Information processor, system, information processing method, manufacturing method for article, program and recording media

Abstract

To provide a technique that is advantageous for data analysis.SOLUTION: An information processor comprises an information processing unit that performs information processing. The information processing unit acquires information about multiple signals used in multiple processes when each of multiple monitoring targets repeatedly performs the corresponding process among the multiple processes. The information processing unit defines one cycle as the time from a first timing at which a predetermined signal used in a specified process included in the multiple processes, among the multiple signals, changes to an active state to a second timing at which the predetermined signal again changes to the active state after the first timing. Then, the information processing unit identifies, as a signal used in the specified process, a signal whose number of activations is the same across multiple such cycles, among the multiple signals.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to information processing. [Background technology]

[0002] Anomalies, including equipment failures, occur due to equipment deterioration, etc. In order to maintain the production efficiency of the production line, it is necessary to quickly perform data analysis to identify the causes of equipment anomalies.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a monitoring device that monitors a device by measuring an operating time from a signal generated when a programmable logic controller (PLC) controls the device. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2022-158230 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, since multiple monitoring targets are arranged on a production line, the user must set in the monitoring device a signal indicating the start and end of the operation of each of the multiple monitoring targets, which places a heavy workload on the user, and therefore an improvement is required.

[0006] The present disclosure provides advantageous techniques for data analysis. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A first aspect of the present disclosure is an information processing device comprising an information processing unit that performs information processing, wherein the information processing unit acquires information regarding a plurality of signals used in a plurality of processes when each of a plurality of monitored objects repeatedly performs a corresponding process among a plurality of processes, defines the time from a first timing at which a predetermined signal used in a predetermined process included in the plurality of processes among the plurality of signals changes to an active state to a second timing at which the predetermined signal changes to an active state again after the first timing as one cycle, and identifies a signal among the plurality of signals that becomes active the same number of times among the plurality of cycles as the signal used for the predetermined process.

[0008] A second aspect of the present disclosure is an information processing method of an information processing unit that processes information, characterized in that when each of multiple monitored objects repeatedly performs a corresponding process among multiple processes, information regarding multiple signals used in the multiple processes is obtained, the time from a first timing at which a predetermined signal used for a predetermined process included in the multiple processes among the multiple signals changes to an active state to a second timing at which the predetermined signal changes to an active state again after the first timing is defined as one cycle, and a signal among the multiple signals that becomes active the same number of times during multiple cycles is identified as the signal used for the predetermined process. Effect of the Invention

[0009] The present disclosure provides advantageous techniques for data analysis. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a system according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a monitoring device according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of operation steps according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4]FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of a production line according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 5] 4 is a flowchart showing a procedure of an analysis processing unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] 5(a) to 5(d) are explanatory diagrams of information processing of the analysis processing unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of information processing of an analysis processing unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] 5(a) and 5(b) are explanatory diagrams of information processing of an analysis processing unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of registration information according to the first embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a display image according to the first embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a display image according to the first embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a display image according to the first embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a display image according to the first embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of a production line according to a second embodiment. [Figure 15] 13A to 13C are explanatory diagrams of the operation of an assembly unit and an insertion unit according to the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The following embodiments are illustrative of preferred configurations of the present disclosure, and for example, those skilled in the art can appropriately modify the detailed configurations without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure. In addition, in the drawings referred to in the following description of the embodiments, elements indicated by the same reference numbers have the same functions unless otherwise noted. In addition, these drawings are represented diagrammatically for convenience of illustration and explanation, and therefore shapes, sizes, arrangements, etc. may not strictly match between the drawings.

[0012] [First embodiment] 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a system 1000 according to the first embodiment. The system 1000 is, for example, a production system that manufactures articles.

[0013] In addition, in Fig. 1, components necessary for explaining the first embodiment are represented by functional blocks, and description of the components is omitted. In other words, each component illustrated in Fig. 1 is a functional concept, and does not necessarily have to be physically configured as illustrated. For example, the specific form of distribution or integration of each functional block is not limited to that illustrated, and all or part of them can be functionally or physically distributed or integrated in any unit according to various loads, usage conditions, etc.

[0014] The system 1000 is arranged on a production line 100 and comprises a plurality of devices 101-103 that are capable of operating independently, a programmable logic controller (PLC) 110 that controls the plurality of devices 101-103, and a monitoring device 120 that transmits and receives data (information) to and from the PLC 110.

[0015] The devices 101 to 103 may be units such as sensors, pneumatic equipment, or robots. The devices 101 to 103 are sequence-controlled by one PLC 110. The PLC 110 is an example of a control unit that controls the devices 101 to 103. The monitoring device 120 is an example of an information processing device. The monitoring device 120 is a computer that operates according to a program, and includes a CPU that is an example of a processor, a memory, and a large-capacity non-volatile storage device such as a magnetic disk device. The monitoring device 120 also includes a display device 160 such as a display, and an input device 150 such as a mouse or a keyboard. The display device 160 is an example of a display unit, and the input device 150 is an example of an input unit.

[0016] The transfer of information from the PLC 110 to the monitoring device 120 will be described. The PLC 110 has a recording processing unit 111. The recording processing unit 111 transfers information of a signal 131 transmitted and received between the PLC 110 and the multiple devices 101 to 103 to the monitoring device 120.

[0017] The monitoring device 120 has an information processing unit 140 that performs information processing. The information processing unit 140 selectively executes an analysis mode M1 that analyzes information of the signal 131 and a monitoring mode M2 ​​that monitors the devices 101 to 103. The analysis mode M1 is an example of a first mode, and the monitoring mode M2 ​​is an example of a second mode. Note that, although an example of the configuration of the system 1 is illustrated in FIG. 1, the system 1 is not limited to the configuration of FIG. 1. For example, the information processing of the monitoring device 120 may be performed by the PLC 110. That is, the information processing unit 140 may be included in the PLC 110. In the analysis mode M1 and the monitoring mode M2, the information processing unit 140 acquires information of the signal 131 from the recording processing unit 111.

[0018] 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a monitoring device 120 according to the first embodiment. The monitoring device 120 is configured as a computer, and includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 121, which is an example of a processor. The monitoring device 120 also includes, as storage units, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 122, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 123, and a HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 124. The monitoring device 120 also includes a recording disk drive 125, and an input / output interface 126.

[0019] The CPU 121, the ROM 122, the RAM 123, the HDD 124, the recording disk drive 125, the input device 150, and the display device 160 are connected to each other via a bus so that data can be transmitted between them. The ROM 122 stores a basic program related to the operation of the computer. The RAM 123 is a storage device that temporarily stores various data such as the calculation results of the CPU 121. The HDD 124 records the calculation results of the CPU 121 and various data acquired from the outside, and also records a program 127 for making the CPU 121 execute the information processing of the information processing unit 140. The program 127 is application software for making the CPU 121 function as the information processing unit 140. Thus, the CPU 121 can execute information processing by executing the program 127.

[0020] The recording disk drive 125 can read out various data, programs, and the like recorded on the recording disk 128. In the first embodiment, the non-transient recording medium readable by the computer is the HDD 124, and the program 127 is recorded on the HDD 124, but this is not limiting. The program 127 may be recorded on any recording medium as long as it is a non-transient recording medium readable by the computer. As a recording medium for supplying the program 127 to the computer, for example, a flexible disk, a hard disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a magnetic tape, a non-volatile memory, and the like can be used. Also, the program 127 may be acquired by the CPU 121 via a network.

[0021] 1, the information processing unit 140 includes an analysis processing unit 141, an action step creation unit 142, a judgment creation processing unit 143, a judgment processing unit 144, and a display processing unit 145. The analysis processing unit 141, the action step creation unit 142, and the judgment creation processing unit 143 function in an analysis mode M1, and the judgment processing unit 144 and the display processing unit 145 function in a monitoring mode M2.

[0022] The analysis processing unit 141 analyzes the information of the signal 131 and generates operation step setting information 132. The operation steps will now be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is an explanatory diagram of the operation steps according to the first embodiment. The PLC 110 transmits an output signal of an operation command to one device A, and when it receives an input signal from the device A notifying the end of the operation, it determines that one operation has been completed in the device A. Each of the output signal and the input signal is a control signal.

[0023] 3 shows a schematic diagram of signals when PLC 110 operates device A left and right. Device A can be any of devices 101 to 103 in FIG. 1. The rectangular portions in FIG. 3 indicate periods during which signals are ON. The time from when signal A changes from OFF to ON to when signal B changes from OFF to ON is the operation time during which device A is operating, and this operation time is defined as operation step 135.

[0024] Operation step 1 shown in Fig. 3 is the time (operation time) from when signal A representing the output signal changes from an inactive state to an active state to when signal B representing the input signal changes from an inactive state to an active state. Operation step 2 shown in Fig. 3 is the time (operation time) from when signal C representing the output signal changes from an inactive state to an active state to when signal D representing the input signal changes from an inactive state to an active state.

[0025] Signal A is an output signal that PCL 110 outputs to device A. Signal B is an input signal that PLC 110 receives from device A. Signal C is an output signal that PCL 110 outputs to device A. Signal D is an input signal that PLC 110 receives from device A. Each signal (signal A, signal B, signal C, signal D) contains a unique code. Output signals and input signals each have a set code description rule, and PLC 110 can determine whether a signal is an output signal or an input signal based on the code description rule. An example of a description rule is to describe the code of an input signal as X○○ (○ is a number) and the code of an output signal as Y○○ (○ is a number).

[0026] When the PLC 110 receives an input signal B, it outputs the next output signal C. The input timing of signal B and the output timing of signal C in the PLC 110 are almost simultaneous and can be considered to be simultaneous.

[0027] The operation step setting information 132 records a combination of signals indicating the start and end of each operation step 135 .

[0028] The action step creation unit 142 creates the action steps 135 using the information of the signal 131 and the action step setting information 132 .

[0029] The judgment generating unit 143 calculates the judgment condition 133 from the normal operation for each operation step 135 .

[0030] The determination processing unit 144 determines that a deviation from the determination condition 133 for each operation step 135 is an abnormality, and creates an abnormality history 134 .

[0031] The display processing unit 145 has a role of notifying the user of the occurrence of an abnormality. When the user selects an abnormality from the abnormality history 134, the display processing unit 145 edits the abnormality history 134, the operation steps 135, and the judgment conditions 133 into a highly visible chart format and displays them on the display device 160.

[0032] The production line 100 will be described below with a specific example. Articles are manufactured in the production line 100. Fig. 4 is an explanatory diagram of the production line 100 according to the first embodiment. Fig. 4 shows a simplified illustration of a plurality of devices present in the production line 100, and the plurality of devices are controlled by the PLC 110 shown in Fig. 1.

[0033] The multiple devices include an input unit 203, a conveyor 204, a coating unit 207, and a discharge unit 209. The input unit 203 is a device that inputs the workpiece 201 set on the input pallet 202 into the conveyor 204. The input unit 203 is, for example, a robot, and is capable of holding the workpiece 201 and moving the workpiece 201. The conveyor 204 is a device that transports the workpiece 201. The coating unit 207 is a device that coats the workpiece 201 with adhesive. The discharge unit 209 is a device that discharges an article obtained by subjecting the workpiece 201 to processing from the conveyor 204 to a discharge pallet 210. The discharge unit 209 is, for example, a robot, and is capable of holding the article and moving the article. The article may be a final product or an intermediate product. The article may be a device, or a part to be incorporated into the device.

[0034] A workpiece detection sensor 205 is disposed corresponding to the input unit 203, a workpiece detection sensor 206 is disposed corresponding to the coating unit 207, and a workpiece detection sensor 208 is disposed corresponding to the discharge unit 209. The input unit 203, the coating unit 207, and the discharge unit 209 correspond to the apparatus 101, the apparatus 102, and the apparatus 103 in FIG. 1, respectively.

[0035] When the input pallet 202 is set in a predetermined position, the input unit 203 goes to pick up the first workpiece 201 on the input pallet 202 and carries the first workpiece 201 onto the conveyor 204 .

[0036] When the first work 201 is placed on the conveyor 204, the conveyor 204 conveys the first work 201 in response to detection of the first work 201 by the work detection sensor 205. The conveyor 204 conveys the first work 201 until the first work 201 is detected by the work detection sensor 206.

[0037] When the first workpiece 201 is detected by the workpiece detection sensor 206, the application unit 207 applies adhesive to the first workpiece 201.

[0038] At the same time as the application unit 207 starts operating, the input unit 203 goes to pick up the next second workpiece 201 from the input pallet 202 and carries the second workpiece 201 onto the conveyor 204 .

[0039] When both the coating unit 207 and the feeding unit 203 have finished their work, the conveyor 204 transports the first workpiece 201 and the second workpiece 201 .

[0040] The conveyor 204 transports the first workpiece 201 that has been subjected to the application by the coating unit 207 until it is detected by a workpiece detection sensor 208 .

[0041] When the first workpiece 201 is detected by the workpiece detection sensor 208 , the discharge unit 209 starts the operation of storing the first workpiece 201 on the discharge pallet 210 .

[0042] At the same time that the discharge unit 209 starts its operation, the input unit 203 starts its operation of picking up the third workpiece 201 on the input pallet 202 , and the application unit 207 starts its operation of applying adhesive to the second workpiece 201 .

[0043] The above operations of each of the units 203, 207, 209 are repeated until all of the workpieces 201 on the input pallet 202 are gone. The period during which each of the units 203, 207, 209 performs operations on one workpiece 201 is called a "cycle."

[0044] When the production line 100 starts operation with no workpieces 201 on the conveyor 204, in the first cycle, only the input unit 203 operates, in the second cycle, the input unit 203 and the coating unit 207 operate, and in the third cycle, all the units 203, 207, and 209 operate.

[0045] From the third cycle onwards, all units 203, 207, 209 continue to operate until there are no more workpieces 201 in the input pallet 202. When there are no more workpieces 201 in the input pallet 202, the input unit 203 goes into standby mode, and at the end of the next cycle, the coating unit 207 goes into standby mode, and at the end of the next cycle, all units 203, 207, 209 go into standby mode.

[0046] From the above, if the initial number of workpieces 201 in the input pallet 202 is N, then each unit 203, 207, 209 will perform work for N cycles until there are no more workpieces 201 in the input pallet 202 and all units 203, 207, 209 no longer perform work. The upper limit of the cycle when the device operates normally is also called the "cycle time."

[0047] In the first embodiment, the monitoring device 120 monitors each of the units 203, 207, and 209. In one monitoring target, one or a series of multiple operations is called a "process." The process performed by the monitoring target can also be called a task, in distinction from the information processing of the monitoring device 120. In the first embodiment, each of the units 203, 207, and 209 performs sequential processing on each of the multiple workpieces 201 flowing through the production line 100.

[0048] For example, in the case of the feeding unit 203, a series of operations, such as the operation of the feeding unit 203 moving to the feeding pallet 202, the operation of the feeding unit 203 holding the workpiece 201 on the feeding pallet 202, the operation of the feeding unit 203 moving to the conveyor 204, and the operation of the feeding unit 203 placing the workpiece 201 on the conveyor 204, are considered to be one process. Each of the multiple units 203, 207, 209 independently performs the corresponding process.

[0049] As described above, each of the plurality of units 203, 207, and 209 repeatedly executes a corresponding process among the plurality of processes.

[0050] Next, the analysis mode M1 performed by the information processing unit 140 will be described. Note that the output signal information acquired by the information processing unit 140 in the analysis mode M1 is the first output signal information, and the input signal information acquired by the information processing unit 140 in the analysis mode M1 is the first input signal information. That is, the signal 131 in the analysis mode M1 includes the first output signal and the first input signal. On the other hand, the signal 131 in the monitoring mode M2 ​​includes the second output signal and the second input signal.

[0051] First, the procedure of the analysis processing unit 141 for creating the operation step setting information 132 from the information of the signal 131 will be described. An operation step is set by a signal for starting and a signal for ending the operation. That is, an operation step is an operation time from the timing when an output signal indicating the start of the operation changes to an active state to the timing when an input signal indicating the end of the operation changes to an active state. The operation time in the analysis mode M1 is the first operation time. On the other hand, the operation time in the monitoring mode M2 ​​is the second operation time.

[0052] Assuming that there is one process in the production line 100, and arranging signals A to D in the order in which they change to the active state as shown in Fig. 3, the operation time indicating the period between signals A and B can be regarded as operation step 1, and the operation time indicating the period between signals C and D can be regarded as operation step 2. Assuming that there is one process in the production line 100, it is easy to identify the signals indicating the start and end of operation steps 1 and 2.

[0053] However, in the production line 100 of the first embodiment, there are multiple processes, and two or more of the multiple processes may be running simultaneously. Therefore, even if the signals are arranged in the order in which they change to an active state, there is a possibility that two arranged signals are signals for different processes, and it is not possible to identify the start and end signals of an operation step by simply arranging the signals in chronological order. In addition, when a user tries to identify which output and input signals corresponding to a certain operation correspond to which operation step of the process of which unit (apparatus), the user must understand the design of the production line 100 and the program of the PLC 110, which places a heavy burden on the user.

[0054] Therefore, in the first embodiment, the information processing unit 140 classifies the signals by process, arranges the signals in the order in which the signals change for each process, and identifies the start and end signals of an operation step. The method for doing this is described below.

[0055] 5 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the analysis processing unit 141 according to the first embodiment. It is assumed that the operation order of the multiple units 203, 207, and 209 in the production line 100 is registered in advance in the PLC 110. Here, a time period in which the PLC 110 does not control the units 203, 207, and 209 in the production line 100 is set as a standby state. For example, the analysis processing unit 141 determines that the standby state is in effect when all signals have not changed for a period of time equal to or longer than the cycle time. The analysis processing unit 141 acquires information on the signal 131 from the PLC 110 for a predetermined period of time after the standby state ends.

[0056] That is, the analysis processing unit 141 obtains information about a plurality of signals used in a plurality of processes over a predetermined period when each of the plurality of units 203, 207, 209 repeatedly performs a corresponding process among the plurality of processes. In other words, the analysis processing unit 141 samples the signal over a predetermined period for analysis. The signal 131 includes a plurality of signals. The plurality of signals, i.e., the signal 131, includes two or more output signals and two or more input signals.

[0057] In step S1, the analysis processing unit 141 registers all output signals as candidates for the leading signal among the acquired signals 131. The leading signal is a signal that is used as a reference when classifying signals for each process, and refers to the signal that changes first when each process starts.

[0058] Next, in step S2, the analysis processing unit 141 performs information processing to identify the leading signal. The analysis processing unit 141 determines that the output signal that changes first when any unit starts operating after the standby state ends is the leading signal.

[0059] The output signal is a control signal of an operation command sent from the PLC 110 to each of the units 203, 207, and 209. As shown in Fig. 4, in the production line 100 in which a plurality of processes are performed, the input unit 203 is the one that starts operating from the standby state, so the signal of the input unit 203 is selected as the first leading signal.

[0060] Hereinafter, the process in which the leading signal is used is referred to as the target process. The input unit 203 is an example of a predetermined monitoring target that repeatedly performs the target process. The target process is an example of a predetermined process. The leading signal is an example of a predetermined signal. The leading signal is identified as the first signal in the target process. In other words, the leading signal is the first signal to be used among the signals used in the target process.

[0061] The target process also includes two or more operations of the input unit 203. For example, the target process, which is the process of the input unit 203, includes a series of multiple operations (two or more operations) such as an operation of the input unit 203 moving to the input pallet 202, an operation of the input unit 203 holding the workpiece 201 on the input pallet 202, an operation of the input unit 203 moving to the conveyor 204, and an operation of the input unit 203 placing the workpiece 201 on the conveyor 204. The leading signal is a signal output by the PLC 110 as a command for a predetermined operation (the operation to be performed first by the input unit 203) among these two or more operations. For example, the predetermined operation is an operation of the input unit 203 moving to the input pallet 202.

[0062] Next, in step S3, the analysis processing unit 141 identifies the next signal after the identified signal that is used in the target process from among all acquired signals (i.e., signals 131). When proceeding from step S2 to step S3, the identified signal is the first signal. When proceeding from step S4 to step S3, the identified signal is the latest signal among the second and subsequent signals.

[0063] Next, in step S4, the analysis processing unit 141 judges whether or not all signals used in the target process have been identified from all acquired signals (i.e., signals 131). If step S4 is NO, the analysis processing unit 141 returns to step S3. If step S4 is YES, the analysis processing unit 141 proceeds to the next step S5. The information processing of steps S3 and S4 will be specifically described below.

[0064] 4, initially, the processing of the input unit 203 is the target processing, and the signal used in the input unit 203 is identified. Hereinafter, a method for identifying the signal used in the target processing will be described in detail.

[0065] In the system 1000, when multiple identical products are mass-produced, each unit 203, 207, 209 repeatedly executes the same process. Each time the process is repeatedly executed, the signals in the process are also repeated in the same pattern. The analysis processing unit 141 classifies the signals into each process based on the preconditions.

[0066] 6(a) to 6(d) are explanatory diagrams of information processing by the analysis processing unit 141 according to the first embodiment. The analysis processing unit 141 identifies combinations of signals that change in the same order and the same number of times in a predetermined number of cycles from among all signals A to F, and classifies the identified combinations of signals as target processes.

[0067] A cycle is the period from when the leading signal changes from an inactive state to an active state to when it next changes from an inactive state to an active state. In the example of Figure 6(a), signal A is the leading signal, and the period from when signal A first changes to when it next changes is a cycle.

[0068] When a signal has an ON (1) or OFF (0) state, the rectangular portion shown in Figure 6 represents the period when it is ON (1). When a signal is ON, it is in an active state, and when a signal is OFF, it is in an inactive state.

[0069] When the signal is numeric data, the numeric data is expressed as a decimal integer. The numeric data is, for example, a program number to be sent to a device to be controlled and executed by the device. When the signal is numeric data, the rectangular portion shown in FIG. 6 represents the period during which a numeric data signal (command) is being sent from PLC 110 or the period during which a numeric data signal is being received by PLC 110. The rectangular portion represents, for example, the period during which the numeric value is a value other than 0. The period during which a numeric data signal is being sent or received from PLC 110 is the active state, and the state during which no signal is being sent or received is the inactive state.

[0070] In Fig. 6(a), signal A, which is the first signal, is an example of a predetermined signal. Signal A is an example of a signal used for a target process included in a plurality of processes. The analysis processing unit 141 defines the time from timing T11 at which signal A shown in Fig. 6(a) changes to an active state to timing T12 at which signal A changes to an active state again after timing T11 as one cycle. Timing T11 is an example of a first timing. Timing T12 is an example of a second timing.

[0071] Next, the analysis processing unit 141 identifies a signal that changes from an inactive state to an active state after the leading signal in the target process in which the leading signal is used. To this end, the analysis processing unit 141 first extracts signals that change from an inactive state to an active state the same number of times in a predetermined number of cycles.

[0072] In the example of FIG. 6(a), the signals B and C change the same number of times in all cycles from the first cycle to the third cycle. That is, the number of changes of the signal B is once in the first cycle, once in the second cycle, and once in the third cycle. The number of changes of the signal C is once in the first cycle, once in the second cycle, and once in the third cycle. Meanwhile, the number of changes of the signal D is once in the first cycle, once in the second cycle, and zero in the third cycle, which is different between two of the multiple cycles. The number of changes of the signal E is once in the first cycle, once in the second cycle, and zero in the third cycle, which is different between two of the multiple cycles. The results are shown in the table of FIG. 6(b). From the above results, the analysis processing unit 141 extracts the signals B and C, but does not extract the signals D, E, and F.

[0073] As described above, the analysis processing unit 141 extracts signals B and C that change from an inactive state to an active state during a plurality of cycles from among the plurality of signals A to F.

[0074] Since the input unit 203 repeatedly performs the same process between cycles, the order in which the multiple signals included in the target process change is the same between cycles. Therefore, if the signal is included in the process of the input unit 203, the number of times the signal changes will be the same between cycles. Therefore, if the number of times the signal changes differs between cycles, the signal is determined to be a signal for a process other than the target process and is excluded.

[0075] When the production line 100 starts operating, the coating unit 207 starts working after the first cycle of the input unit 203 is completed. The timing at which the coating unit 207 starts processing also differs depending on the timing at which the workpiece 201 arrives. Therefore, when comparing multiple cycles from the start of production to the end of production, the number of changes in signals of processes other than the target process is likely to differ between cycles. With the above method, the signal belonging to the target process can be extracted with high accuracy.

[0076] However, depending on the configuration of the production line, there may be cases where a signal of a process other than the target process changes the same number of times by chance over multiple cycles. Therefore, in the target process, it is preferable to perform the following information processing to identify the signal next to the top signal.

[0077] First, the analysis processing unit 141 calculates the difference in change time between the identified signal (the leading signal at this stage) and the extracted signal (signals B and C in the example of FIG. 6(a)) in the same cycle for each of a predetermined number of cycles. Then, the analysis processing unit 141 identifies the signal for which the difference between the maximum and minimum change times in the predetermined number of cycles is the smallest as the second signal used in the target process.

[0078] It should be noted that the production line 100 may stop for a certain period of time due to a case where parts are not supplied, the occurrence of an abnormality, etc. In order to exclude such exceptional cases, it is preferable to use only cycles that have been operated within the cycle time for the calculation.

[0079] In the example of Fig. 6(a), the analysis processing unit 141 calculates the difference in the change time between signals A and B in each of three cycles. The analysis processing unit 141 also calculates the difference in the change time between signals A and C in each of three cycles. The results of these calculations are illustrated in Fig. 6(c). In the example of Fig. 6(c), the difference in the change time between signals A and B is 0.025 [s] in the first cycle, 0.026 [s] in the second cycle, and 0.024 [s] in the third cycle.

[0080] Next, the analysis processing unit 141 obtains the variance of the difference in the change time in signal B and the variance of the difference in the change time in signal C, and identifies the signal with the smaller variance as the second signal. The variance is obtained as the difference between the maximum value of the difference in the change time and the minimum value of the difference in the change time.

[0081] In the example of Fig. 6(c), the variation in the difference in the change time in signal B is 0.026-0.024=0.002 [s] (maximum-minimum value), as shown in Fig. 6(d). Also, the variation in the difference in the change time in signal C is 0.029 [s], as shown in Fig. 6(d). Therefore, signal B, which has a small variation, is identified as the second signal used in the target process.

[0082] When multiple operations are performed in sequence in the target process, the later the operation, the more variance in operation time accumulates due to mechanical factors, etc. Also, in the case of a signal for a process different from the target process, the variance in the difference in change time increases due to factors such as variance in the arrival timing of the work 201. Therefore, signal B, which has the smallest variance in the difference in change time, is identified as the next signal after the identified signal, for example, the second signal.

[0083] After identifying the second signal, the analysis processing unit 141 repeats the same information processing to identify the next signal.

[0084] The analysis processing unit 141 determines the period from when the second signal changes to when the leading signal of the next cycle changes as the "period for searching for the third signal."

[0085] Fig. 7 is an explanatory diagram of information processing by the analysis processing unit 141 according to the first embodiment. In the example of Fig. 7, the period from time t2 when the second signal, signal B, changes to time t1 when the top signal of the next cycle changes is the "period for searching for the third signal."

[0086] When a signal has an ON (1) or OFF (0) state, the rectangular portion shown in Figure 7 represents the period when the signal is ON (1). When a signal is ON, it is in an active state, and when a signal is OFF, it is in an inactive state.

[0087] When the signal is numeric data, the numeric data is expressed as a decimal integer. The numeric data is, for example, a program number to be sent to a device to be controlled and executed by the device. When the signal is numeric data, the rectangular portion shown in FIG. 6 represents the period during which a numeric data signal (command) is being sent from PLC 110 or the period during which a numeric data signal is being received by PLC 110. The rectangular portion represents, for example, the period during which the numeric value is a value other than 0. The period during which a numeric data signal is being sent or received from PLC 110 is the active state, and the state during which no signal is being sent or received is the inactive state.

[0088] The analysis processing unit 141 extracts signals that change the same number of times over multiple cycles during the "period of searching for the third signal" in the same manner as in the procedure used to identify the second signal.

[0089] This is a repetition of the explanation of the information processing that specified the second signal, but the signal of the target processing repeatedly performs the same operation, so the order in which the signals change is the same over multiple cycles. For a signal of the target processing, the number of times that the third signal changes relative to the first signal, which is the top signal, changes during the period from when the second signal changes to when the top signal of the next cycle changes is the same over multiple cycles, so signals with different numbers of changes between cycles can be excluded as signals of processing other than the target processing.

[0090] Then, similar to the information processing that identified the second signal, the analysis processing unit 141 calculates the difference in the change time between the extracted signal and the second signal for each of a predetermined number of cycles, and identifies the signal with the smallest variance as the third signal used in the target processing.

[0091] To facilitate understanding, the above description has been given of a case where the signal changes only once per cycle. However, in the production line 100, any one of the multiple units may repeat the same operation multiple times in one cycle. In such a case, the signal changes multiple times in one cycle.

[0092] Below, a method for identifying a signal that changes multiple times in one cycle as a signal to be used for the target process will be described.

[0093] Even if a signal changes multiple times in one cycle, if it is a target signal, the signal changes the same number of times and in the same order over multiple cycles. The information processing for extracting signals that change the same number of times over multiple cycles is as follows.

[0094] 8(a) and 8(b) are explanatory diagrams of information processing of the analysis processing unit 141 according to the first embodiment. Fig. 8 illustrates an example in which the second signal B following the first signal A changes multiple times.

[0095] When a signal has an ON (1) or OFF (0) state, the rectangular portion shown in Fig. 8(a) represents the period when the signal is ON (1). When a signal is ON, the signal is in an active state, and when a signal is OFF, the signal is in an inactive state.

[0096] When the signal is numeric data, the numeric data is expressed as a decimal integer. The numeric data is, for example, a program number to be sent to a device to be controlled and executed by the device. When the signal is numeric data, the rectangular portion shown in FIG. 6 represents the period during which a numeric data signal (command) is being sent from PLC 110 or the period during which a numeric data signal is being received by PLC 110. The rectangular portion represents, for example, the period during which the numeric value is a value other than 0. The period during which a numeric data signal is being sent or received from PLC 110 is the active state, and the state during which no signal is being sent or received is the inactive state.

[0097] In the information processing for identifying the second signal, if signal B is a signal used in a target process in which signal A, the leading signal, is used, the number of times that signal B changes in multiple cycles is the same, 2. Therefore, by performing the above-described information processing, even if signal B is a signal that changes multiple times in one cycle, it is identified as the second signal.

[0098] Next, the procedure for identifying the third signal will be described. If there is a third signal used in the target process, the number of times the third signal changes between the first and second change times of signal B is the same across multiple cycles. Therefore, the following procedure is used to exclude signals used in processes other than the target process.

[0099] Assume that the first signal is signal A, the second signal is signal B, and so on. The timing of the first change of signal B is defined as T1, the timing of the second change of signal B as T2, and so on, and the timing of the change of signal A in the next cycle is the last and defined as T3. Furthermore, the period between timing T1 and timing T2 is defined as period T1-T2, and the period between timing T2 and timing T3 is defined as period T2-T3. In this manner, timing Ti and periods Ti-Ti+1 are defined.

[0100] The analysis processing unit 141 counts the number of times a signal changes at the same time as timing Ti and the number of times it changes during a period from Ti to Ti+1. Then, the analysis processing unit 141 extracts signals that change the same number of times during timing Ti or during a period from Ti to Ti+1 over multiple cycles.

[0101] In the example of FIG. 8(a), signal B, which is identified as the second signal, changes from OFF (0) to ON (1) twice in one cycle.

[0102] The analysis processing unit 141 obtains the number of times that the signal C changes during the period T1 to T2, the timing T2, and the period T2 to T3 for each of a plurality of cycles. For example, as shown in Fig. 8(b), in the first cycle, the signal C changes once during the period T1 to T2, in the second cycle, the signal C changes once during the period T1 to T2, and in the third cycle, the signal C changes once during the period T2 to T3.

[0103] In this way, only signals that change between the first (T1) change and the second (T2) change of signal B over multiple cycles are extracted. Also, a third signal can be extracted even if it changes simultaneously with the second (T2) change of signal B. In the example of Fig. 8(a), signal C does not change in the period T1-T2 in the third cycle, but changes in the period T2-T3, as shown in Fig. 8(b), and is therefore excluded as a signal used in a process different from the target process.

[0104] There may be cases where the second signal change of signal B becomes the third signal. Therefore, in the process of calculating the difference in the change time of the second signal B to be performed next, the analysis processing unit 141 calculates the difference in change time from the time of the first signal change of signal B not only for the extracted signal but also for the already identified signal (the second signal change of signal B). Then, the signal with the smallest difference between the maximum and minimum change times over multiple cycles is identified as the third signal. In addition, when calculating the variance in the difference in change times, the difference in change time of the first signal in the next cycle is also calculated and compared with the difference in change time of the extracted signal.

[0105] As described above, in step S3, the analysis processing unit 141 identifies the next signal to be used in the target process. Next, in step S4, the analysis processing unit 141 judges whether the next signal is the first signal (the first signal of the next cycle). That is, the analysis processing unit 141 judges whether the signal with the smallest variation in the difference in change time is the first signal of the next cycle. If step S4 is YES, that is, if the signal with the smallest variation in the difference in change time is the first signal of the next cycle, the analysis processing unit 141 proceeds to the information processing of step S5. If step S4 is NO, the analysis processing unit 141 returns to the information processing of step S3. Through the above procedure, the signal to be used in the target process is identified.

[0106] Other methods for identifying signals that change in the same order and the same number of times include a method for checking whether all signal combinations change in the same order and sequence over multiple cycles, and a method for classifying signals by processing using statistical clustering processing, etc. However, with such methods, the number of signal combinations increases exponentially as the number of signals increases, resulting in enormous calculation times.

[0107] In contrast, according to the first embodiment, even if the number of signals increases, the amount of calculations is only proportional to the number of signals, so the amount of calculations can be reduced. In other words, since the settings of the units 203, 207, and 209 (monitoring targets) can be completed in a short period of time, the user can quickly monitor the units 203, 207, and 209.

[0108] As described above, the analysis processing unit 141 excludes signals used in processes other than the target process from the extracted signals, identifies signals among multiple signals that become active the same number of times over multiple cycles as signals used in the target process, and generates operation step setting information 132 shown in FIG. 1.

[0109] Next, in step S5, the operation step creation unit 142 creates the operation steps 135 based on the signals identified in steps S2 and S3, i.e., the operation step setting information 132. The operation step creation unit 142 registers the operation steps 135 in a database (e.g., HDD 124) with the same process number.

[0110] Step S5 will be described below. Fig. 9 is an explanatory diagram of registered information according to the first embodiment. As shown in Fig. 9, the operation step creation unit 142 assigns numbers to a signal group including the identified first signal, second signal, third signal, ... in order from the first signal, and registers the processing number, operation step number, signal name at the start of the operation step, and signal name at the end of the operation step in the database.

[0111] The process number is a value that is uniquely determined for each process. For example, the first process is assigned the number "1", the second process is assigned the number "2", and so on.

[0112] The action step number is a value that is uniquely determined for each action step included in the process. For example, the first action step is assigned the number "1", the second action step is assigned the number "2", and so on.

[0113] If the signal is an output signal, the operation step creation unit 142 registers the output signal as the start of an operation step. That is, the operation step creation unit 142 registers each of the output signals included in the identified signal group in the "signal name of the start of an operation step."

[0114] The operation step creation section 142 registers the signal (output signal or input signal) that changes next to the output signal registered as the start of the operation step as the "signal name at the end of the operation step."

[0115] For signals that change multiple times in one cycle, the operation step creation unit 142 registers the "signal name at the start of the operation step" and the "signal name at the end of the operation step" along with information indicating the number of times the signal changes in one cycle.

[0116] Moreover, if no signal other than the leading signal is extracted in step S3, the operation step creation unit 142 determines that the signal changes regardless of the processing of the device, and does not register it in the database. An example of a signal that changes regardless of the processing of the device is a signal for a rotating light that notifies of an abnormality in the device.

[0117] In addition, the registered output signals and input signals are excluded from candidates when identifying the next signal in step S3 so that they are not registered in another process. This is because, in principle, the same operation step is not performed in multiple processes.

[0118] Here, an explanation will be given taking as an example the operation step with process number "1" and operation step number "1" shown in Fig. 9. The operation step with process number "1" and operation step number "1" is actually the period from the time when signal A, which is an output signal, changes from OFF to ON to the time when signal X (not shown), which is an input signal, changes from OFF to ON. However, the input signal may vary due to some factor, and may not be identified as the next signal in step S3.

[0119] On the other hand, there is almost no variation in the output signals. In general, the timing at which the next output signal, signal B, changes is almost the same as that of signal X. Therefore, if the output signal, signal B, is identified after the output signal, signal A, then for some reason the input signal, signal X, was not identified, so signal B is regarded as signal X, and the timing at which signal B changes is taken as the end of the operation step.

[0120] Next, in step S6, the operation step creation section 142 excludes the output signals already registered in step S5 from the candidates for the leading signal.

[0121] Next, in step S7, the action step creation unit 142 judges whether or not there is a candidate for the leading signal. If there is a candidate for the leading signal, that is, if step S7 is YES, the analysis processing unit 141 returns to step S2 to identify the leading signal again. If there is no candidate for the leading signal, that is, if step S7 is NO, the analysis processing unit 141 and the action step creation unit 142 end the information processing.

[0122] In the example of Fig. 4, the first output signal of the signals used in the processing of the input unit 203 is identified as the leading signal in step S2. Next, in steps S3 and S4, other signals used in the processing of the input unit 203 are identified. Next, in step S5, the identified signals are registered. Next, in step S6, the output signal used in the processing of the input unit 203 is excluded from the candidates for the leading signal.

[0123] Returning to step S2 again, the first output signal of the signals used in the processing of the coating unit 207 is identified as the leading signal. Thereafter, signals used in the processing of the coating unit 207 are identified and registered in the same manner as in the input unit 203. In step S6, the output signal used in the processing of the coating unit 207 is excluded from the candidates for the leading signal.

[0124] Returning to step S2 again, the first output signal of the signals used in the processing of the discharge unit 209 is identified as the leading signal. Thereafter, signals used in the processing of the discharge unit 209 are identified and registered in the same manner as in the input unit 203. In step S6, the output signal used in the processing of the discharge unit 209 is excluded from the candidates for the leading signal.

[0125] Steps S2 to S7 shown in FIG. 5 are repeatedly executed, so that signals corresponding to the processes of all units 203, 207, and 209 are registered in the database.

[0126] In the example of Fig. 9, for example, the process corresponding to the process number "1" is the process of the feeding unit 203. The process of the feeding unit 203 includes four operations, and the four operations are assigned operation step numbers "1", "2", "3" and "4", respectively. The signals used in the process of the feeding unit 203 include an output signal output by the PLC 110 to the feeding unit 203 as an operation command, and an input signal input from the feeding unit 203 to the PLC 110 as a response indicating the end of the operation. In the example of Fig. 9, the timing at which the input signal becomes active at the end of the operation step can be considered to be the same as the timing at which the output signal becomes active, so the output signal is registered as an input signal.

[0127] As described above, the operation step 135 is an operation time corresponding to an operation in a unit (apparatus). Therefore, the analysis processing unit 141 and the operation step creation unit 142 of the information processing unit 140 acquire, in the analysis mode M1, an operation time corresponding to an operation from the timing when the output signal becomes active to the timing when the input signal becomes active as the operation step 135.

[0128] As described above, according to the first embodiment, the operation steps 135 corresponding to each process are automatically set by the information processing of the analysis processing unit 141 and the operation step creation unit 142. Therefore, the user does not need to set the operation steps 135 using information on the signal 131 (plurality of signals), and the burden on the user is reduced.

[0129] In particular, a large number of devices (units) are arranged on the production line 100, and each unit may perform a large number of operations, resulting in a huge number of signals 131. In this way, automating the generation of the operation steps 135 reduces the burden on the user.

[0130] Furthermore, if a user were to create the operation steps 135, the user would need to understand the program language and control method of the PLC 110. In contrast, in the first embodiment, the operation steps 135 are automatically generated, so the user does not need to understand the program language and control method of the PLC 110, reducing the burden on the user.

[0131] Another method is for the user to create a program that extracts signals that start and end operations from the design drawings of the PLC 110 program. However, production of production lines is often outsourced, and the format of design drawings may differ from company to company or organization to organization. Therefore, creating a program that extracts signals for each format places a heavy burden on the user. In contrast, in the first embodiment, the operation steps 135 corresponding to each process are automatically generated, reducing such a burden on the user.

[0132] As described above, according to the first embodiment, a technique that is advantageous for data analysis, for example, data analysis for monitoring, is provided.

[0133] Next, a method for setting conditions for monitoring the operation time (operation steps) of each process and each operation will be described. First, information processing of the judgment generation processing unit 143 that generates the judgment condition 133 shown in FIG.

[0134] The judgment generation processing unit 143 determines a judgment threshold (threshold range) based on the operation steps 135 when each of the units 203, 207, and 209 is operating normally. The operation steps 135 are operation steps generated by the analysis processing unit 141.

[0135] In addition, the judgment generation processing unit 143 may determine the judgment threshold to be, for example, the maximum and minimum values ​​of the time of the operation step 135 when each unit 203, 207, 209 is operating normally, or may determine the judgment threshold from a statistical value (average value or standard deviation).

[0136] Whether the units 203, 207, and 209 are operating normally can be determined, for example, from error information of the units 203, 207, and 209 determined by the PLC 110. Alternatively, it may be determined whether the cycle time of each of the units 203, 207, and 209 is within a predetermined time. Alternatively, the user may specify a time period during which each of the units 203, 207, and 209 is operating normally.

[0137] The decision making processing unit 143 records the determined decision threshold in a database (for example, the HDD 124) as the decision condition 133. When the decision condition 133 is recorded in the database, the decision processing unit 144 starts monitoring the operation steps 135 of the units 203, 207, and 209.

[0138] As described above, the judgment generation processing unit 143 sets the judgment thresholds (threshold ranges) used for monitoring each of the units 203, 207, 209 in correspondence with each of the units 203, 207, 209 based on the operation step 135 indicating the operation time.

[0139] Each determination threshold (threshold range) is a time range based on the start timing of the operation time of each unit 203, 207, 209 operating in the monitoring mode M2.

[0140] In this way, in the first embodiment, the judgment condition 133 can be automatically set by the information processing of the analysis processing unit 141, the action step creation unit 142, and the judgment creation processing unit 143. Therefore, it is no longer necessary for the user to set the judgment condition 133 using information on the signal 131 (plurality of signals), and the burden on the user is reduced.

[0141] Next, the monitoring mode M2 ​​will be described. In the monitoring mode M2, the determination processing unit 144 monitors the multiple units 203, 207, and 209 based on the determination condition 133.

[0142] The judgment processing unit 144 judges whether the operation step 135 is normal or abnormal based on the judgment conditions 133 and the cycle time previously registered by the user in the system 1000. If the operation step 135 (operation time) is outside the judgment threshold recorded in the judgment conditions 133, the judgment processing unit 144 records the time when the judgment threshold was exceeded, the process number, the operation step number, the signal input / output symbol, and the signal name in the abnormality history 134 in the database as an operation delay abnormality.

[0143] Also, a problem may occur in any of the units 203, 207, or 209, causing the unit to stop operating in the middle of processing. In this case, after the unit starts the operation that caused it to stop, the end signal for the operation step does not change. In other words, there is no response of the input signal from the unit to the PLC 110.

[0144] Therefore, if the end signal of the operation step does not change even after a predetermined time equal to or greater than the unit's cycle time has elapsed since the operation started, the judgment processing unit 144 records the time when the predetermined time elapsed, the processing number, the operation step number, the signal input / output symbol, and the signal name in the abnormality history 134 in the database as an abnormality that caused the equipment to stop.

[0145] As described above, the determination processing unit 144 records the monitoring results of the multiple units 203, 207, and 209 in a database (for example, the HDD 124).

[0146] The display processing unit 145 displays the occurrence status of an abnormality on the display device 160. Figs. 10 and 11 are explanatory diagrams showing an example of a display image according to the first embodiment. Fig. 10 illustrates a user interface image I1 which is a graphical user interface (GUI). Fig. 11 illustrates a user interface image I2 which is a GUI. Hereinafter, the user interface image I1 will be simply referred to as image I1. Also, the user interface image I2 will be simply referred to as image I2. The user can grasp the occurrence status of an abnormality from the images I1 and I2 displayed on the display device 160.

[0147] 10 is an image for displaying (notifying) an abnormality in an operation delay recorded in the abnormality history 134. The image I1 includes fields 1001 to 1004 and a display switching button 1006.

[0148] A period is specified in the field 1001. The display processing unit 145 displays, in the fields 1002 to 1004, data for the period specified in the field 1001, among the data included in the abnormality history 134.

[0149] 10, a period of 10 days from the date and time 10 days before the date and time when the abnormality history 134 was last updated to the date and time when the abnormality history 134 was last updated is specified in the field 1001. Note that the user can also specify the period by inputting into the field 1001 using the input device 150.

[0150] In a field 1002, the total delay time and the number of delays for each operation step that occurred within the period specified in the field 1001 are displayed in a table format.

[0151] A field 1003 displays the time when an action delay occurred and the duration of the action delay corresponding to an item selected by the user from among one or more items shown in the field 1002. A field 1004 displays, in a bar chart, the total delay time per day during the period specified in the field 1001. For example, a bar 1005 indicates that a total delay of 5 minutes occurred on 2 / 11 / 2015.

[0152] The display switching button 1006 is a button that can be operated by the user via the input device 150. When the display switching button 1006 is operated, the display processing unit 145 switches the display from the image I1 shown in FIG.

[0153] 11 is an image for displaying (notifying) an abnormality in the device shutdown recorded in the abnormality history 134. The image I2 includes fields 1101 to 1103 and a display switching button 1105.

[0154] A period is specified in the field 1101. The display processing unit 145 displays, in fields 1102 and 1103, data for the period specified in the field 1101, out of the data included in the abnormality history 134.

[0155] 11, a period of 10 days from the date and time 10 days before the date and time when the abnormality history 134 was last updated to the date and time when the abnormality history 134 was last updated is specified in the field 1101. Note that the user can also specify the period by inputting into the field 1101 using the input device 150.

[0156] In the field 1102, abnormalities in which the device has stopped during the period specified in the field 1101 are displayed in a table format.

[0157] Field 1103 displays in the form of a bar chart the number of times that device stoppages occurred per day during the period specified in field 1001. For example, bar 1104 indicates that delays occurred 60 times on February 11, 2015. The number of times that device stoppages occurred is tallied, for example, by the determination processing unit 144 based on the abnormality history 134.

[0158] The display switching button 1105 is a button that can be operated by the user via the input device 150. When the display switching button 1105 is operated, the display processing unit 145 switches the display from the image I2 shown in FIG.

[0159] A procedure for checking the operation steps in detail when an abnormality occurs will be described. Figs. 12 and 13 are explanatory diagrams showing an example of a display image according to the first embodiment. Fig. 12 shows a user interface image I3 which is a GUI. Fig. 13 shows a user interface image I4 which is a GUI. Hereinafter, the user interface image I3 will be simply referred to as image I3. Also, the user interface image I4 will be simply referred to as image I4. The user can grasp the occurrence of an abnormality from the images I3 and I4 displayed on the display device 160.

[0160] When the user selects one of the multiple items in field 1003 displaying the delay time list in Fig. 10, display processing unit 145 switches the image displayed on display device 160 from image I1 shown in Fig. 10 to image I3 shown in Fig. 12. Image I3 is an image for displaying (notifying) information on the action step of the action in which the action delay occurred, corresponding to the item selected by the user. Image I3 includes field 1201 and field 1202.

[0161] A period is specified in field 1201. Display processing unit 145 displays, in field 1202, information on operation steps and information on signals during the period specified in field 1201.

[0162] In the example of Fig. 12, a period of 5 seconds before and after the date and time of occurrence of the delay operation abnormality selected in field 1003 of Fig. 10 is specified in field 1201. Note that the user can also specify the period by inputting into field 1201 using input device 150.

[0163] Field 1202 includes tabs for switching the processes to be displayed, and displays information on the operation steps of the operations of the processes corresponding to the tabs. In the initial state, field 1202 displays the process corresponding to the process number of the item selected in field 1002 in FIG.

[0164] By switching between multiple tabs, information on the operation steps for each process is displayed. Field 1202 makes it easy to visually confirm the operation of a device that performs multiple processes simultaneously.

[0165] Here, "Process 1" represents the name of the process registered as process number 1 in the operation step setting information 132 in Fig. 1. Note that the user may register a display name corresponding to the process in the monitoring device 120, so that "Process 1" may be displayed as an easy-to-understand name.

[0166] A rectangular bar 1203 represents an operation time corresponding to operation step 1. The operation time corresponding to the bar 1203 is an example of a second operation time. A period in which the bar 1203 of operation step 1 does not appear represents that the corresponding unit (apparatus) is stopped.

[0167] A rectangular frame 1204 indicated by a dashed line represents the judgment condition 133 for operation step 1. Frame 1204 corresponds to the judgment threshold (threshold range). The leftmost time of frame 1204 is the time when the minimum value of judgment condition 133 has elapsed since the start of the operation corresponding to operation step 1. The rightmost time of frame 1204 is the time when the maximum value of judgment condition 133 has elapsed since the start of the operation corresponding to operation step 1. Frame 1204 is displayed overlapping bar 1203.

[0168] A rectangular bar 1205 represents an output signal indicating the start of the next higher operation step (operation step 1). A rectangular bar 1206 represents an input signal indicating the end of the next higher operation step (operation step 1).

[0169] When a signal has an ON (1) or OFF (0) state, the rectangular portion represents the period when the signal is ON (1). When a signal is ON, the signal is in an active state, and when a signal is OFF, the signal is in an inactive state.

[0170] When the signal is numeric data, the numeric data is expressed as a decimal integer. The numeric data is, for example, a program number to be sent to a device to be controlled and executed by the device. When the signal is numeric data, the rectangular portion shown in FIG. 6 represents the period during which a numeric data signal (command) is being sent from PLC 110 or the period during which a numeric data signal is being received by PLC 110. The rectangular portion represents, for example, the period during which the numeric value is a value other than 0. The period during which a numeric data signal is being sent or received from PLC 110 is the active state, and the state during which no signal is being sent or received is the inactive state.

[0171] Rectangular bar 1207 represents the operation time corresponding to operation step 3. The operation time corresponding to bar 1207 is an example of the second operation time. A period in which bar 1207 of operation step 3 does not appear represents that the corresponding unit (apparatus) is stopped.

[0172] A rectangular frame 1208 indicated by a dashed line represents the judgment condition 133 for operation step 3. Frame 1208 corresponds to the judgment threshold (threshold range). The leftmost time of frame 1208 is the time when the minimum value of judgment condition 133 has elapsed since the start of the operation corresponding to operation step 3. The rightmost time of frame 1208 is the time when the maximum value of judgment condition 133 has elapsed since the start of the operation corresponding to operation step 3. Frame 1208 is displayed overlapping bar 1207.

[0173] Since the right end of the operation step goes beyond the right end time indicating the normal range of the frame 1208 to the right, it can be determined that there is a delay.

[0174] It is preferable that the display processing unit 145 differentiates the display form (first display form) of the bar 1203 when the end time of the operation time corresponding to the bar 1203 is in the frame 1204 indicating the judgment threshold (threshold range) from the display state (second display form) of the bar 1207 when the end time of the operation time corresponding to the bar 1207 is out of the frame 1208 indicating the judgment threshold (threshold range). For example, when an operation delay occurs, the display processing unit 145 may display the bar 1207 in a color different from the color in the normal case, so that the user can easily notice the delayed part.

[0175] Field 1209 displays the names of operation steps and signals. In the example of Fig. 12, the operation step number is displayed after the name of the "operation step". Note that, in order to make it easier to understand the operation content of the operation step, the user may register a processing number and an operation name corresponding to the operation step number in the monitoring device 120, and the "operation step" may be displayed in place of the name registered by the user. Also, in the example of Fig. 12, the operation steps and signals are displayed, but it may be possible to switch to displaying only the operation steps by operating the screen.

[0176] When a user selects one of the multiple items in field 1102 displaying the list of anomalies in Fig. 11, display processing unit 145 switches the image displayed on display device 160 from image I2 shown in Fig. 11 to image I4 shown in Fig. 13. Image I4 is an image for displaying (notifying) information about the operation step of the operation in which the device stopped, which corresponds to the item selected by the user. Image I4 includes field 1301 and field 1302.

[0177] A period is specified in field 1301. Display processing unit 145 displays, in field 1302, information on operation steps and information on signals during the period specified in field 1301.

[0178] In the example of Fig. 13, a period of 5 seconds before and after the date and time of occurrence of the abnormality that caused the device to stop, selected in field 1102 of Fig. 11, is specified in field 1301. Note that the user can also specify the period by inputting into field 1301 using input device 150.

[0179] Field 1302 includes tabs for switching the processes to be displayed, and displays information on the operation steps of the operations of the processes corresponding to the tabs. In the initial state, field 1302 displays the process corresponding to the process number of the item selected in field 1102 in FIG.

[0180] By switching between multiple tabs, information on the operation steps for each process is displayed. Field 1302 makes it easy to visually confirm the operation of a device that performs multiple processes simultaneously.

[0181] Here, "Process 1" represents the name of the process registered as process number 1 in the operation step setting information 132 in Fig. 1. Note that the user may register a display name corresponding to the process in the monitoring device 120, so that "Process 1" may be displayed as an easy-to-understand name.

[0182] A rectangular bar 1303 represents an operation time corresponding to operation step 1. The operation time corresponding to the bar 1303 is an example of a second operation time. A period in which the bar 1303 of operation step 1 does not exist represents that the corresponding unit (apparatus) is stopped.

[0183] A rectangular frame 1304 indicated by a dashed line represents the judgment condition 133 for operation step 1. The frame 1304 corresponds to the judgment threshold (threshold range). The leftmost time of the frame 1304 is the time when the minimum value of the judgment condition 133 has elapsed since the start of the operation corresponding to operation step 1. The rightmost time of the frame 1304 is the time when the maximum value of the judgment condition 133 has elapsed since the start of the operation corresponding to operation step 1. The frame 1304 is displayed overlapping the bar 1303.

[0184] A rectangular bar 1307 represents an operation time corresponding to operation step 3. The operation time corresponding to bar 1307 is an example of a second operation time. A period in which there is no bar 1307 in operation step 3 represents that the corresponding unit (apparatus) is stopped.

[0185] A rectangular frame 1308 indicated by a dashed line represents the judgment condition 133 for operation step 3. The frame 1308 corresponds to the judgment threshold (threshold range). The leftmost time of the frame 1308 is the time when the minimum value of the judgment condition 133 has elapsed since the start of the operation corresponding to operation step 3. The rightmost time of the frame 1308 is the time when the maximum value of the judgment condition 133 has elapsed since the start of the operation corresponding to operation step 3. The frame 1308 is displayed overlapping the bar 1307.

[0186] Bar 1307 represents the operation step when the unit (equipment) abnormally stopped. If the unit (equipment) abnormally stops during operation, the end signal of operation step 3 does not change after the unit starts operating. If the end signal of operation step 3 does not change even after a time equal to or longer than the unit's cycle time has elapsed since the unit started operating, it is determined that the unit (equipment) has abnormally stopped. Therefore, the end signal (input signal O) of bar 1307 does not change. Also, if the end signal of operation step 3 does not change, display processing unit 145 displays the end time of operation step 3 as the time when the cycle time has elapsed from the time the operation started.

[0187] It is preferable that the display processing unit 145 differentiates the display form (first display form) of the bar 1303 when the end time of the operation time corresponding to the bar 1303 is in the frame 1304 indicating the judgment threshold (threshold range) from the display state (second display form) of the bar 1307 when there is no end time of the operation time corresponding to the bar 1307. For example, the display processing unit 145 may display the bar 1307 in a color different from the normal color so that the user can visually recognize that the operation step did not end normally.

[0188] 12, the determination processing unit 144 acquires information on the output signal A output by the PLC 110 to the feeding unit 203 as an operation command in the monitoring mode M2, and information on the input signal B input to the PLC 110 from the feeding unit 203 as a response indicating the end of the operation, for example. In the example of FIG. 12, the output signal A is an example of a second output signal, and the input signal B is an example of a second input signal. Then, the determination processing unit 144 acquires information on the operation time (the time corresponding to the bar 1203) corresponding to the operation from the timing when the output signal A becomes active to the timing when the input signal B becomes active. The time corresponding to the bar 1203 is an example of the second operation time. Then, the determination processing unit 144 compares the determination threshold (threshold range) in the determination condition 133 with the time corresponding to the bar 1203 to monitor the feeding unit 203.

[0189] As described above, in the monitoring mode M2, an abnormality determination is made using the determination conditions 133 that were automatically set in the analysis mode M1.

[0190] As shown in FIGS. 10 and 12, when the time corresponding to the bar 1203 falls outside the determination threshold (threshold range), the display processing unit 145 issues a warning.

[0191] 11 and 13, the display processing unit 145 issues a warning if the input signal O does not become active within a predetermined period of time after the output signal N becomes active. The output signal N is an example of a second output signal, and the input signal O is an example of a second input signal.

[0192] In the first embodiment, the display processing unit 145 causes the display device 160 to display the image I1 shown in FIG. 10 and the image I2 shown in FIG. 11, so that the user can easily grasp the occurrence of an abnormality. Also, in the first embodiment, the display processing unit 145 causes the display device 160 to display the image I3 shown in FIG. 12 and the image I4 shown in FIG. 13, so that the operation steps for each process are displayed in both images I3 and I4. Therefore, the user can easily understand the operation of the unit (apparatus). Also, by switching tabs, the user can grasp which operation other processes were performing when the abnormality occurred, making it easier to analyze the cause of an abnormality that occurs due to the operation timing between processes.

[0193] Here, a comparative example will be described. In order to investigate the cause of an abnormality in the device, the user selects a signal and compares the selected signal with a normal signal displayed on the screen. However, if the difference in the relative change timing between the signals is not known, it is not possible to determine whether the selected signal is normal or abnormal. Therefore, it is conceivable to identify the location of the problem by repeatedly selecting a combination of signals related to a location where a problem is predicted to occur and comparing the difference between the abnormal and normal states.

[0194] In contrast, according to the first embodiment, an abnormal part can be identified for each operation by generating operation steps representing the operation of the device from signals and monitoring them. Also, since the judgment conditions 133 can be created simply by recording and analyzing the signals during the operation of the device, it becomes easy to create judgment conditions for all the operations of the device.

[0195] In addition, since the judgment conditions 133 are automatically set, the user does not need to spend a lot of time on the setting work, and does not need to have the skills to understand the program language or control method of the PLC 110. In addition, abnormalities in devices (units) caused by breakdowns, deterioration, etc. can be detected on an operation basis for each device (unit).

[0196] [Second embodiment] A second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. In the following, elements with the same reference symbols as those in the first embodiment will have substantially the same configurations and functions as those described in the first embodiment unless otherwise specified, and differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described.

[0197] FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram of a production line 100A according to the second embodiment. In the first embodiment, a case where each of a plurality of processes operates independently has been described as an example. However, there are cases where one of the plurality of processes waits for the other processes to complete before operating. In the second embodiment, operation steps are generated from signals and monitored, and abnormal locations are identified on an operation-by-operation basis.

[0198] The production line 100A includes a feeding unit 303, a conveyor 304, an assembly unit 308, a discharge unit 310, and a feeding unit 403. The configurations of the feeding unit 303, the conveyor 304, and the discharge unit 310 are similar to the configurations of the feeding unit 203, the conveyor 204, and the discharge unit 209 in Fig. 4. The feeding unit 403 is, for example, a robot, and is capable of holding the workpiece 401 and moving the workpiece 401.

[0199] The units (devices) 303, 304, 308, 310, and 403 are controlled by one PLC 110. The operations of the input unit 303, the conveyor 304, and the discharge unit 310 are similar to those of the input unit 203, the conveyor 204, and the discharge unit 209 in Fig. 4. The assembly unit 308 and the input unit 403 wait for each other to complete their operations before operating.

[0200] The assembly unit 308 is a unit capable of assembling the workpiece 401 (workpiece B) to the workpiece 301 (workpiece A). The workpiece 301 (workpiece A) is an example of a first workpiece. The workpiece 401 (workpiece B) is an example of a second workpiece.

[0201] The specific operations performed in each process will be described with reference to Fig. 15. Fig. 15 is an explanatory diagram of the operations of the assembly unit 308 and the insertion unit 403 according to the second embodiment. Fig. 15 illustrates the operation steps of the operations performed by each of the units 308 and 403 in the form of a flowchart.

[0202] The assembling unit 308 is an example of a monitoring target. The input unit 403 is an example of a monitoring target. The assembling unit 308 repeatedly performs the process shown in Fig. 15. The input unit 403 repeatedly performs the process shown in Fig. 15.

[0203] The process of the assembly unit 308 includes a plurality of operations corresponding to the plurality of operation steps A-1 to A-5. The process of the insertion unit 403 includes a plurality of operations corresponding to the plurality of operation steps B-1 to B-5.

[0204] The assembly unit 308 starts operation when the work A arrives from the previous process on the conveyor 304. The input unit 403 starts operation when the input pallet 402 is set and the user instructs the start of the unit 403. The assembly unit 308 and the input unit 403 start operation at different times.

[0205] When the input unit 403 starts its operation, in operation step B-1, it takes out the work B from the input pallet 402. Then, in operation step B-2, the inspection camera 404 inspects the work B. Next, in operation step B-3, the input unit 403 moves the work B to the conveyor 304 side.

[0206] Depending on the movement position of the assembly unit 308, the feeding unit 403 may collide with the assembly unit 308. Therefore, a control program is built into the PLC 110 so that the feeding unit 403 waits for an instruction for permission to enter from the assembly unit 308 before starting the operation step B-3.

[0207] Similarly, the process of the assembling unit 308 will be described. When the workpiece A arrives at the assembling unit 308 from the upstream process, in operation step A-1, the assembling unit 308 operates an actuator (not shown) to fix the workpiece A. Then, the assembling unit 308 transmits an instruction to the input unit 403 to allow entry.

[0208] In operation step B-3, the input unit 403 having received permission to enter moves the work B onto the conveyor 304. In operation step B-4, the input unit 403 places the work B on top of the work A. In operation step B-5, the input unit 403 moves to the input pallet 402.

[0209] When the assembling unit 308 performs an assembling operation to assemble the work B to the work A while the input unit 403 is moving toward the conveyor 304, there is a risk of the assembling unit 308 colliding with the input unit 403. Therefore, a control program is incorporated in the PLC 110 so that the assembling unit 308 executes the operation step A-2 after receiving an instruction of completion of evacuation from the input unit 403, so as to avoid colliding with the input unit 403.

[0210] After completing operation step A-2, the assembly unit 308 executes operation steps A-3, A-4, and A-5 in this order.

[0211] When the assembly unit 308 and the insertion unit 403 are not in positions where they interfere with each other, the operation cycle can be shortened by each operating at an independent timing, so that each can be operated by a different process.

[0212] In the example of FIG. 15, when two or more of the multiple processes are waiting for each other to complete their operations, the operation steps B-3, B-4, and B-5 of the insertion unit 403 are performed in the same order whether viewed from the perspective of the insertion unit 403 process or the assembly unit 308 process.

[0213] Therefore, the operation step setting information can be created by the method described in the first embodiment. For example, when the leading signal of the processing of the input unit 403 is identified first in step S2 of FIG. 5, the operation steps B-3, B-4, and B-5 are registered as the operation steps of the processing of the input unit 403.

[0214] Conversely, if the leading signal of the process of the assembly unit 308 is identified first in step S2 of FIG. 5, operation steps B-3, B-4, and B-5 are registered as operation steps of the process of the assembly unit 308.

[0215] In this case, the assembly unit 308 is an example of a first monitored object, and the input unit 403 is an example of a second monitored object. The process of the assembly unit 308 is an example of a first process, and the process of the input unit 403 is an example of a second process. The operation corresponding to the operation step A-1 is an example of a first operation, and the operation corresponding to the operation step A-2 is an example of a second operation. The operations corresponding to the operation steps B-3 to B-5 are an example of at least one third operation. That is, the operations corresponding to the operation steps B-3 to B-5 are performed between the operation corresponding to the operation step A-1 and the operation corresponding to the operation step A-2.

[0216] In the analysis mode M1, the information processing unit 140 regards the operations corresponding to the operation steps B-3 to B-5 as processing operations of the assembly unit 308 and registers them. Note that the operations corresponding to the operation steps B-1 and B-2 are registered as processing operations of the insertion unit 403.

[0217] In the monitoring mode M2, the information processing unit 140 monitors the operation corresponding to the operation step A-1, the operation corresponding to the operation steps B-3 to B-5, and the operation corresponding to the operation step A-2 as the processing operations of the assembly unit 308. Note that the operation corresponding to the operation step B-1 and the operation corresponding to the operation step B-2 are monitored as the processing operations of the insertion unit 403.

[0218] When the next signal is specified in step S3 in Fig. 5, the output signal that has become the start signal of a registered operation step and the input signal that has become the end signal are excluded, and the output signal that has become the start signal of a registered operation step is also excluded from the candidates for the next start signal in step S6 in Fig. 5. Therefore, operation steps B-3, B-4, and B-5 are registered in one of the processes, and are not registered in duplicate.

[0219] The flowchart in Fig. 5 assumes a case where multiple processes wait for each other to complete their operations, and specifies the operation steps for each process to prevent duplicate registration. Therefore, when analyzing the occurrence of abnormalities or delays in equipment, the number of abnormalities and delay times are not measured in duplicate, as in Figs. 10 and 11. In this way, even when multiple processes wait for each other to complete their operations before operating, the operation steps can be generated from signals, monitored, and the location of an abnormality can be identified on an operation-by-operation basis.

[0220] Note that the second embodiment or the modified example of the second embodiment may be combined with at least one of the first embodiment and the modified example of the first embodiment.

[0221] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and the embodiments can be modified in many ways within the technical concept of the present disclosure. For example, at least two of the above-described embodiments and modifications may be combined. In addition, the effects described in the present embodiment are merely a list of the most favorable effects resulting from the embodiments of the present disclosure, and the effects of the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to those described in the present embodiment.

[0222] In the above embodiment, the robot is a vertically articulated robot, but the present invention is not limited to this. The robot may be, for example, a horizontally articulated robot, a parallel link robot, or an orthogonal robot. The present disclosure is also applicable to a machine that can automatically perform movements such as expansion and contraction, bending and stretching, vertical movement, horizontal movement, or rotation, or a combination of these movements, based on information in a storage device provided in a control device.

[0223] (Other Examples) The present invention can also be realized by a process in which a program for implementing one or more of the functions of the above-described 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 of the functions.

[0224] The disclosure of the above embodiments includes the following sections.

[0225] (Section 1) An information processing unit that processes information, The information processing unit includes: When each of the plurality of monitoring targets repeatedly performs a corresponding one of the plurality of processes, information regarding a plurality of signals used in the plurality of processes is acquired; a period from a first timing at which a predetermined signal used in a predetermined process included in the plurality of processes among the plurality of signals changes to an active state to a second timing at which the predetermined signal changes to the active state again after the first timing is defined as one cycle; identifying, as a signal to be used for the predetermined process, a signal among the plurality of signals that is in an active state the same number of times during a plurality of the cycles; 23. An information processing apparatus comprising:

[0226] (Section 2) The predetermined signal is a signal that is used first among the signals used in the predetermined processing. 2. The information processing device according to item 1,

[0227] (Section 3) The information processing unit acquires information about the plurality of signals from a control unit that controls the plurality of monitoring targets. 3. The information processing device according to item 1 or 2,

[0228] (Section 4) the plurality of monitoring targets includes a predetermined monitoring target that repeatedly executes the predetermined process, The predetermined process includes an operation of the predetermined monitoring target, The signal used for the predetermined process includes an output signal output by the control unit to the predetermined monitoring target as a command for the operation, and an input signal input from the predetermined monitoring target to the control unit as a response indicating completion of the operation. 4. The information processing device according to item 3,

[0229] (Section 5) The predetermined process includes two or more of the operations of the predetermined monitoring target, The predetermined signal is an output signal output by the control unit as a command for a predetermined operation among the two or more operations. 5. The information processing device according to item 4,

[0230] (Section 6) The predetermined operation is an operation to be performed first by the predetermined monitoring target among the two or more operations. 6. The information processing device according to item 5,

[0231] (Section 7) the information processing unit, in a first mode, acquires an operation time corresponding to the operation from a timing when the output signal becomes active to a timing when the input signal becomes active; 7. The information processing device according to any one of items 4 to 6,

[0232] (Section 8) The information processing unit monitors the plurality of monitoring targets in a second mode. 8. The information processing device according to item 7,

[0233] (Section 9) The information processing unit records the monitoring results of the plurality of monitoring targets in a database. 9. The information processing device according to item 8,

[0234] (Section 10) the information processing unit sets a threshold range to be used for monitoring the predetermined monitoring target based on the operation time. 10. The information processing device according to any one of items 7 to 9.

[0235] (Section 11) The threshold range is a time range based on the timing of the start of the operation time. 11. The information processing device according to item 10,

[0236] (Section 12) the output signal is a first output signal; the input signal is a first input signal, the operating time is a first operating time, the information processing unit, in the second mode, acquires information on a second output signal that the control unit outputs to the predetermined monitoring target as a command for the operation, and information on a second input signal that is input from the predetermined monitoring target to the control unit as a response indicating the end of the operation, obtaining a second operation time corresponding to the operation from a time when the second output signal becomes active to a time when the second input signal becomes active; comparing the threshold range with the second operation time to monitor the predetermined monitoring target; 12. The information processing device according to item 10 or 11,

[0237] (Section 13) The information processing unit issues a warning when the second operation time falls outside the threshold range. 13. The information processing device according to item 12,

[0238] (Section 14) The information processing unit issues a warning when the second input signal does not become active within a predetermined period of time after the second output signal becomes active. 14. The information processing device according to item 12 or 13,

[0239] (Section 15) The information processing unit displays the second operation time and the threshold range on a display unit. 15. The information processing device according to any one of items 12 to 14,

[0240] (Section 16) the information processing unit displays the second operation time with a bar and displays the threshold range superimposed on the bar. 16. The information processing device according to item 15,

[0241] (Section 17) the information processing unit differentiates a first display form of the bar when the end time of the second operation time is within the threshold range from a second display state of the bar when the end time of the second operation time is outside the threshold range. 17. The information processing device according to item 16,

[0242] (Section 18) the information processing unit differentiates a first display form of the bar when the end time of the second operation time is within the threshold range from a second display state of the bar when there is no end time of the second operation time. 17. The information processing device according to item 16,

[0243] (Section 19) the plurality of monitoring targets include a first monitoring target that repeatedly executes a first process among the plurality of processes, and a second monitoring target that repeatedly executes a second process among the plurality of processes, the first process includes a first operation and a second operation of the first monitoring target, the second process includes at least one third operation of the second monitoring target performed between the first operation and the second operation; The information processing unit includes: In the first mode, the at least one third action is registered as an action of the first process; In the second mode, the at least one third operation is monitored as an operation of the first process. 10. The information processing device according to item 9,

[0244] (Section 20) The plurality of monitoring targets are a plurality of devices. 20. The information processing device according to any one of items 1 to 19,

[0245] (Section 21) The plurality of devices include a unit capable of moving a workpiece. 21. The information processing device according to item 20,

[0246] (Section 22) The plurality of devices include a unit capable of assembling a second workpiece to a first workpiece, 21. The information processing device according to item 20,

[0247] (Section 23) An information processing device according to any one of items 1 to 22, A plurality of monitoring targets; A system characterized by:

[0248] (Section 24) An information processing method for performing information processing, When each of the plurality of monitoring targets repeatedly performs a corresponding one of the plurality of processes, information regarding a plurality of signals used in the plurality of processes is acquired; a period from a first timing at which a predetermined signal used in a predetermined process included in the plurality of processes among the plurality of signals changes to an active state to a second timing at which the predetermined signal changes to the active state again after the first timing is defined as one cycle; identifying, as a signal to be used for the predetermined process, a signal among the plurality of signals that is in an active state the same number of times during a plurality of the cycles; 23. An information processing method comprising:

[0249] (Section 25) Item 24. A method for manufacturing an article, comprising the steps of: manufacturing an article using the system according to item 23.

[0250] (Section 26) 25. A program for causing a computer to execute the information processing method according to item 24.

[0251] (Section 27) Item 27. A computer-readable recording medium having the program according to item 26 recorded thereon. [Explanation of symbols]

[0252] 100... monitoring device (information processing device), 110... PLC (control unit), 140... information processing unit, 1000... system

Claims

1. An information processing unit that processes information, The information processing unit includes: When each of the plurality of monitoring targets repeatedly performs a corresponding one of the plurality of processes, information regarding a plurality of signals used in the plurality of processes is acquired; a time from a first timing at which a predetermined signal used in a predetermined process included in the plurality of processes among the plurality of signals changes to an active state to a second timing at which the predetermined signal changes to the active state again after the first timing is defined as one cycle; identifying, as a signal to be used for the predetermined process, a signal among the plurality of signals that is in an active state the same number of times during a plurality of the cycles; 23. An information processing apparatus comprising:

2. the predetermined signal is a signal that is used first among the signals used in the predetermined processing, 2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1,

3. The information processing unit acquires information about the plurality of signals from a control unit that controls the plurality of monitoring targets.

2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1,

4. the plurality of monitoring targets includes a predetermined monitoring target that repeatedly executes the predetermined process, The predetermined process includes an operation of the predetermined monitoring target, The signal used for the predetermined process includes an output signal output by the control unit to the predetermined monitoring target as a command for the operation, and an input signal input to the control unit from the predetermined monitoring target as a response indicating completion of the operation.

4. The information processing apparatus according to claim 3.

5. The predetermined process includes two or more of the operations of the predetermined monitoring target, The predetermined signal is an output signal output by the control unit as a command for a predetermined operation among the two or more operations.

5. The information processing apparatus according to claim 4.

6. The predetermined operation is an operation to be performed first by the predetermined monitoring target among the two or more operations.

6. The information processing apparatus according to claim 5,

7. the information processing unit, in a first mode, acquires an operation time corresponding to the operation from a timing when the output signal becomes active to a timing when the input signal becomes active; 5. The information processing apparatus according to claim 4.

8. The information processing unit monitors the plurality of monitoring targets in a second mode.

8. The information processing apparatus according to claim 7,

9. The information processing unit records the monitoring results of the plurality of monitoring targets in a database.

9. The information processing apparatus according to claim 8,

10. the information processing unit sets a threshold range to be used for monitoring the predetermined monitoring target based on the operation time.

8. The information processing apparatus according to claim 7,

11. The threshold range is a time range based on the timing of the start of the operation time.

11. The information processing apparatus according to claim 10,

12. the output signal is a first output signal; the input signal is a first input signal, the operating time is a first operating time, the information processing unit, in the second mode, acquires information on a second output signal that the control unit outputs to the predetermined monitoring target as a command for the operation, and information on a second input signal that is input to the control unit from the predetermined monitoring target as a response indicating the end of the operation, obtaining a second operation time corresponding to the operation from a time when the second output signal becomes active to a time when the second input signal becomes active; comparing the threshold range with the second operation time to monitor the predetermined monitoring target; 11. The information processing apparatus according to claim 10,

13. The information processing unit issues a warning when the second operation time falls outside the threshold range.

13. The information processing apparatus according to claim 12.

14. the information processing unit issues a warning when the second input signal does not become active within a predetermined period of time after the second output signal becomes active.

13. The information processing apparatus according to claim 12.

15. The information processing unit displays the second operation time and the threshold range on a display unit.

13. The information processing apparatus according to claim 12.

16. the information processing unit displays the second operation time with a bar and displays the threshold range superimposed on the bar.

16. The information processing apparatus according to claim 15,

17. the information processing unit differentiates a first display form of the bar when the end time of the second operation time is within the threshold range from a second display state of the bar when the end time of the second operation time is outside the threshold range.

17. The information processing apparatus according to claim 16,

18. the information processing unit differentiates a first display form of the bar when the end time of the second operation time is within the threshold range from a second display state of the bar when there is no end time of the second operation time.

17. The information processing apparatus according to claim 16,

19. the plurality of monitoring targets include a first monitoring target that repeatedly executes a first process among the plurality of processes, and a second monitoring target that repeatedly executes a second process among the plurality of processes, the first process includes a first operation and a second operation of the first monitoring target, the second process includes at least one third operation of the second monitoring target performed between the first operation and the second operation; The information processing unit includes: In the first mode, the at least one third action is registered as an action of the first process; In the second mode, the at least one third operation is monitored as an operation of the first process.

10. The information processing apparatus according to claim 9,

20. The plurality of monitoring targets are a plurality of devices.

2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1,

21. The plurality of devices include a unit capable of moving a workpiece.

21. The information processing apparatus according to claim 20,

22. The plurality of devices include a unit capable of assembling a second workpiece to a first workpiece, 21. The information processing apparatus according to claim 20,

23. An information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 22; A plurality of monitoring targets; A system characterized by:

24. An information processing method for performing information processing, When each of the plurality of monitoring targets repeatedly performs a corresponding one of the plurality of processes, information regarding a plurality of signals used in the plurality of processes is acquired; a time from a first timing at which a predetermined signal used in a predetermined process included in the plurality of processes among the plurality of signals changes to an active state to a second timing at which the predetermined signal changes to the active state again after the first timing is defined as one cycle; identifying, as a signal to be used for the predetermined process, a signal among the plurality of signals that is in an active state the same number of times during a plurality of the cycles; 23. An information processing method comprising:

25. A method for manufacturing an article, comprising the steps of: manufacturing the article by using the system according to claim 23;

26. A program for causing a computer to execute the information processing method according to claim 24.

27. A computer-readable recording medium having the program according to claim 26 recorded thereon.

Images