Programmable display, device management system, device management method and program

Abstract

The programmable display (10) includes a display unit (120) that displays an image obtained by capturing an image of a space, a setting unit (102) that sets a stay area within the image, and a restriction unit (104) that restricts the operation of the target equipment when it is detected that a worker is not present within the stay area.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a programmable display, a device management system, a device management method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] There are known techniques for restricting the operation of a multifunction device when a user moves away from the device. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for restricting the operation of a multifunction device by executing a temporary logout process on the multifunction device when the user moves away from the multifunction device. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-045916 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Even at production sites, there is a demand for technology that limits the operation of target devices related to the work of workers when the workers are absent. For example, it is conceivable to apply the technology described in Patent Document 1 to devices at production sites.

[0005] However, the technology of Patent Document 1 executes the temporary logout process based only on the distance from the user to the multifunction peripheral, which is inconvenient as there is a risk that the temporary logout process may be executed against the user's intention.

[0006] In view of the above circumstances, the object of the present disclosure is to provide a programmable display, an equipment management method, and a program that can restrict the operation of target equipment when an operator is absent without compromising the convenience of the operator. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to achieve the above object, the programmable display according to the present disclosure comprises: a display means for displaying an image obtained by capturing an image of the space; a setting means for setting a stay area within the video; In the video Ensure that no workers are present in the retention area. Based on the above video a restriction means for restricting the operation of the target device when the device is detected; Equipped with. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to restrict the operation of a target device when a worker is absent without impairing the convenience of the worker. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an overall configuration of a device management system according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 10 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of a stay area setting screen displayed by the programmable display device according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of a programmable display device according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a programmable display device according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] 1 is a flowchart showing an example of a stay area setting process performed by a programmable display device according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] 1 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation restriction process performed by a programmable display device according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of a device management system according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of a stay area setting screen displayed by a programmable display device according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of a stay area setting screen displayed by a programmable display device according to a third modification of the present disclosure. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of a programmable display device according to a fourth modification of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, a programmable display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, the same or equivalent parts are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0011] (Embodiment 1) Referring to FIG. 1, an equipment management system 1 according to a first embodiment will be described. The equipment management system 1 includes a programmable display device 10, a camera 20, and a programmable logic controller (PLC) 30. The programmable display device 10, the camera 20, and the PLC 30 are installed in a production site space R in a factory. The programmable display device 10 is communicatively connected to the camera 20 and the PLC 30. The camera 20 captures images within the production site space R. A worker W using the programmable display device 10 enters and exits the production site space R and moves within the production site space R. Note that, as will be described later, the production site space R is also equipped with other equipment, fixtures, etc. in addition to the programmable display device 10, the camera 20, and the PLC 30, but these are not shown in FIG. 1. The PLC 30 is connected to field devices (not shown) installed in the production site and manages the field devices. The equipment management system 1 is an example of an equipment management system according to the present disclosure.

[0012] The programmable display 10 manages the PLC 30 and field devices under the control of the PLC 30. A worker W stays in front of the screen of the programmable display 10 while working. The worker W can manage the PLC 30 and field devices by checking the display screen of the programmable display 10 and operating it as necessary. The programmable display 10, the camera 20, and the PLC 30 are communicatively connected, for example, via an in-factory network. However, this is not a limitation, and these devices may be communicatively connected via a direct communication line or via wireless communication. The programmable display 10 is an example of a programmable display and target device according to the present disclosure.

[0013] The programmable display device 10 displays a management screen that displays information about the devices to be managed and accepts operations for device management only when the worker W performs an operation to log in to the programmable display device 10. Until the worker W performs a login operation, the programmable display device 10 displays a login screen that only accepts login operations and does not display any information about the devices to be managed.

[0014] As will be described later, when the programmable display device 10 detects that the worker W is absent from the designated stay area, it restricts its own operation. The restriction of operation may be achieved, for example, by executing an automatic logout process that forcibly logs out the worker W who is logged in to the programmable display device 10, thereby terminating the display of the management screen and switching to a login screen. This prevents the display of the management screen and prevents device management operations from being accepted, thereby restricting the operation of the programmable display device 10. Alternatively, instead of the automatic logout process, the operation of the programmable display device 10 may be restricted by executing a lock process that switches to a lock screen that accepts only unlock operations. Alternatively, if the absence of the worker W could be a serious incident, the programmable display device 10 may restrict its operation by executing a shutdown process that terminates its own operation. Restricting the operation of the programmable display device 10 also restricts the functions that the programmable display device 10 can provide. In the following description, unless otherwise specified, the restriction of the operation of the programmable display device 10 is assumed to be the execution of an automatic logout process.

[0015] The camera 20 is installed to capture images of the production site space R so that the programmable display device 10 is included in the imaging range. The camera 20 captures images of the production site space R at regular intervals and transmits captured image data representing the captured images to the programmable display device 10. The regular interval is a short time, such as 1 / 30 second or 1 / 60 second. The camera 20 continuously transmits the captured image data to the programmable display device 10 at these short intervals, and the programmable display device 10 processes the continuously transmitted captured image data as an image obtained by capturing images of the production site space R. The production site space R is an example of a space according to the present disclosure. The camera 20 is an example of an imaging means according to the present disclosure.

[0016] The PLC 30 manages field devices (not shown) installed at the production site. The PLC 30 is communicatively connected to, for example, sensors and driving devices, and controls the driving devices in accordance with the output of the sensors. The PLC 30 communicates with the programmable display device 10, and is controlled in accordance with the operation of the programmable display device 10 by an operator W. The PLC 30 may be installed in a space different from the space in which the programmable display device 10 and the camera 20 are installed.

[0017] Setting of the stay area A by the programmable display device 10 will be explained briefly with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a stay area setting screen V displayed by the programmable display device 10. The stay area setting screen V displays an image of the production site space R captured by the camera 20, and is a screen for setting the stay area A on the screen. In Fig. 2, equipment, fixtures, etc. other than the programmable display device 10 are indicated by diagonal lines.

[0018] Worker W can set a stay area A in the image as shown in Fig. 2 by, for example, touching the vertices of the area that he or she wants to set as stay area A on the programmable display 10. While Fig. 2 shows a rectangular area, the number of vertices that can be specified can be any number as long as it is three or more, and a polygonal area according to the number of vertices can be set as stay area A. In addition to specifying vertices, a rectangular area can also be specified by, for example, drag-and-drop operation on the screen.

[0019] The stay area setting screen V displays an image of the production site space R, but if the image at the time of setting is displayed, the worker W will also appear in the image, which may cause inconvenience when setting the stay area A. Therefore, by making it possible to display past images on the stay area setting screen V, it is possible to set the stay area A within an image that does not show the worker W, as shown in Figure 2. Conversely, if it is more convenient for the worker W to appear in the image, it is sufficient to display an image of the worker W, either current or past, in which the worker W appears.

[0020] The programmable display 10 continuously analyzes the video, and when it detects in the video that the worker W is not present in the staying area A, it executes automatic logout and restricts the operation of the programmable display 10.

[0021] As described above, the programmable display device 10 allows the worker W to freely set the stay area A within the image. When the worker W is not within the stay area A, the programmable display device 10 executes an automatic logout process to restrict the operation of the programmable display device 10 itself. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the worker W can set an area including the programmable display device 10 as the stay area A, thereby automatically restricting the operation of the programmable display device 10 when the worker W leaves the programmable display device 10. Because the stay area A can be set according to the worker W's wishes, it is possible to prevent automatic logout processing that goes against the worker's intentions, and convenience is not impaired.

[0022] The functional configuration of the programmable display device 10 will be described with reference to Fig. 3. The programmable display device 10 includes a control unit 100, a communication unit 110, a display unit 120, an input unit 130, and a storage unit 140.

[0023] The control unit 100 performs overall control of the programmable display device 10. The control unit 100 includes a display control unit 101, a setting unit 102, a video processing unit 103, and a restriction unit 104. Each of these functional units will be described later.

[0024] The communication unit 110 communicates with the camera 20 and the PLC 30. In particular, the communication unit 110 receives captured image data from the camera 20 and outputs the data to the control unit 100.

[0025] The display unit 120 displays a display screen based on the control of the display control unit 101. In particular, the display unit 120 displays a stay area setting screen V for setting a stay area A as shown in FIG. 2. In addition, the display unit 120 also displays the login screen, lock screen, etc. described above. The display unit 120 is, for example, a touch screen including a liquid crystal display. The display unit 120 is an example of a display means according to the present disclosure.

[0026] The input unit 130 receives an input operation by the worker W and outputs a signal according to the operation content to the control unit 100. The input unit 130 includes an input device such as a touch screen integrated with the display unit 120, operation buttons, etc.

[0027] The storage unit 140 stores captured image data continuously transmitted by the camera 20. The storage unit 140 stores setting data indicating the settings set by the setting unit 102. The setting data particularly includes data indicating the stay area A and authentication data required for the worker W to log in to the programmable display device 10.

[0028] The display control unit 101 controls the display unit 120 to display a display screen on the display unit 120. In particular, the display control unit 101 causes the display unit 120 to display a stay area setting screen V including an image obtained by capturing an image of the production site space R based on captured image data continuously transmitted by the camera 20. When displaying past images, the display control unit 101 refers to the captured image data stored in the storage unit 140 to display the past images. In addition, the display control unit 101 also causes the display unit 120 to display the above-mentioned login screen, lock screen, etc.

[0029] The setting unit 102 executes settings related to the programmable display device 10 and stores setting data indicating the settings in the storage unit 140. In particular, when the worker W sets a stay area A on the stay area setting screen V, the setting unit 102 sets the stay area A in the video by storing setting data including data indicating the stay area A in the storage unit 140. The setting unit 102 is an example of a setting means according to the present disclosure.

[0030] The image processing unit 103 analyzes the current image based on the captured image data continuously transmitted by the camera 20, and detects, based on image processing, whether or not a worker W is present in the staying area A. For example, the image processing unit 103 detects the worker W reflected in the current image by image recognition, image difference, etc., and when the position of the detected worker W is within the staying area A, it detects that the worker W is present in the staying area A. When the image processing unit 103 detects the worker W reflected in the current image but the position of the detected worker W is not within the staying area A, or when the image processing unit 103 cannot detect the worker W reflected in the current image, it detects that the worker W is absent from the staying area A.

[0031] When the video processing unit 103 detects that the worker W is absent from the staying area A, the restriction unit 104 executes the above-described automatic logout process or lock process to restrict the operation of the programmable display device 10 itself. The restriction unit 104 is an example of a restriction means according to the present disclosure.

[0032] An example of the hardware configuration of the programmable display device 10 will be described with reference to Fig. 4. The programmable display device 10 shown in Fig. 4 is realized by, for example, a microcontroller, which is a type of computer.

[0033] The programmable display device 10 includes a processor 1001, a memory 1002, an interface 1003, and a secondary storage device 1004, which are connected to each other via a bus 1000.

[0034] The processor 1001 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The processor 1001 loads an operating program stored in a secondary storage device 1004 into a memory 1002 and executes the program, thereby realizing each function of the programmable display device 10.

[0035] The memory 1002 is a main storage device configured, for example, by RAM (Random Access Memory). The memory 1002 stores the operating program that the processor 1001 reads from the secondary storage device 1004. The memory 1002 also functions as a working memory when the processor 1001 executes the operating program.

[0036] The interface 1003 is an I / O (Input / Output) interface such as a serial port, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) port, or a network interface.

[0037] The secondary storage device 1004 is, for example, a flash memory, a hard disk drive (HDD), or a solid state drive (SSD). The secondary storage device 1004 stores the operating program executed by the processor 1001. The secondary storage device 1004 realizes the function of the storage unit 140.

[0038] An example of a stay area setting process by the programmable display device 10 will be described with reference to Fig. 5. The process shown in Fig. 5 is started when, for example, the worker W performs an operation to call up the stay area setting screen V.

[0039] The display control unit 101 of the control unit 100 of the programmable display device 10 controls the display unit 120 to display a stay area setting screen V including an image obtained by capturing an image of the production site space R, as shown in Figure 2 (step S101).

[0040] The setting unit 102 of the control unit 100 waits for an input operation for setting a stay area by the worker W via the input unit 130 (step S102). For example, the setting unit 102 waits for an input operation for specifying a stay area A on the stay area setting screen V shown in FIG. 2.

[0041] Based on the input operation awaited in step S102, setting unit 102 sets stay area A within the video (step S103). Specifically, setting unit 102 sets stay area A within the video by storing setting data including data indicating stay area A specified by the input operation in storage unit 140. Then, control unit 100 ends the stay area setting process.

[0042] An example of the operation restriction process performed by the programmable display device 10 will be described with reference to Fig. 6. The process shown in Fig. 6 is started, for example, when an operator W logs in to the programmable display device 10 via the login screen and unlocks the programmable display device 10 via the lock screen.

[0043] The image processing unit 103 of the control unit 100 analyzes the current image and detects whether or not the worker W is absent from the staying area A (step S111).

[0044] If the worker W is not absent from the staying area A, that is, if the worker W is present in the staying area A (step S112: No), the control unit 100 repeats the process from step S111.

[0045] When the worker W is not present in the staying area A (step S112: Yes), the restriction unit 104 of the control unit 100 restricts the operation of the programmable display device 10 by executing an automatic logout process, a lock process, a shutdown process, etc. (step S113). Then, the control unit 100 ends the operation restriction process.

[0046] The programmable display device 10 according to the first embodiment has been described above. According to the programmable display device 10, the operation of the programmable display device 10 is restricted when the worker W is absent from the stay area A set by the worker W. Because the stay area A can be set by the worker W himself / herself, it is possible to prevent the operation of the programmable display device 10 from being restricted against the worker W's intention. Therefore, it is possible to restrict the operation of the programmable display device 10 when the worker W is absent without impairing the convenience of the worker W.

[0047] (Embodiment 2) With reference to Figure 7, differences between the equipment management system 1 according to the second embodiment and the first embodiment will be described. The equipment management system 1 according to the second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that it further includes a belt conveyor 40 that is communicatively connected to the PLC 30 and controlled by the PLC 30. Another difference from the first embodiment is that the worker W is a user of the belt conveyor 40. Another difference from the first embodiment is that the camera 20 is installed to capture images of the production site space R so that the belt conveyor 40, rather than the programmable display 10, is included in the imaging range.

[0048] The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the limiting unit 104 of the control unit 100 of the programmable display device 10 limits the operation of the belt conveyor 40, rather than the programmable display device 10 itself. Specifically, the limiting unit 104 limits the operation of the belt conveyor 40 by stopping the operation of the belt conveyor 40 via the communication unit 110 and the PLC 30. In the second embodiment, the belt conveyor 40 is an example of a target device according to the present disclosure.

[0049] In the second embodiment, the stay area setting screen V displayed by the programmable display device 10 is, for example, as shown in FIG. 8. The stay area setting screen V shown in FIG. 8 shows a worker W performing work using the belt conveyor 40 in the image. In the example shown in FIG. 8, the worker W sets a stay area A by displaying a past image in which the worker W is shown on the stay area setting screen V. By setting the stay area A in this manner, the operation of the belt conveyor 40 can be stopped by the restriction unit 104 when the worker W leaves the belt conveyor 40.

[0050] That is, the programmable display device 10 according to the second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the operation of the belt conveyor 40 is restricted as the target device, rather than the programmable display device 10 itself.

[0051] According to the programmable display 10 of embodiment 2, it is possible to prevent the operation of the belt conveyor 40 from being restricted against the intention of the worker W, and therefore it is possible to restrict the operation of the belt conveyor 40 when the worker W is absent without compromising the convenience of the worker W.

[0052] Although the belt conveyor 40 has been described as the target device in the second embodiment, other devices, such as various field devices installed at production sites, may also be used as the target device.

[0053] (Variation 1) Furthermore, in each embodiment, when worker W is present in staying area A and no restriction is being imposed by restriction unit 104, image processing unit 103 may detect that a third party has entered staying area A, and when restriction unit 104 detects that a third party has entered staying area A, restriction unit 104 may restrict the operation of the target device. For example, when the target device is a programmable display device 10, if operation is not restricted, a third party may be able to spy on the device, which may result in the leakage of confidential information. By restricting operation by executing automatic logout processing, locking processing, or the like when a third party enters staying area A, it is possible to prevent third parties from spying on the device.

[0054] Methods for distinguishing between worker W and a third party include performing person recognition using image recognition, attaching a two-dimensional code to the work clothes worn by worker W and recognizing the two-dimensional code, and so on.

[0055] (Variation 2) There may be multiple workers W engaged in work in the production site space R. However, if there are an unnecessarily large number of workers W other than the main worker W, the risk of equipment management increases. Therefore, in each embodiment, a limit may be further set on the number of people who can remain in the staying area A. Specifically, the setting unit 102 sets the number of people who can remain, the image processing unit 103 counts the number of workers W present in the staying area A and detects that the number exceeds the limit, and when it detects that the number exceeds the limit, the limiting unit 104 restricts the operation of the target equipment. This reduces the risk of having an unnecessarily large number of workers W.

[0056] (Variation 3) In the second modification, furthermore, when a worker W stays in a specific area within the staying area A for a certain period of time or more, the operation of the target device may be restricted. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 9, the setting unit 102 sets a restricted area B within the staying area A on the staying area setting screen V, and sets an allowable staying time within the restricted area B. The video processing unit 103 detects that the time that the worker W has stayed in the restricted area B exceeds the allowable staying time. When the restriction unit 104 detects that the allowable staying time has been exceeded, it restricts the operation of the target device. The restricted area B may be set, for example, around a particularly confidential device. This further reduces the risk when there are an unnecessarily large number of workers W.

[0057] (Variation 4) In each embodiment, when the operation of the target device is restricted, that is, when the worker W is absent from the staying area A, the image processing unit 103 may detect that a third party has entered the staying area A, and when the programmable display device 10 detects that the third party has entered the staying area A, the programmable display device 10 may notify an external device communicatively connected to the programmable display device 10 of the third party's intrusion. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 10 , the control unit 100 of the programmable display device 10 further includes a notification unit 105, and when the control unit 100 detects that a third party has entered the staying area A, the notification unit 105 notifies the external device 50 of the third party's intrusion. Upon receiving the notification, the external device 50 executes processing such as displaying an alert or stopping operation. The notification unit 105 is an example of a notification means according to the present disclosure.

[0058] (Other variations) In the first embodiment, one programmable display device 10 uses an image captured by one camera 20. However, when multiple programmable displays 10 are installed in the production site space R and a camera 20 captures the production site space R with the multiple programmable displays 10 included in its imaging range, the image captured by one camera 20 may be used by the multiple programmable displays 10.

[0059] 4, the programmable display device 10 includes a secondary storage device 1004. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the secondary storage device 1004 may be provided outside the programmable display device 10, and the programmable display device 10 and the secondary storage device 1004 may be connected via an interface 1003. In this configuration, removable media such as a USB flash drive or a memory card may also be used as the secondary storage device 1004.

[0060] 4, the programmable display device 10 may be configured with a dedicated circuit using an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), etc. In the hardware configuration shown in FIG. 4, some of the functions of the programmable display device 10 may be realized by a dedicated circuit connected to the interface 1003, for example.

[0061] The program used in the programmable display device 10 can be stored and distributed on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read Only Memory), a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), a USB flash drive, a memory card, or a HDD. By installing such a program on a specific or general-purpose computer, the computer can function as the programmable display device 10.

[0062] Furthermore, the above-mentioned program may be stored in a storage device owned by another server on the Internet, and the program may be downloaded from that server.

[0063] The present disclosure allows various embodiments and modifications without departing from the broad spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, the above-described embodiments are intended to explain the present disclosure and do not limit the scope of the present disclosure. In other words, the scope of the present disclosure is defined by the claims, not the embodiments. Various modifications made within the scope of the claims and the meaning of equivalent disclosures are considered to be within the scope of the present disclosure. [Explanation of symbols]

[0064] 1 Equipment management system, 10 Programmable display, 20 Camera, 30 PLC, 40 Belt conveyor, 50 External equipment, 100 Control unit, 101 Display control unit, 102 Setting unit, 103 Video processing unit, 104 Restriction unit, 105 Notification unit, 110 Communication unit, 120 Display unit, 130 Input unit, 140 Storage unit, 1000 Bus, 1001 Processor, 1002 Memory, 1003 Interface, 1004 Secondary storage device, A Retention area, B Restriction area, R Production site space, V Retention area setting screen, W Worker.

Claims

1. a display means for displaying an image obtained by capturing an image of the space; a setting means for setting a stay area within the video; a limiting means for limiting the operation of a target device when it is detected based on the image that the worker is not present in the stay area; A programmable display comprising:

2. The restriction means further restricts the operation of the target device when it detects, based on the video, that the worker is staying in the staying area and that a third party has entered the staying area.

2. The programmable display according to claim 1.

3. The setting means further sets the number of people who can stay in the stay area, The limiting means further limits the operation of the target device when it detects, based on the video, that the number of workers present in the retention area exceeds the maximum number of workers that can be retained.

3. The programmable display device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The setting means further sets a restricted area and a permitted staying time within the staying area, The limiting means further limits the operation of the target device when it detects, based on the video, that the time the worker has been staying in the limited area has exceeded the allowable staying time.

4. The programmable display according to claim 3.

5. and a notification unit that notifies an external device of the intrusion when it is detected based on the video that a third party has entered the staying area while the operation of the target device is restricted by the restriction unit.

2. The programmable display according to claim 1.

6. the space is a space in which the programmable display is installed, The video shows the programmable display, the target device is the programmable display; the setting means sets the stay area so as to include the programmable display device shown in the image.

3. The programmable display device according to claim 1 or 2.

7. The programmable display device according to claim 1 or 2; imaging means for imaging the space; An equipment management system comprising:

8. The computer An image obtained by capturing an image of the space is displayed on a display means; setting a dwell area within the video; restricting the operation of the target device when it is detected based on the image that the worker is not present in the stay area. Equipment management method.

9. On the computer, Displaying an image obtained by capturing an image of the space on a display means; Setting a dwell area within the video; restricting the operation of the target device when it is detected based on the image that the worker is not present in the stay area; program.

Images