Operation display system, information processing method, and recording medium

Abstract

An operation display system that constitutes at least a part of a control system for controlling a control target includes a display section, an input section that accepts a user operation, a control section that causes the display section to display a page selected from one or more pages prepared in advance, a retrieval section that retrieves an operation history including contents of operations on a first operation target, and a generation section that extracts an operation that conforms to a predetermined rule from the retrieved operation history and generates one or more second operation targets that indicate the same processing as one or more first operation targets operated by the user based on the extracted operation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to assistance for user operation in a control system for controlling a controlled object. Background Technology

[0002] In various production sites, user operations are provided to the control device through devices that function as HMIs (Human Machine Interfaces), and various information is provided to the user through the HMIs.

[0003] For example, Japanese Patent Publication No. 2016-506559 (Patent Document 1) discloses a method for changing the target used on the display screen of an HMI device, etc.

[0004] Existing technical documents

[0005] Patent documents

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Publication No. 2016-506559 Summary of the Invention

[0007] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0008] The user interface screen displayed on the HMI is designed with manufacturing equipment and operations in mind. However, with continuous improvements being made on the production floor, there is a need to flexibly modify and change the user interface screen in response to these improvements.

[0009] One object of the present invention is to provide a structure that allows for the flexible addition of user interface screens in a manner suitable for user operation.

[0010] Methods for solving problems

[0011] According to one embodiment of the present invention, an operation display system is provided that constitutes at least part of a control system for controlling a controlled object. The operation display system includes: a display unit; an input unit that receives user operations; and a control unit that causes the display unit to display a page selected from one or more pre-prepared pages. The page contains a first operation target indicating a predetermined process. The operation display system includes: an acquisition unit that acquires an operation history containing content related to operations for the first operation target; and a generation unit that extracts operations conforming to predetermined rules from the acquired operation history, and generates one or more second operation targets based on the extracted operations, indicating the same process as the one or more first operation targets operated by the user. According to this structure, when a user performs an operation for a first operation target, one or more second operation targets indicating the same process are generated for operations conforming to predetermined rules performed in the operation. The one or more second operation targets generated in this way correspond to the content of the user's substantial operation, enabling a user interface screen that allows for efficient operation.

[0012] The generation unit can also extract operations that output instructions for controlling the controlled object from the operations contained in the operation history. Based on this structure, it is possible to efficiently extract only the operations that actually control the controlled object.

[0013] The generation unit can also exclude user operations related to page transitions from the operation history. According to this structure, the user operations related to page transitions used to make the display unit show the content are unrelated to operations used to control the controlled object; by excluding such operations, only the truly necessary operations can be extracted.

[0014] The generation unit can also exclude at least one of the following from the operation history: confirmation operations by the alarm viewer, display operations of troubleshooting information, and display operations of the manual. According to this structure, by excluding operations where the user refers to information in order to perform the operation, it is possible to efficiently extract only the operations that are actually used to control the controlled object.

[0015] The generation unit can also generate a new page containing one or more second operation targets. Based on this structure, the generated one or more second operation targets can be aggregated into a new page, thus improving operational efficiency.

[0016] The display unit can also display pages that do not contain any operation targets other than one or more second operation targets. According to this structure, since only one or more second operation targets are displayed, the operation can be made more efficient.

[0017] Each of the one or more second operational targets can also be a copy of the corresponding first operational target. According to this structure, the second operational target is independent of the first operational target, thus allowing for further editing of the second operational target, etc.

[0018] Each of the one or more second operation targets may also contain a command for accessing the corresponding first operation target. According to this structure, the second operation target can be substantially integrated with the first operation target, so that even if the first operation target is changed, the changes can be automatically reflected in the second operation target.

[0019] The acquisition unit can also begin acquiring operation history by accepting specific, pre-determined user actions. According to this structure, since the acquisition of operation history can begin through explicit user actions, a second operation target corresponding to user actions within a desired period can be generated.

[0020] According to another embodiment of the present invention, an information processing method is provided in a control system for controlling a controlled object. The information processing method includes the step of displaying a page selected from one or more pre-prepared pages on a display unit. The page contains a first operation target indicating a predetermined process. The information processing method includes the steps of: obtaining an operation history containing content related to operations for the first operation target; and extracting operations conforming to predetermined rules from the obtained operation history, and generating one or more second operation targets based on the extracted operations, indicating a process identical to one or more of the first operation targets operated by a user.

[0021] According to another embodiment of the present invention, an information processing program is provided, executed by a computer constituting at least a part of a control system for controlling a controlled object. The information processing program causes the computer to perform the step of causing a display unit to display a page selected from one or more pre-prepared pages. The page contains a first operation target indicating a predetermined process. The information processing program causes the computer to perform the following steps: obtaining an operation history containing content related to operations for the first operation target; extracting operations conforming to predetermined rules from the obtained operation history; and generating one or more second operation targets based on the extracted operations, indicating a process identical to one or more of the first operation targets operated by the user.

[0022] The effects of the invention

[0023] According to the present invention, user interface screens can be flexibly added in a manner suitable for user operation. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram showing the main parts of the control system of this embodiment.

[0025] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the overall structure of the control system according to the present embodiment.

[0026] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware structure of the HMI of the control system according to the present embodiment.

[0027] Figure 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware structure of the PLC of the control system according to the present embodiment.

[0028] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing an example of exchange between the HMI and the PLC in the control system according to the present embodiment.

[0029] Figure 6 is a diagram for explaining an example of a user operation in the control system according to the present embodiment.

[0030] Figure 7 is a diagram showing an example of a page for shortcut generation processing of the control system according to the present embodiment.

[0031] Figure 8 is a diagram for explaining an example of the processing procedure of the shortcut generation processing of the control system according to the present embodiment.

[0032] Figure 9 is a diagram for explaining an example of the processing procedure of the shortcut generation processing of the control system according to the present embodiment.

[0033] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram showing the functional structure for implementing the shortcut generation processing of the control system according to the present embodiment.

[0034] Figure 11 is a diagram for explaining an example of filtering in the shortcut generation processing of the control system according to the present embodiment.

[0035] Figure 12 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the shortcut generation processing of the control system according to the present embodiment.

[0036] Figure 13 is a diagram for explaining an example of a shortcut target generated by the control system according to the present embodiment. Detailed Description of the Embodiment

[0037] Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In addition, the same or corresponding parts in the drawings are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will not be repeated.

[0038] <A. Application Example>

[0039] First, an example of a scenario to which the present invention is applied will be described.

[0040] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing the main part of the control system 1 according to the present embodiment. With reference to Figure 1 , the control system 1 configured to control a control object includes an operation display system.

[0041] As a structure related to the operation display system, the control system 1 includes an input unit 126 that receives user operations, a display unit 128, an operation reception unit 150, a display control unit 152, a shortcut target generation unit 154, and a page storage unit 156.

[0042] The display control unit 152 causes the display unit 128 to display a page selected from one or more prepared pages 130. Here, the one or more pages 130 are units providing user interface screens, and include operation targets 132 (first operation targets) indicating predetermined processing.

[0043] The operation reception unit 150 acquires an operation history including content of an operation performed on the operation target 132.

[0044] The shortcut target generation unit 154 extracts an operation that meets a predetermined rule from the acquired operation history, and generates, based on the extracted operation, one or more shortcut targets 142 (second operation targets) that indicate the same processing as one or more operation targets 132 (first operation targets) operated by the user.

[0045] In addition to the page 130 including the operation targets 132, the page storage unit 156 also stores a page 140 including the shortcut targets 142.

[0046] In this way, the control system 1 according to the present embodiment can flexibly generate one or more shortcut targets 142 corresponding to one or more operation targets 132 according to any selection by a user. Thus, according to the present embodiment, a user interface screen can be flexibly added in a manner suitable for user operations.

[0047] <B. Overall Structure Example of Control System 1>

[0048] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing an overall structure example of the control system 1 according to the present embodiment. With reference to Figure 2 , the control system 1 may control the entire factory, or may control a specific manufacturing facility or manufacturing device installed in the factory. In this way, the control system 1 is configured to control any control object.

[0049] Each control system 1 includes one or more HMIs 100 and a PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) 200, which is a typical example of a control device for controlling the controlled object, as its main components.

[0050] HMI 100 constitutes at least a part of the operation display system of this embodiment. That is, the operation display system of this embodiment may be implemented by HMI 100 alone, or by multiple HMI 100s, or by HMI 100 and other processing entities.

[0051] In this specification, the term "operation display system" includes any device that provides user prompts and accepts user input.

[0052] exist Figure 2 In the example shown, HMI 100 and PLC 200 are connected via information system network 6. Information system network 6 can also use common communication protocols such as Ethernet (registered trademark).

[0053] The HMI 100 accepts user operations, provides corresponding instructions to the PLC 200, and displays various information from the PLC 200 graphically.

[0054] The PLC 200 is also connected to the field device group 10. The field device group 10 includes any devices necessary for controlling the controlled object. More specifically, the field device group 10 includes devices for exchanging information with the controlled object (e.g., manufacturing equipment, manufacturing apparatus, sensors and actuators included in the manufacturing equipment or apparatus). Figure 2 In the example shown, the field device group 10 includes a remote I / O (Input / Output) device 12, a relay group 14, a servo driver 16, and a servo motor 18.

[0055] The PLC 200 obtains information from the field device group 10 and performs control calculations according to the pre-created user program, thereby generating information to be given to the field device group 10. Hereinafter, the information obtained by the PLC 200 from the field device group 10 will be referred to as "input data", and the information given to the field device group 10 will be referred to as "output data".

[0056] Figure 2In the illustrated example, the PLC 200 is connected to the field device group 10 via the control system network 4. As the control system network 4, an industrial communication protocol is preferably employed. As such communication protocols, EtherCAT (registered trademark), EtherNet / IP (registered trademark), DeviceNet (registered trademark), CompoNet (registered trademark), and the like are known.

[0057] However, the connection is not limited to the control system network 4, and a hard-wired connection may also be adopted.

[0058] <C. Hardware Structure>

[0059] Next, an example of the hardware structure of the devices constituting the control system 1 of the present embodiment will be described.

[0060] (c1: HMI 100)

[0061] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware structure of the HMI 100 of the control system according to the present embodiment. With reference to Figure 3 , the HMI 100 includes a processor 102 such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (Micro-Processing Unit), an optical drive 104, a main memory 106, a memory 110, a network controller 120, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) controller 124, an input unit 126, and a display unit 128. These components are connected via a bus 108.

[0062] The processor 102 reads out various programs stored in the memory 110, deploys them in the main memory 106 and executes them, thereby realizing necessary processing in the HMI 100.

[0063] The memory 110 is constituted by, for example, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), an SSD (Flash Solid State Drive), or the like. In the memory 110, an OS (Operating System) 111, a system program 112 for implementing basic processing, and a user program 113 created in advance according to a control object are typically stored. In addition, the memory 110 may also store Figure 3 necessary programs other than the programs shown.

[0064] HMI 100 may also have an optical drive 104. The optical drive 104 reads programs from a recording medium 105 (e.g., an optical recording medium such as a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc)) that non-temporarily stores computer-readable programs and stores them in a storage device 110 or the like.

[0065] Various programs executed by HMI 100 can be installed via computer-readable recording medium 105, or they can be downloaded from any server on the network.

[0066] The network controller 120 controls the data exchange between the PLC 200 and other devices via the information system network 6.

[0067] USB controller 124 controls data exchange with external devices (e.g., support devices) via a USB connection.

[0068] The input unit 126 comprises a touch panel, mouse, keyboard, etc., and accepts user operations. The display unit 128 comprises a display, various indicators, etc., and outputs processing results from the processor 102. Alternatively, a touch panel display that integrates the input unit 126 and the display unit 128 can also be used.

[0069] exist Figure 3 The diagram illustrates a structural example of providing the required processing by executing a program through processor 102, but some or all of these provided processes can also be installed using dedicated hardware circuitry (e.g., ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array)).

[0070] (c2: PLC 200)

[0071] Figure 4 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the hardware structure of the PLC 200 in the control system of this embodiment. (Refer to...) Figure 4 The PLC200 includes a processor 202 such as a CPU or MPU, a chipset 204, a main memory 206, a storage device 210, a control system network controller 220, an information system network controller 222, a USB controller 224, and a memory card interface 226.

[0072] The processor 202 reads various programs stored in the memory 210, expands and executes them in the main memory 206, thereby realizing control operations for controlling the controlled object. The chipset 204 controls data transmission between the processor 202 and various components.

[0073] A system program 212 for implementing basic processing and a user program 213 for implementing control calculations are stored in the memory 210.

[0074] A control system network controller 220 controls data exchange with a field device group 10 via a control system network 4.

[0075] An information system network controller 222 controls data exchange with an HMI 100 and the like via an information system network 6.

[0076] A USB controller 224 controls data exchange with an external device (e.g., a support device) connected via USB.

[0077] A memory card interface 226 is configured to allow a memory card 228 to be loaded and unloaded, can write data to the memory card 228, and read various data (user programs, trace data, etc.) from the memory card 228.

[0078] In Figure 4 , a structural example in which required processing is provided by the processor 202 executing programs is shown, but part or all of the provided processing may also be implemented using a dedicated hardware circuit (such as ASIC or FPGA). Alternatively, the main part of the PLC 200 may be implemented using hardware following a general architecture (e.g., an industrial personal computer based on a general personal computer). In this case, a plurality of operating systems with different purposes may also be executed in parallel using virtualization technology, and required application programs may be executed on each operating system.

[0079] <D. Outline of Processing>

[0080] Next, an example of processing executed by the HMI 100 of the control system 1 according to the present embodiment will be described.

[0081] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing an example of exchange between the HMI 100 and the PLC 200 in the control system 1 according to the present embodiment. With reference to Figure 5 , the HMI 100 selectively displays one or more pages 130-1, 130-2, ... (hereinafter also collectively referred to as "pages 130") in accordance with the user program 113. Each page 130 includes one or more operation targets 132-1, 132-2, 132-3, ... (hereinafter also collectively referred to as "operation targets 132").

[0082] Operation target 132 includes any target that accepts user operations. Typically, operation target 132 instructs PLC 200 to perform predetermined actions based on user operations. Operation target 132 may include, for example, buttons that are instructed to be turned on or off according to user operations, levers or sliders that are changed or updated to arbitrary values ​​according to user operations.

[0083] The user program 213 executed by PLC 200 includes, for example, processing execution commands 230-1, 230-2, 230-3, ... (hereinafter collectively referred to as "processing execution commands 230"). Processing execution commands 230-1, 230-2, and 230-3 are respectively associated with variables 232-1, 232-2, and 232-3 representing execution conditions (hereinafter collectively referred to as "variables 232").

[0084] Page 130 contains operation target 132, which changes the values ​​of pre-defined variables in the corresponding PLC 200 based on user input. Figure 5 In the example shown, the operation target 132-1 of page 130-1 is associated with variable 232-1, the operation target 132-2 of page 130-1 is associated with variable 232-2, and the operation target 132-3 of page 130-2 is associated with variable 232-3.

[0085] In this way, HMI 100 selectively displays page 130 containing one or more operation targets 132, and accepts user operations on the displayed page 130, providing corresponding instructions to PLC 200. As an installation method for providing instructions to PLC 200, as described above, it is also possible to change or update the value of variable 232 held by PLC 200.

[0086] Next, we will explain an example of user operation.

[0087] Figure 6 This is a diagram illustrating an example of user operation in the control system 1 of this embodiment. Figure 6 This represents an example of a recovery sequence from an abnormality to normal operation in a manufacturing facility that continuously processes workpieces.

[0088] Suppose an abnormality such as workpiece jamming occurs in the manufacturing equipment (status ST1). At this time, in addition to the page 130A indicating the operating status, a warning message 136 is also displayed on the display unit 128 of the HMI 100.

[0089] The user (operator) notices the anomaly through warning message 136. They then visually inspect the manufacturing equipment and take steps to eliminate the anomaly (in this example, removing the workpiece) (state ST2).

[0090] When performing disposal for eliminating an abnormality, the user selects the warning message 136, and after performing an operation to confirm the warning content, performs an operation for removing the workpiece. Examples of the operation for removing the workpiece include releasing the safety guard of the manufacturing equipment, closing the safety guard after removing the workpiece, and other operations. In addition, after removing the workpiece, operations such as origin restoration (initialization) and abnormal state reset are performed. In such a series of operations, for example, the page 130A, the page 130B, and the page 130C are switched in sequence, and the operation targets of the objects included in each page 130 are operated.

[0091] After a series of abnormalities are eliminated and the user confirms the safety of the manufacturing equipment, the operation is restarted by operating the operation target of the object on the page 130D of the HMI 100.

[0092] When the manufacturing equipment returns to the normal operation state (state ST3), the user refers to the page 130A of the HMI 100 to confirm that the manufacturing equipment is normal.

[0093] In the sequence of operating the operation target 132 by switching a plurality of pages 130 in sequence, unnecessary operations such as page transition and waiting time may occur. On the other hand, in manufacturing equipment where various abnormalities may occur, it is difficult to determine in what sequence each abnormality should be recovered at the device design stage. In addition, every time an abnormality actually occurs, it is often studied which sequence is the most efficient.

[0094] To address such problems, the control system 1 of the present embodiment provides a function of collecting specified arbitrary operation targets 132 into a single page 130 according to user operations. By collecting the required operation targets 132 into a single page 130, more efficient operation can be achieved when an object abnormality or the like occurs, and even a user with little knowledge and experience can execute a predetermined sequence. For convenience of explanation, the process of collecting required operation targets 132 into a single page 130 provided by the control system 1 of the present embodiment is also referred to as "shortcut generation processing".

[0095] <E. Shortcut Generation Processing>

[0096] Next, an example of the shortcut generation processing executed by the control system 1 of the present embodiment will be described.

[0097] Figure 7 is a diagram showing an example of the page 140 of the shortcut generation processing of the control system 1 of the present embodiment, with reference to Figure 7Page 140 contains one or more shortcut targets 142 generated through a shortcut generation process. Each shortcut target 142 corresponds to any operation target 132 contained in any page 130. As described later, a shortcut target 142 may be a copy of the corresponding operation target 132, or it may be installed in the form of a command containing access to the corresponding operation target 132.

[0098] Thus, in the shortcut generation process, a new page 140 containing one or more shortcut targets 142 can also be generated. However, shortcut targets 142 can also be generated as appends to an existing page 130.

[0099] like Figure 7 As shown, a page 140 that does not contain any operation targets other than one or more shortcut targets 142 can also be displayed to the user. By displaying such a page 140, the likelihood of the user performing unnecessary operations can be reduced, making the operation more efficient.

[0100] In addition, for ease of explanation, page 130 containing only operation target 132 and page 140 containing only shortcut target 142 are shown as examples, but operation target 132 and shortcut target 142 can also coexist in page 130 or page 140.

[0101] Based on the selection of page switching target 141, switch the shortcut target 142 displayed on page 140 in sequence.

[0102] Page 140 switches the content of its displayed page based on the selection of one or more page selection targets 143. Figure 7 In the example shown, page 140 is displayed and is labeled "Shortcut_1".

[0103] Page 140 contains an append start target 144 and an append end target 145. When append start target 144 is selected, the recording of shortcut target 142 (corresponding operation target 132) to be appended to the selected page 140 begins. Furthermore, when append end target 145 is selected, the recording of shortcut target 142 (corresponding operation target 132) to be appended to the selected page 140 ends.

[0104] Page 140 contains an editing target 146 for performing changes, additions, deletions, etc., on shortcut target 142.

[0105] Figure 8 and Figure 9 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the shortcut generation process of the control system 1 in this embodiment.

[0106] Reference Figure 8 When the user selects "Add Start Target 144" on page 140, the process of generating (adding) shortcut target 142 begins. In response to the selection of "Add Start Target 144," a dialog box 147 is displayed to set the label name for page 140. The user enters any label 148 in dialog box 147 and selects a start target 149. Then, the user proceeds as follows... Figure 9 Any operation shown.

[0107] Finally, when the append end target 145 of page 140 is selected, page 140 is generated, consisting of shortcut target 142 corresponding to the user's operation.

[0108] Additionally, on page 140, set the label for input in dialog box 147. Figure 9 The example shown is of a user arbitrarily entering a label on page 140, but it is not limited to this. The label can also be automatically determined based on the date and time of the exception.

[0109] Reference Figure 9 The user can perform any operation corresponding to the shortcut target 142 to be generated. Figure 9 The illustration shows an example where an operation target contained in page 130-10, which displays main information, is selected, thus transitioning to page 130-11, and an operation target contained in page 130-11 is selected, thus displaying page 130-12. The user selects the desired operation target on page 130-12.

[0110] After the initial display, the user returns to page 130-11 and selects another action target contained on page 130-11, thus displaying the example on page 130-13. The user then selects another action target on page 130-13. For example... Figure 9 As shown, the user performs a series of operations.

[0111] Through the processing described later, typically, shortcut targets 142 are generated corresponding to the operation targets contained in pages 130-12 and 130-13, respectively. That is, the operations performed from page 130-10 through page 130-11 to the display of page 130-12, and the operations performed from page 130-12 through page 130-11 to the display of page 130-13, are page transition operations, not operations that give instructions to the PLC 200. In other words, they do not need to be generated as shortcut targets 142. Therefore, the control system 1 of this embodiment extracts operations that conform to predetermined rules from the user's operations and generates shortcut targets 142 corresponding to the extracted operations.

[0112] In addition, Figure 8 and Figure 9The example shown is that shortcut target 142 is generated by the user explicitly selecting to add start target 144 and end target 145, but it is not limited to this. The generation of shortcut target 142 can also begin when predetermined conditions are met.

[0113] For example, the occurrence of an anomaly or the output of an alarm can be used as the start trigger, and the return to normal operation can be used as the end trigger. In this case, during the period from start to end, the user performs a series of operations such as confirming the abnormal content, resolving the anomaly, restoring to the origin (initialization), resetting the abnormal state, and confirming that normal operation can be achieved. However, this series of operations can also be recorded to generate the corresponding shortcut target 142.

[0114] in addition, Figure 9 The series of operations shown can also be performed when an exception occurs, during the recovery process. However, in actual exception situations, it is usually required to recover from the exception as quickly as possible, so the following method can also be used.

[0115] For example, a simulator (e.g., provided by a support device) can be prepared to reproduce part or all of the control system 1. The user operates on the simulator, records the series of operations, and generates the corresponding shortcut target 142.

[0116] Alternatively, after invalidating the instructions from HMI 100 to PLC 200, the user can operate HMI 100, record the series of operations, and generate the corresponding shortcut target 142.

[0117] Alternatively, for example, in the context of educating inexperienced users, if any exception occurs and the user responsible for education teaches the correct actions for the exception, a series of actions by the user responsible for education can be recorded to generate a corresponding shortcut target 142.

[0118] Alternatively, in the event of an unforeseen exception, a series of operations to recover from the exception can be recorded, generating a corresponding shortcut target 142. In this case, the page 140 containing the generated shortcut target 142 can also be edited (by selecting Edit Target 146 (see...)). Figure 7 (And can be edited), and shortcuts corresponding to unnecessary operations can be deleted afterwards. Target 142.

[0119] Alternatively, arbitrary information can be attached to the page 140 containing the generated shortcut target 142. Examples of such attached information include: information indicating the content of the exception, the username of the user who performed the operation when the exception occurred, the date and time of generation, information used to identify the workpiece that caused the exception, environmental information such as temperature or humidity, etc.

[0120] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the functional structure of the shortcut generation process used to implement the control system 1 of this embodiment. Figure 10 The functional structures shown typically execute system program 112 via processor 102 of HMI 100. Figure 3 To achieve this.

[0121] Reference Figure 10 The HMI 100 includes an operation receiving unit 150, a display control unit 152, a shortcut target generation unit 154, and a page saving unit 156.

[0122] The operation receiving unit 150 receives user operations provided via the input unit 126, etc. The operation receiving unit 150 outputs information, such as determining the operation target 132 selected by the user operation, to the shortcut target generation unit 154. In this way, the operation receiving unit 150 obtains an operation history containing the operations performed on the operation target 132.

[0123] As described above, the operation receiving unit 150 accepts a predetermined specific user operation (selection of start target 144) and begins acquiring the operation history. Additionally, the operation receiving unit 150 accepts a predetermined specific user operation (selection of end target 145) and ends acquiring the operation history.

[0124] The display control unit 152 causes the display unit 128 to display a page selected from one or more pre-prepared pages. More specifically, the display control unit 152 selects a page stored in the page storage unit 156 according to user operation and causes the display unit 128 to display it.

[0125] The shortcut target generation unit 154 generates one or more shortcut targets 142 based on user operations. The shortcut target generation unit 154 saves the information of the page 140 containing the one or more generated shortcut targets 142 in the page storage unit 156.

[0126] Here, the shortcut target generation unit 154 extracts operations that conform to the predetermined generation rule 1544 from the acquired operation history, and generates one or more shortcut targets 142 (second operation targets) that indicate the same processing as one or more operation targets 132 (first operation targets) operated by the user based on the extracted operations.

[0127] More specifically, the shortcut target generation unit 154 includes a filtering unit 1540 and a conversion processing unit 1542.

[0128] The filtering unit 1540, referring to generation rule 1544, extracts only the information from user operations used to generate shortcut target 142. Typically, the filtering unit 1540 extracts operations from the operation history that output instructions for controlling the controlled object.

[0129] In addition, the filtering unit 1540 also determines whether the start conditions and end conditions (start trigger and end trigger) related to the generation of the shortcut target 142 are met.

[0130] The conversion processing unit 1542 generates the required shortcut target 142 based on the information extracted by the filtering unit 1540. More specifically, the conversion processing unit 1542 can generate the shortcut target 142 by copying the corresponding operation target 132, or it can generate the shortcut target 142 in the form of a command that includes access to the object operation target 132.

[0131] The page saving unit 156 assigns a specified label to the page 140 containing one or more shortcut targets 142 generated by the shortcut target generation unit 154 and saves it. The page 140 saved in the page saving unit 156, together with the pre-generated page 130, is selectively displayed according to user operations.

[0132] Here, an example of generation rule 1544 is explained. Generation rule 1544 mainly sets the rules used to extract the operation target 132 to be operated.

[0133] For example, operations such as setting a variable (bit) of PLC 200 to TRUE / FALSE (instantaneous button (triggered only once to be driven to TRUE)) and changing a variable (bit) of PLC 200 to TRUE or FALSE are extracted as generated objects of shortcut target 142. These operations are equivalent to outputting instructions for controlling the controlled object.

[0134] In contrast, user operations related to page transitions, since they do not provide any instructions to the PLC 200, can also be excluded from the generated objects of shortcut target 142. That is, the filtering unit 1540 excludes user operations related to page transitions from the content of operations contained in the operation history.

[0135] Furthermore, one or more of the following operations—the alarm viewer confirmation operation, the fault diagnosis information display operation, and the manual display operation—are not operations that provide any instruction to the PLC 200, and therefore can be excluded from the generated objects of shortcut target 142. That is, the filtering unit 1540 excludes at least one of the alarm viewer confirmation operation, the fault diagnosis information display operation, and the manual display operation from the content of the operations included in the operation history.

[0136] Figure 11 This is a diagram illustrating an example of filtering in the shortcut generation process of the control system 1 of this embodiment. Figure 11 The operation history 170 shown records user operations in chronological order.

[0137] Operation history 170 includes user operation 171 indicating the selection of append start target 144 (instant button) and user operation 174 indicating the selection of append end target 145 (instant button). One or more user operations generated between the selection of append start target 144 and the selection of append end target 145 become the generated object of shortcut target 142.

[0138] Among these user operations, user operations 172 and 173, representing the selection of operation targets 132 (both instantaneous buttons) of "Button 101" and "Button 102", are extracted as generated objects of shortcut target 142. Then, two shortcut targets 142 corresponding to the operation targets 132 of "Button 101" and "Button 102" are generated respectively.

[0139] On the other hand, user operations 175 representing page display and user operations 176 representing page closing are excluded from the generated object of shortcut target 142.

[0140] In this way, HMI 100 extracts the generation object of shortcut target 142 from the user operation history according to generation rule 1544. By adopting generation rule 1544, user operations such as showing and closing pages in the operation history that become noise in the generation of shortcut target 142 can be excluded, thereby generating an appropriate shortcut target 142.

[0141] Figure 12 This is a flowchart illustrating the shortcut generation process of the control system 1 in this embodiment. Figure 12 The steps shown are typically executed by the processor 102 of the HMI 100 through system program 112. Figure 3 To achieve this.

[0142] Reference Figure 12, the HMI 100 determines whether the generation start condition for the shortcut target 142 is satisfied (step S2). Examples of the generation start condition for the shortcut target 142 include selection of an additional start target 144, occurrence of a predetermined event, etc.

[0143] If the generation start condition for the shortcut target 142 is not satisfied ("No" in step S2), the process of step S2 is repeated.

[0144] If the generation start condition for the shortcut target 142 is satisfied ("Yes" in step S2), the HMI 100 determines a label for the page containing the shortcut target 142 (step S4). Alternatively, the page label may be determined by accepting a user-specified label. Then, the HMI 100 records the content of a user operation (step S6). That is, the HMI 100 performs processing to acquire an operation history including the content of the operation performed on the operation target 132.

[0145] Subsequently, the HMI 100 determines whether the generation end condition for the shortcut target 142 is satisfied (step S8). Examples of the generation end condition for the shortcut target 142 include selection of an additional end target 145, recovery from a predetermined abnormality, etc.

[0146] If the generation end condition for the shortcut target 142 is not satisfied ("No" in step S8), the processes from step S6 onwards are repeated.

[0147] If the generation end condition for the shortcut target 142 is satisfied ("Yes" in step S8), the HMI 100 filters the recorded content of the user operations (step S10), and generates the shortcut target 142 based on the user operation content extracted through filtering (step S12). Then, the HMI 100 saves the page containing the generated shortcut target 142 (step S14).

[0148] In this way, the HMI 100 performs the following processing: extracting operations conforming to a predetermined generation rule 1544 from the acquired operation history, and generating one or more shortcut targets 142 that indicate the same processing as one or more operation targets 132 operated by the user based on the extracted operations.

[0149] Thus, the shortcut generation processing ends.

[0150] <F. Shortcut Target 142>

[0151] Next, the shortcut target 142 will be described.

[0152] Figure 13is a diagram illustrating an example of a shortcut target 142 generated by the control system 1 according to the present embodiment. With reference to Figure 13 , the setting information 1320 associated with the operation target 132 includes, for example, identification information 1321, variable specification 1322 for a button target, action specification 1323 set for the button target, variable specification 1324 for changing the display mode of the operation target 132, and label specification 1325 for the operation target 132.

[0153] When generating a shortcut target 142A that is a copy of the operation target 132, setting information 1420 having the same content as the setting information 1320 is generated. The setting information 1420 includes, for example, identification information 1421, variable specification 1422 for a button target, action specification 1423 set for the button target, variable specification 1424 for changing the display mode of the shortcut target 142, and label specification 1425 for the shortcut target 142.

[0154] The shortcut target 142A, which is a copy of the operation target 132, exists independently of the operation target 132, so even if a certain change is applied to one of the targets, the other target is not affected.

[0155] When generating a shortcut target 142B configured in a form including a command for accessing the operation target 132, reference specification 1427 indicating that the identification information 1321 included in the accessed destination operation target 132 is referred to is included as the setting information 1420 of the shortcut target 142B. That is, the reference specification 1427 corresponds to a command for accessing the operation target 132.

[0156] In the shortcut target 142B configured in a form including a command for accessing the operation target 132, the two targets are substantially integrated, and changes to one target are reflected in both targets.

[0157] In addition, the shortcut target 142 may be a target including a single button, a composite target including a plurality of buttons, or a composite target including a button and a component other than a button.

[0158] <G.Modification>

[0159] In the above embodiment, an example in which the HMI 100 executes the shortcut generation process is mainly described, but the HMI 100 may cooperate with another processing entity, or another processing entity may execute the shortcut generation process instead of the HMI 100. As other processing entities, for example, a PLC 200, a support device, a host server device, and the like are conceivable. In addition, all or part of the processing may be executed using cloud computing on a network.

[0160] <H.Supplementary Note>

[0161] The present embodiment as described above includes the following technical ideas.

[0162] [Structure 1]

[0163] An operation display system (100) configured to form at least a part of a control system (1) that controls a controlled object, wherein the operation display system (100) comprises:

[0164] a display unit (128);

[0165] an input unit (126) that accepts a user operation; and

[0166] a control unit (152) that causes the display unit to display a page selected from one or more pre-prepared pages (130), wherein the page includes a first operation target (132) that indicates a predetermined process,

[0167] the operation display system (100) further comprises:

[0168] an acquisition unit (150) that acquires an operation history (170) including content of an operation performed on the first operation target; and

[0169] a generation unit (154) that extracts an operation meeting a predetermined rule from the acquired operation history, and generates, based on the extracted operation, one or more second operation targets (142) each indicating the same process as that of one or more first operation targets operated by the user.

[0170] [Structure 2]

[0171] In the operation display system according to Structure 1,

[0172] the generation unit extracts, from the content of operations included in the operation history, an operation that outputs an instruction for controlling the controlled object.

[0173] [Structure 3]

[0174] In the operation display system according to Structure 1 or 2,

[0175] the generation unit excludes, from the content of operations included in the operation history, a user operation related to page transition.

[0176] [Structure 4]

[0177] In the operation display system according to any one of Structures 1 to 3,

[0178] The generating unit excludes at least one of the following operations from the operation history: confirmation operation of the alarm viewer, display operation of troubleshooting information, and display operation of the manual.

[0179] [Structure 5]

[0180] In any of the operation display systems described in structures 1 to 4

[0181] The generation unit generates a new page (140) containing one or more of the second operation targets.

[0182] [Structure 6]

[0183] In any of the operation display systems described in structures 1 to 5

[0184] The display unit displays a page that does not contain any operation targets other than the one or more second operation targets.

[0185] [Structure 7]

[0186] In any of the operation display systems described in structures 1 to 6

[0187] Each of the one or more second operational targets (142A) is a copy of the corresponding first operational target.

[0188] [Structure 8]

[0189] In any of the operation display systems described in structures 1 to 6

[0190] Each of the one or more second operation targets (142B) contains a command for accessing the corresponding first operation target.

[0191] [Structure 9]

[0192] In any of the operation display systems described in structures 1 to 7

[0193] The acquisition unit accepts a predetermined specific user operation (144) and begins acquiring the operation history.

[0194] [Structure 10]

[0195] An information processing method is used in a control system (1) for controlling a controlled object, wherein,

[0196] The information processing method includes the following steps: causing the display unit (128) to display a page selected from one or more pre-prepared pages (130),

[0197] The page includes a first operation object (132) that indicates a predetermined process,

[0198] The information processing method comprises the following steps:

[0199] steps (S6, S8) of acquiring an operation history (170) including content of an operation performed on the first operation object; and

[0200] steps (S10, S12) of extracting, from the acquired operation history, an operation that meets a predetermined rule, and generating, based on the extracted operation, one or more second operation objects (142) that indicate the same process as that of the one or more first operation objects operated by a user.

[0201] [Structure 11]

[0202] An information processing program (112) executed by a computer (100) constituting at least a part of a control system (1) configured to control a control object, wherein

[0203] the information processing program (112) causes the computer to execute the following steps: causing a display unit (128) to display a page selected from one or more pre-prepared pages (130),

[0204] the page includes a first operation object (132) that indicates a predetermined process,

[0205] the information processing program causes the computer to execute the following steps:

[0206] steps (S6, S8) of acquiring an operation history (170) including content of an operation performed on the first operation object; and

[0207] steps (S10, S12) of extracting, from the acquired operation history, an operation that meets a predetermined rule, and generating, based on the extracted operation, one or more second operation objects (142) that indicate the same process as that of the one or more first operation objects operated by a user.

[0208] <I. Advantages>

[0209] Generally, work processes at production sites have high reproducibility. Since work processes with high reproducibility are repeatedly executed, there is a high possibility that efficiency can be improved by preparing an appropriate operation environment.

[0210] According to the control system 1 of the present embodiment, a series of operation processes can be collected, and a page that enables efficient operation can be generated. By generating such a page, unnecessary operations can be eliminated, and operation errors can also be reduced.

[0211] Furthermore, because the page can present users with only shortcuts (operation goals) containing a predetermined series of steps, there's no need to remember complex procedures involving page transitions. Even less experienced users can perform the operations appropriately. As a result, the time and effort spent training users to the point of being able to operate appropriately can be reduced. Consequently, the knowledge and information retained by on-site expertise can be standardized.

[0212] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered illustrative rather than restrictive in all respects. The scope of the invention is defined by the claims, not by the foregoing description, and is intended to include all modifications equivalent to and within the scope of the claims.

[0213] Label Explanation

[0214] 1: Control system; 4: Control system network; 6: Information system network; 10: Field device group; 12: Remote I / O device; 14: Relay group; 16: Servo driver; 18: Servo motor; 100: HMI; 102, 202: Processor; 104: Optical driver; 105: Recording medium; 106, 206: Main memory; 108: Bus; 110, 210: Memory; 112, 212: System program; 113, 2 13: User program; 120: Network controller; 124, 224: USB controller; 126: Input unit; 128: Display unit; 130, 140: Page; 132: Operation target; 136: Warning message; 141: Page switching target; 142, 142A, 142B: Shortcut target; 143: Page selection target; 144: Append start target; 145: Append end target; 146: Edit target; 147: Dialog box 148: Tag; 149: Start Target; 150: Operation Reception Department; 152: Display Control Department; 154: Shortcut Target Generation Department; 156: Page Saving Department; 170: Operation History; 171, 172, 173, 174, 175, 176: User Operation; 200: PLC; 204: Chipset; 220: Control System Network Controller; 222: Information System Network Controller; 226: Memory Card Interface; 228: Storage Card; 230: Processing and executing commands; 232: Variables; 1320, 1420: Setting information; 1321, 1421: Identification information; 1322, 1324, 1422, 1424: Variable specification; 1323, 1423: Action specification; 1325, 1425: Tag specification; 1427: Reference specification; 1540: Filtering unit; 1542: Conversion processing unit; 1544: Rule generation; ST1, ST2, ST3: Status.

Claims

1. An operation display system, comprising at least part of a control system for controlling a controlled object, wherein, The system displays the following features: Display section; The input section, which handles user operations; and A control unit that causes the display unit to display a page selected from one or more pre-prepared pages. The page contains a first operational objective that indicates a predetermined process. The system displays the following features: The acquisition unit acquires an operation history containing operations for a first operation target from the time a first condition is met until a second condition is met, wherein the first condition includes the occurrence of a predetermined anomaly in the controlled object, and the second condition includes the recovery of the predetermined anomaly. as well as The generation unit extracts operations that conform to predetermined rules from the acquired operation history, and generates one or more second operation targets based on the extracted operations, indicating the same processing as one or more first operation targets operated by the user.

2. The operation display system according to claim 1, wherein, The generation unit excludes operations such as those performed by the user referring to information in order to perform an operation from the operation history.

3. An operation display system, which constitutes at least part of a control system for controlling a controlled object, wherein, The system displays the following features: Display section; The input section, which handles user operations; and A control unit that causes the display unit to display a page selected from one or more pre-prepared pages. The page contains a first operational objective that indicates a predetermined process. The system displays the following features: The acquisition department acquires the operation history, which includes the operation content related to the first operation objective; as well as The generation unit extracts operations that conform to predetermined rules from the acquired operation history, and based on the extracted operations, generates one or more second operation targets that indicate the same processing as one or more first operation targets performed by the user. The generation unit excludes at least one of the following from the operation content included in the operation history: the alarm viewer confirmation operation, the fault diagnosis information display operation, and the manual display operation.

4. The operation display system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The generation unit extracts and outputs instructions for controlling the controlled object from the operation content contained in the operation history.

5. The operation display system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The generation unit excludes user operations related to page transitions from the operation history.

6. The operation display system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The generation unit generates a new page containing one or more of the second operation targets.

7. The operation display system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The display unit displays a page that does not contain any operation targets other than the one or more second operation targets.

8. The operation display system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, Each of the one or more second operational targets is a copy of the corresponding first operational target.

9. The operation display system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, Each of the one or more second operation targets contains a command for accessing the corresponding first operation target.

10. The operation display system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The acquisition unit accepts a pre-determined specific user operation and begins acquiring the operation history.

11. An information processing method, which is an information processing method in a control system for controlling a controlled object, wherein, The information processing method includes the following steps: displaying a page selected from one or more pre-prepared pages on a display unit. The page contains a first operational objective that indicates a predetermined process. This information processing method includes the following steps: Obtain an operation history containing operations performed on a first operation target from the time a first condition is met until a second condition is met, wherein the first condition includes the occurrence of a predetermined anomaly in the controlled object, and the second condition includes the recovery from the predetermined anomaly; and Extract operations that conform to predetermined rules from the obtained operation history, and based on the extracted operations, generate one or more second operation targets that indicate the same processing as one or more first operation targets operated by the user.

12. An information processing method, which is an information processing method in a control system for controlling a controlled object, wherein, The information processing method includes the following steps: displaying a page selected from one or more pre-prepared pages on a display unit. The page contains a first operational objective that indicates a predetermined process. This information processing method includes the following steps: Obtain the operation history containing the operations performed on the first operation objective; and From the acquired operation history, operations that conform to predetermined rules are extracted, and based on the extracted operations, one or more second operation objectives are generated that indicate the same processing as one or more first operation objectives performed by the user. The generation process includes the following steps: excluding at least one of the following operations from the operation history: confirmation operation of the alarm viewer, display operation of troubleshooting information, and display operation of the manual.

13. A recording medium storing an information processing program, said information processing program being executed by a computer constituting at least a part of a control system for controlling a controlled object, wherein, The information processing program causes the computer to perform the following steps: causing the display unit to display a page selected from one or more pre-prepared pages, The page contains a first operational objective that indicates a predetermined process. The information processing program causes the computer to perform the following steps: Obtain an operation history containing operations related to a first operation target from the time the first condition is met until the time the second condition is met, wherein the first condition includes the occurrence of a predetermined anomaly in the controlled object, and the second condition includes the recovery from the predetermined anomaly; and Extract operations that conform to predetermined rules from the obtained operation history, and based on the extracted operations, generate one or more second operation targets that indicate the same processing as one or more first operation targets operated by the user.

14. A recording medium storing an information processing program, said information processing program being executed by a computer constituting at least a part of a control system for controlling a controlled object, wherein, The information processing program causes the computer to perform the following steps: causing the display unit to display a page selected from one or more pre-prepared pages, The page contains a first operational objective that indicates a predetermined process. The information processing program causes the computer to perform the following steps: Obtain the operation history containing the operations performed on the first operation objective; and From the acquired operation history, operations that conform to predetermined rules are extracted, and based on the extracted operations, one or more second operation objectives are generated that indicate the same processing as one or more first operation objectives performed by the user. The generation process includes the following steps: excluding at least one of the following operations from the operation history: confirmation operation of the alarm viewer, display operation of troubleshooting information, and display operation of the manual.

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