present invention.

[Device configuration and system configuration]
First, an inspection system 1 according to this embodiment and a piping group 2 to be diagnosed will be described. As shown in FIG. 1 , the inspection system 1 according to this embodiment includes an inspection terminal 3 and a data server 4 that are configured to be able to communicate with each other. Here, the inspection terminal 3 is one embodiment of the inspection terminal according to the present invention. An inspector inspects each location of the piping group 2, which is made up of a large number of pipes 21 (an example of equipment to be inspected) laid within the premises of a plant P, and inputs the inspection results into the inspection terminal 3. The defect information input into the inspection terminal 3 is transmitted to the data server 4 and stored therein.

As shown in Figure 2, the pipes 21 are laid while being supported by a plurality of racks 22 spaced apart along the longitudinal direction of the pipes 21. The racks 22 have a width in the horizontal direction greater than the diameter of the pipes 21, and can accommodate a plurality of pipes 21 lined up horizontally. The racks 22 also have multiple levels in the vertical direction, and each of the multiple levels can accommodate a plurality of pipes 21. In other words, to make effective use of the site, the pipes 21 are laid in a concentrated manner both horizontally and vertically.

A specific portion of each pipe 21 within plant P is identified by the pipe name 21a assigned to each pipe 21, the rack number 22a assigned to each rack 22, and the tier number 22b assigned to each tier of each rack 22. For example, the location marked Ex1 in Figure 2 is identified by the information "pipe 51," "directly above rack 34," and "tier 2F." Similarly, the location marked Ex2 in Figure 2 is identified by the information "pipe 61," "between rack 34 and rack 35," and "tier 1F."

As shown in FIG. 1, the inspection system 1 includes an inspection terminal 3 and a data server 4. The inspection terminal 3 includes a touch panel 31 (an example of an input device and an example of a display device), a communication device 32, a position identification device 33, a storage device 34, and a computing device 35. The data server 4 includes a communication device 41, a storage device 42, and a computing device 43.

(Configuration of the inspection terminal)
The touch panel 31 is implemented as a touch panel known in the art, and is a device that can receive input operations from a user and display information to the user.

The communication device 32 includes a mobile phone module 321, a wireless LAN module 322, and a short-range wireless communication module 323. As described below, the communication device 32 is capable of communicating with the data server 4 and also with other inspection terminals 3A.

The mobile phone module 321 is a known module that can be connected to a mobile phone line. From the standpoint of communication speed, it is preferable that the mobile phone module 321 be a module that can be connected to a mobile phone line configured as a wireless communication system for the fourth generation mobile communication system or later.

The wireless LAN module 322 is a well-known module that can connect to a wireless LAN network. From the perspective of communication speed, it is preferable that the module conform to a standard that enables relatively high-speed communication, such as IEEE802.11ax, IEEE802.11ac, or IEEE802.11n.

The mobile phone module 321 and wireless LAN module 322 are responsible for communication between the inspection terminal 3 (communication device 32) and the data server 4 (communication device 41). That is, the inspection terminal 3 connects to the network N via the mobile phone module 321 or wireless LAN module 322, and communicates with the data server 4 via the network N. Here, the network N can be the Internet, an intranet, or the like.

The short-range wireless communication module 323 is a known module capable of communicating with similar modules located relatively nearby, and may be, for example, a module that complies with the Bluetooth® standard. More specifically, the short-range wireless communication module 323 may be a module that communicates at an output of 100 mW or less. A short-range wireless communication module 323 with this configuration has a communication range of approximately 100 m radius. For example, in the case of the Bluetooth® standard, a module that communicates at an output of 100 mW or less is specified as a module that complies with Bluetooth® Class 1.

The short-range wireless communication module 323 is responsible for communication between the test terminals 3. In other words, two test terminals 3 can communicate with each other via their respective short-range wireless communication modules 323.

The position determination device 33 is a device capable of determining the current location of the inspection terminal 3. More specifically, the position determination device 33 is implemented as a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) module, such as a GPS module.

The storage device 34 stores map data related to the plant P and inspection data associated with any of the multiple pipes 21. The storage device 34 also stores a control program for the inspection terminal 3. The storage device 34 can be implemented as a known storage device such as a hard disk drive or solid state drive.

The computing device 35 is a device that executes various computational processes executed in the inspection terminal 3, and can be implemented as a known computing device such as a CPU.

(Data server configuration)
The communication device 41 is implemented as a LAN module. Considering that the data server 4 is usually installed as a stationary type, the LAN module may be wired or wireless. The data server 4 is connected to the network N via the communication device 41 and communicates with the inspection terminal 3 via the network N.

The storage device 42 stores the test data received from the test terminal 3 and a user database containing information related to multiple users who use the test terminal 3. The storage device 42 also stores the control program for the data server 4 (an example of a control program related to this embodiment). The storage device 42 can be implemented as a known storage device such as a hard disk drive or solid state drive.

The computing device 43 is a device that executes various computational processes executed in the data server 4, and can be implemented as a known computing device such as a CPU.

[Test data structure]
The inspection data is data indicating the results of inspection of the piping group 2 (piping 21). The inspection data is associated with any of the multiple piping 21. More specifically, the inspection data includes, as attribute values, a data ID, a piping attribute value (an example of an equipment attribute value), a fluid attribute value, a date and time attribute value, a user attribute value, an importance attribute value, a synchronization attribute value, an inspection result attribute value, and a lock attribute value.

Pipe attribute values are information that represent the portion of the pipe 21 to which the inspection data should be associated (hereinafter referred to as the "inspection location"), and serve to identify the location to be inspected. The inspection data includes, as pipe attribute values, text data representing, for example, the pipe name 21a, rack number 22a, and tier number 22b. Furthermore, the pipe attribute values may include information that identifies the location of the inspection location (such as longitude and latitude) instead of, or in addition to, information such as the pipe name 21a. Furthermore, the pipe attribute values may further include information that represents the function of the pipe 21 at the inspection location. For example, the pipe attribute values may include information that represents the classification of the pipe 21 at the inspection location (main pipe, branch pipe, etc.).

Fluid attribute values are information that represent the fluid flowing through the inspection location. The inspection data includes, as fluid attribute values, for example, text data representing the name of the fluid flowing through the pipe 21, and numerical data representing the pressure and flow rate of the fluid.

The date and time attribute value is information that represents the date and time when the inspection was performed on the inspection location. For example, the date and time attribute value is automatically obtained as the date and time when the inspection data was edited.

The user attribute value is information that represents the user who entered the test data. The test data includes, for example, text data representing the ID of the user who entered the test data as the user attribute value. Users of the test terminal 3 enter test data while logged in to the test terminal 3 using a pair of ID and password that is individually assigned to each user. The ID of the user who is logged in when the test data is entered is automatically used as the user attribute value.

The importance attribute value is information that represents the importance of the inspection location. The inspection data includes, for example, numerical data representing one of several predetermined importance levels as the importance attribute value. The importance attribute value may be freely set by the user of the inspection terminal 3, or may be automatically determined based on piping attribute values, fluid attribute values, etc.

The synchronization attribute value is information that indicates whether or not the test data is to be synchronized with the data server 4. Test data with a synchronization attribute value of "1" is uploaded to the data server 4, and test data with a synchronization attribute value of "0" is not uploaded to the data server 4. For example, when a location that was previously tested is re-tested, the test data associated with that location is downloaded from the data server 4 to the test terminal 3, and the results of the re-test are entered by updating the downloaded test data. In this case, the test data has a synchronization attribute value of "1", and after the results of the re-test are entered, the updated test data is uploaded to the data server 4, and the test data stored in the data server 4 (storage device 42) is updated.

On the other hand, for inspection data on locations that have been newly inspected by the user of the inspection terminal 3, the user can arbitrarily select the synchronization attribute value. In this case, inspection data with a synchronization attribute value set to "0" is stored only in the inspection terminal 3 (storage device 34) that created the inspection data.

The inspection result attribute value is information that represents the results of an inspection of an inspection location. The inspection data, for example, includes text data representing the results of an inspection of an inspection location as the inspection result attribute value, allowing the presence, type, and degree of a defect to be identified. The inspection result attribute value may be entered by the user as any text, or may be selected by the user from a list of pre-set candidates.

The lock attribute value is information that indicates whether editing of test data is restricted depending on whether communication with the data server 4 is possible. Test data with a lock attribute value of "1" can, in principle, only be edited when communication with the data server 4 is possible. On the other hand, test data with a lock attribute value of "0" can, in principle, be edited regardless of whether communication with the data server 4 is possible.

The lock attribute value can be set in conjunction with other attribute values. For example, test data with a synchronization attribute value of "1" is test data that requires synchronization with the data server 4. Therefore, if the test data is edited while communication with the data server 4 is unavailable, there is a risk of test data conflicts occurring later. For this reason, the lock attribute value is set to "1" for test data with a synchronization attribute value of "1." Furthermore, test data with an importance attribute value exceeding a predetermined threshold, for example, requires increased management accuracy and should not be edited while communication with the data server 4 is unavailable. For this reason, the lock attribute value is set to "1" for test data with an importance attribute value exceeding a predetermined threshold. Hereinafter, test data with a lock attribute value set to "1" will be referred to as locked test data.

The inspection data may also include other attribute values described above. Examples of other attribute values include a treatment attribute value indicating treatment information for defects at the inspection location, and an image attribute value including image data of the inspection location.

[Configuration of the control program for the inspection terminal]
In this embodiment, an inspection data editing function, a communication determination function, a layout diagram display function, and a lock control function are executed on the inspection terminal 3. Each of these functions is realized by a control program executed by the arithmetic unit 35 of the inspection terminal 3. In addition to the functions described below, a function for exchanging inspection data with the data server 4 is also executed, but since this is a well-known function for exchanging data between a data server and a terminal device, its description will be omitted.

(1) Inspection Data Editing Function The inspection data editing function is a function for editing inspection data in accordance with input operations input by the user via the touch panel 31. When the inspection data editing function is executed, each attribute value included in the inspection data to be edited is displayed on the touch panel 31. In this embodiment, an editing window 6 is displayed superimposed on the layout drawing screen 5 ( FIG. 3 ), and inspection data can be edited by performing operations on the editing window 6. At this time, attribute values that can be arbitrarily edited by the user (for example, piping attribute values) and attribute values that cannot be arbitrarily edited (for example, date and time attribute values) are displayed in different formats.

(2) Communication Determination Function The communication determination function is a function that determines whether communication with the data server 4 via the communication device 32 (mobile phone module 321 and wireless LAN module 322) is possible, and whether communication with another inspection terminal 3A via the communication device 32 (short-range wireless communication module 323) is possible. The communication determination function can be executed in the background.

Whether or not communication with the data server 4 is possible is determined, for example, by actually attempting to communicate with the data server 4 periodically. Alternatively, whether or not communication with the data server 4 is possible may be determined based on the strength of the radio waves received by the mobile phone module 321 and wireless LAN module 322.

Whether or not communication with another inspection terminal 3A is possible is determined, for example, by periodically attempting communication with the same type of short-range wireless communication module 323. If the short-range wireless communication module 323 is a module that complies with the Bluetooth (registered trademark) standard, whether or not communication is possible can be determined through the sending and receiving of advertising packets. The ability to communicate with another inspection terminal 3A means that another inspection terminal 3A is present within the communication range of the short-range wireless communication module 323 (for example, a range with a radius of about 100 m), i.e., near the inspection terminal 3.

(3) Layout Plan Display Function The layout plan display function is a function for displaying a layout plan screen 5 ( FIG. 3 ) on the touch panel 31. The layout plan screen 5 is a screen that displays a map 51 of the plant P on the touch panel 31 based on the map data and inspection data stored in the storage device 34, and also displays objects 52 representing each of a plurality of inspection locations on the map 51. Each object 52 is associated with inspection data, and the position of each object 52 on the map 51 is determined according to the piping attribute value of the inspection data. In other words, the object 52 created based on the inspection data is displayed at a position on the map 51 that represents the actual location of the piping 21 to which the inspection data should be associated.

In addition, the layout drawing screen 5 displays a drawing number 53, a plant map 54, and a rack diagram 55 to identify the location within plant P of the map 51 displayed on the layout drawing screen 5.

When any object 52 is touched while the layout drawing screen 5 is displayed on the touch panel 31, an editing window 6 for the inspection data associated with that object 52 is displayed, and the inspection data editing function is displayed. This allows the user of the inspection terminal 3 to intuitively select the inspection data to edit.

When the communication determination function determines that communication with the data server 4 is not possible, the layout plan display function displays the object 52A associated with the test data to be locked and the other objects 52B in different ways. In other words, the display mode of each object 52 is determined by referring to the lock attribute value of the test data. Specifically, the object 52A associated with the test data to be locked is displayed in a relatively light color (e.g., gray), while the object 52B associated with the other test data is displayed in a relatively dark color (e.g., black). Touching an object 52A displayed in a light color does not transition to the test data editing function. On the other hand, touching an object 52B displayed in a dark color transitions to the test data editing function for the test data associated with the touched object.

On the other hand, when the communication determination function determines that communication with the data server 4 is possible, all objects 52 are displayed in the same manner. In this case, touching any object 52 will cause a transition to the test data editing function, which targets the test data associated with the touched object 52.

Note that the display mode of the object 52 is not limited to being distinguished by color as exemplified above. For example, the object 52 may be distinguished by differences in shape, movement (e.g., lighting and flashing), size, etc. Also, the object 52A associated with the lock target test data may not be displayed. In this case, if the object 52A is considered to be displayed as a colorless object, it can be said that it is displayed in a different mode from the object 52B.

(4) Lock Control Function The lock control function is a function that temporarily changes whether or not test data that meets predetermined requirements is designated as test data to be locked (i.e., the lock attribute value).

The first function of the lock control function is to temporarily remove the designation of lock-eligible test data that meets certain requirements as lock-eligible test data. Specifically, the lock attribute value of lock-eligible test data that meets certain requirements is temporarily changed to "0." The specified requirements are that the test terminal 3 is located near the test location associated with the lock-eligible test data, and that no other test terminals 3A are located near the test terminal 3.

Whether the first requirement is met is determined based on the current location of the inspection terminal 3 identified by the location identification device 33. If the deviation between the current location of the inspection terminal 3 and the location of the inspection point identified by the piping attribute value of the lock target inspection data is less than or equal to a predetermined threshold, it is determined that the first requirement is met.

Whether the second requirement is met is determined based on the results of the communication determination function's determination of whether communication with other inspection terminals 3A is possible. When the communication determination function determines that communication with other inspection terminals 3A is not possible, it is determined that the second requirement is met.

Satisfying the first requirement means that the inspection terminal 3 is located near the inspection location associated with the inspection data to be locked. Satisfying the second requirement means that there are no other inspection terminals 3A nearby. Taking these two requirements into consideration, satisfying both requirements means that the inspection terminal 3 is located near the inspection location associated with the inspection data to be locked, and that there are no other inspection terminals 3A nearby the inspection location. In this situation, there is little risk of contention occurring for the inspection data of the inspection location, so even if the designation as inspection data to be locked is temporarily removed, there is little chance of a problem occurring.

The second function of the lock control function is to temporarily designate test data that meets certain requirements as test data to be locked. Specifically, the lock attribute value of test data to be locked that meets certain requirements is temporarily changed to "1." The specified requirements are that the test terminal 3 is located near the test location associated with the test data to be locked, and that another test terminal 3A exists near the test terminal 3. Here, the first requirement is the same as the first requirement of the first function. Furthermore, the second requirement is the opposite of the second requirement of the second function.

Satisfying the first requirement means that the inspection terminal 3 is located near the inspection location associated with the inspection data to be locked. Satisfying the second requirement means that there is another inspection terminal 3A nearby. Taking these two requirements into consideration, satisfying both requirements means that the inspection terminal 3 is located near the inspection location associated with the inspection data to be locked, and that there is another inspection terminal 3A nearby that inspection location. In this case, it is assumed that multiple users are attempting to inspect the same inspection location, creating a high possibility of an inspection data conflict. Therefore, the inspection data is temporarily designated as inspection data to be locked to avoid the conflict.

Whether the first or second function is activated, the layout diagram display function operates in accordance with the temporarily changed lock attribute value. In other words, if the lock control function temporarily cancels the designation of the locked test data, the object associated with the locked test data is displayed in a dark color, even if communication with the data server 4 is unavailable. Then, when an object associated with the locked test data is touched, a transition is made to the test data editing function, which targets the test data associated with the touched object.

Furthermore, if test data is temporarily designated as test data to be locked in the lock control function, the object associated with that test data will be displayed in a light color, even if communication with the data server 4 is possible. Furthermore, touching an object associated with that test data will not transition to the test data editing function.

For both the first and second functions, if the two requirements specified in each function are no longer met, the temporarily changed lock attribute value will be restored to its original value.

[Configuration of the data server control program]
In this embodiment, the data server 4 executes a query function, an update function, a determination function, and a conflict processing function. Each of these functions is realized by a control program executed by the arithmetic unit 43 of the data server 4. In addition to the functions described below, a function of exchanging test data with the test terminal 3 is also executed, but since this is a well-known function for exchanging data between a data server and a terminal device, its description will be omitted.

(1) Inquiry Function The inquiry function is a function that queries the user attribute values of newly input test data against the user database stored in the storage device 42, and obtains information related to the user identified by the user attribute values from the user database. Here, "newly input test data" refers to test data that is newly input to the test terminal 3 or newly edited on the test terminal 3 and then uploaded to the data server 4. Each record in the user database uses the user attribute value as a key and stores information such as the name, proficiency level, qualifications, years of experience, and number of tests of the user identified by the user attribute value as an attribute. Therefore, by executing the inquiry function, it is possible to identify the name, proficiency level, qualifications, years of experience, number of tests, etc. of the user who performed the test related to the newly input test data.

(2) Update Function The update function is a function that updates past inspection data for an inspection location associated with newly input inspection data with the newly input inspection data. Whether the newly input inspection data can update past inspection data is determined based on the piping attribute value and the date and time attribute value. In other words, inspection data containing a certain piping attribute value can be updated by new inspection data containing the same piping attribute value. In addition, the age of multiple inspection data is determined based on the date and time attribute value.

(3) Determination Function The determination function determines whether or not to execute the update function based on information about the user who entered the newly entered test data. The information about the user used for the determination here is identified by executing the inquiry function for the newly entered test data. Below, four functions that can be executed by the determination function are described, but it is not necessary for all functions to be executed.

The first function of the judgment function is to make a judgment that takes into account pipe attribute values. For example, if the classification of pipes 21 (main pipe, branch pipe, etc.) that have the authority to update inspection data are set in advance according to the user's level of proficiency, it is possible to determine whether to execute the update process based on the combination of the proficiency of the user who entered newly entered inspection data and the classification of pipes 21 identified by the pipe attribute values of that inspection data. For example, if a user whose proficiency does not meet a predetermined level is granted the authority to update inspection data only for branch pipes, but not for main pipes, then the inspection data for the main pipe entered by that user will not be used to update the inspection data for that main pipe in the data server 4.

In addition, as another aspect of the first function, if the floor (floor number 22b) of the piping 21 that has the authority to update inspection data is set in advance according to the qualifications of the user, it is possible to determine whether to execute the update process based on a combination of the qualifications of the user who entered newly entered inspection data and the floor number 22b identified by the piping attribute value of that inspection data. This means that only users qualified to work at heights are permitted to update the inspection data of piping 21 that is at a height above a specified level.

A second function of the determination function is to make a determination that takes fluid attribute values into account. For example, by pre-setting the fluid properties (fluid type, pressure, flow rate, etc.) of the pipe 21 that has the authority to update the test data according to the user's level of skill and qualifications, it is possible to determine whether to execute the update process based on a combination of the information of the user who entered newly entered test data and the fluid in the pipe 21 identified by the fluid attribute value of the test data. For example, for pipes 21 that meet requirements such as the flow of relatively low-risk fluids such as water or air and a relatively low pressure and flow rate, even users with a relatively low skill level can be allowed to update the test data. However, for pipes 21 that meet requirements such as the flow of relatively high-risk fluids such as hydrogen and a relatively high pressure or flow rate, only users with a relatively high skill level can be allowed to update the test data.

A third function of the judgment function is to make a judgment that takes into account the importance attribute value. For example, if the range of importance of piping 21 that has the authority to update inspection data is set in advance according to the user's level of skill and qualifications, it is possible to determine whether to execute the update process based on a combination of the information of the user who entered newly entered inspection data and the importance of the piping 21 specified by the importance attribute value of that inspection data. This function can also be used to limit the skill level of users who are allowed to update inspection data depending on the level of importance.

A fourth function of the judgment function is to make a judgment based solely on information related to the user. For example, if a user whose number of tests does not meet a predetermined threshold is required to conduct tests, input test data into the test terminal 3, and upload the test data to the data server 4 as part of OJT, but the test data is not used to update the test data on the data server 4, then it would be possible to determine whether to execute the update process based on the number of tests performed by the user who entered the newly entered test data.

In all of the above examples, the judgment function is based on the technical idea of taking into account information that may represent the user's skill level, and, if necessary, the characteristics of the test location, to determine whether to execute the update function. This prevents test data from being inappropriately updated by a user who does not have the necessary skills.

(4) Conflict Processing Function The conflict processing function is a function that selects test data to be used to update the test data in the data server 4 when multiple test data conflict. Here, multiple test data conflicts, for example, when the difference in date and time specified by the date and time attribute values of each of the multiple test data is within a predetermined threshold (hereinafter referred to as the conflict threshold). Note that the conflict processing function assumes that each of the multiple conflicting test data is test data that, in a situation where no conflict occurs, is determined to require the update function to be executed in the determination function. In addition, a query function is executed for each of the multiple test data.

The conflict handling function selects which of multiple test data to use for the update function based on the user-related information associated with each of the multiple test data. Here, user-related information refers to information that can be used to determine the skill level of the user who entered each test data, such as the user's proficiency, qualifications, years of experience, and number of tests. In other words, when multiple test data conflict, the test data entered by the user who meets conditions such as the highest proficiency or the highest qualifications is assumed to be the most reliable test data, and this test data is used for the update function. This allows more reliable test data to be stored in the data server 4.

As another aspect of the conflict processing function, importance attribute values may also be taken into consideration. For example, for test data whose importance attribute value is below a predetermined threshold, the conflict threshold is set to a relatively small value to make it less likely to be determined to be in conflict, while for test data whose importance attribute value exceeds the predetermined threshold, the conflict threshold is set to a relatively large value to more strictly determine whether there is a conflict. With this configuration, conflict processing is limited to test locations with high importance, making it possible to both reduce the amount of calculation processing and improve the reliability of the test.

Other Embodiments
Finally, other embodiments of the inspection terminal, operation method, and control program according to the present invention will be described. Note that the configurations disclosed in the following embodiments can be applied in combination with the configurations disclosed in other embodiments, as long as no contradiction occurs.

In the above embodiment, the test terminal 3 is described as having a touch panel 31 that is both an input device and a display device. However, in the test terminal according to the present invention, the input device and the display device may be provided separately. Such input devices may include well-known input devices such as buttons, levers, keyboards, and microphones. Furthermore, examples of such display devices include liquid crystal displays.

In the above embodiment, an example was described in which the query function, update function, and judgment function are executed by the computing device 43 of the data server 4. However, in the present invention, some or all of these functions may be executed by the computing device of the inspection terminal. For example, the judgment function may be executed on the inspection terminal side based on the ID of the user logging in to the inspection terminal.

Regarding other configurations, it should be understood that the embodiments disclosed in this specification are illustrative in all respects and that the scope of the present invention is not limited thereby. Those skilled in the art will readily understand that appropriate modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Therefore, other embodiments modified without departing from the spirit of the present invention are naturally included within the scope of the present invention.

The present invention can be used, for example, in an inspection terminal used for plant inspection, as well as in an operating method for such an inspection terminal and a control program for controlling such an inspection terminal.

1: Inspection system 2: Piping group 21: Piping 21a: Piping name 22: Rack 22a: Rack number 22b: Floor number 3: Inspection terminal 3A: Other inspection terminal 31: Touch panel 32: Communication device 321: Mobile phone module 322: Wireless LAN module 323: Short-range wireless communication module 33: Positioning device 34: Storage device 35: Computing device 4: Data server 41: Communication device 42: Storage device 43: Computing device 5: Layout screen 51: Object 52: Drawing number 53: Plant map 54: Rack diagram 6: Editing window N: Network P: Plant

Claims (11)

An inspection system used to inspect equipment to be inspected that is located in a plant,
The system includes an inspection terminal and a data server,
The inspection terminal,
an input device capable of accepting input operations;
a communication device capable of communicating with the data server,
The data server,
a communication device capable of communicating with the inspection terminal;
a storage device that stores inspection data associated with the inspection target equipment and a user database that includes information related to a plurality of users;
the test data includes a user attribute value indicating a user who performed the test related to the test data,
At least one of the inspection terminal and the data server further includes a computing device;
The computing device
a query function of querying the user database for the user attribute value of the newly input test data and acquiring information related to the user identified by the user attribute value from the user database;
an update function that updates the past inspection data related to the inspection target equipment associated with the newly input inspection data with the newly input inspection data;
and a determination function that determines whether or not to execute the update function based on user-related information obtained by the inquiry function for the newly input test data. The inspection data further includes an equipment attribute value that identifies the inspection target equipment with which the inspection data is associated;
The inspection system according to claim 1 , wherein the determination function further considers the facility attribute value to determine whether or not to execute the update function. the inspection data further includes a fluid attribute value that identifies a fluid handled in the inspection target facility with which the inspection data is associated;
3. The inspection system according to claim 1, wherein the determination function further takes into consideration the fluid attribute value to determine whether or not to execute the update function. The inspection data further includes an importance attribute value that specifies the importance of the inspection target equipment with which the inspection data is associated;
4. The inspection system according to claim 1, wherein the determining function further takes into consideration the importance attribute value to determine whether or not to execute the update function. The inspection system described in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the data server includes the computing device. The computing device
When a plurality of pieces of test data conflict with each other, the query function is executed for each of the plurality of pieces of test data;
The inspection system of claim 4, further capable of executing a conflict processing function that selects the inspection data to be used for the update function from the plurality of inspection data based on the information regarding each user associated with each of the plurality of inspection data obtained by the query function. An inspection system used to inspect equipment to be inspected that is located in a plant,
The system includes an inspection terminal and a data server,
The inspection terminal,
an input device capable of accepting input operations;
a communication device capable of communicating with the data server,
The data server,
a communication device capable of communicating with the inspection terminal;
a storage device that stores inspection data associated with the inspection target equipment and a user database that includes information related to a plurality of users;
a computing device;
the test data includes a user attribute value indicating a user who performed the test related to the test data,
The computing device
a query function that, when a plurality of pieces of test data conflict, queries the user database for the user attribute values included in each of the plurality of pieces of test data, and acquires information related to the user identified by the user attribute values from the user database;
an update function that updates the past inspection data related to the inspection target equipment associated with the newly input inspection data with the newly input inspection data;
and a conflict processing function that selects the test data to be used for the update function from the plurality of test data based on information related to each user associated with each of the plurality of test data obtained by the inquiry function. 1. A method for operating an inspection system used to inspect equipment to be inspected that is located in a plant, comprising:
the inspection system comprises an inspection terminal and a data server;
The inspection terminal,
an input device capable of accepting input operations;
a communication device capable of communicating with the data server,
The data server,
a communication device capable of communicating with the inspection terminal;
a storage device that stores inspection data associated with the inspection target equipment and a user database that includes information related to a plurality of users;
the test data includes a user attribute value indicating a user who performed the test related to the test data,
At least one of the inspection terminal and the data server further includes a computing device;
The computing device
a querying step of querying the user database for the user attribute value of the newly input test data and acquiring information related to the user identified by the user attribute value from the user database;
an updating step of updating the past inspection data related to the inspection target equipment associated with the newly input inspection data with the newly input inspection data;
and a determination step of determining whether or not to execute the update step based on information related to the user acquired in the inquiry step for the newly input test data. 1. A method for operating an inspection system used to inspect equipment to be inspected that is located in a plant, comprising:
the inspection system comprises an inspection terminal and a data server;
The inspection terminal,
an input device capable of accepting input operations;
a communication device capable of communicating with the data server,
The data server,
a communication device capable of communicating with the inspection terminal;
a storage device that stores inspection data associated with the inspection target equipment and a user database that includes information related to a plurality of users;
a computing device;
the test data includes a user attribute value indicating a user who performed the test related to the test data,
The computing device
a querying step of querying the user database for the user attribute values included in each of the plurality of test data when the plurality of test data conflicts, and acquiring information related to the user identified by the user attribute values from the user database;
an updating step of updating the past inspection data related to the inspection target equipment associated with the newly input inspection data with the newly input inspection data;
and a competition processing step of selecting the test data to be used in the update step from the plurality of test data based on information related to each user associated with each of the plurality of test data acquired in the inquiry step. A control program for controlling an inspection system used to inspect equipment to be inspected that is located in a plant,
the inspection system comprises an inspection terminal and a data server;
The inspection terminal,
an input device capable of accepting input operations;
a communication device capable of communicating with the data server,
The data server,
a communication device capable of communicating with the inspection terminal;
a storage device that stores inspection data associated with the inspection target equipment and a user database that includes information related to a plurality of users;
the test data includes a user attribute value indicating a user who performed the test related to the test data,
At least one of the inspection terminal and the data server further includes a computing device;
When executed on the computing device,
a query function of querying the user database for the user attribute value of the newly input test data and acquiring information related to the user identified by the user attribute value from the user database;
an update function that updates the past inspection data related to the inspection target equipment associated with the newly input inspection data with the newly input inspection data;
A control program that causes the arithmetic device to execute a judgment function that determines whether or not to execute the update function based on information related to the user obtained by the inquiry function for the newly input test data. A control program for controlling an inspection system used to inspect equipment to be inspected that is located in a plant,
the inspection system comprises an inspection terminal and a data server;
The inspection terminal,
an input device capable of accepting input operations;
a communication device capable of communicating with the data server,
The data server,
a communication device capable of communicating with the inspection terminal;
a storage device that stores inspection data associated with the inspection target equipment and a user database that includes information related to a plurality of users;
a computing device;
the test data includes a user attribute value indicating a user who performed the test related to the test data,
When executed on the computing device,
a query function that, when a plurality of pieces of test data conflict, queries the user database for the user attribute values included in each of the plurality of pieces of test data, and acquires information related to the user identified by the user attribute values from the user database;
an update function that updates the past inspection data related to the inspection target equipment associated with the newly input inspection data with the newly input inspection data;
A control program that causes the arithmetic device to execute a conflict processing function that selects the test data to be used for the update function from the plurality of test data based on information related to each user associated with each of the plurality of test data obtained by the inquiry function.