Visualization device and display device

Abstract

Visualize the information requested by users on the production line. [Solution] The visualization device is a visualization device that generates a visualization screen for visualizing operational information related to production equipment on a production line, and comprises an acquisition unit that acquires input information including words or sentences from a user and a plurality of pieces of information related to production equipment, and a control unit that generates and outputs a visualization screen that visualizes at least one piece of operational information corresponding to the input information based on the input information and the plurality of pieces of information related to production equipment.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a visualization device and a display device.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a display device that displays the operating status of production equipment including at least one production line for producing substrates. The display device is operable by a user and can input an instruction to select any one of a plurality of preset display levels. The plurality of display levels include at least a display level for displaying an error state in which the operation of the production line should be stopped. The display device further includes an acquisition unit capable of acquiring a plurality of detection items indicating the operating status of the production line, and a control unit that, when an instruction to select any one of the plurality of display levels is input, displays, on a display unit, a display screen that displays one or a plurality of detection items pre-associated with the selected display level among the plurality of detection items.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In view of the above-described conventional circumstances, the present disclosure has been devised, and an object thereof is to provide a visualization device and a display device that visualize information desired by a user in a production line.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] This disclosure provides a visualization device for generating a visualization screen that visualizes operational information relating to production equipment on a production line, comprising: an acquisition unit that acquires input information including words or sentences provided by a user and a plurality of pieces of information relating to the production equipment; and a control unit that generates and outputs a visualization screen that visualizes at least one piece of operational information corresponding to the input information, based on the input information and the plurality of pieces of information relating to the production equipment.

[0006] Furthermore, this disclosure provides a display device that displays a visualization screen for visualizing operational information relating to production equipment on a production line, comprising: a display unit for displaying the visualization screen; an input unit for receiving input of words or sentences by a user; an acquisition unit for acquiring input information including the words or sentences and a plurality of pieces of information relating to the production equipment; and a control unit for transmitting the input information and the plurality of pieces of information relating to the production equipment to an external device, and for acquiring from the external device a visualization screen that visualizes at least one piece of operational information corresponding to the input information and displaying it on the display unit. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to this disclosure, it is possible to visualize the information requested by users on the production line. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Diagram showing an example of the configuration of a production system according to the embodiment. [Figure 2] A diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of the management computer and server in the embodiment. [Figure 3] Flowchart showing an example of the operation procedure of the production system according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure showing example 1 of the information visualization screen. [Figure 5] Figure showing example 2 of the information visualization screen. [Figure 6] Figure showing example 3 of the information visualization screen. [Figure 7] Diagram showing an example of a conventional information visualization screen. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] (Background leading to this disclosure) Conventionally, one method for visualizing production line operation information for users is to generate a screen (hereinafter referred to as the "information visualization screen") that includes multiple screen components, such as graphs, tables, or messages, that visualize the operation information. Conventional information visualization screen SC0 is generated by including multiple screen components that show predetermined operation information set in advance as a template, or screen components that show related operation information.

[0010] Figure 7 shows an example of a conventional information visualization screen SC0. As shown in Figure 7, a conventional information visualization screen SC0 is generated by including multiple screen parts PT01, PT02, PT03, PT04, PT5, and PT06. For example, screen part PT01 visualizes the operating status of the production line. Screen part PT02 visualizes information on the throughput of the production line. Screen part PT03 visualizes the percentage of products judged to be defective. Screen part PT04 visualizes the maintenance list of production equipment. Screen part PT05 visualizes the retraining list of workers. Screen part PT06 visualizes messages, warnings, etc., to notify information within the production line or other operating systems.

[0011] However, the information visualization screen generated by the method described above includes multiple screen parts PT01 to PT06, each displaying different operational information. Therefore, when different operational information is scattered across multiple screen parts, it was difficult for users to quickly find which screen part displayed the operational information they needed. Furthermore, conventional information visualization screens visualize operational information corresponding to pre-configured screen parts. Consequently, conventional information visualization screen SC0 sometimes did not include operational information that corresponded to different perspectives of the viewer (user) (e.g., field workers, managers, or project leaders) or operational information that corresponded to the situation at the time of viewing. Due to these circumstances, there was a demand for the generation of information visualization screens that displayed information in line with user needs.

[0012] The following describes in detail the embodiments of the visualization and display devices disclosed herein, with reference to the drawings as appropriate. However, unnecessary details may be omitted. For example, detailed explanations of already well-known matters or redundant explanations of substantially identical configurations may be omitted. This is to avoid the following explanation becoming unnecessarily verbose and to facilitate understanding by those skilled in the art. The accompanying drawings and the following explanation are provided to enable those skilled in the art to fully understand this disclosure and are not intended to limit the subject matter described in the claims.

[0013] The disclosure described below will explain, as an example, the generation of an information visualization screen that visualizes information related to a production line, but will not be limited to this. The information visualization screen may be a screen that visualizes information requested by the user and that can be collected from one or more factories (facilities), one or more locations, or one or more companies.

[0014] (Embodiment) FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a production system 100 according to an embodiment. The production system 100 according to the embodiment includes production lines L1, L2, L3 including a plurality of production facilities for producing products, a management computer P1 for managing the production by the production lines L1 to L3, a server S1 communicably connected to the management computer P1, and a communication network LN.

[0015] Note that the production system 100 shown in FIG. 1 is an example and is not limited thereto. For example, the management computer P1 and the server S1 may be realized by one device. Also, there may be a plurality of management computers P1 included in the production system 100. Further, although an example is shown where the management computer P1 is a computer that executes production management of the plurality of production lines L1 to L3 installed on one floor as an example, it is not limited thereto. The management computer P1 may be communicably connected to production lines in factories at the same or different bases, or at the same or different multiple bases.

[0016] The management computer P1 is capable of receiving user operations and is realized by, for example, a Personal Computer (hereinafter referred to as "PC"), a notebook PC, or a tablet terminal. The management computer P1 is communicably connected to each of the server S1 and the production facilities included in the production lines L1 to L3 via the communication network LN.

[0017] The server S1 is communicably connected to the management computer P1 and generates an information visualization screen corresponding to the user's request transmitted from the management computer P1. The server S1 transmits the generated information visualization screen to the management computer P1 for display.

[0018] The communication network LN is connected so as to enable data communication between the management computer P1 and a device (in the present disclosure, production equipment) that supplies various types of information used for generating an information visualization screen. In the example of FIG. 1, the communication network LN shows an example of a network that enables wired communication, but it may also be a network capable of wireless communication. The wireless communication mentioned here is a communication method provided in accordance with wireless communication standards such as, for example, wireless Local Area Network (LAN), Bluetooth (registered trademark), or Wi-Fi (registered trademark).

[0019] Next, referring to FIG. 2, an example of the internal configurations of the management computer P1 and the server S1 will be described. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the internal configurations of the management computer P1 and the server S1 in the embodiment.

[0020] The management computer P1 includes a communication unit 10, a processor 11, a memory 12, a monitor 13, and an input unit 14. Note that each of the monitor 13 and the input unit 14 may be configured separately from the management computer P1.

[0021] The communication unit 10 is communicably connected to each production equipment included in the corresponding production lines L1 to L3 and the server S1, respectively. The communication unit 10 outputs various types of data (various types of information) transmitted from each production equipment to the processor 11. Also, the communication unit 10 transmits various types of data (various types of information or various control commands) output from the processor 11 to the production equipment of the corresponding production lines L1 to L3. Although not shown in the present disclosure, the management computer P1 may be communicably connected to other management computers and receive the supply of various types of information used for generating an information visualization screen from various devices via the other management computers.

[0022] The processor 11 is configured using, for example, a Central Processing Unit (hereinafter referred to as "CPU") or a Field Programmable Gate Array (hereinafter referred to as "FPGA"), and works in cooperation with the memory 12 to perform various processing and control. Specifically, the processor 11 refers to the programs and data held in the memory 12 and executes those programs to realize the functions of each part. Through these parts, the processor 11 performs tasks such as managing production by production lines L1 to L3, managing various information supplied from each production facility on production lines L1 to L3, and displaying information visualization screens SC1, SC2, SC3 (see Figures 4 to 6).

[0023] Memory 12 includes, for example, Random Access Memory (hereinafter referred to as "RAM"), which serves as work memory used when executing each process of the processor 11, and Read Only Memory (hereinafter referred to as "ROM"), which stores programs and data that define the operation of the processor 11. Data or information generated or acquired by the processor 11 is temporarily stored in RAM. Programs that define the operation of the processor 11 are written in ROM. Memory 12 stores production data of products produced by production lines L1 to L3, and various information collected from each production facility of production lines L1 to L3.

[0024] The monitor 13 is constructed using, for example, a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) or an organic electroluminescence (EL). The monitor 13 outputs and displays various screens generated by the processor 11. These various screens include screens that accept input of information related to what the user requests to be visualized (hereinafter referred to as "requested information"), or information visualization screens SC1, SC2, SC3 (see Figures 4 to 6), etc.

[0025] The input unit 14 is a user interface that accepts user input operations, and is configured using, for example, a mouse, keyboard, touch panel, touchpad, or pointing device. The input unit 14 outputs a signal corresponding to the user's input operation to the processor 11. The input unit 14 may also accept user voice input operations. In such cases, the input unit 14 is implemented by a microphone. The processor 11 accepts the input operation by performing speech recognition on the voice acquired by the input unit 14, which is a microphone.

[0026] The monitor 13 may be implemented by an external monitor connected to the management computer P1 in a manner that enables data communication. In such a case, the management computer P1 may have an input unit 14, such as a mouse or keyboard, further connected in a manner that enables communication, which can accept user input operations. The monitor 13 and the input unit 14 may also be configured as an integrated unit, such as a touch panel.

[0027] Server S1 is connected to management computer P1 for communication and generates an information visualization screen based on request information sent from management computer P1 and various information obtained from each production facility that is related to the request information. Server S1 includes a communication unit 20, a processor 21, memory 22, and a screen parts database DB. Server S1 may be an on-premise server or a cloud server.

[0028] The communication unit 20 is connected to the management computer P1 for communication and performs data transmission and reception. The communication unit 20 outputs various information (various data) transmitted from the management computer P1 to the processor 21. The communication unit 20 also transmits various information (various data) output from the processor 21 to the management computer P1.

[0029] The processor 21 is configured using, for example, a CPU or FPGA, and works in cooperation with the memory 22 to perform various processes and controls. Specifically, the processor 21 refers to the programs and data held in the memory 22 and executes those programs to realize the functions of each part. The processor 21 uses these parts to perform tasks such as generating information visualization screens SC1 to SC3 (see Figures 4 to 6).

[0030] Memory 22 includes, for example, RAM as work memory used when executing each process of processor 21, and ROM which stores programs and data that define the operation of processor 21. Data or information generated or acquired by processor 21 is temporarily stored in RAM. Programs that define the operation of processor 21 are written in ROM. Memory 22 stores production data of products produced by production lines L1 to L3, and various information collected from each production facility of production lines L1 to L3.

[0031] The screen parts database DB is a type of storage, and is configured using storage media such as flash memory, hard disk drive (HDD), or solid state drive (SSD). The screen parts database DB stores template data for generating screen parts that visualize user-requested information in a certain representational manner. For example, the screen parts database DB stores various information transmitted from the management computer P1, including various information used for linking, the layout (arrangement) of the various information used for linking, and methods for generating information obtained using the various information (for example, the production time per unit obtained by dividing production time by the number of units produced), for each screen part.

[0032] Furthermore, if the management computer P1 and the server S1 are configured as a single unit, and the management computer P1 is capable of implementing the functions of the server S1, then the processor 11 may be capable of implementing the functions of the processor 21. In other words, in such a case, the processor 11 is capable of executing all the processes (processing steps St11 to St15) described in Figure 3.

[0033] Next, with reference to Figure 3, the method for generating information visualization screens SC1 to SC3 will be explained. Figure 3 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation procedure of the production system 100 according to the embodiment.

[0034] The processor 11 of the management computer P1 receives input from the user via the input unit 14, which is visualization request information linked to the 5W1H format (Who, What, When, Where, Why, How) (St11). The processor 11 transmits the input request information to the server S1.

[0035] It should be noted that the request information linked to the 5W1H format as used here is not limited to information that can be linked to all elements of the 5W1H. The request information only needs to include information (content) that can be linked to at least one of the 5W1H formats.

[0036] The processor 21 of server S1 performs natural language processing on the request information sent from management computer P1, and breaks down the request information into 5W1H keywords (St12).

[0037] The processor 21 extracts one or more screen parts that match the 5W1H keywords decomposed from the screen parts database DB, along with various information necessary for generating the extracted one or more screen parts (St13). The processor 21 requests the management computer P1 for the various information necessary for generating the extracted one or more screen parts.

[0038] Server S1 may continuously or periodically collect and record various information from the management computer P1 for each of the production lines L1 to L3. In such cases, server S1 may extract various information necessary for generating one or more screen parts from the recorded information.

[0039] The management computer P1 transmits various information to the processor 21 in response to the processor 21's request. The processor 21 associates the various information transmitted from the management computer P1 with one or more extracted screen parts (St14). The processor 21 sets up (generates) information visualization screens SC1 to SC3 (see Figures 4 to 6) which include one or more screen parts to which the various information is associated (St14). The processor 21 stores (registers) the layout of the information visualization screens SC1 to SC3 (see Figures 4 to 6) which include one or more screen parts as a new screen part in the screen part database DB (St14).

[0040] The processor 21 sends the configured (generated) information visualization screens SC1 to SC3 (see Figures 4 to 6) to the management computer P1 for display on the monitor 13 (St15).

[0041] As described above, the production system 100 according to the embodiment can generate and display an information visualization screen that visualizes user request information based on a combination and layout of one or more screen parts based on keywords broken down into 5W1H. This enables the production system 100 to generate an information visualization screen that visualizes the request information requested by the user.

[0042] Next, we will explain the information visualization screen SC1 with reference to Figure 4. Figure 4 is a diagram showing example 1 of the information visualization screen. In the explanation of Figure 4, in order to make the explanation of the screen parts easier to understand, a code is assigned only to the screen part PT11 for explanation purposes, and the assignment of codes is omitted for the other screen parts.

[0043] The information visualization screen SC1 is a screen generated based on the request information, "I want to see the sequence of information movement for part serial number ABC0001 from part arrival to product production completion."

[0044] The processor 21 breaks down the request information entered by the user into 5W1H keywords and extracts screen parts PT11, PT12, PT13, PT14, PT15, and PT16 to visualize the sequence of each production process and the IN / OUT times for each production process, from when part "ABC0001" arrives to when it is shipped as a finished product. The processor 21 collects various information necessary for each screen part PT11 to PT16 from the management computer P1. The processor 21 links the collected information with one or more of the extracted screen parts to generate the information visualization screen SC1.

[0045] The information visualization screen SC1 includes the information IF10 "Selected part: ABC0001" for part "ABC0001" as information that has been requested (selected) for visualization, and multiple screen parts PT11 to PT16 corresponding to the request information "I want to see the information movement order of part serial number ABC0001 from part arrival to product production completion."

[0046] Here, screen components PT11 to PT16 are components that visualize the start time information and the end time information of a single production process. For example, screen component PT11 is a component that visualizes the start time information IF11 "2024 / 9 / 20 8:30:00" and the end time information IF13 "2024 / 9 / 24 8:30:00" of the production process "Parts Warehouse A" (Information IF12).

[0047] The processor 21 acquires information regarding the production process of a product using the component corresponding to component serial number "ABC0001" in chronological order, based on the operation logs of production lines L1 to L3 or system logs, etc. The processor 21 acquires the collected production process information, as well as the start time information and end time information for each production process.

[0048] The processor 21 links the information of each production process to screen parts PT11 to PT16. Furthermore, based on the acquired start and end time information for each production process, the processor 21 arranges the corresponding screen parts PT11 to PT16 in chronological order and links the start and end time information to each corresponding screen part PT11 to PT16. As a result, the processor 21 generates the information visualization screen SC1 corresponding to the request information, "I want to see the information for part serial number ABC0001 in the order of its movement, from parts arrival to product production completion."

[0049] For example, in the example shown in Figure 4, the part serial number "ABC0001" moves through the production process in the following order: "Parts Warehouse A," "Field Warehouse A," "Mounting Line A," "Assembly Line B," "Inspection Line A," and "Shipping Warehouse A." In such a case, the processor 21 arranges the screen parts PT11 to PT16 corresponding to this production process order from left to right (layout), thereby visualizing the time series using each screen part PT11 to PT16 and generating an information visualization screen SC1 that conforms to the requested information, "I want to see the part serial number ABC0001 in the order of its movement from parts arrival to product production completion."

[0050] Here, screen part PT11 represents the production process "parts warehouse A". Screen part PT12 represents the production process "workplace warehouse A". Screen part PT13 represents the production process "assembly line A". Screen part PT14 represents the production process "assembly line B". Screen part PT15 represents the production process "inspection line A". Screen part PT16 represents the production process "shipping warehouse A".

[0051] Furthermore, the processor 21 can generate an information visualization screen SC1 that aligns with the user's request to "view information in the order it moves" by associating start time information and end time information with each screen component PT11 to PT16. In addition, the processor 21 can visualize whether the information visualization screen SC1 aligns with the user's request by generating another information visualization screen SC1 that includes information IF10 "Selected component: ABC0001" indicating the target of the information visualized by this information visualization screen SC1.

[0052] Next, we will explain the information visualization screen SC2 with reference to Figure 5. Figure 5 is a diagram showing example 2 of the information visualization screen. In the explanation of Figure 5, in order to make the explanation of the screen parts easier to understand, a descriptive code is assigned only to screen part PT21, and the assignment of codes is omitted for the other screen parts. Also, the production line A shown in Figure 5 may be named any of the production lines L1 to L3.

[0053] The information visualization screen SC2 was generated based on the request information, "I want to see which equipment on production line A was stopped and for how long today."

[0054] Processor 21 breaks down the request information entered by the user into 5W1H keywords and determines that the request information is linked to the operational information of "Production Line A". Processor 21 extracts screen parts PT21, PT22, PT23, PT24, PT25, and PT26 to visualize "Production Line A", the production equipment that makes up "Production Line A", and the downtime of each production equipment. Processor 21 collects various information necessary for each screen part PT21 to PT26 from the management computer P1. Processor 21 links the collected information with one or more extracted screen parts to generate the information visualization screen SC2.

[0055] The information visualization screen SC2 includes the information IF20 "■Equipment Downtime Line Name: A Time: 2024 / 9 / 24, 0:00~2024 / 9 / 24, 23:59" which has been requested (selected) for visualization, and multiple screen parts PT21~PT26 which correspond to the requested information "I would like to see which equipment on production line A has been down for how long today."

[0056] Here, screen parts PT21 to PT26 are parts that visualize information about each production piece of equipment that makes up "Production Line A" and the downtime of each production piece of equipment. For example, screen part PT21 is a part that visualizes the production piece of equipment "Printing Machine 01" (information IF12) that makes up "Production Line A" and the downtime information IF22 "5:00:00" for production piece of equipment "Printing Machine 01". The processor 21 acquires information about each production piece of equipment that makes up "Production Line A" and information about the operating time or non-operating time of each production piece of equipment based on the operation log or system log of "Production Line A".

[0057] The processor 21 links information from each production process to screen parts PT21 to PT26. As a result, the processor 21 generates an information visualization screen SC2 that corresponds to the request information, "I want to see which equipment on production line A has been stopped for how long today."

[0058] For example, in the example shown in Figure 5, "Production Line A" is constructed using the production equipment "Printing Machine 01", "SIP 01", "Placement Machine 01", "Placement Machine 02", "AOI 01", and "Reflow 01". In such a case, the processor 21 can generate an information visualization screen SC2 that conforms to the request information "I want to see which equipment on Production Line A has been down for how long today" by associating the downtime with the corresponding screen parts PT21 to PT26 for each of the production equipment that make up "Production Line A". Specifically, the processor 21 displays downtime information (text information) on screen parts PT21 to PT26, and treats the entire area of ​​screen parts PT21 to PT26 as 24 hours (1 day), and associates the downtime information with screen parts PT21 to PT26 by showing the downtime of the production equipment for the entire area of ​​screen parts PT21 to PT26 as a graph (area of ​​dot hatches) or as numbers (downtime information IF22).

[0059] Here, screen part PT21 shows the downtime of the production equipment "Printing machine 01". Screen part PT22 shows the downtime of the production equipment "SPI01". Screen part PT23 shows the downtime of the production equipment "Mounting machine 01". Screen part PT24 shows the downtime of the production equipment "Mounting machine 02". Screen part PT25 shows the downtime of the production equipment "AOI01". Screen part PT26 shows the downtime of the production equipment "Reflow 01".

[0060] As a result, the processor 21 can generate an information visualization screen SC2 that conforms to the requested information by associating the downtime with each screen component PT21 to PT26. Furthermore, the processor 21 generates an information visualization screen SC2 that includes information IF20 to make it clearer that the information visualized by this information visualization screen SC12 is the downtime of "production line A" for today (2024 / 9 / 24), thereby making it possible to visualize whether the information visualization screen SC2 conforms to the user's requested information.

[0061] Next, we will explain the information visualization screen SC3 with reference to Figure 6. Figure 6 is a diagram showing example 3 of the information visualization screen. In the explanation of Figure 6, in order to make the explanation of the screen parts easier to understand, a code is assigned only to the screen part PT31 for explanation purposes, and the assignment of codes is omitted for the other screen parts.

[0062] The information visualization screen SC3 was generated based on the request information: "I would like to see the difference between the production plan and the actual production for products produced between September 24, 2024 and September 26, 2024, on a product-by-product basis."

[0063] Processor 21 determines that the user-inputted request information is based on production plan and production results information by breaking it down into 5W1H keywords. Processor 21 extracts screen parts PT31 to PT33 for a tracing screen that visualizes information tracking the difference between the production plan and production results for each product produced during the period "2024 / 9 / 24~2024 / 9 / 26". Processor 21 collects various information necessary for each screen part PT31 to PT33 from management computer P1. Processor 21 links the collected information with one or more extracted screen parts to generate information visualization screen SC3.

[0064] Here, screen components PT31 to PT33 are components that visualize the difference between the production plan and the actual production on a product-by-product basis. For example, screen component PT31 is a component that visualizes the difference between the production plan and the actual production in the "implementation," "assembly," and "inspection" processes of product "Product A01" (Information IF34) produced during the period "2024 / 9 / 24, 0:00 to 2024 / 9 / 26, 23:59" using bar graphs IF31, IF32, and IF33.

[0065] Here, screen components PT31 to PT33 are components that visualize the difference between the production plan and the actual production on a product-by-product basis. For example, screen component PT31 is a component that visualizes the difference between the production plan and the actual production in the "mounting," "assembly," and "inspection" processes for product "Product A01" produced during the period "2024 / 9 / 24, 0:00 to 2024 / 9 / 26, 23:59" using a bar graph.

[0066] The processor 21 acquires information on each product produced during the period "2024 / 9 / 24, 0:00 to 2024 / 9 / 26, 23:59" based on the operation logs of production lines L1 to L3, or system logs, etc. For each acquired product, the processor 21 acquires information on the production plan and actual production results.

[0067] The processor 21 links the production plan information and production actual information for each product to screen parts PT31 to PT33, respectively, and visualizes the production plan information and production actuals for each product as bar graphs. The processor 21 also visualizes these screen parts PT31 to PT33 together as a single table. As a result, the processor 21 generates information visualization screen SC3, which corresponds to the request information "I want to see the difference between the production plan and production actuals on a product-by-product basis."

[0068] For example, in the example shown in Figure 6, the products produced during the period "2024 / 9 / 24, 0:00 to 2024 / 9 / 26, 23:59" are "Product A01," "Product B01," and "Product C01." Furthermore, for each of these products, the production plan and actual production results for each production process—"mounting," "assembly," and "inspection"—are recorded. In this case, the processor 21 can generate an information visualization screen SC3 that aligns with the request information "I want to see the difference between the production plan and actual production results for products produced during the period 2024 / 9 / 24 to 2024 / 9 / 26" by arranging (layout) screen parts PT31 to PT33 corresponding to each product "Product A01," "Product B01," and "Product C01" in a comparable manner for each production process.

[0069] Here, screen part PT31 shows the production plan and actual production for product "Product A01". Screen part PT32 shows the production plan and actual production for product "Product B01". Screen part PT33 shows the production plan and actual production for product "Product C01".

[0070] Furthermore, the processor 21 can generate an information visualization screen SC3 that aligns with the user's request information by linking bar graphs showing the production plan and actual production to each screen component PT31 to PT33. The white bar graphs shown in Figure 6 represent the production plan. The hatched bar graphs shown in Figure 6 represent the actual production. In addition, the processor 21 can further visualize whether the information visualization screen SC3 aligns with the user's request information by generating an information visualization screen SC3 that includes information IF30 "■Planned vs. Actual Comparison Period: 2024 / 9 / 24, 0:00~2024 / 9 / 26, 23:59", which indicates the target of the information visualized by this information visualization screen SC3.

[0071] As described above, in this embodiment, server S1 can generate information visualization screens SC1 to SC3 that visualize the information requested by the user (request information) by decomposing the request information into 5W1H keywords and extracting screen parts based on the decomposed 5W1H keywords.

[0072] (Other embodiments) The production system 100 according to the embodiment described above has been described as an example in which an information visualization screen is generated by extracting screen parts registered in the server S1 that correspond to the decomposed 5W1H keywords, but it is not limited to this. The production system 100 may also generate new screen parts based on the decomposed 5W1H keywords.

[0073] Server S1 determines one or more pieces of information to be used in a screen part, or the arrangement (layout) of one or more pieces of information in a screen part, based on the decomposed 5W1H keywords and various information that can be collected by the management computer P1, and generates a new screen part. Here, the one or more pieces of information used in a screen part include combinations of various information that can be collected by the management computer P1, or analysis results using various information. Server S1 may also refer to screen parts stored in the screen part database DB and generate a new screen part that visualizes the request information based on the decomposed 5W1H keywords.

[0074] (Note) Based on the descriptions of the embodiments described above, the following technologies are disclosed.

[0075] (Technology 1) A visualization device (server S1) that generates visualization screens (information visualization screens SC1 to SC3) for visualizing operational information related to production equipment on production lines L1 to L3, An acquisition unit (communication unit 10) (communication unit 20) acquires input information (request information) including words or sentences from the user, and multiple pieces of information (various information) related to the production equipment, The system includes a control unit (processor 21) that generates and outputs visualization screens (information visualization screens SC1 to SC3) that visualize at least one piece of operational information (i.e., information acquired from the production equipment) corresponding to the input information (request information) based on the input information (request information) and a plurality of pieces of information (various information) related to the production equipment, and a control unit (processor 21) that visualizes this information. Visualization device (server S1). As a result, in this embodiment, server S1 can generate information visualization screens SC1 to SC3 that visualize the information requested by the user (request information) based on the production equipment information corresponding to the request information. Server S1 can generate information visualization screens that are appropriate to the user's perspective or real-time situation.

[0076] (Technology 2) The control unit (processor 21) selects at least one screen part from a plurality of screen parts that have been pre-registered as templates based on the input information (request information), associates a plurality of pieces of information (various pieces of information) related to the production equipment with the screen part, and generates the visualization screens (information visualization screens SC1 to SC3). The visualization device (server S1) described in (Technology 1). As a result, in this embodiment, server S1 can generate information visualization screens SC1 to SC3 that visualize the information requested by the user (request information) by selecting and extracting screen parts that correspond to the request information from among the screen parts that have been registered in advance.

[0077] (Technology 3) The control unit (processor 21) decomposes the input information (request information) into 5W1H keywords, selects the screen parts based on the decomposed input information (request information), associates multiple pieces of information (various information) related to the production equipment with the screen parts, and generates the visualization screens (information visualization screens SC1 to SC3). The visualization device (server S1) described in (Technology 2). As a result, in this embodiment, server S1 can select one or more screen parts based on keywords broken down into 5W1H, and thus generate information visualization screens SC1 to SC3 that visualize the user's requested information. In other words, server S1 can generate information visualization screens SC1 to SC3 that are appropriate for the user's perspective or real-time situation.

[0078] (Technology 4) The control unit (processor 21) generates at least one screen part to be included in the visualization screen (information visualization screen SC1 to SC3) based on the input information (request information), and associates multiple pieces of information (various pieces of information) related to the production equipment with the generated screen part to generate the visualization screen (information visualization screen SC1 to SC3). The visualization device (server S1) described in (Technology 1). As a result, in this embodiment, server S1 can generate information visualization screens SC1 to SC3 that visualize the information requested by the user (request information) by generating screen parts corresponding to the request information.

[0079] (Technology 5) The control unit (processor 21) decomposes the input information (request information) into 5W1H keywords, selects the screen parts based on the decomposed input information (request information), associates multiple pieces of information (various information) related to the production equipment with the screen parts, and generates the visualization screens (information visualization screens SC1 to SC3). The visualization device (server S1) described in (Technology 4). As a result, in this embodiment, server S1 can generate one or more screen parts based on keywords broken down into 5W1H, and thus generate information visualization screens SC1 to SC3 that visualize the user's request information. In other words, server S1 can generate information visualization screens SC1 to SC3 that are appropriate for the user's perspective or real-time situation.

[0080] (Technology 6) A display device (management computer P1) that displays visualization screens (information visualization screens SC1 to SC3) that visualize operational information related to production equipment on production lines L1 to L3, A display unit (monitor 13) that displays the aforementioned visualization screens (information visualization screens SC1 to SC3), An input unit 14 that accepts word or sentence input from the user, An acquisition unit (communication unit 10) (communication unit 20) acquires input information (request information) including the aforementioned word or sentence, and multiple pieces of information (various information) related to the production equipment, The system includes a control unit (processor 11) that transmits the input information (request information) and a plurality of pieces of information (various pieces of information) related to the production equipment to an external device (server S1), and obtains visualization screens (information visualization screens SC1 to SC3) from the external device (server S1) that visualize at least one piece of operational information (i.e., information obtained from the production equipment) corresponding to the input information (request information), and displays them on a display unit (monitor 13). Display device (management computer P1). As a result, the management computer P1 in this embodiment can display information visualization screens SC1 to SC3 that visualize the information requested by the user (request information) based on the production equipment information corresponding to the request information. The management computer P1 can display (present) information visualization screens SC1 to SC3 in a way that suits the user's perspective or real-time situation.

[0081] (Technology 7) The aforementioned visualization screens (information visualization screens SC1 to SC3) are generated by linking multiple pieces of information (various types of information) related to the production equipment to at least one screen part that has been pre-registered as a template, based on the input information (request information). Display device (management computer P1) as described in (Technical 6). As a result, the management computer P1 in this embodiment can display information visualization screens SC1 to SC3, which use screen parts selected from pre-registered screen parts in accordance with the requested information.

[0082] (Technology 8) The aforementioned screen component decomposes the input information (request information) into 5W1H keywords, and is selected based on the decomposed input information (request information). The display device (management computer P1) described in (Technical 7). As a result, in this embodiment, the management computer P1 selects one or more screen parts based on keywords broken down into 5W1H, and can display information visualization screens SC1 to SC3 that visualize the user's requested information using the selected screen parts. In other words, the management computer P1 can display information visualization screens SC1 to SC3 that are appropriate to the user's perspective or real-time situation.

[0083] (Technology 9) The aforementioned visualization screens (information visualization screens SC1 to SC3) are generated by linking multiple pieces of information (various types of information) related to the production equipment to at least one screen part generated based on the input information (request information). Display device (management computer P1) as described in (Technical 6). As a result, the management computer P1 in this embodiment can display information visualization screens SC1 to SC3, which use screen parts generated in response to the requested information from among the screen parts that have been registered in advance.

[0084] (Technology 10) The aforementioned screen component decomposes the input information (request information) into 5W1H keywords, and generates based on the decomposed input information (request information). The display device (management computer P1) described in (Technical 9). As a result, in this embodiment, the management computer P1 generates one or more screen parts based on keywords broken down into 5W1H, and can display information visualization screens SC1 to SC3 that visualize the user's requested information using the generated screen parts. In other words, the management computer P1 can display information visualization screens SC1 to SC3 that are appropriate to the user's perspective or real-time situation.

[0085] (Technology 11) The input unit 14 accepts input information (request information) via a keyboard or touch panel. Display device (management computer P1) as described in (Technical 6). As a result, the management computer P1 in this embodiment can accept user request information input via a keyboard or touch panel.

[0086] (Technology 12) The input unit 14 receives the input information (request information) via the user's spoken voice. Display device (management computer P1) as described in (Technical 6). As a result, the management computer P1 in this embodiment can accept input of user request information based on the user's spoken voice.

[0087] Although various embodiments have been described above with reference to the attached drawings, this disclosure is not limited to such examples. It will be clear to those skilled in the art that various modifications, alterations, substitutions, additions, deletions, and equivalents can be conceived within the scope of the claims, and these will also be understood to fall within the technical scope of this disclosure. Furthermore, the components of the various embodiments described above can be combined arbitrarily without departing from the spirit of the invention. [Industrial applicability]

[0088] This disclosure is useful as a visualization device and display device for visualizing information requested by users in a production line. [Explanation of symbols]

[0089] 10,20 Communications Department 11,21 processors 12.22 memory 13 monitors 14 Input section 100 Production Systems DB Screen Parts Database L1, L2, L3 production lines LN Communication Network P1 Management Computer PT11, PT12, PT13, PT14, PT15, PT16, PT21, PT22, PT23, PT24, PT25, PT26, PT31, PT32, PT33 Screen Parts S1 Server SC0,SC1,SC2,SC3 Information visualization screen SC12 Information visualization screen

Claims

1. A visualization device that generates a visualization screen for visualizing operational information related to production equipment on a production line, An acquisition unit that acquires input information including words or sentences from the user and multiple pieces of information relating to the production equipment, The system includes a control unit that generates and outputs a visualization screen that visualizes at least one piece of operational information corresponding to the input information, based on the input information and a plurality of pieces of information relating to the production equipment. Visualization device.

2. The control unit, based on the input information, selects at least one screen part from a plurality of screen parts that have been registered in advance as templates, associates a plurality of pieces of information relating to the production equipment with the screen part, and generates the visualization screen. The visualization device according to claim 1.

3. The control unit decomposes the input information into 5W1H keywords, selects the screen parts based on the decomposed input information, associates multiple pieces of information related to the production equipment with the screen parts, and generates the visualization screen. The visualization device according to claim 2.

4. The control unit generates at least one screen component to be included in the visualization screen based on the input information, and associates a plurality of pieces of information relating to the production equipment with the generated screen component to generate the visualization screen. The visualization device according to claim 1.

5. The control unit decomposes the input information into 5W1H keywords, selects the screen parts based on the decomposed input information, associates multiple pieces of information related to the production equipment with the screen parts, and generates the visualization screen. The visualization device according to claim 4.

6. A display device that displays a visualization screen for visualizing operational information related to production equipment on a production line, A display unit that displays the aforementioned visualization screen, An input section that accepts word or sentence input from the user, An acquisition unit that acquires input information including the aforementioned word or sentence, and a plurality of pieces of information relating to the production equipment, The system includes a control unit that transmits the input information and a plurality of pieces of information relating to the production equipment to an external device, and obtains a visualization screen from the external device that visualizes at least one piece of operational information corresponding to the input information, and displays it on a display unit. Display device.

7. The visualization screen is generated by associating multiple pieces of information related to the production equipment with at least one screen component that has been pre-registered as a template, based on the input information. The display device according to claim 6.

8. The aforementioned screen component decomposes the input information into 5W1H keywords and selects based on the decomposed input information. The display device according to claim 7.

9. The visualization screen is generated by linking multiple pieces of information related to the production equipment to at least one screen component generated based on the input information. The display device according to claim 6.

10. The aforementioned screen component decomposes the input information into 5W1H keywords, and generates based on the decomposed input information, The display device according to claim 9.

11. The input unit accepts input of the input information via a keyboard or touch panel. The display device according to claim 6.

12. The input unit receives the input information via the user's spoken voice. The display device according to claim 6.

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