CONTROL DEVICE

Abstract

A control device is provided that includes an acquiring unit that acquires load information indicating a load related to information processing, a determining unit that determines whether the load is a high load, a setting unit that sets an update timing for at least one screen portion of a plurality of screen portions to be displayed on a display screen when the determining unit has determined that the load is a high load, and a display unit that causes the at least one screen portion to be displayed on a display screen to be displayed based on the update timing set by the setting unit.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a controller that controls an industrial machine. GENERAL STATE OF THE ART

[0002] A controller that controls an industrial machine has a display screen that displays multiple screen sections. Each of the screen sections displays information indicating a control state of the industrial machine.

[0003] If individual screen sections are configured to be updated at a short cycle, the processing load on the controller increases. Consequently, the controller may not be able to update the screen sections at a predefined refresh cycle. To solve this problem, systems are known that update the screen sections according to commands from an operator (see, for example, Patent Literature Example 1). DOCUMENT OF THE PRIOR ART PATENT LITERATURE

[0004] Patent Literature Example 1: Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. H11 - 238 027 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION PROBLEMS THAT THE INVENTION INTENDED TO SOLVE

[0005] However, the systems described above require the operator to enter a refresh cycle. Entering the refresh cycle becomes a burden for the operator. Furthermore, the operator may inadvertently enter an inappropriate refresh cycle into the system. Therefore, there is a need for a controller that can appropriately update the display screen sections while reducing the burden on the operator. MEANS TO SOLVE THE PROBLEM

[0006] A controller according to the present disclosure includes an acquisition unit that acquires load information indicating a load associated with information processing; a determination unit that determines whether the load is high or not; a setting unit that sets an update timing of at least one of a plurality of screen portions displayed on the display screen when the determination unit has determined that the load is high; and a display unit that displays at least one of the screen portions based on the update timing set by the setting unit. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware structure of an industrial machine; Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of functions of a controller; Fig. 3 shows screen sections; Fig. 4 shows an example of a setting at the update time; Fig. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of processing performed by the controller; Fig. 6 shows an example of setting the update time; Fig. 7 shows an example of setting the update time; Fig. 8 is a block diagram showing an example of the functions of the controller; Fig. 9 shows an example of setting the update time; Fig. 10 is a block diagram showing an example of the functions of the controller; Fig. 11 shows an example of setting the update time; and Fig. 12 shows an example of setting the update time. EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0007] A controller according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following drawings, like reference numerals will be used for components with the same or similar functions. These components may not be described repeatedly.

[0008] In this application, the term "based on XX" means "based on at least XX" and includes elements other than XX. Furthermore, the term "based on XX" is not limited to a case where XX is used directly, but also includes a case where calculations and / or processing are performed on XX. The term "XX" represents any element (e.g., any piece of information).

[0009] A controller is designed to control an industrial machine. The industrial machine operates at an industrial site. The industrial machine includes, for example, a machine tool, an injection molding machine, a laser machine, a 3D printer, or a robot.

[0010] Fig. Figure 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of an industrial machine on which the controller is implemented. An industrial machine 1 includes a controller 2, an input / output device 3, a servo amplifier 4, a servo motor 5, a spindle amplifier 6, a spindle motor 7, and an auxiliary device 8.

[0011] The controller 2 is, for example, a numerical controller configured to control the industrial machine 1. The controller 2 includes, for example, a hardware processor 201, a bus 202, a read-only memory (ROM) 3, a random access memory (RAM) 204, and a non-volatile memory 205.

[0012] The hardware processor 201 is configured to control the entire controller 2 according to a system program. The hardware processor 201 reads the system program, etc., stored in the ROM 203 via the bus 202. The hardware processor 201 is, for example, a central processing unit (CPU) or an electronic circuit.

[0013] Bus 202 is a communication channel configured to connect hardware elements of controller 2. The hardware elements of controller 2 exchange data with each other via bus 202.

[0014] The ROM 203 is a storage unit configured to store the system program, etc. The ROM 203 is a computer-readable storage medium.

[0015] RAM 204 is a memory unit configured to temporarily store various data. RAM 204 serves as a work area that enables hardware processor 201 to process the various data.

[0016] The non-volatile memory 205 is a storage unit configured to retain data even when the controller 2 is turned off. The non-volatile memory 205 stores, for example, an operating program of the industrial machine 1. The non-volatile memory 205 is a computer-readable storage medium. The non-volatile memory 205 consists, for example, of a battery-backed memory or a solid-state drive (SSD).

[0017] The controller 2 further includes an interface 206, an axis control circuit 207, a spindle control circuit 208, a programmable logic controller (PLC) 209, and an I / O unit 210.

[0018] The interface 206 is configured to connect the bus 202 to the input / output device 3. The interface 206 transmits, for example, the various data processed by the hardware processor 201 to the input / output device 3.

[0019] Input / output device 3 is configured to receive various data via interface 206 and display the data on a display. Input / output device 3 also receives various data inputs and transmits the various data via interface 206, for example, to hardware processor 201.

[0020] The input / output device 3 is, for example, a touch panel. If the input / output device 3 is a touch panel, the input / output device 3 is, for example, a capacitive touch panel. The touch panel is not limited to the capacitive type, but may be another type of touch panel. The input / output device 3 is installed on an operation panel (not shown) in which the controller 2 is housed.

[0021] The axis control circuit 207 is configured to control the servo motor 5. The axis control circuit 207 receives control commands from the hardware processor 201 and sends various commands to the servo amplifier 4 for driving the servo motor 5. For example, the axis control circuit 207 sends a torque command to the servo amplifier 4 for controlling the torque of the servo motor 5.

[0022] The servo amplifier 4 is configured to supply power to the servo motor 5 in response to commands from the axis control circuit 207.

[0023] The servo motor 5 is driven by the power supply from the servo amplifier 4. Each control axis of the industrial machine 1 is provided with a servo motor 5. If the industrial machine 1 is a five-axis machine tool, the servo motors 5 include, for example, an X-axis servo motor, a Y-axis servo motor, a Z-axis servo motor, an A-axis servo motor, and a C-axis servo motor. In this case, an axis control circuit 207 and a servo amplifier 4 are provided for each servo motor 5.

[0024] The servo motor 5 is coupled, for example, to a ball screw that drives a tool holder. The servo motor 5 is driven to allow a structure of the industrial machine 1, such as the tool holder, to move along a predetermined control axis.

[0025] The servo motor 5 has an encoder (not shown) configured to detect the position of the control axis and a feed rate. Position feedback information and speed feedback information, which respectively indicate the position of the control axis and the feed rate of the control axis detected by the encoder, are fed back to the axis control circuit 207. The feedback allows the axis control circuit to perform feedback control on the respective control axis.

[0026] The spindle control circuit 208 is configured to control the spindle motor 7. The spindle control circuit 208 receives control commands from the hardware processor 201 and sends commands for driving the spindle motor 7 to the spindle amplifier 6. For example, the spindle control circuit 208 sends a spindle speed command for controlling a rotational speed of the spindle motor 7 to the spindle amplifier 6.

[0027] The spindle amplifier 6 is arranged to supply power to the spindle motor 7 in response to the command from the spindle control circuit 208.

[0028] The spindle motor 7 is driven by the power supply from the spindle amplifier 6. The spindle motor 7 is coupled to a spindle to rotate it.

[0029] The PLC 209 is configured to execute a ladder program to control the auxiliary device 8. The PLC 209 sends commands to the auxiliary device 8 via the I / O unit 210.

[0030] The I / O unit 210 is an interface configured to connect the PLC 209 to the auxiliary device 8. The I / O unit 210 transmits the commands from the PLC 209 to the auxiliary device 8.

[0031] The auxiliary device 8 is installed on the industrial machine 1 and configured to perform auxiliary operations in the industrial machine 1. The auxiliary device 8 operates based on commands received from the I / O unit 210. The auxiliary device 8 can be arranged in the vicinity of the industrial machine 1. The auxiliary device 8 is, for example, a tool turret, a coolant injection device, or a drive unit for opening / closing a door.

[0032] Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of functions of the controller 2. The controller 2 includes a control unit 221, an acquisition unit 222, a determination unit 223, a setting unit 224, and a display unit 225.

[0033] The control unit 221, the acquisition unit 222, the determination unit 223, the setting unit 224, and the display unit 225 are implemented, for example, by the hardware processor 201 performing arithmetic processing using the system program stored in the ROM 203 and the various data stored in the nonvolatile memory 205.

[0034] The control unit 221 is configured to control the industrial machine 1. For example, the control unit 221 controls the servo motor 5 of the industrial machine 1 based on an operation program. If the industrial machine 1 is a machine tool, the control unit 221 controls the servo motor 5 and the spindle motor 7 based on a machining program. As a result, the industrial machine performs machining on a workpiece. The control unit 221 can perform various information processing in the controller 2 and communication processing with an external device.

[0035] The acquisition unit 222 is configured to acquire load information indicating a load of information processing. The load information includes at least any of information indicating a load of the hardware processor 201, information indicating a number of accesses to a storage device, and information indicating a communication volume with the external device. The load information may include information indicating a load of the control processing performed by the control unit 221. The storage device is, for example, the ROM 203, the RAM 204, or the non-volatile memory 205. The external device is, for example, a server (not shown) connected to the controller 2.

[0036] The determination unit 223 is configured to determine whether the load indicated by the load information acquired by the acquisition unit 222 is high or not. The determination unit 223 compares a predefined threshold with the load indicated by the load information to determine whether the load is high or not. The determination unit 223 may compare the predefined threshold with a load increase rate indicated by the load information to determine whether the load is high or not. The increase rate is the rate of increase in the load per unit time.

[0037] The setting unit 224 is configured to set an update timing for at least one of a plurality of screen sections displayed on the display screen when the determination unit 223 has determined that the load is high. The setting unit 224 sets the update timing by changing an update cycle.

[0038] The display screen is a monitor of the display device. The display device is, for example, input / output device 3. The screen sections are display areas for displaying various control information.

[0039] Fig. 3 shows the screen sections. The display screen displays multiple screen sections. The multiple screen sections display control information items that differ from one another. For example, the multiple screen sections include a first screen section P1, a second screen section P2, a third screen section P3, and a fourth screen section P4.

[0040] For example, the first screen section P1 displays coordinate information. The coordinate information specifies the coordinate values ​​for each control axis during the execution of the operating program. For example, the coordinate information includes information specifying the coordinate values ​​of the X-axis, Y-axis, Z-axis, A-axis, and B-axis.

[0041] The second screen section P2, for example, displays modal information. The modal information indicates codes that are effective during the execution of the operating program. For example, the modal information includes G codes such as "G00," "G01," and "G02."

[0042] The third screen section, P3, for example, displays status information. The status information indicates a control status during the execution of the operating program. The status information includes information indicating the feed rate of each control axis and the spindle rotation speed.

[0043] The fourth screen section, P4, for example, displays program information. The program information indicates the operating program during its execution. The operating program contains various commands that determine the operation of industrial machine 1.

[0044] For example, the first screen section P1 has an initial update cycle of 64 [ms]. The coordinate information is directly related to the machining geometry of the workpiece, for example. Therefore, the operator must check the coordinate information in real time. Accordingly, the update cycle of the first screen section P1, which displays the coordinate information, is set to a relatively short cycle.

[0045] For example, the second screen section P2 has an initial refresh rate of 256 [ms]. The modal information is not information that the operator should review in real time. Therefore, the refresh rate of the second screen section P2, which displays the modal information, is set to a relatively long rate.

[0046] For example, the third screen section P3 has an initial update cycle of 128 [ms]. The status information influences the machined surface of the workpiece. Therefore, it is beneficial for the operator to check the status information frequently. Accordingly, the update cycle of the third screen section P3, which displays the status information, is set to a relatively medium-length cycle.

[0047] For example, the fourth screen section P4 has an initial update cycle of 128 [ms]. The program information has a direct impact on workpiece processing. Therefore, it is beneficial for the operator to check the program information frequently. Therefore, the update cycle of the fourth screen section P4, which displays the program information, is set to a relatively medium-length cycle.

[0048] In Fig. 3, the value indicating the refresh cycle for each of the screen sections P1 to P4 is displayed in an approximately rectangular frame for explanatory purposes only. Therefore, in practice, the frames and values ​​are not displayed on the display screen. However, to inform the operator of the refresh cycles of the screen sections, the frames and values ​​described above can be displayed on the display screen.

[0049] Fig. Figure 4 is a diagram showing an example of setting the update timing. As described above, the update cycles for the first screen section P1, which displays the coordinate information, the second screen section P2, which displays the modal information, the third screen section P3, which displays the status information, and the fourth screen section P4, which displays the program information, are initially set to 64 [ms], 256 [ms], 128 [ms], and 128 [ms], respectively (see the upper table in Fig. 4). More precise are the dates shown in the table in Fig. 4 are marked, the update times for the screen sections.

[0050] For example, if the determination unit 223 has determined that the load is high, the setting unit 224 changes the refresh cycles for the first screen section P1, the second screen section P2, the third screen section P3, and the fourth screen section P4 to longer cycles than the cycles in the respective initial settings. For example, the setting unit 224 sets the refresh cycles for the first screen section P1, the second screen section P2, the third screen section P3, and the fourth screen section P4 to 128 [ms], 512 [ms], 256 [ms], and 256 [ms], respectively, in the case of a load of the hardware processor 201 of 95% or higher (see the table below in Fig. 4).

[0051] The display unit 225 displays at least one screen portion on the display screen based on the update timings set by the setting unit 224. When the setting unit 224 has changed the update cycles for the first screen portion P1, the second screen portion P2, the third screen portion P3, and the fourth screen portion P4 to 128 [ms], 512 [ms], 256 [ms], and 256 [ms], respectively, the display unit displays the screen portions on the display screen such that the first screen portion P1, the second screen portion P2, the third screen portion P3, and the fourth screen portion P4 are updated at a cycle of 128 [ms], 512 [ms], 256 [ms], and 256 [ms], respectively. This allows the controller 2 to reduce the burden associated with information processing.

[0052] Fig. Figure 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing performed by the controller 2. When the execution of the operation program in the industrial machine 1 begins, the control unit 2 first begins controlling the industrial machine 1 (step S1). At this time, the display unit 225 displays each screen section by updating based on a predefined refresh cycle. The predefined refresh cycle is, for example, the refresh cycle in the initial setting.

[0053] Then, the acquiring unit 222 acquires the load information indicating the load related to the information processing (step S2).

[0054] Subsequently, the determination unit 223 determines whether the load is high or not (step S3).

[0055] When the determination unit 223 has determined that the load is not high (No at step S3), the acquisition unit 222 continues to acquire the load information.

[0056] When the determination unit 223 has determined that the load is high (Yes at step S3), the setting unit 224 sets the update timing of at least one of the plurality of screen sections displayed on the display screen (step S4).

[0057] Then, the display unit 225 displays the screen sections on the display screen based on the update timing set by a setting unit 224 (step S5). When the operation program is completed, the subject processing is terminated.

[0058] The determination unit 223 can determine whether or not the load has been reduced by displaying the screen sections by the display unit 225 based on the update timing set by the setting unit 224. For example, if the determination unit 223 has determined that the load is not high, the setting unit 224 can continue to update each screen section at the predefined update cycle.

[0059] The setting unit 224 may set each refresh cycle within the maximum refresh cycle defined for each of the plurality of screen sections.

[0060] Fig. Figure 6 shows an example of setting the update time. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 6, a maximum refresh cycle is set for each screen section. The refresh cycles for the first screen section P1, which displays the coordinate information, the second screen section P2, which displays the modal information, the third screen section P3, which displays the status information, and the fourth screen section P4, which displays the program information, are set to 64 [ms], 256 [ms], 128 [ms], and 128 [ms], respectively, in the initial settings (see the upper table in Fig. 6).

[0061] In addition, the maximum refresh cycles of the first screen section P1, the second screen section P2, the third screen section P3, and the fourth screen section P4 are 64 [ms], 1024 [ms], 512 [ms], and 256 [ms], respectively. The maximum refresh cycles are stored, for example, in a memory unit not shown.

[0062] When the determination unit 223 has determined that the load is high, the setting unit 224 sets the refresh cycle of each screen section within the maximum refresh cycle.

[0063] The refresh cycle of the first screen section P1 is initially set to the maximum refresh cycle of 64 [ms]. Therefore, the setting unit 224 does not change the refresh cycle of the first screen section P1 (see the table below in Fig. 6).

[0064] The refresh cycle of the second screen section P2 is initially set to be shorter than the maximum refresh cycle of 1024 [ms]. Therefore, the setting unit 224 changes the refresh cycle of the second screen section P2 from 256 [ms] in the initial setting to the maximum refresh cycle of 1024 [ms] (see the table below in Fig. 6).

[0065] The refresh cycle of the third screen section P3 is initially set to be shorter than the maximum refresh cycle of 512 [ms]. Therefore, the setting unit 224 changes the refresh cycle of the third screen section P3 from 128 [ms] in the initial setting to the maximum refresh cycle of 512 [ms] (see the table below in Fig. 6).

[0066] The refresh cycle of the fourth screen section P4 is initially set to be shorter than the maximum refresh cycle of 256 [ms]. Therefore, the setting unit 224 changes the refresh cycle of the fourth screen section P4 from 128 [ms] in the initial setting to the maximum refresh cycle of 256 [ms] (see the table below in Fig. 6).

[0067] The setting unit 224 does not need to change the refresh cycles of the screen sections in their initial setting to their maximum refresh cycles; the cycles can be within the respective maximum refresh cycles. For example, the setting unit 224 can change the refresh cycle of the second screen section P2 from 256 [ms] to 512 [ms].

[0068] The setting unit 224 may set the update cycle based on priority levels defined for the plurality of screen sections, respectively.

[0069] Fig. Figure 7 shows an example of setting the update time. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 7, a priority level is defined for each screen section. The priority levels of the first screen section P1, the second screen section P2, the third screen section P3, and the fourth screen section P4 are "high," "low," "low," and "medium," respectively. These priority levels are stored, for example, in the memory unit (not shown).

[0070] If the determination unit 223 determines that the load is high, the setting unit 224 sets the refresh cycles based on the priority levels defined for each of the multiple screen sections. That is, the setting unit sets the refresh cycle for a screen section with a lower priority level.

[0071] The priority level of the first screen section P1 is "high." Therefore, the setting unit 224 does not set the refresh cycle of the first screen section P1.

[0072] The priority levels of the second screen section P2 and the third screen section P3 are "low." Therefore, the setting unit 224 changes the refresh cycles of the second screen section P2 and the third screen section P3 from their initial settings of 256 [ms] and 128 [ms] to 512 [ms] and 256 [ms], respectively.

[0073] The priority level of the fourth screen section P4 is "medium." In this case, the setting unit 224 does not set the refresh cycle of the fourth screen section P4. If the priority level of the fourth screen section P4 is "medium," the setting unit 224 can alternatively set the refresh cycle of the fourth screen section P4. If the priority level of any screen section is "medium," the setting unit 224 can decide whether to set the refresh cycle of the particular screen section depending on the load.

[0074] The controller 2 may further include a frequency storage unit for storing the number of times settings are made to the plurality of screen sections.

[0075] Fig. Fig. 8 is a block diagram showing an example of the functions of the controller 2 with the frequency storage unit. The functions of the control unit 221, the acquisition unit 222, the determination unit 223, and the display unit 225 are the same as those of the control unit 221, the acquisition unit 222, the determination unit 223, and the display unit 225 of the controller 2 shown in Fig. 2. The frequency storage unit 226 is implemented, for example, by storing the number of times settings are made to the plurality of screen sections in the nonvolatile memory 205.

[0076] The frequency storage unit 226 is configured to store the number of times adjustments have been made to the update cycle of each of the plurality of screen sections. In other words, the frequency storage unit 226 stores a history of the adjustments made to the update cycle of each of the plurality of screen sections.

[0077] The setting unit 224 sets the update cycles of the plurality of screen sections based on the number of settings stored in the frequency storage unit 226.

[0078] Fig. Figure 9 shows an example of the setting at the update time. As in Fig. 9, the frequency storage unit 22 stores the number of settings respectively in association with the plurality of screen sections.

[0079] The number of settings for the first screen section P1, the second screen section P2, the third screen section P3 and the fourth screen section P4 is “0” in the initial setting (see the table above in Fig. 9).

[0080] If the determination unit 223 has determined that the load is high, the setting unit 224 sets the update timing for at least one of the plurality of screen sections. For example, the setting unit 224 sets the update cycle of the screen section at which the load can be reduced most efficiently. For example, the setting unit 224 changes the update cycle of the second screen section P2 from 256 [ms] to 512 [ms]. Then, the frequency storage unit 226 stores the number of settings made to the second screen section P2 as "1" (see the middle table in Fig. 9).

[0081] If the determination unit 223 has determined that the load is high, the setting unit 224 sets the update timing for at least one of the plurality of screen sections. In this case, the setting unit 224 refers, for example, to the number of settings made to each screen section stored in the frequency storage unit 226. The setting unit 224 selects the screen section whose update cycle is to be set from the screen sections for which the number of settings stored in the frequency storage unit 226 is the smallest.

[0082] The setting unit 224 sets the refresh cycle of the screen section among the screen sections with the fewest number of adjustments, where the load can be reduced most effectively. For example, the setting unit 224 changes the refresh cycle of the third screen section P3 from 128 [ms] to 256 [ms]. Then, the frequency storage unit 226 stores the number of adjustments made to the third screen section P3 as "1" (see the table below in Fig. 9).

[0083] The controller may further include a history storage unit that stores histories of the settings made by the setting unit 224 to the update cycles.

[0084] Fig. Fig. 10 is a block diagram showing an example of the functions of the controller 2 with the history storage unit. The control unit 221, the acquisition unit 222, the determination unit 223, and the display unit 225 have the same functions as those of the control unit 221, the acquisition unit 222, the determination unit 223, and the display unit 225 of the controller 2 shown in Fig. 2. A history storage unit 227 is implemented, for example, by storing the histories of the changes to the update cycles of the plurality of screen sections in the non-volatile memory 205.

[0085] The history storage unit 227 is configured to store histories of the refresh cycles set by the setting unit 224. The refresh cycle history is information indicating the refresh cycle of each screen section after the setting is made by the setting unit 224.

[0086] The setting unit 224 sets the refresh cycles of the plurality of screen sections based on the histories of the refresh cycles stored in the history storage unit 227.

[0087] Fig. 11 shows an example of setting the update time. The upper table in Fig. Figure 11 shows the refresh cycles of the screen sections in the initial state. That is, the refresh cycles of the first screen section P1, the second screen section P2, the third screen section P3, and the fourth screen section P4 are 64 [ms], 256 [ms], 128 [ms], and 128 [ms], respectively.

[0088] The table below in Fig. 11 shows the histories of the update cycles stored in the history storage unit 227. In other words, the update cycles of the first screen section P1, the second screen section P2, the third screen section P3, and the fourth screen section P4 are 64 [ms], 512 [ms], 256 [ms], and 128 [ms], respectively.

[0089] If the determination unit 223 determines that the load is high, the setting unit 224 adjusts the refresh cycles of the multiple screen sections based on the refresh cycle histories stored in the history storage unit 227. For example, the setting unit 224 changes the refresh cycle of the second screen section P2 from 256 [ms] to 512 [ms]. Furthermore, the setting unit 224 changes the refresh cycle of the third screen section P3 from 128 [ms] to 256 [ms].

[0090] The history storage unit 227 may store the histories of the refresh cycles along with information indicating the load. For example, the history storage unit 227 may store the refresh cycle of each screen section set by the setting unit 224 when the determining unit determined a load associated with information processing of 90% of a reference value. Furthermore, the history storage unit may store the refresh cycle of each screen section set by the setting unit 224 when the determining unit determined a load associated with information processing of 95% of a reference value. That is, the history storage unit 227 may store the refresh cycle of each screen section along with information indicating multiple loads.

[0091] When the determination unit 223 has determined that the load is high, the setting unit 224 may set the update timing by shifting the update timing in the plurality of screen sections.

[0092] Fig. 12 shows an example of setting the update time. The upper table in Fig. Figure 12 shows the refresh cycle of each screen section in the initial state. That is, the refresh cycles of the first screen section P1, the second screen section P2, the third screen section P3, and the fourth screen section P4 are 64 [ms], 256 [ms], 128 [ms], and 128 [ms], respectively.

[0093] The middle table in Fig. 12 shows that the refresh cycle of the second screen section P2 was changed from 256 [ms] to 512 [ms] when the determination unit 223 determined that the load was high. When the setting unit 224 changed the refresh cycle of the second screen section P2 from 256 [ms] to 512 [ms], the refresh time of all of the first screen section P1, the second screen section P2, the third screen section P3, and the fourth screen section P4 is performed at time 0 [ms] and time 512 [ms]. Thus, the setting unit 224 distributes the refresh timing of the multiple screen sections.

[0094] The table below in Fig. 12 shows that the setting unit 224 further distributes the update timings of the plurality of screen sections when the determination unit 223 has determined that the load is high.

[0095] The adjustment unit 224 changes the update timing of the fourth screen section P4 from time 0 [ms], time 128 [ms], time 256 [ms], time 384 [ms], and time 512 [ms] to time 64 [ms], time 192 [ms], time 320 [ms], and time 448 [ms]. In other words, there is no difference in the update cycle of the fourth screen section P4 before and after the adjustment. However, the update timing of the fourth screen section P4 is different before and after the adjustment. This can reduce the times at which all screen sections are updated simultaneously.

[0096] As described above, the controller 2 includes the acquisition unit 222 that acquires the load information indicating the load associated with information processing, the determination unit 223 that determines whether the load is high or not, the setting unit 224 that sets the update timing of at least one of the plurality of screen portions displayed on the display screen when the determination unit has determined that the load is high, and the display unit 225 that displays at least one of the screen portions based on the update timing set by the setting unit 224.

[0097] Thus, the controller 2 can reduce the burden on the operator of entering the update times of the screen sections. Furthermore, the controller 2 can prevent the screen sections from being updated at an inappropriate time due to an input error made by the operator. That is, the controller 2 can appropriately update the screen sections on the display screen.

[0098] The setting unit 224 also adjusts the update timing by changing the update cycles. This allows the controller 2 to reduce the burden on the operator of entering the update cycles of the screen sections. Furthermore, the controller 2 can prevent the screen sections from being updated at an inappropriate time due to an input error made by the operator. Consequently, the controller can appropriately update the screen sections on the display screen.

[0099] The setting unit 224 sets the refresh cycle to the maximum refresh cycle defined for each of the multiple screen sections. Thus, the controller 2 can prevent the refresh cycle of each screen section from being too long.

[0100] The setting unit 224 also sets the update cycle based on the priority level defined for each of the multiple screen sections. This enables prioritized updating of the screen section displaying important control information. Consequently, the operator can check the important information in real time.

[0101] Controller 2 further includes frequency storage unit 226, which stores the number of times adjustments are made to the multiple screen sections, and setting unit 224 sets the refresh cycles based on the number of adjustments. This allows controller 2 to maintain a balance in the number of adjustments among the screen sections. In other words, controller 2 can prevent the refresh cycle from being set only for a specific screen section.

[0102] The controller 2 further includes the history storage unit 227, which stores the histories of the setting cycles set by the setting unit 224, and the setting unit 224 sets the refresh cycles based on the histories stored in the history storage unit 227. In this way, the setting unit can set the refresh cycle of each screen section based on past performance. As a result, the setting unit 224 does not need to perform a process for determining which screen section the refresh cycle setting should be made for. This allows the controller 2 to reduce the burden associated with information processing.

[0103] The setting unit 224 also sets the update timings by shifting the update timing of at least one of the plurality of screen sections. That is, the setting unit 224 distributes the update timings of the screen sections without changing the update timings of the screen sections. This allows the controller 2 to reduce the burden associated with information processing.

[0104] The load information includes at least any one of information indicating the load on the hardware processor 201, information indicating the number of accesses to a storage device, and information indicating the communication volume with the external device. Thus, the controller 2 can reliably reduce the load associated with information processing.

[0105] The determination unit 223 also compares the predefined threshold with the load or the rate of increase of the load to determine whether the load is high or not. This enables the control unit 221 to reliably determine whether the load associated with information processing is high.

[0106] The present disclosure has been described in detail above, but is not limited to the individual embodiments described above. Therefore, various additions, substitutions, modifications, partial omissions, and so on can be made to these embodiments without departing from the gist of the disclosure or the spirit of the disclosure derived from the contents described in the appended claims and their equivalents. Furthermore, these embodiments can be implemented in combination.

[0107] With regard to the embodiments described above, Supplementary Notes will be disclosed below. Supplementary note (1)

[0108] A controller includes an acquisition unit that acquires load information indicating a load associated with information processing, a determination unit that determines whether the load is high or not, a setting unit that sets an update timing of at least one of a plurality of screen portions displayed on a display screen when the determination unit has determined that the load is high, and a display unit that displays at least one of the screen portions on the display screen based on the update timing set by the setting unit. Supplementary note (2)

[0109] In the control according to Supplementary Note (1), the setting unit sets the update timing by changing an update cycle. Supplementary note (3)

[0110] In the control according to Supplementary Note (2), the setting unit sets the update cycle within a maximum update cycle defined for each of the plurality of screen sections. Supplementary note (4)

[0111] In the control according to Supplementary Note (2), the setting unit sets the update cycle based on a priority level defined for each of the plurality of screen sections. Supplementary note (5)

[0112] The controller according to Supplementary Note (2) further comprises a frequency storage unit that stores the number of times settings are made to the plurality of screen sections, the setting unit setting the update cycle based on the number of settings. Supplementary note (6)

[0113] The controller according to Supplementary Note (2) further comprises a history storage unit that stores histories of the update cycles set by the setting unit, wherein the setting unit sets the update cycle based on the histories stored in the history storage unit. Supplementary note (7)

[0114] In the control according to Supplementary Note (1), the setting unit sets the update timings by shifting the update timing of at least one of the plurality of screen sections. Supplementary Note (8)

[0115] In the controller according to any one of Supplementary Notes (1) to (7), the load information includes at least one of information indicating a load of a hardware processor, information indicating a number of accesses to a storage device, and information indicating a communication volume with an external device. Supplementary note (9)

[0116] When controlling according to any of Supplementary Notes (1) to (8), the determining unit compares a predefined threshold with the load or a rate of increase of the load to determine whether the load is high or not. LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS 1 industrial machine 2 Control 201 hardware processor 202 Bus 203 ROM 204 RAM 205 non-volatile memory 206 Interface 207 Axis control circuit 208 spindle control circuit 209 PLC 210 I / O unit 221 Control unit 222 Acquisition Unit 223 Determination unit 224 setting unit 225 display unit 226 Frequency storage unit 227 History storage unit 3 Input / output unit 4 servo amplifiers 5 Servo motor 6 spindle amplifiers 7 spindle motor 8 Auxiliary device QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] JP 11 - 238 027

[0004]

Claims

[1] Control, comprising an acquisition unit that acquires load information indicating a load related to information processing; a determination unit that determines whether the load is high or not; a setting unit that sets an update time of at least one of a plurality of screen sections displayed on a display screen when the determination unit has determined that the load is high, and a display unit that displays at least one of the screen sections based on the update timing set by the setting unit. [2] The controller according to claim 1, wherein the setting unit sets the update timing by changing an update cycle. [3] The controller according to claim 2, wherein the setting unit sets the refresh cycle within a maximum refresh cycle defined for each of the plurality of screen sections. [4] The controller according to claim 2, wherein the setting unit sets the update cycle based on a priority level defined for each of the plurality of screen sections. [5] The controller according to claim 2, further comprising a frequency storage unit that stores the number of times settings are made to the plurality of screen sections, wherein the setting unit sets the update cycle based on the number of settings. [6] The controller according to claim 2, further comprising a history storage unit that stores a history of the update cycle set by the setting unit, wherein the setting unit sets the update cycle based on the history stored in the history storage unit. [7] The controller according to claim 1, wherein the setting unit sets the update timings by shifting the update timing of at least one of the plurality of screen sections. [8] The controller according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the load information includes at least one of information indicating a load of a hardware processor, information indicating a number of accesses to a storage device, and information indicating a communication volume with an external device. [9] The controller according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the determining unit compares a predefined threshold with the load or a rate of increase of the load to determine whether the load is high or not.

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