Molding management system

Abstract

To provide a molding management system capable of suppressing occurrence of a difference between an actual lot to which a product is moved and a lot on the molding management system.SOLUTION: Provided is a molding management system that includes a server communicably connected to a terminal device and manages production of a product in a production process including an injection molding process of the product by an injection molding device, wherein the server includes: a storage unit that stores a plurality of pieces of lot information in which lot identification information for identifying the lot of a product and lot-related information including one or more pieces of information related to the lot of the product are associated with each other; and a control unit that causes the terminal device to display a product number change image that changes the number of products of the lot selected among the lots indicated by each of the plurality of pieces of lot information stored in the storage unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 20

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] TECHNICAL FIELD This disclosure relates to a molding management system. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Research and development is being conducted on techniques for managing the production of products in a production process that includes an injection molding process of products using resin materials such as plastics using an injection molding machine.

[0003] In this regard, a system is known that can update control information for controlling the molding of products for each lot for each molding of a product (see Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Special Publication No. 07-029352 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In a system such as that described in Patent Document 1, when a change in the number of products produced in a certain lot occurs at the molding site, a discrepancy may occur between the actual lot and the lot in the system. This is because the lot is managed by master data in the system, but this is not desirable from the perspective of lot management. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, one aspect of the present disclosure is a molding management system that includes a server that is communicatively connected to a terminal device and that manages the production of the product in a production process that includes an injection molding process of the product using an injection molding device, wherein the server is a molding management system that includes a memory unit that stores multiple pieces of lot information that correspond to lot identification information that identifies the lot of the product and lot-related information that includes one or more pieces of information related to the lot of the product, and a control unit that displays a production number change image on the terminal device that accepts a production number change operation that changes the number of products of a selected lot from the lots indicated by each of the multiple pieces of lot information stored in the memory unit. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a molding management system 1. FIG. [Figure 2] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a main menu image P1. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a terminal image P2. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a lot search image P3. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a production quantity change image P4 displayed when a selection operation is performed on the button B41 shown in FIG. 4. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a state in which production quantity information is input into an input field F42 in the production quantity change image P4 shown in FIG. 5. [Figure 7] This is a diagram showing an example of the production quantity change image P4 shown in Figure 5, in which production quantity information is input into the input field F42 and production quantity change reason information is input into the input field F23. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a production quantity change image P4 displaying a message MS indicating that a production quantity change confirmation process has been performed. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a history information display image P5. [Figure 10]FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another example of the configuration of the product change number reception area RG6. [Figure 11] 10 is a diagram showing an example of the state of the product related information list display area RG7 when an operation to reduce the number of products in a production quantity change lot using product related information is accepted. FIG. [Figure 12] 13 is a diagram showing an example of the state of the product related information list display area RG7 when an operation to increase the number of products in a production quantity change lot using product related information is accepted. FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing yet another example of the configuration of the product change quantity reception area RG6. [Figure 14] 13 is a diagram showing an example of the product related information list display area RG7 after the product related information has been increased by selecting the button B61. FIG. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a difference presence / absence information display image P6. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a master data editing item selection image P7. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a registered production quantity change reason information search image P8. [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a production quantity change reason information registration image P9. [Figure 19] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a server 30. [Figure 20] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of a server 30. [Figure 21] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a processing flow in which the server 30 changes the number of products. [Figure 22] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a processing flow in which the server 30 registers information on the reason for change in the number of produced items in the master data. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

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

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

[0010] A molding management system according to an embodiment manages the production of products in a production process that includes an injection molding process of the products using an injection molding device. The molding management system includes a server. The server is communicably connected to a terminal device. The server also includes a memory unit and a control unit. The memory unit stores a plurality of lot information items that correspond to lot identification information that identifies the lot of the products and lot-related information that includes one or more pieces of information related to the lot of the products. The control unit causes the terminal device to display a production quantity change image that accepts a production quantity change operation to change the number of products for a production quantity change lot selected from the lots indicated by each of the plurality of lot information items stored in the memory unit.

[0011] As a result, the molding management system according to the embodiment can prevent discrepancies from occurring between an actual lot in which a change has occurred in the number of products produced and a lot on the molding management system.

[0012] The configuration of the molding management system according to the embodiment and the processing performed by the server included in the molding management system will be described in detail below.

[0013] Changes in the number of products actually produced in a lot occur, for example, when a sample is taken from a lot to be used for a different purpose than intended and the sampled product is not returned to the lot, when the count of the number of products produced in the molding control system is temporarily invalidated due to a communication error or the like, when a test product before production is included in the lot, when a robot malfunctions or a human error occurs during the packing work for each lot, when the number of products produced in a lot is adjusted by dividing or combining the lot, etc. In such cases, a difference may occur between the actual lot where the number of products produced has changed and the lot in the molding control system.

[0014] <Configuration of molding management system> The configuration of the molding management system according to the embodiment will be described below by taking the molding management system 1 as an example.

[0015] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a molding management system 1. As shown in FIG.

[0016] The molding management system 1 is a type of manufacturing execution system (MES). For example, the molding management system 1 includes one or more managed devices 10, an information processing device 20, and a server 30. The molding management system 1 may be configured not to include some or all of the one or more managed devices 10. The molding management system 1 may also be configured not to include the information processing device 20. In the following, as an example, a case will be described in which the molding management system 1 includes a plurality of managed devices 10 as the one or more managed devices 10.

[0017] Each of the multiple managed devices 10 included in the molding management system 1 is a device managed by the molding management system 1. In FIG. 1, for convenience of explanation, the multiple managed devices 10 are each denoted by the same reference numeral. However, some or all of the multiple managed devices 10 may be different types of devices. The multiple managed devices 10 include at least one injection molding device that performs injection molding of a product using a resin such as plastic. The injection molding device 11 shown in FIG. 1 is an example of such an injection molding device. Note that the multiple managed devices 10 may also include an injection molding device that performs metal injection molding (MIM) of a product. In the following, for convenience of explanation, injection molding of a product using a resin such as plastic will be simply referred to as injection molding. In the following, an injection molding device that performs injection molding of a product using a resin such as plastic will be simply referred to as an injection molding device. Furthermore, the multiple managed devices 10 include, in addition to the injection molding device, for example, peripheral equipment of the injection molding device. Examples of peripheral equipment of the injection molding device include, but are not limited to, a material supply device that supplies the injection molding device with material used by the injection molding device to inject mold the product, a transport device that transports the product injection molded by the injection molding device, a cleaning device that cleans the product injection molded by the injection molding device, and a sintering device that sinters the product after being cleaned by the cleaning device. Furthermore, at least one injection molding device included in the multiple managed devices 10 may be a device that performs injection molding using a material other than resin and metal.

[0018] The molding management system 1 manages the production of products in a production process that includes an injection molding process of the products using injection molding devices included in the multiple managed devices 10. Here, the injection molding devices included in the multiple managed devices 10 may have any configuration as long as they are capable of producing products by injection molding. For convenience of explanation, one injection molding of a product using the injection molding device will be referred to as one shot in the following description. In this case, for example, two shots refer to two injection moldings of a product using the injection molding device. Also, for convenience of explanation, each of one or more cavities in a mold that are filled with resin during one shot of molding a product will be referred to as a cavity in the following description. For example, an injection molding device equipped with a mold having two such cavities will mold two products in one shot.

[0019] The information processing device 20 acquires status information indicating the status of each of the multiple managed devices 10 from the managed device 10. For example, the information processing device 20 acquires status information about the injection molding device 11 from the injection molding device 11. Such status information includes a timestamp indicating the date and time when the status information was acquired by the information processing device 20. Some status information also includes device identification information that identifies the managed device 10 in the state indicated by the status information. The status information also includes detection information detected by one or more 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, etc. That is, the one or more sensors include, but are not limited to, a thermometer, a pressure gauge, an ammeter, a voltmeter, etc. Note that the detection information may include other information detected by the sensors instead of some or all of the above information, or in addition to all of the above information. The status information also includes operating status information indicating the operating status of the managed device 10. The operating status information indicating the operating status of the managed device 10 may be any information as long as it includes information indicating whether the managed device is operating. Furthermore, the information processing device 20 may acquire such status information periodically or non-periodically. As an example, the following describes a case where the information processing device 20 acquires status information each time the above-mentioned one shot is taken. When the information processing device 20 acquires certain status information, it outputs the acquired status information to the server 30. This allows the information processing device 20 to store the acquired status information in the server 30.

[0020] The information processing device 20 is, for example, a workstation, a desktop PC (Personal Computer), a notebook PC, etc., but is not limited to these. The information processing device 20 is communicably connected to each of the multiple managed devices 10 via wired or wireless communication. The communication network connecting the information processing device 20 and each of the multiple managed devices 10 is, for example, a local area network (LAN) within a facility where the multiple managed devices 10 are installed, but is not limited to this. The communication network may also be another communication network such as the Internet or a mobile communication network.

[0021] The server 30 stores the status information acquired by the information processing device 20. For example, when the server 30 acquires certain status information from the information processing device 20, it stores the acquired status information. Here, if the server 30 has already stored status information including device identification information included in the status information, it replaces the already stored status information with the newly acquired status information. This allows the server 30 to always keep the status information indicating the status of the managed device 10 indicated by the device identification information up to date. Note that the server 30 may be configured to store all acquired status information without performing such replacement. Furthermore, even if the server 30 performs such replacement, it may be configured to newly store the status information before the replacement as history information indicating the status history of the managed device 10.

[0022] In addition, in response to a request from a terminal device communicatively connected to the server 30, the server 30 displays various images based on status information stored in the server 30 on the display unit of the terminal device. Here, the images refer to GUIs (Graphical User Interfaces), icons, windows on an OS (Operating System), and the like. Hereinafter, as an example, a case will be described in which the server 30 is communicatively connected to the terminal device 40 as shown in FIG. 1 . Note that in this embodiment, the process of logging in to the server 30 by the terminal device 40 is known, and therefore will not be described here. For ease of explanation, the server 30 receiving an operation from the terminal device 40 via an image displayed on the terminal device 40 will be simply referred to as the server 30 receiving an operation. In other words, in the following, the server 30 performing a certain process in response to a received operation means that the server 30 performs the process in response to the operation received from the terminal device 40 via an image displayed on the terminal device 40.

[0023] The server 30 also 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 products produced by the injection molding device 11 in response to the received operation. The master data includes, for example, product identification information that identifies the various products produced by the injection molding device 11, production quantity plan value information that indicates the planned production quantity of the products identified by each product identification information, and mold identification information that identifies the mold used to produce the products identified by each product identification information. The master data may have any data structure. For example, the various types of information included in the master data are included in the master data as information associated with the product identification information.

[0024] Furthermore, in response to the received operation, the server 30 displays a lot search image on the display unit of the terminal device 40, which accepts a lot search operation for searching for a product lot. The display unit may be, for example, a display of the terminal device 40 or a display device communicably connected to the terminal device 40, but is not limited to these. In the following, as an example, a case will be described in which the display unit is the display of the terminal device 40. Also, in the following, for convenience of explanation, displaying an image on the display unit will be referred to as "displaying the image." The lot search image is an image that accepts various pieces of information that can be used as a search key through the aforementioned lot search operation. In the following, for convenience of explanation, a product lot will be simply referred to as a lot. A lot is a group of one or more products to which lot identification information is assigned for management purposes. Therefore, in the following, for convenience of explanation, products to which lot identification information identifying a certain lot is assigned will be referred to as products of that lot. The lot identification information may be any information that can identify the lot, for example, an ID (Identifier) ​​that identifies the lot, a character string that identifies the lot, or other information that can identify the lot.

[0025] Here, the server 30 stores lot identification information and lot-related information including one or more pieces of information related to the lot, in association with each other. As a result, when searching for information on a certain lot of products, the server 30 can use not only the lot identification information that identifies the lot, but also each of the one or more pieces of information included in the lot-related information associated with the lot identification information as search keys for the lot. In other words, in the lot search image, in addition to the lot identification information, each of the one or more pieces of information included in the lot-related information can be used as search keys for searching for the lot. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, information in which lot identification information that identifies a certain lot and lot-related information including one or more pieces of information related to the lot are associated with each other will be referred to as lot information indicating the lot. In other words, when the server 30 receives at least one piece of information from the one or more pieces of information included in the lot-related information through a lot search operation via the lot search image, it displays 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. This allows the server 30 to easily search for information on products in a desired lot. For this reason, the server 30 stores a plurality of pieces of lot information for each piece of lot identification information.

[0026] For example, the server 30 displays a lot search image by accepting an operation via a 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 a predetermined main menu image display operation is received, the server 30 displays the main menu image P1. In the example shown in Fig. 2, the main menu image P1 includes six buttons, namely, button B11 to button B16.

[0028] The button B11 is a button that displays a dashboard image. When the server 30 receives a selection operation on the button B11, the server 30 generates a dashboard image and displays the generated dashboard image. Here, the dashboard image is an image that displays information necessary for a user of the terminal device 40 to manage the production of products by the injection molding device designated by the user while the injection molding device is in operation. In this embodiment, the selection operation is a click, a tap, or the like, but is not limited to these.

[0029] Button B12 is a button that displays a master data management image. When the server 30 receives a selection operation on button B12, it generates a master data management image and displays the generated master data management image. Here, the master data management image is an image that receives operations to input, change, delete, etc. the master data described above. The server 30 can generate, change, delete, etc. master data in response to operations on the master data management image. When the server 30 generates master data, it stores the generated master data. Furthermore, when the server 30 changes the master data, it updates the stored master data to the changed master data.

[0030] The button B13 is a button for displaying a manual image. When the server 30 receives a selection operation for the button B13, the server 30 generates a manual image and displays the generated manual image. Here, the manual image is an image that receives an operation for displaying a manual on how to operate the molding management system 1.

[0031] Button B14 is a button that displays terminal image P2. When server 30 receives a selection operation on button B14, it generates terminal image P2 and displays the generated terminal image P2. Here, terminal image P2 is an image that receives operations for executing each of the various update functions possessed by server 30. A certain type of update function is a function for inputting, changing, deleting, etc., information according to that type.

[0032] Button B15 is a button that displays a user management image. When server 30 receives a selection operation on button B15, it generates a user management image and displays the generated user management image. Here, the user management image is an image that receives operations to input, change, delete, display, etc., information about a user among the information stored in server 30.

[0033] The button B16 is a button that accepts an operation to log out the terminal device 40 from the server 30. When the server 30 accepts a selection operation on the button B16, the server 30 logs out the terminal device 40.

[0034] In this embodiment, the dashboard image, the manual image, and the user management image will not be described.

[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 accepting operations to execute each of a plurality of update-related functions. One of these buttons is the button B21.

[0036] The button B21 is a button that accepts an operation to display a lot search image P3, which is an example of the lot search image described above. When the server 30 accepts a selection operation on the button B21, the server 30 generates the lot search image P3 and displays the generated lot search image P3.

[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, input fields F11 to F18, a button B31, and a button B32. Note that the lot search area RG1 may be configured to include other GUIs that can accept a lot search operation instead of some or all of these GUIs, or in addition to all of these GUIs. Here, the aforementioned lot search operation refers to an individual operation accepted by the lot search area RG1. Note that in the molding management system 1, searching for a lot means searching for lot information.

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

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

[0041] The input field F13 is a field for inputting injection molding machine identification information that identifies the injection molding machine that molded the product lot desired by the user or the injection molding machine that will mold the product lot desired by the user. Therefore, in the example shown in FIG. 4, the lot-related information includes the injection molding machine identification information, and the lot can be searched for using the injection molding machine identification information as a search key. The character string "machine" superimposed on the input field F13 in FIG. 4 indicates to the user that the information entered in the input field F13 is injection molding machine identification information. In this example, nothing is entered in the input field F13. The injection molding machine identification information can be entered into the input field F13 by selecting the injection molding machine identification information from a pull-down menu or by directly entering it using an input device such as a keyboard.

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

[0043] The input field F15 is a field where information identifying the higher-level group to which the desired lot belongs is entered. The following description will be given, as an example, of a case where the group is a production lot. For ease of explanation, the information will be referred to as production lot identification information. Therefore, in the example shown in FIG. 4, the lot-related information includes production lot identification information, and a lot can be searched for using the production lot identification information as a search key. The group may also be another group, such as the work shift of a manager who manages the production of the products of the lot. The character string "Job No." superimposed on the input field F15 in FIG. 4 indicates to the user that the information entered in the input field F15 is production lot identification information. In this example, nothing is entered in the input field F15. The production lot identification information may be entered in the input field F15 by selecting the production lot identification information from a pull-down menu or by directly entering it using an input device such as a keyboard.

[0044] The input field F16 is a field where lot status information indicating the desired lot status is entered by the user. Therefore, in the example shown in FIG. 4 , the lot-related information includes the lot status information, and a lot can be searched for using the lot status information as a search key. The character string "Lot Status" superimposed on the input field F16 in FIG. 4 indicates to the user that the information entered in the input field F16 is lot status information. In this example, nothing is entered in the input field F16. The lot status information indicates one of the following states: a lot is stopped, a lot is being prepared, a lot is waiting, or a lot is completed. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, a state in which a lot is stopped will be simply referred to as "lot stopped." Also, for convenience of explanation, a state in which a lot is being prepared will be simply referred to as "lot being prepared." Also, for convenience of explanation, a state in which a lot is waiting will be simply referred to as "lot waiting." For ease of explanation, the state in which a lot has been completed will be referred to simply as “lot completion.” Note that the input of lot status information into the input field F16 may be performed by selecting lot status information from a pull-down menu, or by direct input using an input device such as a keyboard.

[0045] Input fields F17 and F18 are fields where the user inputs period information indicating the period including the date when production of the desired lot of products began. Therefore, in the example shown in FIG. 4, the lot-related information includes information indicating the date, and the lot can be searched for using this information as a search key. The character string "Start Date of First Process from" superimposed on input field F17 in FIG. 4 indicates to the user that the information entered in input field F17 is start date and time information indicating the start date and time of the period. The character string "Start Date of First Process to" superimposed on input field F18 in FIG. 4 indicates to the user that the information entered in input field F18 is end date and time information indicating the end date and time of the period. In this example, nothing is entered in input fields F17 and F18. The start date and time information can be entered in input field F17 by selecting a date using a calendar or the like and a time using a clock or the like, or by direct input using an input device such as a keyboard. The end date and time information may be entered into the input field F18 by selecting the date using a calendar or the like, selecting the time using a clock or the like, or by direct input using an input device such as a keyboard. The start date and time information may be information indicating only the date and time. The end date and time information may be information indicating only the date and time.

[0046] The button B31 is a button that accepts an operation to delete the information entered in some or all of the input fields F11 to F18. In other words, the button B31 is a button that accepts an operation to clear the information entered in some or all of the input fields F11 to F18. When the button B31 is selected, the server 30 deletes the information entered in some or all of the input fields F11 to F18.

[0047] Button B32 is a button that accepts an operation to execute a search for a lot based on the information entered in some or all of input fields F11 to F18. When button B32 is selected, server 30 extracts one or more pieces of lot information that include the information entered in some or all of input fields F11 to F18 from the plurality of pieces of lot information stored in advance. After extracting one or more pieces of lot information, server 30 displays a list of the one or more pieces of extracted lot information in search result display area RG2. For ease of explanation, this list will be referred to below simply as a lot information list.

[0048] Here, the lot information is generated or updated based on information received from a user via, for example, one of the update functions executable on the terminal image P2, and is stored on the server 30. Some lot information includes, for example, lot identification information identifying the lot indicated by the lot information and lot-related information about the lot. The lot-related information specifically includes: production quantity information indicating the number of products in the lot; product type information indicating the type of products in the lot; process information indicating the process currently being performed on the products in 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 products in the lot began; quality information indicating the results of quality inspections performed on the products in the lot; injection molding device-related information regarding the injection molding device used to mold the products in the lot; mold identification information identifying the mold attached to the injection molding device; and cavity number information indicating the number of cavities in the mold. If a quality inspection has not been performed on the products in the lot, the quality information indicates that the quality inspection has not been performed on the products. The injection molding apparatus-related information is information that includes, for example, injection molding apparatus identification information that identifies the injection molding apparatus, operating status information that indicates the operating status of the injection molding apparatus, detection information about the injection molding apparatus, etc. Note that the lot-related information may be configured to include other information about the lot instead of some or all of the above information, or in addition to all of the above information.

[0049] The search result display area RG2 is an area where a list of lot information is displayed as a result of a selection operation on the button B32. If no selection operation is performed on the button B32, the search result display area RG2 may display a list of all 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. The number of lot information items 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 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 lot identification information as well as some of the lot-related information. Specifically, the lot information includes lot identification information, production quantity information, production type information, process information, lot status information, and start date and time information. Note that the lot information may include all of the lot-related information along with the lot identification information. For example, the lot information displayed at the top of the search result display area RG2 shown in FIG. 4 includes lot identification information "1234567890," production quantity information "80," production type information "Part 1," process information "Shipping Inspection SB1," lot status information indicating lot completion, and start date and time information "2022-06-08 08:00." Here, "80" represents production quantity information indicating 80 units. "2022-06-08 08:00" represents start date and time information indicating 8:00 AM on June 8, 2022.

[0051] A detailed display button (not shown) is displayed in association with each piece of lot information displayed in the search result display area RG2. The detailed display button displayed in association with certain lot information is a button that accepts an operation to display a detailed information display image in which detailed information about the lot indicated by the lot information is displayed. The detailed information displayed in the detailed information display image includes at least a portion of the information contained in the lot information that is displayed in the search result display area RG2, and at least a portion of the information contained in the lot information that is not displayed in the search result display area RG2.

[0052] 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 is useful because it not only simplifies the data structure of the lot information but also reduces the load on the server 30 in searching for lots.

[0053] Furthermore, when one or more pieces of lot information are displayed in the search result display area RG2, check boxes are displayed for accepting an operation to select each of the one or more pieces of lot information. For example, the check box C1 shown in FIG. 4 is a check box for accepting an operation to select the lot information displayed in the top row of the search result display area RG2. Note that the search result display area RG2 may also be configured to display check boxes for accepting an operation to select all of the lot information displayed in the search result display area RG2. This allows the server 30 to reduce the effort required for the user to select lot information. Note that the selection of certain lot information may also be referred to as the selection of the lot indicated by that lot information.

[0054] The processing button group area RG3 is an area where a GUI is displayed that accepts a processing execution operation that causes the server 30 to start executing a predetermined process on each of the lots indicated by one or more pieces of lot information selected in response to a received lot information selection operation from among the one or more pieces of lot information displayed in the search result display area RG2. In the example shown in FIG. 4, 11 buttons are displayed as such a GUI in the processing button group area RG3. In this example, these 11 buttons include button B41 and button B42. In this embodiment, a description of the 11 buttons other than button B41 and button B42 will be omitted.

[0055] The button B41 is a button that identifies a lot selected by a user in the search result display area RG2 as a production quantity change lot and accepts a production quantity change process execution operation that causes the server 30 to start executing a process to change the number of products in the production quantity change lot. If a predetermined first gray-out condition is met, the server 30 grays out the button B41 and does not accept any selection operation on the button B41. On the other hand, if the first gray-out condition is not met, the server 30 cancels the gray-out of the button B41 and accepts any selection operation on the button B41. By graying out the button in this way, the server 30 can prevent erroneous operations by the user. The first gray-out condition is, for example, a condition that includes the following two conditions, Condition 1A and Condition 1B.

[0056] Condition 1A: Multiple lots are selected by the user in the search result display area RG2 Condition 1B: No lot has been selected by the user in the search result display area RG2

[0057] The server 30 determines that the first gray-out condition is met when either condition 1A or condition 1B is met. On the other hand, the server 30 determines that the first gray-out condition is not met when both condition 1A and condition 1B are not met.

[0058] 4, the user has selected the topmost lot among the multiple lots displayed in the search result display area RG2, and no other lots have been selected, so in this example, button B41 is not grayed out.

[0059] Button B42 is a button that accepts a history information display process execution operation that causes server 30 to start executing a process to display history information indicating the history of processing performed on each of one or more lots selected by the user in search result display area RG2. If a predetermined second gray-out condition is met, server 30 grays out button B42 and does not accept a selection operation on button B42. On the other hand, if the second gray-out condition is not met, server 30 cancels the gray-out of button B42 and accepts a selection operation on button B42. By graying out button B42 in this manner, server 30 can prevent erroneous operations by the user. The second gray-out condition is, for example, a condition that includes the following condition 2A.

[0060] Condition 2A: No lot has been selected by the user in the search result display area RG2

[0061] If condition 2A is satisfied, the server 30 determines that the second gray-out condition is satisfied. On the other hand, if condition 2A is not satisfied, the server 30 determines that the second gray-out condition is not satisfied.

[0062] 4, as described above, the user has selected the topmost lot among the multiple lots displayed in the search result display area RG2, and therefore, in this example, button B42 is not grayed out.

[0063] Here, when a selection operation is performed on button B41, the server 30 identifies the lot selected by the user in the search result display area RG2 as a production quantity change lot, and displays a production quantity change image P4 that accepts a production quantity change operation to change the number of products in the production quantity change lot.

[0064] Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the production quantity change image P4 that is displayed when a selection operation is performed on the button B41 shown in Fig. 4. Note that the server 30 may be configured to display the production quantity change image P4 in a pop-up, or may be configured to display the production quantity change image P4 as one of the images included in the lot search image P3, or may be configured to display the production quantity change image P4 in a separate window, or may be configured to display the production quantity change image P4 by some other method.

[0065] 5, the production quantity change image P4 includes, for example, an information input area RG4, a lot information display area RG5, a production quantity change acceptance area RG6, and a button B51. Note that the production quantity change image P4 may be configured to include other GUIs instead of some or all of these, or in addition to all of these.

[0066] The information input area RG4 includes, for example, a GUI for inputting information about the user who will change the number of products in the production quantity change lot, a GUI for inputting production quantity change reason information indicating the reason for changing the number of products in the production quantity change lot, and a GUI for inputting lot identification information that identifies the production quantity change lot. Note that the information input area RG4 may be configured to include other GUIs instead of some or all of these, or in addition to all of these.

[0067] 5, the information input region RG4 includes an input field F21 and an input field F22 as GUIs into which information about a user who will change the number of products in a production quantity change lot is input. Note that the GUI may be configured to include another GUI into which information about a user who will change the number of products in a production quantity change lot is input, instead of either or both of the input field F21 and the input field F22, or in addition to both the input field F21 and the input field F22.

[0068] The input field F21 is a field for inputting user identification information that identifies the user who changes the number of products in the production quantity change lot. In FIG. 5, the character string "Worker ID" superimposed on the input field F21 indicates to the user that the information entered in the input field F21 is user identification information. By default, the input field F21 is input with user identification information for the user currently logged in to the server 30. The method by which the server 30 identifies the user identification information may be a known method or a method to be developed. In the example shown in FIG. 5, "1234567" is input as the default user identification information in the input field F21. Note that input of user identification information other than the default user identification information into the input field F21 may be performed by selecting the user identification information from a pull-down menu or by direct input using an input device such as a keyboard.

[0069] The input field F22 is a field for inputting user name information indicating the name of the user who changes the number of products in the production quantity change lot. In FIG. 5, the character string "Worker Name" superimposed on the input field F22 indicates to the user that the information entered in the input field F22 is user name information. By default, the input field F22 is input with the user name information of the user currently logged in to the server 30. The method by which the server 30 identifies the user name information may be a known method or a method to be developed. In the example shown in FIG. 5, "First User" is input as the user name information entered by default in the input field F22. Note that input of user name information into the input field F22 other than the default user name information may be performed by selecting the user name information from a pull-down menu or by direct input using an input device such as a keyboard.

[0070] 5, the information input region RG4 includes an input field F23 as a GUI into which the aforementioned information on the reason for a change in the number of produced items is input. Note that the GUI may be configured to include another GUI into which the information on the reason for a change in the number of produced items is input, instead of or in addition to the input field F23.

[0071] The input field F23 is a field where information on the reason for a change in the number of production items is entered. The character string "Reason for adjusting current lot quantity" superimposed on the input field F23 in FIG. 5 is a character string that indicates to the user that the information entered in the input field F23 is information on the reason for a change in the number of production items. In the example shown in FIG. 5, nothing is entered in the input field F23. The information on the reason for a change in the number of production items is entered into the input field F23, for example, by selecting information on the reason for a change in the number of production items from a pull-down menu. However, the information may also be entered directly using an input device such as a keyboard, or by other methods. The input field F23 is an example of an image for accepting a reason for a change in the number of production items.

[0072] Here, for example, when a selection operation is performed on the "▼" mark included in the input field F23, the server 30 displays a pull-down menu displaying a list of one or more pieces of production quantity change reason information included in the master data. The one or more pieces of production quantity change reason information included in the master data are, in other words, one or more pieces of production quantity change reason information pre-registered in the master data. The user can select desired pieces of production quantity change reason information from the one or more pieces of production quantity change reason information displayed in the pull-down menu. When the server 30 receives an operation to select desired pieces of production quantity change reason information from the one or more pieces of production quantity change reason information displayed in the pull-down menu, the server 30 removes the display of the pull-down menu and inputs the desired piece of production quantity change reason information into the input field F23.

[0073] The reasons indicated by one or more pieces of production quantity change reason information included in the master data include, but are not limited to, "adjustment of the number of produced items due to sampling for a different purpose," "adjustment of the number of produced items due to a failure to collect data due to a communication error," and "adjustment of the number of produced items due to an increase or decrease in the number of produced items due to an unknown cause (improper management)." By allowing the user to select one or more pieces of production quantity change reason information indicating the reason for the change in the number of produced items in a production quantity change lot from among the one or more pieces of production quantity change reason information included in the master data, the user can easily search, sort, filter, aggregate, and analyze the lot. For example, if multiple changes in the number of produced items for a certain lot were made due to "adjustment of the number of produced items due to an increase or decrease in the number of produced items due to an unknown cause (improper management)," it can be determined that there is a problem with the management method for that lot. The server 30 allows the user to easily perform such analyses using the production quantity change reason information.

[0074] 5, the information input region RG4 includes an input field F24 as a GUI for inputting lot identification information for identifying a production quantity change lot. Note that the GUI may be configured to include another GUI for inputting lot identification information for identifying a production quantity change lot instead of or in addition to the input field F24.

[0075] The input field F24 is a field for inputting lot identification information identifying a lot selected by the user as a lot for which the production quantity has been changed. The character string "Lot No." superimposed on the input field F24 in FIG. 5 indicates to the user that the information entered in the input field F24 is lot identification information. By default, the input field F24 is used to input lot identification information identifying a lot identified by the server 30 as a lot for which the production quantity has been changed, for example, by selecting button B41 in the lot search image P3. In the example shown in FIG. 5, "1234567890" is entered as the lot identification information in the input field F24. Note that the lot identification information entered in the input field F24 may be changeable. In this case, the user can change the lot selected as a lot for which the production quantity has been changed to another lot by changing the lot identification information entered in the input field F24. In such a case, the lot identification information may be entered in the input field F24 by selecting lot identification information from a pull-down menu or by directly entering the information using an input device such as a keyboard.

[0076] The lot information display area RG5 includes a GUI that displays lot information indicating a production quantity change lot, for example. Note that the lot information display area RG5 may be configured to include other GUIs instead of some or all of these, or in addition to all of these.

[0077] 5, the lot information display region RG5 includes display fields F31 to F37 as GUIs for displaying lot information indicating a lot for which the number of produced items has been changed. Note that the GUI may include another GUI for displaying lot information indicating a lot for which the number of produced items has been changed, instead of some or all of the display fields F31 to F37, or in addition to all of the display fields F31 to F37.

[0078] The display field F31 is a field that displays product type information that indicates the type of product in the production quantity change lot identified by the lot identification information entered in the input field F24. In Fig. 5, the character string "Item" superimposed on the display field F31 is a character string that indicates to the user that the information displayed in the display field F31 is the product type information. In the example shown in Fig. 5, "Part 1" is displayed in the display field F31 as the product type information.

[0079] Display field F32 is a field that displays process information indicating the work process currently being performed on the products of the production quantity change lot identified by the lot identification information entered in input field F24. In Figure 5, the character string "Process" superimposed on display field F32 is a character string that indicates to the user that the information displayed in display field F32 is the process information. In the example shown in Figure 5, "Shipping Inspection SB1" is displayed in display field F32 as the process information.

[0080] Display field F33 is a field that displays lot status information that indicates the status of the production quantity change lot identified by the lot identification information entered in input field F24. The character string "Lot Status" superimposed on display field F33 in Fig. 5 is a character string that indicates to the user that the information displayed in display field F33 is the lot status information. In this example, display field F33 displays "Completed" as the lot status information, indicating that the lot is completed.

[0081] Display field F34 is a field that displays production quantity information indicating the number of products in the production quantity change lot identified by the lot identification information entered in input field F24, which is the number before the products are moved. In Figure 5, the character string "Current Quantity" superimposed on display field F34 is a character string that indicates to the user that the information displayed in display field F34 is the production quantity information. In the example shown in Figure 5, "80", indicating 80 units, is displayed in display field F34 as the production quantity information.

[0082] Display field F35 is a field that displays injection molding machine identification information that identifies the injection molding machine that molded the products of the production quantity change lot identified by the lot identification information entered in input field F24, or the injection molding machine that will mold the products of that lot. In Figure 5, the character string "Molding Machine" superimposed on display field F35 is a character string that indicates to the user that the information displayed in display field F35 is the injection molding machine identification information. In this example, display field F35 displays "A-1" as the injection molding machine identification information.

[0083] Display field F36 is a field that displays mold identification information that identifies the mold attached to the injection molding machine that molded the product of the production quantity change lot identified by the lot identification information entered in input field F24, or the mold that will be attached to the injection molding machine that will mold the product of that lot. In Figure 5, the character string "Mold" superimposed on display field F36 is a character string that indicates to the user that the information displayed in display field F36 is the mold identification information. In this example, display field F36 displays "Mold 1" as the mold identification information.

[0084] Display field F37 is a field that displays cavity number information indicating the number of cavities possessed by the mold indicated by the mold identification information displayed in display field F36. In FIG. 5, the character string "Cav No." superimposed on display field F37 indicates to the user that the information displayed in display field F37 is cavity number information. In this example, display field F37 displays "2," indicating two, as the cavity number information.

[0085] The product quantity change reception area RG6 includes, for example, a GUI that displays production quantity information indicating the number of products in the production quantity change lot before the change in the number of products, and a GUI into which production quantity information indicating the number designated by the user as the number of products in the production quantity change lot after the change in the number of products. Note that the product quantity change reception area RG6 may be configured to include other GUIs instead of some or all of these, or in addition to all of these.

[0086] 5, the production quantity change reception area RG6 includes a display field F41 as a GUI that displays production quantity information indicating the number of products in the production quantity change lot before the change in the number of products. Note that the GUI may be configured to include another GUI that displays the production quantity information instead of or in addition to the display field F41.

[0087] Display field F41 is a field that displays production quantity information that indicates the number of products in the production quantity change lot before the change in the number of products. In Fig. 5, the character string "Current Quantity" superimposed on display field F41 is a character string that indicates to the user that the information displayed in display field F41 is the production quantity information. In the example shown in Fig. 5, "80" indicating 80 products is entered in display field F41 as the production quantity information.

[0088] 5, the production quantity change reception area RG6 includes an input field F42 as a GUI for inputting production quantity information indicating the number designated by the user as the number of products in the production quantity change lot after the number of products has been changed. Note that the GUI may be configured to include another GUI for inputting the production quantity information instead of or in addition to the input field F42.

[0089] The input field F42 is a field where production quantity information indicating the number designated by the user as the number of products in the production quantity change lot after the number of products has been changed is entered. In FIG. 5, the character string "After Change" superimposed on the input field F42 indicates to the user that the information entered in the input field F42 is the production quantity information. In the example shown in FIG. 5, nothing is entered in the input field F42 as the production quantity information. Note that production quantity information indicating a number equal to or greater than 0 can be entered in the input field F42, but production quantity information indicating a number less than 0 cannot be entered. The input field F42 is an example of an image for specifying the production quantity after change.

[0090] Button B51 is a button that accepts an operation to confirm the change in the number of products of the production quantity change lot. When button B51 is selected, the server 30 confirms the lot identified by the lot identification information entered in input field F23 as the production quantity change lot. Then, the server 30 changes the production quantity information included in the lot information indicating the confirmed production quantity change lot to the production quantity information entered in input field F42. Furthermore, the server 30 adds history information indicating the history of changes in the number of products of the production quantity change lot to the lot information. That is, the server 30 stores the history information in association with the lot identification information included in the lot information. In this way, the server 30 completes the change in the number of products of the production quantity change lot. By changing the number of products of the production quantity change lot in this way, the server 30 can prevent discrepancies from occurring between the actual lot where the number of products has changed and the lot on the molding control system 1. For ease of explanation, the processes executed by the server 30 when the button B51 is selected will be referred to as the "production quantity change confirmation process." Also, for ease of explanation, the execution of the production quantity change confirmation process will be referred to as the confirmation of the change in the number of products in the production quantity change lot.

[0091] If no information has been entered in at least one of the input fields F21 to F24 and F42, the server 30 grays out the button B51 and does not accept any selection operation for the button B51. On the other hand, if information has been entered in all of the input fields F21 to F24 and F42, the server 30 removes the gray out and accepts any selection operation for the button B51. By graying out the button in this way, the server 30 can prevent users from making erroneous operations.

[0092] Here, Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of how production quantity information is entered into the input field F42 in the production quantity change image P4 shown in Fig. 5. In the example shown in Fig. 6, "70" indicating 70 units is entered into the input field F42. In this example, similar to Fig. 5, information is also entered into each of the input fields F21, F22, and F24. On the other hand, in this example, nothing is entered into the input field F23. For this reason, the button B51 is grayed out in Fig. 6.

[0093] On the other hand, Fig. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the production quantity change image P4 shown in Fig. 5, in which production quantity information has been entered into the input field F42 and production quantity change reason information has been entered into the input field F23. In the example shown in Fig. 7, "70" indicating 70 units has also been entered into the input field F42. In this example, similar to Fig. 5, information has also been entered into the input fields F21, F22, and F24. In this example, "Reason 1" has been entered into the input field F23 as production quantity change reason information. For this reason, the grayed-out status of the button B51 is removed in Fig. 7.

[0094] When the server 30 receives a selection operation for the button B51, it performs the aforementioned production quantity change confirmation process as shown in FIG. 8 and displays a message MS indicating that the production quantity change confirmation process has been completed. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the production quantity change image P4 displaying a message MS indicating that the production quantity change confirmation process has been completed. In the example shown in FIG. 8, the message MS is the text "Quantity adjustment completed," but it may be another text indicating that the production quantity change confirmation process has been completed. In this case, the server 30 also changes the button B51 to a button B52.

[0095] The button B52 is a button that accepts an operation to delete the display of the production quantity change image P4 and display the main menu image P1. When the button B52 is selected, the server 30 deletes the display of the production quantity change image P4 and displays the main menu image P1. Note that in this case, the server 30 may be configured to delete the display of the production quantity change image P4 and display an image different from the main menu image P1.

[0096] Returning to Figure 4, when the button B42 is selected, the server 30 displays a history information display image P5 including a list of history information indicating the history of changes to the number of products in the lot selected by the user in the search result display area RG2.

[0097] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a history information display image P5. In the example shown in FIG. 9, the history information display image P5 displays history information H1 indicating the history of changes to the number of products of the lot selected by the user in the search result display area RG2, i.e., the lot information displayed at the top of the search result display area RG2. In addition, in this example, the history information H1 includes: production quantity change date and time information indicating the date and time when the change in the number of products of the lot was made; process information indicating the work process being performed on the products of the lot at the date and time when the change in the number of products of the lot was made; history type information indicating the change in the number of products of the lot; user identification information identifying the user who made the change in the number of products of the lot; increase / decrease number information indicating the increase / decrease in the change in the number of products of the lot; production quantity information indicating the current number of products of the lot; and production quantity change reason information indicating the reason for the change in the number of products of the lot. Note that the history information H1 may include other information, such as user name information indicating the user's name, instead of or in addition to some or all of the above information. The user identification information may be the user name information. The server 30 may generate the history information H1 using a known method or a method to be developed. The history information H1 may not include all of the following information: the production quantity change date and time information, the process information, the history type information, the user name information, the increase / decrease number information, the production quantity information, and the production quantity change reason information. The history information H1 may also include other information related to the change in the number of production items in the lot. In FIG. 9, the production quantity change date and time information is displayed as "2023-08-24 15:17," which indicates 15:17 on August 24, 2023. In FIG. 9, the process information is displayed as "Shipping Inspection SB1." In FIG. 9, the history type information is displayed as "Quantity Adjustment." In FIG. 9, the user name information is displayed as "First User." In addition, in FIG. 9, "10" indicating 10 is displayed as the increase / decrease number information.9, "70," indicating 70 units, is displayed as the production quantity information. Also, in FIG. 9, "Reason 1" is displayed as the reason information for the change in the production quantity. By viewing the list of history information displayed in the history information display image P5, the user can easily identify the reason for the change in the production quantity and the number of units by which the production quantity was changed. In other words, by displaying the history information display image P5, the server 30 can improve the traceability of changes in the number of production items in such lots.

[0098] Here, each product in one or more lots managed by the molding management system 1 may be configured to be associated with product-related information related to the product. In this case, a certain product is associated with product-related information related to the product. Specifically, in this case, the product-related information is associated with the product by being associated with lot identification information included in lot information indicating the lot of the product. Therefore, lot information indicating a certain lot includes product-related information related to each product in the lot. In other words, the product-related information is associated with the lot identification information included in the lot information.

[0099] The product-related information associated with a certain product includes product identification information that identifies the product, as well as at least one of shot identification information that identifies the shot in which the product was molded and cavity identification information that identifies the cavity in which the product was molded. Therefore, the product-related information may be configured to include other information related to the product.

[0100] For example, if lot information indicating a certain lot includes product-related information, and the product-related information includes both shot identification information and cavity identification information, the configuration of the product change number reception area RG6 may be as shown in Figure 10.

[0101] Fig. 10 is a diagram showing another example of the configuration of the product change quantity reception area RG6. In the example shown in Fig. 10, the product change quantity reception area RG6 includes an input field F51, a display field F52, and a product-related information list display area RG7.

[0102] The input field F51 has the same configuration as the input field F42. Therefore, detailed explanation of the configuration of the input field F51 will be omitted. In the example shown in Fig. 10, "5" indicating five items has been entered in the input field F51.

[0103] The display field F52 is a field where production quantity information indicating the number calculated by the server 30 in response to the operation accepted in the product-related information list display area RG7 is displayed. The number calculated by the server 30 in response to the operation will be described later.

[0104] The product-related information list display area RG7 is an area where a list of product-related information for each product in the production quantity change lot is displayed. In the example shown in FIG. 10 , the product-related information list display area RG7 displays product-related information for each of the 10 products in the production quantity change lot. In this example, each piece of product-related information includes shot identification information, cavity identification information, molding date and time information indicating the date and time when the product was molded, and effective product number information indicating the effective number of products. Each piece of product-related information is accompanied by an exclusion selection button that selects whether the product should be excluded from the production quantity change lot. In this example, the shot identification information is indicated by "Shot No.". In this example, the cavity identification information is indicated by "Cav No.". In this example, the molding date and time information is indicated by "Acquisition Date and Time." In this example, the exclusion selection button is indicated by "Valid / Invalid." In this example, the effective product number information is indicated by "Valid Number." Furthermore, in each piece of product-related information, the product availability information can be changed in response to a user operation. The method for changing the product availability information may be a known method such as direct input using a keyboard, or may be a method to be developed in the future.

[0105] Here, the exclusion selection button displayed in association with the product-related information for a certain product is a button that accepts an operation to select whether or not to exclude the product from the production quantity change lot. When the server 30 accepts an operation to select to exclude the product from the production quantity change lot via the exclusion selection button, the server 30 changes the display mode of the exclusion selection button to a display mode indicating that the product has been selected to be excluded from the production quantity change lot. A display mode indicating that the product has been selected to be excluded from the production quantity change lot is, for example, a display mode in which the string "Invalid" is displayed on the exclusion selection button. On the other hand, when the server 30 accepts an operation to select not to exclude the product from the production quantity change lot via the exclusion selection button, the server 30 changes the display mode of the exclusion selection button to a display mode indicating that the product has been selected not to be excluded from the production quantity change lot. A display mode indicating that the product has been selected not to be excluded from the production quantity change lot is, for example, a display mode in which the string "Valid" is displayed on the exclusion selection button. In the following, for the sake of convenience, the display mode indicating that a product has been selected to be excluded from the production quantity change lot will be referred to as an invalid display mode, and the display mode indicating that a product has been selected not to be excluded from the production quantity change lot will be referred to as a valid display mode.

[0106] In the product-related information list display area RG7, the number of products in the production quantity change lot is determined based on the number of product-related information pieces displayed with an associated exclusion selection button in an effective display mode and the number indicated by the effective product quantity information. For example, if the display mode of the exclusion selection button displayed with associated product-related information for a certain product is an effective display mode, the number of products is calculated as the number indicated by the effective product quantity information included in the product-related information. That is, for example, if the number indicated by the effective product quantity information is 3, the number of products is calculated as 3. Therefore, for example, if the number indicated by the effective product quantity information for all product-related information pieces displayed in the product-related information list display area RG7 is 1 and the display mode of the exclusion selection button displayed with each of the product-related information pieces is an effective display mode, the server 30 calculates the number of products in the production quantity change lot as the number of product-related information pieces displayed in the product-related information list display area RG7. Furthermore, for example, if the number indicated by the effective product quantity information of all the product-related information displayed in the product-related information list display area RG7 is 2, and the display mode of the exclusion selection button displayed in association with each of the product-related information is an effective display mode, the server 30 calculates the number of products in the production quantity change lot as twice the number of product-related information displayed in the product-related information list display area RG7.

[0107] FIG. 11 illustrates an example of the product-related information list display area RG7 when an operation to reduce the number of products in a production quantity change lot using product-related information is accepted. In the example shown in FIG. 11, the display mode of the exclusion selection button for each of the bottom five pieces of product-related information changes from an active display mode to an inactive display mode. Therefore, among the products in the production quantity change lot, the products associated with each of these five pieces of product-related information are excluded from the production quantity change lot. Also, in this example, the number indicated by the effective product quantity information for all of the product-related information is 1. As a result, the server 30 calculates the number of products in the production quantity change lot to be 5. This means that the number of products in the production quantity change lot has decreased by 5 compared to the example shown in FIG. 10. The server 30 displays the calculated number of products in the production quantity change lot in the aforementioned display field F52. Therefore, the display field F52 shown in FIG. 11 displays "5," indicating 5. That is, the display field F52 displays production quantity information indicating the number of products in the production quantity change lot after the change in the number of products. By checking whether the number indicated by the production quantity information displayed in the display field F52 matches the number indicated by the production quantity information entered in the input field F51, the user can easily confirm whether the number of products in the production quantity change lot has been changed to the desired number. This is useful because it helps prevent the number of products in the production quantity change lot from being changed to an unintended number.

[0108] In this way, the user can reduce the number of products in the production quantity change lot by selecting the exclusion selection button in the product-related information list display area RG7. In other words, the user can select products to exclude from the production quantity change lot by selecting the exclusion selection button in the product-related information list display area RG7. On the other hand, the user can also increase the number of products in the production quantity change lot by changing the effective product quantity information without selecting the exclusion selection button. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of the product-related information list display area RG7 when an operation to increase the number of products in the production quantity change lot is accepted using the product-related information. However, in FIG. 12, unlike FIG. 11, "12" indicating 12 products is entered in the input field F51. In the example shown in FIG. 12, the display mode of the exclusion selection button for each of the product-related information is the effective display mode. Therefore, none of the products in the production quantity change lot are excluded from the production quantity change lot. In addition, in this example, the number indicated by the available product quantity information of the topmost piece of product-related information among all the product-related information is 3. In addition, in this example, the number indicated by the available product quantity information of all the product-related information except for the top piece of product-related information among all the product-related information is 1. As a result, the server 30 calculates the number of products in the production quantity change lot to be 12. This means that the number of products in the production quantity change lot has increased by 2 compared to the example shown in FIG. 10. The server 30 displays the calculated number of products in the production quantity change lot in the aforementioned display field F52. Therefore, the number "12" indicating 12 is displayed in the display field F52 shown in FIG. 12.

[0109] 12, as described above, the effective product quantity information of the topmost product-related information among all the product-related information has been changed. This is a measure taken because, for example, data has been lost due to a communication error in the first shot caused by forgetting to start communication. Note that the product-related information for which the effective product quantity information is changed may be other product-related information instead of the topmost one.

[0110] In the examples shown in FIGS. 10 to 12, the product-related information may not include cavity-identifying information.

[0111] 10 to 12, the mold for molding the product has one cavity. Therefore, in the examples shown in FIGS. 10 to 12, increasing or decreasing the number of products is performed by operating the product-related information, which includes shot identification information that identifies the desired shot. However, the number of cavities in the mold for molding the product is not limited to one. If the mold for molding the product has multiple cavities, the product-related information further includes molding sequence number information, which indicates molding sequence numbers assigned to each of the products in the production quantity change lot in the order in which they were molded. In this case, increasing or decreasing the number of products is performed by operating the product-related information, which includes the desired molding sequence number information.

[0112] Fig. 13 is a diagram showing yet another example of the configuration of the product change quantity reception area RG6. In the example shown in Fig. 13, the product change quantity reception area RG6 includes display fields F61 to F64 and a product-related information list display area RG7.

[0113] Display field F61 is a field that displays production quantity information that indicates the number of products in the production quantity change lot before the change in the number of products. In FIG. 13, the character string "Stock Quantity" displayed in association with display field F61 is a character string that indicates to the user that the information displayed in display field F61 is the production quantity information. In the example shown in FIG. 13, "10," indicating 10 units, is displayed in display field F61 as the production quantity information. The reason for this will be described later.

[0114] Display field F62 is a field that displays shot number information indicating the number of unique shot identification information among the shot identification information that identifies the shots used to mold each of the products in the production quantity change lot before the change in the number of products. In FIG. 13, the character string "Shot Information Number" displayed in association with display field F62 indicates to the user that the information displayed in display field F61 is the shot number information. In the example shown in FIG. 13, "5" indicating 5 is displayed in display field F61 as the shot number information. The reason for this will be described later.

[0115] Display field F63 is a field that displays production quantity information indicating the number of products in the production quantity change lot calculated by server 30 after the number of products has been changed. In FIG. 13, the character string "Stock Quantity" displayed in association with display field F63 is a character string that indicates to the user that the information displayed in display field F63 is the production quantity information. In the example shown in FIG. 13, "8" indicating eight items is displayed in display field F63 as the production quantity information. The reason for this will be described later.

[0116] Display field F64 is a field that displays shot number information indicating the number of unique shot identification information among the shot identification information that identifies the shots used to mold each of the products in the production quantity change lot after the change in the number of products. In FIG. 13, the character string "Shot Information Number" displayed in association with display field F64 is a character string that indicates to the user that the information displayed in display field F64 is the shot number information. In the example shown in FIG. 13, "4" indicating 4 is displayed in display field F64 as the shot number information. The reason for this will be described later.

[0117] The product-related information list display area RG7 shown in FIG. 13 also displays product-related information for each of the 10 products in the production quantity change lot. However, in the example shown in FIG. 13, each piece of product-related information does not include product validity number information. In addition, in this example, each piece of product-related information includes the above-mentioned molding sequence number information in addition to shot identification information, cavity identification information, and molding date and time information. Each piece of product-related information is accompanied by an exclusion selection button that selects whether or not the product is to be excluded from the production quantity change lot. In this example, the shot identification information is indicated by "Shot No.". In this example, the cavity identification information is indicated by "Cav No.". In this example, the molding date and time information is indicated by "Acquisition Date and Time." In this example, the exclusion selection button is indicated by "Valid / Invalid." In this example, the molding sequence number information is indicated by "Inventory No."

[0118] In the list of product-related information shown in FIG. 13 , each piece of product-related information is identified by molding sequence number information. However, in this list, each piece of product-related information can also be identified by a combination of shot identification information and cavity identification information. That is, in this list, each molding sequence number information and the combination identify the product-related information. In the example shown in FIG. 13 , as described above, each piece of product-related information does not include valid product quantity information. Therefore, in the example shown in FIG. 13 , the server 30 calculates the number of product-related information pieces for which the display mode of the exclusion selection button is valid as the number of products in the production quantity change lot. That is, in this example, the server 30 calculates the number of products in the production quantity change lot as eight. This means that the number of products in the production quantity change lot has decreased by two compared to when the display mode of the two exclusion selection buttons, which are invalid in FIG. 13 , were valid. The server 30 displays the calculated number of products in the production quantity change lot in the display field F63. In the example shown in FIG. 13 , the number is 8. Therefore, “8” indicating 8 is displayed in the display field F63. The server 30 also calculates the number of unique shot identification information among the shot identification information included in the product-related information for which the display mode of the exclusion selection button is the valid display mode. The server 30 displays shot number information indicating the calculated number in the display field F64. In the example shown in FIG. 13 , the number is 4. Therefore, “4” indicating 4 is displayed in the display field F64. Note that in this example, if the display mode of the exclusion selection buttons of all the product-related information is the valid display mode, the server 30 calculates the number of unique shot identification information among the shot identification information included in the product-related information for which the display mode of the exclusion selection button is the valid display mode as 5. That is, in this case, the server 30 calculates the number of unique shot identification information among the shot identification information from which each of the products in the production quantity change lot before the change in the number of products was molded as 5. Therefore, in FIG. 13, the server 30 displays "5," which is the shot number information indicating 5, in the display field F62.In this case, the server 30 calculates the number of pieces of product-related information for which the display mode of the exclusion selection button is the active display mode as 10. That is, in this case, the server 30 calculates the number of products in the production quantity change lot before changing the number of products as 10. Therefore, in FIG. 13, the server 30 displays "10," which is the production quantity information indicating 10, in the display field F61. In this way, the user can reduce the number of products in the production quantity change lot by selecting the exclusion selection button in the product-related information list display area RG7 shown in FIG. 13 as well.

[0119] On the other hand, the user can increase the number of products in the production quantity change lot by selecting the button B61 shown in FIG. 13 without selecting the exclusion selection button.

[0120] The button B61 is a button that accepts an operation to increase by one the number of pieces of product-related information included in the list of product-related information displayed in the product-related information list display area RG7. When a selection operation is performed on the button B61, the server 30 increases the number of pieces of product-related information included in the list by one, as shown in FIG. 14. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of the product-related information list display area RG7 after the product-related information has been increased by the selection operation on the button B61. However, in FIG. 14, the product-related information displayed before the selection operation on the button B61 was performed was each of the top eight pieces of product-related information. The display mode of the exclusion selection button for each of the top eight pieces of product-related information is the active display mode. Therefore, the display field F61 displays "8," indicating eight pieces of product-related information. The display field F62 displays "5," indicating five pieces of product-related information.

[0121] In FIG. 14 , the two bottom pieces of product-related information are added to the product-related information list display area RG7 as a result of a selection operation on the button B61. A designation / non-designation selection button is displayed in association with each of these two pieces of product-related information. The designation / non-designation selection button displayed in association with a piece of product-related information is a button that accepts an operation to select whether or not to designate shot identification information for the product-related information. When the server 30 accepts an operation to select designating shot identification information for the product-related information via the designation / non-designation selection button, the server 30 changes the display mode of the designation / non-designation selection button to a display mode indicating that designating shot identification information for the product-related information has been selected. The display mode indicating that designating shot identification information for the product-related information has been selected is, for example, a display mode in which the character string "designate" is displayed on the designation / non-designation selection button. On the other hand, when the server 30 receives an operation to select not to designate shot identification information for the product-related information via the designation / non-designation selection button, it changes the display mode of the designation / non-designation selection button to a display mode indicating that it has been selected not to designate shot identification information for the product-related information. A display mode indicating that it has been selected not to designate shot identification information for the product-related information is, for example, a display mode in which the character string "Do not designate" is displayed on the designation / non-designation selection button. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the upper product-related information among the two pieces of product-related information from the bottom in FIG. 14 will be referred to as the first additional product-related information. Also, for convenience of explanation, the lower product-related information among the two pieces of product-related information from the bottom in FIG. 14 will be referred to as the second additional product-related information. Also, for the sake of convenience, in the following description, the display mode indicating that it has been selected to specify shot identification information for product-related information will be referred to as the specified display mode, and the display mode indicating that it has been selected not to specify shot identification information for product-related information will be referred to as the non-specified display mode.

[0122] The display mode of the designation / non-designation selection button for the first additional product-related information is a designation display mode. In this case, the shot identification information in the first additional product-related information can be changed in response to a user operation. This means that the user can designate desired shot identification information as the shot identification information for the first additional product-related information. In the example shown in FIG. 14, the shot identification information in the first additional product-related information displays "3," indicating the third shot, in response to a user operation. This means that the product associated with the first additional product-related information has been molded using the third shot. For example, if the user determines that data related to the third shot has been lost due to a communication failure, the user designates "3," indicating the third shot, as the shot identification information for the first additional product-related information. When shot identification information is designated in the first additional product-related information, molding date and time information indicating the date and time when the shot identified by the designated shot identification information was performed is added to the first additional product-related information, as shown in FIG. 14.

[0123] On the other hand, the display mode of the designation / non-designation selection button in the second additional product-related information is a non-designation display mode. In this case, the shot identification information in the second additional product-related information cannot be changed in response to user operation. In the example shown in FIG. 14, the second additional product-related information does not include any information other than the molding sequence number information and the designation / non-designation selection button. This means that it is unknown which shot molded the product associated with the second additional product-related information. For example, if the cause of data loss is unknown, the user changes the display mode of the designation / non-designation selection button to a non-designation display mode and does not designate shot identification information.

[0124] To effectively utilize the above-described production quantity change image P4, the lot information stored in the server 30 may include difference information indicating whether or not there is a difference between the actual lot and the lot on the molding control system 1. Any method may be used to add the difference information to the lot information. For example, the difference information may be added to the lot information via an image that adds the difference information. Furthermore, when adding the difference information, the number of products of the lot on the molding control system 1 is an estimated number based on the number of shots performed by the injection molding machine. For example, if the number of shots information associated with a certain lot indicates 100 and the number of cavities is one, the number of products of the lot is estimated to be 100. That is, in this case, the number of products of the lot on the molding control system 1 is 100. In this case, if the actual number of products of the lot, i.e., the inventory number of products of the lot, is 80, the difference between the actual lot and the lot on the molding control system 1 is 20. In such a case, the user adds the difference information.

[0125] When the lot information includes difference presence / absence information, the server 30, in response to a predetermined operation, displays a difference presence / absence information display image P6 that displays a list of one or more pieces of information included in the lot information, including the difference presence / absence information, as shown in Fig. 15, for example. Fig. 15 is a diagram showing an example of the difference presence / absence information display image P6. In the example shown in Fig. 15, the difference presence / absence information display image P6 includes a lot search area RG8 and a search result display area RG9. Note that the difference presence / absence information display image P6 may also be configured to include other areas, other GUIs, etc.

[0126] The lot search area RG8 is an area that receives a search key for searching lot information. The lot search area RG8 includes, for example, input fields F71 to F73, a check box C2, a check box C3, and a button B71. Note that the lot search area RG8 may be configured to include other GUIs instead of some or all of these, or in addition to all of these.

[0127] The input fields F71 and F72 are GUIs for specifying a range of lot identification information that includes lot identification information included in the lot information indicating a desired lot. That is, the server 30 can accept this range as a search key for the user to search for desired lot information. The input field F71 is a field for inputting lot identification information that is the starting point of the range. On the other hand, the input field F72 is a field for inputting lot identification information that is the ending point of the range. The character string "Lot No." displayed in association with the input fields F71 and F72 in FIG. 15 indicates to the user that the information entered in the input field F71 and the information entered in the input field F72 are lot identification information. In the example shown in FIG. 15, "2345678905" is entered in the input field F71 as the starting lot identification information. On the other hand, in this example, "2345678907" is entered in the input field F72 as the ending lot identification information. That is, the range is "2345678905" to "2345678907." Note that the input of lot identification information into each of the input fields F71 and F72 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.

[0128] The input field F73 is a GUI for specifying the product type information included in the lot information indicating the desired lot. In other words, the server 30 can accept the product type information as a search key for the user to search for the desired lot information. In FIG. 15, the character string "Item" displayed in association with the input field F73 is a character string for indicating to the user that the information entered in the input field F73 is the product type information. In the example shown in FIG. 15, "Part 1" is entered in the input field F73 as the product type information. Note that the product type information can be entered into the input field F73 by selecting the product type information from a pull-down menu or by direct input using an input device such as a keyboard.

[0129] Check box C2 is a GUI that accepts an operation to select whether or not to display lot information including difference presence / absence information indicating that a difference has occurred between the actual lot and the lot on the molding control system 1 as a search result when searching for desired lot information by the user. When a check mark has been entered in check box C2, the server 30 searches for lot information so that the lot information including the difference presence / absence information is included in the search result. On the other hand, when a check mark has not been entered in check box C2, the server 30 searches for lot information so that the lot information including the difference presence / absence information is not included in the search result. In the example shown in FIG. 15, a check mark has been entered in check box C2.

[0130] Check box C3 is a GUI that accepts an operation to select whether or not lot information including difference presence / absence information indicating that there is no difference between the actual lot and the lot on the molding control system 1 is displayed as a search result when the user searches for desired lot information. When a check mark is entered in check box C3, the server 30 searches for lot information such that lot information including the difference presence / absence information is included in the search result. On the other hand, when a check mark is not entered in check box C3, the server 30 searches for lot information such that lot information including the difference presence / absence information is not included in the search result. In the example shown in FIG. 15, a check mark is entered in check box C3.

[0131] Button B71 is a button that accepts an operation to execute a search for lot information in lot search area RG8. When button B71 is selected, server 30 executes a search for one or more pieces of lot information from stored lot information according to the information entered in each of input fields F71 to F73 as a search key. Then, server 30 displays a list of the one or more pieces of lot information as search results in search result display area RG9.

[0132] The search result display area RG9 is an area where a list of one or more lot information items is displayed as a search result for the lot information items in the lot search area RG8. In the example shown in FIG. 15 , three lot information items are displayed. Also, in this example, in the search result display area RG9, lot information indicating a certain lot includes lot identification information for identifying the lot, product type information indicating the type of product of the lot, difference presence / absence information included in the lot information, product quantity information indicating the number of product items of the lot, and shot number information indicating the number of non-overlapping shot identification information items among the shot identification information items associated with each of the product items of the lot. Also, in this example, the lot identification information is indicated by "Lot No." Also, in this example, the product type information is indicated by "Item." Also, in this example, the difference presence / absence information is indicated by "Difference." Also, in this example, the product quantity information is indicated by "Inventory Quantity." Also, in this example, the shot number information is indicated by "Number of Shot Information." Also, in this example, an edit button (not shown) is displayed accompanying each lot information item displayed in the search result display area RG9. The edit button displayed in association with certain lot information is a button that accepts an operation to display an image for editing the lot information. Note that in this embodiment, a detailed description of the edit button will be omitted.

[0133] In the example shown in FIG. 15, the difference information for the second lot information from the top in the search result display area RG9 displays "Yes" as information indicating that a difference exists between the actual lot and the lot in the molding control system 1. On the other hand, in this example, the difference information for each of the lot information in the top and bottom rows in the search result display area RG9 displays "No" as information indicating that no difference exists between the actual lot and the lot in the molding control system 1. In this way, by looking at the difference information in the search result display area RG9, the user can easily identify a lot that differs from the actual lot. As a result, the user can identify the lot identification information that identifies a lot for which a change in the number of produced items is required without looking at the details of the lot information. This is useful because it reduces the user's effort.

[0134] In addition, the server 30 displays a production quantity change reason information registration image that accepts an operation to register, in master data, production quantity change reason information indicating the reason for changing the number of products in the production quantity change lot, in response to the accepted operation. For example, when a selection operation is performed on the button B12 shown in Fig. 2, the server 30 displays a master data edit item selection image P7 as shown in Fig. 16.

[0135] 16 is a diagram showing an example of a master data editing item selection image P7. The master data editing item selection image P7 includes, for example, six buttons. These six buttons include a button B81. In this embodiment, descriptions of the six buttons other than the button B81 will be omitted.

[0136] The button B81 is a button for displaying a registered production quantity change reason information search image P8 for searching for production quantity change reason information registered in the master data. When the server 30 accepts an operation on the button B81, it generates the registered production quantity change reason information search image P8 and displays the generated registered production quantity change reason information search image P8.

[0137] 17 is a diagram showing an example of a registered production quantity change reason information search image P8. The registered production quantity change reason information search image P8 includes a GUI for searching for production quantity change reason information registered in the master data, as well as a button B91. Note that in this embodiment, a description of this GUI will be omitted.

[0138] The button B91 is a button for displaying a production quantity change reason information registration image P9, which is an example of the aforementioned production quantity change reason information registration image. When the button B91 is selected, the server 30 generates the production quantity change reason information registration image P9 and displays the generated production quantity change reason information registration image P9.

[0139] 18 is a diagram showing an example of the production quantity change reason information registration image P9. The production quantity change reason information registration image P9 includes, for example, input fields F81 to F83 and a button B101. Note that the production quantity change reason information registration image P9 may be configured to include other GUIs instead of some or all of these, or in addition to all of these.

[0140] The input field F81 is a field where reason identification information that identifies the production quantity change reason information is entered. The character string "Reason ID" superimposed on the input field F81 in FIG. 18 is a character string that indicates to the user that the information entered in the input field F81 is reason identification information. In the example shown in FIG. 18, "ID1" is entered in the input field F81 as reason identification information. Note that the input of reason identification information into the input field F81 may be input by the server 30 of newly generated reason identification information, may be performed by selecting selectable reason identification information from a pull-down menu, or may be performed by direct input using an input device such as a keyboard.

[0141] The input field F82 is a field where reason name information indicating the name of the reason indicated by the production quantity change reason information is entered. In FIG. 18, the character string "reason name" superimposed on the input field F82 is a character string for indicating to the user that the information entered into the input field F82 is reason name information. In the example shown in FIG. 18, "reason name 1" is entered as the reason name information in the input field F82. Note that the reason name information may be entered into the input field F82 by direct input using an input device such as a keyboard, or by other methods.

[0142] The input field F83 is a field in which reason type information indicating the type of reason indicated by the production quantity change reason information is entered. In FIG. 18, the character string "reason type" superimposed on the input field F83 is a character string for indicating to the user that the information entered in the input field F83 is reason type information. In the example shown in FIG. 18, "reason type 1" is entered as the reason type information in the input field F83. Note that the reason type information may be entered in the input field F83 by selecting selectable reason identification information from a pull-down menu, by direct input using an input device such as a keyboard, or by other methods.

[0143] In the example shown in FIG. 18, the server 30 identifies information including the information entered in each of the input fields F81 to F83 as production quantity change reason information.

[0144] The button B101 is a button that accepts an operation to cause the server 30 to generate information including the information entered in each of the input fields F81 to F83 as production quantity change reason information and register the generated production quantity change reason information in master data. When the button B101 is selected, the server 30 generates information including the information entered in each of the input fields F81 to F83 as production quantity change reason information. The method for generating information including the information entered in each of the input fields F81 to F83 as production quantity change reason information may be a known method or a method to be developed in the future. The server 30 then registers the generated production quantity change reason information in the master data. In other words, registering the production quantity change reason information in the master data adds the production quantity change reason information to the master data and also stores the production quantity change reason information by the server 30.

[0145] The production quantity change reason information registration image P9 may be an image that allows not only the registration of the production quantity change reason information in the master data but also the modification and deletion of the production quantity change reason information in the master data. In this case, the production quantity change reason information registration image P9 allows at least one of the registration, modification, and deletion of the production quantity change reason information to be edited in the master data.

[0146] In this way, the server 30 can register information on the reason for changes in the number of produced items in the master data. This allows the server 30 to allow the user to easily search, sort, filter, tally, and analyze lots. As a result, the server 30 can improve the user's convenience in managing lots using the molding management system 1.

[0147] The server 30 that can display the images such as the production quantity change image P4 and the production quantity change reason information registration image P9 on the terminal device 40 is, for example, a workstation, a desktop PC (Personal Computer), a notebook PC, etc., but is not limited to these. The server 30 may be configured integrally with the information processing device 20.

[0148] The server 30 is communicably connected to the information processing device 20 via wired or wireless communication. The communication network connecting the server 30 and the information processing device 20 may be, for example, a LAN within a facility where multiple managed devices 10 are installed, the Internet, a mobile communication network, or another communication network. In the following, as an example, a case will be described in which the communication network connecting the server 30 and the information processing device 20 is the Internet. In this case, the server 30 is a cloud server.

[0149] Furthermore, 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 another communication network. In the following, as an example, a case will be described in which the communication network connecting the server 30 and the terminal device 40 is the Internet.

[0150] <Server hardware configuration> The hardware configuration of the server 30 will be described below with reference to Fig. 19. Fig. 19 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the server 30.

[0151] The server 30 includes, for example, a processor 31, a storage unit 32, and a communication unit 33. These components are connected to each other via a bus so that they can communicate with each other. The server 30 also communicates with the information processing device 20 and the terminal device 40 via the communication unit 33.

[0152] The processor 31 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). Note that instead of a CPU, the processor 31 may be another processor such as an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array). The processor 31 executes various programs stored in the storage unit 32.

[0153] The storage unit 32 is a storage device including, for example, a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a read-only memory (ROM), and a random access memory (RAM). Note that instead of being built into the server 30, the storage unit 32 may be an external storage device connected via a digital input / output port such as a universal serial bus (USB). The storage unit 32 stores various types of information, images, and programs processed by the server 30. In other words, the various types of information stored by the server 30 are stored in the storage unit 32.

[0154] The communication unit 33 is a communication device that includes, for example, a digital input / output port such as a USB, an Ethernet (registered trademark) port, an antenna for wireless communication, and the like.

[0155] <Server functional configuration> The functional configuration of the server 30 will be described below with reference to Fig. 20. Fig. 20 is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the server 30.

[0156] The server 30 includes a storage unit 32, a communication unit 33, and a control unit .

[0157] 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, by the processor 31 executing various programs stored in the storage unit 32. Some or all of these functional units may be hardware functional units such as LSI (Large Scale Integration) or ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit).

[0158] The reception unit 341 receives various information and various operations from devices connected to the server 30 so as to be able to communicate with the server 30 .

[0159] The acquiring unit 342 acquires, for each of the multiple managed devices 10, status information about the managed device 10 from the managed device 10 via the information processing device 20. The acquiring unit 342 may be configured to acquire the status information directly from the managed device 10 without going through the information processing device 20.

[0160] The display control unit 343 generates various images in response to operations received via the receiving unit 341. The display control unit 343 transmits the generated images to the terminal device 40 and causes the terminal device 40 to display the images.

[0161] <Processing by the server to change the number of produced items> The process by which the server 30 changes the number of products will be described with reference to Fig. 21. Fig. 21 is a diagram showing an example of the flow of the process by which the server 30 changes the number of products. Below, as an example, a case will be described in which the lot search image P3 is displayed on the terminal device 40 at a timing before the process of step S110 shown in Fig. 21 is performed. Also, below, as an example, a case will be described in which the master data and lot information have already been stored in the server 30 at that timing.

[0162] The control unit 34 waits until it receives an operation to display the production quantity change image P4 via the terminal device 40, that is, a selection operation on the button B41 (step S110). In Fig. 21, the processing of step S110 is indicated by "Display production quantity change image?"

[0163] When the control unit 34 determines that an operation to display the production quantity change image P4 has been received via the terminal device 40 (step S110-YES), the control unit 34 generates the production quantity change image P4 (step S120). The method for generating the production quantity change image P4 in step S120 may be a known method or a method to be developed in the future.

[0164] Next, the control unit 34 transmits the production quantity change image P4 generated in step S120 to the terminal device 40, and causes the terminal device 40 to display the production quantity change image P4 (step S130).

[0165] Next, the control unit 34 waits until an operation is accepted via the production quantity change image P4 displayed on the terminal device 40 (step S140). In Fig. 21, the process of step S140 is indicated by "Accept operation?"

[0166] When the control unit 34 determines that an operation has been received via the production quantity change image P4 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. 21 (step S150). The determination processing of step S150 by the control unit 34 may be performed by a known method or a method to be developed in the future. In Fig. 21, the processing of step S150 is indicated by "End?"

[0167] If the control unit 34 determines that the operation received in step S140 is an operation that ends the processing of the flowchart shown in FIG. 21 (step S150-YES), it, for example, deletes the display of the production quantity change image P4 from the terminal device 40 and ends the processing of the flowchart shown in FIG. 21.

[0168] On the other hand, if the control unit 34 determines that the operation received in step S140 is not an operation that ends the processing of the flowchart shown in Fig. 21 (step S150-NO), the control unit 34 performs processing according to the received operation (step S160). Here, the processing performed by the control unit 34 in step S160 has already been described in the description of Figs. 5 to 14, and therefore detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0169] After the process of step S160 is performed, the control unit 34 transitions to step S140 and waits again until an operation is received via the production quantity change image P4 displayed on the terminal device 40.

[0170] Through the above process, the server 30 displays a production quantity change image P4 that accepts a production quantity change operation to change the number of products of a production quantity change lot selected from among the lots indicated by each of the plurality of lot information stored in the storage unit 32. This allows the server 30 to prevent a discrepancy from occurring between an actual lot in which a change in the number of products has occurred and a lot on the molding management system 1.

[0171] <Processing in which the server registers information on the reason for changes in production quantity to the master data> The process in which the server 30 registers information on the reason for a change in the number of produced items in the master data will be described with reference to Fig. 22. Fig. 22 is a diagram showing an example of the flow of the process in which the server 30 registers information on the reason for a change in the number of produced items in the master data. As an example, the following describes a case in which the registered information on the reason for a change in the number of produced items search image P8 is displayed on the terminal device 40 at a timing before the processing of step S210 shown in Fig. 22 is performed. Also, as an example, the following describes a case in which the master data and lot information have already been stored in the server 30 at that timing.

[0172] The control unit 34 waits until it receives an operation to display the production quantity change reason information registration image P9 via the terminal device 40, that is, a selection operation on the button B91 (step S210). In Fig. 22, the processing of step S210 is indicated by "Display registered production quantity change reason information registration image?"

[0173] When the control unit 34 determines that an operation to display the production quantity change reason information registration image P9 has been received via the terminal device 40 (step S210-YES), the control unit 34 generates the production quantity change reason information registration image P9 (step S220). The method for generating the production quantity change reason information registration image P9 in step S220 may be a known method or a method to be developed in the future.

[0174] Next, the control unit 34 transmits the production quantity change reason information registration image P9 generated in step S220 to the terminal device 40, and causes the terminal device 40 to display the production quantity change reason information registration image P9 (step S230).

[0175] Next, the control unit 34 waits until an operation is accepted via the production quantity change reason information registration image P9 displayed on the terminal device 40 (step S240). In Fig. 22, the processing of step S240 is indicated by "operation accepted?"

[0176] When the control unit 34 determines that an operation has been received via the production quantity change reason information registration image P9 displayed on the terminal device 40 (step S240-YES), it determines whether the received operation is an operation to end the processing of the flowchart shown in Fig. 22 (step S250). The determination processing of step S250 by the control unit 34 may be performed by a known method or a method to be developed in the future. In Fig. 22, the processing of step S250 is indicated by "End?"

[0177] If the control unit 34 determines that the operation received in step S240 is an operation that will terminate the processing of the flowchart shown in FIG. 22 (step S250-YES), it will, for example, delete the display of the production quantity change reason information registration image P9 from the terminal device 40 and terminate the processing of the flowchart shown in FIG.

[0178] On the other hand, if the control unit 34 determines that the operation received in step S240 is not an operation that ends the processing of the flowchart shown in Fig. 22 (step S250-NO), it performs processing according to the received operation (step S260). Here, the processing performed by the control unit 34 in step S260 has already been explained in the explanation of Fig. 18, and therefore detailed explanation will be omitted.

[0179] After the process of step S260 is performed, the control unit 34 transitions to step S240 and waits again until an operation is received via the production quantity change reason information registration image P9 displayed on the terminal device 40.

[0180] Through the above process, the server 30 registers the information on the reason for change in the number of produced items in the master data. This allows the server 30 to allow the user to easily search, sort, filter, tally, and analyze lots. As a result, the server 30 can improve the user's convenience in managing lots using the molding management system 1.

[0181] The molding management system 1 described above may be configured to include a terminal device 40.

[0182] Furthermore, the search for a lot described above may be performed using a time period during which the lot was not operating normally as a search key. In this case, the lot-related information includes information indicating that time period.

[0183] Furthermore, the search for a lot described above may be performed using one or more pieces of information included in the injection molding apparatus-related information as a search key. In this case, the lot-related information includes injection molding apparatus-related information. The injection molding apparatus-related information included in the lot-related information for a certain lot is information about the injection molding apparatus that molds the products of that lot, and as described above, this information includes, for example, operating status information indicating the operating status of the injection molding apparatus, detection information about the injection molding apparatus, etc. This allows server 30 to more reliably improve the traceability of the products.

[0184] Furthermore, 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 input a character string. When the server 30 receives a character string via the input field, it identifies information containing the received character string from one or more pieces of information included in the lot-related information, and displays lot information indicating lots identified by each piece of lot identification information associated with the identified information in the search result display area RG2. This allows the server 30 to more easily search for lots.

[0185] Furthermore, the above-described contents may be combined in any manner.

[0186] <Additional Notes> [1] A molding management system includes a server communicatively connected to a terminal device, and manages the production of the product in a production process including an injection molding process of the product using an injection molding device, wherein the server is equipped with a memory unit that stores a plurality of lot information items in which lot identification information that identifies the lot of the product is associated with lot-related information that includes one or more pieces of information related to the lot of the product, and a control unit that displays on the terminal device a production quantity change image that accepts a production quantity change operation to change the number of products of a production quantity change lot selected from the lots indicated by each of the plurality of lot information items stored in the memory unit. [2] The molding management system described in [1], wherein the production quantity change image includes a post-change production quantity designation image that accepts an operation to designate the number of products of the production quantity change lot after the number of products has been changed, and the control unit accepts the production quantity change operation in the production quantity change image to change the number of products of the production quantity change lot to the number of products specified via the post-change production quantity designation image. [3] The molding management system described in [1] or [2], wherein the production quantity change image includes a production quantity change reason reception image that receives an operation to input production quantity change reason information indicating the reason for changing the number of products in the production quantity change lot. [4] The molding management system described in [3], wherein the image for receiving reasons for change in the number of produced items is an image for receiving an operation to select a desired piece of reason information for change in the number of produced items from one or more pieces of reason information for change in the number of produced items, the memory unit stores master data, and the one or more pieces of reason information for change in the number of produced items is information included in the master data stored in the memory unit. [5] The control unit displays on the terminal device an edit image of reasons for change in the number of production items that accepts an edit operation for editing the information on reasons for change in the number of production items in the master data stored in the memory unit, and editing the information on reasons for change in the number of production items in the master data involves at least one of registering, changing, and deleting the information on reasons for change in the number of production items in the master data. [4] The molding management system described in [6] The control unit displays on the terminal device history information indicating the history of changes to the number of products of the production quantity change lot in the production quantity change image. [7] The molding management system described in [6], wherein the history information includes at least one of information from among production quantity change date and time information indicating the date and time when the change in the number of products of the production quantity change lot was made, process information indicating the work process that was being performed on the products of the production quantity change lot at the date and time when the change in the number of products of the production quantity change lot was made, user identification information identifying the user who changed the number of products of the production quantity change lot, production quantity information indicating the number of products of the production quantity change lot after the change in the number of products of the production quantity change lot was made, increase / decrease number information indicating the increase / decrease in the number of products of the production quantity change lot due to the change in the number of products of the production quantity change lot, and production quantity change reason information indicating the reason for the change in the number of products of the production quantity change lot. [8] A molding management system described in any one of [1] to [7], wherein the lot information includes difference information indicating whether or not there is a difference in the number of products between the actual lot and the lot on the molding management system, and the control unit causes the difference information to be displayed on the terminal device. [9] The production quantity change image displays product-related information for each of the products in the production quantity change lot, and the product-related information includes product identification information that identifies the product in the production quantity change lot, shot identification information that identifies the shot in which the product in the production quantity change lot was molded, and cavity identification information that identifies the cavity in which the product in the production quantity change lot was molded, and the control unit accepts the production quantity change operation using the product-related information in the production quantity change image. A molding management system described in any one of [1] to [8].

[10] The molding management system according to any one of [1] to [9], wherein the lot-related information includes, as the one or more pieces of information, injection molding apparatus-related information relating to an injection molding apparatus that molds the product of the lot identified by the lot identification information associated with the lot-related information, and the injection molding apparatus-related information includes at least one of operating status information indicating the operating status of the injection molding apparatus and detection information detected by each of one or more sensors attached to the injection molding apparatus. Note that the injection molding apparatus described in

[10] may be the same injection molding apparatus as the injection molding apparatus described in [1], or may be a different injection molding apparatus from the injection molding apparatus described in [1]. For this reason, the injection molding apparatus in

[10] is not labeled "injection molding apparatus."

[11] A molding management system described in any one of [1] to

[10] , wherein 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.

[12] A molding management system described in any one of [1] to

[11] , wherein the lot-related information includes process information indicating the work process currently being performed on the product of the lot identified by the lot identification information associated with the lot-related information.

[13] A molding management system according to any one of [1] to

[12] , including the terminal device.

[13] The molding management system according to any one of [1] to

[13] , including the injection molding device.

[0187] The embodiments of this disclosure have been described in detail above with reference to the drawings, but the specific configuration is not limited to this embodiment, and may be changed, substituted, deleted, etc. as long as it does not deviate from the gist of this disclosure.

[0188] A program for implementing the functions of any of the components of the above-described apparatus may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium and loaded into a computer system for execution. Here, the apparatus may be, for example, the injection molding apparatus 11, the information processing apparatus 20, the server 30, or the terminal device 40. The term "computer system" herein includes hardware such as an operating system (OS) and peripheral devices. The term "computer-readable recording medium" also refers to portable media such as flexible disks, magneto-optical disks, ROMs, and compact disks (CDs)-ROMs, as well as storage devices such as hard disks built into computer systems. The term "computer-readable recording medium" also includes devices that retain a program for a certain period of time, such as volatile memory within a computer system that acts as a server or client when the program is transmitted via a network such as the Internet or a communication line such as a telephone line.

[0189] 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 transmission waves in the transmission medium. Here, the "transmission medium" that transmits the program refers to a medium that has the function of transmitting information, such as a network such as the Internet or a communication line such as a telephone line. The program may also be a program for realizing some of the functions described above, or may be a so-called differential file or differential program that can realize the functions described above in combination with a program already recorded in the computer system. [Explanation of symbols]

[0190] 1... molding management system, 10... managed device, 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

Claims

1. A molding management system that includes a server communicably connected to a terminal device and manages production of a product in a production process that includes an injection molding process of the product by an injection molding device, The server a storage unit that stores a plurality of pieces of lot information in which lot identification information that identifies the lot of the product is associated with lot-related information that includes one or more pieces of information related to the lot of the product; a control unit that displays, on the terminal device, a production quantity change image that accepts a production quantity change operation to change the number of products of a production quantity change lot selected from among the lots indicated by each of the plurality of lot information stored in the storage unit; and A molding management system comprising:

2. the production quantity change image includes a post-change production quantity designation image that accepts an operation to designate the number of products of the production quantity change lot after the number of products has been changed; the control unit accepts the production quantity change operation for changing, in the production quantity change image, the number of products of the production quantity change lot to the number of products designated via the post-change production quantity designation image; The molding management system according to claim 1 .

3. The image for changing the number of products to be produced includes an image for accepting an operation to input information on the reason for changing the number of products in the lot for which the number of products to be produced has been changed. The molding management system according to claim 1 .

4. the production quantity change reason receiving image is an image for receiving an operation to select desired production quantity change reason information from one or more pieces of production quantity change reason information, the storage unit stores master data, the one or more pieces of production quantity change reason information are information included in the master data stored in the storage unit; The molding management system according to claim 3.

5. the control unit causes the terminal device to display a production quantity change reason editing image that accepts a production quantity change reason editing operation for editing the production quantity change reason information in the master data stored in the storage unit; The editing of the information on the reason for change in the production quantity in the master data includes at least one of registering, changing, and deleting the information on the reason for change in the production quantity in the master data. The molding management system according to claim 4.

6. the control unit causes the terminal device to display history information indicating a history of changes in the number of products of the production quantity change lot in the production quantity change image. The molding management system according to claim 1 .

7. The history information includes at least one of information among the following: production quantity change date and time information indicating the date and time when the change in the number of products of the production quantity change lot was made; process information indicating the work process being performed on the products of the production quantity change lot at the date and time when the change in the number of products of the production quantity change lot was made; user identification information identifying the user who made the change in the number of products of the production quantity change lot; production quantity information indicating the number of products of the production quantity change lot after the change in the number of products of the production quantity change lot was made; increase / decrease number information indicating the increase / decrease in the number of products of the production quantity change lot due to the change in the number of products of the production quantity change lot; and production quantity change reason information indicating the reason for the change in the number of products of the production quantity change lot. The molding management system according to claim 6.

8. the lot information includes difference information indicating whether or not there is a difference in the number of products between the actual lot and the lot on the molding management system, the control unit causes the terminal device to display the difference information. The molding management system according to claim 1 .

9. the production quantity change image displays product-related information about each of the products in the production quantity change lot; the product-related information includes product identification information for identifying the product of the production quantity change lot, shot identification information for identifying the shot in which the product of the production quantity change lot was molded, and cavity identification information for identifying the cavity in which the product of the production quantity change lot was molded, the control unit accepts the production quantity change operation using the product-related information in the production quantity change image; The molding management system according to claim 1 .

10. the lot-related information includes, as the one or more pieces of information, injection molding device-related information relating to an injection molding device that molds the product of the lot identified by the lot identification information associated with the lot-related information; The injection molding device-related information includes at least one of operating status information indicating an operating status 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 .

11. 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 .

12. the lot-related information includes process information indicating a work process currently being performed on 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 .

13. Including the terminal device, The molding management system according to claim 1 .

14. the injection molding apparatus, The molding management system according to claim 1 .

Images