Control device and method

Abstract

To appropriately set a display range or an alarm range when a facility is in a stable state.SOLUTION: A controller 100 acquires a driving parameter related to the driving of a production facility 1, displays a transition image indicating the transition of the driving parameter on a display device 300 in a first display range when the facility is in an unstable state, and displays the transition image on the display device 300 in a second display range with a magnification larger than the scaling factor of the first display range when the production facility 1 is in a stable state.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a control device and a method.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a production facility for producing a predetermined product. Patent Document 1 discloses detecting the voltages at both ends of a signal path of the production facility and displaying a trend graph of the voltages at both ends. By monitoring the trend graph, a user can recognize an abnormality in the voltages at both ends. Further, Patent Document 1 describes executing an alarm when the voltages at both ends deviate from a predetermined threshold range.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Immediately after the driving of the facility of Patent Document 1 is started, the facility is in an unstable state. When the facility is in an unstable state, driving parameters related to the driving of the facility (for example, the voltages at both ends described above) vary greatly. On the other hand, when the driving of the facility is started and a certain amount of time has elapsed, the facility becomes stable. The amount of variation of the driving parameter when the facility is in a stable state is smaller than the amount of variation of the driving parameter when the facility is in an unstable state.

[0005] In the technique described in Patent Document 1, the setting of the display range and the alarm range when in a stable state has not been considered. Therefore, when in a stable state, it is necessary for the user to set the display range and the alarm range, which may cause a problem of increasing the burden on the user.

[0006] This disclosure was made to solve these problems, and its purpose is to appropriately set the display range or alarm range of the drive parameters while reducing the burden on the user. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The control device of this disclosure is a control device for a display device of equipment. The control device comprises a processor that displays an image on the display device and a memory that stores a program executable by the processor. The processor acquires drive parameters related to the operation of the equipment, displays a transition image showing the transition of the drive parameters on the display device within a set display range, sets the display range to a first display range when the equipment is in an unstable state, and sets the display range to a second display range with a larger magnification than the first display range when the equipment is in a stable state.

[0008] The control device of this disclosure is a control device for a display device of equipment. The control device comprises a processor that displays an image on the display device and a memory that stores a program executable by the processor. The processor acquires drive parameters related to the operation of the equipment, displays a transition image showing the transition of the drive parameters on the display device within a set display range, and sets the display range for the stable state based on the drive parameters during a first period when the equipment is in a stable state.

[0009] The control device of this disclosure is a control device for an alarm device of equipment. The control device comprises a processor that controls the alarm device and a memory that stores a program that can be executed by the processor. The processor acquires drive parameters related to the operation of the equipment, and when the drive parameters deviate from the alarm range, it causes the alarm device to execute an alarm, sets the alarm range to a first alarm range when the equipment is in an unstable state, and sets the alarm range to a second alarm range that is narrower than the first alarm range when the equipment is in a stable state.

[0010] The control device of this disclosure is a control device for an alarm device of equipment. The control device comprises a processor that controls the alarm device and a memory that stores a program executable by the processor. The processor acquires drive parameters related to the operation of the equipment, causes the alarm device to execute an alarm when the drive parameters deviate from the alarm range, and sets a second alarm range for the stable state based on the drive parameters for the second period when the equipment is in a stable state.

[0011] The method disclosed herein is a method for displaying equipment. The method comprises acquiring drive parameters related to the operation of the equipment, displaying a transition image showing the changes in the drive parameters on the display device within a set display range, setting the display range to a first display range when the equipment is in an unstable state, and setting the display range to a second display range with a larger magnification than the first display range when the equipment is in a stable state.

[0012] The method of this disclosure is a method for displaying equipment. The method comprises acquiring drive parameters related to the operation of the equipment, displaying a transition image showing the transition of the drive parameters on the display device within a set display range, and setting a display range for the stable state based on the drive parameters during a first period when the equipment is in a stable state.

[0013] The method disclosed herein is a method for an alarm device for equipment. The method comprises acquiring drive parameters relating to the operation of the equipment, causing the alarm device to trigger an alarm when the drive parameters deviate from an alarm range, setting the alarm range to a first alarm range when the equipment is in an unstable state, and setting the alarm range to a second alarm range that is narrower than the first alarm range when the equipment is in a stable state.

[0014] The method of the present disclosure is a method for an alarm device for equipment. The method comprises acquiring drive parameters relating to the operation of the equipment, causing the alarm device to trigger an alarm when the drive parameters deviate from an alarm range, and setting a second alarm range for a stable state based on the drive parameters for a second period when the equipment is in a stable state. [Effect of the Invention]

[0015] In the present disclosure, it is possible to appropriately set the display range of the drive parameter or the warning range of the drive parameter while reducing the burden on the user. [Brief Description of the Drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1] It is a diagram for explaining a configuration example of the production system. [Figure 2] It is a diagram for explaining an example of the production equipment of the present embodiment. [Figure 3] It is a diagram showing the type of each sensor and the like. [Figure 4] It is a diagram showing the hardware configuration of the control device. [Figure 5] It is a diagram for explaining the variables used in the present embodiment. [Figure 6] It is a functional block diagram of the control device. [Figure 7] It is a diagram showing the first warning range and the second warning range. [Figure 8] It is a diagram for explaining an example of a correspondence table in which an object and a tolerance are associated. <00​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0017] The embodiments of this disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions will not be repeated.

[0018] <First Embodiment> [Production System Configuration] Figure 1 shows an example configuration of a production system 1000. In the example in Figure 1, the production system 1000 includes production equipment 1 and a control system 500. The control system 500 includes a control device 100, an input device 200, a display device 300, and an alarm device 400. In this embodiment, an example of the control system 500 being applied to production equipment 1 is described, but it may also be applied to other equipment. Other equipment includes, for example, air conditioning equipment.

[0019] Production equipment 1 produces the target object when the start condition is met. Production equipment 1 also stops producing the target object when the end condition is met. The start condition is met, for example, when a start operation is performed by the user (operation of the start button). The end condition is met, for example, when a end operation is performed by the user (operation of the end button).

[0020] Production equipment 1 typically produces the target object under the same conditions for a certain period of time. Production equipment 1 produces the target object under the same conditions or with the same quality specifications. The certain period may be, for example, several hours. The certain period may be 2 hours or more, 6 hours or more, 10 hours or more, or 1 day or more. The upper limit of the certain period may be 2 weeks, 1 month, or 3 months. If the production time is shorter than the above certain period, the benefits of continuous production may be small. Also, if the production time exceeds the above upper limit, the benefits may be small compared to when the user sets the display range and alarm range described later each time.

[0021] The production of the subject matter includes, for example, continuous polymerization of resins, compound manufacturing, molding of resin products, stretched films, spinning of synthetic or chemical fibers, and coating of long materials such as films.

[0022] Resin polymerization includes the polymerization of condensation resins such as polyester, polyamide, and polycarbonate, and polymerization resins of double-bonded monomers such as olefins and acrylics. When resin polymerization is carried out, for example, raw material monomers or catalysts are introduced into a production facility 1 having multiple interconnected reaction vessels. Then, heating, cooling, and stirring are performed as needed, and the resin is discharged from the production facility 1.

[0023] In resin compounding, the mixed resin is fed into a kneader or similar device included in production equipment 1. Heating is then performed as needed, and the resin composition is discharged from production equipment 1. The mixture includes, for example, pigments, fillers, various stabilizers, and chain extenders.

[0024] The molding of resin products includes extrusion molding and injection molding. In extrusion molding, raw materials such as resin are fed into an extruder included in production equipment 1. After melting and mixing, the object (molded product) is discharged from the die in shapes such as sheets, cylinders, polygonal columns, cylinders, polygonal tubes, L-shapes, and H-shapes, and then cooled. Similarly, in injection molding, raw materials are fed into an extruder, and the melted and mixed resin is extruded into the mold at regular intervals (several seconds or several minutes). After cooling, the object (molded product) is removed from the mold.

[0025] In film stretching, the resin extruded into a sheet is stretched in the direction of film formation by utilizing the difference in peripheral speed between rolls, or it is heated in a tenter and stretched in a direction perpendicular to the flow direction by gripping both ends. In spinning, the molten resin is extruded from a nozzle, taken up while cooling or after cooling, and stretched in the take-up process as needed.

[0026] In the coating of long materials, production equipment 1 applies paint to one or both sides of the film, paper, and steel plate while unwinding them. Then, production equipment 1 solidifies the paint by heating and irradiation.

[0027] Furthermore, when a user wants production equipment 1 to produce object A, the user sets the production conditions for object A by operating the input device 200. The production conditions include, for example, the set values ​​described later. The user then supplies the raw materials for object A to production equipment 1. Production equipment 1 produces object A using the raw materials according to the production conditions. Subsequently, when a user wants to change the object to be produced from object A to object B, the user sets the production conditions for object B by operating the input device 200. The user then supplies the raw materials for object B to production equipment 1. Production equipment 1 produces object B according to the production conditions.

[0028] The input device 200 is, for example, a pointing device such as a keyboard or mouse, and accepts user input. The display device 300 is, for example, composed of a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel and displays information to the user. For example, the display device 300 displays a trend graph of drive parameters, as described later. The "trend graph of drive parameters" corresponds to the "transition image showing the changes in drive parameters" in this disclosure. Furthermore, if the display device 300 uses a touch panel as the user interface, the input device 200 and the display device 300 are integrally formed. By displaying the trend graph, the display device 300 allows the user to check for abnormalities in the drive parameters, etc.

[0029] The display device 300 may be installed in the control room of the production equipment 1. Alternatively, the display device 300 may be positioned near each of the sensors S1 to S14 described later.

[0030] As described later, the alarm device 400 issues an alarm under the control of the control device 100 when the drive parameters deviate from the alarm range. In other words, the alarm device 400 issues an alarm under the control of the control device 100 when the drive parameters are outside the alarm range. The alarm device includes at least one of the following means: a speaker, a light-emitting device, a display device, etc. The display device may be the same as or different from the display device 300. Furthermore, it is preferable that the alarm device is composed of multiple means.

[0031] The speaker, acting as an alarm device, outputs a buzzer sound or voice as an alarm. The light-emitting device, also acting as an alarm device, emits light in a predetermined manner. The light-emitting manner includes, for example, flashing light, light from a rotating light, and blinking light. The display device, also acting as an alarm device, performs an alarm such as changing the color of the display screen or blinking the display screen. Alternatively, an alarm device may be placed in correspondence with each component of the production equipment 1. In this case, if the drive parameter of the component deviates from the alarm range, the alarm device corresponding to that component will issue an alarm. With such a configuration, the user can recognize the abnormal component by recognizing the alarm from the alarm device. The display device 300 may also display information indicating the abnormal component (for example, the name of the component). If the drive parameter deviates from the alarm range, the production process by the production equipment 1 is stopped. Also, if the drive parameter deviates from the alarm range, the produced object is classified as a defective product or an item requiring inspection.

[0032] [Production Equipment] Figure 2 shows an example of the production equipment 1 of this embodiment. The production equipment 1 includes, for example, a liquid storage unit 2, a pump 4, a rotary joint 6, a pipe 7, a coating roll 8, a blade 10, a bearing unit 12, and a motor 14. The production equipment 1 applies a coating agent (for example, a colored paint) to a long film 20. The coating roll 8 rotates in the direction of arrow a in Figure 2. At the lowest point of the coating roll 8, a coating liquid pan (not shown) for storing the coating agent is provided. By immersing the coating roll 8 in the coating liquid pan, a large amount of coating agent is applied to the surface of the coating roll 8. The blade 10 removes a portion of the large amount of coating agent applied to the surface of the coating roll 8. In this way, the blade 10 can make the thickness of the coating agent applied to the surface of the coating roll 8 constant.

[0033] Production equipment 1 has a pressure roll (not shown) that applies pressure to the film 20 in the direction of the coating roll 8. The coating roll 8 and the pressure roll rotate while sandwiching the film 20 between them. As a result, the film 20 moves in the direction of arrow b, and the coating roll 8 applies at least a portion of the coating agent of a certain thickness to the film 20. The coating roll 8 is also displaceable in the vertical direction.

[0034] The shaft 9 of the coating roll 8 is connected to the bearing section 12. The motor 14 rotates the coating roll 8 by rotating the shaft 9. At least a portion of the inside of the coating roll 8 is hollow, and this hollow is filled with liquid (for example, water). The liquid storage section 2 stores the water. The pump 4 pumps the stored water through the pipe 7 to the rotary joint 6 (see arrow c). The rotary joint 6 transports the pumped water into the coating roll 8. Due to the pressure from the pump 4, the water that was filling the coating roll 8 returns to the liquid storage section 2 via the rotary joint 6 and the pipe 7. The liquid storage section 2 has a heater 2A. The heater 2A adjusts the temperature so that the water in the liquid storage section 2 is at a constant temperature. Therefore, the water in the coating roll 8 is also maintained at a constant temperature. Thus, the coating roll 8 can apply the coating agent to the film 20 at a constant temperature.

[0035] Sensors (detection units) are provided on multiple (hereinafter also referred to as M units, where M is an integer of 1 or more) components of the production equipment 1. The sensors detect drive parameters that indicate the state of the production equipment 1. The state of the production equipment 1 typically refers to "the state of the multiple components that make up the production equipment 1." The state may be, for example, the temperature of the water in the liquid storage unit 2 or the voltage applied to the heater 2A.

[0036] In the example in Figure 2, M=14, and the number of sensors is also 14. Next, we will explain each of the 14 sensors S1 to S14.

[0037] The sensor acquires drive parameters related to the state of production equipment 1. Specifically, the sensor detects parameters indicating the state of M components that make up production equipment 1. Components include, for example, members such as pipes and rolls, and devices such as pumps and motors (see Figure 2, etc.). A sensor is associated with each component.

[0038] Figure 3 shows the types of each sensor S1 to S14. As shown in Figure 3, S1 to S14 are called sensor identification information. In Figure 3, the sensor type (sensor name) and the measurement parameters measured by the sensor are shown, corresponding to the sensor identification information. These measurement parameters correspond to the measured value PV (see Figure 5) described later.

[0039] Sensor S1 is a thermometer that detects the temperature of the water in the liquid storage unit 2 (temperature adjusted by heater 2A) as a drive parameter. Sensor S2 is a tachometer that detects the rotational speed of the rotating components included in the pump 4 as a drive parameter. Sensor S3 is a vibration meter that detects the vibration frequency of the rotary joint 6 as a drive parameter. Sensor S4 is a pressure gauge that detects the pressure inside the pipe 7 as a drive parameter. Sensor S5 is a flow meter that detects the flow rate of the water flowing inside the pipe 7 as a drive parameter.

[0040] Sensor S6 is a vibration meter that detects the vibration frequency of the pipe 7 through which water flows as a drive parameter. Sensor S7 is a displacement meter that detects the displacement of the coating roll 8 as a drive parameter. Sensor S8 is a vibration meter that detects the vibration frequency of the blade 10 as a drive parameter. Sensor S9 is a displacement meter that detects the displacement of the film (for example, the displacement in the vertical direction) as a drive parameter. Sensor S10 is a thickness meter that detects the thickness (film thickness) of the coating applied to the film 20 as a drive parameter.

[0041] Sensor S11 is a vibration meter that detects the vibration frequency of the bearing section 12 as a drive parameter. Sensor S12 is a vibration meter that detects the vibration frequency of the motor 14 as a drive parameter. Sensor S13 is a vibration meter that detects the rotational speed of the motor 14 as a drive parameter. Sensor S14 is a voltmeter that measures the voltage applied to the heater 2A.

[0042] The types of sensors are not limited to those shown in Figure 3, and may include other types of sensors. These other sensors may include, for example, at least one of the following: a distance meter, a densitometer, a photometer, and a colorimeter.

[0043] Furthermore, the sensor continuously detects the state of the production equipment 1 (each drive parameter). "Continuous detection" may also mean detecting the drive parameters without interruption. Alternatively, "continuous detection" may not mean without any interruption, but rather continuously detecting the drive parameters throughout the production time in the production equipment 1. For example, temperature as a drive parameter is unlikely to fluctuate in milliseconds or less, and the sensor may measure such drive parameters at predetermined intervals. The predetermined interval is preferably 1 minute or less, more preferably 10 seconds or less, even more preferably 5 seconds or less, and particularly preferably 1 second or less. For drive parameters that are prone to variation due to noise or other factors, the production equipment 1 may, for example, perform a smoothing process.

[0044] [Control device hardware configuration] Figure 4 shows the hardware configuration of the control device 100. Referring to Figure 4, the control device 100 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 181 for executing programs, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 182 for non-volatile data storage, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 183 for volatile data storage, and a communication I / F (Interface) 188, etc. The control device 100 may further include a storage 184 and a removable media drive 185. The storage 184 is composed of an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or an SSD (Solid State Drive), etc.

[0045] The communication interface 188 of the control device 100 can communicate with the production equipment 1, the display device 300, the input device 200, and each sensor S1 to S14, etc. Furthermore, the communication interface 188 may be connected to a local area network (LAN), etc. Also, the CPU 181 corresponds to the "processor" in this disclosure, and the ROM 182, RAM 183, storage 184, etc. correspond to the "memory" in this disclosure. Note that ROM does not necessarily refer only to non-writable memory; any non-volatile memory that is writable may also be included.

[0046] The processing in the control device 100 is realized by programs executed by each piece of hardware and the CPU 181. Such programs may be pre-stored in the ROM 182 or storage 184. Programs may also be stored on a server (not shown) connected to the LAN. In this case, the CPU 181 reads the program from either the ROM 182, storage, or server. Programs may also be stored on memory cards or other removable media (also referred to as "recording media") and distributed as program products. In this case, the CPU 181 reads the program from the removable media using the removable media drive 185. Furthermore, programs may be provided as downloadable program products by information providers connected to the so-called Internet. In this case, the CPU 181 reads the program via the Internet. The control device 100 may store some or all of the read program in the RAM 183 or a temporary storage area while the production equipment 1 is running to speed up access.

[0047] Furthermore, if the program resides on a server or removable media, or if the program is on the Internet, the control device 100 may download the program to the ROM 182 or storage 184 and read the program from the ROM 182 or storage 184.

[0048] Removable media (recording media) are, for example, DVD-ROMs (Digital Versatile Disk Read Only Memory), CD-ROMs (compact disc read-only memory), FDs (Flexible Disks), memory cards, and USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory, which are media that permanently store programs. Furthermore, these recording media are non-temporary media that allow a computer to read programs and other data.

[0049] [Feedback control] In this embodiment, the control device 100 performs feedback control on the production equipment 1. Feedback control includes, for example, ON-OFF control, P (Proportional) control, PI (Proportional Integral) control, PD (Proportional Differential) control, and PID (Proportional Integral Differential) control.

[0050] Next, the variables used in this embodiment will be described. The variables used are mainly the set value SV (Set Variable), the measured value PV (Process Variable), the manipulated variable MV (Manipulative Variable), and the deviation DV (Deviation Variable).

[0051] Setpoint values ​​SV and measured values ​​PV are typically temperature, pressure, flow rate, viscosity, speed, rotational speed, and weight. Manipulated values ​​MV are typically voltage, power, pressure, torque, and valve opening / closing degree.

[0052] Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating the variables used in this embodiment. The example in Figure 5 describes the feedback control of the heater 2A (component) and the temperature sensor S1.

[0053] The user sets the target temperature as a production condition. The target temperature corresponds to the "target value SV". The target temperature is input by the user to the input device 200. The input target temperature is then input to the control device 100. The control device 100 controls the temperature of the water in the liquid storage unit 2 to the target temperature by outputting a voltage control signal to the heater 2A. The amount output to the heater 2A to bring the temperature of the water in the liquid storage unit 2 to the target temperature corresponds to the "operated variable MV".

[0054] The temperature sensor S1 measures the temperature of the water in the liquid storage unit 2. The measured temperature corresponds to the "measured value PV". The measured temperature is output to the control device 100. The temperature of the water in the liquid storage unit 2 (temperature detected by the temperature sensor S1) may differ from the set temperature due to disturbances to the liquid storage unit 2. The control device 100 calculates the deviation between the set temperature (set value SV) and the measured temperature (measured value PV). This deviation corresponds to the "deviation DV". Then, based on this deviation DV (for example, so that the deviation DV becomes 0), the control device 100 calculates the manipulated variable MV and sets the voltage applied to the heater 2A.

[0055] [Control device functions] Figure 6 is a functional block diagram of the control device 100. In the example shown in Figure 6, the control device 100 includes an acquisition unit 102, a processing unit 104, a storage unit 108, and a control unit 106.

[0056] Each sensor (sensors S1 to S14) detects a measurement parameter corresponding to that sensor (see Figure 3) at predetermined intervals (for example, every 0.1 seconds). The acquisition unit 102 then receives the input of the measurement parameter detected by the sensor. Based on this measurement parameter, the acquisition unit 102 acquires the drive parameter.

[0057] The drive parameters and measurement parameters acquired by the acquisition unit 102 are stored in the storage unit 108 via the processing unit 104. The storage unit 108 may consist of at least one of RAM 183, storage 184, and removable media. The drive parameters and measurement parameters may also be output to a server located outside the control device 100. Alternatively, the drive parameters and measurement parameters may be temporarily stored in the storage unit 108 and then output to a server. The server stores the drive parameters and measurement parameters. If an abnormality occurs in the production equipment 1, the user of the production equipment 1 can identify the type of abnormality by checking the drive parameters and measurement parameters stored in the server.

[0058] Here, the drive parameter is a parameter relating to the drive of production equipment 1. Alternatively, the drive parameter may be expressed as "a parameter relating to the state of production equipment 1". Furthermore, the drive parameter includes at least one of the following: measured value PV, rate of change of measured value PV, amount of change of measured value PV, manipulated variable MV, rate of change of manipulated variable MV, amount of change of manipulated variable MV, deviation DV, rate of change of deviation DV, and amount of change of deviation DV.

[0059] Furthermore, the percentage change in the measured PV is calculated, for example, from the current measured PV and the previous measured PV (detected one cycle earlier). The percentage change in the measured PV is calculated, for example, by dividing the current measured PV by the previous measured PV. Similarly, the percentage change in the manipulated variable MV and the percentage change in the deviation DV are calculated using the same method.

[0060] Furthermore, the change in the measured value PV is calculated, for example, from the current measured value PV and the previous measured value PV. The change in the measured value PV is calculated, for example, by subtracting the previous measured value PV from the current measured value PV. Similarly, the change in the manipulated variable MV and the change in the deviation DV are calculated using the same method.

[0061] Furthermore, the processing unit 104 determines whether the production equipment 1 is in a stable state or an unstable state based on the acquired drive parameters. Here, a stable state means that the production equipment 1 is stable. An unstable state means that the production equipment 1 is unstable. Typically, immediately after production of the target object by the production equipment 1 begins, it is in an unstable state.

[0062] If the processing unit 104 determines that the production equipment 1 is in an unstable state, it stores an unstable state flag in the storage unit 108. The unstable state flag is a flag indicating that the production equipment 1 is in an unstable state. Also, if the processing unit 104 determines that the production equipment 1 is in a stable state, it stores a stable state flag in the storage unit 108. The stable state flag is a flag indicating that the production equipment 1 is in a stable state.

[0063] The control unit 106 performs feedback control (see Figure 5) on the production equipment 1. In the production equipment 1 described above, if the drive parameters are within the alarm range, the produced products are considered normal. However, products produced when the drive parameters deviate from the alarm range may be considered defective. Therefore, it is preferable for the user to identify the timing when the drive parameters deviate from the alarm range. By identifying this timing, the user can identify the cause of the drive parameters deviating from the alarm range (i.e., the cause of the abnormality in the production equipment 1). Furthermore, in recent years, there has been a demand for the production of high-quality products with less variation in quality. Therefore, in order to perform efficient production in the production equipment 1, it is preferable for the user to grasp the variation in the drive parameters or the operating status of the production equipment 1 while the amount of variation in the drive parameters is still small.

[0064] Therefore, in this embodiment, the control unit 106 displays a trend graph on the display device 300. The trend graph is a graph showing the changes in the drive parameters. Users of the production equipment 1 (such as administrators) can visually check whether there are any abnormalities in the drive parameters by looking at the trend graph. The control unit 106 also determines whether the drive parameters have deviated from the alarm range. If the control unit 106 determines that the drive parameters have deviated from the alarm range, it causes the alarm device 400 to execute an alarm.

[0065] Furthermore, as shown below, the control device 100 performs various controls using a first period, a second period, and a third period. The first period is used to determine the display range of the stable state. In this embodiment, the control device 100 determines the display range of the stable state based on the drive parameters of the first period when the system is in a stable state.

[0066] Furthermore, the second period is used to determine the alarm range for the stable state. The control device 100 of this embodiment determines the display range for the stable state based on the drive parameters of the first period when the system is in a stable state.

[0067] Furthermore, the third period is a period for determining whether the system has switched from an unstable state to a stable state. In this embodiment, the control device 100 determines that the state of the production equipment 1 is stable when the drive parameters during the third period fall within a predetermined range. In this embodiment, the first period, the second period, and the third period are considered to be the same period. Hereafter, this same period (i.e., the first period, the second period, and the third period) will also be referred to as the "determination period". In this embodiment, the control device 100 stores the drive parameters for the period from the present to before the determination period in a predetermined memory area.

[0068] The judgment period is preferably 0.1 minutes or more, more preferably 0.5 minutes or more. The second period is even more preferably 1 minute or more, particularly preferably 3 minutes or more. The second period is most preferably 5 minutes or more. The second period is also preferably 60 minutes or less, more preferably 30 minutes or less, even more preferably 20 minutes or less, particularly preferably 15 minutes or less.

[0069] Next, we will explain the method for determining whether the state of production equipment 1 is stable or unstable. In the following, the average value of the maximum values ​​of the drive parameters over a certain period is called the "average maximum value." Similarly, the average value of the minimum values ​​of the drive parameters over the same period is called the "average maximum value." The "variation amount" is the value obtained by subtracting the average minimum value from the average maximum value.

[0070] In an unstable state, the amount of fluctuation tends to be large. On the other hand, in a stable state, the amount of fluctuation tends to be smaller than in an unstable state. Therefore, the processing unit 104 determines that the state of production equipment 1 is unstable at the time when production of the target object begins. Furthermore, the processing unit 104 monitors the drive parameters. Then, using the above trends, if the processing unit 104 determines that the parameters have remained within a predetermined range for a predetermined period (the judgment period described above), it determines that the state is stable (it determines that it has switched from an unstable state to a stable state).

[0071] Here, the predetermined range is a range that is set in advance. The upper limit of the predetermined range is, for example, the value between the average maximum value in the unstable state and the average maximum value in the stable state. The lower limit of the predetermined range is, for example, the value between the average minimum value in the unstable state and the average minimum value in the stable state.

[0072] The method for determining a stable state is not limited to this method and may be other methods. For example, the processing unit 104 may determine that the state of the production equipment 1 is stable after a predetermined time has elapsed from the time when production of the target object begins. Alternatively, a user (manager (human)) may observe the drive parameters and determine whether or not the state is stable.

[0073] Conventional control devices display a trend graph of the drive parameters. By monitoring this trend graph, users can recognize abnormalities in the drive parameters. The control device also issues an alarm when the drive parameters deviate from a predetermined threshold range.

[0074] In the unstable state described above, the amount of variation in the drive parameters tends to be large. Therefore, the control device sets the display magnification of the trend graph of the drive parameters to be smaller (sets a wider display range) in accordance with the amount of variation. This allows the user to monitor the large fluctuations in the variable parameters when the production equipment 1 is in an unstable state.

[0075] Furthermore, if production equipment 1 is in an unstable state, the drive parameters will fluctuate significantly even if there are no abnormalities in the drive parameters. If the alarm range is set narrowly when production equipment 1 is in an unstable state, excessive alarm processing will be executed even though there are no abnormalities in the drive parameters, causing inconvenience to the user. Therefore, when production equipment 1 is in an unstable state, the control device sets a wide alarm range. This prevents excessive alarm processing from being executed.

[0076] However, once the system stabilizes, the fluctuations in the drive parameters become smaller, as described above. Therefore, if the display magnification remains small (the display range is wide), it becomes difficult for the user to notice small fluctuations in the drive parameters. Furthermore, in a stable state, even if the drive parameters become abnormally high, although they do not deviate from the alarm range, the alarm will not be triggered.

[0077] One possible configuration is one in which the user can manually increase the display magnification and narrow the alarm range once a stable state is reached. However, such a configuration would impose a burden on the user. Furthermore, when production equipment 1 produces the same object, the drive parameters may differ due to lot variations in the raw materials of the object, changes in the environment (e.g., ambient temperature), etc. In this case, the user would need to change the display magnification and alarm range each time, which could lead to a significant burden on the user.

[0078] Thus, conventionally, when the production equipment 1 is in a stable state, a problem may arise in which the display range (display magnification of the drive parameters) or alarm range of the drive parameters is not set appropriately. Therefore, in this embodiment, when the control device 100 switches from an unstable state to a stable state, the processing unit 104 sets the display magnification to be larger and the alarm range to be narrower than when it was in an unstable state.

[0079] As a result, the drive parameters can be displayed larger in a stable state where the amount of fluctuation in the drive parameters is small, allowing the user to recognize even small fluctuations in the drive parameters. Furthermore, since the alarm range is narrowed in a stable state where the amount of fluctuation in the drive parameters is small, the control device 100 can execute alarm processing if the drive parameters "do not deviate from the alarm range when in an unstable state (wide alarm range), but the drive parameters have abnormal values."

[0080] In the following, the alarm range when the system is unstable will be referred to as the "first alarm range," and the alarm range when the system is stable will be referred to as the "second alarm range." Similarly, the display range when the system is unstable will be referred to as the "first display range," and the display range when the system is stable will be referred to as the "second display range." The processing unit 104 sets the "first alarm range," the "second alarm range," the "first display range," and the "second display range."

[0081] [Alarm range] Figure 7 shows the alarm range when the system is unstable and when it is stable. In Figure 7, the vertical axis represents the rate of change (%) of the manipulated variable MV, and the horizontal axis represents time. In Figure 7, the alarm range is indicated by a horizontal dashed line.

[0082] In Figure 7, timing T0 is the timing when production of the target object of production equipment 1 begins. Timing T1 is the timing when it is determined that the system has switched from an unstable state to a stable state. Timing T2 is the timing when the drive parameters deviate from the threshold range.

[0083] During periods of instability (i.e., the period from timing T0 to timing T1), the first alarm range is set to 30% to 90%. The first alarm range is a predetermined range. The first alarm range may also be adjustable by the user. Furthermore, the first alarm range may be determined according to the type of object produced by production equipment 1. For example, the user inputs the type of object to the input device 200. The control device 100 sets the first alarm range corresponding to the type of object.

[0084] When the control device 100 determines that the system has switched from an unstable state to a stable state, it switches the alarm range from the first alarm range to the second alarm range. The method for setting the second alarm range is explained below. First, the control device 100 determines the reference value P based on the values ​​of the drive parameters for a predetermined period (second period) when the production equipment 1 is in a stable state. In this embodiment, as described above, the second period and the third period are the same. For example, the control device 100 calculates the reference value P by dividing the sum of the average maximum value and the average minimum value during the judgment period by 2. In other words, the control device 100 calculates the reference value P based on the following equation (1).

[0085] Reference value P = (average maximum value during the judgment period + average minimum value during the judgment period) / 2 (1) The method for determining the reference value P may be other than the method described above. For example, the control device 100 may use the median value of the drive parameters acquired during the decision period as the reference value P. Alternatively, the control device 100 may use the average value of the drive parameters acquired during the decision period as the reference value P. Alternatively, the control device 100 may use the mode value of the drive parameters acquired during the decision period as the reference value P. Furthermore, if the drive parameters are set by the user, the control device 100 may use the set parameter as the reference value P. For example, if the drive parameters are temperature-related parameters, the control device 100 may use the set temperature SV (see Figure 5) as the reference value P.

[0086] Next, the method for determining the upper and lower limits of the second alarm range will be explained. First, the control device 100 determines the allowable width ΔLa and the allowable width ΔLb. Then, the control device 100 determines the upper limit of the second alarm range using the following equation (2), and determines the lower limit of the second alarm range using the following equation (3).

[0087] Upper limit of the second alarm range = Reference value P + ΔLa (2) Lower limit of the second alarm range = Reference value P - ΔLb (3) In this embodiment, a configuration in which ΔLa and ΔLb have the same value may be adopted. In this case, they are collectively referred to as ΔL. The allowable amount ΔL in this embodiment is associated with an object. Figure 8 is a diagram showing an example of a correspondence table in which an object is associated with an allowable width ΔL. In the example in Figure 8, the allowable width ΔL1 is associated with object A1, the allowable width ΔL2 is associated with object A2, and the allowable width ΔL3 is associated with object A3. The correspondence table in Figure 8 is stored in a predetermined storage area (for example, the storage unit 108 in Figure 6).

[0088] Then, the control device 100 determines the allowable width ΔL by referring to the correspondence table in Figure 8, and then determines the upper and lower limits using equations (2) and (3) above. This sets the second alarm range. In the example in Figure 7, 40% was determined as the reference value P, and 5% was determined as the allowable width ΔL.

[0089] Furthermore, in the above explanation, ΔLa and ΔLb may be different values. In this case, a correspondence table is prepared in advance for each of ΔLa and ΔLb.

[0090] Furthermore, a configuration in which the allowable width ΔL is associated with the object is not required. For example, the control device 100 may use artificial intelligence or the like to estimate the reference value P and the allowable width ΔL.

[0091] Furthermore, the tolerance ΔL may be determined independently of the object. For example, if the drive parameter is a measured value, a change in the measured value, a manipulated variable, a change in the manipulated variable, a deviation, or a change in the deviation, the tolerance ΔLa and tolerance ΔLb may be determined by the following equations (4) and (5).

[0092] Tolerance ΔLa = Maximum value during the judgment period - Reference value P (4) Tolerance ΔLb = Reference value P - Minimum value during the judgment period (5) Furthermore, if the drive parameter is the rate of change of the measured value, the rate of change of the manipulated variable, or the rate of change of the deviation, the tolerance range ΔLa and tolerance range ΔLb may be determined by the following equations (6) and (7).

[0093] Tolerance ΔLa = (Maximum value during the judgment period - Reference value P) / Reference value P (6) Tolerance ΔLb = (Reference value P - Minimum value during the judgment period) / Reference value P (7) In addition, in equations (4) to (7), either the allowable width ΔLa or the allowable width ΔLb may be calculated as the allowable width ΔL mentioned above.

[0094] Furthermore, the control device 100 may multiply the right-hand side of equations (4) to (7) by a coefficient α greater than 1.0. The coefficient α is predetermined based on the type of drive parameter, the production equipment 1, and the production conditions of the production equipment 1. By multiplying the right-hand side of equations (4) to (7) by the coefficient α, the control device 100 can set a second alarm range with sufficient margin. The coefficient α is preferably 1.2 or greater, and more preferably 1.5 or greater.

[0095] Furthermore, if the coefficient α is too large, the second alarm range will become excessively wide. If the second alarm range becomes excessively wide, alarm processing may not be executed even if the drive parameters become abnormal. In this case, the user of production equipment 1 may miss the signs of an abnormality in production equipment 1. Therefore, the coefficient α is preferably 10.0 or less, and more preferably 7.0 or less, 5.0 or less, and 3.0 or less in that order. It is also preferable that the coefficient α is such that the upper and lower limits of the second alarm range determined by equations (2) and (3) do not exceed the upper and lower limits of the first alarm range.

[0096] Furthermore, the control device 100 may adopt a configuration in which the drive parameter for determining whether or not it falls within the alarm range is the absolute value of the drive parameter acquired by the processing unit 104 of the control device 100. When this configuration is adopted, the lower limit of the first alarm range becomes 0, and the upper limit becomes a predetermined value. When this configuration is adopted, the control device 100 calculates the absolute values ​​of the right-hand sides of equations (4) and (5) as the allowable widths ΔLa and ΔLb. When this configuration is adopted, the control device 100 calculates the absolute values ​​of the right-hand sides of equations (6) and (7) as the allowable widths ΔLa and ΔLb. The upper limit of the second alarm range is determined by equation (2) above, and the lower limit of the second alarm range becomes 0. The control device 100 also calculates the allowable change amount for each drive parameter.

[0097] [Trend graph] Figure 9 shows an example of trend graph display. Figure 9(A) is an example of trend graph G1 display when the system is unstable, and Figure 9(B) is an example of trend graph G2 display when the system is stable. As shown in Figure 9, trend graphs G1 and G2 are displayed in the display area 300A of the display device 300. The control device 100 displays trend graph G1 when the system is unstable, and switches the display from trend graph G1 to trend graph G2 when it determines that the system has switched from an unstable state to a stable state.

[0098] In the example in Figure 9, the percentage change (%) of the manipulated variable MV of temperature (a measurement parameter detected by sensor S1 shown in Figure 3) is shown as the drive parameter. In Figures 9(A) and 9(B), the vertical axis shows the manipulated variable MV, and the horizontal axis shows time. A predetermined point on the horizontal axis represents the point where the current drive parameter is shown (see the word "Current" in Figures 9(A) and (B)). In the example in Figure 9, images showing a predetermined period before the current point are also displayed. In the example in Figure 9, images from 10 seconds ago and 20 seconds ago are displayed.

[0099] Furthermore, through a user switching operation on the input device 200, the display device 300 can display the vertical axis in a different manner for the same drive parameter. For example, if the parameter shown on the vertical axis is the change in the measured value of the temperature detected by sensor S1, the switching operation may be used to switch to the deviation of the temperature. Alternatively, through a user switching operation on the input device 200, the display device 300 may display a trend graph of another drive parameter (for example, a drive parameter calculated from the rotational speed detected by sensor S2).

[0100] First, let's explain Figure 9(A). In Figure 9(A), the manipulated variable MV is displayed in the range of 0% to 100%. This display range of 0% to 100% corresponds to the "first display range." The first display range is a predetermined value. Furthermore, the first display range may be adjustable by the user.

[0101] In the example in Figure 9(A), an upper limit image 312 indicating the upper limit of the first display range and a lower limit image 311 indicating the lower limit of the first display range are displayed. In the example in Figure 9(A), the upper limit image 312 is an image representing 100%, and the lower limit image 311 is an image representing 0%. In the example in Figure 9(A), auxiliary lines 313 are displayed at 20% intervals.

[0102] Furthermore, in the example shown in Figure 9(A), an image indicating the first alarm range is displayed. The image indicating the first alarm range includes an upper alarm limit image 322, a lower alarm limit image 321, an upper limit line image 314, and a lower limit line image 315. The upper alarm limit image 322 is an image indicating the upper limit of the first alarm range. The upper alarm limit image 322 is an image indicating 90%.

[0103] The alarm lower limit image 321 is an image showing the lower limit of the first alarm range. The alarm lower limit image 321 shows 30%. In the example in Figure 9(A), the text image 316, which says "Standard magnification display," is also displayed. In an unstable state, the above images are displayed, followed by the trend graph G1.

[0104] Next, let's explain Figure 9(B). In Figure 9(B), the manipulated variable MV is displayed within a display range of 30% to 50%. This 30% to 50% display range corresponds to the "second display range." As explained in Figure 9(A), the first display range is in the range of 0% to 100%. Therefore, the second display range has a larger display magnification than the first display range. In the example in Figure 9, the second display range has a display magnification of 5 times that of the first display range. In other words, the trend graph G2 shown in Figure 9(B) is a trend graph that is a 5x magnification of the trend graph G1 in Figure 9(A).

[0105] In the example in Figure 9(B), an upper limit image 412 indicating the upper limit of the second display range and a lower limit image 411 indicating the lower limit of the second display range are displayed. In the example in Figure 9(B), the upper limit image 412 is an image showing 50%. The lower limit image 421 is an image showing 30%. In the example in Figure 9(B), auxiliary lines 413 are displayed at 10% intervals. Note that the auxiliary lines 413 are lines that satisfy predetermined conditions. The predetermined conditions are, for example, conditions that satisfy a predetermined number of multiples. In the example in Figure 9(A), the auxiliary lines 313 are lines that are added at multiples of 20, and in the example in Figure 9(B), the auxiliary lines 413 are lines that are added at multiples of 10.

[0106] Furthermore, in the example in Figure 9(B), an image showing the second alarm range is displayed. The image showing the second alarm range includes an alarm upper limit image 422, an alarm lower limit image 421, an upper limit line image 414, and a lower limit line image 415. The alarm upper limit image 422 is an image showing the upper limit of the second alarm range. The alarm upper limit image 422 is an image showing 45%.

[0107] Alarm lower limit image 421 is an image showing the lower limit of the second alarm range. Alarm lower limit image 421 is an image showing 35%. In the example in Figure 9(B), the text image 416 that says "5x display" is also displayed. In a stable state, the above images are displayed, followed by the trend graph G2.

[0108] Next, we will explain the method for determining the upper and lower limits of the second display range. In the example in Figure 9(B), the upper limit of the second display range is determined based on the upper limit of the second alarm range (see equation (2) above), and the lower limit of the second display range is determined based on the lower limit of the second alarm range (see equation (3) above). For example, the upper limit of the second display range is determined by the following equation (8), and the lower limit of the second display range is determined by the following equation (9).

[0109] Upper limit of the second display range = Upper limit of the second alarm range + Ma (8) Lower limit of the second display range = Lower limit of the second alarm range - Mb (9) However, Ma and Mb in equations (8) and (9) are real numbers greater than or equal to 0. In the example in Figure 9, Ma = Mb = 5. The upper limit of the second display range may also be calculated by multiplying the upper limit of the second alarm range by a real number Q greater than or equal to 1. The lower limit of the second display range may also be calculated by dividing the lower limit of the second alarm range by this real number Q.

[0110] Furthermore, the upper and lower limits of the second display range may be set by rounding a predetermined number of digits (for example, a number after the decimal point). Alternatively, the upper and lower limits of the second display range may be set to round numbers such as natural multiples of 2 or greater (for example, multiples of 2, multiples of 5, etc.).

[0111] Furthermore, the control device 100 displays the trend graph G2 in a stable state such that the reference value P is located in the center of the vertical axis (operated variable MV) of the display screen. In the example in Figure 9(B), the reference value P is 40%, and the trend graph G2 is displayed such that this 40% reference value is located in the center of the vertical axis of the display screen. This allows the user to view the entire trend graph G2.

[0112] [Flowchart of the control device] Figures 10 and 11 are flowcharts of the process performed by the control device 100. The flowchart in Figure 10 is executed by the control device 100 when the start condition is met. Immediately after the flowchart in Figure 10 is started, the state of the production equipment 1 is unstable.

[0113] First, in step S2, the control device 100 sets the first alarm range (see the alarm range for unstable conditions in Figure 7). As described above, the first alarm range is a predetermined range. The first alarm range may also be adjustable by the user. Next, in step S4, the control device 100 sets the first display range. As described above, the first display range is a predetermined value. The first display range may also be adjustable by the user.

[0114] In step S5, following step S4, the control device 100 acquires the drive parameters. Next, in step S6, the control device 100 displays the drive parameters (trend graph) in the first display range on the display device 300 (see Figure 9(A)). Furthermore, the control device 100 also displays the image of the first alarm range.

[0115] In step S8, the control device 100 determines whether the drive parameter falls within the first alarm range. If the drive parameter falls within the first alarm range (YES in step S8), the process proceeds to step S10. On the other hand, if the drive parameter does not fall within the first alarm range (NO in step S8), that is, if the drive parameter deviates from the first alarm range, the process proceeds to step S22 in Figure 11. In step S22, the control device 100 causes the alarm device 400 to perform alarm processing. The processes in Figures 10 and 11 are then completed.

[0116] After the processing in step S6, or if YES is determined in step S8, the process proceeds to step S10. In step S10, the control device 100 determines whether the state of production equipment 1 has become stable. If the control device 100 determines that it has not become stable (NO in step S10), that is, that it remains in an unstable state, the process returns to step S5. The period from when NO is determined in step S10 until the processing in step S5 resumes corresponds to the predetermined cycle described above. In addition, the drive parameters repeatedly acquired in step S5 after NO is determined in step S10 are displayed as a trend graph. Furthermore, when YES is determined in step S10, that is, when the control device 100 determines that the state of production equipment 1 has become stable, the process proceeds to step S12 in Figure 11.

[0117] In step S12 of Figure 11, the control device 100 sets the second alarm range. Next, in step S14, the control device 100 sets the second display range.

[0118] In step S15, following step S14, the control device 100 acquires the drive parameters. In step S16, following step S15, the control device 100 displays the drive parameters (trend graph) on the display device 300 in the second display range (see Figure 9(B)). Furthermore, the control device 100 also displays the image of the second alarm range set in step S12.

[0119] Furthermore, in step S18, following step S15, the control device 100 determines whether the drive parameter falls within the second alarm range. If the drive parameter falls within the second alarm range (YES in step S18), the process proceeds to step S20. On the other hand, if the drive parameter does not fall within the second alarm range (NO in step S18), that is, if the drive parameter deviates from the second alarm range, the process proceeds to step S22. In step S22, the control device 100 causes the alarm device 400 to execute alarm processing. Then, the processes shown in Figures 10 and 11 are completed.

[0120] After the processing in step S16, or if YES is determined in step S18, the process proceeds to step S20. In step S20, the control device 100 determines whether the termination condition has been met. The termination condition is, for example, a condition that is met when a termination operation is performed by the user. In addition, the production equipment 1 may be equipped with a safety stop device. The safety stop device stops the processing of the production equipment 1 when it detects a prohibited action by the worker (for example, an action in which a part of the worker's body is located in the hazardous area of ​​the production equipment 1). The termination condition may also include the condition that the safety stop device stops the processing of the production equipment 1.

[0121] If the control device 100 determines that the termination condition has not been met (NO in step S20), the process returns to step S15. The period from when NO is determined in step S20 until the process in step S15 resumes corresponds to the predetermined cycle described above. In addition, the drive parameters repeatedly acquired in step S15 after NO is determined in step S20 are displayed as a trend graph. When YES is determined in step S20, the process in Figure 10 is terminated.

[0122] Figure 12 is a flowchart showing the flow of the "setting process for the second alarm range" in step S12. In step S122, the control device 100 determines the reference value P of the second alarm range based on equation (1) above. As described above, the control device 100 determines the reference value P based on the value of the drive parameter for the second period when it is in a stable state. Next, in step S124, the control device 100 determines the upper limit of the second alarm range based on equation (2) above. Next, in step S126, the control device 100 determines the lower limit of the second alarm range based on equation (3) above. With this, the process of step S12 is completed.

[0123] Figure 13 is a flowchart showing the flow of the "setting process for the second display range" in step S14. In step S142, the control device 100 determines the upper limit of the second display range based on the above equation (8). Next, in step S144, the control device 100 determines the lower limit of the second display range based on the above equation (9). With this, the process of step S14 is completed.

[0124] Thus, when the production equipment 1 is in an unstable state where the amount of fluctuation in the drive parameters tends to be large, the control device 100 displays the trend graph G1 in a relatively large first display range (see Figure 9(A)). Therefore, the user can visually identify the drive parameters that are fluctuating significantly. Furthermore, when the production equipment 1 enters a stable state where the amount of fluctuation in the drive parameters tends to be small, the control device 100 sets a second display range with a larger display magnification than the first display range and displays the trend graph G2 in this second display range (see Figure 9(B)). The second display range is narrower than the first display range. Therefore, since the control device 100 can display the fluctuations in the drive parameters at a large magnitude in a stable state where the amount of fluctuation in the drive parameters is small, the user can recognize even minute fluctuations in the drive parameters. Thus, the user can detect abnormalities in the production equipment 1 early. Therefore, the production equipment 1 can produce objects with less variation in quality. In particular, certain events may occur, such as when production of different types of objects is started, or when the surrounding environment of the production equipment 1 (for example, ambient temperature) changes. When such specific events occur, the drive parameters change. According to this embodiment, the control device 100 can flexibly set the second display range even when the drive parameters change in these cases.

[0125] Furthermore, if production equipment 1 is in an unstable state, the drive parameters will fluctuate significantly even if there are no abnormalities in the drive parameters. If the alarm range is set narrowly when production equipment 1 is in an unstable state, excessive alarm processing will be executed even though there are no abnormalities in the drive parameters, causing inconvenience to the user. Therefore, when production equipment 1 is in an unstable state, the control device 100 sets a wider alarm range. This suppresses excessive alarm processing. Also, in a stable state where the amount of fluctuation in drive parameters is small, the alarm range becomes narrower. Therefore, even if the drive parameters do not deviate from the alarm range in the unstable state, the control device 100 can execute alarm processing if the drive parameters become abnormal values. In summary, the goal is to appropriately set the display range and alarm range while reducing the burden on the user when production equipment 1 is in a stable state. Furthermore, the drive parameters change when the above specific events occur. According to this embodiment, even if the drive parameters change in these cases, the control device 100 can flexibly set the second alarm range.

[0126] Furthermore, in step S14 of Figure 11, the control device 100 determines the second display range based on the value of the judgment period (first period) for the drive parameters when the production equipment 1 is in a stable state (see equations (8) to (11) above). Therefore, regardless of the value of the judgment period for the drive parameters when the production equipment 1 is in a stable state, the second display range based on this value can be determined while reducing the burden on the user. Thus, regardless of the value of the judgment period for the drive parameters when the production equipment 1 is in a stable state, the drive parameters can be made easily recognizable to the user.

[0127] Another possible configuration is one in which the user can set a larger display range when the system transitions from an unstable state to a stable state. However, such a configuration can burden the user, and issues may arise such as the trend graph being displayed at the wrong magnification due to user error. In contrast, as shown in Figure 9, the control device 100 of this embodiment switches the trend graph from the first display range to the second display range when the drive of the production equipment 1 switches from an unstable state to a stable state. Therefore, the control device 100 can reduce the burden on the user and suppress the occurrence of the above-mentioned issues.

[0128] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 9, the control device 100 displays image 316, which is a standard magnification display, when it is in an unstable state, and displays image 416, which is a 5x magnification display, when it is in a stable state. In this way, the control device 100 displays the trend graph on the display device 300 in different ways depending on whether the drive of the production equipment 1 is in an unstable state or a stable state. Therefore, the user can determine whether the control device 100 is in an unstable or stable state based on the way the trend graph is displayed.

[0129] Furthermore, the control device 100 may display the trend graph on the display device 300 in any manner, as long as it displays the trend graph in different ways depending on whether the drive of the production equipment 1 is unstable or stable. For example, image 316 may be a text image that says "Unstable state," and image 416 may be a text image that says "Stable state." Also, the control device 100 may display the trend graph in a blinking manner when it is unstable, and display the trend graph continuously without blinking when it is stable.

[0130] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 9, the control device 100 displays the upper limit image 312 and the lower limit image 311 of the first display range when the production equipment 1 is in an unstable state. By displaying these lower limit image 311 and upper limit image 312, the user can understand the first display range when the production equipment 1 is in an unstable state.

[0131] Furthermore, when the production equipment 1 is in a stable state, the control device 100 displays the upper limit image 412 and lower limit image 411 of the second display range, which has a larger display magnification than the first display range. Therefore, the user can understand the second display range when the production equipment 1 is in a stable state. In particular, the drive parameters change when the type of object is different, or when the surrounding environment of the production equipment 1 (for example, ambient temperature) changes. According to this embodiment, even if the drive parameters change in these cases, the second display range can be set flexibly.

[0132] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 9(A), the control device 100 displays images indicating the first alarm range (alarm upper limit image 322, alarm lower limit image 321, upper limit line image 314, and lower limit line image 315) when the system is in an unstable state. Therefore, the user can recognize the alarm range when the system is in an unstable state, along with the trend graph. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 9(B), the control device 100 displays images indicating the second alarm range (alarm upper limit image 422, alarm lower limit image 421, upper limit line image 414, and lower limit line image 415) when the system is in a stable state. Therefore, the user can recognize the alarm range when the system is in a stable state, along with the trend graph.

[0133] Furthermore, in step S122 of Figure 12, the control device 100 determines a reference value P based on the value of the drive parameter during the period (second period) when the production equipment 1 is in a stable state. The control device 100 then determines a second alarm range based on the reference value P (steps S124 and S126 of Figure 12). Therefore, the second alarm range can be flexibly determined regardless of the value of the drive parameter when the production equipment 1 is in a stable state.

[0134] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 8, the control device 100 changes the upper and lower limits of the second alarm range according to the type of object produced by the production equipment 1. Therefore, the control device 100 can flexibly change the upper and lower limits of the second alarm range according to the type of object.

[0135] Furthermore, in step S10, the control device 100 determines that the production equipment 1 is in a stable state when the drive parameters have remained within the third range for the entire third period. This eliminates the need for the user to determine whether or not the production equipment 1 is in a stable state. Therefore, the control device 100 can determine that the equipment is in a stable state without burdening the user.

[0136] Furthermore, the first, second, and third periods are the same judgment period. Therefore, when the control device 100 determines that a stable state is in place during the judgment period, it can simultaneously set the display range to the second display range and the alarm range to the second alarm range.

[0137] Furthermore, the predetermined range described above may be the same as the second alarm range. In this configuration, the amount of information to be processed can be reduced compared to a system in which the predetermined range described above and the second alarm range are different. Also, the second display range and the second alarm range may be the same. In this configuration, the amount of information to be processed can be reduced compared to a system in which the second display range and the second alarm range are different.

[0138] [Other embodiments] (A) The control device 100 may cause the alarm device 400 to execute an alarm in different ways depending on whether the production equipment 1 is in an unstable state or in a stable state. Figure 14 shows an example of an alarm mode. In the example in Figure 14, when the production equipment 1 is in an unstable state, the control device 100 illuminates the light-emitting device of the alarm device 400 in yellow if the drive parameters deviate from the first alarm range. Also, when the production equipment 1 is in a stable state, the control device 100 illuminates the light-emitting device of the alarm device 400 in red if the drive parameters deviate from the second alarm range. Therefore, the user can recognize whether the alarm was executed when the production equipment 1 was in a stable or unstable state based on the alarm mode of the alarm device 400. Furthermore, the control device 100 may leave the first alarm range in place even when the second alarm range is set.

[0139] (B) In the above-described embodiment, when the production equipment 1 switches from an unstable state to a stable state, the control device 100 switches the display from the trend graph G1 displayed in the first display range to the trend graph G2 displayed in the second display range, as shown in Figure 9. However, when the production equipment 1 switches from an unstable state to a stable state, the control device 100 may display both the first trend graph G1 displayed in the first display range and the trend graph G2 displayed in the second display range.

[0140] Figure 15 illustrates an example where both the first trend graph G1 and the trend graph G2 are displayed. With this configuration, the user can recognize both the trend graph in the first display range and the trend graph in the second display range.

[0141] Furthermore, the user may switch between displaying trend graph G1 and trend graph G2. Figure 16 shows an example of the trend graph display when this configuration is adopted. In the example in Figure 16, a switch button 350 is displayed when a stable state is reached. When the user operates this switch button 350, the trend graph in the first display range is switched (i.e., the trend graph at the top of Figure 15). With such a configuration, the user can display trend graph G1 and trend graph G2 at their desired timing. Also, in the example in Figure 16, for example, the control device 100 may display trend graph G1 smaller than trend graph G2.

[0142] (C) In this embodiment, a configuration in which there is one stage in the alarm range (first alarm range or second alarm range) has been described. However, there may be multiple stages in the alarm range. That is, the control device 100 may have N (N is an integer of 2 or more) stages in the alarm range when in an unstable state, and M (M is an integer of 2 or more) stages in the alarm range when in a stable state. Furthermore, N and M may be the same or different. In addition, in such a configuration, the control device 100 may perform alarm processing corresponding to the alarm range in which the drive parameters have deviated.

[0143] (D) In ​​this embodiment, a configuration has been described in which the start condition is the condition that a user's start operation is performed. However, the start condition may be other conditions. The start condition may be a change in the setting conditions by the user. The start condition may also be the execution of an operation indicating a change in the object to be produced. The start condition may also be the condition that a restart operation is performed after the production of the same object has been interrupted due to trouble, etc. The start condition may also be the condition that the object is collected again after the collection of the object has been interrupted. The start condition may also be when the environment of the production equipment 1 changes. Changes in the environment may include changes in temperature due to climate change, for example, changes in the molecular weight of the raw material resin due to different lots of the object.

[0144] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, a configuration was described in which the state of the production equipment 1 changes from an unstable state to a stable state. However, the state of the production equipment 1 may change to a stable state without going through an unstable state. For example, the state of the production equipment 1 may change from a first stable state to a second stable state. Both the first stable state and the second stable state are stable states, but they are different from each other. This case occurs, for example, when the above-described change in environment occurs. Also, in this case, the control device 100 does not need to reset the first alarm range and the first display range if the drive parameters do not deviate significantly from when it is in the first stable state. In this case, the control device 100 may determine that it is already in a stable state (second stable state), and may determine the standard value P or standard value P2 again and start from S12 in Figure 11. In this case, the control device 100 may change the alarm range and display range to the second alarm range and second display range in the first stable state.

[0145] (E) In this embodiment, a first configuration that increases the display range when switching from an unstable state to a stable state and a second configuration that narrows the alarm range when switching from an unstable state to a stable state have been described. However, either the first configuration or the second configuration may be adopted.

[0146] (F) In the above-described embodiment, the control device 100 was configured to determine that the state of the production equipment 1 is stable when the control parameters fall within a predetermined range over the judgment period. However, the control device 100 may determine that the state of the production equipment 1 is stable by other methods.

[0147] The period during which the slope of the drive parameter has the same sign (for example, positive) tends to be longer in an unstable state than in a stable state. For example, consider a case where the drive parameter is the measured temperature, the initial temperature of the water in the liquid storage unit 2 is 30 degrees, and the set value SV (set temperature) is set to 100 degrees. In this case, in an unstable state, the drive parameter (measured temperature) is controlled to approach 100 degrees from 30 degrees. Therefore, in an unstable state, the period during which the slope of the drive parameter has a positive sign is the period during which the drive parameter is controlled to approach 100 degrees from 30 degrees, which is a relatively long period. On the other hand, in a stable state, the measured temperature is a value around 100 degrees (for example, fluctuating between 98 and 102 degrees). Therefore, in a stable state, the period during which the slope of the drive parameter has a positive sign is the period during which the drive parameter is controlled to approach 100 degrees from 98 degrees, which is a relatively short period. Based on the above, the period during which the gradients of the drive parameters have the same sign (for example, positive) tends to be longer in an unstable state than in a stable state.

[0148] Therefore, in light of this trend, in this modified example, the control device 100 determines that the system is in a stable state when the sign of the gradient of the drive parameter changes (for example, when the sign of the gradient changes from positive to negative), provided that the period during which the gradient has the sign before the change is less than a predetermined period.

[0149] Furthermore, when the system is in an unstable state, the deviation DV tends to be large, and when it is in a stable state, the deviation DV tends to be small. Therefore, the control device 100 may determine that the system is in an unstable state if the deviation DV is greater than or equal to a predetermined value, and determine that it is in a stable state if the deviation DV is less than or equal to a predetermined value.

[0150] As described above, the control device 100 determines whether the system is in an unstable state or a stable state based on the drive parameters.

[0151] (G) In the examples of Figures 10 and 11, the control device 100 is configured to perform an alarm process (step S22) and terminate the production process of the production equipment 1 when the drive parameters deviate from the first alarm range or when the drive parameters deviate from the second alarm range. However, the control device 100 does not have to terminate the production process of the production equipment 1 even if it performs an alarm process. For example, when an alarm process is performed, the control device 100 may terminate the production process of the production equipment 1 when the user performs an operation to terminate the production equipment 1. When an alarm process is performed, the user can investigate the cause of the abnormality based on the type of alarm process. Also, if an alarm process is performed when the system is in a stable state, the user may choose to continue the production process from an unstable state or from a stable state.

[0152] (H) In the embodiments described above, a configuration was described in which the first period, the second period, and the third period are identical. However, at least two of the first period, the second period, and the third period may be different.

[0153] For example, let's consider a case where the first and second periods are the same, and the third period is different from the first and second periods. In this case, the control device 100 uses the drive parameters of the third period to determine that the production equipment 1 has reached a stable state. Then, from the moment the stable state is reached, the control device 100 uses the drive parameters of the first period to set the second display range and the second alarm range.

[0154] Next, we will explain the case where the first period and the second period are different. In the embodiment described above, as shown in equations (8) and (9), the control device 100 determines the second alarm range and sets the second display range based on the second alarm range. When the first period and the second period are different, the control device 100 may determine the upper limit of the second display range by the following equation (10) and the lower limit of the second display range by the following equation (11).

[0155] Upper limit of the second display range = Reference value P2 + ΔNa (10) Lower limit of the second display range = Reference value P2 - ΔNb (11) Furthermore, the reference value P2 is calculated using the same method as "the method for calculating the reference value P using the driving parameters of the first period." Also, ΔNa and ΔNb may be the same or different. Preferably, ΔNa is greater than ΔLa (equation (2) above), and ΔNb is greater than ΔLb (equation (3) above).

[0156] Furthermore, as described above, it is possible that the state of production equipment 1 may be judged to be stable after a predetermined time has elapsed from the time when production of the target object by production equipment 1 begins. Alternatively, a user (manager (human)) may observe the drive parameters and determine whether or not it is in a stable state. In these cases, the third period (the period for determining that the state has switched from an unstable state to a stable state) is not used. In this case, the manager of production equipment 1 or the like must define the first and second periods. These first and second periods may include the time when it is determined that the state is stable, or they may be periods after that time. In this case, the second and third periods may be the same or different.

[0157] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of this disclosure is indicated by the claims rather than by the description of the embodiments above, and all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims are intended to be included. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0158] 1 Production equipment, 2 Liquid storage unit, 2A Heater, 4 Pump, 6 Rotary joint, 7 Pipe, 8 Coating roll, 9 Shaft, 10 Blade, 12 Bearing unit, 14 Motor, 20 Film, 100 Control device, 102 Acquisition unit, 104 Processing unit, 106 Control unit, 108 Storage unit, 182 ROM, 183 RAM, 184 Flash memory, 200 Input device, 300 Display device.

Claims

1. In a control device for a display device of production equipment, The control device is A processor that displays an image on the aforementioned display device, The system comprises a memory that stores a program executable by the aforementioned processor, The aforementioned processor, The drive parameters related to the drive of the aforementioned production equipment are obtained after the start of production. A transition image showing the changes in the aforementioned drive parameters is displayed on the display device within a set display range. At the time when production using the aforementioned production equipment begins, it is determined that the state of the aforementioned production equipment is unstable. It was determined that the state had shifted from the unstable state to a stable state. When the production equipment is in the unstable state, the display range is set to the first display range. Based on the drive parameters during the first period when the production equipment is in the stable state, a second display range is set. The first display range is either a predetermined range or a range that can be adjusted by the user. The second display range has a larger magnification than the first display range. The processor is a control device that, after setting the second display range, maintains the second display range until the termination condition of the production equipment is met.

2. The control device according to claim 1, wherein the processor switches the transition image from a first display range to a second display range and displays it when the production equipment switches from the unstable state to the stable state.

3. The control device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the processor displays the transition image in the first display range and the transition image in the second display range when the production equipment switches from the unstable state to the stable state.

4. The control device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the processor displays the transition image on the display device in different ways depending on whether the production equipment is in the unstable state or the stable state.

5. The aforementioned processor, When the production equipment is in the unstable state, the images of the upper limit and lower limit of the first display range are displayed. A control device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, which, when the production equipment is in the stable state, displays images of the upper limit and lower limit of a second display range that is narrower than the first display range.

6. The aforementioned processor, When the aforementioned drive parameter deviates from the alarm range, the alarm device will trigger an alarm. When the production equipment is in the unstable state, the alarm range is set to the first alarm range. The control device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein when the production equipment is in the stable state, the alarm range is set to a second alarm range that is narrower than the first alarm range.

7. The aforementioned processor, When the aforementioned drive parameter deviates from the alarm range, the alarm device will trigger an alarm. The control device according to claim 6, wherein a second alarm range for a stable state is set based on the drive parameters for a second period when the production equipment is in a stable state.

8. The aforementioned processor, When the production equipment is in the unstable state, the display device displays an image indicating the first alarm range. The control device according to claim 6 or 7, wherein when the production equipment is in the stable state, an image indicating the second alarm range is displayed on the display device.

9. In a control device for an alarm system of production equipment, The control device is A processor that controls the alarm device, The system comprises a memory that stores a program executable by the aforementioned processor, The aforementioned processor, The drive parameters related to the drive of the aforementioned production equipment are obtained after the start of production. When the aforementioned drive parameter deviates from the alarm range, the alarm device is instructed to issue an alarm. At the time when production using the aforementioned production equipment begins, it is determined that the state of the aforementioned production equipment is unstable. It was determined that the state had shifted from the unstable state to a stable state. When the production equipment is in the unstable state, the alarm range is set to the first alarm range. Based on the drive parameters during the second period when the production equipment is in the stable state, a second alarm range is set. The first alarm range is either a predetermined range or a range adjustable by the user. The second alarm range is narrower than the first alarm range. The processor is a control device that, after setting the second alarm range, maintains the second alarm range until the termination condition of the production equipment is met.

10. The aforementioned production equipment is production equipment for producing an object, The control device according to claim 9, wherein the processor changes the upper and lower limits of the second alarm range according to the type of object.

11. The control device according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the processor causes the alarm device to execute the alarm in different ways depending on whether the production equipment is in the unstable state or in the stable state.

12. The control device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the processor determines that the production equipment is in a stable state based on the acquired drive parameters.

13. The control device is The measurement value is obtained from a sensor that measures the measurement value of the aforementioned production equipment. The production equipment is controlled based on the manipulated variable calculated from the set value and the measured value. The control device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the drive parameter includes at least one of the measured value, the rate of change of the measured value, the amount of change of the measured value, the manipulated variable, the rate of change of the manipulated variable, the amount of change of the manipulated variable, the deviation between the set value and the measured value, the rate of change of the deviation, and the amount of change of the deviation.

14. The control device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the production equipment produces multiple objects of different types.

15. A method for displaying production equipment, To obtain drive parameters related to the operation of the aforementioned production equipment after the start of production, The transition image showing the changes in the aforementioned drive parameters is displayed on the display device within a set display range, At the time when production using the aforementioned production equipment begins, it is determined that the state of the aforementioned production equipment is unstable. It is determined that the state has shifted from the unstable state to a stable state, When the production equipment is in the unstable state, the display range is set to the first display range, The system includes setting a second display range based on the drive parameters during the first period when the production equipment is in the stable state, The first display range is either a predetermined range or a range that can be adjusted by the user. The second display range has a larger magnification than the first display range. The method further comprises setting the second display range and then maintaining the second display range until the termination condition of the production equipment is met.

16. A method for an alarm system for production equipment, To obtain drive parameters related to the operation of the aforementioned production equipment after the start of production, When the aforementioned drive parameter deviates from the alarm range, the alarm device will trigger an alarm. At the time when production using the aforementioned production equipment begins, it is determined that the state of the aforementioned production equipment is unstable. It is determined that the state has shifted from the unstable state to a stable state, When the aforementioned production equipment is in an unstable state, the alarm range is set to the first alarm range, The system includes setting a second alarm range based on the drive parameters during a second period when the production equipment is in the stable state, The first alarm range is either a predetermined range or a range adjustable by the user. The second alarm range is narrower than the first alarm range. The method further comprises setting the second alarm range and then maintaining the second alarm range until the termination condition of the production equipment is met.

Images