Industrial machine and control method for industrial machine

Abstract

An injection molding machine (10) performs an operation according to a plurality of stages each having a respective operation condition, and includes a display section (20) that displays input boxes (36) for user input of the operation conditions of the respective stages in the number of stages, a touch panel (18) that detects an operation position at which a user contacts the screen with an operator, an input operation detection section (26) that detects a gesture operation input by the user based on the operation position detected by the touch panel, and a display control section (32) that increases or decreases the number of the input boxes displayed on the display section in accordance with the gesture operation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to industrial machinery and a control method for industrial machinery that performs a process based on multiple input action conditions. Background Technology

[0002] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 61-248715 discloses an injection molding machine. In this machine, the operating conditions for each process are divided into multiple segments and set. The display unit of the injection molding machine shows items for the user to input operating conditions. The display unit also shows the segment number setting position. The injection molding machine increases or decreases the number of items displayed on the display unit according to the segment number set by the user. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In the injection molding machine disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 61-248715, the operation of adding or deleting input boxes (items) displayed on the display unit is not intuitive for the user. Therefore, users need time to learn how to operate it. The problem the invention aims to solve

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems.

[0005] The first aspect of the present invention is an industrial machine that performs a process operation based on multiple segments, each with its own action conditions. The machine comprises: a display unit that displays input boxes for a user to input the action conditions of each of the multiple segments, in the number of segments; a touch panel mounted on the screen of the display unit that detects the user's operation position where the user touches the screen; an input operation detection unit that detects a gesture operation input by the user based on the operation position detected by the touch panel; and a display control unit that increases or decreases the number of input boxes displayed on the display unit according to the gesture operation detected by the input operation detection unit.

[0006] A second aspect of the present invention is a control method for industrial machinery, the industrial machinery performing a process operation based on multiple segments of respective action conditions, the industrial machinery having: a display unit that displays input boxes for a user to input multiple action conditions for each of the segments, in terms of the number of segments; and a touch panel mounted on the screen of the display unit, detecting the operation position of the user touching the screen with an operator, the control method for the industrial machinery having: an input operation detection step that detects a gesture operation input by the user based on the operation position detected by the touch panel; and a display control step that increases or decreases the number of input boxes displayed on the display unit based on the gesture operation detected in the input operation detection step.

[0007] According to the present invention, users can increase or decrease the number of input boxes displayed on the display through intuitive operation. Attached Figure Description

[0008] Figure 1 This is a block diagram of an injection molding machine. Figure 2 This is a diagram showing a touch panel display that displays a condition setting screen on the display unit. Figure 3 Figure 3A and Figure 3B This is a diagram illustrating an example of increasing or decreasing the number of input boxes. Figure 4 Figure 4A and Figure 4B This is a diagram illustrating an example of operations that increase or decrease the number of input boxes. Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating the process of adding or removing input boxes performed in the display control unit. Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating the process of adding or removing input boxes performed in the display control unit. Figure 7 Figure 7A and Figure 7B This is a diagram illustrating an example of increasing or decreasing the number of input boxes. Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating the process of adding or removing input boxes performed in the display control unit. Figure 9 This is a diagram illustrating an example of increasing or decreasing the number of input boxes. Figure 10 This is a flowchart illustrating the process of adding or removing input boxes performed in the display control unit. Detailed Implementation

[0009] [First Implementation Method] [Overall Composition] Figure 1 This is a block diagram of an injection molding machine 10. The injection molding machine 10 has a touch panel display 12, a control device 14, and a main body 16.

[0010] The touch panel display 12 includes a touch panel 18 and a display unit 20. The touch panel 18 is attached to the screen of the display unit 20. The touch panel 18 detects the coordinates of the position (hereinafter referred to as the operation position) where the user touches the screen of the display unit 20 with a pointer. The pointer can be the user's finger, stylus, etc. Images, text, etc. are displayed on the display unit 20.

[0011] The control device 14 includes an arithmetic unit 22 and a storage unit 24. The arithmetic unit 22 is a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit). The arithmetic unit 22 includes an input operation detection unit 26, a condition setting unit 28, a main control unit 30, and a display control unit 32. The input operation detection unit 26 detects the user's gesture operation on the touch panel 18 based on the operation position detected by the touch panel 18. Gesture operations include clicking, long pressing, dragging, and swiping. Clicking is an operation that immediately removes the operator from the screen after it touches the screen. Long pressing is an operation that keeps the operator in contact with the screen without moving it. Dragging is an operation that moves the operator while it touches the screen. Swiping is an operation that moves the operator by bouncing the screen with the operator. The condition setting unit 28 sets the action conditions input by the user as the action conditions for the main body 16. The main control unit 30 controls the main body 16 according to the action conditions. The display control unit 32 controls the display unit 20.

[0012] The input operation detection unit 26, condition setting unit 28, main control unit 30, and display control unit 32 are implemented by the arithmetic unit 22 executing a program stored in the storage unit 24. At least a portion of the condition setting unit 28, main control unit 30, and display control unit 32 can also be implemented using integrated circuits such as ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits) and FPGAs (Field-Programmable Gate Arrays). At least a portion of the condition setting unit 28, main control unit 30, and display control unit 32 can also be implemented using electronic circuits containing discrete components.

[0013] The storage unit 24 is composed of volatile memory (not shown) and non-volatile memory (not shown), which are computer-readable storage media. The volatile memory is RAM (Random Access Memory) or similar. It serves as the processor's working memory, temporarily storing data required for processing or computation. The non-volatile memory is ROM (Read Only Memory), flash memory, or similar. It is used for storage, storing programs, tables, mappings, etc. At least a portion of the storage unit 24 may also be disposed within the aforementioned processor, integrated circuit, or similar device. At least a portion of the storage unit 24 may also be mounted on a device connected to the control device 14 via a network.

[0014] The main body 16 has an injection device (not shown) and a mold closing device (not shown). The main body 16 operates according to the operating conditions to mold the product.

[0015] [Regarding the condition setting screen] Figure 2 This is a diagram showing a touch panel display 12 displaying a condition setting screen 34 on the display unit 20. Figure 2 The condition setting screen 34 shown is the screen displayed on the display unit 20 when the user sets the operating conditions for the movement speed of the screw in the injection process.

[0016] The following is based on Figure 2 The up-down and left-right directions indicated by the middle arrows explain the directions on the screen of the display unit 20. Figure 2 The up-down and left-right directions indicated by the middle arrows are based on the user's view of the display unit 20 from the front. In this embodiment, the up-down direction refers to the direction on the screen of the display unit 20 and is not necessarily parallel to the direction of gravity.

[0017] The injection molding machine 10 sets action conditions for each process. The processes for which action conditions are set are injection, metering, mold closing, mold opening, ejection, nozzle forward and backward movement, mold core removal / removal, and mold rotation.

[0018] In each process, action conditions are set for multiple factors. For example, in the injection process, the factors for setting action conditions include the screw's moving speed, the screw's moving position, and the resin pressure inside the cylinder. In the metering process, the factors for setting action conditions include the screw's rotational speed, the screw's moving position, the screw's torque, and the resin pressure inside the cylinder.

[0019] Within each element, multiple action conditions are set. For example, in the injection process, the screw's movement speed is switched at multiple positions as the screw moves in the injection direction.

[0020] like Figure 2 As shown, a plurality of input boxes 36 are displayed on the display unit 20. The number of input boxes 36 displayed on the display unit 20 is the same as the number of segments of the action conditions. Each of the plurality of input boxes 36 corresponds to the action conditions of that segment. Figure 2 The display unit 20 shown has three input boxes 36. In each of the three input boxes 36, the moving speed of the screw is input as an action condition. A segment of the action condition is input in one input box 36. Figure 2 The display unit 20 shown allows input of three action conditions. Multiple input boxes 36 are arranged horizontally and displayed on the display unit 20. Figure 2 In the display unit 20 shown, the leftmost input box 36 is used to input the action conditions for the first segment. The second input box 36 from the left is used to input the action conditions for the second segment. The rightmost input box 36 is used to input the action conditions for the third segment.

[0021] The user inputs the action conditions for each segment into the input box 36. When an action condition is input into each of the multiple input boxes 36, the condition setting unit 28 sets the action condition input into each input box 36 to the action condition of the segment corresponding to the input box 36. When the user clicks on an input box 36 displayed on the display unit 20, the soft keyboard appears on the display unit 20. The action conditions are input into the input box 36 by the user operating the soft keyboard. The input of action conditions into the input box 36 can also be performed by the user operating the keyboard connected to the injection molding machine 10.

[0022] like Figure 2 As shown, in the display unit 20, one or more sub-input boxes 38 are displayed below the input box 36. The sub-input box 38 displays a number on the display unit 20 that is one less than the number of segments of the action condition. The sub-input box 38 is located directly below two adjacent input boxes 36. Each of the plurality of sub-input boxes 38 corresponds to a switching condition of the action conditions of the two adjacent segments. One or more sub-input boxes 38 are displayed on the display unit 20. Figure 2 The display unit 20 shown displays two sub-input boxes 38. In each of the two sub-input boxes 38, the position of the switching condition input screw is displayed. When multiple sub-input boxes 38 are displayed on the display unit 20, the multiple sub-input boxes 38 are arranged and displayed on the display unit 20 in a left-right direction. Figure 2 In the display unit 20 shown, the sub-input box 38 on the left is the area for inputting the switching conditions between the action conditions of the first segment and the action conditions of the second segment. The sub-input box 38 on the right is the area for inputting the switching conditions between the action conditions of the second segment and the action conditions of the third segment.

[0023] The user inputs the switching conditions for the action conditions of two adjacent segments into the sub-input box 38. The condition setting unit 28 sets the switching conditions input into the sub-input box 38 to the switching conditions for the action conditions of the two adjacent segments corresponding to the sub-input box 38. When the user clicks the sub-input box 38 displayed on the display unit 20, the soft keyboard appears on the display unit 20. The switching conditions are input into the sub-input box 38 by the user operating the soft keyboard. The input of switching conditions into the sub-input box 38 can also be performed by the user operating the keyboard connected to the injection molding machine 10.

[0024] [Increase or decrease the number of input fields] Figure 3A and Figure 3B This diagram illustrates an example of increasing or decreasing the number of input boxes. The display control unit 32 increases or decreases the number of input boxes 36 displayed on the display unit 20 based on gesture operations detected by the input operation detection unit 26.

[0025] The leftmost input box 36 corresponds to the action condition of the first segment. This input box 36 is the area for inputting the action condition of the first segment. Hereinafter, this input box 36 is sometimes referred to as the input box 361 of the first segment. The second input box 36 from the left corresponds to the action condition of the second segment. This input box 36 is the area for inputting the action condition of the second segment. Hereinafter, this input box 36 is sometimes referred to as the input box 362 of the second segment. The third input box 36 from the left corresponds to the action condition of the third segment. This input box 36 is the area for inputting the action condition of the third segment. Hereinafter, this input box 36 is sometimes referred to as the input box 363 of the third segment. The fourth input box 36 from the left corresponds to the action condition of the fourth segment. This input box 36 is the area for inputting the action condition of the fourth segment. Hereinafter, this input box 36 is sometimes referred to as the input box 364 of the fourth segment. The fifth input box 36 from the left corresponds to the action condition of the fifth segment. This input box 36 is the area for inputting the action condition of the fifth segment. Hereinafter, this input box 36 will sometimes be referred to as the fifth input box 365.

[0026] The leftmost sub-input box 38 corresponds to the switching condition between the action conditions of the first and second segments. This sub-input box 38 is the area for inputting the switching condition between the action conditions of the first and second segments. Hereinafter, this sub-input box 38 is sometimes referred to as the first sub-input box 381. The second sub-input box 38 from the left corresponds to the switching condition between the action conditions of the second and third segments. This sub-input box 38 is the area for inputting the switching condition between the action conditions of the second and third segments. Hereinafter, this sub-input box 38 is sometimes referred to as the second sub-input box 382. The third sub-input box 38 from the left corresponds to the switching condition between the action conditions of the third and fourth segments. This sub-input box 38 is the area for inputting the switching condition between the action conditions of the third and fourth segments. Hereinafter, this sub-input box 38 is sometimes referred to as the third sub-input box 383. The fourth sub-input box 38 from the left corresponds to the switching condition between the action conditions of the fourth and fifth segments. This sub-input box 38 is an area for inputting the switching conditions between the action conditions of the fourth segment and the action conditions of the fifth segment. Hereinafter, this sub-input box 38 will sometimes be referred to as the fourth sub-input box 384.

[0027] When the gesture operation is a drag to the right, the display control unit 32 increases the number of input boxes 36 displayed on the display unit 20. The display control unit 32 determines the number of input boxes 36 to increase based on the distance moved by the gesture operation. The gesture operation can be a swipe instead of a drag.

[0028] exist Figure 3AIn the example operation shown, a gesture is input to move two segments of the input box 36 from the rightmost third segment input box 363 to the right. When such a gesture is input, the display control unit 32 adds a fourth segment input box 364 and a fifth segment input box 365 and displays them on the display unit 20. The display control unit 32 copies the action condition "30.0" input to the third segment input box 363 to the fourth segment input box 364 and the fifth segment input box 365. At this time, the display control unit 32 adds a third sub-input box 383 and a fourth sub-input box 384 and displays them on the display unit 20. The display control unit 32 copies the switching condition "20.00" input to the second sub-input box 382 to the third sub-input box 383 and the fourth sub-input box 384.

[0029] As a result, the number of input boxes 36 displayed on the display unit 20 increases from 3 to 5. The number of sub-input boxes 38 displayed on the display unit 20 increases from 2 to 4.

[0030] When the gesture operation is a drag to the left, the display control unit 32 reduces the number of input boxes 36 displayed on the display unit 20. The display control unit 32 determines the number of input boxes 36 to be reduced based on the distance moved by the gesture operation. The gesture operation can be a swipe instead of a drag.

[0031] exist Figure 3B In the example of the operation shown, a gesture is input to move two segments of the input box 36 from the rightmost fifth segment 365 to the left. Upon receiving this gesture, the display control unit 32 removes the fourth segment input box 364 and the fifth segment input box 365 from the display unit 20. At this time, the display control unit 32 also removes the third sub-input box 383 and the fourth sub-input box 384 from the display unit 20.

[0032] As a result, the number of input boxes 36 displayed on the display unit 20 is reduced from 5 to 3. The number of sub-input boxes 38 displayed on the display unit 20 is reduced from 4 to 2.

[0033] exist Figure 3A and Figure 3B In the example shown, the gesture operation begins at the rightmost input box 36. However, the starting position of the gesture operation is not limited to the rightmost input box 36.

[0034] Figure 4A and Figure 4B This diagram illustrates an example of increasing or decreasing the quantity of input box 36. Figure 4AIn the example of the operation shown, a gesture is input to move one segment of the input box 362 from the center of the second segment to the left. When such a gesture is input, the display control unit 32 removes the third segment input box 363 from the display unit 20. The display control unit 32 inputs the action condition "30.0" that was input into the third segment input box 363 before the gesture is input into the second segment input box 362. Thus, the "30.0" that was the action condition for the third segment before the gesture is input is moved to the second segment's action condition.

[0035] At this time, the display control unit 32 removes the second sub-input box 38 from the display unit 20. The display control unit 32 inputs the switching condition "20.00" that was entered into the second sub-input box 382 before the input gesture operation into the first sub-input box 381. As a result, "20.00", which was the switching condition for the second and third action conditions before the input gesture operation, is moved to the switching condition for the first and second action conditions.

[0036] As a result, the number of input boxes 36 displayed on the display unit 20 is reduced from 3 to 2. The number of sub-input boxes 38 displayed on the display unit 20 is reduced from 2 to 1.

[0037] exist Figure 4B In the example of the operation shown, a gesture is input to move one segment of the input box 361 from the leftmost input box 361 to the right. When such a gesture is input, the display control unit 32 adds a third input box 363 and displays it on the display unit 20. The display control unit 32 inputs the action condition "30.0" that was input into the second input box 362 before the gesture operation into the third input box 363. The display control unit 32 copies the action condition "100.0" that was input into the first input box 361 before the gesture operation into the second input box 362. Thus, "30.0," which was the action condition for the second segment before the gesture operation, is moved to the third segment's action condition. A new "100.0" is set as the second segment's action condition.

[0038] At this time, the display control unit 32 adds a second sub-input box 382 and displays it on the display unit 20. The display control unit 32 copies the switching condition "20.00" that was entered into the first sub-input box 381 before the input gesture operation to the second sub-input box 382. Thus, "20.00" is newly set as the switching condition for the second and third action conditions.

[0039] As a result, the number of input boxes 36 displayed on the display unit 20 increases from 2 to 3. The number of sub-input boxes 38 displayed on the display unit 20 increases from 1 to 2.

[0040] Through the above operations, the number of input boxes 36 displayed on the display unit 20 is increased or decreased. The condition setting unit 28 sets the number of action condition segments based on the increase or decrease in the number of input boxes 36.

[0041] [Handling the addition or reduction of the number of input boxes] Figure 5 and Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating the process of adding or removing input boxes performed in the display control unit 32. During the period when the condition setting screen 34 is displayed on the display unit 20, the input box addition / reduction process is repeatedly performed at a predetermined cycle. Here, the process of adding or removing the number of input boxes 36 displayed on the display unit 20 is explained, but sub-input boxes 38 can also be added or removed based on the number of input boxes 36.

[0042] In step S1, the display control unit 32 obtains the number M of the current action condition and proceeds to step S2. The number M of the current action condition is equal to the number of input boxes 36 currently displayed on the display unit 20.

[0043] In step S2, the display control unit 32 acquires the start position PA and end position PB of the gesture operation detected by the input operation detection unit 26, and then proceeds to step S3.

[0044] In step S3, the display control unit 32 determines whether the direction of the gesture operation is left or right. If the direction of the gesture operation is left or right (step S3: Yes), proceed to step S4. If the direction of the gesture operation is not left or right (step S3: No), the input box addition / deletion process ends.

[0045] In step S4, the display control unit 32 determines whether the starting position PA is within the input box 36. If the starting position PA is within the input box 36 (step S4: Yes), the process proceeds to step S5. If the starting position PA is outside the input box 36 (step S4: No), the input box addition / reduction process ends. Since the coordinate areas of the input boxes 36 for each segment are predetermined, if the coordinates of the starting position PA are known, the display control unit 32 can determine whether the starting position PA is within or outside the input box 36.

[0046] In step S5, the display control unit 32 calculates the segment number N of the input box 36 at the starting position PA and proceeds to step S6. Since the coordinate areas of the input boxes 36 for each segment are predetermined, if the coordinates of the starting position PA are known, the display control unit 32 can calculate the segment number N of the input box 36 where the starting position PA is located.

[0047] In step S6, the display control unit 32 calculates the number of increments / decreases ΔM based on the movement distance of the gesture operation from the start position PA to the end position PB, and then proceeds to step S7. The longer the movement distance of the gesture operation, the larger the number of increments / decreases ΔM.

[0048] In step S7, the display control unit 32 determines whether the direction of the gesture operation is to the right. If the direction of the gesture operation is to the right, the process proceeds to step S8. If the direction of the gesture operation is to the left, the process proceeds to step S13.

[0049] In step S8, the display control unit 32 adds an input box 36 from segment (M+1) to segment (M+ΔM) and displays it on the display unit 20, then proceeds to step S9.

[0050] In step S9, the display control unit 32 determines whether the segment number N and the segment number M are the same. If the segment number N and the segment number M are the same (step S9: Yes), proceed to step S10. If the segment number N and the segment number M are different (step S9: No), proceed to step S11.

[0051] In step S10, the display control unit 32 copies the action conditions of the Mth segment to the input boxes 36 from the (M+1)th segment to the (M+ΔM)th segment, and ends the input box addition / reduction process. The action conditions of the Mth segment are the action conditions entered into the input box 36 of the Mth segment.

[0052] In step S11, the display control unit 32 inputs the action conditions from segment (N+1) to segment M into the input boxes 36 from segment (N+1+ΔM) to segment (M+ΔM), and then proceeds to step S12. The action conditions for each of segments (N+1) to M are the action conditions input into the input boxes 36 for each of segments (N+1) to M before the input gesture operation.

[0053] In step S12, the display control unit 32 copies the action conditions of the Nth segment to the input boxes 36 from the (N+1)th segment to the (N+ΔM)th segment, and ends the input box addition / reduction process. The action conditions of the Nth segment are the action conditions entered into the input box 36 of the Nth segment.

[0054] As described above, in step S7, if the direction of the gesture operation is determined to be to the left, the process proceeds to step S13.

[0055] In step S13, the display control unit 32 deletes the input box 36 from the (M+1-ΔM)th segment to the Mth segment and proceeds to step S14.

[0056] In step S14, the display control unit 32 determines whether the segment number N and the segment number M are the same. If the segment number N and the segment number M are the same (step S14: Yes), the input box addition / deletion process ends. If the segment number N and the segment number M are different (step S14: No), the process proceeds to step S15.

[0057] In step S15, the display control unit 32 inputs the action conditions from segment (N+1) to segment M into the input boxes 36 from segment (N+1-ΔM) to segment (M-ΔM), and ends the input box addition / reduction process. The action conditions for each of segments (N+1) to M are the action conditions input into the input boxes 36 of each of segments (N+1) to M before the input gesture operation.

[0058] [Effects] Previously, the option to increase or decrease the number of input boxes displayed on the screen was provided. However, these options were not intuitive, and users needed time to learn how to use them.

[0059] In the injection molding machine 10 of this embodiment, the display control unit 32 increases or decreases the number of input boxes 36 displayed on the display unit 20 based on the gesture operation detected by the input operation detection unit 26. Thus, the user can increase or decrease the number of input boxes 36 displayed on the display unit 20 through intuitive operation.

[0060] In the injection molding machine 10 of this embodiment, the display control unit 32 arranges and displays a plurality of input boxes 36 in a left-right direction on the display unit 20. When the input operation detection unit 26 detects a gesture operation that moves in the left-right direction, the display control unit 32 increases or decreases the number of input boxes 36 displayed on the display unit 20. The display control unit 32 determines the number of input boxes 36 to increase or decrease based on the movement distance of the gesture operation. Thus, the user can set the number of input boxes 36 displayed on the display unit 20 to increase or decrease by changing the movement distance of the gesture operation.

[0061] In the injection molding machine 10 of this embodiment, the display control unit 32 increases or decreases the number of sub-input boxes 38 displayed on the display unit 20 according to the number of input boxes 36 that are increased or decreased. Thus, the user can increase or decrease the number of sub-input boxes 38 displayed on the display unit 20 simply by inputting a gesture operation to increase or decrease the number of input boxes 36.

[0062] [Second Implementation] In the injection molding machine 10 of this embodiment, the operation of increasing or decreasing the number of input frames differs from that of the injection molding machine 10 of the first embodiment. The configuration of the injection molding machine 10 of this embodiment is the same as that of the injection molding machine 10 of the first embodiment. The operation of increasing or decreasing the number of input frames in the injection molding machine 10 of this embodiment can also be combined with the operation of increasing or decreasing the number of input frames in the injection molding machine 10 of the first embodiment.

[0063] [Increase or decrease the number of input fields] Figure 7A and Figure 7B This diagram illustrates an example of increasing or decreasing the number of input boxes. The display control unit 32 increases or decreases the number of input boxes 36 displayed on the display unit 20 based on gesture operations detected by the input operation detection unit 26.

[0064] When the gesture is an upward swipe, the display control unit 32 reduces the number of input boxes 36 displayed on the display unit 20. The gesture can be dragging instead of swiping.

[0065] exist Figure 7A In the example of the operation shown, a gesture operation is input, moving outward and upward from the first input box 361. When such a gesture operation is input, the display control unit 32 deletes the third input box 363 from the display unit 20. The display control unit 32 inputs the action condition "50.0" that was input into the second input box 362 before the gesture operation into the first input box 361. The display control unit 32 inputs the action condition "30.0" that was input into the third input box 363 before the gesture operation into the second input box 362. Thus, "50.0," which was the action condition for the second segment before the gesture operation, moves to the action condition for the first segment. "30.0," which was the action condition for the third segment before the gesture operation is input, moves to the action condition for the second segment.

[0066] At this time, the display control unit 32 removes the second sub-input box 382 from the display unit 20. The display control unit 32 inputs the switching condition "20.00" that was entered in the second sub-input box 382 before the input gesture operation into the first sub-input box 381. As a result, "20.00", which is the switching condition for the second and third action conditions, moves to the switching condition for the first and second action conditions.

[0067] As a result, the number of input boxes 36 displayed on the display unit 20 is reduced from 3 to 2. The number of sub-input boxes 38 displayed on the display unit 20 is reduced from 2 to 1.

[0068] When the gesture is a downward swipe, the display control unit 32 increases the number of input boxes 36 displayed on the display unit 20. The gesture can be dragging instead of swiping.

[0069] exist Figure 7B In the example of the operation shown, a gesture operation is input that moves downwards from the outside to the inside of the first segment's input box 361. When such a gesture operation is input, the display control unit 32 adds a third segment's input box 363 and displays it on the display unit 20. The display control unit 32 inputs the action condition "30.0" that was input into the second segment's input box 362 before the gesture operation into the third segment's input box 363. The display control unit 32 copies the action condition "100.0" that was input into the first segment's input box 361 to the second segment's input box 362. Thus, "30.0," which was the action condition for the second segment before the gesture operation, is moved to the third segment's action condition. A new "100.0" is set as the action condition for the second stage.

[0070] At this time, the display control unit 32 adds a second sub-input box 382 and displays it on the display unit 20. The display control unit 32 copies the switching condition "30.00" that was entered into the first sub-input box 381 before the input gesture operation to the second sub-input box 382. Thus, "30.00" is newly set as the switching condition for the second and third action conditions.

[0071] As a result, the number of input boxes 36 displayed on the display unit 20 increases from 2 to 3. The number of sub-input boxes 38 displayed on the display unit 20 increases from 1 to 2.

[0072] Through the above operations, the number of input boxes 36 displayed on the display unit 20 is increased or decreased. The condition setting unit 28 sets the number of action condition segments based on the increase or decrease in the number of input boxes 36.

[0073] [Handling the addition or reduction of the number of input boxes] Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating the process of adding or removing input boxes performed in the display control unit 32. During the period when the condition setting screen 34 is displayed on the display unit 20, the input box addition / reduction process is repeatedly performed at a predetermined cycle. Here, the process of adding or removing the number of input boxes 36 displayed on the display unit 20 is explained, but sub-input boxes 38 can also be added or removed based on the number of input boxes 36.

[0074] In step S21, the display control unit 32 obtains the number of segments M of the current action condition and proceeds to step S22. The number of segments M of the current action condition is equal to the number of input boxes 36 currently displayed on the display unit 20.

[0075] In step S22, the display control unit 32 acquires the start position PA and end position PB of the gesture operation detected by the input operation detection unit 26, and then proceeds to step S23.

[0076] In step S23, the display control unit 32 determines whether the direction of the gesture operation is up or down. If the direction of the gesture operation is up or down (step S23: Yes), proceed to step S24. If the direction of the gesture operation is not up or down (step S23: No), the input box addition / deletion process ends.

[0077] In step S24, the display control unit 32 determines whether the end position PB is within the input box 36. If the end position PB is within the input box 36 (step S24: Yes), the process proceeds to step S25. If the end position PB is outside the input box 36 (step S24: No), the process proceeds to step S30. Since the coordinate areas of the input boxes 36 for each segment are predetermined, if the coordinates of the end position PB are known, the display control unit 32 can determine whether the end position PB is within or outside the input box 36.

[0078] In step S25, the display control unit 32 calculates the segment number N of the input box 36 at the end position PB and proceeds to step S26. Since the coordinate areas of the input boxes 36 for each segment are predetermined, the display control unit 32 can calculate the segment number N of the input box 36 at the end position PB if the coordinates of the end position PB are known.

[0079] In step S26, the display control unit 32 determines whether the starting position PA is outside the input box 36 of the Nth segment. If the starting position PA is outside the input box 36 of the Nth segment (step S26: Yes), the process proceeds to step S27. If the starting position PA is within the input box 36 of the Nth segment (step S26: No), the input box addition / reduction process ends. Since the coordinate area of ​​the input box 36 of the Nth segment is predetermined, if the coordinates of the starting position PA are known, the display control unit 32 can determine whether the starting position PA is within or outside the input box 36 of the Nth segment.

[0080] In step S27, the display control unit 32 adds an input box 36 for the (M+1)th segment and proceeds to step S28.

[0081] In step S28, the display control unit 32 inputs the action conditions from segment (N+1) to segment M into the input boxes 36 from segment (N+2) to segment (M+1), and then proceeds to step S29. The action conditions for each of segments (N+1) to M are the action conditions input into the input boxes 36 of each of segments (N+1) to M before the input gesture operation.

[0082] In step S29, the display control unit 32 copies the action conditions of the Nth segment to the input box 36 of the (N+1)th segment, and ends the input box addition / reduction process. The action conditions of the Nth segment are the action conditions input into the input box 36 of the Nth segment.

[0083] As described above, in step S24, if it is determined that the end position PB is outside the input box 36, the process proceeds to step S30.

[0084] In step S30, the display control unit 32 determines whether the starting position PA is in the input box 36. If the starting position PA is in the input box 36 (step S30: Yes), the process proceeds to step S31. If the starting position PA is outside the input box 36 (step S30: No), the input box addition / reduction process ends.

[0085] In step S31, the display control unit 32 calculates the segment number N of the input box 36 at the starting position PA and proceeds to step S32.

[0086] In step S32, the display control unit 32 determines whether the end position PB is outside the input box 36 of the Nth segment. If the end position PB is outside the input box 36 of the Nth segment (step S32: Yes), the process proceeds to step S33. If the end position PB is within the input box 36 of the Nth segment (step S32: No), the input box addition / reduction process ends.

[0087] In step S33, the display control unit 32 deletes the input box 36 of the Mth segment from the display unit 20 and proceeds to step S34.

[0088] In step S34, the display control unit 32 inputs the action conditions from segment (N+1) to segment M into the input boxes 36 from segment N to segment (M-1), and ends the input box addition / reduction process. The action conditions for each of segments (N+1) to M are the action conditions input into the input boxes 36 of each of segments (N+1) to M before the input gesture operation.

[0089] [Effects] In the injection molding machine 10 of this embodiment, the display control unit 32 displays a plurality of input boxes 36 arranged in a left-right direction on the display unit 20. When the input operation detection unit 26 detects an operation of moving in a vertical direction that intersects the left-right direction, the display control unit 32 increases or decreases the number of input boxes 36 displayed on the display unit 20. Thus, the user can increase or decrease the number of input boxes 36 displayed on the display unit 20 through intuitive operation.

[0090] In the injection molding machine 10 of this embodiment, when a gesture operation involves moving upwards from an input box 36 displayed on the display unit 20 to a location outside of that input box 36, the display control unit 32 deletes the input box 36 from the display unit 20. Thus, the user can delete any input box 36 from the display unit 20 through intuitive operation.

[0091] In the injection molding machine 10 of this embodiment, when a gesture operation involves moving downwards from the outside of an input box 36 displayed on the display unit 20 into that input box 36, the display control unit 32 displays a new input box 36 adjacent to the original input box 36 on the display unit 20. Thus, the user can intuitively add an input box 36 to any segment and display it on the display unit 20.

[0092] [Third Implementation Method] In the injection molding machine 10 of this embodiment, the operation of increasing or decreasing the number of input frames differs from that of the injection molding machine 10 of the first embodiment and the second embodiment. The configuration of the injection molding machine 10 of this embodiment is the same as that of the injection molding machine 10 of the first embodiment and the second embodiment. The operation of increasing or decreasing the number of input frames in the injection molding machine 10 of this embodiment can also be combined with the operations of the injection molding machine 10 of the first embodiment and the second embodiment.

[0093] [Increase or decrease the number of input fields] Figure 9 This diagram illustrates an example of increasing or decreasing the number of input boxes. The display control unit 32 increases the number of input boxes 36 displayed on the display unit 20 based on gesture operations detected by the input operation detection unit 26.

[0094] When the gesture operation is a long press, the display control unit 32 increases the number of input boxes 36 displayed on the display unit 20.

[0095] exist Figure 9In the operation example shown, a long press operation is performed between the first input box 361 and the second input box 362. Upon receiving such a gesture, the display control unit 32 adds a third input box 363 and displays it on the display unit 20. The display control unit 32 inputs the action condition "30.0" from the second input box 362 before the gesture operation into the third input box 363. The display control unit 32 copies the action condition "100.0" from the first input box 361 to the second input box 362. Thus, "30.0," which was the action condition for the second stage before the gesture operation, is moved to the third stage. A new "100.0" is set as the action condition for the second stage.

[0096] When a long press operation is performed between the first input box 361 and the second input box 362, the display control unit 32 can control the display unit 20 as follows: The display control unit 32 moves the second input box 362 to the third input box 363. A new second input box 362 is added between the first input box 361 and the third input box 363 and displayed on the display unit 20. The display control unit 32 copies the action condition "100.0" entered into the first input box 361 to the second input box 362.

[0097] At this time, the display control unit 32 adds a second sub-input box 382 and displays it on the display unit 20. The display control unit 32 copies the switching condition "30.00" that was entered into the first sub-input box 381 before the input gesture operation to the second sub-input box 382. Thus, "30.00" is newly set as the switching condition for the second and third action conditions.

[0098] As a result, the number of input boxes 36 displayed on the display unit 20 increases from 2 to 3. The number of sub-input boxes 38 displayed on the display unit 20 increases from 1 to 2.

[0099] Through the above operations, the number of input boxes 36 displayed on the display unit 20 is increased or decreased. The condition setting unit 28 sets the number of action condition segments based on the increase or decrease in the number of input boxes 36.

[0100] [Handling the addition or reduction of the number of input boxes] Figure 10 This is a flowchart illustrating the process of adding or removing input boxes performed in the display control unit 32. During the period when the condition setting screen 34 is displayed on the display unit 20, the input box addition / reduction process is repeatedly performed at a predetermined cycle. Here, the process of adding or removing the number of input boxes 36 displayed on the display unit 20 is explained, but sub-input boxes 38 can also be added or removed based on the number of input boxes 36.

[0101] In step S41, the display control unit 32 obtains the number of segments M of the current action condition and proceeds to step S42. The number of segments M of the current action condition is equal to the number of input boxes 36 currently displayed on the display unit 20.

[0102] In step S42, the display control unit 32 acquires the start position PA and end position PB of the gesture operation detected by the input operation detection unit 26, and proceeds to step S43.

[0103] In step S43, the display control unit 32 determines whether the gesture operation is a long press. If the gesture operation is a long press (step S43: Yes), the process proceeds to step S44. If the gesture operation is not a long press (step S43: No), the input box addition / deletion process ends.

[0104] In step S44, the display control unit 32 determines whether the starting position PA is between two adjacent input boxes 36. If the starting position PA is between two adjacent input boxes 36 (step S44: Yes), the process proceeds to step S45. If the starting position PA is not between two adjacent input boxes 36 (step S44: No), the input box addition / reduction process ends.

[0105] In step S45, the display control unit 32 calculates the segment number N of the input box 36 to the left of the starting position PA and proceeds to step S46.

[0106] In step S46, the display control unit 32 adds an input box 36 for the (M+1)th segment and proceeds to step S47.

[0107] In step S47, the display control unit 32 inputs the action conditions from segment (N+1) to segment M into the input boxes 36 from segment (N+2) to segment (M+1), and then proceeds to step S48. The action conditions for each of segments (N+1) to M are the action conditions input into the input boxes 36 of each of segments (N+1) to M before the input gesture operation.

[0108] In step S48, the display control unit 32 copies the action conditions of the Nth segment to the input box 36 of the (N+1)th segment, and ends the input box addition / reduction process. The action conditions of the Nth segment are the action conditions input into the input box 36 of the Nth segment.

[0109] The process from step S46 to step S48 can be modified as follows.

[0110] In step S46, the display control unit 32 moves the input boxes 36 from the (N+1)th segment to the Mth segment to the input boxes 36 from the (N+2)th segment to the (M+1)th segment, and proceeds to step S47.

[0111] In step S47, the display control unit 32 adds a new input box 36 for the (N+1)th segment between the input box 36 of the Nth segment and the input box 36 of the (N+2)th segment, and displays it on the display unit 20, then proceeds to step S48.

[0112] In step S48, the display control unit 32 copies the action conditions of the Nth segment to the input box 36 of the (N+1)th segment, and ends the input box addition / reduction process. The action conditions of the Nth segment are the action conditions input into the input box 36 of the Nth segment.

[0113] [Effects] In the injection molding machine 10 of this embodiment, when the gesture operation is a long press between two adjacent input boxes 36 displayed on the display unit 20, the display control unit 32 increases the number of input boxes 36. The display control unit 32 adds an input box 36 between the two input boxes 36 at the position of the input gesture operation and displays it on the display unit 20. Thus, the user can add an input box 36 to any segment and display it on the display unit 20 through intuitive operation.

[0114] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various configurations may be adopted without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0115] In the first to third embodiments described above, the injection molding machine was explained. However, any industrial machinery that performs one process operation based on multiple individual operating conditions is acceptable. Besides injection molding machines, industrial machinery also includes machine tools, wire EDM machines, construction machinery, agricultural machinery, food processing machinery, woodworking machinery, etc.

[0116] The elements that set the motion conditions can be the linear speed of the movable part of the industrial machinery, the rotational speed of the movable part of the industrial machinery, the linear position of the movable part of the industrial machinery, the torque of the rotational motion of the movable part of the industrial machinery, the pressure of the material of the product, etc.

[0117] In the first to third embodiments described above, the screw's moving speed is input as an action condition into the input box 36, and the screw's moving position is input as a switching condition into the sub-input box 38. That is, in the first to third embodiments described above, the number of elements input as action conditions in the input box 36 is 1, and the number of elements input as switching conditions in the sub-input box 38 is 1.

[0118] In the injection molding machine 10, sometimes multiple factors are set as operating conditions in a single process. For example, in the injection process, sometimes multiple factors such as the screw's travel speed and the resin pressure in the cylinder are set as operating conditions. Each of these factors, such as the screw's travel speed and the resin pressure in the cylinder, switches according to the screw's moving position. Similarly, in the metering process, sometimes multiple factors such as the screw's rotational speed, the screw's torque, and the resin pressure in the cylinder are set as operating conditions. Each of these factors, such as the screw's rotational speed, the screw's torque, and the resin pressure in the cylinder, switches according to the screw's moving position.

[0119] The display unit 20 can display multiple input boxes 36, each corresponding to a multiple element. When the number of input boxes is increased or decreased among the multiple input boxes 36 corresponding to one element, the number of input boxes can also be increased or decreased among the multiple input boxes 36 corresponding to other elements.

[0120] [Invention derived from implementation methods] The invention obtained by the above embodiments is described below.

[0121] An industrial machine (10) performs a process operation based on multiple segments, each with its own action conditions. The machine includes: a display unit (20) that displays input boxes (36) for a user to input the action conditions of each segment, numbered according to the number of segments; a touch panel (18) mounted on the screen of the display unit that detects the user's operation position where the operator touches the screen; an input operation detection unit (26) that detects a gesture input by the user based on the operation position detected by the touch panel; and a display control unit (32) that increases or decreases the number of input boxes displayed on the display unit based on the gesture detected by the input operation detection unit. Thus, the user can increase or decrease the number of input boxes displayed on the display unit through intuitive operation.

[0122] In the aforementioned industrial machinery, the respective operating conditions of the multiple segments can be at least one of the following: the linear speed of the movable part of the industrial machinery, the rotational speed of the movable part, the moving position of the movable part, the torque of the rotational motion of the movable part, and the pressure of the material of the product. Therefore, the user can intuitively increase or decrease the number of input boxes displayed on the display.

[0123] In the aforementioned industrial machinery, specifically injection molding machines, the process can be at least one of the following: injection process, metering process, mold closing process, mold opening process, ejection process, nozzle forward and backward movement process, mold core removal / removal process, and mold rotation process. Therefore, the user can intuitively increase or decrease the number of input boxes displayed on the screen.

[0124] In the aforementioned industrial machinery, the display control unit can arrange multiple input boxes along a first direction and display them on the display unit. When the input operation detection unit detects a gesture operation moving in the first direction, it increases or decreases the number of input boxes displayed on the display unit, determining the increase or decrease based on the movement distance of the gesture operation. Thus, the user can set the number of input boxes displayed on the display unit to increase or decrease by changing the movement distance of the gesture operation.

[0125] In the aforementioned industrial machinery, the display control unit can arrange multiple input boxes along a first direction and display them on the display unit. When the gesture operation is a movement operation in a direction intersecting the first direction, and the gesture operation is a movement from one of the input boxes displayed on the display unit to the outside of that input box, the displayed input box is deleted. Thus, the user can delete any input box from the display unit through intuitive operation.

[0126] In the aforementioned industrial machinery, the display control unit can arrange multiple input boxes along a first direction and display them on the display unit. When the gesture operation is a movement operation in a direction intersecting the first direction, and the gesture operation is a movement from outside an input box displayed on the display unit towards that input box, an additional input box is displayed next to the previously displayed input box. Thus, the user can intuitively add input boxes to any segment and display them on the display unit.

[0127] In the aforementioned industrial machinery, when the gesture operation involves a long press between two adjacent input boxes displayed on the display unit, the display control unit may add an additional input box between the two input boxes currently displayed on the display unit. This allows the user to intuitively add an input box to any segment and display it on the display unit.

[0128] In the aforementioned industrial machinery, the display unit may display sub-input boxes (38) corresponding to the number of segments of the action conditions, for the user to input switching conditions for each of the segments. The display control unit increases or decreases the number of sub-input boxes displayed on the display unit based on the number of input boxes. Thus, the user can increase or decrease the number of sub-input boxes displayed on the display unit simply by inputting a gesture to increase or decrease the number of input boxes.

[0129] A control method for industrial machinery, the industrial machinery performing a process operation based on multiple segments of individual action conditions, the industrial machinery comprising: a display unit displaying input boxes for a user to input the action conditions of each of the multiple segments, in a number of segments; and a touch panel mounted on the screen of the display unit, detecting the operation position of the user touching the screen with an operator, the control method comprising: an input operation detection step, detecting a gesture operation input by the user based on the operation position detected by the touch panel; and a display control step, increasing or decreasing the number of input boxes displayed on the display unit based on the gesture operation detected in the input operation detection step. Thus, the user can increase or decrease the number of input boxes displayed on the display unit through intuitive operation.

[0130] In the aforementioned control method for industrial machinery, during the display control step, multiple input boxes can be arranged along a first direction and displayed on the display unit. During the input operation detection step, if a gesture operation moving in the first direction is detected, the number of input boxes displayed on the display unit can be increased or decreased. The increase or decrease in the number of input boxes is determined based on the movement distance of the gesture operation. Thus, the user can set the number of input boxes displayed on the display unit to increase or decrease by changing the movement distance of the gesture operation.

[0131] In the aforementioned control method for industrial machinery, during the display control step, multiple input boxes can be arranged along a first direction and displayed on the display unit. When the gesture operation is a movement operation in a direction intersecting the first direction, and the gesture operation is a movement from one of the input boxes displayed on the display unit to the outside of that input box, the input box displayed on the display unit can be deleted. Thus, the user can delete any input box from the display unit through intuitive operation.

[0132] In the aforementioned control method for industrial machinery, during the display control step, multiple input boxes can be arranged along a first direction and displayed on the display unit. When the gesture operation is a movement operation in a direction intersecting the first direction, and the gesture operation is a movement from outside an input box displayed on the display unit towards that input box, an additional input box can be displayed next to that input box on the display unit. Thus, the user can intuitively add input boxes to any segment and display them on the display unit.

[0133] In the aforementioned control method for industrial machinery, when the gesture operation is a long press between two adjacent input boxes displayed on the display, the display control step adds an additional input box between the two input boxes displayed on the display. Thus, the user can intuitively add an input box to any segment and display it on the display.

[0134] In the aforementioned control method for industrial machinery, the display unit displays sub-input boxes corresponding to the number of segments of the action conditions, used by the user to input switching conditions for each of the segments. The display control step increases or decreases the number of sub-input boxes displayed on the display unit based on the number of input boxes being increased or decreased. Thus, the user can increase or decrease the number of sub-input boxes displayed on the display unit simply by inputting a gesture to increase or decrease the number of input boxes. Symbol Explanation

[0135] 10…Injection molding machine (industrial machinery) 18…Touch panel 20… Display Unit 26… Input Operation Detection Unit 32…Display control unit 36…Input box 38… Sub-input box.

Claims

1. An industrial machine (10) that performs a process operation based on multiple segments of their respective action conditions, characterized in that, have: The display unit (20) displays input boxes (36) for the user to input the action conditions of each of the multiple segments, according to the number of segments; A touch panel (18) is mounted on the screen of the display unit to detect the operation position of the user causing the operator to touch the screen; The input operation detection unit (26) detects the user's gesture operation based on the operation position detected by the touch panel; as well as The display control unit (32) increases or decreases the number of input boxes displayed on the display unit based on the gesture operation detected by the input operation detection unit.

2. The industrial machinery according to claim 1, characterized in that, The operating conditions for each of the plurality of segments are at least one of the following: the linear speed of the movable part of the industrial machinery, the rotational speed of the movable part, the moving position of the movable part, the torque of the rotational motion of the movable part, and the pressure of the material of the product.

3. The industrial machinery according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The industrial machinery mentioned is an injection molding machine. The process is at least one of the following: injection process, metering process, mold closing process, mold opening process, ejection process, nozzle forward and backward process, mold core removal / removal process, and mold rotation process.

4. The industrial machinery according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The display control unit arranges the plurality of input boxes along a first direction and displays them on the display unit. When the input operation detection unit detects a gesture operation that moves in the first direction, the number of input boxes displayed on the display unit is increased or decreased. The number of increments or decrements in the input box is determined based on the distance traveled by the gesture.

5. The industrial machinery according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The display control unit arranges the plurality of input boxes along a first direction and displays them on the display unit. If the gesture operation is a movement operation in a direction intersecting the first direction, and the gesture operation is a movement operation from one of the input boxes displayed on the display to the outside of the input box, then the input box displayed on the display is deleted.

6. The industrial machinery according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The display control unit arranges the plurality of input boxes along a first direction and displays them on the display unit. When the gesture operation is a movement operation in a direction intersecting the first direction, and the gesture operation is a movement operation from outside an input box displayed on the display to the input box displayed on the display, an additional input box is displayed next to the input box displayed on the display.

7. The industrial machinery according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, When the gesture operation is a long press between two adjacent input boxes on the display, the display control unit adds another input box between the two input boxes displayed on the display.

8. The industrial machinery according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The display unit displays sub-input boxes (38) for the user to input switching conditions for switching the action conditions of each of the multiple segments, in a number corresponding to the number of segments of the action conditions. The display control unit increases or decreases the number of sub-input boxes displayed on the display unit according to the number of input boxes that are increased or decreased.

9. A control method for industrial machinery, wherein the industrial machinery performs an operation of a process according to multiple segments of respective action conditions, characterized in that, The industrial machinery has the following features: A display unit that displays input boxes for the user to input action conditions for each of the multiple segments, based on the number of segments; and A touch panel, mounted on the screen of the display unit, detects the user's operation position where the operator touches the screen. Industrial machinery control methods include: The input operation detection step detects the user's input gesture operation based on the operation position detected by the touch panel. as well as The display control step increases or decreases the number of input boxes displayed on the display unit based on the gesture operation detected in the input operation detection step.

10. The control method for industrial machinery according to claim 9, characterized in that, In the display control step, the plurality of input boxes are arranged along a first direction and displayed on the display unit. If a gesture indicating movement in the first direction is detected during the input operation detection step, the number of input boxes displayed on the display unit is increased or decreased. The number of increments or decrements in the input box is determined based on the distance traveled by the gesture.

11. The control method for industrial machinery according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that, In the display control step, the plurality of input boxes are arranged along a first direction and displayed on the display unit. If the gesture operation is a movement operation in a direction intersecting the first direction, and the gesture operation is a movement operation from one of the input boxes displayed on the display to the outside of the input box, then the input box displayed on the display is deleted.

12. The control method for industrial machinery according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that, In the display control step, the plurality of input boxes are arranged along a first direction and displayed on the display unit. When the gesture operation is a movement operation in a direction intersecting the first direction, and the gesture operation is a movement operation from outside an input box displayed on the display to the input box displayed on the display, an additional input box is displayed next to the input box displayed on the display.

13. The control method for industrial machinery according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that, When the gesture operation is a long press between two adjacent input boxes on the display, the display control step adds an additional input box between the two input boxes on the display.

14. The control method for industrial machinery according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that, The display unit displays sub-input boxes for the user to input switching conditions for switching the action conditions of each of the multiple segments, in a number corresponding to the number of segments of the action conditions. The display control step increases or decreases the number of sub-input boxes displayed on the display unit based on the number of input boxes that have been increased or decreased.

Images