Patent Description:
An operator who operates mechanical equipment ascertains a state of the mechanical equipment on the basis of, for example, an output value of a sensor provided in the mechanical equipment, and carries out an operation with respect to the mechanical equipment. A system that supports such an operation of mechanical equipment has been developed conventionally. For example, Patent Literature <NUM> below discloses a plant support device that (<NUM>) outputs an estimated value of a plant on the basis of process data including measurement data such as a flow rate, a pressure, and a temperature, and (<NUM>) predicts, on the basis of the estimated value, a future state of the plant and outputs a predicted value of the plant. <CIT> is directed to a plant operation support system and a plant operation support method. The plant performance is obtained as product yield by the formula "product yield=K*F12/F1", wherein F12 represents a reactor <NUM> outlet flow rate, F1 represents the reactor <NUM> inlet flow rate, and K is a coefficient obtained by a theoretical formula. Given ideal operation data, the product yield K is <NUM>%. An operation monitoring unit monitors whether the operation data is shifting from the current category to the target category along the operation route determined by the operation route determination unit. <CIT> describes a diagnosis device and a diagnosis method. A clustering unit determines whether the operation data of the facility can be classified into an existing cluster, and when it is determined that the operation data cannot be classified, adds a cluster with an abnormal attribute to the existing cluster.

In the conventional technology as described above, a simulation model composed of physical and chemical model equations is used to obtain an estimated value of the plant. Such a simulation model requires setting a large number of parameters and is thus costly to create. In addition, such a simulation model needs to be specialized for the plant and is thus not versatile.

It is an object of an aspect of the present invention to provide: an information processing device which is capable of generating information that can be used for supporting an operation of mechanical equipment and which is easily used for general purposes; and the like.

The invention is described in the claims. The invention provides an information processing device according to claim <NUM>. The invention provides further an operation support system according to claim <NUM>. The invention provides further an information processing method according to claim <NUM>. Preferred embodiments are described in the dependent claims. The embodiments which do not fall within the scope of the claims are to be interpreted as examples useful for a better understanding of the invention. In order to attain the object, an information processing device in accordance to claim <NUM> is provided.

Further, in order to attain the object, an operation support system in accordance to claim <NUM> is provided.

Further, in order to attain the object, an information processing method in accordance to claim <NUM> is provided.

According to an aspect of the present invention, it is possible to generate information useful for supporting an operation of mechanical equipment, namely, information indicative of a state of the mechanical equipment. Further, according to an aspect of the present invention, the information processing device is able to generate information indicative of a state of another piece of mechanical equipment upon obtaining sensor data of the another piece of mechanical equipment. Thus, the information processing device can easily be used for general purposes.

The following description will discuss, with reference to <FIG>, an overview of an operation support system <NUM> in accordance with Embodiment <NUM> of the present invention. <FIG> is a view illustrating an overview of the operation support system <NUM>. The operation support system <NUM> is a system for supporting an operation of various pieces of mechanical equipment and includes sensors S1 through Sn and an information processing device 1A as illustrated in <FIG>. Note that when there is no need to distinguish the sensors S1 through Sn, the sensors S1 through Sn are simply referred to as "sensor S".

The description of Embodiment <NUM> will discuss an example in which an operation of a waste incineration plant P is supported by the operation support system <NUM>. The waste incineration plant P includes an incinerator for incinerating waste and power generation equipment for generating electricity by utilizing heat generated in the incinerator. Note that the pieces of mechanical equipment supported by the operation support system <NUM> are not limited to the waste incineration plant P, provided that operating states of the pieces of mechanical equipment can be ascertained by a sensor or the like and the pieces of mechanical equipment are manually or automatically controlled to operate (operated). For example, the operation support system <NUM> may also support an operation of wind power generating equipment and the like.

The sensors S each detect a predetermined physical quantity pertaining to a state of the plant or an amount of change in the physical quantity, and output, to the information processing device 1A, sensor data indicative of the detected result. What is detected differs among the sensors S1 through Sn. As described above, in Embodiment <NUM>, for the support of the operation of the waste incineration plant P, the sensors S are installed at various places in the waste incineration plant P. For example, the sensors S may include a temperature sensor that indicates a temperature in the incinerator, a sensor that detects a level of carbon monoxide in exhaust gas, and the like.

Further, the sensors S may be provided to a part of pieces of mechanical equipment of the waste incineration plant P. For example, in a case where a plurality of sensors S are provided to the incinerator, information indicative of a state of the incinerator can be outputted from the information processing device 1A. More specifically, in order for information indicative of a combustion state to be outputted, sensors S provided around the incinerator, such as a thermometer, an air flowmeter, and a measuring device of a speed of a grate, may be used. Further, in a case where a plurality of sensors S are provided to a part of a piece of mechanical equipment, the information processing device 1A can be caused to output information pertaining to that part. For example, in a case where a plurality of sensors S (e.g., a thermometer in the incinerator, a measuring device for measuring a thickness of a waste layer, a CO level meter, and the like) relating to exhaust gas from the incinerator are provided, information pertaining to the exhaust gas can be outputted from the information processing device 1A.

As will be described in detail later, the information processing device 1A obtains sensor data, which are output values of the sensors S in a predetermined period. Subsequently, the information processing device 1A calculates a relationship index indicative of a relationship of a group of two sensors S among the plurality of sensors S, on the basis of a state of distribution (how sensor data are distributed) of sensor data obtained from the respective sensors S of the group. Then, with use of relationship indices calculated with respect to respective groups among the plurality of sensors S, the information processing device 1A generates and outputs information indicative of a state of mechanical equipment in the above predetermined period. Thus, it is possible to generate information useful for supporting an operation of mechanical equipment, namely, information indicative of a state of the mechanical equipment. Further, the information processing device 1A is able to generate information indicative of a state of another piece of mechanical equipment upon obtaining sensor data of the another piece of mechanical equipment. Thus, the information processing device 1A can easily be used for general purposes.

Note that the inventors of the present invention have confirmed by an experiment that a state of mechanical equipment is reflected in a relationship of modes of distribution of pieces of data from a group of sensors S. Further, it has been confirmed that the above configuration makes it possible to ascertain a nonlinear relationship which cannot easily be dealt with by a general analytical technique as disclosed in Patent Literature <NUM>.

In the example illustrated in <FIG>, the information indicative of a state of the mechanical equipment is maps M111 through M113, each of which indicates a state of the waste incineration plant P. The map M111 is generated with use of sensor data in a stable period, during which the waste incineration plant P is in a stable operating state. The map M113 is generated with use of sensor data in an unstable period, during which an operating state of the waste incineration plant P has become unstable. The map M112 is generated with use of sensor data in an immediately-before-instability period, which is a period immediately before the unstable period. Note that the criteria of being "stable" to "unstable" may be set as appropriate. For example, a period during which an amount of steam used for power generation is in a normal range can be set as the stable period, and a period during which the amount of steam exceeds the normal range can be set as the unstable period.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the maps M111 through M113 reflect states of the waste incineration plant P from the stable period to the unstable period. More specifically, it can be seen from the maps M111 to M112 that the entire map in the stable period fades in color into the map in the immediately-before-instability period. Further, it can be seen from the maps M112 to M113 that the entire map in the immediately-before-instability period further fades in color into the map in the unstable period.

Thus, on the basis of saturations of colors and a distribution of the colors in an entire map, an operator or the like of the waste incineration plant P can determine a state to which a state of the waste incineration plant P is most similar among the state in the stable period through the state in the unstable period. That is, the operator or the like can determine that the waste incineration plant P is in a stable period in a case where color saturations and a distribution of the colors in the entire map generated on the basis of the most recent sensor data are similar to those in the map M111, and can determine that the waste incineration plant P is in an unstable period in a case where the color saturations and the distribution of the colors are similar to those in the map M113.

The map M112 in the immediately-before-instability period and the map M111 in the stable period are distinguishable from each other by appearance. That is, a sign of instability is indicated in a map generated by the information processing device 1A. As such, the operator or the like can take measures to stabilize the waste incineration plant P at a stage prior to the unstable period by referring to the map generated by the information processing device 1A. This makes it possible to prevent the waste incineration plant P from falling into an unstable state.

The following description will discuss a more detailed configuration of the information processing device 1A with reference to <FIG> is a block diagram illustrating an example of a main configuration of the information processing device 1A. As illustrated in <FIG>, the information processing device 1A includes: a control section 10A that centrally controls individual sections of the information processing device 1A; and a storage section <NUM> that stores various data used by the information processing device 1A. Further, the control section 10A includes a data obtaining section <NUM>, a classification section <NUM>, a relationship index calculating section <NUM>, and a map generating section <NUM>.

The information processing device 1A further includes: an input section <NUM> that receives input of information to the information processing device 1A; and an output section <NUM> via which the information processing device 1A outputs information. The input section <NUM> and the output section <NUM> may each be a device that is external to the information processing device 1A and externally attached to the information processing device 1A. The description in Embodiment <NUM> will discuss an example in which the input section <NUM> is an input interface section that receives input of sensor data outputted by the sensors S, and an example in which the output section <NUM> is a display device that displays and outputs an image. It should be noted that the input section <NUM> and the output section <NUM> are not limited to these examples as long as they have the functions of inputting and outputting information.

The data obtaining section <NUM> obtains the foregoing sensor data, which are output values of the sensors S. Note that the data obtaining section <NUM> may obtain, as the sensor data, numerical values calculated with use of the output values of the sensors S (e.g., values obtained by normalizing the output values, or values obtained by removing noise components from the output values). The sensor data can also be referred to as process data. Further, the data obtaining section <NUM> can obtain, in addition to the sensor data, operation setting values (e.g., setting values of operation speed, or the like) of various pieces of mechanical equipment included in the waste incineration plant P. The operation setting values can also be treated in a similar manner to the sensor data.

The classification section <NUM> classifies the sensor data obtained by the data obtaining section <NUM> into a plurality of sets according to a size of a value of each piece of sensor data. Details of a method of setting the sets and a method of classification into the sets will be described later with reference to <FIG> etc..

The relationship index calculating section <NUM> calculates a relationship index indicative of a relationship of a group of two sensors S among the plurality of sensors S, on the basis of how pieces of sensor data obtained from the respective sensors S of the group are distributed. Specifically, the relationship index calculating section <NUM> calculates the relationship index on the basis of a frequency of sensor data classified into each of the plurality of sets. This allows a relationship between sensors to be quantified by a simple process. Details of a method of calculating the relationship index will be described later with reference to <FIG> etc..

The map generating section <NUM> generates, with use of relationship indices calculated by the relationship index calculating section <NUM> for the respective groups of sensors S, a map that is information indicative of a state of the mechanical equipment (in Embodiment <NUM>, the waste incineration plant P) in a predetermined period. As detailed later, the map generated by the map generating section <NUM> is an image in which a pattern corresponding to a value of a relationship index calculated for each group of sensors S is drawn in a section that is defined on the image plane and that corresponds to the each group. The map generating section <NUM> generates the map and causes the map to be displayed and outputted by the output section <NUM> and the like. This enables the map generating section <NUM> to cause the operator or the like of the waste incineration plant P to visually recognize a state of the waste incineration plant P. Since the map is information indicative of a state of the waste incineration plant P, the map generating section <NUM> can also be referred to as a state information generating section.

The following description will discuss, with reference to <FIG>, classification of sensor data carried out by the classification section <NUM> and calculation of a relationship index carried out by the relationship index calculating section <NUM>. <FIG> is a view illustrating an example of classification of sensor data and an example of calculation of a relationship index.

<NUM> of <FIG> illustrates a relationship between a value of a piece of sensor data outputted by a sensor SA, which is one of the sensors S1 through Sn, and a value of a piece of sensor data outputted by a sensor SB, which is another one of the sensors S1 through Sn. More specifically, in <NUM> of <FIG>, coordinates, which are a combination of a value of a piece of sensor data outputted by the sensor SA and a value of a piece of sensor data outputted by the sensor SB, are plotted on a coordinate plane. The coordinate plane has an axis indicating a size of an output value of the sensor SA along the left-right direction and an axis indicating a size of an output value of the sensor SB along the vertical direction. For example, in a case where pieces of sensor data a1 through a20 are outputted by the sensor SA in a predetermined period during the operation of the waste incineration plant P, and pieces of sensor data b1 through b20 are outputted by the sensor SB during the predetermined period, points (a1, b1) through (a20, b20) are plotted.

In <NUM> of <FIG>, the coordinate plane is divided into nine sections. These sections are set on the basis of classes (three stages: Small, Middle, and Large) of a size of a value of each of the pieces of sensor data outputted by the sensors SA and SB. Specifically, nine sections are set, from a section (Small-Small), in which a value of a piece of sensor data outputted by the sensor SA and a value of a piece of sensor data outputted by the sensor SB are both "Small", to a section (Large-Large), in which a value of a piece of sensor data outputted by the sensor SA and a value of a piece of sensor data outputted by the sensor SB are both "Large".

The classification section <NUM> can classify sensor data on the basis of these sections. In this case, for each of the sensors S, a threshold for classifying sizes of sensor data is preset. For example, for classification of sensor data into three sets as in the example illustrated in <FIG>, a threshold for sectioning "Small" and "Middle" from each other and a threshold for sectioning "Middle" and "Large" from each other are preset. This enables the classification section <NUM> to classify a piece of sensor data into any of "Small", "Middle", and "Large" depending on a size of a value of the piece of sensor data. A method of setting the thresholds is not particularly limited. For example, the thresholds can be set on the basis of information (e.g., an average value, a maximum value, a minimum value, and the like) indicative of a distribution of sensor data.

The classification section <NUM> carries out the above classification for each combination of sensors among the sensors S1 through Sn. The sets into which sensor data are classified can be different among the sensors S1 through Sn. For example, sensor data outputted by the sensor S1 may be classified into two sets, and sensor data outputted by the sensor S2 can be classified into four or more sets.

Further, the classification section <NUM> can classify sensor data by assigning the sensor data to a plurality of fuzzy sets. This enables a piece of sensor data near a boundary between a set and another set to be appropriately assigned. For example, the classification section <NUM> may assign sensor data to the following three fuzzy sets: "Small", "Middle" and "Large" with use of a membership function as illustrated in <NUM> of <FIG>. The membership function can be created manually or automatically. In a case of automatically creating the membership function, the classification section <NUM> can, for example, (i) calculate an average value and a standard deviation σ of sensor data and (ii) create the membership function on the basis of a maximum value, a minimum value, and an average value of sensor data that fall within ±3σ of the average value which has been calculated.

The relationship index calculating section <NUM> calculates a relationship index for each combination of sensors among the sensors S1 through Sn on the basis of a frequency of sensor data classified into each set. In the example illustrated in <NUM> of <FIG>, among the <NUM> plotted points, nine points are included in a "Middle"-"Middle" class, six points are included in a "Middle"-"Small" class, and two points are included in a "Small"-"Large" class. A "Small"-"Small" class, a "Large"-"Small" class, and a "Large"-"Middle" class each contain one point, and the other classes each contain no point.

In this case, the relationship index calculating section <NUM> can set relationship indices of the respective classes to, for example, values as illustrated in <NUM> of <FIG>. In the example illustrated in <NUM> of <FIG>, a relationship index of the "Middle"-"Middle" class, which contains the largest number of plotted points, is <NUM>, and a relationship index of the "Middle"-"Small" class, which contains the second largest number of plotted points, is <NUM>. Further, a relationship index of the "Small"-"Large" class, which contains the third largest number of plotted points, is <NUM>. Each of the sections containing only one point has a relationship index lower than a predetermined threshold, and thus a relationship index of <NUM> is set as in the sections containing no point. Thus, in the example illustrated in <FIG>, the higher a frequency of sensor data in a class, the higher a relationship index in the class. The following description will discuss, with reference to <FIG>, a method of calculating these relationship indices.

<FIG> is a view illustrating examples of a result of classification of values of pieces of sensor data respectively outputted by two sensors S. Specifically, in the example illustrated in <NUM> of <FIG>, <NUM> pieces of sensor data among pieces of sensor data outputted by the sensor S1 are classified as "Small". Among the <NUM> pieces of sensor data, <NUM> pieces of sensor data correspond to pieces of sensor data that are outputted by the sensor S2 and classified as "Middle". <NUM> pieces of sensor data among the <NUM> pieces of sensor data correspond to pieces of sensor data that are outputted by the sensor S2 and classified as "Large". Further, a total of <NUM> pieces of sensor data have been outputted by the sensor S2, among which <NUM> pieces of sensor data are classified as "Small", <NUM> pieces of sensor data are classified as "Middle", and <NUM> pieces of sensor data are classified as "Large".

In the example illustrated in <NUM> of <FIG>, sensor data outputted by the sensor S1 are classified in the same way as the example illustrated in <NUM> of <FIG>, but a total of <NUM> pieces of sensor data are outputted by the sensor S2 unlike in the example illustrated in <NUM> of <FIG>. Among the sensor data outputted by the sensor S2, <NUM> pieces of sensor data are classified as "Small", <NUM> pieces of sensor data are classified as "Middle", and <NUM> pieces of sensor data are classified as "Large".

The relationship index calculating section <NUM> can calculate a relationship index of each class in accordance with the following equation (<NUM>).

The occupation rate P is a ratio of (i) a part of sensor data of the sensor S1 belonging to "Small" which part corresponds to sensor data of the sensor S2 belonging to "Large" to (ii) the sensor data of the sensor S1 belonging to "Small". For example, in the example illustrated in <NUM> of <FIG>, the occupation rate P = <NUM>/<NUM>.

The coverage rate C is a ratio of (i) to (ii): (i) a part of sensor data of the sensor S1 belonging to "Small" which part corresponds to sensor data of the sensor S2 belonging to "Large"; and (ii) the number of pieces of sensor data of the sensor S2 belonging to "Large". For example, in the example illustrated in <NUM> of <FIG>, the coverage rate C = <NUM>/<NUM>.

The ratio R is a ratio of pieces of sensor data belonging to "Large" to the total number of pieces of sensor data of the sensor S2. For example, in the example illustrated in <NUM> of <FIG>, the ratio R = <NUM>/<NUM>.

Thus, in the example illustrated in <NUM> of <FIG>, the occupation rate P = <NUM>/<NUM>, the coverage rate C = <NUM>/<NUM>, and the ratio R = <NUM>/<NUM>. As such, the relationship index is <NUM>/<NUM>. In the example illustrated in <NUM> of <FIG>, the occupation rate P = <NUM>/<NUM>, the coverage rate C = <NUM>/<NUM>, and the ratio R = <NUM>/<NUM>. As such, the relationship index is <NUM>/<NUM>.

Note that the multiplication by the ratio R in the equation for calculating the relationship index is not essential, but is preferable because the multiplication by the ratio R allows the value of the relationship index to be reasonable even in a case where, as in the example illustrated in <NUM> of <FIG>, the number of pieces of data of a second class significantly differs from the number of pieces of data of each of the other classes. In the above equation (<NUM>), at least one of the occupation rate P, the coverage rate C, and the ratio R may be multiplied by a weight. For example, a weight of the occupation rate P is set to a value greater than that of a weight of each of the coverage rate C and the ratio R, or a weight of the coverage rate C and a weight of the ratio R are each set to a value smaller than that of a weight of the occupation rate P. This makes it possible to calculate a relationship index that emphasizes the occupation rate P.

Further, for example, in the equation (<NUM>), the weight of the coverage rate C can be set to <NUM> to calculate the relationship index. In this case, for a combination from an opposite perspective (for example, a combination of the sensor S2 and the sensor S1 as opposed to a combination of the sensor S1 and the sensor S2), a weight of the occupation rate P can be set to <NUM> to calculate the relationship index. Further, in these cases, weights of the other terms in the equation (<NUM>) may be set to <NUM>. In this manner, for combinations (for example, with the sensor S1 and the sensor S2, a combination of S1-S2 and a combination of S2-S1) from respective two viewpoints with the same sensors S, the relationship index may be calculated with use of respective different weights (or different formulae). Also with such configurations, it is possible to generate a correlation map indicative of a state of the waste incineration plant P.

The map generating section <NUM> uses the above-described relationship indices to generate a correlation map, which is information indicative of a state of the waste incineration plant P. The following description will discuss generation of the correlation map with reference to <FIG> is a view illustrating examples of the correlation map indicative of a state of the waste incineration plant P. Note that <FIG> shows a correlation map M114, which is a normal version, and a correlation map M115, which is a simplified version.

In the correlation map M114, with respect to all combinations of the sensors S1 through Sn, a value of a relationship index for each combination of classes is represented by a color. Note that <FIG> shows a portion corresponding to combinations each consisting of any of the sensors S14 through S19 and any of the sensors S14 through S19 (excluding combinations of the same sensors S) among all combinations of the sensors S1 through Sn. In some parts of <FIG>, "Small", "Middle", and "Large" are abbreviated as "S", "M", and "L", respectively.

In the correlation map M114, one section is set for each combination of sensors S, and the one section is further divided into nine small sections. The nine small sections correspond to the "Small", "Middle", and "Large" classes of values of sensor data of a combination of sensors S. For example, a position where a column of the sensor S14 and a row of the sensor S15 intersect with each other is a section corresponding to a combination of the sensors S14-S15. Among the nine small sections included in the section, an upper left small section corresponds to a combination in which sensor data of the sensor S14 and sensor data of the sensor S15 are both "Small". Each of the other small sections likewise corresponds to a combination of classes of sensor data.

The correlation map M114 illustrated in <FIG> is generated in the following manner: a small section having a relationship index less than a preset threshold is not colored; the closer a relationship index of a small section is to <NUM>, the closer the small section is colored to black; and the closer a relationship index of a small section is to <NUM>, the closer the small section is colored to white. That is, the correlation map M114 represents a relationship index by a pixel value in a gray scale. In the correlation map M114, a pattern by which the relationship index is represented is optional and is not limited to the examples illustrated in <FIG>. For example, the relationship index may be represented by a saturation, a hue, a brightness, or combinations thereof. In a case where a rule for converting the relationship index into a color is determined in advance, the map generating section <NUM> can follow the rule to determine a displayed color of each class of the correlation map M114.

The correlation map M115 is an image in which an image of one pattern is drawn in one section. The pattern in each section is determined using a maximum of nine relationship indices corresponding to that section. Specifically, the map generating section <NUM> calculates weighted sums of relationship indices included in one section, and sets an average value of the weighted sums as a relationship index of the section. Then, the map generating section <NUM> determines a pattern corresponding to the value of the relationship index of the section (for example, an image obtained by uniformly filling the entire surface of the section with a pixel value corresponding to the value of the relationship index) as a pattern to be drawn in the section.

Note that a weight may be set to such a value that a state of distribution of sensor data for each combination of sensors S is reflected in a weighted sum. The following describes an example of setting of a weight with reference to <FIG>. <NUM> of <FIG> shows an example of relationship indices calculated for a combination of the sensors S1 and S2. <NUM> of <FIG> shows an example of setting of weights for the combination of the sensors S1 and S2.

In the example illustrated in <NUM> of <FIG>, a weight for a "Middle"-"Middle" combination is set to a highest value (specifically, <NUM>). Respective weights for a "Middle"-"Small" combination, a "Middle"-"Large" combination, a "Small"-"Middle" combination, and a "Large"-"Middle" combination are each set to an intermediate value (specifically, <NUM>). Respective weights for the other combinations are each set to a low value (specifically, <NUM>).

When these weights are applied, an average value of weighted sums for the relationship indices of the combinations of the sensors S1 and S2 illustrated in <NUM> of <FIG> is (<NUM>×<NUM>+<NUM>×<NUM>)/<NUM> = <NUM>. Similarly, for each of all combinations of the sensor S, an average value of weighted sums of relationship indices are calculated, and a pattern corresponding to the calculated value of a relationship index is drawn in a section corresponding to each combination of the sensors S. Through this process, it is possible to draw the correlation map M115 as illustrated in <FIG>, which is a simplified version. Note that a common value can be set as a weight among all combination of the sensors S, but it is preferable that each combination of sensors S have a weight adjusted to an optimum value.

<FIG> is a view illustrating an example of a change in a correlation map generated in a manner described above. As with <FIG>, <FIG> shows only a portion of the correlation map. A correlation map M116 illustrated in <FIG> is generated on the basis of sensor data obtained in a stable period of the waste incineration plant P. It can be seen from the correlation map M116 that sensor data of the sensors S14 through S19 in the stable period are concentrated in "Middle".

A correlation map M118 illustrated in <FIG> is generated on the basis of sensor data obtained in an unstable period of the waste incineration plant P. The correlation map M117 is generated on the basis of sensor data obtained in an immediately-before-instability period. It can be seen from the correlation maps M116 through M118 that a relationship of sizes of the values of the sensor data are gradually disrupted during a period from the stable period through the unstable period.

More specifically, in the correlation map M116, "Middle"-"Middle" small sections each have a color close to black, and the other small sections are not colored. In the correlation map M117, small sections other than the "Middle"-"Middle" small sections are also colored, and some of the "Middle"-"Middle" small sections are not colored. This tendency is more prominent in the correlation map M118, in which even less "Middle"-"Middle" small sections are colored.

As indicated by the correlation map M116 and the correlation map M118, it is possible to recognize, from a correlation map, whether the waste incineration plant P is in a stable period or an unstable period. As indicated by the correlation map M117, it is also possible to recognize, from a correlation map, a sign that the waste incineration plant P will fall into an unstable period.

As such, the map generating section <NUM> can generate, on the basis of sensor data obtained in a stable period, a reference map which serves as a basis for the operator or the like, who uses the operation support system <NUM>, to determine that the waste incineration plant P is in a stable state. Then, the map generating section <NUM> can generate a correlation map at any time on the basis of sensor data obtained in real time while the waste incineration plant P is operated, and the map generating section <NUM> can cause the correlation map thus generated to be displayed and outputted by the output section <NUM> together with the reference map. This enables the operator or the like to compare the reference map with the current correlation map to determine: whether or not the waste incineration plant P is in a stable state; whether or not there is a sign that the waste incineration plant P will become unstable; or the like.

Note that the map generating section <NUM> may generate the reference map on the basis of sensor data obtained in an unstable period. In this case, the operator or the like compares the reference map with the current correlation map, and determines that there is a sign that the waste incineration plant P will become unstable, in a case where the current correlation map is similar to the reference map.

The following description will discuss, with reference to <FIG>, a flow of a process (an information processing method) carried out by the information processing device 1A. <FIG> is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process carried out by the information processing device 1A. The description below discusses an example in which a correlation map is generated. However, in a case where sensor data measured in the waste incinerator plant P that is normally operating is obtained in ST11, <FIG> is a flowchart of a process of creating a reference map. The term "normally operating" means a state in which no abnormality has occurred. Examples of the "normally operating" state include: a state in which an operation of the waste incineration plant P can be continued by automatic control without an intervention by a manual operation; a state in which an operation of the waste incineration plant P can be continued according to a predetermined operation plan; a state in which an amount of power generation is stable within a predetermined range; and the like. These states can be called stable periods.

In ST11 (a data obtaining step), the data obtaining section <NUM> obtains sensor data from all of the sensors S. More specifically, the data obtaining section <NUM> obtains, via the input section <NUM>, a predetermined number of pieces of sensor data outputted in a predetermined period (e.g., the last three minutes).

In ST12, the classification section <NUM> classifies each piece of sensor data, which has been obtained in ST11, according to a size of a value of the each piece of sensor data. For example, the classification section <NUM> may classify sensor data into three stages of Small, Middle, and Large, or may classify the sensor data into two stages or four or more stages. Further, the classification section <NUM> may classify sensor data according to, for example, a threshold or the like, or may classify sensor data with use of fuzzy sets.

In ST13 (a relationship index calculating step), the relationship index calculating section <NUM> calculates a relationship index of each class on the basis of a state of distribution of the pieces of sensor data obtained in ST11. As described above, the relationship index calculating section <NUM> calculates, for each combination of classes, a relationship index in accordance with the numbers of pieces of data included in the respective classes. For example, the relationship index calculating section <NUM> may calculate the relationship index using the equation (<NUM>) described above.

In ST14 (a state information generating step), the map generating section <NUM> generates, with use of the relationship indices calculated in ST13, a correlation map indicative of a state of the waste incineration plant P. Specifically, the map generating section <NUM> generates the correlation map by determining, for each of the combinations of the Small, Middle, and Large classes in the section of each combination of sensors S, a pattern to be drawn according to the relationship index of the each of the combinations.

In ST15, the map generating section <NUM> causes the output section <NUM> to display and output the correlation map generated in ST14. Note that, in a case where a correlation map is already being displayed by the output section <NUM>, the map generating section <NUM> may update the correlation map being displayed with the newly generated correlation map. This enables the content of the displayed correlation map to always indicate the latest state of the waste incineration plant P.

In ST16, the data obtaining section <NUM> determines whether or not to end the process. In a case where the data obtaining section <NUM> determines that the process is to be ended (YES in ST16), the process illustrated in <FIG> is ended. In a case where the data obtaining section <NUM> determines that the process is to be continued (NO in ST16), the process returns to the process in ST11. A condition for making the determination in ST16 may be set as appropriate. For example, the data obtaining section <NUM> may determine that the process is to be ended in a case where the waste incineration plant P has stopped operating. This makes it possible to support an operation of the waste incineration plant P by displaying the correlation map during a period until the waste incineration plant P stops operating.

The following description will discuss another embodiment of the present invention. For convenience, members which are identical in function to the members described in Embodiment <NUM> are given respective identical reference signs, and descriptions of those members are not repeated. The same applies to Embodiment <NUM> and the subsequent embodiments.

An information processing device 1B in accordance with Embodiment <NUM> differs from the information processing device 1A in accordance with Embodiment <NUM> described above, in that the information processing device 1B automatically detects an occurrence of an abnormality in the waste incineration plant P or a sign of the occurrence of an abnormality. The following description will discuss the information processing device 1B with reference to <FIG> is a view illustrating a configuration of the information processing device 1B and a flow of a process carried out by the information processing device 1B. In the information processing device 1B, configurations of members other than a control section 10B are the same as those of the information processing device 1A (see <FIG>). As such, <FIG> shows a configuration of the control section 10B.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the information processing device 1B differs from the information processing device 1A in that the information processing device 1B includes a stability index calculating section <NUM> and an abnormality detecting section <NUM> instead of the map generating section <NUM>. Note that the map generating section <NUM> may be also included in the control section 10B.

The stability index calculating section <NUM> calculates a stability index with use of sensor data obtained by a data obtaining section <NUM>. The stability index is an index that indicates a degree of similarity between (i) a state of distribution of sensor data when the waste incineration plant P is in a stable operating state and (ii) a state of distribution of sensor data obtained by the data obtaining section <NUM>. Since the stability index is information indicative of a state of the waste incineration plant P, the stability index calculating section <NUM> can be also referred to as a state information generating section.

By including the stability index calculating section <NUM>, the information processing device 1B is capable of numerically indicating whether an operating state of the waste incineration plant P is close to a stable state or far from the stable state (i.e., unstable). The stability index can be displayed and outputted in the same manner as the correlation map to be presented to the operator or the like, or can be used in detection of an abnormality and the like as described below.

The stability index may be calculated, for example, as follows. Note that, prior to the calculation of the stability index by the stability index calculating section <NUM>, the relationship index calculating section <NUM> calculates a relationship index with use of sensor data when the waste incineration plant P is in a stable operating state. In the following description, a relationship index calculated with use of sensor data when the waste incineration plant P is in a stable operating state is referred to as a stable-time relationship index. Note that the above-described reference map can be created with use of the stable-time relationship index.

First, the stability index calculating section <NUM> calculates a matching degree between a value of the sensor data obtained by the data obtaining section <NUM> and each of the classes that are based on a size of a value of the sensor data. The sensor data are data indicative of a state of the waste incineration plant P with respect to which the stability index is to be calculated. Next, the stability index calculating section <NUM> calculates a stability index of each class on the basis of a stable-time relationship index in each class and the matching degree calculated with respect to the class. Then, the stability index calculating section <NUM> calculates a stability index for each combination of sensors S on the basis of stability indices of the respective classes, and uses, as a final stability index, a sum of stability indices which have been thus calculated for the respective combinations.

The following description will discuss, with reference to <FIG>, an example of calculation of a stability index in a case where the relationship index shown in <NUM> of <FIG> is calculated as a stable-time relationship index of a combination of the sensor S1 and the sensor S2. <FIG> is a view illustrating an example of calculation of a stability index. Note that a value of sensor data of the sensor S1 at a time t after the calculation of the stable-time relationship index and a value of sensor data of the sensor S2 at the time t are v1 and v2, respectively.

In this case, as illustrated in <NUM> of <FIG>, the stability index calculating section <NUM> calculates a matching degree indicative of a degree to which v1 matches each of classes (Small, Middle, Large) of a size of a value of the sensor S1. The matching degree can be calculated with use of a membership function for each class of a size of a value of the sensor S1. In the example illustrated in <NUM> of <FIG>, matching degrees between v1 and the "Small", "Middle", and "Large" classes are calculated as <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>, respectively.

The stability index calculating section <NUM> likewise calculates a matching degree between v2, which is a value of the sensor data of the sensor S2 and each of classes (Small, Middle, Large) of a size of a value of the sensor S2. In the example illustrated in <NUM> of <FIG>, matching degrees between v2 and the "Small", "Middle", and "Large" classes are calculated as <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>, respectively.

Then, the stability index calculating section <NUM> multiplies the matching degree of v1 by the matching degree of v2 to calculate a matching degree for each class of a combination of sizes of a value. In the example illustrated in <NUM> of <FIG>, a matching degree of a "Middle"-"Small" class is <NUM>×<NUM> = <NUM>, and a matching degree of a "Middle"-"Middle" class is <NUM>×<NUM> = <NUM>. A matching degree of a "Large"-"Small" class is <NUM> × <NUM> = <NUM>, and a matching degree of a "Large"-"Middle" class is <NUM> × <NUM> = <NUM>. A matching degree of each of the other classes is <NUM>.

Next, the stability index calculating section <NUM> calculates a stability index in each class of a combination of sizes of a value by multiplying a stable-time relationship index by the matching degree that has been calculated with respect to the class. In the example illustrated in <NUM> of <FIG>, a relationship index of the "Middle"-"Middle" class is <NUM>, a relationship index of the "Large"-"Small" class is <NUM>, and a relationship index of each of the other classes is <NUM>. As such, a stability index of the "Middle"-"Middle" class is <NUM>×<NUM> = <NUM>, and a stability index of the "Large"-"Small" class is <NUM>×<NUM> = <NUM>.

Then, the stability index calculating section <NUM> sums the stability indices of the respective classes, and uses a sum thus obtained as a stability index at a time when the sensor data of v1 and v2 were measured. That is, a stability index in the example illustrated in <NUM> of <FIG> is <NUM>+<NUM> = <NUM>. The stability index calculating section <NUM> carries out the above process for all combinations of the sensors S, and uses, as a stability index at the time t, a sum of stability indices thus calculated for the respective combinations.

The stability index calculated in this manner has a value which increases as a similarity between a state of distribution of the sensor data obtained by the data obtaining section <NUM> and a state of distribution of the sensor data when the waste incineration plant P is in a stable operating state increases. As such, it can be said that the stability index indicates a degree of similarity between (i) a state of distribution of the sensor data when the waste incineration plant P is in a stable operating state and (ii) a state of distribution of the sensor data obtained by the data obtaining section <NUM>.

The stability index calculating section <NUM> can also calculate a stability index in consideration of time-series changes in sensor data. For example, the stability index calculating section <NUM> may calculate a position of a center of time-series sensor data and use the position of the center to calculate a stability index. This will be explained with reference to <NUM> of <FIG>. In the example illustrated in <NUM> of <FIG>, it is assumed that sensor data (v11, v21), (v12, v22), and (v13, v23) are measured by the sensors S1 and S2 at times t1, t2, and t3.

In this case, the stability index calculating section <NUM> calculates a center (v1', v2') of (v11, v21), (v12, v22), and (v13, v23). Then, the stability index calculating section <NUM> can calculate a stability index at the times t1 through t3 by the same arithmetic operation as in the above-described example in which a stability index is calculated with use of v1 and v2.

The stability index calculating section <NUM> may thus (<NUM>) use a plurality of pieces of sensor data measured in a predetermined period to calculate data (in the above example, coordinates of the position of the center) indicative of a state of the waste incineration plant P in the period and (<NUM>) use the data to calculate a stability index. This enables the stability index calculating section <NUM> to calculate a stability index in consideration of time-series changes in sensor data in the period.

Note that, instead of a stability index, it is possible to calculate an unstable index which indicates a degree to which a state of distribution of sensor data obtained by the data obtaining section <NUM> and a state of distribution of sensor data when the waste incineration plant P is in an unstable operating state are similar to each other as a whole. Further, it is possible to use, as a stability index, information indicative of a degree of deviation between a state of distribution of sensor data obtained by the data obtaining section <NUM> and a state of distribution of sensor data when the waste incineration plant P is an unstable operating state. Thus, an operating state used as a reference in calculation of a stability index or an unstable index may be a stable state or an unstable state.

The abnormality detecting section <NUM> detects an abnormality of the waste incineration plant P on the basis of a stability index calculated by the stability index calculating section <NUM>. The abnormality to be detected by the abnormality detecting section <NUM> includes not only an unstable state of the waste incineration plant P but also a state in which a tendency toward an unstable state of the waste incineration plant P appears.

The abnormality detecting section <NUM> may determine that an abnormality has occurred when the stability index becomes less than or equal to a predetermined threshold. The abnormality detecting section <NUM> may also determine a presence or absence of an abnormality on the basis of a rate of change in the stability index. For example, the abnormality detecting section <NUM> can determine, when the stability index sharply decreases in a short time, that an abnormality has occurred, and can determine, when the stability index is continually decreasing for a predetermined period, that an abnormality has occurred.

In a case where the abnormality detecting section <NUM> determines that there is a possibility that an abnormality has occurred, the abnormality detecting section <NUM> notifies the operator or the like of such. An aspect of notification is not particularly limited. For example, the abnormality detecting section <NUM> can notify the operator or the like by causing the output section <NUM> to display information indicating that an abnormality has been detected. Note that the determination of a presence or absence of an abnormality and the notification may be carried out by respective different process blocks.

The following description will discuss a flow of a process (an information processing method) carried out by the information processing device 1B. Note that processes in ST21 and ST26 are similar to the processes in ST11 and ST16 of <FIG>. As such, the processes in ST22 through ST25 will be described below.

In ST22, the stability index calculating section <NUM> calculates a matching degree of sensor data obtained in ST21 to each class. Specifically, as described with reference to <FIG>, the stability index calculating section <NUM> calculates, for each combination of sensors S, matching degrees between the sensor data obtained in ST21 and the respective three classes of "Small", "Middle", and "Large". Then, the stability index calculating section <NUM> multiplies the thus calculated matching degrees to calculate matching degrees between the sensor data obtained in ST21 and the respective nine classes of "Small"-"Small" through "Large"-"Large".

In ST23 (a state information generating step), the stability index calculating section <NUM> calculates a stability index indicative of a state of the waste incineration plant P with use of the matching degrees calculated in ST22. Specifically, as described with reference to <FIG>, the stability index calculating section <NUM> calculates the stability index by an arithmetic operation of multiplying the stable-time relationship indices by the matching degrees calculated in ST22.

In ST24, the abnormality detecting section <NUM> determines a presence or absence of an abnormality on the basis of the stability index calculated in ST23. In a case where it is determined in ST24 that there is an abnormality (YES at ST24), the process proceeds to the process in ST25, and in ST25, the abnormality detecting section <NUM> notifies the operator or the like that an abnormality has been detected. In a case where it is determined in ST24 that there is no abnormality (NO at ST24), the process proceeds to the process in ST26.

In ST23, the stability index calculating section <NUM> may calculate a stability index with respect to a part of the combinations of the sensors S in addition to a stability index with respect to the entire combinations of the sensors S. In this case, in ST24, in a case where the abnormality detecting section <NUM> determines that there is no abnormality on the basis of the stability index with respect to the entire combinations of the sensors S, the abnormality detecting section <NUM> can determine again a presence or absence of an abnormality on the basis of the stability index for the part of the combinations of the sensors S. This allows an abnormality to be detected also in a case where a sign of the abnormality is difficult to recognize on the basis of the entire combinations but is indicated in output values of a part of the sensors S.

The abnormality detecting section <NUM> may detect an abnormality of the waste incineration plant P with use of a learned model that has been constructed by machine-learning a relationship between a relationship index calculated by the relationship index calculating section <NUM> and a state of the waste incineration plant P. In this case, the stability index calculating section <NUM> is omitted, and the abnormality detecting section <NUM>, which inputs a relationship index to the learned model and outputs information indicative of whether or not the waste incineration plant P has an abnormality, functions as a state information generating section.

In the above machine learning, for example, it is possible to use, as training data, (i) a relationship index calculated from sensor data obtained when the waste incineration plant P is operating normally and (ii) a relationship index calculated from sensor data obtained earlier, by a predetermined time period, than an occurrence of an abnormality in the waste incineration plant P. By inputting the relationship index calculated by the relationship index calculating section <NUM> to the learned model constructed by the above mechanical learning, it is possible to obtain (i) an output value indicative of a possibility that the waste incineration plant P is operating normally and (ii) an output value indicative of a possibility that an abnormality will occur after an elapse of a predetermined time period.

In this case, the abnormality detecting section <NUM> can detect an abnormality of the operating state in a case where, for example, the output value indicative of a possibility that the waste incineration plant P is operating normally is less than a predetermined threshold. Further, the abnormality detecting section <NUM> can detect a sign of occurrence of an abnormality, for example, in a case where the output value indicative of a possibility of occurrence of an abnormality after an elapse of a predetermined time period is equal to or greater than a threshold.

The description of Embodiment <NUM> will discuss an example in which, on the basis of a change in a value of obtained sensor data, a value of subsequent sensor data is predicted, and an abnormality is detected on the basis of the predicted value of the sensor data. An information processing device 1C in accordance with Embodiment <NUM> will be described with reference to <FIG> is a view illustrating a configuration of the information processing device 1C and an overview of a method of predicting a value of sensor data. In the information processing device 1C, configurations of members other than a control section 10C are the same as those of the information processing device 1A (see <FIG>). As such, <FIG> shows a configuration of the control section 10C.

The information processing device 1C differs from the information processing device data 1B (see <FIG>) in accordance with Embodiment <NUM> in that the information processing device 1C includes a data prediction section <NUM>. The data prediction section <NUM> calculates, on the basis of a change in a value of sensor data obtained by a data obtaining section <NUM>, a predicted value of a value of subsequent sensor data. Then, a classification section <NUM> classifies the predicted value, and a relationship index calculating section <NUM> calculates a relationship index on the basis of this classification. As such, the stability index calculating section <NUM> can calculate, on the basis of the predicted value, a stability index indicative of a future state of the waste incineration plant P. By using the stability index, it is possible to take, before an operating state of the waste incineration plant P becomes unstable, a measure for preventing the operating state from becoming unstable.

In a S1-S4 section in a correlation map M311 illustrated in <FIG>, sets of coordinates are plotted, each of which sets is a combination of a value of sensor data outputted by the sensor S1 and a value of sensor data outputted by the sensor S4. As indicated by an arrow in <FIG>, points thus plotted are such that the later data in time series a point corresponds to, the closer to a lower right side in the section the point is located. As such, the data prediction section <NUM> can predict, on the basis of this tendency, a position (a group of values of pieces of sensor data respectively outputted by the sensors S1 and S4) of a point in the future. For example, the data prediction section <NUM> may obtain an approximation curve on the basis of sets of coordinates of time-series points that have been plotted up to the present time point, and calculate, on the basis of the approximation curve, coordinates of a point to be plotted in the future.

Further, for example, the data prediction section <NUM> may calculate, on the basis of time-series sensor data (trend data indicating a tendency of time-series changes in sensor data) up to the present time point, a predicted value of a value of sensor data in the future. In this case, for example, sensor data measured in the last predetermined time period (e.g., <NUM> minutes) may be used.

Processes after the calculation of the predicted value are similar to those in Embodiment <NUM>. Note that the map generating section <NUM> described in Embodiment <NUM> may be included in the control section 10C of the information processing device 1C. In this case, a correlation map indicating a future state of the waste incineration plant P can be created on the basis of the predicted value calculated by the data prediction section <NUM>.

The description of Embodiment <NUM> discusses an information processing device 1D having a function of detecting a failure in a sensor S and a function of determining a cause of an abnormality of the waste incineration plant P when the abnormality is detected. <FIG> is a block diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of the information processing device 1D. In the information processing device 1D, configurations of members other than a control section 10D are the same as those of the information processing device 1A (see <FIG>). As such, <FIG> shows a configuration of the control section 10D.

The information processing device 1D differs from the information processing device data 1B (see <FIG>) in accordance with Embodiment <NUM> in that the information processing device 1D includes a sensor failure detecting section <NUM>, a cause determination section <NUM>, and a plant control section <NUM>. Note that the sensor failure detecting section <NUM>, the cause determination section <NUM>, and the plant control section <NUM> do not cooperate with each other. As such, any one(s) of the sensor failure detecting section <NUM>, the cause determination section <NUM>, and the plant control section <NUM> may be omitted. Further, it is possible to provide the cause determination section <NUM> and omit the plant control section <NUM>. The sensor failure detecting section <NUM> can also be included in the information processing device 1A in accordance with Embodiment <NUM>.

The sensor failure detecting section <NUM> detects, on the basis of relationship indices calculated with respect to respective groups of the plurality of sensors S, a sensor S in which a failure has occurred. In a case where the plurality of sensors S include a sensor S having a failure, a relationship index calculated with use of sensor data outputted by the sensor S having the failure deviates from a normal range. This can be utilized in the above detection. For example, the sensor failure detecting section <NUM> can (i) cause the stability index calculating section <NUM> to calculate stability indices with respect to the respective sensors S and (ii) detect, as a sensor S in which a failure has occurred, a sensor S with respect to which the calculated stability index is equal to or less than a threshold.

The cause determination section <NUM> determines, on the basis of relationship indices calculated with respect to the respective groups of the plurality of sensors S, a cause because of which the waste incineration plant P has fallen into a state indicated by the stability index calculated by the stability index calculating section <NUM>. This makes it possible to take an appropriate measure according to the cause and to thereby enable the waste incineration plant P to be in a more preferable state.

More specifically, the cause determination section <NUM> determines a cause of instability in a case where the abnormality detecting section <NUM> determines that there is an abnormality. Then, the plant control section <NUM> carries out control according to a determination result of the determination of the cause determination section <NUM> to thereby stabilize the state of the waste incineration plant P. Note that the cause determination section <NUM> may notify the operator or the like of the determination result by displaying and outputting the determination result. In this case, the state of the waste incineration plant P is stabilized by a manual operation by the operator.

In the determination of the cause, a correlation between a relationship index and a cause is used. For example, in a case where (i) the state of the waste incineration plant P is unstable and (ii) a relationship between a temperature of an afterburner grate and a flow rate of primary combustion air, which relationship is indicated by relationship indices, is "Small" and "Large", it is possible that an insufficient supply of waste to the incinerator is the cause. Accordingly, in a case where sensor data outputted by a sensor S that indicates a temperature of an afterburner grate and sensor data outputted by a sensor S that indicates a flow rate of primary combustion air are in a relationship of "Small" and "Large", the cause determination section <NUM> can determine that an insufficient supply of waste to the incinerator is the cause. Thus, relationship indices can be used as a whole as information indicative of a state of the waste incineration plant P, and a result of analysis of portions of the relationship indices can be used to identify a cause of instability, and the like.

The plant control section <NUM> controls an operation of the waste incineration plant P. For example, the plant control section <NUM> can control an operation of the waste incineration plant P by controlling a control device which controls operations of various devices included in the waste incineration plant P.

The plant control section <NUM> also functions as an equipment control section which, in a case where each of relationship indices calculated with respect to respective groups of the plurality of sensors S satisfies a predetermined condition, causes the waste incineration plant P to carry out an operation for bringing the waste incineration plant P into a normal state. This makes it possible to automatically stabilize the state of the waste incineration plant P.

Specifically, the plant control section <NUM> carries out control according to a determination result of the cause determination section <NUM> to thereby stabilize the state of the waste incineration plant P, as described above. In a case where each of relationship indices calculated with respect to respective groups of the plurality of sensors S satisfies a predetermined condition, the cause determination section <NUM> identifies a cause corresponding to the condition. As such, the plant control section <NUM> carries out control in a case where the above condition is satisfied. The content of control for each cause can be determined in advance. For example, in a case where an insufficient supply of waste to the incinerator is the cause, the plant control section <NUM> can carry out a control so as to cause waste to be supplied to the incinerator. Note that the cause determination section <NUM> can be omitted and the plant control section <NUM> can determine whether or not the predetermined condition is satisfied.

An entity that carries out each process described in each of the foregoing embodiments can be changed as appropriate. For example, the processes other than ST14 in <FIG> can be carried out by one or more devices other than the information processing device 1A. For example, the processes in ST11 and ST12 can be carried out by another information processing device, and the process in ST13 can be carried out by yet another information processing device. In this case, the information processing device 1A obtains a relationship index calculated by the yet another information processing device and generates a map. The same applies to the flowchart in <FIG>, and an entity that carries out each process can be changed as appropriate.

Further, the configuration in which sensor data are classified into sets such as Large, Middle, and Small is a technique for representing an aspect of a distribution of the sensor data, and can be replaced by another method that can express an aspect of a distribution of the sensor data.

Control blocks of each of the information processing devices 1A through 1D (particularly, the sections included in each of the control sections 10A through 10D) can be realized by a logic circuit (hardware) provided in an integrated circuit (IC chip) or the like or can be alternatively realized by software.

In the latter case, each of the information processing devices 1A through 1D includes a computer that executes instructions of a program (information processing program) that is software realizing the foregoing functions. The computer, for example, includes at least one processor and a computer-readable storage medium storing the program. An object of the present invention can be achieved by the processor of the computer reading and executing the program stored in the storage medium. Examples of the processor encompass a central processing unit (CPU). Examples of the storage medium encompass a "non-transitory tangible medium" such as a read only memory (ROM), a tape, a disk, a card, a semiconductor memory, and a programmable logic circuit. The computer may further include a random access memory (RAM) or the like in which the program is loaded. Further, the program may be made available to the computer via any transmission medium (such as a communication network and a broadcast wave) which allows the program to be transmitted. Note that an aspect of the present invention can also be achieved in the form of a computer data signal in which the program is embodied via electronic transmission and which is embedded in a carrier wave.

Claim 1:
An information processing device (1A, 1B, 1C, 1D), comprising:
a data obtaining section (<NUM>) configured to obtain sensor data, the sensor data being (i) output values of a plurality of sensors (S) in a predetermined period or (ii) numerical values calculated with use of the output values, the plurality of sensors being provided in mechanical equipment;
a classification section (<NUM>) configured to classify the pieces of the sensor data into each of a plurality of sets according to a size of a value of each piece of the sensor data;
a relationship index calculating section (<NUM>) configured to calculate a relationship index indicative of a relationship of a group of two sensors among the plurality of sensors, on the basis of a state of distribution of pieces of the sensor data which pieces are obtained from the two sensors of the group, wherein the relationship index calculating section is further configured to calculate each of a plurality of relationship indices for each of the plurality of sets of each combination of two sensors among the plurality of sensors, on the basis of a frequency of the classified pieces of the sensor data in the respective set;
a state information generating section configured to generate information indicative of a state of the mechanical equipment in the predetermined period, with use of the plurality of relationship indices.