JP2007280240A - Production management method, electronic device production system, production managing apparatus and electronic device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a structure in which a highly flexible production management is performed even in an environment without a network connection in an electronic device production system executing the production management of an electronic device. <P>SOLUTION: Device unique setting information J1 or setting result information J2 initial value which are provided for production management of the electronic device 100 is stored before hand corresponding to a serial number in a portable storing medium 9 such as a USB memory which can be freely handled in a production managing server 5. At the production site, the portable storing medium 9 is attached to the electronic device 100 on a production line 3, the unset serial number is specified based on the setting result information J2 and corresponding serial number for the device unique setting information J1 is read from the portable recording medium among the unset serial numbers and written to a system setting storing part 160 of the electronic device 100. By writing the setting result information J2 indicating this writing result to the portable storing medium 9, the used device unique setting information J1 is made not used again. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a production management method, an electronic device production system, a production management device, and an electronic device. More specifically, for example, the present invention relates to a production management system for an electronic device that can manage information such as various settings and adjustment states for the device at a production site of an image forming apparatus and other electronic devices.

  At the production site where products are made, data in the equipment that performs operations such as assembly, inspection, adjustment, installation location information, or option setting of parts and equipment is centrally managed in association with serial numbers, and this information is grasped. Is done.

  For example, in Patent Document 1, in a device production system that uses a network that is assembled, inspected, and adjusted to create a device, a sophisticated network interface or network service that a peripheral device has is used in the production process. It has been proposed to make the mechanism flexible and efficient.

JP 2004-234666 A

  However, in the mechanism described in Patent Document 1, it is necessary to use a dedicated terminal using a personal computer connected to a network in order to set the serial number and other information unique to the device in the memory in the electronic device. There is a restriction on the layout of factories that must be in a network connection environment.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a mechanism capable of realizing production management even in an environment not under a network connection environment.

  In the mechanism according to the present invention, device setting data used for production management of an electronic device is stored in advance in a portable non-volatile storage medium, and the portable non-volatile storage medium is stored in an electronic device to be inspected. When installed in the device, the device setting data corresponding to the electronic device to be inspected is written from the portable non-volatile storage medium to the non-volatile storage medium built in the electronic device, and built into the electronic device. The information (setting result information) indicating the result of writing the device setting data to the non-volatile storage medium is written to the portable non-volatile storage medium.

  Device setting data is stored in a portable non-volatile storage medium that can be handled freely and is attached to the electronic device to be inspected. Product shipment inspection such as registration is performed, and after the inspection is completed, the setting result information is written in a portable non-volatile storage medium.

  According to the present invention, device setting data is stored in a portable nonvolatile storage medium that can be freely handled. At the time of inspection, device setting data that has not been set at that time is stored in the electronic device to be inspected. Since product shipment inspection such as setting is executed, highly flexible production management can be realized even in an environment that is not in a network connection environment, and it is difficult to be subject to factory layout constraints.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

<Outline of electronic equipment production system>
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an outline of an electronic device production system to which a production management method according to the present invention is applied. The state shown in the figure shows a product shipment inspection process.

  As shown in the figure, the electronic device production system 1 of the present embodiment includes a production line 3 that sequentially flows the electronic devices 100 to be managed in a predetermined direction, and a production management device that manages various data for production management. An example is a production management server 5.

  The electronic device 100 may be any of a printer, a copier, a FAX apparatus, a mobile phone, a digital camera, a personal computer, a CD (compact disc) recorder, a DVD recorder, an MD recorder, and the like.

  The production line 3 may be of any method such as a single production method using a belt conveyor, a mixed production method, or a cell production method.

  The production management server 5 includes a production management device main body 5a, a display device 5b, and an instruction input device 5c. The production management apparatus main body 5a has a data storage for writing production management data and reading stored production management data in a portable storage medium (hereinafter referred to as a portable storage medium) 9. A control unit 50 and a production management data analysis unit 52 that enables the shipping information management to be executed based on the production management data read from the portable storage medium 9 by the data storage control unit 50 are provided.

  For each serial number of the electronic device 100, the production management data analysis unit 52 includes information (setting result information J2) indicating the installation destination information, option setting information, and the setting result of the device-specific setting information in the electronic device 100. Data for production management is centrally managed. Further, a function may be provided in which each unit constituting the electronic device 100 is inspected and adjusted, and as a result, the data is centrally managed.

  The portable storage medium 9 may be any storage medium that can be handled freely, such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory using a semiconductor memory, or a disk-shaped medium that uses optical or magnetic recording and reading. However, the present invention is not limited to the one using a semiconductor memory.

  However, in the case of using a disk-shaped medium that uses optics or magnetism for recording and reading, a relatively large physical mechanism (so-called drive unit) for recording and reading is required, whereas a semiconductor is used. In the case of using a memory, a connection terminal (referred to as a port or a slot) on which the portable storage medium 9 is mounted may be prepared. Therefore, the small electronic device 100 has an advantage that it can be easily summarized.

  Note that the production management server 5 of the present embodiment is not limited to a part of various functional units configured by a hardware processing circuit, but is similar to an electronic computer (computer) based on a program code that realizes the function. It is configured to be realized as software using a mechanism.

  As an example, a personal computer can be used as the production management apparatus body 5a. In this case, the production management apparatus body 5a is provided with a storage device that stores a program for inspecting and adjusting the electronic device 100.

  In the production management server 5, the production management data analysis unit 52 generates the setting file F 1 by associating the device unique setting information J 1, which is device setting data for each electronic device 100 flowing on the production line 3, with the serial number. The data storage controller 50 stores the data in the portable storage medium 9.

  Here, the serial number assigned to each electronic device 100 by the production management data analysis unit 52 groups a plurality of electronic devices 100 in accordance with a predetermined grouping standard, and at least the electronic devices 100 in the same group are the same. Are assigned to each electronic device 100 in the group so that the serial number is not assigned to a plurality of devices. The grouping standard is typically a model type, but is not necessarily limited to grouping by model type. For example, a product group including another model or destination may be used as the grouping standard.

  On the production line 3, products that are to be inspected for product shipment, in which operations such as assembly, inspection, and adjustment of various units constituting the electronic device 100 have been completed in the previous production process. At this time, the portable storage medium 9 storing data set in the electronic device 100 as the correction value or adjustment value of each unit is loaded in the electronic device 100, and necessary data is input together with the serial number of each unit.

  Further, the device-specific setting information J1 is also stored in the portable storage medium 9, and the portable storage medium 9 is attached to the electronic device 100 (for example, 100_1) in the inspection order before shipping the electronic device 100 to the factory. The device-specific setting information J1 stored in the portable storage medium 9 is written into the system setting storage unit 160 of the electronic device 100_1. The electronic device 100_1 records the write result information (setting result information J2) in the portable storage medium 9.

  The portable storage medium 9 is successively attached to the electronic devices 100 (100_2, _3,...) In the order of inspection, and similarly, the device-specific setting information J1 is written to the system setting storage unit 160, and the setting result information J2 is written. Recorded in the portable storage medium 9.

  Here, the production management data analysis unit 52 stores device-specific setting information J1 and setting result information J2 as device setting data used for production management in association with serial numbers assigned to the respective electronic devices 100. To manage. When the device-specific setting information J1 is stored in the system setting storage unit 160 of the electronic device 100 to be inspected, the setting result information J2 indicating that is stored in the portable storage medium 9, whereby the electronic device 100 is set. Based on the result information J2, the redundant use of the device-specific setting information J1 for the same serial number is controlled.

  Further, the setting result information J2 is later loaded with the portable storage medium 9 in the production management server 5, and the setting result information J2 is read by the data storage control unit 50 and analyzed by the production management data analysis unit 52. It is used for shipping information management.

  The electronic device 100 is not limited to the portable storage medium 9 for product shipment inspection that stores the setting file F1 in which the device-specific setting information J1 and the setting result information J2 are described by serial number, and other general data files. Can also be mounted on a portable storage medium 9a for general use. Although details will be described later, the electronic device 100 is provided with a mechanism for automatically determining which of the portable storage medium 9 and the portable storage medium 9a is attached and switching the process.

<Configuration example of electronic equipment>
FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram showing a configuration example of an electronic device corresponding to the production management function of the present embodiment.

  The electronic device 1 according to the present embodiment is not limited to a part of various functional units configured by a hardware processing circuit, and uses a mechanism similar to that of an electronic computer (computer) based on a program code that realizes the function. And can be realized as software.

  By adopting a mechanism for executing predetermined processing (especially production management processing in this embodiment) by software, it is possible to have a configuration in which some of the functional elements configured by the hardware processing circuit are removed, and hardware It is possible to enjoy the advantage that the processing procedure and the like can be easily changed without changing the wear. On the other hand, it is possible to construct an accelerator system with a higher speed by using a hardware processing circuit. Even if the processing is complicated, the accelerator system can prevent a reduction in processing speed and can obtain a high throughput.

  When the production management processing function is executed by software using the same mechanism as that of an electronic computer, a program (such as a built-in microcomputer) or a CPU (program that constitutes the software) is incorporated in dedicated hardware. Central Processing Unit), logic circuit, ROM (Read Only Memory) as a read-only memory, RAM (Random Access Memory) as an example of a volatile memory that can be written and read at any time, or non-volatile SOC (System On a Chip) which implements a desired system by mounting functions such as a storage device such as RAM (described as NVRAM) which is an example of the storage unit on one chip, Or, it is possible to execute various functions by installing various programs. Installed.

  The recording medium causes a state change of energy such as magnetism, light, electricity, etc. according to the description contents of the program to the reading device provided in the hardware resource of the computer, and in the form of a signal corresponding to the change. The program description can be transmitted to the reader.

  For example, a magnetic disk (including a flexible disk FD), an optical disk (CD-ROM (Compact Disc-Read Only Memory)), a DVD on which a program is recorded, which is distributed to provide a program to a user separately from a computer. (Including Digital Versatile Disc), magneto-optical disc (including MD (Mini Disc)), or package media (portable storage media) made of semiconductor memory, etc. It may be configured by a ROM, a hard disk, or the like in which a program is recorded, which is provided to the user in a state of being recorded.

  The program constituting the software is not limited to being provided via the recording medium without using the recording medium, and may be provided via a wired or wireless communication network.

  For example, a storage medium recording software program codes for realizing a production management processing function is supplied to a system or apparatus, and a computer (or CPU or MPU) of the system or apparatus reads out the program codes stored in the storage medium. By executing this, the same effect as in the case of the hardware processing circuit is achieved. In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the production management processing function.

  Further, not only the production management processing function is realized by executing the program code read out by the computer, but also the OS (Operating Systems; basic software) operating on the computer based on the instruction of the program code. The production management processing function may be realized by performing part or all of the processing.

  Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written in a memory provided in a function expansion card inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, the function expansion is performed based on the instruction of the program code. There may be a case where the CPU or the like provided in the card or the function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing, and the production management processing function is realized by the processing.

  The program is provided as a file describing the program code for realizing the production management processing function. In this case, the program is not limited to being provided as a batch program file. Accordingly, it may be provided as an individual program module.

  For example, the electronic device 100 configured as a computer system includes a system control unit 102 that controls the operation of the entire apparatus. The system control unit 102 according to the present embodiment captures not only the function for controlling the operation of the entire apparatus but also the device-specific setting information J1 which is data for setting the portable storage medium 9, and the system setting storage unit in the electronic device 100. A function of a data storage control unit that writes setting result information J2 indicating the writing result of the device-specific setting information J1 to the system setting storage unit 160 to the portable storage medium 9 is also provided.

  Here, in the present embodiment, the device-specific setting information J1 and the setting result information J2 are stored in association with the serial number assigned to each electronic device 100, and the device-specific setting information J1 is stored as an inspection target. When the system setting storage unit 160 of the electronic device 100 stores the setting result information J2 indicating that in the portable storage medium 9, the system control unit 102 functioning as the data storage control unit stores the setting result information. Based on J2, overlapping use of the device unique setting information J1 for the same serial number is controlled.

  Specifically, the system control unit 102 includes a controller unit 104, a hard disk device (HDD) 118 illustrated, a flexible disk (FD) drive, a CD-ROM (Compact Disk ROM) drive, and a semiconductor memory that are not illustrated. It has a recording / reading control unit 106 for reading and recording data from a predetermined storage medium, such as a controller, and a mounting port 199 as mounting means to which the portable storage media 9 and 9a can be mounted. For example, when a USB memory is used as the portable storage medium 9, 9a, the mounting port 199 is provided with a USB port.

  In particular, the recording / reading control unit 106 of the present embodiment reads the device-specific setting information J1 (file data thereof) from the portable storage medium 9 with the portable storage medium 9 attached to the attachment port 199, or The electronic device 100 includes a read / write unit (media reader) 108 for the portable storage medium 9 that writes the setting result information J2 (file data thereof) to the portable storage medium 9 after product shipment inspection.

  The controller unit 104 includes a CPU 112, a ROM 113 that is a read-only storage unit, a RAM 115 that is an example of a volatile storage unit that can be written and read at any time, and a RAM (NVRAM) that is an example of a nonvolatile storage unit. 116).

  In the above description, the “volatile storage unit” means a storage unit in which the stored contents are lost when the power of the apparatus is turned off. On the other hand, the “nonvolatile storage unit” means a storage unit in a form that keeps stored contents even when the main power supply of the apparatus is turned off. Any memory device can be used as long as it can retain the stored contents. The semiconductor memory device itself is not limited to a nonvolatile memory device, and a backup power supply is provided to make a volatile memory device “nonvolatile”. You may comprise as follows.

  Further, the present invention is not limited to a semiconductor memory element, and may be configured using a medium such as a magnetic disk or an optical disk. For example, the hard disk device 118 can be used as a nonvolatile storage unit. In addition, it is possible to use as a nonvolatile storage unit by adopting a configuration for reading information from a recording medium such as a CD-ROM.

  In addition, the electronic device 100 configured with a mechanism similar to that of the computer system includes an instruction receiving unit 152 as a functional unit that forms a user interface such as receiving an operation instruction of the device, a guidance screen (operation menu) during operation, and a device. A display output unit 154 that presents predetermined information such as an operation state and a processing result to the user, and an interface unit (IF unit) 190 that performs an interface function with each functional unit.

  The interface unit 190 includes, for example, a user interface unit 192 having an operation panel unit 192a and an operation key unit 192b, protocol control, in addition to a system bus 191 that is a transfer path of processing data (including image data) and control data. And a communication interface unit 194 that performs an interface function with a network and a device interface unit that performs an interface function with other external devices.

  The communication interface unit 194 has a communication control function such as a network controller and a modem for controlling the network and the public line network. The device interface unit controls various device devices.

  As the instruction receiving unit 152, for example, the operation key unit 192b of the user interface unit 192 can be used. Alternatively, a keyboard 152a, a mouse 152b, or the like can be used.

  Although not shown, the user interface unit 192, the keyboard 152a, and the mouse 152b are connected to the system bus 191 via a device interface unit that controls key input from the keyboard 152a and input from a pointing device such as the mouse 152b. Connected.

  The display output unit 154 includes a display control unit and a display device. As the display device, for example, the operation panel unit 192a of the user interface unit 192 can be used. Alternatively, another display unit 154a made of CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) or LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) may be used.

  For example, the display control unit displays on the operation panel unit 192a or the display unit 154a guidance information, a list of device-specific setting information J1 that the reading / writing unit 108 has fetched from the portable storage medium 9, and the like. It is also used as a display device when notifying the operator of various types of information. Note that the display unit 154a having a touch panel on the display surface may be used to configure the instruction receiving unit 152 that inputs predetermined information with a fingertip or a pen.

  In such a configuration, the CPU 112 controls the entire system via the system bus 191. The ROM 113 stores various fixed data including a control program used by the CPU 112. The RAM 115 is configured by an SRAM (Static Random Access Memory) or the like, stores program control variables, data for various processes, and the like, data obtained by calculation according to a predetermined application program, data obtained from the outside, and the like. Is temporarily stored, and is used for a work memory or the like when the CPU 112 performs data processing or the like.

  The NVRAM 116 stores control parameters and processed data, and is backed up. In particular, in the configuration of the present embodiment, the function of the system setting storage unit 160 that stores the device-specific setting information J1 fetched from the portable storage medium 9 as the system setting information by the reading / writing unit 108 is configured. .

  For example, a program that causes a computer to execute a production management processing function is distributed through a recording medium such as a CD-ROM. Alternatively, this program may be stored in the FD instead of the CD-ROM. In addition, an MO drive may be provided to store the program in the MO, or the program may be stored in another recording medium such as a nonvolatile semiconductor memory card such as a flash memory. Furthermore, the program may be downloaded from another server or the like via a network such as the Internet, or may be updated or updated.

  As a recording medium for providing the program, in addition to FD and CD-ROM, optical recording medium such as DVD, magnetic recording medium such as MD, magneto-optical recording medium such as PD, tape medium, and magnetic recording A semiconductor memory such as a medium, an IC card, or a miniature card can be used. Some or all of the functions for realizing the production management processing function can be stored in an FD or CD-ROM as an example of a recording medium.

  Further, the storage device such as the hard disk device 118 and the optical / magnetic file holds programs, various applications, user data and control management data such as font data and user files, or data acquired by the device itself or acquired from the outside. An area for temporarily storing a large amount of data or the like is included, and reading / writing of data is controlled by the recording / reading control unit 106 which functions as an input / output interface.

  With such a configuration, the production management processing program is installed in the RAM 115 from a readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM in which a program for executing the production management processing function is stored according to a predetermined command, and the instruction receiving unit The production management processing program is started by an instruction or automatic processing by the operator via 152.

  The CPU 112 performs processing associated with a production management processing method to be described later in accordance with this production management processing program, stores the processing results in a storage device such as the RAM 115 and the hard disk device 118, and displays an operation panel unit or a display such as a CRT or LCD as necessary. Information is presented and output to the device. By using a recording medium recorded with a program for executing the production management processing method, a production management processing system can be constructed universally without changing the existing system.

  The electronic device 100 that can execute the production management processing function can also be configured by a combination of dedicated hardware that performs processing of each functional unit, without being limited to the configuration using such a computer. .

  The electronic device 100 is provided with a specific function unit corresponding to the device function in addition to the above-described function units. As an example, if the electronic device 100 is constructed as an image forming apparatus having a print output function, a copy function, and the like, an image processing unit 180 that executes processing such as compression / decompression processing and processing of image data, an original image The image reading unit 182 that prints image information and the image information is printed out and presented to the user, based on an image read by the image reading unit 182 or print data acquired via the communication interface unit 194, or the like. An image recording unit (image forming unit) 184 that outputs an image to an output medium (for example, printing paper) may be provided.

  The image reading unit 182 and the image recording unit 184 are connected to the system bus 191 via a scanner interface unit 196 and a printer interface unit 197 as device interface units that form the interface unit 190.

  In addition to these, for example, an audio device 188 that emits audio information is connected to the system bus 191 via an audio interface unit 198 that controls input / output of audio signals.

<Processing Procedure: First Embodiment>
3 to 5 are diagrams illustrating a first embodiment of a processing procedure focusing on a production management function for the electronic device 100. FIG. Here, FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure of the first embodiment for realizing the production management function. FIG. 4 is a table showing an example of a setting file F1 in which apparatus-specific setting information J1 and setting result information J2 used in the processing procedure of the first embodiment are collected. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a menu screen presented at a required processing step.

  In the processing procedure of the first embodiment, the device-specific setting information J1 and the setting result information J2 are registered in the setting file F1 for each serial number, and the same procedure is performed based on the setting result information J2 for each serial number. It is characterized in that overlapping use of the device-specific setting information J1 for the serial number is controlled.

  Specifically, for a plurality of electronic devices 100 grouped according to a predetermined grouping standard, different serial numbers are assigned to the respective electronic devices 100, and device-specific setting information J1 and setting result information J2 are assigned to each serial number. Set. At the time of product shipment inspection at the production site, a plurality of serial numbers that can be selected at that time are specified based on the setting result information J2, an arbitrary serial number is selected from the selectable serial numbers, and the serial number is selected. Is read from the portable storage medium 9 and stored in the system setting storage unit 160 of the electronic device 100. As a typical example, the same serial number as the serial number of the electronic device 100 to be inspected is selected from a plurality of uninspected electronic devices 100.

  First, as shown in FIG. 4, the production management server 5 obtains device-specific setting information J1 including a model code, a serial number for each model code, country information for the installation destination, option settings, and the like for each electronic device 100. The setting file F1 described for each serial number and having the “status” item of the setting result information J2 set to “incomplete” is stored in the portable storage medium 9 (S100).

  When creating the setting file F1 describing the device-specific setting information J1 for each serial number, the data storage control unit 50 groups the plurality of electronic devices 100 according to a predetermined grouping standard as described above, and at least the same. For each electronic device 100 in the group, a serial number assigned to each electronic device 100 is assigned so that the same serial number is not assigned to a plurality of devices. Here, the devices are grouped by model, and different serial numbers are assigned to each electronic device 100 of the same model, while the same serial number is allowed to be assigned to each electronic device 100 between different models. And

  The data storage control unit 50 is a portable storage medium 9 for setting unique settings information (that is, for product shipment inspection) in which the portable storage medium stores a setting file F1 describing the device unique setting information J1. Identification information is set in the portable storage medium 9 so that it can be distinguished whether it is a general-purpose portable storage medium 9a (see FIG. 1) storing other general data files. Keep it.

  As a mechanism for setting the identification information, for example, a text document having a file name such as “@@@@@ _ init.txt” is created in the root directory, and in the csv (Comma Separated Value) format in FIG. Various information constituting the device-specific setting information J shown in FIG.

  As can be seen from FIG. 4, in the portable storage medium 9, a list of device-specific setting information J1 corresponding to each electronic device 100 for realizing the shipping inspection function, which is one of the production management functions, is set as the setting file F1. Remember. The device-specific setting information J1 describes initial settings such as country information and option settings for each serial number of the same model. Also, for different models, country information and option settings for each serial number Are set in the same setting file F1. Using a single portable storage medium 9, various types of information (such as serial numbers and initial settings) at the time of factory shipment can be set in a plurality of / multiple types of electronic devices 100.

  In the device-specific setting information J1 of the setting file F1 shown in FIG. 4, “option setting” is, for example, a factory shipment option that can be changed by system setting. As an example, if the electronic device 100 is constructed as an image forming apparatus having a print output function, a copy function, etc., the presence / absence of an applied copy function related to copy output, such as a booklet output function and a slip sheet function, and an electronic sort kit Or whether there is a printer option related to print output, such as a copy management kit. Some of these options involve the presence or absence of hardware installation, and others deal with only the presence or absence of execution of software processing.

  Next, at the production site (especially the shipping inspection process), the factory operator uses the portable storage medium 9 in which the device-specific setting information J1 for each electronic device 100 is written in step S100 as the electronic device 100 to be inspected. Is mounted on the mounting port 199 (S110).

  When the reading / writing unit 108 detects the mounting of the portable storage medium 9 (S112—YES), the reading / writing unit 108 searches for a file stored in the portable storage medium 9 (S113), and includes the device-specific setting information. Whether or not the setting file F1 describing J1 (for example, a text document of “@@@@@ _ init.txt”) exists, that is, the portable storage medium mounted on the mounting port 199 is available for product shipment inspection. It is determined whether the portable storage medium 9 or the portable storage medium 9a for general use (S114).

  When the reading / writing unit 108 cannot find the setting file F1 describing the device-specific setting information J1, that is, the portable storage medium attached to the attachment port 199 is the portable storage medium 9a for general use. If there is, the fact is notified to the controller unit 104 (particularly the CPU 112) (S114-NO, S116). Receiving this notification, the CPU 112 shifts to a media print / media scan menu display mode used by a general user (the detailed flow is not shown) (S117).

  On the other hand, when the reading / writing unit 108 finds the setting file F1 in which the device-specific setting information J1 is described, the reading / writing unit 108 notifies the controller unit 104 (particularly the CPU 112) to that effect, and reads the data of the setting file F1 and passes it to the CPU 112 ( S114-YES, S118). Receiving this notification, the CPU 112 shifts to the unique information writing mode (S120).

  In other words, when the portable storage medium 9 is mounted in the mounting port 199 of the electronic device 100 and the setting file F1 for shipping inspection of the electronic device 100 is stored in the portable storage medium 9, production management is automatically performed. The mode shifts to a mode for realizing a shipping inspection function which is one of the functions, and various operation menus to be described later are sequentially presented in conjunction with an operator operation.

  When the portable storage medium 9 for product shipment inspection is installed in the installation port 199, the operation menu screen for shipment inspection is automatically displayed. It can be shortened.

  In the unique information writing mode, the CPU 112 first matches the model code of its own device among the device unique setting information J1 in the setting file F1 fetched via the reading / writing unit 108, and the setting result. Only those items whose “state” item of the information J2 is “incomplete” are extracted, and the target serial number list screen G122 is displayed on the operation panel unit 192a of the user interface unit 192 or the display output as shown in FIG. It is presented on the display unit 154a of the unit 154 (S122).

  For example, the model code of the corresponding model is displayed, the serial number of a different model is not displayed at all, and among the same model, the “status” item of the setting result information J2 is “set” The serial number is displayed with half brightness or not displayed. If the serial number has a half luminance, the selection of the serial number in step S124 described later is not accepted.

  In other words, the displayed serial number list is only the ones in which the models in the setting file F1 match, and this allows a single portable storage medium 9 to support a plurality of models. Even if the device-specific setting information J1 of a plurality of models is described in the setting file F1, only the device-specific setting information J1 (here, the serial number) related to the corresponding model is presented, and the device is not related to the corresponding model. Since the unique setting information J1 is virtually not presented, there is no inconvenience even if the same serial number exists between different models. Since the same serial number is not basically assigned to the same model, a plurality of the same serial numbers are not presented.

  In addition, since only items whose “state” item in the setting result information J2 is “incomplete” are extracted and presented, even when the same setting file F1 is used for the same model, the setting is completed (= used) The device-specific setting information J1 of the serial number can be prevented from being used again.

  The factory operator can select from those that can be selected on the touch panel type operation panel unit 192a, the operation key unit 192b, or the keyboard 152a in accordance with the instruction of the target serial number list screen G122 shown in FIG. The serial number of the electronic device 100 to be inspected is selected (S124). When receiving the selection of the serial number, the CPU 112 writes the device-specific setting information J1 of the corresponding serial number in the system setting storage unit 160 of the NVRAM 116 (S126).

  At the time of shipment from the factory, the portable storage medium 9 describing the corresponding device unique setting information J1 is set in the electronic device 100, and the recorded device unique setting information J1 is written in the system setting storage unit 160 of the electronic device 100. is there. The electronic device 100 is provided with a mounting port 199 in which the portable storage medium 9 such as a USB memory can be set and a reading / writing unit 108 for reading information on the portable storage medium 9, so that the information is recorded on the portable storage medium 9. Various kinds of information (device-specific setting information J1) at the time of factory shipment can be set in the electronic device 100.

  Note that while the device-specific setting information J1 is being written in the system setting storage unit 160 (S128-NO), as shown in FIG. 5B, a writing screen G129 is displayed on the operation panel unit 192a of the user interface unit 192. Alternatively, it is presented on the display unit 154a of the display output unit 154 (S129).

  When the writing of the device-specific setting information J1 to the system setting storage unit 160 is completed (S128-YES), the “status” of the corresponding serial number is set as the setting result information J2 in order to leave the writing completion in the setting file F1. The item “incomplete” is changed to “set”, and the setting file F1 describing the setting result information J2 is written to the portable storage medium 9, that is, overwritten and saved (S130). As described in step S122, even when the same setting file F1 is used for the same model, the device-specific setting information J1 of the set (= used) serial number is not used again. .

  If necessary, adjustment result data of various adjustment inspection items may be recorded in the “other information” item of the corresponding serial number as setting result information J2. By storing the adjustment result data and using it as a clue, it is possible to analyze the operation.

  When the writing of the setting file F1 with the changed serial number setting result information J2 to the portable storage medium 9 is successfully completed (YES in S136), a write completion screen G138 is displayed as shown in FIG. The information is presented on the operation panel unit 192a of the user interface unit 192 or the display unit 154a of the display output unit 154 (S138). In this write completion screen G138, for example, a message indicating that writing has been completed successfully (for example, “information writing has been completed”) and a message indicating that the portable storage medium 9 should be removed from the mounting port 199. (For example, “Please remove the media”) is displayed.

  On the other hand, when some trouble occurs and writing of the device-specific setting information J1 to the system setting storage unit 160 and writing of the setting result information J2 to the portable storage medium 9 are not completed within a predetermined time (S136-NO), As shown in FIG. 5D, the write failure screen G139 is presented on the operation panel unit 192a of the user interface unit 192 or the display unit 154a of the display output unit 154 (S139). In this writing failure screen G139, a message indicating that writing has failed (for example, “information writing has failed”) and a message indicating that the portable storage medium 9 should be removed from the mounting port 199 ( For example, “Please remove the media”) is displayed.

  The factory operator removes the portable storage medium 9 from the mounting port 199 according to the instruction of the write completion screen G138 shown in FIG. 5C or the write failure screen G139 shown in FIG. 5D (S140). Thereby, the product shipment inspection for the electronic device 100 to be inspected is completed.

  When the next electronic device 100 to be inspected exists (S142-YES), the factory operator returns to step S110, and attaches the portable storage medium 9 removed in step S140 to the mounting port of the next electronic device 100 to be inspected. It is attached to 199 and the same processing / operation is performed.

  On the other hand, if the next electronic device 100 to be inspected does not exist (S142-NO), the factory operator uses the setting file F1 of the portable storage medium 9 removed in step S140 as the data storage control unit 50 of the production management server 5. , And the production management data analysis unit 52 performs data analysis based on the setting result information J2 and other information (for example, inspection result information), and is used for shipping information management.

  As described above, according to the processing procedure of the first embodiment, the setting file F1 describing the device-specific setting information J1 and the setting result information J2 is stored in the portable storage medium 9 and used for the product shipment inspection. Therefore, it is possible to deal with the setting of the device-specific setting information J1 (serial number and other initial settings) in the electronic device 100 without using a network environment.

  Generally, various information settings from the personal computer to the electronic device 100 use any of a network interface, a parallel interface, a serial interface, and a setting dedicated port. The existing ports differ depending on the model, and it is necessary to prepare a connection port for each model.

  However, as in this embodiment, by using the portable storage medium 9, even if different models have a common mounting port 199 corresponding to the portable storage medium 9, each portable storage medium 9 can be It becomes possible to carry out initial setting of the model. Further, by using the portable storage medium 9, it becomes unnecessary to use a network environment as compared with the case where a personal computer is used, so that it is difficult to be subject to factory layout restrictions.

  Moreover, since the portable storage medium 9 can be carried anywhere on the production line 3, a flexible equipment production system can be used regardless of a production method such as a single production method using a belt conveyor, a mixed production method, or a cell production method. Can be built.

  In addition, since the device-specific setting information J1 and the setting result information J2 are described for each serial number in the common setting file F1 for each model and serial number, a single portable storage medium 9 is used. In addition, it is possible to cope with initial settings for a plurality of models and a plurality of electronic devices 100.

  In addition, using the setting result information J2, once the device unique setting information J1 is set to the electronic device 100 with the serial number, the device unique setting information J1 of the set serial number (= used) is stored. Since duplicate settings are not permitted, duplicate settings due to work mistakes can be reliably prevented.

  Further, for the items in which the “status” item of the setting result information J2 is “set”, various information setting results at the time of shipment from the factory set in the electronic device 100 are collected by the portable storage medium 9. You can also. After the electronic device 100 is delivered from the factory, the state at the time of factory shipment can be confirmed. If the adjustment result data is stored, quality data can be collected on the production line.

  Further, as a difference from the processing procedure of the second embodiment to be described later, since a corresponding one can be selected from the list of selectable serial numbers presented in step S122 (S124), Even after the serial number is set in the electronic device 100, as long as the selection of the serial number is not mistaken, the single portable storage medium 9 is used and the initial setting to a plurality of types and a plurality of electronic devices 100 is supported. can do.

<Processing procedure: second embodiment>
6-8 is a figure explaining 2nd Embodiment of the process sequence which paid its attention to the production management function about the electronic device 100. FIG. Here, FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure according to the second embodiment. FIG. 7 is a table showing an example of a setting file F1 in which apparatus-specific setting information J1 and setting result information J2 used in the processing procedure of the second embodiment are collected. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a menu screen presented at a required processing step.

  In the processing procedure of the second embodiment, the device-specific setting information J1 is registered in the setting file F1 for each serial number, and the final serial number that has been inspected as the setting result information J2 for each group to which the serial number is assigned (for example, by model). It is characterized in that it is registered and, based on the setting result information J2 (final serial number) for each group, the redundant use of the device-specific setting information J1 for the same serial number is controlled.

  Note that “registering the final serial number” effectively means “registering a predetermined serial number so that the serial number of the next electronic device 100 to be inspected can be uniquely identified”. It is not limited to only registering the final serial number itself of the electronic device 100 that has been completed. For example, in the electronic device 100, after completion of the inspection, the serial number of the next electronic device 100 to be inspected may be specified and the serial number of the electronic device 100 to be inspected next may be registered. That is, information that can specify the serial number of the electronic device 100 to be inspected next is registered as the setting result information J2 for each group of the plurality of electronic devices 100 to which serial numbers are assigned.

  Specifically, for a plurality of electronic devices 100 grouped according to a predetermined grouping standard, different serial numbers are assigned to the respective electronic devices 100, and device-specific setting information J1 is set for each serial number, and production is performed. It is characterized in that the product shipment inspection is performed in the order of serial numbers at the time of product shipment inspection on site.

  As a comparison with the first embodiment, at the time of shipping inspection, the electronic device 100 to be inspected at that time is uniquely assigned to each group to which serial numbers are assigned (for example, by model) based on the setting result information J2 (final serial number). Therefore, the serial number is not optional. Hereinafter, the difference from the processing procedure of the first embodiment will be mainly described.

  First, in the production management server 5, as shown in FIG. 7, for each electronic device 100, device-specific setting information J1 including a model code, a serial number for each model code, country information for the installation destination, option settings, etc. The setting file F1 describing the setting result information J2 is written in the portable storage medium 9 (S100).

  When the data storage control unit 50 creates the setting file F1 describing the device-specific setting information J1 for each serial number, the data storage control unit 50 groups the plurality of electronic devices 100 according to a predetermined grouping standard, and at least each electronic device in the same group. About the apparatus 100, the serial number attached | subjected to each electronic device 100 is allocated so that the same serial number may not be allocated to two or more units. Here, the devices are grouped by model, and different serial numbers are assigned to each electronic device 100 of the same model, while the same serial number is allowed to be assigned to each electronic device 100 between different models. And

  Further, as a difference from the setting file F1 used in the first embodiment, the data storage control unit 50 sets the final serial number of the inspected electronic device 100 as “setting result information J2” for each model as “final serial number”. Set to "" item. Initially, since all the electronic devices 100 have not been inspected, an initial value (for example, “0”) is set (S100).

  Next, at the production site (especially the shipping inspection process), when the mode is changed to the unique information writing mode (S120), the CPU 112 stores the “setting result information J2” in the setting file F1 fetched via the reading / writing unit 108. Of the “last serial number”, the one that matches the model code of the device is extracted, the serial number next to the “final serial number” is specified in accordance with a predetermined increment order, and as shown in FIG. The target serial number screen G123 for presenting the next serial number is presented on the operation panel unit 192a of the user interface unit 192 or the display unit 154a of the display output unit 154 (S123).

  For example, the model code of the corresponding model, the final serial number of the same model (that is, the final serial number of the inspected electronic device 100) and the next serial number (that is, the serial number of the electronic device 100 to be inspected) are displayed. Display or hide the model code and final serial number of a different model with half-brightness. For the half-brightness, even if it is selected, it does not shift to the next processing.

  That is, the serial number of the next inspection target to be displayed is only the serial number that matches the model in the setting file F1, so that one portable storage medium 9 can correspond to a plurality of models. Even if the device-specific setting information J1 of a plurality of models is described in the setting file F1, the setting result information J2 (here, the serial number of the next inspection target) related to the corresponding model is presented, and the corresponding model is displayed. Since the unrelated items are virtually not presented, there is no inconvenience even if the same serial number exists between different models.

  In addition, since the serial number of the next inspection target is uniquely specified and presented based on the “final serial number” of the setting result information J2 of the corresponding model, even when the same setting file F1 is used for the same model, The device-specific setting information J1 with the set serial number (= used) can be prevented from being used again.

  The factory operator confirms the serial number of the next inspection target presented on the target serial number screen G123 shown in FIG. 8, and clicks “OK” on the touch panel type operation panel unit 192a, or the operation key unit 192b. Then, the user presses the “OK button” or presses the “Enter key” on the keyboard 152a to instruct the transition to the next process (S125). When the CPU 112 receives the instruction to shift to the next process, it writes the device-specific setting information J1 of the corresponding serial number in the system setting storage unit 160 of the NVRAM 116 (S126).

  When the writing of the device-specific setting information J1 to the system setting storage unit 160 is completed (S128-YES), the “final serial number” of the corresponding model is set as the setting result information J2 in order to leave the writing completion in the setting file F1. The item "" is changed to the "serial number" just examined, and the setting file F1 describing the setting result information J2 is written to the portable storage medium 9, that is, overwritten and saved (S132).

  As described in step S123, even when the same setting file F1 is used for the same model, the device-specific setting information J1 of the set (= used) serial number is not used again. . By incrementing the serial number to be set in the “final serial number” item of the setting result information J2 and recording the result in the portable storage medium 9, the set serial number is not reused. can do.

  Hereinafter, it is the same as the processing procedure of the first embodiment.

  As described above, the setting file F1 describing the device-specific setting information J1 and the setting result information J2 is stored in the portable storage medium 9 and used for the product shipment inspection also by the processing procedure of the second embodiment. Even without using a network environment, the device-specific setting information J1 (serial number and other initial settings) can be set in the electronic device 100.

  Further, as a difference from the processing procedure of the first embodiment described above, it is only necessary to confirm the serial number of the next inspection object presented in step S123, and to select the serial number of the next inspection object. It is unnecessary. However, there is no serial number optionality, and it is always necessary to check in order of serial number. However, even in this case, there is no inconvenience at the normal production site because the serial number is actually attached to the electronic device 100 after the inspection is performed.

It is a figure which shows the outline | summary of the electronic device production system to which the production management method concerning this invention is applied. It is a functional block diagram which shows the example of 1 structure of the electronic device corresponding to the production management function of this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the process sequence of 1st Embodiment which implement | achieves a production management function. It is a table | surface which shows an example of the apparatus specific setting information and setting result information which are used in the process sequence of 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the menu screen shown in a required process step. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the process sequence of 2nd Embodiment which implement | achieves a production management function. It is a table | surface which shows an example of the apparatus specific setting information and setting result information which are used in the process sequence of 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the menu screen shown in a required process step.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Electronic device production system, 3 ... Production line, 5 ... Production management server (production management apparatus), 9 ... Portable storage medium, 50 ... Data storage control part, 52 ... Production management data analysis part, 100 ... Electronic device, DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 102 ... System control part 104 ... Controller part 106 ... Recording / reading control part 108 ... Reading / writing part 112 ... CPU, 113 ... ROM, 115 ... RAM, 116 ... NVRAM, 152 ... Instruction reception part, 154 ... Display output unit, 160 ... system setting storage unit, 190 ... interface unit, 199 ... mounting port

Claims (7)

Device setting data used for production management of electronic equipment is stored in advance in a portable nonvolatile storage medium,
A non-volatile storage medium in which the device setting data not set from the portable non-volatile storage medium is mounted in the electronic device by mounting the portable non-volatile storage medium on an electronic device to be inspected And writing information indicating the result of writing the device setting data to a non-volatile storage medium built in the electronic device into the portable non-volatile storage medium. Device setting data used for production management of electronic equipment is stored in a portable non-volatile storage medium, and the result of writing the device setting data stored in the portable non-volatile storage medium A data storage control for reading information indicating the production control, and a production management data analysis unit that enables shipping information management to be executed based on the information indicating the writing result of the device setting data read by the data storage control unit. A production management device provided;
Mounting means capable of mounting a portable nonvolatile storage medium for storing device setting data used for production management, and fetching the unset device setting data from the portable nonvolatile storage medium The information indicating the result of writing the device setting data to the non-volatile storage medium built in the device is stored in the portable non-volatile storage medium. An electronic device production system comprising: a production line for sequentially flowing electronic devices having a data storage control unit for writing. Device setting data used for production management of electronic equipment is stored in a portable non-volatile storage medium, and the result of writing the device setting data stored in the portable non-volatile storage medium A data storage control unit for reading information indicating
A production management data analysis unit capable of executing shipping information management based on information indicating a writing result of the device setting data read by the data storage control unit; . The production management data analysis unit 52 groups a plurality of electronic devices according to a predetermined grouping standard, and assigns a different serial number to at least each electronic device in the same group. The production management device described. A mounting means capable of mounting a portable nonvolatile storage medium for storing device setting data for production management;
The device setting data that has not been set is taken from the portable nonvolatile storage medium and written to the nonvolatile storage medium built into the device, and the device setting to the nonvolatile storage medium built into the device is performed. An electronic apparatus comprising: a data storage control unit that writes information indicating a result of writing the data to the portable nonvolatile storage medium. The portable non-volatile storage medium stores the device setting data in association with a serial number assigned to each electronic device,
The electronic device according to claim 5, wherein the data storage control unit controls the redundant use of the device setting data for the same serial number based on information indicating the writing result. In the portable non-volatile storage medium, information that can specify the serial number of the electronic device to be inspected next is information indicating the writing result for each group of electronic devices to which the serial number is assigned. Remembered,
The data storage control unit controls overlapping use of the device setting data for the same serial number based on information that can specify a serial number of the electronic device to be inspected next. Item 7. The electronic device according to Item 6.

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