JP7352152B2 - Information processing systems, programmable displays, and information processing equipment - Google Patents

Description

The present technology relates to an information processing system, a programmable display, and an information processing device.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2018-128969 (Patent Document 1) discloses a programmable display such as an HMI (Human Machine Interface) that is configured to be able to communicate with a control device such as a PLC (Programmable Logic Controller). A user interface of a programmable display displays a screen on which a plurality of objects such as icons, buttons, and text are arranged. Workers at the manufacturing site operate various production equipment by operating the screen.

JP 2018-128969 Publication

Screens displayed on the user interface are developed by developers and may be difficult for workers to use. Therefore, the developer conducts interviews with the workers as appropriate and updates the screen configuration according to the results. However, because there are limits to the time and content of interviews, it is difficult for developers to accurately understand the requests of workers. In other words, it is not possible to quickly identify matters to be improved regarding the screen displayed on the user interface.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide an information processing system and a programmable display that can quickly grasp matters to be improved on a user interface screen connected to a control device. and information processing equipment.

According to an example of the present disclosure, an information processing system connected to a control device that controls a controlled object includes a user interface and a collection means. The user interface displays one or more screens containing information related to the control device and receives operations on the one or more screens. The collection means collects statistical information regarding the operation of the user interface.

According to this disclosure, the collected statistical information indicates trends in the behavior of the user interface. Therefore, by checking the statistical information, it is possible to easily check, for example, the tendency of the screen display of the user interface, the tendency of the operator's operation on the screen, and the like. As a result, matters to be improved regarding the user interface screen can be quickly grasped.

In the above disclosure, the information processing system further includes an analysis means for creating at least one of a graph and a diagram in a predetermined format by analyzing statistical information, and displaying at least one of the created graph and diagram. Be prepared. According to this disclosure, by checking at least one of the graph and the diagram, it becomes easier to understand the trend of the operation of the user interface.

In the above disclosure, the information processing system further includes presentation means for generating improvement information for the configuration of one or more screens based on the statistical information and presenting the improvement information. According to this disclosure, it is possible to grasp how the screen configuration should be updated according to the trend of operation of the user interface.

In the above disclosure, the information processing system further includes an updating unit for updating the configuration of one or more screens according to improvement information. According to this disclosure, it is possible to promptly implement improvements to the screen configuration.

In the above disclosure, the user interface can accept touch operations on one or more screens. The statistical information indicates the distribution of positions where touch operations are performed in a surrounding area of a target object placed on one or more screens. According to this disclosure, it is possible to grasp the tendency of the operator's operating position.

In the above disclosure, the improvement information indicates that the target object is enlarged in the direction of an area where the frequency of touch operations exceeds a reference value among a plurality of areas included in the surrounding area. According to this disclosure, by updating the screen configuration according to the improvement information, the size of the target object is changed according to the tendency of the operator's operation position, and the operator's operation efficiency is improved.

In the above disclosure, the one or more screens includes multiple screens. The statistical information indicates the display frequency of each of the plurality of screens. According to this disclosure, it is possible to grasp the tendency of the screen that the worker is checking.

In the above disclosure, the improvement information indicates that a shortcut button for calling a screen whose display frequency exceeds a reference value among a plurality of screens is added to one or more screens. According to this disclosure, by updating the screen configuration according to the improvement information, the screen that the worker frequently checks can be immediately called up, and the operating efficiency of the worker improves.

In the above disclosure, the one or more screens include a first screen, a second screen, and a third screen. The statistical information indicates the distribution of the display time of the second screen when the screens change in the order of the first screen, the second screen, and the third screen. According to this disclosure, trends in screen transitions can be grasped.

In the above-mentioned disclosure, the presentation means generates improvement information when the percentage of display times that are less than a predetermined time exceeds a reference value. The improvement information indicates that a transition button for transitioning to the third screen is arranged on the first screen. If the percentage of the display time being less than the predetermined time exceeds the reference value, this means that in many cases the second screen is simply being displayed to transition to the third screen. According to the above disclosure, by updating the screen configuration according to the improvement information, unnecessary transition to the second screen can be omitted, and it is possible to directly transition from the first screen to the third screen. As a result, the operator's operating efficiency improves.

In the above disclosure, the statistical information indicates the frequency of each operation order of a plurality of objects arranged on one of the one or more screens. According to this disclosure, it is possible to grasp trends in the operation order of a plurality of objects.

In the above disclosure, the improvement information indicates reordering the plurality of objects according to the order of operations with the highest frequency. According to this disclosure, by updating the screen configuration according to the improvement information, the arrangement order of the plurality of objects matches the operation order, and the operator's operation efficiency is improved.

In the above disclosure, the statistical information indicates the frequency of operations on target objects arranged on one or more screens. According to this disclosure, it is possible to grasp trends in the use of target objects by workers.

In the above disclosure, the presentation means generates improvement information when the operation frequency is less than a reference value. The improvement information indicates that the target object is to be deleted. According to this disclosure, by updating the screen configuration according to improvement information, unused objects are deleted and the screen becomes easier to view.

According to an example of the present disclosure, a programmable display device connected to a control device that controls a controlled object displays one or more screens including information related to the control device, and is a user interface for receiving operations on the one or more screens. and collection means for collecting statistical information regarding the operation of the user interface.

With this disclosure as well, it is possible to quickly grasp matters to be improved regarding the screen of the user interface connected to the control device.

In the above disclosure, the programmable display device includes a presentation means for generating improvement information for the configuration of one or more screens based on the statistical information and presenting the improvement information, and a presentation means for generating the configuration of the one or more screens according to the improvement information. It further includes updating means for updating. According to this disclosure, in the programmable display, the screen configuration can be updated as appropriate according to the improvement information.

According to an example of the present disclosure, an information processing device capable of communicating with a programmable display connected to a control device that controls a controlled object includes a display unit and a graph and a graph in a predetermined format by analyzing statistical information. The apparatus includes analysis means for creating at least one of the diagrams and displaying at least one of the created graphs and diagrams on a display unit.

With this disclosure as well, it is possible to quickly grasp matters to be improved regarding the screen of the user interface connected to the control device.

According to the present disclosure, it is possible to quickly grasp matters to be improved regarding the screen of the user interface connected to the control device.

1 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of a control system including an information processing system according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a conventional improvement process for project data. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of an HMI. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram for explaining an example of the hardware configuration of a support device. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of a support device. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of an HMI. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of operation log information recorded in main memory. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of event log information recorded in main memory. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the flow of advance preparation processing in the information processing system. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the flow of statistical information collection processing in the information processing system. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the flow of statistical information analysis processing in the information processing system. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the flow of improvement information generation/presentation processing in the information processing system. It is a figure which shows an example of an improvement table. It is a figure which shows an example of improvement rule information. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a target object and its surroundings. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of statistical information corresponding to the improvement item "change button size." FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of an analysis result screen of statistical information corresponding to the improvement item "change button size." FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of improvement information generated based on statistical information corresponding to the improvement item "change button size." FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of statistical information corresponding to the improvement item “addition of shortcut.” FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of an analysis result screen of statistical information corresponding to the improvement item “addition of shortcut”. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of improvement information generated based on statistical information corresponding to the improvement item “addition of shortcut.” FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of statistical information corresponding to the improvement item "Addition of screen transition button." FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of an analysis result screen of statistical information corresponding to the improvement item “Addition of screen transition button”. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a layout of a target screen. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of statistical information corresponding to the improvement item "change screen layout." FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of an analysis result screen of statistical information corresponding to the improvement item "change screen layout." FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen showing improvement information generated based on statistical information corresponding to the improvement item "change screen layout." FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of statistical information corresponding to the improvement item "object deletion." FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen showing improvement information generated based on statistical information corresponding to the improvement item “button deletion.” FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing a functional configuration of a support device according to a modified example.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the same or corresponding parts in the figures are given the same reference numerals and the description thereof will not be repeated.

§1 Application Example First, an example of a situation where the present invention is applied will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of a control system including an information processing system according to an embodiment. The control system SYS illustrated in FIG. 1 includes one or more devices 400, a control device 100 that controls the devices 400, and an information processing system 1 connected to the control device 100.

The device 400 is an embodiment of a “control target” of the control device 100. Device 400 includes various industrial equipment for automating production processes, for example. As an example, the device 400 includes a robot controller for controlling an arm robot, a servo driver for controlling a servo motor, a visual sensor for photographing a workpiece, a pressure sensor, a temperature sensor, and other equipment used in the production process. include.

The control device 100 is an FA device that constitutes a network system in factory automation, and is, for example, a computer such as a PLC. The control device 100 executes a control program 170 for controlling each device 400 such as manufacturing equipment and manufacturing equipment.

The control program 170 is a so-called sequence program, and the concept includes a program in which the entire program is scanned each time it is executed, and one or more command values are calculated each time it is executed. The sequence program includes, for example, a program consisting of one or more instructions written in accordance with the international standard IEC61131-3 defined by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). A sequence program may include sequence instructions and/or motion instructions. Note that the sequence program is not limited to instructions written in accordance with the international standard IEC61131-3, but may include instructions uniquely defined by the PLC manufacturer or vendor.

The information processing system 1 executes information processing regarding the control device 100. Control device 100 and information processing system 1 are connected via a network. For this network, it is preferable to employ, for example, a field network that performs fixed-period communication and guarantees data arrival time. EtherCAT (registered trademark), EtherNet/IP (registered trademark), CompoNet (registered trademark), and the like are known as field networks that perform such periodic communication.

As shown in FIG. 1, the information processing system 1 includes an HMI 200 and a support device 300.

The HMI 200 is a type of computer, and is a programmable display device that displays one or more screens containing information related to the control device 100 and includes a user interface for receiving operations on the one or more screens. Note that the term "HMI" is generally used as a general term for interfaces such as devices and computer programs that communicate between humans and machines, but here we will refer to such interfaces as The equipped device itself is called "HMI".

HMI 200 displays a screen on the user interface according to project data 250. The project data 250 is developed by defining the object 50 using the support program 370 in the support device 300 that provides a program development environment. The object 50 is an operation target placed on the screen, and includes, for example, an icon, a window, a toolbar, a button, a slider, text, and the like.

The support device 300 is, for example, a general-purpose computer, and provides an environment for integrating and developing various programs of the control system SYS. A support program 370 for constructing and providing a development environment is installed in the support device 300.

The developer executes the support program 370 on the support device 300 to design a screen to be displayed on the HMI 200, and creates the project data 250 by building the designed content. The created project data 250 is transferred to the HMI 200.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a conventional improvement process for project data. The developer develops projector data using the support device and delivers the developed project data (step S100). Next, a production engineer in charge of maintenance of the manufacturing equipment installs the delivered project data into the HMI, which is a programmable display, and performs start-up work (step S101). During the start-up work, the linked operation of project data and control devices such as PLCs is confirmed. In addition, project data developers will also participate in the start-up work as necessary. After the start-up work is completed, the control system including the HMI starts operating. A worker at the manufacturing site operates the control system by operating the screen according to the project data (step S102).

As in steps S100 to S102, project data is developed by a developer and used by a worker. However, screens based on project data may be difficult for workers to use. Therefore, the developer attends the site and interviews the workers using the HMI (step S103). This allows the developer to understand the improvement requests made by the worker. Note that in step S103, a production engineer may conduct an interview with the workers instead of the developer, and the production engineer may transmit an improvement request to the developer.

The developer changes the design of the screen configuration according to the improvement request and updates the project data (upgrades the version of the project data) (step S104). This improves the screen displayed on the HMI to make it easier for workers to use.

In the on-site visit in step S103, there are limits to the time and content of interviews with workers, so it is difficult for the developer to accurately grasp the improvement requests of the workers. Therefore, steps S101 to S104 are repeatedly performed periodically. As a result, the speed of improvement of the screen displayed on the HMI is slow. In view of such problems, in this embodiment, the following processing is executed so that matters to be improved on the screen of the HMI 200 can be quickly grasped.

As shown in FIG. 1, a developer creates an improvement table 260 when developing project data 250 using the support device 300. The improvement table 260 is a list of improvement items that can be implemented on the screen of the HMI 200. Examples of improvement items include adding shortcut buttons to frequently displayed screens and changing screen layouts according to the order of operations. In the improvement table 260, for each improvement item, the type of statistical information corresponding to the improvement item is registered. The created improvement table 260 is transferred to the HMI 200 together with the project data 250.

The statistical information is information that indicates the trend of the operation of the user interface included in the HMI 200. The statistical information typically indicates at least one of the frequency of screen display of the user interface and the frequency of operations on the user interface. The statistical information is used to determine whether or not the screen configuration should be updated.

The HMI 200 collects statistical information of the type indicated by the improvement table 260 for the target object indicated by the improvement table 260. The collected statistics indicate trends in user interface behavior. Therefore, by checking the statistical information, it is possible to easily check, for example, the tendency of the screen display of the user interface, the tendency of the operator's operation on the screen, and the like. As a result, matters to be improved regarding the screen of the HMI 200 can be quickly grasped.

§2 Specific Example Next, a specific example of the information processing system according to this embodiment will be described.

<A. HMI hardware configuration example>
FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the HMI. The HMI 200 may be a stationary type, or may be provided in the form of a highly portable notebook personal computer at the manufacturing site where the control device 100 is installed.

As shown in FIG. 3, the HMI 200 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 211, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 212, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 213, and a memory for storing various programs and data in a non-volatile manner. It includes a flash ROM 214, an operation key 216 for accepting user operations, a data reader/writer 217, a touch screen 218, and a communication interface 219. These units are connected to each other via an internal bus.

The CPU 211 reads programs and data stored in the flash ROM 214, expands them to the RAM 213, and executes them, thereby realizing various processes. The RAM 213 is composed of a volatile storage device such as DRAM or SRAM.

The flash ROM 214 stores, for example, a system program 270, project data 250 including one or more objects 50, an improvement table 260, and improvement rule information 265. The improvement rule information 265 indicates improvement rules corresponding to each improvement item. Details of the improvement table 260 and improvement rule information 265 will be described later.

The project data 250 consists of codes executable by the HMI 200. By reading the project data 250, a screen containing pictures, character strings, etc. corresponding to the object 50 is displayed. The screen may include an image based on the value of a variable used by the control program 170 executed by the control device 100, a user operation reception for setting a value for the variable, and the like.

The touch screen 218 includes a display 281 that functions as a display section and a touch panel 282 that receives input from an operator. Communication interface 219 communicates with external devices including control device 100 and support device 300.

Data reader/writer 217 mediates data transmission between CPU 211 and memory card 220, which is an example of an external storage medium. Further, other output devices such as a printer may be connected to the HMI 200 as necessary.

<B. Hardware configuration example of support device>
FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram for explaining an example of the hardware configuration of the support device. The support device 300 may be a stationary type, or may be provided in the form of a highly portable notebook personal computer at the manufacturing site where the control device 100 is installed.

As shown in FIG. 4, the support device 300 includes a CPU 302 that executes various programs including an OS (Operating System), a ROM 304 that stores BIOS and various data, and stores data necessary for the execution of programs by the CPU 302. and an HDD (hard disk) 308 that non-volatilely stores various programs including a support program 370 executed by the CPU 302.

The support device 300 further includes an input unit 311 including a keyboard 310 and a mouse 312 for accepting operations by a developer, and a display 314 for presenting information to the developer. Support device 300 includes a communication interface 318 for communicating with external devices including control device 100 and HMI 200. The input unit 311 may be provided as a touch panel configured integrally with the display 314. Each part of the support device 300 communicates with each other via an internal bus 320.

The support device 300 includes a recording medium reading device 317 to which a recording medium 322 is removably attached and for reading a support program 370 stored therein from the attached recording medium 322. The read support program 370 is stored in the HDD 308.

When executed, the support program 370 realizes a development environment for the project data 250, improvement table 260, and improvement rule information 265 in the support device 300. The recording medium 322 may be distributed in a state in which the support program 370 and the like executed by the support device 300 are stored. Note that the recording medium 322 is a general-purpose semiconductor storage device such as an SD (Secure Digital), a magnetic storage medium such as a flexible disk, or an optical storage medium such as a CD-ROM (Compact Disk Read Only Memory). Consists of etc.

<C. Functional configuration example of support device>
FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the support device. In the example shown in FIG. 5, the support device 300 includes a storage unit 31, a user interface (UI) 32, a development support module 33, a compiler 34, and an analysis module 35. The storage unit 31 includes a ROM 304, a RAM 306, and an HDD 308 shown in FIG. The user interface 32 includes an input section 311 and a display 314 shown in FIG. The development support module 33, compiler 34, and analysis module 35 are realized by the CPU 302 shown in FIG. 4 executing the support program 370.

The storage unit 31 stores project data 250, improvement table 260, and improvement rule information 265. Furthermore, the storage unit 31 may store statistical information 280.

Project data 250 includes screen data 251 and variable data 252. Screen data 251 indicates the type, position, size, etc. of object 50 for each of one or more screens. Variable data 252 indicates assignment of variables to objects 50.

Variables include data itself, a container or storage area in which the data is stored, and the like. For example, it includes the data itself representing the state of the device 400 (see FIG. 1), and the container or storage area in which the data is stored. Typically, a variable is data used by the control program 170 of the control device 100 to control the device 400, and includes not only data representing a single value but also data represented as a structure or an array. It also includes data expressed as .

The development support module 33 supports the development of project data 250, improvement table 260, and improvement rule information 265. The development support module 33 includes a screen creation tool 36 and a code editor 37.

The screen creation tool 36 is a tool for editing the configuration of each of one or more screens displayed on the HMI 200. Furthermore, the screen creation tool 36 sets information related to improvement items that can be implemented on the created screen. The code editor 37 edits source code.

The development support module 33 generates source code 340 that defines one or more screens to be displayed on the HMI 200 and improvement item setting data 350. The source code 340 is written using, for example, XML (Extensible Markup Language).

Compiler 34 generates project data 250 by compiling source code 340. The generated project data 250 is stored in the storage unit 31.

Further, the compiler 34 generates an improvement table 260 and improvement rule information 265 based on the improvement item setting data 350. The generated improvement table 260 and improvement rule information 265 are stored in the storage unit 31.

Project data 250, improvement table 260, and improvement rule information 265 stored in storage unit 31 are transferred to HMI 200 according to instructions from the developer.

The analysis module 35 creates at least one of a graph and a diagram in a predetermined format by analyzing the statistical information 280 stored in the storage unit 31, and displays an analysis result screen that includes at least one of the created graph and diagram. is displayed on the user interface 32.

<D. Example of functional configuration of HMI>
FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the HMI. In the example shown in FIG. 6, the HMI 200 includes a storage section 21, a user interface 23, a control section 24, and an arithmetic module 27. The storage unit 21 includes a ROM 212, a RAM 213, and a flash ROM 214 shown in FIG. The user interface 23 includes a display 281 and a touch panel 282 shown in FIG. User interface 23 may include a mouse and a keyboard. The control unit 24 and the calculation module 27 are realized by the CPU 211 shown in FIG. 3 executing various programs including the system program 270.

The storage unit 21 includes a main memory 22 and stores project data 250, an improvement table 260, improvement rule information 265, and statistical information 280.

For example, information regarding operations on the user interface 23 (hereinafter referred to as "operation log information 90") is recorded in the main memory 22.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of operation log information recorded in the main memory. The operation log information 90 shown in FIG. 7 includes log elements 91 for each operation. Each log element 91 includes the time when the operation was received (hereinafter referred to as "operation time"), screen identification information that identifies the screen on which the operation was accepted, and the position on the screen where the operation was performed (hereinafter referred to as "operation position"). ). Log elements 91 after a certain period of time are deleted from operation log information 90.

Event log information 92 is also recorded in the main memory 22. Event log information 92 indicates the occurrence status of pre-registered events. An "event" is an event in which a specified variable satisfies a predetermined condition.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of event log information recorded in the main memory. The event log information 92 in the example shown in FIG. 8 includes log elements 93 for each event occurrence. Each log element 93 indicates the event occurrence time and event identification information that identifies the event.

Returning to FIG. 6, the control unit 24 controls the operation of the HMI 200. The control unit 24 includes an OS 25 and a runtime module 26. The OS 25 executes the basic functions of the HMI 200. Runtime module 26 includes a screen manager 26a, a variable manager 26b, a statistics manager 26c, and an edit manager 26d.

The screen manager 26a creates a screen based on the screen data 251 (see FIG. 5) that constitutes the project data 250, and causes the user interface 23 to display the created screen. For example, if the object corresponding to the operation position indicated by the latest log element 91 of the operation log information 90 (see FIG. 7) is a button for screen transition, the screen manager 26a determines the transition destination screen based on the project data 250. Create. Then, the screen manager 26a displays the created screen on the user interface 23.

Alternatively, the screen manager 26a may create a transition destination screen based on the project data 250 when an event requiring screen transition occurs. For example, the screen manager 26a creates an error handling screen when an event occurs in which a variable representing the number of errors satisfies one or more.

The variable manager 26b obtains variables assigned to the object 50 from the control device 100. The screen manager 26a allocates the variables acquired by the variable manager 26b to the object 50 based on the variable data 252 of the project data 250. Further, the variable manager 26b creates a log element 93 when a variable corresponding to a pre-registered event satisfies a condition corresponding to the event, and adds the created log element 93 to the event log information 92.

Statistics manager 26c manages statistical information 280. When the new improvement table 260 is stored in the storage unit 21, the statistics manager 26c outputs to the calculation module 27 an instruction to create statistical information 280 corresponding to each improvement item shown in the improvement table 260.

Further, the statistics manager 26c outputs an instruction to update the statistical information 280 to the calculation module 27 based on the operation log information 90 or the event log information 92.

The editing manager 26d determines whether the number of elements included in the statistical information 280 has reached a specified value. The specified value is set in advance to a value sufficient to understand the tendency of the operation of the user interface 23. When the number of elements included in the statistical information 280 reaches a specified value, the editing manager 26d outputs an instruction to generate improvement information to the calculation module 27. The editing manager 26d reads the improvement information generated in response to the generation instruction from the main memory 22, and displays the read improvement information on the user interface 23. Further, the editing manager 26d displays a window on the user interface 23 for receiving an instruction as to whether or not to update the screen configuration according to the improvement information. Upon receiving the instruction to update the screen configuration according to the improvement information, the editing manager 26d updates the project data 250 according to the improvement information.

Further, the editing manager 26d may transfer the statistical information 280 to the support device 300 when the number of elements included in the statistical information 280 reaches a specified value. The transferred statistical information 280 is stored in the storage unit 31 of the support device 300 and analyzed by the analysis module 35.

The calculation module 27 executes various calculation processes. The calculation module 27 includes a statistical processing section 28 and an improvement information generation section 29.

Upon receiving an instruction to create new statistical information 280, the statistical processing unit 28 reads the improvement table 260 from the storage unit 21. The statistical processing unit 28 creates statistical information 280 corresponding to each improvement item based on the improvement table 260. That is, the statistical processing unit 28 creates statistical information 280 of the type shown in the improvement table 260 for each improvement item, and stores the created statistical information 280 in the storage unit 21. Note that the newly created statistical information 280 indicates null.

Further, upon receiving an instruction to update the statistical information 280, the statistical processing unit 28 updates the statistical information 280 according to the operation log information 90 or the event log information 92 stored in the main memory 22.

Upon receiving the instruction to generate improvement information, the improvement information generation unit 29 generates improvement information based on the improvement rule information 265 and the statistical information 280.

<E. Flow of advance preparation process>
FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the flow of advance preparation processing in the information processing system. As shown in FIG. 9, the user interface 32 of the support device 300 receives operations from a developer for developing a screen to be displayed on the HMI 200 and setting improvement items (step S1). The development support module 33 generates the source code 340 that defines the screen and the improvement item setting data 350 according to the operation received by the user interface 32 (step S2).

Next, the compiler 34 generates project data 250 by compiling the source code 340, and stores the generated project data 250 in the storage unit 31 (step S3). Further, in step S3, the compiler 34 generates an improvement table 260 and improvement rule information 265 based on the improvement item setting data 350, and stores the generated improvement table 260 and improvement rule information 265 in the storage unit 31.

The project data 250, improvement table 260, and improvement rule information 265 stored in the storage unit 31 are transferred from the support device 300 to the HMI 200 (step S4). The transferred project data 250, improvement table 260, and improvement rule information 265 are stored in the storage unit 21 of the HMI 200.

Next, the control unit 24 of the HMI 200 confirms the completion of transfer of the project data 250, improvement table 260, and improvement rule information 265 (step S5). The statistics manager 26c of the control unit 24 outputs to the calculation module 27 an instruction to create statistical information 280 corresponding to each improvement item shown in the newly stored improvement table 260 (step S6).

The statistical processing unit 28 of the calculation module 27 reads the improvement table 260 from the storage unit 21 (step S7). The statistical processing unit 28 creates statistical information 280 of the type shown in the improvement table 260 for each improvement item, and stores the created statistical information 280 in the storage unit 21 (step S8). However, at this stage, the created statistical information 280 indicates null.

<F. Flow of statistical information collection process>
FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the flow of statistical information collection processing in the information processing system. In the example shown in FIG. 10, the statistical information collection process includes a first process route that is performed in the order of S11, S12, S13, S14, and S15, and a second process that is performed in the order of S11', S13, S14, and S15. Including root.

In the first processing route, the user interface 23 of the HMI 200 receives operations on the screen from the operator (step S11). When the user interface 23 accepts an operation, a log element 91 (see FIG. 7) corresponding to the operation is added to the operation log information 90 (step S12). Addition of the log element 91 to the operation log information 90 is executed by the OS 25.

Next, the control unit 24 reads the latest log element 91 of the operation log information 90 (step S13). If the read log element 91 satisfies the update conditions defined for each improvement item, the statistics manager 26c of the control unit 24 outputs an instruction to update the statistical information 280 to the calculation module 27 (step S14). The update conditions are defined in the improvement table 260, as described below.

The statistical processing unit 28 of the calculation module 27 updates the statistical information 280 according to the update instruction (step S15).

On the other hand, in the second processing route, step S11' is performed instead of steps S11 and S12. In step S11', the variable manager 26b creates a log element 93 when the variable corresponding to the pre-registered event satisfies the condition corresponding to the event, and adds the created log element 93 to the event log information 92. .

Next, the control unit 24 reads the latest log element 93 of the event log information 92 (step S13). If the read log element 93 satisfies the update conditions defined for each improvement item, the statistics manager 26c of the control unit 24 outputs an instruction to update the statistical information 280 to the calculation module 27 (step S14). Then, the statistical processing unit 28 of the calculation module 27 updates the statistical information 280 according to the update instruction (step S15).

<G. Flow of statistical information analysis process>
FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the flow of statistical information analysis processing in the information processing system. When the number of elements included in the statistical information 280 reaches a specified value, the editing manager 26d transfers the statistical information 280 from the HMI 200 to the support device 300 (step S21). Alternatively, the support device 300 may acquire the statistical information 280 from the HMI 200 in accordance with instructions from the developer.

The analysis module 35 of the support device 300 analyzes the statistical information 280 according to the analysis method defined for each improvement item (step S22). The analysis method is defined in the improvement table 260, as described below. The analysis module 35 displays a screen showing the analysis results (hereinafter referred to as the "analysis result screen") on the user interface 32 (step S23). By checking the analysis result screen, the developer can easily grasp the trend of the operator's operations on the HMI 200. The developer can use the development support module 33 to update the screen configuration according to the operator's operating tendencies.

<H. Flow of improvement information generation/presentation processing>
FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the flow of improvement information generation/presentation processing in the information processing system. As shown in FIG. 12, the editing manager 26d of the HMI 200 determines whether the number of elements included in the statistical information 280 has reached a specified value (step S31). If the number of elements included in the statistical information 280 has reached the specified value, the editing manager 26d outputs an instruction to generate improvement information to the calculation module 27 (step S32).

The improvement information generation unit 29 of the calculation module 27 reads the improvement rule information 265 and the statistical information 280 from the storage unit 21 (step S33). The improvement information generation unit 29 generates improvement information based on the read improvement rule information 265 and statistical information 280, and writes the generated improvement information into the main memory 22 (step S34).

The editing manager 26d reads the improvement information written in the main memory 22 (step S35), and displays the read improvement information on the user interface 23 (step S36). Thereby, improvement information is presented to the worker.

The user interface 23 can receive an instruction from the operator to update the screen configuration according to the improvement information (step S37). Upon receiving the screen configuration update instruction, the editing manager 26d edits the project data 250 according to the improvement information (step S38). As a result, the screen configuration is updated according to the improvement information.

<I. Specific example of improvement table>
FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of an improvement table. As described above, the improvement table 260 is created in the support device 300 according to operations on the user interface 32. As shown in FIG. 13, the improvement table 260 includes records 261 corresponding to each of one or more improvement items. Each record 261 has six fields 262a-262f. In each record 261, the information entered in fields 262a to 262f is associated with each other.

A valid/invalid flag of the improvement item is input into the field 262a. The valid/invalid flag is a flag for switching whether or not to improve the screen configuration according to the improvement item. The valid/invalid flag may be once set by a developer using the support device 300 and then changed by an operator in the HMI 200. The statistics manager 26c of the HMI 200 controls the calculation module 27 to collect statistical information about improvement items whose valid/invalid flags indicate "valid".

The type of improvement item is input into the field 262b. In the example shown in FIG. 12, "button size change", "shortcut addition", "screen transition button addition", "screen layout change", and "object deletion" are input as the types of improvement items. “Button size change” is an improvement item that changes the button to a size that is easier for the operator to operate. "Shortcut addition" is an improvement item that adds shortcut buttons to screens that workers frequently check. "Add screen transition button" is an improvement item that adds a button to bypass unnecessary screens and immediately transition to a desired screen. “Screen layout change” is an improvement item that changes the arrangement of objects on the target screen according to the operator's operation order. "Object deletion" is an improvement item for deleting unnecessary objects.

Conditions for updating the statistical information 280 (update conditions) are input into the field 262c. When the latest log element of the operation log information 90 or the event log information 92 satisfies the update condition, the statistics manager 26c of the HMI 200 outputs an instruction to update the statistical information 280 corresponding to the update condition to the calculation module 27.

In the field 262d, the type of statistical information of operations on the target object is input. Upon receiving the instruction to create statistical information, the statistical processing unit 28 of the HMI 200 creates statistical information 280 of the type registered in the field 262d, and stores the created statistical information 280 in the storage unit 21.

An analysis method for statistical information is input into the field 262e. The analysis module 35 of the support device 300 analyzes the statistical information 280 according to the analysis method registered in the field 262e. In the example shown in FIG. 13, the analysis technique is in the form of a graph or diagram. Therefore, the analysis module 35 creates a graph or diagram in the format registered in the field 262e by analyzing the statistical information.

The display method for the analysis results is input in the field 262f. The analysis module 35 of the support device 300 displays the analysis result screen on the user interface 32 according to the display method registered in the field 262f.

<J. Specific example of improvement rule information>
FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of improvement rule information. The improvement rule information 265 in the example shown in FIG. 14 corresponds to the improvement table 260 in the example shown in FIG. That is, the improvement rule information 265 includes improvement rules for each of the five improvement items: "change button size", "add shortcut", "add screen transition button", "change screen layout", and "delete button".

As shown in FIG. 14, the improvement rule defines update conditions indicating criteria for determining whether or not the screen configuration should be updated, and a method for updating the screen configuration. The editing manager 26d of the HMI 200 outputs an instruction to create improvement information to the calculation module 27 when the statistical information 280 satisfies the update conditions. The improvement information generation unit 29 of the calculation module 27 generates improvement information according to the update method defined in the improvement rule information 265.

<K. Specific examples of information processing in information processing systems>
Next, a specific example of information processing when the improvement table 260 shown in FIG. 13 and the improvement rule information 265 shown in FIG. 14 are generated will be described.

(K-1. Improvement item “Button size change”)
In the improvement table 260 shown in FIG. 13, when the valid/invalid flag corresponding to the improvement item "change button size" is set to "valid", the following processing is executed, for example.

User interface 23 has a touch panel 282. The touch panel 282 accepts a touch operation by a worker on the screen. Even when the worker intends to perform a touch operation on the object 50, the operator may perform a touch operation on the surrounding area of the object 50. In such a case, the size of the object 50 is considered to be too small for the operator. Therefore, statistical information 280 indicating trends in operating positions by workers is collected.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an object (target object) targeted for the improvement item "change button size" and its surroundings. As shown in FIG. 15, the area 70 surrounding the button 50a, which is the target object, is divided into a plurality of areas. The plurality of areas includes an upper area 71 of button 50a, a lower area 72 of button 50a, a left area 73 of button 50a, and a right area 74 of button 50a. Note that the left end of the upper section 71 overlaps with the left section 73, and the right end of the upper section 71 overlaps with the right section 74. Similarly, the left end of lower section 72 overlaps with left section 73 and the right end of lower section 72 overlaps with right section 74.

The statistical processing unit 28 creates statistical information 280 indicating the distribution of positions where touch operations are performed on the button 50a and its surrounding area 70.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of statistical information corresponding to the improvement item "change button size." The statistical information 280 in the example shown in FIG. 16 includes the number of touch operations (number of operations) and operation position for each of the button 50a that is the target object, the upper area 71, the lower area 72, the left area 73, and the right area 74. shows.

The statistics manager 26c determines whether the operation position indicated by the latest log element 91 of the operation log information 90 overlaps with the button 50a or the surrounding area 70. The statistics manager 26c outputs an instruction to update the statistical information 280 to the calculation module 27 when the operating position overlaps the button 50a or the surrounding area 70. The statistical processing unit 28 of the calculation module 27 updates the statistical information 280 by adding 1 to the number of operations in the area overlapping the operation position and adding the operation position.

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of an analysis result screen of statistical information corresponding to the improvement item "change button size." The analysis module 35 generates an analysis result screen as shown in FIG. 17 by analyzing the statistical information 280 shown in FIG. 16, and causes the user interface 32 to display the generated analysis result screen. The example analysis result screen shown in FIG. 17 includes a button 50a that is a target object, an upper area 71, a lower area 72, a left area 73, and a right area 74 around the button 50a, and a plot 75 indicating the operation position. Furthermore, the analysis result screen includes text indicating the number of operations in each of the upper area 71, lower area 72, left area 73, and right area 74. Thereby, the developer can easily grasp the tendency of the operator's operation position with respect to the button 50a. As a result, the developer can change the size and shape of the button 50a to make it easier for the operator to operate.

When the number of elements of the statistical information 280 (total value of the number of operations on the button 50a and its surrounding area 70) reaches a specified value (for example, 100), the editing manager 26d outputs an instruction to generate improvement information to the calculation module 27. do. The improvement information generation unit 29 of the calculation module 27 determines whether the statistical information 280 satisfies the update conditions defined by the improvement rule information 265. The improvement information generation unit 29 generates improvement information according to the update method defined by the improvement rule information 265 when the statistical information 280 satisfies the update conditions.

For example, the improvement information generation unit 29 generates improvement information indicating that the button 50a is expanded in the direction of the area where the frequency of touch operations exceeds the reference value, according to the improvement rule information 265 shown in FIG. The frequency of touch operations on a certain area is indicated, for example, by the ratio of the number of operations on the area to the total number of operations on the button 50a and the surrounding area 70. The reference value is, for example, 5%.

FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating an example of improvement information generated based on statistical information corresponding to the improvement item "change button size." Since the frequency of touch operations in the lower area 72 exceeds the reference value, the improvement information generation unit 29 generates improvement information indicating that the button 50a should be enlarged in the direction of the lower area 72.

(K-2. Improvement item “Shortcut addition”)
In the improvement table 260 shown in FIG. 13, when the valid/invalid flag corresponding to the improvement item "addition of shortcut" is set to "valid", the following processing is executed, for example.

By constantly displaying a shortcut button for calling the screen that the worker frequently checks out of multiple screens, the operating efficiency of the worker is improved. Therefore, statistical information 280 indicating the tendency of the screen that the operator checks is collected.

FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating an example of statistical information corresponding to the improvement item "add shortcut." The statistical information 280 in the example shown in FIG. 19 indicates the frequency of display of each of the plurality of screens displayed on the HMI 200. Specifically, the statistical information 280 indicates the number of times each screen is displayed and the total display time.

The statistics manager 26c outputs an instruction to update the statistical information 280 to the calculation module 27 every time a screen transition is executed by the screen manager 26a.

Specifically, when a new log element 91 is added to the operation log information 90, the statistics manager 26c determines whether the operation position indicated by the latest log element 91 overlaps with a screen transition button. The statistics manager 26c outputs an instruction to update the statistical information 280 to the calculation module 27 when the operation position overlaps the screen transition button.

Furthermore, when a new log element 93 is added to the event log information 92, the statistics manager 26c determines whether the event indicated by the latest log element 93 is an event that requires a screen transition. The statistics manager 26c outputs an update instruction for the statistical information 280 to the calculation module 27 when the event indicated by the latest log element 93 is an event that requires a screen transition.

The statistical processing unit 28 of the calculation module 27 adds 1 to the display count corresponding to the transition destination screen, and starts counting the total display time corresponding to the transition destination screen. Further, the statistical processing unit 28 ends counting the total display time corresponding to the pre-transition screen. The statistical information 280 is updated in this way.

FIG. 20 is a diagram showing an example of an analysis result screen of statistical information corresponding to the improvement item "addition of shortcut". The analysis module 35 generates an analysis result screen as shown in FIG. 20 by analyzing the statistical information 280 shown in FIG. 19, and causes the user interface 32 to display the generated analysis result screen. The example analysis result screen shown in FIG. 20 includes a bar graph showing the number of times each screen is displayed and the total number of displayed incidents. Thereby, the developer can easily grasp the tendency of the screens that the workers check. As a result, the developer can add shortcut buttons to call up screens that are frequently checked by workers.

The editing manager 26d outputs an instruction to generate improvement information to the calculation module 27 when the number of elements of the statistical information 280 (for example, the total number of display times) reaches a specified value (for example, 500). The improvement information generation unit 29 of the calculation module 27 determines whether the statistical information 280 satisfies the update conditions defined by the improvement rule information 265. The improvement information generation unit 29 generates improvement information according to the update method defined by the improvement rule information 265 when the statistical information 280 satisfies the update conditions.

For example, according to the improvement rule information 265 shown in FIG. 14, the improvement information generation unit 29 adds a shortcut button for calling a screen where the number of times of display exceeds the first reference value and the cumulative display time exceeds the second reference value. Generate improvement information indicating that

FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating an example of improvement information generated based on statistical information corresponding to the improvement item "addition of shortcut." In the example shown in FIG. 21, the number of times "screen b" and "screen z" are displayed exceeds the first reference value, and the cumulative display time of "screen b" and "screen z" exceeds the second reference value. Therefore, the improvement information generating unit 29 generates improvement information indicating that a shortcut button 51b that calls "screen b" and a shortcut button 51z that calls "screen z" are added.

In the above description, it is assumed that statistical information 280 indicating the number of times each screen is displayed and the total display time is collected. However, statistical information 280 indicating either the number of times the screen has been displayed or the total display time may be collected for each screen.

(K-3. Improvement item “Addition of screen transition button”)
In the improvement table 260 shown in FIG. 13, when the valid/invalid flag corresponding to the improvement item "Add screen transition button" is set to "valid", the following processing is executed, for example.

For example, in the case of transitioning from "Screen C" to "Screen D" after transitioning from "Screen A" or "Screen B" to "Screen C", if the display time of "Screen C" is short, "Screen C" , it is only displayed to transition to "Screen d". In this case, by omitting the display of "Screen C" and adding a new screen transition button to "Screen A" or "Screen B" with "Screen d" as the transition destination, the operator's operating efficiency will be improved. do. Therefore, statistical information 280 is collected that indicates the distribution of the display time of "screen c" when the screens change in the order of "screen a" or "screen b", "screen c", and "screen d". In the following, to simplify the explanation, the screens before transitioning to "screen c" are only "screen a" and "screen b", and the screen to which "screen c" transitions is only "screen d". An example will be explained.

FIG. 22 is a diagram showing an example of statistical information corresponding to the improvement item "Add screen transition button". The statistical information 280 in the example shown in FIG. ” distribution of display times.

The statistics manager 26c outputs an instruction to update the statistical information 280 to the calculation module 27 every time the screen manager 26a executes a transition to "screen c".

Specifically, when a new log element 91 is added to the operation log information 90, the statistics manager 26c determines that the operation position indicated by the latest log element 91 is "screen c" in "screen a" or "screen b". ” (hereinafter referred to as the “first transition button”). The statistics manager 26c outputs an instruction to update the statistical information 280 to the calculation module 27 when the operation position overlaps with the first transition button.

Further, when a new log element 93 is added to the event log information 92, the statistics manager 26c determines whether the event indicated by the latest log element 93 is an event that requires transition to "screen c". judge. The statistics manager 26c outputs an update instruction for the statistical information 280 to the calculation module 27 when the event indicated by the latest log element 93 is an event that requires transition to "screen c".

The statistical processing unit 28 of the calculation module 27 stores the pre-transition screen and starts counting the display time of "screen c". After that, the statistical processing unit 28 adds to the operation log information 90 a log element 91 indicating an operation position that overlaps with a transition button (hereinafter referred to as a "second transition button") to "screen d" on "screen c". The display time of "Screen c" continues to be counted until the screen is displayed. Alternatively, the statistical processing unit 28 counts the display time of "screen c" until the log element 93 corresponding to the event that requires transition from "screen c" to "screen d" is added to the event log information 92. Continue. When the statistical processing unit 28 finishes counting the display time of "screen c", it determines whether the counted display time is less than 3 seconds. Then, the statistical processing unit 28 updates the stored number of times and proportions corresponding to the pre-transition screen, and updates the display time distribution based on the determination result. The statistical information 280 is updated in this way.

FIG. 23 is a diagram showing an example of an analysis result screen of statistical information corresponding to the improvement item "Addition of screen transition button". The analysis module 35 generates an analysis result screen as shown in FIG. 23 by analyzing the statistical information 280 shown in FIG. 22, and causes the user interface 32 to display the generated analysis result screen. The example analysis result screen shown in FIG. 23 includes a diagram showing transition states between "screen a", "screen b", "screen c", and "screen d". This allows the developer to easily understand the state of screen transitions. Further, on the analysis result screen, text indicating the distribution of display times of "screen c" is displayed. Thereby, the developer can easily understand that the display time of "screen c" tends to be short when transitioning from "screen b" to "screen d" via "screen c". As a result, the developer can improve the operating efficiency of the operator by adding a new screen transition button to "screen b" for directly transitioning to "screen d."

The editing manager 26d generates improvement information when the number of elements of the statistical information 280 (total value of the number of transitions from "screen a" and "screen b" to "screen c") reaches a specified value (for example, 200). The instruction is output to the calculation module 27. The improvement information generation unit 29 of the calculation module 27 determines whether the statistical information 280 satisfies the update conditions defined by the improvement rule information 265. The improvement information generation unit 29 generates improvement information according to the update method defined by the improvement rule information 265 when the statistical information 280 satisfies the update conditions.

For example, the improvement information generation unit 29 changes the display time of "screen c" to a pre-transition screen (for example, "screen b") whose display time is less than a predetermined time (for example, 3 seconds) exceeding a reference value, to "screen d". Generate improvement information indicating the addition of a screen transition button for transition.

(K-4. Improvement item “Screen layout change”)
In the improvement table 260 shown in FIG. 13, when the valid/invalid flag corresponding to the improvement item "screen layout change" is set to "valid", the following processing is executed, for example.

As shown in FIG. 13, a plurality of objects arranged within the target screen are registered as target objects corresponding to the improvement item "screen layout change". By arranging the plurality of objects within the target screen according to the order of operation, the operator's operation efficiency is improved. Accordingly, statistical information 280 indicating trends in the order of operations performed by workers on a plurality of objects is collected.

FIG. 24 is a diagram showing an example of the layout of the target screen. As shown in FIG. 23, the target screen includes objects 50b to 50f and a screen transition button 50g for transitioning from the target screen to another screen. Objects 50b to 50f are target objects.

FIG. 25 is a diagram illustrating an example of statistical information corresponding to the improvement item "screen layout change." The statistical information 280 in the example shown in FIG. 25 indicates the frequency of each operation order of the objects 50b to 50f. Frequency is expressed as a number of times. However, the frequency of each operation order may be expressed as a ratio of the number of times operations are performed in that operation order to the total number of times.

The statistics manager 26c outputs an instruction to update the statistical information 280 to the calculation module 27 every time the screen manager 26a executes a transition from the target screen to another screen.

Specifically, when a new log element 91 is added to the operation log information 90, the statistics manager 26c determines whether the operation position indicated by the latest log element 91 overlaps with the screen transition button 50g. The statistics manager 26c outputs an instruction to update the statistical information 280 to the calculation module 27 when the operation position overlaps the screen transition button 50g.

Furthermore, if a new log element 93 is added to the event log information 92 while the target screen is being displayed, the statistics manager 26c determines whether the event indicated by the latest log element 93 is an event that requires a screen transition. Determine. The statistics manager 26c outputs an update instruction for the statistical information 280 to the calculation module 27 when the event indicated by the latest log element 93 is an event that requires a screen transition.

The statistical processing unit 28 of the calculation module 27 extracts a log element indicating the target screen from the operation log information 90, and determines the operation order of the objects 50b to 50f based on the operation position and operation time indicated by the extracted log element. Identify. The statistical processing unit 28 updates the statistical information 280 by adding 1 to the number of times corresponding to the specified operation order.

FIG. 26 is a diagram showing an example of an analysis result screen of statistical information corresponding to the improvement item "change screen layout." The analysis module 35 generates an analysis result screen as shown in FIG. 26 by analyzing the statistical information 280 shown in FIG. 25, and causes the user interface 32 to display the generated analysis result screen. The example analysis result screen shown in FIG. 26 shows a diagram in which objects 50b to 50f are arranged in the order of the most frequent operations. Thereby, the developer can easily grasp the tendency of the operator's operation order for the objects 50b to 50f. As a result, the developer can change the layout of the target screen in consideration of the order of operations by the operator.

The editing manager 26d outputs an instruction to generate improvement information to the calculation module 27 when the number of elements of the statistical information 280 (for example, the total number of all operation orders) reaches a specified value (for example, 100). The improvement information generation unit 29 of the calculation module 27 determines whether the statistical information 280 satisfies the update conditions defined by the improvement rule information 265. The improvement information generation unit 29 generates improvement information according to the update method defined by the improvement rule information 265 when the statistical information 280 satisfies the update conditions.

For example, the improvement information generation unit 29 generates improvement information indicating that the objects 50b to 50f are to be rearranged in the most frequent operation order when the most frequent operation order and the arrangement order of the objects 50b to 50f do not match. generate.

FIG. 27 is a diagram showing an example of a screen presenting improvement information generated based on statistical information corresponding to the improvement item "change screen layout." As shown in FIG. 27, improvement information indicating that objects 50d to 50f are to be moved to the positions indicated by broken lines is generated in accordance with the order of the most frequent operations.

When displaying the improvement information on the user interface 23, the editing manager 26d displays a window 60 for receiving an instruction to update the screen configuration according to the improvement information. The window 60 includes a button 61 for instructing to update the screen configuration according to the improvement information, and a button 62 for instructing not to update the screen configuration. When the button 61 is pressed, the editing manager 26d edits the project data 250 according to the improvement information. As a result, the objects 50b to 50f are arranged in accordance with the order of operations with the highest frequency, improving the efficiency of operations by the operator.

(K-5. Improvement item “Object deletion”)
In the improvement table 260 shown in FIG. 13, when the valid/invalid flag corresponding to the improvement item "object deletion" is set to "valid", the following processing is executed, for example.

If unnecessary objects for the worker are placed on the screen, the screen becomes difficult to see and operation efficiency decreases. Therefore, an object that can be deleted if unnecessary is registered as a target object corresponding to the improvement item "object deletion". Then, statistical information 280 indicating the frequency of operations on each object is collected.

FIG. 28 is a diagram illustrating an example of statistical information corresponding to the improvement item "object deletion." FIG. 28 shows statistical information 280 when objects 50h to 50o are registered as target objects. The statistical information 280 indicates the number of operations performed on each target object. Note that instead of the number of operations, the ratio of the number of operations to the target object to the total number of operations may be used.

The statistics manager 26c determines whether the operation position indicated by the latest log element 91 of the operation log information 90 overlaps with the target object. The statistics manager 26c outputs an instruction to update the statistical information 280 to the calculation module 27 when the operation position overlaps with the target object. The statistical processing unit 28 of the calculation module 27 updates the statistical information 280 by adding 1 to the number of operations of the target object that overlaps with the operation position.

The analysis module 35 analyzes the statistical information 280 shown in FIG. 28 to generate an analysis result screen including, for example, a bar graph indicating the number of operations for each target object, and causes the user interface 32 to display the generated analysis result screen. This allows the developer to easily grasp the tendency of the operator's operations on the target object. As a result, the developer can delete objects that are unnecessary for the worker.

When the number of elements of the statistical information 280 (for example, the total number of all operations) reaches a specified value (for example, 1000), the editing manager 26d outputs an instruction to generate improvement information to the calculation module 27. The improvement information generation unit 29 of the calculation module 27 determines whether the statistical information 280 satisfies the update conditions defined by the improvement rule information 265. The improvement information generation unit 29 generates improvement information according to the update method defined by the improvement rule information 265 when the statistical information 280 satisfies the update conditions.

For example, the improvement information generation unit 29 generates improvement information indicating that a target object whose number of operations is less than a reference value (for example, once) is to be deleted, according to the improvement rule information 265 shown in FIG.

FIG. 29 is a diagram showing an example of a screen presenting improvement information generated based on statistical information corresponding to the improvement item "button deletion." In the example shown in FIG. 29, improvement information indicating that an object 50j whose number of operations is less than a reference value is to be deleted is generated. The editing manager 26d displays a window 63 for receiving an instruction to update the screen configuration according to the improvement information. The window 63 includes a button 64 for instructing to update the screen configuration according to the improvement information, and a button 65 for instructing not to update the screen configuration. When the button 64 is pressed, the editing manager 26d edits the project data 250 according to the improvement information. As a result, objects 50j that are unnecessary for the operator are deleted, making the screen easier to see.

<L. Modified example>
FIG. 30 is a schematic diagram showing the functional configuration of a support device according to a modification. As shown in FIG. 30, the support device 300 may include an improvement information generation section 39. The improvement information generation unit 39 is realized by the CPU 302 executing the support program 370.

The improvement information generation section 39 performs the same processing as the improvement information generation section 29 of the HMI 200 shown in FIG. That is, the improvement information generation unit 39 generates improvement information based on the improvement rule information 265 and the statistical information 280 according to instructions from the developer, and displays the generated improvement information on the user interface 32. This allows the developer to check how to change the screen according to the operator's operating tendencies. The development support module 33 may update the screen configuration according to the improvement information in response to instructions from the developer.

<M. Action/Effect>
As described above, the information processing system 1 connected to the control device 100 that controls a controlled object includes the user interface 23, the statistics manager 26c, and the statistics processing section 28. The user interface 23 displays one or more screens containing information related to the control device 100 and receives operations on the one or more screens. The statistics manager 26c and the statistics processing unit 28 operate as collection means for collecting statistical information regarding the operation of the user interface 23.

According to the above configuration, the collected statistical information indicates trends in the operation of the user interface 23. Therefore, by checking the statistical information, it is possible to easily check, for example, the tendency of the operator's operation, such as the tendency of the screen display of the user interface 23 and the tendency of the operator's operation on the screen. As a result, it is possible to quickly grasp matters to be improved regarding one or more screens.

The information processing system 1 further includes an analysis module 35 for creating at least one of a graph and a diagram in a predetermined format by analyzing statistical information, and displaying at least one of the created graph and diagram.

According to the above configuration, by checking at least one of the graph and the diagram, it becomes easier to understand the trend of the operation of the user interface 23.

The information processing system 1 includes an editing manager 26d and an improvement information generation section 29. The editing manager 26d and the improvement information generation unit 29 operate as a presentation means for generating improvement information for the configuration of one or more screens based on the statistical information and presenting the improvement information.

According to the above configuration, it is possible to grasp how the screen configuration should be changed according to the tendency of the operation of the user interface 23.

The editing manager 26d may operate as an updating means for updating the configuration of one or more screens according to the improvement information. This makes it possible to quickly make improvements to the screen configuration.

The user interface 23 can accept touch operations on one or more screens. The statistical information indicates, for example, the distribution of positions where touch operations are performed in a surrounding area of a target object placed on one or more screens. This makes it possible to grasp the tendency of the operator's operating position. In this case, the improvement information indicates, for example, that the target object is enlarged in the direction of an area where the frequency of touch operations exceeds a reference value among a plurality of areas included in the surrounding area. By updating the screen configuration according to the improvement information, the size of the target object is changed according to the tendency of the operator's operation position, and the operator's operation efficiency is improved.

Alternatively, the statistical information may indicate, for example, the display frequency of each of the plurality of screens. This allows the operator to understand the trends in the screens they are checking. In this case, the improvement information indicates that a shortcut button for calling a screen whose display frequency exceeds a reference value among a plurality of screens is to be added to one or more screens. By updating the screen configuration according to the improvement information, the screen that the worker frequently checks can be called up immediately, improving the operating efficiency of the worker.

Alternatively, the one or more screens may include a first screen (screen a, screen b), a second screen (screen c), and a third screen (screen d). The statistical information indicates the distribution of the display time of the second screen when the screens change in the order of the first screen, the second screen, and the third screen. This allows you to understand trends in screen transitions.

The editing manager 26d and the improvement information generation unit 29 may generate improvement information when the percentage of display times shorter than a predetermined time (for example, 3 seconds) exceeds a reference value. The improvement information indicates that a transition button for transitioning to the third screen is arranged on the first screen. If the percentage of display times that are less than a predetermined time (for example, 3 seconds) exceeds the reference value, this means that in many cases the second screen is simply displayed to transition to the third screen. Therefore, by updating the screen configuration according to the improvement information, unnecessary transition to the second screen can be omitted, and it is possible to directly transition from the first screen to the third screen. As a result, the operator's operating efficiency improves.

Alternatively, the statistical information may indicate the frequency of each operation order of a plurality of objects arranged on one target screen. This makes it possible to grasp trends in the operation order of multiple objects. In this case, the improvement information indicates that the plurality of objects should be rearranged according to the order of operations with the highest frequency. By updating the screen configuration according to the improvement information, the arrangement order of the plurality of objects matches the operation order, and the operator's operation efficiency improves.

Alternatively, the statistical information may indicate the frequency of operations on target objects arranged on one or more screens. This makes it possible to grasp the tendency of the worker to use the target object. In this case, the editing manager 26d and the improvement information generation unit 29 may generate improvement information when the operation frequency is less than the reference value. The improvement information indicates that the target object is to be deleted. By updating the screen configuration according to the improvement information, unused objects are deleted and the screen becomes easier to read.

The user interface 23, statistics manager 26c, and statistics processing unit 28 described above are provided in the HMI 200, which is a programmable display. This allows the HMI 200 to grasp the tendency of the operator's operations. Furthermore, the editing manager 26d and the improvement information generation section 29 may also be included in the HMI 200. Thereby, in the HMI 200, the screen configuration can be updated as appropriate according to the improvement information.

Furthermore, the analysis module 35 may be included in a support device 300 that is an information processing device that can communicate with the HMI 200. Thereby, the developer can easily grasp the tendency of the operator's operation using the support device 300. The support device 300 may include an improvement information generation section 39. This allows the developer to grasp the contents to be updated in the screen configuration according to the tendency of the operator's operations.

<N. Additional notes＞
As described above, the present embodiment and the modified examples include the following disclosures.

(Configuration 1)
An information processing system (1) connected to a control device (100) that controls a controlled object,
a user interface (23) that displays one or more screens containing information related to the control device (100) and receives operations on the one or more screens;
An information processing system (1) comprising: collection means (26c, 28, 211) for collecting statistical information regarding the operation of the user interface.

(Configuration 2)
Configuration 1 further comprises an analysis means (35) for creating at least one of a graph and a diagram in a predetermined format by analyzing the statistical information and displaying at least one of the created graph and diagram. Information processing system (1) described.

(Configuration 3)
Configuration 1 or 2, further comprising presentation means (26d, 29, 39, 211, 302) for generating improvement information for the configuration of the one or more screens based on the statistical information and presenting the improvement information. The information processing system (1) described in .

(Configuration 4)
The information processing system (1) according to configuration 3, further comprising updating means (26d, 33, 211, 302) for updating the configuration of the one or more screens according to the improvement information.

(Configuration 5)
The user interface (23) is capable of accepting touch operations on the one or more screens,
The information processing system (1) according to configuration 1 or 2, wherein the statistical information indicates a distribution of positions where the touch operation was performed in a surrounding area of a target object placed on the one or more screens.

(Configuration 6)
The user interface (23) is capable of accepting touch operations on the one or more screens,
The statistical information indicates a distribution of positions where the touch operation was performed in a surrounding area of the target object,
According to configuration 3 or 4, the improvement information indicates that the target object is enlarged in the direction of an area where the frequency of the touch operation exceeds a reference value among a plurality of areas included in the surrounding area. Information processing system (1).

(Configuration 7)
the one or more screens include a plurality of screens;
The information processing system (1) according to configuration 1 or 2, wherein the statistical information indicates a display frequency of each of the plurality of screens.

(Configuration 8)
the one or more screens include a plurality of screens;
The statistical information indicates the display frequency of each of the plurality of screens,
The information processing system according to configuration 3 or 4, wherein the improvement information indicates that a shortcut button for calling a screen whose display frequency exceeds a reference value among the plurality of screens is added to the one or more screens ( 1).

(Configuration 9)
The one or more screens include a first screen, a second screen, and a third screen,
The information processing system (1) according to configuration 1 or 2, wherein the statistical information indicates a distribution of display times of the second screen when the screens change in the order of the first screen, the second screen, and the third screen. ).

(Configuration 10)
The one or more screens include a first screen, a second screen, and a third screen,
The statistical information indicates the distribution of the display time of the second screen when the screen changes in the order of the first screen, the second screen, and the third screen,
The presenting means generates the improvement information when the percentage of the display time being less than a predetermined time exceeds a reference value;
The information processing system (1) according to configuration 3 or 4, wherein the improvement information indicates that a transition button for transitioning to the third screen is arranged on the first screen.

(Configuration 11)
The information processing system (1) according to configuration 1 or 2, wherein the statistical information indicates the frequency of each operation order of a plurality of objects arranged on one of the one or more screens.

(Configuration 12)
The statistical information indicates the frequency of each operation order of a plurality of objects arranged on one of the one or more screens,
The information processing system (1) according to configuration 3 or 4, wherein the improvement information indicates that the plurality of objects are rearranged according to the order of operations with the highest frequency.

(Configuration 13)
The information processing system (1) according to configuration 1 or 2, wherein the statistical information indicates the frequency of operations on target objects arranged on the one or more screens.

(Configuration 14)
The statistical information indicates the frequency of operations on the target object arranged on the one or more screens,
The presentation means generates the improvement information when the operation frequency is less than a reference value,
The information processing system (1) according to configuration 3 or 4, wherein the improvement information indicates that the target object is to be deleted.

(Configuration 15)
A programmable display (200) connected to a control device (100) that controls a controlled object,
a user interface (23) that displays one or more screens containing information related to the control device and receives operations on the one or more screens;
a programmable display (200) comprising collection means (26c, 28, 211) for collecting statistical information regarding the operation of said user interface.

(Configuration 16)
Presentation means (26d, 29, 211) for generating improvement information for the configuration of the one or more screens based on the statistical information and presenting the improvement information;
16. The programmable display (200) according to configuration 15, further comprising updating means (26d, 211) for updating the configuration of the one or more screens according to the improvement information.

(Configuration 17)
An information processing device (300) capable of communicating with a programmable display (200) connected to a control device (100) that controls a controlled object,
The programmable display (200) includes:
a user interface (23) that displays one or more screens containing information related to the control device and receives operations on the one or more screens;
collecting means (26c, 28, 211) for collecting statistical information regarding the operation of the user interface,
The information processing device (300) includes:
A display section (32, 314),
analysis means for creating at least one of a graph and a diagram in a predetermined format by analyzing the statistical information, and displaying at least one of the created graph and diagram on the display unit (32, 314); 35), an information processing device (300).

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described, the embodiments disclosed this time should be considered to be illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims, and it is intended that all changes within the meaning and range equivalent to the claims are included.

1 information processing system, 21, 31 storage unit, 22 main memory, 23, 32 user interface, 24 control unit, 26 runtime module, 26a screen manager, 26b variable manager, 26c statistics manager, 26d editing manager, 27 calculation module, 28 Statistical processing unit, 29, 39 Improvement information generation unit, 33 Development support module, 34 Compiler, 35 Analysis module, 36 Screen creation tool, 37 Code editor, 50, 50b to 50f, 50h to 50o Object, 50a, 61, 62, 64, 65 button, 50g screen transition button, 51b, 51z shortcut button, 60, 63 window, 70 surrounding area, 71 upper area, 72 lower area, 73 left area, 74 right area, 75 plot, 90 operation log information, 91 , 93 log element, 92 event log information, 100 control device, 170 control program, 211, 302 CPU, 212, 304 ROM, 213, 306 RAM, 214 flash ROM, 216 operation keys, 217 data reader/writer, 218 touch screen , 219 communication interface, 220 memory card, 250 project data, 251 screen data, 252 variable data, 260 improvement table, 261 record, 262a to 262g field, 265 improvement rule information, 270 system program, 280 statistical information, 281, 314 display , 282 touch panel, 300 support device, 308 HDD, 310 keyboard, 311 input section, 312 mouse, 317 recording medium reading device, 318 communication interface, 320 internal bus, 322 recording medium, 340 source code, 350 improvement item setting data, 370 Support program, 400 devices, SYS control system.

Claims (12)

An information processing system connected to a control device that controls a controlled object,
a user interface that displays one or more screens containing information related to the control device and receives operations on the one or more screens;
collection means for collecting statistical information regarding the operation of the user interface ;
and presenting means for generating improvement information for the configuration of the one or more screens based on the statistical information and presenting the improvement information,
the one or more screens include a plurality of screens;
The statistical information indicates the display frequency of each of the plurality of screens,
The information processing system, wherein the improvement information indicates that a shortcut button for calling a screen whose display frequency exceeds a reference value among the plurality of screens is to be added to the one or more screens. An information processing system connected to a control device that controls a controlled object,
a user interface that displays one or more screens containing information related to the control device and receives operations on the one or more screens;
collection means for collecting statistical information regarding the operation of the user interface;
and presenting means for generating improvement information for the configuration of the one or more screens based on the statistical information and presenting the improvement information,
The one or more screens include a first screen, a second screen, and a third screen,
The statistical information indicates the distribution of the display time of the second screen when the screen changes in the order of the first screen, the second screen, and the third screen,
The presenting means generates the improvement information when the percentage of the display time being less than a predetermined time exceeds a reference value;
The information processing system wherein the improvement information indicates that a transition button for transitioning to the third screen is arranged on the first screen. An information processing system connected to a control device that controls a controlled object,
a user interface that displays one or more screens containing information related to the control device and receives operations on the one or more screens;
collection means for collecting statistical information regarding the operation of the user interface;
and presenting means for generating improvement information for the configuration of the one or more screens based on the statistical information and presenting the improvement information,
The statistical information indicates the frequency of each operation order of a plurality of objects arranged on one of the one or more screens,
The information processing system, wherein the improvement information indicates that the plurality of objects are rearranged according to the order of operations with the highest frequency. 4. The method according to claim 1, further comprising analysis means for creating at least one of a graph and a diagram in a predetermined format by analyzing the statistical information, and displaying at least one of the created graph and diagram. The information processing system according to any one of the items . The information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 4 , further comprising updating means for updating the configuration of the one or more screens according to the improvement information. A programmable display connected to a control device that controls a controlled object,
a user interface that displays one or more screens containing information related to the control device and receives operations on the one or more screens;
collection means for collecting statistical information regarding the operation of the user interface ;
and presenting means for generating improvement information for the configuration of the one or more screens based on the statistical information and presenting the improvement information,
the one or more screens include a plurality of screens;
The statistical information indicates the display frequency of each of the plurality of screens,
The improvement information is a programmable display device, wherein the improvement information indicates that a shortcut button for calling a screen whose display frequency exceeds a reference value among the plurality of screens is to be added to the one or more screens. A programmable display connected to a control device that controls a controlled object,
a user interface that displays one or more screens containing information related to the control device and receives operations on the one or more screens;
collection means for collecting statistical information regarding the operation of the user interface;
and presenting means for generating improvement information for the configuration of the one or more screens based on the statistical information and presenting the improvement information,
The one or more screens include a first screen, a second screen, and a third screen,
The statistical information indicates the distribution of the display time of the second screen when the screen changes in the order of the first screen, the second screen, and the third screen,
The presenting means generates the improvement information when the percentage of the display time being less than a predetermined time exceeds a reference value;
The improvement information is a programmable display device that indicates that a transition button for transitioning to the third screen is arranged on the first screen. A programmable display connected to a control device that controls a controlled object,
a user interface that displays one or more screens containing information related to the control device and receives operations on the one or more screens;
collection means for collecting statistical information regarding the operation of the user interface;
and presenting means for generating improvement information for the configuration of the one or more screens based on the statistical information and presenting the improvement information,
The statistical information indicates the frequency of each operation order of a plurality of objects arranged on one of the one or more screens,
A programmable display device, wherein the improvement information indicates that the plurality of objects should be rearranged according to the order of operations with the highest frequency. The programmable display device according to any one of claims 6 to 8 , further comprising updating means for updating the configuration of the one or more screens according to the improvement information. An information processing device capable of communicating with a programmable display connected to a control device that controls a controlled object,
The programmable display includes:
a user interface that displays one or more screens containing information related to the control device and receives operations on the one or more screens;
and collection means for collecting statistical information regarding the operation of the user interface,
The information processing device includes:
A display section;
analysis means for creating at least one of a graph and a diagram in a predetermined format by analyzing the statistical information, and displaying at least one of the created graph and diagram on the display unit ;
and presenting means for generating improvement information for the configuration of the one or more screens based on the statistical information and presenting the improvement information ,
the one or more screens include a plurality of screens;
The statistical information indicates the display frequency of each of the plurality of screens,
The improvement information indicates that a shortcut button for calling a screen whose display frequency exceeds a reference value among the plurality of screens is to be added to the one or more screens. An information processing device capable of communicating with a programmable display connected to a control device that controls a controlled object,
The programmable display includes:
a user interface that displays one or more screens containing information related to the control device and receives operations on the one or more screens;
and collection means for collecting statistical information regarding the operation of the user interface,
The information processing device includes:
A display section;
analysis means for creating at least one of a graph and a diagram in a predetermined format by analyzing the statistical information, and displaying at least one of the created graph and diagram on the display unit;
and presenting means for generating improvement information for the configuration of the one or more screens based on the statistical information and presenting the improvement information,
The one or more screens include a first screen, a second screen, and a third screen,
The statistical information indicates the distribution of the display time of the second screen when the screen changes in the order of the first screen, the second screen, and the third screen,
The presenting means generates the improvement information when the percentage of the display time being less than a predetermined time exceeds a reference value;
The information processing device, wherein the improvement information indicates that a transition button for transitioning to the third screen is arranged on the first screen. An information processing device capable of communicating with a programmable display connected to a control device that controls a controlled object,
The programmable display includes:
a user interface that displays one or more screens containing information related to the control device and receives operations on the one or more screens;
and collection means for collecting statistical information regarding the operation of the user interface,
The information processing device includes:
A display section;
analysis means for creating at least one of a graph and a diagram in a predetermined format by analyzing the statistical information, and displaying at least one of the created graph and diagram on the display unit;
and presenting means for generating improvement information for the configuration of the one or more screens based on the statistical information and presenting the improvement information,
The statistical information indicates the frequency of each operation order of a plurality of objects arranged on one of the one or more screens,
The information processing apparatus, wherein the improvement information indicates that the plurality of objects are rearranged according to the order of operations with the highest frequency.

Images