Information processing method, information processing system, and program

Abstract

The present application relates to an information processing method, an information processing system, and a program for solving the problem of more easily grasping the state of a production line. The information processing method includes a first screen display step and a second screen display step. In the first screen display step, a first screen (G1) including a plurality of widgets (W1 to W6) is displayed. Each widget (W1 to W6) is configured based on information output from an application program software associated with the widget among a plurality of application program softwares for managing the state of a production line. In the second screen display step, when an operation on any of the plurality of widgets (W1 to W6) is accepted, a second screen (G11, G12, G14, G16, G17, G21, G22) of the application program software associated with the widget is displayed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a technology for managing production lines. Background Technology

[0002] A technology for managing production lines is known. For example, Patent Document 1 describes a system in which a server provides services for controlling the production line, and at a terminal, multiple control applications each display a window of the service on a monitor. Patent Document 2 describes a system in which, for each of a plurality of operating production tools, a window displaying the results of processing data collected from the production tool is shown on a remotely located device.

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 5-210478 (published on August 20, 1993)

[0006] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Publication No. 2014-528861 (published on October 30, 2014) Summary of the Invention

[0007] The problem the invention aims to solve

[0008] However, in the technology described in Patent Document 1, the user needs to view multiple windows of control applications to monitor the status of the production system. Furthermore, in the technology described in Patent Document 2, the user needs to view windows corresponding to multiple production tools to monitor their status. Thus, in the technologies described in Patent Documents 1 and 2, it is difficult to uniformly monitor the status of the production line.

[0009] One aspect of the present invention is made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and its purpose is to realize a technology that makes it easier to uniformly grasp the status of the production line.

[0010] Solution for solving the problem

[0011] To address the aforementioned issues, one aspect of the present invention relates to an information processing method executed by one or more processors. This information processing method includes a first screen display step and a second screen display step. Additionally, another aspect of the present invention relates to an information processing system comprising one or more processors. The one or more processors execute the first screen display processing and the second screen display processing.

[0012] In the first screen display step (first screen display processing), the one or more processors display a first screen comprising multiple widgets on a display. Each widget is constructed based on information output from application software associated with that widget among multiple application software programs used to manage the status of the production line. In the second screen display step (second screen display processing), when the one or more processors receive an operation for any of the multiple widgets, they control the application software associated with that widget and display a second screen on the display. The second screen is a screen generated by the application software.

[0013] The effects of the invention

[0014] According to one aspect of the present invention, a technology that makes it easier to uniformly monitor the status of the production line can be realized. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is a block diagram illustrating the functional structure of the information processing system (server) involved in Implementation Method 1.

[0016] Figure 2 It means Figure 1 A block diagram illustrating an example of the physical structure of a server.

[0017] Figure 3 This diagram illustrates an example of the transition between screens displayed using the information processing method described in Embodiment 1.

[0018] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing a specific example of the first screen involved in Implementation Method 1.

[0019] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing other specific examples of the first screen involved in Implementation Method 1.

[0020] Figure 6 This diagram illustrates an example of the transition between multiple screens generated by the application software in Implementation 1.

[0021] Figure 7 It means Figure 6 The image shown is an example of a second screen generated by the application software.

[0022] Figure 8 It means Figure 6 The image shows another example of a second screen generated by the application software.

[0023] Figure 9 It means Figure 6 The image shows another example of a second screen generated by the application software.

[0024] Figure 10 It means Figure 6 The image shows another example of a second screen generated by the application software.

[0025] Figure 11 This diagram illustrates an example of the transition between multiple screens generated by other application software in Implementation 1.

[0026] Figure 12 It means Figure 11 The image shown is an example of a second screen generated by the application software.

[0027] Figure 13 It means Figure 11 The image shows another example of a second screen generated by the application software.

[0028] Figure 14 This diagram illustrates an example of screen transitions displayed using the information processing method described in a variation of Embodiment 1.

[0029] Figure 15 This is a diagram showing an example of other micro-components in a variation of Embodiment 1.

[0030] Figure 16 This is a diagram showing another example of other micro-components in a variation of Embodiment 1.

[0031] Figure 17 This is a diagram showing another example of other micro-components in a variation of Embodiment 1.

[0032] Figure 18 This is a diagram illustrating the functional structure of the information processing system involved in Implementation Method 2 and specific examples of multiple production lines as its application objects.

[0033] Figure 19 This is a diagram showing an example of the first screen in Embodiment 2. Detailed Implementation

[0034] [Implementation Method 1]

[0035] Embodiment 1 of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0036] <Summary of the functional structure of server 1>

[0037] Reference Figure 1 The functional structure of the information processing system according to this embodiment will be explained. As an example, the information processing system according to this embodiment is implemented as follows: Figure 1 Server 1 is shown. Figure 1 This is a block diagram representing the functional structure of server 1.

[0038] Server 1 provides integrated services using multiple application software APPx (x = 1, 2, ...) for managing the status of production line L. In this embodiment, production line L is a production line for producing castings, located in production facility F. Examples of the status of production line L include the status of each process performed in production line L, the status of each piece of equipment used in production line L, the production status of production line L, and the environment of production line L. However, the production line L and its status in this embodiment are not limited to the above.

[0039] Furthermore, the "application software" is software that provides the functionality to manage the status of production line L, and it operates on the operating system of server 1. Hereafter, the application software APPx will also be referred to simply as "application APPx". Details of application APPx will be described later.

[0040] Server 1 executes the information processing method according to this embodiment as an integration service. Server 1 executes this information processing method to perform first-screen display processing for displaying a first screen, and second-screen display processing to display a second screen based on an operation performed on the first screen. Here, the first screen and the second screen are displayed on the display of terminal 8. The display of terminal 8 is an example of the display of the present invention. Hereafter, the display shown on terminal 8 will only be referred to as "display". Details of server 1 and the information processing method executed by server 1 will be described later. Furthermore, here, "operation" refers to an operation performed by the user of terminal 8. Additionally, the user of terminal 8 may be, for example, a manager who manages the status of production facility F. Hereafter, the user of terminal 8 will be referred to as a manager. However, the user of terminal 8 according to this embodiment is not limited to a manager.

[0041] like Figure 1 As shown, server 1 includes an integration service provision unit 101, a data collection unit 102, a data transmission unit 103, and an application APPx. Details of these functional blocks will be described later.

[0042] Additionally, server 1 is connected to gateway 7 and terminal 8 via network N1 in a communicative manner. Network N1 is a WAN (Wide Area Network). Management device 6 and gateway 7 are located within production facility F. For example, terminal 8 can be a device located in a remote location far from production facility F, or it can be a device carried by an administrator who manages the status of production facility F.

[0043] <Production F facility>

[0044] Production facility F includes production line L, management device 6, and gateway 7.

[0045] Production line L Figure 1As shown, the production line includes multiple devices Mi (i = 1, 2, ...), multiple controllers MPi, multiple external sensors Cj (j = 1, 2, ...), and a sensor master device CP. As an example, production line L is a casting production line. In this case, as examples of processes performed in production line L, sand processing, molding, core setting, pouring, cooling / transfer, and post-processing processes can be cited. Furthermore, production line L includes sand processing equipment M1, molding equipment M2, core equipment M3, pouring equipment M4, transfer equipment M5, and post-processing equipment M6. Sand processing equipment M1 performs the sand processing process of treating molding sand. Molding equipment M2 performs the molding process of molding the mold. Core equipment M3 performs the core setting process of setting the core in the mold. Pouring equipment M4 performs the pouring process of pouring molten metal into the mold. Cooling / transfer equipment M5 performs the transfer process of cooling or transferring the mold. Post-processing equipment M6 performs post-processing procedures after the casting is removed from the mold.

[0046] Each device Mi has a built-in controller MPi. Each controller MPi controls device Mi. As an example, the controller MPi is a PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) controller that operates according to a program for controlling the various parts of device Mi. Each controller MPi acquires information indicating the state of device Mi. As examples of information that the controller MPi can acquire, it includes, but is not limited to, the power status of device Mi, standby status, information indicating the number of times a specified component has been inspected, the operating time of the specified component, the date and time of replacement of the specified component, the processing time required for a specified task, and information measured by built-in sensors.

[0047] Additionally, each controller MPi is connected to the management device 6 and gateway 7 (described later) via network N2. Network N2 is a LAN (Local Area Network) laid out in production facility F. Network N2 consists of wired LAN, wireless LAN, or a combination thereof. Each controller MPi sends information indicating the status of device Mi to management device 6 or gateway 7. Each controller MPi may send this information periodically to management device 6 or gateway 7, or may send this information upon request from management device 6 or gateway 7. Thus, the paths for transmitting information indicating the status of each device Mi to server 1 have the following (i) and (ii): (i) is the path from each controller MPi to server 1 via gateway 7. (ii) is the path from each controller MPi to server 1 sequentially via management device 6 and gateway 7. In the case of (ii), after the information indicating the status of each device Mi is processed into object-related information in management device 6, the processed information is sent to server 1 via gateway 7.

[0048] The multiple sensors Cj include sensors Cj attached to at least any one of the multiple devices Mi, and sensors Cj not attached to any device Mi. Here, "attached" means subsequently installed on a device Mi to measure the state of the device Mi. The location of a sensor Cj attached to any device Mi can be either inside or outside the device Mi. Furthermore, the number of sensors Cj attached to a single device Mi is not limited to one; there can be multiple such devices. Additionally, there may be device Mis among the multiple devices Mi that do not have sensors Cj attached. The location of a sensor Cj not attached to any device Mi is outside the device Mi. Figure 1 In the example, sensors C1 and C2 are attached to device M1. Sensor C3 is attached to device M2. Sensor C4 is attached to device M3. Sensor C5 is not attached to any device Mi.

[0049] Each sensor Cj attached to any device Mi acquires information indicating the state of device Mi. Examples of information that can be acquired from the sensors Cj attached to any device Mi include, but are not limited to, information indicating the vibration of device Mi, information indicating the differential pressure between two chambers within device Mi (e.g., the clean chamber and dust chamber in a dust collector), the motor current value used to drive the rotation of components of device Mi, information indicating contamination of the working oil of device Mi, and the temperature of the liquid injected into device Mi. Furthermore, as examples, the sensors Cj attached to any device Mi may be vibration sensors, CT (Current Transformer) sensors, pressure gauges, oil deterioration sensors, non-contact temperature sensors, etc.

[0050] Each sensor Cj, which is not attached to any device Mi, acquires information representing the state of the surroundings of one or more devices Mi. Examples of information that a sensor Cj, which is not attached to any device Mi, can acquire include, but is not limited to, temperature and humidity. Additionally, as an example, the sensor Cj, which is not attached to device Mi, may be a sensor that detects the surrounding atmosphere (e.g., a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, etc.), but is not limited to this.

[0051] Furthermore, each sensor Cj is connected to the sensor host device CP in a communicative manner. For example, each sensor Cj is connected to the sensor host device CP via a wireless sensor network. The wireless sensor network is constructed, for example, via short-range wireless communication such as infrared or Bluetooth (registered trademark). Additionally, information is transmitted and received between the sensor host device CP and the sensor Cj according to a defined protocol. In other words, if a sensor Cj has a communication interface connected to a wireless sensor network corresponding to the sensor host device CP and transmits and receives information according to the protocol corresponding to the sensor host device CP, it can be easily added later as a sensor Cj attached to any device Mi.

[0052] Sensor Cj can be a type that periodically measures information and sends it to the sensor master device CP. Alternatively, sensor Cj can be a type that sends information to the sensor master device CP when it measures information that meets specified conditions. Furthermore, sensor Cj can also be a type that sends measured information to the sensor master device CP upon request from the sensor master device CP.

[0053] The sensor master device CP receives information from each sensor Cj that indicates the state of device Mi or the state of its surroundings. Furthermore, the timing of the sensor master device CP receiving information from the sensors Cj corresponds to the type of sensor Cj mentioned above. The sensor master device CP stores the information received from each sensor Cj along with the identification information of that sensor Cj in its memory (not shown).

[0054] Additionally, the sensor master device CP is connected to the gateway 7 via network N2. The sensor master device CP sends the information measured by the sensor Cj to the gateway 7. The sensor master device CP can periodically send this information to the management device 6 or the gateway 7, or send this information upon request from the gateway 7. In this way, the information representing the state of device Mi or the surrounding environment measured by each sensor Cj is sequentially sent to the server 1 via the sensor master device CP and the gateway 7.

[0055] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the production line L has one sensor master device CP, but it may also include multiple sensor master devices configured similarly to the sensor master device CP. In this case, each sensor Cj is connected to any one of the multiple sensor master devices. Alternatively, at least one of the multiple sensor master devices may be connected to a different wireless sensor network than the other at least one sensor master device. Alternatively, at least one of the multiple sensor master devices may use a different protocol than the other at least one sensor master device to communicate with each sensor Cj.

[0056] Management device 6 is a device for managing the status of each process performed in production line L. Management device 6 acquires information related to the status of each device Mi from each controller MPi, and generates information related to the object being processed by each device Mi based on the acquired information. The object is, for example, molding sand processed by sand processing device M1. Another object is, for example, a casting mold processed by molding device M2. Another object is, for example, molten metal processed by casting device M4. However, the object is not limited to the examples described above. Information related to the object includes, for example, information indicating the quality of the object and information indicating the production status of the object. Furthermore, management device 6 generates a management screen including information related to the object. Management device 6 also displays the generated management screen on a monitor (not shown) installed in production facility F. Furthermore, the monitor used to display the management screen generated by management device 6 can be connected to management device 6 or to a LAN (network N2) within production facility F.

[0057] Furthermore, the management device 6 is connected to the terminal 8 via network N1 in a communicative manner. The management device 6 sends the aforementioned management screen according to a request from the terminal 8, causing it to be displayed on the terminal 8.

[0058] Furthermore, it is desirable that the management device 6 collects information indicating the status of equipment Mi in real time during the operation of production line L. This real-time collection can be achieved, for example, through predetermined intervals or actions corresponding to information detection. For instance, the management device 6 can receive information by requesting it from the controller MPi at predetermined intervals. Alternatively, the controller MPi can be configured to send detected information externally at predetermined intervals. The management device 6 collects information indicating the status of equipment Mi in real time and updates the management screen based on the collected information.

[0059] In addition, management device 6 sends part or all of the object-related information generated based on information obtained from each controller MPi to server 1 via gateway 7. For example, management device 6 periodically sends this information to gateway 7, and gateway 7 sends the information received from management device 6 to server 1.

[0060] Gateway 7 is a device that transmits information collected from management device 6, each controller MPi, and sensor master device CP to server 1. Ideally, gateway 7 should collect and transmit this information in real time during the operation of production line L.

[0061] The method by which gateway 7 collects this information in real time is explained. For example, real-time collection is performed at predetermined intervals. For instance, gateway 7 can receive information related to an object by requesting information from management device 6 at predetermined intervals. Additionally, gateway 7 can receive information indicating the status of device Mi by requesting information from controller MPi at predetermined intervals. Furthermore, gateway 7 can receive information indicating the status of device Mi or the surrounding environment by requesting information from sensor master device CP at predetermined intervals. Moreover, the predetermined intervals for gateway 7 to collect information can be determined based on management device 6, each controller MPi, and sensor master device CP.

[0062] The method of gateway 7 transmitting collected information to server 1 in real time is explained. This real-time transmission can be achieved, for example, through a predetermined interval or an action corresponding to the information received. For instance, gateway 7 may store information received from management device 6, controller MPi, and sensor master device CP in a memory (not shown), and transmit the stored information to server 1 at predetermined intervals. Alternatively, gateway 7 may transmit information to server 1 whenever it receives information from management device 6, controller MPi, or sensor master device CP. In this way, gateway 7 collects information representing the state of device Mi or its surroundings in real time and transmits the collected information to server 1 in real time. Furthermore, when gateway 7 transmits information at predetermined intervals, the predetermined interval can be determined to be the length corresponding to the management device 6, each controller MPi, and sensor master device CP respectively. Additionally, the predetermined interval at which gateway 7 transmits information collected from each device does not necessarily have to be the same length as the interval at which information is collected from that device.

[0063] <Example of the physical structure of server 1>

[0064] Reference Figure 2 To illustrate the physical structure of server 1. Figure 2 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the physical structure of server 1. For example... Figure 2As shown, server 1 includes a processor 11, primary memory 12, secondary memory 13, input / output interface 14, and communication interface 15. The processor 11, primary memory 12, secondary memory 13, input / output interface 14, and communication interface 15 are interconnected via a bus.

[0065] The secondary memory 13 stores programs P0, P1, P2, ... . Program P0 is a program used to cause the processor 11 to execute the information processing method according to this embodiment. Program Px (x = 1, 2, ...) is a program executed by the processor 11 to implement the function of application APPx. The processor 11 executes each step included in the information processing method according to this embodiment according to the commands included in program P0. In addition, the processor 11 implements the function of application APPx by executing the commands included in program Px.

[0066] As a device that can be used as processor 11, examples include CPU (Central Processing Unit), GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), or a combination thereof.

[0067] Additionally, devices that can be used as primary memory 12 include, for example, semiconductor RAM (Random Access Memory). Additionally, devices that can be used as secondary memory 13 include, for example, flash memory, HDD (Hard Disk Drive), SSD (Solid State Drive), or combinations thereof.

[0068] Input / output interface 14 is connected to input and / or output devices. Examples of input / output interfaces 14 include USB (Universal Serial Bus).

[0069] The communication interface 15 is connected to other computers via network N1, either wired or wirelessly. These other computers include at least the management device 6, the gateway 7, and the terminal 8. Examples of communication interfaces 15 include Ethernet and Wi-Fi.

[0070] Furthermore, in this embodiment, server 1 employs a structure that uses a single processor (processor 11) to execute the information processing method involved in this embodiment, but the present invention is not limited to this. That is, a structure that uses multiple processors to execute the information processing method may also be adopted.

[0071] <Details of the functional structure of server 1>

[0072] The application APPx performs the function of managing the state of production line L by having the processor 11 act according to the program Px. Specifically, the application APPx obtains information from production line L via the data collection unit 102 (described later) and generates a second screen that includes information indicating the state of production line L based on the obtained information. Hereinafter, the second screen will also be referred to as the "application screen".

[0073] Additionally, the application APPx displays the generated application screen on the monitor of terminal 8. The application screen is displayed, for example, in a window (application area) included in the display screen of terminal 8. Thus, the application APPx provides terminal 8 with the function of remotely confirming the status of production line L.

[0074] Additionally, the application APPx outputs information included in the application screen to the data transmission unit 103, which will be described later. The structure of the output information output from the application APPx to the data transmission unit 103 is determined in advance. For example, the output information includes the information itself obtained from the production line L. In addition, the output information includes information obtained by processing the information from the production line L (e.g., statistical values, graphs, etc.).

[0075] In this embodiment, APP1 is a quality management application used to manage the quality of objects in each process implemented in production line L. The objects in each process are the objects processed by the corresponding equipment Mi. Specifically, APP1 acquires information related to the objects generated by management device 6 via data collection unit 102 (described later). This information includes information indicating the quality of the objects and information indicating the production status of the objects. APP1 uses this information to generate an application screen related to the quality of the objects in each process. Furthermore, this embodiment can also be modified so that the quality management screen generated by management device 6 replaces the application screen generated by APP1. Details of such modifications will be described later.

[0076] In addition, APP2 is a device application used to monitor the operating status of each device Mi. For example, APP2 obtains information collected by gateway 7 via data collection unit 102 (described later) and uses the obtained information to generate an application screen showing the operating status of each device Mi.

[0077] Applications APP3, 4, ... include, for example, a security application for managing the security of each device Mi, a security environment application for managing the security and environment of production line L, and a productivity application for managing the productivity of production line L, or some or all of them. However, applications APPx are not limited to the applications mentioned above.

[0078] The integrated service providing unit 101 is a functional block that executes the information processing method according to this embodiment by the processor 11 according to the program P0. The integrated service providing unit 101 displays a first screen and a second screen by executing this information processing method. Details of this information processing method will be described later.

[0079] The data collection unit 102 is a functional block that collects information representing the status or surrounding status of each device Mi included in the production line L via network N1. Specifically, the data collection unit 102 receives information sent from gateway 7 via network N1. It is desirable to perform information reception in real time during the operation of the production line L. The data collection unit 102 is implemented using a known IoT (Internet of Things) platform. Such an IoT platform includes, for example, a group of software modules that collect information from IoT devices via a network and utilize the collected information. In other words, the data collection unit 102 is implemented by processor 11 executing some or all of the software modules included in the IoT platform.

[0080] The data transmission unit 103 is a functional block that transmits and receives information between the integrated service provision unit 101 and the application APPx. The data transmission unit 103 is implemented by the processor 11 executing part or all of the software modules included in the same IoT platform as the data collection unit 102.

[0081] <Information processing method involved in this embodiment>

[0082] The information processing method involved in this embodiment includes a first screen display step and a second screen display step. (Refer to...) Figures 3 to 13 This will explain the details of the information processing method. Figure 3 This diagram illustrates an example of the transition between screens displayed using this information processing method. Figure 4 , Figure 5 This is a diagram showing a specific example of the first screen. Figure 6 , Figure 11 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the transition between multiple screens generated by applications APP1 and APP2. Figures 7-10 , Figures 11-13 This is a diagram showing specific examples of application screens generated by applications APP1 and APP2.

[0083] In the first screen display step, the integrated service providing unit 101 displays a first screen comprising multiple widgets. Each widget is constructed based on information output from an application APPx associated with that widget among multiple applications APPx. Here, there are cases where all the application APPx associated with each of the multiple widgets are the same. In addition, there are cases where the application APPx associated with at least two of the multiple widgets are different from each other. Hereafter, the first screen will also be referred to as the "main screen".

[0084] Here, widgets are structural components of the screen, configured according to each purpose of uniformly controlling the state of production line L. For example, each widget may include information summarized from information output from application APPx, information obtained by processing information output from application APPx, or information directly output from application APPx.

[0085] Here, the multiple widgets included in the main screen are designed in advance according to the administrator's purpose. Furthermore, after the application starts, the multiple widgets included in the main screen can be changed according to the administrator's purpose. For example, the information displayed by some or all of the multiple widgets can be changed. Additionally, the layout of the multiple widgets included in the main screen can be changed. Furthermore, new widgets can be added to the main screen. Additionally, any widget included in the main screen can be deleted. See below for details. Figures 3-5 To illustrate the multiple widgets included in the main screen. For example... Figures 3-5 As shown, the main screen G1 includes widgets W1 to W6.

[0086] like Figures 3-5 As shown, widget W1 provides the function of monitoring the quality of objects in each process of production line L. Widget W1 is associated with application APP1. Widget W1 includes information D11 to D13. Information D11 represents the yield rate of objects (molten sand) in the sand processing process. Information D12 represents the yield rate of objects (molds) in the molding process. Information D13 represents the yield rate of objects (molten metal) in the pouring process. This information D11 to D13 is obtained by processing information output from application APP1 (quality management application).

[0087] Specifically, APP1 outputs information indicating whether the object in each process is a good product to the integration service provision unit 101 via the data transmission unit 103. The integration service provision unit 101 calculates the yield rate per unit period based on the output information, thereby generating information D11 to D13. Here, Figures 4-5 The micro-part W1 shown indicates a yield rate of 98.54% in the sand processing stage, 95.22% in the molding stage, and 99.05% in the casting stage.

[0088] Furthermore, APP1 outputs information indicating whether an abnormality occurred in each process step via data transmission unit 103 to integration service provision unit 101. Based on the output information, integration service provision unit 101 displays the information in information D11-D13 indicating abnormal processes as "abnormal display mode," and displays the other information as "normal display mode." For example, in... Figures 4-5 In the example, a diagonal line pattern is used to represent an abnormal display, and a dot pattern is used to represent a normal display. Here, Figure 4 The micro-component W1 shown indicates that all processes are normal. Figure 5 The micro-part W1 shown indicates an anomaly occurred during the sand treatment process, while the molding and casting processes proceeded normally.

[0089] like Figures 3-5 As shown, widget W2 provides the function of monitoring the production number of castings being cast in production line L. Widget W2 is associated with application APP1. Widget W2 includes information D21 and D22. Information D21 represents the planned production number of castings in production line L per unit period (e.g., 1 day). Information D22 represents the number of castings completed in that unit period. Information D21 and D22 are output from application APP1.

[0090] Specifically, application APP1 outputs the production plan and production completion numbers for each unit period in production line L to integration service provision unit 101 via data transmission unit 103. Integration service provision unit 101 directly uses the information output from application APP1 as information D21 to D22. Figures 4-5 The micro-part W2 shown indicates a production plan of 240 and a production completion count of 171.

[0091] like Figures 3-5 As shown, widget W3 provides the function of monitoring the power consumption of production line L. Widget W3 includes information D31 and D32. Information D31 represents the current power consumption of production line L. Information D32 represents the carbon dioxide emissions corresponding to the current power consumption. Information D31 and D32 are based on information output from data collection unit 102.

[0092] Specifically, the integrated service provision unit 101 directly uses the power consumption data output from the data collection unit 102 as information D31. Furthermore, the integrated service provision unit 101 calculates carbon dioxide emissions based on the power consumption data output from the data collection unit 102 and generates information D32. Here, Figures 4-5 The microdevice W3 shown has a power consumption of 964 kWh and a carbon dioxide emission of 499 tons.

[0093] Furthermore, as described above, the widget W3 is based on information output from the data collection unit 102, and not on information output from any application APPx. Thus, the main screen G1 can include the widget W3, which is not based on information output from any application APPx.

[0094] like Figures 3-5 As shown, widget W4 provides the function of monitoring the operating status of device Mi. Widget W4 is associated with application APP2. Widget W4 includes information D41 to D47. Information D41 to D47 indicates whether there are any abnormalities in the operating status of the equipment in each process. Information D41 to D47 is obtained by processing information output from application APP2 (equipment operation application).

[0095] Specifically, APP2 outputs information indicating the operating status of each device Mi to the integration service provider 101 via the data transmission unit 103. In this example, the operating status is represented by four stages: "operating," "abnormal," "standby," and "stopped." The integration service provider 101 determines the device Mi whose operating status is "abnormal" based on the output information. Furthermore, the integration service provider 101 sets the information in information D41-D47 corresponding to the process of the determined device Mi as a "display indicating an abnormality," and sets all other information as a "display indicating normal operation." For example, in... Figures 4-5 In the example, a diagonal line pattern is used to represent an abnormal display, and a dot pattern is used to represent a normal display. Here, Figure 4 The micro-part W4 shown indicates that the equipment Mi in each process is normal. Figure 5 The micro-part W4 shown indicates that equipment Mi in the sand processing step is malfunctioning, while equipment Mi in other steps is functioning normally.

[0096] like Figures 3-5 As shown, widget W5 provides functionality for managing the occurrence of equipment alarms in production line L. Widget W5 is associated with application APP2. Here, an equipment alarm is information notifying the occurrence of an anomaly in equipment Mi, including information indicating its urgency. In this example, urgency is represented by three stages from highest to lowest: "Urgent," "Abnormal," and "Caution." Widget W5 includes information D51. Information D51 represents the historical occurrence history of equipment alarms in production line L. Information D51 is output from application APP2.

[0097] Specifically, application APP2 outputs information representing the historical records of device alarms to the integrated service provision unit 101 via data transmission unit 103. The integrated service provision unit 101 directly uses the output information as information D51. Here, Figures 4-5The widget W5 shown, for example, indicates that an equipment alarm with an urgency level of "emergency" occurred at the sand processing equipment at 15:32 on May 1st and was restored at 15:35 on May 1st.

[0098] like Figures 3-5 As shown, widget W6 provides functionality for managing production performance in production line L. Widget W6 is associated with application APP1. Widget W6 includes information D61. Information D61 represents the scheduled production time relative to the number of model frames, and information D62 represents the actual production time relative to the number of model frames. Information D61 and D62 are output from application APP1.

[0099] Specifically, APP1 outputs the production schedule and actual production time of production line L to the integration service provider 101 via data transmission unit 103. The integration service provider 101 directly uses the output information as information D61 and D62.

[0100] In this way, widgets W1, W2, and W6 are associated with the same application APP1 (quality management application). Additionally, widgets W4 and W5 are associated with the same application APP2 (equipment operation application).

[0101] In the second screen display step, when the integration service providing unit 101 receives an operation for any of the multiple widgets, it determines the application APPx associated with that widget. Furthermore, the integration service providing unit 101 controls the determined application APPx and displays the application screen generated by that application APPx. Additionally, the second screen display step can also be modified to use a quality management screen provided by the display management device 6 instead of the application screen generated by application APP1. Details of this modified method will be described later.

[0102] exist Figures 3-5In this example, widget W1 is associated with application APP1. Here, when an operation is received for widget W1, the integration service provider 101 controls application APP1 and displays any one of application screens G11, G12, and G14 of application APP1. For example, information D11 is associated with application screen G11 as a migration destination. Additionally, information D12 is associated with application screen G12 as a migration destination. Furthermore, information D13 is associated with application screen G14 as a migration destination. When the integration service provider 101 receives an operation for information D11 (yield rate in the sanding process), it controls application APP1 and displays application screen G11 (sanding process screen). Similarly, when the integration service provider 101 receives an operation for information D12 (yield rate in the modeling process), it controls application APP1 and displays application screen G12 (modeling screen). Furthermore, when the integrated service provision unit 101 receives an operation for information D13 (yield rate of the casting process), it controls application APP1 and displays application screen G14 (casting screen). As a result, the main screen G1 is switched to any of the application screens G11, G12, and G14.

[0103] In addition, Figures 3-5 In this example, widget W2 is associated with application APP1. Furthermore, widget W2 is associated with application screen G16 of application APP1 as the migration destination. Therefore, when an operation is received for widget W2, the integration service provider 101 controls application APP1 and causes application screen G16 (production performance screen) of application APP1 to be displayed. Thus, the main screen G1 is migrated to application screen G16.

[0104] In addition, Figures 3-5 In this example, the widget W3 is constructed based on information output from the data collection unit 102, not from any application APPx. However, for such a widget W3, the application screen G17 (energy management screen) of application APP1 is also associated as the migration destination corresponding to the operation. When an operation is received for the widget W3, the integration service providing unit 101 controls application APP1 and causes application screen G17 to be displayed. Thus, the main screen G1 is migrated to application screen G17.

[0105] In addition, Figures 3-5 In this example, widget W4 is associated with application APP2. Furthermore, widget W4 is associated with application screen G21 of application APP2 as the migration destination. Therefore, when an operation is received for widget W4, the integration service provider 101 controls application APP2 and displays application screen G21 (operation monitoring screen). Thus, the main screen G1 is migrated to application screen G21.

[0106] In addition, Figures 3-5 In this example, widget W5 is associated with application APP2. Furthermore, widget W5 uses application screen G22 of application APP2 as the migration destination. Therefore, when an operation is received for widget W5, the integration service provider 101 controls application APP2 and displays application screen G22 (device alarm screen). Thus, the main screen G1 migrates to application screen G22.

[0107] In addition, Figures 3-5 In this example, widget W6 is associated with application APP1. Furthermore, widget W6 is associated with application screen G16 of application APP1 as the migration destination. Therefore, when an operation is received for widget W6, the integration service provider 101 controls application APP1 and causes application screen G16 (the production performance screen) to be displayed. Thus, the main screen G1 is migrated to application screen G16.

[0108] In addition, the application screen of the application APPx associated with the widgets W1 to W6 as the migration destination is an application screen associated with the information output from the application APPx to constitute the widget.

[0109] Additionally, the application screen associated with widgets W1 to W6 as the migration destination is an application screen that can be migrated from the third screen within the application APPx associated with that widget. The third screen is one of multiple application screens generated by application APPx, and is a screen that can be migrated from the third screen to at least one other application screen. For example, the third screen can be the home screen of application APPx. Hereinafter, the third screen is also referred to as the home screen, but this is not intended to limit the third screen. The home screen includes UI (user interface) objects used for migration to other application screens. Hereinafter, application screens that can be migrated from the home screen are also referred to as subordinate application screens. Furthermore, subordinate application screens are not necessarily limited to application screens that migrate directly from the home screen; they can also be another application screen that migrates from the home screen via one or more other application screens. (See reference...) Figures 6 to 13 This illustrates the migration from the homepage screen to the lower-level application screens.

[0110] Figure 6 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the transitions between multiple screens generated by application APP1. For example... Figure 6 As shown, application APP1 (quality management application) generates a home screen G10 and subordinate application screens G11 to G17. The home screen G10 includes menu items for migration to the subordinate application screens G11 to G17. When application APP1 receives an operation on each menu item in the home screen G10, it causes any of the corresponding subordinate application screens G11 to G17 to be displayed.

[0111] Figure 7 This is an example of a lower-level application screen, G11 (sand processing screen). For example... Figure 7 As shown, application screen G11 includes four graphs representing the time-series changes of CB (compactness), moisture, sand temperature, and compressive strength, as well as the average value of these four parameters for the most recent unit period. CB, moisture, sand temperature, and compressive strength are examples of information indicating the state of the sand processing process.

[0112] Figure 8 This is an example of a lower-level application screen, G12 (design screen). For example... Figure 8 As shown, application screen G12 includes three graphs representing the time-series changes in release agent spray volume, compaction pressure, and compression ratio, as well as the average value of these three parameters over the most recent unit period. Release agent spray volume, compaction pressure, and compression ratio are examples of information indicating the state of the molding process.

[0113] Figure 9 This is an example diagram representing the lower-level application screen G14 (casting screen). For example... Figure 9 As shown, application screen G14 includes three graphs representing the time series changes of pouring temperature, pouring weight, and decay time, respectively, as well as the average value of these three parameters over the most recent unit period. Pouring temperature, pouring weight, and decay time are examples of information indicating the state of the pouring process.

[0114] Figure 10 This is an example of a lower-level application screen, G16 (Production Performance Screen). For example... Figure 10 As shown, application screen G16 includes graphs representing scheduled production time and actual production time, scheduled end time, and a production performance table. This information is an example of information representing the production status of production line L.

[0115] As described above, the integrated service provision unit 101 controls application APP1 based on operations performed on widgets W1, W2, W3, and W6 included in the main screen G1, and displays any of the subordinate application screens G11, G12, G14, G16, and G17. Thus, administrators can directly navigate from the main screen G1 to the subordinate application screens G11, G12, G14, G16, and G17 to view these application screens without going through the home screen G10 of application APP1.

[0116] Figure 11 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the transitions between multiple screens generated by application APP2. For example... Figure 11As shown, application APP2 (device working application) generates a home screen G20 and subordinate application screens G21-G22. The home screen G20 includes menu items for migration to the subordinate application screens G21-G22. When application APP2 receives an operation on each menu item in the home screen G20, it causes any of the corresponding subordinate application screens G21-G22 to be displayed.

[0117] Figure 12 This is an example diagram representing the lower-level application screen G21 (Operation Monitoring Screen). For example... Figure 12 As shown, application screen G21 includes a graph representing the operating status of a specific device Mi for each unit period (here, one day). Each bar represents the length of time during which the operating status is "operating," "abnormal," "standby," or "stopped." Furthermore, application APP2 generates this application screen G21 for each of the multiple devices Mi. Application screen G21 includes a device selection button G21a. Application APP2 generates the corresponding application screen G21 for the device Mi selected based on the operation of this button 21a. The information representing this operating status is an example of information representing the state of device Mi.

[0118] Figure 13 This is an example diagram representing the lower-level application screen G22 (device alarm screen). For example... Figure 13 As shown, application screen G22 includes the historical records of equipment alarms on production line L. Each equipment alarm includes information indicating the date and time of occurrence, the date and time of recovery, the urgency level, the nature of the anomaly, and the response status. Such equipment alarms are an example of information indicating the status of equipment Mi.

[0119] As mentioned above, the integrated service provider 101 controls the application APP2 based on the operations performed on the widgets W4 and W5 included in the main screen G1, and displays any application screen in the subordinate application screens G21 and G22. Thus, administrators can directly switch from the main screen G1 to the subordinate application screens G21 and G22 to view these application screens without going through the home screen G20 of application APP2.

[0120] <Effects of this implementation method>

[0121] The server 1 and information processing method described in this embodiment display a main screen comprising multiple widgets. Each widget is constructed based on information output from an application APPx associated with that widget, which is one of multiple applications APPx used to manage the status of production line L. Therefore, the manager can uniformly grasp the status of production line L without having to launch multiple applications APPx separately.

[0122] Specifically, users can gain a unified understanding of the status of production line L without having to view multiple separate applications (APPx) used to manage production line L. Furthermore, when users want to confirm details of information obtained through the main screen, they can view the application screen generated by that application (APPx) without launching a separate related application (APPx).

[0123] In addition, by associating at least two widgets with the same application APPx, users can obtain multiple pieces of information about the status of production line L from the same application APPx in a unified manner through the aforementioned at least two widgets.

[0124] Furthermore, the server 1 and information processing method described in this embodiment display the application screen of the application APPx associated with each of these micro-devices based on the operation performed on each micro-device. Therefore, when an administrator wants to check the details of information obtained through the main screen, they can view the application screen of the associated application APPx without launching it separately or accessing its home screen. As a result, administrator convenience is improved.

[0125] Furthermore, the server 1 and information processing method described in this embodiment can be designed in advance or modified after use to include multiple widgets in the main screen. Therefore, a main screen tailored to the administrator's purpose can be provided.

[0126] [Variation Example 1]

[0127] This embodiment displays the corresponding application screen based on the operation performed on the main screen. In this variation, other widgets are displayed based on the operation performed on the main screen, and the corresponding application screen is displayed based on the operation performed on the other widgets. This variation is implemented by modifying the second screen display step of the above embodiment in the following manner.

[0128] In the second screen display step, when the integrated service providing unit 101 receives an operation on any of the multiple widgets included in the main screen, it displays the other widgets. These other widgets are configured based on information output from the application APPx associated with the widget to which the operation was received. Furthermore, when the integrated service providing unit 101 receives an operation on another widget, it controls the application APPx and causes the application screen to be displayed. For example, the aforementioned "other widgets" are configured to include more detailed information than the widget whose operation was received on the main screen. Hereinafter, the other widgets will also be described as detailed widgets.

[0129] Reference Figure 14 Let's illustrate this variation with a specific example. Figure 14 This diagram illustrates an example of the transition between screens displayed using the information processing method described in this variation. Furthermore, regarding the first screen display step, it is consistent with the reference... Figure 3 Similar to the first screen display step of the description, detailed explanations will not be repeated.

[0130] In Figure 14 In the example, widget W1 is associated with application APP1. Therefore, when an operation on widget W1 is received, the integrated service providing unit 101 causes any one of the detailed widgets W11, W12, and W13 to be displayed based on the information output from application APP1. For any one of the detailed widgets W11, W12, and W13, the display of this any one widget can be switched from the main screen G1, or this any one widget can be superimposed and displayed on the main screen G1.

[0131] Figure 15 is a diagram showing an example of the detailed widget W11. The integrated service providing unit 101 displays the detailed widget W11 according to an operation on the information D1 (yield rate of the sand treatment process) included in widget W1. In this example, it is assumed that the information D1 is displayed in the widget W1 in a "display mode indicating abnormality". As Figure 15 shown, the detailed widget W11 includes information D111 to D116. The information D111 to D116 indicates whether each detailed process included in the sand treatment process is normal.

[0132] For example, the application APP1 outputs information indicating whether an abnormality has occurred in each detailed process included in the sand treatment process to the integrated service providing unit 101 via the data transmission unit 103. The integrated service providing unit 101 makes the information corresponding to the process in which an abnormality has occurred among the information D111 to D116 in a "display mode indicating abnormality" based on the information output from the application APP1, and makes the other information in a "display mode indicating normal". For example, in Figure 15 the example, the display mode indicating abnormality is represented by a diagonal pattern, and the display mode indicating normal is represented by a dot pattern. Here, Figure 15 the shown detailed widget W11 shows that an abnormality has occurred in the mixing and stirring process (Japanese: kneading process) in the sand treatment process, and other processes are normal.

[0133] When an operation on the detailed widget W11 is received, the integrated service providing unit 101 controls the application APP1 associated with the widget W1 and causes the application screen G11 generated by the application APP1 to be displayed.

[0134] Figure 16 is a diagram showing an example of the detailed widget W12. The integrated service providing unit 101 displays the detailed widget W12 according to an operation on the information D2 (yield rate of the molding process) included in widget W1. In this example, it is assumed that the information D2 is displayed in the widget W1 in a "display mode indicating abnormality". As Figure 16As shown, the detailed micro-part W12 includes information D121 to D123. Information D121 to D123 indicates whether each detailed process included in the modeling process is normal.

[0135] For example, application APP1 outputs information indicating whether any abnormalities have occurred in the detailed processes included in the modeling process to integration service provision unit 101 via data transmission unit 103. Based on the information output from application APP1, integration service provision unit 101 sets the information in information D121-D123 corresponding to the processes where abnormalities occurred to "display mode indicating abnormality," and sets the other information to "display mode indicating normality." For example, in... Figure 16 In the example, diagonal lines are used to represent abnormal displays, while dots are used to represent normal displays. Here, it is shown that an abnormality occurred in the compression process of the molding process, while other processes were normal.

[0136] When a detailed operation is received for the widget W12, the integrated service provider 101 controls the application APP1 associated with the widget W1 and causes the application screen G12 generated by the application APP1 to be displayed.

[0137] Figure 17 This is a diagram illustrating a detailed example of component W13. The integration service provision unit 101 displays the detailed component W13 based on the operation performed on the information D3 (yield rate of the casting process) included in component W1. In this example, it is assumed that information D3 in component W1 is displayed in a "display mode indicating an anomaly". For example... Figure 17 As shown, the detailed micro-part W13 includes information D131 to D134. Information D131 to D134 indicates whether each step in the casting process is normal.

[0138] For example, application APP1 outputs information indicating whether any abnormalities occurred in the detailed processes included in the casting process to integration service provision unit 101 via data transmission unit 103. Based on the information output from application APP1, integration service provision unit 101 sets the information in information D131-D134 corresponding to the processes where abnormalities occurred to "display mode indicating abnormality," and sets the other information to "display mode indicating normality." For example, in... Figure 17 In the example, diagonal lines are used to represent abnormal displays, and dots are used to represent normal displays. Here, it is shown that an abnormality occurred in the molten material temperature check step during the casting process, while other steps were normal.

[0139] When a detailed operation is received for the widget W13, the integrated service provider 101 controls the application APP1 associated with the widget W13 and causes the application screen G14 generated by the application APP1 to be displayed.

[0140] <The effect of this variation>

[0141] Through the server 1 and information processing method involved in this variation, when an administrator wants to confirm the details of information obtained through the main screen, they can view the detailed widget before the application screen of the associated application APPx is displayed, even without viewing the application screen of that application. As a result, the administrator can obtain a certain level of detailed information even without launching the application APPx, and can view the application screen of the application APPx as needed, thus improving convenience.

[0142] [Variation Example 2]

[0143] In this variation, the quality management screen generated by the management device 6 is displayed in the second screen display step instead of the application screen generated by the application APP1.

[0144] Here, Figure 3 The widgets W1, W2, W3, and W6 shown are associated with information representing any quality management screen generated by the display management device 6, instead of being associated with the application APP1. Furthermore, Figure 14 The widgets W11, W12, W13, W2, W3, and W6 shown are associated with information from any quality management screen representing a quality management screen generated by the management device 6, instead of being associated with the application APP1. Specifically, the information from any quality management screen representing a quality management screen is the access information of that quality management screen (e.g., URL: Universal Resource Locator, etc.). In this case, when the integration service providing unit 101 of the server 1 receives an operation for each widget, it sends access information associated with that widget to the terminal 8. Furthermore, the terminal 8 accesses the quality management screen represented by the received access information via the network N1. Thus, the administrator can view the quality management screen generated by the management device 6 from the first screen or detailed widget migrations provided by the server 1.

[0145] <The effect of this variation>

[0146] In this variation, when a user wants to confirm the details of information obtained through the first screen, they can view the application screen without going through the home screen (an example of the third screen) of the associated application APPx. Specifically, by operating the first screen, the user can view the lower-level application screen provided by the management device 6 to obtain detailed content without going through the home screen (an example of the third screen) provided by the management device 6. Therefore, user convenience is improved.

[0147] [Implementation Method 2]

[0148] Next, refer to Figures 18-19 The server 1A according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention will be described below. Server 1A provides an integrated service for uniformly monitoring the status of some or all of multiple production lines. In addition, in this embodiment, each production line is managed by multiple management groups with a hierarchical relationship.

[0149] <Application Targets of This Implementation Method>

[0150] Figure 18 This diagram illustrates the functional structure of server 1A and specific examples of multiple production lines that serve as its application objects. For example... Figure 18 As shown, multiple production lines A to C are distributed across multiple production facilities X1 to X2. Production facilities X1 and X2 may exist in different locations, or in different buildings or on different floors of the same location, etc.

[0151] Production facility X1 includes management device 6-1, gateway 7-1, production line A, and production line B. Production facility X2 includes management device 6-2, gateway 7-2, and production line C. The structures of management devices 6-1 and 6-2 are the same as those of management device 6 in Embodiment 1. The structures of gateways 7-1 and 7-2 are the same as those of gateway 7 in Embodiment 1. The structures of production lines A, B, and C are the same as those of production line L in Embodiment 1. Furthermore, Figure 18 This is not intended to limit the number of production lines, production facilities, or production lines included in a production facility as applicable to this embodiment.

[0152] Production lines A through C are managed by multiple management groups. Each management group consists of one or more managers. Furthermore, these management groups have a hierarchical structure. The authority of each management group in managing production lines A through C varies according to its level. In this embodiment, a management screen corresponding to the hierarchy of the management group is displayed.

[0153] For example, production line A is managed by management groups Y, X1, and A. Management group Y has the authority to manage production facilities X1 and X2. Management group X1 has the authority to manage production facility X1. Management group A has the authority to manage production line A. Management group Y is the superior level of management groups X1 and A. Management group X1 is the superior level of management group A.

[0154] In addition, production line B is managed by management groups Y, X1, and B. Management group B has the authority to manage production line B. Management group Y is the superior level of management groups X1 and B. Management group X1 is the superior level of management group B.

[0155] In addition, production line C is managed by management groups Y, X2, and C. Management group X2 has the authority to manage production facility X2. Management group C manages production line C. Management group Y is the superior level of management groups X2 and C. Management group X2 is the superior level of management group C.

[0156] <Functional Structure of Server 1A>

[0157] Reference Figure 18 The functional structure of server 1A will be explained below. Server 1A differs from server 1 in Embodiment 1 in that it includes an integration service provision unit 101A instead of integration service provision unit 101, and a data collection unit 102A instead of data collection unit 102. Furthermore, the main screen of this embodiment differs from that of Embodiment 1 in that the structure of the multiple widgets included in the main screen is determined according to the management group. Hereinafter, such a main screen will also be described as a main screen corresponding to the management group.

[0158] The data collection unit 102A collects information indicating the status of each piece of equipment included in production lines A, B, and C via network N1. Specifically, the data collection unit 102A obtains information indicating the status of production lines A and B from management device 6-1 and gateway 7-1. Additionally, the data collection unit 102A obtains information indicating the status of production line C from management device 6-2 and gateway 7-2.

[0159] The difference between the integrated service providing unit 101A and the integrated service providing unit 101 in Embodiment 1 is that the information processing method for performing the first screen display step has been modified.

[0160] <Information processing method executed by server 1A>

[0161] The information processing method executed by server 1A differs from the information processing method described in embodiment 1 in the following aspects regarding the first screen display step.

[0162] In the first screen display step, the integrated service provision unit 101A displays the main screen corresponding to each management group in response to the operation of the manager of that management group or the management group above that management group.

[0163] Reference Figure 19 The first screen display step of this embodiment will be explained below. Figure 19 This is an example diagram showing the main screen of this embodiment. (e.g.) Figure 19 As shown, the main screen G1A includes areas R1 and R2. Area R1 is used to accept the selection of any management group from multiple management groups. Area R2 is used to display the main screen corresponding to the selected management group.

[0164] In this example, area R1 includes a tree-like UI (User Interface) component representing multiple management groups. The tree structure shown in this UI component reflects the hierarchical relationship between the multiple management groups. Specifically, the text information "Companywide," "Production Facility X1," "Production Line A," "Production Line B," and "Production Facility X2" correspond to management groups Y, X1, A, B, and X2, respectively. Furthermore, this UI component can collapse lower-level levels to make them invisible; in this example, "Production Line C," a lower-level level of "Production Facility X2," is not displayed. Moreover, the UI component displayed in area R1 is not limited to the tree-like UI component described above. For example, the UI component displayed in area R1 can also be a tab-like UI component. In this case, the main screen G1A includes multiple tabs in area R1. Each tab corresponds to a management group. In this case, area R1 can be configured above area R2. Furthermore, the UI component displayed in area R1 is not limited to the UI components described above. Additionally, the layout of areas R1 and R2 is not limited to the layouts described above.

[0165] The integrated service provision unit 101A determines the management group A selected by the administrator based on the operation of the UI component in area R1. Furthermore, the integrated service provision unit 101A determines whether the administrator who performed the operation belongs to the selected management group A and any of the parent management groups X1 and Y of management group A. If the administrator is determined to belong to management group A, the integrated service provision unit 101A displays the main screen corresponding to the selected management group A in area R2. Additionally, the management group to which the administrator belongs can be determined by requesting authentication information from terminal 8.

[0166] exist Figure 19 In the example, it is determined that the manager who performed the operation belongs to any of the management groups A, X1, and Y. As a result, the main screen corresponding to management group A is displayed in area R2. The structure of the main screen displayed in area R2 is the same as the structure of the main screen in embodiment 1. However, each of the micro-components W1 to W6 included in this main screen is constructed based on information output from production line A by the application APPx associated with that micro-component.

[0167] In addition, Figure 19In the example, the main screen corresponding to management group A is shown, but the structure of the multiple widgets included in the main screen is also determined for other management groups B, C, X1, X2, and Y respectively. The structure of the multiple widgets corresponding to each management group can be the same as or different from those of other management groups. For example, the structure of the multiple widgets included in the main screen corresponding to management group B can be the same as widgets W1 to W6 in management group A. However, in this case, the widgets W1 to W6 included in the main screen corresponding to management group B are each constructed based on information about the output of production line B from the application APPx associated with that widget. In this way, the multiple widgets included in the main screen corresponding to each management group are constructed based on information related to the production line managed by that management group or the management group at the next lower level of that management group.

[0168] <Effects of this implementation method>

[0169] In this implementation, managers can uniformly monitor the status of one or more production lines managed by their own management group or lower-level management groups without having to launch multiple application software separately.

[0170] [Other variations]

[0171] In the above embodiments and their variations, it has been described that the application APPx associated with each widget is provided by server 1. However, it is also possible that the application APPx associated with at least any one of the multiple widgets is provided by a server different from server 1.

[0172] Alternatively, in the above-described embodiments and their variations, at least one of the multiple widgets may be associated with two or more applications (APPx). For example, the home screen G1 may include a widget associated with applications APP1 and APP2. This widget is constructed based on information output from application APP1 and information output from application APP2.

[0173] Thus, users can obtain information about the status of production line L from multiple applications (APPx) through at least one widget.

[0174] Furthermore, in the embodiments described above, an example of server 1 and gateway 7 being connected via WAN network N1 has been presented. However, this is not a limitation; server 1 and gateway 7 can also be connected one-to-one using a mobile phone line network. In this case, there is the advantage of not requiring the setup cost of configuring network N1 to connect server 1 and gateway 7. Moreover, the communication method between server 1 and gateway 7 is not limited to the examples described above.

[0175] Furthermore, the above-described embodiments can be modified to construct server 1 from multiple physically different independent servers. For example, server 1 can be constructed from independent servers corresponding to each of the aforementioned functional blocks. Specifically, server 1 can be constructed from an independent server including an integration service provision unit 101, an independent server including a data collection unit 102, an independent server including a data transmission unit 103, and independent servers corresponding to multiple APPx. The physical structure of each independent server is as follows: Figure 2 As explained, in this case, the software module group included in the same IoT platform is stored in the secondary memory of each independent server, including the integration service provision unit 101, the data collection unit 102, and the data transmission unit 103. Thus, the integration service provision unit 101, the data collection unit 102, and the data transmission unit 103 function in the same way as the server 1, which is composed of a single physical computer. Furthermore, the method of composing server 1 from multiple independent servers is not limited to a one-to-one correspondence between each functional block and an independent server. For example, at least one of the multiple independent servers may include the integration service provision unit 101, the data collection unit 102, the data transmission unit 103, and multiple functional blocks from each APPx.

[0176] [Additional Notes]

[0177] This invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. Various modifications can be made within the scope of the claims. Other embodiments obtained by appropriately combining the technical means disclosed in the above embodiments are also included within the technical scope of this invention.

[0178] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0179] 1. 1A: Server; 6. 6-1, 6-2: Management device; 7. 7-1, 7-2: Gateway; 8: Terminal; 11: Processor.

Claims

1. An information processing method, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: In the first screen display step, one or more processors do not need to launch multiple application software for managing the status of the production line. Instead, they display the first screen on the display by following a program action that is different from the program of the multiple application software. The first screen includes multiple widgets, each widget being constructed based on information output from the application software associated with that widget in the multiple application software. as well as In the second screen display step, when the one or more processors receive an operation targeting any one of the plurality of micro-devices, they control the application software associated with that micro-device and cause the second screen generated by the application software to be displayed on the monitor. The second screen is a screen displayed in the application software associated with the widget by migrating from the third screen, which is the home screen of the application software. In the second screen display step, when the one or more processors receive the operation, they display the second screen generated by the application software associated with the widget on the display without displaying the third screen.

2. The information processing method according to claim 1, characterized in that, At least two of the plurality of widgets are associated with the same application software among the plurality of application software.

3. The information processing method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, At least one of the multiple widgets is associated with two or more of the multiple application software programs.

4. The information processing method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, In the second screen display step, when the one or more processors receive an operation for any of the plurality of micro-devices, they cause the display of other micro-devices based on information output from the application software associated with that micro-device, and when they receive an operation for the other micro-devices, they cause the display of the second screen.

5. The information processing method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, When multiple management groups managing the production line have a hierarchical relationship, in the first screen display step, the one or more processors, in response to an operation by a user belonging to that management group or a management group at a higher level, display the first screen for which the structure of the multiple micro-components has been determined according to each management group.

6. An information processing system comprising one or more processors, characterized in that, The one or more processors perform the following processing: The first screen display process does not launch multiple application software programs used to manage the status of the production line. Instead, it displays the first screen on a monitor by following programmed actions different from those of the multiple application software programs. The first screen includes multiple widgets, each widget being constructed based on information output from the application software associated with that widget within the multiple application software programs; and The second screen display processing involves, upon receiving an operation targeting any of the plurality of micro-devices, controlling the application software associated with that micro-device and displaying the second screen generated by that application software on the monitor. in, The second screen is a screen displayed in the application software associated with the widget by migrating from the third screen, which is the home screen of the application software. In the second screen display process, when the one or more processors receive the operation, they display the second screen generated by the application software associated with the widget on the display without displaying the third screen.

7. A computer program product comprising a program for causing the information processing system according to claim 6 to operate. The program causes the one or more processors to perform each of the processes.

Images