JP7843582B2 - Plant equipment management system - Google Patents

Description

Embodiments of the present invention relate to a plant equipment management system for collecting information on field devices placed within a plant.

Troubles occurring within a plant during operation are not uncommon. These troubles range from those requiring a complete shutdown of the entire production system to those that only require a partial shutdown and can be resolved quickly. The causes of these failures are diverse. Identifying the root cause of these failures and quickly restoring the production system to normal operation is crucial for minimizing plant losses. Therefore, there is a strong desire to shorten the time required to resolve problems when they occur.

Generally, field devices deployed within a plant are connected via a network to devices for control and monitoring them, and abnormalities in the field devices can be detected by these devices. However, even if abnormalities can be detected, it is often not possible to identify the cause of the failure or resolve the problem.

Troubleshooting procedures for restoring field equipment from malfunction to normal operation are accumulated and organized by field technicians each time a problem occurs. However, information containing the cause of the malfunction and the troubleshooting procedure is often managed on paper, such as in notebooks, making it difficult to find quickly.

Patent Document 1 discloses a technology for providing an equipment inspection system that facilitates the inspection and maintenance of field equipment. The technology disclosed in Patent Document 1 involves attaching a beacon that transmits unique identification information to each field piece of equipment within a plant. When a portable terminal approaches a beacon and receives the beacon's unique identification information, it activates the field equipment's inspection program, supporting maintenance and inspection work by field workers.

Patent Document 2 discloses a plant equipment management method that displays processing data from field devices along with messages on a mobile terminal. In Patent Document 2, a beacon is attached to each field device within the plant, transmitting unique identification information. When a mobile terminal approaches a beacon and receives the beacon's unique identification information, the status of the field device (temperature, pressure, location, etc.) is displayed on the mobile terminal.

Japanese Patent Publication No. 2016-162334 Japanese Patent Publication No. 2018-085105

The well-known technologies described above are intended to prevent abnormalities and accidents or to manage the status of field equipment within a plant; they do not actually shorten the time required to resolve problems that may occur.

This invention was made to solve the above-mentioned problems and aims to provide a plant equipment management system that can shorten the time required to resolve problems occurring within a plant.

Embodiments of the present invention include a beacon positioned near a plurality of field devices to be managed and transmitting beacon identification information to identify itself; a portable computer terminal that establishes a communication connection with the beacon and acquires the beacon identification information; and a server device that is communicably connected to the portable computer terminal via a communication network. The server device has a database containing the beacon identification information, a plurality of field device identification information associated with the beacon identification information and identifying each of the plurality of field devices, and a plurality of trouble information associated with the plurality of field device identification information and containing trouble cases for each of the plurality of field devices. The portable computer terminal transmits the acquired beacon identification information to the server device. The server device sends a push notification to the portable computer terminal indicating that it can transmit information from the database in response to the received beacon identification information. In response to the push notification, the portable computer terminal sends a first request to the server device to extract and transmit the plurality of trouble information from the database. In response to the received first request, the server device extracts the plurality of trouble information and transmits it to the portable computer terminal.

According to one embodiment, a plant equipment management system is provided that can shorten the time required to resolve problems occurring within the plant.

This is a schematic block diagram illustrating a plant equipment management system according to the first embodiment. Figure 2(a) is a schematic plan view illustrating a part of a plant to which the plant equipment management system according to the first embodiment is applied. Figure 2(b) is a schematic enlarged view of part IIb of Figure 2(a). Figure 3(a) is a schematic diagram illustrating the functions of a server device, which is part of the plant equipment management system according to the first embodiment. Figure 3(b) is a schematic diagram illustrating the functions of a beacon, which is part of the plant equipment management system according to the first embodiment. Figure 3(c) is a schematic diagram illustrating the functions of a smart device, which is part of the plant equipment management system according to the first embodiment. This is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of the database function of a server device, which is part of the plant equipment management system according to the first embodiment. This is an example of an input data screen for explaining the input data function of a server device, which is part of the plant equipment management system according to the first embodiment. This is a schematic diagram illustrating the screen display function of a smart device, which is part of the plant equipment management system according to the first embodiment. This is an example of a schematic flowchart for explaining the operation of the plant equipment management system according to the first embodiment. This is a schematic diagram illustrating the database function of a server device, which is part of a plant equipment management system according to the second embodiment.

The embodiments will be described below with reference to the drawings.
Please note that the drawings are schematic or conceptual, and the relationships between the thickness and width of each part, as well as the ratios of the sizes of the parts, are not necessarily identical to those of reality. Furthermore, even when representing the same part, the dimensions and ratios may differ between drawings.
In this specification and in each figure, elements similar to those described above are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed explanations are omitted as appropriate.

(First embodiment)
Figure 1 is a schematic block diagram illustrating a plant equipment management system according to the first embodiment.
As shown in Figure 1, the plant equipment management system 100 according to this embodiment comprises a server device 1, a beacon 2, and a smart device (portable computer terminal) 3. The beacon 2 is positioned near field devices 20-1 to 20-n located within a pre-set area A in the plant. Field devices 20-1 to 20-n refer to measuring instruments and sensors that measure physical quantities related to the controlled objects of equipment and devices installed in the plant, or physical quantities at specific locations within the plant, and include, for example, flow meters and thermometers. Field devices 20-1 to 20-n also include operating devices for operating or driving equipment and devices in the plant, and may include, for example, pumps, motors, valves, etc.

Beacon 2 is connected to the smart device 3 so that they can communicate with each other. In Figure 1, one beacon 2 is shown, but as will be described later, there may be multiple beacons 2, placed near each of several pre-defined areas. When multiple areas are set, it is preferable that they do not overlap, so that the areas can be distinguished by the beacons 2.

Smart device 3 is connected to server device 1 via a communication network, enabling mutual communication. Smart device 3 is, for example, a portable or handheld computer terminal that can be carried by plant workers and moved around the plant with them. Smart device 3 can, for example, send requests to server device 1 through communication and browse data sent from server device 1 in response to those requests.

The communication network includes a wireless communication network, and in this example, it includes a wireless LAN router 4. The smart device 3 is not limited to one; multiple smart devices 3 may be provided, and multiple workers can each carry one of the smart devices 3. The wireless LAN router 4 connects the multiple smart devices 3 to the server device 1 so that they can communicate with each other. While the server device 1 and the wireless LAN router 4 can identify and communicate with each of the multiple smart devices 3, in the following description, unless otherwise specified, it will be assumed that only one smart device 3 is connected to the server device 1.

Server device 1 is a computer device, for example, located in the control room or electrical room within the plant. Server device 1 has a database. The database stored in server device 1 includes information about the area where beacons 2 are installed, information about field devices 20-1 to 20-n located in that area, and information about trouble cases and issues for each of the field devices 20-1 to 20-n.

Beacon 2 is pre-assigned identification information. Beacon 2 transmits its own identification information to smart device 3. As will be detailed later, beacon 2 can communicate with smart device 3 according to a short-range wireless communication protocol such as Bluetooth®. When smart device 3 enters the communication area of beacon 2, a connection is established between beacon 2 and smart device 3, enabling mutual communication.

The database on server device 1 associates the identification information of beacon 2 with information on field devices 20-1 to 20-n located within area A where beacon 2 is installed. Furthermore, this database can associate text data, video data, image data, etc., with each field device 20-1 to 20-n, as information regarding past trouble cases and pending issues.

When a worker approaches beacon 2 while carrying smart device 3, beacon 2 transmits its own identification information to smart device 3. Smart device 3 then transmits the received identification information of beacon 2 to server device 1. Server device 1 searches its database for the received identification information and extracts information associated with the retrieved identification information. The worker operates smart device 3 to select and receive the information extracted by server device 1. The information extracted by server device 1 and acquired by smart device 3 is information regarding trouble cases and issues of field devices 20-1 to 20-n located near beacon 2 that received the identification information. The worker can then refer to the acquired trouble cases, etc., and begin work related to identifying the cause of the failure on the spot.

The configuration and operation of the plant equipment management system 100 according to this embodiment will be described in more detail.
First, let me explain the placement of Beacon 2.
Figure 2(a) is a schematic plan view illustrating a part of a plant to which the plant equipment management system according to the first embodiment is applied. Figure 2(b) is a schematic enlarged view of part IIb of Figure 2(a).
The plant equipment management system 100 according to this embodiment is applied to a plant as shown in Figure 2(a). Figure 2(a) shows a map of one facility F within the plant, and facility F contains a machine M and rooms R1 to R4 such as an operation room and an electrical/instrumentation room. A safety passage P1 is provided between rooms R1 and R2 and the machine M, and a safety passage P2 is provided between rooms R3 and R4 and the machine M. Workers can move between safety passages P1 and P2 while carrying the smart device 3 shown in Figure 1.

In the example shown in Figure 2(a), an XY coordinate system consisting of the X and Y axes is provided to represent direction and position on the map. Machine M and rooms R1-R4 are arranged on the XY plane, which includes the X and Y axes, and safety passages P1 and P2 are located along the X axis. The X and Y axes may also be used to correspond to orientations to specify their respective positions on the map.

Within facility F, columns C1 to C5 are installed. Columns C1, C3, and C4 are positioned around machine M. Column C2 is positioned between rooms R1 and R2. Column C5 is positioned between rooms R3 and R4.

In the example shown in Figure 2(a), beacon 2 is placed on column C1. If multiple beacons are to be installed, they can be placed on other columns C2 to C5. Beacon 2 is not limited to columns; it can, of course, be placed in other locations, such as on the walls of a room.

Each beacon 2 corresponds to one area, and that area can contain multiple subdivided areas. In the example in Figure 2(b), one beacon 2 covers areas AA to AD, which are further subdivided from one area. The database stored in the server device 1 stores information on different field devices associated with each area AA to AD. For example, in the database, area AA has n field devices, area AB has m field devices, area AC has k field devices, and area AD has p field devices. While this example uses four subdivided areas, it is not limited to four; there could be two, three, five or more, or even a single area without subdivision, as long as the location of the field devices can be identified. For example, by associating links to actual map data with each area in the database, it becomes possible to know the approximate location of the field devices belonging to each subdivided area.

Next, we will explain the functions of the server device 1, beacon 2, and smart device 3.
Figure 3(a) is a schematic diagram illustrating the functions of a server device, which is part of the plant equipment management system according to the first embodiment.

Figure 3(a) is a schematic diagram illustrating the functions of a server device, which is part of the plant equipment management system according to the first embodiment. Figure 3(b) is a schematic diagram illustrating the functions of a beacon, which is part of the plant equipment management system according to the first embodiment. Figure 3(c) is a schematic diagram illustrating the functions of a smart device, which is part of the plant equipment management system according to the first embodiment.

As shown in Figure 3(a), the server device 1 has a database function 15, an input data function 16, a web server function 17, an API function 18, and a push notification function 19.

The database function 15 represents a database managed by the server device 1. The database may be stored in a storage device provided on the server device 1, or it may be stored in a storage device or data server connected to the server device 1 via a communication network.

The database function 15 stores information for identifying the area where beacons 2 and field devices 20-1 to 20-n are deployed, information for identifying field devices 20-1 to 20-n, and information regarding past trouble cases and issues for each of the field devices 20-1 to 20-n. In the database function 15, this information is stored in the database associated with the identification information of beacon 2.

The input data function 16 is a function for inputting various types of information into the database function 15. The information in the database function 15 is pre-entered by the input data function 16.

The web server function 17 is used to display information extracted from the database function 15 in a web browser. As described later, when a smart device 3 capable of browsing with a web browser accesses the server device 1, the smart device 3 can display the data transmitted by the web server function 17.

The API (Application Interface) function 18 is an interface function for searching and extracting desired information from the database of the database function 15.

The push notification function 19 is a function in which the server device 1 responds to the smart device 3 by receiving identification information of the beacon 2 and sending a notification to the smart device 3 indicating that the identification information has been received. Alternatively, the system may also send a notification to the smart device 3 when the identification information of the beacon 2 is found in the database.

Figure 3(b) is a schematic diagram illustrating the functions of a beacon, which is part of the plant equipment management system according to the first embodiment.
Beacon 2 has a Bluetooth communication function 21. Beacon 2 has been pre-paired and processed so that a communication connection is automatically established when a smart device 3 with Bluetooth communication functionality enters the communication range. The Bluetooth communication function 21 includes an identification information transmission function 22. The identification information transmission function 22 is a function that transmits identification information pre-set on beacon 2 using the Bluetooth protocol.

Beacon 2 operates using a button cell battery or dry cell battery as its power source. To reduce the frequency of battery replacement for Beacon 2, it is preferable to apply a low-power version of Bluetooth or similar to the communication standard used for Beacon 2. Furthermore, in this embodiment, multiple field devices can be associated with a single Beacon 2, allowing for the management of a larger number of field devices with fewer beacons, even in large plants. From the perspective of Beacon 2 management, this reduces the overall frequency of battery replacement, enabling higher productivity.

Figure 3(c) is a schematic diagram illustrating the functions of a smart device, which is part of the plant equipment management system according to the first embodiment.
Smart device 3 has a Bluetooth communication function 31, a beacon communication function 33, a request function 34, and a screen display function 35.

The Bluetooth communication function 31 includes a beacon detection function 32. The Bluetooth communication function 31 establishes communication with beacon 2 when it enters the beacon 2's communication range, as determined by the beacon detection function 32. The smart device 3 obtains the beacon 2's identification information from the beacon 2 through the communication established with the beacon, as determined by the beacon communication function 33.

The request function 34 is a function that performs communication with the server device 1. The request function 34 accesses the Web server function 17 of the server device 1 and requests the desired data. The smart device 3 displays the information extracted by the server device 1 on its screen using the screen display function 35.

The configuration of the database function 15 of the server device 1 will be described below.
Figure 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of the database function of a server device, which is part of the plant equipment management system according to the first embodiment.
As shown in Figure 4, the database function 15 includes location information 151, field device information 152, and trouble case/issue information 153.

Location information 151 includes identification information 151a and area information 151b for beacon 2. Identification information 151a is pre-set for each beacon 2. In the example in Figure 4, one piece of identification information 151a is assigned to one beacon 2. When multiple beacons are deployed, the identification information is set to allow for the identification of multiple beacons.

Area information 151b represents the location where beacon 2 is placed and is associated with the identification information of beacon 2. In this example, areas (A) to (D) correspond to areas AA to AD, respectively, as described in relation to Figures 2(a) and 2(b). Areas (A) to (D) are identified and specified, for example, by the XY coordinates shown in Figure 1. Alternatively, links to map information data are set for areas (A) to (D), and when each area is selected and a request is sent from smart device 3, the Web server function 17 of server device 1 sends the map information data or a link to it for the selected area to smart device 3.

Field device information 152 is information that identifies the field devices placed in each of areas (A) to (D). In this example, field devices (1) to (n) are associated with area (A). Field devices (1) to (n) correspond to field devices 20-1 to 20-n shown in Figure 1, respectively. Although not shown in Figure 4, area (B) to area (D) also have corresponding field devices associated with them. Note that the map information for each area may also include the location information of the field devices.

Trouble Case/Issues Information 153 contains information about trouble cases and issues for each field device. The Trouble Occurrence Date and Time column 153a contains the date and time the trouble occurred for the associated field device. The Trouble Cause column 153b contains the cause of the trouble for the associated field device. The Resolution Procedure column 153c contains information about the resolution procedure for the trouble of the associated field device. The Issues column 153d contains information about issues related to the trouble of the associated field device. The information in each of these columns is entered, for example, as text data. The Video/Image Data column 153e contains videos and image data related to the associated field device, or links to where such video data is located.

The aforementioned database already contains pre-filled information. The input data function 16 of the server device 1 is used to input this information.
Figure 5 is an example of an input data screen used to explain the input data function of a server device, which is part of the plant equipment management system according to the first embodiment.
Figure 5 shows the input data screen 161 representing the input data function 16 of the server device 1. The operator of the server device 1 displays the input data screen 161 using the input data function 16 on the server device 1 and inputs various information into the database.

As shown in Figure 5, the input data screen 161 displays a field device information display field 161a and an input data field 161b. The field device information display field 161a displays the identification information of the field device. This identification information is, for example, text data representing the model number and functions of the field device. In this example, the identification information of n field devices is displayed, and selecting (clicking) any of them displays the input data field 161b related to that field device.

The "1. Trouble Occurrence Date and Time" field 161b1 corresponds to the Trouble Occurrence Date and Time field 153a in Figure 4. Field 161b1 contains information regarding the date and time the trouble occurred for the selected field device. The "2. Trouble Cause" field 161b2 corresponds to the Trouble Cause field 153b in Figure 4. Field 161b2 contains information regarding the cause of the trouble for the selected field device. The "3. Resolution Procedure" field 161b3 corresponds to the Resolution Procedure field 153c in Figure 4. Field 161b3 contains information regarding the resolution procedure for the trouble of the selected field device. The "4. Issues" field 161b4 corresponds to the Issues field 153d in Figure 4. Field 161b4 contains information regarding issues related to the selected field device. The "5. Video/Image Data" field 161b5 corresponds to the Video/Image Data field 153e in Figure 4. Column 161b5 is where video and image data related to the selected field device are entered.

Furthermore, location information and field device information can also be linked and entered using the input data function 16. In cases where there is multiple trouble reports for a single field device, the database function 15 will be pre-entered with this information. The specific examples of the database function 15 and input data function 16 are merely examples and are not limited to those examples.

The push notification function 19 of the server device 1 will be described below.
Figure 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating the screen display function of a smart device, which is part of the plant equipment management system according to the first embodiment.
Figure 6 schematically shows the screen 3a of the smart device 3. As shown in Figure 6, when the server device 1 receives identification information of the beacon 2 from the smart device 3, it has a push notification function 19 that notifies the smart device 3 that it has received the information. As shown in Figure 6, the notification sent by the push notification function 19 is displayed on the screen 3a of the smart device 3. The wording of the notification sent by the push notification function 19 is pre-set. The notification sent by the push notification function 19 is not limited to text data, but may also be audio data, image data, or a combination of these.

The push notification function 19 may also send a notification to the smart device 3 indicating that the identification information of the beacon 2 received from the smart device 3 has been found in the database. Furthermore, the push notification function 19 may send a notification to the smart device 3 indicating that field device information 152 containing data for trouble cases/concerning issues 153 exists in the database. These notifications may be sent individually, or they may be sent sequentially.

Next, the operation of the plant equipment management system 100 according to this embodiment will be described.
Figure 7 is an example of a schematic flowchart illustrating the operation of the plant equipment management system according to the first embodiment.
Using Figure 7, the operation of the plant equipment management system 100 when a problem occurs near column C1 in Figure 2 will be explained. The numbers in parentheses in Figure 7 represent the steps of operation of the plant equipment management system 100, with smaller numbers indicating that the processing steps progress from larger numbers. In Figure 7, a wireless LAN router 4 is provided in the communication path between the server device 1 and the smart device 3. The wireless LAN router 4 performs mutual conversion between data transmitted via wireless communication and data transmitted via wired communication, but the information is exchanged between the server device 1 and the smart device 3.

As shown in Figure 7, the Bluetooth communication function 21 of beacon 2 is activated, and in procedure (1), the identification information transmission function 22 transmits the identification information of beacon 2.

When the smart device 3 carried by the worker enters the communication range of beacon 2, in procedure (2), the smart device 3 activates its beacon communication function 33 via the beacon detection function 32. When the communication function of beacon 2 is Bluetooth, as in this example, the communication range of beacon 2 is approximately several tens of meters.

In step (3), the beacon communication function 33 receives the identification information of beacon 2 from beacon 2 and transmits the received identification information of beacon 2 to the server device 1.

In step (4), the API function 18 of the server device 1 searches the database of the database function 15 to extract the identification information of the beacon 2 received from the smart device 3.

In step (5), the API function 18 of the server device 1 passes the extracted identification information to the push notification function 19.

In step (6), the push notification function 19 of the server device 1 sends a push notification to the smart device 3 indicating that there is information regarding the area of pillar C1. The screen display function 35 of the smart device 3 displays the received push notification on screen 3a.

In step (7), the worker carrying the smart device 3 taps screen 3a, which displays the received push notification.

In step (8), the request function 34 of the smart device 3 requests the server device 1 for area information 151b associated with the identification information of the beacon 2. In this example, the area information 151b includes information for areas (A) to (D).

In step (9), the API function 18 of the server device 1 extracts information from the database for each area information 151b associated with the identification information of the beacon 2. If maps are associated with each area (A) to area (D), these maps are extracted.

In step (10), the Web server function 17 of the server device 1 transmits the extracted area information 151b to the smart device 3. In this example, the extracted area information 151b is information for areas (A) to (D).

In step (11), the smart device 3 receives area information 151b. If the area information 151b includes map information, the screen display function 35 of the smart device 3 displays the received map information on the screen 3a of the smart device 3. The worker carrying the smart device 3 taps to select the desired map, for example, the map of area (A).

In step (12), the request function 34 of the smart device 3 sends a message to the server device 1 indicating that area (A) has been selected.

In procedure (13), the API function 18 of the server device 1 extracts the field device information 152 associated with area (A).

In step (14), the Web server function 17 of the server device 1 transmits the extracted field device information 152 to the smart device 3.

In step (15), the smart device 3 receives field device information 152 and displays the received field device information 152 using the screen display function 35. The worker carrying the smart device 3 taps and selects the desired field device from the received field device information 152.

In step (16), the request function 34 of the smart device 3 transmits information identifying the selected field device to the server device 1.

In procedure (17), the API function 18 of the server device 1 extracts trouble case/issue information 153 associated with the selected field device.

In procedure (18), the Web server function 17 of the server device 1 transmits the extracted trouble case/issue information 153 to the smart device 3. This allows the worker carrying the smart device 3 to access the desired information more quickly at the site where the trouble occurred.

The effects of the plant equipment management system 100 according to this embodiment will be explained.
The plant equipment management system 100 according to this embodiment includes a server device 1, which has a database containing field equipment trouble case and issue information 153 associated with the identification information of a beacon 2. The plant equipment management system 100 also includes a smart device 3 that is communicatively connected to the beacon 2, and the smart device 3 can acquire the identification information of the beacon 2 by communicating with the beacon 2. The smart device 3 transmits the acquired identification information of the beacon 2 to the server device 1, and the server device 1 transmits the field equipment trouble case and issue information 153 associated with the identification information of the beacon 2 to the smart device 3. The beacon 2 can be placed near where the field equipment is located. Therefore, a worker carrying the smart device 3 can quickly and easily obtain the associated field equipment trouble case and issue information 153 by approaching the beacon 2. Based on the obtained field equipment trouble case and issue information 153, the worker can perform troubleshooting work, enabling the rapid resolution of problems.

In the plant equipment management system 100 according to this embodiment, field devices are managed on a plant area basis. Specifically, the database of the plant equipment management system 100 can associate information from multiple field devices with the identification information of a single beacon via the area. This eliminates the need to place a beacon for each field device, reduces the burden of maintenance such as beacon power replacement, and contributes to improved productivity.

The database of server device 1 can associate multiple areas with the identification information 151a of beacon 2, and field devices can be associated with each area. This makes it easier to narrow down information about desired field devices, thus reducing the time required for information gathering.

The database can include not only text data but also video and image data. By linking map data containing image data to area information 151b, the actual locations of deployed field equipment can be identified, contributing to shorter investigation times. Including video and image data in trouble case/concern information 153 makes it easier and quicker to understand the situation, including trouble phenomena and countermeasures that might be difficult to grasp from text data alone.

Server device 1 has a push notification function 19 that sends notifications according to the situation based on data associated with the identification information of beacon 2 in the database. This allows for the collection of necessary information at the location of the push notification, reducing the time required for information investigation and contributing to the rapid resolution of problems.

(Second embodiment)
The database managed by server device 1 can include the other information mentioned above, and can also include keywords related to trouble cases and pending issues.
Figure 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating the database function of a server device, which is part of a plant equipment management system according to the second embodiment.
As shown in Figure 8, the database managed by the database function 251 of the server device 1 of the plant equipment management system according to this embodiment includes keyword information 254 associated with area information. The keyword information 254 may include multiple keywords 254a. The keywords 254a are extracted in advance from trouble case/pending issue information 153 and set as keyword information 254.

As in this example, the keyword information 254 has n keywords 254a assigned to it, and a single keyword 254a is not limited to relating to one type of field device, but can relate to multiple types of field devices.

A plant equipment management system equipped with a server device having the database function 251 described above operates as follows:

In other words, in the procedure (12) described in relation to Figure 7, after the request function 34 of the smart device 3 transmits the selected area information to the server device 1, the API function 18 of the server device 1 extracts the keyword 254a associated with the area information.

Subsequently, the Web server function 17 of server device 1 transmits keyword information 254 associated with the selected area information to smart device 3. The smart device's screen display function 35 displays each keyword 254a of the keyword information 254 on the screen 3a of smart device 3.

The worker carrying the smart device 3 taps and selects the desired keyword 254a from the keywords 254a displayed on screen 3a. The beacon communication function 33 of the smart device 3 transmits the selected keyword 254a to the server device 1.

The API function 18 of server device 1 extracts field devices (1) and field devices (2) associated with the selected keyword 254a from the field device information 152. The Web server function 17 of server device 1 transmits information identifying the extracted field devices (1) and field devices (2) to the smart device 3.

In this embodiment, the plant equipment management system operates as described above, allowing the smart device 3 to receive field device information 152 that is limited to field devices (1) and field devices (2) associated with the keyword. Therefore, the time required to find desired trouble cases and pending issues is reduced.

In this way, a plant equipment management system can be realized that can shorten the time required to resolve problems that occur within the plant.

While several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included within the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as within the scope of the invention and its equivalents as described in the claims.

1…Server device, 2…Beacon, 3…Smart device, 4…Wireless LAN router, 15, 251…Database, 16…Input data function, 17…Web server function, 18…API function, 19…Push notification function, 20-1 to 20-n…Field device, 21, 31…Bluetooth communication function, 22…Identification information transmission function, 32…Beacon detection function, 33…Beacon communication function, 34…Request function, 35…Screen display function, 100…Plant equipment management system, 151…Location information, 152…Field device information, 153…Trouble case/pending issue information, 161…Input data screen

Claims (3)

A beacon is placed near multiple field devices under management and transmits beacon identification information to identify itself,
A portable computer terminal that establishes a communication connection with the beacon and acquires the beacon identification information,
A server device that is connected to the aforementioned portable computer terminal via a communication network,
Equipped with,
The server device has a database containing the beacon identification information, a plurality of field device identification information associated with the beacon identification information and each identifying the plurality of field devices, and a plurality of trouble information associated with the plurality of field device identification information and each including trouble cases of the plurality of field devices.
The portable computer terminal transmits the acquired beacon identification information to the server device.
The server device sends a push notification to the portable computer terminal indicating that it is able to transmit information from the database in response to the received beacon identification information.
The portable computer terminal, in response to the push notification, sends a first request to the server device to extract and transmit the multiple trouble information from the database.
The server device is a plant equipment management system that, in response to the received first request, extracts the plurality of trouble information and transmits it to the portable computer terminal. The database includes first area identification information that identifies a first area set according to the placement positions of the plurality of field devices, and second area identification information that identifies a second area.
The first area and the second area are defined as different regions,
The first area identification information and the second area identification information are associated with the beacon identification information, respectively.
Some of the aforementioned field devices are associated with the first area identification information,
The remaining of the aforementioned field devices are associated with the second area identification information.
The server device transmits the first area identification information and the second area identification information to the portable computer terminal in response to the first request.
The portable computer terminal transmits a second request to the server device to select either the received first area identification information or the second area identification information.
The plant equipment management system according to claim 1, wherein the server device transmits a portion of the plurality of trouble information associated with the information selected by the received second request. The database has keyword information containing multiple keywords, which are text data extracted from the multiple trouble information.
The keyword information is associated with the beacon identification information,
Among the multiple field devices, the field device that shares the keyword information is associated with the keyword information.
The server device transmits the keyword information to the portable computer terminal in response to the first request.
The portable computer terminal transmits a third request to the server device to select the plurality of keywords.
The plant equipment management system according to claim 1, wherein the server device transmits a portion of the plurality of trouble information associated with the information selected by the received third request.