Information processing system, information processing method, and program

Abstract

To provide an information processing system, an information processing method, and a program that can cope with a situation where a plurality of flowcharts which reflect corrections to a time chart are present.SOLUTION: In an information processing system 1, a time chart generation unit 3 generates first time chart information based on first flowchart information. A time chart correction unit 4 generates second time chart information by correcting the first time chart information. A flowchart correction unit 5 generates second flowchart information by correcting the first flowchart information based on the second time chart information. The flowchart correction unit 5 extracts a difference between a first time chart and a second time chart and estimates correction contents of a plurality of patterns. The flowchart correction unit 5 forms a second flowchart by applying a correction content selected by a user to the first flowchart.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] The information processing device of Patent Document 1 processes each piece of information, a time chart, a flow chart, and a sequence program, in association with each other. For example, when any of the information, a time chart, a flow chart, and a sequence program, is changed, the information processing device reflects the change in the other pieces of information that have not been changed. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2021-152862 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] When a time chart is modified (changed), there may be multiple flowcharts corresponding to the modified time chart, i.e., there may be multiple flowcharts that reflect the modification of the time chart.

[0005] However, the information processing device of Patent Document 1 cannot handle a situation in which there are multiple flowcharts that reflect the correction of the time chart.

[0006] An object of the present disclosure is to provide an information processing system, an information processing method, and a program that can handle a situation in which there are multiple flowcharts that reflect corrections to a time chart. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] An information processing system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a time chart generation unit, a time chart correction unit, and a flowchart correction unit. The time chart generation unit generates first time chart information, which is information of a first time chart showing a time change in each state of a plurality of driving units, based on first flowchart information, which is information of a first flowchart showing an operation of a facility having a plurality of driving units. The time chart correction unit generates second time chart information, which is information of a second time chart obtained by correcting the first time chart. The flowchart correction unit generates second flowchart information, which is information of a second flowchart obtained by correcting the first flowchart, based on the second time chart information. The flowchart correction unit includes a difference extraction unit, an estimation unit, and a flowchart processing unit. The difference extraction unit extracts a difference between the first time chart and the second time chart. The estimation unit estimates a plurality of patterns of correction contents to be applied to the first flowchart in response to the difference. The flowchart processing unit creates the second flowchart by applying a correction content selected by a user from the plurality of patterns of correction contents to the first flowchart.

[0008] An information processing method according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes a time chart generating step, a time chart correcting step, and a flowchart correcting step. The time chart generating step generates first time chart information, which is information of a first time chart showing a time change in each state of a plurality of driving units, based on first flowchart information, which is information of a first flowchart showing an operation of a facility having a plurality of driving units. The time chart correcting step generates second time chart information, which is information of a second time chart obtained by correcting the first time chart. The flowchart correcting step generates second flowchart information, which is information of a second flowchart obtained by correcting the first flowchart, based on the second time chart information. The flowchart correcting step includes a difference extracting step, an estimation step, and a flowchart processing step. The difference extracting step extracts a difference between the first time chart and the second time chart. The estimation step estimates a plurality of patterns of correction contents to be applied to the first flowchart in response to the difference. The flowchart processing step creates the second flowchart by applying a correction content selected by a user from the plurality of patterns of correction contents to the first flowchart.

[0009] A program according to one aspect of the present invention causes a computer system to execute the above-described information processing method. Effect of the Invention

[0010] As described above, the present disclosure has an advantage of being able to handle a situation in which there are multiple flowcharts that reflect corrections to a time chart. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an information processing system according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a specific configuration of the information processing system. [Diagram 3]3A to 3D are diagrams illustrating the operation of equipment in the information processing system. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a first flowchart created by the information processing system of the above embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a first time chart created by the information processing system of the above embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a second time chart created by the information processing system of the above embodiment. [Figure 7] 7A to 7C are diagrams showing a plurality of patterns of correction content in the information processing system. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a selection image in the information processing system. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a second flowchart created by the information processing system of the above embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing three states of steps (movements) of a drive unit in the information processing system. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a queue structure in the information processing system. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the information processing method according to the above embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] The present disclosure generally relates to an information processing system, an information processing method, and a program for reflecting a correction of a time chart in a flowchart.

[0013] The embodiment described below is merely an example of the present disclosure. The present disclosure is not limited to the following embodiment, and various modifications are possible depending on the design, etc., as long as the effects of the present disclosure can be achieved.

[0014] (Embodiment) (1) Overview of the information processing system Examples of equipment having multiple driving units include industrial equipment such as robots, conveying devices, and automated warehouses, as well as household equipment such as air conditioners, cooking appliances, power tools, and health appliances. The driving units are devices, equipment, and parts whose operations are controlled by control signals. For example, the driving units may be mechanical devices having driving sources such as motors and cylinders, and moving bodies that are moved by driving sources, such as stages, robot arms, conveyors, chucks, sliders, and valves. Note that "moving bodies move" is a concept that includes the movement, rotation, and displacement of the moving bodies.

[0015] The operation of such equipment is controlled by a control device. The control device is equipped with a computer system, and the computer system executes a control program to control the equipment. Generally, before creating a control program and during the process of creating the control program, an equipment designer creates a flowchart showing the operation of the equipment and checks the operation of the equipment at the design stage. In other words, in order to operate the equipment correctly, it is necessary to modify the flowchart as appropriate and create a flowchart that accurately shows the operation of the equipment.

[0016] Therefore, the information processing system 1 of this embodiment has the following configuration.

[0017] The information processing system 1 includes a time chart generating unit 3, a time chart correcting unit 4, and a flowchart correcting unit 5. The time chart generating unit 3 generates first time chart information, which is information on a first time chart C1 (see FIG. 5) showing a time change of each state of a plurality of driving units Dn (see FIG. 3), based on first flowchart information, which is information on a first flowchart F1 (see FIG. 4) representing the operation of equipment E1 (see FIG. 3) having a plurality of driving units Dn (see FIG. 3). The time chart correcting unit 4 generates second time chart information, which is information on a second time chart C2 (see FIG. 6) obtained by correcting the first time chart C1. The flowchart correcting unit 5 generates second flowchart information, which is information on a second flowchart F2 (see FIG. 9) obtained by correcting the first flowchart F1, based on the second time chart information. The flowchart correcting unit 5 includes a difference extracting unit 51, an estimating unit 52, and a flowchart processing unit 55. The difference extracting unit 51 extracts a difference between the first time chart C1 and the second time chart C2. The estimation unit 52 estimates a plurality of patterns of correction contents P1-P3 (see FIG. 7A, FIG. 7B, FIG. 7C) to be applied to the first flowchart F1 in response to the difference. The flowchart processing unit 55 creates the second flowchart F2 by applying the correction contents selected by the user from the plurality of patterns of correction contents P1-P3 to the first flowchart F1.

[0018] The above-described information processing system 1 can handle a situation in which there are multiple flowcharts that reflect corrections to the time chart.

[0019] (2) Details of the information processing system As shown in FIG. 1, the information processing system 1 includes a time chart generation unit 3, a time chart correction unit 4, and a flowchart correction unit 5. The information processing system 1 preferably further includes at least one of a flowchart generation unit 2, a storage unit 6, and a ladder generation unit 7. In this embodiment, the information processing system 1 includes the flowchart generation unit 2, the time chart generation unit 3, the time chart correction unit 4, the flowchart correction unit 5, the storage unit 6, and the ladder generation unit 7. The time chart correction unit 4 includes a simulation unit 41, an operation determination unit 42, a recommendation unit 43, a recommendation presentation unit 44, a correction operation unit 45, and a time chart processing unit 46. The flowchart correction unit 5 includes a difference extraction unit 51, an estimation unit 52, a candidate presentation unit 53, a candidate operation unit 54, and a flowchart processing unit 55.

[0020] 2 shows a specific configuration example of the information processing system 1, which is configured with a simulation system 10. The simulation system 10 includes a computer system CS1, a display device 91, and an operation unit 92. The simulation system 10 includes a 3DCAD (3 Dimensions Computer Aided Design) function for creating a three-dimensional virtual model, and a simulation function for performing a simulation using the virtual model.

[0021] The computer system CS1 includes a flowchart generation unit 2, a time chart generation unit 3, a simulation unit 41, an operation judgment unit 42, a recommendation unit 43, and a time chart processing unit 46 of the time chart correction unit 4, a difference extraction unit 51, an estimation unit 52, and a flowchart processing unit 55 of the flowchart correction unit 5, a memory unit 6, and a ladder generation unit 7.

[0022] In the computer system CS1, a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (Micro Processing Unit) reads and executes a program stored in a memory, thereby realizing at least a part of the functions of the information processing system 1 (simulation system 10). The computer system CS1 has a processor that operates according to a program as a main hardware configuration. The type of processor is not important as long as it can realize the function by executing the program. The processor is composed of one or more electronic circuits including a semiconductor integrated circuit (IC) or an LSI (Large Scale Integration). Here, it is called an IC or an LSI, but the name changes depending on the degree of integration, and it may be called a system LSI, a VLSI (Very Large Scale Integration), or an ULSI (Ultra Large Scale Integration). A field programmable gate array (FPGA) that is programmed after the LSI is manufactured, or a reconfigurable logic device that can reconfigure the connection relationship inside the LSI or set up the circuit partition inside the LSI, can also be used for the same purpose. A plurality of electronic circuits may be integrated into one chip, or may be provided on multiple chips. The multiple chips may be arranged in a concentrated manner or in a distributed manner.

[0023] The information processing system 1 (simulation system 10) includes a display device 91 and an operation unit 92 as user interfaces. The display device 91 includes a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display, and has a user interface function of visually conveying various information to the user. The display device 91 may further have a user interface function of audibly conveying various information to the user. The operation unit 92 includes a keyboard, a mouse, a microphone, and has a user interface function of accepting user operations. The display device 91 and the operation unit 92 may be configured as touch panel displays.

[0024] (2.1) Flowchart generation part The flowchart generating unit 2 generates first flowchart information. The first flowchart information is information of the first flowchart F1 shown in Fig. 4. The first flowchart F1 represents the operation of the equipment E1 shown in Figs. 3A-3D.

[0025] The equipment E1 shown in Figures 3A-3D has three driving units Dn, namely, driving units D1, D2, and D3, provided on the upper surface of a flat base E11, which is a fixed unit. The driving unit D1 is a slider that can move in the left-right direction on the base E11, and has a columnar shape extending in the up-down direction. Each of the driving units D2 and D3 is attached to the driving unit D1, and is an elevator that can move in the up-down direction along the side of the driving unit D1.

[0026] A first flowchart F1 shown in FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the equipment E1, and includes steps Sa1 to Sa4.

[0027] Each of the steps Sa1-Sa4 includes identification information, start-up information, and operation information. The identification information is an ID that is individually assigned to each of the driving units D1-D3 in order to identify each of the driving units D1-D3. Here, the identification information of the driving unit D1 is "ID1", the identification information of the driving unit D2 is "ID2", and the identification information of the driving unit D3 is "ID3". The start-up information indicates the start-up conditions of each of the driving units D1-D3. That is, the start-up information is the condition for each of the driving units D1-D3 to start moving. The operation information indicates the operation content of each of the driving units D1-D3. The operation content is the moving speed, moving direction, moving distance, acceleration time, deceleration time, maximum speed, etc. Each of the steps Sa1-Sa4 specifies which driving unit to move when what starting condition is met and how to move it by the identification information, start-up information, and operation information.

[0028] Then, the flowchart generating unit 2 sets the identification information, the activation information, and the operation information for each of the driving units D1-D3 individually. Specifically, the flowchart generating unit 2 sets the identification information, the activation information, and the operation information for any one of the driving units D1-D3 in each of steps Sa1-Sa4.

[0029] For example, a user operates operation unit 92 while viewing a flowchart generation screen displayed on display device 91 described below, and flowchart generation unit 2 creates a first flowchart F1 in accordance with the operation of operation unit 92.

[0030] Specifically, a first flowchart F1 shown in FIG. 4 corresponds to the operation of the equipment E1 in FIGS. 3A-3D.

[0031] In step Sa1, identification information ID1, startup information SU1, and operation information AC1 are set. Identification information ID1 corresponds to driving unit D1. Start-up information SU1 is the input of a start signal. Operation information AC1 is movement direction: right, movement distance L1, and movement time (time required for movement) T1. That is, in step Sa1, when a start signal is input, driving unit D1 moves to the right by movement distance L1 and movement time T1 (see FIG. 3A).

[0032] In step Sa2, identification information ID2, startup information SU2, and operation information AC2 are set. Identification information ID2 corresponds to driving unit D2. Start-up information SU2 is the completion of step Sa1. Operation information AC2 is movement direction: up, movement distance L2, and movement time T2. That is, in step Sa2, when driving unit D1 completes moving to the right, driving unit D2 moves upward by movement distance L2 and movement time T2 (see FIG. 3B).

[0033] In step Sa3, identification information ID3, startup information SU3, and operation information AC3 are set. Identification information ID3 corresponds to driving unit D3. Start-up information SU3 is the completion of step Sa1. Operation information AC3 is movement direction: up, movement distance L2, and movement time T2. That is, in step Sa3, when driving unit D1 completes moving to the right, driving unit D3 moves upwards by movement distance L2 and movement time T2 (see FIG. 3B).

[0034] In FIG. 4, the above-mentioned steps Sa2 and Sa3 are connected in parallel to step Sa1.

[0035] In step Sa4, identification information ID1, startup information SU4, and operation information AC4 are set. Identification information ID1 corresponds to driving unit D1. Start-up information SU4 is the completion of steps Sa2 and Sa3. Operation information AC4 is movement direction: left, movement distance L1, and movement time T1. That is, in step Sa4, driving unit D1 moves to the left by movement distance L1 and movement time T1 after driving units D2 and D3 have completed their respective upward movements (see FIG. 3C).

[0036] When step Sa4 is completed, equipment E1 is stopped (see FIG. 3D).

[0037] As described above, the flowchart generating unit 2 can generate the first flowchart F1 in which the operations of the multiple driving units Dn are individually set.

[0038] (2.2) Time chart generation part The time chart generating unit 3 generates first time chart information, which is information on a first time chart C1, based on first flowchart information, which is information on a first flowchart F1. The first time chart C1 shows the change over time in the state of each of the drive units D1-D3.

[0039] Specifically, the time chart generating unit 3 creates a first time chart C1 shown in Fig. 5 from the first flow chart F1 shown in Fig. 4. The top part of the first time chart C1 shows the change over time of the state of the driving unit D1. The middle part of the first time chart C1 shows the change over time of the state of the driving unit D2. The bottom part of the first time chart C1 shows the change over time of the state of the driving unit D3.

[0040] First, when a start signal is input at timing t0, the driving unit D1 moves from the origin to the right, and stops moving at timing t11 (=T1) after moving a distance L1 (corresponding to step Sa1). When the driving unit D1 completes its movement to the right, the driving units D2 and D3 move upward, and stop moving at timing t12 (=T1+T2) after moving a distance L2 (corresponding to steps Sa2 and Sa3). When the driving units D2 and D3 complete their movement upward, the driving unit D1 moves left, and stops moving at timing t13 (=T1+T2+T1) after moving a distance L1 (corresponding to step Sa4).

[0041] (2.3) Time chart correction section 1, the time chart correction unit 4 includes a simulation unit 41, an operation determination unit 42, a recommendation unit 43, a recommendation presentation unit 44, a correction operation unit 45, and a time chart processing unit 46. The time chart correction unit 4 generates second time chart information which is information on a second time chart C2 obtained by correcting the first time chart C1.

[0042] The operations of the simulation unit 41, the operation determination unit 42, the recommendation unit 43, the recommendation presentation unit 44, the correction operation unit 45, and the time chart processing unit 46 will be described below.

[0043] The simulation unit 41 simulates the operation of the equipment E1 based on at least the first time chart information. The simulation unit 41 creates three-dimensional virtual models of the base E11 of the equipment E1 and the driving units D1, D2, and D3 in a virtual space. Then, the simulation unit 41 moves the virtual models of the driving units D1, D2, and D3 in the virtual space according to the first time chart C1. The simulation unit 41 may simulate the operation of the equipment E1 using both the first time chart information and the first flow chart information.

[0044] The operation determination unit 42 determines whether or not a malfunction has occurred in the operation of the equipment E1 in the simulation by the simulation unit 41. That is, the operation determination unit 42 checks and verifies the interference and operation of each part constituting the equipment E1 based on the simulation result. For example, the operation determination unit 42 checks whether or not each of the driving parts D1, D2, and D3 interferes with another part when the virtual models of the driving parts D1, D2, and D3 are moved according to the first time chart C1. In this embodiment, the operation determination unit 42 checks that the driving part D1 interferes with another part during the period from timing t12 to t13 of the first time chart C1.

[0045] If a malfunction occurs, the recommendation unit 43 generates recommendation information that recommends the user to correct the first time chart information. The recommendation information includes the content of the malfunction and a method for resolving the malfunction. The recommendation unit 43 then causes the recommendation presentation unit 44 to display the recommendation information. Here, the display device 91 (see FIG. 2) functions as the recommendation presentation unit 44. The user looks at the recommendation information displayed by the recommendation presentation unit 44 to confirm the content of the malfunction and a method for resolving the malfunction.

[0046] The correction operation unit 45 accepts a user's operation to instruct the correction content to be applied to the first timechart information. Here, the operation unit 92 (see FIG. 2) functions as the correction operation unit 45. The user operates the correction operation unit 45 to instruct the correction content to be applied to the first timechart C1.

[0047] The time chart processing unit 46 creates the second time chart C2 shown in Fig. 6 by correcting the first time chart C1 in response to the user's operation received by the correction operation unit 45. In the second time chart C2, a delay time Td is provided after the upward movement of the driving units D2 and D3 stops at timing t12. Then, the driving unit D1 starts moving leftward at timing t14 (=T1+T2+Td) when the delay time Td has elapsed from timing t12, and stops moving at timing t15 (=T1+T2+Td+T1) when the moving distance becomes L1.

[0048] As described above, the time chart correction unit 4 can correct the time chart according to the user's operation.

[0049] (2.4) Flowchart correction section 1, the flowchart correction unit 5 includes a difference extraction unit 51, an estimation unit 52, a candidate presentation unit 53, a candidate operation unit 54, and a flowchart processing unit 55. Then, the flowchart correction unit 5 generates second flowchart information, which is information on a second flowchart F2 obtained by correcting the first flowchart F1, based on the second time chart information.

[0050] Hereinafter, the operations of the difference extraction unit 51, the estimation unit 52, the candidate presentation unit 53, the candidate operation unit 54, and the flowchart processing unit 55 will be described.

[0051] The difference extracting unit 51 extracts the difference between the first time chart C1 (see FIG. 5) and the second time chart C2 (see FIG. 6). Specifically, the difference between the first time chart C1 and the second time chart C2 is whether or not a delay time Td is provided after the timing t12 at which the upward movement of the driving parts D2 and D3 stops. The first time chart C1 does not provide a delay time Td, but the second time chart C2 does provide a delay time Td.

[0052] The estimation unit 52 estimates a plurality of patterns of correction contents to be applied to the first flow chart F1 in accordance with the difference between the first time chart C1 and the second time chart C2. In this embodiment, the estimation unit 52 estimates three patterns of correction contents P1-P3 shown in Figures 7A, 7B, and 7C. The estimation unit 52 causes the candidate presentation unit 53 to present the three patterns of correction contents P1-P3.

[0053] In the modification P1 in Fig. 7A, when step Sa2 of steps Sa2 and Sa3 is completed, a new step Sa11 for providing a delay time Td is executed. Then, after step Sa11 is completed, a new step Sa41 corresponding to step Sa4 is executed.

[0054] In the modification P2 in Fig. 7B, when step Sa3 of steps Sa2 and Sa3 is completed, a new step Sa11 for providing a delay time Td is executed. Then, after step Sa11 is completed, a new step Sa41 corresponding to step Sa4 is executed.

[0055] In the modification P3 in Fig. 7C, when both steps Sa2 and Sa3 are completed, a new step Sa11 for providing a delay time Td is executed. Then, after step Sa11 is completed, a new step Sa41 corresponding to step Sa4 is executed.

[0056] The candidate presentation unit 53 presents three patterns of correction contents P1-P3 to the user. Here, the display device 91 (see FIG. 2) functions as the candidate presentation unit 53. The user looks at the three patterns of correction contents P1-P3 displayed on the candidate presentation unit 53 and determines which pattern of correction contents to adopt.

[0057] The screen displayed by the candidate presentation unit 53 preferably includes a selection image G1 shown in FIG. 8. The selection image G1 is an image that allows the user to select one of three patterns of correction contents P1-P3. Specifically, the selection image G1 displays conditions G11-G13 corresponding to the correction contents P1-P3, respectively, as conditions for the timer to start timing the delay time Td in a new step Sa11. Next to each of the conditions G11-G13, check boxes G21-G23 corresponding to the conditions G11-G13 are arranged. The user looks at the screen displayed by the candidate presentation unit 53 and determines which of the multiple patterns of correction contents P1-P3 to select.

[0058] The candidate operation unit 54 accepts a user operation to select one of a plurality of patterns of correction contents P1-P3. Here, the operation unit 92 (see FIG. 2) functions as the candidate operation unit 54. The user operates the candidate operation unit 54 to check one of the check boxes G21-G23 of the selection image G1. That is, among the correction contents P1-P3, the correction content corresponding to the checked check box is selected.

[0059] The flowchart processing unit 55 creates the second flowchart F2 by applying the correction content selected by the user from among the multiple patterns of correction content P1-P3 to the first flowchart F1. In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 8, the check box G21 of the condition G11 is checked and the correction content P1 is selected. Therefore, the flowchart processing unit 55 creates the second flowchart F2 shown in Fig. 9 by reflecting the correction content P1 in the first flowchart F1.

[0060] The second flowchart F2 shown in Fig. 9 includes steps Sa1-Sa3, Sa11, and Sa41. In the second flowchart F2, the flowchart processing unit 55 keeps steps Sa1-Sa3 of the first flowchart F1 (see Fig. 4) and connects steps Sa11 and Sa41 in series after step Sa3. Steps Sa1-Sa3 are the same as those in the first flowchart F1, and a description thereof will be omitted.

[0061] In step Sa11, identification information ID1, startup information SU11, and operation information AC11 are set. Identification information ID1 corresponds to driving unit D1. Start-up information SU11 is the completion of step Sa2. Operation information AC11 is the measurement of delay time Td. That is, in step Sa11, driving unit D1 starts measuring delay time Td when the upward movement of driving unit D2 is completed.

[0062] In step Sa41, identification information ID1, startup information SU41, and operation information AC4 are set. Identification information ID1 corresponds to driving unit D1. Start-up information SU41 is the completion of step Sa11. Operation information AC4 is movement direction: left, movement distance L1, and movement time T1. That is, in step Sa41, when measurement of delay time Td is completed, driving unit D1 moves to the left by movement distance L1 and movement time T1.

[0063] When step Sa41 is completed, equipment E1 is stopped.

[0064] As described above, the information processing system 1 converts the first flowchart F1 into the first time chart C1, and detects defects in the first time chart C1 by a simulation using the first time chart C1. Then, the information processing system 1 creates a second time chart C2 in which the defects in the first time chart C1 are corrected. Then, the information processing system 1 estimates three patterns of correction contents P1-P3 to be applied to the first flowchart F1 in accordance with the difference between the first time chart C1 and the second time chart C2. Then, the information processing system 1 presents the three patterns of correction contents P1-P3 to the user, and when the user selects one of the three patterns of correction contents P1-P3, the information processing system 1 applies the correction content selected by the user to the first flowchart F1 to create the second flowchart F2.

[0065] Therefore, the information processing system 1 can handle a situation where there are multiple flowcharts that reflect the correction of the time chart.

[0066] Hereinafter, an example of a procedure in which the flowchart correction unit 5 creates the second flowchart F2 based on the second time chart C2 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0067] The flowchart correction unit 5 manages three states, a ready state Sc1, an executing state Sc2, and a completed state Sc3, shown in FIG. 10, for each step (movement) of the driving units D1, D2, and D3 by time simulation based on the second time chart C2. The flowchart correction unit 5 has queues Q1, Q2, and so on shown in FIG. 11, and stores the step that has become the executing state Sc2 in the queue Q1, and stores the step that has finally become the completed state Sc3. The next step that has become the executing state Sc2 is stored under the step that has finally become the completed state Sc3. At this time, if the latest step is not in the completed state Sc3, the next step that has become the executing state Sc2 is stored in a new queue Q2. Also, when two or more steps become the executing state Sc2 at the same time, the second and subsequent steps are stored in a new queue. Also, when there is a delay time from when the previous step becomes the completed state Sc3 to when the next step, which is in the ready state Sc1, transitions to the executing state Sc2, a timer is inserted.

[0068] Then, the flowchart correction unit 5 verifies the second flowchart F2 being created when each step enters the execution state Sc2, and if there is no inconsistency in the flow, continues creating the second flowchart F2. If there is an inconsistency in the flow, the flowchart correction unit 5 recreates the second flowchart F2 again using the above-mentioned procedure.

[0069] (2.5) Ladder Generation Section A programmable logic controller (PLC) or the like is generally used as a control device for controlling equipment E1 (industrial equipment) such as a robot, a conveying device, and an automated warehouse. The PLC controls the equipment E1 by executing a ladder program.

[0070] Therefore, the ladder generation unit 7 generates a ladder program for operating the equipment E1 based on the second flowchart information. That is, the ladder generation unit 7 generates a ladder program for operating the equipment E1 based on the second flowchart F2. For example, the ladder generation unit 7 has a generation logic for creating a ladder program according to the identification information, start information, and operation information of each of the multiple steps described in the second flowchart F2.

[0071] Therefore, the ladder generating unit 7 can improve the efficiency of the ladder program creation work for the equipment E1.

[0072] (3) Information processing method The information processing method executed by the information processing system 1 includes the following steps shown in FIG.

[0073] The information processing method includes a time chart generating step Sb1, a time chart correcting step Sb2, and a flowchart correcting step Sb3. The time chart generating step Sb1 generates first time chart information, which is information on a first time chart C1 (see FIG. 5) showing a time change of each state of a plurality of driving units Dn (see FIG. 3), based on first flowchart information, which is information on a first flowchart F1 (see FIG. 4) showing the operation of equipment E1 (see FIG. 3) having a plurality of driving units Dn (see FIG. 3). The time chart correcting step Sb2 generates second time chart information, which is information on a second time chart C2 (see FIG. 6) obtained by correcting the first time chart C1. The flowchart correcting step Sb3 generates second flowchart information, which is information on a second flowchart F2 (see FIG. 9) obtained by correcting the first flowchart F1, based on the second time chart information. The flowchart correcting step Sb3 includes a difference extracting step Sb31, an estimating step Sb32, and a flowchart processing step Sb33. A difference extraction step Sb31 extracts the difference between the first time chart C1 and the second time chart C2. A guess step Sb32 guesses a plurality of patterns of correction contents P1-P3 (see FIG. 7A, FIG. 7B, FIG. 7C) to be applied to the first flowchart F1 corresponding to the difference. A flowchart processing step Sb33 creates a second flowchart F2 by applying a correction content selected by a user from the plurality of patterns of correction contents P1-P3 to the first flowchart F1.

[0074] The above-described information processing method can be adapted to a situation where there are multiple flowcharts that reflect the correction of the time chart.

[0075] (4) Variations The information processing system 1 may be configured as one computer system or multiple computer systems. When the information processing system 1 is configured as one computer system, the information processing system 1 may be configured as one personal computer or one server device. When the information processing system 1 is configured as multiple computer systems, the information processing system 1 may be configured as multiple server devices. At least some of the functions of the computer system may be realized by cloud computing technology.

[0076] The equipment is not limited to industrial equipment such as a robot, a conveying device, and an automated warehouse, and household equipment such as an air conditioner, a cooking device, an electric tool, and a health appliance. The equipment may have a configuration including a plurality of driving units.

[0077] (5) Summary The information processing system (1) of the first aspect according to the embodiment includes a time chart generating unit (3), a time chart correcting unit (4), and a flowchart correcting unit (5). The time chart generating unit (3) generates first time chart information, which is information on a first time chart (C1) showing a time change of each state of a plurality of driving units (Dn), based on first flowchart information, which is information on a first flowchart (F1) showing an operation of a facility (E1) having a plurality of driving units (Dn). The time chart correcting unit (4) generates second time chart information, which is information on a second time chart (C2) obtained by correcting the first time chart (C1). The flowchart correcting unit (5) generates second flowchart information, which is information on a second flowchart (F2) obtained by correcting the first flowchart (F1), based on the second time chart information. The flowchart correcting unit (5) includes a difference extracting unit (51), an estimating unit (52), and a flowchart processing unit (55). A difference extraction unit (51) extracts the difference between the first time chart (C1) and the second time chart (C2). An estimation unit (52) estimates a plurality of patterns of corrections (P1-P3) to be applied to the first flowchart (F1) corresponding to the difference. A flowchart processing unit (55) creates a second flowchart (F2) by applying a correction selected by a user from the plurality of patterns of corrections (P1-P3) to the first flowchart (F1).

[0078] The above-described information processing system (1) can handle a situation in which there are multiple flowcharts that reflect corrections to the time chart.

[0079] In the information processing system (1) according to the second aspect of the embodiment, in the first aspect, it is preferable that the flowchart correction unit (5) further includes a candidate presentation unit (53) and a candidate operation unit (54). The candidate presentation unit (53) presents a plurality of patterns of correction contents (P1-P3) to the user. The candidate operation unit (54) accepts a user operation to select one of the plurality of patterns of correction contents (P1-P3).

[0080] The above-described information processing system (1) can modify the flowchart according to a user's operation.

[0081] In the information processing system (1) of the third aspect of the embodiment, in the first or second aspect, it is preferable that the information processing system (1) further includes a flowchart generating unit (2) that generates first flowchart information. The first flowchart information includes identification information of each of the multiple drive units (Dn), start information indicating the start conditions of each of the multiple drive units (Dn), and operation information indicating the operation content of each of the multiple drive units (Dn). The flowchart generating unit (2) sets the identification information, start information, and operation information individually corresponding to each of the multiple drive units (Dn).

[0082] The above-described information processing system (1) can generate first flow chart information in which the operations of the plurality of drive units (Dn) are individually set.

[0083] In the information processing system (1) according to a fourth aspect of the embodiment, in any one of the first to third aspects, the time chart correction unit (4) preferably includes a simulation unit (41), an operation determination unit (42), a recommendation unit (43), a recommendation presentation unit (44), a correction operation unit (45), and a time chart processing unit (46). The simulation unit (41) simulates the operation of the equipment (E1) based on at least the first time chart information. The operation determination unit (42) determines whether or not a malfunction has occurred in the operation of the equipment (E1) in the simulation. If a malfunction has occurred, the recommendation unit (43) generates recommendation information that recommends the user to correct the first time chart information. The recommendation presentation unit (44) presents the recommendation information to the user. The correction operation unit (45) accepts a user's operation to instruct the content of the correction to be made to the first time chart information. The time chart processing unit (46) creates a second time chart (C2) by correcting the first time chart (C1) in response to a user's operation received by the correction operation unit (45).

[0084] The above-described information processing system (1) can modify the time chart through a user's operation.

[0085] It is preferable that the information processing system (1) of the fifth aspect of the embodiment, in any one of the first to fourth aspects, further includes a ladder generation unit (7) that generates a ladder program for operating the equipment (E1) based on the second flowchart information.

[0086] The above-described information processing system (1) can improve the efficiency of the ladder program creation work for the equipment (E1).

[0087] The information processing method according to the sixth aspect of the embodiment includes a time chart generating step (Sb1), a time chart correcting step (Sb2), and a flowchart correcting step (Sb3). The time chart generating step (Sb1) generates first time chart information, which is information on a first time chart (C1) showing a time change of each state of a plurality of driving units (Dn), based on first flowchart information, which is information on a first flowchart (F1) showing an operation of an equipment (E1) having a plurality of driving units (Dn). The time chart correcting step (Sb2) generates second time chart information, which is information on a second time chart (C2) obtained by correcting the first time chart (C1). The flowchart correcting step (Sb3) generates second flowchart information, which is information on a second flowchart (F2) obtained by correcting the first flowchart (F1), based on the second time chart information. The flowchart correcting step (Sb3) includes a difference extracting step (Sb31), an estimating step (Sb32), and a flowchart processing step (Sb33). A difference extraction step (Sb31) extracts the difference between the first time chart (C1) and the second time chart (C2). A guess step (Sb32) guesses a plurality of patterns of corrections (P1-P3) to be applied to the first flowchart (F1) corresponding to the difference. A flowchart processing step (Sb33) creates a second flowchart (F2) by applying a correction selected by a user from the plurality of patterns of corrections (P1-P3) to the first flowchart (F1).

[0088] The above-described information processing method can be adapted to a situation where there are multiple flowcharts that reflect the correction of the time chart.

[0089] A program according to a seventh aspect of the embodiment causes a computer system (CS1) to execute the information processing method according to the sixth aspect.

[0090] The above-described program can handle a situation where there are multiple flowcharts that reflect time chart modifications. [Explanation of symbols]

[0091] 1. Information Processing Systems 2 Flowchart generation section 3. Time chart generation section 4. Time chart correction section 41 Simulation Department 42 Operation judgment section 43 Recommendation section 44 Recommendation section 45 Modification operation section 46 Time chart processing section 5 Flowchart Modification Section 51 Difference extraction part 52 Guessing part 53 Candidate presentation section 54 Candidate operation section 55 Flowchart processing section 7 Ladder Generation Section E1 equipment Dn Drive unit F1 First Flowchart F2 Second Flowchart C1 First time chart C2 Second Time Chart P1-P3 Correction details Sb1 Time chart generation step Sb2 Time chart correction step Sb3 Flowchart Modification Steps Sb31 differential extraction step Sb32 inference step Sb33 Flowchart Processing Steps CS1 Computer Systems

Claims

1. a time chart generating unit that generates first time chart information, which is information of a first time chart showing a time change of each state of a plurality of driving units, based on first flowchart information, which is information of a first flowchart showing an operation of a facility having the plurality of driving units; a time chart correction unit that generates second time chart information, which is information on a second time chart obtained by correcting the first time chart; a flowchart correction unit that generates second flowchart information, which is information of a second flowchart obtained by correcting the first flowchart, based on the second time chart information, The flowchart correction unit: a difference extracting unit that extracts a difference between the first time chart and the second time chart; an estimation unit that estimates a plurality of patterns of correction contents to be applied to the first flowchart in response to the difference; a flowchart processing unit that applies a correction content selected by a user from the plurality of patterns of correction content to the first flowchart to create the second flowchart. Information processing system.

2. The flowchart correction unit: a candidate presentation unit that presents the plurality of patterns of correction contents to the user; a candidate operation unit that accepts an operation by the user to select one of the plurality of patterns of correction content; Further comprising 2. The information processing system of claim 1.

3. A flow chart generating unit that generates the first flow chart information, the first flow chart information includes identification information of each of the plurality of drive units, activation information indicating activation conditions of each of the plurality of drive units, and operation information indicating operation details of each of the plurality of drive units, The flowchart generating unit individually sets the identification information, the start-up information, and the operation information corresponding to each of the plurality of driving units.

3. An information processing system according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The time chart correction unit A simulation unit that simulates an operation of the equipment based on at least the first time chart information; an operation determination unit that determines whether or not a malfunction has occurred in the operation of the equipment in the simulation; a recommendation unit that generates recommendation information that recommends the user to correct the first time chart information if the malfunction occurs; a recommendation presentation unit that presents the recommendation information to the user; a correction operation unit that receives an operation by the user to instruct a correction content to be applied to the first time chart information; a time chart processing unit that creates the second time chart by correcting the first time chart in response to the user's operation received by the correction operation unit.

4. An information processing system according to claim 1.

5. A ladder generator that generates a ladder program for operating the equipment based on the second flowchart information.

5. An information processing system according to claim 1.

6. a time chart generating step of generating first time chart information, which is information of a first time chart showing a time change of each state of the plurality of driving units, based on first flowchart information, which is information of a first flowchart showing an operation of a facility having the plurality of driving units; a time chart correction step of generating second time chart information which is information of a second time chart obtained by correcting the first time chart; a flowchart correction step of generating second flowchart information, which is information of a second flowchart obtained by correcting the first flowchart, based on the second time chart information, The flowchart modification step includes: a difference extracting step of extracting a difference between the first time chart and the second time chart; a guessing step of guessing a plurality of patterns of correction contents to be applied to the first flowchart in response to the difference; and a flowchart processing step of applying a correction content selected by a user from the plurality of patterns of correction content to the first flowchart to create the second flowchart. Information processing methods.

7. The information processing method according to claim 6 is executed by a computer system. program.

Images