Molding Management System

Abstract

To provide a molding management system that can easily identify the cause of abnormalities that occur during the injection molding cycle using an injection molding machine. [Solution] A molding management system that includes an information processing device that is communicably connected to a terminal device, and manages the production of a product in a production process that includes an injection molding process of a product by an injection molding machine, wherein the information processing device comprises a storage unit that stores data relating to injection molding and a control unit, and memo data indicating additional information is associated with the data, and the control unit, in response to an operation received, analyzes the memo data associated with the data stored in the storage unit and displays analysis result information indicating the result of the analysis on a display unit.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Research and development are being conducted on technologies for managing the production of products in a production process including an injection molding process of products by an injection molding device.

[0003] Here, a technique for displaying memo data indicating a memo used for information sharing among operators of an injection molding device on the injection molding device is known (see Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, the technique as described in Patent Document 1 is only a technique capable of recording injection molding conditions set in the injection molding device, the situation during injection molding by the injection molding device, etc. as memo data. For this reason, with the technique as described in Patent Document 1, it has not been easy to identify the cause of an abnormality that occurred in the cycle of injection molding by the injection molding device.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To solve the above problems, one aspect of the present disclosure is a molding management system that includes an information processing device that is communicably connected to a terminal device, and manages the production of a product in a production process that includes an injection molding process of a product by an injection molding machine, wherein the information processing device comprises a storage unit that stores data relating to injection molding and a control unit, and memo data indicating additional information is associated with the data, and the control unit, in response to an operation received, analyzes the memo data associated with the data stored in the storage unit and displays analysis result information indicating the result of the analysis on a display unit, thereby providing a molding management system. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] This figure shows an example of the configuration of the molding management system 1. [Figure 2] This diagram illustrates a method for identifying injection molding condition data to be associated with cycle data. [Figure 3] This figure shows an example of the hardware configuration of the information processing device X. [Figure 4] This figure shows an example of the functional configuration of the information processing device X. [Figure 5] This figure shows an example of the processing flow in which the information processing device X receives memo data to be associated with injection molding-related data. [Figure 6] This figure shows an example of a memo data reception image P1. [Figure 7] This figure shows an example of an image P2 for selecting injection molding-related data. [Figure 8] This figure shows an example of the processing flow in which the information processing device X acquires target type injection molding-related data. [Figure 9] This figure shows an example of a timing-specific operation reception image P3. [Figure 10] This figure shows an example of a list of cycle data stored in the information processing device X before the information processing device X receives a period start operation, when the target type is cycle data. [Figure 11]This is a diagram showing an example of a list of cycle data stored in information processing device X after the information processing device X has received an end-of-period operation when the target type is cycle data. [Figure 12] This is a diagram showing another example of a list of cycle data stored in information processing device X. [Figure 13] This is a diagram showing yet another example of a list of cycle data stored in information processing device X. [Figure 14] This is a diagram showing an example of search image P5. [Figure 15] This is a diagram showing an example of image P6 that the information processing device X receives with the time interval desired by the user as the target time interval. [Figure 16] This is a diagram illustrating target type injection molding related data grouped into two data groups according to the target time interval. [Figure 17] This is a diagram showing an example of image P7 that receives an operation for selecting a data group desired by the user from among a plurality of data groups. [Figure 18] This is a diagram showing an example of the flow of a process in which information processing device X analyzes memo data associated with injection molding related data. [Figure 19] This is a diagram illustrating a plurality of second additional information as images showing tags. [Figure 20] This is a diagram showing an example of a state in which a list of cycle data associated with tag TG7 is displayed. [Figure 21] This is a diagram showing an example of a state in which lists of cycle data associated with each of two types of second additional information are displayed.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

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

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

[0010] The molding management system according to the embodiment manages the production of a product in a production process including an injection molding process of the product by an injection molding apparatus. The molding management system includes an information processing apparatus. The information processing apparatus is communicably connected to a terminal device. The information processing apparatus also includes a storage unit that stores data related to injection molding and a control unit. Here, the data is associated with memo data indicating additional information. Then, according to the received operation, the control unit analyzes the memo data associated with the data stored in the storage unit and causes the display unit to display analysis result information indicating the result of the analysis. Thereby, the molding management system can easily identify the cause of an abnormality occurring in the cycle of injection molding by the injection molding apparatus.

[0011] Also, the molding management system according to the embodiment manages the production of a product in a production process including an injection molding process of the product by an injection molding apparatus. The molding management system includes an information processing apparatus. The information processing apparatus is communicably connected to a terminal device. The information processing apparatus also includes a storage unit that stores data related to injection molding and a control unit. Here, the data is associated with memo data indicating additional information. Then, according to the received operation, the control unit designates a plurality of data that satisfy the previously received conditions as a data group, and causes the display unit to display an operation reception image for receiving an operation of associating memo data indicating additional information with all of the plurality of data included in the data group. Thereby, the molding management system can improve the efficiency of the work required for inputting memo data.

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

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

[0014] Figure 1 shows an example of the configuration of the molding management system 1.

[0015] The molding management system 1 is a type of Manufacturing Execution System (MES). For example, the molding management system 1 includes one or more managed devices 10, an information processing device 20, and a server 30. However, the molding management system 1 may be configured to omit some or all of the one or more managed devices 10. Also, the molding management system 1 may be configured to include the server 30 but not the information processing device 20. Furthermore, the molding management system 1 may be configured to include the information processing device 20 but not the server 30. In addition, in the molding management system 1, the information processing device 20 may be configured integrally with the server 30. Below, as an example, a case in which the molding management system 1 includes multiple managed devices 10 as one or more managed devices 10 will be described. Also, below, as an example, a case in which the molding management system 1 includes both the information processing device 20 and a server 30 separate from the information processing device 20 will be described. At least one of the information processing device 20 and the server 30 is an example of an information processing device.

[0016] Each of the multiple controlled devices 10 provided by the molding management system 1 is a device managed by the molding management system 1. In Figure 1, each of these multiple controlled devices 10 is shown with the same reference numeral for convenience of explanation. However, some or all of these multiple controlled devices 10 may be of different types. Among these multiple controlled devices 10, at least one injection molding machine is included that performs injection molding of products using resins such as plastics. The injection molding machine 11 shown in Figure 1 is an example of such an injection molding machine. Among these multiple controlled devices 10, an injection molding machine that performs metal injection molding (MIM) of products may be included. In the following, for convenience of explanation, injection molding of products using resins such as plastics will be simply referred to as injection molding. Also, in the following, an injection molding machine that performs injection molding of products using resins such as plastics will be simply referred to as an injection molding machine. Furthermore, the multiple controlled devices 10 include, for example, peripheral equipment for the injection molding device, in addition to the injection molding device. Peripheral equipment for the injection molding device includes, but is not limited to, a material supply device that supplies the material used by the injection molding device to the injection molding device for injection molding of products, a transport device that transports products that have been injection molded by the injection molding device, a cleaning device that cleans products that have been injection molded by the injection molding device, and a sintering device that sinters the products after they have been cleaned by the cleaning device. In addition, at least one of the multiple controlled devices 10 may be a device that performs injection molding using materials other than resin and metal.

[0017] The molding management system 1 manages the production of products in a production process that includes the injection molding process of products by injection molding machines included in a plurality of controlled devices 10. Here, the injection molding machines included in the plurality of controlled devices 10 can have any configuration as long as they are capable of producing products by injection molding. In the following explanation, for convenience, the process in which an injection molding machine performs injection molding of a product once will be referred to as a cycle.

[0018] The information processing device 20 acquires various types of data, such as cycle data, injection molding condition data, and operating status history data, from each of the one or more injection molding machines included in the multiple managed devices 10. Below, as an example, we will describe a case where three types of data—cycle data, injection molding condition data, and operating status history data—are acquired by the information processing device 20 from each of the one or more injection molding machines. The information processing device 20 acquires each of these three types of data independently. Therefore, in this example, the timing at which these three types of data are acquired by the information processing device 20 will differ, unless intentionally coordinated, except in cases of accidental coincidence. Furthermore, for the sake of explanation, unless it is necessary to distinguish between these three types of data, they will be collectively referred to as injection molding-related data. Injection molding-related data is, in other words, data relating to injection molding by an injection molding machine.

[0019] For example, the information processing device 20 acquires cycle data for each cycle. More specifically, the information processing device 20 acquires cycle data from each of the one or more injection molding machines each time a cycle is completed. Here, the cycle data acquired from a certain injection molding machine in a certain cycle is information that includes one or more cycle-related pieces of information obtained in accordance with the execution of the cycle by the injection molding machine, machine identification information that identifies the injection molding machine, and first date and time information indicating the date and time the information was acquired from the injection molding machine to the information processing device 20. Note that the cycle data may also include other information in addition to the one or more cycle-related pieces of information, the machine identification information, and the first date and time information. Furthermore, the machine identification information is, for example, an ID (Identifier) ​​that identifies the injection molding machine, but it may also be other information that can identify the injection molding machine, such as an IP (Internet Protocol) address assigned to the injection molding machine. Furthermore, the machine identification information may be included in the one or more cycle-related pieces of information. Below, as an example, we will describe the case in which the machine identification information is included in the one or more cycle-related pieces of information. In this case, the one or more cycle-related pieces of information include, in addition to the device identification information, some or all of the following: detection information, operating status information, number of products produced, quality information, etc. However, the information included in the one or more cycle-related pieces of information is not limited to these. The detection information included in the cycle data as cycle-related information refers to information detected by one or more sensors attached to the injection molding apparatus, and includes some or all of the following: information indicating temperature, information indicating pressure, information indicating current value, information indicating voltage value, etc. The operating status information included in the cycle data as cycle-related information refers to information indicating the operating status of the injection molding apparatus. The number of products produced information included in the cycle data as cycle-related information refers to information indicating the number of products injected during that cycle. The quality information included in the cycle data as cycle-related information refers to information indicating the quality of the products injected during that cycle.Furthermore, the first date and time information indicating the date and time acquired by the information processing device 20 from the injection molding apparatus may be a timestamp, or other information indicating the date and time. Each cycle data containing such information can be distinguished by a combination of apparatus identification information and the first date and time information. Note that if there is only one injection molding apparatus connected to the information processing device 20, the cycle data may be configured not to include apparatus identification information. This is because, in this case, each cycle data can be distinguished by the first date and time information alone. When the information processing device 20 acquires a certain cycle data, it stores the acquired cycle data and outputs the acquired cycle data to the server 30. In this way, the information processing device 20 can also store the acquired cycle data in the server 30.

[0020] Furthermore, for example, the information processing device 20 acquires injection molding condition data from each of the one or more injection molding devices included in the multiple managed devices 10 each time injection molding conditions are set for an injection molding device. Here, the injection molding condition data acquired from a certain injection molding device is information that associates one or more injection molding condition pieces of information indicating the injection molding conditions set for that injection molding device, device identification information that identifies the injection molding device, and second date and time information indicating the date and time it was acquired from the injection molding device to the information processing device 20. Note that the injection molding condition data may also include other information in addition to the one or more injection molding condition pieces of information, the device identification information, and the second date and time information. The device identification information is, for example, an ID that identifies the injection molding device, but it may also be other information that can identify the injection molding device, such as an IP address assigned to the injection molding device. Furthermore, the device identification information may be included in the one or more injection molding condition pieces of information. Below, as an example, the case in which the device identification information is included in the one or more injection molding condition pieces of information will be described. In this case, the one or more injection molding condition information includes, in addition to the device identification information, some or all of the following: information indicating the injection speed, information indicating the screw rotation speed, information indicating the lower limit of the injection holding pressure, information indicating the upper limit of the injection holding pressure, etc. However, the information included in the one or more injection molding condition information is not limited to these. Furthermore, the second date and time information indicating the date and time acquired by the information processing device 20 from the injection molding device may be a timestamp, or other information indicating the date and time. When the information processing device 20 acquires certain injection molding condition data, it stores the acquired injection molding condition data and outputs the acquired injection molding condition data to the server 30. This allows the information processing device 20 to also store the acquired injection molding condition data in the server 30.

[0021] Furthermore, for example, the information processing device 20 acquires operational status history data from each of the injection molding machines included in the plurality of managed devices 10 each time the power to the injection molding machine is turned off. Here, the operational status history data acquired from a certain injection molding machine is information that associates the following: operational start date and time information indicating the date and time when the power to the injection molding machine was turned on, operational end date and time information indicating the date and time when the power to the injection molding machine was turned off, device identification information that identifies the injection molding machine, and third date and time information indicating the date and time when the information processing device 20 acquired the data from the injection molding machine. Note that the operational status history data may also include other information in addition to the operational start date and time information, the operational end date and time information, the device identification information, and the third date and time information. Also, the device identification information is, for example, an ID that identifies the injection molding machine, but it may also be other information that can identify the injection molding machine, such as an IP address assigned to the injection molding machine. Furthermore, the third date and time information indicating the date and time acquired by the information processing device 20 from the injection molding apparatus may be a timestamp, or other information indicating the date and time. Also, the operating status history data may be included in the cycle data as cycle-related information. In this case, the aforementioned operating information may be the operating status history data itself. When the information processing device 20 acquires certain operating status history data, it stores the acquired operating status history data and outputs the acquired operating status history data to the server 30. In this way, the information processing device 20 can also store the acquired operating status history data in the server 30.

[0022] Furthermore, the information processing device 20 displays various images based on injection molding-related data stored in the information processing device 20 on the display unit of a terminal device that is communicatively connected to the information processing device 20, in response to a request from the terminal device. Here, these images include GUIs (Graphical User Interfaces), icons, windows on the OS (Operating System), etc. Below, as an example, we will describe the case in which the information processing device 20 is communicatively connected to the terminal device 40, as shown in Figure 1. In this embodiment, the process related to the login of the information processing device 20 by the terminal device 40 is a known process, so we will omit the explanation. Also, for the sake of explanation, below, when we describe the information processing device 20 receiving an operation from the terminal device 40 via an image displayed on the terminal device 40, we will simply refer to the information processing device 20 receiving an operation. That is, below, when we say that the information processing device 20 performs a certain process in response to an received operation, we mean that the information processing device 20 performs that process in response to an operation received from the terminal device 40 via an image displayed on the terminal device 40.

[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 connected to each of the multiple managed devices 10 in a communicative manner via wired or wireless communication. The communication network connecting the information processing device 20 to each of the multiple managed devices 10 is, for example, a LAN (Local Area Network) within the facility where the multiple managed devices 10 are installed, but is not limited to this. The communication network may also be other communication networks such as the Internet or a mobile communication network.

[0024] Server 30 stores cycle data acquired by information processing device 20. For example, if server 30 acquires certain cycle data from information processing device 20, it stores the acquired cycle data.

[0025] Furthermore, the server 30 stores injection molding condition data acquired by the information processing device 20. For example, if the server 30 acquires certain injection molding condition data from the information processing device 20, it stores the acquired injection molding condition data.

[0026] Server 30 stores operational status history data acquired by the information processing device 20. For example, if Server 30 acquires certain operational status history data from the information processing device 20, it stores the acquired operational status history data.

[0027] Furthermore, in response to a request from a terminal device that is communicatively connected to the server 30, the server 30 displays various images based on injection molding-related data stored in the server 30 on the display unit of the terminal device. Here, these images include GUIs, icons, OS windows, etc. Below, as an example, we will describe the case where the server 30 is communicatively connected to the terminal device 40, as shown in Figure 1. In this embodiment, the process related to the terminal device 40 logging into the server 30 is a known process, so we will omit its explanation. Also, for the sake of explanation, below, when we describe the server 30 receiving an operation from the terminal device 40 via an image displayed on the terminal device 40, we will simply refer to the server 30 receiving an operation. That is, below, when we say that the server 30 performs a certain process in response to an received operation, we mean that the server 30 performs that process in response to an operation received from the terminal device 40 via an image displayed on the terminal device 40.

[0028] As described above, in the molding management system 1, both the information processing device 20 and the server 30 display various images based on stored injection molding-related data on the display unit of the terminal device 40 in response to the received operation. For the sake of convenience in the following explanation, unless it is necessary to distinguish between the information processing device 20 and the server 30, they will be collectively referred to as the information processing device X. The display unit is, for example, the display of the terminal device 40, a display device connected to the terminal device 40 for communication, etc., but is not limited to these. In the following explanation, as an example, the case in which the display unit is the display of the terminal device 40 will be described. Also, for the sake of convenience in the following explanation, the act of displaying a certain image on the display unit will be referred to as "displaying the image."

[0029] The information processing device X extracts injection molding condition data corresponding to each of the one or more cycle data from the one or more molding condition data stored in advance, and associates the extracted injection molding condition data with the cycle data. In this process, the information processing device X associates one injection molding condition data with one cycle data. That is, the information processing device X establishes a one-to-one or many-to-one correspondence between cycle data and injection molding condition data. Therefore, in the information processing device X, one injection molding condition data is associated with each cycle data.

[0030] Here, we will explain how to identify the injection molding condition data to be associated with each cycle data. When the information processing device X identifies the injection molding condition data to be associated with a certain cycle data, it extracts one or more injection molding condition data from one or more injection molding condition data stored in advance that include the device identification information contained in the cycle data. Then, from the one or more injection molding condition data extracted, the information processing device X identifies the injection molding condition data that includes the second date and time information indicating the past date and time closest to the date and time indicated by the first date and time information contained in the cycle data as the injection molding condition data to be associated with the cycle data. Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating the method for identifying the injection molding condition data to be associated with a cycle data. Figure 2 shows three cycle data outputs from a certain injection molding device and three injection molding condition data outputs from the same injection molding device. Specifically, Figure 2 shows three cycle data sets: one containing the first date and time information for May 1, 2024, at 10:00:00; another containing the first date and time information for May 1, 2024, at 10:01:00; and a third containing the first date and time information for May 1, 2024, at 10:05:00. On the other hand, Figure 2 also shows three injection molding condition data sets: one containing the second date and time information for May 1, 2024, at 09:00:00; another containing the second date and time information for May 1, 2024, at 10:02:00; and a third containing the second date and time information for May 1, 2024, at 10:03:00. For example, if the three cycle data shown in Figure 2 are extracted by the information processing device X, and the three injection molding condition data shown in Figure 2 are pre-stored in the information processing device X, the information processing device X will identify the injection molding condition data to correspond to each of these three cycle data from among these three injection molding condition data. Specifically, the information processing device X will identify the injection molding condition data that includes the second date and time information indicating May 1, 2024, 09:00:00 as the injection molding condition data to correspond to the cycle data that includes the first date and time information indicating May 1, 2024, 10:00:00.This is because, of the three possible dates and times—May 1, 2024, 09:00:00, May 1, 2024, 10:02:00, and May 1, 2024, 10:03:00—the closest past date and time to May 1, 2024, 10:00:00 is May 1, 2024, 09:00:00. Similarly, the information processing device X identifies injection molding condition data that includes second date and time information indicating May 1, 2024, 09:00:00 as injection molding condition data to associate with cycle data that includes first date and time information indicating May 1, 2024, 10:01:00. The information processing device X then identifies injection molding condition data containing second date and time information indicating May 1, 2024, 10:03:00 as injection molding condition data to be associated with cycle data containing first date and time information indicating May 1, 2024, 10:05:00. Therefore, in this case, the information processing device X does not identify injection molding condition data containing second date and time information indicating May 1, 2024, 10:02:00 as injection molding condition data to be associated with any of the three cycle data shown in Figure 2. As a result, the information processing device X can omit unnecessary injection molding condition data and associate the injection molding condition data necessary for the user with the cycle data. This makes it easier for the user to understand the situation, for example, when an abnormality occurs in a product injected by an injection molding machine, and as a result, it becomes easier to identify the cause of the abnormality in the product. With the identification method described above, the information processing device X can associate one molding condition data with each of the three cycle data shown in Figure 2. As a result, one injection molding condition data is associated with each cycle data. In Figure 2, the injection molding condition data associated with each cycle data are connected by arrows. In other words, in the example shown in Figure 2, the information processing device X can associate one injection molding condition data with one cycle data. However, this also means that multiple cycle data may be associated with a given injection molding condition data. Nevertheless, users often use cycle data to identify the cause of an anomaly, for example, when an anomaly occurs in the quality of a product molded by injection molding.Therefore, even if cycle data and injection molding condition data are associated in a many-to-one manner, if there is only one injection molding condition data associated with each cycle data, the information processing device X can prevent the work required to identify the cause of an anomaly from becoming complicated. Accordingly, the information processing device X does not associate multiple injection molding condition data with one cycle data, but rather associates one injection molding condition data with one cycle data. Also, for example, the injection molding conditions that are normally set on an injection molding machine are not changed during the execution of a cycle. Therefore, even if the injection molding conditions are set on the injection molding machine multiple times before the execution of a cycle, the injection molding conditions that are actually set on the injection molding machine when the cycle is executed are the injection molding conditions that were last set on the injection molding machine before the start of the cycle. For these reasons, when an injection molding machine outputs certain cycle data, the injection molding conditions set on the injection molding machine at the time of output of said cycle data are none other than the injection molding conditions indicated by the injection molding condition data, which includes a second date and time information indicating the closest past date and time to the date and time indicated by the first date and time information included in said cycle data. Therefore, the information processing device X associates the cycle data with the injection molding condition data in the manner described above. Note that the injection molding conditions may be set on the injection molding machine multiple times before the execution of a cycle if incorrect injection molding conditions are set on the injection molding machine, if the injection molding conditions are changed for some reason, or if trial and error is performed to obtain better injection molding conditions. Furthermore, this association between cycle data and injection molding condition data may be performed by the information processing device X each time cycle data is stored in the information processing device X. Furthermore, this association between cycle data and injection molding condition data may be performed by the information processing device X at other times, such as when a predetermined operation is received from the user.

[0031] Furthermore, the information processing device X, in response to the received operation, groups one or more injection molding-related data that satisfy pre-received extraction conditions into a data group, and associates memo data indicating additional information with all of the multiple injection molding-related data included in the grouped data group. Here, in this embodiment, even if the number of injection molding-related data that satisfy the extraction conditions is only one, that single injection molding-related data will be described as a data group. Because memo data can be associated with injection molding-related data in this way, users of the information processing device X can easily grasp various types of information that cannot be recognized from injection molding-related data alone by using the memo data. In addition, because the information processing device X associates memo data indicating additional information with all of the multiple injection molding-related data included in the data group, the work required to input memo data can be made more efficient. Note that the number of types of injection molding-related data included in the data group may be two or more. That is, for example, the information processing device X may be configured to group one or more cycle data and one or more injection molding condition data as a data group. However, for the sake of simplicity, the following explanation will focus on the case where the number of types of injection molding-related data included in the data set is one.

[0032] Here, the additional information indicated by the memo data can be any information. For example, the memo data includes at least one of the following: text data, image data, audio data, and read data read from encoded data indicating encoded information. The memo data may also include other data in place of some or all of these, or in addition to all of these. For example, the additional information indicated by the memo data may be, but is not limited to, information indicating the status of injection molding conditions performed in the cycle.

[0033] Furthermore, the information processing device X analyzes memo data associated with stored injection molding-related data in response to the received operation, and displays analysis result information indicating the results of the analysis. This makes it easy for the information processing device X to identify the cause of any abnormalities that occurred during the injection molding cycle by the injection molding machine. Such analysis of memo data may be performed using known methods such as natural language processing, AI (Artificial Intelligence), machine learning algorithms, and statistical analysis, or it may be performed using methods to be developed in the future.

[0034] <Hardware configuration of information processing device X> Here, the information processing device 20 and the server 30 may have the same hardware configuration or they may have different hardware configurations. Below, as an example, we will describe the case where the information processing device 20 and the server 30 have the same hardware configuration. In other words, in this example, the information processing device X has the hardware configuration shown in Figure 3. Figure 3 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the information processing device X.

[0035] The information processing device X comprises, 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 as to be able to communicate with one another. The information processing device X also communicates with other devices via the communication unit 33. These other devices are, for example, an injection molding machine, a server 30, a terminal device 40, etc., if the information processing device X is an information processing device 20. These other devices are, for example, an information processing device 20, a terminal device 40, etc., if the information processing device X is a server 30.

[0036] The processor 31 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). However, the processor 31 may be another processor, such as an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), instead of a CPU. The processor 31 executes various programs stored in the memory unit 32.

[0037] The storage unit 32 is a storage device that includes, for example, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), an SSD (Solid State Drive), an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), or a RAM (Random Access Memory). The storage unit 32 may be an external storage device connected via a digital input / output port such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus), instead of being built into the information processing device X. The storage unit 32 stores various types of information, images, and programs processed by the information processing device X. In other words, all types of information stored by the information processing device X are stored in the storage unit 32.

[0038] The communication unit 33 is a communication device that includes, for example, digital input / output ports such as USB, an Ethernet® port, an antenna for wireless communication, and the like.

[0039] <Functional Configuration of Information Processing Device X> Here, the information processing device 20 and the server 30 may have the same functional configuration or they may have different functional configurations. Below, as an example, we will describe the case in which the information processing device 20 and the server 30 have the same functional configuration. In other words, in this example, the information processing device X has the functional configuration shown in Figure 4. Figure 4 is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the information processing device X.

[0040] The information processing device X comprises a storage unit 32, a communication unit 33, and a control unit 34.

[0041] The control unit 34 controls the entire information processing device X. The control unit 34 comprises at least a data acquisition unit 341, a display control unit 342, and an output control unit 343. These functional units of 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 LSIs (Large Scale Integration) or ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits).

[0042] The data acquisition unit 341 acquires injection molding-related data from each injection molding machine from a device that is communicably connected to the information processing device X. This device may be, for example, an injection molding machine or an information processing device 20.

[0043] The display control unit 342 generates various images in response to the received operation. The display control unit 342 transmits the generated images to the terminal device 40 and displays the images on the terminal device 40.

[0044] The output control unit 343 outputs various types of data to other devices in response to the received operation. For example, the output control unit 343 outputs injection molding-related data to other devices.

[0045] <Processing in which the information processing device X receives memo data to be associated with injection molding-related data> Referring to Figure 5, the process by which the information processing device X receives memo data to be associated with injection molding-related data will be explained. Figure 5 is a diagram showing an example of the process flow for which the information processing device X receives memo data to be associated with injection molding-related data. In the following, as an example, we will explain the case where, prior to the processing of step S110 shown in Figure 5, multiple copies of each of the types of injection molding-related data are already stored in the information processing device X. Also, for the sake of explanation, in the following, the memo data associated with injection molding-related data will be referred to as target memo data.

[0046] The control unit 34 waits until it receives an operation to display the memo data reception image P1 that receives the target memo data (step S110). In Figure 5, the process of step S110 is shown by "Display memo data reception image". The memo data reception image P1 will now be described.

[0047] Figure 6 shows an example of a memo data reception image P1. The memo data reception image P1 includes, for example, two input fields, input field F1 and input field F2, and five buttons, buttons B1 to B5. Note that the memo data reception image P1 may also include other GUI (Graphical User Interface) elements in place of, or in addition to, some or all of these elements. Note that the memo data reception image P1 is an example of an operation reception image.

[0048] Input field F1 is a field where a string is entered. When a string is entered in input field F1, the information processing device X accepts the data representing the entered string as text data to be included in the target memo data. In the example shown in Figure 6, the string "xxxxxxxxxx" is entered in input field F1 as an example. Input field F1 is an example of a text reception image.

[0049] Input field F2 is a field into which image data is entered. When image data is entered into input field F2, for example, the information processing device X accepts the entered image data as image data to be included in the target memo data. In the example shown in Figure 6, nothing is entered into input field F2. The method of entering image data into input field F2 may be drag and drop, or other methods may be used. The memo data reception image P1 may not include input field F2 if the memo data does not contain image data. The information processing device X may also be configured to accept data converted into text data by image recognition such as OCR (Optical Character Recognition / Reader) as text data to be included in the target memo data. In this case, the memo data reception image P1 may not include input field F1. Input field F2 is an example of an image reception image. The information processing device X may also be configured to include an imaging unit such as a camera for acquiring image data. In this case, image data showing an image captured by the information processing device X may be entered into input field F2.

[0050] Button B1 is a button on which the information processing device X receives a voice recording start operation to begin recording voice. When the information processing device X records voice, it is equipped with a sound collection device such as a microphone. However, when the information processing device X is equipped with a sound collection device, it may be configured to have an external sound collection device or a built-in sound collection device. When the information processing device X receives a selection operation on button B1, it starts recording the voice collected by the sound collection device equipped on the information processing device X. That is, in this case, the information processing device X starts storing the voice data representing the voice. The voice recording that has been started in this way continues until the information processing device X receives a selection operation on button B2. In this embodiment, the selection operation is a click, a tap, etc., but is not limited to these. Button B1 is an example of a voice recording start image. Also, the selection operation on button B1 is an example of a voice recording start operation.

[0051] Button B2 is a button on which the information processing device X receives a voice recording termination operation to end voice recording. If the information processing device X receives a selection operation for button B2 after receiving a selection operation for button B1, it terminates the recording of the voice collected by the sound collection device provided in the information processing device X. In other words, in this case, the information processing device X terminates the storage of the voice data representing the voice. The information processing device X then accepts the stored voice data as voice data to be included in the target memo data. If the information processing device X receives a selection operation for button B2 before receiving a selection operation for button B1, for example, it does nothing. The information processing device X may also be configured to accept data converted from the stored voice data into text data by speech recognition or the like as text data to be included in the target memo data. In this case, the information processing device X may not be configured to accept the stored voice data as voice data to be included in the target memo data. Button B2 is an example of a voice recording termination image. The selection operation for button B2 is an example of a voice recording termination operation.

[0052] Note that if the memo data reception image P1 does not contain audio data, it may not include buttons B1 and B2. Also, if the information processing device X receives the data obtained by converting stored audio data into text data using speech recognition or the like as text data to be included in the target memo data, the memo data reception image P1 may not include input field F1.

[0053] Button B3 is a button that accepts an operation to start reading data from encoded data to an encoded data reading device. Here, encoded data refers to data encoded into a one-dimensional or two-dimensional code, such as a barcode, QR code (registered trademark), or color code. The encoded data reading device is a device that reads data encoded as a one-dimensional or two-dimensional code from that code, such as a barcode reader, QR code reader, or color code reader. When this operation is accepted, the information processing device X is equipped with an encoded data reading device. However, when the information processing device X is equipped with an encoded data reading device, the information processing device X may be configured to have an external encoded data reading device or to have an internal encoded data reading device. When the information processing device X accepts a selection operation on button B3, it causes the encoded data reading device equipped in the information processing device X to start reading the data from the code on which the data was encoded. As a result, the information processing device X accepts the data read by the encoded data reading device as data to be included in the target memo data. Note that if the memo data reception image P1 does not contain read data, it may not include button B3. Alternatively, the memo data reception image P1 may be configured so that the information processing device X receives the data converted from the received read data into text data to be included in the target memo data. In this case, the memo data reception image P1 may not include input field F1. Button B3 is an example of a read operation reception image.

[0054] Button B4 is a button that accepts an operation to select the type of injection molding-related data to which the target memo data, which includes data received by the information processing device X through at least one of input fields F1, F2, buttons B1, B2, and B3, will be associated. When the information processing device X accepts a selection operation to button B4, it displays, for example, the injection molding-related data selection image P2 shown in Figure 7. Furthermore, for the sake of explanation below, the type selected as the type of injection molding-related data to which the target memo data will be associated will be referred to as the target type.

[0055] Figure 7 shows an example of an injection molding-related data selection image P2. The injection molding-related data selection image P2 includes, for example, three buttons, B6 to B8. Note that the injection molding-related data selection image P2 may also include other GUI elements in addition to some or all of these three buttons, or in addition to all three of these buttons.

[0056] Button B6 is a button that accepts the operation to select cycle data as the target type. When the selection operation is performed on button B6, the information processing device X selects cycle data as the target type. After selecting cycle data as the target type, the information processing device X identifies the extraction conditions for extracting the desired cycle data from the cycle data in accordance with the accepted operation. For the sake of explanation below, these extraction conditions will be referred to as cycle data extraction conditions. Here, the method by which the information processing device X identifies the cycle data extraction conditions in accordance with the accepted operation may be a known method or a method to be developed in the future. After identifying the cycle data extraction conditions, the information processing device X acquires cycle data that satisfies the identified cycle data extraction conditions and groups the acquired cycle data as a data group. The information processing device X may be configured to display a list of the cycle data acquired in this way, or it may be configured not to display such a list.

[0057] Button B7 is a button that accepts the operation to select injection molding condition data as the target type. When the selection operation is performed on button B7, the information processing device X selects injection molding condition data as the target type. After selecting injection molding condition data as the target type, the information processing device X identifies the extraction conditions for extracting the desired injection molding condition data from the injection molding condition data, in accordance with the accepted operation. For the sake of explanation, these extraction conditions will be referred to as injection molding condition data extraction conditions below. Here, the method by which the information processing device X identifies the injection molding condition data extraction conditions in response to the accepted operation may be a known method or a method to be developed in the future. After identifying the injection molding condition data extraction conditions, the information processing device X acquires injection molding condition data that satisfies the identified injection molding condition data extraction conditions and groups the acquired cycle data as a data group. The information processing device X may be configured to display a list of the injection molding condition data acquired in this way, or it may be configured not to display such a list.

[0058] Button B8 is a button that accepts the operation to select operational status history data as the target type. When the selection operation is performed on button B8, the information processing device X selects operational status history data as the target type. After selecting operational status history data as the target type, the information processing device X identifies the extraction conditions for extracting the desired operational status history data from the operational status history data, in accordance with the accepted operation. For the sake of explanation, these extraction conditions will be referred to as operational status history data extraction conditions below. Here, the method by which the information processing device X identifies the operational status history data extraction conditions in response to the accepted operation may be a known method or a method to be developed in the future. After identifying the operational status history data extraction conditions, the information processing device X acquires operational status history data that satisfies the identified operational status history data extraction conditions and groups the acquired cycle data as a data group. The information processing device X may be configured to display a list of the operational status history data acquired in this way, or it may be configured not to display such a list.

[0059] In the following explanation, for the sake of clarity, the injection molding-related data of the target type will be referred to as "target type injection molding-related data." After acquiring the target type injection molding-related data, the information processing device X, for example, deletes the display of the injection molding-related data selection image P2 and waits until it receives a selection operation for button B5 included in the memo data reception image P1.

[0060] Button B5 is a button that accepts an operation to associate target memo data with acquired target type injection molding related data. When the information processing device X accepts a selection operation on button B5, it associates the target memo data with all of the target type injection molding related data grouped as a data group. More specifically, if there is one target type injection molding related data, the information processing device X associates the target memo data with that one target type injection molding related data. On the other hand, if there are multiple target type injection molding related data, the information processing device X associates the target memo data with multiple target type injection molding related data. In this way, the information processing device X groups one or more target type injection molding related data as a data group and associates the target memo data with all of the target type injection molding related data included in the grouped data group. This allows the information processing device X to improve the efficiency of the work required to input the target memo data.

[0061] <Processing by which the information processing device X acquires target injection molding-related data> The following describes the process by which the information processing device X acquires target type injection molding-related data, referring to Figure 8. Figure 8 is a diagram showing an example of the process flow for which the information processing device X acquires target type injection molding-related data. In the following, as an example, we will describe the case where the information processing device X selects the target type at a time before the process of step S210 shown in Figure 8 is performed. Also, for the sake of explanation, the extraction conditions according to the target type will be referred to as target extraction conditions. For example, if the target type is cycle data, the target extraction conditions are cycle data extraction conditions. Also, for example, if the target type is injection molding condition data, the target extraction conditions are injection molding condition data extraction conditions. Also, for example, if the target type is operating status history data, the target extraction conditions are operating status history data extraction conditions. Also, for the sake of explanation, the target type injection molding-related data that satisfies the target extraction conditions will be referred to as target data.

[0062] After the information processing device X selects the target type, the control unit 34 waits until it receives an operation to specify target extraction conditions from among a plurality of predetermined conditions (step S210). Here, this operation can be any operation. In Figure 8, the process in step S210 is shown as "Condition specification operation received". In the following, each of the plurality of predetermined conditions will be referred to as an extraction condition candidate.

[0063] If the control unit 34 determines that it has received an operation to specify a target extraction condition from among multiple candidate extraction conditions (step S210-YES), it starts acquiring target data based on the target extraction condition specified by the received operation (step S220). In Figure 8, the process in step S220 is shown as "Start acquiring data that satisfies the conditions".

[0064] Next, the control unit 34 waits until the acquisition of the target data, which was started in step S220, is complete (step S230). The method by which the control unit 34 determines whether or not the acquisition of the target data is complete may be a known method or a method to be developed in the future. In Figure 8, the process in step S230 is indicated by "Data acquisition complete?".

[0065] If the control unit 34 determines that the acquisition of the target data started in step S220 is complete (step S230-YES), it terminates the processing of the flowchart shown in Figure 8 and waits until it receives a selection operation for, for example, the aforementioned button B5.

[0066] As described above, the information processing device X acquires the target data. This allows the information processing device X to easily associate the desired memo data with all the injection molding-related data requested by the user. As a result, the information processing device X can improve the efficiency of the work required to input memo data.

[0067] <Specific examples of candidate extraction criteria> The following are specific examples of candidate extraction criteria.

[0068] One of the multiple extraction criterion candidates may be, for example, the first extraction criterion candidate. The first extraction criterion candidate is that the data is injection molding-related data of the target type acquired within the target acquisition period, from the time the acquisition start operation is received until the acquisition end operation is received. The acquisition start operation is an operation that causes the information processing device X to specify the timing to start the target acquisition period. When the information processing device X receives the acquisition start operation, it identifies the timing at which the acquisition start operation was received as the start time of the target acquisition period. On the other hand, the acquisition end operation is an operation that causes the information processing device X to specify the timing to end the target acquisition period. When the information processing device X receives the acquisition end operation, it identifies the timing at which the acquisition end operation was received as the end time of the target acquisition period.

[0069] For example, the information processing device X receives acquisition start operations and acquisition end operations via the timing-specific operation reception image P3 shown in Figure 9. Figure 9 is a diagram showing an example of the timing-specific operation reception image P3. In the example shown in Figure 9, the timing-specific operation reception image P3 includes two buttons, for example, button B9 and button B10. Note that the timing-specific operation reception image P3 may also include other GUI elements in addition to these two buttons.

[0070] Button B9 is a button that accepts the operation to start data acquisition. When the information processing device X receives a selection operation for button B9, it determines the start timing of the period.

[0071] Button B10 is a button that accepts the operation to end acquisition. When the information processing device X accepts the selection operation of button B10, it identifies the end time of the period. Once the start time and end time of the period have been identified, the information processing device X identifies the target type injection molding-related data acquired by the information processing device 20 from the injection molding machine during the target acquisition period from the identified start time to the identified end time as target data. After identifying the target data, the information processing device X groups all the identified target data into data groups and associates the target memo data with the grouped data groups.

[0072] Figure 10 shows an example of a list of cycle data stored in the information processing device X before it receives a period start operation, when the target type is cycle data. Image P4 in Figure 10 is an example of an image that displays a list of results of searching for cycle data in the information processing device X in response to the received operation. In the example shown in Figure 10, the information processing device X displays a list of results of searching for all cycle data stored in the storage unit 32. In this example, the information processing device X has 3 cycle data stored. Therefore, these 3 cycle data are displayed in image P4. More specifically, these 3 cycle data are displayed in ascending order of date and time in image P4. As shown in Figure 10, these 3 cycle data are not associated with target memo data.

[0073] On the other hand, Figure 11 shows an example of a list of cycle data stored in the information processing device X after it has received a period end operation, when the target type is cycle data. In this case, in addition to the three cycle data shown in Figure 10, six more cycle data are displayed in image P4. That is, the information processing device X can display the target data along with the target memo data associated with the target data, depending on the operation it has received. In image P4, a total of nine cycle data are displayed in ascending order of date and time. In this case, the cycle data that is the target type injection molding-related data acquired by the information processing device X as the target data are these six cycle data. In Figure 11, these six cycle data are enclosed in a frame W1. As shown in Figure 11, the information processing device X associates the target memo data with these six cycle data. In the example shown in Figure 11, the target memo data associated with these six cycle data is text data representing the string "Company A PP talc resin". Here, when the target type is cycle data, after the information processing device X receives the period end operation, it groups the target type injection molding-related data acquired during the target acquisition period from the time the period start operation was received to the time the period end operation was received as a data group of target data, and associates the target memo data with all of the grouped data groups. As a result, in the image P4 shown in Figure 11, six data groups of cycle data to which the target memo data is associated are displayed within the area enclosed by frame W1. Image P4 is an example of a data group display image.

[0074] Here, the first extraction condition candidate described in Figures 9 to 11 was a condition for extracting target type injection molding related data as target data before it was acquired by the information processing device X. However, one of the multiple extraction condition candidates may be, for example, a second extraction condition candidate. The second extraction condition candidate is a condition for extracting target type injection molding related data that has already been acquired by the information processing device X as target data. Specifically, the second extraction condition candidate is target type injection molding related data to which injection molding condition data indicating common injection molding conditions is associated. In this case, after identifying the target type injection molding related data, the information processing device X accepts the injection molding condition data desired by the user as common injection molding condition data, for example, in response to the received operation, as injection molding condition data associated with the target data. As a result, the information processing device X can acquire the target type injection molding related data associated with the common injection molding condition data as target data from among the target type injection molding related data stored in the storage unit 32.

[0075] Figure 12 shows another example of a list of cycle data stored in the information processing device X. In the example shown in Figure 12, image P4 displays three cycle data in ascending order of date and time. In this example, if the injection molding condition data associated with two consecutive cycle data in image P4 are different, the information processing device X displays injection molding condition change information in image P4, associated with the cycle data with the more recent date and time indicated by the first date and time information contained within it, indicating that the injection molding conditions have been changed. Mark M1 in Figure 12 is an example of such injection molding condition change information. Therefore, in this example, of the three cycle data displayed in image P4, the top cycle data and the middle cycle data are associated with injection molding condition data that indicates common injection molding conditions. In Figure 12, these two cycle data are enclosed by a frame W2. Therefore, when the information processing device X receives the injection molding condition data as common injection molding condition data, it can acquire these two cycle data sets as target data from the cycle data stored in the storage unit 32. After acquiring the target data, the information processing device X groups the acquired target data into a data group and associates the target memo data with the grouped data group.

[0076] Furthermore, one of the multiple extraction condition candidates may be, for example, a third extraction condition candidate. The third extraction condition candidate is also a condition for extracting target type injection molding related data already acquired by the information processing device X as target data. Specifically, the third extraction condition candidate is that the target type injection molding related data was acquired by the information processing device 20 during a common operating period. Here, the operating period is the period from when the power of the injection molding device is turned on to when the power of the injection molding device is turned off. In this case, the information processing device X can identify the operating period for each injection molding device based on the operating status history data. After identifying the target type injection molding related data, the information processing device X accepts the operating period desired by the user as the target operating period, for example, in response to the received operation. As a result, the information processing device X can acquire the target type injection molding related data that was acquired within the target operating period from the target type injection molding related data stored in the storage unit 32 as target data.

[0077] Figure 13 shows yet another example of a list of cycle data stored in the information processing device X. In the example shown in Figure 13, image P4 displays three cycle data in ascending order of date and time. In this example, the information processing device X displays device start information in image P4, indicating that the injection molding device's power was turned on, associated with the oldest cycle data acquired within each operating period. Mark M2 in Figure 12 is an example of such device start information. Therefore, in this example, of the three cycle data displayed in image P4, the top and middle cycle data are cycle data acquired by the information processing device X within a common operating period. In Figure 13, these two cycle data are enclosed in a frame W3. For this reason, when the information processing device X receives the operating period as the target operating period, it can acquire these two cycle data as target data from the cycle data stored in the storage unit 32. After acquiring the target data, the information processing device X groups the acquired target data into data sets and associates the target memo data with the grouped data sets.

[0078] Furthermore, one of the multiple extraction criterion candidates may be, for example, a fourth extraction criterion candidate. The fourth extraction criterion candidate is also a condition for extracting target type injection molding related data already acquired by the information processing device X as target data. Specifically, the fourth extraction criterion candidate is target type injection molding related data extracted according to a search key received from the user. Here, the search key may be any search key that allows searching for target type injection molding related data. Below, as an example, we will explain the case where the search key is device identification information and period information indicating a period including the date and time the target type injection molding related data was acquired by the information processing device 20.

[0079] Figure 14 shows an example of a search image P5. In the example shown in Figure 14, the search image P5 includes input fields F3, F4, and F5, a button B11, and a search result display area R1. The search image P5 may also include other GUIs that can accept operations to search for target type injection molding related data, either in place of some or all of these GUIs, or in addition to all of these GUIs. For example, after identifying target type injection molding related data, the information processing device X displays a search image P5 that accepts a search key for searching the identified target type injection molding related data, depending on the accepted operation.

[0080] Input field F3 is where device identification information is entered to identify the injection molding machine that output the target type of injection molding-related data desired by the user. In the example shown in Figure 14, "test1" is entered in input field F3 as an example of device identification information. Note that the device identification information in input field F3 may be entered by selecting the device identification information from a pull-down menu, or by direct input using an input device such as a keyboard.

[0081] Input fields F4 and F5 are fields where the aforementioned period information is entered. In the example shown in Figure 14, input field F4 is where the start date and time information, indicating the start date and time of the period desired by the user, is entered. In the same example, input field F5 is where the end date and time information, indicating the end date and time of the period, is entered.

[0082] More specifically, input field F4 consists of two input fields: input field F41 and input field F42. Input field F41 is the field where the start date and time information, which indicates the year, month, and day of the date and time indicated by the aforementioned start date and time information, is entered. In the example shown in Figure 14, "2024 / 05 / 01", indicating May 7, 2024, is entered in input field F41 as an example of start date and time information. Note that the start date and time information in input field F41 may be entered by selecting the information from a pull-down menu, by selecting the year, month, and day from an image showing a calendar, or by direct input using an input device such as a keyboard. On the other hand, input field F42 is the field where the start time information, which indicates the hour of the date and time indicated by the start date and time information, is entered. In input field F42, "00:00", indicating 0:00, is entered as an example of start time information. The start time information in input field F42 may be entered by selecting information from a pull-down menu, by specifying the time using an image of a clock, or by direct input using an input device such as a keyboard.

[0083] Furthermore, input field F5 consists of two input fields: input field F51 and input field F52. Input field F51 is the field where the end date information, which indicates the year, month, and day of the date and time indicated by the aforementioned end date and time information, is entered. In the example shown in Figure 14, "2024 / 05 / 31", indicating May 8, 2024, is entered in input field F51 as an example of end date information. Note that the end date information in input field F51 may be entered by selecting the information from a pull-down menu, by selecting the year, month, and day from an image showing a calendar, or by direct input using an input device such as a keyboard. On the other hand, input field F52 is the field where the end time information, which indicates the hour of the date and time indicated by the end date and time information, is entered. In input field F52, "00:00", indicating 0:00, is entered as an example of end time information. The end time information in input field F52 may be entered by selecting information from a pull-down menu, by specifying the time using an image showing a clock, or by direct input using an input device such as a keyboard.

[0084] Button B11 is a button that accepts an operation to perform a search for target type injection molding-related data based on the search keys, using some or all of the information entered in input fields F3 to F5 as search keys. That is, when the information processing device X accepts a selection operation on button B11, it extracts one or more target type injection molding-related data as search results, corresponding to some or all of the information entered in input fields F3 to F5. The information processing device X then displays the list of the extracted one or more target type injection molding-related data as a data group of target data in the search results display area R1. In this embodiment, the selection operation is a click, tap, etc., but is not limited to these. The search image P5 shown in Figure 14 is an image before the extraction of the one or more target type injection molding-related data is performed. Therefore, nothing is displayed in the search results display area R1 shown in Figure 14. Furthermore, the method for extracting one or more target type injection molding-related data corresponding to the information entered in some or all of the input fields F3 to F5, that is, the method for searching for said one or more target type injection molding-related data, may be a known method or a method to be developed in the future. Furthermore, if the information processing device X is configured to display a complete list of all one or more target type injection molding-related data stored in advance as a data group of target data in the search result display area R1 when a selection operation is performed on button B11 when no information has been entered in all of the input fields F3 to F5, or it may be configured not to display anything in the search result display area R1.

[0085] As described above, the information processing device X can acquire target type injection molding-related data extracted according to the search key received from the user as target data. After acquiring the target data, the information processing device X groups the acquired target data into data sets and associates the target memo data with the grouped data sets.

[0086] Furthermore, one of the multiple extraction criterion candidates may be, for example, a fourth extraction criterion candidate. The fourth extraction criterion candidate is also a condition for extracting target type injection molding related data already acquired by the information processing device X as target data. Specifically, the fourth extraction criterion candidate is that the target type injection molding related data acquired consecutively for a given date and time is acquired within a specified target time interval. Here, the target time interval is, for example, 10 minutes, 30 minutes, 1 hour, 2 hours, etc., but is not limited to these. In this case, after identifying the target type injection molding related data, the information processing device X accepts the target time interval, for example, according to the operation received. Also, if there are multiple data sets of target type injection molding related data acquired consecutively for a given date and time within a specified target time interval, the information processing device X accepts an operation from the user to select which data set is the desired data set. As a result, the information processing device X can acquire a desired data set from among the data sets of target type injection molding-related data that have been continuously acquired within the accepted target time interval, as a data set of target data from among the target type injection molding-related data stored in the storage unit 32.

[0087] Figure 15 shows an example of an image P6 that the information processing device X receives, with the time interval desired by the user as the target time interval. Image P6 includes, for example, an input field F6. Note that image P6 may also include other GUIs in addition to the input field F6.

[0088] Input field F6 is a field that accepts the time interval desired by the user as the target time interval. When a time interval is entered in input field F6, the information processing device X accepts the entered time interval as the target time interval. In the example shown in Figure 15, the number "30," representing 30 minutes, is entered in input field F6 as an example. Note that the time interval may be entered in input field F6 by selecting the time interval from a pull-down menu, or by direct input using an input device such as a keyboard.

[0089] As shown in Figure 15, when the information processing device X receives a time interval of 30 minutes as the target time interval, the target type injection molding related data is grouped into multiple data groups, for example, as shown in Figure 16. Figure 16 is an example of target type injection molding related data grouped into two data groups according to the target time interval. In Figure 16, six target type injection molding related data are arranged in ascending order of date and time. Note that in Figure 16, only the information indicating the date and time acquired by the information processing device X is shown from each of the pieces of information contained in these six target type injection molding related data. Therefore, these six target type injection molding related data may be cycle data, injection molding condition data, or operating status history data. Furthermore, these six target type injection molding related data are acquired consecutively in terms of date and time. When the target time interval is 30 minutes, the target type injection molding related data acquired consecutively within the target time interval from these six target type injection molding related data are grouped into two data groups: a data group containing three target type injection molding related data enclosed by frame W4, and a data group containing three target type injection molding related data enclosed by frame W5. The information processing device X then accepts an operation from the user to select which of these two data groups is the desired data group, for example, via image P7 shown in Figure 17. Figure 17 is a diagram showing an example of image P7 that accepts an operation from which the user selects the desired data group from among multiple data groups. For the sake of explanation, in the following, the data group containing three target type injection molding related data enclosed by frame W4 will be referred to as the first data group, and the data group containing three target type injection molding related data enclosed by frame W5 will be referred to as the second data group.

[0090] In the example shown in Figure 17, image P7 includes a first area R2 where the first data set is displayed, a button B12 displayed in conjunction with the first area R2, a second area R3 where the second data set is displayed, and a button B13 displayed in conjunction with the second area R3. Note that image P7 may also include other GUI elements.

[0091] In the first area R2, three target-type injection molding-related data items included in the first data group are displayed in ascending order of date and time. In addition, each of these three target-type injection molding-related data items in the first area R2 has a corresponding checkbox. These checkboxes are images that allow the user to select the corresponding target-type injection molding-related data item. Furthermore, in the first area R2, there is a checkbox that allows the user to select all of the target-type injection molding-related data items corresponding to each of these checkboxes.

[0092] Button B12 is a button that accepts the operation to confirm that all of the target type injection molding-related data selected by the checkboxes in the first area R2 are selected as target data.

[0093] In the second area R3, three target-type injection molding-related data items included in the second data group are displayed in ascending order of date and time. In addition, each of these three target-type injection molding-related data items in the second area R3 has a corresponding checkbox. These checkboxes are images that allow the user to select the corresponding target-type injection molding-related data item. Furthermore, in the second area R3, there is a checkbox that allows the user to select all of the target-type injection molding-related data items corresponding to each of these checkboxes.

[0094] Button B13 is a button that accepts the operation to confirm that all of the target type injection molding-related data selected by the checkboxes in the second area R3 are selected as target data.

[0095] By receiving input from the user via image P7, the information processing device X can identify whether the data set desired by the user belongs to the first data set or the second data set, and then identify the target type injection molding-related data included in the identified data set as target data. Furthermore, via image P7, the information processing device X can also identify only the target type injection molding-related data desired by the user from among the target type injection molding-related data included in the first data set as target data. Furthermore, via image P7, the information processing device X can also identify only the target type injection molding-related data desired by the user from among the target type injection molding-related data included in the second data set as target data.

[0096] Using the above-described examples of candidate extraction conditions, the information processing device X can identify the target data. Note that the candidate extraction conditions described above may be combined in any way. Furthermore, the candidate extraction conditions may include other conditions.

[0097] <Processing performed by the information processing device X to analyze memo data associated with injection molding-related data> The following describes the process by which the information processing device X analyzes memo data associated with injection molding-related data, with reference to Figure 18. Figure 18 is a diagram showing an example of the process flow in which the information processing device X analyzes memo data associated with injection molding-related data. In the following, as an example, we will describe a case in which memo data has already been associated with some or all of the injection molding-related data stored in the storage unit 32 at a timing prior to the processing of step S310 shown in Figure 18. In addition, in the following, as an example, we will describe a case in which the information processing device X has already received an operation to select the injection molding-related data to be used for analysis at that timing. The method by which the information processing device X receives this operation may be a known method or a method to be developed in the future. In the following, for the sake of convenience of explanation, the injection molding-related data to be used for analysis will be referred to as the target injection molding-related data for analysis. In addition, in the following, as an example, we will describe a case in which the memo data associated with each of the target injection molding-related data for analysis includes text data indicating the temperature of the mold.

[0098] After receiving an operation to select the injection molding-related data to be analyzed, the control unit 34 reads the injection molding-related data to be analyzed from the storage unit 32 (step S310). In Figure 18, the process in step S310 is shown as "data reading".

[0099] Next, the control unit 34 extracts memo data associated with each of the injection molding-related data to be analyzed that was read in step S310, and performs analysis of the extracted memo data (step S320). The control unit 34 performs analysis of the memo data using natural language processing, statistical analysis, etc. Specifically, for example, the control unit 34 generates a graph showing the temporal change in mold temperature based on the text data contained in each extracted memo data. Also, for example, the control unit 34 determines whether there is a correlation between the abnormality that occurred in the cycle and the mold temperature based on the injection molding-related data to be analyzed and the memo data, and generates correlation information showing the result of the determination. Furthermore, the control unit 34 estimates the cause of the abnormality that occurred in the cycle based on the generated graph and correlation information, and generates estimated abnormality cause information showing the result of the estimation. Furthermore, the control unit 34 calculates the appropriate temperature of the mold and generates appropriate temperature information showing the calculated temperature. Finally, the control unit 34 generates analysis result information showing the analysis results, including the generated graph, correlation information, estimated abnormality cause information, and appropriate temperature information. It should be noted that the methods and processes for analyzing memo data by the control unit 34 are merely examples and are not limited to these. Figure 18 shows the process of step S320 as "memo data analysis". The graphs generated by the control unit 34 may be some or all of the following: line graphs, histograms, pie charts, radar charts, etc. This is because they can be used to identify the cause of an anomaly that occurred in the cycle. Through such analysis, the user can, for example, easily identify the cause of an anomaly that occurred in the cycle, and easily identify the quantity of lots affected by the anomaly. The user can also, for example, determine the inventory that can be shipped to the customer in such a case. The memo data may include, in addition to or instead of text data such as text data indicating the temperature of the mold, text data indicating whether injection molding was successful or not in the cycle, text data indicating the losses that occurred, etc.This allows users to easily identify injection molding conditions that resulted in failed injection molding, conditions that resulted in high losses, etc. Furthermore, such memo data can be used as experimental data in the development of similar products. The memo data may also include data indicating information that cannot be obtained from the injection molding machine. Such data may include, but are not limited to, customer-specific data such as the company name, department name, shipping destination, experimental materials, and customer-specific materials of the customer who ordered the injection-molded products, data detected by sensors, and data indicating the operating conditions of the injection molding machine. In addition, text data included in the memo data may include, but are not limited to, mold temperature, chiller cooling temperature, ambient temperature, melt flow value of the injection-molded product, tensile strength of the product, and compressive strength of the product. Furthermore, audio data included in the memo data may include, but are not limited to, audio data indicating actual injection molding values.

[0100] Next, the control unit 34 displays analysis result information showing the results of the analysis performed in step S320 (step S330). In Figure 18, the process in step S330 is shown as "display of analysis result information".

[0101] Next, the control unit 34 displays countermeasure information indicating the measures the user should take, based on the results of the analysis performed in step S320 and AI, etc. (step S340). The method for generating such countermeasure information may be a known method or a method to be developed in the future. In Figure 18, the process in step S340 is shown by "display of countermeasure information". After the process in step S340 is performed, the control unit 34 terminates the process shown in the flowchart in Figure 18.

[0102] As described above, the information processing device X analyzes the memo data associated with the injection molding-related data stored in the memory unit 32 in response to the received operation, and displays analysis result information indicating the results of the analysis. This makes it easy for the information processing device X to identify the cause of any abnormalities that occurred during the injection molding cycle by the injection molding machine.

[0103] <Modified examples of embodiments> The following describes modifications of the embodiment. The information processing device X may be configured to identify target data and then associate a specified second additional information from a predetermined set of second additional information with at least a portion of the identified target data. Here, the second additional information may be any additional information that can be associated with the target data, such as an image showing a tag, label, title, or marker, but is not limited to these. Figure 19 is a diagram illustrating a plurality of second additional information as images showing tags. In the example shown in Figure 19, the second additional information is an image showing each of 10 different types of tags. Specifically, in this example, each of the predetermined plurality of second additional information is a tag TG1 to a tag TG10. Tag TG1 is an image indicating low urgency. Tag TG2 is an image indicating moderate urgency. Tag TG3 is an image indicating high urgency. Tag TG4 is an image indicating a malfunction has occurred. Tag TG5 is an image indicating that it is on hold. Tag TG6 indicates an image that is duplicated. Tag TG7 indicates an image that has a suggestion. Tag TG8 indicates an image that has a consultation. Tag TG9 indicates an invalid image. Tag TG10 indicates an inquiry.

[0104] The information processing device X, in response to an received operation, extracts injection molding-related data associated with the specified second additional information from the data stored in the storage unit 32 and displays the extracted injection molding-related data. Figure 20 shows an example of how a list of cycle data associated with tag TG7 is displayed. In the example shown in Figure 20, the information processing device X displays a list of cycle data associated with tag TG7 as an example of injection molding-related data associated with tag TG7. This allows the user to search for injection molding-related data based on the second additional information and easily identify the desired injection molding-related data. This is useful because it facilitates the identification of the cause of abnormalities that occurred in the cycle and the understanding of necessary matters in the execution of the cycle.

[0105] Figure 21 shows an example of how a list of cycle data associated with each of the two types of second additional information is displayed. In the example shown in Figure 21, the top row of cycle data is associated with an image representing a bookmark, which is an example of second additional information. In this example, the bottom row of cycle data is associated with an image representing pinning, which is another example of second additional information. In this way, the information processing device X can also extract injection molding-related data associated with each of the two or more specified types of second additional information from the data stored in the storage unit 32 in response to an received operation.

[0106] Furthermore, the molding management system 1 described above may include a terminal device 40. Also, the molding management system 1 described above may include an injection molding apparatus such as an injection molding apparatus 11. Furthermore, the information processing device 20 described above may be configured to associate multiple injection molding condition data with a single cycle data. Furthermore, the image data described above may be data representing a still image or data representing a moving image. Furthermore, the memos described above include, but are not limited to, material name memos, customer project memos, prototype memos, worker handover memos, quality defect confirmation request memos, and malfunction memos. Furthermore, the second additional information described above may be images that indicate other information, such as images that require attention or images that indicate stability. Furthermore, one of the candidate extraction conditions described above may be injection molding-related data of a target type arbitrarily specified by the user.

[0107] Furthermore, the elements described above can be combined in any way.

[0108] <Note 1> [1] A molding management system comprising an information processing device that is communicably connected to a terminal device, and which manages the production of a product in a production process that includes an injection molding process of a product by an injection molding machine, wherein the information processing device comprises a storage unit that stores data relating to injection molding and a control unit, and memo data indicating additional information is associated with the data, and the control unit, in response to an operation received, analyzes the memo data associated with the data stored in the storage unit and displays analysis result information indicating the result of the analysis on a display unit. [2] The molding management system according to [1], wherein the control unit displays the memo data associated with the data on the display unit along with the data in response to the received operation. [3] The molding management system according to [1] or [2], wherein the data is cycle data obtained in accordance with the execution of a cycle by the injection molding apparatus in which the injection molding apparatus performs injection molding. [4] The molding management system according to any one of [1] to [3], wherein the data is injection molding condition data indicating the injection molding conditions set in the injection molding apparatus. [5] The molding management system according to any one of [1] to [4], wherein the data is operating status history data showing the operating status history of the injection molding apparatus. [6] The molding management system according to any one of [1] to [5], wherein the memo data includes at least one of text data, image data, audio data, and read data read from encoded data indicating encoded information, and the control unit displays an operation acceptance image on the display unit for accepting an operation to associate the memo data with the data. [7] The molding management system according to [6], wherein the memo data includes at least the text data, and the operation reception image includes a text reception image that receives the text data. [8] The molding management system according to [6] or [7], wherein the memo data includes at least the image data, and the operation reception image includes an image reception image that receives the image data. [9] The molding management system according to any one of [6] to [8], wherein the memo data includes at least the voice data, and the operation reception image includes a voice reception image that receives the voice data.

[10] The molding management system according to [9], wherein the voice reception image includes a voice recording start image for receiving a voice recording start operation to start recording voice, and a voice recording end image for receiving a voice recording end operation to end recording voice, and the control unit receives data indicating the voice recorded during the period from receiving the voice recording start operation to receiving the voice recording end operation as the voice data.

[11] The molding management system according to any one of [6] to

[10] , wherein the memo data includes at least the read data, and the operation reception image includes a read operation reception image that receives an operation to start reading the read data to an encoded data reading device that reads the read data from the encoded data.

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

[11] , wherein the control unit associates the memo data with all of the specified plurality of data in response to the received operation.

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

[12] , including the aforementioned terminal device.

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

[13] , including the injection molding apparatus.

[0109] <Note 2> [1] A molding management system that includes an information processing device that is communicably connected to a terminal device, and manages the production of a product in a production process that includes an injection molding process of a product by an injection molding apparatus, wherein the information processing device comprises a storage unit for storing data relating to injection molding and a control unit, and the control unit displays an operation reception image on a display unit for an operation that accepts an operation to associate a plurality of the aforementioned data that satisfy pre-accepted conditions with a data group, and associate memo data indicating additional information with all of the plurality of aforementioned data included in the data group. [2] The molding management system according to [1], wherein the control unit, in response to an operation received, displays on the display unit a data group display image on which an operation is received to display the data group to which the memo data is associated. [3] The molding management system according to [1] or [2], wherein the data is cycle data obtained in accordance with the execution of a cycle by the injection molding apparatus in which the injection molding apparatus performs injection molding. [4] The molding management system according to any one of [1] to [3], wherein the condition is that the data is acquired within a specified period from among the data not stored in the storage unit. [5] The molding management system according to any one of [1] to [4], wherein the condition is that the data stored in the storage unit is the specified data. [6] The molding management system according to any one of [1] to [5], wherein the condition is that the injection molding condition data indicating common injection molding conditions is associated with the data stored in the storage unit. [7] The molding management system according to any one of [1] to [6], wherein the condition is that the data stored in the storage unit is acquired during the period from when the power supply of the injection molding apparatus is turned ON until the power supply of the injection molding apparatus is turned OFF. [8] The molding management system according to any one of [1] to [7], wherein the condition is that the data stored in the storage unit is acquired continuously within a specified time interval. [9] The molding management system according to any one of [1] to [8], wherein the memo data includes at least one of text data, image data, audio data, and read data read from encoded data indicating encoded information.

[10] The molding management system according to [1] to [9], wherein the information processing device, in response to an operation received, associates a specified second additional piece of information from a predetermined set of second additional pieces of information with at least a portion of the set of data included in the data group and displays it on the display unit.

[11] The molding management system described in

[10] , wherein the second additional information is an image showing a tag, label, title, or marker.

[12] The molding management system according to

[10] or

[11] , wherein the control unit, in response to an received operation, extracts data from the data stored in the storage unit that is associated with the specified second additional information, and displays the extracted data on the display unit.

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

[12] , including the aforementioned terminal device.

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

[13] , including the injection molding apparatus.

[0110] Although embodiments of this disclosure have been described in detail above with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to these embodiments and may be modified, replaced, deleted, etc., as long as it does not deviate from the gist of this disclosure.

[0111] Furthermore, a program to realize the function of any component in the apparatus described above may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, and the program may be loaded into a computer system and executed. Here, the apparatus is, for example, an injection molding machine 11, an information processing device 20, a server 30, a terminal device 40, etc. The term "computer system" here includes hardware such as an OS (Operating System) and peripheral devices. The term "computer-readable recording medium" refers to portable media such as flexible disks, magneto-optical disks, ROMs, CD (Compact Disk)-ROMs, and storage devices such as hard disks built into a computer system. In addition, the term "computer-readable recording medium" also includes volatile memory inside a computer system that acts as a server or client when a program is transmitted via a network such as the Internet or a communication line such as a telephone line, which retains the program for a certain period of time.

[0112] Furthermore, the above program may be transmitted from a computer system that stores the program in a memory device or the like to another computer system via a transmission medium or by transmission waves within the transmission medium. Here, the "transmission medium" used to transmit the program refers to a medium that has the function of transmitting information, such as a network like the Internet or a communication line like a telephone line. Furthermore, the above program may be intended to implement some of the functions described above. In addition, the above program may be one that can implement the functions described above in combination with a program already recorded in the computer system, a so-called differential file or differential program. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0113] 1...Molding management system, 10...Managed device, 11...Injection molding machine, 20...Information processing device, 30...Server, 31...Processor, 32...Storage unit, 33...Communication unit, 34...Control unit, 40...Terminal device, 341...Data acquisition unit, 342...Display control unit, 343...Output control unit, X...Information processing device

Claims

1. A molding management system that includes an information processing device that is communicably connected to a terminal device, and manages the production of a product in a production process that includes an injection molding process of a product by an injection molding machine, The aforementioned information processing device is A memory unit that stores data related to injection molding, Control unit and Equipped with, The aforementioned data is associated with memo data that provides additional information. The control unit, in response to the received operation, analyzes the memo data associated with the data stored in the storage unit and displays analysis result information indicating the results of the analysis on the display unit. Molding management system.

2. The control unit, in response to the received operation, causes the display unit to display the memo data associated with the data along with the data. The molding management system according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned data is cycle data obtained according to the execution of the injection molding cycle by the injection molding apparatus. The molding management system according to claim 1.

4. The aforementioned data is injection molding condition data indicating the injection molding conditions set in the injection molding apparatus. The molding management system according to claim 1.

5. The aforementioned data is operating status history data showing the operating status history of the injection molding apparatus. The molding management system according to claim 1.

6. The aforementioned memo data includes at least one of the following: text data, image data, audio data, and read data obtained from encoded data representing encoded information. The control unit causes the display unit to display an operation acceptance image that accepts an operation to associate the memo data with the data. The molding management system according to claim 1.

7. The memo data includes at least the text data, The aforementioned operation reception image includes a text reception image that receives the text data. The molding management system according to claim 6.

8. The aforementioned memo data includes at least the aforementioned image data, The aforementioned operation reception image includes an image reception image that receives the aforementioned image data. The molding management system according to claim 6.

9. The aforementioned memo data includes at least the aforementioned audio data, The aforementioned operation reception image includes an audio reception image that receives the aforementioned audio data. The molding management system according to claim 6.

10. The aforementioned voice reception image includes a voice recording start image that accepts a voice recording start operation to begin recording voice, and a voice recording end image that accepts a voice recording end operation to end recording voice. The control unit receives the data representing the voice recorded during the period from the time it receives the voice recording start operation until it receives the voice recording end operation as the voice data. The molding management system according to claim 9.

11. The memo data includes at least the read data, The aforementioned operation reception image includes a read operation reception image that receives an operation to start reading the read data from the encoded data to the encoded data reading device. The molding management system according to claim 6.

12. The control unit, in response to the received operation, associates the memo data with all of the specified plurality of data. The molding management system according to claim 1.

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

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

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