JP2002312013A - Virtual factory system, its control method and its control program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a progress control system of a production process to facilitate process operation by graphically displaying a progress state of the production process in real time. SOLUTION: A virtual factory system to graph and arrange a working region, a worker required and a production objective product in the production process is provided, a working instruction concerning element work is dispatched to a portable information terminal distributed to and held by a person in charge from a process support server controlling a real process of the production process, and a result data of the work by the aforementioned work instruction is transferred to the virtual factory system from the process support server. Additionally, the virtual factory server stores a procedure of the control to graphically display the progress state of the production process in a control program in accordance with the process data obtained from the process support server.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] The present invention relates to a virtual factory system for graphically displaying and managing the progress of a production process, in which labeled process elements are displayed in a configuration suitable for the actual production process. The present invention relates to a technology for instructing an actual process to change a process by moving a labeled process element and managing the progress of a production process, and further relates to a control program for executing a control procedure of the virtual factory system. Things.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A technique for managing the progress of a production process by a conventional technique will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 16 shows an outline of a system for managing the progress of a production process based on a conventional technique.

That is, a process support server 51 provided in the production process 5 receives data of a production instruction from a higher-level system (not shown) relating to a production management system via an information communication network 2 laid in the company, and receives data of a production instruction. Developing individual work plans for actual work, transmitting necessary work instructions to individual work personnel belonging to the production process via the portable information terminal 52, and prompting execution of the production work for the production process. .

[0005] The above-mentioned individual worker is in charge of the portable information terminal 5.
2, the work result data of the production work is transferred to the process support server 51, and the process support server 51 aggregates the work result data received from the individual work staff, and Generates and stores the progress data related to the process assigned to it, and transfers it to a higher-level system (not shown) related to the production management when necessary.

[0006] For example, when a person operating the user terminal 4 wants to grasp the progress of the production of a specific product in the production process 5, the user terminal 4 sends a progress status inquiry mail to the process support server 51. Then, it waits for a response from the process support server 51.

If it is difficult to respond during the busy period of the process support server 51, a person operating the user terminal 4 sends an e-mail or the like to the higher-level system (not shown) related to the production management. In some cases, the progress of the production process 5 is inquired.

As described above, it is possible to grasp the progress data relating to the production process 5 by inquiring the upper system relating to the production management, but the progress data which the higher system can provide to the user terminal 4 can be obtained. Is based on the data transferred from the process support server 51, and it is difficult to guarantee that it indicates the latest progress status.

Furthermore, as a result of referring to the progress data, the person operating the user terminal 4 desires to promote the production progress of a specific product. To the process support server 51, and waits for a response.

Referring to FIGS. 17 and 18, a control procedure relating to progress management of the production process will be described.

Based on the block diagram shown in FIG. 17, the configuration of the control elements for managing the progress of the production process will be described.

The production process B05 has a process support server B51 connected to an information communication network B02 laid in the company.

The process support server B51 has a control program unit B51b, stores a control program that defines a procedure for controlling the process support server B51, and provides a necessary control procedure to the arithmetic control unit B51a.

The process support server B51 has a process planning unit B51c and receives production instruction data transferred from a higher-level system (not shown) relating to a production management system via an information communication network B02 laid in the company. Develop a work plan for each actual work in the process.

The process support server B51 has a process instruction unit B51d, and distributes the process instruction data generated by the process planning unit B51c to a portable information terminal B52 which is distributed to individual workers in the process. Then, the user is prompted to execute the work to be instructed.

The process support server B51 has a process result section B51e, and the work result report data executed by the individual worker transferred via the portable information terminal B52 provided to the individual worker. To generate the process result data of the production process B05.

The user terminal B04 is connected to the information communication network B02.
To the process support server B51 by e-mail or the like,
Transfer request items, etc.

Based on the flowchart shown in FIG.
A control procedure relating to progress management of the production process will be described. The reference numerals used in the description of the control procedure are based on the block diagram shown in FIG.

In step S501, the process support server B5
1 receives production instruction data transferred from an upper system (not shown) of the production management system via an information communication network B02 laid in the company.

In step S502, the process planning section B51c
Represents the production process B05 based on the data of the production instruction.
Develop a process plan for the actual work to be performed. The details of the procedure for drafting the process plan to be executed in step S502 are shown in FIG.

Referring to FIG. 19, the aforementioned step S50
The details of the procedure for drafting the process plan of the actual work executed by the production process B05 in 2 will be described.

In step S521, the process planning unit B51c extracts a product to be produced from the data of the production instruction, and proceeds to step S522 to confirm a work target range of the product to be produced.

In step S523, the element processes related to the work target range of the product to be produced are extracted, and step S523 is performed.
Proceeding to 524, the work process in the production process B05 is configured.

In step S525, the estimated man-hour is calculated, and the flow proceeds to step S526 to extract the work personnel to be assigned to the process, and further proceeds to step S527 to assign each element work.

If there is another product to be produced in step S528, the flow returns to step S521 to extract the product to be produced.

If there is no other product to be produced in step S528, the procedure is terminated.

Returning to FIG. 18, the description of the control procedure will be continued.

In step S503, the process planning section B51c
Disassembles the process plan of the actual work prepared as described above into individual work staff units and generates work instruction data.

In step S504, the process instruction section B51d
Transfers the work instruction data for each worker to the portable information terminal B52 which is allocated and held to the worker and instructs the work.

In step S505, the portable information terminal B
The individual worker who received the work instruction by 52 executes the work in the process, and when the work as a unit is completed, the data of the result of the work is transferred to the process support server B51 by the portable information terminal B52. Then, the process proceeds to step S506, and if there is any work to be continued, the process returns to step S604, and the work instruction for the continued work is transmitted to the portable information terminal B5.
Receive by 2.

If there is no work to be continued in step S506, the work in the process is terminated.

In step S507, the process result section B51e in the process support server B51 collects data of the results of the work in the process transferred from each worker, generates result data, and stores it in a predetermined location. , Step S50
Proceeding to step 8, the result data is transferred to the host system.

To obtain information on the progress of product production from each department other than the production process B05, an e-mail is sent to the process support server B51 with the user terminal B04, for example, and an inquiry is made. It waits for a reply from the operator of the process support server B51.

Further, based on the above-mentioned answer, when requesting a change in the process, for example, requesting that the production of a specific product in the above-mentioned production process B05 be prioritized, an e-mail is again sent to the process support server B51 with the user terminal B04. And apply for the required process change.

The operator of the process support server B51, having received the request for the process change, renews the request shown in FIG.
Following the procedure shown in step S501, the process relating to the changing process is executed.

[0036]

As described above, the progress management system for the production process according to the prior art has the following problems.

In the production process progress management system according to the conventional technology, various inquiries from the departments other than the production process are factors of disturbance that require the operator of the process support server for the production process. .

Even if a person in charge of inquiries from the departments other than the production process directly browses various data stored in the process support server, it is not always possible to decipher the data.

Furthermore, when a person inquiring from each section other than the production process accesses the host system of the process support server, data such as required progress can be obtained without burdening the process support server. Although it can be obtained, it is difficult for the progress data held in the higher-level system to be synchronized with the progress data of the actual work.

Thus, a progress management system for a production process, which displays progress status data in a format readable by a person who makes an inquiry from each section other than the production process in synchronization with the progress of the actual process, It is an object of the present invention to provide a control method thereof and to provide a control program for defining a control procedure of the progress management system.

[0041]

In order to solve the above problems, the present invention employs the following means.

As a progress management system of the production process or as a progress management assistance system, a virtual factory system for arranging individual process elements indicating the progress of the production process in real time is provided.

By taking this means, the progress management system has an effect of visually displaying the progress of the production process.

In the above-mentioned virtual factory system, the markers indicating the individual process elements are provided with an instruction mechanism for transmitting an instruction to change the process by moving the arrangement position.

By taking this measure, the virtual factory system has an effect of giving an instruction such as a change of a process by a visually displayed sign.

In the above-mentioned virtual factory system, screen data for displaying the arrangement of the individual signs is stored and stored together with the time data, and the screen data is sequentially reproduced and displayed in accordance with a reproduction and display instruction.

By taking this measure, the virtual factory system has an effect of reproducing and displaying the progress of the process by using a visually displayed sign.

The screen displayed by the virtual factory system is opened to users who have registered in advance via an information communication network installed in the company.

By taking this measure, the virtual factory system has the effect of presenting the user with the progress status of the process displayed by a visual indicator.

In the virtual factory system, a procedure for defining and labeling each process element of the production process, a procedure for setting the position where the marker is arranged based on actual process data in the production process, A step of detecting the movement of the sign on the display screen of the virtual factory system and transmitting a process change instruction; a step of storing screen data of the virtual factory system together with the time data; The procedure for playing back and displaying the stored screen data
The virtual factory system is configured as a control program.

By taking this measure, the virtual factory system has an effect of providing a function of presenting the progress status of the process displayed by a visual sign.

[0052]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention takes the following forms.

In a virtual factory system for displaying and managing the progress of the production process by arranging labeled process elements, a label mechanism for defining and providing a label corresponding to each process element, A display mechanism that provides a virtual factory screen that displays the status of the actual process of the production process by arranging the provided sign, and a real machine using the sign that is arranged on the virtual factory screen provided by the display mechanism. And an instruction mechanism for confirming the specified item.

By taking this form, the virtual factory system has an effect of visually displaying the progress of the production process and providing a mechanism for transmitting an instruction necessary for the actual process.

In the control method of the virtual factory system, which displays and manages the progress of the production process by arranging the marked process elements, the virtual factory screen configured with the mark corresponding to each process element displays the screen of the production process. The status of the actual process is displayed, and a change in the actual process of the production process is instructed by operating a sign constituting the screen of the virtual factory.

In the above-described method for controlling the virtual factory system, the screen of the virtual factory is constituted by markers individually defined based on process data provided from the production process to be managed.

By taking these forms, the virtual factory system has an effect of displaying the progress status in accordance with the actual process.

In the control method of the virtual factory system, the sign constituting the screen of the virtual factory may include a moving handle for activating a function of moving the sign in the screen of the virtual factory; An execution handle for activating a function for instructing the development of each process operation defined by the sign.

By adopting this form, the sign provided in the virtual factory system has an effect that the sign is provided with a function to be operated by the operator.

In the control method of the virtual factory system, the screen data for displaying the screen of the virtual factory is stored and stored together with the time data at the time of starting the display, and based on the separate process reproduction designation, the reproduction start time is changed. The reproduction screen of the virtual factory until the reproduction end time is displayed sequentially.

By taking this form, the virtual factory system has the effect of reproducing and displaying the progress of the actual process.

[0062] In the control method of the virtual factory system, the display of the mark designated in advance is masked on the virtual factory reproduction screen.

By adopting this form, the virtual factory system has an effect of deleting and displaying an unnecessary part when reproducing and displaying the progress of the actual process.

In the method for controlling the virtual factory system, the virtual factory screen has a mail creation box disclosure button having an icon for designating a plurality of types of urgencies, and the virtual factory system includes Sends an e-mail to the destination defined by the sign with the icon superimposed.

By taking this form, the virtual factory system has an effect of issuing an instruction by mail directly to the actual process.

In the above-described method for controlling the virtual factory system, the virtual factory system may move a sign constituting the screen of the virtual factory, thereby controlling a production process to be managed by the virtual factory system. Instruct change or change of staffing.

In the control method of the virtual factory system, the virtual factory system detects a movement of a sign constituting a screen of the virtual factory and generates change instruction data, and the virtual factory system manages the change instruction data. To the target production process.

In the control method of the virtual factory system, a completion report of the work executed by the production process is obtained based on the change instruction data, and the marker position on the virtual factory screen is determined.

By taking this form, the virtual factory system has an effect of issuing an instruction such as a change directly to the actual process.

[0070] In the control method of the virtual factory system, the virtual factory system is provided to a specific user connected through an information communication network.
The progress data of the production process is provided by browsing the virtual factory.

[0071] In the control method of the virtual factory system, the virtual factory system masks the sign according to a level individually set according to a user connected through the information communication network, and performs browsing for the sign. Add restrictions to the information provided.

By adopting these forms, the virtual factory system has an effect of providing progress data of the production process to a user outside the department according to a predetermined level.

[0073] In the control method of the virtual factory system, the virtual factory system is provided to a specific user who connects through an information communication network.
The authority to change the production process is set for the user by permitting the movement of the sign on the screen of the virtual factory.

In the control method of the virtual factory system, the virtual factory system may include a sign on a screen of the virtual factory according to a level set according to an individual user connected via the information communication network. Masking the
A restriction is imposed on the content of the authority to change the production process set for the user.

By adopting these forms, the virtual factory system has an effect of providing a part of the authority to change the progress of the production process to a user outside the department according to a predetermined level.

In the control program of the virtual factory system which displays and manages the progress of the production process by arranging the labeled process elements, the screen of the virtual factory is constituted by the labeled process elements and the actual process of the production process is performed. Displaying the status of the virtual factory, and operating the sign constituting the virtual factory screen to instruct the virtual factory system to change the actual work of the production process to be managed by the virtual factory system. .

By taking this form, the virtual factory system has an effect of visually displaying the progress of the production process and providing a control procedure for transmitting an instruction necessary for the actual process.

[0078]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A typical embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 1 shows a schematic system configuration of a virtual factory system based on a typical embodiment of the present invention.

The virtual factory system 1 has a display mechanism 12 for arranging and displaying signs provided on the sign mechanism 11 on a display screen. Each marker provided in the marker mechanism 11 is defined by the marker defining mechanism 11a in association with the process element in each actual process constituting the production process 3.

In addition, the data of the work result executed by the worker in each actual process constituting the production process 3 is aggregated, and the process support server 31 sequentially connects the information communication network 2 as information on the process elements. The virtual factory system 1 is provided through the virtual factory system 1.

The display screen constituted by the display mechanism 12 is sequentially updated based on the information on the above-mentioned process elements, and a new display screen of the progress of the process is developed.

The information on the operation of the sign arranged and displayed on the display screen presented by the virtual factory system 1 is detected by the instruction mechanism 13 to generate process instruction data, and the mail mechanism 14 is transmitted via the information communication network 2 by the mail mechanism 14. To the process support server 31.

The process support server 31 is provided with a portable information terminal 32 provided to a required worker based on the process instruction data.
Send work instruction data to

The result data of the work executed by the worker in charge of receiving the work instruction data by the portable information terminal 32 is transferred to the process support server 31 by the portable information terminal 32 and further transmitted through the information communication network 2. Then, the data is transferred to the virtual factory system 1 and serves as confirmation data as a result of operating a sign which is initially arranged and displayed on the display screen presented by the virtual factory system 1.

The display screen presented by the virtual factory system 1 is opened to a user terminal 4 connected via the information communication network 2.

The user operating the user terminal 4 is
The display screen provided with the mask set by the mask mechanism 12a according to the level registered in the registration mechanism 12b is provided.

The virtual factory system 1 further includes an image storage mechanism 15 for storing and storing data relating to the display screen displayed by the display mechanism 12 together with the time data, from the start time specified by the operator. The data on the display screen up to the end time is taken out, and provided as a reproduction screen that is developed according to the elapse of the time of the production process and is viewed by the operator.

FIG. 2 shows an example of a virtual factory screen constructed and displayed by a virtual factory system based on a typical embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 shows main signs constituting the virtual factory screen shown in FIG.

It is assumed that the system configuration of the virtual factory system is as shown in FIG. Therefore, here, the virtual factory screen shown in FIG.
Is constructed based on the process data provided from the process support server 31 provided in the production process 3 and presented on the display unit of the user terminal 4, for example.

That is, as shown in FIG. 2, the virtual factory screen includes a process name marker (see FIG. 3 (c)) and a process name marker (see FIG. 3 (c)) on a process region marker (see FIG. 3 (e)) defined in advance. Sign of the worker (Fig. 3 (a)
) Are arranged and arranged. For example, the process area “A” defines the processes of “parts receiving” and “shipping”, and the process area “A” One person in charge is assigned, and two products to be provided to the production process are assigned to be retained or to be worked.

Similarly, in the process area “B”, the processes of “PT board assembly”, “PT board inspection”, and “PT board test” are defined, and in the process area “B”, two workers are assigned. One product to be provided to the production process is provided as a stagnation or work target.

Similarly, the steps of “system development” and “system construction” are defined in the process area “C”, and one worker is assigned to the process area “C”.

Similarly, in the process area “D”, the processes of “assembly of the device” and “test of the device” are defined. In the process region “D”, two workers are assigned and used for the production process. One product to be stored is placed as a stagnation or work object.

The virtual factory screen is
A mail compose box start button is provided, and the mail compose box start button includes an icon for designating a plurality of urgencies. In the display example shown in FIG. 2 described above, a mail creation box start button containing three icons having an envelope shape is shown at the lower right of the screen. (emergency)",
Defined as "b (normal)" and "c (reference distribution)".

In FIG. 2 described above, an e-mail of “c (reference distribution)” is delivered to the “delivery” step defined in the process area “A”, and the “c” (reference distribution) is defined in the process area “C”. The "b (normal)" mail is delivered to the process of "system development", and the "device assembly" defined in the process area "D"
Shows an example in which the mail of “b (ordinary)” is distributed in the process of (b). If the person in charge of the destination reads the mail, the sign of the mail displayed on the virtual factory screen disappears.

As shown in FIG. 3, the signs constituting the virtual factory are respectively provided with the moving handles (101a, 101a, 1a).
02a, 103a, 104a, and 105a), the corresponding marker is moved to an arbitrary position by a drag and drop operation performed by the pointer on the screen, and the indication mechanism 1
3 (see FIG. 1) detects the movement of the sign and sends an instruction relating to the movement to the process support server 31 (see FIG. 1).

Further, the execution handle (1
01b, 102b, 103b, 104b) on the screen by the pointer, prompts the process element indicated by the above-mentioned sign to execute the work.

That is, for example, by clicking on the execution handle 101b of the sign of the worker shown in FIG. 3A, the worker defined by the sign is urged to execute a predetermined work.

By clicking on the execution handle 102b of the product sign shown in FIG. 3B, the user is prompted to perform the work to be performed on the product defined by the sign.

The above-mentioned respective indicators mutually set the display priority. For example, the display priority of a marker in a process area is set to the lowest order, and other markers to be displayed in an overlapping manner are always displayed in a state of being placed on the markers in the process region. Also, the sign of the mail has its display priority set to the highest order, and the sign of the mail does not hide behind other signs. Further, in the above-mentioned superimposed signs, the superimposed sign belongs to the lower sign. For example, if the sign in the process area is moved by the moving handle, the sign to be placed also moves. Also, if the sign of the worker in charge with the mail is moved by the moving handle, the mail to be placed also moves.

Furthermore, the signs of the products to be worked in the process can be displayed in a stacked manner. Therefore, the above-mentioned loaded product signs collectively display products according to individual definitions.

The process progress based on the virtual factory presented by the virtual factory system and the operation of changing the process using the virtual factory will be described with reference to FIGS. 2, 4, 5 and 6.

FIG. 2 shows an initial display screen of the virtual factory. Since the description of the state of FIG. 2 has already been described, the detailed description is omitted here.

FIG. 4 shows an example in which a marker of a product staying in the process area "B" is selected by a pointer on the initial display screen shown in FIG. That is, when the pointer is overlaid on the sign of the corresponding product, the specification defined in advance on the sign of the product is "Product name: n
nnnn, serial number: xxxxxx, destination: KK Industrial Co., Ltd. ". This display allows the operator to know what he / she is trying to select.

FIG. 5 shows an example in which the marker of the product staying in the process area “B” is moved to the process area “D” by a pointer on the display screen shown in FIG. The moving handle of the sign of the product is moved from the process area "B" to the process area "D" by a drag and drop operation with a pointer. The sign of the product is displayed in a transition state at the initial position and the destination position (for example, the display of the sign is displayed in a light color or an inverted color), and at the same time, it is necessary for the process related to the movement of the product. An e-mail for prompting the processing is transmitted to the process support server 31 (see FIG. 1) for controlling the production process. The above mail is shown at the upper left of the virtual factory display screen in FIG.

The process support server 31 expands the mail received from the virtual factory system 1 and executes the “PT plate inspection” process and the “PT plate inspection” in the process area “B” where the product has stayed. Testing ”
It instructs to finish the work on the product immediately, and at the same time, for the “device assembly” and “device test” processes in the process area “D” where the product is moved,
"A" instructing the work on the product by changing the schedule
(Urgent) level mail. The e-mail relating to each of the above instructions is received by the portable information terminal 32 provided to the worker in charge of each process.

When the work relating to the specified product is completed in the “PT board inspection” step and the “PT board test” step in the above-mentioned process area “B”, it is arranged in the process area “B”. The work report is input to the process support server 31 by the portable information terminal 32 held by the worker in charge, and the process support server 31 transfers the work end report data to the virtual factory system 1.

FIG. 6 shows the marks after the product moved in accordance with the above-mentioned process change instruction is determined. That is, the product subject to the change is moved to the process area “D” and determined, and the “a (emergency)” level mail delivered in the process has already been opened and read at each delivery destination. Therefore, it has disappeared from the virtual factory display screen.

As shown in FIG. 7, the above-mentioned instruction to change the process can also be executed by creating and transmitting a mail.

That is, on the virtual factory display screen, the person in charge designates the icon of the “a (emergency)” level envelope provided in the mail creation box disclosure button, opens the mail creation box, and opens the mail with predetermined contents. Create

Here, as shown in FIG. 7 described above, "Please advance the process of nnnn (manufacturing number xxxxxx) for the following product KK in the process of which is currently in progress at the request of the customer." If the e-mail is sent without specifying the above, the e-mail is transferred to the process support server 31 in the process of providing the data on the virtual factory display screen according to a predetermined procedure.

The process support server 31 develops the contents of the received e-mail and performs the processes of “PT board inspection” and “PT board test” in the process area “B” where the product has stayed. Instructed to end the work on the product as soon as possible, and at the same time, changed the schedule for the “device assembly” and “device test” processes in the process area “D” to which the product was moved. Sends an "a (urgent)" level mail instructing the work on the product. The e-mail relating to each of the above-mentioned instructions is received by the portable information terminal 32 provided to the worker in charge of each process.

When the work relating to the specified product is completed in the “PT board inspection” step and the “PT board test” step in the above-mentioned process area “B”, it is arranged in the process area “B”. The work report is input to the process support server 31 by the portable information terminal 32 held by the worker in charge, and the process support server 31 changes the process data based on the work end report data to the virtual factory system 1. Transfer as

The above-mentioned virtual factory system 1
Then, the display mechanism 13 updates the configuration of the virtual factory screen based on the change data of the process data transferred from the process support server 31, and configures and displays a new virtual factory screen.

That is, the updated new virtual factory screen shows a state where the product staying in the process area “B” has moved to the process area “C”.

A procedure for controlling progress management of a production process to which a virtual factory system according to a typical embodiment of the present invention is applied will be described with reference to FIGS.

Based on the block diagram shown in FIG. 8, the configuration of the control elements for managing the progress of the production process will be described.

The virtual factory system B01 has a control program section B16, stores a control program that defines a procedure for controlling the virtual factory system B01, and provides a necessary control procedure to the arithmetic control section B10.

The virtual factory system B described above
Reference numeral 01 has a sign section B11, and prepares and comprises individual signs constituting a virtual factory screen presented by the virtual factory system B01. The individual markers prepared in the marker section B11 are the marker definition section B11.
The details defined by the specification defined by a.

The display section B12 comprises a virtual factory screen presented by the virtual factory system B01 by adding the specifications defined by the sign definition section B11a to the individual signs prepared in the sign section B11.

The instruction section B13 detects the contents of the operation performed by the operator on the virtual factory screen, and generates necessary work instructions. That is, for example, the operator displays the sign of the specific operator on the virtual factory screen shown in FIG.
Is moved to the process area “B” from
13 detects the contents of the operation and generates instruction data of the arrangement change of the worker, and the mail section B14 transmits the instruction data of the arrangement change of the worker to the production process B03 via the information communication network B02. Transfer to the provided process support server B31.

The image storage unit B15 sequentially stores and stores the data of the virtual factory screen presented by the virtual factory system B01 together with the display start time data.

The data of the virtual factory screen stored and stored in the image storage unit B15 can be obtained by separately designating start time and end time data and obtaining a reproduction instruction.
Play back and display the virtual factory screen sequentially,
Basic data for process analysis can be presented.

The user terminal B04 is connected to the information communication network B02.
Requesting the disclosure of the virtual factory screen by connecting to the virtual factory system B01 via the virtual factory system B01. The virtual factory system B01 confirms that the user by the user terminal B04 is registered in the registration unit B12b. , Mask portion B12a
After the selection of the mask corresponding to the user provided for the above, the display of the virtual factory screen by the display unit B12 is executed.

This shows the following matters.
That is, for example, when an administrator set to a level at which all of the virtual factory screen can be viewed connects to the virtual factory system B01 as a user and requests disclosure of the virtual factory screen, the mask unit B12a releases all the masks. After that, the display of the virtual factory screen by the display unit B12 is executed.

When a user set to a level at which only information on the production progress of a specific product can be viewed on the virtual factory screen connects to the virtual factory system B01 and requests disclosure of the virtual factory screen, The mask unit B12a applies a mask to products other than the products permitted to be disclosed, and leaves the display of only the products to be displayed, and then causes the display unit B12 to execute the disclosure of the virtual factory screen.

By taking these measures, the virtual factory system B01 can protect confidential matters relating to the production process.

The process support server B31 has a control program unit B31b, stores a control program that defines a procedure for controlling the process support server B31, and provides a necessary control procedure to the arithmetic control unit B31a.

The process support server B31 has a process planning unit B31c, and receives production instruction data transferred from a higher-level system (not shown) of the production management system via an information communication network B02 laid in the company. Develop a work plan for each actual work in the process.

The process support server B31 has a process instruction unit B31d, and distributes the process instruction data generated by the process planning unit B31c to the portable information terminal B32 which is distributed to the individual work staff belonging to the process. Then, the user is prompted to execute the work to be instructed.

The process support server B31 has a process result section B31e, and the work result report data executed by the individual worker transferred through the portable information terminal B32 provided to the individual worker. Are sequentially transferred to the virtual factory system B01, and the above data is aggregated to generate process result data of the production process B03.

With reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 9, a description will be given of a control procedure of progress management of a production process to which a virtual factory system according to a representative embodiment of the present invention is applied.

In step S001, the process support server B3
1 receives production instruction data transferred from an upper system (not shown) of the production management system via an information communication network B02 laid in the company.

In step S002, the process planning section B31c
Represents the production process B03 based on the data of the production instruction.
Develop a process plan for the actual work to be performed. Details of the procedure for drafting the process plan to be executed in step S002 are shown in FIG.

On the basis of FIG.
The details of the procedure for drafting the process plan of the actual work executed by the production process B03 in Step 2 will be described.

In step S021, the process planning unit B31c extracts a product to be produced from the data of the production instruction, and proceeds to step S022 to confirm the work target range of the product to be produced.

In step S023, the element processes related to the work target range of the product to be produced are extracted, and step S023 is executed.
Proceeding to 024, the work process in the production process B03 is configured.

In step S025, the estimated man-hours are calculated, and the flow advances to step S026 to extract the work personnel to be assigned to the process. Further, the flow advances to step S027 to allocate each element work.

If there is another product to be produced in step S028, the process returns to step S021 to extract the product to be produced.

If there is no other product to be produced in step S028, the procedure ends.

Returning to FIG. 9, the description of the control procedure will be continued.

At step S003, the process planning section B31c
Breaks down the planned process plan of the actual work into individual work personnel, generates work instruction data, and transfers the work instruction data to the virtual factory system B01 as process data.

At step S004, the virtual factory system B01 sets a virtual factory. FIG. 11 shows the details of the procedure for controlling the setting of the virtual factory executed in step S004.

[0145] Based on FIG.
The details of the procedure for controlling the setting of the virtual factory executed in Step 4 will be described.

In step S041, the virtual factory system B01 receives the process data transferred from the process support server B31, and proceeds to step S042, where the sign definition unit B11a determines individual process elements based on the process data. Define the indicator to be represented.

In step S043, the display unit B12 sets the location of the marker with the above definition, and then proceeds to step S04.
Proceed to step 4 to configure a virtual factory.

In step S045, the data defining the definition and arrangement of the individual signs constituting the virtual factory are stored as initial data in the image storage unit B15 together with the time data at the time of construction.
Proceeding to 46, the relevant virtual factory system B
01 waits for the continued data transfer.

Returning to FIG. 9, the description of the control procedure will be continued.

In step S005, the process instruction section B31d
Transfers the above-mentioned work instruction data to each portable information terminal B32 which is allocated to and possessed by a worker in charge of the production process, and instructs execution of the work in the process.

In step S006, portable information terminal B32
The individual worker who has received the transfer of the work instruction data performs the in-process work based on the work instruction data, and sequentially processes the work results as work result data by the portable information terminal B32. Transfer to B31. The process support server B31 stores and stores the work result data in the process result section B31e,
The work result data is transferred to the virtual factory system B01 via the information communication network B02.

Therefore, in the virtual factory system B01, the display unit B12 sequentially updates the configuration of the virtual factory every time the work result data is transferred.

Each time the configuration of the virtual factory is updated, the data of the virtual factory is sequentially stored in the image storage unit B15 together with the time data at the time of updating.

That is, by this measure, the system for managing the progress of the production process records each stage of the production process to be executed.

In step S007, the virtual factory is referenced by the user terminal B04. Details of the procedure for controlling the virtual factory reference executed in step S007 are shown in FIG. 12 or FIG.

Here, FIG. 12 shows an example of the details of the control procedure of the virtual factory reference executed by the operator of the virtual factory system to obtain the data of the process analysis, and FIG. FIG. 7 shows an example of details of a procedure for controlling virtual factory reference performed by a user. FIG.

Referring to FIG. 12, step S00 is performed.
As an example of the virtual factory reference executed in step 7, the details of the control procedure for the operator of the virtual factory system to reproduce the process will be described.

In step S061, the display unit B12 discloses the screen of the virtual factory, and proceeds to step S062, where the operator designates a process reproduction mode.

In step S063, the operator designates an object to be reproduced. For example, if a specific product is specified as an object to be reproduced in the process, a process of production progress of the product is intensively investigated. If a specific worker is specified, the behavior is analyzed. In addition, if a specific process is targeted, its characteristics can be observed.

In step S064, a specific marker to be masked is specified. As described above, by designating the erasure of a specific marker unnecessary for the reproduction of the current process, the behavior of the target marker can be clarified.

In step S065, the start time of the process reproduction is specified, and the flow advances to step S066 to specify the end time of the process reproduction. Further, the flow advances to step S067 to instruct the start of the process reproduction.

In step S068, the display unit is the image storage unit B
15, the image data relating to the process reproduction time zone is extracted, and the flow advances to step S069 to proceed to the image storage unit B15.
The extracted image data is sequentially displayed at predetermined intervals.

If the process is to be reproduced again in step S070, the process returns to step S065 and a time zone for process reproduction is set.

If the reproduction of the process is to be ended again in step S070, the flow advances to step S071 to release the process reproduction mode, and further to step S072 to close the virtual factory.

On the basis of FIG.
As another example of the virtual factory reference executed in step 7, the details of a control procedure in which a person in charge of another department is involved in the progress of the production process via the virtual factory will be described.

In step S081, the user terminal B04 requests connection to the virtual factory system B02 via the information communication network B02, and in response to the request from the virtual factory system B02, the user terminal B04.
4 is input.

In step S082, the virtual factory system B01 compares the ID input by the user at the user terminal B04 with the ID registered and stored in the registration unit B12b, and checks whether or not the virtual factory system B01 is qualified to connect to the virtual factory system B01. Judge.

At step S083, the user terminal B0
If it is determined that the user according to No. 4 has the connection qualification to the virtual factory system B01, the process proceeds to step S084 to specify the qualification level of the user.

In step S085, only signs that can be set and presented with masking that matches the user's qualification level are prepared, and the flow advances to step S086 to disclose the virtual factory.

If it is specified in step S087 to execute the operation using the virtual factory, the flow advances to step S088 to execute the operation of the virtual factory. Details of the control relating to the virtual factory operation executed in step S088 are shown in FIG. 14 or FIG.

FIG. 14 shows the details of the control for instructing the change of the process by manipulating the signs constituting the virtual factory, and FIG. 15 shows the instruction of the change of the process in the virtual factory. It shows the details of the control for directly sending an e-mail to be sent.

Referring to FIG. 14, as one embodiment for executing the operation of the virtual factory, the details of the control for instructing the change of the process and the like by operating the markers constituting the virtual factory will be described.

In step S101, when the user selects a sign from the virtual factory screen and places the pointer on the sign, the flow advances to step S102 to display the contents of the selected sign, and the user reads the display contents. Confirm that the label is the target label.
As an example showing the display of the contents of the above-mentioned sign, FIG. 4 may be referred to as described above.

If it is confirmed in step S103 that the selected sign is the sign desired by the user,
Proceeding to step S104, the selected marker is operated.

As described above with reference to FIG. 3, the operation of the sign includes the operation of moving the position of the sign by the moving handle of the selected sign and the operation of the sign by the execution handle of the sign. There is an operation to instruct the execution of the work of the defined process element.

In step S105, the instruction unit B13 detects the operation using the above-described sign and generates instruction data for instructing the production process B03. The process proceeds to step S106, where the mail unit stores the instruction data generated by the instruction unit B13. , And transfers the mail to the process support server B31, which is a predetermined transfer destination, via the information communication network B02.

In step S107, the process support server B31
Receives the e-mail, configures the work contents to be processed in the process by the process planning unit B31c, generates individual process data, and distributes the process data to each worker in charge of the instruction from the process instruction unit B31d. The individual process data is transferred to the held portable information terminal B32.

In step S108, the worker receives the process data relating to the work instruction via the portable information terminal B32 held by the worker and executes the actual work.

In step S109, when the worker in charge finishes the actual work according to the work instruction, the portable information terminal B32 transfers a report of the work result according to the work instruction to the process support server B31. I do.

In step S110, the process support server B31 generates process data according to the process instruction based on the report of the work result transferred from each worker, and transmits the process data via the information communication network B02. Then, the process data is transferred to the virtual factory system B01.

In step S111, the virtual factory system B01 receives the process data, and proceeds to step S112, where the display unit B12 determines the position of the sign and updates the virtual factory screen.

As described above, FIGS. 4, 5 and 6 show examples of the operation for instructing the actual work by operating the above-mentioned sign.

In step S113, the updated virtual factory screen is stored in the image storage unit B15 together with the updated time data, and the procedure of the operation of the virtual factory ends.

Referring to FIG. 15, as another embodiment for executing the operation of the virtual factory, the details of the control for directly sending a mail for instructing a change of the process in the virtual factory will be described.

In step S121, as described above with reference to FIG. 7, the user designates an icon with an “a (emergency)” level envelope built in the mail creation box start button provided on the virtual factory screen and creates a mail. Open the box.

In step S122, a mail having predetermined contents is created, and the flow advances to step S123 to transfer the mail to the process support server B31, which is a predetermined transfer destination, via the information communication network B02.

In step S124, the process support server B31
The person in charge of receiving the e-mail and opening it,
At 31c, the contents of the work to be processed in the process are configured to generate individual process data, and the process instruction section B31d is directed to the portable information terminal B32 which is allocated and retained to each worker in charge of the instruction. The individual process data is transferred.

In step S125, the worker receives the process data relating to the work instruction via the portable information terminal B32 held by the worker and executes the actual work.

In step S126, when the worker in charge finishes the actual work according to the work instruction, the work result is transferred to the process support server B31 by the portable information terminal B32. I do.

In step S127, the process support server B31 generates process data according to the process instruction based on the report of the work result transferred from each worker, and transmits the process data via the information communication network B02. Then, the process data is transferred to the virtual factory system B01.

In step S128, the virtual factory system B01 receives the process data, and proceeds to step S129, where the display unit B12 determines the position of the sign and updates the virtual factory screen.

In step S130, the updated virtual factory screen is stored in the image storage section B15 together with the updated time data, and the operation procedure of the virtual factory is terminated.

Returning to FIG. 13, the description of the procedure for referring to the virtual factory will be continued.

[0194] In step S089, the virtual factory screen is closed, and the flow advances to step S090 to disconnect the connection with the user terminal B04.

If the virtual factory system B01 checks the user ID in step S083 and finds that the connection qualification cannot be recognized, the process proceeds to step S083.
Proceeding to 91, a message is displayed to the effect that the user cannot be connected due to insufficient qualifications, and a notice of shutdown is given, and step S090
To disconnect the connection with the user terminal B04.

If the browsing of the virtual factory screen is terminated without performing the operation in step S87, the flow advances to step S090 to proceed to the user terminal B04.
Disconnect from the connection.

Returning to FIG. 9, the description of the control procedure will be continued.

In step S008, if there is a production process to be assigned in the production process B03, the process proceeds to step S005.
Return to

In the step S008, the production process B
If the production process to be assigned in step 03 is completed, step S0
In step 09, the process support server B31 sets the process result section B31.
In step e, actual data in the production process is generated and stored in a predetermined recording location.

In step S010, the process support server B3
1 transfers the performance data to the virtual factory system B01 and the host system, and ends the control procedure.

[0201]

According to the present invention, the following effects can be expected.

In the virtual factory system which displays and manages the progress of the production process by the arrangement of the labeled process elements, a marker mechanism for defining and providing a marker corresponding to each process element, A display mechanism that provides a virtual factory screen that displays the status of the actual process of the production process by arranging the provided sign, and a real machine using the sign that is arranged on the virtual factory screen provided by the display mechanism. And an instruction mechanism for confirming the specified item.

[0203] By taking this measure, the virtual factory system has an effect of visually displaying the progress of the production process and providing a mechanism for transmitting an instruction necessary for the actual process.

In the control method of the virtual factory system, which displays and manages the progress of the production process by the arrangement of the labeled process elements, the virtual factory screen constituted by the labels corresponding to the individual process elements displays the screen of the production process. The status of the actual process is displayed, and a change in the actual process of the production process is instructed by operating a sign constituting the screen of the virtual factory.

In the method for controlling the virtual factory system, the virtual factory may include:
It consists of individual indicators defined based on the process data provided from the actual process.

By taking these means, the virtual factory system has an effect of displaying the progress status in accordance with the actual process.

[0207] In the control method of the virtual factory system, the sign constituting the screen of the virtual factory may include a movement handle for activating a function of moving the sign in the screen of the virtual factory; An execution handle for activating a function for instructing the development of each process operation defined by the sign.

By taking this measure, there is an effect that the sign provided in the virtual factory system has a function to be operated by the operator.

[0209] In the control method of the virtual factory system, the screen data for displaying the screen of the virtual factory is stored and stored together with the time data at the time of starting the display, and based on a separate process reproduction designation, the reproduction start time is changed. The reproduction screen of the virtual factory until the reproduction end time is displayed sequentially.

By taking this measure, the virtual factory system has the effect of reproducing and displaying the progress of the actual process.

[0211] In the control method of the virtual factory system, the display of the mark designated in advance is masked on the virtual factory reproduction screen.

By taking this measure, when the virtual factory system reproduces and displays the progress of the actual process, unnecessary portions are deleted and displayed, so that the effect of clearly displaying the problem is obtained. .

[0213] In the above-described virtual factory system control method, the virtual factory screen has a mail creation box disclosure button provided with an icon for designating a plurality of types of urgencies, and the virtual factory system includes: Sends an e-mail to the destination defined by the sign with the icon superimposed.

[0214] By taking this measure, the virtual factory system has the effect of issuing an e-mail instruction directly to the actual process.

[0215] In the control method of the virtual factory system, the virtual factory system moves a sign constituting the screen of the virtual factory, thereby controlling the production process to be managed by the virtual factory system. Instruct change or change of staffing.

In the control method of the virtual factory system, the virtual factory system detects a movement of a sign constituting a screen of the virtual factory and generates change instruction data, and the virtual factory system manages the change instruction data. To the target production process.

In the control method of the virtual factory system described above, a completion report of the work executed by the production process is obtained based on the change instruction data, and the marker position on the virtual factory screen is determined.

By taking this measure, the virtual factory system has the effect of issuing an instruction such as a change directly to the actual process.

[0219] In the above-described method for controlling a virtual factory system, the virtual factory system is provided to a specific user who connects via an information communication network.
The progress data of the production process is provided by browsing the virtual factory.

[0220] In the control method of the virtual factory system, the virtual factory system masks the sign according to a level individually set according to a user connected via the information communication network, and performs browsing for the sign. Add restrictions to the information provided.

[0221] By taking these measures, the virtual factory system has an effect of providing progress data of the production process to a user outside the department according to a predetermined level.

[0222] In the control method of the virtual factory system, the virtual factory system is provided to a specific user connected via an information communication network.
The authority to change the production process is set for the user by permitting the movement of the sign on the screen of the virtual factory.

In the method for controlling the virtual factory system, the virtual factory system may include a sign on a screen of the virtual factory according to a level set according to an individual user connected via the information communication network. Masking the
A restriction is imposed on the content of the authority to change the production process set for the user.

By taking these measures, the virtual factory system has the effect of providing a part of the authority to change the progress of the production process to a user outside the department according to a predetermined level.

In the control program of the virtual factory system, which displays and manages the progress of the production process by arranging the labeled process elements, the screen of the virtual factory is constituted by the labeled process elements, and the actual process of the production process is performed. Displaying the status of the virtual factory, and operating the sign constituting the virtual factory screen to instruct the virtual factory system to change the actual work of the production process to be managed by the virtual factory system. .

By taking this measure, the virtual factory system has an effect of visually displaying the progress of the production process and providing a control procedure for transmitting an instruction necessary for the actual process.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an explanatory view of the principle according to a representative embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen according to a representative embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an illustration of a sign according to a representative embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen according to a representative embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen according to a representative embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a view showing an example of a display screen according to a representative embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a view showing an example of a display screen according to a representative embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram according to a representative embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart according to a representative embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart according to a representative embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart according to a representative embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart according to a representative embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart according to a representative embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart according to a representative embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart according to a representative embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a view for explaining the principle according to a typical embodiment of the prior art.

FIG. 17 is a block diagram according to a representative embodiment of the prior art.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart according to a representative embodiment of the prior art.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart according to a representative embodiment of the prior art.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1: Virtual factory system 2: Information communication network 3: Production process 4: User terminal 11: Sign mechanism 11a: Sign definition mechanism 12: Display mechanism 12a: Mask mechanism 12b: Registration mechanism 13: Instruction mechanism 14: Mail mechanism 15: Image Storage mechanism 31: Process support server 32: Portable information terminal

Continued on the front page F term (reference) 3C100 AA03 AA05 AA18 AA23 AA29 AA30 AA38 BB01 BB33 CC02 5E501 AC02 AC12 BA05 CA03 CB09 DA15 EA08 EA10 EA13 FA03 FA13 FA14 FA23 FA42 FA46

Claims (15)

[Claims] 1. A virtual factory system for displaying and managing the progress of a production process based on the arrangement of labeled process elements, a marker mechanism for defining and providing a marker corresponding to each process element, and the marker A display mechanism for providing a virtual factory screen for displaying the actual process status of the production process by arranging the sign provided by the mechanism; and a real machine using the sign arranged on the virtual factory screen provided by the display mechanism. A virtual factory system comprising: an instruction mechanism for instructing a process and confirming the instructed item. 2. A method for controlling a virtual factory system, which displays and manages the progress of a production process by arranging labeled process elements, comprising the steps of: A method of controlling a virtual factory system, comprising displaying a status of an actual process of a process, and instructing a change in the actual process of the production process by operating a sign constituting a screen of the virtual factory. . 3. The method of controlling a virtual factory system according to claim 1, wherein the screen of the virtual factory is configured by a marker individually defined based on process data provided from a production process to be managed. The control method of the virtual factory system according to claim 2, wherein: 4. The method for controlling a virtual factory system according to claim 1, wherein the sign forming the screen of the virtual factory is a moving handle for activating a function of moving the sign in the screen of the virtual factory. The control method of the virtual factory system according to claim 2, further comprising: an execution handle for activating a function of instructing the development of each process operation defined by the marker. 5. The method of controlling a virtual factory system according to claim 1, wherein the screen data for displaying the screen of the virtual factory is stored and stored together with the time data at the start of the display, and the reproduction is started based on a separate process reproduction designation. The control method of the virtual factory system according to claim 2, wherein a reproduction screen of the virtual factory from the time to the reproduction end time is sequentially displayed. 6. The control of the virtual factory system according to claim 5, wherein in the virtual factory system control method, a display of a predetermined mark is masked on the virtual factory reproduction screen. Method. 7. The virtual factory system control method, wherein the virtual factory screen has a mail creation box disclosure button having an icon for designating a plurality of types of urgency levels. 3. The method of controlling a virtual factory system according to claim 2, wherein an e-mail is transmitted to a destination defined by a sign in which the icon is superimposed. 8. The method of controlling a virtual factory system according to claim 1, wherein the virtual factory system moves a sign constituting a screen of the virtual factory, thereby controlling the production to be managed by the virtual factory system. The control method of the virtual factory system according to claim 2, wherein the change of the process or the change of the arrangement of the work staff is instructed. 9. The method of controlling a virtual factory system according to claim 1, wherein the virtual factory system detects a movement of a sign constituting a screen of the virtual factory, generates change instruction data, and generates the change instruction data. The method for controlling a virtual factory system according to claim 8, wherein the control information is transmitted to a production process to be managed. 10. The virtual factory system control method according to claim 1, further comprising: obtaining a completion report of the work performed by the production process based on the change instruction data, and determining a marker position on a screen of the virtual factory. The method for controlling a virtual factory system according to claim 8, wherein the method is characterized in that: 11. The control method of the virtual factory system, wherein the virtual factory system allows a specific user connected via an information communication network to view the virtual factory, thereby displaying progress data of the production process. 3. The method of controlling a virtual factory system according to claim 2, wherein 12. The control method of the virtual factory system, wherein the virtual factory system performs masking on the sign according to a level individually set according to a user connected via the information communication network, The control method of the virtual factory system according to claim 11, wherein a restriction is placed on information content to be browsed. 13. The control method of the virtual factory system, wherein the virtual factory system allows a specific user connected via an information communication network to move a sign on a screen of the virtual factory. The control method of the virtual factory system according to claim 2, wherein authority for changing the production process is set for the user. 14. The virtual factory system control method according to claim 14, wherein the virtual factory system displays a screen of the virtual factory according to a level set according to an individual user connected through the information communication network. 14. The control method of the virtual factory system according to claim 13, wherein masking is performed on the sign in the step (a), and the contents of the authority to change the production process set for the user are restricted. 15. A control program for a virtual factory system for displaying and managing the progress of a production process by arranging labeled process elements, wherein a screen of a virtual factory is constructed by using the labeled process elements. A procedure for displaying the status of the actual process, and a procedure for instructing a change in the actual work of the production process to be managed by the virtual factory system by operating a sign constituting the screen of the virtual factory. A virtual factory system control program characterized by being executed.