RU2536428C1 - Automated system for controlling process of assembling article, monitoring and information support of process - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: physics, computer engineering.

SUBSTANCE: invention relates to computer engineering and is intended for controlling the process of assembling multicomponent articles. An automated system for controlling the process of assembling an article, monitoring and information support of the process, which includes an automated workstation comprising a controller, first and second inputs/outputs of which are respectively connected to the memory unit of databases and an RFID tag reader, and the first and second outputs are respectively connected to a display and an audio signalling device; the system comprises a work area, a work area occupation sensor, an RFID tag programmer having a tag printer function, and a bus for connection to a local area network, wherein the controller further comprises, formed by its software and hardware, a buffer register of a given component code, a buffer register of tag data, a reader for reading the number of the next assembling operation and a timer, as well as a memory unit for current data of the assembling process.

EFFECT: broader functional capabilities owing to compliance verification of a given sequence of connecting identified components.

2 cl, 5 dwg

Description

The invention relates to computer technology and computer science and can be used in production processes and systems using technologies and means of radio frequency identification.

RFID-tagging systems and technologies are widely used in various industries of production and consumption and allow you to automatically collect information about a particular object, products and stages of its life cycle, identify owners and other users and use it both for analysis and forecasting, and in current production. So, in patent RU 2467392 C1, Zheltov et al., November 20, 2012, an information system for providing and monitoring the substitution of objects arriving at the customer’s path using RFID tags on parts of the product and packaging is described. The patent (RU 91641U1, Skobelev, Bobrovnikov; 02/20/2010) describes an automated system for tracking, monitoring and managing the product life cycle in remote access networks based on RFID tags aimed at identifying products coming from the manufacturer for sale. In the patent US 7837694 B2, Tethrake, et al., 10.23.2010, the use of RFID tags makes it possible to control the current stage of the life cycle of surgical instruments.

Widespread use of radio-frequency marking systems, allowing for the accounting and control of various technological processes, including extremely responsible and dangerous. Thus, control systems and accounting for the issuance of weapons using RFID tags are described (EP 1736920 (A1) Polizzi G., 12/27/2006; RU 2450345 C1, Ermolenko et al., 05/10/2012).

Various aspects of the use of RFID tags in multicomponent products and structures are described. So, in the application (GB 2366430 (A), SWINDELLS, March 6, 2002) embedded RFID tags in the components of a multicomponent product are introduced for automatic sorting during their processing. A system for monitoring the characteristics of a rolling mill (RU 2474859 C2, KORTS ENGINEERING GMBH ... (DE), 02/10/2013) is described using RFID tags on each of the many elements in order to track the support block or its individual elements. A unique combination of load-bearing elements can be collected, identified and monitored during successive rolling processes, allowing the operator to make adjustments to improve the quality of the rolling product.

The invention (GB 2482941 (A) SHORE R. et al., BOEING CO, 02.22.2012) describes an aircraft monitoring system consisting of a plurality of components equipped with RFID tags that control maintenance and / or replacement of components at the aircraft life cycle stages . In the patent (US 8077040 (B2), MUIRHEAD, December 13, 2011), it is recommended to insert RFID tags in the components of a multicomponent product so that after dismantling it is possible to reuse the components.

Also known are an automated process control system (g. Components and Technologies, No. 6, 2006, p. 152) and a suspended conveyor system for sorting and packing goods in a given sequence (www.idexpert.ru/reviews/5004/ - based on RFIDJoumal materials ) using RFID technology. The main task solved by these systems is to track the movement of containers with components at various stages of the process with the determination of their location at any stage.

However, these systems do not automatically control the compatibility of various components at a particular workplace.

Closest to the patented invention is a system for identifying and controlling complex devices and components (RU 2388427 C2, HORVAT K. et al., ALKON INC., 05/10/2010), which is an automated workstation, which is an ophthalmic surgical device to which various components are connected, each with an RFID tag. The system comprises a controller to which a basic data memory unit, an RFID tag reader, a display and an audible warning device are connected. The system provides automatic identification of connected components and control of compliance of these components with technological requirements.

The disadvantage of this system is its insufficient functionality, which does not allow the verification of a given sequence of attachment of identified components, verification of compliance with a sufficient time interval that ensures high-quality assembly, and does not preserve information about a previously identified component in the case of shielding its RFID tag by a subsequent component.

The objective of the present invention is to control the assembly process of multicomponent products from components that have RFID marking, as well as information support for this process while ensuring compliance with technological requirements.

Patented automated control system for the product assembly process, control and informational support of the process includes an automated workstation containing a controller, the first and second inputs and outputs of which are connected respectively to the base data memory and RFID reader, and the first and second outputs are connected respectively to the display and a sound signaling device.

The difference is that a work platform, a platform occupancy sensor, an RFID tag programmer, which also functions as a label printer, and a LAN connection bus are introduced, and the controller is supplemented with a memory block for the current data of the assembly process, the output of the platform occupancy sensor is connected to the corresponding input of the controller, the third input-output of the controller is connected to the LAN connection bus, which is also connected to the input-output of the RFID tag programmer.

The system can be characterized in that in order to prevent the reader of RFID tags from responding to tags outside the work site, the device is equipped with a screen that prevents the reader from spreading outside the work site.

The technical result is the expansion of functionality through the implementation of: a) verification of compliance with a given sequence of attachment of identified components, b) verification of compliance with the time interval necessary to ensure high-quality assembly, and c) preservation of information about a previously identified component even in the case of shielding its RFID tag subsequent component.

The invention is illustrated in the drawings, where:

figure 1 presents a block diagram of an automated control system for the assembly process of the product, control and information support process;

figure 2-5 presents a block diagram of an algorithm implemented by the software of an automated system.

The system for controlling the process of product assembly, control and informational support of the process (see Fig. 1) contains an automated workstation 1, controller 2, basic data memory unit 3, RFID tag reader 4, display 5, audible warning device 6, work platform 7 , a platform 8 occupancy sensor, an assembly process current data memory unit 9, an RFID tag programmer 10, a LAN connection bus 11 and a screen 12.

Figure 1 also conventionally shows the assembled product 13, the RFID tag 14 of the next component of the product (hereinafter referred to as the component), as well as the fixed addresses 3-A1 and 3-A2 of the programmatically reserved cells of the memory unit 3 and the fixed addresses 9-A1 and 9- A2 software reserved cells of the block 9 memory.

The reader 4, the software of which generates requests for reading tags, controls the reader, and also accumulates and analyzes the information received from the tags, provides the following functions: bidirectional communication with RFID tags 14 to select individual tags, the primary processing of the received information and the transmission of received data to controller 2.

If there are several RFID tags at the same time in the range of the reader 4, the anti-collision mechanism starts to work, it can determine the number of RFID tags in its coverage area and work with only one RFID tag selected at the given moment.

One of the options for the specific implementation of the reader, which provides the listed functions, is described in the article "Application of Blackfin processors in intelligent RFID readers" / f. “Components and Technologies”, No. 4, 2007, p.183. When implementing the device, it is desirable to use such a reader 4 RFID tags, the radiation area of the antenna of which covers only the working platform 7. Otherwise, to prevent the reading of RFID tags outside the working platform 7, you should use the screen 12, excluding the spread of the coverage area of the reader 4 off-site 7. Screening issues in RFID technology are known (see, for example, EP 2479719 (A2), ZEHNPFENNIG, July 25, 2012).

In any case, containers with components or endpoints of delivery vehicles (regardless of their specific implementation) of components should be outside the range of the reader 4 of this workstation.

As the occupancy sensor 8 of the working platform 7, for example, a photosensor or a television system can be used.

If the working platform 7 is equipped with technological equipment that provides fixation and the required orientation of the assembled product 13, then as a sensor 8 can be used a tool that signals the status of this equipment, for example, a contact sensor.

When implementing the device, in order to increase the reliability of information support of the product assembly process, it is preferable to use non-volatile memory devices, such as USB-drives or memory cards, as memory blocks 3 and 9.

Cells 3-A1 and 3-A2 of the memory unit 3 are intended, respectively, for storing the type code (type) of the assembled product and data on the total number of operations performed during assembly of the product.

Cells 9-A1 and 9-A2 of the memory unit 9 are intended, respectively, for storing a subsequently generated unique product code and storing information about the number of assembly operations not yet performed.

Each component is equipped with an RFID tag 14 located on it, in its memory is stored, in addition to a unique tag identifier (UIM) - a permanent unique identification number of the radio frequency tag, according to GOST R ISO / IEC 15963-2011 (designation in the standard - TID) assigned in the manufacturing process of the RFID tag in such a way as to prevent the possibility of further changes in the future, as well as the unique identifier of the item (designation in the standard is UII), recorded by the manufacturer after the RFID tag yla installed or associated with a particular object, in this case - with the kit.

The unique identifier of the component (PEC) is similar to the standardized unique identifier of the item and contains the type (type) code of the component (most often the manufacturer’s code and the factory code of the product), its serial number, as well as data that allows you to set the manufacturing date and expiration date of the component.

The device operates as follows.

When the device is turned on, the controller 2 software before creating the process creates a programmatically organized buffer register of the specified component code (BRCK), buffer data register tags (BRDM), a programmatically organized counter number N of the next assembly operation and a timer.

At the beginning of the process (Fig. 2), the controller 2 software analyzes the status of the platform 8 occupancy sensor 8. If the platform 7 is busy, a message appears on the display 5 about the need to free the platform 7 and a warning sound is given, after which the sensor is again polled 8.

If the working platform 7 is not busy, the controller 2 resets the programmatically organized counter number N of the next assembly operation to be performed and the contents of the memory unit 9, and then generates a signal on the AWP 1 ready to receive the next job transmitted via bus 11.

The control system server (not shown in the drawing) recognizes the activated device and, in accordance with the data exchange protocol used, sends information about the type (type) of the assembled product, the total number of assembly operations of the product and the data of the assembly flow chart to the device.

The assembly routing is arranged in the form of a spreadsheet, the rows of which are located at increasing addresses in the order of execution of assembly operations. Each row of this table corresponds to one assembly operation and contains: a code field of the type (type) of the component, a code field of the normatively established time interval required to complete this assembly operation in compliance with all technological conditions, and, if necessary, a screening flag field indicating that This component shields the RFID tag of the previous component.

As shown in figure 2, the controller 2 stores the incoming data in block 3 of the base data memory, namely:

- the code of the type (type) of the assembled product is in cell 3-A1;

- data on the total number of assembly operations of the product - in cell 3-A2;

- assembly routing data - in the software allocated area of memory block 3, the relative address of each of whose cells corresponds to the assembly operation number.

Upon completion of these steps, the controller 2 writes to the cell 9-A2 the data read from the cell 3-A2, and then proceeds to the execution of the program for managing the product assembly process and monitoring the execution of this process (arrow "A" in figure 2).

The content of the programmatically organized counter N is incremented by one (n _i = n _i-1 +1).

In the first cycle of controlling the assembly process of the product, the contents of the programmatically organized counter N becomes equal to one, which corresponds to the first assembly operation, which consists in placing the first component in order (n _i = 1) on a free assembly site.

At the relative address n _i in block 3 of the memory line is read technological map.

Then, controller 2 selects the code in the code field of the type (type) of the component and stores it in the programmatically organized buffer register of the specified component code (BRC), as well as selects the code in the code field of the normatively set time interval and stores it in the programmatically organized timer. This time interval determines the time period set in accordance with the requirements of the technology, which is minimally necessary both for the correct installation of the first component on the work platform 7, and for the correct and high-quality installation of each of the subsequent components.

Based on the code stored in the DBMS, the controller 2 generates and transmits to the display 5 a message about the type (type) of the component, which should be moved to the work platform 7 in the coverage area of the reader 4.

If this component is the first one, the software of controller 2, by polling sensor 8, monitors the occupancy of the working platform 7, and if the platform 7 remains unoccupied for a specified waiting time, puts the controller 2 into sleep mode, since in this case it should be considered that the process product assembly did not start. This operation prevents the controller 2 from freezing in the event of an unexpected absence of personnel on AWP 1.

The output of the controller 2 from sleep mode can be carried out by means of manual control of the controller 2.

When occupying the working platform 7, the controller 2 requests (arrow "B" in figure 2 and figure 3) the data of the RFID tag 14, received in the coverage area of the reader 4 last.

Upon receipt of the requested data, the controller 2 stores in the programmatically organized buffer register of tag data (BRDM) all the information received from this RFID tag.

From this information, a code of the type (type) of the component is distinguished, which is compared with the code in the software-organized DBK.

In case of inequality of these codes, and if the first component is located on the working platform 7, a sound signal is given and a message appears on the display 5 about the installation of the unsuitable component on the working platform 7, which should be removed, after which the transition is made (arrow “B” in FIG. 3 and FIG. 2) to display on the display 5 messages about the type (type) of the component to be entered on the work platform 7.

If the above-mentioned inequality of codes is detected when any of the following components is received on the working platform 7 (arrow “E” in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4), then a new label is selected and stored in the UIM, and then the cells are searched for in the memory unit 9 with relative addresses n ₁ ÷ n _i UIM matching the stored one.

If such a coincidence is detected due to the impossibility of the existence of different RFID tags with the same IIMs, a message about incorrect operation of the reader 4 is displayed on display 5 and the process crashes due to an error in the equipment.

Otherwise, a transition is made (arrow “D” in FIG. 5 and FIG. 3) to the sound signal and output to the display 5 messages about the appearance of an unsuitable component on the working platform 7, which should be removed, followed by return (arrow “B” "Figure 3 and figure 2) to an indication of the type (form) of the component to be moved to the work platform 7.

If these codes are equal, a programmatically organized timer is started and a repeated interrogation of the reader 4 begins, aimed at detecting the appearance of a new RFID tag in the reader’s coverage area 4, and therefore the new component on which this RFID tag is placed, before the time period specified by the timer expires gap.

If this event occurs, the timer is paused, the UIM of this RFID tag is detected and stored, a sound signal is given, and display 5 shows a violation of the assembly technology and instructions to remove the last component from platform 7 and continue the current assembly operation.

Removal of a prematurely or erroneously introduced component from the operating platform 7 is carried out by monitoring the presence of an RFID tag with a stored UIM in the range of the reader 4.

After removal of the prematurely or erroneously introduced component from the platform 7, a timer continuation command is generated.

Repeated interrogation of reader 4, aimed at detecting the appearance of a new RFID tag in its coverage area, continues until the timer expires.

At the end of the timer, controller 2 proceeds to check the correctness of the given assembly operation of the product based on the screening of the installed RFID tag component of the previous component, which is an internal node in relation to the installed one.

This check is an additional control operation of the correct installation of the next component and is carried out if necessary, more stringent control of the assembly of the product.

For this, the presence of a sign of shielding of the installed component in the air-breathing relay is checked.

If this symptom exists, then the RFID tag data of the previous component is read at the relative address (n _i -1) of the memory unit 9, the UIM RFID tag of the previous component is selected and stored, and a request is sent to the reader 4 to search for the RFID tag in its coverage area with memorized UIM.

If the reader 4 detects the desired RFID tag, an error sound is generated, a message on the violation of the assembly technology and improper installation of the component is displayed on display 5, after which the assembly process crashes due to non-compliance with the technology.

If the desired RFID tag is not detected by the reader 4, and also if there is no sign of shielding in the installed airborne relay system, the controller 2 carries out (arrow "G" in figure 3 and figure 4) the contents of the BRDM in the memory unit 9 at a relative address n _i and reducing the contents of cell 9-A2 per unit.

If the operation performed was not the final operation of assembly of the product, as indicated by the inequality to zero of the contents of cell 9-A2, controller 2 proceeds (arrow "A" in Fig. 4 and Fig. 2) to control the execution of the next assembly operation and to control its execution.

If the contents of cell 9-A2 are equal to zero (Fig. 4), which indicates the completion of the assembly operation of the product, controller 2 determines the expiration date of the product by selecting the minimum date from the data received from the RFID tags of the components and stored in the memory unit 9 , on the expiration date of each of the components.

After that, the controller 2 sends a request to the serial number of the product to the control system server.

Upon receipt of the requested data, the controller 2 generates a unique product identifier (UII) by entering in the appropriate UII fields data on the type (type) code of the product stored in cell 3-A1 of memory unit 3, the assigned serial number of the product, and the current calendar date, which is the date of manufacture of the product, and the previously determined expiration date of the product.

The generated UII is stored and stored in cell 9-A1 of memory block 9.

After that, data is transferred to the process control system from cell 9-A1 and from cells with relative addresses n ₁ ÷ n _k (where k is the number in cell 3-A2) of the memory unit 9 and transferred to the programmer 10, which can operate under the control of the process control system and controller 2, programming tasks for a new RFID tag with data from cell 9-A1, and from cells with relative addresses n ₁ ÷ n _k of memory block 9.

Data from cell 9-A1, that is, a unique product identifier, is recorded in a separate memory cell of the programmable RFID tag, and data from cells with relative addresses n ₁ ÷ n _k of memory block 9 are stored in the user memory of the programmable RFID tag, thereby forming electronic passport of the assembled product.

Then, display 5 displays a message about assembly completion, a message about the possibility of removing the assembled product from the working platform 7 of AWP 1, indicating the need to wait for programming of the RFID tag of the product by programmer 10, and the last one indicating the location of the manufactured RFID tag on the product, after which the process ends.

When using WORM-type RFID tags (write once, read multiple times), the information recorded in the tag memory located on the product cannot be changed in the future.

If the RFID tags used have a surface for printing, a barcode may be printed on them with the programmer 10 containing the necessary information about the product, for example, repeating the data of a unique product identifier.

The patented system in the manufacture of multicomponent products in a production site will allow the RFID tag code to be read on the internal element before masking (hiding) by its external element and to save the code of each internal element until the final assembly of the final product. So, on the product after the final assembly there is an RFID tag containing the individual code of the final product and a list of codes for the labels of the components included in it. At the same time, the label can be protected with paintwork. The set of data stored in the memory of the RFID tag will allow you to identify the product as original, with the simultaneous determination of the stage / stage of the life cycle - the remaining shelf life for the limit of one or more components and to identify the unauthorized use of individual components from the complete set of the final product.

Claims (2)

1. An automated control system for the product assembly process, monitoring and information support of the process, including an automated workstation containing a controller, the first and second inputs and outputs of which are connected respectively to the base data memory and RFID reader, and the first and second outputs are connected respectively with a display and an audible signaling device, characterized in that it comprises a working area, a busy area sensor, an RFID tag programmer configured to print A label era, and a LAN connection bus, while the controller additionally contains a buffer register of the specified component code, a buffer data register for the label, a counter for the number of the next assembly operation to be performed, and a timer, as well as a memory block for the current data of the assembly process , the output of the platform’s occupancy sensor is connected to the corresponding input of the controller, and the third input-output of the controller is connected to the LAN connection bus, also connected to Odom-yield programmer RFID-tags. 2. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that the device is equipped with a screen made with the possibility of limiting the coverage of the reader to the RFID tags located on the working platform.

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