Node device, system, product manufacturing method, control method, manufacturing system, control program, and recording medium

Abstract

To provide a method which allows information related to an operating state of a facility to be appropriately and easily acquired according to an operation condition of the facility.SOLUTION: A node device can be connected to a sensor for monitoring an operating state of a device and comprises: a communication unit capable of communicating with a gateway device; and a control unit. The control unit detects a cycle of the device on the basis of data acquired from the sensor and, upon detecting the start of a new cycle, acquires and stores first information about the operating state of the device relating to one immediately preceding cycle and second information related to accumulation of operating states of the device relating to a plurality of cycles and transmits the first information and the second information to the gateway device and, when a preset condition is satisfied, performs processing of erasing the stored first information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a node device and the like. [Background technology]

[0002] In order to improve productivity at production sites, information on the operating status of production equipment is collected. If the control device of the production equipment cannot directly output the desired information on the operating status, the user needs to change the control program or communication function of the control device. However, this requires a large load or is often not realistic.

[0003] Patent document 1 describes a method in which a branching box is provided in the middle of a signal line connecting a facility's PLC to a stacked signal light, and the control signal sent from the PLC to the stacked signal light is branched and collected by an information collection device, thereby collecting information related to the operating status of the facility. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2002-330229 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In the method described in Patent Document 1, the information collection device collects control signals sent from the PLC to the stack light, but data suitable for analyzing the operation status of the equipment cannot always be collected, and there are cases where information useful for managing the equipment cannot be obtained. For example, when the workers who operate the equipment work in shifts, even if the control signals sent to the stack light are collected, it is difficult to collect data on the operation status of the equipment corresponding to the worker's shift.

[0006] Therefore, there has been a demand for a method for appropriately and easily acquiring information related to the operating status of equipment depending on the operational status of the equipment. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A first aspect of the present invention is a node device that is connectable to a sensor that monitors an operating status of an apparatus and includes a communication unit that is capable of communicating with a gateway apparatus, and a control unit, wherein the control unit detects a cycle of the apparatus based on data acquired from the sensor, and upon detecting the start of a new cycle, acquires and stores first information related to the operating status of the apparatus related to the immediately preceding cycle and second information related to the accumulated operating status of the apparatus related to multiple cycles, transmits the first information and the second information to the gateway apparatus, and, when a preset condition is met, executes a process of erasing the stored first information.

[0008] A second aspect of the present invention is a node device that is connectable to a sensor that monitors an operating status of an apparatus and includes a communication unit that is capable of communicating with a gateway apparatus, and a control unit, wherein the control unit detects a cycle of the apparatus based on data acquired from the sensor, and upon detecting the start of a new cycle, acquires and stores first information related to the operating status of the apparatus related to the immediately preceding cycle and second information related to an accumulated operating status of the apparatus related to multiple cycles, transmits the first information and the second information to the gateway apparatus, and, when a preset condition is satisfied, executes a process of initializing the stored second information.

[0009] A third aspect of the present invention is a node device including a communication unit connectable to a sensor that monitors an operating status of an apparatus and capable of communicating with a gateway apparatus, and a control unit, wherein the control unit detects a cycle of the apparatus based on data acquired from the sensor, and upon detecting the start of a new cycle, acquires and stores first information related to the operating status of the apparatus related to the immediately preceding cycle and second information related to an accumulated operating status of the apparatus related to multiple cycles, transmits the first information and the second information to the gateway apparatus, and, when a preset condition is satisfied, executes a process of erasing the stored first information and initializing the second information.

[0010] In addition, a fourth aspect of the present invention is a system comprising a node device connectable to a sensor that monitors the operating status of an apparatus and transmits data acquired from the sensor to a gateway device, a gateway device that stores the data received from the node device in a storage device, and a management device, wherein the management device detects a cycle of the apparatus based on the data stored in the storage device, and upon detecting the start of a new cycle, acquires and stores first information relating to the operating status of the apparatus for the immediately preceding cycle and second information relating to the accumulated operating status of the apparatus for multiple cycles, and when a preset condition is met, executes a process of erasing the stored first information.

[0011] In addition, a fifth aspect of the present invention is a system comprising a node device connectable to a sensor that monitors the operating status of an apparatus and transmits data acquired from the sensor to a gateway device, a gateway device that stores the data received from the node device in a storage device, and a management device, wherein the management device detects a cycle of the apparatus based on the data stored in the storage device, and upon detecting the start of a new cycle, acquires and stores first information relating to the operating status of the apparatus for the immediately preceding cycle and second information relating to the accumulated operating status of the apparatus for multiple cycles, and when a preset condition is met, executes a process of initializing the stored second information.

[0012] In addition, a sixth aspect of the present invention is a system comprising a node device connectable to a sensor that monitors the operating status of an equipment and transmits data acquired from the sensor to a gateway device, a gateway device that stores the data received from the node device in a storage device, and a management device, wherein the management device detects a cycle of the equipment based on the data stored in the storage device, and upon detecting the start of a new cycle, acquires and stores first information relating to the operating status of the equipment for the immediately preceding cycle and second information relating to the accumulated operating status of the equipment for multiple cycles, and when a preset condition is met, executes a process of erasing the stored first information and initializing the second information.

[0013] A seventh aspect of the present invention is a control method for a node device including a communication unit connectable to a sensor that monitors an operating status of the device and capable of communicating with a gateway device, and a control unit, wherein the control unit detects a cycle of the device based on data acquired from the sensor, and upon detecting the start of a new cycle, acquires and stores first information related to the operating status of the device related to the immediately preceding cycle and second information related to the accumulated operating status of the device related to multiple cycles, transmits the first information and the second information to the gateway device, and, when a preset condition is satisfied, executes a process of erasing the stored first information.

[0014] An eighth aspect of the present invention is a control method for a node device including a communication unit connectable to a sensor that monitors an operating status of the device and capable of communicating with a gateway device, and a control unit, wherein the control unit detects a cycle of the device based on data acquired from the sensor, and upon detecting the start of a new cycle, acquires and stores first information related to the operating status of the device related to the immediately preceding cycle and second information related to the accumulated operating status of the device related to multiple cycles, transmits the first information and the second information to the gateway device, and, when a preset condition is satisfied, executes a process of initializing the stored second information.

[0015] A ninth aspect of the present invention is a control method for a node device including a communication unit connectable to a sensor that monitors an operating status of the device and capable of communicating with a gateway device, and a control unit, wherein the control unit detects a cycle of the device based on data acquired from the sensor, and upon detecting the start of a new cycle, acquires and stores first information related to the operating status of the device related to the immediately preceding cycle and second information related to the accumulated operating status of the device related to multiple cycles, transmits the first information and the second information to the gateway device, and, when a preset condition is satisfied, executes a process of erasing the stored first information and initializing the second information. Effect of the Invention

[0016] According to the present invention, it is possible to appropriately and easily obtain information relating to the operating state of a facility in accordance with the operating status of the facility. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of a production device to which an information processing system according to a first embodiment is applied. [Diagram 2] 1A is a schematic diagram showing a block configuration of a node device according to an embodiment, and FIG. 1B is a schematic diagram showing a block configuration of a gateway device according to an embodiment. [Diagram 3] 6 is a flowchart showing a procedure of a process executed by a node device when monitoring an operation state of a production device. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram for explaining a sequence of a first process in a node device according to the embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing operation information, i.e., changes in production time for one cycle and cumulative production time, when a first process is performed during a lunch break. [Figure 6] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram for explaining a sequence of a second process in the node device according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing the transition of operation information, i.e., the production time of one cycle and the cumulative production time, when a second process is performed at a shift change. [Figure 8] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram for explaining a sequence of a third process in the node device according to the embodiment. [Figure 9] A schematic diagram showing operation information in an operation example including the end and restart of production, i.e., the transition of one cycle of production time and cumulative production time. [Figure 10] 13 is a flowchart of a process in which a node device monitors a production device. [Figure 11] 6 is a flowchart of a process in which a management device monitors a production device. [Figure 12] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a setting screen displayed on the management device. [Figure 13] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a setting screen displayed on the management device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0018] An information processing method, an information processing device, and the like according to embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the embodiments shown below are merely examples, and those skilled in the art may appropriately modify and implement the detailed configurations without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0019] In the drawings referred to in the following description of the embodiments and examples, elements with the same reference numerals have the same functions unless otherwise noted. In the drawings, when a plurality of identical elements are arranged, the reference numerals and their explanations may be omitted. In addition, since the drawings may be expressed in a schematic manner for convenience of illustration and explanation, the shapes, sizes, arrangements, etc. of the elements shown in the drawings may not strictly match the actual objects.

[0020] [Embodiment 1] (Information Processing System) Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of a production device to which an information processing system according to the first embodiment of the present invention is applied. Note that what is shown in Fig. 1 is just an example, and the configuration can be appropriately changed according to the situation at the production site, including, for example, the number, type, and arrangement of sensors, the number of node devices, and the like.

[0021] The production device 101 is, for example, a device such as a parts assembly device, a resin molding device, or an inspection device, and may be an automated device without human intervention or an assembly device operated by a human intervention. The production device 101 is provided with sensors 102 and 103 used to acquire information related to the operating state of the production device. The sensors 102 and 103 are sensors that monitor the operating state of the production device 101, such as "processing in progress," "stopped," and "abnormal," and can be used by setting, for example, a clamp-type current sensor on the power line of the production device. However, other sensors may be used as long as they can detect (monitor) the operating state of the production device, and depending on the nature of the production device, for example, a vibration sensor, an acceleration sensor, a pressure sensor, a light sensor, a torque sensor, a temperature sensor, a sound wave sensor, or the like may be used. If the production device is equipped with a signal light, the operating state of the production device may be identified by a simple configuration in which an illuminance sensor is used to detect the lighting pattern of the signal light.

[0022] The sensors 102 and 103 are preferably installed at locations where they can measure physical quantities that change periodically with one cycle of operation of the production equipment 101. For example, the sensors 102 and 103 are installed at locations where they can detect (monitor) currents of a conveying motor, a processing motor, and the like in the production equipment that are controlled by a programmable logic controller (PLC) that executes the processing of the production equipment. They may also be installed at locations where they can detect (monitor) light emission of an operation lamp or stacked signal lamp of the production equipment. To obtain the operating status of the production equipment 101, one or more of the sensors 102 and 103 are connected to a node device 104. One or more node devices 104 are installed in the production equipment 101 as necessary. Note that multiple sensors may be connected to one node device and the sensors may be installed across multiple production equipment.

[0023] The node device 104 includes a communication unit 109 as a communication means, and the gateway device 105 includes a communication unit 110 as a communication means. The node device 104 and the gateway device 105 can communicate with each other via the communication means. The communication means may be one or more communication means appropriately selected from wireless communication such as LPWA (Low Power Wide Area) and wireless LAN, and wired communication such as Ethernet and a field network.

[0024] Operation information of the production equipment 101 acquired by the node device 104 is collected in the gateway device 105 via communication units 109 and 110. The gateway device 105 is connected to the network 106 by a communication means such as a LAN. Note that the node device 104 may be provided with a LAN adapter so that the node device 104 can be connected to the network 106 without going through the gateway device 105. The network 106 may be a dedicated network within a factory or a wide area network such as the Internet.

[0025] A management device 108 is connected to the network 106. The management device 108 is a control device in which software for controlling the operation of the system is implemented. Operation information of the production devices collected from the node devices 104 to the gateway device 105 is accumulated in a database 107 connected to the network 106. The database 107 may be a storage device or storage medium, or may be located within the management device 108.

[0026] The manager can check the operation information accumulated in the database 107 using the computer included in the management device 108. In addition, the management device 108 can link the accumulated measurement data with the operation status of the equipment, process it, check it, and display it on a display unit. The management device 108 can perform various processes using the accumulated measurement data, and analyze the relationship between the operation status of the production equipment 101 and the operation status of the equipment.

[0027] (Node device) FIG. 2(a) is a schematic diagram showing a block configuration of the node device 104 shown in FIG. 1. Note that functional elements necessary for explaining the features of this embodiment are shown as functional blocks, but general functional elements that are not directly related to the problem-solving principle of the present invention are omitted in FIG. 2(a). Also, each functional element shown in FIG. 2(a) is functionally conceptual, and does not necessarily have to be physically configured as shown in the figure. For example, the specific form of distribution and integration of each functional block is not limited to the illustrated example, and all or a part of them can be functionally or physically distributed and integrated in any unit depending on the usage situation, etc. Each functional block can be configured using hardware or software. That is, some of these functional blocks can be configured by, for example, reading and executing a control program stored in a storage device or a non-transitory recording medium by the CPU 212 as a control unit. Alternatively, some or all of the functional blocks may be configured by hardware such as ASIC.

[0028] The node device 104 includes a CPU 212 that controls the operation sequence of the entire node device and the execution of tasks. The CPU 212 can read and execute a control program or control information from the storage unit 206 or a computer-readable recording medium (not shown). As the recording medium, for example, a ROM, a flexible disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a magnetic tape, a non-volatile memory such as a USB memory, an SSD, or the like can be used.

[0029] The node device 104 is configured to be connectable to one or more sensors 102, 103 installed in the production equipment 101, and includes a signal input unit 203 capable of converting analog signals output by the sensors into digital signals. The signal input unit 203 includes one or more A / D converters that convert analog input signals into digital signals. Note that the system may be configured such that the signal input unit 203 is built into the sensors 102, 103, and the sensors output digital signals.

[0030] The signal digitized by the signal input unit 203 is subjected to signal processing by the processing unit 204 as necessary. The processing unit 204 determines the processing order and executes one or more of the following: no processing, threshold comparison (binarization), FFT processing, partial overall processing, envelope processing, frequency filter processing, differentiation processing, integration processing, wavelet processing, average value processing, standard deviation processing, maximum value processing, minimum value processing, peak-to-peak processing, peak hold processing, RMS value processing, crest factor processing, waveform factor processing, impulse coefficient processing, and margin coefficient processing. The processing unit 204 executes signal processing suitable for determining the operating state of the production equipment 101.

[0031] Furthermore, the processing unit 204 performs a process of generating operation information indicating the operation status of the production equipment 101. In order to acquire the operation information of the production equipment, the processing unit detects the presence or absence of a predetermined signal change preset by the user for each sensor, and generates an event when the predetermined signal change is detected. The predetermined signal change can be set by combining one or more of, for example, comparison with a signal threshold, detection of a rising edge, detection of a falling edge, detection of the number of cycles, and the like.

[0032] When the processing unit 204 detects a signal change, it obtains the current time from the clock 205 and records the time when the predetermined signal change was detected in the storage unit 206. The processing unit 204 can calculate the time required for one production cycle (one production cycle) (cycle time) from the difference between the previous time when the predetermined signal change was detected and the current time. In addition, for example, the processing unit 204 can calculate the total time during which the sensor signal was an ON signal during one production cycle and the total time during which the sensor signal was an OFF signal during one production cycle and record these in the storage unit 206. Note that the production cycle may be simply referred to as a cycle.

[0033] In addition, when a signal change is detected, the operation information for one production cycle can be added to the operation information for multiple production cycles in the memory unit 206, which includes the cumulative production number, the cumulative production time, the cumulative time of ON signals, and the cumulative time of OFF signals, and recorded in the memory unit 206.

[0034] The node device 104 can output, for example, a signal or data processed by the processing unit 204 to the outside via the communication unit 109. The communication unit 109 can operate, for example, in cooperation with the processing unit 204 under the control of the CPU 212.

[0035] The communication unit 109 can input and output information to and from the storage unit 206. For example, the node device 104 associates the processing result output from the processing unit 204 with node identification information as identification information for identifying an individual node device 104, measurement task identification information, and the time when the measurement was performed, and temporarily stores the result in the storage unit 206. Thereafter, the communication unit 109 can read out the information from the storage unit 206 and transmit it to the gateway device 105 via the communication unit 109. The CPU 212 can cause the processing unit 204 to execute a first process, a second process, and a third process, which will be described later.

[0036] (Gateway device) FIG. 2(b) is a schematic diagram showing a block configuration of the gateway device 105 shown in FIG. 1. In FIG. 2(b), functional elements necessary for explaining the features of this embodiment are shown as functional blocks, but general functional elements that are not directly related to the problem-solving principle of the present invention are omitted. In addition, each functional element shown in FIG. 2(b) is functionally conceptual, and does not necessarily have to be physically configured as shown in the figure. For example, the specific form of distribution and integration of each functional block is not limited to the illustrated example, and all or a part of them can be functionally or physically distributed and integrated in any unit depending on the usage situation, etc. Each functional block can be configured using hardware or software. That is, some of these functional blocks can be configured by, for example, reading and executing a control program stored in a storage device or a non-transitory recording medium by the CPU 212 as a control unit. Alternatively, some or all of the functional blocks may be configured by hardware such as ASIC.

[0037] The gateway device 105 includes a CPU 307 that controls the operation sequence of the entire node device and the execution of tasks. The CPU 307 can read and execute a control program or control information from the storage unit 303 or a computer-readable recording medium (not shown). As the recording medium, for example, a ROM, a flexible disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a magnetic tape, a non-volatile memory such as a USB memory, an SSD, etc. can be used.

[0038] The gateway device 105 transmits the operation information received from the node device 104 by the communication unit 110 to the database 107 via the network connection unit 305 and the network 106 for accumulation. That is, the gateway device 105 collects sensor measurement data and production equipment operation information from the node device 104, and stores them in the database 107 provided in the system. The database 107 connected to the network 106 includes storage devices such as an HDD, SSD, flexible disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, and magnetic tape.

[0039] For example, when the gateway device 105 receives measurement data of the sensor or operation information of the production device from the node device 104, it sends a data reception notification to the management device 108 via the processing unit 304 and stores the measurement data and the operation information of the production device in the database 107. When the management device 108 receives the data reception notification from the gateway device 105, it starts a program for analyzing the measurement data and the operation information of the production device, processes the measurement data and the operation information of the production device stored in the database 107, and analyzes the state of the production device 101. Then, the management device 108 transmits information related to the state of the production device 101 (e.g., the presence or absence of an abnormality) to the administrator using a notification means such as sending an e-mail, displaying on a display unit, or issuing an alert. Of course, this is just one example, and the operation of the system may be set appropriately. For example, the management device 108 may only perform a process of displaying the operation information of the production device read from the database 107, and the administrator may analyze the state of the production device 101 based on the displayed information.

[0040] (Control Method) 3 is a flowchart showing the procedure of processing executed by the node device 104 when monitoring the operation status of the production equipment 101. First, the overall flow will be described, and then the first process, the second process, the third process, etc. will be described individually.

[0041] First, when the node device 104 starts monitoring the production equipment 101 in step S101, the CPU 102 of the node device 104 determines whether or not to execute the first process in step S102. For example, the determination is made based on a determination criterion such as whether a time preset by an administrator and stored in the storage unit 206 has been reached, or whether a predetermined period of time has passed since a predetermined signal change was detected in the measurement data measured by the sensors 102 and 103.

[0042] If it is determined that the first processing should be executed (step S102: YES), the first processing is executed using the processing unit 204 in step S103, and a notice that the first processing has been executed and the result thereof are transmitted from the communication unit 109 to the gateway device 105 in step S104.

[0043] If it is determined that the first process should not be executed (step S102: NO), the process proceeds to step S111, where the CPU 102 of the node device 104 determines whether or not the second process should be executed. For example, the determination is made based on a determination criterion such as whether a time preset by the administrator and stored in the storage unit 206 has been reached, or whether a predetermined period of time has passed since a predetermined signal change was detected in the measurement data measured by the sensors 102 and 103.

[0044] If it is determined that the second processing should be executed (step S111: YES), the second processing is executed using the processing unit 204 in step S112, and a notice that the second processing has been executed and the result thereof are transmitted from the communication unit 109 to the gateway device 105 in step S113.

[0045] If it is determined that the second process should not be executed (step S111: NO), the process proceeds to step S121, where the CPU 102 of the node device 104 determines whether or not the third process should be executed. For example, the determination is made based on a determination criterion such as whether a time preset by the administrator and stored in the storage unit 206 has been reached, or whether a predetermined period of time has passed since a predetermined signal change was detected in the measurement data measured by the sensors 102 and 103.

[0046] If it is determined that the third processing should be executed (step S121: YES), the third processing is executed using the processing unit 204 in step S122, and a notice that the third processing has been executed and the result thereof are transmitted from the communication unit 109 to the gateway device 105 in step S123.

[0047] If it is determined that the third processing should not be executed (step S121: NO), the CPU 212 proceeds to processing of step S131 and causes the processing unit 204 to determine whether or not a predetermined signal change has occurred in the signal input to the signal input unit 203.

[0048] If the predetermined signal change is not detected (step S131: NO), the process returns to step S102. If the predetermined signal change is detected (step S131: YES), the process proceeds to step S132, where the processing unit 204 obtains the time at which the predetermined signal change occurred from the clock 205, and records the time in the storage unit 206 in step S133. Then, the process proceeds to step S134, where the processing unit 204 determines whether or not a predetermined signal change that can identify one production cycle has been detected.

[0049] In step S134, when a predetermined signal change capable of identifying one production cycle is detected (step S134: YES), the process proceeds to step S135, where the processing unit 204 generates operation information of the production equipment 101 based on the information recorded in the storage unit 206. The operation information may include, for example, the cumulative production number of the production equipment 101, the cumulative production time, the cumulative time that the sensor signal was an ON signal, the cumulative time that the sensor signal was an OFF signal, the cumulative time that the sensor signal related to the most recent one production cycle was an ON signal, and the cumulative time that the sensor signal was an OFF signal.

[0050] Then, in step S136, the CPU 212 transmits the operation information to the gateway device 105 using the communication unit 109. Also, in step S134, if a predetermined signal change that can identify one production cycle is not detected (step S134: NO), it is determined that one production cycle is in progress, and the process returns to step S102.

[0051] The above describes the overall flow of the process executed by the node device 104 when monitoring the operation status of the production equipment 101. When the node device 104 generates operation information of the production equipment 101 using the measurement values ​​of the sensors and transmits the information to the gateway device 105, it is desirable to generate appropriate operation information according to the operation status of the production equipment 101. Therefore, in this embodiment, the first process, the second process, and the third process are executed as appropriate according to the operation status of the production equipment 101. That is, the node device 104 according to this embodiment judges whether or not a predetermined judgment condition set in advance is satisfied according to the operation status of the production equipment 101, and if the condition is satisfied, executes the first process, the second process, or the third process.

[0052] (First treatment) For example, in a production line including the production device 101, a lunch break is taken at a fixed time every day, during which production is suspended, but the operating conditions of the production line, including the workers, may not change before and after the lunch break. If the implementation of a lunch break, which is a predetermined short-term production suspension, is inappropriately reflected in the operation information, it may appear that the production efficiency and the operation rate of the device during that time period have decreased, which is inconvenient for the administrator. To deal with such a case, in this embodiment, the node device 104 is configured to determine whether or not a predetermined judgment condition set in advance is satisfied, and to execute the first process if the judgment condition is satisfied.

[0053] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram for explaining the sequence of the first process performed by the node device 104 according to this embodiment. The horizontal axis indicates the passage of time, and a signal 501 indicates the result of binarizing the signal of the sensor 202 input to the signal input unit 203. The period from the rising edge of the signal 501 to the next rising edge corresponds to one production cycle. For example, when the production equipment 101 is operated so that it is suspended for lunch break between 12:00 and 13:00, it is assumed that, for example, "the time becomes 12:30" is registered in advance in the node device 104 as an execution condition of the first process. At each timing before and after the first process, operation information 531 to operation information 536 are generated.

[0054] In the illustrated example, at the timings when signal changes 521, 523, and 525 occur, the results of steps S131 and S134 in Fig. 3 are determined to be YES, and operation information 531, 532, and 533 are generated in step S135. Each time the operation information is generated, it is sent from communication unit 109 to gateway device 105 in step S136.

[0055] At the time of the first rising edge of the signal change 521, the time of the previous signal change has not been stored in the memory unit 206. Therefore, the operation information 531 after monitoring starts is cycle production time 0 seconds, ON time 0 seconds, cumulative production number 1, cumulative production time 0 seconds, cumulative ON time 0 seconds, and cumulative OFF time 0 seconds. When the processing unit 204 detects a falling edge of the signal at the timing of signal changes 522, 524, and 526, it obtains the current time from the clock 205 and records the time each time in the memory unit 206.

[0056] At the time of the second rising signal change 523, the time of the previous rising signal change 521 and the falling signal change 522 are stored in the storage unit 206. Therefore, one cycle production time of the operation information 532 is calculated as 10 seconds from the difference in time between the rising signal change 521 and the next rising signal change 523. The ON time of the production device included in the operation information 532 is calculated as 3 seconds from the difference in time between the rising signal change 521 and the falling signal change 522. The OFF time of the production device included in the operation information 532 is calculated as 7 seconds from the difference in time between the falling signal change 522 and the rising signal change 523. The cumulative production number of the production device included in the operation information 532 is calculated as 2 from the number of production cycles from the start of monitoring, here, the number of rising signal changes 521 and 523. The cumulative production time of the production device included in the operation information 532 is calculated by adding the most recent one production cycle time to the cumulative production time from the start of monitoring. Here, 10 seconds is obtained by adding 10 seconds, the one-cycle production time of operation information 532, to the accumulated production time of 0 seconds in the previous operation information 531. The accumulated ON time of the production equipment included in the operation information 532 is obtained by adding the ON time of one production cycle time to the accumulated ON time from the start of monitoring. Here, 3 seconds is obtained by adding 3 seconds, the ON time of operation information 532, to the accumulated ON time of 0 seconds in the previous operation information 531. The accumulated OFF time of the production equipment included in the operation information 532 is obtained by adding the OFF time of one production cycle time to the accumulated OFF time from the start of monitoring. Here, 7 seconds is obtained by adding 7 seconds, the OFF time of operation information 532, to the accumulated OFF time of 0 seconds in the previous operation information 531.

[0057] At the preset time of 12:30 (timing 527), it is determined in step S102 that the condition for executing the first process is met, and the first process is executed in step S103. In addition to using the preset time as the criterion for determination, the condition for executing the first process may be that a predetermined time has passed since the previous signal change. For example, the first process may be executed if the next rising edge is not detected even after a time twice the average production cycle has passed since the previous rising edge.

[0058] When the first process is executed in step S103, the fact that the first process has been executed and the result thereof are transmitted from the communication unit 109 to the gateway device 105 in step S104. In the first process, a process is performed to erase one production cycle time, ON time, and OFF time obtained in one production cycle.

[0059] When the lunch break ends and the production equipment resumes operation, a signal change 528 is detected in step S131, and operation information 526 is generated. Since one production cycle time, ON time, and OFF time have been erased by the first processing, only the cumulative production number is added, and operation information 535 is generated. Therefore, the cumulative production number is incremented, but the cumulative production time, the cumulative ON signal time, and the cumulative OFF signal time become the same as the operation information 533 before the first processing. When one more production cycle has passed and a signal change 530 occurs, operation information 536 is generated and transmitted from the communication unit 109 to the gateway device 105.

[0060] In this way, in the first process, the information on the one-cycle production time, ON time, and OFF time for the immediately preceding production cycle is deleted from the operation information. Then, only the cumulative production number is added, and the cumulative production time, the cumulative ON signal time, and the cumulative OFF signal time are not changed.

[0061] Therefore, for example, when production is suspended, such as during a lunch break, but the person being managed (e.g., the worker) does not change before and after the suspension, the first process can be carried out to obtain appropriate takt time and accumulated production time as management data on the operating status after the suspension.

[0062] Figure 5 shows the operation information when the first process is performed during the lunch break, i.e., the transition of one cycle's production time and accumulated production time. By performing the first process between 12:00 and 13:00, when the equipment is paused, the accumulated time of the ON and OFF signals during the pause period is not added. Therefore, after the equipment pause is over, the correct production time for one cycle that does not include the equipment's pause time can be obtained. Also, while the accumulated production time is maintained, the accumulated time of the ON and OFF signals during the pause period is not added, so the accumulated production time can be accurately calculated without including the equipment's pause time.

[0063] (Second Processing) For example, the production equipment 101 may operate continuously for 24 hours, but the production line may implement a shift work system in which workers are replaced at predetermined intervals. The manager may want to compare the performance of each shift to be managed, but it is inconvenient for the manager if he / she cannot obtain operation information for each shift. To deal with such a case, in this embodiment, the node device 104 is configured to determine whether or not a predetermined judgment condition set in advance is satisfied, and to execute the second process if the condition is satisfied.

[0064] 6 is a schematic diagram for explaining the sequence of the second process in the node device 104 according to this embodiment. The horizontal axis indicates the passage of time, and signal 601 indicates the binarized result of the signal of the sensor 202 input to the signal input unit 203. The period from the rising edge of the signal 601 to the next rising edge corresponds to one production cycle. At each timing before and after the second process, operation information 631 to operation information 636 are generated.

[0065] For example, since an operation is performed in which a change of workers (shift) takes place at 21:00, a case will be illustrated in which the second process is performed at 21:00. It is assumed that, for example, "the time becomes 21:00" is registered in advance in the node device 104 as an execution condition for the second process.

[0066] 3 are determined to be YES at the timings when signal changes 621, 623, and 625 occur, and operation information 631, 632, and 633 are generated in step S135. The generated operation information is transmitted from the communication unit 109 to the gateway device 105 in step S136.

[0067] When the processing unit 204 detects the falling of the signal at the timing of signal changes 622, 624, and 626, it obtains the current time from the clock 205 and records the time in the storage unit 206. When the preset time of 9 p.m. arrives (timing 627), it is determined in step S111 that the condition for executing the second process is met, and the second process is executed in step S112. Note that, in addition to using the preset time as the determination criterion, for example, the cumulative production volume since the start of the shift has reached a predetermined number may be set as the execution condition for the second process.

[0068] When the second process is executed in step S112, the fact that the second process has been executed and the results thereof are sent from the communication unit 109 to the gateway device 105 in step S113. In the second process, the cumulative production number, the cumulative production time, the cumulative ON signal time, and the cumulative OFF signal time are initialized, and operation information 634 is generated. That is, the operation information that should be newly accumulated for the replaced worker is cleared.

[0069] At the first signal change 628 after the second process is executed, the operation information of one production cycle after the second process is added to the cumulative production number, cumulative production time, cumulative ON signal time, and cumulative OFF signal time, which are the operation information of multiple production cycles in the storage unit 206. Therefore, the cumulative production number, cumulative production time, cumulative ON time, and cumulative OFF time in the operation information 635 are initialized. At the timing of the signal change 630, operation information 636 is generated in the same way as the signal change 621, and is sent from the communication unit 109 to the gateway device 105.

[0070] In this way, in the second process, the operation information obtained over multiple production cycles is initialized. Specifically, the cumulative production number, cumulative production time, cumulative ON signal cumulative time, and cumulative OFF signal cumulative time, which are the operation information over multiple production cycles, are initialized. Then, the operation information for one production cycle is added to the cumulative production number, cumulative production time, cumulative ON signal cumulative time, and cumulative OFF signal cumulative time, which are the operation information over multiple production cycles in the storage unit 206, and recorded in the storage unit 206.

[0071] Therefore, while production continues, when the production management unit switches, for example, by performing the second process at the timing of a shift change, it is possible to switch the accumulated production time while continuing to measure the production time for one cycle. Figure 7 shows the operation information when the second process is performed at the shift change at 9 p.m., that is, the trends in one cycle's production time and accumulated production time. By performing the second process at the timing of a shift change when the production management unit switches, the accumulated production time is reset, so the manager can easily obtain the trends in the accumulated production time for each shift.

[0072] (Third Treatment) For example, in the case where production is suspended every night or for a long period during a seasonal holiday, if the corresponding data continues to be recorded cumulatively during the suspension period, it becomes impossible to properly obtain operation information regarding new production to be carried out after the suspension, which is inconvenient for the manager. To deal with such cases, in this embodiment, the node device 104 is configured to determine whether or not a preset predetermined determination condition is met, and if so, to execute the third process.

[0073] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram for explaining the sequence of the third process in the node device 104 according to this embodiment. The horizontal axis indicates the passage of time, and signal 701 indicates the result of binarizing the signal of the sensor 202 input to the signal input unit 203. The period from the rising edge of the signal 701 to the next rising edge corresponds to one production cycle. For example, in a case where production is suspended from 17:30 due to nighttime operation, it is assumed that, for example, "the time becomes 17:30" is registered in advance in the node device 104 as an execution condition of the third process. At each timing before and after the third process, operation information 731 to operation information 736 are generated.

[0074] In the illustrated example, at the timings when signal changes 721, 723, and 725 occur, the results of steps S131 and S134 in Fig. 3 are determined to be YES, and operation information 731, 732, and 733 are generated, respectively, in step S135. The generated operation information is sent from communication unit 109 to gateway device 105 in step S136.

[0075] When the preset time of 17:30 is reached (timing 727), it is determined in step S121 that the condition for executing the third process is met, and the third process is executed in step S122. Note that, in addition to using the preset time as the criterion for determination, the elapse of a predetermined time from the previous signal change may be set as the condition for executing the third process.

[0076] When the third process is executed in step S122, the fact that the third process has been executed and the result thereof are transmitted from the communication unit 109 to the gateway device 105 in step S123.

[0077] The processing unit 204 initializes operation information for multiple production cycles by the third process, and generates operation information 734 without adding or recording operation information for one production cycle. When a signal change 728 is detected, operation information 735 is generated and sent from the transmitting unit 207 to the gateway device 105, similar to the case of the initial state signal change 721. Furthermore, for the signal change 730, operation information 736 is generated from the times of the signal changes 728 and 729, similar to the case of the signal change 723.

[0078] When the production management unit is changed and production is temporarily terminated, for example, when production for one day ends or when production is suspended due to a long consecutive holiday, the judgment criteria for step S121 can be set so that the third process is performed. In the third process, the operation information for the previous multiple production cycles is initialized, and operation information for one production cycle is not added or recorded. Therefore, the correct takt time can be obtained after the suspension, and the accumulated production time can be switched. Figure 9 shows the transition of operation information, i.e., the production time for one cycle and the accumulated production time, in an operation example where the production for the day ends at 5:00 p.m. and the production for the next day starts at 8:00 a.m. the next day.

[0079] By performing the third process when the equipment goes into a pause, the accumulated time of the ON and OFF signals during the pause period is no longer added, so after the equipment pause is over, the correct production time for one cycle can be obtained, not including the equipment pause time.In addition, because the accumulated production time is reset, the progress of the accumulated production time for the next day can be visualized and managed separately from the progress of the accumulated production time for the day.

[0080] In this embodiment, the node device is configured to execute the first process, the second process, and the third process according to a time preset by an administrator or a predetermined time has elapsed since the previous signal change. In other words, the first process, the second process, and the third process are executed when a preset time is reached or when a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the previous production cycle and the next production cycle has not started. According to this embodiment, even when a node device is installed later on a production facility to acquire the operation status of the facility, for example, it is possible to acquire operation information that takes into account the operation status of the factory (shifts, breaks, etc.) without requiring cooperation with other systems or excessive data processing.

[0081] In the above description, the node device determines whether to execute the first process, the second process, or the third process depending on the operational status of the production facility, but the processes to be executed depending on the operational status are not limited to these three types. The execution timing and content of the process can be set so that the operation information that the administrator wants to obtain depending on the operational status of the production facility is generated. In addition, the node device does not need to be configured to be capable of executing all of the first process, the second process, and the third process, and may be configured to be capable of executing only one or two of the processes.

[0082] [Embodiment 2] In the first embodiment, the node device 104 executes any one of the first process, the second process, and the third process depending on the operation state of the production equipment 101, and transmits the operation information to the database 107 or the management device 108 via the gateway device 105. In contrast, in the present embodiment, the node device transmits measurement data to the database or the management device, and the management device executes any one of the first process, the second process, and the third process. Explanations of matters common to the first embodiment will be simplified or omitted. As in the first embodiment, a production equipment to which the information processing system according to the second embodiment is applied is illustrated in the schematic diagram of FIG. 1.

[0083] In this embodiment, the node device does not execute steps S102 to S104 (first process), steps S111 to S113 (second process), and steps S121 to S123 (third process) in the flow shown in Fig. 3. The node device repeatedly executes steps S131 to S136 to transmit measurement data to the gateway device. The measurement data received by the gateway device is stored in the database 107 or the management device 108.

[0084] In this embodiment, the management device is configured to be able to execute steps S102 to S104 (first process), steps S111 to S113 (second process), and steps S121 to S123 (third process) of the flow shown in Fig. 3. The management device monitors the measurement data acquired from the node devices, and when it determines that any process should be executed, executes that process. The contents of the first to third processes are as described in the first embodiment.

[0085] In this embodiment, the management device is configured to execute the first process, the second process, and the third process according to a time preset by an administrator or a predetermined time has passed since the previous signal change. In other words, the first process, the second process, and the third process are executed when a preset time is reached or when a predetermined time has passed since the start of the previous production cycle and the next production cycle has not started. According to this embodiment, even when a node device is installed later on a production facility to acquire the operation status of the facility, for example, it is possible to acquire operation information that takes into account the operation status of the factory (shifts, breaks, etc.) without requiring cooperation with other systems or excessive data processing.

[0086] In the above description, the management device determines whether to execute the first process, the second process, or the third process depending on the operational status of the production equipment, but the processes to be executed depending on the operational status are not limited to these three types. The execution timing and content of the process can be set so that the operation information that the manager wants to obtain depending on the operational status of the production equipment is generated. In addition, the management device does not need to be configured to be able to execute all of the first process, the second process, and the third process, and may be configured to be able to execute only one or two of the processes.

[0087] [Example 1] A first example according to the first embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. Here, an example will be described in which, when obtaining operation information, if a node device detects a signal change at a signal input unit at a predetermined time, the execution of a process is postponed until a predetermined time has elapsed since the signal change.

[0088] FIG. 10 is a flowchart of a process in which the node device 201 monitors the production device 101. First, the node device 201 starts monitoring the production device 101 in step S401. In step S402, the processing unit 204 checks whether the time has come to a time preset as an execution condition for the first process, and judges whether the first process can be performed. If NO in step S402, in step S411, it is checked whether the time has come to a time preset as an execution condition for the second process. If YES in step S402, in step S403, it is checked whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the previous signal change. If the predetermined time has not elapsed since the previous signal change in step S403, the execution of the first process is postponed, and step S431 is executed. If it is determined in step S403 that the predetermined time has elapsed since the previous signal change, the first process is executed in step S404, and a message indicating that the first process has been executed is sent from the communication unit 109 to the gateway device 105 in step S405.

[0089] If the answer is YES in step S411, then in step S412 it is confirmed whether a predetermined time has passed since the previous signal change. If it is determined in step S412 that the predetermined time has not passed since the previous signal change, execution of the second process is postponed, and step S431 is executed. If it is determined in step S412 that the predetermined time has passed since the previous signal change, then in step S413 the second process is executed, and in step S414 a message indicating that the second process has been executed is sent from communication unit 109 to gateway device 105.

[0090] If step S411 is NO, the processing unit 204 checks in step S421 whether a time preset as an execution condition for the third process has arrived. If step S421 is YES, in step S422, it checks whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the previous signal change. If step S422 shows that the predetermined time has not elapsed since the previous signal change, the execution of the third process is postponed, and step S431 is executed.

[0091] If it is determined in step S422 that a predetermined time has elapsed since the previous signal change, a third process is executed in step S423, and a message indicating that the third process has been executed is sent from transmission unit 207 to gateway device 105 in step S424.

[0092] If the answer is NO in step 421, then in step 431 it is confirmed whether or not there is a signal change in the signal input unit 203. If there is a signal change, then in step S432 the time is obtained from the clock 205, and in step S433 the current time is recorded in the storage unit 206. If there is no signal change, then the process returns to step S402. If a signal change during a preset one production cycle is detected in step S434, then operation information is generated from the storage unit 206 in step S435, and in step 436 the operation information is sent from the communication unit 109 to the gateway device 105. If the signal change is during one production cycle in step S434, then the process returns to step S402.

[0093] For example, when the execution timing of the first process is set to 12:30 and the extension time is set to 10 minutes, if there is no signal change between 12:20 and 12:30, the first process is executed at 12:30. If there is a signal change between 12:20 and 12:30, the first process is extended for 10 minutes. If there is no signal change between 12:30 and 12:40 after the extension, the first process is executed at 12:40. If there is a signal change between 12:30 and 12:40 after the extension, the first process may be extended again for 10 minutes after 12:40, or the upper limit of the number of extensions may be set in advance and the process may be executed after the upper limit is reached. Here, the time and extension time are set for the first process, but they may also be set for the second process and the third process.

[0094] When obtaining operation information, if a signal change is detected by the signal input unit at a predetermined time, the execution of processing is postponed until a predetermined time has elapsed since the signal change. For example, even if the operation of the production device is continued after the predetermined time in order to make up for a production delay, it is possible to obtain operation information that takes into account the operational status such as the production delay by postponing each processing.

[0095] [Example 2] A second example according to the second embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. Here, a procedure in which the management device postpones the execution of a process will be described.

[0096] FIG. 11 is a flowchart of a process in which the management device 108 monitors the production device 101. First, the management device 108 starts monitoring the production device 101 in step S501. In step S502, it is confirmed whether a preset time, which is a condition for executing the first process, has been reached. If the answer is NO in step S502, it is confirmed in step S511 whether the time has reached a preset time, which is a condition for executing the second process. If the answer is YES in step S502, it is confirmed in step S503 whether a predetermined time has passed since the time in the previously received operation information. If the predetermined time has not passed since the signal change in the previously received operation information in step S503, the first process is postponed (postponement: YES) and step 531 is executed. If the predetermined time has passed since the time in the previously received operation information in step 503, postponement is not performed (postponement: NO), and the process proceeds to step S504 and the first process is executed.

[0097] Furthermore, if the answer is YES in step S511, the management device 108 checks in step S512 whether a predetermined time has passed since the time in the previously received operation information. If it is determined in step S512 that the predetermined time has not passed since the time in the previously received operation information (postponement: YES), the second process is postponed and step S531 is executed. If the answer is NO in step S512, the second process is executed in step S513.

[0098] Furthermore, if the answer is YES in step S521, the management device 108 checks in step S522 whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the time in the previously received operation information. If it is determined in step S522 that the predetermined time has not elapsed since the time in the previously received operation information (postponement: YES), the third process is postponed and step 531 is executed. If it is determined in step S522 that the predetermined time has elapsed since the time in the previously received operation information, the third process is executed in step 523.

[0099] If the result of the determination in step S521 is NO, then in step S531, management device 108 checks whether operation information has been received from gateway device 105. If there is received data in step S531, then in step S532 management device 108 acquires operation information from database 107, and calculates the cumulative production number, cumulative production time, cumulative ON signal time, and cumulative OFF signal time from the time difference. Then, management device 108 stores the results obtained in step S533 in database 107 as operation information. If there is no received data in step S531, the process returns to step S502.

[0100] For example, when the first process is set to 12:30 and the extension time is set to 10 minutes, if no new operation information is received between 12:20 and 12:30, the management device 108 executes the first process at 12:30. If new operation information is received between 12:20 and 12:30, the management device 108 extends the start of the first process by 10 minutes. If no new operation information is received between 12:30 and 12:40 after the extension, the management device 108 executes the first process at 12:40. If new operation information is received between 12:30 and 12:40 after the extension, the time is extended again by 10 minutes after 12:40, or an upper limit on the number of extensions may be set in advance and the process may be executed after the upper limit is reached. Here, the time and extension time are set for the first process, but the extension time may be set for the second process and the third process.

[0101] When the management device receives operation information transmitted by a signal change at a predetermined time when obtaining operation information, the management device postpones processing until a predetermined time has elapsed since the previous signal change. Even if the operation of the production equipment continues after the predetermined time due to a production delay or the like, it is possible to obtain operation information that takes the production delay into account by postponing each process.

[0102] [Example 3] Here, a procedure will be described for setting the operation information acquisition conditions in the node device by combining one or more of a signal threshold, a rising edge, a falling edge, and the number of cycles in accordance with the cyclic operation of the production equipment.

[0103] 12 is a schematic diagram of a setting screen displayed on the management device 108. On the management screen, a trigger setting 1201 includes a node selection section 1202 for selecting one or more node devices 104 to monitor the operating state of the production equipment 101. Also, the node device 104 includes a signal input section 203 to which one or more sensors can be connected, and the setting screen includes a channel input section 1203 for setting conditions for each sensor.

[0104] The channel input unit 1203 includes a signal threshold setting unit 1204 for each sensor. When the signal input unit 203 performs analog-to-digital conversion and digitizes the sensor signal, the setting value of the threshold setting unit 1204 is used. The setting value is set for each channel by the user depending on the output voltage of the sensor, the type of sensor, the installation environment, etc. Note that, in this embodiment, the threshold setting unit 1204 is configured so that the setting contents can be changed by an administrator, but the threshold may be set as a fixed value.

[0105] The trigger setting unit 1205 is provided for setting the rising edge or falling edge of a signal change that changes periodically with one cycle operation of the production equipment in order to detect the operating state of the production equipment 101. The trigger setting unit 1205 is set by an administrator by selecting either the rising edge, the falling edge, or both, depending on the type of connected sensor and the programmable logic controller (PLC) control that executes the processing of the production equipment.

[0106] Furthermore, depending on the configuration of the production equipment 101 and the control of a programmable logic controller (PLC) that executes the processing of the production equipment, one cycle of sensor signal change may not match the production number obtained by one production cycle. In such cases, a cycle number setting unit 1206 is provided for setting the number of cycles of sensor signal change corresponding to one production cycle. For example, if one production cycle is completed in two cycles of sensor signal change, 2 times is set in the cycle number setting unit 1206. Conversely, if a production cycle of two pieces is completed in one cycle of sensor signal change in a two-piece production process, 1 / 2 times is set.

[0107] The setting data of the trigger setting 1201 that has been set may be written from the management device 108 to the node device 104 via the gateway device 105 connected to the network and then via the communication units 109 and 110. Alternatively, the setting data may be written directly from the management device 108 to the node device 104 by connecting a communication cable or the like.

[0108] In this way, one or more of the signal threshold, rising edge, falling edge, and cycle number are set in combination in accordance with the cycle operation of the production equipment. This allows the management device to obtain operation information without excessively requiring cooperation with other systems or data processing, even when a node device is installed later on the production equipment to obtain the operation status.

[0109] [Example 4] Here, a procedure for setting the execution conditions of the first process, the second process, and the third process in the node device by combining the time or the time width in correspondence with the cyclic operation of the production equipment will be described. Fig. 13 is a schematic diagram of a setting screen displayed on the management device 108.

[0110] On the management screen, operation information setting 1301 includes a node selection unit 1302 that allows the selection of one or more node devices 104 to monitor the operation status of the production equipment 101. Operation information setting 1301 includes a single selection unit 1303 and an accumulation selection unit 1304. The single selection unit 1303 and the accumulation selection unit 1304 set either a first process that excludes operation information obtained in one production cycle, a second process that initializes operation information obtained in multiple production cycles, or a third process that combines the first process and the second process.

[0111] When setting a first process that excludes operation information obtained in one production cycle, select and set the single selection section 1303. When setting a second process that initializes operation information obtained in multiple production cycles, select and set the cumulative selection section 1304. When setting a third process that combines the first and second processes, select and set both the single selection section 1303 and the cumulative selection section 1304.

[0112] Furthermore, the operation information setting 1301 includes a time width setting unit 1305 and a time setting unit 1306 for executing the first process, second process, and third process in accordance with a time width or time of a predetermined signal change. When controlling so that each process is executed after a predetermined time has elapsed since the previous signal change, the time width setting unit 1305 is used to set the time width. When controlling so that each process is executed at a predetermined time regardless of the time elapsed since the previous signal change, the time setting unit 1306 sets the time. Here, three conditions are set for each process, but it is sufficient if one or more conditions can be set by the processing condition adding unit 1308.

[0113] The time setting unit includes an extension time setting unit 1307 for postponing the execution of each process as necessary in order to acquire operation information that takes production delays and the like into consideration. Here, an operation information setting is provided for each node device, but an operation information setting may be provided for each channel input unit of a sensor input. The setting data of the set operation information setting 1301 may be transmitted from the management device 108 to the gateway device 105 via a network, and the setting data may be written from the gateway device 105 to the node device 104 via the communication units 109 and 110. Alternatively, the setting data may be written directly from the management device 108 to the node device 104 by connecting a communication cable or the like.

[0114] By setting the start conditions for each process as a combination of a time span or a time, the management device can obtain operation information without requiring excessive coordination with other systems or data processing, even in a case where a node device is retrofitted to the production equipment to obtain the operation status.

[0115] [Other embodiments] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and examples, and many modifications are possible within the technical concept of the present invention. For example, the above-described different embodiments and examples may be combined in whole or in part. As the production equipment, a vertical articulated robot and a horizontal articulated robot having multiple joints, a parallel link type robot, an orthogonal robot, etc. may be applied. As the production equipment, a machine that can automatically perform the movements of extension, contraction, bending, vertical movement, horizontal movement, or rotation, or a combination of these movements, based on the information of a storage device provided in the control device may be applied.

[0116] A control program capable of executing the control method according to the information processing device described above, and a computer-readable recording medium storing the control program are also included in the embodiments of the present invention. A manufacturing system including a node device according to the embodiments and manufacturing an article using a production device to which the node device is connected is also included in the embodiments of the present invention. A manufacturing system including a system according to the embodiments and manufacturing an article using a production device to which a node device is connected is also included in the embodiments of the present invention. An embodiment of the present invention also includes a manufacturing method of an article using a manufacturing system according to the embodiments, which acquires operation information of a production device while manufacturing an article using a production device included in the manufacturing system.

[0117] The present invention can also be realized by a process in which a program for implementing one or more functions of the embodiments is supplied to a system or device via a network or a storage medium, and one or more processors in a computer of the system or device read and execute the program. The present invention can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) that implements one or more functions.

[0118] This specification discloses at least the following: [Item 1] A node device including a communication unit that can be connected to a sensor that monitors an operating state of the device and can communicate with a gateway device, and a control unit, The control unit is Detecting a cycle of the device based on data obtained from the sensor; When detecting the start of a new cycle, obtain and store first information related to the operating state of the device related to the immediately preceding cycle and second information related to the cumulative operating state of the device related to a plurality of cycles, and transmit the first information and the second information to the gateway device; When a preset condition is met, a process of erasing the stored first information is executed. A node device comprising: [Matter 2] In the above process, information on one cycle production time, ON time, and OFF time related to the immediately preceding one cycle is deleted. 2. A node device according to item 1, [Matter 3] A node device including a communication unit that can be connected to a sensor that monitors an operating state of the device and can communicate with a gateway device, and a control unit, The control unit is Detecting a cycle of the device based on data obtained from the sensor; When detecting the start of a new cycle, obtain and store first information related to the operating state of the device related to the immediately preceding cycle and second information related to the cumulative operating state of the device related to a plurality of cycles, and transmit the first information and the second information to the gateway device; When a preset condition is satisfied, a process of initializing the stored second information is executed. A node device comprising: [Matter 4] In the process, a cumulative production number, a cumulative production time, a cumulative ON signal time, and a cumulative OFF signal time related to the multiple cycles are initialized. 4. The node device according to item 3. [Matter 5] A node device including a communication unit that can be connected to a sensor that monitors an operating state of the device and can communicate with a gateway device, and a control unit, The control unit is Detecting a cycle of the device based on data obtained from the sensor; When detecting the start of a new cycle, obtain and store first information related to the operating state of the device related to the immediately preceding cycle and second information related to the cumulative operating state of the device related to a plurality of cycles, and transmit the first information and the second information to the gateway device; When a preset condition is met, a process of erasing the stored first information and initializing the second information is executed. A node device comprising: [Matter 6] In the process, information on one cycle production time, ON time, and OFF time relating to the immediately preceding one cycle is erased, and the cumulative production number, cumulative production time, cumulative ON signal time, and cumulative OFF signal time relating to the multiple cycles are initialized. 6. The node device according to item 5, [Matter 7] The condition is that a preset time is reached. 7. The node device according to claim 1, wherein the first and second nodes are connected to each other. [Matter 8] The condition is that the next cycle is not started even if a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the previous cycle. 7. The node device according to claim 1, wherein the first and second nodes are connected to each other. [Matter 9] A system including: a node device connectable to a sensor that monitors an operating state of an apparatus, and that transmits data acquired from the sensor to a gateway device; a gateway device that stores the data received from the node device in a storage device; and a management device, The management device includes: Detecting a cycle of the device based on the data stored in the storage device; When detecting the start of a new cycle, first information relating to the operating state of the device relating to the immediately preceding cycle and second information relating to the cumulative operating state of the device relating to a plurality of cycles are acquired and stored; When a preset condition is met, a process of erasing the stored first information is executed. A system characterized by: [Matter 10] In the above process, information on one cycle production time, ON time, and OFF time related to the immediately preceding one cycle is deleted. 10. The system according to item 9, [Matter 11] A system including: a node device connectable to a sensor that monitors an operating state of an apparatus, and that transmits data acquired from the sensor to a gateway device; a gateway device that stores the data received from the node device in a storage device; and a management device, The management device includes: Detecting a cycle of the device based on the data stored in the storage device; When detecting the start of a new cycle, first information relating to the operating state of the device relating to the immediately preceding cycle and second information relating to the cumulative operating state of the device relating to a plurality of cycles are acquired and stored; When a preset condition is satisfied, a process of initializing the stored second information is executed. A system characterized by: [Matter 12] In the process, a cumulative production number, a cumulative production time, a cumulative ON signal time, and a cumulative OFF signal time related to the multiple cycles are initialized. 12. The system according to item 11, [Matter 13] A system including: a node device connectable to a sensor that monitors an operating state of an apparatus, and that transmits data acquired from the sensor to a gateway device; a gateway device that stores the data received from the node device in a storage device; and a management device, The management device includes: Detecting a cycle of the device based on the data stored in the storage device; When detecting the start of a new cycle, first information relating to the operating state of the device relating to the immediately preceding cycle and second information relating to the cumulative operating state of the device relating to a plurality of cycles are acquired and stored; When a preset condition is met, a process of erasing the stored first information and initializing the second information is executed. A system characterized by: [Matter 14] In the process, information on one cycle production time, ON time, and OFF time relating to the immediately preceding one cycle is erased, and the cumulative production number, cumulative production time, cumulative ON signal time, and cumulative OFF signal time relating to the multiple cycles are initialized. 14. The system according to item 13, [Matter 15] The condition is that a preset time is reached. 15. The system according to any one of claims 9 to 14. [Matter 16] The condition is that the next cycle is not started even if a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the previous cycle. 15. The system according to any one of claims 9 to 14. [Matter 17] 7. A control program for causing the control unit of the node device according to any one of items 1 to 6 to execute the process. [Matter 18] 18. A computer-readable recording medium having the control program according to item 17 recorded thereon. [Matter 19] 15. A control program for causing the management device of the system according to any one of items 9 to 14 to execute the process. [Matter 20] 20. A computer-readable recording medium having the control program according to item 19 recorded thereon. [Matter 21] A node device according to any one of items 1 to 6, Manufacturing an article using the apparatus; A manufacturing system comprising: [Matter 22] The system according to any one of claims 9 to 14, Manufacturing an article using the apparatus; A manufacturing system comprising: [Matter 23] Using the manufacturing system according to item 22, acquiring operation information of the device while manufacturing an article using the device; A method for producing an article comprising the steps of: [Matter 24] A method for controlling a node device including a communication unit connectable to a sensor that monitors an operating state of the device and capable of communicating with a gateway device, and a control unit, comprising: The control unit is Detecting a cycle of the device based on data obtained from the sensor; When detecting the start of a new cycle, obtain and store first information related to the operating state of the device related to the immediately preceding cycle and second information related to the cumulative operating state of the device related to a plurality of cycles, and transmit the first information and the second information to the gateway device; When a preset condition is met, a process of erasing the stored first information is executed. A control method comprising: [Matter 25] A method for controlling a node device including a communication unit connectable to a sensor that monitors an operating state of the device and capable of communicating with a gateway device, and a control unit, comprising: The control unit is Detecting a cycle of the device based on data obtained from the sensor; When detecting the start of a new cycle, obtain and store first information related to the operating state of the device related to the immediately preceding cycle and second information related to the cumulative operating state of the device related to a plurality of cycles, and transmit the first information and the second information to the gateway device; When a preset condition is satisfied, a process of initializing the stored second information is executed. A control method comprising: [Matter 26] A method for controlling a node device including a communication unit connectable to a sensor that monitors an operating state of the device and capable of communicating with a gateway device, and a control unit, comprising: The control unit is Detecting a cycle of the device based on data obtained from the sensor; When detecting the start of a new cycle, obtain and store first information related to the operating state of the device related to the immediately preceding cycle and second information related to the cumulative operating state of the device related to a plurality of cycles, and transmit the first information and the second information to the gateway device; When a preset condition is met, a process of erasing the stored first information and initializing the second information is executed. A control method comprising: [Explanation of symbols]

[0119] 101···Production equipment / 102, 103··Sensor / 104··Node device / 105··Gateway device / 106··Network / 107··Database / 108··Management device / 109, 110··Communication unit / 203··Signal input unit / 204··Processing unit / 205··Clock / 206··Memory unit / 212··CPU / 303··Memory unit / 304··Processing unit / 305··Network connection unit / 307··CPU / 501··Signal / 531-536··Operation information / 601··Signal / 631-636··Operation information / 701··Signal / 731-736··Operation information / 1201··Trigger setting / 1301··Operation information setting

Claims

1. A node device including a communication unit that can be connected to a sensor that monitors an operating state of the device and can communicate with a gateway device, and a control unit, The control unit is Detecting a cycle of the device based on data obtained from the sensor; When detecting the start of a new cycle, obtain and store first information related to the operating state of the device related to the immediately preceding cycle and second information related to the cumulative operating state of the device related to a plurality of cycles, and transmit the first information and the second information to the gateway device; When a preset condition is satisfied, a process of erasing the stored first information is executed. A node device comprising:

2. In the above process, information on one cycle production time, ON time, and OFF time related to the immediately preceding cycle is deleted.

2. The node device according to claim 1,

3. A node device including a communication unit that can be connected to a sensor that monitors an operating state of the device and can communicate with a gateway device, and a control unit, The control unit is Detecting a cycle of the device based on data obtained from the sensor; When detecting the start of a new cycle, obtain and store first information related to the operating state of the device related to the immediately preceding cycle and second information related to the cumulative operating state of the device related to a plurality of cycles, and transmit the first information and the second information to the gateway device; When a preset condition is satisfied, a process of initializing the stored second information is executed. A node device comprising:

4. In the process, a cumulative production number, a cumulative production time, a cumulative ON signal time, and a cumulative OFF signal time related to the multiple cycles are initialized.

4. The node device according to claim 3.

5. A node device including a communication unit that can be connected to a sensor that monitors an operating state of the device and can communicate with a gateway device, and a control unit, The control unit is Detecting a cycle of the device based on data obtained from the sensor; When detecting the start of a new cycle, obtain and store first information related to the operating state of the device related to the immediately preceding cycle and second information related to the cumulative operating state of the device related to a plurality of cycles, and transmit the first information and the second information to the gateway device; when a preset condition is met, a process of erasing the stored first information and initializing the second information is executed. A node device comprising:

6. In the process, information on one cycle production time, ON time, and OFF time relating to the immediately preceding cycle is erased, and the cumulative production number, cumulative production time, cumulative ON signal time, and cumulative OFF signal time relating to the multiple cycles are initialized.

6. The node device according to claim 5.

7. The condition is that a preset time is reached.

7. The node device according to claim 1, wherein the first and second nodes are connected to each other.

8. The condition is that the next cycle is not started even if a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the previous cycle.

7. The node device according to claim 1, wherein the first and second nodes are connected to each other.

9. A system including: a node device connectable to a sensor that monitors an operating state of an apparatus, and that transmits data acquired from the sensor to a gateway device; a gateway device that stores the data received from the node device in a storage device; and a management device, The management device includes: Detecting a cycle of the device based on the data stored in the storage device; When detecting the start of a new cycle, first information relating to the operating state of the device relating to the immediately preceding cycle and second information relating to the cumulative operating state of the device relating to a plurality of cycles are acquired and stored; When a preset condition is satisfied, a process of erasing the stored first information is executed. A system characterized by:

10. In the above process, information on one cycle production time, ON time, and OFF time related to the immediately preceding cycle is deleted.

10. The system of claim 9.

11. A system including: a node device connectable to a sensor that monitors an operating state of an apparatus, and that transmits data acquired from the sensor to a gateway device; a gateway device that stores the data received from the node device in a storage device; and a management device, The management device includes: Detecting a cycle of the device based on the data stored in the storage device; When detecting the start of a new cycle, first information relating to the operating state of the device relating to the immediately preceding cycle and second information relating to the cumulative operating state of the device relating to a plurality of cycles are acquired and stored; When a preset condition is satisfied, a process of initializing the stored second information is executed. A system characterized by:

12. In the process, a cumulative production number, a cumulative production time, a cumulative ON signal time, and a cumulative OFF signal time related to the multiple cycles are initialized. The system of claim 11 .

13. A system including: a node device connectable to a sensor that monitors an operating state of an apparatus, and configured to transmit data acquired from the sensor to a gateway device; a gateway device that stores the data received from the node device in a storage device; and a management device, The management device includes: Detecting a cycle of the device based on the data stored in the storage device; When detecting the start of a new cycle, first information relating to the operating state of the device relating to the immediately preceding cycle and second information relating to the cumulative operating state of the device relating to a plurality of cycles are acquired and stored; when a preset condition is met, a process of erasing the stored first information and initializing the second information is executed. A system characterized by:

14. In the process, information on one cycle production time, ON time, and OFF time relating to the immediately preceding cycle is erased, and the cumulative production number, cumulative production time, cumulative ON signal time, and cumulative OFF signal time relating to the multiple cycles are initialized.

14. The system of claim 13.

15. The condition is that a preset time is reached.

15. A system according to any one of claims 9 to 14.

16. The condition is that the next cycle is not started even if a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the previous cycle.

15. A system according to any one of claims 9 to 14.

17. 7. A control program for causing the control unit of the node device according to claim 1 to execute the process.

18. A computer-readable recording medium having the control program according to claim 17 recorded thereon.

19. 15. A control program for causing the management device of the system according to claim 9 to execute the process.

20. A computer-readable recording medium having the control program according to claim 19 recorded thereon.

21. The node device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, Manufacturing an article using the apparatus; A manufacturing system comprising:

22. A system according to any one of claims 9 to 14, Manufacturing an article using the apparatus; A manufacturing system comprising:

23. Using the manufacturing system according to claim 22, acquiring operation information of the device while manufacturing an article using the device; A method for producing an article comprising the steps of:

24. A method for controlling a node device including a communication unit connectable to a sensor that monitors an operating state of the device and capable of communicating with a gateway device, and a control unit, comprising: The control unit is Detecting a cycle of the device based on data obtained from the sensor; When detecting the start of a new cycle, obtain and store first information related to the operating state of the device related to the immediately preceding cycle and second information related to the cumulative operating state of the device related to a plurality of cycles, and transmit the first information and the second information to the gateway device; When a preset condition is satisfied, a process of erasing the stored first information is executed. A control method comprising:

25. A method for controlling a node device including a communication unit connectable to a sensor that monitors an operating state of the device and capable of communicating with a gateway device, and a control unit, comprising: The control unit is Detecting a cycle of the device based on data obtained from the sensor; When detecting the start of a new cycle, obtain and store first information related to the operating state of the device related to the immediately preceding cycle and second information related to the cumulative operating state of the device related to a plurality of cycles, and transmit the first information and the second information to the gateway device; When a preset condition is satisfied, a process of initializing the stored second information is executed. A control method comprising:

26. A method for controlling a node device including a communication unit connectable to a sensor that monitors an operating state of the device and capable of communicating with a gateway device, and a control unit, comprising: The control unit is Detecting a cycle of the device based on data obtained from the sensor; When detecting the start of a new cycle, obtain and store first information related to the operating state of the device related to the immediately preceding cycle and second information related to the cumulative operating state of the device related to a plurality of cycles, and transmit the first information and the second information to the gateway device; when a preset condition is met, a process of erasing the stored first information and initializing the second information is executed. A control method comprising:

Images