Information processing apparatus, information processing method, and program

Abstract

To reduce a facility introduction cost for controlling the operation of each control object in cooperation with another control object, and to improve versatility.SOLUTION: The control panel 1 controls switching between the closed state and the open state for each of the shutter devices SS1 to SS5, and includes an arithmetic unit 41, a register 42, and a signal outputting unit 44. When the predetermined shutter device SS1 is switched from the closed state to the open state, the calculation means 41 performs calculation of adding "+ 1" to the value of the register 42 corresponding to the shutter devices SS1 to SS5 other than the shutter device SS2. A signal outputting means 44 outputs an interlock signal for inhibiting the opening of the shutter devices SS1 to SS5 when the value of the register 42 exceeds a previously set value.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing device, an information processing method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, in a factory, it may be necessary to limit the inflow of outside air into a manufacturing space where products are manufactured, or into a warehouse space where products must be stored at a certain temperature or below. To limit this inflow of outside air, shutter devices installed at entrances and exits may be controlled, with the operation of one shutter device being controlled based on the status of the other shutter devices. A typical example of this control is interlock control, which limits the number of shutter devices that can be opened, i.e., allowing outside air to flow in, to only one. When this interlock control is adopted, the inflow of outside air is limited by opening the shutter device's opening / closing mechanism. Limiting the inflow of outside air also limits temperature changes within the storage space and the inflow of insects, dust, etc. 2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there is a technique for realizing interlock control by controlling shutter devices, for example, and transmitting and receiving signals between a plurality of shutter devices (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-54411 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, when interlock control is performed on shutter devices in this way, the greater the number of shutter devices, the more complicated the wiring for transmitting and receiving signals between each shutter device becomes. For this reason, an information processing device such as a control panel compatible with interlock control is provided, and the operation of each shutter device is controlled by this control panel. With interlock control using a control panel, signals only need to be sent and received between each shutter device and the control panel, which simplifies the wiring compared to when signals can be sent and received between each shutter device.

[0005] The number of shutter devices subject to interlock control and the control content thereof, i.e., the interlock control specifications, usually differ from factory to factory or warehouse to warehouse. For this reason, control panels have traditionally been individually manufactured and installed according to the interlock control specifications.

[0006] However, creating individual control panels requires tedious work. The created control panels must then be checked to see if the controlled objects are operating properly, and if they are found not to be operating properly, the cause must be identified and removed. For these reasons, interlock control using control panels requires a large burden to create, which is a factor in increasing the cost of introducing interlock control. This also applies to the case where a control object other than the shutter device, such as a door, window, or gate, is controlled by linking the operation of each control object with the other control objects.

[0007] The present invention aims to reduce the cost of introducing equipment for controlling the operation of each control target in cooperation with other control targets, and to improve versatility. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to achieve the above object, an information processing device according to one aspect of the present invention comprises: An information processing device that controls switching between a first state and a second state for each of N (N is 2 or more) control objects, a storage means for storing values ​​of each of the N control objects; a calculation means for performing an operation to increment the value of the N control objects other than the predetermined control object by "+1" when a predetermined control object among the N control objects is switched from the first state to the second state, and for performing an operation to increment the value of the N control objects other than the predetermined control object by "-1" when the predetermined control object is switched from the second state to the first state; a signal output means for outputting, for each of the N control objects, a signal for prohibiting switching from the first state to the second state when the value becomes equal to or greater than a threshold value; Equipped with. An information processing method and a program corresponding to the information processing device according to one aspect of the present invention are also provided as an information processing method and a program according to one aspect of the present invention. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] The present invention can reduce the cost of introducing equipment for controlling the operation of each control target in cooperation with other control targets, and can also improve versatility. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example in which a control panel according to an embodiment of the information processing apparatus of the present invention is applied to a factory. [Figure 2] 2 is a diagram showing an example of a configuration in which the control panel in FIG. 1 controls each shutter device. FIG. [Figure 3] 2 is a diagram showing an example of a part of an interlock circuit of the control panel of FIG. 1. [Figure 4] 2 is a diagram showing an example of a part of an interlock circuit of the control panel of FIG. 1. [Figure 5] 2 is a diagram showing an example of a part of an interlock circuit of the control panel of FIG. 1. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example screen (1) of the operation panel of the control panel of FIG. 1. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example screen (2) of the operation panel of the control panel of FIG. 1. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example screen (3) of the operation panel of the control panel of FIG. 1. [Figure 9] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example screen (4) of the operation panel of the control panel of FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example screen (5) of the operation panel of the control panel of FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a screen (6) of the operation panel of the control panel of FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the embodiment described below is merely an example, including modifications, and the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to this. Various modifications are also included within the technical scope of the present invention.

[0012] (Embodiment) First, a control panel according to an embodiment of the information processing device of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example in which a control panel according to an embodiment of an information processing device of the present invention is applied to a factory. In FIG. 1, a business operator or the like that owns a factory 2 or a warehouse 3 is assumed as a sales destination. As the control objects to be controlled by the control panel 1, for example, shutter devices SS1 to SS9 installed in the factory 2 and the warehouse 3 are assumed. For convenience, only the objects controlled by the control panel 1 are shown as shutter devices SS1 to SS9. These shutter devices SS1 to SS9 are opening and closing devices that are the control objects in this embodiment. In the following, when it is not necessary to distinguish between the shutter devices SS1 to SS9 individually, they will be referred to as shutter device SS.

[0013] The interior of the factory 2 is divided into a loading / unloading space 21 and a manufacturing space 22. Of the shutter devices SS1 to SS9, one shutter device SS9 is placed between the loading / unloading space 21 and the outside, and three shutter devices SS6 to SS8 are placed between the loading / unloading space 21 and the manufacturing space 22. The operation of these four shutter devices SS6 to SS9 is controlled by a control panel 1.

[0014] The loading / unloading space 21 is a space for temporarily storing items that are mainly being shipped in and out. The manufacturing space 22 is a space for manufacturing products, and in many cases, multiple pieces of manufacturing equipment are installed there.

[0015] For ease of understanding, the following explanation will be given assuming that the control panel 1 performs a typical interlock control. Of the shutter devices SS6 to SS9 installed in the factory 2, the one shutter device SS9 installed between the loading / unloading space 21 and the outside will also be referred to as the "front shutter device SS9" as necessary. The three shutter devices SS6 to SS8 arranged between the loading / unloading space 21 and the manufacturing space 22 will also be referred to as the "rear shutter devices SS6 to SS8" as necessary.

[0016] Meanwhile, loading and unloading openings are installed at intervals on the surrounding walls (sides) of warehouse 3. The interior of warehouse 3 is a chilled zone space 32. Chilled zone space 32 is a space provided for cooling items (mainly food) brought into warehouse 3 through the loading and unloading openings, and is maintained at a lower temperature than the external environment. A shutter device SS is provided at each loading / unloading opening / closing opening. The shutter devices SS1 to SS5 are controlled to open and close in coordination with each other so that the cool air in the chilled zone space 32 does not leak out from the loading / unloading opening when an item is being loaded or unloaded.

[0017] As shown in the example of Figure 1, the internal structure of each factory 2 and warehouse 3 is different. Not only do the installation locations and number of shutter devices SS differ depending on the internal structure, but the content of the interlock control, that is, the content of the operations linked with shutter devices SS1 to SS5 and with shutter devices SS6 to SS9, also differ. In factory 2, for example, a threshold is set for one unit, and the target of the threshold is set to the front shutter device SS9, and unless the front shutter device SS9 is in the closed state, none of the three rear shutter devices SS6 to SS8 can be opened, so a one-to-three interlock control is required, that is, an interlock control is required to specify the shutter device SS to be controlled. In warehouse 3, all five shutter devices SS1 to SS5 are arranged on the outer wall of warehouse 3, and in order to prevent as much cold air as possible from escaping from the chilled zone space 32 when one of the shutter devices SS1 to SS5 is operated to open or close the loading / unloading entrance, there are cases where it is required to perform interlock control so that once a predetermined number of the five shutter devices SS, for example one or more (for example two or three), have been opened, no more shutter devices SS are opened, in other words, random interlock control which specifies the number of devices but does not specify the controlled targets.

[0018] As such, the specifications required for interlock control usually differ for each factory 2 and each warehouse 3. For this reason, the control panel 1 is highly versatile and can be widely applied to each of the factories 2 and warehouses 3 by being able to flexibly accommodate multiple interlock control specifications. This makes it possible to widely sell the manufactured control panel 1 for use in interlock control in factories 2 and warehouses 3 that have different specifications required for interlock control.

[0019] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a configuration in which the control panel in FIG. 1 controls each shutter device. The factory 2 and warehouse 3 are provided with loading / unloading openings whose widths match the openings of the rear doors of the trucks. Note that the loading / unloading openings are not limited to the opening dimensions, and may be wide enough for a forklift to enter and exit, for example. The shutter devices SS1 to SS9 controlled by the control panel 1 are of a type that opens and closes a sheet 401 that shields the loading / unloading opening as an opening / closing body. Although not shown, a case 402 provided above the loading / unloading opening houses a shaft for winding and unwinding the sheet 401, a motor that is a power source for rotating the shaft, and the like.

[0020] To ensure that the sheet 401 can be opened and closed appropriately, each of the shutter devices SS1 to SS9 is provided with a pair of rails 403 that guide the sheet 401 as it opens and closes. One of the rails 403 is provided with an operation panel 404 that can instruct the opening and closing of the sheet 401. The case 402 is provided with a sensor 405 that can detect a person, a vehicle, a stationary object, or the like as a detection target. This sensor 405 makes it possible to automatically roll up the sheet 401 to an open state by detecting a detection target. The sensor 405 detects a person, a vehicle, or the like that has entered its detection area and outputs an activation signal to the controller 400.

[0021] The opening and closing operation of the seat 401 in response to the operation of the operation panel 404 and the detection result of the sensor 405 is performed by the controller 400. To open and close the seat 401, the controller 400 controls the driving of a motor in the case 402. This controller 400 is compatible with interlock control. For this reason, Fig. 2 shows that an open / close state signal and an interlock signal (an open prohibition output signal that prohibits switching from a closed state to an open state) are transmitted and received between the control panel 1 and the controller 400. In this embodiment, the open / close state signal corresponds to state information, and the state signal and the interlock signal correspond to a management signal, respectively.

[0022] The open / closed state signal is a signal that indicates whether the seat 401 is in an open state. If the seat 401 is even slightly open, the controller 400 activates the open / closed state signal, for example. Therefore, unless otherwise specified, the closed state of the shutter devices SS1 to SS9 refers to the state in which the seat 401 is fully lowered. All other states are referred to as the open state. The controller 400 determines the open / closed state of the sheet 401 using the position detection result of a position sensor (for example, a Hall element) for detecting the rotational position provided in a motor for winding up the sheet 401. The open / closed state may be determined using another sensor or in combination with another sensor.

[0023] Each of the shutter devices SS1 to SS9 that are the subject of interlock control is normally in a closed state. The interlock signal is a signal for interlock control. In interlock control, it is necessary to limit which shutter devices SS1 to SS9 are operable. For this reason, the interlock signal is made inactive for shutter devices SS1 to SS9 that are operable, and made active for shutter devices SS1 to SS9 that are not operable. The control panel 1 realizes interlock control for multiple shutter devices SS1 to SS9 by generating an interlock signal to be sent to each shutter device SS1 to SS9 using the open / close state signal sent from each shutter device SS1 to SS9.

[0024] The configuration of the shutter devices SS1 to SS9 is not limited to that shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 . Furthermore, the control target of the interlock control is not limited to shutter devices. The control target may be a door, window, gate, or the like, or may be manufacturing equipment installed in the factory 2. There may be multiple types of control targets. For example, there may be a combination of multiple shutter devices and manufacturing equipment. For example, interlock control may be performed to disable multiple shutter devices and prevent any of the shutter devices from being opened while the manufacturing equipment is operating. For this reason, the types of control targets, the combination of control targets, and the content of interlock control are not particularly limited. Interlock control is not the only control that links one control target with another, and other control methods may also be used. Therefore, the linking control referred to here refers to control that restricts the operation of one control target depending on the state of one or more other control targets.

[0025] The control panel 1 is equipped with, as its hardware configuration, for example, a CPU, memory, data register, an external communication interface, and an operation panel as an input / output interface with the operator. In addition, a power supply (PS), a group of relays, a group of terminal blocks, etc. are arranged inside the housing of the control panel 1. A control program is stored in the memory. When the control panel 1 is started up, the control program is read by the CPU, and the CPU executes the control processing of each part according to the control program.

[0026] Each relay included in the relay group and each terminal block included in the terminal block group are components of a circuit formed in the control panel 1. Each relay is an electromagnetic relay that has, for example, a relay coil and multiple contacts. In each relay, the contacts are used as switches to turn the current on and off. For this reason, hereafter, the contacts will also be referred to as switches.

[0027] Each terminal block has terminals on both ends, and the two terminals are electrically connected. Each terminal block has a portion that can be used to represent a character string, such as a numerical value shown on each terminal block that makes up a terminal block group. This portion can be used to make it easier for workers to make appropriate connections, and this is why terminal blocks are used in this embodiment.

[0028] In a terminal block group, the same value is shown for two terminal blocks. This is because two terminal blocks are used to form one terminal pair. Even in a terminal block group, most terminal blocks are used as a terminal block pair, combining two terminal blocks.

[0029] As a result, the control panel 1 can control up to four shutter devices SS6 to SS9 in the factory 2, for example, and can perform interlock control in various combinations.

[0030] The configuration and operation of the interlock circuit of the control panel will be described below with reference to FIGS. 3 to 5 are diagrams showing examples of a part of the interlock circuit of the control panel of FIG. Here, for ease of understanding, the configuration and operation of the control panel 1 for the five shutter devices SS1 to SS5 on the warehouse 3 side will be described.

[0031] The control panel 1 controls the switching between a closed state (first state) and an open state (second state) for each of N (N is 2 or more) shutter devices SS1 to SS5 (control objects), and as shown in Figures 3 to 5, it is equipped with a calculation means 41, a data register 42, a threshold setting means 43, and a signal output means 44.

[0032] When a predetermined shutter device among the N, for example, shutter device SS1, is switched from a closed state to an open state, the calculation means 41 performs a calculation to increment the values ​​of shutter devices SS2 to SS5 other than the predetermined shutter device SS1 by "1," and when shutter device SS1 is switched from an open state to a closed state, the calculation means 41 increments the values ​​of shutter devices SS2 to SS5 by "1." The calculation is performed for each group of linked control targets (for example, for each factory 2 or warehouse 3).

[0033] The data register 42 holds the values ​​of the shutter devices SS1 to SS5, respectively. Specifically, the data register 42 holds the values ​​of the shutter devices SS2 to SS5 that have been added or subtracted by the calculation means 41.

[0034] The threshold setting means 43 variably sets a threshold as a condition for prohibiting switching between the closed and open states for each of the shutter devices SS1 to SS5. For example, in the warehouse 3, the threshold setting means 43 variably sets the number of random interlock settings designated by the operator as a threshold in a memory or the like for each of the shutter devices SS1 to SS5.

[0035] The signal output means 44 outputs an interlock signal to the controller 400 when the interlock condition is satisfied for each shutter device in a group unit. Specifically, for example, in the case of warehouse 3, when the value of the data register 42 for each of the shutter devices SS1 to SS5 becomes equal to or greater than the predetermined random interlock setting number (threshold), the signal output means 44 outputs an interlock signal that prohibits the corresponding shutter device SS from switching from a closed state to an open state. The signal is output for each group of controlled objects to be linked (for example, for each factory 2 or warehouse 3). For example, on the factory 2 side, interlock control that identifies the other party is performed, and on the warehouse 3 side, random interlock control that does not identify the other party is performed.

[0036] Next, the operation of this control panel 1 will be described. Here, for ease of understanding, the explanation will be limited to the operation of the shutter devices SS1 to SS5 of the warehouse 3. In this control panel 1, an initial value is first set in the data registers (data registers D101 (SS1) to D105 (SS5)) for each of the shutter devices SS1 to SS5. The initial value is the value "0" which indicates that each shutter device is in a fully closed state.

[0037] When any one of the shutter devices SS1 to SS5 is opened, the INCP command from the calculation means 41 increments the data register of the shutter device other than the opened shutter device by +1. When any of the shutter devices SS1 to SS5 is closed, the DECP command from the calculation means 41 sets the data registers of the shutter devices other than the closed shutter device to -1. For example, when shutter devices SS4 and SS5 are opened, data register D104 is +1, data register D105 is +1, data register D101 is +2, data register D102 is +2, and data register D103 is +2.

[0038] The signal output means 44 compares the number (threshold) set by the random interlock threshold setting means 43 with the numerical values ​​held in the data registers D101 to D105 of each of the shutter devices SS1 to SS5, and outputs an interlock signal to the controller 400 of the shutter device whose numerical value has reached the number (threshold). As a result, the controller 400 prohibits the opening of the shutter device specified by the interlock signal.

[0039] The number of random interlocks set is, for example, if there is one unit, if one of the five units is opened, the remaining four cannot be opened. If there are two units, if two units are opened, the remaining three cannot be opened. The same applies if there are three or more units. For example, if the number (threshold) set by the threshold setting means 43 is "2" and, for example, shutter devices SS4 and SS5 are opened, data register D101 becomes +2, data register D102 becomes +2, and data register D103 becomes +2, so shutter devices SS1 to SS3 corresponding to data registers D101 to D103 are prohibited from being opened and will not be opened.

[0040] The operation panel of the control panel 1 will be described below with reference to FIGS. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a screen (1) of the operation panel of the control panel of FIG. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example screen (2) of the operation panel of the control panel of FIG. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example screen (3) of the operation panel of the control panel of FIG. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example screen (4) of the operation panel of the control panel of FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a screen (5) of the operation panel of the control panel of FIG. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a screen (6) of the operation panel of the control panel of FIG.

[0041] First, an example screen (1) of the operation panel of the control panel will be described with reference to FIG. A screen 61 shown in FIG. 6 is an example of a screen of the operation panel of the control panel 1, and has a "Login" button and a "Start setting" button arranged thereon. The "Login" button is a button for logging in to this control panel 1. When the operator presses it, a login information input screen (not shown) is displayed. The operator enters the login information, and if it matches the pre-registered login information, login is permitted and various operations on the control panel 1 become possible.

[0042] When the operator who has been permitted to log in by inputting the login information presses the "Start Setting" button, a screen 62 shown in FIG. 7 is displayed on the operation panel. Screen 62 has buttons for setting the number of units, such as "8 units," "16 units," "8 random units," and "16 random units," as well as a "Lower limit position signal setting" button and a "Back" button located for each of the buttons for setting the number of units. This screen 62 is a screen for setting the number of shutter devices SS to be controlled, and by pressing the desired number and setting button, the number of shutter devices SS to be controlled and whether or not to use random interlock can be set. Specifically, a screen is displayed that allows the operator to select whether the number of target shutter SS is 8 or less, or 16 or less. The operator then selects either the "8 units" or "16 units" button for an interlock that "specifies the control target," or the "8 random units" or "16 random units" button for a random interlock that "does not specify the control target." The "Back" button is a button for returning the screen to the previous screen, and by the operator pressing the "Back" button, the screen can be returned to the screen that was previously operated, for example, screen 61. The "Lower limit position signal setting" button is not displayed on the initial screen for selecting the number of units, but is displayed below the selected button when one of the "8 units," "16 units," "Random 8 units," or "Random 16 units" buttons is selected.

[0043] On this screen 62, when the operator presses the "Lower limit position signal setting" button located immediately below "Random 16 units", for example, a screen 63 shown in FIG. 8 is displayed on the operation panel.

[0044] 8 is a screen for setting the lower limit position signals for the 16 shutter devices SS. Specifically, this is a screen for selecting whether to output an a-contact or a b-contact when the shutter devices SS are in the fully closed state, and is provided with, for example, numeric buttons from "1" to "16," an "all on" button, an "all off" button, a "RIL setting" button, a "IL setting" button, and a "back" button. When the numeric button is blue, an ON signal is input when the door is fully closed. When the numeric button is red, an OFF signal is input when the door is fully closed. The "Back" button is a button for returning the screen to the previous screen, and by the operator pressing the "Back" button, the screen can be returned to the screen that was previously operated, for example, screen 62. The "All ON" button turns all the numeric buttons blue. The "All OFF" button turns all the numeric buttons red.

[0045] The "IL setting" button is an interlock setting button for specifying an interlock control target, and a fixed value can be set. The "RIL setting" button is a random interlock setting button for randomly specifying an interlock control target. The two buttons, "IL Setting" and "RIL Setting," are not always displayed; either "RIL Setting" or "IL Setting" is displayed depending on the button selected on the number selection screen. When the operator presses the "RIL setting" button on this screen 63, a screen 64 shown in FIG. 9 is displayed on the operation panel.

[0046] Screen 64 shown in Fig. 9 is the screen that is displayed when the Random 16 button is selected and operated, and has buttons for setting the number of units, such as "1 unit," "2 units," ... "8 units," an "Open / Close Status" button, and a "Back" button. This number can be edited by rewriting the program. The "Back" button is a button for returning the screen to the previous screen, and by the operator pressing the "Back" button, the screen can be returned to the screen that was previously operated, for example, screen 63. The number setting button is a button for setting the number (threshold) of shutter devices SS to randomly apply interlock control. For example, when the operator presses the "2 units" button, interlock control can be applied to shutter devices SS whose data register value is 2 or more. In other words, on this screen 64, the numerical value to apply interlock control can be variably set. The "Open / Close Status" button is a button for displaying a screen for checking the open / close status of each of the number of shutter devices SS set on screen 63, and when the operator presses the "Open / Close Status" button, screen 65 shown in Figure 10 is displayed on the display panel.

[0047] Screen 65 shown in Figure 10 is a screen that displays the opening and closing status of all the set shutter devices SS. Screen 65 displays, for example, a status display indicator for each shutter device SS number, as well as an "ON" indicator light, a rotary switch that can be switched in the direction of rotation, a "Opening and Closing Count Screen" button, a "Back" button, the time, etc. The status display indicator shows the status of the shutter device SS with different colors and shapes; for example, a green circle indicates "fully closed," a blue square indicates "can open," a black circle indicates "currently open," and a red square indicates "cannot open." The "ON" indicator light will light up to indicate ON when the interlock is enabled, and will be off to indicate OFF when it is disabled. Also, even if you press the rotary switch to switch it to the ON side, it will not light up to ON unless all of the shutter device SS are fully closed. In terms of operation, when it is switched to the ON side, any shutter device SS that is fully closed will be unable to open. After that, each time an open shutter device SS becomes fully closed, it will be unable to open, and the ON indicator will light up the moment the last open shutter device SS becomes fully closed. Without this control, if multiple shutter devices SS are open and the switch is suddenly enabled, any open shutter device SS that should not be open will be locked on the spot. Pressing the rotary switch will switch it to the right and enable the interlock. Whether it will ultimately be enabled is as explained with the "ON" indicator light. Also, the various setting buttons before this screen cannot be operated unless the rotary switch is switched OFF and disabled. The "Opening and Closing Count Screen" button is a button for displaying a screen showing the number of times each shutter device SS has been opened and closed, and when the operator presses the "Opening and Closing Count Screen" button, screen 66 shown in Figure 11 is displayed on the display panel.

[0048] 11 shows the number of times each shutter device SS set as a control target has been opened and closed. In addition, the screen 66 also has an "all clear" button, a "back" button, the time, etc. The "Back" button is a button for returning the screen to the previous screen, and by the operator pressing the "Back" button, the screen can be returned to the screen that was previously operated, for example, screen 65. The "All Clear" button is used to reset (to 0) the number of times the shutters are opened and closed that is counted for each shutter device SS number. In addition, a small brown square "Individual Clear" button is located to the right of each number. The time of clearing is displayed to the right of the "Individual Clear" button. The time at the top left shows the time of clearing with the "All Clear" button. When the "All Clear" button is pressed, the clear time for each individual shutter is also changed at the same time. By displaying this screen 66 and viewing it, the operator can check which shutter device SS has been opened and closed up to the present time and how many times it has been opened and closed.

[0049] In this way, according to the control panel 1 of this embodiment, for example, when a first truck arrives at a loading / unloading entrance where a shutter device (for example, shutter device SS1, etc.) of the warehouse 3 is located and the shutter device SS1 is opened, and a second truck arrives at a loading / unloading entrance where another shutter device (for example, shutter device SS2, etc.) of the warehouse 3 is located and the shutter device SS2 is opened, the control conditions of the random interlock are satisfied and the other shutter devices (for example, shutter devices SS3 to SS5) are prohibited from opening, so that the opening and closing operation of the shutter device SS can be controlled so as to minimize leakage of cool air from the chilled zone space 32 to the outside. In this example, the number of units that are randomly interlocked is set to two, but other numbers are also possible, and since the number of units that can be set can be variably set on the operation panel of this control panel 1, the number of units that are controlled to be opened or closed can be changed as desired even during the course of a day.

[0050] Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and modifications, improvements, etc. within the scope of achieving the object of the present invention are included in the present invention.

[0051] For example, the hardware configurations shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 are merely examples for achieving the object of the present invention, and are not particularly limited.

[0052] 3 to 5 are merely examples and are not particularly limited. That is, it is sufficient for the information processing device to have the function of being able to execute the above-described series of processes as a whole, and the functional elements used by the information processing device to realize this function are not particularly limited to the example in FIG.

[0053] Furthermore, although an example in which the functional elements are arranged on one control panel 1 has been described, the arrangement location is not limited to this example, and the functional elements may be arranged in any location, such as distributed across a plurality of information processing devices. Furthermore, one functional element may be configured as a single piece of hardware, may be provided in separate pieces of hardware, may be configured as a single piece of software, or may be configured as a combination of these.

[0054] When the processing of each functional element is executed by software, the program that constitutes the software is read from a network or a recording medium into a computer such as a CPU of the control panel 1 (information processing device). The computer may be a computer built into dedicated hardware, or may be implemented in an information processing device capable of executing various functions by loading various programs, such as a control panel 1, or a general-purpose personal computer.

[0055] The recording medium containing such a program may consist not only of removable media that is distributed separately from the device itself in order to provide the program to the administrator of the control panel 1 (information processing device), but also of recording media that are provided to each administrator in a state where they are pre-installed in the device itself.

[0056] In this specification, the steps describing the program to be recorded on the recording medium include not only processes that are performed in chronological order, but also processes that are not necessarily performed in chronological order but are performed in parallel or individually.

[0057] In addition, in this specification, the term "system" refers to an overall device that is made up of a plurality of devices, a plurality of means, and the like.

[0058] For example, in the above-described embodiment, the N control objects are shutter devices SS1 to SS9, and among them, shutter devices SS1 to SS5 in warehouse 3 are focused on to control the control operation of the shutter devices, but this is only one example, and each of all shutter devices SS1 to SS9 can be made a specified control object. In the above embodiment, the first state is the closed state of the shutter device and the second state is the open state of the shutter device, but the opposite is also possible. In this case, the operations of adding and subtracting values ​​are reversed. In the above embodiment, the control target is a shutter device SS, and an example is described in which the shutter device SS is installed in a factory and a warehouse, but the installation location of the control target is not limited to a factory or a warehouse. For example, if the control target is a shutter device SS, the installation location may be a partitioned space with a partial opening, and the shutter device SS may operate to open and close the opening. Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the control target is the shutter device SS, but the control target may be a device other than the shutter device SS.

[0059] In summary, the information processing apparatus to which the present invention is applied is sufficient if it has the following configuration, and can take on a variety of different embodiments. (1) That is, the information processing device to which the present invention is applied (for example, the control panel 1 in FIG. 1) In an information processing device (for example, the control panel 1 in FIG. 1) that controls switching between a first state (for example, a closed state) and a second state (for example, an open state) for each of N (N is 2 or more) control objects (for example, shutter devices SS1 to SS5 in the case of warehouse 3 in FIG. 1), a holding means (for example, the data register 42 in FIG. 3) for holding the values ​​of each of the N control objects (for example, the shutter devices SS1 to SS5 in FIG. 1); a calculation means (e.g., the calculation means 41 in FIG. 3) that, when a predetermined control object (e.g., the shutter device SS1 in FIG. 1) among the N control objects is switched from the first state (e.g., the closed state) to the second state (e.g., the open state), performs a calculation to increment the value of the N control objects (e.g., the shutter devices SS2 to SS5 in FIG. 1) other than the predetermined control object (e.g., the shutter devices SS1 to SS5 in FIG. 1) by "1," and, when the predetermined control object (e.g., the shutter device SS1 in FIG. 1) is switched from the second state (e.g., the open state) to the first state (e.g., the closed state), performs a calculation to increment the value of the N control objects (e.g., the shutter devices SS2 to SS5 in FIG. 1) other than the predetermined control object (e.g., the shutter devices SS1 to SS5 in FIG. 1) by "1"; a signal output means (for example, the signal output means 44 in FIG. 5) for outputting a signal prohibiting switching from the first state (for example, the closed state) to the second state (for example, the open state) when the value becomes equal to or greater than a threshold value (the number of random interlock settings) for each of the N control targets (for example, the shutter devices SS1 to SS5 in FIG. 1); Equipped with. That is, for each of N controlled objects (for example, shutter devices SS1 to SS5 in FIG. 1), when the value added or subtracted according to opening and closing becomes equal to or greater than a preset threshold value (number of random interlock settings), a signal prohibiting switching from a first state (for example, a closed state) to a second state (for example, an open state) is output to the controller 400 that controls the opening and closing of the controlled objects, for example, shutter devices SS1 to SS5, thereby enabling sequential control of the opening and closing of each of the shutter devices SS1 to SS5.

[0060] In this way, by sequentially controlling the opening and closing of each of the shutter devices SS1 to SS5 using an information processing device (for example, a control panel 1 having a PLC circuit), the cost of introducing equipment for controlling the operation of each control object (for example, shutter devices SS1 to SS5 in Figure 1) in coordination with other control objects can be kept low. Furthermore, when a threshold value (number of random interlock settings) is reached for each of N control objects (for example, shutter devices SS1 to SS5 in Figure 1), state switching is prohibited, so that various combinations of control objects (for example, shutter devices SS1 to SS5 in Figure 1) can be used, and the state of each of the N control objects can be switched as desired.

[0061] (2) The information processing device (for example, the control panel 1 in FIG. 1) includes a setting means (for example, the threshold setting means 43 in FIG. 5) for variably setting the threshold for each of the N control targets (for example, the shutter devices SS1 to SS5 in FIG. 1); Further provided are:

[0062] In this way, the threshold value (number of random interlock settings) can be variably set for each of the N control targets (for example, shutter devices SS1 to SS5 in FIG. 1), so that various combinations of control targets can be accommodated, improving versatility.

[0063] (3) In the information processing device (for example, the control panel 1 in FIG. 1), the controlled object is an opening / closing device (for example, the shutter devices SS1 to SS5 in FIG. 1) that takes a closed state as the first state and an open state as the second state.

[0064] This is expected to lead to the introduction of this information processing device into factories and warehouses that have entrances and exits that use opening and closing devices (for example, shutter devices SS1 to SS5 in FIG. 1).

[0065] (4) An information processing method according to an embodiment includes: In an information processing method executed by an information processing device (for example, the control panel 1 in FIG. 1) that controls switching between a first state (for example, a closed state) and a second state (for example, an open state) for each of N (N is 2 or more) control objects (for example, shutter devices SS1 to SS5 in the case of warehouse 3 in FIG. 1), a holding step of holding the values ​​of each of the N control objects (for example, the shutter devices SS1 to SS5 in FIG. 1); a calculation step of calculating, when a predetermined control object (e.g., shutter device SS1 in FIG. 1) among the N control objects is switched from the first state (e.g., closed state) to the second state (e.g., open state), the values ​​of the N control objects (e.g., shutter devices SS2 to SS5 in FIG. 1) other than the predetermined control object by "+1," and, when the predetermined control object is switched from the second state (e.g., open state) to the first state (e.g., closed state), the values ​​of the N control objects (e.g., shutter devices SS2 to SS5 in FIG. 1) other than the predetermined control object by "-1"; a signal output step of outputting a signal for prohibiting switching from the first state (e.g., the closed state) to the second state (e.g., the open state) for each of the N control targets (e.g., the shutter devices SS1 to SS5 in FIG. 1 ) when the value becomes equal to or greater than a threshold value; Including, It is possible.

[0066] (5) The program of the embodiment is For each of N (N is 2 or more) control objects, a computer (for example, the CPU of the control panel 1 in FIG. 1) that controls switching between a first state (for example, a closed state) and a second state (for example, an open state) and the second state is a holding step for holding the values ​​of each of the N control objects (for example, shutter devices SS1 to SS5 in the case of warehouse 3 in FIG. 1); a calculation step of calculating, when a predetermined control object (e.g., shutter device SS1 in FIG. 1) among the N control objects is switched from the first state (e.g., closed state) to the second state (e.g., open state), the values ​​of other control objects (e.g., shutter devices SS2 to SS5 in FIG. 1) among the N control objects by "+1," and, when the predetermined control object is switched from the second state (e.g., open state) to the first state (e.g., closed state), the values ​​of other control objects (e.g., shutter devices SS2 to SS5 in FIG. 1) among the N control objects by "-1"; a signal output step of outputting a signal for prohibiting switching from the first state (e.g., the closed state) to the second state (e.g., the open state) for each of the N control targets (e.g., the shutter devices SS1 to SS5 in FIG. 1 ) when the value becomes equal to or greater than a threshold value; Execute a control process including It is possible. [Explanation of symbols]

[0067] 1 control panel, 2 factory, 3 warehouse, SS, SS1 to SS9, shutter device (control object), 41 calculation means, 42 data register, 43 threshold value setting means, 44 signal output means, 400 controller, 401 sheet, 402 case, 403 rail, 404 operation panel, 405 sensor

Claims

1. An information processing device that controls switching between a first state and a second state for each of N (N is 2 or more) control objects, a storage means for storing values ​​of each of the N control objects; a calculation means for performing an operation to increment the value of the N control objects other than the predetermined control object by "+1" when a predetermined control object among the N control objects is switched from the first state to the second state, and for performing an operation to increment the value of the N control objects other than the predetermined control object by "-1" when the predetermined control object is switched from the second state to the first state; a signal output means for outputting, for each of the N control objects, a signal for prohibiting switching from the first state to the second state when the value becomes equal to or greater than a threshold value; An information processing device comprising:

2. a setting means for variably setting the threshold value for each of the N control objects; The information processing device according to claim 1 , further comprising:

3. The control object is an opening / closing device that takes a closed state as the first state and an open state as the second state.

3. The information processing device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. An information processing method executed by an information processing device that controls switching between a first state and a second state for each of N (N is 2 or more) control objects, a holding step of holding values ​​of the N control objects; a calculation step of, when a predetermined control object among the N control objects is switched from the first state to the second state, performing a calculation to increment the value of the N control objects other than the predetermined control object by "+1", and, when the predetermined control object is switched from the second state to the first state, performing a calculation to increment the value of the N control objects other than the predetermined control object by "-1"; a signal output step of outputting a signal for prohibiting switching from the first state to the second state when the value becomes equal to or greater than a threshold value for each of the N control objects; An information processing method including:

5. A computer that controls switching between a first state and a second state for each of N (N is 2 or more) control objects, a holding step of holding values ​​of the N control objects; a calculation step of, when a predetermined control object among the N control objects is switched from the first state to the second state, performing a calculation to increment the value of the N control objects other than the predetermined control object by "+1", and, when the predetermined control object is switched from the second state to the first state, performing a calculation to increment the value of the N control objects other than the predetermined control object by "-1"; a signal output step of outputting a signal for prohibiting switching from the first state to the second state when the value becomes equal to or greater than a threshold value for each of the N control objects; A program that executes control processing including:

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