KR102685751B1 - Smart factory system based on cloud computing - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a smart factory system based on cloud computing, which is attached to operating equipment in the factory, converts heterogeneous sensor protocols into one integrated standard protocol, and provides information from at least one sensor mounted on the operating equipment. At least one smart device that collects and integrates sensor data and then provides integrated sensor data; A cloud server that collects and manages integrated sensor data transmitted from the smart device through a network, analyzes the integrated sensor data, and provides event information including identification information and status information of the operating equipment in which the abnormal situation occurs when an abnormal situation occurs; and a user terminal that is connected to a cloud server or smart device through the network, monitors the integrated sensor data in real time, and performs a status check function of the corresponding operating equipment when the event information is received.

Description

Smart factory system based on cloud computing

The present invention relates to a smart factory system based on cloud computing that can monitor real-time sensor data.

The content described in this part simply provides background information on an embodiment of the present invention and does not constitute prior art.

A smart factory is not a simple automated factory, but an intelligent factory designed to collect data and issue work orders on its own by integrating the entire process of product planning, design, production, distribution, and sales with ICT (information and communication technology). You can. With the development of digital technologies such as artificial intelligence, Internet of Things (IoT), and big data, the manufacturing industry is also maximizing manufacturing efficiency, which is an innovation in manufacturing that incorporates the latest technology.

Specifically, Smart Factory is based on applying the latest digital technologies such as artificial intelligence, IoT, big data, cyber-physical systems, and embedded operating systems to the entire process of product planning, design, production, distribution, and sales.

The components of this smart factory largely consist of applications, platforms, devices, and networks. The application is a software system at the top of the smart factory solution and is a technology that executes the manufacturing process on the platform and analyzes and visualizes the collected data. The platform plays the role of delivering information collected by the devices of the smart factory solution to the application and is a technology that analyzes the data collected by the devices and selects optimized information. Lastly, devices and networks are the hardware systems at the bottom of a smart factory and refer to technologies that detect data and information about all situations that occur within the factory and transmit them to the upper system.

1 is a diagram illustrating a smart factory system according to an embodiment of the prior art.

As shown in Figure 1, the smart factory system is a form of building a server within a manufacturing company and providing services, which incurs the cost of building the manufacturing company's own server and the burden of hiring IT experts for continuous management of the system. This exists.

In addition, in order for this smart factory system to be further developed and activated, users must be able to receive various smart factory services such as cloud, Internet of Things, energy saving, smart sensors, CPS, and big data at low cost. However, currently, users must have all the resources such as servers, storage, networks, and software related to various services to implement a smart factory, so there is a problem that a lot of cost is incurred to implement a smart factory, and the learning period is also excessive. Therefore, it is difficult for small and medium-sized manufacturing companies to apply ICT technology to industrial sites.

In addition, since the sensor device applied to the smart factory system is designed to communicate only with the object of a specific facility, in this case, when an object to be controlled and measured is added, the sensor device is adapted to the added object. There is a problem that requires redesign and development.

Republic of Korea Patent No. 10-2094511 (Title of invention: Cloud-based smart factory production operation management system)

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention is attached to operating equipment such as small factories, new factories, and factories using existing sensor devices according to an embodiment of the present invention, so that sensor data of the operating equipment can be monitored in real time. The purpose is to provide a smart factory system based on cloud computing.

However, the technical challenge that this embodiment aims to achieve is not limited to the technical challenges described above, and other technical challenges may exist.

As a technical means for achieving the above-described technical problem, the cloud computing-based smart factory system according to an embodiment of the present invention is attached to operating equipment in the factory and converts heterogeneous sensor protocols into one integrated standard protocol. At least one smart device that collects and integrates sensor data from at least one sensor mounted on the operating equipment and then provides integrated sensor data; A cloud server that collects and manages integrated sensor data transmitted from the smart device through a network, analyzes the integrated sensor data, and provides event information including identification information and status information of the operating equipment in which the abnormal situation occurs when an abnormal situation occurs; and a user terminal that is connected to a cloud server or smart device through the network, monitors the integrated sensor data in real time, and performs a status check function of the corresponding operating equipment when the event information is received.

According to one aspect of the present invention, the cloud server stores unique identification information for the smart device, sets a data transmission method including a preset sensor list and transmission cycle for each smart device, and the user terminal After performing user authentication upon connection, a web page is provided that allows real-time monitoring of sensor data according to the access rights of the user terminal.

According to one aspect of the present invention, the smart device includes a communication unit that performs wireless communication with an external device including the cloud server; a communication interface unit that converts and provides heterogeneous sensor protocols into one integrated standard protocol; a sensor unit connected through the communication interface unit and including at least one sensor that detects environmental information including temperature and humidity; A control unit that integrates the sensor data detected by the sensor unit and performs a function of providing integrated sensor data, and is equipped with an algorithm for controlling each component in the smart device; and a TFT-LCD that performs a communication setting function for sensors added or deleted in the sensor unit according to a user's input command and displays data according to the control of the control unit.

According to one aspect of the present invention, the smart device includes a power supply unit that provides driving power; And a driving button unit that performs an operation execution function including an on/off operation of the power unit, an operation of the TFT-LCD or sensor unit, and an initialization operation function by a user's manipulation.

According to one aspect of the present invention, the smart device turns on the blower fan in the operating equipment when environmental information including temperature and humidity among the integrated sensor data of the smart device is greater than a preset first threshold under the control of the control unit. It further includes a relay unit that performs an /off function and stops operation of the operating equipment when the environmental information is higher than a preset second threshold.

The control unit includes a time synchronization module that provides time for time synchronization; a data storage module that stores sensor data received from the sensor unit together with the time provided by the time synchronization module; a data processing module that integrates the sensor data stored in the data storage module into integrated sensor data at the time provided by the time synchronization module and provides the integrated sensor data to the cloud server; and an algorithm execution module that controls each component by executing the loaded algorithm to support the smart factory function.

According to one aspect of the present invention, the standard protocol is a serial communication protocol including RS-232, RS-422, RS-485, and I2C (Inter-Integrated Circuit).

According to the above-described means of solving the problem of the present invention, the present invention utilizes a smart device that can convert various sensors, displays, and various heterogeneous sensor protocols into one integrated standard protocol to provide a smart factory function in a simple and inexpensive way. It can be implemented at a low cost, and even if you are not a smart factory expert, you can manage a lot of operating equipment in the factory with a small number of people. Even without introducing expensive hardware or software, you can monitor sensor data and emergency situations through user terminals using smart devices. This has the effect of allowing users to quickly recognize emergency events when a situation occurs.

1 is a diagram illustrating a smart factory system according to an embodiment of the prior art.
Figure 2 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a cloud computing-based smart factory system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 3 is an example diagram illustrating the application of a cloud computing-based smart factory system in a factory site according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 4 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a smart device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 5 is an exemplary diagram explaining the appearance of a smart device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 6 is a diagram explaining the configuration of a control unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 7 is a diagram explaining the regional operation status of a cloud computing-based smart factory system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 8 is an example diagram illustrating a monitoring screen of a cloud server according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 9 is an example diagram illustrating a monitoring screen in a user terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Below, with reference to the attached drawings, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail so that those skilled in the art can easily implement the present invention. However, the present invention may be implemented in many different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. In order to clearly explain the present invention in the drawings, parts unrelated to the description are omitted, and similar parts are given similar reference numerals throughout the specification.

Throughout the specification, when a part is said to be “connected” to another part, this includes not only cases where it is “directly connected” but also cases where it is “electrically connected” with another element in between. . In addition, when a part is said to "include" a certain component, this does not mean excluding other components unless specifically stated to the contrary, but may further include other components and one or more other features. It should be understood that it does not exclude in advance the presence or addition of numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

In this specification, a ‘terminal’ may be a wireless communication device that guarantees portability and mobility, and may be any type of handheld-based wireless communication device such as a smart phone, tablet PC, or laptop, for example. Additionally, the ‘terminal’ may be a wired communication device such as a PC that can connect to another terminal or server through a network. In addition, a network refers to a connection structure that allows information exchange between nodes such as terminals and servers, including a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), and the Internet (WWW). : World Wide Web), wired and wireless data communication networks, telephone networks, and wired and wireless television communication networks.

Examples of wireless data communication networks include 3G, 4G, 5G, 3GPP (3rd Generation Partnership Project), LTE (Long Term Evolution), WIMAX (World Interoperability for Microwave Access), Wi-Fi, Bluetooth communication, infrared communication, and ultrasound. This includes, but is not limited to, communication, Visible Light Communication (VLC), LiFi, etc.

The following examples are detailed descriptions to aid understanding of the present invention and do not limit the scope of the present invention. Therefore, inventions of the same scope and performing the same function as the present invention will also fall within the scope of rights of the present invention.

Additionally, each configuration, process, process, or method included in each embodiment of the present invention may be shared within the scope of not being technically contradictory to each other.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

Figure 2 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a cloud computing-based smart factory system according to an embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the cloud computing-based smart factory system applied within a factory site according to an embodiment of the present invention. This is an example diagram explaining the state.

2 and 3, the cloud computing-based smart factory system includes, but is not limited to, at least one smart device 100, a cloud server 200, and a user terminal 300.

The smart device 100 is intended to support the functions of the smart factory, is attached to various operating equipment 10 in the factory, converts heterogeneous sensor protocols into one integrated standard protocol, and provides operating equipment 10. After collecting and integrating sensor data from at least one sensor mounted on the , the integrated sensor data is provided to the cloud server 200. Here, the operating equipment 10 may be a vehicle operated at a smart farm or factory site, a smart IoT terminal, unit equipment or facilities, automation equipment, refrigeration equipment, etc.

The cloud server 200 collects and manages integrated sensor data transmitted from the smart device 100 through a network, and analyzes the integrated sensor data to provide identification information and status information of the operating equipment 10 in which the abnormal situation occurs when an abnormal situation occurs. Event information including is provided to the user terminal 300. This cloud server 200 connects not only sensor data such as temperature and humidity, but also aggregated data from sensors to a production management system, quality management system, facility management system, energy management and safety management system, and logistics management system to create a smart factory. It can be used as data.

The cloud server 200 stores identification information such as ID, installation location, and attached operating equipment information for the smart device 100, and sets a data transmission method including a preset sensor list and transmission cycle for each smart device. It is provided to the user terminal 300.

The cloud server 200 may be a server computer body in the general sense, or may be implemented as various types of devices that can perform the role of a server. Specifically, the cloud server 200 may be implemented in a computing device including a communication module (not shown), memory (not shown), processor (not shown), and database (not shown), such as a smartphone, TV, or PDA. , can be implemented in tablet PCs, PCs, laptop PCs, and other user terminal devices.

The user terminal 300 monitors integrated sensor data in real time by communicating with the cloud server 200 or the smart device 100 through a network, and performs a function of checking the status of the corresponding operating equipment when event information is received. This user terminal 300 receives and runs an application for the smart factory function provided by the cloud server 200, and through the application, the user (or administrator) can easily connect to the smart device 100 and 1:N. Allows monitoring of sensor data.

Figure 4 is a block diagram explaining the configuration of a smart device according to an embodiment of the present invention, Figure 5 is an exemplary diagram explaining the appearance of a smart device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 6 is a block diagram of the present invention. This is a diagram explaining the configuration of the control unit according to one embodiment.

4 to 6, the smart device 100 is a device equipped with various sensor functions, display functions, and communication functions, and includes a communication unit 110, a communication interface unit 120, a sensor unit 130, and a control unit ( 140), TFT-LCD (display unit) 150, power unit 160, drive button unit 170, and relay unit 180, but is not limited thereto.

The communication unit 110 performs wireless communication with external devices, including the cloud server 200, and provides a communication interface necessary to provide transmission and reception signals between the cloud server 200 or the user terminal 300 in the form of packet data. do. Here, the communication unit 110 may be a device that includes hardware and software necessary to transmit and receive signals such as control signals or data signals through wired or wireless connections with other network devices.

The communication interface unit 120 converts heterogeneous sensor protocols into one integrated standard protocol and includes a plurality of connectors for sensor connection. At this time, the standard protocol can be a serial communication protocol including RS-232, RS-422, RS-485, and I2C (Inter-Integrated Circuit). In particular, the RS-485 communication protocol is a communication widely used in industrial equipment and can transmit and receive data by communicating with the control unit 140. The I2 C communication protocol is a serial communication protocol that can be easily used through predefined commands for data from industrial equipment or externally added sensors.

The sensor unit 130 is connected through the communication interface unit 120 and includes at least one sensor that detects environmental information including temperature and humidity. The sensor unit 130 may include, but is not limited to, a temperature sensor (PT-100, K-type temperature sensor, etc.), a temperature and humidity sensor (SHT 10, etc.), and may include a vibration sensor, an optical sensor, a current sensor, and a proximity sensor. , a position sensor, etc. may be further included.

The control unit 140 performs a function of providing integrated sensor data by integrating sensor data detected by the sensor unit 130, and is equipped with an algorithm for controlling each component within the smart device 100. This control unit 140 may have a built-in communication unit 110 for short-range communication modules such as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, and may transmit data to the cloud server 200 through a short-range communication network.

Therefore, an access point (AP) 250 is placed between the smart device 100 and the cloud server 200, and the AP 250 is connected to the smart device 100 via Wi-Fi and via wireless Internet. It connects to the cloud server 200 and acts as a relay for data transmission.

Conventional integrated sensor devices can only process the sensor protocol programmed in hardware, or there is the inconvenience of having to install the sensor by modifying the firmware to suit the type of sensor and specifications provided by the company. At this time, when installing a sensor by modifying the firmware, a situation may occur in which operating equipment in operation at the factory site is stopped, which may cause disruptions in production management, logistics management, and quality control.

However, in the present invention, even if the sensor protocol is different, all sensors using the standard protocol can be connected to establish communication settings that match the protocol of the newly connected sensor in the cloud server. Accordingly, the additional power supply unit 160 of the present invention provides the driving power required for the smart device 100. At this time, the power unit 160 checks the remaining battery power and, if it is below a preset threshold, reduces the power required for the TFT-LCD 150 or the communication unit 110, and performs the necessary functions of the sensor unit 130 and the control unit 140. Power saving mode can be performed so that only minimal functions are run.

The drive button unit 170 performs operation execution functions including an on/off operation of the power unit 160, an operation for the TFT-LCD 150 or the sensor unit 130, and an initialization operation function by the user's manipulation.

The relay unit 180 can perform an automatic on/off function of the operating equipment when an abnormal situation occurs under the control of the control unit 140. For example, the relay unit 180 performs an on/off function of the blowing fan in the operating equipment when the environmental information including temperature and humidity among the integrated sensor data is greater than a preset first threshold, and the environmental information is set to the preset first threshold. 2 If the value is above the threshold or the replacement cycle of accessories has been reached, the operation of the operating equipment 10 can be stopped.

Additionally, the relay unit 180 may turn off the sensor function for a sensor in a malfunction among the sensors of the sensor unit 130 and turn on the sensor function when a sensor in a normal state is added to the corresponding line.

Case 101 includes a communication unit 110, a communication interface unit 120, a sensor unit 130, a control unit 140, a TFT-LCD (150), a power unit 160, a driving button unit 170, and a relay unit ( 180), and is made of a material that is resistant to temperature, humidity, shock, and vibration.

Meanwhile, the smart device 100 may further include LEDs that display the current status.

Meanwhile, as shown in FIG. 6, the control unit 140 includes, but is not limited to, a time synchronization module 141, a data storage module 142, a data processing module 143, and an algorithm execution module 144. .

The time synchronization module 141 provides time for time synchronization, and the data storage module 142 stores sensor data received from the sensor unit 130 together with the time provided by the time synchronization module 141.

The data processing module 143 integrates the sensor data stored in the data storage module into integrated sensor data at the time provided by the time synchronization module and provides it to the cloud server 200 at a preset transmission cycle.

The algorithm execution module 144 controls each component by executing an algorithm to support the smart factory function of the cloud computing-based smart factory system. The algorithm execution module 144 operates an algorithm for driving a sensor connected to the smart device 100, an algorithm for the communication setting function of the sensor through the communication interface unit 120, and a relay unit 180 with a trigger function. Algorithms for processing, sensor data processing, and communication can be appropriately executed, and each algorithm can be updated periodically. In particular, if there is sensor data indicating an abnormal situation among the sensor data, the algorithm execution module 144 may transmit the sensor data directly to the cloud server 200 regardless of the transmission cycle.

At this time, the memory (not shown) stores all algorithms to support the smart factory function of the cloud computing-based smart factory system and performs the function of temporarily or permanently storing data processed by the data storage module 142. . Here, the memory may include volatile storage media or non-volatile storage media, but the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto.

The modules described above are only an example for explaining the present invention, and are not limited thereto and may be implemented in various modifications. Additionally, at least a portion of the algorithm may be implemented in software, firmware, hardware, or a combination of at least two or more thereof, and may include a module, program, routine, instruction set, or process for performing one or more functions.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating the regional operation status of a cloud computing-based smart factory system according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 8 is an exemplary diagram illustrating a monitoring screen of a cloud server according to an embodiment of the present invention. , Figure 9 is an example diagram illustrating a monitoring screen in a user terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIGS. 7 to 9, the cloud server 200 can collect various sensor data within the factory site for each region through the smart device 100, and status and environmental information of the operating equipment to which the smart device 100 is attached. (temperature, humidity, etc.) can be collected and managed. This cloud server 200 can systematically classify and manage data on factories scattered across regions and operating equipment for each factory.

At this time, the smart device 100 requests a sensor list from the cloud server 200 through server API communication and transmits integrated sensor data at each transmission cycle set by the server. Meanwhile, the cloud server 200 provides a list of sensors upon request from the smart device 100 and transmits data communication methods such as transmission cycles. In addition, the cloud server 200 sets relay operation conditions (temperature/humidity threshold, replacement cycle of operating equipment accessories, etc.) to the device 100 and then transmits the relay operation status.

As shown in FIG. 7, when the user terminal 300 connects, the cloud server 200 is a factory capable of real-time monitoring of sensor data according to the user access authority after authenticating whether the user terminal 300 is an authorized user. Provides web pages for all, limited factory sites, and limited operating equipment within the factory site. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 8, the user terminal 300 can check whether the smart device 100 installed on the operating equipment 10 is operating normally, and can monitor sensor data transmitted from the smart device 100 in real time. This allows you to quickly respond to accidents or dangerous situations.

The user terminal 300 can store sensor data, output reports using Excel or graphs, and output event information for risk notifications through an application for the smart factory function provided by the cloud server 200. there is.

The embodiments of the present invention described above can also be implemented in the form of a recording medium containing instructions executable by a computer, such as program modules executed by a computer. Such recording media includes computer-readable media, which can be any available media that can be accessed by a computer and includes both volatile and non-volatile media, removable and non-removable media. Computer-readable media also includes computer storage media, both volatile and non-volatile implemented in any method or technology for storage of information such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data. , includes both removable and non-removable media.

The description of the present invention described above is for illustrative purposes, and those skilled in the art will understand that the present invention can be easily modified into other specific forms without changing the technical idea or essential features of the present invention. will be. Therefore, the embodiments described above should be understood in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. For example, each component described as single may be implemented in a distributed manner, and similarly, components described as distributed may also be implemented in a combined form.

The scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims described below rather than the detailed description above, and all changes or modified forms derived from the meaning and scope of the claims and their equivalent concepts should be construed as being included in the scope of the present invention. do.

100: Smart device
110: Department of Communications
120: Communication interface unit
130: sensor unit
140: control unit
150: TFT-LCD
160: power unit
170: Driving button part
180: relay unit
200: Cloud server
300: user terminal

Claims (3)

In a cloud computing-based smart factory system,
It is attached to the operating equipment in the factory, converts heterogeneous sensor protocols into one integrated standard protocol, collects and integrates sensor data from at least one sensor mounted on the operating equipment, and provides integrated sensor data. At least one smart device;
A cloud server that collects and manages integrated sensor data transmitted from the smart device through a network, analyzes the integrated sensor data, and provides event information including identification information and status information of the operating equipment in which the abnormal situation occurs when an abnormal situation occurs; and
A user terminal that is connected to a cloud server or smart device through the network, monitors the integrated sensor data in real time, and performs a status check function of the corresponding operating equipment when the event information is received;
The smart device is,
a time synchronization module that provides time for time synchronization; a data storage module that stores sensor data received from the sensor unit together with the time provided by the time synchronization module; a data processing module that integrates the sensor data stored in the data storage module into the integrated sensor data at the time provided by the time synchronization module and provides the integrated sensor data to the cloud server; and a control unit consisting of an algorithm execution module that controls each component by executing an algorithm mounted to support the smart factory function,
The cloud server is,
Stores unique identification information for the smart device, sets a data transmission method including a preset sensor list and transmission cycle for each smart device,
A smart factory system based on cloud computing that performs user authentication when the user terminal connects and then provides a web page that allows real-time monitoring of sensor data according to the access rights of the user terminal. According to paragraph 1,
An access point is placed between the smart device and the cloud server, and the access point is connected to the smart device via Wi-Fi, and connects to the cloud server through wireless Internet to serve as a relay for data transmission. Smart factory system based on cloud computing. According to paragraph 1,
The smart device is,
a communication unit that performs wireless communication with external devices including the cloud server;
a communication interface unit that converts the heterogeneous sensor protocols into the single integrated standard protocol and provides it;
The sensor unit is connected through the communication interface unit and includes at least one sensor that detects environmental information including temperature and humidity;
The control unit performs a function of providing the integrated sensor data by integrating the sensor data detected by the sensor unit, and is equipped with the algorithm for controlling each component in the smart device; and
A cloud computing-based smart factory that performs a communication setting function for sensors added or deleted in the sensor unit according to a user's input command and includes a TFT-LCD that displays data according to the control of the control unit. system.