Controller and monitoring system

Abstract

To provide a controller that can more accurately grasp the state of a connected measuring device.SOLUTION: The controller is a controller 10 connected to a measuring instrument 1 and controlling the measuring instrument 1 and including a data processing unit 22 that classifies first data reflecting the operating state of the measuring instrument by information representing the state of the controller associated with common time information, and obtains a first judgment result.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a controller and a monitoring system. [Background technology]

[0002] BACKGROUND ART There is known an operation monitoring system for a manufacturing machine that determines whether or not the manufacturing machine is in operation based on the detection results of a sensor provided in the manufacturing machine (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-76660 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Generally, manufacturing machines are sometimes automatically controlled by a controller (control computer). However, the manufacturing machine operation monitoring system described in Patent Document 1 only determines whether the manufacturing machine is operating. In other words, the state of the controller that controls the manufacturing machine is not reflected in the determination result. The state of the controller is, for example, whether or not an operator (worker) is operating the machine. Because automatically controlled manufacturing machines are operated in conjunction with a controller, monitoring only the state of the manufacturing machine is insufficient for more efficient operation of the manufacturing machine.

[0005] The same is true for computer-controlled measuring instruments. Measuring instruments perform predetermined measurements and analyze the results by having a processor execute a program stored in the memory of a controller (control computer). Applying conventional technology, determining whether a measuring instrument is operating can be achieved, for example, by detecting whether a measurement program is running in the measuring instrument. Simply put, if a measurement program is not running, a new measurement can be performed. However, in reality, even if a measurement program is not running (even if the measuring instrument is not operating), an operator may be operating the controller, and a (new) measurement program may not be immediately executable. In other words, with computer-controlled measuring instruments, monitoring the status of the measuring instrument alone does not allow accurate understanding of the instrument's status. The inability to accurately understand the status of a measuring instrument has been one of the factors that hinders improvements in the efficiency of remote control of measuring instruments.

[0006] The present disclosure can solve any of the problems of the conventional techniques, and can provide a controller that can more accurately grasp the state of a connected measuring device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The first controller of the present disclosure is a controller that is connected to a measuring device and controls the measuring device, and that includes a data processing unit that classifies first data that reflects the operating state of the measuring device using information that represents the state of the controller associated with common time information, and obtains a first judgment result.

[0008] A second controller of the present disclosure is a first controller, wherein the information representing the state of the controller is a second determination result as to whether or not the controller is being operated.

[0009] A third controller of the present disclosure is the second controller, wherein the data processing unit obtains the second determination result based on information representing detection of an input event to a graphical user interface of the controller.

[0010] A fourth controller of the present disclosure is the first controller, wherein the first data is obtained by classifying the operating state of the measuring machine according to a predetermined criterion.

[0011] A fifth controller of the present disclosure is the fourth controller, wherein the classification of the first data includes at least a classification reflecting that the measuring device is on standby.

[0012] A sixth controller of the present disclosure is the fifth controller, wherein the first judgment result includes a classification reflecting that the measuring device is on standby, which is further classified based on information representing the status of the controller.

[0013] A seventh controller of the present disclosure is the first controller, further comprising a data display unit that outputs the first determination result.

[0014] A first monitoring system of the present disclosure is a monitoring system including any one of first to seventh controllers and the measuring instrument. [Effects of the Invention]

[0015] The present disclosure can provide a controller that can more accurately grasp the state of a connected measuring device. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram illustrating an embodiment of a monitoring system for a measuring machine. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a first example of a viewing screen created by a data display unit. [Figure 3] 10 is a diagram showing a second example of a viewing screen created by the data display unit 24. FIG. [Figure 4] 10 is a diagram showing a third example of a viewing screen created by the data display unit 24. FIG. [Figure 5] 10 is a diagram showing a fourth example of a viewing screen created by the data display unit 24. FIG. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of the monitoring system. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart showing a procedure for obtaining a first determination result by a data processing unit. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a configuration diagram showing another embodiment of a monitoring system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] Fig. 1 is a configuration diagram showing an embodiment of a monitoring system for a measuring machine. The monitoring system 10 comprises a measuring machine 1, a controller 2 which is a computer connected to and controls the measuring machine 1, and a mobile terminal 3 connected to the controller 2 via a network. The measuring machine 1 is, for example, a device that performs repeated measurements automatically driven by a CNC (Computer Numerical Control). More specifically, the measuring machine 1 may be a contact-type three-dimensional coordinate measuring machine equipped with a measuring probe.

[0018] The controller 2 includes measuring instrument control software 21, a data processing unit 22, a database 23, a data display unit 24, and a browser 25. The controller 2 is a computer that includes a memory and a processor (not shown) and realizes each function by executing a program stored in the memory.

[0019] The measuring machine control software 21 is a program stored in memory and can be executed by a processor. The measuring machine control software 21 controls the measuring machine 1, which is, for example, a three-dimensional coordinate measuring machine, and acquires various information from the measuring machine 1. The information acquired from the measuring machine 1 includes first data (also referred to as "measuring machine status data") and measuring machine operation log data (hereinafter simply referred to as "operation log"). This information is output from the measuring machine control software 21 and input to the data processing unit 22.

[0020] The first data (measuring device status data) reflects the operating status of the measuring device 1. The first data may include, for example, information indicating that a measurement program is running, that a measurement program is on standby, or that an error has occurred in the measuring device 1. The first data may be information that can be acquired only from the measuring device 1, regardless of the status of the controller 2. The first data may be input to the data processing unit 22 when the status of the measuring device 1 changes. The first data may also be called the "status" of the measuring device 1.

[0021] The operation log is a record of the operation of the measuring instrument 1. Specifically, it may include information indicating the start and end of a measurement, a collision between the measurement object and the probe, the number of measurements, temperature changes in the measurement object, and the distance traveled along each axis used to move the measurement object and the probe. Typically, the operation log may be (chronologically) event occurrence log data related to the measuring instrument 1 associated with time information. This operation log may also include records of event occurrences that cause status changes. For example, if an error occurs due to a probe collision while a measurement program is running, the operation log records the time of the occurrence and the content of the event (e.g., "collision detected"). Turning to the first data, the status changes from "measurement program running" to "error occurring" at the same time, and this is recorded. The first data and the operation log are associated by common time information.

[0022] Returning to the first data, a more detailed explanation will be given. One non-limiting example of the first data is information obtained by classifying the operating status of the measuring device 1 into patterns according to predetermined criteria, based on information obtained from the measuring device 1. In other words, the status of the measuring device 1 is classified into several patterns in advance, and the first data includes one or more entries that include the time when the status of the measuring device 1 changed to a predetermined classification and the classification. When the first data is viewed as a whole, it can also be said to represent a time series of status changes.

[0023] This classification may include, for example, a "measurement program running" state, which indicates that the measurement program is running, and a "measurement program waiting" state (hereinafter simply referred to as "waiting"), which indicates that the measurement program is not running.

[0024] The classification may also include an "error occurring" state, which indicates that an error is occurring. There are multiple causes for an error. A specific cause may be, for example, a collision between the measurement object and the probe. However, the "error occurring" state may be information that simply indicates that an error has occurred in the measuring device 1, regardless of the cause.

[0025] The classification may also include a "power off" state, which is related to the inability to acquire the first data. The "power off" state may include not only a case where the power of the measuring device 1 is actually off, but also a case where the first data cannot be acquired for some reason (which may include a reason other than power off). Note that the names are not limited to those mentioned above, and a different name may be given to the same status. For example, "no response" may be used instead of "power off". The names of each classification are arbitrary.

[0026] 1, we will now explain the second data (also referred to as "control computer status data") input to the data processing unit 22. The second data (control computer status data) is data input to the data processing unit 22 from a control unit (not shown) of the controller 2.

[0027] The second data is information for determining the state of the controller 2. The state of the controller 2 may include at least information as to whether or not the controller 2 is being operated. The second data may be, for example, information for detecting an input event to a graphical user interface (GUI) of the controller 2.

[0028] Input events to the graphical user interface (GUI) of controller 2 include, for example, when a cursor displayed on the screen of a display device (not shown) connected to controller 2 is moved by an operator, when an operator performs an input operation via an input device (such as a mouse and keyboard, not shown), and when an operator touches a touch-sensitive display device connected to (or integrated with) controller 2.

[0029] Specifically, the second data may include data such as cursor position coordinates at a predetermined time, a captured image of the screen of the display device at a predetermined time, and touch detection at a predetermined time. The second data may be acquired periodically (for example, at predetermined time intervals) and input to the data processing unit 22.

[0030] The data processing unit 22 determines the state of the controller 2 based on the second data and obtains the determination result (second determination result). The second determination result may typically be a determination result as to whether or not the controller 2 is being operated. The method of determination may be selected appropriately depending on the information included in the second data. If the second data includes position coordinates of the cursor at a predetermined time, the second determination result is obtained from changes in the position coordinates in two pieces of data taken at different times. If the second data includes a captured image taken at a predetermined time, the second determination result is obtained from a comparison of the two pieces of data taken at different times. The timing of the determination is not particularly limited, and the data processing unit 22 may perform the determination when the second data is input to the data processing unit 22. Note that, hereinafter, the second determination result will be described as being classified into an "operation state" (or "operation") and a "non-operation state" (or "non-operation").

[0031] The data processing unit 22 further obtains a classification result by subdividing the first data based on the second judgment result. This classification result is set as the first judgment result. The first judgment result is input to the database 23. Table 1 is a specific example of the first judgment result. In the table below, "-" indicates data that is not related to obtaining the first judgment result. The same applies to Table 2 described later. [Table 1]

[0032] In short, the above is a subdivision of the "standby" state in the first data using the second judgment result. We will explain in detail, including the parts that overlap with the first data. Pattern P1 is "power off." Pattern P2 is "measurement program in progress." Patterns P3 and P4 will be described later. Pattern P5 is "error occurring." As mentioned above, patterns P1, P2, and P5 are common to the classification in the first data.

[0033] Next, in pattern P3, the first data is "standby" and the second determination result is "operation state." In pattern P4, the first data is "standby" and the second determination result is "non-operation state (state where no operation is performed, no operation state)." Patterns P3 and P4 are classified into two types based on the first data, but can be classified into two types based on the second determination result. For example, the actual state of pattern P3 corresponds to a case where the measuring device 1 is waiting to execute a measurement program, but an operator is performing an operation (such as setting a new measurement program). For example, the actual state of pattern P4 corresponds to a case where the execution of a predetermined measurement program has been completed and the measuring device 1 is waiting. In the latter case, a new measurement can be started immediately, while in the former case, this cannot be done. By subdividing the first data "standby" based on the second determination result, information for more accurately recognizing the state of the measuring device 1 can be obtained.

[0034] The first judgment result is not limited to patterns P1 to P5 in Table 1. It may be determined by a combination of the first data and the second judgment result, and may be further subdivided. For example, if the measuring device 1 has a stop state that is different from the normal stop state (a state in which measuring device status data is not available), such as a "paused state," this may be used as one pattern (classification). Furthermore, "measurement program running" in the first data may be further subdivided by the second judgment result. Table 2 shows the above example. [Table 2]

[0035] In the above case, what differs from Table 1 is that pattern P2 is subdivided into patterns P21 and P22. If pattern P22 corresponds to a state in which automatic measurement is being performed normally, pattern P21 may correspond to a state in which automatic measurement is being performed but some adjustment by the operator is being performed in parallel.

[0036] The first determination result may be obtained each time the first data and / or the second determination result is updated. The first data and the second determination result are time-series data associated with each other by common time information, that is, having a common time axis. Therefore, the first determination result also has common time information (common time axis) to be associated with based on the first data and / or the second determination result. Therefore, the first determination result and the time information can be stored in association with each other in the database 23. In other words, the database 23 can store changes in the first determination result over time.

[0037] In addition to the chronological changes in the first determination results, database 23 may also include operation logs associated with common time information and / or captured images of the screen of a display device connected to controller 2. The first determination results, operation logs, and / or captured images are organized using time information as a key. In other words, by referring to database 23, the first determination results, operation logs, and / or captured images at a certain time can be obtained.

[0038] Returning to FIG. 1, the browser 25 requests the data display unit 24 to create a viewing screen. The request may be triggered by an operation of the controller 2 by an operator. In response to the request from the browser 25, the data display unit 24 refers to the database 23. As a result, the data display unit 24 creates a viewing screen including the first determination result. The created viewing screen is displayed by the browser 25 on the screen of a display device (not shown) of the controller 2.

[0039] The mobile terminal 3 includes a browser 31. The browser 31 has the same functions as the browser 25. The viewing screen created by the data display unit 24 can also be displayed on the mobile terminal 3 by the browser 31. That is, the viewing screen created by the data display unit 24 can be displayed not only on a display device directly connected to (or integrated with) the controller 2, but also on other terminals connected thereto via a network. The mobile terminal 3 and / or the controller 2 may be further connected to other terminals (not shown) via a LAN (Local Area Network) or the like.

[0040] Next, a description will be given of a viewing screen created by the data display unit 24. Fig. 2 is a diagram showing a first example of a viewing screen created by the data display unit 24. As shown in Figs.

[0041] The viewing screen created by the data display unit 24 is a GUI (Graphical User Interface) including a Gantt chart image showing the first judgment results in chronological order. The viewing screen includes a rectangular information display window 100. The information display window 100 is composed of a title display portion 101 and an information display portion 102. A Gantt chart image 107 is displayed in the information display portion 102. A drop-down list 103 for selecting the Gantt chart image 107 to be displayed is located above the information display portion 102. A display range 104 of the Gantt chart image 107 can be set using the drop-down list 103. This range can be changed using a period change button 105. A time-series graph (Gantt chart image 107) corresponding to changes in the first judgment results 106 is displayed in the information display portion 102. In other words, the Gantt chart image 107 includes information on changes in the first judgment results 106 over time.

[0042] Note that the viewing screen in FIG. 2 is an example, and the first determination results do not have to be classified according to Table 1. For example, they may be classified according to Table 2. As described above, they may also be further subdivided. Also, although the viewing screen in FIG. 2 uses the term "pattern" to classify the first determination results, this is not essential. For example, they may be expressed only using terms that indicate the state, such as "suspended," "error," or "not operating."

[0043] 3 is a diagram showing a second example of a viewing screen created by the data display unit 24. The viewing screen 211 is created based on a captured image stored in the database 23. The captured image is created based on an operation log and includes a window (status window 200) to be displayed on the screen of the controller 2. The captured image is organized by time information (time series) that is common to the first determination results. The data display unit 24 may be configured to have the operator select a specific time from the time series graph of the first determination results, and to retrieve a captured image including the status window 200 from the database 23 using that time as a key to create the viewing screen 211.

[0044] The viewing screen 211 is a captured image (of the screen) of the display device of the controller 2 at a specified time, including the status window 200. The captured image includes at least the status window 200, and may also include icon 210 images displayed on the screen and other windows (not shown). The status window 200 is composed of a title display portion 201, a menu display portion 202, an item display portion 203, and an information display portion 205. In the information display portion 205, the status of the measuring device 1 is organized in the order of date and time 206 (date and time) and content 207. In other words, it is recorded in chronological order. This is part of an operation log. The captured image is from a specified time 204, and the status 208 at that time is displayed in a shaded area. This allows the status of the measuring device 1 at a specified time (in the case of FIG. 3, details of the error that occurred) to be checked later from the viewing screen 211.

[0045] 4 is a diagram showing a third example of a viewing screen created by data display unit 24. Viewing screen 300 includes, for example, a statistical graph of the first determination results. Viewing screen 300 includes pie chart 301 generated based on cumulative time 304 for each classification 303 of the first determination results over a certain period of time. This period can be freely changed using period change button 302.

[0046] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a fourth example of a viewing screen created by data display unit 24. Viewing screen 400 can be created based on the first determination result and the operation log. Viewing screen 400 has a marker 401 superimposed on information display portion 102 including Gantt chart image 107 similar to that of the first example of the viewing screen. Marker 401 was created based on the operation log and displays details of first determination result 106, "Error Occurring." Specifically, it displays cause 402 of "Error Occurring" at a predetermined time ("Collision Detection" in the figure).

[0047] The viewing screen 400 may be configured so that the portion on which the marker 401 is to be superimposed and displayed can be changed by an operator's designation. This makes it possible to easily find out the reason why the first determination result changed to a predetermined classification at a predetermined time.

[0048] Next, the operation of the monitoring system 10 will be described. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the monitoring system 10 of FIG. 1. FIG. 6 shows the operations of the data processing unit 22 and the database 23. First, in step S101, the data processing unit 22 starts acquiring the first data and the second data. The timing of acquiring the first data and the second data (the timing of input to the data processing unit 22) is not particularly limited, and they may be acquired simultaneously or at different times. As an example, the first data may be acquired when there is a change in status, and the second data may be acquired at regular intervals (at predetermined time intervals). In either case, the first data and the second data have common time information, which can be used as a key to associate them with each other.

[0049] Then, in step S102, the data processing unit 22 acquires a first determination result based on the first data and the second determination result based on the second data. The method for acquiring the first determination result will be described in detail later.

[0050] Thereafter, in step S103, the first determination result is stored together with time information in the database 23. At this time, an operation log or the like may also be stored. Each piece of data is associated with another using the time information as a key.

[0051] Thereafter, in step S104, the data processing unit 22 determines whether or not the operator has selected to end the operation monitoring of the measuring device 1. If the data processing unit 22 determines in step S104 that the operator has selected to end the operation monitoring of the measuring device 1, the operation of the monitoring system 10 ends. On the other hand, if the data processing unit 22 determines that the operator has not selected to end the monitoring of the measuring device 1, the processing of the monitoring system 10 returns to step S101.

[0052] 7 is a flowchart showing the procedure for obtaining the first determination result by the data processing unit 22. This flowchart corresponds to the classification in Table 2. The procedure corresponding to the classification in Table 1 will be described later.

[0053] First, in step S201, the data processing unit 22 determines whether or not it is impossible to acquire the first data by the data processing unit 22. In step S201, if the data processing unit 22 determines that it is impossible to acquire the first data by the data processing unit 22 (step S201: Y), the processing of the data processing unit 22 proceeds to step S202.

[0054] In step S202, the data processing unit 22 acquires "power OFF" (pattern P1) as the first determination result, and ends the process.

[0055] On the other hand, if the data processing unit 22 determines in step S201 that it is not impossible for the data processing unit 22 to acquire the first data (the first data can be acquired, step S201: N), the processing of the data processing unit 22 proceeds to step S203.

[0056] In step S203, the data processing unit 22 determines from the first data whether the measuring device 1 is in an error state. In step S203, if the data processing unit 22 determines that the first data includes information indicating that the measuring device 1 is in an error state (step S203: Y), the processing of the data processing unit 22 proceeds to step S204.

[0057] In step S204, the data processing unit 22 acquires "error occurring" (pattern P5) as the first determination result, and ends the process.

[0058] On the other hand, in step S203, if the data processing unit 22 determines that the first data does not contain information indicating that an error is occurring in the measuring device 1 (step S203: N), the processing of the data processing unit 22 proceeds to step S205.

[0059] In step S205, the data processing unit 22 determines from the first data whether the measurement program is currently being executed. In step S205, if the data processing unit 22 determines that the first data includes information indicating that the measurement program is currently being executed (step S205: Y), the processing of the data processing unit 22 proceeds to step S206.

[0060] In step S206, the data processing unit 22 determines whether or not an input event is detected in the GUI of the controller 2. Specifically, based on the second data, it determines whether or not there has been a change in the position coordinates of the cursor displayed on the screen of the display device connected to the controller 2. This step is a step for obtaining a second determination result from the second data. In step S206, if the data processing unit 22 determines that there has been a change in the position coordinates of the cursor (step S206: Y), the processing of the data processing unit 22 proceeds to step S207.

[0061] In step S207, the data processing unit 22 determines that the first data is "measurement program running" and the second determination result is "operation state," and acquires "measurement program running / operation state" (pattern P21) as the first determination result. Then, the processing of the data processing unit 22 ends.

[0062] On the other hand, in step S206, if the data processing unit 22 determines that there is no change in the position coordinates of the cursor displayed on the screen of the display device connected to the controller 2 (step S206: N), the processing of the data processing unit 22 proceeds to step S208.

[0063] In step S208, the data processing unit 22 determines that the first data is "measurement program running" and the second determination result is "non-operation state," and acquires "measurement program running / non-operation state" (pattern P22) as the first determination result. Then, the processing of the data processing unit 22 ends.

[0064] On the other hand, in step S205, if the data processing unit 22 determines that the first data does not include information indicating that the measurement program is being executed (step S205: N), the processing of the data processing unit 22 proceeds to step S209.

[0065] In step S209, the data processing unit 22 determines whether or not there has been a change in the position coordinates of the cursor displayed on the screen of the display device connected to the controller 2. This step is a step for obtaining a second determination result based on the second data. In step S209, if the data processing unit 22 determines that there has been a change in the position coordinates of the cursor (step S209: Y), the processing of the data processing unit 22 proceeds to step S210.

[0066] In step S210, the data processing unit 22 determines that the first data is "standby" and the second determination result is "operation state," and acquires "standby / operation state" (pattern P3) as the first determination result. Then, the processing of the data processing unit 22 ends.

[0067] On the other hand, if the data processing unit 22 determines in step S209 that the position of the cursor displayed on the controller 2 has not changed (step S209: N), the processing of the data processing unit 22 proceeds to step S211.

[0068] In step S211, the data processing unit 22 determines that the first data is "standby" and the second determination result is "non-operation state," and acquires "standby / non-operation state" (pattern P4) as the first determination result. Then, the processing of the data processing unit 22 ends.

[0069] This completes the procedure for obtaining the first judgment result by the data processing unit 22. The above corresponds to the classification of Table 2 as the first judgment result. For the classification of Table 1, step S206 and subsequent steps (steps S206, S207, and S208) in the above flow can be omitted. If step S205:Y, the data processing unit 22 obtains "measurement program running" (pattern P2) as the first judgment result.

[0070] In the above example, the change in cursor position coordinates is used as the second data used to obtain the second determination result. However, the second determination result may also be obtained using a change in a captured image at a predetermined time on the screen of the display device.

[0071] As described above, the monitoring system 10 includes the data processing unit 22 and the data display unit 24. The data processing unit 22 uses the first data and the second data to obtain a first judgment result that reflects the detailed state of the measuring device 1. Furthermore, the data display unit 24 creates a viewing image that shows the first judgment result of the data processing unit 22. With this configuration, the operator can easily obtain the detailed state of the measuring device 1. Being able to grasp the accurate state of the measuring device 1 also allows for smoother remote operation.

[0072] 8 is a configuration diagram showing another embodiment of a monitoring system. Monitoring system 20 includes measuring device 4, controller 5, measuring device 6, controller 7, server computer 8, and mobile terminal 9. Controller 5, controller 7, and server computer 8 are connected to each other via a network such as a LAN. The configurations of measuring device 4 and measuring device 6 are similar to those of monitoring system 10.

[0073] The controller 5 includes measuring instrument control software 51 and a data processing unit 52. The measuring instrument control software 51 controls the measuring instrument 4. The configurations of the measuring instrument control software 51 and the data processing unit 52 are similar to the configurations of the measuring instrument control software 21 and the data processing unit 22 in the monitoring system 10, respectively.

[0074] The controller 7 includes measuring instrument control software 71 and a data processing unit 72. The measuring instrument control software 71 controls the measuring instrument 6. The configurations of the measuring instrument control software 71 and the data processing unit 72 are similar to the configurations of the measuring instrument control software 21 and the data processing unit 22 in the monitoring system 10, respectively.

[0075] The server computer 8 includes a database 81 , a data display unit 82 , and a browser 83 .

[0076] The configuration of database 81 is the same as the configuration of database 23 in monitoring system 10. Database 81 stores the first judgment results of measuring device 4 and measuring device 6 obtained by data processing unit 52 and data processing unit 72, respectively, in association with time information.

[0077] The configuration of the data display unit 82 is similar to the configuration of the data display unit 24 in the monitoring system 10 .

[0078] The configuration of the browser 83 is the same as the configuration of the browser 25 in the monitoring system 10. The browser 83 requests the data display unit 82 to create a viewing screen in response to an operation of the server computer 8 by an operator.

[0079] The mobile terminal 9 includes a browser 91. The browser 91 has the same functions as the browser 83. When an operator operates the mobile terminal 9, the browser 91 requests the data display unit 24 to create a viewing screen.

[0080] The other configurations of the monitoring system 20 are the same as those of the monitoring system 10.

[0081] As described above, monitoring system 20 includes data processing unit 52, data processing unit 72, and data display unit 82. Data processing unit 52 uses the first data and the second data to determine the exact state of measuring device 4 (obtains a first determination result). Data processing unit 72 uses the first data and the second data to determine the exact state of measuring device 6 (obtains a first determination result). Data display unit 82 creates a viewing screen that displays the first determination results of data processing unit 52 and data processing unit 72. This configuration allows the states of measuring device 4 and measuring device 6 to be more accurately understood.

[0082] The monitoring system 20 has been described as having two measuring machines and two controllers. However, the configuration is not limited to this. For example, the monitoring system 20 may have three or more measuring machines and three or more controllers.

[0083] Although a preferred embodiment of the monitoring system for a measuring machine has been described above, the technical ideas included in this disclosure are not limited to the above-described embodiment. Various modifications and conversions can be made to the above-described embodiment within the scope of achieving the desired effects. [Explanation of symbols]

[0084] 1, 4, 6 Measuring machine 2, 5, 7 controllers 3, 8, 9 Mobile devices 8 Server Computers 10, 20 Surveillance System 21, 51, 71 Measuring machine control software 22, 52, 72 Data processing section 23, 81 Database 24, 82 Data display section 25, 31, 83, 91 browsers

Claims

1. A controller connected to a measuring machine and controlling the measuring machine, a controller including a data processing unit that classifies first data reflecting the operating state of the measuring machine by information representing the state of the controller associated with common time information, and obtains a first determination result.

2. The controller according to claim 1 , wherein the information representing the state of the controller is a second determination result as to whether or not the controller is being operated.

3. The controller according to claim 2 , wherein the data processing unit obtains the second determination result based on information representing detection of an input event to a graphical user interface of the controller.

4. The controller according to claim 1 , wherein the first data is obtained by classifying the operating status of the measuring machine according to a predetermined standard.

5. The controller of claim 4 , wherein the classification of the first data includes at least a classification reflecting that the measurement device is idle.

6. The controller according to claim 5 , wherein the first determination result includes a classification that reflects that the measuring device is on standby, and is further classified according to information that represents a state of the controller.

7. The controller according to claim 1 , further comprising a data display unit that outputs the first determination result.

8. A monitoring system comprising the controller according to any one of claims 1 to 7 and the measuring device.

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