Molding control system

Abstract

To provide a molding control system that allows a user to easily search for information on a product of the lot desired by the user.SOLUTION: A molding control system includes a server and managing production of a product in a production process including an injection molding process of the product. The server comprises: a memory unit storing lot identification information identifying a lot of the product and lot-related information including one or more information regarding the lot of the product; and a control unit displaying a lot search image on the terminal device to accept a search operation to search for a lot of the product. When the control unit receives, via the lot search image, at least one of the one or more pieces of information included in the lot-related information by the search operation, the control unit displays on the terminal device lot information indicating the lot identified by each of the one or more lot identification information associated with the received at least one piece of information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 16

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a molding management system.

Background Art

[0002] Research and development have been conducted on technologies for managing the production of products in a production process including an injection molding process of products by an injection molding apparatus using a material containing metal powder.

[0003] Regarding this, a system is known that can search for information on products molded by a plurality of injection molding apparatuses in lot units (see Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In a system as described in Patent Document 1, when searching for information on products of a certain lot, it was necessary to search for the information using lot identification information for identifying the lot. However, it was difficult for the user of the system to continuously remember lot identification information such as lots that were not in production or lots that did not exist nearby. For this reason, the system sometimes made it difficult for the user to search for information on products of the lot desired by the user.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To solve the above problems, one aspect of the present disclosure is a molding management system that includes a server communicably connected to a terminal device and manages the production of a product in a production process including an injection molding process of the product by an injection molding device. The server includes a storage unit that stores, in association with each other, lot identification information for identifying a lot of the product and lot-related information including one or more pieces of information related to the lot of the product, and a control unit that causes the terminal device to display a lot search image for receiving a search operation for the lot of the product from the terminal device. When the control unit receives at least one piece of information among the one or more pieces of information included in the lot-related information via the lot search image by the search operation, the control unit causes the terminal device to display lot information indicating the lot identified by each of the one or more pieces of lot identification information associated with the received at least one piece of information.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0007]

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BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0008] <Embodiment> Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0009] <Overview of Molding Management System> First, an overview of the molding management system according to the embodiment will be described.

[0010] The molding management system according to the embodiment manages the production of a product in a production process including an injection molding process of the product by an injection molding apparatus. The molding management system includes a server. The server is communicably connected to a terminal device. The server also includes a storage unit and a control unit. The storage unit stores, in association with each other, lot identification information for identifying a lot of the product and lot-related information including one or more pieces of information related to the lot of the product. The control unit causes the terminal device to display a lot search image for receiving a search operation for searching for a lot of the product from the terminal device. Then, when the control unit receives at least one piece of the one or more pieces of information included in the lot-related information via the lot search image by the search operation, the control unit causes the terminal device to display lot information indicating the lot identified by each of the one or more pieces of lot identification information associated with the received at least one piece of information.

[0011] Thereby, in the case where the molding management system according to the embodiment causes the user to search for a desired lot, information other than the lot identification information can be used by the user as a search key. As a result, the molding management system can easily cause the user to search for information on the product of the lot desired by the user.

[0012] Hereinafter, the configuration of the injection molding system according to the embodiment and the processing performed by the server included in the injection molding system will be described in detail respectively.

[0013] <Configuration of the Molding Management System> Hereinafter, the configuration of the molding management system according to the embodiment will be described by taking the molding management system 1 as an example.

[0014] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the molding management system 1.

[0015] The molding management system 1 is a type of manufacturing execution system (MES). For example, the molding management system 1 includes one or more devices to be managed 10, an information processing device 20, and a server 30. Note that the molding management system 1 may be configured not to include some or all of the one or more devices to be managed 10. Further, the molding management system 1 may be configured not to include the information processing device 20. Hereinafter, as an example, a case where the molding management system 1 includes a plurality of devices to be managed 10 as the one or more devices to be managed 10 will be described.

[0016] Each of the plurality of devices to be managed 10 included in the molding management system 1 is a device managed by the molding management system 1. In FIG. 1, for the sake of convenience of explanation, each of these plurality of devices to be managed 10 is indicated by the same reference numeral. However, some or all of these plurality of devices to be managed 10 may be devices of different types from each other. Among these plurality of devices to be managed 10, at least one injection molding device for performing injection molding of a production product using a resin such as plastic is included. The injection molding device 11 shown in FIG. 1 is an example of such an injection molding device. Note that among these plurality of devices to be managed 10, an injection molding device for performing metal powder injection molding (MIM; Metal Injection Molding) of a production product may be included. Hereinafter, for the sake of convenience of explanation, injection molding of a production product using a resin such as plastic will be simply referred to as injection molding and described. Also, hereinafter, an injection molding device for performing injection molding of a production product using a resin such as plastic will be simply referred to as an injection molding device and described. In addition, the plurality of devices to be managed 10 include, in addition to the injection molding device, for example, peripheral equipment of the injection molding device and the like. The peripheral equipment of the injection molding device is, for example, a material supply device that supplies the material used by the injection molding device for injection molding of a production product to the injection molding device, a transfer device that transfers the production product injection molded by the injection molding device, a cleaning device that cleans the production product injection molded by the injection molding device, a sintering device that sinters the production product after being cleaned by the cleaning device, etc., but is not limited thereto. Also, at least one injection molding device included in the plurality of devices to be managed 10 may be a device that performs injection molding using a material other than resin and metal.

[0017] The molding management system 1 manages the production of a production product in a production process including an injection molding process of the production product by an injection molding device included in the plurality of devices to be managed 10. Here, each injection molding device included in the plurality of devices to be managed 10 may have any configuration as long as it can produce a production product by injection molding. Hereinafter, for the sake of convenience of explanation, one injection molding of a production product by an injection molding device will be referred to as one shot and described. In this case, for example, two shots mean two injection moldings of a production product by an injection molding device.

[0018] The information processing device 20 acquires state information indicating the state of each of the plurality of managed devices 10 from the managed devices 10. For example, the information processing device 20 acquires state information about the injection molding device 11 from the injection molding device 11. Such state information includes a timestamp indicating the date and time when the state information was acquired by the information processing device 20. Further, certain state information includes device identification information for identifying the managed device 10 in the state indicated by the state information. Further, the state information includes detection information detected by each of one or more various sensors attached to the managed device 10. The detection information includes, for example, information indicating temperature, information indicating pressure, information indicating current value, information indicating voltage value, and the like. That is, the one or more various sensors are, for example, a thermometer, a pressure gauge, an ammeter, a voltmeter, etc., but are not limited thereto. Note that the detection information may include other information detected by the sensor instead of some or all of these pieces of information, or in addition to all of these pieces of information. Further, the state information includes operation state information indicating the operation state of the managed device 10. The operation state information indicating the operation state of the managed device 10 may be any information as long as it includes information indicating whether the managed device is operating or not. Further, the acquisition of the state information by such an information processing device 20 may be performed periodically or non-periodically. Hereinafter, as an example, the case where the information processing device 20 acquires state information every time the aforementioned one shot is performed will be described. When the information processing device 20 acquires a certain state information, the acquired state information is output to the server 30. Thereby, the information processing device 20 can cause the server 30 to store the acquired state information.

[0019] The information processing device 20 is, for example, a workstation, a desktop PC (Personal Computer), a notebook PC, etc., but is not limited thereto. The information processing device 20 is communicably connected to each of the plurality of devices to be managed 10 via wired or wireless communication. The communication network connecting the information processing device 20 and each of the plurality of devices to be managed 10 is, for example, a LAN (Local Area Network) within the facility where the plurality of devices to be managed 10 are installed, but is not limited thereto. The communication network may be other communication networks such as the Internet or a mobile communication network.

[0020] The server 30 stores the status information acquired by the information processing device 20. For example, when the server 30 acquires a certain status information from the information processing device 20, the server 30 stores the acquired status information. Here, when the server 30 already stores status information including the device identification information included in the status information, the server 30 replaces the already stored status information with the newly acquired status information. Thereby, the server 30 can always keep the status information indicating the status of the device to be managed 10 indicated by the device identification information as the latest status information. Note that the server 30 may be configured to store all the acquired status information without performing such replacement. Further, even when such replacement is performed, the server 30 may be configured to store the status information before the replacement again as history information indicating the history of the status of the device to be managed 10.

[0021] In addition, the server 30 causes various images based on the state information stored in the server 30 to be displayed on the display unit of the terminal device in response to a request from the terminal device communicably connected to the server 30. Hereinafter, as an example, as shown in FIG. 1, the case where the server 30 is communicably connected to the terminal device 40 will be described. In the present embodiment, since the process related to the login of the terminal device 40 to the server 30 is a known process, the description thereof will be omitted. Further, hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the server 30 receiving an operation from the terminal device 40 via the image displayed on the terminal device 40 will be simply described as the server 30 receiving an operation. That is, hereinafter, the server 30 performing a certain process in response to the received operation means that the server 30 performs the process in response to the operation received from the terminal device 40 via the image displayed on the terminal device 40.

[0022] Further, the server 30 receives various types of information in response to the received operation. For example, the server 30 stores master data including various types of information about the products produced by the injection molding device 11 in response to the received operation. The master data includes, for example, product identification information for identifying various products produced by the injection molding device 11, production quantity planned value information indicating the planned value of the production quantity of the products identified by each product identification information, mold identification information for identifying the molds used for the production of the products identified by each product identification information, and the like. The data structure of the master data may be any structure. For example, various types of information included in the master data are included in the master data as information associated with the product identification information.

[0023] Further, the server 30 causes a lot search image for receiving a search operation for searching for a lot of production products in accordance with the received operation to be displayed on the display unit of the terminal device 40. The display unit is, for example, a display of the terminal device 40, a display device communicably connected to the terminal device 40, etc., but is not limited thereto. Hereinafter, as an example, the case where the display unit is a display of the terminal device 40 will be described. Further, hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, causing a certain image to be displayed on the display unit will be described as causing the image to be displayed on the terminal device 40. The lot search image is an image for receiving various types of information that can be used as search keys by the above-described search operation. Note that hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, a lot of production products will be simply referred to as a lot. A lot is a collection of one or more production products to which lot identification information is assigned for management reasons. Therefore, hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, a production product to which lot identification information for identifying a certain lot is assigned will be described as a production product of the lot. The lot identification information may be any information as long as it can identify a lot. For example, it may be an ID (Identifier) for identifying a lot, a character string for identifying a lot, or other information that can identify a lot.

[0024] Here, in a molding management system other than the molding management system 1, when searching for information on production products of a certain lot, it is necessary to search for the information using the lot identification information for identifying the lot as a search key. However, it is difficult for the user of the molding management system to continuously remember lot identification information such as a lot that is not in production or a lot that does not exist nearby. For this reason, there are cases where it is difficult for the molding management system to cause the user to search for information on production products of a lot desired by the user.

[0025] Therefore, the server 30 of the molding management system 1 stores by associating lot identification information with lot-related information including one or more pieces of information regarding the lot. As a result, when the server 30 searches for information on products produced in a certain lot, each of the one or more pieces of information included in the lot-related information associated with the lot identification information for identifying the lot can also be used as a search key for searching for the lot. In other words, in the lot search image, each of the one or more pieces of information included in the lot-related information can be used as a search key for lot search in addition to the lot identification information. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, information in which lot identification information for identifying a certain lot and lot-related information including one or more pieces of information regarding the lot are associated will be described as lot information indicating the lot. That is, when the server 30 receives at least one piece of information among the one or more pieces of information included in the lot-related information via the lot search image by a search operation, the server 30 causes the terminal device 40 to display lot information indicating the lot identified by each of the one or more lot identification information associated with the received at least one piece of information. Thereby, the server 30 can easily cause the user to search for information on products of the lot desired by the user. For this reason, the server 30 stores one or more pieces of lot information for each lot identification information.

[0026] For example, the server 30 causes the terminal device 40 to display a lot search image by receiving an operation via the main menu image P1 as shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the main menu image P1.

[0027] When the server 30 receives a predetermined main menu image display operation, the server 30 causes the terminal device 40 to display the main menu image P1. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the main menu image P1 includes six buttons, i.e., buttons B11 to B16.

[0028] Button B11 is a button for displaying a dashboard image. When the server 30 receives an operation on button B11 via the terminal device 40, the server 30 generates a dashboard image and causes the generated dashboard image to be displayed on the terminal device 40. Here, the dashboard image is an image on which information necessary for the user of the terminal device 40 to manage the production of products by the injection molding machine during the operation of the injection molding machine designated by the user is displayed.

[0029] Button B12 is a button for displaying a master data management image. When the server 30 receives an operation on button B12 via the terminal device 40, the server 30 generates a master data management image and causes the generated master data management image to be displayed on the terminal device 40. Here, the master data management image is an image that accepts operations for inputting, changing, deleting, etc. of the above-mentioned master data. The server 30 can generate, change, delete, etc. master data according to the operation on the master data management image via the terminal device 40. When the server 30 generates master data, the generated master data is stored. Also, when the server 30 changes master data, the stored master data is updated to the changed master data.

[0030] Button B13 is a button for displaying a manual image. When the server 30 receives an operation on button B13 via the terminal device 40, the server 30 generates a manual image and causes the generated manual image to be displayed on the terminal device 40. Here, the manual image is an image that accepts an operation for displaying a manual regarding the operation method of the molding management system 1.

[0031] Button B14 is a button for displaying the terminal image P2. When the server 30 receives an operation on button B14 via the terminal device 40, the server 30 generates the terminal image P2 and causes the generated terminal image to be displayed on the terminal device 40. Here, the terminal image P2 is an image for receiving operations for executing respective various update functions that the server 30 has. A certain type of update function is a function for performing input, change, deletion, etc. of information corresponding to the type.

[0032] Button B15 is a button for displaying the user management image. When the server 30 receives an operation on button B15 via the terminal device 40, the server 30 generates the user management image and causes the generated user management image to be displayed on the terminal device 40. Here, the user management image is an image for receiving operations for performing input, change, deletion, display, etc. of information related to users among the information stored in the server 30.

[0033] Button B16 is a button for receiving an operation to log out the terminal device 40 from the server 30. When the server 30 receives an operation on button B16 via the terminal device 40, the server 30 logs out the terminal device 40.

[0034] Note that in this embodiment, descriptions of the dashboard image, the master data management image, the manual image, and the user management image are omitted.

[0035] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the terminal image P2. As shown in FIG. 3, the terminal image P2 includes buttons for receiving operations for executing respective multiple update functions. One of such buttons is button B21.

[0036] Button B21 is a button that accepts an operation to display a lot search image P3, which is an example of the aforementioned lot search image. When the server 30 receives an operation on button B21 via the terminal device 40, the server 30 generates the lot search image P3 and causes the generated lot search image P3 to be displayed on the terminal device 40.

[0037] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the lot search image P3. In the example shown in FIG. 4, the lot search image P3 includes a lot search area RG1, a search result display area RG2, and a processing button group area RG3.

[0038] The lot search area RG1 includes, for example, each of input fields F11 to F18, button B31, and button B32. Note that the lot search area RG1 may be configured to include, instead of some or all of these GUIs (Graphical User Interfaces), or in addition to all of these GUIs, other GUIs capable of accepting an operation to search for a lot. Here, the aforementioned search operation refers to individual operations accepted by the lot search area RG1.

[0039] Input field F11 is a field in which lot identification information for identifying a lot desired by the user is input. The character string "Lot No." superimposed on the input field F11 in FIG. 4 is a character string for indicating to the user that the information input to the input field F11 is lot identification information. In the example shown in FIG. 4, nothing is input to the input field F11. Note that the input of lot identification information to the input field F11 may be performed by selecting lot identification information from a pull-down menu, or may be performed by direct input using an input device such as a keyboard.

[0040] The input field F12 is a field where process information indicating the working process currently being performed on the products of the lot desired by the user among various processes included in the production process is input. Therefore, in the example shown in FIG. 4, the lot-related information includes the process information, and the lot can be searched using the process information as a search key. The character string "Process" superimposed on the input field F12 in FIG. 4 is a character string for indicating to the user that the information input to the input field F12 is process information. In this example, nothing is input to the input field F12. Note that the input of the process information to the input field F12 may be performed by selecting the process information from a pull-down menu, or may be performed by direct input using an input device such as a keyboard.

[0041] The input field F13 is a field where injection molding apparatus identification information for identifying the injection molding apparatus that has molded the products of the lot desired by the user, or the injection molding apparatus planned to mold the products of the lot desired by the user, is input. Therefore, in the example shown in FIG. 4, the lot-related information includes the injection molding apparatus identification information, and the lot can be searched using the injection molding apparatus identification information as a search key. The character string "Apparatus" superimposed on the input field F13 in FIG. 4 is a character string for indicating to the user that the information input to the input field F13 is injection molding apparatus identification information. In this example, nothing is input to the input field F13. Note that the input of the injection molding apparatus identification information to the input field F13 may be performed by selecting the injection molding apparatus identification information from a pull-down menu, or may be performed by direct input using an input device such as a keyboard.

[0042] The input field F14 is a field where product type information indicating the type of products of the lot desired by the user is input. Therefore, in the example shown in FIG. 4, the lot-related information includes the product type information, and the lot can be searched using the product type information as a search key. The character string "Item" superimposed on the input field F14 in FIG. 4 is a character string for indicating to the user that the information input to the input field F14 is the product type information. In this example, nothing is input to the input field F14. Note that the input of the product type information to the input field F14 may be performed by selecting the product type information from a pull-down menu, or may be directly input using an input device such as a keyboard.

[0043] The input field F15 is a field where information for identifying the upper grouping to which the lot desired by the user belongs is input. Hereinafter, as an example, the case where the grouping is a production lot will be described. For this reason, hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, this information will be described by referring to it as production lot identification information. Therefore, in the example shown in FIG. 4, the lot-related information includes the production lot identification information, and the lot can be searched using the production lot identification information as a search key. Note that the grouping may be another grouping such as the work shift of the administrator who manages the production of the lot's products. The character string "Job No." superimposed on the input field F15 in FIG. 4 is a character string for indicating to the user that the information input to the input field F15 is the production lot identification information. In this example, nothing is input to the input field F15. Note that the input of the production lot identification information to the input field F15 may be performed by selecting the production lot identification information from a pull-down menu, or may be directly input using an input device such as a keyboard.

[0044] The input field F16 is a field where lot status information indicating the status of the lot desired by the user is input. Therefore, in the example shown in FIG. 4, the lot-related information includes lot status information, and the lot can be searched using the lot status information as a search key. The character string "Lot Status" superimposed on the input field F16 in FIG. 4 is a character string for indicating to the user that the information input to the input field F16 is lot status information. In this example, nothing is input to the input field F16. The lot status information is information indicating any one of the states, for example, a state where the lot is stopped, a state where the lot is in progress, a state where the lot is on standby, or a state where the lot is completed. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the state where the lot is stopped will be simply referred to as "lot stopped". Also, hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the state where the lot is in progress will be simply referred to as "lot in progress". Also, hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the state where the lot is on standby will be simply referred to as "lot on standby". Also, hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the state where the lot is completed will be simply referred to as "lot completed". Note that the input of the lot status information to the input field F16 may be performed by selecting the lot status information from a pull-down menu, or may be performed by direct input using an input device such as a keyboard.

[0045] The input fields F17 and F18 are fields where period information indicating a period including the date when production of the products of the lot desired by the user started is input. Therefore, in the example shown in FIG. 4, the information indicating the date is included in the lot-related information, and the lot can be searched using the information as a search key. The character string "Start date of the first process from" superimposed on the input field F17 in FIG. 4 is a character string for indicating to the user that the information input to the input field F17 is start date and time information indicating the date and time when the period starts. The character string "Start date of the first process to" superimposed on the input field F18 in FIG. 4 is a character string for indicating to the user that the information input to the input field F18 is end date and time information indicating the date and time when the period ends. In this example, nothing is input to the input field F17 and the input field F18. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the period from the date and time indicated by the start date and time information input to the input field F17 to the date and time indicated by the end date and time information input to the input field F18 will be described as the target period. Also, hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the start date and time information input to the input field F17 will be referred to as the target start date and time information, and the end date and time information input to the input field F18 will be referred to as the target end date and time information. Note that the input of the start date and time information to the input field F17 may be performed by selecting the date of year, month, and day using a calendar or the like and selecting the time using a clock or the like, or may be performed by direct input using an input device such as a keyboard. Also, the input of the end date and time information to the input field F18 may be performed by selecting the date of year, month, and day using a calendar or the like and selecting the time using a clock or the like, or may be performed by direct input using an input device such as a keyboard. Note that the start date and time information may be information indicating only the date of year, month, and day. Also, the end date and time information may be information indicating only the date of year, month, and day.

[0046] Button B31 is a button that accepts an operation to delete each piece of information entered in some or all of input fields F11 to F18. In other words, button B31 is a button that accepts an operation to clear each piece of information entered in some or all of input fields F11 to F18. When a selection operation is performed on button B31, server 30 deletes each piece of information entered in some or all of input fields F11 to F18. Here, in this embodiment, the selection operation is, for example, clicking, tapping, etc., but is not limited thereto.

[0047] Button B32 is a button that accepts an operation to execute a search for lots based on each piece of information entered in some or all of input fields F11 to F18. When a selection operation is performed on button B32, server 30 extracts one or more lot information including each piece of information entered in some or all of input fields F11 to F18 from among one or more pieces of lot information stored in advance. After extracting one or more pieces of lot information, server 30 displays a list of the extracted one or more pieces of lot information in search result display area RG2. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the list will be simply referred to as a lot information list.

[0048] Here, the lot information is information that is generated or updated by information received from a user via, for example, one of the update system functions executable in terminal image P2, and is information stored in server 30. A certain lot information includes, for example, lot identification information for identifying the lot indicated by the lot information, inventory quantity information indicating the inventory quantity of the lot, production product type information indicating the type of product produced in the lot, process information indicating the work process currently being performed on the product of the lot, lot status information indicating the status of the lot, start date and time information indicating the date and time when production of the product of the lot started, and the like. The lot information may be configured to include some or all of these pieces of information replaced by, or in addition to all of these pieces of information, other information related to the lot.

[0049] The search result display area RG2 is an area where a lot information list is displayed as a result of a selection operation being performed on the button B32. When no selection operation is performed on the button B32, the search result display area RG2 may display a list of all the lot information stored in the server 30, or may display nothing. In the example shown in FIG. 4, the list is displayed in the search result display area RG2. Note that the number of pieces of lot information to be displayed in the search result display area RG2 may be determined in advance. In this case, the search result display area RG2 includes a button for displaying lot information that could not be fully displayed in the search result display area RG2.

[0050] In the example shown in FIG. 4, the lot information displayed in the search result display area RG2 includes, as described above, lot identification information, inventory quantity information, production product type information, process information, lot status information, and start date and time information. For example, the lot information displayed at the uppermost row of the search result display area RG2 shown in FIG. 4 includes "1234567890" as the lot identification information, "90" as the inventory quantity information, "Part 1" as the production product type information, "Shipping inspection SB1" as the process information, lot status information indicating lot completion, and "2022-06-08 08:00" as the start date and time information. Here, "90" is the inventory quantity information indicating 90 pieces. "2022-06-08 08:00" is the start date and time information indicating 08:00 on June 8, 2022. The start date and time information is an example of information indicating the year, month, and day when production of the production product of the lot desired by the user started.

[0051] Each lot information displayed in the search result display area RG2 is displayed with an associated detailed display button. The detailed display button displayed in association with a certain lot information is a button that accepts an operation to cause the terminal device 40 to display a detailed information display image in which the detailed information of the lot indicated by the lot information is displayed. The detailed information displayed in the detailed information display image includes at least a part of the information displayed in the search result display area RG2 among the information included in the lot information, and at least a part of the information not displayed in the search result display area RG2 among the information included in the lot information.

[0052] For example, the button B40 shown in FIG. 4 is an example of a detailed display button displayed in association with the lot information displayed at the uppermost row of the search result display area RG2 shown in FIG. 4. When a selection operation is performed on the button B40, the server 30 causes the terminal device 40 to display a detailed information display image P4, which is an example of a detailed information display image in which the detailed information of the lot indicated by the lot information is displayed. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the detailed information display image P4. In the example shown in FIG. 5, the detailed information display image P4 includes each of the display columns F20 to F29.

[0053] The display column F20 is a column in which the production product type information included in the lot information displayed in association with the button B40 is displayed. Therefore, in the example shown in FIG. 5, "Part 1" is displayed in the display column F20 as the production product type information. That is, in this example, the display column F20 is a column that displays the production product type information as one of the information displayed in the search result display area RG2 among the information included in the lot information.

[0054] The display column F21 is a column in which the lot status information included in the lot information displayed in association with the button B40 is displayed. Therefore, in the example shown in FIG. 5, the lot status information indicating lot completion is displayed in the display column F21. That is, in this example, the display column F21 is a column that displays the lot status information as one of the information displayed in the search result display area RG2 among the information included in the lot information.

[0055] Display column F22 is a column in which quality information about the products of the lot indicated by the lot information displayed along with button B40 is displayed. That is, in the example shown in FIG. 5, the quality information is included in the lot information. The quality information is information indicating the result of the quality inspection performed on the product. However, when the quality inspection on the product has not been performed, the quality information is information indicating that the quality inspection on the product has not been performed. In the example shown in FIG. 5, the quality information indicating that the quality inspection on the product has not been performed is displayed in display column F22. That is, in the example, display column F22 is a column that displays quality information as one of the information not displayed in search result display area RG2 among the information included in the lot information. Therefore, in the example, the lot-related information of the lot information includes quality information about the product.

[0056] Display column F23 is a column in which manufacturing lot identification information for identifying the upper grouping to which the lot indicated by the lot information displayed along with button B40 belongs is displayed. For this reason, in the example shown in FIG. 5, "09876543" is displayed in display column F23 as the manufacturing lot identification information. That is, in the example, display column F23 is a column that displays manufacturing lot identification information as one of the information not displayed in search result display area RG2 among the information included in the lot information. Therefore, in the example, the lot-related information of the lot information includes manufacturing lot identification information for identifying the upper grouping to which the lot belongs.

[0057] The display column F24 is a column in which start date and time information indicating the date and time when production of the products of the lot indicated by the lot information displayed associated with the button B40 started is displayed. Therefore, in the example shown in FIG. 5, “2022-06-08 08:00” is displayed in the display column F24 as the start date and time information. That is, in the said example, the display column F24 is a column that displays the start date and time information as one of the information displayed in the search result display area RG2 among the information included in the said lot information.

[0058] The display column F25 is a column in which process information indicating the work process currently being performed on the products of the lot indicated by the lot information displayed associated with the button B40 is displayed. Therefore, in the example shown in FIG. 5, “Shipping inspection SB1” is displayed in the display column F25 as the process information. That is, in the said example, the display column F25 is a column that displays the process information as one of the information displayed in the search result display area RG2 among the information included in the said lot information.

[0059] The display column F26 is a column in which inventory quantity information indicating the inventory quantity of the lot indicated by the lot information displayed associated with the button B40 is displayed. Therefore, in the example shown in FIG. 5, “90” is displayed in the display column F26 as the inventory quantity information. That is, in the said example, the display column F26 is a column that displays the inventory quantity information as one of the information displayed in the search result display area RG2 among the information included in the said lot information.

[0060] The display column F27 is a column in which injection molding apparatus identification information for identifying an injection molding apparatus that has molded the products of the lot indicated by the lot information displayed in association with the button B40, or an injection molding apparatus scheduled to mold the products of the lot, is displayed. For this reason, in the example shown in FIG. 5, "A-1" is displayed in the display column F27 as the injection molding apparatus identification information. That is, in this example, the display column F27 is a column that displays the injection molding apparatus identification information as one of the information not displayed in the search result display area RG2 among the information included in the lot information. Therefore, in this example, the lot-related information of the lot information includes the injection molding apparatus identification information.

[0061] The display column F28 is a column in which production quantity planned value information indicating the planned value of the production quantity of the products of the lot indicated by the lot information displayed in association with the button B40 is displayed. For this reason, in the example shown in FIG. 5, "100" is displayed in the display column F28 as the production quantity planned value information. "100" as the production quantity planned value information indicates that the planned value indicated by the production quantity planned value information is 100. That is, in this example, the display column F28 is a column that displays the production quantity planned value information as one of the information not displayed in the search result display area RG2 among the information included in the lot information. Therefore, in this example, the lot-related information of the lot information includes the production quantity planned value information.

[0062] The display column F29 is a column in which end time information indicating the date and time when the production of the products of the lot indicated by the lot information displayed along with the button B40 ended, or the date and time when the production is scheduled to end, is displayed. Therefore, in the example shown in FIG. 5, in the display column F29, "2022-06-08 12:00" is displayed as the end time information. "2022-06-08 12:00" as the end time information indicates 12:00 on June 8, 2022. That is, in this example, the display column F24 is a column that displays the end time information as one of the information not displayed in the search result display area RG2 among the information included in the lot information. Therefore, in this example, the lot-related information of the lot information includes end time information indicating the date and time when the production of the products of the lot ended, or the date and time when the production is scheduled to end.

[0063] Here, as described above, one or more pieces of information included in the lot-related information of a certain lot information are associated with the lot identification information included in the lot information. Therefore, the server 30 can extract the lot information from the storage area of the server 30 using the lot identification information. This not only leads to the simplification of the data structure of the lot information but also leads to the reduction of the load of the lot search process by the server 30 and is useful.

[0064] As described above, when a selection operation is performed on the detailed display button displayed along with each lot information in the search result display area RG2, the server 30 causes the terminal device 40 to display a detailed information display image for displaying the detailed information of the lot information associated with the detailed information display button on which the selection operation was performed. The detailed information display image may be configured to be superimposed on the lot search image P3 as shown in FIG. 5, or may be configured to be displayed within a predetermined area within the lot search image P3.

[0065] Also, when one or more lot information is displayed in the search result display area RG2, a checkbox for receiving an operation of selecting each of the one or more lot information is displayed. For example, the checkbox C1 shown in FIG. 4 is a checkbox for receiving an operation of selecting the lot information displayed at the uppermost stage of the search result display area RG2. Note that the search result display area RG2 may be configured to display a checkbox for receiving an operation of selecting all the lot information displayed in the search result display area RG2. Thereby, the server 30 can reduce the labor required for the user to select lot information. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, an operation of selecting lot information via such a checkbox will be described as a lot information selection operation.

[0066] The processing button group area RG3 is an area where a GUI for receiving a processing execution operation for causing the server 30 to start executing a predetermined process on the lot indicated by each of the one or more lot information selected according to the received lot information selection operation among the one or more lot information displayed in the search result display area RG2 is displayed. In the example shown in FIG. 4, 11 buttons are displayed in the processing button group area RG3 as such a GUI. And in that example, these 11 buttons include 6 buttons from button B41 to button B46. In the present embodiment, the description of the buttons other than the 6 buttons among these 11 buttons is omitted.

[0067] Button B41 is a button that accepts a first process execution operation for causing the server 30 to start a process of changing the lot status information of a lot waiting in the lots selected by the user in the search result display area RG2 to lot status information indicating that the lot is in process. When a predetermined first gray-out condition is satisfied, the server 30 grays out button B41 and does not accept a selection operation for button B41. On the other hand, when the first gray-out condition is not satisfied, the server 30 releases the gray-out of button B41 and accepts a selection operation for button B41. When a selection operation for button B41 is performed, the server 30 executes a process of changing the lot status information of a lot waiting in the lots selected by the user in the search result display area RG2 to lot status information indicating that the lot is in process. Here, the first gray-out condition is a condition including, for example, two conditions of the following condition 1A and condition 1B.

[0068] Condition 1A: The lot selected by the user in the search result display area RG2 includes a lot in a state other than waiting. Condition 1B: No lot has been selected by the user in the search result display area RG2.

[0069] When either one of condition 1A and condition 1B is satisfied, the server 30 determines that the first gray-out condition is satisfied. On the other hand, when both condition 1A and condition 1B are not satisfied, the server 30 determines that the first gray-out condition is not satisfied.

[0070] Button B42 is a button that accepts a second processing execution operation for causing the server 30 to start a process of changing the lot status information of the lot selected by the user in the search result display area RG2 to the lot status information indicating lot completion. When a predetermined second gray-out condition is satisfied, the server 30 grays out button B42 and does not accept a selection operation for button B42. On the other hand, when the second gray-out condition is not satisfied, the server 30 releases the gray-out of button B42 and accepts a selection operation for button B42. When a selection operation is performed on button B42, the server 30 executes a process of changing the lot status information of the lot selected by the user in the search result display area RG2 to the lot status information indicating lot completion. Here, the second gray-out condition is a condition including, for example, two conditions: condition 2A and condition 2B below.

[0071] Condition 2A: The lot selected by the user in the search result display area RG2 includes a lot with lot completion. Condition 2B: No lot has been selected by the user in the search result display area RG2.

[0072] When either one of condition 2A and condition 2B is satisfied, the server 30 determines that the second gray-out condition is satisfied. On the other hand, when both condition 2A and condition 2B are not satisfied, the server 30 determines that the second gray-out condition is not satisfied.

[0073] Button B43 is a button that accepts a third processing execution operation for causing the server 30 to start processing for changing the lot status information of the lots being processed and the lot status information of the lots waiting in the lots selected by the user in the search result display area RG2 to the lot status information indicating that the lot is stopped. When a predetermined third gray-out condition is satisfied, the server 30 grays out button B43 and does not accept a selection operation for button B43. On the other hand, when the third gray-out condition is not satisfied, the server 30 releases the gray-out of button B43 and accepts a selection operation for button B43. When a selection operation for button B43 is performed, the server 30 executes processing for changing the lot status information of the lots being processed and the lot status information of the lots waiting in the lots selected by the user in the search result display area RG2 to the lot status information indicating that the lot is stopped. Here, the third gray-out condition is a condition including, for example, the following two conditions: condition 3A and condition 3B.

[0074] Condition 3A: The lots selected by the user in the search result display area RG2 include lots that are stopped and lots that are waiting. Condition 3B: No lots are selected by the user in the search result display area RG2.

[0075] When either one of condition 3A and condition 3B is satisfied, the server 30 determines that the third gray-out condition is satisfied. On the other hand, when both condition 3A and condition 3B are not satisfied, the server 30 determines that the third gray-out condition is not satisfied.

[0076] Button B44 is a button that accepts a fourth processing execution operation to cause the server 30 to start a process of changing the lot status information of the lots that are in the lot stop state among the lots selected by the user in the search result display area RG2 to the lot status information indicating that the lot is in process. When a predetermined fourth gray-out condition is satisfied, the server 30 grays out button B44 and does not accept a selection operation on button B44. On the other hand, when the fourth gray-out condition is not satisfied, the server 30 releases the gray-out of button B44 and accepts a selection operation on button B44. When a selection operation is performed on button B44, the server 30 executes a process of changing the lot status information of the lots that are in the lot stop state among the lots selected by the user in the search result display area RG2 to the lot status information indicating that the lot is in process. Here, the fourth gray-out condition is a condition including, for example, two conditions of the following condition 4A and condition 4B.

[0077] Condition 4A: That the lots selected by the user in the search result display area RG2 include lots in a state other than the lot stop state Condition 4B: That no lots have been selected by the user in the search result display area RG2

[0078] When either one of condition 4A and condition 4B is satisfied, the server 30 determines that the fourth gray-out condition is satisfied. On the other hand, when both condition 4A and condition 4B are not satisfied, the server 30 determines that the fourth gray-out condition is not satisfied.

[0079] Button B45 is a button that accepts a fifth process execution operation for causing the server 30 to start a process of deleting lot information indicating the lot selected by the user in the search result display area RG2. When a predetermined fifth gray-out condition is satisfied, the server 30 grays out button B45 and does not accept a selection operation on button B45. On the other hand, when the fifth gray-out condition is not satisfied, the server 30 releases the gray-out of button B45 and accepts a selection operation on button B45. When a selection operation is performed on button B45, the server 30 executes a process of deleting the lot information indicating the lot selected by the user in the search result display area RG2. Here, the fifth gray-out condition is a condition including, for example, the following condition 5.

[0080] Condition 5: That no lot has been selected by the user in the search result display area RG2

[0081] When condition 5 is satisfied, the server 30 determines that the fifth gray-out condition is satisfied. On the other hand, when condition 5 is not satisfied, the server 30 determines that the fifth gray-out condition is not satisfied. Note that when the fifth gray-out condition is not satisfied, the server 30 may be configured to make the display mode of button B45 different from the display modes of the buttons other than button B45 included in the process button group area RG3 in order to prevent an accidental selection operation on button B45. In this case, for example, as shown in FIG. 6, the server 30 makes the color of button B45 different from the colors of the buttons other than button B45 included in the process button group area RG3. Thereby, when the fifth gray-out condition is not satisfied, the server 30 can prevent an accidental selection operation on button B45. Note that in FIG. 6, such a difference in button color is indicated by hatching.

[0082] Button B46 is a button that accepts a sixth processing execution operation for causing the server 30 to start the process of printing the label of the lot selected by the user in the search result display area RG2. When a predetermined sixth gray-out condition is satisfied, the server 30 grays out button B46 and does not accept a selection operation for button B46. On the other hand, when the sixth gray-out condition is not satisfied, the server 30 releases the gray-out of button B46 and accepts a selection operation for button B46. When a selection operation is performed on button B46, the server 30 executes a process of printing the label of the lot selected by the user in the search result display area RG2. Here, the sixth gray-out condition is a condition including, for example, the following condition 6.

[0083] Condition 6: That no lot has been selected by the user in the search result display area RG2

[0084] When condition 6 is satisfied, the server 30 determines that the sixth gray-out condition is satisfied. On the other hand, when condition 6 is not satisfied, the server 30 determines that the sixth gray-out condition is not satisfied.

[0085] Since the process button group area RG3 is included in the lot search image P3, the server 30 can reduce the number of steps the user takes to cause the server 30 to execute a predetermined process on the desired lot. As a result, the server 30 can reduce the user's effort required for lot management and improve the user's work efficiency. This is because when the process button group area RG3 is not included in the lot search image P3, the user must cause the server 30 to execute a predetermined process on the desired lot via other update system functions of the server 30.

[0086] Here, FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a state where lot information indicating a completed lot is selected in the search result display area RG2. In the example shown in FIG. 6, the lot information displayed at the uppermost row of the search result display area RG2 is selected. And the lot status information included in the lot information indicates lot completion. In this case, since neither the fifth gray-out condition nor the sixth gray-out condition is satisfied, the gray-out of each of button B45 and button B46 is released. Also, in this case, since the first to fourth gray-out conditions are satisfied, each of buttons B41 to B44 is grayed out. By such gray-out, the server 30 can suppress incorrect operations by the user.

[0087] Also, FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a lot search image P3 immediately after searching for the lot information of each of one or more lots started within the target period. In the example shown in FIG. 7, the target period is the period from June 10, 2022 to June 10, 2022. For this reason, the lot information of each of a plurality of lots started on June 10, 2022 is displayed in the search result display area RG2. Also, in this example, the status of the lot indicated by the lot information displayed at the uppermost row of the search result display area RG2 shown in FIG. 7 is in progress. Also, in this example, the status of all the lots indicated by the lot information displayed from the second row and below from the top of the search result display area RG2 shown in FIG. 7 is in lot standby. And in this example, the lot information displayed in each of the fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth rows from the top of the search result display area RG2 shown in FIG. 7 is selected. As a result, each of button B42 and button B44 is grayed out. In this case, when, for example, a selection operation is performed on button B43, the server 30 causes the terminal device 40 to display a lot stop reason reception image P5 that receives the reason for changing the lot status information included in the lot information to lot status information indicating in lot stop.

[0088] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a lot stop reason reception image P5 displayed on the terminal device 40 when a selection operation is performed on the button B43 shown in FIG. 7.

[0089] The lot stop reason reception image P5 includes, for example, input fields F30 to F33 and a button B51. Note that the lot stop reason reception image P5 may include other GUIs instead of some or all of these GUIs, or in addition to all of these GUIs.

[0090] The input field F30 is a field for inputting user identification information for identifying a user. The character string "operator ID" superimposed on the input field F30 in FIG. 8 is a character string for indicating to the user that the information input to the input field F30 is user identification information. In the example shown in FIG. 8, "1234567" is input as user identification information in the input field F30. Note that the input of user identification information to the input field F30 may be performed by selecting user identification information from a pull-down menu, or may be performed by direct input using an input device such as a keyboard.

[0091] The input field F31 is a field for inputting user name information indicating the name of the user. The character string "operator name" superimposed on the input field F31 in FIG. 8 is a character string for indicating to the user that the information input to the input field F31 is user name information. In the example shown in FIG. 8, "user 1" is input as user name information in the input field F31. Note that the input of user name information to the input field F31 may be performed by selecting user name information from a pull-down menu, or may be performed by direct input using an input device such as a keyboard.

[0092] The input field F32 is a field where lot stop reason information indicating the reason for stopping the lot is input. The character string "Lot Stop Reason" superimposed on the input field F32 in FIG. 8 is a character string for indicating to the user that the information input to the input field F32 is lot stop reason information. And in the example shown in FIG. 8, "Other" is input to the input field F32 as the lot stop reason information. Note that the input of the lot stop reason information to the input field F32 may be performed by selecting the lot stop reason information from a pull-down menu, or may be performed by direct input using an input device such as a keyboard.

[0093] The input field F33 is a field where a character string input by the user is input as an additional comment regarding the stop of the lot. In the example shown in FIG. 8, as an example, the character string "Suspicion of device abnormality" is input to the input field F33.

[0094] The button B51 is a button that accepts an operation to confirm changing the lot status information included in each of one or more lot information selected in the search result display area RG2 to the lot status information indicating that the lot is in the stopped state. When a selection operation is performed on the button B51, the server 30 changes the lot status information included in each of one or more lot information selected in the search result display area RG2 to the lot status information indicating that the lot is in the stopped state. And the server 30 deletes the display of the lot stop reason reception image P5 from the terminal device 40.

[0095] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the search result display area RG2 immediately after a selection operation is performed on the button B51 shown in FIG. 8. As shown in FIG. 9, when a selection operation is performed on the button B51 shown in FIG. 8, the lot status information included in the four lot information selected in FIG. 7 is changed from the lot status information indicating that the lot is waiting to the lot status information indicating that the lot is in the stopped state.

[0096] In this way, when a selection operation is performed on any one of buttons B41 to B44, the server 30 can change the lot status information included in each of the selected multiple lot information. As a result, the server 30 can suppress the user from performing an operation of changing the lot status information included in each individual lot information one by one, and can reduce the user's workload regarding lot management.

[0097] Note that in the search result display area RG2 shown in FIG. 9, no lot information is selected. For this reason, each of buttons B41 to B46 is all grayed out.

[0098] On the other hand, FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a state in which lot information indicating each of the four lots in which lot stop is being performed and displayed in the search result display area RG2 shown in FIG. 9 is selected. In this case, since the first gray-out condition and the third gray-out condition are satisfied, buttons B41 and B43 are grayed out as shown in FIG. 10. However, in this case, since each of the second gray-out condition, the fourth gray-out condition to the sixth gray-out condition is not satisfied, the gray-out of each of buttons B42, B44 to B46 is released. For this reason, for example, when a selection operation is performed on button B44, the server 30 changes the lot status information included in the lot information indicating each of the four lots from the lot status information indicating that the lot is in the lot stop state to the lot status information indicating that the lot is in the lot waiting state. Note that this is the case where the state before the lot stop of each of these four lots was in the lot waiting state.

[0099] Further, FIG. 11 is a diagram showing another example of a lot search image P3 immediately after searching for lot information of each of one or more lots started within a target period. In the example shown in FIG. 11, start date and time information is not input in the input field F17. Also, in this example, "2022-06-09" is input as start date and time information in the input field F18. In this case, the target period is a period before June 9, 2022. Therefore, lot information of each of a plurality of lots started before June 9, 2022 is displayed in the search result display area RG2. Also, in this example, the status of each lot indicated by each of the lot information displayed in the search result display area RG2 shown in FIG. 11 is lot completion. As a result, each of the buttons B41, B42, and B44 is grayed out. In this case, when a selection operation is performed on the button B45, for example, the server 30 causes the terminal device 40 to display a lot deletion reason reception image P6 that receives a reason for deleting all the lot information.

[0100] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a lot deletion reason reception image P6 displayed on the terminal device 40 when a selection operation is performed on the button B45 shown in FIG. 11.

[0101] The lot deletion reason reception image P6 includes, for example, input fields F40 to F43 and a button B61. Note that the lot deletion reason reception image P6 may be configured to include other GUIs instead of some or all of these GUIs, or in addition to all of these GUIs.

[0102] The input field F40 is a field where user identification information for identifying the user is input. The character string "Operator ID" that is superimposed on the input field F40 in FIG. 12 is a character string for indicating to the user that the information input to the input field F40 is user identification information. And in the example shown in FIG. 12, "1234567" is input to the input field F40 as user identification information. Note that the input of user identification information to the input field F40 may be performed by selecting user identification information from a pull-down menu, or may be performed by direct input using an input device such as a keyboard.

[0103] The input field F41 is a field where user name information indicating the user's name is input. The character string "Operator Name" that is superimposed on the input field F41 in FIG. 12 is a character string for indicating to the user that the information input to the input field F41 is user name information. And in the example shown in FIG. 12, "User 1" is input to the input field F41 as user name information. Note that the input of user name information to the input field F41 may be performed by selecting user name information from a pull-down menu, or may be performed by direct input using an input device such as a keyboard.

[0104] The input field F42 is a field where lot deletion reason information indicating the reason for deleting a lot is input. The character string "Lot Out Reason" that is superimposed on the input field F42 in FIG. 12 is a character string for indicating to the user that the information input to the input field F42 is lot deletion reason information. And in the example shown in FIG. 12, "Inventory Disposal of Long-Term Stored Items" is input to the input field F42 as lot deletion reason information. Note that the input of lot deletion reason information to the input field F42 may be performed by selecting lot deletion reason information from a pull-down menu, or may be performed by direct input using an input device such as a keyboard.

[0105] The input field F43 is a field where a string input by the user is input as an additional comment regarding the deletion of lots. In the example shown in FIG. 12, as an example, the string "periodic mass disposal" is input in the input field F43.

[0106] The button B61 is a button that accepts an operation to confirm the deletion of one or more lot information selected in the search result display area RG2. When a selection operation is performed on the button B61, the server 30 deletes one or more lot information selected in the search result display area RG2. Then, the server 30 deletes the display of the lot deletion reason reception image P6 from the terminal device 40. Note that all the lot information thus deleted may be deleted not only from the search result display area RG2 but also from the storage area of the server 30, or may not be deleted from the storage area of the server 30.

[0107] Further, FIG. 13 is a diagram showing still another example of the lot search image P3 immediately after searching for the lot information of each of one or more lots started within the target period. In the example shown in FIG. 13, the target period is the period from June 8, 2022 to June 8, 2022. For this reason, the lot information of each of a plurality of lots started on June 8, 2022 is displayed in the search result display area RG2. Also, in this example, the state of the lots indicated by each of all the lot information displayed in the search result display area RG2 shown in FIG. 13 is lot completion. As a result, each of the buttons B41, B42, and B44 is grayed out. In this case, when a selection operation is performed on the button B46, for example, the server 30 causes the terminal device 40 to display a print user information reception image P7 for receiving the user identification information and user name information of the user who prints the label of the lot indicated by each of all the lot information.

[0108] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of the print user information reception image P7 displayed on the terminal device 40 when a selection operation is performed on the button B46 shown in FIG. 13.

[0109] The printed user information reception image P7 includes, for example, an input field F50, an input field F51, and a button B71. Note that the printed user information reception image P7 may be configured to include other GUIs instead of some or all of these GUIs, or in addition to all of these GUIs.

[0110] The input field F50 is a field where user identification information for identifying the user is input. The character string "Operator ID" superimposed on the input field F50 in FIG. 14 is a character string for indicating to the user that the information input to the input field F50 is user identification information. In the example shown in FIG. 14, "1234567" is input as the user identification information in the input field F50. Note that the input of the user identification information to the input field F50 may be performed by selecting the user identification information from a pull-down menu, or may be performed by direct input using an input device such as a keyboard.

[0111] The input field F51 is a field where user name information indicating the user's name is input. The character string "Operator Name" superimposed on the input field F51 in FIG. 14 is a character string for indicating to the user that the information input to the input field F51 is user name information. In the example shown in FIG. 14, "User 1" is input as the user name information in the input field F51. Note that the input of the user name information to the input field F51 may be performed by selecting the user name information from a pull-down menu, or may be performed by direct input using an input device such as a keyboard.

[0112] Button B71 is a button that accepts an operation to confirm the printing of the label of each lot indicated by one or more lot information selected in the search result display area RG2. When a selection operation is performed on button B71, server 30 executes the printing of the label of each lot indicated by one or more lot information selected in the search result display area RG2. Thereby, when the user of the terminal device 40 updates the lot information, forgets to issue the lot label, loses the lot label, etc., the user can reprint the labels of one or more lots collectively.

[0113] The server 30 that can display the lot search image P3 as described above on the terminal device 40 is, for example, a workstation, a desktop PC (Personal Computer), a notebook PC, etc., but is not limited thereto. Server 30 may be configured integrally with information processing device 20.

[0114] Server 30 is communicably connected to information processing device 20 by communication via wire or wireless. The communication network connecting server 30 and information processing device 20 may be, for example, a LAN within a facility where a plurality of managed devices 10 are installed, the Internet, a mobile communication network, or another communication network. Hereinafter, as an example, the case where the communication network connecting server 30 and information processing device 20 is the Internet will be described. In this case, server 30 is a cloud server.

[0115] Further, the server 30 is communicably connected to the terminal device 40 via wired or wireless communication. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the server 30 is communicably connected to the terminal device 40 via wireless communication. The communication network connecting the server 30 and the terminal device 40 may be, for example, a LAN within the facility where the server 30 is installed, the Internet, a mobile communication network, or other communication networks. Hereinafter, as an example, the case where the communication network connecting the server 30 and the terminal device 40 is the Internet will be described.

[0116] <Hardware Configuration of Server> Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 15, the hardware configuration of the server 30 will be described. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the server 30.

[0117] The server 30 includes, for example, a processor 31, a storage unit 32, and a communication unit 33. These components are communicably connected to each other via a bus. Further, the server 30 communicates with each of the information processing device 20 and the terminal device 40 via the communication unit 33.

[0118] The processor 31 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). Note that the processor 31 may be another processor such as an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) instead of the CPU. The processor 31 executes various programs stored in the storage unit 32.

[0119] The storage unit 32 is a storage device including, for example, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), an SSD (Solid State Drive), an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), etc. Note that, instead of being built into the server 30, the storage unit 32 may be an external storage device connected by a digital input / output port such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus). The storage unit 32 stores various types of information, various images, and various programs processed by the server 30.

[0120] The communication unit 33 is a communication device including, for example, a digital input / output port such as a USB, an Ethernet (registered trademark) port, an antenna for wireless communication, etc.

[0121] <Functional Configuration of Server> Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 16, the functional configuration of the server 30 will be described. FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the server 30.

[0122] The server 30 includes a storage unit 32, a communication unit 33, and a control unit 34.

[0123] The control unit 34 controls the entire server 30. The control unit 34 includes a reception unit 341, an acquisition unit 342, and a display control unit 343. These functional units included in the control unit 34 are realized, for example, when the processor 31 executes various programs stored in the storage unit 32. Also, some or all of these functional units may be hardware functional units such as an LSI (Large Scale Integration) or an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit).

[0124] The reception unit 341 receives various types of information and various operations from a device communicably connected to the server 30.

[0125] The acquisition unit 342 acquires, for each of the plurality of managed devices 10, status information about the managed device 10 from the managed device 10 via the information processing device 20. The acquisition unit 342 may be configured to directly acquire the status information from the managed device 10 without going through the information processing device 20.

[0126] The display control unit 343 generates various images according to the operation received via the reception unit 341. The display control unit 343 transmits the generated image to the terminal device 40 and causes the terminal device 40 to display the image.

[0127] <Processing for the server to perform lot search> With reference to FIG. 17, the processing for the server 30 to perform lot search will be described. FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of the flow of the processing for the server 30 to perform lot search. Hereinafter, as an example, the case where the terminal image P2 is displayed on the terminal device 40 at a timing before the processing of step S110 shown in FIG. 17 is performed will be described. Also, hereinafter, as an example, the case where the master data and the lot information are already stored in the server 30 at that timing will be described.

[0128] The control unit 34 waits until it receives an operation to display the lot search image P3 via the terminal device 40 (step S110).

[0129] When the control unit 34 determines that it has received an operation to display the lot search image P3 via the terminal device 40 (step S110 - YES), it generates the lot search image P3 (step S120). The method for generating the lot search image P3 in step S120 may be a known method or a method to be developed in the future.

[0130] Next, the control unit 34 transmits the lot search image P3 generated in step S120 to the terminal device 40 and causes the terminal device 40 to display the lot search image P3 (step S130).

[0131] Next, the control unit 34 waits until an operation is received via the lot search image P3 displayed on the terminal device 40 (step S140).

[0132] When the control unit 34 determines that an operation has been received via the lot search image P3 displayed on the terminal device 40 (step S140 - YES), it determines whether the received operation is an operation to end the processing of the flowchart shown in FIG. 17 (step S150). The determination process of step S150 by the control unit 34 may be performed by a known method or by a method to be developed in the future.

[0133] When the control unit 34 determines that the operation received in step S140 is an operation to end the processing of the flowchart shown in FIG. 17 (step S150 - YES), for example, it deletes the display of the lot search image P3 from the terminal device 40 and ends the processing of the flowchart shown in FIG. 17.

[0134] On the other hand, when the control unit 34 determines that the operation received in step S140 is not an operation to end the processing of the flowchart shown in FIG. 17 (step S150 - NO), it performs processing according to the received operation (step S160). Here, since the processing performed by the control unit 34 in step S160 has been described in the explanations of FIGS. 4 to 14, detailed explanations are omitted.

[0135] After the processing of step S160 is performed, the control unit 34 transitions to step S140 and waits again until an operation is received via the lot search image P3 displayed on the terminal device 40.

[0136] Through the above processing, when the server 30 receives at least one piece of information among one or more pieces of information included in the lot-related information via the lot search image P3, the server 30 causes the terminal device 40 to display lot information indicating the lots identified by each of one or more lot identification information associated with the received at least one piece of information. Thereby, the server 30 can easily cause the user to search for information on the products of the lot desired by the user. As a result, the server 30 can improve the traceability of the products.

[0137] Note that the molding management system 1 described above may be configured to include the terminal device 40.

[0138] Also, the search for the lot described above may be performed using, as a search key, the time period during which the lot was not operating normally. In this case, the lot-related information includes information indicating the time period.

[0139] Also, the search for the lot described above may be performed using, as a search key, one or more pieces of information included in the injection molding apparatus-related information. In this case, the lot-related information includes the injection molding apparatus-related information. The injection molding apparatus-related information included in the lot-related information regarding a certain lot is information regarding the injection molding apparatus that molds the products of the lot. For example, it is information including operation state information indicating the operation state of the injection molding apparatus, detection information regarding the injection molding apparatus, and the like. Thereby, the server 30 can more reliably improve the traceability of the products.

[0140] In addition, the lot search described above may be performed using an arbitrary character string as a search key. In this case, the lot search image P3 includes an input field for the user to enter a character string. Then, when the server 30 receives a character string via the input field, it identifies information containing the received character string from among one or more pieces of information included in the lot-related information, and displays lot information indicating the lots identified by the respective lot identification information associated with the identified information in the search result display area RG2. Thereby, the server 30 can make it easier for the user to search for lots.

[0141] In addition, the contents described above may be combined in any manner.

[0142] <Appendix> [1] A molding management system that includes a server communicably connected to a terminal device and manages the production of a product in a production process including an injection molding process of the product by an injection molding device, wherein the server stores in association a lot identification information for identifying a lot of the product and lot-related information including one or more pieces of information regarding the lot of the product in a storage unit, and a control unit that causes the terminal device to display a lot search image for receiving a search operation for searching for the lot of the product from the terminal device, and when the control unit receives at least one piece of information among the one or more pieces of information included in the lot-related information via the lot search image by the search operation, the control unit causes the terminal device to display lot information indicating the lots identified by the respective one or more pieces of lot identification information associated with the received at least one piece of information. [2] The lot-related information includes, as the one or more pieces of information, injection molding apparatus-related information regarding an injection molding apparatus that molds a product of the lot identified by the lot identification information associated with the lot-related information. The injection molding apparatus-related information includes at least one of operation state information indicating an operation state of the injection molding apparatus and detection information detected by each of one or more sensors attached to the injection molding apparatus. The molding management system according to [1]. [3] The lot-related information includes quality information regarding the product of the lot identified by the lot identification information associated with the lot-related information. The molding management system according to [1] or [2]. [4] When the control unit receives a character string via the lot search image, the control unit specifies information including the received character string from among the one or more pieces of information, and causes the terminal device to display lot information indicating the lot identified by each of one or more pieces of lot identification information associated with the specified information. The molding management system according to any one of [1] to [3]. [5] The control unit displays a GUI that receives a process execution operation for causing the server to start execution of a predetermined process on the lot indicated by each of one or more pieces of lot information selected in response to a received lot information selection operation among the one or more pieces of lot information displayed on the terminal device. The molding management system according to any one of [1] to [4]. [6] When a predetermined gray-out condition is satisfied, the control unit gray-outs the GUI. The molding management system according to [5]. [7] The molding management system according to any one of [1] to [6], including the terminal device. [8] The molding management system according to any one of [1] to [7], including the injection molding apparatus.

[0143] As described above, the embodiments of this disclosure have been described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the specific configuration is not limited to this embodiment, and may be changed, replaced, deleted, etc., as long as the gist of this disclosure is not deviated from.

[0144] Also, a program for realizing the functions of any component in the device described above may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, and the program may be read into a computer system and executed. Here, the device is, for example, an injection molding device 11, an information processing device 20, a server 30, a terminal device 40, etc. Note that the "computer system" referred to here includes hardware such as an OS (Operating System) and peripheral devices. Also, the "computer-readable recording medium" refers to a portable medium such as a flexible disk, a magneto-optical disk, a ROM, a CD (Compact Disk)-ROM, etc., and a storage device such as a hard disk built into a computer system. Further, the "computer-readable recording medium" also includes a volatile memory inside a computer system that becomes a server or a client when a program is transmitted via a network such as the Internet or a communication line such as a telephone line, and holds the program for a certain period of time.

[0145] Also, the above program may be transmitted from a computer system storing the program in a storage device or the like to another computer system via a transmission medium or by a transmission wave in the transmission medium. Here, the "transmission medium" for transmitting the program refers to a medium having a function of transmitting information, such as a network such as the Internet or a communication line such as a telephone line. Also, the above program may be for realizing a part of the functions described above. Further, the above program may be a so-called difference file or difference program that can be realized in combination with a program already recorded in a computer system for the functions described above.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0146] 1... Forming management system, 10... Device to be managed, 11... Injection molding device, 20... Information processing device, 30... Server, 31... Processor, 32... Memory unit, 33... Communication unit, 34... Control unit, 40... Terminal device, 341... Reception unit, 342... Acquisition unit, 343... Display control unit, P1... Main menu image, P2... Terminal image, P3... Lot search image, P4... Detailed information display image, P5... Lot stop reason reception image, P6... Lot deletion reason reception image, P7... Print user information reception image

Claims

1. A molding management system that includes a server communicably connected to a terminal device and manages the production of a product in a production process including an injection molding process of the product by an injection molding device, wherein the server, a storage unit that stores in association a lot identification information for identifying a lot of the product and lot-related information including one or more pieces of information regarding the lot of the product, a control unit that causes the terminal device to display a lot search image for receiving a search operation for the lot of the product from the terminal device, and is provided with, when the control unit receives at least one piece of information among the one or more pieces of information included in the lot-related information via the lot search image by the search operation, the control unit causes the terminal device to display lot information indicating the lot identified by each of the one or more lot identification information associated with the received at least one piece of information, a molding management system.

2. The lot-related information includes, as the one or more pieces of information, injection molding device-related information regarding an injection molding device that molds the product of the lot identified by the lot identification information associated with the lot-related information, and the injection molding device-related information includes at least one of operation state information indicating an operation state of the injection molding device and detection information detected by each of one or more sensors attached to the injection molding device. The molding management system according to claim 1.

3. The lot-related information includes quality information about the product of the lot identified by the lot identification information associated with the lot-related information. The molding management system according to claim 1.

4. When the control unit receives a character string via the lot search image, the control unit identifies information including the received character string from among the one or more pieces of information, and causes the terminal device to display the lot information indicating the lot identified by each of the one or more lot identification information associated with the identified information. The molding management system according to claim 1.

5. The control unit displays a GUI that receives a process execution operation for causing the server to start execution of a predetermined process on each of the one or more lots indicated by each of the one or more lot information selected in response to a received lot information selection operation among the one or more lot information displayed on the terminal device. The molding management system according to claim 1. **Claim 6** When a predetermined gray-out condition is satisfied, the control unit gray-outs the GUI. The molding management system according to claim 5. **Claim 7** Including the terminal device The molding management system according to claim 1. **Claim 8** Including the injection molding device The molding management system according to claim 1.

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