WORK CONDITION VISUALIZATION APPARATUS

A work condition visualization apparatus includes an input unit that accepts an input of an instruction to specify whether to operate a machine in manual operation work or in accordance with a program, and an output unit that outputs time information on the manual operation work and time information on the program on the basis of an instruction accepted by the input unit.

FIELD

The present invention relates to a work condition visualization apparatus that notifies a condition of operation of a machine.

BACKGROUND

A machine is used when machining a workpiece. The machine operates in accordance with a program and machines the workpiece. An apparatus that notifies a condition in which a machine operates in accordance with a program has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Literature 1). With the apparatus, a manager of the machine can know the condition of operation of the machine.

CITATION LIST

Patent Literature

SUMMARY

Technical Problem

As mentioned above, the machine operates in accordance with the program to machine the workpiece, but a worker performs work of manually operating the machine before and/or after the machine operates in accordance with the program. For example, the manual operation work is work of adjusting a position of the machine relative to the workpiece before machining in order to properly machine the workpiece. In the manual operation work, the worker operates the machine irrespective of the program in order to adjust the position of the machine relative to the workpiece, for example.

The above-described conventional apparatus notifies a condition in which the machine operates in accordance with the program, but does not notify a condition in which the machine operates in the manual operation work. That is, with the above-described conventional apparatus, the manager of the machine cannot know the condition in which the machine operates in accordance with work of the worker.

The present invention has been made in view of the above, and an object thereof is to provide a work condition visualization apparatus with which a manager of a machine can know a condition in which the machine operates in accordance with a program and a condition in which the machine operates in manual operation work.

Solution to Problem

To solve the above problems and achieve the object, the present invention includes an input unit that accepts an input of an instruction to specify whether to operate a machine in manual operation work or in accordance with a program, and an output unit that outputs time information on the manual operation work and time information on the program on a basis of an instruction accepted by the input unit.

Advantageous Effects of Invention

The work condition visualization apparatus according to the present invention achieves an effect that a manager of a machine can know a condition in which the machine operates in accordance with a program and a condition in which the machine operates in manual operation work.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter, a work condition visualization apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The invention is not limited to the embodiment.

Embodiment

First, a configuration of a work condition visualization apparatus2according to an embodiment will be described.FIG. 1is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the work condition visualization apparatus2according to the embodiment. The work condition visualization apparatus2is an apparatus that notifies a condition in which a machine16operates in accordance with a program and a condition in which the machine16operates in manual operation work.FIG. 1also illustrates the machine16. An example of the machine16is a wire electric discharge machining machine. Work of manually operating the machine16is work performed by a worker before and/or after the machine16operates in accordance with the program. A specific example of the work of manually operating the machine16is work of adjusting a position of the machine16relative to a workpiece in order to properly machine the workpiece. In the work of manually operating the machine16, the worker operates the machine16irrespective of the program in order to adjust the position of the machine16relative to the workpiece, for example.

As illustrated inFIG. 1, the work condition visualization apparatus2is included in a numerical control apparatus1that controls the machine16that machines a workpiece. The numerical control apparatus1includes the work condition visualization apparatus2, and further includes a control unit3that controls the machine16in accordance with a program for machining a workpiece, and a memory4that stores the program. Since the control unit3controls the machine16in accordance with the program stored in the memory4, the machine16operates in accordance with the program.

The work condition visualization apparatus2includes an input unit5that accepts an input of an instruction to specify whether to operate the machine16in the manual operation work or in accordance with the program. In a case where the input unit5accepts an input of an instruction to specify that the machine16is to be operated in the manual operation work, the input unit5accepts the input of the instruction to specify that the machine16is to be operated in the manual operation work with respect to any of multiple work items.

In the embodiment, the input unit5is a touch panel display.FIG. 2is a diagram illustrating a screen51of the input unit5of the work condition visualization apparatus2in the embodiment. As illustrated inFIG. 2, the screen51of the input unit5includes a work instruction input accepting area52, which is an area that accepts an input of a work instruction that is an instruction to operate the machine16in the manual operation work, and a program instruction input accepting area53, which is an area that accepts an input of a program instruction that is an instruction to operate the machine16in accordance with the program.

The work instruction input accepting area52includes four work item buttons52ato52d. The four work items are examples of the multiple work items. Work corresponding to each of the four work items is an example of the work of manually operating the machine16. In the embodiment, the contents of the four work items are origin setting work, positioning work, inclination adjustment work, and vertical determination work. The origin setting work is work of setting a coordinate origin of a workpiece, and the positioning work is work of arranging the workpiece at an appropriate position on a horizontal plane. The inclination adjustment work is work of adjusting the inclination of the workpiece relative to the horizontal plane, and the vertical determination work is work of arranging a wire electrode which is one component constituting the machine16in a vertical direction.

In each of the fields of the work item buttons52ato52d, character strings of “origin setting work”, “positioning work”, “inclination adjustment work” or “vertical determination work” is displayed. As can be understood from the character strings, each of the work item buttons52a,52b,52c, and52dis a button for accepting an input of an instruction of the above-described origin setting work, positioning work, inclination adjustment work, or vertical determination work.

The program instruction input accepting area53includes a button53afor accepting an input of a program instruction which is an instruction to operate the machine16in accordance with the program. A character string “program” is described in a field for specifying the button53a. As illustrated inFIG. 2, the screen51of the input unit5further includes a button54for accepting an input of an instruction to start an operation of the machine16and a button55for accepting an input of an instruction to end the operation of the machine16. A character string “start” is displayed in a field for specifying the button54, and a character string “stop” is displayed in a field for specifying the button55.

When operating the machine16in the manual operation work, the worker presses any one of the four work item buttons52ato52dincluded in the work instruction input accepting area52on the screen51of the input unit5, and then presses the button54for accepting an input of an instruction to start the operation of the machine16. For example, when the worker operates the machine16in the positioning work in the manual operation work, the worker presses the button52bcorresponding to the positioning work among the four work item buttons52ato52dincluded in the work instruction input accepting area52, and then presses the button54.

When any one of the buttons included in the screen51is pressed, the input unit5accepts an instruction corresponding to the pressed button. That is, when any one of the buttons52ato52dand the button54are pressed, the input unit5accepts an input of a work instruction to operate the machine16in the manual operation work.

For example, when the button52b, in which the character string “positioning work” is described, is pressed and then the button54for accepting an input of an instruction to start the operation of the machine16is pressed, the input unit5accepts an instruction to operate the machine16in the positioning work, which is manual operation work. When the button52bis pressed, the input unit5displays a screen for setting specific contents of the positioning work on the touch panel display.FIG. 3is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen60for setting specific contents of the positioning work in the embodiment.

On the screen60for setting specific contents of the positioning work, a character string “for positioning work” indicating that the screen60is a screen for setting specific contents of the positioning work is displayed. The screen60includes a first area70that is an area displaying information on a current position of a workpiece and a second area80that is an area displaying information on a position of the workpiece after completion of the positioning work. In the first area70, a character string “current position” indicating that the first area70is an area displaying information on the current position of the workpiece is displayed, and in the second area80, a character string “position after completion of positioning work” indicating that the second area80is an area displaying information on the position of the workpiece after completion of the positioning work is displayed.

The first area70includes an area71for displaying a current position of the workpiece in an X direction, an area72for displaying a current position of the workpiece in a Y direction, and an area73for displaying a current position of the workpiece in a Z direction. The second area80includes an area81for setting a position of the workpiece in the X direction after completion of the positioning work, an area82for setting a position of the workpiece in the Y direction after completion of the positioning work, and an area83for setting a position of the workpiece in the Z direction after completion of the positioning work.

The worker confirms numerical values displayed in the area71, the area72, and the area73, and inputs numerical values corresponding to positions of the workpiece in the X direction, the Y direction, and the Z direction after completion of the positioning work to the area81, the area82, and the area83. For example, the worker inputs the numerical values to the area81, the area82, and the area83by using an input unit connected to a display device that displays the screen60. The input unit is not illustrated. After inputting the numerical values to the area81, the area82, and the area83of the screen60, the worker presses the button54for accepting an input of an instruction to start the operation of the machine16. The control unit3causes the machine16to perform an operation for moving the workpiece to a position corresponding to the numerical values input to the area81, the area82, and the area83in accordance with the instruction of the positioning work.

When the worker intends to end the operation of the machine16after the machine16starts operating in the manual operation work, the worker may press the button55for accepting an input of an instruction to end the operation of the machine16on the screen51.

When operating the machine16in accordance with the program, the worker presses the button53aincluded in the program instruction input accepting area53on the screen51of the input unit5. Thereafter, the worker presses the button54for accepting an input of an instruction to start the operation of the machine16. As described above, when any one of the buttons included in the screen51is pressed, the input unit5accepts an instruction corresponding to the pressed button. That is, when the button53aand the button54are pressed, the input unit5accepts an input of a program instruction to operate the machine16in accordance with the program.

The screen51of the input unit5further includes a button56for accepting an input of an instruction to output data on the operation of the machine16. In a field for specifying the button56inFIG. 2, a character string “data output” is displayed. The data on the operation of the machine16is data based on time at which each of the above-described four work item buttons52ato52d, the button53afor accepting an input of a program instruction to operate the machine16in accordance with the program, the button54for accepting an input of an instruction to start the operation of the machine16, and the button55for accepting an input of an instruction to end the operation of the machine16is pressed, and the data on the operation of the machine16includes first data and second data. The first data and the second data will be described later.

In a case where the input unit5accepts an input of a work instruction which is an instruction to operate the machine16in the manual operation work, the control unit3operates the machine16in accordance with the work instruction. For example, in a case where the button52bfor accepting an input of an instruction of the positioning work is pressed and thereafter the button54for accepting an input of an instruction to start the operation of the machine16is pressed, the control unit3operates the machine16in accordance with the instruction of the positioning work. In a case where the button55for accepting an input of an instruction to end the operation of the machine16is pressed when the machine16is operating in accordance with the instruction of the positioning work, the control unit3ends the operation of the machine16.

In a case where the input unit5accepts an input of a program instruction that is an instruction to operate the machine16in accordance with the program, the control unit3controls the machine16in accordance with the program stored in the memory4, and the machine16operates in accordance with the program.

The work condition visualization apparatus2further includes a determination unit6that determines whether the machine16operates in the manual operation work or operates in accordance with the program, on the basis of an instruction accepted by the input unit5. Specifically, when the instruction accepted by the input unit5is a work instruction, the determination unit6determines that the machine16operates in the manual operation work. More specifically, when any one of the four work item buttons52ato52dis pressed, the determination unit6determines that the machine16operates in work corresponding to the pressed button in the manual operation work. When the instruction accepted by the input unit5is a program instruction, the determination unit6determines that the machine16operates in accordance with the program.

The work condition visualization apparatus2further includes a timepiece7and a storage unit8that stores information. The work condition visualization apparatus2further includes a management unit9that stores, in the storage unit8, information on time when the machine16operated in the manual operation work and information on time when the machine16operated in accordance with the program on the basis of determination performed by the determination unit6. When storing information in the storage unit8, the management unit9uses time indicated by the timepiece7to specify the time when the machine16operated in the manual operation work and the time when the machine16operated in accordance with the program, and the management unit9stores the information on the specified time in the storage unit8.

More specifically, when storing the information on the time when the machine16operated in the manual operation work in the storage unit8, the management unit9uses the time indicated by the timepiece7to specify the time when the machine16operated, and the management unit9stores the information on the specified time in the storage unit8, for each of the multiple work items. The management unit9may specify the time when the machine16operated by specifying each of start time and end time of the operation of the control unit3on the basis of the time indicated by the timepiece7. In a case where the determination unit6determines that the machine16operated in accordance with the program, the management unit9may specify the time when the machine16operated in accordance with the program on the basis of the program stored in the memory4, and may store the specified information in the storage unit8.

In any case, the storage unit8stores the information on the time when the machine16operated in the manual operation work and the information on the time when the machine16operated in accordance with the program on the basis of the determination made by the determination unit6. More specifically, when storing the information on the time when the machine16operated in the manual operation work in the storage unit8, the storage unit8stores information on the time when the machine16operated in the storage unit8, for each of the multiple work items.

In addition, the time when the machine16operated is specified by the time when the machine16started the operation and the time when the machine16ended the operation. Therefore, when storing the information on the time when the machine16operated in the manual operation work in the storage unit8, the management unit9stores, in the storage unit8, information on the time when the machine16started the operation in the manual operation work, and information on the time when the machine16ended the operation. More specifically, the management unit9stores, in the storage unit8, the information on the time when the machine16started the operation in the manual operation work and the information on the time when the machine16ended the operation, for each of the multiple work items. When storing the information on the time when the machine16operated in accordance with the program in the storage unit8, the management unit9stores, in the storage unit8, the information on the time when the machine16started the operation in accordance with the program and the information on the time when the machine16ended the operation.

On the basis of the determination performed by the determination unit6, the storage unit8stores the information on the time when the machine16started the operation in the manual operation work and the information on the time when the machine16ended the operation. More specifically, on the basis of the determination performed by the determination unit6, the storage unit8stores the information on the time when the machine16started the operation in the manual operation work and the information on the time when the machine16ended the operation, for each of the multiple work items. On the basis of the determination performed by the determination unit6, the storage unit8stores the information on the time when the machine16started the operation in accordance with the program and the information on the time when the machine16ended the operation.

The work condition visualization apparatus2further includes an output unit10that, when the input unit5accepts an input of an instruction to output data on the operation of the machine16by the button56on the screen51of the input unit5being pressed, outputs time information on the manual operation work and time information on the program on the basis of the instruction accepted by the input unit5. In the embodiment, the output unit10outputs both of the first data and the second data on the operation of the machine16. In the embodiment, the output unit10is a touch panel display that realizes the function of the input unit5. That is, in the embodiment, one touch panel display realizes the function of the output unit10and the function of the input unit5.

The first data is data for determining a condition in which the machine16operates in the manual operation work and a condition in which the machine16operates in accordance with the program depending on passage of time. The second data is data for specifying the total period of time for which the machine16operates in the manual operation work and the total period of time for which the machine16operates in accordance with the program. More specifically, the first data is data for determining a condition in which the machine16operates in the manual operation work and a condition in which the machine16operates in accordance with the program depending on passage of time, for each of the multiple work items. The second data is data for specifying the total period of time for which the machine16operates in the manual operation work and the total period of time for which the machine16operates in accordance with the program, for each of the multiple work items.

Specifically, when the button56on which the character string “data output” is displayed is pressed on the screen51of the input unit5illustrated inFIG. 2, the management unit9supplies both of the first data and the second data to the output unit10on the basis of the information stored in the storage unit8. The output unit10outputs both of the first data and the second data supplied from the management unit9. That is, the output unit10displays both of the first data and the second data on the basis of the information stored in the storage unit8. In the embodiment, since the output unit10is a touch panel display, the output unit10displays both of the first data and the second data.

The output unit10also has a function of transmitting both of the first data and the second data to an accumulation device17outside the work condition visualization apparatus2.FIG. 1also illustrates the accumulation device17. The accumulation device17is a device that accumulates data transmitted from the output unit10and permits access from an apparatus different from the work condition visualization apparatus2.

FIG. 4is a diagram illustrating a processing circuit41in a case where at least a part of constituent elements constituting the input unit5, the determination unit6, the management unit9, and the output unit10included in the work condition visualization apparatus2in the embodiment is realized by the processing circuit41. That is, at least a part of the functions of the input unit5, the determination unit6, the management unit9, and the output unit10may be realized by the processing circuit41.

The processing circuit41is dedicated hardware. That is, the processing circuit41is, for example, a single circuit, a composite circuit, a programmed processor, a parallel programmed processor, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or a combination thereof. A part of the input unit5, the determination unit6, the management unit9, and the output unit10may be dedicated hardware separate from the remainder thereof.

FIG. 5is a diagram illustrating a processor47in a case where at least a part of the functions of the input unit5, the determination unit6, the management unit9, and the output unit10included in the work condition visualization apparatus2in the embodiment is realized by the processor47. That is, at least a part of the functions of the input unit5, the determination unit6, the management unit9, and the output unit10may be realized by the processor47executing a program stored in a memory46. The processor47is a central processing unit (CPU), a processing device, an arithmetic device, a microprocessor, a microcomputer, or a digital signal processor (DSP).FIG. 5also illustrates the memory46.

In the case where at least a part of the functions of the input unit5, the determination unit6, the management unit9, and the output unit10is realized by the processor47, the part of the functions is realized by a combination of the processor47and software, firmware, or software and firmware. The software or the firmware is described as a program and stored in the memory46. By reading and executing the program stored in the memory46, the processor47realizes at least a part of the functions of the input unit5, the determination unit6, the management unit9, and the output unit10.

That is, when at least a part of the functions of the input unit5, the determination unit6, the management unit9, and the output unit10is realized by the processor47, the work condition visualization apparatus2includes the memory46for storing a program with which a step is executed as a result, the step being executed by a part of the input unit5, the determination unit6, the management unit9, and the output unit10. It can be said that the program stored in the memory46causes a computer to execute a procedure or method executed by a part of the input unit5, the determination unit6, the management unit9, and the output unit10.

The memory46is, for example, a non-volatile or volatile semiconductor memory such as a random access memory (RAM), a read only memory (ROM), a flash memory, an erasable programmable read only memory (EPROM), or an electrically erasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM); a magnetic disk; a flexible disk; an optical disk; a compact disc; a mini disk; a digital versatile disk (DVD); or the like.

Regarding a plurality of functions of the input unit5, the determination unit6, the management unit9, and the output unit10, a part of the functions may be realized by dedicated hardware and the remainder of the functions may be realized by software or firmware. Thus, the functions of the input unit5, the determination unit6, the management unit9, and the output unit10can be realized by hardware, software, firmware, or a combination thereof.

Next, an operation of the work condition visualization apparatus2according to the embodiment will be described. The operation of the work condition visualization apparatus2includes a first operation and a second operation. The first operation is an operation from when the input unit5accepts an input of an instruction to when the storage unit8stores information. The second operation is an operation performed by the output unit10of outputting data on the operation of the machine16on the basis of the information stored in the storage unit8. The first operation and the second operation will be sequentially described.

FIG. 6is a flowchart illustrating a procedure in the first operation of the work condition visualization apparatus2according to the embodiment. First, the input unit5accepts an input of an instruction to operate the machine16(S1). The instruction accepted by the input unit5is either an instruction to operate the machine16in the manual operation work or an instruction to operate the machine16in accordance with the program. On the basis of the instruction accepted by the input unit5, the determination unit6determines whether the machine16operates in the manual operation work or in accordance with the program (S2). That is, the determination unit6determines the type of the instruction accepted by the input unit5(S2).

On the basis of the determination performed by the determination unit6, the management unit9stores the information on the time when the machine16operated in the manual operation work and the information on the time when the machine16operated in accordance with the program in the storage unit8. That is, the storage unit8stores the information on the time when the machine16operated in the manual operation work and the information on the time when the machine16operated in accordance with the program (S3). In Step S3ofFIG. 6, the information on the time when the machine16operated in the manual operation work and the information on the time when the machine16operated in accordance with the program are displayed as “data on operation of machine”.

Each of the operations from Step S1to Step S3described above is performed each time the input unit5accepts an input of an instruction to operate the machine16.

FIG. 7is a flowchart illustrating a procedure in the second operation of the work condition visualization apparatus2according to the embodiment. First, the input unit5accepts an input of an instruction to output data on the operation of the machine16(S11). The output unit10displays both of the first data and the second data on the operation of the machine16(S12). That is, the output unit10displays a work condition which is a condition in which the machine16operated in accordance with an instruction of the worker, and an operation condition which is a condition in which the machine16operated in accordance with the program (S12).

FIG. 8is a diagram illustrating an example of data displayed by the output unit10of the work condition visualization apparatus2according to the embodiment. The following items are assumed. That is, it is assumed that first the machine16operated in work corresponding to a work item A, second the machine16operated in work corresponding to a first work item B, third the machine16operated in accordance with a first program P1, fourth the machine16operated in work corresponding to a second work item B, fifth the machine16operated in work corresponding to a work item C, sixth the machine16operated in work corresponding to a work item D, and last the machine16operated in accordance with a second program P2. The work corresponding to each of the work item A, the work item B, the work item C, and the work item D is work of manually operating the machine16.

With a band81including seven blocks “A”, “B”, “P1”, “B”, “C”, “D”, and “P2” ofFIG. 8, the output unit10displays the first data for determining the condition in which the machine16operates in the manual operation work and the condition in which the machine16operates in accordance with the program depending on passage of time.

In the band81ofFIG. 8, the block A corresponds to the work item A, the block B corresponds to the work item B, the block C corresponds to the work item C, and the block D corresponds to the work item D. The block P1corresponds to the first program P1and the block P2corresponds to the second program P2. The work item A corresponds to the origin setting work, the work item B corresponds to the positioning work, the work item C corresponds to the inclination adjustment work, and the work item D corresponds to the vertical determination work.

That is, the output unit10displays the first data by the band81, the first data indicating the following condition in which first the machine16operated in work corresponding to the work item A, second the machine16operated in work corresponding to the work item B, third the machine16operated in accordance with the program P1, fourth the machine16operated in work corresponding to the work item B, fifth the machine16operated in work corresponding to the work item C, sixth the machine16operated in work corresponding to the work item D, and last the machine16operated in accordance with the second program P2.

The following items are further assumed. That is, a period of time for which the machine16operated in the origin setting work corresponding to the work item A is “15 minutes”. A period of time for which the machine16operated in the positioning work corresponding to the first work item B is “15 minutes”. A period of time for which the machine16operated in accordance with the first program P1is “45 minutes”. A period of time for which the machine16operated in the positioning work corresponding to the second work item B is “5 minutes”. A period of time for which the machine16operated in the inclination adjustment work corresponding to the work item C is “15 minutes”. A period of time for which the machine16operated in the vertical determination work corresponding to the work item D is “20 minutes”. A period of time for which the machine16operated in accordance with the second program P2is “45 minutes”. That is, the total period of time for which the machine16operated in the positioning work corresponding to the work item B is “20 minutes”, the total period of time for which the machine16operated in the manual operation work is “70 minutes”, and the total period of time for which the machine16operated in accordance with the program is “90 minutes”.

The output unit10displays, in an area above the band81on the screen including the band81, information indicating that the total period of time for which the machine16operated in the manual operation work is “70 minutes”, and the total period of time for which the machine16operated in accordance with the program is “90 minutes”. Specifically, the output unit10displays, in the area above the band81on the screen including the band81, information indicating that the total period of time for which the machine16operated in the origin setting work is “15 minutes”, the total period of time for which the machine16operated in the positioning work is “20 minutes”, the total period of time for which the machine16operated in the inclination adjustment work is “15 minutes”, and the total period of time for which the machine16operated in the vertical determination work is “20 minutes”.

In addition, the output unit10displays, in the area above the band81on the screen including the band81, information indicating that the total period of time for which the machine16operated in accordance with the first program P1is “45 minutes”, and the total period of time for which the machine16operated in accordance with the second program P2is “45 minutes”. “Operation” described inFIG. 8means the operation of the machine16.

The output unit10displays, in an area below the band81on the screen including the band81, that the period of time for which the machine16operated in the origin setting work corresponding to the work item A is “15 minutes”, the period of time for which the machine16operated in the positioning work corresponding to the first work item B is “15 minutes”, and the period of time for which the machine16operated in accordance with the first program P1is “45 minutes”. In addition, the output unit10displays, in the area below the band81on the screen including the band81, information indicating that the period of time for which the machine16operated in the positioning work corresponding to the second work item B is “5 minutes”, the period of time for which the machine16operated in the inclination adjustment work corresponding to the work item C is “15 minutes”, the period of time for which the machine16operated in the vertical determination work corresponding to the work item D is “20 minutes”, and the period of time for which the machine16operated in accordance with the second program P2is “45 minutes”.

That is, the output unit10displays, together with the first data, the second data for specifying the total period of time for which the machine16operates in the manual operation work and the total period of time for which the machine16operates in accordance with the program.

The output unit10displays the first data and the second data, and transmits both of the first data and the second data to the accumulation device17outside the work condition visualization apparatus2.

As described above, the input unit5accepts an input of an instruction to specify whether to operate the machine16in the manual operation work or in accordance with the program. On the basis of the instruction accepted by the input unit5, the output unit10displays both of the first data for determining a condition in which the machine16operates in the manual operation work and a condition in which the machine16operates in accordance with the program depending on passage of time, and the second data for specifying the total period of time for which the machine16operates in the manual operation work and the total period of time for which the machine16operates in accordance with the program. That is, the input unit5accepts an input of an instruction to operate the machine16, and the output unit10displays data for specifying the work condition as a condition in which the machine16operated in accordance with an instruction of the worker, and the operation condition as a condition in which the machine16operated in accordance with the program.

Since the output unit10displays the data for specifying the work condition and the operation condition, the manager of the machine16can know the condition in which the machine16operates in accordance with the program and the condition in which the machine16operates in the manual operation work. That is, with the work condition visualization apparatus2, the manager of the machine16can know the condition in which the machine16operates in accordance with the program and the condition in which the machine16operates in the manual operation work.

The effect of the work condition visualization apparatus2will be further described.FIG. 9is a diagram for explaining the effect achieved by the work condition visualization apparatus2in the embodiment. The band81of the “embodiment” ofFIG. 9is the same as the band81ofFIG. 8. A band91of a “comparative example” ofFIG. 9is obtained by deleting five blocks “A”, “B”, “B”, “C”, and “D” from the band81ofFIG. 8. From the band91of the “comparative example” ofFIG. 9, it is possible to know the condition in which the machine16operates in accordance with the program, but it is not possible to know the condition in which the machine16operates in the manual operation work. On the other hand, from the band81of the “embodiment” ofFIG. 9, it is possible to know the condition in which the machine16operates in the manual operation work as well as the condition in which the machine16operates in accordance with the program.

That is, as described above, with the work condition visualization apparatus2, the manager of the machine16can know the condition in which the machine16operates in accordance with the program and the condition in which the machine16operates in the manual operation work. In addition, as is apparent from the band81of each ofFIG. 8and the “embodiment” ofFIG. 9, when displaying the condition in which the machine16operates in the manual operation work, the work condition visualization apparatus2displays the condition in which the machine16operates in the manual operation work for each of the multiple work items. Therefore, with the work condition visualization apparatus2, the manager can know the condition in which the machine16operates in the manual operation work for each of the multiple work items.

Furthermore, as illustrated in the area above the band81ofFIG. 8, the work condition visualization apparatus2displays the second data that specifies the total period of time for which the machine16operates in the manual operation work and the total period of time for which the machine16operates in accordance with the program. Therefore, the manager of the machine16can know the total period of time for which the machine16operates in the manual operation work and the total period of time for which the machine16operates in accordance with the program. More specifically, the work condition visualization apparatus2displays the total period of time for which the machine16operates in the manual operation work for each of the multiple work items. Therefore, the manager of the machine16can know the total period of time for which the machine16operates in work of manually operating the machine16for each of the multiple work items.

As described above, the output unit10transmits both of the first data and the second data to the accumulation device17outside the work condition visualization apparatus2. The accumulation device17accumulates the data transmitted from the output unit10and permits access from an apparatus different from the work condition visualization apparatus2. Therefore, even if the manager of the machine16cannot confirm the first data and the second data displayed by the output unit10, the manager can acquire the first data and the second data by accessing the accumulation device17with the use of an apparatus that can access the accumulation device17. That is, even if the manager cannot confirm the first data and the second data displayed by the output unit10, the manager can confirm the first data and the second data by using the apparatus that can access the accumulation device17. An example of the apparatus that can access the accumulation device17is a personal computer.

Since the manager of the machine16can confirm the first data and the second data, it is possible to analyze the time required for work of manually operating the machine16, and to consider countermeasures for improving the efficiency of machining. In addition, the manager can consider better measures for improving the efficiency of machining by analyzing the first data and the second data for each of the multiple machines16.

In the embodiment described above, the output unit10displays both of the first data and the second data, but the output unit10may display only one of the first data and the second data. As described above, the output unit10may output only one of the first data and the second data. The output unit10may transmit only one of the first data and the second data to the accumulation device17. The first data may include information on the time when the machine16started an operation and information on the time when the machine16ended the operation for each of multiple types of work of manually operating the machine16, and may include information on the time when the machine16started an operation in accordance with the program and information on the time when the machine16ended the operation.

In the embodiment described above, the input unit5is a touch panel display, but the input unit5is not limited to the touch panel display. The input unit5may be, for example, a constituent element constituted by a part or all of a mechanical button, a keyboard, and a mouse.

In the embodiment described above, the output unit10is a touch panel display that realizes the function of the input unit5, but the output unit10may be a touch panel display different from the touch panel display that realizes the function of the input unit5, or a display device other than the touch panel. When the output unit10is the display device, the output unit10displays one or both of the first data and the second data. The output unit10may be a printing device, and when the output unit10is the printing device, the output unit10prints one or both of the first data and the second data on a medium for printing. An example of the medium for printing is paper.

In the embodiment described above, the work condition visualization apparatus2includes the determination unit6that determines whether the machine16operates in the manual operation work or operates in accordance with the program on the basis of an instruction accepted by the input unit5. The function of the determination unit6may be realized by a cloud outside the work condition visualization apparatus2. When the function of the determination unit6is realized by the cloud outside the work condition visualization apparatus2, the work condition visualization apparatus2may not include the determination unit6, and may acquire a result which should be acquired by the determination unit6from the cloud.

The configurations described in the embodiment above are merely examples of the content of the present invention and can be combined with other known technology and part thereof can be omitted or modified without departing from the gist of the present invention.

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