Display device, display method, and program

Abstract

A display device (1) is provided with a display unit (35) and a control unit (40) that causes the display unit (35) to display content. The control unit (40) has: a display area setting unit (44) that sets, on the same screen, a first display area (42) in which first content is displayed, and a second display area (43) in which second content having a display format different from that of the first content is displayed; a first display engine that generates first content; a second display engine that generates second content; and a screen display control unit (51) that displays the first content in the first display region (42), displays the second content in the second display region (43), and simultaneously displays the first content and the second content on the same screen in conjunction with each other.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a display device, a display method, and a program. Background Art

[0002] In a manufacturing system, a display is provided, which has a function as an operation panel for controlling the manufacturing system and a function as a monitoring screen for displaying the production status (production quantity, quality information, etc.) of the manufacturing system. Recently, a technique for displaying other content on the display in addition to the operation screen and the monitoring screen of the manufacturing system has been disclosed.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for displaying WEB content on a programmable display along with diversification of the content displayed on the display. Specifically, the following is disclosed: a multi-task OS (Operation System) is mounted on the programmable display, and even when the programmable display is in an online state for displaying the operating status of a PLC (Programmable Logic Controller), a browser can be started to view a manual as WEB content.

[0004] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-282501 Summary of the Invention

[0005] However, the above technique is a technique for switching between a display function for displaying the operating status of a PLC and a browsing function implemented by a browser according to the user's needs, and it is impossible to combine the content obtained from PLCs with different content sources and WEB content to form one screen.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to simultaneously display contents in multiple formats on the same display.

[0007] To achieve the above object, a display device of the present invention includes a display unit and a control unit that causes the display unit to display content. In this display device, the control unit includes: a display area setting unit that sets a first display area for displaying first content and a second display area for displaying second content having a display format different from that of the first content on the same screen; a first display engine that generates the first content; a second display engine that generates the second content; and a screen display control unit that displays the first content in the first display area and simultaneously displays the second content in the second display area, and displays the first content and the second content on the same screen in a linked manner.

[0008] Advantages of the Invention

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to simultaneously display contents in multiple formats on the same display. Description of the Drawings

[0010] Figure 1 FIG. is a diagram showing the structure of an overall system including a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0011] Figure 2 FIG. is a diagram showing a screen of a display unit of a display device according to an embodiment.

[0012] Figure 3 FIG. is a diagram showing the hardware structure of a display device according to an embodiment.

[0013] Figure 4 FIG. is a diagram showing the functional structure of a display device according to an embodiment.

[0014] Figure 5 FIG. is a flowchart showing the screen display process according to an embodiment.

[0015] Figure 6 FIG. is a flowchart showing the update process according to an embodiment.

[0016] Figure 7 FIG. is a flowchart showing another update process according to an embodiment.

[0017] Figure 8 FIG. is a diagram showing a screen of a display unit of a display device according to an embodiment.

[0018] Figure 9 FIG. is a diagram showing a screen of a display unit of a display device according to an embodiment. Detailed Embodiments

[0019] Hereinafter, a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described while referring to the attached Figure 1 drawings. In the respective drawings, the same reference numerals are assigned to the same or equivalent parts.

[0020] The display device 1 according to the present embodiment is a programmable display that displays information related to the instrument 4 connected to the control device 2. The display device 1 displays content related to the operation control of the instrument 4 connected to the control device 2. The content includes, for example, information such as images, texts, sounds, and videos. In addition, the content includes various information such as screen data corresponding to a plurality of screens that receive operation inputs. The display device 1 is connected to the control device 2 in a communicable state via an industrial network, for example.

[0021] The control device 2 is a device represented by a PLC (Programmable Logic Controller). By controlling one or more instruments, the actions of the instruments cooperate with each other, enabling the operation of production lines, processing lines, inspection lines, and other processing lines. The instrument 4 is, for example, a sensor that detects a workpiece conveyed by a belt conveyor, a machine tool that processes the workpiece, an inspector that determines whether the workpiece is a qualified product, a robot that removes defective products from the production line, or other FA (Factory Automation) instruments.

[0022] For example, the control device 2 controls an instrument with a robotic arm based on the sensing results obtained by the instrument acting as a sensor, thereby controlling the transfer of the workpiece on the belt conveyor. In addition, Figure 1 Although one control device 2 is typically shown, multiple control devices 2 can also cooperate to control one or more instruments.

[0023] The control device 2 and the instrument 4 are connected via a signal line that transmits a voltage signal or a current signal or a communication line that transmits serial data. Additionally, the control device 2 and the instrument 4 can also be connected via an industrial network.

[0024] The cloud server 3, which is an external device, is connected between the industrial network and the network via a communication device 5 acting as a gateway. The network can be a wide - area communication network represented by the Internet, or a virtual network such as a VPN (Virtual Private Network) or a dedicated network. The cloud server 3 obtains data related to the control of the instrument 4 from the control device 2 via the communication device 5. Data related to the control of the instrument 4 can be, for example, the sensing results obtained by the sensor, i.e., the instrument 4, the control instructions for the instrument 4 from the control device 2, the execution status of the control program in the control device 2, or the device values stored in the memory of the control device 2, or other information.

[0025] The cloud server 3 provides the result of processing the above - mentioned data to the display device 1. The information provided from the cloud server 3 to the display device 1 can be, for example, the operating status of multiple instruments 4, analysis data, diagnostic data, etc. of the data in the manufacturing system such as the operating rate of the production line, or the operation manual of the instrument 4, or other information. The cloud server 3 transmits this data to the display device 1 as WEB content. At this time, the WEB content includes, for example, text files described in HTML (Hypertext Markup Language), image files embedded in the document, sound files, video files, and other data.

[0026] The display device 1 functions as a human machine interface (HMI) of the control device 2 that controls the instrument 4. The display device 1 has a display screen composed of a touch screen. The display screen constitutes a GUI (Graphical User Interface) for controlling the above-mentioned instrument 4 and confirming the operating status of the above-mentioned instrument 4. The on-site user can control the above-mentioned instrument 4 through the PLC or confirm the operating status of the above-mentioned instrument 4 through the display screen by operating the objects on the screen that displays the HMI content (hereinafter referred to as the first content), where the HMI content is used to display the monitoring function and operation function of the above-mentioned instrument 4.

[0027] In addition, the display device 1 displays on the display screen the analysis data, diagnostic data, etc. of the operating status of the instrument 4, the operating rate of the production line, etc. (hereinafter referred to as the second content), which are transmitted from the cloud server 3.

[0028] The display device 1 simultaneously displays the contents of different display formats by dividing the display screen into multiple display formats, configuring and displaying the contents corresponding to the divided areas. Here, the different display formats refer to the differences in display formats caused by the differences between the display engine that performs image processing for displaying the first content and the display engine that performs image processing for displaying the second content. The first content is a dedicated content defined in a way that can only be interpreted by a monitoring-control system of industrial machines, such as the HMI content. The second content is a general content that can be interpreted by a general web browser regardless of the type of instrument, such as the WEB content.

[0029] Figure 2 An example is shown in which the HMI content (hereinafter referred to as the first content) obtained from the instrument 4 through the control device 2 and the WEB content (hereinafter referred to as the second content) provided by the cloud server 3 are simultaneously displayed on the same screen of the display device 1. The display screen is divided into five areas for display. Specifically, the display screen is divided into a first display area 11, and second display areas 21, 22, 23, and 24. At this time, the first content is displayed in the first display area 11. The second content is displayed in the second display areas 21, 22, 23, and 24.

[0030] Specifically, in Figure 2 the first display area 11 shown, objects for realizing the monitoring function and operation function of the instrument 4 based on data are displayed, and the data is data obtained by the instrument 4 and sent from the control device 2. Here, a start operation button of the instrument 4 is displayed in the first display area 11.

[0031] In Figure 2 the second display area 21 shown, for example, a management screen analyzing the operating status of the manufacturing equipment, i.e., the instrument 4, is displayed. Data of the manufacturing equipment is sent to the cloud server 3, and the cloud server 3 analyzes the sent data of the manufacturing equipment. The analysis result of the data is transmitted from the cloud server 3 to the display device 1, and the display device 1 displays the analysis result as the second content on the display unit. Whenever the analysis result of the data is updated, the second content is updated to the latest content and transmitted to the display device 1. In Figure 2 , the operating status, operating rate, number of alarms, etc. of the instrument are shown. In addition, the display mode of the data analysis can be updated corresponding to a display method with high visual recognition.

[0032] In Figure 2 the second display area 22 shown, for example, the status of the instrument 4 diagnosed by the cloud server 3 based on the data of the manufacturing equipment is displayed. Whenever the diagnosis result of the data is updated, the second content displayed in the second display area 22 is also updated to the latest content and transmitted to the display device 1.

[0033] In Figure 2 the second display area 23 shown, for example, contents such as news and new functions of the target instrument are displayed. The display device 1 registers in advance the transmission of information such as news and new functions of the target instrument to the cloud server 3. If the cloud server 3 obtains the latest information on news, new functions, etc. of the target instrument, it updates the content and transmits it to the display device 1.

[0034] In Figure 2 the second display area 24 shown, for example, the access schedule of the device manufacturer of the target instrument is displayed. In the display device 1, a service for schedule management is registered in the cloud server 3 in advance. If the schedule is updated, the cloud server 3 updates the content and transmits the latest schedule to the display device 1. Thereby, the user can inquire about the access date and time of the maintenance staff who performs maintenance work on the instrument 4. In addition, the plan-performance of the maintenance of the instrument 4 can also be displayed in the second display area 24, and the user can inquire about this information. In the second display area 24, not only the inquiry screen is displayed, but also an input screen for inputting new information such as the access date and time of the maintenance staff and the plan-performance of the maintenance is displayed when inputting new information. The information input through the input screen is sent to the cloud server 3, and the content is updated according to this information. Thereby, the user can input new information such as the access date and time of the maintenance staff and the plan-performance of the maintenance, and can view the content updated due to the input.

[0035] In addition, the second content may also include information about a screen that explains the monitoring status of the instrument 4 included in the first content. Information about the screen that explains the monitoring status of the instrument 4 is transmitted from the cloud server 3 and included in the second content as information corresponding to the first content, and is normally displayed on the display device 1. In addition, the second content is updated as needed. Further, the second content may also include information about an image of a robot used by the manufacturing equipment. The image of the robot is used to manage alarms generated by the robot. The image of the robot is managed by the cloud server 3, and the resolution, color tone, etc. of the image are updated to the latest and transmitted to the display device 1.

[0036] As Figure 3 shown, as its hardware structure, the display device 1 has a processor 31, a main storage unit 32, an auxiliary storage unit 33, an input unit 34, a display unit 35, and a communication unit 36. The main storage unit 32, the auxiliary storage unit 33, the input unit 34, the display unit 35, and the communication unit 36 are all connected to the processor 31 via an internal bus 37.

[0037] The processor 31 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The processor 31 realizes various functions of the display device 1 by executing a program P1 stored in the auxiliary storage unit 33.

[0038] The main storage unit 32 includes a RAM (Random Access Memory). The program P1 is loaded from the auxiliary storage unit 33 into the main storage unit 32. And, the main storage unit 32 is used as a working area for the processor 31.

[0039] The auxiliary storage unit 33 includes non-volatile memories represented by an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory) and an HDD (Hard Disk Drive). In addition to the program P1, the auxiliary storage unit 33 also stores various data used for the processing of the processor 31. The auxiliary storage unit 33 provides the data used by the processor 31 to the processor 31 according to the instruction of the processor 31, and stores the data supplied from the processor 31. Further, Figure 3 only one program P1 is representatively shown, but the auxiliary storage unit 33 may also store multiple programs, and multiple programs may also be loaded into the main storage unit 32.

[0040] The input unit 34 is a touch screen. The input unit 34 acquires information input by the user of the display device 1 and notifies the acquired information to the processor 31.

[0041] The display unit 35 is a display such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence), and is a touch screen integrated with the input unit 34.

[0042] The communication unit 36 includes a network interface circuit for communicating with external devices. The communication unit 36 receives a signal from the outside and outputs data represented by the signal to the processor 31. In addition, the communication unit 36 transmits a signal representing the data output from the processor 31 to an external device.

[0043] By the cooperative operation of the above hardware structure, the display device 1 exhibits various functions. Specifically, as Figure 4 shown, the display device 1 has a display unit 35, a control unit 40, a first screen content unit 45, and a second screen content unit 46 as functional structures. The control unit 40 has a display area setting unit 44, a first screen creation unit 47, a second screen creation unit 48, a first display engine 49, a second display engine 50, and a screen display control unit 51.

[0044] The display unit 35 displays the first content and the second content. The first content is displayed in the first display area 42, and the second content is displayed in the second display area 43. In addition, the first content may be displayed in multiple display areas, and the second content may be displayed in a single display area. Further, the first content and the second content may be displayed overlappingly.

[0045] The display area setting unit 44 sets the first display area 42 and the second display area 43 on the screen of the display unit 35. If the first display area 42 is set on the screen of the display unit 35, the second display area 43 is arranged on the screen in a predetermined format based on the position of the set first display area 42. Here, the predetermined format refers to the positional relationship of the second display area 43 with respect to the first display area 42 registered in advance. That is, the first content displayed in the first display area 42 and the second content displayed in the second display area 43 are linked to each other in terms of positional relationship. In addition, regarding the first content and the second content, for example, as Figure 4As shown, a plurality of second contents (second display area 43) are arranged in linkage around the first content (first display area 42). In addition, for example, the second content is arranged in linkage overlapping with the first content. The linkage means that (1) the content of another content is determined based on the content of one content, and (2) the positional relationship of the other content relative to the one content has been determined. The linkage condition may be that both the content-based determination (1) and the position-based determination (2) are satisfied as the linkage condition, or that either the content-based determination (1) or the position-based determination (2) is satisfied as the linkage condition. That is, the content of another content may be determined based on the content of one content, and the positional relationship of the other content relative to the one content has been determined, or the content of another content may be determined based on the content of one content, or the positional relationship of the other content relative to the one content has been determined. In addition, in the present embodiment, "one content" is the content displayed in the first display area, and "another content" is the content displayed in the second display area. In addition, the first display area is not limited to the area initially displayed on the display screen, as long as it is an area selected by the user as the first display area. By making the content-based decision (1), the maintenance personnel can improve their understanding and grasp of the content displayed in the first display area. In addition, by making the position-based decision (2), the display becomes easy to see, the visual recognition is enhanced, and the maintenance personnel can improve the ease with which they can obtain information. In addition, by superimposing the content-based decision (1) and the position-based decision (2), the visual recognition is enhanced due to the positional relationship, and the maintenance personnel can easily recognize the information. The maintenance personnel can supplement the information with the recognized information, and thus the maintenance personnel can further improve their understanding and grasp of the content displayed in the first display area.

[0046] The first screen content section 45 stores the first template data for displaying the first content and the display data displayed in the first display area 42. The display data is, for example, data indicating the operating state (normal, abnormal, rotation speed, etc.) of the instrument 4, and is data sent from the control device 2. The first content is generated by reflecting the display data according to the first template data. In addition, the display data may not be stored in the first screen content section 45, but may be displayed in the first display area 42 via the first display engine 49. In addition, the first screen content section 45 may also analyze and process the data obtained from the control device 2, and display the result data in the first display area 42.

[0047] The content section 46 for the second screen stores the template data for displaying the second content and the display data to be displayed in the second display area 43. The second template data is obtained by downloading the template data stored in the cloud server 3. If the template data stored in the cloud server 3 is updated, the template data stored in the content section 46 for the second screen is also updated accordingly. Thus, the second screen is always displayed based on the latest template data. Additionally, the display data is, for example, data representing the analysis result of the operating state (normal, abnormal, rotation speed, etc.) of the instrument 4. That is, the cloud server 3 collects the operating data of the instrument 4 and performs analysis based on the collected data. Furthermore, the display data may not be stored in the content section 46 for the second screen but may be displayed in the second display area 43 via the second display engine 50.

[0048] The first screen creation section 47 selects the first template data stored in the content section 45 for the first screen and configures it in the screen creation area on the memory, and prepares for the creation of the first content to be displayed in the first display area 42. The first display engine 49 causes the display data to be reflected in the first template data configured in the screen creation area to create the first content, and performs image processing to display the created first content on the display unit 35.

[0049] The second screen creation section 48 selects the second template data stored in the content section 46 for the second screen and configures it in the screen creation area on the memory, and prepares for the creation of the second content to be displayed in the second display area 43. The second display engine 50 causes the display data to be reflected in the second template data configured in the screen creation area to create the second content, and performs image processing to display the created second content on the display unit 35.

[0050] The screen display control section 51 is executed by multitasking M / W (Middleware), obtains the first content after image processing by the first display engine 49, and displays the obtained first content in the preset first display area 42. At the same time, it obtains the second content after image processing by the second display engine 50 and displays the obtained second content in the preset second display area 43.

[0051] Next, use Figures 5 to 7 An example of the screen display process executed by the display device 1 will be described. When performing screen display, as Figure 5 shown, first, for example, by the user specifying the display area on the screen of the display unit 35 for displaying the HMI content, the display area setting section 44 sets the first display area 42 (step S101). The HMI content is used to display the monitoring function and operation function of the instrument 4 sent from the control device 2.

[0052] If the first display area 42 is set, the display area setting unit 44 sets the second display area 43, which is a display area on the screen of the display unit 35 for displaying the WEB content, in accordance with a pre-registered predetermined display format, and the analysis data, diagnostic data, etc. transmitted from the cloud server 3. At this time, the second display area 43 can be set manually, but is displayed in conjunction with the selection of the first display area 42.

[0053] When the first display area 42 and the second display area 43 are set on the screen of the display unit 35 by the display area setting unit 44, the first screen creation unit 47 selects the first template data from the first screen content unit 45 and arranges it in the first display area 42 (step S103).

[0054] In parallel with step S103 , the second screen creation unit 48 selects second content corresponding to the first content from the second screen content unit 46 , and arranges it in the second display area 43 (step S105 ).

[0055] When step S103 is executed, the first display engine 49 prepares to display the first content on the display unit 35 (step S104), and the first content reflects the data held by the control device 2. Specifically, the first display engine 49 collects data from the control device 2, reflects the collected data on the first content, and updates the content of the first content. The first display engine 49 performs image processing for displaying the updated first content on the display unit 35.

[0056] In addition, if step S105 is executed, the second display engine 50 prepares to display the second content on the display unit 35 (step S106), and the second content reflects the latest data of the cloud server 3. Specifically, the second display engine 50 collects the latest data from the cloud server 3, reflects the acquired latest data to the second content, and updates the content of the second content. The second display engine 50 performs image processing for displaying the updated second content on the display unit 35.

[0057] If step S104 is executed to prepare for displaying the first content reflecting the data possessed by the control device 2 on the display unit 35, and step S106 is executed to prepare for displaying the second content reflecting the latest data possessed by the cloud server 3 on the display unit 35, the multitasking M / W displays the first content on the first display area 42 of the display unit 35, and at the same time displays the second content on the second display area 43 (step S107).

[0058] Next, use Figure 6 The flowchart of FIG. 4 illustrates the flow of the update process of updating the second content and displaying the result in the second display area 43 .

[0059] First, with Figure 5 Similar to the process of step S107, the multitasking M / W displays the first content in the first display area 42 of the display unit 35, and displays the second content in the second display area 43 (step S201).

[0060] After executing step S201, that is, after displaying the first content and the second content, the first display engine 49 prepares to display the first content on the display unit 35 (step S202), and the first content reflects the data held by the control device 2. Specifically, the first display engine 49 collects the latest data from the control device 2, reflects the collected data on the first content, and updates the content of the first content. The first display engine 49 performs image processing for displaying the updated first content on the display unit 35.

[0061] On the other hand, after executing step S201 , in parallel with step S202 , the second display engine 50 refers to the cloud server 3 to determine whether the cloud server 3 has an updated screen (step S203 ).

[0062] When the second display engine 50 determines that the cloud server 3 has an update screen (step S203 : Yes), it acquires the latest data such as update data related to the update screen from the cloud server 3 (step S204 ).

[0063] After executing step S204 , the second display engine 50 reflects the latest collected data on the second content and prepares to display the second content on the display unit 35 (step S205 ).

[0064] Here, as the timing for generating update data related to the update screen in the cloud server 3, for example, there is the following situation, that is, the cloud server 3 collects operating data from the control device 2 and updates the analysis results based on the collected data. As another example, there is the following situation, that is, the table and graph displaying the analysis results are updated, the text describing the analysis results is updated, and the text describing the countermeasures for the analysis results is updated. In this case, along with the update of the operating data from the manufacturing system, the second content is also updated. That is, the second content is displayed in conjunction with the first content, and the content of the first content is supplemented at an appropriate timing. By displaying the description of the first content as the second content, the user can be prompted to correctly understand the data. In addition, by updating and displaying the second content at a stage after the first content is updated, the required information can be appropriately conveyed.

[0065] If step S202 is executed to prepare for displaying the updated first content on the display unit 35 and step S205 is executed to prepare for displaying the updated second content on the display unit 35, the multitask M / W will display the updated first content in the first display area 42 of the display unit 35 and, at the same time, display the updated second content in the second display area 43 (step S206).

[0066] In addition, when the second display engine 50 determines that the cloud server 3 does not have an updated screen (step S203: No), in step S206, the first content reflecting the latest data possessed by the control device 2 is displayed in the first display area 42 of the display unit 35, and at the same time, the unupdated second content that has already been displayed in step S201 is displayed in the second display area 43 (step S206).

[0067] Next, Figure 7 The flowchart of is used to illustrate the update process of another update process for updating the second content. First, in the same manner as the process of step S201 of Figure 6 the multitask M / W displays the first content in the first display area 42 of the display unit 35 and, at the same time, displays the second content in the second display area 43 (step S301).

[0068] After the first content and the second content are displayed, the first display engine 49 performs preparation for displaying the first content on the display unit 35 (step S302), and the first content reflects the latest data possessed by the control device 2. Specifically, the first display engine 49 collects the latest data from the control device 2, reflects the collected latest data to the first content, and updates the content of the first content. The first display engine 49 performs image processing for displaying the updated first content on the display unit 35.

[0069] On the other hand, the control unit 40 detects that a prescribed operation input has been made to the first content by the user touching the screen of the display unit 35 on which the first content is displayed (step S303).

[0070] If it is detected that a prescribed operation input has been made to the first content, the control unit 40 requests the cloud server 3 for update data corresponding to the content of the prescribed operation input (touching a specific display object, changing a value, etc.), and obtains update data corresponding to the content of the prescribed operation input (image, text, sound, video, etc.) from the cloud server 3 (step S304).

[0071] If step S304 is executed, preparation is performed for reflecting the obtained update data to the second content and displaying it on the display unit 35 (step S305).

[0072] Here, as the timing of generating update data related to the update screen in the cloud server 3, for example, the following timing is cited, that is, if a part of the first display area 42 displaying the first content is selected, the timing of notifying the cloud server 3 of the content of the operation input corresponding to the selection. Specifically, an alarm is displayed in the display area displaying the first content, and if the user selects the desired alarm, the cloud server 3 identifies the selected alarm and provides the error content of the corresponding alarm, text indicating the response strategy for the alarm, video and other update data. That is, the second content is displayed in conjunction with the first content, and the content of the first content is supplemented at an appropriate timing.

[0073] exist Figure 8 In the example, a list of alarm information of the device is displayed in the first display area 61. Figure 8 In the example, the method of coping with the alarm is displayed in the second display area 62 displaying the second content. Specifically, when a specific alarm displayed in the first display area 61 is selected by the user on the display screen of the display unit 35, update data such as a manual for coping with the selected alarm, a video of the method of coping, etc. are downloaded from the cloud server 3, and the second content reflecting the updated data is displayed in the second display area 62. At this time, the second content is displayed overlapping with the first content.

[0074] In addition, update data corresponding to objects related to operation input contained in the first content may be pre-stored in the second screen content section 46. If, for example, an object related to a part of operation input contained in the first content displayed in the first display area 42 is selected, update data corresponding to the selected object is read from the second screen content section 46, reflected in the second content and displayed.

[0075] If step S302 is executed to prepare for displaying the updated first content on the display unit 35, and step S305 is executed to prepare for displaying the updated second content on the display unit 35, the multitasking M / W displays the updated first content on the first display area 42 of the display unit 35, and simultaneously displays the updated second content on the second display area 43 (step S306).

[0076] Figure 9 An example of displaying the second content as the background of the first content is shown. The second display area 63 is arranged around the first display area 11 that displays the first content, i.e., the startup operation screen of the device 4. In the second display area 63, the wallpaper that is the second content is displayed as the background of the first content. Thus, the visual recognition of the startup operation screen of the device 4, i.e., the first content, can be improved.

[0077] In the above-described embodiment, the functions of the display device 1 can also be implemented by dedicated hardware or a general-purpose computer system.

[0078] For example, by storing the program P1 executed by the processor 31 in a non-volatile recording medium readable by a computer and distributing it, and installing the program P1 on the computer, a device that executes the above processing can be configured. Examples of such a recording medium include a floppy disk, a CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read-Only Memory), a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), and an MO (Magneto-Optical Disc).

[0079] Alternatively, the program P1 can be stored in a disk device of a server device on a communication network represented by the Internet, and downloaded to the computer, for example, by superimposing it on a carrier wave.

[0080] Alternatively, the above processing can also be implemented by executing the startup while forwarding the program P1 via a communication network.

[0081] Furthermore, by executing all or part of the program P1 on the server device and executing the program while the computer transmits and receives information related to the processing via a communication network, the above processing can also be implemented.

[0082] In addition, in the case where the above functions are implemented by being shared by an OS (Operating System) or in the case where they are implemented by the cooperation of the OS and an application, etc., only the part other than the OS can be stored in a medium and distributed, and it can also be downloaded to the computer.

[0083] In addition, the means for implementing the functions of the display device is not limited to software, and part or all of it can also be implemented by dedicated hardware including circuits.

[0084] The present invention can be provided in various embodiments and modifications without departing from the broad spirit and scope of the present invention. In addition, the above embodiments are used to explain the present invention and do not limit the scope of the present invention. That is, the scope of the present invention is represented not by the embodiments but by the claims. And various modifications implemented within the scope of the claims and within the meaning of the invention equivalent thereto are considered to fall within the scope of the present invention.

[0085] Industrial Applicability

[0086] The present invention can be widely applied to display devices that display the monitoring function and operation function of a manufacturing system.

[0087] Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0088] 1 Display device, 2 Control device, 3 Cloud server, 4 Instrument, 5 Communication device, 11, 42, 61 First display area, 21, 22, 23, 24, 43, 62, 63 Second display area, 31 Processor, 32 Main storage unit, 33 Auxiliary storage unit, 34 Input unit, 35 Display unit, 36 Communication unit, 37 Internal bus, 40 Control unit, 44 Display area setting unit, 45 Content unit for the first screen, 46 Content unit for the second screen, 47 First screen creation unit, 48 Second screen creation unit, 49 First display engine, 50 Second display engine, 51 Screen display control unit.

Claims

1. A display device comprising a display unit and a control unit for causing the display unit to display content, In the display device, The control unit has: a display area setting unit for setting, on the same screen, a first display area for displaying a first content and a second display area for displaying a second content having a display format different from that of the first content; a first display engine that generates the first content; a second display engine that generates the second content; as well as a screen display control unit that displays the first content in the first display area and displays the second content in the second display area, The first content and the second content are displayed on the same screen in a linked manner.

2. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: If the first display area is set, the control unit sets the second display area based on the position of the first display area, thereby displaying the first content and the second content on the same screen in a linked manner.

3. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The control unit updates the second content according to the update of the first content, thereby displaying the first content and the second content on the same screen in a linked manner.

4. The display device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The control unit displays the first content and the second content simultaneously on the same screen in a linked manner.

5. The display device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: One of the first content and the second content is HMI content used for monitoring and operating a device to be controlled, and the other is WEB content.

6. The display device according to claim 5, wherein: The display device is connected to a control device for controlling the instrument, and the data of the HMI content is sent from the control device. The data of the WEB contents are transmitted from an external device connected to the outside via a network.

7. The display device according to claim 3 or 4, wherein: The second content is content transmitted from an external device connected to the outside via a network, and the transmitted content is registered in the external device.

8. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The second display area is divided into a plurality of display areas, and a plurality of contents are displayed.

9. A display method, which displays content on a display device, In the display method, the following steps are included: Setting, on the same screen, a first display area for displaying a first content and a second display area for displaying a second content having a display format different from that of the first content; generating the first content; generating the second content; as well as The first content and the second content are linked to each other, the first content is displayed in the first display area, and the second content is displayed in the second display area at the same time.

10. A program for displaying content on a display device, The program causes the computer to perform the following steps: Set a first display area for displaying the first content and a second display area for displaying second content with a display format different from that of the first content on the same screen; Generate the first content; Generate the second content; And Link the first content and the second content, display the first content in the first display area, and at the same time display the second content in the second display area.

Images