INSPECTION RESULT UPDATE CONTROL METHOD, INSPECTION RESULT STORAGE CONTROL METHOD, INSPECTION RESULT UPDATE CONTROL SYSTEM, AND INSPECTION RESULT STORAGE CONTROL SYSTEM

An inspection result update control method includes performing control to accept updating an inspection result of an inspection subject included in an inspection set from a first terminal having initially downloaded data for inputting inspection results of the inspection set and control to restrict updating an inspection result of the inspection subject from a second terminal when the data for inputting the inspection results of the inspection set are downloaded, the inspection subjects being inspected in a predefined inspection order; and performing control to accept updating an individual inspection result of an inspection subject from the first terminal having initially downloaded data for inputting individual inspection results of the individual inspection subjects as well as accepting updating an individual inspection result of the individual inspection subject from the second terminal when data for inputting the individual inspection results of the individual inspection subjects are downloaded.

FIELD

The disclosures discussed herein relate to an inspection result update control method, an inspection result storage control method, an inspection result update control system, and an inspection result storage control system.

BACKGROUND

There are systems for assisting facility inspection work conducted in plants or the like known in the art. In such systems, various types of accompanying information including inspection results input in terminal apparatuses may be uploaded to servers in association with pointers indicating inspection parts in inspection routes illustrated in a map. In addition, there is also known in the art a technology to determine whether to allow uploading from a user's terminal to a server.

In the above-described related art systems, inspections performed with respect to pointers include a type of inspection allowable to receive uploading of inspection results from two or more users and a type of inspection allowable to receive uploading of an inspection from only one user. In such a case, the systems need to update the inspection results in accordance with the types of the inspections in order to prevent mismatch of data in the inspection results.

Patent Document

SUMMARY

According to an aspect of an embodiment, there is provided an inspection result update control method that includes performing control to accept updating an inspection result of an inspection subject included in an inspection set from a first terminal that has initially downloaded data for use in inputting inspection results of the inspection set, the inspection set including a plurality of inspection subjects, and performing control to restrict updating an inspection result of the inspection subject from a second terminal when the data for use in inputting the inspection results of the inspection set including the plurality of the inspection subjects are downloaded, the plurality of inspection subjects being inspected in a predefined inspection order; and performing control to accept updating an individual inspection result of an individual inspection subject included in individual inspection subjects from the first terminal that has initially downloaded data for use in inputting individual inspection results of the individual inspection subjects, as well as accepting updating an individual inspection result of the individual inspection subject included in the individual inspection subjects from the second terminal when data for use in inputting the individual inspection results of the individual inspection subjects are downloaded.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Hence, it is desirable to provide a fuse and an RFID tag capable of being read when the temperature rises.

According to an aspect of embodiments, it is desirable to provide a technology to control updating of inspection results according to on-site operations. The following illustrates embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings.FIG. 1is a diagram illustrating a system configuration example of an inspection result update control system100.

The inspection result update control system100(hereinafter simply referred to as an “update control system100”) includes a terminal apparatus200and a server300that are connected via a network.

The update control system100according to an embodiment is configured to assist inspection work of various types of facilities conducted by inspection workers within plants such as factories and electric generation plants.

The server300of an embodiment includes a pin definition database (DB)310, a pin record database (DB)320, a route definition database (DB)330, a route record database (DB)340, a map definition database (DB)350, and an attachment database (DB)360.

The terminal apparatus200of the embodiment is configured to assist inspection work upon activation of an inspection assisting program executed by an inspection worker. More specifically, the terminal apparatus200refers to the pin definition DB310, the route definition DB330, and the map definition DB350, and displays pointers (hereinafter referred to as “pins”) indicating inspection parts based on an inspection route illustrated in a map. The terminal apparatus200also refers to the pin definition DB310, and displays an input screen having entry fields for inputting items related to a pin to prompt the inspection worker to input inspection result values in the items of the entry fields. The terminal apparatus200assists the inspection work in the above-described manner.

When the terminal apparatus200receives inspection result values input for all the pins included in the inspection route, the terminal apparatus200transmits the inspection results to the server300to store the inspection results in the pin record DB320and the route record DB340. Note the in the following embodiments, an inspection result may represent a collection of the inspection result values input via the input screen corresponding to the pins.

When the terminal apparatus200receives files such as images or documents associated with the pins, the terminal apparatus200transmits these files to the server300to store the files in the attachment DB360as attachment information associated with the pins. In this embodiment, such files are called attachment files corresponding to respective pins.

The pin inspection in the update control system100includes a cyclic inspection performed in accordance with a predetermined inspection order determined along an inspection route, and an individual inspection performed on individual pins separately from the cyclic inspection.

The cyclic inspection is designed for one user (hereinafter called an “inspection worker”) to perform inspection on predetermined inspection items in relation to one inspection route. In view of conducting efficient inspection work, it is not common for two or more inspection workers to simultaneously perform inspection on an identical pin. Accordingly, it may be preferable to receive registering or updating of the inspection result of the cyclic inspection from one inspection worker who currently conducts the cyclic inspection.

By contrast, the individual inspection may be simultaneously performed on an identical pin by two or more inspection workers. Accordingly, it may be preferable to receive registering or updating of the inspection result of the individual inspection from two or more inspection workers.

This embodiment focuses upon characteristics of the cyclic inspection and the individual inspection for updating the inspection results in accordance with inspection operation-sites.

More specifically, when data for use in inputting inspection result of the cyclic inspection are downloaded from the terminal apparatus200, the server300restricts updating of the inspection result of the cyclic inspection from terminal apparatuses other than the terminal apparatus200. In addition, when data for use in inputting inspection result of the individual inspection are downloaded from the terminal apparatus200, the server300allows terminal apparatuses other than the terminal apparatus200to update the inspection results of the individual inspection.

The following illustrates respective databases included in the server300according to the embodiment with reference toFIGS. 2 to 8.

FIG. 2is a diagram illustrating an example of the pin definition DB310.

The pin definition DB310according to an embodiment includes a pin ID stored in association with a pin name, a pin type, an input item, a map ID, a map belonging, and map coordinates. In the following illustration, information items in association with the pin ID as a key in the pin definition DB310may be called “pin information”.

The pin ID is an identifier for identifying a pin. The pin name is a name of the pin. The pin type indicates a type of the pin. In this embodiment, there are two types of pins including a hierarchical pin and an inspection pin. The hierarchical pin illustrates a layer in the later-described map. The inspection pin illustrates an inspection part in the later-described map.

In the following description, layer types of pins are simply called “hierarchical pins” and inspection types of pins are simply called “inspection pins”.

The input items in an entry field correspond to items to be input as the inspection results obtained in the inspection work. In this embodiment, the input items are associated with the inspection pins such that the input items are determined corresponding to the pins.

The map IDs are associated with the hierarchical pins, and each map ID indicates a map of a layer indicated by the corresponding one of the hierarchical pins. The map affiliates are associated with the inspection pins and the hierarchical pins, and the map affiliate indicates a map including the inspection pins and the hierarchical pins. The map coordinates are associated with the inspection pins, and the map coordinates indicate a position of the inspection pin in the map including the inspection pin.

In the example ofFIG. 2, a pin having the pin ID “P0000” is the hierarchical pin having the pin name “in-plant diagram”. The hierarchical pin having the pin ID “P0000” is associated with the map ID “M0001”. In the example ofFIG. 2, a pin having the pin ID “P0001” is the inspection pin having the pin name “facility A inspection”. The inspection pin ID having the pin ID “P0001” has input items “temperature” and “pressure”, and is positioned at coordinates (10, 10) in the map having the map ID “M0001”.

InFIG. 2, a pin having the pin ID “P0003” is the hierarchical pin having the pin name “facility C”. The hierarchical pin having the pin ID “P0003” belongs to the map having the map ID “M0001”, is positioned at coordinates (30, 20), and associated with the map ID “M0002”. That is, the hierarchical pin “P0003” defines a layer connected from the map ID “M0001” to the map ID “0002”.

FIG. 3is a diagram illustrating an example of the pin record database (DB)320.

The pin record DB320according to the embodiment is configured to store an inspection result for each of the inspection pins.

The pin record DB320includes the pin ID as a key in association with a date, a time, an input item, an input value, a route ID, and a route record ID as other information items. In the following illustration, information items in association with the pin ID as a key in the pin record DB320may be called “pin record information”.

In the pin record DB320, the date and the time indicate date and time at which an input value is input into the input item. The input items are associated with the inspection pins, and the input values are input in association with the input items.

The route ID is an identifier for identifying the inspection route including the inspection pins. The route record ID is an identifier for identifying an inspection result of each of the inspection routes.

In the example ofFIG. 3, as the inspection result corresponding to the inspection pin having the pin ID “0002”, the input value “0.38” is input in the entry field corresponding to the input item “hydraulic pressure” in association with the date “Nov-25-2013” and the time “11:23:01”. The inspection pin having the pin ID “P0002” is included in the inspection route identified by the route ID “R0001”, and the inspection result of the inspection pin having the pin ID “P0002” is included in the route record identified by the route record ID “Rec0001”.

The example ofFIG. 3does not include an input item corresponding to a hierarchical pin having a pin ID “P0003”. The hierarchical pin having a pin ID “P0003” does not have any newly updated data and hence there is no item input as the inspection result for the hierarchical pin having a pin ID “P0003”.

FIG. 4is a diagram illustrating an example of the route definition database (DB)330.

The route definition DB330according to an embodiment includes a route ID as a key in association with a route name, a pin ID, and a takeout flag as other items. In the following illustration, information items in association with the route ID as a key in the route definition DB330may be called “route information”.

In the route definition DB330, the route ID is in association with the pin IDs, indicating that respective pins indicated by the pin IDs are included in the inspection route indicated by the route ID. The two or more pins included in the inspection route is called an inspection set. The takeout flag indicates whether the terminal apparatus200has downloaded the inspection route indicated by the route ID. In the example ofFIG. 4, the takeout flag corresponding to the route ID “R0001” indicates “ON”. The “ON” of the takeout flag indicates that the terminal apparatus200has downloaded the inspection route indicated by the route ID “R0001”. The takeout flag corresponding to the route ID “R0002” indicates “OFF”. The “ODD” of the takeout flag indicates that the terminal apparatus200has not downloaded the inspection route indicated by the route ID “R0002”.

In the example ofFIG. 4, the inspection route having the route ID “R0001” and the route name “route X” includes inspection pins having the pin IDs “P0001”, “P0002” and “P0004”, and the hierarchical pin having the pin ID “P0003”.

FIG. 5is a diagram illustrating an example of the route record database (DB)340.

The route record DB340according to an embodiment includes the route ID as a key in association with a route record ID, a status, a completed date, and a completed time as the other information items. In the following illustration, information items in association with the route ID as a key in the route record DB340may be called “route record information”.

The status in the route record DB340indicates an inspection work status of the inspection route indicated by the route ID. The completed date and completed time indicate date and time at which the inspection work of the inspection route indicated by the route ID has been completed.

In the example ofFIG. 5, the inspection result of the inspection route having the route ID “R0001” is recorded as a route record ID “Rec0001”, and indicates that the inspection work has been completed at 11:32:30 on Nov. 25, 2013.

FIG. 6is a diagram illustrating an example of the map definition database (DB)350.

The map definition DB350according to an embodiment includes the map ID as a key in association with a map name and a file name as the other information items. In the following illustration, information items in association with the map ID as a key in the map definition DB350may be called “map information”.

The map name is a name of a map, and the file name is a name of a file used for displaying the map on the terminal apparatus200.

In the example ofFIG. 6, the map name identified by the map ID “M0001” is “in-plant diagram”, and a file used for displaying the map is “in-plant.jpg”.

In the map definition DB350of the embodiment may include a file illustrating an overall area subject to inspection such as a factory, a file indicating facility subject to inspection work, and a file indicating an apparatus within the facility subject to inspection, as different layers of the map.

In the following, a description is given of layers of the map with reference toFIGS. 7A to 7C.FIGS. 7A to 7Care diagrams illustrating the layers of the map. More specifically,FIG. 7Aillustrates an example of a first layer of the map,FIG. 7Billustrates an example of a second layer of the map, andFIG. 7Cillustrates an example of the map enlarging a part subject to inspection of the second layer of the map.

FIG. 7Aindicates a map71illustrating an area in which the facilities are disposed. The map71may be the in-plant diagram of the map having the map ID “M0001” registered in the map definition DB350. The map71illustrates a hierarchical pin P3, an inspection pin P1, and an inspection pin P2. In this embodiment, it may be preferable to display the hierarchical pin and the inspection pins on the map with corresponding icon images based on the types of the pins.

FIG. 7Bindicates a map72illustrating a lower layer of the map71including an outline of the facility in an area indicated by the hierarchical pin P3 of the map71. That is, the map72illustrates particulars of the area indicated by the hierarchical pin P3 in the map71. The map72may be the in-plant diagram of the map having the map ID “M0001” registered in the map definition DB350. The map72displays an inspection pin P4. The inspection pin P4 indicates an apparatus subject to inspection within the facility displayed as the map72.

FIG. 7Cillustrates a map73displaying a part enlarging the inspection part of the map72.FIG. 7Cillustrates a layout of the apparatus subject to inspection indicated by the inspection pin P4.

That is, the lower the layer, the more detailed is the image of the inspection part displayed on the terminal apparatus200in this embodiment. In this embodiment, a relationship between the layers of the map stored in the map definition DB350may be indicated by the pins in association with the map and the inspection route including the pins.

The map definition DB350of the embodiment may include file names of the maps (e.g., image data) for displaying the map71, the map72, and the map73stored in association with the map IDs and the map names. In this embodiment, entities of the files for displaying the respective maps may be stored in the map definition DB350, or the entities of the files may be stored in a different storage device.

The map definition DB350may include the map IDs in association with information indicating relationships between the layers of the maps. More specifically, the map immediately beneath the map having the map ID “M0001” corresponds to a map having the map ID “M0002”. Thus, the map ID “M0002” may be associated with information “M0002” may be associated with information indicated by, for example, a map ID “M0001-1” indicating a map that is one layer beneath the map having the map ID “M0001”.

FIG. 8is a diagram illustrating an example of the attachment DB360. The attachment DB360according to an embodiment includes a pin ID as a key in association with an attachment ID, an attachment name, and a file name as other items. In the following illustration, information items in association with the pin ID as a key in the attachment DB360may be called “attachment information”.

The attachment ID is information identifying an attachment file attached to the pin corresponding to the pin ID. The attachment name is a name of an attachment file, and the file name is a name of a file used for displaying the attachment file on the terminal apparatus200.

FIG. 9is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration example of the server300according to an embodiment. The server300includes an input device31, an output device32, a drive device33, an auxiliary storage device34, a memory device35, a processor36, and an interface device37, which are connected to one another via a bus B.

The input device31includes a keyboard and a mouse, and is configured to input various types of signals. The output device32includes a display device, and is configured to display various types of windows or data. The interface device37may include a modem and a LAN card, and is configured to connect the server300to the network N.

An inspection result update control program380(hereinafter called an “update control program380”) described later may at least be a part of various types of programs controlling the server300. The update control program380may be provided by being distributed in a form of a recording medium38or downloaded from the network. Note that various types of recording media may be used as the recording medium38storing the update control program380, examples of which include a compact disk read-only memory (CR-ROM), a flexible disk, and a magneto-optical disk, or semiconductor memory or the like electrically recording information such as a read-only memory (ROM), a flash memory or the like.

When the recording medium38storing the update control program380is set in the drive device33, the update control program380is installed from the recording medium38into the auxiliary storage device34via the drive device33. When the update control program380is downloaded via the network, the downloaded update control program380is installed into the auxiliary storage device34via the interface device37.

The auxiliary storage device34is configured to store the update control program380as well as storing necessary files, data, and the like. The memory device35is configured to read the update control program380from the auxiliary storage device34and store the read update control program380at the startup of a computer. The processor36is configured to execute later-described various types of processes in accordance with the update control program380stored in the memory device35.

The terminal apparatus200according to an embodiment is a computer having a hardware configuration similar to that of the server300, and a duplicated illustration of the hardware configuration is thus omitted from the specification. The terminal apparatus200of the embodiment may be a tablet computer. The terminal apparatus200of the embodiment may be a multifunctional mobile phone including a smartphone.

The following illustrates, with reference toFIG. 10, functional configurations of the terminal apparatus200and the server300included in the update control system100according to an embodiment.FIG. 10is a diagram illustrating functional configurations of the terminal apparatus200and the server300included in the update control system100.

The terminal apparatus200according to the embodiment has an inspection assisting program210installed therein. The terminal apparatus200of the embodiment executes the inspection assisting program210to implement later-described processes of the terminal apparatus components.

The terminal apparatus200according to the embodiment includes an input receiver211, a display controller212, a route information reference part213, a pin information reference part214, a map information reference part215, an inspection result transmitter216, a takeout part217, and a communications status switching part218.

The input receiver211is configured to receive inputs by operations of a display operations apparatus included in the terminal apparatus200. The display controller212is configured to control display of the display operations apparatus included in the terminal apparatus200.

The route information reference part213is configured to refer to route information in the route definition DB330, based on an input received by the input receiver211. The pin information reference part214is configured to refer to pin information in the pin definition DB310, based on an input received by the input receiver211. The map information reference part215is configured to refer to map information in the map definition DB350, based on a map ID included in the pin information.

The inspection result transmitter216is configured to transmit an inspection result to the server300when the inspection work of the inspection route has been completed.

The takeout part217is configured to acquire the route information and pin information from the server300, and store the acquired route information and pin information to maintain the stored route information and pin information. That is, the takeout part217downloads from the server300information necessary for the cyclic inspection and the individual inspection.

The communications status switching part218is configured to switch a communications status between the terminal apparatus200and the server300. More specifically, the communications status switching part218switch between a communications capable status (ONLINE) and a communications incapable status (OFFLINE) in the communications between the terminal apparatus200and the server300.

The server300according to the embodiment has an inspection result update program380installed therein. The server300of the embodiment executes the inspection result update program380to implement later-described processes of the server components.

The server300of the embodiment includes an input receiver381, a cyclic inspection transmitter382, an individual inspection transmitter383, a flag manager384, a takeout controller385, and an update controller386.

The input receiver381is configured to receive various types of inputs with respect to the server300. The inputs received by the input receiver381includes various types of requests transmitted from the terminal apparatus200.

The cyclic inspection transmitter382is configured to receive a download request for downloading information necessary for the cyclic inspection from the terminal apparatus200and transmit the corresponding information to the terminal apparatus200. The information necessary for the cyclic inspection at least includes route definition information, map definition information, and pin definition information.

The individual inspection transmitter383is configured to receive a download request for downloading information necessary for the individual inspection from the terminal apparatus200and transmit the corresponding information to the terminal apparatus200. The information necessary for the individual inspection at least includes pin definition information and map information.

The flag manager384is configured to manage takeout flags of the route definition DB330. Specifically, the flag manager384sets the takeout flag “ON” corresponding to the route ID transmitted by the cyclic inspection transmitter382to the terminal apparatus200. The flag manager384sets the takeout flag “OFF” corresponding to the route ID in the route definition DB330corresponding to a route ID having a status value “completed” in the route record DB340.

The takeout controller385is configured to control transmission of information by the cyclic inspection transmitter382in accordance with a value of the takeout flag. The update controller386is configured to control storing of the inspection results or attachment files transmitted from the terminal apparatus200. Detailed processes of the takeout controller385and the update controller386will be described later.

The following illustrates operations of the terminal apparatus200and operations of the server300in the update control system100according to the embodiment.

Initially, a description is given of a cyclic inspection process of the operations of the terminal apparatus200.FIG. 11is a flowchart illustrating a cyclic inspection process performed by the terminal apparatus200.

In the inspection result update control system100according to the embodiment, when the terminal apparatus200receives an instruction to start cyclic inspection via the input receiver211, the terminal apparatus200causes the route information reference part213to refer to the route definition DB330and causes the display controller212to display a list of inspection routes on a display operations apparatus21(step S111). The terminal apparatus200subsequently causes the input receiver211to receive selection of an inspection route (step S112).

The terminal apparatus200subsequently displays locations subject to inspection in the selected inspection route and an inspection order of the locations (step S113). The terminal apparatus200causes the route information reference part213to refer to the pin definition DB310and display an input screen of the inspection result corresponding to an inspection pin subject to inspection to assist an inspection performed by an inspection worker.

The terminal apparatus200subsequently determines whether an completion instruction of the inspection work has been received (step S115), and when the completion instruction has not been received, the terminal apparatus200returns to step S124. When the completion instruction has been received in step S115, the terminal apparatus200transmits the inspection result of the cyclic inspection to the server300(step S116).

Note that according to the embodiment, the attachment files such as images capturing the inspection parts or memos created by the inspection worker may be associated with the inspection result. In such a case, the terminal apparatus200transmits the inspection result and attachment file to the server300. The server300causes the update controller386to provide the attachment ID to the transmitted attachment file and store the attachment ID in association with the pin ID of the corresponding pin in the attachment DB360.

Next, a description is given of an individual inspection process of the operations of the terminal apparatus200.FIG. 12is a flowchart illustrating an individual inspection process performed by the terminal apparatus200.

The terminal apparatus200of the embodiment causes the input receiver211to receive selection of an instruction to start individual inspection (step S1201). The terminal apparatus200subsequently causes the display controller212to display the uppermost layer map in the map definition DB350of the server300(step S1202). The terminal apparatus200subsequently causes the input receiver211to receive selection of a pin on the displayed map (step S1203).

The terminal apparatus200subsequently causes the pin information reference part214to refer to the pin definition DB310and determine whether the selected pin is a hierarchical pin (step S1204). When the pin information reference part214determines that the selected pin is a hierarchical pin in step S1204, the terminal apparatus200causes the display controller212to display a map indicated by the hierarchical pin (step S1205) and then return to step S1203.

When the selected pin is not a hierarchical pin in step S1204, the selected pin is an inspection pin. In this case, the terminal apparatus200causes the pin information reference part214to refer to pin information corresponding to the selected inspection pin (step S1206). The terminal apparatus200subsequently causes the display controller212to display an inspection result input screen including entry fields of input items included in the pin information (step S1207).

The terminal apparatus200subsequently determines whether the input receiver211has received input completion indication of an inspection result (step S1208). When the input receiver211has not received input completion indication of the inspection result in step S1208, the terminal apparatus200waits until the input of the inspection result is completed.

When the input receiver211has received an input completion indication of the inspection result in step S1208, the terminal apparatus200transmits the inspection result of the selected inspection pin to the server300(step S1209).

In the examples ofFIGS. 11 and 12, the terminal apparatus200and the server300are online, so that the terminal apparatus200refers to the databases of the server300to execute processes. However, the embodiment is not limited to these examples.

For example, even if the terminal apparatus200is offline with the server300, the terminal apparatus200may still be able to execute the processes illustrated inFIGS. 11 and 12by downloading necessary information for the cyclic inspection or the individual inspection from the server300in advance.

When the location in which the inspection work is conducted is disconnected from the network, the terminal apparatus200and the server300are offline during the inspection work. In such a case, the terminal apparatus200causes the takeout part217to download data for use in the inspection from the server300in advance. The terminal apparatus200inputs the inspection result offline using the downloaded data, moves to a communicative environment, and then uploads the input inspection result to the server300.

More specifically, the terminal apparatus200downloads data for use in the inspection online from the server300, and the terminal apparatus200causes the communications status switching part218to switch the online communications status with the server300to the offline communications status. For example, the terminal apparatus200may display a screen for allowing the inspection worker to select one of the communications statuses between online and offline, and the communications status switching part218switches the selected one of the communications statuses determined by the inspection worker.

The terminal apparatus200assists offline the cyclic inspection or the individual inspection illustrated inFIG. 11orFIG. 12using the downloaded information, and receives input of the inspection result. Note that at this point, a transmission process of the inspection result in step S116ofFIG. 11or step S1209ofFIG. 12is not performed.

The inspection result input in the terminal apparatus200may be uploaded to the server300after the communications status between the terminal apparatus200and the server300is switched to online. The inspection result may be uploaded from the terminal apparatus200to the server300upon detection of switching the communications status between the terminal apparatus200and the server300to online.

When the server300of the embodiment receives a download request from the terminal apparatus200, the server300controls whether to allow the terminal apparatus200to download information based on a type of the inspection to be conducted in the terminal apparatus200. When the server300receives a download request from the terminal apparatus200, the server300controls whether to allow the terminal apparatus200to download information based on a type of the inspection to be conducted in the terminal apparatus200.

The following illustrates operations of the server300with reference toFIGS. 13 and 14. Initially, a description is given, with reference toFIG. 13, of a download process of downloading information from the server300.FIG. 13is a flowchart illustrating a download process from the server300to the terminal apparatus200.

The server300of the embodiment causes the takeout controller385to determine whether the download request received from the input receiver381is a download request for downloading data for use in the cyclic inspection (step S1301). The download request for downloading data for use in the cyclic inspection may be transmitted from the terminal apparatus200to the server300when the inspection worker selects the cyclic inspection as a type of inspection and also selects an inspection route for conducting the cyclic inspection in the terminal apparatus200. The server300determines whether the takeout controller385has acquired a route ID corresponding to the selected inspection route as a download request.

When the download request is not a download request for downloading data for use in the cyclic inspection in step S1301, the server300proceeds with step S1308described later.

When the download request is the download request for downloading data for use in the cyclic inspection in step S1301, the takeout controller385refers to the route definition DB330to determine whether a takeout flag corresponding to the acquired route ID is “ON”, that is, whether the data for use in the cyclic inspection are currently taken out by any of the terminal apparatuses200(step S1302). That is, the takeout controller385determines whether the data necessary for the cyclic inspection of the received download request have already been downloaded.

When the takeout flag is not “ON”, that is, when the takeout flag is “OFF” indicating that the data for use in the cyclic inspection have not been downloaded by any of the terminal apparatuses200, the takeout controller385refers to the pin definition DB310and the route definition DB330(step S1303). The takeout controller385subsequently acquires pin information corresponding to the pin ID included in the acquired route ID, map information corresponding to the map ID acquired from the pin information, and attachment information corresponding to the attachment ID acquire from the pin information (step S1304). The server300subsequently causes the cyclic inspection transmitter382to transmit the acquired pin information, map information, and attachment information to the terminal apparatus200(step S1305).

The server300subsequently causes the flag manager384to turn “ON” the takeout flag corresponding to the route ID acquired together with the download request in the route definition DB330(step S1306), and then ends the process.

When the takeout flag is turned “ON” in step S1302; that is, when the data for use in the cyclic inspection are currently taken out by any of the terminal apparatuses200in step S1302, the takeout controller385transmits a message indicating that the data for use in the cyclic inspection for the selected inspection route are not available for downloading (step S1307), and then ends the process. Note that the terminal apparatus200subsequently receives the message and displays the message.

When the download request is not a download request for the data for use in the cyclic inspection in step S1301, the server300causes the takeout controller385to determine whether the download request is a download request for the data for use in the individual inspection (step S1308). The download request for downloading data for use in the individual inspection may be transmitted from the terminal apparatus200to the server300when the inspection worker selects the individual inspection as a type of inspection and also selects a pin subject to individual inspection in the terminal apparatus200. The server300determines whether the takeout controller385has acquired a pin ID corresponding to the selected pin as a download request.

When the download request is not a download request for downloading data for use in the individual inspection in step S1308, the server300returns to step S1301.

When the download request is a download request for downloading data for use in the individual inspection, the takeout controller385refers to the pin definition DB310to acquire the map ID of the map to which the acquired pin ID belongs. The takeout controller385subsequently acquires map information including all the layers from the map corresponding to the map ID to the uppermost layer map of the map (step S1309).

The takeout controller385subsequently acquires pin information of all the layers of the maps indicated by all the map information acquired in step S1309and the attachment information corresponding to all the pins (step S1310). More specifically, the takeout controller385acquires the map IDs from all the map information acquired in step S1309. The takeout controller385then extracts pin information included in all the acquired map IDs or the maps to which the acquired map IDs belong. The takeout controller385subsequently acquires attachment information corresponding to the attachment IDs included in the extracted pin information.

The server300subsequently causes the individual inspection transmitter383to transmit the information acquired in step S1310(step S1311), and ends the process.

The download process in the server300according to the embodiment is conducted as described above. When the server300of the embodiment receives the download request for downloading the data for use in the cyclic inspection, and the data for use in the cyclic inspection have already been downloaded by any of the terminal apparatuses200, the server300will not download the corresponding data.

When the data for use in the individual inspection are included in the already downloaded data for use in the cyclic inspection, the server300of the embodiment allows the terminal apparatus to download the data for use in the individual inspection.

The above-described control will prevent two or more inspection workers from simultaneously performing the cyclic inspections on one inspection route while preventing the inspection workers from identifying the same pin to be subject to inspection in conducting the cyclic inspection. In addition, the individual inspection according to the embodiment allows two or more inspection workers to simultaneously perform inspection on the identical pin from different perspectives.

When the server300receives the download request for downloading the data for use in the individual inspection, the server300transmits to the terminal apparatus200map information including all the layers of the maps from the uppermost layer map to the layer map to which the pin subject to inspection belongs. This process may allow the inspection workers or the like to trace the pin subject to inspection in the order from the uppermost layer map to the layer map the pin subject to inspection belongs.

Next, an upload process of information with respect to the server300is described with reference toFIG. 14.FIG. 14is a flowchart illustrating an upload process from the terminal apparatus200to the server300.

The server300of the embodiment determines whether the input receiver381has received an upload request of the inspection result from the terminal apparatus200(step S1401). When the input receiver381has not received the upload request from the terminal apparatus200in step S1401, the server300repeats the process in step S1401.

When the input receiver381has received the upload request from the terminal apparatus200in step S1401, the server300causes the update controller386to determine whether the upload request is an upload request for uploading the inspection result of the cyclic inspection (step S1402). The upload request for uploading the inspection result of the cyclic inspection may, for example, be transmitted from the terminal apparatus200together with the route ID indicating the inspection route on which the inspection has been completed. When the update controller386has received an upload request for uploading the inspection result of the cyclic inspection, the update controller386receives the route ID.

When the upload request is an upload request for uploading the inspection result of the cyclic inspection in step S1402, the update controller386proceeds with step S1407described later.

When the upload request is an upload request for uploading the inspection result of the cyclic inspection in step S1402, the server300causes the update controller386determine whether the terminal apparatus200that has transmitted the upload request matches the terminal apparatus200that has downloaded the data for use in the cyclic inspection corresponding to the inspection result (step S1403). That is, the server300determines whether the terminal apparatus200that has transmitted the upload request for uploading the inspection result of the cyclic inspection is the terminal apparatus that has initially downloaded the data for use in the cyclic inspection (i.e., the terminal apparatus designed to assist this cyclic inspection).

The following illustrates a process of specifying the terminal apparatus200in step S1403. In this embodiment, when the server300receives the download request associated with the cyclic inspection (step S1301inFIG. 13) or the upload request (step S1401inFIG. 14), the server300may receive or acquire the user ID of the terminal apparatus200into which the user (the inspection worker) has input when transmitting the download request or the upload request.

In this case, the server300may maintain the received user ID in association with the downloaded route ID. The user ID is identifier information specifying an inspection worker. The inspection worker may input the user ID together with a corresponding password to log into the update control system100of the embodiment.

The server300may specify the terminal apparatus200when the user ID received together with the upload request for the inspection result matches the user ID in association with the route ID.

Note that the information used for specifying the terminal apparatus200may be information other than the user ID of the inspection worker. More specifically, the information used for specifying the terminal apparatus200may, for example, be a terminal ID or the like capable of specifying the own terminal apparatus200. Further, the information used for specifying the terminal apparatus200may be time information indicating a time at which the terminal apparatus200has transmitted the download request. In this case, the server300may maintain the downloaded route ID in association with the time information indicating the time at which the route ID has been downloaded. The terminal apparatus200maintains the time information indicating the time at which the route ID has been downloaded and transmits the route ID, and the time information processing apparatus to the server300when uploading the inspection result and the route ID. The server300may thus specify the corresponding terminal apparatus200when the time information that the server300maintains in association with the downloaded route ID matches the time information transmitted from the terminal apparatus200.

When the server300specifies the corresponding terminal apparatus200in step S1403, the update controller386accepts the uploading of the inspection result from the terminal apparatus200(i.e., the update controller386allows the terminal apparatus200to upload the inspection result), and updates the pin record DB320and the route record DB340based on the data uploaded from the terminal apparatus200(step S1404). The server300subsequently causes the flag manager384to turn the takeout flag “OFF” corresponding to the record subject to processing in the route definition DB330(step S1405), and ends the process.

When the server300fails to specify the corresponding terminal apparatus200in step S1403, the server300causes the update controller386to transmit a message reporting that the uploading of the inspection result of the cyclic inspection is not available to the terminal apparatus200to allow the terminal apparatus200to display the message (step S1406).

When the upload request is not an upload request for uploading the inspection result of the cyclic inspection in step S1402, the server300causes the update controller386to determine that the upload request is an upload request for uploading the inspection result of the individual inspection. The upload request for uploading the inspection result of the individual inspection may, for example, be transmitted from the terminal apparatus200together with the pin ID indicating the pin on which the inspection has been completed. When the update controller386has received upload request for uploading the inspection result of the individual inspection, the update controller386receives the pin ID.

The server300subsequently allows the update controller386to receive the inspection result of the individual inspection to update the pin record DB320based on the data uploaded from the terminal apparatus200(step S1407), and the ends the process.

As described above, when the server300of the embodiment receives the upload request for the uploading inspection result of the cyclic inspection, and identifies that the terminal apparatus200that has transmitted the upload request matches the terminal apparatus200that has conducted the cyclic inspection, the server300allows the matched terminal apparatus200to upload the inspection result.

Accordingly in the embodiment, it may be possible to prevent the server300from receiving update requests for updating the inspection results for one cyclic inspection from two or more inspection workers.

The server300of the embodiment may accept the uploading of the individual inspection (i.e., the server300may allow the terminal apparatus200to upload the inspection result of the individual inspection). According to the embodiment, when the selected pin that is subject to individual inspection is included in the inspection route of the cyclic inspection, the server300allows the terminal apparatus200to update the inspection result of the individual inspection.

According to the embodiment, when two or more inspection workers simultaneously perform inspection on the identical pin, the server300may receive updating of the inspection results from the two or more inspection workers.

As described above, it may be possible to update inspection results appropriately in the embodiment, in accordance with characteristics of the cyclic inspection and the individual inspection.

The following specifically illustrates downloading of information from the server300to the terminal apparatus200and uploading of information from the terminal apparatus200to the server300in accordance with the embodiment.

Initially, a description is given of downloading data for use in the cyclic inspection from the server300to the terminal apparatus200.

For example, in this embodiment, it is assumed that the route ID “R0001” is selected via the terminal apparatus200as an inspection route on which the cyclic inspection is conducted. In this case, the server300turns the takeout flag “ON” corresponding to the route ID “R0001” in the route record DB340(seeFIG. 4).

The server300subsequently causes the takeout controller385to acquire the pin ID “P0001” to the pin ID “P0004” in association with the route ID “R0001” to acquire pin information of the respective pin IDs. The server300causes the takeout controller385to acquire map belongings corresponding to the pin IDs or map IDs.

According to the pin definition DB310ofFIG. 2, map belongings and map IDs corresponding to the pin ID “P0001” to the pin ID “P0004” are map IDs “M0001” and “M0002”. The takeout controller385thus acquires map information corresponding to the map IDs “M0001” and “M0002”.

According to the attachment DB370, the attachment IDs corresponding to the in ID “P0001” to the pin ID “P0004” are the attachment IDs “TD01” and “TD02”. The takeout controller385thus acquires attachment information corresponding to the attachment IDs “TD01” and “TD02”.

The server300then transmits the map information and the attachment information to the terminal apparatus200to complete the downloading of the data for use in the cyclic inspection.

Next, a description is given of downloading data for use in the individual inspection from the terminal apparatus200to the server300with reference toFIGS. 15A and 15B.

FIGS. 15A and 15Bare diagrams illustrating a download process from the server300to the terminal apparatus200.FIG. 15Aillustrates an example of a selection screen of the terminal apparatus200on which a pin is selected, andFIG. 15Billustrates an example of a screen of the terminal apparatus200that displays download completion of data for use in the individual inspection for the selected pin.

The selection screen151A of the terminal apparatus200illustrated inFIG. 15Adisplays a map72to which the selected pin subject to individual inspection and a download button152for transmitting a download request to the server300.

In the selection screen151A, the inspection pin having the pin ID “P0004” is selected on the map72.

When the user (inspection worker) presses the download button152in the above state of the selection screen151A, the pin ID “P0004” and the download request are transmitted to the server300.

The server300that has received the pin ID “P0004” determines that the download request corresponds to the individual inspection. The map to which the pin ID “P0004” belongs is the map having the map ID “M0002”. The server300thus acquires map information from the layer map having the map ID “M0002” to the uppermost layer map of the map having the map ID “M0002”

According to the pin definition DB310illustrated inFIG. 3, the uppermost layer map of the map having the map ID “M0002” is a map having a map ID “M0001”. The server300thus acquires map information corresponding to the map IDs “M0001” and “M0002”.

All the pin IDs belonging to the maps corresponding to the map IDs “M0001” and “M0002” are the pin IDs “P0000” to “P0005”. The server300thus acquires pin information corresponding to the pin IDs “P0000” to “P0005”.

The attachment IDs corresponding to the pin IDs “P0000” to “P0005” are the attachment IDs “TD01”, “TD02”, and “TD05”. The server300thus acquires attachment information corresponding to the attachment IDs “TD01”, “TD02”, and “TD05”.

The server300then transmits to the terminal apparatus200the pin information corresponding to the pin IDs “P0000” to “P0005”, map information corresponding to the map IDs “M0001” and “M0002”, and the attachment information corresponding to the attachment IDs “TD01”, “TD02”, and “TD05” as the data for use in the individual inspection.

When the transmission has been completed, the server300causes the terminal apparatus200to display a message illustrated inFIG. 15B.

According to the embodiment, information relating to the map to which the selected pin subject to inspection and the upper map of this map may be acquired. Hence, even when the terminal apparatus200and the server300are offline, the pin subject to inspection may be traced from the uppermost map in the terminal apparatus200.

Next, a description is given of uploading the inspection result from the terminal apparatus200to the server300.

The process of receiving the upload request for the inspection result of the cyclic inspection in the server300according to the embodiment is already illustrated with reference toFIG. 14. According to the embodiment, when the server300has allowed the terminal apparatus200to update the inspection result of the cyclic inspection, the inspection result is stored in the route record DB340.

Next, a description is given of a process when the upload request for uploading the inspection result of the individual inspection with reference toFIG. 16.

The server300of the embodiment that has received the inspection result of the individual inspection assigns null values to the route ID and to the route record ID corresponding to the pin ID, and updates values of the other items excluding the route ID and the route record ID in the pin record DB320.

FIG. 16is a diagram illustrating an example of the pin record database (DB)320A. In the pin record DB320A illustrated inFIG. 16, pin record information161corresponding to the pin IDs “P0001” to “P0004” includes “R0001” as a value of the route ID and “Rec0001” as a value of the route record ID. The pin record information161is thus identified as an inspection result of the cyclic inspection in connection with the inspection route having a route ID “R0001”.

Similarly, the pin record information162is identified as an inspection result of the cyclic inspection in connection with an inspection route having the route ID “R0002”.

By contrast, in the pin record information163, the route ID and the route record ID corresponding to the pin ID “P0004” have null values. Similarly, in the pin record information164, the route ID and the route record ID corresponding to the pin ID “P0006” have null values.

Accordingly, the pin record information163and the pin record information164are recorded as information having the inspection results of the individual inspections independently conducted from the cyclic inspections.

According to the embodiment, it may be possible to store the inspection result of the cyclic inspection and the inspection result of the individual inspection that are managed separately with respect to one identical pin by maintaining pin record information.

Next, an illustration is given of a process of adding a new inspection pin in relation to the upload process from the terminal apparatus200to the server300.

This embodiment may, for example, enable adding of a new inspection pin even in a case where the terminal apparatus200and the server300are in an offline status.

FIGS. 17A and 17Bare diagrams illustrating adding a new pin in the embodiment.FIG. 17Aillustrates an example of a screen of an added part selected for a new inspection pin,FIG. 17Billustrates an example of a screen for use in instructing to create the new inspection pin.

In this embodiment, it is assumed to add a new inspection pin when a location is newly found to be necessary for inspection during the inspection.

FIG. 17Aillustrates a screen171illustrating a new pin P6 selected as a new inspection location on the map72to which the inspection pin P4 belongs. The selection of the pin P6 may be implemented by performing an operation such as pressing or touching a part on the map72as a desired setting part of the pin P6.

FIG. 17Billustrates a screen172displaying an entry field173for the user (e.g., the inspection worker) to input information to be upload to the server300as an inspection result of the pin P6, and an instruction button174for the user to give an instruction to create the pin P6. In this embodiment, the clock oscillator172may be displayed after the location to which the newly adding pin is selected. The entry field173includes items such as initial input items set in advance.

The terminal apparatus200may transmit an upload request for uploading in information of the pin P6 to the server300when the input operation to the entry field173and an operation of the instruction button174have been completed.

When the server300receives an upload request for uploading new pin information, the server300stores the pin information of the pin P6 into the pin record DB320, in a manner similar to the inspection result of the individual inspection. Specifically, when the server300receives an upload request for uploading new pin information, the server300stores the pin information of the pin P6 as pin record information164into the pin record DB320A.

Note that a new inspection pin may be added in a manner similar to the inspection result of the individual inspection even when the new inspection pin is added during the cyclic inspection.

The technology disclosed above is not limited to the examples or embodiments specifically disclosed above. Various modifications or alteration may be made without departing from the scope of the claims of the present invention.

The above-described process may be implemented by functional components of a computer, steps executed by the computer, or a recording medium storing a program executing the process.

According to the disclosed embodiments, it may be possible to control updating of the inspection results in accordance with on-site operations.