Data acquisition device, data acquisition system, data acquisition method, and data acquisition program

Abstract

The data collection device (10) includes a control program collection unit (122) that collects control programs that control production equipment placed on a production line, an input unit (17) that accepts input of specific conditions, a control program analysis unit (123) that analyzes the control program to identify candidate data storage areas for collection that store device data to be collected that meet specific conditions among the data storage areas used in the control program, a data collection unit (14) that collects selected device data, which is device data stored in a data storage area selected by the user from among the candidate data storage areas for collection, and an output unit (16) that outputs the selected device data to an external device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a data collection device, a data collection system, a data collection method, and a data collection program for collecting data.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, the visualization of production lines has been demanded, and data collection from production lines has been carried out. The production line is controlled by a control device such as a PLC (Programmable Logic Controller), and the production line is visualized by collecting device data from the control device.

[0003] When search instruction information for an operation display object on an operation screen is selected, the programmable display described in Patent Document 1 searches for and displays a corresponding device and ladder program by referring to object setting information.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to obtain a data collection device capable of collecting desired device data stored in a data storage area used in a control program and providing it to an external device.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the objectives, the data acquisition device of this disclosure includes a control program acquisition unit that collects control programs for controlling production equipment placed on a production line, an input unit that accepts input of specific conditions, and a control program that analyzes the control program to collect control programs corresponding to production equipment included in the production line selected by the user from among the production lines. By identifying the control program and analyzing the identified control program, the identified control program The data collection device includes a control program analysis unit that identifies candidate data collection target storage areas among the data storage areas used to store device data to be collected that meet specific conditions. The data collection device of this disclosure also includes a data collection unit that collects selected device data, which is device data stored in a data storage area selected by the user from among the candidate data collection target storage areas, and an output unit that outputs the selected device data to an external device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] The data acquisition device described herein has the effect of being able to collect desired device data stored in a data storage area used in a control program and provide it to an external device. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Diagram showing the configuration of the data collection system according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 2] A diagram illustrating a first method for determining the collection range of a data acquisition device according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 3] A diagram illustrating a second method for determining the collection range of the data acquisition device according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 4] A diagram illustrating the ladder program analyzed by the data acquisition device according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 5] This figure shows an example of the first display screen shown in the data acquisition system according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 6] This figure shows an example of a second display screen shown in the data acquisition system according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 7]A flowchart illustrating the processing procedure for the data collection process executed by the data collection system according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 8] This diagram illustrates the process by which the data acquisition device according to Embodiment 1 determines a selected storage area from the acquisition range specified by the user. [Figure 9] This figure shows an example of the configuration of a processing circuit when the processing circuit included in the control circuit of the data acquisition device according to the embodiment is implemented using a processor and memory. [Figure 10] This figure shows an example of the configuration of a processing circuit when the processing circuit included in the control circuit of the data acquisition device according to the embodiment is configured with dedicated hardware. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] The data acquisition device, data acquisition system, data acquisition method, and data acquisition program according to embodiments of this disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0010] Embodiment 1. Figure 1 shows the configuration of the data acquisition system according to Embodiment 1. The data acquisition system 1 is a system that collects and displays device data desired by the user from among the device data stored in the data storage area used in the control program.

[0011] The data acquisition system 1 comprises a data acquisition device 10, a network 2, a display device 3, a production management system 4, a quality management system 5, an external device 6, and production lines L1 to Ln (where n is a natural number greater than or equal to 2).

[0012] In the data acquisition system 1, at least one of the display device 3 and the external device 6 is an external device that receives device data from the data acquisition device 10. The production line provided by the data acquisition system 1 may consist of only one production line L1.

[0013] In the data collection system 1, the data collection device 10, the display device 3, the production management system 4, the quality management system 5, the external device 6, and the production lines L1 to Ln are connected via the network 2.

[0014] The production management system 4 is a system that manages the production lines L1 to Ln. The quality management system 5 is a system that manages the quality of the products produced on the production lines L1 to Ln.

[0015] The production lines L1 to Ln include one or more production processes. Hereinafter, mainly the production line L1 among the production lines L1 to Ln will be described, but the same processing as that of the production line L1 is also executed on the production lines L2 to Ln.

[0016] The production line L1 has one or more sets of a combination of a production device 34, a control device 32, an engineering tool 33, and a collection device 31. With this configuration, the production line L1 is managed and controlled by one or more control devices 32. Examples of the production device 34 are a processing machine, a robot, a belt conveyor, etc.

[0017] The engineering tool 33 generates a control program used by the control device 32. The control program is a program for operating the production lines L1 to Ln. That is, the control program is a program for controlling the production device 34. The control program includes information on the system configuration of the production lines L1 to Ln, a user program to be executed by the control device 32, setting information of external devices connected to the control device 32, etc.

[0018] The control device 32 controls the production device 34 using the control program generated by the engineering tool 33. An example of the control device 32 is a PLC.

[0019] The data collection device 31 is an edge terminal and is provided for each control device 32. The data collection device 31 collects control programs from the engineering tool 33 and collects device data desired by the user from the control device 32. The data collection device 31 may also collect control programs from the control device 32.

[0020] Device data is data used by the control program when the control device 32 executes the control program (input values, output values, status values, etc.). Examples of device data include defective product codes, status values ​​at the time of trouble, and measurements taken by sensors (length, weight, appearance, load, area, temperature, current value, torque, resistance value, etc.).

[0021] The data storage area (device) where device data is stored is the data storage area used by the control program when the control device 32 executes the control program. The data storage area includes the device memory or device name (device number), the memory area (memory address) specified by the control program, the database column or database item name, etc. The device number is a named area within the device memory, and the database item name is a named area within the column.

[0022] The data storage area stores device data for various data items. Each data storage area can be identified by the data item name of the device data stored in that area. In this embodiment, the data storage area corresponds to the data item name.

[0023] The data item names include "Completed Task Device" and "Trouble Occurring Device." The data storage area is the device name (device number), such as "D1000." For "Completed Task Devices," the status value at the time of completion (e.g., count value) is stored as device data in the data storage area. In other words, when a task is completed, the status value at the time of completion is stored in the "Completed Task Device," which stores the status value at the time of completion.

[0024] The data collection device 31 is connected to the data acquisition device 10 via network 2. The data acquisition device 10 may be used not only on-premises but also in the cloud. That is, the data acquisition device 10 may be a cloud terminal connected to the data collection device 31 via the cloud. The data collection device 31 transmits the collected control program and device data to the data acquisition device 10 upon request from the data acquisition device 10.

[0025] The data acquisition device 10 collects control programs from the data acquisition device 31 and analyzes the collected control programs to identify candidate data storage areas (data storage areas for data to be collected) that store device data to be collected that meet specific conditions desired by the user.

[0026] The specific conditions are, for example, the conditions for collecting device data specified by the user (data collection conditions). The following describes cases where the specific conditions are data collection conditions, but the specific conditions may be conditions other than data collection conditions.

[0027] The data acquisition device 10 displays candidate data item names as candidates for data storage areas. The data acquisition device 10 collects device data from the data acquisition device 31 to be stored in the data storage area selected by the user from among the displayed candidate data item names corresponding to the data storage area, and displays it on the display device 3.

[0028] In this way, the data acquisition device 10 collects and displays user-requested device data stored in a data storage area used by the control program. Specifically, the data acquisition device 10 first identifies candidate data storage areas as a first step, and then, as a second step, determines the user-requested data storage area. The data acquisition device 10 then collects and displays the user-requested device data stored in this selected data storage area.

[0029] The data collection device 10 includes a control unit 11, an analysis unit 12, a data collection determination unit 13, a data collection unit 14, a data determination unit 15, an output unit 16, an input unit 17, and a display processing unit 18. The analysis unit 12 comprises a data collection range identification unit 121, a control program collection unit 122, and a control program analysis unit 123.

[0030] In the data acquisition device 10, at least one of the output unit 16 and the display processing unit 18 is an output unit that outputs device data to an external device (at least one of the display device 3 and the external device 6).

[0031] Here, we will explain the definitions of the terms used in Embodiment 1. • Candidate storage area: Candidate data storage areas for storing device data that matches the data collection criteria. • Selected storage area: The data storage area selected by the user from among the storage area candidates. • Collection scope: The range of control programs to be collected. • Selected device data: Device data stored in the selected storage area.

[0032] The range of control programs collected corresponds to the range of device data collected. Therefore, the collection range is the range of control programs and device data collected. The collection range is defined by the user. The collection range is defined by the production line name, process name, etc. Alternatively, the collection range may be defined by at least one of the production line name and process name.

[0033] The collection range corresponds to the range controlled by the control program specified as the collection target (controlled range). In other words, the user specifies the collection range by specifying the controlled range controlled by the control program.

[0034] The selected device data is the device data stored in the selected storage area selected by the user, and therefore can be said to be the device data selected by the user. The data acquisition device 10 collects the selected device data.

[0035] The input unit 17 receives various information from the user via the user interface and inputs it to the control unit 11. For example, the input unit 17 receives data collection conditions desired by the user from the user and inputs them to the control unit 11.

[0036] Data collection conditions are the conditions for collecting the target device data. These conditions correspond to the purpose of analyzing the device data (hereinafter referred to as the data analysis purpose), the purpose of collecting the device data (hereinafter referred to as the data collection purpose), or the purpose of using the device data (hereinafter referred to as the data usage purpose). In other words, data collection conditions are the conditions for collecting device data that are set according to the data analysis purpose, data collection purpose, or data usage purpose.

[0037] Here, when a user specifies the device data to be collected, the user enters the data collection conditions or data analysis purpose via an input screen. For example, if a user enters "I want to know the production performance of production line L1" for the purpose of data analysis, the control program collection unit 122 converts "I want to know the production performance of production line L1" into "device data at the time of work completion on production line L1" and collects the control programs to be analyzed. As a result, the control program collection unit 122 can collect work performance data that serves as the basis for production performance data.

[0038] Similarly, when a user inputs "I want to know the cause of the trouble on production line L1" for the purpose of data analysis, the control program acquisition unit 122 converts "I want to know the cause of the trouble on production line L1" into "device data at the time of trouble on production line L1" and collects the control programs to be analyzed. As a result, the control program acquisition unit 122 can collect the device data at the time of trouble that is necessary to identify the cause of the trouble.

[0039] Thus, when a data analysis objective is input, the control program acquisition unit 122 converts the data analysis objective into data acquisition conditions that allow for the collection of control programs, and then collects the desired control programs. Keywords corresponding to the objective are pre-set for the data analysis objective, and the control program acquisition unit 122 converts the data analysis objective into data acquisition conditions that include these keywords. For example, for the keyword "production results" in the data analysis objective, keywords such as "work completion" and "number of units produced" are pre-set. In this case, the control program acquisition unit 122 converts "production results" into a data acquisition condition called "device data at work completion".

[0040] Therefore, for example, if a user inputs "I want to know the productivity of production line L1" for data analysis purposes, multiple keywords related to productivity, such as "work completed," "trouble occurred," and "defective product," are relevant. The control program acquisition unit 122 simultaneously converts the information input by the user into multiple data acquisition conditions. For example, the control program acquisition unit 122 converts "I want to know the productivity of production line L1" into "device data at the time of work completion on production line L1" and "device data at the time of trouble on production line L1." In this case, the control program acquisition unit 122 prompts the user to select which data acquisition conditions to use and collects the control program based on the acquisition conditions selected by the user.

[0041] This allows users to freely input data collection requests without having to worry about whether they are inputting data collection conditions or data analysis conditions, and the control program collection unit can collect control programs based only on the data collection conditions.

[0042] The data collection conditions include, for example, the conditions for collecting device data at the completion of work on production line L1, device data when a problem occurs on production line L1, or device data indicating the number of defective products on the production line.

[0043] Furthermore, the input unit 17 receives a selected storage area from the user, which is a candidate data storage area, and inputs it to the control unit 11. The input unit 17 also receives a collection range from the user, which is information about the range in which the control program will be collected, and inputs it to the control unit 11.

[0044] When a user determines the production line (such as production line L1) or production process from which they wish to collect data and inputs it into the input unit 17, the data acquisition device 10 identifies the control device 32 that manages the production line or production process entered by the user. This enables the data acquisition device 10 to collect the data desired by the user from the identified control device 32.

[0045] The control unit 11 controls the analysis unit 12, the data collection determination unit 13, the data collection unit 14, the data determination unit 15, the output unit 16, and the display processing unit 18. The analysis unit 12, the data collection determination unit 13, the data collection unit 14, the data determination unit 15, the output unit 16, and the display processing unit 18 perform data display processing on the display device 3 according to instructions from the control unit 11. In the following description, when data is transmitted and received via the control unit 11 within the data collection device 10, the fact that it is via the control unit 11 may be omitted.

[0046] The control unit 11 receives information (such as data collection conditions) entered by the user into the input unit 17. For example, the control unit 11 receives data collection conditions from the input unit 17 and transmits them to the control program collection unit 122 and the control program analysis unit 123. The control unit 11 also receives the collection range from the input unit 17 and transmits it to the collection range identification unit 121.

[0047] Furthermore, the control unit 11 receives a candidate storage area from the control program analysis unit 123 and transmits it to the data determination unit 15. Also, when the control unit 11 receives information from the data determination unit 15 indicating that the candidate storage area is appropriate (appropriate information), it transmits the candidate storage area that it transmitted to the data determination unit 15 to the data collection determination unit 13 as well. On the other hand, when the control unit 11 receives information from the data determination unit 15 indicating that the candidate storage area is inappropriate (inappropriate information), it does not transmit the candidate storage area that it transmitted to the data determination unit 15 to the data collection determination unit 13.

[0048] Furthermore, when the control unit 11 receives a selected storage area from the data collection determination unit 13, it transmits the selected storage area to the data collection unit 14. Also, when the control unit 11 receives selected device data from the data collection unit 14, it transmits the selected device data to the display processing unit 18 and the output unit 16.

[0049] The collection range identification unit 121 identifies the control device 32 that is the target of the control program's data collection, based on the collection range specified for the production line or production process and the information of the control device 32 that manages the production line or production process. The collection range identification unit 121 collects and stores the information of the control device 32 that manages the production line or production process from the engineering tool 33.

[0050] If the collection range is defined by the production process name, the collection range identification unit 121 determines that the range for collecting control programs is the control program that controls the production process corresponding to the production process name.

[0051] Furthermore, if the collection range is defined by the production line name, the collection range identification unit 121 determines that the range for collecting control programs is the control program that controls the production line corresponding to the production line name.

[0052] The collection range identification unit 121 identifies (limits) the collection range for which control programs are collected to the control program collection unit 122, thereby identifying the collection range of control programs that corresponds to the data collection conditions desired by the user. As a result, the collection range identification unit 121 can identify the range of control programs that the control program analysis unit 123 will analyze. In other words, the control program analysis unit 123 can analyze control programs for each collection range for control programs with limited collection ranges.

[0053] The collection range identification unit 121 identifies a collection range in accordance with the relationship between the control device 32 and the production process controlled by the control device 32. Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating a first method by which the data acquisition device according to Embodiment 1 identifies a collection range. Figure 2 shows a first example of the relationship between the control device 32 and the production process in the data acquisition system 1.

[0054] The first example of the relationship between the control device 32 and the production process is the relationship between the control device 32 and the production process when one control device 32 controls multiple production processes in production line L1. Figure 2 shows the first example of the relationship between the control device 32 and the production process, where one control device 32 controls production processes PA, PB, and PC.

[0055] In this case, when a single production process (for example, production process PA) is specified by the user as the collection range, the collection range identification unit 121 identifies the control device 32 that controls production process PA. Furthermore, the collection range identification unit 121 identifies the portion of the control program of the identified control device 32 that controls production process PA as the collection range.

[0056] Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating a second method by which the data acquisition device according to Embodiment 1 determines the collection range. Figure 3 shows a second example of the relationship between the control device 32 and the production process in the data acquisition system 1.

[0057] A second example of the relationship between the control device 32 and the production process is when one production process (large production process) includes multiple production processes (small production processes), and each of these multiple production processes is controlled by a separate control device 32. Figure 3 shows a second example of the relationship between the control device 32 and the production process, where one production process PA includes production processes PA1, PA2, and PA3. Figure 3 also shows a case where control device 32A controls production process PA1, control device 32B controls production process PA2, and control device 32C controls production process PA3.

[0058] In this case, when the user specifies the production process PA as the collection range, the collection range identification unit 121 identifies the control devices 32A, 32B, and 32C that control production processes PA1, PA2, and PA3 included in the production process PA. Furthermore, the collection range identification unit 121 identifies the control programs of the identified control devices 32A, 32B, and 32C as the collection range.

[0059] When the user specifies production process PA1 as the collection range, the collection range identification unit 121 identifies the control device 32A that controls production process PA1. Furthermore, the collection range identification unit 121 identifies the control program of the identified control device 32A as the collection range.

[0060] The collection range identification unit 121 identifies (limits) the collection range so that the control program collection unit 122 does not receive control programs that are unnecessary for analysis. As a result, the control program collection unit 122 collects control programs in a way that does not require the control program analysis unit 123 to receive such programs.

[0061] Furthermore, the control program acquisition unit 122 may receive more control programs than those used for analysis by the control program analysis unit 123. In other words, the control program acquisition unit 122 may receive control programs that include control programs unnecessary for analysis by the control program analysis unit 123. In this case, the acquisition range identification unit 121 identifies the control programs necessary for analysis by the control program acquisition unit 122 from among the control programs received by the control program acquisition unit 122.

[0062] The control program acquisition unit 122 acquires control programs from the acquisition device 31 according to the data acquisition conditions and acquisition range. Specifically, the control program acquisition unit 122 acquires control programs from the acquisition device 31 that match the data acquisition conditions among the control programs within the acquisition range identified by the acquisition range identification unit 121.

[0063] The control program acquisition unit 122, for example, copies and acquires the control program from the acquisition device 31 and transmits it to the control program analysis unit 123. Alternatively, the control program acquisition unit 122 may access the control device 32 and read the control program from it. In this case, the control program acquisition unit 122 transmits the read control program to the control program analysis unit 123. If the control program acquisition unit 122 reads the control program from the control device 32, the production line L1 does not need to be equipped with the acquisition device 31.

[0064] The control program analysis unit 123 identifies candidate storage areas corresponding to data collection conditions using the control programs collected by the control program collection unit 122. Specifically, the control program analysis unit 123 identifies candidate storage areas by analyzing the control programs within the collection range collected by the control program collection unit 122. More precisely, the control program analysis unit 123 identifies candidate storage areas corresponding to data collection conditions based on reference information of the control program (information inferred from the language), such as comment statements in the control program (such as the output value of AA).

[0065] In other words, when the control program analysis unit 123 receives input such as "device data at the time of 'completion of work' on production line L1" as a data collection condition, it identifies "work completion (time)" which indicates the content of the device data. After this, the control program analysis unit 123 uses general text matching technology or similarity determination technology to identify the comment "work completion" from the comment text of the control program. Furthermore, the control program analysis unit 123 uses the control program to which the identified comment is attached, and the control programs before and after this control program, to identify the location of the device memory that stores the data indicating work completion. The control program analysis unit 123 analyzes "on production line L1" by identifying the control program to be collected based on the accepted collection range.

[0066] Furthermore, the control program analysis unit 123 identifies candidate storage areas corresponding to the data acquisition conditions based on the function block or the functional part of the control program (the program part that performs a specific function).

[0067] In other words, when the control program analysis unit 123 receives input such as "device data at the time of 'completion of work' on production line L1" as a data collection condition, it identifies "completion of work (time)" which indicates the content of the device data. After this, the control program analysis unit 123 identifies the function block or control program (program portion) that is intended to represent "completion of work" based on the algorithm (purpose of the algorithm) of the function block or control program. Furthermore, the control program analysis unit 123 uses the identified function block or control program (program portion), and the context before and after the identified function block or control program (program portion), to identify the location of the device memory that stores the data indicating completion of work. The control program analysis unit 123 analyzes "on production line L1" by identifying the control program to be collected based on the accepted collection range.

[0068] Furthermore, the control program analysis unit 123 may identify candidate storage areas corresponding to data acquisition conditions not only based on comment statements, function blocks, or the control program, but also by using symbols indicating specific functions included in the control program, or icons of the control program. In other words, the control program analysis unit 123 may identify candidate storage areas corresponding to data acquisition conditions using information indicating the function unit that identifies the data acquisition conditions (function unit information).

[0069] The comments in the control program correspond to the data items in the data storage area. These comments contain information that explains the data items in the data storage area.

[0070] The control program analysis unit 123 may include data storage areas not included in the collection range as candidate storage areas. For example, if the number of machining operations is not counted in the control program, the control device 32 may count the number of machining operations and store it in the device memory of the control device 32. In this case, the control program analysis unit 123 may include the device memory of the control device 32 that stores the number of machining operations as a candidate storage area.

[0071] The control program analysis unit 123 identifies a memory map corresponding to the data acquisition conditions based on a device memory map that indicates, for example, which data is stored in which device memory, and includes it in the candidate storage area.

[0072] The device memory map defines the device memory number (address) and information indicating the content of the data to be stored in the device memory. Therefore, the control program analysis unit 123 identifies the device memory corresponding to the data acquisition conditions from the device memory map, similar to the analysis of the control program. The control program analysis unit 123 includes the identified device memory in the candidate storage area.

[0073] Furthermore, the data acquisition device 10 may count and store the number of processing operations. In this case, the control program analysis unit 123 may include the data storage area in which the number of processing operations is stored as a candidate storage area.

[0074] For control programs, for example, ladder logic programs or ST (Structured Text) languages ​​are used, but they are not limited to these; Python or C languages ​​may also be used.

[0075] Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating the ladder program analyzed by the data acquisition device according to Embodiment 1. The ladder program contains comment statements such as "Processing unit processing started" and "Processing unit processing completed." The ladder program also contains "D0001," which indicates the data storage area (device memory) where the data corresponding to "Processing unit processing started" is stored.

[0076] The control program analysis unit 123 identifies candidate storage areas corresponding to data collection conditions based, for example, on comments and data storage areas described in the ladder program.

[0077] For example, a ladder program has a device memory (a contact within the ladder program) that stores a work completion flag, so a work completion comment is attached to the contact. In this case, if the data collection condition for collecting device data is data related to the completion of work performed by the production equipment 34, the control program analysis unit 123 identifies a data storage area with a work completion comment (data item) attached as a candidate storage area.

[0078] Furthermore, the ladder program includes a function block that accumulates the number of completed tasks, and this function block is commented with "Number of completed tasks". In this case, if the data collection condition for collecting device data is "Number of completed tasks", the control program analysis unit 123 identifies the data storage area with the "Number of completed tasks" comment as a candidate storage area. Alternatively, the control program analysis unit 123 may identify the data storage area of ​​a function block with the comment for a function that accumulates completed tasks (a "1" in the task completion flag) as a candidate storage area.

[0079] The control program analysis unit 123 identifies storage area candidates (device candidates) based on the collection range (control target range) indicated in the production process, etc. The control program analysis unit 123 may, for example, identify storage area candidates that span multiple control programs.

[0080] For example, in production line L1, the production equipment 34 is controlled by a central PLC and lower-level PLCs controlled by the central PLC. The control program analysis unit 123 can derive the relationship between the central PLC's control program and the control programs of the lower-level PLCs by analyzing the central PLC's control program. By analyzing this relationship, the control program analysis unit 123 can analyze control programs across multiple control programs.

[0081] For example, the control program analysis unit 123 analyzes multiple control programs to identify data storage areas (devices) used by both the first control program and the second control program.

[0082] Furthermore, the control program analysis unit 123 analyzes multiple control programs to identify a second device in a second control program that has a causal relationship with a first device used in the first control program. Regarding causal relationships, for example, when the second control program references the results processed by the first control program, if the first device is related to the device data used by the second device, the control program analysis unit 123 identifies not only the second device but also the first device.

[0083] The control program analysis unit 123 may analyze the control program based on the data collection purpose or data utilization purpose and identify candidate storage areas. In this case, the data collection purpose or data utilization purpose is input by the user to the input unit 17 and sent to the control program analysis unit 123 via the control unit 11.

[0084] The control program analysis unit 123 identifies candidate storage areas (candidate data collection targets) according to the data collection purpose or data utilization purpose by adding the data collection purpose or data utilization purpose to the analysis conditions during the analysis of the control program.

[0085] The purposes of data collection include, for example, analyzing the completion of tasks on production line L1, analyzing the occurrence of problems, and analyzing quantities. When the purpose of data collection is to analyze the completion of tasks on production line L1, the control program analysis unit 123 sets a data storage area that indicates the status of task completion (for example, "1") as a candidate storage area.

[0086] Furthermore, if the purpose of data collection is to analyze the occurrence of a problem, the control program analysis unit 123 identifies data storage areas as candidates, such as a data storage area indicating the occurrence of a problem (e.g., "1"), a data storage area indicating an error code (e.g., "1234"), and a data storage area indicating the location of the error (e.g., "Equipment BB").

[0087] Furthermore, if the purpose of data collection is quantitative analysis, the control program analysis unit 123 identifies a data storage area indicating the production quantity (for example, "456") as a candidate storage area.

[0088] Furthermore, the control program analysis unit 123 may derive storage area candidates as recommendations based on the analysis results of the control program based on user operations. For example, the control program analysis unit 123 may attempt to identify storage area candidates by analyzing the control program, but may not be able to identify storage area candidates that correspond to the data collection conditions desired by the user. In other words, the control program analysis unit 123 may not be able to identify storage area candidates that include the data storage area desired by the user.

[0089] In this case, the user analyzes the control program themselves, and candidate storage areas for data collection desired by the user are identified. The control program analysis unit 123 identifies candidate storage areas based on the analysis results of the control program based on past user operations.

[0090] For example, if a user analyzes the control program themselves and determines a storage area candidate desired by the user, the control program analysis unit 123 learns (stores, etc.) the correspondence between the data collection conditions (such as the purpose of data collection) entered when a storage area candidate could not be identified and the results of the control program analysis performed by the user. In other words, the control program analysis unit 123 stores correspondence information that associates the initial data collection conditions with the results of the control program analysis performed by the user.

[0091] If the control program analysis unit 123 is unable to identify a storage area candidate desired by the user the next time, it will use the data collection conditions and correspondence information to identify a storage area candidate. In this way, if the user has identified a storage area candidate by analyzing the control program themselves, the control program analysis unit 123 will utilize this analysis result to identify the next storage area candidate.

[0092] For example, a user might analyze the control program themselves to derive the production rate per unit time. In this case, the user identifies the data storage area where data on completed tasks is stored and the data storage area where the time taken for each task is stored. The user then calculates the production rate from the data on completed tasks and derives the production rate per unit time from this production rate and the time taken for each task.

[0093] The control program analysis unit 123 stores correspondence information that associates the data collection conditions entered when a storage area candidate could not be identified (data collection conditions when identification is not possible) with the data storage area where the data for completed work is stored and the data storage area where the time taken for the work is stored. When the control program analysis unit 123 receives data collection conditions when identification is not possible, it identifies the data storage area where the data for completed work is stored and the data storage area where the time taken for the work is stored as storage area candidates.

[0094] In some cases, a function block included in the control program may calculate the production volume per unit time. In this case, the control program analysis unit 123 identifies a data storage area for storing the production volume per unit time as a candidate storage area.

[0095] Furthermore, if the control program analysis unit 123 specifies memory outside the control device 32 (external system), it may identify the address of the external memory as a candidate storage area. The external memory address is, for example, the memory address of the production management system 4 or the quality management system 5.

[0096] When the control program analysis unit 123 identifies a memory address of the production management system 4 or the quality management system 5 as a candidate storage area, the data acquisition device 10 can collect device data from the production management system 4 or the quality management system 5.

[0097] The production management system 4 manages multiple production lines L1 to Ln. The control device 32 may receive data other than that of the production lines or production processes it manages (such as production results or production completion) and operate the production lines or production processes it manages. In this case, the control device 32 obtains data from the production management system 4.

[0098] The production management system 4 stores data indicating the end of production, etc., in its own memory. The control device 32 reads this data from the memory, starts the production line or production process, and begins work.

[0099] Furthermore, the control program analysis unit 123 may not be able to identify a storage area candidate that corresponds to the user's desired data collection conditions and collection range. For example, if there is no storage area candidate in the control device 32 that corresponds to the user's desired data collection conditions and collection range, the control program analysis unit 123 cannot identify a storage area candidate.

[0100] In this case, the input unit 17 may receive a data item from the user indicating the type of device data desired by the user. The control program analysis unit 123 may select device data that is a substitute for the device data desired by the user, or it may select device data that can be substituted by processing the device data. Thus, the control program analysis unit 123 is provided with an alternative data consideration unit (not shown) that selects alternative storage area candidates.

[0101] The control program analysis unit 123 selects a data storage area as an alternative storage area candidate if it contains device data that exhibits fluctuations similar to the fluctuations (waveforms) of the device data in the candidate storage area.

[0102] Furthermore, if the type of device data requested by the user is the production volume per unit time, the control program analysis unit 123 selects the data storage area where the production volume is stored and the data storage area where the work time is stored as candidate storage areas.

[0103] The control program analysis unit 123 transmits the identified storage area candidates to the control unit 11. The control unit 11 transmits the storage area candidates to the display processing unit 18. The display processing unit 18 displays the storage area candidates on the display device 3. The display processing unit 18 may also transmit and display the storage area candidates on the display device 3 via the network 2. The display device 3 is located on a user terminal such as a personal computer or tablet terminal.

[0104] Figure 5 shows an example of a first display screen shown in the data acquisition system according to Embodiment 1. The first display screen displays the names of data items that are candidates for storage areas, the device names of the data storage areas (device memory) for the data items, and so on.

[0105] The data acquisition device 10 displays a display screen corresponding to the analysis results of the control program on the display device 3, as shown in the display screen 61 in Figure 5. Specifically, the control unit 11 sends a display instruction to the display processing unit 18 for a storage area candidate corresponding to the analysis results of the analysis by the control program analysis unit 123. As a result, the display processing unit 18 outputs a display instruction to the display device 3 for a display screen 61 showing the storage area candidate (device candidate). The display device 3 displays the display screen 61 showing the storage area candidate.

[0106] Display screen 61 shows candidate storage areas when the data collection conditions for collecting device data are data that can be collected from the control device 32. In display screen 61 of Figure 5, candidate storage areas are shown when the process name is entered by the user as the data collection condition. When the process name is entered by the user, the data collection device 10 displays information that identifies the control device 32 corresponding to the process name (control device identification information) on display screen 61. Examples of control device identification information include the device name and device number of the control device 32.

[0107] Examples of data item names for storage area candidates on display screen 61 include "Completed Task Device," "Trouble Occurring Device," "Trouble Occurring Reset Device," "Overall Judgment," "Defective Product Code," and "Quantity."

[0108] On display screen 61, data storage areas (device memory) corresponding to these data item names are displayed as candidate storage areas. For example, the data storage area (device name) for "Completed Task Device" is displayed as "D1000", and the data storage area for "Overall Judgment" is displayed as "D1040".

[0109] The "overall judgment" is the result of the product quality inspection. In the data acquisition system 1, the quality control system 5 stores the quality inspection results in the device memory of the quality control system 5. The data acquisition device 10 reads and displays the "overall judgment" data, which represents the quality inspection results, from the quality control system 5.

[0110] When the collection range is determined by the first method shown in Figure 2, the display screen 61 displays one or more process names for a single control device name (PLC in Figure 5). Similarly, when the collection range is determined by the second method shown in Figure 3, the display screen 61 displays multiple control device names for a single process name. In this case, the display processing unit 18 displays the candidate storage areas for data collection for each collection range, as shown in Figure 5.

[0111] In production line L1, if a malfunction occurs in production equipment such as production device 34, a reset process may be performed on the production equipment to restore it. The sequence number of the control program involved in this reset process is the "trouble reset device." The "defective product code" is a code indicating the cause of the malfunction, and the "quantity" is the number of defective products. The "defective product code" and "quantity" are stored, for example, in the control device 32 and read from the control device 32 by the data acquisition device 10.

[0112] The user selects a desired data storage area from the storage area candidates displayed on the display device 3 and inputs selection information indicating the selected data storage area into the input unit 17. For example, the user inputs selection information into the input unit 17 by checking the desired data storage area from the storage area candidates displayed on the display screen 61 and clicking the "OK" button.

[0113] The control unit 11 receives selection information specifying the selected storage area from the input unit 17 and transmits it to the data collection determination unit 13. The data collection determination unit 13 deletes the storage area candidates that were not selected in the selection information. The display processing unit 18 does not display the deleted storage area candidates on the display device 3. The data collection determination unit 13 determines the selected storage area based on the selection information.

[0114] Alternatively, the user may specify the data storage area they wish to add and input it into the input unit 17. In other words, the user may input additional information into the input unit 17 specifying a different data storage area than the storage area candidates displayed on the display screen 61.

[0115] The control unit 11 receives additional information from the input unit 17 and transmits it to the data collection determination unit 13. The data collection determination unit 13 adds the data storage area added by the additional information to the selected storage area. The display processing unit 18 displays the added storage area candidates on the display device 3. The data collection determination unit 13 determines the selected storage area based on the selected information and the additional information.

[0116] Furthermore, if the user does not select a data storage area, and the user clicks the "OK" button, the data collection determination unit 13 may determine all of the storage area candidates (data items) displayed on the display screen 61 as the selected storage area.

[0117] Furthermore, if the user does not select a data storage area, and the user clicks the "OK" button, the data collection determination unit 13 may determine that there is no selected storage area.

[0118] Furthermore, the display screen 61 may display candidate storage areas when the data collection conditions for collecting device data are data related to troubles that can be collected from the control device 32 (trouble history data). In this case, the display screen 61 may display, for example, the troubled device, the trouble reset device number, the defective product code, the alarm occurrence log, etc.

[0119] Furthermore, the display screen 61 may also display candidate storage areas when the data collection conditions for collecting device data are related to work performance by the production equipment 34. In this case, the display screen 61 may display, for example, a work completion flag.

[0120] The data collection determination unit 13 transmits the determined selected storage area to the data collection unit 14 via the control unit 11. The data collection unit 14 collects selected device data based on the selected storage area determined by the data collection determination unit 13. The data collection unit 14 reads the selected device data from the selected storage area and collects the selected device data.

[0121] The device data collected by the data acquisition unit 14 changes according to the operation history of the production equipment 34 in relation to the control program. In other words, the device data collected by the data acquisition unit 14 changes according to the operation of the control program. The device data that changes according to the operation of the control program is the number of defective products, etc.

[0122] The control unit 11 transmits the device data collected by the data acquisition unit 14 to the display processing unit 18. The display processing unit 18 displays the device data collected by the data acquisition unit 14 on the display device 3.

[0123] Figure 6 shows an example of a second display screen shown in the data acquisition system according to Embodiment 1. The second display screen is a screen that displays the selected storage area and device data.

[0124] The data acquisition device 10 displays a display screen corresponding to the data acquisition results collected by the data acquisition unit 14 on the display device 3, as shown in the display screen 62 of Figure 6. Specifically, the control unit 11 transmits a display instruction for device data corresponding to the data acquisition results by the data acquisition unit 14 to the display processing unit 18. This display instruction includes a selected storage area, device data, and a reference value for the device data. The reference value for the device data is stored in advance in the data acquisition device 10.

[0125] As a result, the display processing unit 18 outputs a display instruction to the display device 3 for a display screen 62 showing the selected storage area, device data, and reference value of the device data. The display device 3 displays the selected storage area, device data, and display screen 62 showing the reference value. For example, Figure 6 shows the case where the device data stored in the selected storage area, indicated as "Completed Device," is "100," such as a status value.

[0126] The display screen 62 is provided with a current value display area 621 that displays the current value of the device data (device memory) that is the data collection target, and a reference value display area 622 that displays a reference value (reference range) that serves as a criterion for determining whether the current value of the device data is correct or not. The reference value is an indicator of the correctness of the current value of the device data. In other words, the reference value is the correct value for the current value of the device data.

[0127] The current value display area 621 displays the current value of the selected device data collection target, and the reference value display area 622 displays the reference value of the device data, allowing the user to determine whether the current value of the selected device data is correct or not.

[0128] The reference value displayed in the reference value display area 622 may be a fixed value relative to the current value of the device data, or it may be the range of fluctuation of the data value. The range of fluctuation of the data value is the range of variation (numerical range) derived from the specifications of the system (control device 32 in Embodiment 1) that the control program controls.

[0129] For example, the control device 32 may count up a quantity and reset the counter value when a specific situation occurs. If this counter value is the current value of the device data, the range of fluctuation of the current value of the device data can be determined by conditional branching in the control program. Therefore, the data acquisition device 10 may derive the fluctuation range, which is the range of fluctuation of the current value of the device data, based on the algorithm of the control program in the control program, and store it as a reference value. For example, if the count value of the quantity is reset at "100", the data acquisition device 10 may store "0 to 100" as the fluctuation range of the device data.

[0130] The output unit 16 outputs the selected device data, which is device data collected by the data acquisition unit 14, to the external device 6. The external device 6 is a device that performs data analysis and other operations. The output unit 16 may also transmit the selected device data to the external device 6 via the network 2. The external device 6 has tools such as a data analysis tool for analyzing the device data stored in the acquisition device 31 and a visualization tool for visualizing the data. In this way, the data acquisition device 10 can easily output device data to an external device according to the data acquisition conditions desired by the user.

[0131] The collection range identification unit 121 may also transmit the collection range to the control program analysis unit 123. In this case, the control program analysis unit 123 analyzes the control program of the collection range received from the collection range identification unit 121.

[0132] For example, when the control device 32 controls multiple production processes, the control program acquisition unit 122 may have already acquired control programs for controlling multiple production processes. In this situation, if only some of the production processes among the multiple production processes are within the acquisition range, the acquisition range identification unit 121 transmits the acquisition range to the control program analysis unit 123, allowing the control program analysis unit 123 to identify candidate storage areas corresponding to the acquisition range.

[0133] In other words, when the data acquisition device 10 limits the analysis range to within the range of a control program that has already been acquired, the control program analysis unit 123 analyzes the control program based on the acquisition range transmitted from the acquisition range identification unit 121. For example, if the control program acquisition unit 122 has already acquired the control program for production process PA, which includes production processes PA1, PA2, and PA3, the acquisition range identification unit 121 may identify production process PA1 as the acquisition range. In this case, the acquisition range identification unit 121 transmits the acquisition range indicating production process PA1 to the control program analysis unit 123, and the control program analysis unit 123 analyzes the control program corresponding to production process PA1. In this case, even if the control program acquisition unit 122 receives the acquisition range from the acquisition range identification unit 121, it does not acquire the control program again.

[0134] Furthermore, if the control program acquisition unit 122 acquires the control program each time it receives an instruction on the acquisition range from the acquisition range identification unit 121, the acquisition range identification unit 121 does not need to transmit the acquisition range to the control program analysis unit 123. In other words, if the acquisition range identification unit 121 does not transmit the acquisition range to the control program analysis unit 123, the control program acquisition unit 122 acquires the control program each time it receives an instruction on the acquisition range from the acquisition range identification unit 121.

[0135] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing the processing steps of the data collection process performed by the data collection system according to Embodiment 1. The data collection device 10 of the data collection system 1 receives data collection conditions and collection range from the user.

[0136] The control program acquisition unit 122 of the data acquisition device 10 acquires a control program from the acquisition device 31 of the production line L1 according to the data acquisition conditions and acquisition range (step S10).

[0137] The control program analysis unit 123 analyzes the control programs collected by the control program collection unit 122 to identify candidate storage areas corresponding to the data collection conditions (step S20).

[0138] Subsequently, the identified storage area candidates are displayed on the display device 3, and the user selects a data storage area of ​​their choice from among the storage area candidates. The data collection determination unit 13 identifies the data storage area selected by the user as the selected storage area.

[0139] The data acquisition unit 14 acquires selected device data based on the selected storage area determined by the data acquisition determination unit 13. That is, the data acquisition unit 14 acquires selected device data to be stored in the selected storage area selected by the user (step S30). The display processing unit 18 outputs the selected device data to the display device 3 and the external device 6 (step S40). In this way, the data acquisition device 10 provides the selected device data desired by the user to the display device 3 and the external device 6. As a result, the selected device data is displayed on the display device 3 and the selected device data is analyzed by the external device 6.

[0140] Next, we will explain the process from the user-specified collection range to the determination of the selected storage area. Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating the process by which the data acquisition device according to Embodiment 1 determines the selected storage area from the user-specified collection range. The data acquisition device 10 displays a display screen 63 on the display device 3 that allows the user to select the collection range.

[0141] The display screen 63 includes a production line selection area 631 that displays the types of production lines and allows the user to select a production line type, and a production process selection area 632 that displays the types of production processes and allows the user to select a production process type. The display screen 63 also includes a candidate area 633 that displays identified storage area candidates and allows the user to select a storage area candidate.

[0142] When any production line displayed in the production line selection area 631 is selected by the user via a click or other means, the selected production line is highlighted. When a production line is selected in the production line selection area 631, the production process corresponding to the selected production line is displayed in the production process selection area 632. Also, when any production process displayed in the production process selection area 632 is selected by the user via a click or other means, the selected production process is highlighted. Figure 8 shows the case where production line L1 and production process PA1 are selected and highlighted.

[0143] In addition, the display screen 63 may display the type of control device 32 instead of the type of production line, and the type of control device 32 may be selected by the user. Alternatively, the display screen 63 may display both the type of production line and the type of control device 32, and the type of production line and the type of control device 32 may be selected by the user.

[0144] The data acquisition device 10 acquires control programs corresponding to the selected production line type and production process type, and identifies candidate storage areas by analyzing the acquired control programs. The data acquisition device 10 may also identify candidate storage areas while taking user preferences into account.

[0145] When a production process is selected in the production process selection area 632, the storage area candidates corresponding to that production process are displayed in the candidate area 633. Figure 8 shows a case where the data item names associated with the storage area candidates are displayed, rather than the storage area candidates (device memory) themselves.

[0146] When a user selects any of the data item names of storage area candidates displayed in candidate area 633 by clicking or other means, the selected storage area candidate is highlighted. Figure 8 shows the case where the data item name "XXX Device," which is a storage area candidate, is selected and highlighted. Note that the storage area candidates displayed in candidate area 633 may be the same as the storage area candidates on display screen 61 described in Figure 5. In other words, the data item names of the storage area candidates displayed in candidate area 633 may be the same as the data item names of the storage area candidates on display screen 61 in Figure 5. Specifically, the data item names of the storage area candidates displayed in candidate area 633 may be "Completed Task Device," "Trouble Occurring Device," "Trouble Occurring Reset Device," "Overall Judgment," "Defective Product Code," "Quantity," etc.

[0147] Once a storage area candidate is selected, the data acquisition device 10 determines the selected storage area candidate as the selected storage area and collects the device data stored in the selected storage area. As a result, the data acquisition device 10 displays the display screen 62 shown in Figure 6. In this way, the data acquisition device 10 can easily collect the device data desired by the user and easily display it on the display device 3 and output it to the external device 6.

[0148] In Embodiment 1, the case in which the data acquisition device 10 acquires and analyzes the control program from the acquisition device 31 was described, but the acquisition device 31 may also analyze the control program. In this case, the acquisition device 31 includes a control program analysis unit 123. The data acquisition device 10 does not need to include a control program acquisition unit 122 and a control program analysis unit 123. The data acquisition device 10 only needs to have a communication unit that receives the storage area candidates identified by the control program analysis unit 123 of the acquisition device 31 and transmits them to the control unit 11.

[0149] By the way, in visualizing the production line L1, there is a need to collect desired device data using a simple method. Conventionally, it has been difficult to identify which data storage area the user wants the device data to be stored in for the PLC, making data collection difficult.

[0150] In Embodiment 1, the data acquisition device 10 displays candidate storage areas corresponding to the data acquisition conditions desired by the user, and selects a storage area from among the candidate storage areas according to the user's instructions. The data acquisition device 10 then collects the device data stored in the selected storage area from the acquisition device 31 and outputs it to the display device 3 and the external device 6. This makes it possible for the data acquisition device 10 to collect desired device data in a simple manner and provide it to the user.

[0151] Next, the hardware configuration of the data acquisition device 10 will be described. The data acquisition device 10 is implemented by a processing circuit. The processing circuit may be a processor and memory that execute a program stored in memory, or it may be dedicated hardware.

[0152] Figure 9 shows an example of the configuration of a processing circuit when the processing circuit of the control circuit of the data acquisition device according to the embodiment is realized with a processor and memory. The processing circuit 90 shown in Figure 9 comprises a processor 91 and memory 92. When the processing circuit 90 is composed of a processor 91 and memory 92, each function of the processing circuit 90 is realized by software, firmware, or a combination of software and firmware. The software or firmware is written as a data acquisition program and stored in memory 92. In the processing circuit 90, each function is realized by the processor 91 reading and executing the data acquisition program stored in memory 92. In other words, the processing circuit 90 includes memory 92 for storing the data acquisition program, which will result in the processing of the data acquisition device 10 being executed. This data acquisition program can also be said to be a program that causes the data acquisition device 10 to execute each function realized by the processing circuit 90. This data acquisition program may be provided on a storage medium readable by a computer that stores the data acquisition program, or it may be provided by other means such as a communication medium. The data acquisition program can also be said to be a program that causes the data acquisition device 10 to execute the processing of steps S10 to S40 in Figure 7.

[0153] Here, the processor 91 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), processing unit, arithmetic unit, microprocessor, microcomputer, or DSP (Digital Signal Processor). The memory 92 is, for example, a non-volatile or volatile semiconductor memory such as RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), flash memory, EPROM (Erasable Programmable ROM), EEPROM (Registered Trademark) (Electrically EPROM), magnetic disks, flexible disks, optical disks, compact disks, minidiscs, or DVDs (Digital Versatile Discs).

[0154] Figure 10 shows an example of the configuration of a processing circuit when the processing circuit of the control circuit of the data acquisition device according to the embodiment is configured with dedicated hardware. The processing circuit 93 shown in Figure 10 can be, for example, a single circuit, a composite circuit, a programmed processor, a parallel programmed processor, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), or a combination thereof. The processing circuit 93 may be partially implemented with dedicated hardware and partially implemented with software or firmware. In this way, the processing circuit 93 can realize each of the above functions with dedicated hardware, software, firmware, or a combination thereof.

[0155] As described above, the data acquisition device 10 of Embodiment 1 analyzes the collected control program to identify candidate storage areas for storing device data that meets specific conditions when the control program is executed. The data acquisition device 10 then collects the selected device data to be stored in the data storage area selected by the user from among the candidate storage areas and outputs it to an external device (at least one of the display device 3 and the external device 6). This makes it possible for the data acquisition device 10 to collect the desired device data to be stored in the data storage area used in the control program and provide it to the external device (at least one of the display device 3 and the external device 6).

[0156] Embodiment 2. Next, Embodiment 2 will be described. In Embodiment 2, the control program analysis unit 123 analyzes the control program based on the tools used in the external device 6 and identifies candidate storage areas. The tools used in the external device 6 include visualization tools and analysis tools that work in conjunction with the data collection device 31.

[0157] The control program analysis unit 123 stores, for example, information about the tool stored in the external device 6, and based on the tool information, identifies a data storage area for storing the device data required for the tool as a candidate storage area.

[0158] The control program analysis unit 123 identifies, for example, a data storage area for storing device data visualized by a visualization tool as a candidate storage area. Furthermore, if the tool is a data analysis tool, and the purpose of the data analysis is to confirm current productivity, the control program analysis unit 123 identifies a data storage area for storing device data such as work completion, trouble occurrence, and quantity as a candidate storage area.

[0159] Furthermore, the control program analysis unit 123 may, for example, obtain or derive user needs for data utilization based on the usage status of the tool's functions (such as the number of times it was used and the usage time in a specific period in the past), and identify candidate storage areas that meet those user needs. In this case, the control program analysis unit 123 identifies a data storage area that stores device data used by the functions of the tool being used as a candidate storage area.

[0160] The functions used by each tool will be biased. The control program analysis unit 123 treats device data corresponding to this bias as user needs and identifies candidate storage areas that correspond to user needs. In other words, the control program analysis unit 123 treats device data that is presumed to be desired by the user as user needs and identifies candidate storage areas that correspond to user needs.

[0161] As described above, according to Embodiment 2, the control program analysis unit 123 analyzes the control program based on the tool or function of the tool used by the external device 6 and identifies candidate storage areas, making it possible to provide the tool with appropriate device data according to the tool or function of the tool. As a result, the data acquisition device 10 can provide the user with appropriate device data according to the tool or function of the tool.

[0162] The configurations shown in the above embodiments are merely examples, and it is possible to combine them with other known technologies, combine different embodiments, and omit or modify parts of the configuration without departing from the gist of the invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0163] 1 Data acquisition system, 2 Network, 3 Display device, 4 Production management system, 5 Quality management system, 6 External device, 10 Data acquisition device, 11 Control unit, 12 Analysis unit, 13 Data acquisition determination unit, 14 Data acquisition unit, 15 Data determination unit, 16 Output unit, 17 Input unit, 18 Display processing unit, 31 Data acquisition device, 32, 32A, 32B, 32C Control device, 33 Engineering tool, 34 Production device, 61-63 Display screen, 90, 93 Processing circuit, 91 Processor, 92 Memory, 121 Data acquisition range identification unit, 122 Control program acquisition unit, 123 Control program analysis unit, 621 Current value display area, 622 Reference value display area, 631 Production line selection area, 632 Production process selection area, 633 Candidate area, L1-Ln Production line, PA, PA1, PA2, PA3, PB, PC Production process.

Claims

1. A control program collection unit that collects control programs for controlling production equipment placed on a production line, An input section that accepts input under specific conditions, A control program analysis unit analyzes the control program to identify the control program corresponding to the production equipment included in the production line selected by the user from among the production lines, and analyzes the identified control program to identify candidate data storage areas for collecting device data that meet the specific conditions among the data storage areas used in the identified control program, and A data acquisition unit that collects selected device data, which is device data stored in a data storage area selected by the user from among the candidates for the data storage area to be collected, An output unit that outputs the selected device data to an external device, Equipped with, A data acquisition device characterized by the following features.

2. The system further includes a collection range identification unit that identifies a collection range including one or more control programs based on the control range selected by the user, The control program analysis unit identifies candidate data storage areas for collection by analyzing the control programs included in the collection range. The data acquisition device according to feature 1.

3. The collection range identification unit identifies the collection range of a control program, which includes a plurality of control programs, based on the control target range. The control program analysis unit identifies candidate data storage areas for collection by analyzing a plurality of control programs included in the collection range. The data acquisition device according to feature 2.

4. The control program acquisition unit acquires the control programs within the acquisition range, The control program analysis unit identifies candidate data storage areas for collection by analyzing the control programs within the collection range collected by the control program collection unit. The data acquisition device according to feature 2.

5. The control range is the production process controlled by a specific control device that controls the production equipment included in the production line selected by the user from among the production lines. The data acquisition device according to feature 2.

6. The aforementioned specific conditions are data collection conditions specified by the user, The control program analysis unit identifies candidate data storage areas to be collected according to the data collection conditions. The data acquisition device according to feature 1.

7. The data collection conditions are for collecting device data at the time of completion of work in the production line selected by the user, device data at the time of trouble in the production line selected by the user, or device data indicating the number of defective products in the production line selected by the user. The data acquisition device according to feature 6.

8. The aforementioned data collection conditions are for the purpose of analyzing the device data, The data acquisition unit collects the selected device data according to the analysis purpose. The data acquisition device according to feature 6.

9. The control program analysis unit uses functional information, which is information indicating a function for identifying the data collection conditions, included in the control program, to identify candidate data storage areas for the data to be collected that correspond to the data collection conditions. The data acquisition device according to feature 6.

10. The output unit causes the external device to display the candidate storage area for the data to be collected. The data acquisition device according to feature 1.

11. The output unit causes the external device to display the current value of the selected device data. The data acquisition device according to feature 1.

12. The output unit causes the external device to display a reference value, which is an indicator of the accuracy of the current value, alongside the current value. The data acquisition device according to feature 11.

13. The control program analysis unit identifies candidate data storage areas for data to be collected according to the tool using the selected device data. A data acquisition device according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. The control program analysis unit identifies candidate data storage areas to be collected according to the usage status of the tool. The data acquisition device according to feature 13.

15. The production line is a plurality of, The input unit receives input of the specific conditions and the production line selected by the user from among the multiple production lines. The data acquisition device according to feature 1.

16. When the user selects a data storage area from among the candidates for the data storage area to be collected, the data collection unit collects the device data stored in the data storage area after selection as the selected device data. The data acquisition device according to feature 1.

17. A control device that controls production equipment placed on a production line using a control program, An input section that accepts input under specific conditions, A control program collection unit that collects the aforementioned control programs, A control program analysis unit analyzes the control program to identify the control program corresponding to the production equipment included in the production line selected by the user from among the production lines, and analyzes the identified control program to identify candidate data storage areas for collecting device data that meet the specific conditions among the data storage areas used in the identified control program, and A data acquisition unit that collects selected device data, which is device data stored in a data storage area selected by the user from among the candidates for the data storage area to be collected, An output unit that outputs the selected device data to an external device, Equipped with, A data collection system characterized by the following features.

18. A control program acquisition step in which a data acquisition device acquires control programs that control production equipment placed on a production line, An input step that accepts input of specific conditions, The data acquisition device analyzes the control program to identify the control program corresponding to the production equipment included in the production line selected by the user from among the production lines, and analyzes the identified control program to identify candidate data storage areas for collection that store device data to be collected that meet the specific conditions among the data storage areas used in the identified control program, in a control program analysis step. The data acquisition step involves the data acquisition device acquiring selected device data, which is device data stored in a data storage area selected by the user from among the candidates for the data storage area to be acquired. The data acquisition device performs an output step of outputting the selected device data to an external device, including, A data collection method characterized by the following features.

19. A control program acquisition step involves collecting control programs that control production equipment placed on a production line, An input step that accepts input of specific conditions, A control program analysis step involves analyzing the control program to identify the control program corresponding to the production equipment included in the production line selected by the user from among the production lines, and analyzing the identified control program to identify candidate data storage areas for collecting device data that meet the specific conditions among the data storage areas used in the identified control program. A data collection step of collecting selected device data, which is device data stored in a data storage area selected by the user from among the candidates for the data storage area to be collected, An output step that outputs the selected device data to an external device, A data collection program characterized by causing a computer to execute a command.

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