Molding machine, information provision device, and molding system

Abstract

Compared to a system where the information provided for features available to all users is the same regardless of their level, this system provides users with more relevant information. [Solution] The molding machine comprises an acquisition means for acquiring the user's level and an information providing means for providing information to the user, wherein the information providing means modifies the advice information provided regarding functions that can be used by both relatively high-level users and relatively low-level users, according to the level acquired by the acquisition means.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a molding machine, an information providing device, and a molding system.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a molding machine that groups users according to their job types (such as administrators and operators) and grants each group only the operation authority corresponding to their respective job types. Patent Document 2 describes an injection molding machine that includes a touch panel, and an access level for permitting / forbidding display is set for each screen that can be displayed on the touch panel, and the display is restricted according to the authority of the operator.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In a molding machine, the information provided may vary according to the role of the user. For example, when there are functions that can be used and functions that cannot be used depending on the role of the user, only the information on the functions that can be used may be provided to the user. However, regardless of the role of the user, for example, the required information may vary depending on the proficiency of the user's work. Therefore, even if the information provided is varied according to the role of the user, there may be cases where the information required by the user cannot be provided.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide more suitable information to the user as compared with a case where the information provided for functions that can be used does not vary according to the user level regardless of the user level. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] One aspect of the present invention is a molding machine comprising an acquisition means for acquiring a user's level and an information providing means for providing information to a user, wherein the information providing means modifies the information of advice provided regarding functions that can be used by both relatively high-level users and relatively low-level users, according to the level acquired by the acquisition means. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide users with more appropriate information than when the information provided for functions usable regardless of the user's level is not different according to the user's level. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This diagram shows the configuration of an injection molding machine to which this embodiment is applied. [Figure 2] This is a diagram showing the configuration of the control device. [Figure 3] This diagram shows the configuration of a data processing device. [Figure 4] This is a diagram showing the configuration of the information provision device. [Figure 5] This figure shows an example of a computer hardware configuration for implementing a control device, a data processing device, and an information provision device. [Figure 6] This flowchart shows an example of the workflow when a user implements countermeasures in the event of a defect in an injection molding machine. (a) shows an example of the workflow by a user with relatively high skill level, and (b) shows an example of the workflow by a user with relatively low skill level. [Figure 7] This diagram shows an example of a table that links the time required for a task with the user's skill level. [Figure 8] This diagram shows an example of a table that links the information provided to users with their user level. [Figure 9] This figure shows an example of the processing flow related to providing information to users by an information provision device. [Figure 10] This diagram shows the configuration of an information provision device related to modified shapes. [Figure 11] This figure shows an example of the processing flow related to providing information to the user by an information provision device related to modifications. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings. <Device configuration> Figure 1 shows the configuration of an injection molding machine 10 to which this embodiment is applied. The injection molding machine 10 comprises an injection device 20, a mold clamping device 30, a control device 100, a data processing device 200, a display device 300, and an information providing device 400. In the following description, the direction from the injection device 20 to the mold clamping device 30 may be referred to as "forward." The injection molding machine 10 is an example of a molding machine.

[0010] The injection device 20 comprises a cylinder for heating the molding material, a screw that is rotatable within the cylinder and can move axially, a rotary motor that drives the screw in the rotational direction, a motor that drives the screw axially, and the like. The molding material is, for example, resin. The injection device 20 injects the molding material, which has been heated and turned into liquid in the cylinder, by rotating and advancing the screw forward, and fills the mold of the clamping device 30 located in front of the injection device 20. The injection device 20 performs processes such as metering, filling, and holding pressure in the manufacturing process of the molded product. The filling and holding pressure processes are collectively called the injection process.

[0011] The mold clamping device 30 comprises a mold, a clamping mechanism for clamping the mold, and a motor for driving the clamping mechanism. The mold clamping device 30 closes the mold and receives the molding material injected from the injection device 20 into the mold. At this time, the mold clamping device 30 clamps the mold with the clamping mechanism to prevent the mold from opening as the molding material fills it (mold clamping). A molded product is produced when the molding material filled into the mold solidifies. After this, the mold clamping device 30 opens the mold and sends out the produced molded product. In the manufacturing process of a molded product, the mold clamping device 30 performs, for example, a mold closing process, a pressurization process, a mold clamping process, a depressurization process, and a mold opening process.

[0012] The control device 100 controls the operation of the injection device 20 and the clamping device 30. The data processing device 200 processes data obtained as the injection device 20 and the clamping device 30 operate. The display device 300 displays information related to the control of the injection device 20 and the clamping device 30 by the control device 100, data acquired by the data processing device 200, and the processing results of the data processing device 200. The display device 300 also displays an operation screen for inputting commands and data to the control device 100 and the data processing device 200. The display device 300 also displays information on advice provided to the user. The information providing device 400 determines the information on advice to be provided to the user of the injection molding machine 10 and displays it on the display device 300. Note that the advice information may also be displayed on a display screen other than the display device 300.

[0013] <Configuration of control device 100> FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of the control device 100. The control device 100 controls the operations of the injection device 20 and the mold clamping device 30. The control device 100 is realized by, for example, a computer. The control device 100 includes a control information acquisition unit 110, a control unit 120, and a storage unit 130. The control device 100 repeatedly manufactures molded products by controlling the injection device 20 and the mold clamping device 30 to repeatedly perform the steps related to the manufacture of molded products. The steps related to the manufacture of molded products include a metering step, a mold closing step, a pressure boosting step, a mold clamping step, a filling step, a holding pressure step, a cooling step, a pressure releasing step, a mold opening step, a pushing out step, and the like. Hereinafter, these steps related to the manufacture may be collectively referred to as the "manufacturing steps". Also, a series of operations for obtaining a molded product, for example, the operations from the start of the metering step in the above manufacturing steps to the start of the next metering step are referred to as "shots", "molding cycles", and the like. Note that each of the above steps for manufacturing a molded product is merely an example. For example, as steps executed in one shot, other steps not included above may be included.

[0014] The control information acquisition unit 110 acquires control information used to control the injection device 20 and the mold clamping device 30. The control information is conditions set by the user and is input by the user using, for example, an input device not shown in the figure. The control information includes, for example, molding conditions such as resin temperature, mold temperature (cylinder temperature), injection holding pressure time, metering value, V-P switching position, holding pressure, injection speed (filling speed), screw rotation speed, screw back pressure, mold clamping force, and the like. A plurality of combinations of these molding conditions are determined according to the molded product and the mold. The combination data of these molding conditions is hereinafter also referred to as molding condition data set. The control information acquisition unit 110 stores the acquired control information in the storage unit 130 as a molding condition data set.

[0015] The control unit 120 controls the injection device 20 and the mold clamping device 30 using the above-mentioned molding condition data set, and performs the processes related to the production (shot) of the molded product including the above-mentioned respective processes. At the start of the production of the molded product or the like, the control unit 120 reads out from the storage unit 130 the molding condition data set corresponding to the molded product to be produced. Then, the control unit 120 controls the operations of the injection device 20 and the mold clamping device 30 based on the read control information. Specifically, the control unit 120 controls the injection device 20 and the mold clamping device 30 so that the data obtained from the injection device 20 and the mold clamping device 30 in the manufacturing process matches the set values of the molding condition data set. Also, the control unit 120 may cause the display device 300 to display the molding condition data set read from the storage unit 130. The user may refer to the data of the molding conditions displayed on the display device 300 and perform operations such as modifying the values as necessary.

[0016] The storage unit 130 holds the control information 131 acquired by the control information acquisition unit 110. The molding condition data set included in the control information 131 is prepared in association with the molded product to be manufactured and the mold. The storage unit 130 holds the molding condition data set for each molded product to be manufactured and the mold. Also, although not shown, the storage unit 130 holds a program for the control unit 120 to control the injection device 20 and the mold clamping device 30. As will be described in detail later, the function of the control unit 120 is realized when the processor in the control device 100 reads and executes the program held in the storage unit 130.

[0017] <Configuration of the data processing device 200> FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the configuration of the data processing device 200. The data processing device 200 acquires and processes the data obtained as the injection device 20 and the mold clamping device 30 execute the operations in the processes related to the production of the above-mentioned molded product. The data processing device 200 is realized, for example, by a computer. The data processing device 200 includes an acquisition unit 210, a processing unit 220, a storage unit 230, and a display control unit 240.

[0018] The acquisition unit 210 acquires data to be processed from the injection unit 20 and the clamping unit 30. Various sensors and detectors are attached to the injection unit 20 and the clamping unit 30. The data acquired by these sensors and detectors (hereinafter referred to as "acquired data") is information representing the molding results by the injection unit 20 and the clamping unit 30, and is used for quality control of molded products. Specifically, it includes, for example, the weight of the molded product, the dimensions of the molded product, the in-mold pressure, the minimum cushion position, and characteristic waveforms of the filling pressure. This acquired data is actual values ​​obtained in the manufacturing process of molded products. The acquisition unit 210 receives the acquired data transmitted from the sensors and detectors and stores it in the storage unit 230.

[0019] The processing unit 220 processes the acquired data stored in the storage unit 230. Specifically, the processing unit 220 extracts representative values ​​from the acquired data in each process and generates time-series data by serializing the acquired data in each process. In extracting representative values, the processing unit 220 performs statistical processing on the acquired data, such as calculating the average value, identifying the range of values, and identifying the maximum and minimum values.

[0020] The storage unit 230 stores representative values, time-series data, statistical data, etc., processed by the processing unit 220. These data are associated with the original acquired data, for example. Specifically, these data may be stored in the data file of the corresponding original acquired data. Alternatively, the data file containing these data may be associated with the data file of the original data. In this way, each data generated by the processing unit 220 is also stored in association with the molded product or mold that was manufactured in the shot from which the original acquired data was obtained. The data format of the data file stored in the storage unit 230 may include, for example, CSV (Comma Separated Values), XML (Extensible Markup Language), JSON (JavaScript Object Notation), etc.

[0021] Although not shown in the diagram, the storage unit 230 also holds a program for the processing unit 220 to perform data processing. As will be explained in more detail later, the processing unit 220's functions are realized when the processor in the data processing device 200 reads and executes the program held in the storage unit 230.

[0022] The display control unit 240 displays acquired data and data resulting from processing by the processing unit 220 on the display device 300. The data to be displayed includes setting information in the control information used by the control device 100 to control the injection device 20 and the clamping device 30. The setting information (setting values) can be acquired from the control device 100. The display control unit 240 acquires this data from the storage unit 230 and the storage unit 130 of the control device 100 and displays it on the display device 300.

[0023] <Configuration of Information Provisioning Device 400> Figure 4 shows the configuration of the information providing device 400. The information providing device 400 comprises an operation content receiving unit 410, a determination unit 420, a provision information determination unit 430, a display control unit 440, and a storage unit 450. The operation content reception unit 410 receives and acquires the operation content from the user. User operations are performed, for example, via an operation screen displayed on the display device 300. The operation content refers to the details of the operation performed by the user on the injection molding machine 10, and includes the process, time, number of executions, transition screens, input content, etc.

[0024] The determination unit 420 determines the user's level. The determination unit 420 determines the user's level based, for example, on the operation content acquired by the operation content reception unit 410. The user's level is an indicator that serves as a standard for determining the information of advice to be provided to the user, and is, for example, an indicator that shows the user's skill level in the task. The user's level may also indicate the user's role, such as their job title. The determination unit 420 determines the user's level by comparing the user's operation content with the determination criteria stored in the storage unit 450. Details of how the determination unit determines the user's level will be described later. The determination unit 420 is an example of an acquisition means for acquiring the user's level.

[0025] The information provision determination unit 430 determines the information to be provided to the user. The information provision determination unit 430 determines the information to be provided to the user based on the user's level determined by the judgment unit 420. The information provided to the user here is, for example, advice information provided regarding functions that can be used by both relatively high-level users and relatively low-level users. The information provision determination unit 430 changes the advice information provided according to the user's level. Details of the information provision determination unit 430's determination of the information to be provided will be described later.

[0026] The display control unit 440 displays the advice information to be provided to the user, as determined by the information provision determination unit 430, on the display device 300. The advice information may be displayed on the display device 300 as a pop-up, for example, or the information may be displayed based on the user's selection. Alternatively, the advice information may be displayed on a display screen other than the display device 300. For example, the advice information may be transmitted to a terminal owned by the user, such as a PC or smartphone, and displayed on the terminal. The information provision determination unit 430 and the display control unit 440 are examples of information provision means for providing information to a user.

[0027] The memory unit 450 stores the criteria for determining the level and the information provided for each level. The criteria for determining the level are, for example, the time taken for a particular operation or the number of times the operation is performed. The memory unit 450 stores, for example, the reference time or number of executions for each operation and associates it with a level. The determination unit 420 determines the user's level by, for example, comparing the time taken by the user for the operation with the reference time. Furthermore, the memory unit 450 stores the information provided for each level, linking it to the level. The information provision determination unit 430 retrieves and determines the information to be provided from the memory unit 450 according to the level of the determined user.

[0028] <Hardware configuration of the computer that implements the control device 100, data processing device 200, and information providing device 400> Figure 5 shows an example of the hardware configuration of a computer 500 that implements a control device 100, a data processing device 200, and an information providing device 400. The computer 500 shown in Figure 5 includes a processor 501 as an arithmetic means, and a main memory 502 and an auxiliary memory 503 as storage means. Various arithmetic circuits such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), and FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) can be used as the processor 501. The processor 501 reads programs stored in the auxiliary memory 503 into the main memory 502 and executes them. For example, RAM (Random Access Memory) can be used as the main memory 502. For example, a magnetic disk drive or SSD (Solid State Drive) can be used as the auxiliary memory 503.

[0029] Furthermore, the computer 500 includes a display device (display) 504 and an input device 505 on which the user performs input operations. For example, a keyboard or mouse can be used as the input device 505. Alternatively, a touch panel integrated with the display device 504 may be used as the input device 505. The display device 504 may be implemented using the display device 300 shown in Figure 1. Note that the configuration of the computer 500 shown in Figure 5 is merely an example, and the computer 500 used in this embodiment is not limited to the configuration shown in Figure 5. For example, it may be configured to include non-volatile memory such as flash memory or ROM (Read Only Memory) as a storage device.

[0030] When the control device 100 is implemented by the computer shown in Figure 5, the control information acquisition unit 110 is implemented, for example, by a processor 501 that reads and executes a program and an input device 505. The functions of the control unit 120 are implemented, for example, by the processor 501 reading and executing a program. The storage unit 130 is implemented, for example, by an auxiliary storage device 503.

[0031] When the data processing device 200 is implemented by the computer shown in Figure 5, the functions of the acquisition unit 210 and the processing unit 220 are implemented, for example, by the processor 501 reading and executing a program. The storage unit 230 is implemented, for example, by the auxiliary storage device 503. The display control unit 240 is implemented by the processor 501 which reads and executes a program.

[0032] When the information providing device 400 is implemented by the computer 500 shown in Figure 5, the functions of the operation content receiving unit 410, the determination unit 420, the information provision determination unit 430, and the display control unit 440 are implemented, for example, by the processor 501 reading and executing a program. The storage unit 450 is implemented, for example, by the auxiliary storage device 503.

[0033] <Level Determination> An example of the level determination method in this embodiment will be explained with reference to Figures 6 and 7. Figure 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the workflow when a user implements countermeasures in the event of a defect in the injection molding machine 10. (a) shows an example of the workflow by a user with relatively high skill level, and (b) shows an example of the workflow by a user with relatively low skill level.

[0034] As shown in Figure 6(a), users with a relatively high level of skill in the work will first check the actual values ​​when a defect occurs (step 1001). The user will check the actual values ​​for the single shot in which the defect occurred. Next, the user will check the time-series data using logging or waveform (step 1002). Next, the user will check the setting values ​​related to the defect that occurred (step 1003). Next, the user will identify the problem area based on the information obtained through the check (step 1004). Then, the user will implement countermeasures to resolve the defect at the identified problem area (step 1005). If the defect is resolved (YES in step 1006), the work is completed. On the other hand, if the defect is not resolved (NO in step 1006), the user will repeat the work from step 1002. Users with a relatively high level of skill in the work tend to identify the problem area by checking time-series data, etc.

[0035] On the other hand, users with relatively low skill levels tend to implement countermeasures without following procedures such as checking time-series data. As shown in Figure 6(b), users with relatively low skill levels first check the actual values ​​when a defect occurs (step 1011). Then, the user implements countermeasures to resolve the defect (step 1012). If the defect is resolved (YES in step 1013), the work is completed. On the other hand, if the defect is not resolved (NO in step 1013), the user implements different countermeasures again. Thus, differences in skill levels are reflected in the actions performed, allowing us to determine a user's skill level from their actions. For example, a user's skill level can be determined based on whether or not they checked specific settings when resolving a problem.

[0036] Alternatively, the user's skill level can be determined from the time it takes to complete the task. Figure 7 shows an example of a table 700 that links the time required for a task with the user's skill level. The table 700 is stored in the storage unit 450. Table 700 is a correspondence table showing the difference between the time taken for a task and the standard work time, and the user's skill level. The standard work time is predetermined for each task. Table 700 is also created for each task.

[0037] In the example shown in Figure 7, for example, a Level 5 user completes the task 15 minutes or more ahead of the standard work time. A Level 4 user completes the task 5 to 15 minutes ahead of the standard work time. A Level 3 user completes the task within ±5 minutes of the standard work time. A Level 2 user completes the task 5 to 15 minutes behind the standard work time. A Level 1 user completes the task 15 minutes or more behind the standard work time. The determination unit 420 determines the user's level by comparing the user's operation time with the table 700. For example, if a user takes 40 minutes to complete a task with a standard work time of 30 minutes, the determination unit 420 determines the user to be Level 2. The method described above is just one example, and the level may be determined by other methods. For example, the level may be determined based on the content displayed on the screen that the user viewed during operation.

[0038] <Decision on information to be provided> The information provided to the user is determined by the information provision determination unit 430. For users with a relatively low skill level, the information provision determination unit 430 determines information such as advice necessary for performing the work. Information such as advice necessary for performing the work includes, for example, advice on the procedure for performing the work and how to set the setting values ​​in the injection molding machine 10. For example, regarding the procedure for starting condition setting, the information provision determination unit 430 determines that the advice to provide is to "gradually adjust the VP switching position based on the relationship between the product volume and the screw diameter."

[0039] Furthermore, the information provision determination unit 430 determines information to be provided to users with a relatively low skill level, such as advice to improve the quality of molded products. Advice to improve quality includes, for example, information to eliminate or prevent frequently occurring defects. For example, regarding the holding pressure setting when sink marks occur, the information provision determination unit 430 determines that the advice to be provided is to "increase the holding pressure." For example, regarding the injection speed setting when jetting occurs, the advice to be provided is to "decrease the injection speed." For example, regarding the clamping force setting when burrs occur, the advice to be provided is to "increase the clamping force."

[0040] In this way, the information provision determination unit 430 determines that information to be provided to users with a relatively low skill level is advice on basic operations and quality improvement. On the other hand, the information provision determination unit 430 determines that information providing value-added advice will be provided to users with a relatively high level of expertise. Information providing value-added advice is information that satisfies the quality standards of the molded product and brings additional effects associated with the execution of the work.

[0041] For example, the information provision determination unit 430 determines that information to be provided is advice on reducing energy consumption for relatively high-level users. Examples of advice on reducing energy consumption include guiding users to the energy-saving holding pressure setting field regarding the setting of holding pressure, or encouraging the use of the lock-up function in toggle-type molding machines.

[0042] For example, the information provision determination unit 430 may determine that information to be provided is advice on reducing the clamping force for relatively high-level users. Examples of advice on reducing the clamping force include guidance to the clamping force setting screen and guidance to the detection of the minimum clamping force. It may also determine that information to be provided is advice on how to interpret the clamping force waveform for reducing the clamping force. For example, the information provision determination unit 430 may determine that the advice to be provided is to "prompt the user to check whether there is an increase in the clamping force waveform when the filling peak pressure occurs." Alternatively, it may determine that the advice to be provided is to "lower the clamping force if no increase in the waveform is observed."

[0043] For example, the information provision determination unit 430 may also determine that information to be provided is advice for reducing mold deposits adhering to gases and molds, for users with a relatively high skill level. The information provision determination unit 430 may, for example, determine that information to guide the user to the clamping force setting screen in the holding pressure process is to be provided. For example, the information provision determination unit 430 determines, as information to be provided, advice regarding the clamping speed setting for shortening the cycle for relatively high-level users. For example, the information provision determination unit 430 determines that the advice to be provided is to "deceler just before the guide pin engages."

[0044] Figure 8 shows an example of a table 800 that links the information provided to the user with the user's level. The table 800 is stored in the storage unit 450. Table 800 is a correspondence table between the information provided to the user and the user's level. In the example shown in Figure 8, for a Level 5 user, the information provided is determined to be methods for shortening the cycle and points of interest in the waveform. For a Level 4 user, the information provided is determined to be methods for setting energy saving and methods for setting gas reduction. For a Level 3 user, the information provided is determined to be methods for setting variations. For a Level 2 user, the information provided is methods for setting molding defects. For a Level 1 user, the information provided is determined to be molding condition setting and standard setup procedures.

[0045] <Information processing flow> Figure 9 shows an example of the processing flow related to information provision to the user performed by the information provision device 400. Here, an example is shown in which the user's level is determined using the table shown in Figure 7, and the information to be provided is determined using the table 800 shown in Figure 8. In Figure 9, first, the operation content reception unit 410 receives the operation content from the user (step 2001). Here, suppose the user completes a task that has a standard work time of 40 minutes in 50 minutes. The operation content reception unit 410 receives the content of the task and the fact that the user took 50 minutes to complete the task as the operation content from the user.

[0046] Next, the determination unit 420 determines the user's level (step 2002). The determination unit 420 retrieves the table 700 corresponding to the operations performed by the user from the storage unit 450 and determines the user's level by comparing it with the user's operations. In this case, the user completed the work 10 minutes later than the standard work time, so the determination unit 420 determines the user's level to be 2.

[0047] Next, the information provision unit 430 determines the information to be displayed as advice based on the determined level (step 2003). The information provision unit 430 retrieves table 800 from storage unit 450 and determines the information associated with the determined level as the information to be provided. In this case, the user's level was determined to be 2, so the information provision unit 430 determines the information to be advice that provides a setting method for resolving molding defects.

[0048] Then, the display control unit 440 displays the advice information on the display device 300 (step 2004). The display control unit 440 displays the setting method for resolving molding defects on the display device 300. In this embodiment, a configuration was described in which the user's level is determined based on the operation content as a method for obtaining the user's level, but this is not the only configuration. For example, the user's level may be stored in the storage unit 450 in association with the user ID, and the level of the user performing the work may be obtained. In the following modified example, an example in which the user's level is managed by the storage unit 450 will be described.

[0049] <Variation> The modified information providing device 400 stores the user's level in the storage unit 450, linked to the user ID. Figure 10 shows the configuration of an information providing device 400 according to a modified example. The information providing device 400 according to the modified example comprises an information provision determination unit 430, a display control unit 440, a storage unit 450, an ID acquisition unit 460, and a level acquisition unit 470. The information provision determination unit 430, the display control unit 440, and the storage unit 450 have the same functions as the corresponding configurations shown in Figure 4. In the modified example, the storage unit 450 further stores the user's level linked to the user ID.

[0050] The ID acquisition unit 460 acquires the ID of the user operating the injection molding machine 10. The ID acquisition unit 460 acquires the user's ID, for example, by RFID (Radio Frequency Identification). The level acquisition unit 470 acquires the user's level associated with the user's ID acquired by the ID acquisition unit 460 from the storage unit 450.

[0051] Figure 11 shows an example of the processing flow related to providing information to the user by the information provision device 400 related to the modified form. In Figure 11, first, the ID acquisition unit 460 acquires the ID of the user operating the injection molding machine 10 (step 3001). Next, the level acquisition unit 470 acquires the user's level from the storage unit 450 (step 3002). The storage unit 450 stores the user's level in association with the user ID, and the level acquisition unit 470 acquires the user's level associated with the ID of the user operating the machine.

[0052] Next, the information provision determination unit 430 determines the information to be displayed as advice based on the acquired level (step 3003). The information provision determination unit 430 retrieves the table 800 from the storage unit 450 and determines the information associated with the acquired level as the information to be provided. Then, the display control unit 440 causes the advice information to be displayed on the display device 300 (step 3004).

[0053] Note that the process shown in Figure 11 is just one example and is not limited thereto. For example, users may be managed by passwords. For example, the ID acquisition unit 460 accepts password input from the user and acquires the user's ID. Furthermore, management doesn't have to be on an individual basis; it could be done by managing groups of users at the same level. For example, a password could be assigned to a group of users at the same level, and the level could be determined from the password entered.

[0054] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. For example, the information stored in the storage unit 450 may be managed on an external server that is communicatively connected to the information providing device 400. The server may be a so-called local server, or it may be a virtual server (for example, a cloud server) constructed using resources on a network. Furthermore, the processing performed by the information provision device 400 may be performed by external devices such as smartphones or servers, or it may be performed in a distributed manner across multiple devices or servers. When the processing is performed in a distributed manner across multiple devices or servers, any device may perform any of the processing.

[0055] For example, the injection molding machine 10 may determine the user's level based on the user's ID and operation details, and the determined level may be transmitted to an external server. The server that has acquired the level determines the information of advice to be provided to the user based on that level. The advice information may be transmitted to the injection molding machine 10 and displayed on the display device 300, or it may be transmitted to a terminal used by the user and displayed there. In this case, the injection molding machine 10 that determines the level can be considered an example of an acquisition means. The server can be considered an example of an acquisition means that acquires the level, and an example of an information provision means that changes the information of advice according to the level. Furthermore, if the terminal displays the advice information, the terminal can be considered an example of an information provision means that changes the information of advice provided according to the level.

[0056] Furthermore, the determined level may be transmitted to the user's device, the device may determine the advice information to be provided to the user, and the device may display the advice information. In this case, the device can be considered as an example of a means of acquiring the level and an example of a means of providing information that changes the advice information according to the level. Furthermore, it is clear from the claims that combinations of two or more of the above embodiments, as well as various modifications or improvements to the above embodiments, are also included within the technical scope of this disclosure. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0057] 10…Injection molding machine, 20…Injection device, 30…Clamping device, 100…Control device, 110…Control information acquisition unit, 120…Control unit, 130…Storage unit, 200…Data processing device, 210…Acquisition unit, 220…Processing unit, 230…Storage unit, 240…Display control unit, 300…Display device, 400…Information providing device

Claims

1. A means of obtaining the user's level, It includes an information provision means for providing information to users, The information provision means modifies the information of advice provided regarding functions that can be used by both relatively high-level users and relatively low-level users, according to the level obtained by the acquisition means. A molding machine characterized by the following features.

2. The molding machine according to claim 1, characterized in that the level is an indicator of the level of proficiency in the work.

3. The molding machine according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the information providing means provides information on advice necessary for performing the work to a user with a relatively low skill level.

4. The molding machine according to claim 3, wherein the information providing means provides information on advice regarding the procedure for performing the work to a user with a relatively low skill level.

5. The molding machine according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the information providing means provides information to users with a relatively low skill level to provide advice on how to improve the quality of molded products.

6. The molding machine according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the information providing means provides value-added advice to users with a relatively high level.

7. The molding machine according to claim 6, characterized in that the information providing means provides information to users with a relatively high level, offering advice on how to reduce energy consumption.

8. The molding machine according to claim 6, wherein the information providing means provides information to users with a relatively high level of skill, providing advice on how to reduce the clamping force.

9. The molding machine according to claim 6, characterized in that the information providing means provides information to users with a relatively high level to provide advice on shortening the cycle.

10. A means of obtaining the user's level, It comprises a means for determining the information to be provided to the user, The information provision determination means modifies the information of advice provided regarding functions that can be used by both relatively high-level users and relatively low-level users, according to the level obtained by the acquisition means. An information-providing device characterized by the following features.

11. A means for obtaining information on advice provided regarding features available to both relatively high-level and relatively low-level users, which is modified according to the user's level. Information provision means for providing the user with the information of the advice obtained by the acquisition means, An information providing device characterized by being equipped with the following features.

12. A means of obtaining the user's level, It includes an information provision means for providing information to users, The information provision means modifies the information of advice provided regarding functions that can be used by both relatively high-level users and relatively low-level users, according to the level obtained by the acquisition means. A molding system characterized by the following:

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