Molding management system

Abstract

To provide a molding management system capable of easily managing lots.SOLUTION: Provided is a molding management system that includes a server and manages production of a product, wherein the server includes: a storage unit that stores one or more pieces of lot information in which lot identification information for identifying a lot of the product and lot-related information including one or more pieces of information related to the lot of the product are associated with each other; and a control unit; wherein the storage unit stores, as the one or more pieces of lot information, at least non-display lot information of display lot information that can be displayed on a first image on which the lot information is displayed and non-display lot information that cannot be displayed on the first image, and the control unit displays a display / non-display switching operation reception image that receives a display / non-display switching operation for changing target non-display lot information selected from the non-display lot information stored in the storage unit to the display lot information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

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 molding management system is known that stores information indicating the quality of the product for each shot in an injection molding device that molds the product, the operating status of the injection molding device, history regarding setting changes to the injection molding device, etc., and can display the stored information at a desired timing (see Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-094503 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In the system described in Patent Document 1, it is not possible to display information about lots at a glance, and furthermore, it is not possible to switch between displaying and hiding desired information from among the individual pieces of stored information on a predetermined image. This makes it difficult for users to grasp the information in the system, which in turn leads to complicating lot management, and is therefore undesirable. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problem, 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 equipped with a memory unit that stores one or more 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, and a control unit, wherein the memory unit stores, as the one or more pieces of lot information, at least hidden lot information from among display lot information that can be displayed on a first image in which the lot information is displayed and hidden lot information that cannot be displayed on the first image, and the control unit displays on the terminal device a display / hide switching operation acceptance image that accepts a display / hide switching operation to change selected target hidden lot information from the hidden lot information stored in the memory unit to the displayed lot information. [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. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a lot history image P4. [Figure 6] 13 is a diagram showing an example of a lot history image P4 when a lot information change history display area RG21 is displayed. FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a lot restoration related information reception image P5 displayed on the lot history image P4 by selecting the button B61 shown in FIG. 6. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a lot search image P3 immediately after the target lot information in the example shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 is changed from non-display lot information to display lot information. [Figure 9] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a lot history image P4 displaying a list of lot information change history information included in the target lot information immediately after the target lot information in the examples shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 is changed from non-display lot information to display lot information. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a server 30. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of a server 30. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a processing flow in which the server 30 changes lot information from non-display lot information to display lot information. 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 production of a product in a production process that includes an injection molding process of the product using an injection molding machine. 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 one or more pieces of lot information in which lot identification information that identifies a 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. More specifically, the memory unit stores, as the one or more pieces of lot information, at least non-display lot information out of display lot information that can be displayed on a first image in which the lot information is displayed and non-display lot information that cannot be displayed on the first image. The control unit then causes the terminal device to display a display / hide switching operation acceptance image that accepts a display / hide switching operation to change target non-display lot information selected from the non-display lot information stored in the memory unit to display lot information.

[0011] As a result, the molding management system according to the embodiment can switch between displaying and hiding the lot information on the first image depending on the user's purpose. That is, the molding management system can easily manage lots.

[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] Note that unintentional changing of displayed lot information to hidden lot information can occur due to a user error, etc. However, if lot information that has become hidden lot information cannot be changed to displayed lot information, it becomes impossible to confirm or modify the lot information. This leads to an impediment to improving user convenience, and is undesirable. Therefore, being able to change hidden lot information to displayed lot information leads to improved user convenience and is useful. As a result, the molding management system according to the embodiment can facilitate lot management.

[0014] Furthermore, for example, when a certain lot of products is sampled as a prototype, the lot information indicating the lot may be intentionally deleted from the image that manages the lot information. When such deletion is performed, the lot information indicating the lot is deleted from the storage area in a conventional molding management system. However, when performing non-destructive testing on a prototype, the product of the lot may be returned from the prototype to a production product for shipment. In such cases, a discrepancy occurs between the lot on the molding management system and the actual lot. Nevertheless, in the molding management system, it is difficult to resolve the discrepancy between the lot on the molding management system and the actual lot. This is because, even in such cases, the lot information indicating the lot no longer exists in the storage area of ​​the molding management system. In contrast, in the molding management system according to the embodiment, even if certain lot information is deleted from an image that manages lot information, the lot information is not deleted from the storage area unless an operation to delete the lot information from the storage area is performed, and the lot information is changed from displayed lot information to hidden lot information. Therefore, the molding management system can re-display the lot information indicating the deleted lot on the image. In other words, the molding management system can prevent a discrepancy from occurring between the lot on the molding management system and the actual lot. As a result, the molding control system can facilitate lot management.

[0015] Furthermore, for example, when a lot is discarded in a conventional molding management system, the lot information indicating the discarded lot is deleted from the storage area of ​​the molding management system. However, even if the lot is discarded in the molding management system, the actual lot may remain abandoned at a production factory, etc. In such cases, a discrepancy occurs between the lot on the molding management system and the actual lot. However, the lot information no longer exists in the storage area of ​​the molding management system. Therefore, it is difficult for the molding management system to resolve the discrepancy between the lot on the molding management system and the actual lot. In contrast, in the molding management system according to the embodiment, when the lot is discarded, the lot information indicating the discarded lot is changed from displayed lot information to hidden lot information, and the lot information is retained in the storage area unless an operation to delete the lot information from the storage area is performed. Therefore, the molding management system can redisplay lot information indicating a lot that was not discarded but left abandoned at a production factory, etc. Then, the molding management system can change the lot information indicating the lot on the molding management system from displayed lot information to hidden lot information according to the actual disposal of the lot, or delete the lot information indicating the lot on the molding management system from the storage area. That is, the molding management system can prevent a difference from occurring between the lot on the molding management system and the actual lot. As a result, the molding management system can easily manage the lot.

[0016] Furthermore, for example, when a shipping procedure for a certain lot is performed in a conventional molding management system, the lot information indicating the lot is deleted from the storage area of ​​the storage unit. However, the shipped product of the lot may be returned to the production factory, etc., for some reason, such as a return due to the discovery of a defect. In this case, a discrepancy occurs between the lot on the molding management system and the actual lot. However, the lot information no longer exists in the molding management system. Therefore, it is difficult for the molding management system to resolve the discrepancy between the lot on the molding management system and the actual lot. In contrast, in the molding management system according to the embodiment, when the shipping procedure for the lot is performed, the lot information indicating the lot is changed from displayed lot information to hidden lot information, and the lot information is retained in the storage area unless an operation to delete the lot information from the storage area is performed. Therefore, the molding management system can re-display lot information indicating a lot returned to the production factory, etc., due to a return or the like. Then, the molding management system can change the lot information indicating the lot on the molding management system from displayed lot information to hidden lot information according to the actual shipment of the lot, or delete the lot information indicating the lot on the molding management system from the storage area. That is, the molding management system can prevent a difference from occurring between the lot on the molding management system and the actual lot. As a result, the molding management system can easily manage the lot.

[0017] <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.

[0018] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a molding management system 1. As shown in FIG.

[0019] 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.

[0020] 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.

[0021] 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.

[0022] 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.

[0023] 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.

[0024] 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, the server 30 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 information indicating the status history of the managed device 10.

[0025] 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.

[0026] The server 30 also accepts 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 apparatus 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 apparatus 11, product type information that indicates the type of product identified by each product identification information, planned production quantity information that indicates the planned production quantity of the product identified by each product identification information, and mold identification information that identifies the mold used to produce the product 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. Note that the various types of information included in the master data may be information associated with product type information instead of information associated with the product identification information, information associated with both the product identification information and the product type information, or information associated with other information.

[0027] 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.

[0028] 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 one or more pieces of lot information for each piece of lot identification information. Here, the lot information is, for example, information that is generated or updated based on information received from a user via one of the update functions that can be executed by the server 30, and is information that is stored in the server 30. Certain lot information includes, for example, lot identification information that identifies the lot indicated by the lot information, and lot-related information about the lot.More specifically, the lot-related information includes: production quantity information indicating the number of products produced in the lot; product type information indicating the type of products produced in the lot; process information indicating the work process currently being performed on the products produced 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 produced in the lot began; quality information indicating the results of quality inspections performed on the products produced in the lot; injection molding device-related information regarding the injection molding device used to mold the products produced in the lot; mold identification information identifying the mold attached to the injection molding device; cavity number information indicating the number of cavities in the mold. The quality information indicates that quality inspections have not been performed on the products produced in the lot if they have not been performed. The injection molding device-related information includes, for example, injection molding device identification information identifying the injection molding device, operating status information indicating the operating status of the injection molding device, and detection information about the injection molding device. The lot-related information may include other information related to the lot instead of, or in addition to, some or all of the above information.

[0029] 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.

[0030] 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.

[0031] 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.

[0032] 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.

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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.

[0035] 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.

[0036] 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.

[0037] In this embodiment, the dashboard image, the master data management image, the manual image, and the user management image will not be described.

[0038] Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a 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. For example, the terminal image P2 includes buttons B21 and B22 as such buttons.

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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.

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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.

[0043] 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.

[0044] 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.

[0045] 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.

[0046] 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.

[0047] 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.

[0048] 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.

[0049] 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.

[0050] 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 one or more pieces of lot information stored in advance. After extracting one or more pieces of lot information, server 30 displays a list of the 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.

[0051] 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.

[0052] 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 "1234567889," production quantity information "10," 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, "10" represents the production quantity information indicating 10 pieces. "2022-06-08 08:00" represents the start date and time information indicating 8:00 AM on June 8, 2022.

[0053] 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.

[0054] 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.

[0055] 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. For convenience of explanation, the operation of selecting lot information via such check boxes will be referred to as a lot information selection operation below. Note that the selection of certain lot information may also be referred to as the selection of the lot indicated by that lot information.

[0056] 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 a button B41. In this embodiment, a description of the 11 buttons other than the button B41 will be omitted.

[0057] The button B41 is a button that accepts a first display / hide switching operation that changes the lot information indicating the search target lot from displayed lot information to hidden lot information, with the lot selected by the user in the search result display area RG2 being the search target lot. Here, the displayed lot information refers to lot information that can be displayed on all images in which lot information is displayed. On the other hand, the displayed lot information refers to lot information that cannot be displayed on some of the images in which lot information is displayed. For example, the lot search image P3 is an example of an image in which lot information is displayed. Furthermore, the lot search image P3 is an example of an image in which hidden lot information is not displayed, among all the images in which lot information is displayed. Therefore, the lot search image P3 is an example of the first image described at the beginning of this embodiment.

[0058] 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 graying 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 condition 1A.

[0059] Condition 1A: No lot has been selected by the user in the search result display area RG2

[0060] If condition 1A is satisfied, the server 30 determines that the first gray-out condition is satisfied. On the other hand, if condition 1A is not satisfied, the server 30 determines that the first gray-out condition is not satisfied. Note that the first gray-out condition may include multiple conditions. In this case, the server 30 determines that the first gray-out condition is satisfied if at least one of the multiple conditions is satisfied. On the other hand, in this case, the server 30 determines that the first gray-out condition is not satisfied if all of the multiple conditions are not satisfied.

[0061] 4, 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 B41 is not grayed out.

[0062] When button B41 is selected, server 30 identifies the lot selected by the user in search result display area RG2 as the search target lot and changes the lot information indicating the search target lot from display lot information to non-display lot information. More specifically, in this case, server 30 moves, for example, lot information indicating the search target lot stored in a first storage area of ​​server 30 where display lot information is stored to a second storage area of ​​server 30 where non-display lot information is stored. This causes server 30 to change the lot information indicating the search target lot from display lot information to non-display lot information. Note that the process of changing the lot information indicating the search target lot from display lot information to non-display lot information may be performed using a display / non-display flag indicating whether the lot information is display lot information or non-display lot information. In this case, certain lot information includes a display / non-display flag associated with the lot identification information included in the lot information. For example, in this case, a display / non-display flag included in certain lot information indicates that the lot information is display lot information when it is 0, and indicates that the lot information is non-display lot information when it is 1. This also allows the server 30 to change the lot information indicating the search target lot from display lot information to non-display lot information. The process of changing the lot information indicating the search target lot from display lot information to non-display lot information may be performed by any other method capable of changing the lot information indicating the search target lot from display lot information to non-display lot information. Furthermore, when the server 30 displays lot information on an image in which only display lot information is displayed, such as the lot search image P3, among all images in which lot information is displayed, the server 30 reads from the first storage area the lot information designated as the lot information to be displayed from the lot information stored as display lot information in the first storage area. After reading the lot information, the server 30 displays the read lot information on the image.On the other hand, when the server 30 displays lot information on an image that displays both displayed lot information and non-displayed lot information among all images that display lot information, the server 30 reads out from the first storage area and the second storage area the lot information designated as the lot information to be displayed among the lot information stored as displayed lot information in each of the first storage area and the second storage area. After reading out the lot information, the server 30 displays the read lot information on the image. An example of such an image is the lot history image P4 described below.

[0063] Note that the method for changing the lot information desired by the user from displayed lot information to hidden lot information may be any method other than the method of selecting button B41, as long as it is a method that allows the user to change the lot information desired by the user from displayed lot information to hidden lot information. In other words, the method of selecting button B41 is merely one example of a method for changing the lot information desired by the user from displayed lot information to hidden lot information.

[0064] In the example shown in FIG. 4, lot information including each of the three lot identification information pieces "1234567889," "1234567891," and "1234567892" is displayed in the search result display area RG2. In other words, in this example, lot information including "1234567890" as lot identification information is not displayed in the search result display area RG2. Therefore, the following describes, as an example, a case in which the lot information is changed to hidden lot information by selecting button B41. In response to the received operation, the server 30 can change the lot information changed to hidden lot information to displayed lot information. In the following, the operation of changing the lot information changed to hidden lot information to displayed lot information will be referred to as a second display / hide switching operation. The second display / hide switching operation is an example of a display / hide switching operation.

[0065] For example, when a selection operation is performed on the button B22 shown in FIG. 3, the server 30 displays a lot history image P4 including a GUI that accepts a second display / hide switching operation. That is, the button B22 is a button that accepts an operation to display the lot history image P4. When the server 30 accepts a selection operation on the button B22, it generates the lot history image P4 and displays the generated lot history image P4. Note that the lot history image P4 is an example of an image that accepts a display / hide switching operation.

[0066] Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the lot history image P4. The lot history image P4 shown in Fig. 5 is the lot history image P4 immediately after it is displayed. The lot history image P4 shown in Fig. 5 includes an input field F21 and a button B51. Note that the lot history image P4 can display both displayed lot information and non-displayed lot information.

[0067] The input field F21 is a field where lot identification information that identifies a desired lot is entered by the user. The character string "Lot No." superimposed on the input field F21 in FIG. 5 is a character string that indicates to the user that the information entered in the input field F21 is lot identification information. In the example shown in FIG. 5, "1234567890" has been entered as the lot identification information in the input field F21. Note that the lot identification information may be entered into the input field F21 by selecting the lot identification information from a pull-down menu, or by direct entry using an input device such as a keyboard.

[0068] The button B51 is a button that accepts an operation to display lot information change history information that indicates the history of changes to the lot information identified by the lot identification information entered in the input field F21. Here, the lot information change history information is included in each piece of lot information. That is, each piece of lot information includes, as one piece of lot-related information, lot information change history information associated with the lot identification information included in the lot information. The lot information change history information included in certain lot information indicates the history of changes to the lot information. More specifically, the lot information change history information is, for example, information that indicates the history of changes made by a user to at least one piece of information included in the lot information. For example, if a user makes a change to information X included in the lot information, the lot information change history information indicates the history of changes made to information X by the user. Information X may be any information included in the lot information.

[0069] The method of storing various pieces of information contained in lot-related information such as lot information change history information as lot identification information in the server 30 as lot information may be a known method such as a method via a GUI, or may be a method to be developed in the future.

[0070] Furthermore, if a predetermined second gray-out condition is met, the server 30 grays out the button B51 and does not accept any selection operation on the button B51. On the other hand, if the second gray-out condition is not met, the server 30 cancels the graying out of the button B51 and accepts any selection operation on the button B51. By graying out the button in this manner, the 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.

[0071] Condition 2A: Lot identification information is not entered in input field F21

[0072] 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. Note that the second gray-out condition may include multiple conditions. In this case, the server 30 determines that the second gray-out condition is satisfied if at least one of the multiple conditions is satisfied. On the other hand, in this case, the server 30 determines that the second gray-out condition is not satisfied if all of the multiple conditions are not satisfied.

[0073] 5, the lot identification information "1234567890" has been entered in the input field F21, so the button B51 is not grayed out in this example.

[0074] When the button B51 is selected, the server 30 specifies the lot information indicating the lot identified by the lot identification information entered in the input field F21 as the target lot information. After that, the server 30 displays a lot information change history display area RG21, which displays a list of lot information change history information included in the specified target lot information, on the lot history image P4 in place of the input field F21 and the button B51.

[0075] Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the lot history image P4 when the lot information change history display area RG21 is displayed. In the example shown in Fig. 6, the lot history image P4 includes a button B61 as well as the lot information change history display area RG21.

[0076] The lot information change history display area RG21 is an area where a list of lot information change history information included in the lot-related information of the target lot information is displayed. As described above, the lot information change history information is information that indicates the history of changes to the target lot information.

[0077] 6, the lot information change history information displayed in the lot information change history display area RG21 includes lot information change date and time information, process information change history information, history type information, lot information changer information, equipment information, production number change history information, production number history information, lot information change reason information, and lot information change comment information. That is, in this example, the lot-related information for the target lot information includes lot information change date and time information, process information change history information, history type information, lot information changer information, equipment information, production number change history information, production number history information, lot information change reason information, and lot information change comment information as lot information change history information. Note that the lot information change history information displayed in the lot information change history display area RG21 may include other information indicating the history of changes to the target lot information instead of some or all of the above information, or in addition to all of the above information. Here, the lot information change date and time information included in certain lot information change history information is information indicating the date and time when the lot information including the lot information change history information was changed. The process information change history information included in the lot information change history information is information indicating the history of changes to the process information at the date and time indicated by the lot information change date and time information. Note that the process information change history information may be, for example, the process information included in the lot information at the date and time, or other information indicating the history of changes to the process information at the date and time. The history type information included in the lot information change history information is information indicating the type of change to the lot information made by the user. The lot information changer information included in the lot information change history information is information indicating the user who changed the lot information at the date and time. The equipment information included in the lot information change history information is information indicating the equipment that was performing work on the products of the lot indicated by the lot information at the date and time. Note that the equipment information may be null information if there was no equipment performing work on the products of the target lot at the date and time, or may be other information indicating that there was no equipment performing work on the products of the target lot at the date and time.The production quantity change history information included in the lot information change history information indicates the difference between the number indicated by the production quantity information before and after a change in the production quantity information of the lot information at a given date and time. The production quantity change history information may be expressed as a positive or negative integer, or may be the production quantity information at that date and time. However, if the production quantity change history information is the production quantity information, the number indicated by the production quantity change history information matches the number indicated by the production quantity history information. Therefore, in this case, the production quantity change history information and the production quantity change history information may be treated as a single piece of information. The production quantity history information included in the lot information change history information indicates the history of changes to the production quantity information of the lot information at that date and time. The production quantity history information may be, for example, the production quantity information included in the lot information at that date and time, or other information indicating the history of changes to the production quantity information at that date and time. The lot information change reason information included in the lot information change history information indicates the reason the lot information was changed at that date and time. The lot information change comment information included in the lot information change history information is information indicating a comment on the change of the lot information at the relevant date and time.

[0078] In the lot information change history display area RG21 shown in FIG. 6, lot information change date and time information is indicated by "performance registration date and time." In the lot information change history display area RG21 shown in FIG. 6, process information change history information is indicated by "process." In the lot information change history display area RG21 shown in FIG. 6, history type information is indicated by "history type." In the lot information change history display area RG21 shown in FIG. 6, lot information change person information is indicated by "performance registration worker." In the lot information change history display area RG21 shown in FIG. 6, equipment information is indicated by "equipment." In the lot information change history display area RG21 shown in FIG. 6, production quantity change number history information is indicated by "increase / decrease number." In the lot information change history display area RG21 shown in FIG. 6, production quantity history information is indicated by "current number." In the lot information change history display area RG21 shown in FIG. 6, lot information change reason information is indicated by "reason." Furthermore, in the lot information change history display area RG21 shown in FIG. 6, lot information change comment information is displayed as "comment."

[0079] 6 includes "2023-08-24 08:00" as lot information change date and time information, "injection molding" as process information change history information, "lot creation" as history type information, "first user" as lot information changer information, null information as equipment information, "0" as production item quantity change history information, "0" as production item quantity change history information, "reason 1" as lot information change reason information, and "comment 1" as lot information change comment information. Here, "2023-08-24 08:00" indicates 8:00 on August 24, 2023. Additionally, the "injection molding" is also process information included in the target lot information at 8:00 AM on August 24, 2023, indicating that the work process being performed on the products of the lot indicated by the target lot information at 8:00 AM on August 24, 2023 is the injection molding process. The "lot creation" indicates that the target lot information was created as one of the changes to the target lot information. The "first user" indicates that the user who made the change to the target lot information was the first user. The null information as equipment information in the lot information change history information indicates that there was no equipment performing work on the products of the lot indicated by the target lot information at 8:00 AM on August 24, 2023. The "0" as the production item quantity change history information in the lot information change history information indicates that there was no change to the production item quantity information included in the target lot information when the target lot information was changed at 8:00 AM on August 24, 2023. The "0" as the production item quantity change history information in the lot information change history information also indicates that there was no change in the production item quantity information included in the target lot information when the target lot information was changed at 08:00 on August 24, 2023. The "Reason 1" indicates the reason why the target lot information was changed at 08:00 on August 24, 2023. The "Comment 1" indicates a comment by the first user regarding the change to the target lot information at 08:00 on August 24, 2023.

[0080] In this way, the lot information change history information included in the target lot information is displayed in the lot information change history display area RG21. In the example shown in Fig. 6, the lot information change history information displayed in the bottom row of the lot information change history display area RG21 indicates the history of the target lot information being changed from displayed lot information to hidden lot information.

[0081] The lot information change history information displayed in the bottom row of the lot information change history display area RG21 shown in FIG. 6 includes "2023-10-03 14:15" as the lot information change date and time information, "Discard" as the process information change history information, "Lot Discard" as the history type information, "Fourth User" as the lot information changer information, null information as the equipment information, "-10" as the production quantity change history information, "0" as the production quantity change history information, null information as the lot information change reason information, and "Comment 8" as the lot information change comment information. Here, "2023-10-03 14:15" indicates 14:15 on October 3, 2023. Furthermore, the "Discard" indicates that the target lot information was discarded at 14:15 on October 3, 2023, i.e., the target lot information was changed from displayed lot information to hidden lot information at 14:15 on October 3, 2023. The "lot disposal" indicates that the target lot information was changed from display lot information to hidden lot information as one of the changes to the target lot information. The "fourth user" indicates that the user who changed the target lot information was the fourth user. The null information as equipment information in the lot information change history information indicates that there was no equipment working on the products of the lot indicated by the target lot information at 14:15 on October 3, 2023. The "-10" as the production item quantity change history information in the lot information change history information indicates that, in the change to the target lot information at 14:15 on October 3, 2023, all products of the lot indicated by the target lot information immediately before 14:15 on October 3, 2023 were discarded, i.e., 10 products were discarded. The "0" as the production item quantity change history information in the lot information change history information indicates that, in the change to the target lot information at 14:15 on October 3, 2023, all products included in the lot indicated by the target lot information were discarded. Null information as lot information change reason information in the lot information change history information indicates that the fourth user has not added any lot information change history information to the lot information change history information."Comment 8" in question indicates a comment by the fourth user regarding the change in the target lot information made at 14:15 on October 3, 2023.

[0082] Here, the lot information change history information displayed at the bottom of the lot information change history display area RG21 shown in FIG. 6 indicates that the lot information selected as the target lot information in FIG. 6 was changed from displayed lot information to hidden lot information by selecting button B41 shown in FIG. 4. The lot information changed from displayed lot information to hidden lot information in this way can be changed from hidden lot information to displayed lot information by selecting button B61 shown in FIG. 6, for example. Therefore, button B61 is a button that accepts a second display / hide switching operation that changes the target lot information from hidden lot information to displayed lot information. In other words, when the server 30 accepts a selection operation on button B61 in the example shown in FIG. 6, it changes the target lot information that has been set as hidden lot information from hidden lot information to displayed lot information. Specifically, as described above, in this case, the server 30 moves the target lot information from the second storage area to the first storage area, thereby changing the target lot information that has been set as hidden lot information from hidden lot information to displayed lot information. Therefore, the server 30 can switch between displaying and hiding the lot information on the image on which the lot information is displayed, depending on the user's purpose. As a result, the server 30 can easily manage the lots.

[0083] The button B61 may be a button that accepts an operation to display the lot restoration related information reception image P5. The lot restoration related information reception image P5 is an image that accepts various information regarding the change of the target lot information from hidden lot information to displayed lot information. In this case, when the button B61 shown in FIG. 6 is selected, the server 30 generates the lot restoration related information reception image P5 and displays the generated lot restoration related information reception image P5. The server 30 may be configured to display the lot restoration related information reception image P5 in a pop-up, within the lot history image P4, in a separate window, or by other methods. However, the following description will be given, as an example, of a case where the lot restoration related information reception image P5 is one of the images included in the lot history image P4, regardless of which of these methods is used to display the lot restoration related information reception image P5. In this case, the functions, GUI, etc. of the lot restoration related information reception image P5 are also the functions, GUI, etc. of the lot history image P4.

[0084] If a predetermined third gray-out condition is met, the server 30 grays out the button B61 and does not accept any selection operation on the button B61. On the other hand, if the third gray-out condition is not met, the server 30 cancels the graying out of the button B61 and accepts any selection operation on the button B61. By graying out the button in this way, the server 30 can prevent users from making erroneous operations. The third gray-out condition is, for example, a condition that includes the following condition 3A.

[0085] Condition 3A: The target lot information is the display lot information

[0086] If condition 3A is satisfied, the server 30 determines that the third gray-out condition is satisfied. On the other hand, if condition 3A is not satisfied, the server 30 determines that the third gray-out condition is not satisfied. Note that the third gray-out condition may include multiple conditions. In this case, the server 30 determines that the third gray-out condition is satisfied if at least one of the multiple conditions is satisfied. On the other hand, in this case, the server 30 determines that the third gray-out condition is not satisfied if all of the multiple conditions are not satisfied.

[0087] 6, the target lot information is non-display lot information, and therefore the button B61 is not grayed out.

[0088] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a lot restoration related information reception image P5 displayed on the lot history image P4 by selecting the button B61 shown in FIG.

[0089] The lot restoration related information reception image P5 includes, for example, input fields F31 to F34 and a button B71.

[0090] The input field F31 is a field for inputting user identification information that identifies the user who will change the target lot information from hidden lot information to displayed lot information. The character string "Worker ID" superimposed on the input field F31 in FIG. 7 indicates to the user that the information entered in the input field F31 is user identification information. By default, the input field F31 is input with, for example, the user identification information of 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 future. In the example shown in FIG. 7, "1234567" is input as the user identification information to be entered in the input field F31 by default. Note that user identification information other than the default user identification information may be entered in the input field F31 by selecting the user identification information from a pull-down menu or by directly entering the information using an input device such as a keyboard.

[0091] The input field F32 is a field for inputting user name information indicating the name of the user who will change the target lot information from hidden lot information to displayed lot information. In FIG. 7, the character string "Worker Name" superimposed on the input field F32 indicates to the user that the information entered in the input field F32 is user name information. By default, the input field F32 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 future. In the example shown in FIG. 7, "First User" is input as the user name information to be entered by default in the input field F32. Note that input of user name information into the input field F32 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.

[0092] The input field F33 is a field where the user enters the desired number of production items that the user wants to include in the target lot information immediately after the change from hidden lot information to displayed lot information. In FIG. 7, the character string "Restored Quantity" superimposed on the input field F33 indicates to the user that the information entered in the input field F33 is number of production items. By default, the input field F33 is populated with, for example, the number of production items included in the target lot information immediately before the change from displayed lot information to hidden lot information. The method by which the server 30 identifies the number of production items may be a known method or a method to be developed. Note that input of number of production items into the input field F33 other than the default number of production items may be performed by selecting the number of production items from a pull-down menu or by direct input using an input device such as a keyboard. In the example shown in FIG. 7, the first user directly inputs "20" (20) into the input field F33, indicating 20 items.

[0093] The input field F34 is a field for inputting lot information change comment information indicating a comment regarding changing the target lot information from hidden lot information to displayed lot information. In FIG. 7, the character string "Comment" superimposed on the input field F34 indicates to the user that the information input into the input field F34 is lot information change comment information. Note that the lot information change comment information may be input into the input field F34 by selecting "lot information change comment information" from a pull-down menu, or by direct input using an input device such as a keyboard. In the example shown in FIG. 7, the first user has directly input lot information change comment information indicating the comment "Comment 1" into the input field F34.

[0094] The button B71 is a button that accepts an operation to confirm the change of the target lot information from hidden lot information to displayed lot information. When the button B71 is selected, the server 30 changes the production quantity information of the target lot information to the production quantity information entered in the input field F33. The server 30 then generates lot information change history information including the information entered in the input fields F31, F32, and F34, and stores the generated lot information change history information in the first storage area in association with the lot identification information included in the target lot information. In this case, the server 30 identifies, for example, user identification information, user name information, or a combination of user identification information and user name information as information indicating a certain user from the information included in the lot information change history information.

[0095] As described above, in the example shown in FIG. 7, when the button B71 is selected, the server 30 changes the target lot information from hidden lot information to displayed lot information. This also allows the server 30 to switch between displaying and hiding lot information on the image on which the lot information is displayed, depending on the user's purpose. In other words, the server 30 can easily manage lots. Note that in this example, the button B71 is an example of a GUI that accepts a second display / hide switching operation. That is, the lot history image P4 including the lot restoration related information reception image P5 is an example of an image that accepts a display / hide switching operation. Furthermore, the input field F33 is an example of an image that accepts a production quantity change operation.

[0096] Here, if a predetermined fourth gray-out condition is met, the server 30 grays out the button B71 and does not accept any selection operation on the button B71. On the other hand, if the fourth gray-out condition is not met, the server 30 cancels the graying out of the button B71 and accepts any selection operation on the button B71. By graying out the button in this manner, the server 30 can prevent erroneous operations by the user. The fourth gray-out condition is, for example, a condition that includes the following condition 4A.

[0097] Condition 4A: Information must be left blank in at least one of input fields F31 to F34.

[0098] If condition 4A is satisfied, the server 30 determines that the fourth gray-out condition is satisfied. On the other hand, if condition 4A is not satisfied, the server 30 determines that the fourth gray-out condition is not satisfied. Note that the fourth gray-out condition may include multiple conditions. In this case, the server 30 determines that the fourth gray-out condition is satisfied if at least one of the multiple conditions is satisfied. On the other hand, in this case, the server 30 determines that the fourth gray-out condition is not satisfied if all of the multiple conditions are not satisfied.

[0099] 7, information has been entered into each of the input fields F31 to F34, and therefore, in this example, the button B71 is not grayed out.

[0100] The server 30 may be configured to display a message indicating that the target lot information has been changed from hidden lot information to displayed lot information on the lot history image P4 or the lot restoration related information reception image P5 after the button B71 is selected and the target lot information is changed from hidden lot information to displayed lot information. The method for displaying this message may be a known method such as a pop-up, or may be a method to be developed in the future. The server 30 may be configured to display the lot restoration related information reception image P5 or delete both the lot history image P4 and the lot restoration related information reception image P5 and display another image such as the terminal image P2 after the button B71 is selected and the target lot information is changed from hidden lot information to displayed lot information.

[0101] Here, when the lot search image P3 is displayed after certain lot information has been changed from hidden lot information to displayed lot information, the lot information is displayed in the search result display area RG2 together with the other displayed lot information. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the lot search image P3 immediately after the target lot information in the examples shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 has been changed from hidden lot information to displayed lot information. In the example shown in FIG. 8, a list of all lot information stored in the server 30 is displayed in the search result display area RG2. In addition, the search result display area RG2 of the lot search image P3 shown in FIG. 8 displays "1234567890" between "1234567889" and "1234567891" that were displayed in the search result display area RG2 shown in FIG. 4. As described above, "1234567890" is the lot identification information included in the target lot information. This means that by selecting button B61 shown in Figure 6 or button B71 shown in Figure 7, the server 30 can change the target lot information from hidden lot information to displayed lot information.

[0102] Furthermore, when a list of lot information change history information for a certain lot information is displayed in the lot history image P4 after the lot information has been changed from non-displayed lot information to displayed lot information, the lot information change history display area RG21 also displays, together with other lot information change history information, lot information change history information indicating that the lot information has been changed from non-displayed lot information to displayed lot information. Fig. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the lot history image P4 displaying a list of lot information change history information included in the target lot information immediately after the target lot information in the examples shown in Figs. 6 and 7 has been changed from non-displayed lot information to displayed lot information. 9, the lot information change history information displayed in the bottom row of the lot information change history display area RG21 includes "2023-10-03 14:20" as the lot information change date and time information, "Restore" as the process information change history information, "Lot Restore" as the history type information, "First User" as the lot information changer information, null information as the equipment information, "20" as the production quantity change number history information, "20" as the production quantity change history information, null information as the lot information change reason information, and "Comment 9" as the lot information change comment information. Here, "2023-10-03 14:20" indicates 14:20 on October 3, 2023. Furthermore, the "restoration" indicates that the target lot information was restored at 14:20 on October 3, 2023, i.e., that the target lot information was changed from hidden lot information to displayed lot information at 14:20 on October 3, 2023. The "lot restoration" indicates that the target lot information was changed from hidden lot information to displayed lot information as one of the changes to the target lot information. The "first user" indicates that the user who made the change to the target lot information was the first user. The null information as equipment information in the lot information change history information indicates that there was no equipment performing work on the products of the lot indicated by the target lot information at 14:20 on October 3, 2023.The "20" as the production item quantity change history information in the lot information change history information indicates that the production item quantity information entered by the first user in the aforementioned input field F33 indicated 20 units in the change to the target lot information at 14:20 on October 3, 2023. The "20" as the production item quantity change history information in the lot information change history information indicates that the lot identification information included in the target lot information was newly assigned to 20 production items in the change to the target lot information at 14:20 on October 3, 2023. The null information as the lot information change reason information in the lot information change history information indicates that the first user did not add any lot information change history information to the lot information change history information. The "Comment 9" indicates a comment by the first user regarding the change to the target lot information at 14:20 on October 3, 2023.

[0103] Thus, the lot information change history information displayed in the bottom row of the lot information change history display area RG21 shown in FIG. 9 indicates a history of changes to the lot information selected as the target lot information in FIGS. 6 and 7 from hidden lot information to displayed lot information, resulting from a selection operation on the button B61 shown in FIG. 6 or a selection operation on the button B71 shown in FIG. 7. That is, the server 30 can store in the first storage area lot information change history information indicating the history of changes to certain lot information from hidden lot information to displayed lot information, in association with the lot identification information included in the lot information. Therefore, the server 30 can switch between displaying and hiding lot information on the image displaying the lot information according to the user's purpose. As a result, the server 30 can facilitate lot management. Note that the lot information change history information indicating the history of changes to certain lot information from hidden lot information to displayed lot information is an example of display / hide change history information. Furthermore, information indicating the history of changes to certain lot information from hidden lot information to displayed lot information may be stored in the server 30 in other forms, modes, methods, or the like.

[0104] As described above, the server 30 that can display the lot history image P4, which is an example of a display / hide switching operation reception image that receives an operation to change the hidden lot information selected as target lot information from the stored hidden lot information to displayed lot information, 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.

[0105] 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.

[0106] 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.

[0107] <Server hardware configuration> The hardware configuration of the server 30 will be described below with reference to Fig. 10. Fig. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the server 30.

[0108] 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.

[0109] 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.

[0110] 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). The storage unit 32 may be an external storage device connected via a digital input / output port such as a universal serial bus (USB) instead of being built into the server 30. The storage unit 32 stores various types of information, images, and programs processed by the server 30. The various types of information stored by the server 30 are stored in the storage unit 32. The storage area of ​​the storage unit 32 includes different storage areas that function as the first and second storage areas described above. The server 30 reads the displayed lot information from the first storage area of ​​the storage unit 32 and the non-displayed lot information from the second storage area of ​​the storage unit 32.

[0111] 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.

[0112] <Server functional configuration> The functional configuration of the server 30 will be described below with reference to Fig. 11. Fig. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the server 30.

[0113] The server 30 includes a storage unit 32, a communication unit 33, and a control unit .

[0114] 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).

[0115] 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 .

[0116] 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.

[0117] 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.

[0118] <Processing by the server to change lot information from hidden lot information to displayed lot information> The process in which the server 30 changes the lot information from hidden lot information to displayed lot information will be described with reference to Fig. 12. Fig. 12 is a diagram showing an example of the flow of the process in which the server 30 changes the lot information from hidden lot information to displayed lot information. The following describes, as an example, a case in which the terminal image P2 is displayed on the terminal device 40 at a timing before the processing of step S110 shown in Fig. 12 is performed. The following also describes, as an example, a case in which the master data and the lot information have already been stored in the server 30 at that timing.

[0119] The control unit 34 waits until it receives an operation to display the lot history image P4 via the terminal device 40, that is, a selection operation on the button B22 (step S110). In Fig. 12, the processing of step S110 is indicated by "Display lot history image?"

[0120] When the control unit 34 determines that an operation to display the lot history image P4 has been received via the terminal device 40 (step S110-YES), the control unit 34 generates the lot history image P4 (step S120). The method for generating the lot history image P4 in step S120 may be a known method or a method to be developed in the future.

[0121] Next, the control unit 34 transmits the lot history image P4 generated in step S120 to the terminal device 40, and causes the terminal device 40 to display the lot history image P4 (step S130).

[0122] Next, the control unit 34 waits until an operation is received via the lot history image P4 displayed on the terminal device 40 (step S140). In Fig. 12, the processing of step S140 is indicated by "operation received?". Note that this operation also includes an operation to display the lot restoration related information reception image P5, an operation via the lot restoration related information reception image P5, etc.

[0123] When the control unit 34 determines that an operation has been received via the lot history 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. 12 (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. 12, the processing of step S150 is indicated by "End?"

[0124] If the control unit 34 determines that the operation received in step S140 is an operation that terminates the processing of the flowchart shown in FIG. 12 (step S150-YES), it, for example, deletes the display of the lot history image P4 from the terminal device 40 and terminates the processing of the flowchart shown in FIG. 12.

[0125] 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. 12 (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 explained in the explanation of Figs. 5 to 7, and therefore detailed explanation will be omitted.

[0126] 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 lot history image P4 displayed on the terminal device 40.

[0127] Through the above-described processing, the server 30 displays a lot history image P4 that accepts an operation to change the non-display lot information selected as target lot information from the non-display lot information stored in the storage unit 32 to display lot information. This enables the server 30 to easily manage lots.

[0128] The molding management system 1 described above may be configured to include a terminal device 40.

[0129] 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.

[0130] 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.

[0131] Furthermore, the above-described lot search may be performed using an arbitrary character string as a search key. In this case, when the server 30 receives an arbitrary character string, it identifies information containing the received character string from one or more pieces of information included in the lot-related information, and displays a list of lot information indicating the lots identified by each piece of lot identification information associated with the identified information. This allows the server 30 to more easily search for lots by the user.

[0132] Furthermore, the above-described contents may be combined in any manner.

[0133] <Additional Notes> [1] 1. A molding management system including a server communicatively connected to a terminal device, which manages the production of a 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 one or more pieces of lot information in which lot identification information that identifies the lot of the product is associated with lot-related information including one or more pieces of information related to the lot of the product, and a control unit, wherein the memory unit stores, as the one or more pieces of lot information, at least non-display lot information out of display lot information that can be displayed on a first image in which the lot information is displayed and non-display lot information that cannot be displayed on the first image, and the control unit causes the terminal device to display a display / hide switching operation acceptance image that accepts a display / hide switching operation to change selected target non-display lot information from the non-display lot information stored in the memory unit to the display lot information. [2] The molding management system described in [1], wherein each of the one or more pieces of lot information includes production quantity information indicating the number of products of the lot, and the display / hide switching operation acceptance image includes a production quantity change operation acceptance image that accepts an operation to change the number of products of the lot indicated by the target non-display lot information when the target non-display lot information is changed to the display lot information. [3] The molding management system described in [1] or [2], wherein when the control unit receives the display / hide switching operation, it changes the target non-display lot information to the display lot information, and stores display / hide change history information indicating the history of changing the target non-display lot information to the display lot information in the memory unit in association with the lot identification information included in the target non-display lot information. [4] The molding management system according to any one of [1] to [3], wherein the control unit displays the display / hide change history information in response to a received operation. [5] A molding management system described in any one of [3] or [4], wherein the display / hide change history information includes information indicating the user who changed the target hidden lot information to the displayed lot information. [6] A molding management system described in any one of [3] to [5], wherein the display / hide change history information includes comment information indicating a comment regarding the change of the target hidden lot information to the displayed lot information. [7] 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 molding management system according to any one of [1] to [6], wherein the injection molding device-related information includes at least one of operating status information indicating the operating status of the injection molding device and detection information detected by each of one or more sensors attached to the injection molding device. Note that the injection molding device described in [7] may be the same injection molding device as the injection molding device described in [1], or may be a different injection molding device from the injection molding device described in [1]. For this reason, in [7], the above is not attached to the injection molding device. [8] A molding management system described in any one of [1] to [7], 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. [9] A molding management system described in any one of [1] to [8], 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.

[10] A molding management system according to any one of [1] to [9], including the terminal device.

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

[10] , including the injection molding device.

[0134] 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.

[0135] 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.

[0136] 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]

[0137] 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 one or more 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; Equipped with the storage unit stores, as the one or more pieces of lot information, at least non-display lot information out of display lot information that can be displayed on a first image on which the lot information is displayed and non-display lot information that cannot be displayed on the first image, the control unit causes the terminal device to display a display / hide switching operation acceptance image for accepting a display / hide switching operation for changing the target hidden lot information selected from the hidden lot information stored in the storage unit to the displayed lot information. Molding management system.

2. each of the one or more pieces of lot information includes product quantity information indicating the number of products in the lot; The display / non-display switching operation receiving image includes a production quantity change operation receiving image for receiving an operation to change the number of products of the lot indicated by the target non-display lot information when the target non-display lot information is changed to the display lot information. The molding management system according to claim 1 .

3. When the control unit receives the display / non-display switching operation, it changes the target non-display lot information to the display lot information, and stores display / non-display change history information indicating a history of changing the target non-display lot information to the display lot information in the storage unit in association with the lot identification information included in the target non-display lot information. The molding management system according to claim 1 .

4. the control unit displays the display / hide change history information in response to the received operation. The molding management system according to claim 3.

5. The display / non-display change history information includes information indicating a user who changed the target non-display lot information to the display lot information. The molding management system according to claim 3.

6. The display / non-display change history information includes comment information indicating a comment regarding the change of the target non-display lot information to the display lot information. The molding management system according to claim 3.

7. 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 .

8. 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 .

9. 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 .

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

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

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