Data Management System

Abstract

This technology provides the ability to provide the appropriate type of manufacturing data in situations where multiple types of manufacturing data are being managed. [Solution] The data management system is a data management system that manages multiple types of manufacturing data related to manufacturing obtained from multiple manufacturing processes, and comprises an acquisition unit that acquires user information related to a user, and a provision unit that provides the user with a type of manufacturing data from among the multiple types of manufacturing data that corresponds to the acquired user information, wherein the provision unit provides a first type of manufacturing data from among the multiple types of manufacturing data when a first user information is acquired, and provides a second type of manufacturing data from among the multiple types of manufacturing data that is different from the first type of manufacturing data when a second user information different from the first user information is acquired.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The technology disclosed in the present specification relates to a data management system that manages multiple types of manufacturing data acquired from a plurality of manufacturing processes.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a production management system that manages the production status of a production line provided with a plurality of production facilities. The production management system includes a plurality of information providing apparatuses that provide operation information to users. In the production management system, the range of operation information obtainable by the information providing apparatus is determined using input identification information and apparatus-specific information indicating which one of the plurality of information providing apparatuses is the relevant information providing apparatus.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problem to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the above technology, the range of operation information is determined using the identification information and the apparatus-specific information. However, a situation in which a plurality of types of manufacturing data related to manufacturing acquired from a plurality of manufacturing processes are managed is not considered.

[0005] The present specification provides a technology capable of providing an appropriate type of manufacturing data in a situation where a plurality of types of manufacturing data are managed.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0006] A first embodiment of the technology disclosed herein is a data management system. The data management system manages multiple types of manufacturing data related to manufacturing obtained from multiple manufacturing processes, and comprises: an acquisition unit that acquires user information related to a user; and a provision unit that provides the user with manufacturing data of a type corresponding to the acquired user information from among the multiple types of manufacturing data, wherein the provision unit provides first type of manufacturing data from among the multiple types of manufacturing data when first user information is acquired, and provides second type of manufacturing data different from the first type of manufacturing data from among the multiple types of manufacturing data when second user information different from the first type of user information is acquired.

[0007] This configuration allows for the provision of manufacturing data of a specific type, depending on the user information being acquired, from among multiple types of manufacturing data. This enables the provision of the appropriate type of manufacturing data to each user in situations where multiple types of manufacturing data are managed.

[0008] A second embodiment of the technology disclosed herein is the first embodiment, wherein the user information includes attribute information representing the user's attributes, the first user information includes first attribute information, and the second user information includes second attribute information different from the first attribute information.

[0009] This configuration allows for the provision of different types of manufacturing data tailored to the user's attributes.

[0010] A third embodiment of the technology disclosed herein is the first or second embodiment described above, wherein the acquisition unit acquires user information from a user terminal used by the user, the user information includes terminal information related to the user terminal, the first user information includes first terminal information, and the second user information may include second terminal information different from the first terminal information.

[0011] This configuration allows for the provision of different types of manufacturing data depending on the user terminal being used by the user.

[0012] A fourth embodiment of the technology disclosed herein is that, in any one of the first to third embodiments, the user information includes location information relating to the user's location, the first user information includes first location information, and the second user information includes second location information different from the first location information.

[0013] This configuration allows for the provision of different types of manufacturing data depending on the user's location.

[0014] A fifth embodiment of the technology disclosed herein is that, in the fourth embodiment, if the user's location associated with the acquired location information is not located in one or more manufacturing areas where the plurality of manufacturing processes are located, neither the first type of manufacturing data nor the second type of manufacturing data is provided.

[0015] This configuration allows for the provision of different types of manufacturing data depending on the user's location.

[0016] A sixth embodiment of the technology disclosed herein is that, in any one of the first to fifth embodiments, the user information includes the IP address of the user terminal used by the user, and the providing unit provides a third type of manufacturing data different from the first type of manufacturing data and the second type of manufacturing data when a specific IP address used in the VPN is obtained, and the third type of manufacturing data may have a smaller data capacity than the first type of manufacturing data and the second type of manufacturing data.

[0017] This configuration allows for the provision of manufacturing data of a type appropriate to the user terminal to a user terminal that communicates via VPN.

[0018] A seventh embodiment of the technology disclosed herein is that, in any one of the first to sixth embodiments, the providing unit causes a display unit to display a specific screen image including a plurality of manufacturing data images representing the plurality of types of manufacturing data, and displays a first manufacturing data image selected by a user selection operation from among the specific screen images on the display unit, while not displaying a second manufacturing data image not selected by the selection operation on the display unit.

[0019] In this configuration, while a specific screen image is displayed, the second manufacturing data image included in that screen image that the user has not selected is not displayed. By not displaying the manufacturing data image that the user has not selected, it is possible to prevent all of the manufacturing data images from being seen by a third party other than the user, even if the specific screen image is viewed by the third party.

[0020] An eighth embodiment of the technology disclosed herein is the data management system in any one of the first to seventh embodiments, further comprising an enablement unit that enables a user to log in to the data management system using acquired user information, wherein the acquisition unit is capable of acquiring the user information from a plurality of communication devices, including a first communication device and a second communication device, and the enablement unit, when the first user information is acquired from the first communication device, enables login to the data management system using the first user information, and the providement unit, when the first user information is acquired from the first communication device, provides the first type of manufacturing data to the first communication device, and the enablement unit, when the first user information is acquired from the second communication device while the user is logged in to the data management system using the first user information, does not enable login to the data management system using the first user information, and the providement unit, when the first user information is acquired from the second communication device while the user is logged in to the data management system using the first user information, does not have to provide the first type of manufacturing data to the second communication device.

[0021] According to this configuration, when login using the same user information is attempted from two communication devices, login from one communication device can be permitted, and login from the other communication device can be rejected. This can prevent a third party who has obtained the first user information from logging into the data management system.

[0022] In a ninth aspect of the technology disclosed in the present specification, in any one of the first to eighth aspects described above, the data management system further comprises a storage control unit that causes the storage unit to store the plurality of types of manufacturing data, wherein the providing unit provides the first type of manufacturing data when the first user information is acquired and a predetermined period has not elapsed since the first type of manufacturing data was stored in the storage unit, and the providing unit does not have to provide the first type of manufacturing data when the first user information is acquired and the predetermined period has elapsed since the first type of manufacturing data was stored in the storage unit.

[0023] According to this configuration, it is possible to prevent manufacturing data that has been stored for a period of time from being provided. This can prevent all stored manufacturing data from being leaked.

[0024] In a tenth aspect of the technology disclosed in the present specification, in any one of the first to ninth aspects described above, the first type of manufacturing data and the second type of manufacturing data may be data acquired from a specific manufacturing process among the plurality of manufacturing processes.

[0025] According to this configuration, when a plurality of types of manufacturing data are acquired from the same manufacturing process, the type of manufacturing data to be provided can be specified according to the user information.

[0026] An eleventh aspect of the technology disclosed in the present specification is, in any one of the first to tenth aspects described above, wherein the providing unit may cause a display unit to display a manufacturing data image representing the manufacturing data, cause the display unit to display an initial screen for causing the display unit to display the manufacturing data image, cause the display unit to display a first initial screen for causing the display unit to display a first-type manufacturing data image representing first-type manufacturing data when the first user information is acquired, and cause the display unit to display a second initial screen for causing the display unit to display a second-type manufacturing data image representing second-type manufacturing data, the second initial screen being different from the first initial screen, when the second user information is acquired.

[0027] According to this configuration, the initial screen can be properly used depending on the user.

[0028] A twelfth aspect of the technology disclosed in the present specification is, in any one of the first to eleventh aspects described above, further comprising a receiving unit that receives an input of a comment associated with the first-type manufacturing data, wherein the providing unit may provide the first-type manufacturing data and the comment associated with the first-type manufacturing data when the first user information is acquired.

[0029] According to this configuration, for example, at the site of a manufacturing process, a worker inputs a comment related to the first-type manufacturing data, whereby a user can obtain the comment input by the worker together with the first-type manufacturing data. This eliminates the need for the worker to individually convey on-site comments related to the first-type manufacturing data to the user.

[0030] A thirteenth aspect of the technology disclosed in the present specification is, in the twelfth aspect described above, wherein when the input of the comment associated with the first-type manufacturing data is received, the providing unit may further provide fourth-type manufacturing data obtained from a specific manufacturing process from which the first-type manufacturing data is acquired, among the plurality of manufacturing processes, together with the comment.

[0031] With this configuration, an operator in a specific manufacturing process can input a comment on one type of manufacturing data out of several types of manufacturing data obtained from that specific manufacturing process, allowing users to provide comments even when they obtain other types of manufacturing data.

[0032] A fourteenth embodiment of the technology disclosed herein is the twelfth or thirteenth embodiment described above, wherein the receiving unit further receives comment information representing the attributes of the comment, and the providing unit uses the comment information to determine whether or not to provide the comment, and if the first user information is obtained, provides the first type of manufacturing data and the comment, and if a third user information different from the first user information is obtained, provides the first type of manufacturing data and does not provide the comment.

[0033] This configuration allows you to change whether or not to provide comments depending on the user's information.

[0034] A fifteenth embodiment of the technology disclosed herein is, in any one of the first to fourteenth embodiments, wherein the first user information includes the identification information and password of the first user, the acquisition unit further acquires authentication information read from the object to be authenticated, and the providing unit provides the first type of manufacturing data when the first user information is acquired and the first authentication information is read, and does not have to provide the first type of manufacturing data when the first user information is acquired and a second authentication information different from the first authentication information is read.

[0035] This configuration allows for a dual authentication process to determine whether or not to provide manufacturing data. This enhances the security of the data management system. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0036] [Figure 1] A schematic diagram of the data management system in the example is shown. [Figure 2] The configuration block diagrams for the main server and branch servers in this example are shown. [Figure 3] The sequence diagram of the data storage process in the embodiment is shown. [Figure 4] The flowchart shows the initial screen supply process for the base server in the example. [Figure 5] The flowchart shows the data provision process of the base server in the example. [Figure 6] The flowchart for the main data management process in the example is shown. [Figure 7] The initial screen image of the embodiment is shown. [Figure 8] This shows the state where all manufacturing data images for the example are displayed. [Figure 9] This shows an enlarged view of the manufacturing data selected by the user in the example. [Figure 10] This shows the enlarged view of the example with comments displayed. [Figure 11] This shows a state where all manufacturing data images for another embodiment are displayed. [Figure 12] This shows a state where a manufacturing data image selected by the user is displayed from among specific screen images of another embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0037] (First embodiment) (Data management system configuration) As shown in Figure 1, the data management system 2 is used, for example, to manage multiple types of manufacturing data acquired from one or more manufacturing processes located at multiple manufacturing sites 4 and 6. The data management system 2 stores the acquired multiple types of manufacturing data within the system and provides the user with the type of manufacturing data requested by the user. By restricting the types of manufacturing data that can be provided according to the user's attributes, the system provides the user with the types of manufacturing data they need while suppressing the provision of more manufacturing data than necessary, thereby preventing the leakage of manufacturing data.

[0038] The data management system 2 comprises a main server 10, multiple branch servers 12, 14, and a backup server 16. The main server 10 is installed by the administrator of the data management system 2. The main server 10 may be located, for example, within one of the multiple manufacturing sites 4, 6. The main server 10 is communicated to each of the branch servers 12, 14 and the backup server 16 via a wired communication network.

[0039] Each of the multiple base servers 12 and 14 is installed for each of the multiple manufacturing sites 4 and 6. Each of the multiple base servers 12 and 14 may be installed within the corresponding manufacturing site among the multiple manufacturing sites 4 and 6, or it may be installed outside of the manufacturing site. Base server 12 manages the manufacturing data acquired from manufacturing site 4. The multiple manufacturing sites 4 and 6 are located geographically far apart from each other. For example, manufacturing site 4 is located in Japan, and manufacturing site 6 is located in a foreign country such as the United States. The multiple manufacturing sites 4 and 6 may be located adjacent to each other.

[0040] Manufacturing site 4 is equipped with multiple manufacturing processes 20 and 22, and process management terminals 24 and 26 that manage the multiple manufacturing processes 20 and 22. Manufacturing processes 20 and 22 execute at least some of the manufacturing procedures from raw materials to finished products. For example, when manufacturing glass products from glass raw materials, the manufacturing procedure involves mixing the raw materials, melting them in a furnace such as a kiln, shaping the molten glass, and then processing the shaped glass by cutting, firing, etc. For example, manufacturing process 20 is the melting process for melting the raw materials, and manufacturing process 22 is the shaping process for shaping the glass. In modified examples, manufacturing processes 20 and 22 may correspond to each product. That is, manufacturing process 20 may include the process from melting the raw materials to shaping the molten glass and processing the shaped glass. The scope of each manufacturing process 20 and 22 may be set as appropriate by the administrator of the data management system 2.

[0041] The process control terminal 24 acquires multiple types of manufacturing data obtained from the manufacturing process 20 and transmits them to the base server 12 and the main server 10. The process control terminal 26, similar to the process control terminal 24, acquires multiple types of manufacturing data obtained from the manufacturing process 22 and transmits them to the base server 12 and the main server 10. The process control terminals 24 and 26 each have at least a CPU and memory. The CPUs of the process control terminals 24 and 26 execute processing according to computer programs stored in memory. The process control terminals 24 and 26 may be computers built into the manufacturing equipment, or they may be terminal devices such as computer terminals that are connected to the manufacturing equipment in a communicative manner.

[0042] Each of the multiple manufacturing sites 4 and 6 is equipped with at least one manufacturing process and at least one process control terminal.

[0043] The data management system 2 provides manufacturing data to user terminals 30 and 32. User terminals 30 and 32 are communication terminals such as desktop computers, notebook computers, smartphones, and mobile devices such as tablets used by users. User terminals 30 and 32 are equipped with at least a CPU, memory, display unit, and operation unit. The CPU executes processing according to computer programs stored in memory. The display unit is equipped with a display such as an LCD. The operation unit is equipped with a keyboard and mouse. User terminals 30 and 32 may also be equipped with a touch panel that has the functions of a display unit and an operation unit.

[0044] User terminals 30 and 32 can communicate with the data management system 2 from either inside or outside of the multiple manufacturing sites 4 and 6. Regarding the distinction between whether user terminals 30 and 32 are located inside or outside of the manufacturing sites 4 and 6, if user terminal 32 is located within a network constructed using a local area network, such as a wireless LAN (Local Area Network) or wired LAN, it is determined that user terminal 32 is located inside the manufacturing sites 4 and 6. Conversely, if user terminal 30 is not located within a network constructed using a local area network, it is determined that user terminal 30 is located outside the manufacturing sites 4 and 6. When user terminal 30 located outside the multiple manufacturing sites 4 and 6 communicates with the data management system 2, it is connected to the main server 10. On the other hand, when user terminal 32 located inside manufacturing site 4 communicates with the data management system 2, it is connected to the site server 12 at manufacturing site 4. In a modified example, user terminals 30 and 32 may be connected to the main server 10 regardless of their location, or they may be connected to any of the multiple site servers 12 and 14.

[0045] The backup server 16 is connected to the main server 10 in a way that allows it to communicate with it. The backup server 16 has the same configuration as the main server 10. The backup server 16 stores the same manufacturing data as the main server 10. If an abnormality occurs in the main server 10, the backup server 16 will take over from the main server 10 and perform the same processing as the main server 10.

[0046] (Main server and branch server configuration) As shown in Figure 2, the main server 10 comprises a control unit 40, a storage unit 42, and a communication unit 44. The control unit 40 includes a CPU and memory. The memory is mounted on a circuit board, similar to a CPU, such as ROM or RAM. The CPU executes processing according to the computer program stored in the memory. The storage unit 42 is a large-capacity recording medium such as a hard disk drive. The communication unit 44 includes a communication interface that connects to wired and wireless communication networks (e.g., Wi-Fi). The storage unit 42 and the communication unit 44 are connected to the control unit 40 by wiring (not shown) and are controlled by the control unit 40.

[0047] The branch servers 12 and 14 have identical configurations. Each branch server 12 and 14 has a configuration similar to that of the main server 10. Branch server 12 comprises a control unit 50, a storage unit 52, and a communication unit 54. The control unit 50 has a configuration similar to that of the control unit 40. The storage unit 52 has a configuration similar to that of the storage unit 42. The storage capacity of the storage unit 52 may be smaller than that of the storage unit 42. The communication unit 54 has a communication interface similar to that of the communication unit 44. The storage unit 52 and the communication unit 54 are connected to the control unit 50 by wiring (not shown) and are controlled by the control unit 50.

[0048] (Data storage processing) Referring to Figure 3, the data storage process for storing manufacturing data from multiple manufacturing sites 4 and 6 in site servers 12 and 14, the main server 10, and the backup server 16 will be explained. Figure 3 illustrates the case where manufacturing data obtained from the manufacturing process 20 of manufacturing site 4 is stored in each server 12, 10, and 16.

[0049] The process control terminal 24 acquires manufacturing data from the manufacturing process 20 from various detection devices installed in the manufacturing equipment of the manufacturing process 20. In the manufacturing process 20, which is a melting process, the manufacturing data includes temperature data obtained from temperature detection devices installed at multiple locations in the melting furnace, temperature data obtained from temperature detection devices installed in pipes communicating with the melting furnace, still image data obtained from imaging devices installed at multiple locations in the melting furnace, and video data from inside the melting furnace. For example, if the manufacturing process 20 has six temperature detection devices and four imaging devices as detection devices in the manufacturing equipment, then 10 types of manufacturing data can be obtained from each detection device. The number of types of manufacturing data is equal to the number of detection devices. Various types of manufacturing data are acquired continuously while the manufacturing process 20 is in operation. Therefore, various types of manufacturing data are a series of intermittent data representing the changes in the manufacturing process 20 over time. For this reason, the number of types of manufacturing data can be said to be the number of types of intermittent data. In this embodiment, the number of detection devices and the number of types of intermittent data are the same. However, if, for example, a series of data is continuously acquired while changing the detection device over time (for example, if a series of data is acquired while changing multiple imaging devices at different locations over time), the number of detection devices may be greater than the number of types of intermittent series of data. In this case, the number of types of manufacturing data may be the same as the number of types of intermittent series of data.

[0050] The process control terminal 24 acquires manufacturing data obtained from multiple detection devices. The process control terminal 24 acquires manufacturing data at the same time interval regardless of the type of manufacturing data. In a modified example, the process control terminal 24 may acquire manufacturing data at the same time interval regardless of the type of manufacturing data.

[0051] The operator can manually set at least one of several manufacturing conditions (e.g., temperature in the melting furnace, liquid level height, etc.) in the manufacturing process 20 using the process control terminal 24. In this case, the process control terminal 24 intermittently acquires the set manufacturing conditions as manufacturing data, regardless of the detection device.

[0052] The process control terminal 24 transmits the acquired manufacturing data to the base server 12 (S2). When the control unit 50 of the base server 12 receives the manufacturing data from the process control terminal 24, it stores it in the storage unit 52 (S3). In S3, the control unit 50 stores the restriction conditions in combination with the manufacturing data. The restriction conditions are used to determine whether or not to provide the combined manufacturing data to the data management system 2. For example, the restriction conditions include process information that permits or prohibits the provision of manufacturing data. The restriction conditions include time information representing the time the manufacturing data was stored. The restriction conditions are pre-stored in the storage unit 52 in combination with type information representing the type of manufacturing data. The restriction conditions are determined according to the type of manufacturing data. Therefore, the restriction conditions may be the same or different depending on the type of manufacturing data. When multiple types of manufacturing data are acquired from one manufacturing process, restriction conditions are assigned to each type. Therefore, even for manufacturing data acquired from a single manufacturing process, the restriction conditions may differ depending on the type of manufacturing data.

[0053] Process information includes attribute information representing the user's attributes. This attribute information includes the user's rank within the organization, responsibilities, work location, affiliated manufacturing site, department, etc. For example, for relatively confidential types of manufacturing data, provision to higher-ranking users is permitted, while provision to other users is prohibited. In this case, the attribute information includes the ranks to whom provision is permitted.

[0054] The process information further includes MAC addresses that are permitted to provide information. Alternatively, each user terminal may be assigned unique terminal identification information in advance. In this case, the user information may include terminal identification information that is permitted or prohibited from providing information.

[0055] The process information further includes location information representing the user's location. The location information includes at least one of the IP addresses and region information representing the region from which information provision is permitted or prohibited. The region information represents country information, local information, and at least one of the multiple manufacturing sites 4, 6. For example, if the region information is set to represent the multiple manufacturing sites 4, 6 as the region from which information provision is permitted, users located within any of the multiple manufacturing sites 4, 6 can obtain the manufacturing data, while users located outside of the multiple manufacturing sites 4, 6 cannot. Alternatively, for example, if the region information is set to represent one or more countries as the region from which information provision is permitted, users located in the specified countries can obtain the manufacturing data, while users located in other countries cannot.

[0056] Manufacturing data that is prohibited from being provided via VPN (Virtual Private Network) includes process information and IP characteristic information that represents the characteristics of the IP addresses used in the VPN. Manufacturing data that is prohibited from being provided via VPN includes relatively large data sizes, such as video data and relatively confidential types of manufacturing data.

[0057] The constraints specify whether the multiple pieces of information included in the user information are in an AND condition or an OR condition. For example, if the user information includes attribute information and location information, the constraints specify whether the provision of manufacturing data is permitted only if both the attribute information and location information are satisfied (i.e., an AND condition), or whether the provision of manufacturing data is permitted only if either the attribute information or location information is satisfied (i.e., an OR condition).

[0058] The control unit 50 transmits the stored combination of manufacturing data and restriction information to the main server 10 (S4). When the control unit 40 of the main server 10 receives the combination of manufacturing data and restriction information, it stores it in the storage unit 42 (S5). In S5, the control unit 40 also stores location information representing the manufacturing site 4 in combination with the manufacturing data. The control unit 40 transmits the combination of manufacturing data, restriction information and location information to the backup server 16 (S6). When the backup server 16 receives the combination of manufacturing data, restriction information and location information, it stores it in the storage unit of the backup server 16 (S7).

[0059] In manufacturing process 20, the worker managing the process can input a comment for one type of manufacturing data. By operating the process management terminal 24, the worker can input comments for a series of manufacturing data in chronological order, specifying the time. The comments that can be entered are strings of characters arbitrarily entered by the worker by operating the control panel of the process management terminal 24. In a modified example, the worker may select from several comment candidates that are pre-stored in the process management terminal 24.

[0060] When a comment is entered (S11), the process management terminal 24 transmits a combination of comment information and location information to the base server 12 (S12). The comment information includes comment data. The comment data represents the entered string. In a modified example, it may be comment identification information that identifies the comment selected by the worker from multiple comment candidates. The worker can set restriction conditions for the comment. The worker can set restriction conditions for the comment to be entered by operating the process management terminal 24. The comment information includes restriction conditions. The location information represents the location of the comment relative to the manufacturing data. Specifically, the location information includes type information representing the type of manufacturing data, time information representing the time specified by the worker, and process identification information that identifies the manufacturing process 20.

[0061] When the control unit 50 of the base server 12 receives a combination of comment information and location information from the process management terminal 24, it stores it in the storage unit 52 (S13). In S13, the control unit 50 stores the combination of the location information and the type of manufacturing data identified by the type information contained in the location information.

[0062] The control unit 50 transmits the stored combination of comment information and location information to the main server 10 (S14). When the control unit 40 of the main server 10 receives the combination of comment information and location information, it stores it in the storage unit 42 (S15). In S15, the control unit 40 further stores location information representing the manufacturing site 4 in combination with the comment information. The control unit 40 transmits the combination of comment information, location information and location information to the backup server 16 (S16). When the backup server 16 receives the combination of comment information, location information and location information, it stores it in the storage unit of the backup server 16 (S17).

[0063] Through data storage processing, the branch server 12 stores multiple types of manufacturing data obtained from manufacturing site 4. Similarly, branch server 14 stores multiple types of manufacturing data obtained from manufacturing site 6. The main server 10 stores multiple types of manufacturing data obtained from multiple manufacturing sites 4 and 6. The backup server 16 stores the same manufacturing data as the main server 10. All manufacturing data obtained from multiple manufacturing sites 4 and 6 is collected by the main server 10 and the backup server 16.

[0064] Through data storage processing, the branch server 12 stores comment information, including comment data representing comments entered by workers, and location information. Similarly, the branch server 14 stores comment data and location information. The main server 10 stores comment information and location information obtained from multiple manufacturing sites 4 and 6. The backup server 16 stores the same comment information and location information as the main server 10. All comment information and location information obtained from multiple manufacturing sites 4 and 6 are collected by the main server 10 and the backup server 16.

[0065] In Figure 3, manufacturing data, comment information, and location information are stored separately. However, for example, the process control terminal 24 may incorporate the comment information and location information into the manufacturing data and send it as new manufacturing data to the base servers 12 and 14 and subsequent servers such as the main server 10 and backup server 16.

[0066] (User registration process) The data management system 2 allows users to register for use at any time. When the administrator registers a new user, they register a combination of user ID (e.g., the user's employee number), password, biometric information for biometric authentication (e.g., fingerprint, face, vein pattern, etc.), user attribute information, and initial screen data on the main server 10. The initial screen data registered is the default initial screen data.

[0067] The control unit 40 of the main server 10 registers user information for users identified by a user ID, in association with the user ID. Specifically, the user information includes attribute information representing the user's attributes. The attribute information includes the user's rank within the organization, responsibilities, work location, affiliated manufacturing site, department, etc., similar to the attribute information included in process information. User information may be registered by an administrator by inputting it into the main server 10, or the control unit 40 may obtain it from the main server 10 or other servers installed for managing users.

[0068] (Processing performed by the branch server) The processes performed by each of the branch servers 12 and 14 are described below. Each manufacturing site 4 and 6 is equipped with an internal LAN. A user terminal 32 located at manufacturing site 4 accesses the data management system 2 by being connected to the branch server 12 via the internal LAN.

[0069] When a user (hereinafter referred to as "specific user") connects the user terminal 32 to the LAN within the base station, they can operate the user terminal 32 to send a login screen data request requesting login screen data for entering login information into the data management system 2.

[0070] (Initial screen supply process) Referring to Figure 4, the process of logging in from a user terminal 32 to the branch server 12 will be explained. The control unit 50 of the branch server 12 repeatedly executes the initial screen supply process while the power is on. In S22, the control unit 50 monitors whether a login screen data request is received from the user terminal 32 in the manufacturing site 4. If a login screen data request is received (YES in S22), in S24, the control unit 50 obtains the login screen data from the main server 10. Specifically, the control unit 50 sends the login screen data request to the main server 10 and receives the login screen data as a response to the login screen data request. In a modified example, the branch server 12 may have login screen data already stored in the storage unit 52. In this case, the process in S24 may be omitted, and the process may proceed to S26.

[0071] Next, in S26, the control unit 50 supplies login screen data to the user terminal 32, the source of the login screen data request in S22. When the user terminal 32 receives the login screen data from the process control terminal 24, it displays the login screen represented by the login screen data on the display unit of the user terminal 32. The login screen includes an image prompting the user to enter user identification information. With the login screen displayed, the user enters user identification information, including a user ID (e.g., the specific user's employee number) and password, by operating the operation unit of the user terminal 32. The login screen further includes an image prompting biometric authentication. Biometric authentication is performed using a part of the body such as a fingerprint, face, or veins. The user terminal 32 is equipped with a reading unit for reading the body, such as a camera or ultrasonic reader. The specific user has the reading unit read a part of the body to be used for authentication. The user terminal 32 acquires biometric information representing the read body. The user terminal 32 transmits the login information, including the acquired user identification information and biometric information, to the base server 12.

[0072] In S28, the control unit 50 monitors whether login information is being acquired. If login information is received (YES in S28), in S30, the control unit 50 determines whether to allow the login using the login information acquired in S28. Specifically, the control unit 50 sends the login information acquired in S28 to the main server 10. The control unit 40 of the main server 10 determines whether the login information acquired from the branch server 12 is registered in the storage unit 42. If the login information acquired from the branch server 12 is registered in the storage unit 42, the control unit 40 determines whether the user has already logged into the data management system 2 using the same login information. If the user has not yet logged in, the control unit 40 determines to allow the login. On the other hand, if the user has already logged in, the control unit 40 determines not to allow the login. Also, if the login information acquired from the branch server 12 is not registered in the storage unit 42, the control unit 40 determines not to allow the login. The control unit 40 sends the result of its determination to the branch server 12. If the control unit 40 determines that login is permitted, it further transmits the user information and initial screen data registered in the storage unit 42, combined with the login information, to the branch server 12. In a modified example, all or part of the login information stored in the main server 10 may be stored in the branch server 12. In this case, the control unit 50 may determine whether or not login is permitted.

[0073] When the control unit 50 receives the judgment result from the main server 10, it determines whether the judgment result allows login or not. If it determines that login is not allowed (NO in S30), in S32, the control unit 50 supplies login error screen data, which represents a login error screen indicating that login was not allowed, to the user terminal 32, and returns to S22.

[0074] If it is determined that login is permitted (YES in S30), in S34, the control unit 50 obtains initial screen data from the main server 10. The control unit 50 obtains user information corresponding to the user ID from the main server 10 along with the initial screen data. The control unit 50 stores the user information in combination with the user ID in the storage unit 52. Next, in S36, the control unit 50 supplies the initial screen data received in S34 to the user terminal 32 and returns to S22. As shown in Figure 7, when the user terminal 32 receives the initial screen data, it displays the initial screen 70 represented by the initial screen data on the display unit.

[0075] (Initial screen configuration) As shown in Figure 7, the initial screen 70 includes multiple display areas 72, 74, 76, 78, and 80. Display area 72 displays a list of messages received from other users of the data management system 2. In other words, in the data management system 2, users can communicate messages using the data management system 2. Display area 72 also displays a list of messages that specify a particular user as the recipient. In addition, display area 72 may display maintenance information such as the timing and content of maintenance for the data management system 2, which is registered by the administrator on the main server 10 or branch servers 12 and 14.

[0076] Display area 74 is a customizable area for each user. By operating the user terminal 32, the user can place one or more icon images 82 related to the types of manufacturing data that the user frequently acquires in display area 74. Display area 76 is for selecting the manufacturing site and process of the manufacturing data to be acquired. The initial screen data includes a list of multiple manufacturing processes 20 and 22 located at multiple manufacturing sites 4 and 6 to be displayed in display area 76. Display area 78 includes multiple icon images 84, 86, and 88 for selecting the display mode of the manufacturing data to be displayed. Display area 80 contains multiple buttons for causing the data management system 2 to execute one or more other processes other than the process of displaying manufacturing data.

[0077] (Data provision processing) As shown in Figure 5, each of the branch servers 12 and 14 repeatedly performs data provision processing in parallel with the initial screen supply processing while the power is on. This allows the branch servers 12 and 14 to perform data provision processing while simultaneously performing initial screen supply processing for multiple user terminals. In the data provision processing, at S42, the control unit 50 monitors whether a manufacturing data request is received from the user terminal 32. A specific user can operate the initial screen 70 by operating the operation unit of the user terminal 32.

[0078] A specific user can perform an operation to select the display area 76 (for example, by selecting it with a pointer and clicking). When the operation to select the display area 76 is performed, the user terminal 32 displays a list of multiple manufacturing processes 20 and 22 installed at multiple manufacturing sites 4 and 6 included in the initial screen data, overlaid on the initial screen 70 via a pull-down menu. The specific user selects a desired single manufacturing process from the list by operating the user terminal 32. The user terminal 32 displays identification information representing the selected manufacturing process in the display area 76. The specific user can further select one of the icon images 84, 86, or 88 in the display area 78 by operating the user terminal 32.

[0079] When a specific user selects one of the icon images 84, 86, or 88, the user terminal 32 sends a manufacturing data request to the base server 12. The manufacturing data request includes identification information representing the manufacturing process displayed in the display area 76, information representing the display mode represented by the selected icon image, and the user ID of the specific user. When sending the manufacturing data request, the user terminal 32 also sends its MAC address and the IP address assigned to the user terminal 32.

[0080] When the control unit 50 receives a manufacturing data request from the user terminal 32 (YES in S42), it determines in S44 whether the requested manufacturing data is stored in the storage unit 52. Specifically, the control unit 50 determines that the manufacturing data is stored in the storage unit 52 if the identification information representing the manufacturing process included in the manufacturing data request represents one of the multiple manufacturing processes 20 and 22 within the manufacturing site 4 where the site server 12 is installed (YES in S44). On the other hand, the control unit 50 determines that the manufacturing data is not stored in the storage unit 52 if it does not represent any of the multiple manufacturing processes 20 and 22 (NO in S44).

[0081] If the answer in S44 is YES, in S46 the control unit 50 determines whether it is possible to provide manufacturing data to the user identified by the user ID. Specifically, the control unit 50 determines whether the user information stored in the storage unit 52 in combination with the user ID included in the manufacturing data request, and the MAC address and IP address received with the manufacturing data request, match the constraint conditions stored in combination with the requested type of manufacturing data. The manufacturing data request specifies the manufacturing process and the display of the data (numerical values, graphs, images, etc.). Multiple types of manufacturing data may be obtained from a single manufacturing process. If multiple types of manufacturing data are stored for the manufacturing process specified in the manufacturing data request, the control unit 50 determines whether it is possible to provide manufacturing data for each type. The control unit 50 also determines whether the storage time of the manufacturing data, represented by the time information of the constraint conditions, is within a predetermined period (e.g., one hour or half a day). The predetermined period is set in advance. If the storage time is within the predetermined period and matches the other constraint conditions, the control unit 50 determines that it is possible to provide the manufacturing data (YES in S46) and proceeds to S48. On the other hand, if the limit conditions are not met, it is determined that the manufacturing data cannot be provided (NO in S46), and the process proceeds to S50. If the storage time is outside the specified period, even if other limit conditions are met, it is determined that the manufacturing data cannot be provided (NO in S46), and the process proceeds to S50.

[0082] In S48, the control unit 50 retrieves the manufacturing data requested in the manufacturing data request from the storage unit 52, transmits it to the user terminal 32, and returns to S42. In S50, the control unit 50 transmits the provided error screen data, which is pre-stored in the storage unit 52, to the user terminal 32. This allows the types of manufacturing data that can be provided to be changed according to the user.

[0083] On the other hand, if the answer in S44 is NO, in S52 the control unit 50 sends a manufacturing data request to the main server 10. In S54, the control unit 50 receives data from the main server 10. The main server 10, like the branch server 12, determines whether it can provide the manufacturing data (see Figure 6). In S54, the control unit 50 receives either the manufacturing data or the provision error screen data depending on the main server 10's determination. In S56, the control unit 50 sends the manufacturing data or provision error screen data received in S54 to the user terminal 32 and returns to S42.

[0084] When the user terminal 32 receives the provided error screen data, it displays an error screen on its display unit indicating that it is unable to provide the manufacturing data, as represented by the provided error screen data. This allows a specific user to recognize that the manufacturing data cannot be provided.

[0085] If no manufacturing data request is received from the user terminal 32 (NO in S42), in S62, the control unit 50 determines whether or not an initial screen change request has been received. Specifically, a particular user can press the setting button 90 on the initial screen 70 while the initial screen 70 is displayed on the user terminal 32. When the setting button 90 is pressed, the user terminal 32 sends an initial screen change request to the branch server 12. If the control unit 50 receives an initial screen change request (YES in S62), in S64, it sends the initial screen change request to the main server 10. In the initial screen change process, the initial screen data representing the initial screen 70 is updated by communication between the user terminal 32 and the main server 10 via the branch server 12. In S66, the control unit 50 relays the communication between the user terminal 32 and the main server 10 during the initial screen change process.

[0086] In the initial screen change process, when an initial screen change request is received, the control unit 40 of the main server 10 sends setting screen data to the user terminal 32. The setting screen data is data representing a setting screen for setting which manufacturing process icon image of which manufacturing site is to be displayed in the display area 74. The setting screen includes buttons representing each of the manufacturing processes installed at multiple manufacturing sites 4 and 6. A specific user operates the user terminal 32 and presses the button representing the desired manufacturing process. The user terminal 32 sends identification information of the manufacturing process represented by the button operated by the specific user to the main server 10. The control unit 40 generates updated initial screen data in which the icon image representing the manufacturing process represented by the received identification information is placed in the display area 74. The control unit 40 overwrites the initial screen data registered in combination with the specific user's user information with the updated initial screen data.

[0087] The control unit 40 sends the updated initial screen data to the base server 12. In S68, when the control unit 50 receives the updated initial screen data, in S70 it sends the initial screen data to the user terminal 32 and returns to S42.

[0088] If no initial screen change request is received in S62 (NO in S62), the control unit 50 performs other processing and returns to S42 (S72). Other processing includes, for example, a specific user operating the control panel of the user terminal 32 to select the message creation button located in the display area 72. The user terminal 32 obtains message creation screen data from the main server 10 via the branch server 12. The user can send a message to a specific user by operating the control panel of the user terminal 32 to enter an arbitrary string and the recipient user (e.g., user ID) and operating the send button. On the initial screen 70 of the recipient user to whom the message was sent, the newly received message is displayed in the list of messages in the display area 72.

[0089] (Processing performed by the main server) The main server 10 executes processing in response to requests from the branch servers 12 and 14 when they perform initial screen supply processing and data provision processing. Furthermore, it executes processing to provide data to user terminals 30 connected to the data management system 2 from outside the LANs of multiple manufacturing sites 4 and 6.

[0090] The control unit 40 of the main server 10 repeatedly executes the main data management process while the power is on. As shown in Figure 6, in S82, the control unit 40 monitors for the reception of login screen data requests. The main server 10 receives login screen data requests through the initial screen supply process performed by the branch servers 12 and 14. The main server 10 also receives login screen data requests directly from user terminals 30 that communicate with the main server 10 without going through the branch servers 12 and 14.

[0091] If a login screen data request is received (YES in S82), in S84, the control unit 40 sends the login screen data to the device that sent the login screen data. In S86, the control unit 40 monitors whether login information has been received. If login information is received from the branch servers 12, 14 or the user terminal 30 (YES in S86), in S88, the control unit 40 determines whether to allow the login using the login information obtained in S86. Specifically, as described in S30, the control unit 40 determines whether the obtained login information is registered in the storage unit 42. If the login information is registered in the storage unit 42 and no one has yet logged in using the same login information, the control unit 40 determines to allow the login (YES in S88). If the login information is not registered in the storage unit 42, or if someone has already logged in using the same login information, the control unit 40 determines not to allow the login (NO in S88).

[0092] If it is determined that login should not be allowed (NO in S88), in S90, the control unit 40 sends login error screen data to the device that sent the login information, indicating that the login was not allowed, and returns to S82. If it is determined that login should be allowed (YES in S88), in S92, the control unit 50 sends initial screen data to the device that sent the login information and proceeds to S94. If the device that sent the login information is a branch server 12 or 14, the control unit 50 sends the initial screen data along with the user information registered in the main server 10, combined with the user ID included in the login information, to the branch servers 12 or 14 that sent the login information.

[0093] If no login screen data request is received (NO in S82), the process proceeds to S94. In S94, the control unit 40 monitors whether a manufacturing data request is received from the branch servers 12, 14 or the user terminal 30. When a manufacturing data request is received (YES in S94), the control unit 40 performs the same processing as in S46 in S96 to determine whether or not manufacturing data can be provided. Specifically, similar to the processing in S46, it determines whether the user information identified by the user ID included in the manufacturing data request, and the MAC address and IP address received together with the manufacturing data request, match the stored constraint conditions when combined with the requested manufacturing data. The same determination is made regarding time information as in S46. If the constraint conditions are met, it is determined that manufacturing data can be provided (YES in S96), and the process proceeds to S98. On the other hand, if the constraint conditions are not met, it is determined that manufacturing data cannot be provided (NO in S96), and the process proceeds to S100.

[0094] In S98, the control unit 40 retrieves the manufacturing data requested in the manufacturing data request from the storage unit 42, sends it to the device that sent the manufacturing data request, and returns to S82. In S100, the control unit 50 sends the provided error screen data, which is pre-stored in the storage unit 52, to the device that sent the manufacturing data request, and returns to S82. This allows the types of manufacturing data that can be provided to be changed according to the user.

[0095] When the user terminal 30 receives the provided error screen data, it displays an error screen on its display unit that indicates that it is not possible to provide the manufacturing data represented by the provided error screen data. This allows the user of the user terminal 30 to recognize that the manufacturing data cannot be provided.

[0096] If no manufacturing data request is received (NO in S94), in S102, the control unit 40 determines whether an initial screen change request has been received from the branch servers 12, 14 or the user terminal 30. If the control unit 40 receives an initial screen change request (YES in S102), in S104, it executes the initial screen change process. For the initial screen change process, the control unit 40 communicates with the user terminals 30, 32 that sent the initial screen change request. When executing the initial screen change process with a user terminal (e.g., user terminal 32) that communicates with the main server 10 via the branch servers 12, 14, the branch servers 12, 14 relay the communication. When the initial screen change process is completed, in S106, the control unit 40 registers the updated initial screen data in the storage unit 42, combined with user information. In S108, the control unit 40 sends the updated initial screen data to the branch servers 12, 14 or the user terminal 30 and returns to S82.

[0097] If no initial screen change request is received in S102 (NO in S102), in S110 the control unit 40 performs other processing and returns to S82. The other processing is, for example, the same as the processing in S72.

[0098] (Display format of manufacturing data) The display configuration of manufacturing data will be explained with reference to Figures 8 to 10. When one or more types of manufacturing data are provided in S48, S56, or S98, as shown in Figure 8, multiple types of manufacturing data are arranged side by side on a single screen 100 on the user terminals 30 and 32. A setting image 102 is located on the right side of screen 100. The setting image 102 allows setting the display range (temporal range) and display unit (for example, whether it is in hours or days) of the manufacturing data.

[0099] The manufacturing data stored in storage units 42 and 52 is represented numerically, except for image and video data. If the display specified in the manufacturing data request is a graph, the control units 40 and 50 provide the numerically represented manufacturing data as a graph, according to the display format.

[0100] The type of manufacturing data provided varies depending on the user. Therefore, the types of manufacturing data included in screen 100 differ depending on the user. When a comment is inserted into the manufacturing data, an indicator 104 is displayed to show that a comment has been inserted, corresponding to the comment's position information. The indicator 104 is attached to all types of manufacturing data.

[0101] Users can select one piece of manufacturing data from among several types of manufacturing data by operating user terminals 30 and 32. As shown in Figure 9, when a user selects one piece of manufacturing data, an enlarged screen 110 of the selected manufacturing data is displayed on screen 100. In detail, when a user selects one piece of manufacturing data, information representing the selected manufacturing data is supplied to the server that provides the manufacturing data (i.e., branch servers 12 and 14 or the main server 10). When the server receives the information representing the selected manufacturing data, it generates enlarged screen data representing the enlarged screen 110 and sends it to user terminals 30 and 32. When user terminals 30 and 32 receive the enlarged screen data, they display the enlarged screen 110 represented by the enlarged screen data on their display units.

[0102] The enlarged screen data includes data representing display 112, indicating that a comment is present, as shown by "Action 1" and "Action 2" at locations containing comments. Display 112 is displayed on the enlarged screen 110. As shown in Figure 10, when a user selects one of the displays 112, user terminals 30 and 32 display the comment 114 corresponding to the selected display 112. More specifically, when a user selects one of the displays 112, information representing the selected display 112 is supplied to the server providing the manufacturing data (i.e., branch servers 12, 14, or main server 10). When the control unit of branch servers 12, 14, or main server 10 receives the information representing the selected display 112, it identifies the comment data representing the comment corresponding to the location of the selected display 112. The control unit then determines whether or not any constraints are set for the comment data. If no constraints are set, the control unit sends the comment data to user terminals 30 and 32. If constraints are met, the control unit sends the comment data to user terminals 30 and 32. If the constraints are not met, the control unit does not send comment data to user terminals 30 and 32. When comment data is acquired, user terminals 30 and 32 display the comment 114 on the enlarged screen 110. This eliminates the need for workers to individually communicate comments in the manufacturing process to users.

[0103] Comment 114 is entered for one type of manufacturing data. In contrast, comments can be displayed together with multiple types of manufacturing data. This allows for providing comments for multiple types of manufacturing data.

[0104] By restricting the provision of comments based on certain conditions, it is possible to change whether or not comments can be provided depending on the user's information. This allows for restricting the viewing of comments.

[0105] Users can enter comments using user terminals 30 and 32. For example, they can select comment 114 at the desired location and enter a string. User terminals 30 and 32 transmit the entered string and the location information of comment 114 to the branch servers 12 and 14 or the main server 10. The control unit of the branch servers 12 and 14 or the main server 10 adds the received string to comment 114.

[0106] In a modified version, the user may request comments using user terminals 30 and 32. For example, if a user discovers unusual data in the manufacturing data and wishes to confirm it with the worker, the user may select the data in the manufacturing data image. The user terminals 30 and 32 may send the location information (e.g., time information) of the selected manufacturing data and a comment request to the branch servers 12 and 14 or the main server 10. The control unit of the branch servers 12 and 14 or the main server 10 may place a display indicating that a comment has been requested at the location information of the manufacturing data image.

[0107] In another variation, users may be able to request comments using user terminals 30 and 32. For example, if a user discovers unusual data in the manufacturing data and wishes to have it checked with the worker, the user may select the data in the manufacturing data image. User terminals 30 and 32 may send the location information (e.g., time information) of the selected manufacturing data and a comment request to the branch servers 12 and 14 or the main server 10. The control unit of the branch servers 12 and 14 or the main server 10 may place a display indicating that a comment has been requested at the location information of the manufacturing data image.

[0108] In another embodiment, as shown in Figure 11, at S98, the control unit 40 of the main server 10 provides manufacturing data representing the screen 100, which is blurred overall. The user places the pointer 120 at any location on the screen 100 by operating the operation unit of the user terminals 30 and 32. The control units of the user terminals 30 and 32 transmit the pointer's position information to the main server 10. Upon receiving the pointer's position information, the control unit 40 transmits screen data to the user terminals 30 and 32 representing the screen 100 (see Figure 12) where only the portion of the screen 100 that represents the manufacturing data overlapping the pointer 120 is not blurred. In the screen 100 shown in Figure 11, the display representing the manufacturing data is not clearly recognizable by a third party. For this reason, the screen 100 may be displayed faintly or with coarser pixels, in addition to being blurred.

[0109] In this configuration, among the multiple manufacturing data images included in screen 100, the manufacturing data images not selected by the user are displayed in a blurred state. This prevents all of the multiple manufacturing data images from being visible to a third party who looks at screen 100.

[0110] (effect) In the data management system 2, based on the user ID obtained during login, the system provides manufacturing data of the appropriate type according to the user information acquired from storage units 42 and 52. This makes it possible to provide the appropriate type of manufacturing data when multiple types of manufacturing data are being managed.

[0111] The user information included in the restriction conditions includes user attribute information, location information, terminal information, and IP address. This configuration allows for the provision of different types of manufacturing data depending on the user's attributes, location, the terminal used by the user, and IP address. For example, a user of user terminal 32 is provided with all types of manufacturing data obtained from the manufacturing process 20, while a user of user terminal 30 is provided with only one type of manufacturing data (e.g., one type of image data) from the manufacturing data obtained from the manufacturing process 20.

[0112] The restrictions specify that certain types of manufacturing data are prohibited from being provided if they include IP characteristic information representing the characteristics of the IP addresses used in the VPN. For example, by setting relatively large manufacturing data, such as video data, as a type of manufacturing data that is prohibited from being provided to VPN access, the amount of data transmitted when accessing from a VPN can be reduced. This reduces the network load on the VPN. In addition, if relatively confidential types of manufacturing data are viewed in a public place, there is a possibility that others may see the data. By restricting the viewing of confidential manufacturing data when accessing from a VPN, information leakage can be suppressed.

[0113] The data management system 2 prevents simultaneous logins from multiple user terminals using the same login information (see S33 and S88). This configuration makes it possible to deter a third party who has obtained login information from logging into the data management system 2 if login information is leaked.

[0114] In data management system 2, the constraint conditions include time information representing the storage time. If a predetermined period has elapsed since the storage time of a manufacturing data request, the manufacturing data will not be provided, even if other constraint conditions are met. This configuration prevents the provision of manufacturing data that has been stored for an extended period. This prevents the leakage of all stored manufacturing data.

[0115] In data management system 2, multiple types of manufacturing data are acquired from a single manufacturing process. Restrictions can be set for each of these multiple types of manufacturing data. This allows for the identification of the type of manufacturing data to be provided based on the restrictions, even when multiple types of manufacturing data are acquired from the same manufacturing process.

[0116] In data management system 2, user IDs and initial screen data are registered together. This configuration allows for setting initial screen data for each user. This configuration enables different initial screens to be used depending on the user.

[0117] In the data management system 2, login information includes not only a user ID and password, but also biometric authentication information. With this configuration, a dual authentication process can be used to determine whether or not to provide manufacturing data. This improves the security of the data management system 2. In a modified version, authentication using an authentication card or the like may be performed in conjunction with or instead of biometric authentication. In this case, the data management system 2 may obtain authentication information from a reader that reads the authentication information contained in the authentication card or the like. The reader may be located in user terminals 30 and 32.

[0118] Although specific examples of the present invention have been described in detail above, these are merely illustrative and do not limit the scope of the claims. The technology described in the claims includes various modifications and changes to the specific examples illustrated above.

[0119] (1) User information included in the restriction conditions may include information about countries or regions related to the user, such as the country or region where the user works, the country or region where the user was hired by the organization, and the countries or regions visited on business trips. In this case, the user registration process may further register the country or region where the user works and the country or region where the user was hired by the organization. In addition, the user's business trip schedule may be registered in association with the user ID.

[0120] (2) User information does not have to include at least one of the following: user attribute information, location information, device information, or IP address. For example, user information may include user attribute information but not other information.

[0121] (3) Login information may include GPS information of user terminals 30 and 32. User information may include location information. In this case, the availability of manufacturing data may be determined to be possible if the acquired GPS information is included in the location information of the user information, and impossible if it is not included in the location information of the user information.

[0122] (4) In the data management system 2, the main server 10 stores all manufacturing data, and the branch servers 12 and 14 do not need to store manufacturing data. In this case, the branch servers 12 and 14 may relay communication between the user terminal 32 and the main server 10. Alternatively, the user terminal 32 may communicate with the main server 10 without going through the branch servers 12 and 14.

[0123] (5) The data management system 2 does not have to provide manufacturing data if the user terminal is located outside of the multiple manufacturing sites 4 and 6. Alternatively, the data management system 2 may acquire continuous location information of the user terminal. If the user terminal is located outside of the multiple manufacturing sites 4 and 6, the data management system 2 does not have to provide manufacturing data if the user terminal is not located at any of the multiple manufacturing sites 4 and 6 during the preceding predetermined period (e.g., one hour or one day). If the user terminal is located at any of the multiple manufacturing sites 4 and 6, the data management system 2 may provide manufacturing data if other restrictions are met.

[0124] (6) In the data management system 2, when manufacturing data should be provided to a user terminal, the system may use the location information of other user terminals to determine if a predetermined number (e.g., 2) of other user terminals are not present in the vicinity of the user terminal to which the manufacturing data should be provided (e.g., within a radius of 10m), in which case the manufacturing data may not be provided. If a predetermined number of other user terminals are present, the manufacturing data may be provided if other restrictions are met.

[0125] (7) The data management system 2 may restrict the time when login is permitted. In this case, if a login screen data request is received outside of the permitted login time, a login error screen may be sent without determining whether login is permitted or not.

[0126] (8) In the user registration process, period information may be added in combination with the user ID. In this case, it may be decided to allow login only for the period represented by the period information.

[0127] (9) In the data management system 2, if communication between the user terminal and the main server 10 and branch servers 12 and 14 is lost, it is not necessary for the user terminal to be able to output the manufacturing data provided to the user terminal.

[0128] (10) In the data management system 2, the main server 10 and branch servers 12 and 14 may be automatically logged off after a predetermined period (for example, half a day) has elapsed during which they have been logged in.

[0129] (11) In the data registration process, language information representing the language used by the user may be registered in combination with the user ID. In this case, the main server 10 may register initial screen data for the language registered as language information as initial screen data.

[0130] (12) The data management system 2 may further include a backup server that is communicatively connected to the branch servers 12 and 14 in order to back up the manufacturing data stored in the branch servers 12 and 14. In this case, the backup server may store the same data as the branch servers 12 and 14.

[0131] The technical elements described herein or in the drawings demonstrate technical usefulness individually or in various combinations, and are not limited to the combinations described in the claims at the time of filing. Furthermore, the technologies illustrated herein or in the drawings can achieve multiple objectives simultaneously, and achieving even one of these objectives constitutes technical usefulness in itself. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0132] 2: Data management system, 4, 6: Manufacturing site, 10: Main server, 12, 14: Site server, 16: Backup server, 20, 22: Manufacturing process, 24, 26: Process management terminal, 30, 32: User terminal, 40: Control unit, 42: Storage unit, 44: Communication unit, 50: Control unit, 52: Storage unit, 54: Communication unit, 70: Initial screen, 72, 74, 76, 78, 80: Display area, 82, 84, 86, 88: Icon image

Claims

1. A data management system for managing multiple types of manufacturing data related to manufacturing obtained from multiple manufacturing processes, An acquisition unit that acquires user information related to the user, The system includes a provisioning unit that provides the user with manufacturing data of the type corresponding to the user information already acquired from among the multiple types of manufacturing data, The aforementioned supply unit is, When first user information is obtained, the first type of manufacturing data among the multiple types of manufacturing data is provided. A data management system that, when a second user information different from the first user information is obtained, provides a second type of manufacturing data, which is different from the first type of manufacturing data among the multiple types of manufacturing data.

2. The user information includes attribute information representing the user's attributes, The first user information includes first attribute information, The data management system according to claim 1, wherein the second user information includes second attribute information that is different from the first attribute information.

3. The acquisition unit acquires the user information from the user terminal used by the user, The user information includes terminal information related to the user terminal, The first user information includes the first terminal information, The data management system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second user information includes second terminal information that is different from the first terminal information.

4. The user information includes location information related to the user's location, The first user information includes first location information, The data management system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second user information includes second location information that is different from the first location information.

5. The data management system according to claim 4, wherein the providing unit does not provide either the first type of manufacturing data or the second type of manufacturing data if the user's location associated with the acquired location information is not located in one or more manufacturing areas where the plurality of manufacturing processes are located.

6. The user information includes the IP address of the user terminal used by the user, The data management system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the providing unit, when a specific IP address used in a VPN is obtained, provides a third type of manufacturing data different from the first type of manufacturing data and the second type of manufacturing data, and the third type of manufacturing data has a smaller data size than the first type of manufacturing data and the second type of manufacturing data.

7. The aforementioned supply unit is, A specific screen image containing multiple manufacturing data images representing the multiple types of manufacturing data is displayed on the display unit. The data management system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a first manufacturing data image selected by a user selection operation from among the specified screen images is displayed on the display unit, and a second manufacturing data image not selected by the selection operation is not displayed on the display unit.

8. The system further includes an allowance unit that allows the user to log in to the data management system using the acquired user information, The acquisition unit is capable of acquiring user information from a plurality of communication devices, including the first communication device and the second communication device. The permitting unit, when the first user information is obtained from the first communication device, permits login to the data management system using the first user information. When the providing unit obtains the first user information from the first communication device, it provides the first type of manufacturing data to the first communication device. The permitting unit, when the first user information is obtained from the second communication device while the user is logged into the data management system using the first user information, does not permit logging into the data management system using the first user information. The data management system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the providing unit does not provide the first type of manufacturing data to the second communication device if the first user information is obtained from the second communication device while the providing unit is logged into the data management system using the first user information.

9. The system further includes a storage control unit that stores the aforementioned multiple types of manufacturing data in the storage unit, The providing unit, when first user information is acquired and within a predetermined period since the first type of manufacturing data has been stored in the storage unit, provides the first type of manufacturing data. The data management system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the providing unit does not provide the first type of manufacturing data if the first user information is acquired and the predetermined period has elapsed since the first type of manufacturing data was stored in the storage unit.

10. The data management system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first type of manufacturing data and the second type of manufacturing data are data obtained from a specific manufacturing process among the plurality of manufacturing processes.

11. The aforementioned supply unit is, The manufacturing data image representing the aforementioned manufacturing data is displayed on the display unit. An initial screen for displaying the manufacturing data image on the display unit is displayed on the display unit. When the first user information is acquired, a first initial screen is displayed on the display unit for displaying a first type manufacturing data image representing the first type of manufacturing data on the display unit. The data management system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein when the second user information is acquired, a second initial screen is displayed on the display unit for displaying a second type of manufacturing data image representing the second type of manufacturing data, and the second initial screen is different from the first initial screen.

12. The system further includes a reception unit that accepts input of comments associated with the aforementioned first type of manufacturing data, The data management system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the providing unit provides, when first user information is acquired, the first type of manufacturing data and the comments associated with the first type of manufacturing data.

13. The data management system according to claim 12, wherein when the providing unit receives input of a comment associated with the first type of manufacturing data, it further provides the fourth type of manufacturing data obtained from a specific manufacturing process among the plurality of manufacturing processes from which the first type of manufacturing data was acquired, and the comment.

14. The receiving unit further receives comment information representing the attributes of the comment, The aforementioned supply unit is, Using the aforementioned comment information, a decision is made as to whether or not to provide the aforementioned comment. When the first user information is obtained, the first type of manufacturing data and the comments are provided. The data management system according to claim 12, wherein if third user information different from the first user information is obtained, the first type of manufacturing data is provided and the comments are not provided.

15. The first user information includes the first user's identification information and password, The acquisition unit further acquires authentication information read from the authentication target, The aforementioned supply unit is, When first user information is obtained and first authentication information is read, the first type of manufacturing data is provided. The data management system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein if first user information is obtained and second authentication information different from the first authentication information is read, the first type of manufacturing data is not provided.

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