Computer and system communicably connected with a machine

Abstract

The data of devices using various communication standards can be easily and uniformly managed. The basic software (13) of the computer (25) includes: a first communication unit (15) that receives first mechanical information inherent to the machine and first meta-information representing the meaning of the first mechanical information output from the machine (11); a second communication unit (16) that sends second mechanical information inherent to the operating software (14) and second meta-information representing the meaning of the second mechanical information to the operating software; a meta-information conversion unit (23b) that converts the first meta-information into second meta-information; and a mechanical information conversion unit (23b) that converts the first mechanical information into second mechanical information.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a computer and a system that can be communicatively connected to machinery. Background Technology

[0002] In recent years, cell manufacturing has emerged, where at least one machine is grouped into a manufacturing unit and manufactured on a unit-by-unit basis for each process. Furthermore, the cell control unit receives production planning instructions from the production planning unit via Internet communication and controls multiple machines on the manufacturing floor via intranet communication.

[0003] In the aforementioned unit control device, it is considered to assemble dedicated operating software into the unit control device, enabling communication between each machine and the unit control device, and enabling the execution of the operating actions of each machine.

[0004] In this scenario, information needs to be exchanged between the basic software of the unit control device, the operating software, and various machines. Furthermore, it is also necessary to manage the operating software assembled within the unit control device.

[0005] Patent document 1 discloses a mechanical system capable of exchanging and managing information between basic software, operating software, and various machines.

[0006] Existing technical documents

[0007] Patent documents

[0008] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 6767308 Summary of the Invention

[0009] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0010] However, various machines are used on the manufacturing site, and the communication standards of these machines may not be uniform. Therefore, it is necessary to prepare separate communication interfaces corresponding to each communication standard to collect data and to set up data models useful for information exchange. In this case, it is necessary to select an appropriate data model from several existing data models, or to define a new data model.

[0011] However, even when selecting an appropriate data model from multiple existing data models, it is possible that no suitable data model exists for the collected data. In such cases, it becomes practically impossible to use a portion of the collected data.

[0012] Furthermore, defining a new data model requires knowledge related to the data model and additional time for setting up the new data model.

[0013] Therefore, it is desirable to provide a computer and system that can simplify the setup for maintaining collected data as a data model and easily unify the management of data from devices using various communication standards.

[0014] Methods for solving problems

[0015] According to a first aspect of this disclosure, a computer is provided, which carries basic software and operating software, and is communicatively connected to at least one machine. The basic software includes: a first communication unit, which is a program portion for causing the computer's arithmetic unit to execute a program portion for receiving first mechanical information inherent to the machine and first meta-information representing the meaning of the first mechanical information output from the machine; a second communication unit, which is a program portion for causing the computer's arithmetic unit to execute a program portion for sending second mechanical information inherent to the operating software and second meta-information representing the meaning of the second mechanical information to the operating software; a meta-information transformation unit, which is a program portion for causing the computer's arithmetic unit to execute a program portion for transforming the first meta-information into the second meta-information; and a mechanical information transformation unit, which is a program portion for causing the computer's arithmetic unit to execute a program portion for transforming the first mechanical information into the second mechanical information. The operating software is a program that uses the second mechanical information as input information.

[0016] Invention Effects

[0017] In the first approach, the metadata transformation unit automatically transforms the first metadata into second metadata, thereby automatically defining a new data model. Therefore, there is no need for the operation of selecting an appropriate data model from multiple data models, nor for the operator to generate a new data model. That is, the settings for maintaining data are simplified, enabling easy and unified management of data from devices using various communication standards.

[0018] The objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following description of embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 It is a diagram schematically illustrating the structure of a mechanical system according to one embodiment.

[0020] Figure 2 It means Figure 1 The diagram shows the hardware structure for managing a personal computer and machinery.

[0021] Figure 3 This is a diagram illustrating an example of how first mechanical information is transformed into second mechanical information according to a data model.

[0022] Figure 4 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a data model used in NC machine tools.

[0023] Figure 5 It indicates that it is used to execute by managing the CPU of a personal computer. Figure 3 The diagram shows a structural example of mechanical information transformation and processing.

[0024] Figure 6 It means and Figure 5 Diagrams of different structural examples.

[0025] Figure 7A It is a flowchart representing the operation of a mechanical system.

[0026] Figure 7B It is a diagram representing the original data model and the new data model in an example.

[0027] Figure 8 This is a diagram illustrating a structural example for performing transformation processing of instruction information by the CPU that manages a personal computer.

[0028] Figure 9 It means and Figure 8 Diagrams of different structural examples.

[0029] Figure 10 It means Figure 8 or Figure 9 The flowchart shown illustrates the action flow of the transformation steps of managing a personal computer, including instruction information, in the example structure.

[0030] Figure 11 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a data model used by a robot.

[0031] Figure 12 It is used to explain the basis Figure 11 A flowchart illustrating an example of the action taken when the data model generates the second mechanical information.

[0032] Figure 13A It is a schematic representation of a reference. Figure 12 A diagram illustrating the action sequence.

[0033] Figure 13B It is a schematic representation of a reference. Figure 12 A diagram illustrating the action sequence.

[0034] Figure 14 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the information transformation process when the motor's current value information is sent to the operating software.

[0035] Figure 15 These are diagrams illustrating other examples of data models used in NC machine tools.

[0036] Figure 16 This is a diagram illustrating other examples of how robots use data.

[0037] Figure 17 This is a diagram schematically illustrating the structure of the mechanical system in other embodiments. Detailed Implementation

[0038] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In all the drawings, corresponding components are labeled with common reference numerals. For ease of understanding, the scale of these drawings has been appropriately altered. Furthermore, the embodiments shown in the drawings are examples for implementing the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to the illustrated embodiments.

[0039] Figure 1 It is a diagram schematically illustrating the structure of a mechanical system according to one embodiment.

[0040] Reference Figure 1 The mechanical system 10 of this embodiment includes a machine 11 and a personal computer (hereinafter referred to as a management personal computer) 25 that can be communicatively connected to the machine 11. Basic software 13 and operating software 14 are mounted on the management personal computer 25. Figure 1 The diagram shows a single machine 11, but multiple machines 11 and 12 can also be connected as described later. Machines 11 and 12 in this application specification comprise a device for connecting multiple subordinate devices and uniformly managing those subordinate devices.

[0041] The basic software 13 includes a first communication unit 15, which is a program portion for causing the CPU (not shown) of the personal computer 25 to execute receiving first mechanical information and first metadata output from the machines 11 and (12). Furthermore, while this specification uses the term "CPU," other computing devices, such as a GPU, may be used instead.

[0042] Furthermore, the base software 13 includes a second communication unit 16, which is a program portion for causing the CPU of the management personal computer 25 to execute a program that sends the second mechanical information and the second metadata to the operating software 14. Additionally, the base software 13 also includes a storage processing unit (not shown), which is a program portion for causing the CPU of the management personal computer 25 to execute a program that stores the first mechanical information, the second mechanical information, the first metadata, and the second metadata into the storage unit 17 of the management personal computer 25. In this embodiment, the storage unit 17 is disposed within the management personal computer 25, but the storage unit 17 may also be located outside the management personal computer 25.

[0043] Additionally, the first communication unit 15 may also include a program that causes the CPU of the management personal computer 25 to execute a program that sends second instruction information to the machine. Furthermore, the second communication unit 16 may also include a program that causes the CPU of the management personal computer to execute a program that receives first instruction information from the operating software 14. Moreover, the storage unit 17 may store the first instruction information and the second instruction information.

[0044] The first mechanical information mentioned above indicates the state of machines 11 and (12). The second mechanical information is inherent to the operating software. The first instruction information mentioned above is inherent to the operating software, and the second instruction information is inherent to machines 11 and (12) indicating the instruction content provided to them. Furthermore, the first meta-information and the second meta-information are information that express the meaning of the first mechanical information and the second mechanical information, respectively. For example, the first meta-information and the second meta-information are supplementary information attached to the first mechanical information and the second mechanical information, respectively, and may be information that explains the content of the first mechanical information and the second mechanical information. Specific examples of these information will be described later.

[0045] The aforementioned machines 11 and (12) have the function of outputting the state of machines 11 and (12) as the first machine information to the management personal computer 25, and the function of determining the operation actions that machines 11 and (12) should perform based on the second instruction information. That is, when machines 11 and (12) receive the second instruction information, they perform the operation actions corresponding to the content of the second instruction information. Machines 11 and 12 are machines of different categories. For example, machine 11 is an NC machine tool, and machine 12 is an industrial robot. Alternatively, the category of NC machine tools can be further subdivided, with machine 11 being a milling machine and machine 12 being a lathe. The category of industrial robots can be further subdivided, with machine 11 being a horizontal multi-joint robot and machine 12 being a vertical multi-joint robot.

[0046] In addition, peripheral devices such as PLCs and laser devices, which are different types of machinery such as NC machine tools and industrial robots, can also be connected to the management personal computer 25. Furthermore, the management personal computer 25 can connect to one or more machines 11, 12, and other machines.

[0047] Furthermore, the aforementioned operating software 14 is a program used to cause the CPU of the management personal computer 25 to perform the following processing: based on the aforementioned second mechanical information input through the second communication unit 16, it generates and outputs the aforementioned first instruction information for each of the machines 11, (12).

[0048] In particular, in this embodiment, the first communication unit 15 is preferably a program portion for causing the CPU of the management personal computer 25 to perform the following processes: receiving first machine information output from machines 11 and (12) in association with the respective identification information of machines 11 and (12); and sending second instruction information to machines 11 and (12) respectively. Furthermore, the aforementioned second communication unit 16 is preferably a program portion for causing the CPU of the management personal computer 25 to perform the following processes: receiving first instruction information from the operating software 14 in association with the respective identification information of machines 11 and (12); and sending second machine information in association with the respective identification information of machines 11 and (12) to the operating software 14. The identification information of each machine 11 and (12) is, for example, a management number assigned to each machine.

[0049] Furthermore, the memory (not shown) of the personal computer 25 can associate the aforementioned first mechanical information, second mechanical information, first instruction information, and second instruction information with the respective identification information of the machines 11 and (12) for storage.

[0050] Furthermore, the machines 11 and (12) output the status of the machines 11 and (12) as first machine information and associate it with the respective identification information of the machines 11 and (12) to the management personal computer 25, and determine the operation actions that the machines 11 and (12) should perform according to the second instruction information mentioned above.

[0051] In addition, the operating software 14 may be a program that causes the CPU of the management personal computer 25 to perform the following processing: based on the second mechanical information input through the second communication unit 16 and associated with the respective identification information of the machines 11 and (12), generate first instruction information for the machines 11 and (12) respectively, and output it in association with the respective identification information of the machines 11 and (12).

[0052] exist Figure 1 In the illustrated embodiment, the management personal computer 25 receives first metadata, which represents first mechanical information indicating the state of the machinery, output from machines 11 and (12), respectively, and transforms the first metadata into second metadata according to the base software 13. Then, the management personal computer 25 receives the first mechanical information, transforms the first mechanical information into second mechanical information according to the second metadata according to the base software 13, and outputs the second mechanical information of each of machines 11 and (12) to the operation software 14. Then, the management personal computer 25 generates first instruction information according to the second mechanical information according to the operation software 14, and further transforms the first instruction information into second instruction information according to the base software 13, and sends the second instruction information to each machine 11 and (12).

[0053] However, in the present invention, the transmission of the first and second instruction information as described above is not mandatory. That is, the operating software 14 can be an application software such as analysis software or statistical display software that uses the second machine information output by the second communication unit 16, such as information in XML (Extensible Markup Language) or JSON (JavaScript Object Notation) format, as input information. In this case, the first communication unit 15 only needs to enable the CPU of the management personal computer 25 to execute the receiving of the first machine information output from each machine 11, (12), such as numerical data or string data. On the other hand, the second communication unit 16 only needs to enable the CPU of the management personal computer 25 to execute the sending of the second machine information to the operating software 14.

[0054] Furthermore, the first machine information and the second instruction information exchanged between the management personal computer 25 and each machine 11, (12) are information inherent to each machine 11, (12), such as numerical data or string data. On the other hand, the second machine information and the first instruction information input and output between the basic software 13 and the operating software 14 within the management personal computer 25 are information inherent to the operating software 14, such as information in XML or JSON format.

[0055] Therefore, the basic software 13 of this embodiment also includes a mechanical information conversion unit 23a, which is a program portion for causing the CPU of the management personal computer 25 to execute a program portion for converting the first mechanical information into the second mechanical information. The mechanical information conversion unit 23a may also include a program portion for causing the CPU of the management personal computer 25 to execute a program portion for converting the first instruction information into the second instruction information.

[0056] Furthermore, the basic software 13 of this embodiment also includes a metadata transformation unit 23b, which is a program part used to cause the CPU of the personal computer 25 to execute a program that transforms the first metadata into the second metadata.

[0057] like Figure 2As shown, the aforementioned machines 11 and (12) and the management personal computer 25 are constructed using a computer system equipped with a memory, a CPU (central processing unit), and a communication control unit interconnected via a bus. This memory includes ROM (read-only memory), RAM (random access memory), etc. The basic software 13 and the operating software 14 of this embodiment are appropriately stored in the ROM or RAM within the management personal computer 25. The aforementioned memory is used in the storage unit 17 that stores the first machine information, the second machine information, the first instruction information, the second instruction information, the first metadata, and the second metadata. The aforementioned first communication unit 15, second communication unit 16, machine information conversion unit 23a, and metadata conversion unit 23b are program portions (i.e., modules) included in the basic software 13 stored in the ROM or RAM. The CPU of the management personal computer 25 executes each module of the basic software 13 and the operating software 14 to implement actions or processes based on these program portions.

[0058] Figure 5 This indicates that it is used for execution by the CPU 30 of the personal computer 25. Figure 3 The diagram shows an example of a structure for transforming and processing mechanical information. Figure 6 It means and Figure 5 Diagrams illustrating different structural examples. Storage unit 17 is a storage area within the memory of the aforementioned personal computer 25. Figure 7A It means to include Figure 5 or Figure 6 The flowchart shown illustrates the operation flow of the mechanical system that manages the personal computer 25 in the example structure.

[0059] Figure 7A The program shown is stored in the memory of the personal computer 25. Furthermore, in a typical implementation, steps S11 to S18 are performed by the base software 13, and step S19 is performed by the operating software 14. However, in the implementations described later, this is not the only limitation.

[0060] First, in step S11, the connection destination of the machine 11, which is the target, is specified and connected. The connection destination information specified for the machine 11, which is the source of the first machine information, includes communication standards, IP addresses, communication protocols, user authentication information, etc. The communication standards for such connection destination information are, for example, OPCUA (OPC Unified Architecture) or MTConnect. If the connection destination information is specified in advance and stored in the memory of the management personal computer 25, the stored connection destination information can be used. In one example, the connection destination (endpoint) related to the OPCUA server, which is the machine 11, is specified as the connection destination information, thereby connecting the base software 13 to the OPC UA server via the first communication unit 15.

[0061] in, Figure 7B This represents the original data model and the new data model in an example. Furthermore, in this case, the original data model is equivalent to "first-level information or a portion thereof," and the new data model is equivalent to "second-level information or a portion thereof." Figure 7B As an example, the left side shows a portion of the address space within a server using the OPC UA communication standard. This example illustrates a tree-structured data model, with the "Root" node connected to child nodes such as "Server," "DeviceSet," "NetworkSet," "DeviceTopology," "DataSource," and "Event." Other data structures, such as grid structures, are also sometimes used. Furthermore, other data models exist, such as those using MTConnect, for different communication standards.

[0062] Next, in step S12, first metadata is obtained via the first communication unit 15. The first metadata includes information about the source of the first mechanical information being obtained, namely the machine 11 (manufacturer, model, type, IP address, etc.). The first metadata also includes information required to obtain the first mechanical information from the machine 11. Such information includes, for example, signal addresses in the PLC, node IDs in the OPC UA, and data item IDs in MTConnect. Furthermore, if the first mechanical information is a tree structure, the first metadata includes the relationship between parent and child nodes. Figure 7B The data model shown on the left can be the first element information.

[0063] For example, the first metadata in the "Run" node includes all the information representing its value, such as the method of obtaining the first mechanical information (OPC UA), the display name (Run), the node's structure (parent node is "TEST", no child nodes, etc.), the data type (Int16), the data range (0~1), and unit information (no unit). The first metadata in other nodes is roughly the same.

[0064] Next, in step S13, it is determined whether a filtering condition has been specified. The filtering condition may include, for example, data that is pre-specified as the target data from the data that can be obtained from machine 11.

[0065] For example, Figure 7B The diagram shows "Run" and "Stop" nodes. The parent node of these nodes is the "TEST" node. Furthermore, the parent node of the "TEST" node is the "DataSource" node. Figure 7B In the diagram, the squares at the beginning of the nodes "Root", "DataSource", and "TEST" are colored black. This allows you to specify multiple nodes with a predetermined parent-child relationship as a filter.

[0066] in addition, Figure 7B The "Run" node indicates that something is running, and the "Stop" node indicates that something is stopped; the data type of these nodes is "Int16". In one example, as a filter criterion, you can also specify all nodes with the data type "Int16". That is, you can also specify data types with a specific form as filter criteria.

[0067] or, Figure 7B The address space of the OPC UA server shown can also be displayed in Figure 1 The display 19 is shown. In this case, the operator, for example, enters a checkmark in the square at the beginning of each "Run" and "Stop" node, thereby specifying that each "Run" and "Stop" node is the node to be collected as data. The operator's specification of the node can be a type of filtering condition.

[0068] Given such filtering conditions, in Figure 7A In step S15, nodes are specified according to the filtering criteria. If no filtering criteria are available, all nodes can be specified (step S14).

[0069] Furthermore, when filtering conditions exist or the operator specifies nodes, first-dimensional information related to nodes other than those specified according to the conditions is not retrieved. This is because OPC UA servers generally have a large address space, making it impractical to retrieve all nodes. Moreover, the required information from the node group of an OPC UA server is often only a very small portion. Therefore, the time and communication overhead required to retrieve first-dimensional information can be reduced.

[0070] exist Figure 7B In the example, first-level information is retrieved for each node related to "Root", "DataSource", "TEST", "Run", and "Stop". For each node related to "Server", "DeviceSet", "NetworkSet", and "DeviceTopology", first-level information is not retrieved because no filter criteria were specified.

[0071] In addition, Figure 7B In this context, the first mechanical information related to the "Run" node is essentially just the value of "Run" (0 or 1). Furthermore, even when node groups such as the OPC UA server are displayed on monitor 19, the first mechanical information itself is not displayed. Figure 7B .

[0072] The first metadata thus obtained is transformed into second metadata (containing a new data model) by the metadata transformation unit 23b in step S16. The transformation from the first metadata to the second metadata is performed as follows: a new data model is generated based on the data model contained in the first metadata.

[0073] In the example above, the nodes "Root", "DataSource", "TEST", "Run", and "Stop" in the OPC UA server address space are specified. Furthermore, the nodes marked with checkmarks for "Run" and "Stop" are the nodes of the data collection objects.

[0074] In this case, the following is generated: Figure 7B The new data model 27 is shown on the right. In the new data model, the nodes of "Root", "DataSource", and "TEST", which are specified as filtering criteria, are reproduced according to their parent-child relationships. The nodes of "Server", "DeviceSet", "NetworkSet", and "DeviceTopology", which are not specified, are not reproduced in the new data model, and these nodes are excluded as unnecessary nodes during the transformation. Therefore, the new data model is generated uniquely and / or irreversibly based on the data model contained in the first meta-information.

[0075] Typically, and not limited to the information shown in the accompanying figures, various supplementary information, such as descriptive information, can be obtained from the nodes in the OPC UA server address space. Although not shown in the accompanying figures, other information contained in the first meta-information is reflected in the nodes of the new data model.

[0076] Between the first and second metadata, the constraints such as the identification names of each node and the connections between nodes can also differ. Figure 7B In the example shown, the following constraints apply to the new data model. Furthermore, these constraints are not necessarily required, or some of them may be exempt.

[0077] The topmost node in the tree structure is the controller.

[0078] Only controller_* (where * is a string representing the device class) can be connected to the controller.

[0079] The only characters that can be used in the node's identifier name are numbers, lowercase English letters, and underscores.

[0080] The identifier name of a node must be at least 2 characters long and no more than 128 characters long.

[0081] The identifier string of a node can only use lowercase English letters at the beginning and end.

[0082] The identifier name of a node is unique as a whole within the tree structure.

[0083] When transforming nodes in the OPC UA server address space into nodes of the new data model, in order to meet the aforementioned constraints, sometimes the metadata transformation unit 23a changes the node identification name or the connections between nodes according to predefined rules. Figure 7B The following content has been changed in the example shown.

[0084] The “Root” node is transformed into a group of the “controller” node and the “controller_sensor” node.

[0085] The uppercase letters in the node's identifier name are converted to lowercase letters.

[0086] Remove unusable strings from the node's identifier name, except for lowercase English letters.

[0087] The result of the above transformation is that, if the node's identification name is less than one character, it is filled with random lowercase English letters.

[0088] If the identifier name of a node is more than 129 characters long, discard the part exceeding 128 characters.

[0089] If, even after the above transformations, the node identification name still does not meet the constraints of the new data model, the person setting the node is urged to set a new identification name.

[0090] Furthermore, in Figure 7B In the process, the nodes of "Run" and "Stop," which are the data collection objects, are transformed into attributes of the "test" node in the new data model. Attributes belong to any node in the new data model and become the storage destination for data obtained from the data collection objects. By clicking on nodes such as "test" in the new data model, an overview of that node's attributes is displayed. Additionally, in... Figure 7B The data types (integer) of these attributes are also displayed. Regarding the data types of attributes, the appropriate data type is selected based on predetermined rules according to the data types of the OPC UA server node, but it can also be specified by the operator. Additionally, although not shown in the accompanying drawings, other information contained in the first metadata, such as the data range and unit information, is reflected in the attributes of the new data model.

[0091] When second-ary information containing the new data model 27 is generated, the first-ary information and the second-ary information are stored in the storage unit 17. When the first-ary information and the second-ary information are stored, preparation for receiving the first mechanical information is complete. Therefore, [the process proceeds]. Figure 5 In step S17, first mechanical information of the machine 11 is obtained via the first communication unit 15. This first mechanical information is the first mechanical information of the node to which data collection is targeted, after the transformation from first metadata to second metadata was performed in step S16. Preferably, the first mechanical information is obtained periodically and stored in the storage unit 17 in a time sequence. The reason for periodic acquisition is that by storing past information, the operator can refer to past information as needed.

[0092] Next, in step S18, the acquired or stored first mechanical information is transformed into second mechanical information by the mechanical information transformation unit 23a. When transforming the first mechanical information into second mechanical information, the transformation is performed according to the new data model 27 contained in the second metadata. Specifically, the first mechanical information is stored as second mechanical information in the corresponding nodes of the new data model 27 and stored in the storage unit 17. When storing the second mechanical information, sometimes the value of the first mechanical information is transformed based on the first metadata and the second metadata. For example, if the unit information of the first mechanical information contained in the first metadata is "inches" and the unit information of the second mechanical information contained in the second metadata is "millimeters," the value of the first mechanical information is transformed into a value in millimeters by multiplying the value of the first mechanical information by "25.4" and stored as the second mechanical information. Regarding the transformation of the value, it is not limited to a simple linear transformation; complex transformations using arithmetic operations, logical operations, conditional judgments, etc., can also be performed. Regarding the transformation method, there may be cases where the system automatically determines the first and second metadata, cases where the setter sets the method, and cases where these two are combined.

[0093] Here is an example of how the CPU of the personal computer 25 transforms the first mechanical information inherent in the machine 11 into the second mechanical information inherent in the operation software 14 according to the base software 13 and outputs it to the operation software 14. Figure 3 This is a diagram that schematically represents this method.

[0094] like Figure 3 As shown, machine tools, industrial robots, and other machinery 11 and 12, as well as peripheral devices 26, are connected to a management personal computer 25 in a communicative manner. Machines 11 and 12, and peripheral devices 26 respectively output first machine information to the management personal computer 25. The management personal computer 25 can identify which machine the first machine information belongs to based on the machine's inherent identification information associated with it. However, the first machine information sent from one machine 11 to the management personal computer 25 is not limited to one type of information.

[0095] For example, machine 11 is a multi-axis NC machine tool capable of multi-system control. When the NC (numerical controller) of machine 11 controls the first axis of machine 11 via the first and second motors according to the program of the second system, the current values ​​of the first and second motors are sent as first machine information to the management personal computer 25. Furthermore, if the NC and the program of the second system execute the program of the first system simultaneously and in parallel, the current value of the motor of each axis controlled by the first system is also sent as first machine information to the management personal computer 25. This first machine information only indicates which motor's current value, making it difficult to know which axis is controlled by which system's program executed by the NC of machine 11. That is, the first machine information is machine-inherent information, not structured data (so-called fixed data). Such first machine information is difficult to process as data analysis in the case of the operating software 14, such as machine information analysis software or statistical display software. In order to process the machine-inherent information in real time through the operating software, it is necessary to transform the machine-inherent first machine information into second machine information inherent to the operating software 14.

[0096] Figure 4 This is a diagram representing an example of a newly generated data model of machine 11 as an NC machine tool, included in the second-dimensional information. As described above, in the case where machine 11 is a multi-axis NC machine tool, such as Figure 4 As shown, data model 27 has at least a chart-like data structure that represents each physical element constituting the NC machine tool or each management element that the NC machine tool should manage as a node. Figure 4 In the data model, the information (hereinafter referred to as identification information) that identifies each node corresponding to each physical element and various management elements is set as a string name, but it can also be set as an identification number corresponding to the string name (for example, in...). Figure 4 (The numbers assigned to the system, shaft, and motor, etc.). Alternatively, identification information can be set based on information obtained from the NC machine tool. The term "physical element" as used in this application refers to devices that utilize physical energy (electricity, heat, force, etc.) to perform actions within the constituent elements of a machine.

[0097] Examples of the physical elements constituting an NC machine tool include, for instance, a display, NC, power supply, amplifier, PLC, spindle, feed axis, and motor. On the other hand, among the various management elements, examples include information directly related to the physical elements such as current values, position, and torque, as well as various management elements of the machine such as production status, operating status, quality information, and operation history that are not directly related to the physical elements. The structure of data model 27 is an example; besides graphical (including tree-like) structures, it can also be a network or grid-like data structure. That is, in the data model, the hierarchical relationships of multiple equipment classes constituting machine 11 are represented.

[0098] Furthermore, data model 27 only needs to consist of nodes corresponding to physical or administrative elements. That is, data model 27 does not need to be as... Figure 4 That would consist only of nodes corresponding to physical and administrative elements. For example, it could also consist only of nodes corresponding to either physical or administrative elements. Alternatively, data model 27 could appropriately include nodes corresponding to elements different from physical and administrative elements, as well as blank nodes that do not correspond to any element.

[0099] When the management computer 25 receives the current value of the first motor of the first axis of the second system from the machine 11, which is an NC machine tool, the CPU of the management computer 25, according to the basic software 13, refers to... Figure 4 The data model 27 shown here transforms the received first mechanical information, such as "the current value of the first motor" (e.g., "machine 11 / NC / second system / first axis / first motor / current value"), into second mechanical information containing information about the mechanical components that form the basis of the current value. This information transformation process will be described in detail later using a robot as an example.

[0100] Through this transformation process, it becomes clear that the current value output from machine 11 is a current value related to the first motor of the first axis controlled by the program of the second system executed by the NC of machine 11. That is, in order to easily process the first mechanical information from machines 11 and 12 in the operating software 14, the first mechanical information is transformed into structured information (so-called structured data) that includes the first mechanical information and information representing all elements derived from the first mechanical information.

[0101] In the above description, the current value of the motor is shown as part of the first and second mechanical information, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The first and second mechanical information may also include, for example, information such as the usage time of the machines 11 and 12, vibration value, heating temperature, volume, and position information of each machine 11 and 12.

[0102] As described above, when the management personal computer 25 transforms the first mechanical information into the second mechanical information according to the mechanical information transformation unit 23a of the basic software 13, the transformation is performed according to the new data model 27 stored in the memory of the management personal computer 25.

[0103] Refer again Figure 7A In step S19, the operation software 14 obtains the second machine information and the second metadata via the second communication unit 16. The second machine information is stored in each node of the new data model 27 of the second metadata. Therefore, the operation software 14 can interpret and use the meaning of the second machine information.

[0104] Thus, in this disclosure, the metadata conversion unit 23b can automatically generate second metadata containing the new data model 27 based on the first metadata, which is the data structure of the communication standard. Therefore, there is no need for the operation of selecting an appropriate data model from multiple data models, nor is there a need for the operator to create a new data model. That is, the settings for maintaining data are simplified, and the data of devices for various communication standards can be easily managed in a unified manner. In addition, the inherent data structure of the machine 11 can be maintained, and the communication standard can be unified, thus eliminating the need for the basic software 13 and / or the operating software 14 to correspond to various communication standards.

[0105] The above describes the transformation of mechanical information, but the transformation of instruction information can also be performed in the same way. That is, when the management personal computer 25 transforms the first instruction information into the second instruction information according to the information transformation unit 23 of the basic software 13, it also performs the transformation according to the second meta-information stored in the memory of the management personal computer 25, which includes the newly generated data model 27.

[0106] Figure 8 This is a diagram illustrating a structural example of how the CPU 30 of the personal computer 25 performs transformation processing of instruction information. Figure 9 It means and Figure 8 Diagrams of different structural examples. Figure 10 It means Figure 8 or Figure 9 The flowchart shown illustrates the action flow of the transformation steps of managing the personal computer 25, which includes instruction information.

[0107] like Figure 10 As shown, Figure 8 or Figure 9The CPU 30 of the management personal computer 25 generates first instruction information based on the second machine information and the second element information according to the operating software 14 (step S21). At this time, it is preferable that the machine-specific identification information contained in the second element information is pre-associated in the generated first instruction information. Furthermore, the CPU 30 of the management personal computer 25 retrieves the machine identification information associated with the generated first instruction information from the memory of the management personal computer 25. Figure 8 and Figure 9 The storage unit 17) determines second metadata containing the newly generated data model corresponding to the machine and the corresponding first metadata (step S22). The management personal computer 25 transforms the first instruction information into second instruction information based on the first metadata corresponding to the determined second metadata (step S23), and sends the second instruction information to the machine corresponding to the first metadata corresponding to the determined second metadata (step S24). This operation is achieved by having the CPU of the management personal computer 25 execute the information transformation unit 23 of the basic software 13.

[0108] In the example of the multi-axis NC machine tool described above, the first instruction information, such as "machine 11 / NC / second system / first axis / first motor / current command value", which indicates which machine has which equipment and what kind of operation is instructed, can be transformed into a second instruction information, such as "current command value", based on the data model 27, and the current command value is output to an amplifier that supplies power to the first motor of the first axis of the second system of the NC in the machine 11.

[0109] In addition, Figure 5 and Figure 8 In various structural examples, the management personal computer 25 can replace the connected machine 11 with a machine 12 (robot) of a different category than the machine 11, or with a machine 11 of the same category as the machine 11 (machine tool). Alternatively, it can also be as follows... Figure 6 and Figure 9 As in the example structure, multiple machines, such as two machines 11 (machine tools) and one machine 12 (robot), are connected to the management computer 25. Thus, it is possible to connect more than one machine to the management computer 25. The management computer 25 can also replace the connected machine with a machine of the same or a different category, or add additional machines of the same or a different category to the connected machine.

[0110] And, as Figure 11 As shown, the data model 28 of the robot's mechanism 12 has at least a graph-type data structure that represents each physical element constituting the robot or each management element that should be managed by the robot as a node. The data model 28 is also included in the second-level information.

[0111] The construction of data model 28 is an example; besides graph-based (including tree-based) data structures, it can also be a network or grid-based data structure. Figure 11 In the data model, the identification information for each node corresponding to each physical element and various management elements is set as a character name, but it can also be set as an identification number corresponding to the character name (for example, in...). Figure 11 (The numbers assigned to the robot's groups, axes, and motors, etc.)

[0112] Figure 11 In a robot data model, a "group" refers to the distinction between various actions related to the robot. These actions include the actions of the robot's main body along its axes, the actions of the tools mounted on the robot's main body along its axes, and the actions of the axes that enable the robot to move on a mobile trolley. These various actions are then grouped together.

[0113] Furthermore, in Figure 11 The robot uses a data model (data model 28), as described above. Figure 4 In the NC machine tool data model (data model 27), it is possible to assign information (in this embodiment, first mechanical information) generated by the nodes in the physical elements or various management elements corresponding to the nodes.

[0114] For example in Figure 11 In data model 28, information such as current position, current value, and torque can be assigned to the node 31 at the end of the first motor corresponding to shaft 1 of group 1 (see the blank space of symbol 32 in Figure 13). Of course, various information can also be assigned to other nodes (internal nodes or leaf nodes, etc.).

[0115] Data model 28 only needs to consist of nodes corresponding to physical or administrative elements. That is, data model 28 does not need to be as... Figure 11 That would consist only of nodes corresponding to physical elements and management elements. For example, it could also consist only of nodes corresponding to either physical elements or management elements. Alternatively, data model 28 could appropriately include nodes corresponding to elements that are different from physical elements and category management elements, as well as blank nodes that do not correspond to any element.

[0116] Figure 12 It is used to explain the basis Figure 11 A flowchart illustrating an example of the action taken when the data model generates the second mechanical information.

[0117] At the beginning Figure 12 During the action process, Figure 5 or Figure 6The management personal computer 25 shown receives the current value of the first motor of axis 1 in group 1 of the machine 12 (robot) as first mechanical information. Therefore, the information transformation unit 23 of the basic software 13 instructs the CPU 30 to base the data model 28 on the current value of the first motor of axis 1. Figure 11 )Store the current value of the first motor of shaft 1 in storage group 1 (step S30).

[0118] In the next step S31, the CPU 30 processes the data model 28 (refer to) in the storage unit 17. Figure 11 The CPU 30 searches for nodes corresponding to Group 1 (the first robot group). That is, the CPU 30 sequentially determines whether each node constituting the data model 28 is a node corresponding to Group 1 (the first robot group). This determination is repeated until a node corresponding to Group 1 is found (steps S31 to S32).

[0119] If the nodes of group 1 are determined in step S31 above, then in the following step S33, CPU 30 processes data model 28 (refer to...). Figure 11 Search for the node corresponding to axis 1 of group 1. CPU 30 sequentially determines whether each node belonging to the node corresponding to group 1 is a node corresponding to axis 1 (first axis). Repeat this determination until a node corresponding to axis 1 is found (steps S33 to S34).

[0120] If the node of axis 1 of group 1 is determined in step S33 above, then in the next step S35, CPU 30 targets data model 28 (refer to...). Figure 11 The CPU 30 searches for the node corresponding to the first motor of axis 1 in group 1. The CPU 30 sequentially determines whether each node belonging to the node corresponding to axis 1 in group 1 is a node corresponding to the first motor. This determination is repeated until a node corresponding to the first motor is found (steps S35 to S36).

[0121] Through the processing of steps S31 to S36 above, CPU 30 can determine data model 28 (refer to...). Figure 11 The CPU 30 then stores the current value data in the blank space belonging to the determined node (refer to symbol 32 in Figure 13) (step S37).

[0122] Figure 13A as well as Figure 13B This is a diagram schematically illustrating the described action. Furthermore, Figure 13A as well as Figure 13B It was extracted Figure 11 The robot uses a portion of the data model's graph, and in Figure 13A as well as Figure 13BThe diagram schematically illustrates the situation before and after storing information about the current value of the first motor of axis 1 in group 1 of the robot as described above.

[0123] Before inputting the current value information (first mechanical information) of the first motor of axis 1 in group 1 of the robot into the management personal computer 25, such as Figure 13A As shown, no data is stored in the blank 32 of node 31, which belongs to the first motor of axis 1. There is also no data in the blank 32 of all other nodes.

[0124] In contrast, when the aforementioned current value information is input into the management personal computer 25, through the processing of steps S31 to S36 described above, the current value information (e.g., 10mA) is stored in blank 32 (see reference). Figure 13B ).

[0125] The above is an example. Therefore, if the information of the current value of the second motor of axis 2 in group 1 of the robot is input into the management personal computer 25, the information of the current value is stored in the blank 32 of the node 33 corresponding to the second motor of axis 2 in group 1.

[0126] According to this Figure 11 The data structure of the information generated by the data model (i.e., the second mechanical information) only has blanks 32 containing information and blanks 32 without information, which, when viewed from the operation software 14 side, is similar to... Figure 11 The data structure of the data model remains essentially unchanged. That is, it becomes a fixed data structure that is easy for the job software 14 to analyze, statistically process, and perform other tasks.

[0127] In the above Figure 12 , Figure 13A , Figure 13B In this process, the nodes where data should be stored are determined based on the structure of the data model, but the nodes can also be determined based on second-ary information or combinations thereof that are unrelated to the structure of the data model. For example, in the case where there are multiple blanks belonging to the first motor 31 (e.g., in the case where there are blanks storing "phase" and blanks storing "current value"), the current value data can be stored in a blank with the data type "double" and the unit "ampere".

[0128] Furthermore, the action of transforming the first mechanical information into the second mechanical information according to the data model will be explained. Here, as a representative example, the information transformation action when the current value of the motor output from the machine 12, which is a robot, is sent to the operation software 14 will be described. Figure 14 This is a flowchart representing an example of information transformation actions in this example.

[0129] At the beginning Figure 14 During the action process, to Figure 5 or Figure 6 The management computer 25 shown inputs information (first mechanical information) about the current value of the first motor of axis 1 in group 1 of the robot. At this time, as... Figure 13B As shown, the current value information is stored in blank 32 of node 31 corresponding to the first motor of axis 1 in group 1 of the robot. The basic software 13 instructs the CPU 30 to transform the current value information of the motor stored in blank 32 into second mechanical information and send it to the operation software 14 (step S40).

[0130] In the next step S41, the CPU 30 targets the data model 28 (refer to) within the storage unit 17. Figure 11 The CPU 30 determines whether a robot group number exists that is the object of the information on the current value of the first motor of shaft 1 in group 1. If the determination finds that a robot group number exists, the CPU 30 stores the robot group number (group 1 in this example) in the storage unit 17 (step S42). If the determination finds that the robot group number does not exist in step S41, the CPU 30 ends the processing of step S40.

[0131] In the next step S43, for the data model 28 within the storage unit 17 (refer to...) Figure 11 The CPU 30 determines whether there is an axis number for which the current value of the first motor of axis 1 in group 1 is the object. If the determination finds that an axis number exists, the CPU 30 stores the axis number (axis 1 in this example) in the storage unit 17 (step S44). If the determination finds that there is no axis number in step S43, the CPU 30 updates the robot group number (step S45) and performs the determination in step S41 again.

[0132] In the next step S46, for the data model 28 within the storage unit 17 (refer to...) Figure 11 The CPU 30 determines whether there is a motor number for the first motor of shaft 1 in group 1 whose current value information is the target. If the determination finds that there is a motor number, the CPU 30 stores the motor number (1 in this example) in the storage unit 17 (step S47). If the determination finds that there is no motor number in step S46, the CPU 30 updates the shaft number (step S48) and performs the determination in step S41 again.

[0133] In the next step S49, the CPU 30 sends the robot group number, axis number, motor number, and current value obtained in steps S42, S44, and S47 above as a set of information to the job software 14. For example, the CPU 30 sends a data column such as "Robot Group 1 / Axis 1 / First Motor / Current Value" to the job software 14.

[0134] Next, in step S50, CPU30 updates the motor number (step S50) and performs the determination in step S41 again.

[0135] Through the processing of steps S41 to S50 above, CPU30 can, according to data model 28 ( Figure 11 The robot uses a data model to transform first mechanical information, such as the first current value of the first motor of the first motor of axis 1 in the robot's group 1, into second mechanical information containing information about the mechanical components based on that current value, and sends it to the operation software 14. Therefore, the processing speed of the operation software 14 (e.g., the speed of analysis, statistics, etc.) can be improved.

[0136] Figure 15 These are diagrams illustrating other examples of data models used in NC machine tools. Figure 16 This is a diagram illustrating other examples of how robots use data. Figure 4 The data model for NC machine tools shown can be as follows: Figure 15 The data model shown Figure 11 The data model of the robot shown can be as follows: Figure 16 The data model shown.

[0137] For example, in Figure 15 In the data model for NC machine tools, nodes such as the controller, PLC, sensor, laser, CNC axis, CNC motor, laser oscillator, and sensors are the physical elements constituting the NC machine tool. Other nodes correspond to various management elements that the NC machine tool should manage (e.g., operating status, production status, quality maintenance information, operation history, etc.). The "1:1" marking in the diagrams indicates a one-to-one correspondence between parent and child nodes, while the "1:n" marking indicates multiple child nodes relative to the parent node. Figure 15 The dashed line in the diagram is used to indicate that there are constituent elements within the physical element corresponding to the parent node.

[0138] In addition, the data model of this embodiment is as follows: Figure 15 and Figure 16The data structure shown arranges nodes corresponding to the physical elements constituting the machine in one direction (row direction in the example of the diagram), and nodes corresponding to the various management elements of the machine in the other direction (column direction in the example of the diagram). Figure 15 , Figure 16 In each data model, blank 32, as illustrated in Figure 13, also exists in the predetermined nodes.

[0139] Furthermore, in the mechanical system 10 of this embodiment, machines 11, 12, etc., are, for example, located in a factory that manufactures products. In contrast, the basic software 13 is, for example, mounted on a management personal computer 25 located in another building on the factory site where machines 11, 12, etc., are located. In this case, it is preferable that the management personal computer 25 is connected to each machine 11, 12, etc., via an intranet communication network, such as a fieldbus communication network, in a manner capable of mutual communication. The management personal computer 25 is a computer. Furthermore, the management personal computer 25 is preferably connected, for example, via the Internet to a host computer 24 (see reference 1) in an office far from the factory. Figure 2 They are connected in a manner that enables them to communicate with each other. The host computer 24 is, for example, a production management system (MES) that generates production plans for multiple machines 11, 12, etc. in the aforementioned office and manages their production status.

[0140] The basic software 13 and the operating software 14 are preferably installed onto the aforementioned management personal computer 25 from a computer-readable portable recording medium using a known installation program or similar method. The portable recording medium is, for example, a CD-ROM (compact disk read-only memory) or a DVD-ROM (digital versatile disk read-only memory). When the basic software 13 and the operating software 14 are respectively recorded on such a recording medium, the management personal computer 25 preferably has a drive device corresponding to these recording media. Alternatively, the basic software 13 and the operating software 14 can also be downloaded from other computer devices connected to the management personal computer 25 via the Internet or Ethernet (registered trademark).

[0141] The base software 13 in this embodiment is not only a single operating software 14, but also serves as the foundation, i.e., the software platform, for operating multiple operating software 14s with different processing contents. In this case, it is preferable to pre-input identification information of the machine to be processed into each operating software 14, and each operating software 14 is programmed to obtain second machine information based on the machine's identification information. Alternatively, it is preferable to be programmed to transform first metadata obtained from the connected machine into second metadata, and then obtain the second machine information based on the second metadata. Thus, even when multiple operating software 14s are installed in the management personal computer 25, the management personal computer 25 can identify which operating software 14 is processing the second machine information based on the second metadata containing the machine's identification information associated with the second machine information.

[0142] Figure 17 This is a diagram schematically illustrating the structure of the mechanical system in yet another embodiment. Figure 17 In this configuration, the operation software 14, the first communication unit 15, the second communication unit 16, the metadata conversion unit 23b, and the mechanical information conversion unit 23a are each assembled in independent computers C1 to C6. The computers C1 to C6 are connected in a manner capable of mutual communication. Alternatively, several of the operation software 14, the first communication unit 15, the second communication unit 16, the metadata conversion unit 23b, and the mechanical information conversion unit 23a can be assembled into one computer, while the remaining parts of the operation software 14, the first communication unit 15, the second communication unit 16, the metadata conversion unit 23b, and the mechanical information conversion unit 23a can be assembled into a single other computer or multiple other other computers. That is, at least one of the operation software 14, the first communication unit 15, the second communication unit 16, the metadata conversion unit 23b, and the mechanical information conversion unit 23a can be assembled into an independent computer. Figure 17 In some cases, the same effect as described above can also be obtained, and such cases are also included within the scope of this disclosure.

[0143] This disclosure method

[0144] According to the first method, the computer (25) is equipped with basic software (13) and operating software (14), and is communicatively connected to at least one machine (11). The basic software includes: a first communication unit (15), which is a program portion for causing the computing device of the computer to execute receiving first mechanical information inherent to the machine and first meta-information representing the meaning of the first mechanical information output from the machine; a second communication unit (16), which is a program portion for causing the computing device of the computer to execute sending second mechanical information inherent to the operating software and second meta-information representing the meaning of the second mechanical information to the operating software; a meta-information conversion unit (23b), which is a program portion for causing the computing device of the computer to execute converting the first meta-information into the second meta-information; and a mechanical information conversion unit (23a), which is a program portion for causing the computing device of the computer to execute converting the first mechanical information into the second mechanical information. The operating software is a program that uses the second mechanical information as input information.

[0145] According to the second method, in the first method, the first metadata has a data structure that represents at least each physical element constituting the machine and each management element of the machine as a node, and the first machine information is assigned to the node corresponding to each physical element and each management element. The second metadata has a data structure generated based on the first metadata, and the second machine information, after transforming the corresponding first machine information, is assigned to the node constituting the data structure.

[0146] According to the third approach, in the first or second approach, a filtering condition is pre-set to receive only a portion of the first metadata.

[0147] According to the fourth method, in any of the first to third methods, the computer further includes: a storage unit (17) that stores at least one of the first mechanical information, the first meta-information, the second mechanical information, and the second meta-information in a time sequence.

[0148] According to the fifth method, in any of the first to fourth methods, the first communication unit is a program portion for causing the computing device of the computer to further execute a second instruction information inherent to the machine that instructs the machine, the second communication unit is a program portion for causing the computing device of the computer to further execute a first instruction information inherent to the operating software from the operating software, and the machine information transformation unit is a program portion for causing the computing device of the computer to further execute a program portion for transforming the first instruction information into the second instruction information based on the second metadata.

[0149] According to a sixth approach, a system (11) is provided that is communicatively connected to at least one machine (11). The system includes: operating software (14); a first communication unit (15) that receives first mechanical information inherent to the machine and first meta-information representing the meaning of the first mechanical information output from the machine; a second communication unit (16) that sends second mechanical information inherent to the operating software and second meta-information representing the meaning of the second mechanical information to the operating software; a meta-information conversion unit (23b) that converts the first meta-information into the second meta-information; and a machine information conversion unit (23a) that converts the first mechanical information into the second mechanical information. The operating software is a program that uses the second mechanical information as input information. At least one of the operating software, the first communication unit, the second communication unit, the meta-information conversion unit, and the machine information conversion unit is assembled into a separate computer (C1 to C6).

[0150] According to the seventh method, in the sixth method, the first metadata has a data structure that represents at least each physical element constituting the machine and each management element of the machine as a node, and the first machine information is assigned to the node corresponding to each physical element and each management element. The second metadata has a data structure generated based on the first metadata, and the second machine information after transforming the corresponding first machine information is assigned to the node constituting the data structure.

[0151] According to the eighth method, in the sixth or seventh method, a filtering condition is pre-set to receive only a portion of the first meta-information.

[0152] According to the ninth method, in any of the sixth to eighth methods, the computer further comprises: a storage unit (17) that stores at least one of the first mechanical information, the first meta-information, the second mechanical information, and the second meta-information in a time sequence.

[0153] According to the tenth method, in any of the sixth to ninth methods, the first communication unit further sends the machine-specific second instruction information to the machine, the second communication unit further receives the operating software-specific first instruction information from the operating software, and the machine information transformation unit further transforms the first instruction information into the second instruction information based on the second metadata.

[0154] The embodiments of the present invention have been described above, but those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and alterations can be made without departing from the scope of the claims described below.

[0155] Symbol Explanation

[0156] 10 Mechanical Systems

[0157] 11, 12 Machinery

[0158] 13 Basic Software

[0159] 14 Homework Software

[0160] 15First Ministry of Communications

[0161] 16Second Communications Department

[0162] 17 Storage Department

[0163] 18 Authentication Record Information

[0164] 19-inch monitor

[0165] 20Third Ministry of Communications

[0166] 21 Storage Department

[0167] 22nd Fourth Communications Department

[0168] 23a Mechanical Information Transformation Department

[0169] 23b Meta-information Transformation Unit

[0170] 24 host computers

[0171] 25. Managing Personal Computers (Computers)

[0172] 26 Peripheral Equipment

[0173] The newly generated data models in 27 and 28

[0174] 30 CPUs

[0175] Nodes 31 and 33

[0176] 32 blanks

[0177] Computers with C1 to C6 ratings.

Claims

1. A computer equipped with basic software and operating software, communicatively connected to at least one machine, characterized in that, The basic software includes: The first communication unit is a program part for causing the computing device of the computer to execute a program that receives first mechanical information inherent to the machine output from the machine and first meta-information representing the meaning of the first mechanical information; The second communication unit is a program part used to cause the computing device of the computer to execute a program that sends second mechanical information inherent to the operating software and second meta-information representing the meaning of the second mechanical information to the operating software. Meta-information transformation unit, which is a program portion for causing the computing device of the computer to execute a program that transforms the first meta-information into the second meta-information; and The mechanical information conversion unit is a program portion used to cause the computing device of the computer to execute a program that converts the first mechanical information into the second mechanical information. The operating software is a program that uses the second mechanical information as input information. The first metadata has a data structure that represents at least each physical element constituting the machine and each management element of the machine as a node, and assigns the first machine information to the nodes corresponding to each physical element and each management element. The second metadata has a data structure generated based on the first metadata, and the nodes constituting this data structure are allocated second mechanical information after the corresponding first mechanical information has been transformed. The mechanical information transformation unit transforms the first mechanical information into the second mechanical information according to the data structure of the second metadata. The first communication unit receives the first mechanical information from the node being collected, which has undergone transformation from the first metadata to the second metadata. The first mechanical information is stored as second mechanical information in the corresponding node of the data structure contained in the second meta-information.

2. The computer according to claim 1, characterized in that, A filtering condition is pre-set to receive only a portion of the first metadata.

3. The computer according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The computer further includes a storage unit that stores at least one of the first mechanical information, the first meta-information, the second mechanical information, and the second meta-information in a time sequence.

4. The computer according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first communication unit is a program portion that enables the computing device of the computer to further execute a second instruction information inherent to the machine, which is sent to the machine as an instruction to the machine. The second communication unit is a program portion used to enable the computer's computing device to further execute a program that receives first instruction information inherent in the operating software from the operating software. The mechanical information conversion unit is a program part used to enable the computer's arithmetic device to further execute a program that converts the first instruction information into the second instruction information based on the second metadata.

5. A system communicatively coupled with at least one machine, the system comprising: The system includes: Homework software; The first communication unit receives first mechanical information inherent to the machine and first meta-information representing the meaning of the first mechanical information, which is output from the machine. The second communication unit sends the second mechanical information inherent in the operating software and the second meta-information representing the meaning of the second mechanical information to the operating software; Meta-information transformation unit, which transforms the first meta-information into the second meta-information; as well as The mechanical information conversion unit converts the first mechanical information into the second mechanical information. The operating software is a program that uses the second mechanical information as input information. At least one of the operating software, the first communication unit, the second communication unit, the metadata conversion unit, and the mechanical information conversion unit is assembled into a separate computer. The first metadata has a data structure that represents at least each physical element constituting the machine and each management element of the machine as a node, and assigns the first machine information to the nodes corresponding to each physical element and each management element. The second metadata has a data structure generated based on the first metadata, and the nodes constituting this data structure are allocated second mechanical information after the corresponding first mechanical information has been transformed. The mechanical information transformation unit transforms the first mechanical information into the second mechanical information according to the data structure of the second metadata. The first communication unit receives the first mechanical information from the node being collected, which has undergone transformation from the first metadata to the second metadata. The first mechanical information is stored as second mechanical information in the corresponding node of the data structure contained in the second meta-information.

6. The system according to claim 5, characterized in that, A filtering condition is pre-set to receive only a portion of the first metadata.

7. The system according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that, The computer further includes a storage unit that stores at least one of the first mechanical information, the first meta-information, the second mechanical information, and the second meta-information in a time sequence.

8. The system according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that, The first communication unit also sends a second instruction information inherent to the machine to the machine. The second communication unit also receives first instruction information inherent to the operating software from the operating software. The mechanical information conversion unit further converts the first indication information into the second indication information based on the second metadata.

Images