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

Abstract

A data collection device (100) is connected, in different processes sequentially performed on a line for processing a target object, via a network to a plurality of control devices (20) that control controlled devices and have a function for generating a control period using a clock generator. A program assists in mapping control data by causing the data collection device (100) to function as: a time acquisition unit (12) that acquires a shared time; a sharing unit (13) that shares the shared time with the plurality of control devices (20); a collection unit (14) that collects, from each control device (20), associated data obtained by associating, by the control device (20), a corrected time, which is obtained from the shared time and a control period, with control data for the control of a controlled device; and a mapping unit (17) that maps control data received from different control devices (20) on the basis of the corrected time associated with the control data in the associated data.

Description

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

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

[0002] There is known a technique for analyzing data collected at a factory automation (FA) site and utilizing the analysis results in subsequent operations (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Patent Document 1 describes a technique for logging data with high timing accuracy in order to analyze the data for the purpose of abnormality prediction or optimization control.

[0003] International Publication No. 2020 / 044909

[0004] In a production line that processes a large number of objects sequentially, when multiple processes are performed sequentially on each object, there is a demand for analyzing the relationship between these multiple processes. For example, after a process of polishing, cutting, or otherwise processing a workpiece, there is a process of measuring the dimensions of the processed workpiece. If the relationship between processing parameters such as torque, rotation speed, or voltage and the measured dimensions is clarified, it becomes easier to set appropriate parameters for achieving specific dimensions. Also, after a process of applying a drug to a film, there is a process of measuring the drug thickness. If the relationship between parameters such as the drug injection pressure and the measured thickness is clarified, it becomes easier to set appropriate parameters for achieving a specific thickness.

[0005] To perform this analysis, it is necessary to associate data obtained in a previous process with data obtained in a subsequent process for the same object, such as the same workpiece or the same film portion. Here, if both the previous and subsequent processes are performed by a single control device controlling the equipment, it is possible to log the data using the technology of Patent Document 1. However, if the previous and subsequent processes are performed using different control devices, the different control devices may not necessarily log data at the same time, making it difficult to associate data for the same object.

[0006] Specifically, for control devices used in factory automation (FA) sites, priority is generally given to ensuring functions such as sequence control, with a low priority being given to timekeeping functions. Even if a control device has a timekeeping function, the time is corrected infrequently, and sufficient accuracy is not achieved to match data from previous and subsequent processes related to the same object. Therefore, different control devices responsible for the previous and subsequent processes cannot obtain data based on a common time, and there is a risk that the data from the previous and subsequent processes cannot be properly matched.

[0007] The present disclosure has been made in light of the above-mentioned circumstances, and aims to obtain data based on a common time among different control devices responsible for preceding and succeeding processes, and to appropriately associate the data of the preceding and succeeding processes.

[0008] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the data collection program of the present disclosure causes a computer connected via a network to a plurality of control devices that have the function of generating a control period using a clock generator and control controlled devices in different processes that are executed sequentially on a line that processes an object to function as: a time acquisition means for acquiring a shared time; a sharing means for sharing the shared time with the plurality of control devices; a collection means for collecting from each of the control devices related data in which the control data related to the control of the controlled devices is associated with a corrected time that is more accurate than the shared time obtained from the shared time and the control period; and an association means for associating control data received from different control devices based on the corrected time associated with the control data in the related data.

[0009] According to the present disclosure, data can be obtained based on a common time among different control devices responsible for the preceding and following processes, and the data for the preceding and following processes can be appropriately associated.

[0010] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a data collection system according to an embodiment; FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining collection of related data according to an embodiment; FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the hardware configuration of an FA device according to an embodiment; FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the functional configuration of a data collection device and a control device according to an embodiment; FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of data stored in a storage unit according to an embodiment; FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of control data associated by an association unit according to an embodiment;

[0011] Hereinafter, a data collection system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0012] A data collection system 1000 according to this embodiment is constructed in a facility such as a factory or a plant. As shown in Fig. 1, the data collection system 1000 corresponds to a control system that controls a plurality of controlled devices to cooperate with each other and operate lines that perform various processes such as a production line, a machining line, and an inspection line.

[0013] In the example of FIG. 1 , when film 40, indicated by the thick line, is unwound from unwinding drum 321, controlled device 31 sprays a chemical onto film 40 in a coating process, causing it to adhere to the surface. This coating process forms a film of chemical on the surface of film 40. Then, after the chemical is dried in a conveying process, controlled device 33 inspects the thickness of the chemical in an inspection process, and film 40 is wound up by winding drum 322. Unwinding drum 321 and winding drum 322 are rotated by controlled device 32. In this way, control devices 21 to 23 control controlled devices 31 to 33 in different processes that are executed sequentially on a line that processes film 40 as an object. Controlled device 31 is controlled by control device 21, controlled device 32 is controlled by control device 22, and controlled device 33 is controlled by control device 23.

[0014] The data collection system 1000 includes a data collection device 100 that collects data from control devices 21 to 23, control devices 21 to 23 that are connected to the data collection device 100 via a network NW, and controlled devices 31 to 33 that are the control targets of the control devices 21 to 23, respectively.

[0015] The network NW is an industrial network typified by a field network. However, the network NW is not limited to this and may be an information network such as a local area network (LAN). The control devices 21 to 23 and the controlled devices 31 to 33 may be connected by a signal line that transmits a current signal or a voltage signal, by a communication line that transmits serial data, or via a network that is the same as or different from the network NW.

[0016] The data collection device 100 is a computer such as an industrial personal computer (PC). The data collection device 100 may be a UI (User Interface) terminal that executes application software such as an engineering tool and allows a user to create or edit a control program that describes the processing to be executed by the control devices 21 to 23 and write the program to the control devices 21 to 23.

[0017] Furthermore, the data collection device 100 shares time with the control devices 21 to 23, and the control devices 21 to 23 use this shared time and their built-in clock generators to collect logged data. Note that time sharing and time synchronization among multiple devices means synchronizing the clocks that each of the multiple devices possesses. If the clocks that each of the multiple devices keep the same time and this time is shared among the multiple devices, the multiple devices will have their time synchronized. Hereinafter, the time shared among the devices will be referred to as shared time.

[0018] 2, the control device 21 has a clock generator 211, the control device 22 has a clock generator 221, and the control device 23 has a clock generator 231. The clock generators 211, 221, and 231 are devices that generate clock pulses and include, for example, a quartz crystal oscillator, a ceramic oscillator, or an oscillation circuit. The control devices 21 to 23 generate a control period using these clock generators 211, 221, and 231. The length of the control period is, for example, 1 μsec, 10 μsec, or 100 μsec.

[0019] Programmable controllers serving as the control devices 21 to 23 typically have a function for generating the above-described control period in order to enable high-speed, accurate control such as servo motor motion control. In the example of Fig. 1, the control device 22 rotates the unwinding drum 321 and the winding drum 322 based on the control period. Note that while the control devices 21 and 23 have a function for generating a control period, they may control the controlled devices 31 and 33 based on the generated control period, or they may control the controlled devices 31 and 33 by sequence control independent of the control period.

[0020] The control devices 21-23 obtain corrected times with higher accuracy than the shared time from the shared time and control period shared by the data collection device 100. For example, the shared time is distributed from the data collection device 100 to the control devices 21-23 according to the Network Time Protocol (NTP). The accuracy of the shared time shared by NTP is typically at least milliseconds, and sometimes even one second. The control devices 21-23 each obtain corrected times with higher accuracy than the shared time by measuring time in the control period from the time indicated as the shared time. For example, the control devices 21-23 start measuring time in 1-μsecond increments, which is the control period, when the shared time indicates 1:23:45, and treat 1:23:45.000001 and 1:23:45.000002 as different times. The time at which measurement in the control period begins may be the one-second time indicated by the shared time, or may be another time.

[0021] The control devices 21-23 then use the corrected time to log control data related to the control of the controlled devices 31-33. Specifically, the control devices 21-23 associate the corrected time, which indicates the time point at which the control data was recorded, with the value of the control data and store them as associated data. The control data recorded by the control device 21 indicates, for example, the injection pressure set by the control device 21 for the controlled device 31 that applies the drug, or the actual injection pressure value detected by a sensor built into the controlled device 31. The control data recorded by the control device 22 indicates, for example, the length of the film 40 unwound by the unwinding drum 321, calculated from the amount of operation of the servo motor of the controlled device 32. The control data recorded by the control device 23 indicates, for example, the thickness of the drug measured by the controlled device 33.

[0022] The related data recorded by the control devices 21 to 23 is collected by the data collection device 100. The data collection device 100 collects log data recorded with high accuracy using the control period from the multiple control devices 21 to 23 via the network NW.

[0023] Next, the hardware configuration of the data collection device 100 and the control devices 21 to 23 as computers will be described with reference to Fig. 3. FA devices 400, which correspond to the data collection device 100 and the control devices 21 to 23, respectively, have a processor 41, a main memory unit 42, an auxiliary memory unit 43, a clock unit 44, an input unit 45, an output unit 46, and a communication unit 47, as shown in Fig. 3. The main memory unit 42, the auxiliary memory unit 43, the clock unit 44, the input unit 45, the output unit 46, and the communication unit 47 are all connected to the processor 41 via an internal bus 48.

[0024] The processor 41 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or MPU (Micro Processing Unit) as a processing circuit. The processor 41 executes a program P1 stored in the auxiliary storage unit 43 to realize various functions and perform the processes described below. The program P1 of the data collection device 100 corresponds to an example of a data collection program. The programs P1 of the control devices 21 to 23 correspond to control programs written in ladder logic or C language that describe the control details for the controlled devices 31 to 33.

[0025] The main memory 42 includes a RAM (Random Access Memory). The program P1 is loaded into the main memory 42 from the auxiliary memory 43. The main memory 42 is used as a working area for the processor 41.

[0026] The auxiliary storage unit 43 includes a non-volatile memory such as an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory) and an HDD (Hard Disk Drive). In addition to the program P1, the auxiliary storage unit 43 stores various data used in the processing of the processor 41. The auxiliary storage unit 43 supplies the processor 41 with data used by the processor 41 in accordance with instructions from the processor 41. The auxiliary storage unit 43 also stores data supplied from the processor 41.

[0027] The clock unit 44 includes a clock generation circuit having, for example, a quartz oscillator, a silicon oscillator, or other oscillator circuit. The clock unit 44 generates and outputs a clock signal based on the clock generated by the clock generation circuit. The clock signal includes a clock pulse, and is used by the processor 41 to measure time by counting the number of rising edges of the clock pulse using built-in hardware elements or software processing. The clock units 44 of the control devices 21 to 23 correspond to the clock generators 211, 221, and 231.

[0028] The input unit 45 includes input devices such as a hardware switch, an input key, a keyboard, and a pointing device. The input unit 45 acquires information input by a user of the FA device 400 and notifies the processor 41 of the acquired information.

[0029] The output unit 46 includes output devices such as a light emitting diode (LED), a liquid crystal display (LCD), and a speaker, and presents various information to the user in accordance with instructions from the processor 41.

[0030] The communication unit 47 includes a communication interface circuit for communicating with an external device. The communication unit 47 receives a signal from the outside and outputs data indicated by this signal to the processor 41. The communication unit 47 also transmits a signal indicating the data output from the processor 41 to the external device. Note that while one communication unit 47 is representatively shown in FIG. 3 , the FA device 400 may have multiple communication units 47. For example, the control device 21 may have a communication unit 47 for communicating with the data collection device 100 and a communication unit 47 for communicating with the controlled device 31, separately.

[0031] The above-described hardware configurations work together to enable the data collection device 100 and the control devices 21 to 23 to perform various functions. In detail, as shown in Fig. 4, the data collection device 100 has, as its functions, a clock unit 11 that clocks a shared time, a time acquisition unit 12 that acquires the shared time from the clock unit 11, a sharing unit 13 that shares the shared time with the control devices 21 to 23, a collection unit 14 that collects related data from the control devices 21 to 23, a memory unit 15 that stores the collected related data, an information acquisition unit 16 that acquires movement information regarding movement of an object between processes, an association unit 17 that associates control data collected from different control devices 21 to 23 based on the corrected time and movement information indicated by the associated data, and a learning unit 18 that learns a model from the associated control data.

[0032] The timekeeping unit 11 is mainly realized by the clock unit 44 of the data collection device 100. The timekeeping unit 11 keeps track of a reference time shared among devices connected to the network NW.

[0033] The time acquisition unit 12 is mainly realized by the processor 41. The time acquisition unit 12 acquires the reference time measured by the clock unit 11 and notifies the sharing unit 13 of the acquired reference time as the shared time. The time acquisition unit 12 corresponds to an example of a time acquisition means that acquires the shared time.

[0034] The sharing unit 13 is mainly realized by the processor 41 and the communication unit 47. The sharing unit 13 shares the shared time with the control devices 21 to 23 in accordance with, for example, NTP or SNTP (Simple Network Time Protocol). The sharing unit 13 corresponds to an example of a sharing means for sharing the shared time with the multiple control devices 21 to 23.

[0035] The collection unit 14 is mainly realized by the communication unit 47. The collection unit 14 collects related data from the control devices 21 to 23 and stores the collected related data in the storage unit 15. The collection of related data by the collection unit 14 may be performed by requesting unsent related data from the control devices 21 to 23, or by receiving related data that the control devices 21 to 23 voluntarily transmit. The timing of collection of related data is arbitrary, and may be periodic or when predetermined conditions are met. The collection unit 14 may simultaneously collect related data from multiple control devices 21 to 23, or may receive related data at different times for each device. The collection unit 14 corresponds to an example of a collection means that collects, from each of the control devices 21 to 23, related data in which each control device associates a correction time with control data.

[0036] The memory unit 15 is mainly realized by at least one of the main memory unit 42 and the auxiliary memory unit 43. FIG. 5 shows an example of data stored in the memory unit 15. In the example of FIG. 5, the memory unit 15 stores related data 151 collected from the control device 21, related data 152 collected from the control device 22, and related data 153 collected from the control device 23. The related data 151 is data indicating the injection pressure value of the controlled device 31 per minute in time series. The related data 152 is data indicating the length of the film 40 unwound and wound by the controlled device 32 in microseconds in time series. The related data 153 is data indicating the thickness of the drug measured by the controlled device 33 per minute in time series.

[0037] The information acquisition unit 16 is primarily realized by the input unit 45. The information acquisition unit 16 acquires information necessary for the association unit 17 to associate control data, but is different from the associated data. Specifically, the information acquisition unit 16 acquires movement information regarding the movement of the object being processed by the controlled devices 31-33 from the user of the data collection device 100. The movement information is, for example, the distance between processes when different processes are performed sequentially on the object. More specifically, the movement information is the distance between the portion of the film 40 to which the drug is applied by the controlled device 31 and the portion of the film 40 whose drug thickness is inspected by the controlled device 33. Once this distance is known, by comparing it with the amount of film movement acquired from the control device 22, it is possible to obtain the time difference between the time when the drug is applied to the same portion of the film 40 and the time when the drug thickness is inspected. The information acquisition unit 16 corresponds to an example of an information acquisition means for acquiring movement information regarding the movement of the object.

[0038] The association unit 17 is mainly realized by the processor 41. The association unit 17 associates control data related to the same object with each other based on the associated data stored in the storage unit 15 and the movement information acquired by the information acquisition unit 16. Specifically, the association unit 17 calculates the time difference between processes that occurs when the same object is processed. For example, when the sum of the accumulated movement amounts indicated by the associated data 152 shown in FIG. 5 is equal to the distance between the processes indicated by the movement information, the association unit 17 calculates the difference between the correction times associated with the first and last of the accumulated movement amounts as the time difference between the processes. Then, the association unit 17 associates the control data associated with the correction times of the associated data 151 and 153 having the calculated time difference with each other.

[0039] 5 , if there is movement information of 24,000 mm, when the movement amount is accumulated from exactly 12:00:00 to exactly 12:04:00 in the associated data 152, the accumulated value is equal to 24,000 mm. In other words, for the portion of the film 40 to which the agent was applied at exactly 12:00:00, the agent thickness is inspected at exactly 12:04:00, indicating that the time difference between the processes is four minutes. Therefore, the control data 1510 associated with the corrected time of 12:00:00 in the associated data 151 is associated with the control data 1530 associated with the corrected time of 12:04:00 in the associated data 153.

[0040] FIG. 6 shows an example of control data associated by the associating unit 17. In FIG. 6, the control data associated by the associating unit 17 are arranged in the same row. The left-hand partial data 51 in the table shown in FIG. 6 is data extracted from the associated data 151 shown in FIG. 5. The column data 52 shown in FIG. 6 represents distances indicated by movement information. The partial data 53 is data calculated by the associating unit 17 from the associated data 152. Specifically, the transport time length in the partial data 53 is the time length from the correction time indicated in the partial data 51 until the integrated value of the movement amount in the associated data 152 becomes equal to the distance indicated in the column data 52, and corresponds to the time difference between the processes. The motor speed is obtained by dividing the distance by the transport time length. The partial data 54 shown in FIG. 6 is data extracted from the associated data 153 to be associated with the partial data 51.

[0041] Referring to FIG. 6 , for example, for a portion of film 40 where a drug was applied at an injection pressure of 7 MPa at exactly 12:00:00, the drug thickness was inspected at exactly 12:04:00 after a 4-minute transport time, and the inspection result was 5 μm. Similarly, for a portion where a drug was applied at an injection pressure of 5 MPa, the drug thickness was 4 μm, and for a portion where a drug was applied at an injection pressure of 6 MPa, the drug thickness was 7 μm. The association unit 17 may store a table with the completed association, such as that shown in FIG. 6 , in the storage unit 15 separately from the associated data, or may provide a link to other associated control data for control data in the associated data. The association unit 17 corresponds to an example of an association means that calculates a time difference between processes using movement information and associates control data associated with corrected times having the calculated time difference.

[0042] Returning to FIG. 4 , the learning unit 18 is mainly realized by the processor 41. The learning unit 18 learns a model that estimates one control data from another control data based on the control data associated by the association unit 17. In the example of FIG. 6 , the learning unit 18 learns and outputs an estimation model that estimates thickness from injection pressure through machine learning using injection pressure as an explanatory variable and thickness as a target variable. The model learned by the learning unit 18 may be utilized by a user of the data collection device 100. For example, when an inspection result showing a thickness that significantly differs from the result estimated by the model is obtained, it may be determined to be an abnormality. The learning unit 18 corresponds to an example of a learning means that learns a model that estimates the value of control data of one control device from the value of control data of another control device based on the control data associated by the association means.

[0043] Returning to Fig. 4, the control devices 21 to 23 each have equivalent functions. As shown in Fig. 4, the control device 20 corresponding to each of the control devices 21 to 23 includes a time sharing unit 201 that shares a shared time with the data collection device 100 and the other control devices 20, a logging unit 202 that records control data in association with the shared time and a correction time obtained from the control period, and a transmission unit 203 that transmits associated data including the correction time and the control data to the data collection device 100. The time sharing unit 201 is mainly realized by the processor 41 and the communication unit 47. The logging unit 202 is mainly realized by the processor 41 and the main memory unit 42. The transmission unit 203 is mainly realized by the communication unit 47.

[0044] Next, the data collection process executed by the data collection device 100 having the above-described functions will be described with reference to Fig. 7. The data collection process corresponds to an example of a data collection method.

[0045] In the data collection process, the time acquisition unit 12 acquires a shared time (step S1), and the sharing unit 13 shares the shared time with the control devices 21 to 23 (step S2). Then, the collection unit 14 collects associated data from the control devices 21 to 23, in which the control devices 21 to 23 associate the corrected time with the control data (step S3). Furthermore, the information acquisition unit 16 acquires movement information (step S4).

[0046] Next, the association unit 17 calculates the time difference between processes based on the related data and movement information, and associates the control data having the calculated time difference with each other (step S5).Then, the learning unit 18 uses the associated control data to learn a model showing the relationship between the value of the control data of one process and the value of the control data of another process (step S6).Then, the data collection process ends.

[0047] As explained above, the collection unit 14 collects from each of the control devices 21-23 associated data in which the control devices 21-23 associate control data with a shared time and a corrected time that is more accurate than the shared time obtained from the control period, and the association unit 17 associates the control data received from different control devices. This allows different control devices responsible for preceding and succeeding processes to obtain data based on a common time, and the data for the preceding and succeeding processes to be appropriately associated. Furthermore, the data and time collected at the FA site can be managed and recorded in a unified manner.

[0048] 8 shows a comparative example in which the control device 21a in charge of the coating process and the control device 23a in charge of the inspection process do not share the same time. In such a case, a discrepancy occurs between the clocks of the control devices 21a and 23a, making it difficult to associate the control data 61 and 62 that should be associated.

[0049] In contrast, according to the data collection system 1000 of this embodiment, the control devices 21 to 23 can avoid time discrepancies in the log data by sharing the shared time. Furthermore, by recording the corrected time measured according to the control period based on the shared time, the control data can be recorded in synchronization with the control of the controlled devices 31 to 33. This makes it possible to avoid the occurrence of time discrepancies caused by recording the control data at a timing different from the actual control, and the accumulation of such time discrepancies.

[0050] Furthermore, the information acquisition unit 16 acquires movement information, and the association unit 17 calculates the time difference between processes using the movement information and associates control data associated with the corrected time having the calculated time difference, thereby enabling accurate association of the control data.

[0051] Furthermore, the identity of an object has conventionally been determined by attaching an ID (Identifier) ​​tag, such as a barcode, to the object. In discrete production, this type of ID tag is attached to each individual product. Discrete production is assembly production in which the object is a single workpiece, such as an automobile part or electronic device. In discrete production, attaching an ID tag is relatively easy, but dedicated equipment is required for attaching, managing, and reading the ID tag.

[0052] Furthermore, in continuous or batch production of films or liquids, ID tags may be attached to each section, for example, 1 m, but it is often difficult to attach ID tags to the objects in the first place.

[0053] In contrast, according to this embodiment, even when the object is a powder or granular material 70 as shown in Figure 9, or when the object is a fluid including gas and liquid, it is possible to associate control data for the same object obtained in different processes. In other words, even when it is difficult to attach an ID tag, it is possible to determine the identity of the object. Furthermore, regardless of the shape and type of the object, it is possible to omit the equipment required for attaching, managing, and reading ID tags.

[0054] Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments.

[0055] For example, as shown in FIG. 5 , recording control data every μs results in a large data size. Therefore, the storage unit 15 may compress and store the time-series control data as shown in FIG. 10 . Specifically, by storing the initial value of the control data, the correction time when the value of the control data changes, and the amount of change in the value, data to be saved for periods when the value does not change can be omitted. FIG. 11 illustrates the flow of the control data compression process performed by the storage unit 15. As shown in FIG. 11 , in the compression process, the storage unit 15 detects a change point in the value of the control data (step S21), records the correction time when the change occurred and the amount of change in the value of the control data (step S22), and accumulates the change time and amount of change while retaining the initial value (step S23). In the examples of FIGS. 10 and 11 , the storage unit 15 corresponds to an example of a storage means for storing the correction time and amount of change associated with the control data when the value of the time-series control data collected by the collection means changes.

[0056] Furthermore, although the embodiment in which the associating unit 17 associates control data with each other using movement information has been described, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, as shown in Fig. 12, when control data for one process has a sufficient correlation with control data for another process, the time difference between the processes can be obtained from the cross-correlation function of these time-series data, and the control data can be associated. The associating unit 17 corresponds to an example of an associating means for associating control data received from different control devices with each other, based on the correction time associated with the control data in the related data.

[0057] In addition, although the control data to be logged indicates the injection pressure of controlled device 31, the movement amount of film 40 conveyed by controlled device 32, or the thickness of the drug measured by controlled device 33, the present invention is not limited to this. The control data may be production process data generated in a machining process, quality data indicating a measurement result other than thickness, operation data indicating the operating status of the controlled device, or abnormality data indicating an abnormality in the controlled device. For example, if control data indicating the parameters of a certain process are associated with control data indicating the presence or absence of a subsequent abnormality and a model is trained, it becomes possible to predict which parameters will cause an abnormality and detect signs of an abnormality.

[0058] Although the example in which the data collection device 100 generates the shared time using the clock unit 11 has been described, the present invention is not limited to this example, and the data collection device 100 may obtain the shared time from an external source. For example, if the shared time is Universal Time, the time acquisition unit 12 of the data collection device 100 may obtain the shared time from an external time server. In this case, the time acquisition unit 12 is implemented by the communication unit 47.

[0059] Although the example in which the data collection device 100 shares the shared time with the control devices 21 to 23 is synchronization of clocks with relatively low accuracy has been described, the present invention is not limited to this. The shared time may also be periodic notification of the current time from the data collection device 100.

[0060] The functions of the data collection device 100 according to the above-described embodiment can be realized by dedicated hardware or by an ordinary computer system.

[0061] For example, by storing and distributing program P1 on a computer-readable recording medium such as a flexible disk, a CD-ROM (Compact Disk Read-Only Memory), a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk), or an MO (Magneto-Optical disk), and installing program P1 on a computer, a device that executes the above-mentioned processing can be configured.

[0062] Furthermore, the program P1 may be stored in a disk device of a server device on a communication network such as the Internet, and may be downloaded to a computer by superimposing it on a carrier wave, for example.

[0063] The above process can also be achieved by starting and executing the program P1 while transferring it via a network such as the Internet.

[0064] Furthermore, the above-described processing can also be achieved by executing all or part of program P1 on a server device, and executing program P1 while the computer sends and receives information about the processing via a communications network.

[0065] In addition, when the above-mentioned functions are realized by an operating system (OS) or by the OS working together with an application, only the parts other than the OS may be stored on a medium and distributed, or may be downloaded to a computer.

[0066] Furthermore, the means for realizing the functions of the data collection device 100 is not limited to software, and some or all of the functions may be realized by dedicated hardware or circuits.

[0067] The present disclosure allows various embodiments and modifications without departing from the broad spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, the above-described embodiments are intended to explain the present disclosure and do not limit the scope of the present disclosure. In other words, the scope of the present disclosure is defined by the claims, not the embodiments. Various modifications made within the scope of the claims and the meaning of equivalent disclosures are considered to be within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0068] The present disclosure is suitable for accurate logging of data in a control system over a network.

[0069] 11 Timekeeping unit, 12 Time acquisition unit, 13 Sharing unit, 14 Collection unit, 15 Memory unit, 16 Information acquisition unit, 17 Corresponding unit, 18 Learning unit, 20 to 23, 21a, 23a Control unit, 31 to 33 Controlled device, 40 Film, 41 Processor, 42 Main memory unit, 43 Auxiliary memory unit, 44 Clock unit, 45 Input unit, 46 Output unit, 47 Communication unit, 48 Internal bus, 51, 53, 54 Partial data, 52 Column data, 61, 62 Control data, 70 Powder and granular material, 100 Data collection device, 151 to 153 Related data, 211, 221, 231 Clock generator, 201 Time sharing unit, 202 Logging unit, 203 Transmission unit, 321 Unwinding drum, 322 Winding drum, 400 FA device, 1000 data collection system, 1510, 1530 control data, NW network, P1 program.

Claims

1. A data collection program that causes a computer connected via a network to a plurality of control devices that have the function of generating a control period using a clock generator and control controlled devices in different processes that are executed sequentially on a line that processes objects to function as: a time acquisition means that acquires a shared time; a sharing means that shares the shared time with the plurality of control devices; a collection means that collects from each of the control devices associated data in which each of the control devices associates control data related to the control of the controlled devices with a corrected time that is more accurate than the shared time obtained from the shared time and the control period; and an association means that associates the control data received from different control devices based on the corrected time associated with the control data in the associated data.

2. The data collection program according to claim 1, further causing the computer to function as a storage means for storing the correction time associated with the control data when the time-series value of the control data collected by the collection means changes, and the amount of change in the value.

3. A data collection program as described in claim 1 or 2, further causing the computer to function as an information acquisition means for acquiring movement information relating to the movement of the object, and wherein the association means calculates a time difference between processes using the movement information and associates the control data associated with the corrected time having the calculated time difference.

4. A data collection program according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further causing the computer to function as a learning means for learning a model that estimates the value of the control data of one of the control devices from the value of the control data of another of the control devices, based on the control data associated by the association means.

5. The data collection program according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the object is a powder or granular material or a fluid.

6. A data collection device connected via a network to a plurality of control devices that have the function of generating a control period using a clock generator and control controlled devices in different processes that are executed sequentially on a line that processes objects, the data collection device comprising: a time acquisition means for acquiring a shared time; a sharing means for sharing the shared time with the plurality of control devices; a collection means for each of the control devices to collect associated data from each of the control devices, in which control data relating to the control of the controlled devices is associated with a corrected time that is more accurate than the shared time obtained from the shared time and the control period; and an association means for associating the control data received from different control devices with each other based on the corrected time associated with the control data in the associated data.

7. A data collection system comprising: a plurality of control devices that have the function of generating a control period using a clock generator and control controlled devices in different processes that are executed sequentially on a line that processes objects; and a data collection device according to claim 6 that shares a shared time with said plurality of control devices and that each of said control devices collects from said control devices related to the control of said controlled devices associated with said shared time and a corrected time that is more accurate than said shared time obtained from said control period.

8. A data collection method executed by a data collection device connected via a network to a plurality of control devices that have the function of generating a control period using a clock generator and control controlled devices in different processes that are executed sequentially on a line that processes objects, the data collection method including: a time acquisition means acquiring a shared time; a sharing means sharing the shared time with the plurality of control devices; a collection means collecting from each of the control devices associated data in which each of the control devices associates control data related to the control of the controlled devices with a corrected time that is more accurate than the shared time obtained from the shared time and the control period; and an association means associating the control data received from different control devices based on the corrected time associated with the control data in the associated data.

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