JP2010160354A - Operation training system for physical distribution equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To train operation for physical distribution equipment in an almost actual operating environment although depending on a simulated training. <P>SOLUTION: An operation training system 100 uses a computer 104 including a display 105 and displays operation of the physical distribution equipment on the display 105 based on inputs of object persons for teaching the operation method of the physical distribution equipment to the object persons. It has a case 110 made in the same shape as the operation terminal 203 operating the physical distribution equipment, function buttons 102 formed on the case 110 and arranged just like those on the operation terminal 203 operating the physical distribution equipment, a button signal transmitter 112 to transmit the button signals by operating the function buttons 102, and a simulator 142 to simulate the operation of the physical distribution equipment based on the button signals. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a system for educating an object person on the operation of physical distribution equipment, and more particularly, to an operation education system for an electronic equipment that allows the object person to experience and educate an operation similar to an actual machine.

  When operating logistics equipment such as a tracked carriage or a trackless carriage, the movement of the carriage may be controlled using a dedicated operation terminal. In addition, even if a logistics device operates fully automatically, there are cases where the logistics device is directly operated using an operation terminal as a recovery in the event of a trouble occurring when teaching the movement of the logistics device (Patent Document 1). reference).

  In this way, since there is a case where the logistics equipment is manually operated using a dedicated operation terminal, it is necessary for the operator to learn the operation technology of the logistics equipment. Conventionally, as one method for learning such an operation technique, a method for educating the operation of physical distribution equipment while using an actual machine has been adopted.

  In such an operation training method, training must be started after the equipment of the logistics equipment and the delivery device for the package to be transported are completed, which may cause a prolonged period until the factory operates normally. is there. In addition, since the logistics equipment is already in operation, such as when the operator is changed, there are cases where there are few opportunities to train using actual equipment, such as training outside the normal operating hours of the factory.

  Therefore, as another operation education method for learning the operation technique, a computer capable of simulating the distribution apparatus is used to educate the operation technique of the distribution apparatus.

JP 2000-153905 A

  However, when trying to learn operation techniques through computer simulation, if a simulation is performed based on an input signal from a keyboard or mouse attached to the computer, a specific operation (for example, operation sequence or operation position) may occur. There is a problem that it is difficult to acquire a practical sense because it is different from the actual machine.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and can be used for a general-purpose computer, but educates the operation technology of physical distribution equipment with the same operation feeling as an operation terminal used in actual physical distribution equipment. The purpose is to provide an operation education system that can be used.

  In order to achieve the above object, an operation education system for physical distribution equipment according to the present invention uses a computer equipped with a display device, and displays the operation of the physical distribution equipment on the display device based on an input from a target person, A logistics equipment operation education system for educating target personnel on how to operate a logistics equipment. The equipment has an operating case having the same shape as an operating terminal for operating the logistics equipment, and is provided in the operating case to operate the logistics equipment. An operation button arranged in the same manner as the operation terminal to be operated, a button signal transmission means for transmitting a button signal by operating the operation button, and a simulation means for simulating the operation of the logistics equipment based on the button signal It is characterized by providing.

  This makes it easy to acquire a practical sensation because education can be carried out with the same operational sensation as actual physical distribution equipment, despite the use of a computer to simulate and educate the operational skills of physical distribution equipment. It is possible to provide an effective education system.

  Furthermore, a conversion means for converting the button signal into a key signal that the computer recognizes as a signal transmitted from a keyboard may be provided.

  As a result, even when a general-purpose computer with a keyboard attached as a standard is used, it is possible to advance education with the same feeling as an actual machine.

  The operation casing may be provided with the button signal transmission means and a communication cable that is detachable from the computer and connects the button signal transmission means and the computer.

  As a result, the operation housing and the computer can be easily connected, and an operation education system can be easily constructed for a general-purpose computer.

  Furthermore, the operation casing includes a wireless transmission unit that wirelessly transmits a button signal transmitted from the button signal transmission unit, and a relay device that relays the button signal transmitted by the wireless transmission unit to the computer. The relay apparatus may include a receiving unit that receives a button signal transmitted by the wireless transmitting unit, and a communication cable that is detachable from the computer and connects the receiving unit and the computer.

  As a result, it becomes possible to easily construct an operation education system for a general-purpose computer, and the degree of freedom in the posture when operating the operation buttons provided in the operation housing is improved. High education can be promoted.

  Although it can be used for a general-purpose computer, it is possible to educate the operation technology of physical distribution equipment with the same operation feeling as an operation terminal used for actual physical distribution equipment.

It is an external view which shows typically the operation education system of physical distribution equipment. It is a block diagram which shows a pseudo operation terminal functionally. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a functional unit of the relay device 103. It is a block diagram which shows a computer functionally. It is a perspective view which shows a part of physical distribution apparatus which is an actual machine. It is a figure which shows the image displayed on the display apparatus 105 at the time of operation education implementation. It is an external view which shows typically another example of the operation education system of physical distribution equipment. It is a block diagram which shows another example of a pseudo operation terminal functionally.

  Next, an embodiment of an operation education system for physical distribution equipment according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  On the other hand, it is conceivable that a computer receives a signal from an operation terminal used in an actual physical distribution device and performs simulation based on the signal. However, an operation terminal used in an actual machine has a special specification of a signal to be transmitted. In some cases, a special interface or program may be required for the computer to process the signal. In addition, since the operation terminal is expensive, the entire operation education system is expensive, and it may be difficult to simultaneously educate many operators.

  FIG. 1 is an external view schematically showing an operation education system for physical distribution equipment.

  As shown in the figure, the operation education system 100 uses a computer 104 provided with a display device 105 to display on the display device 105 the operation of a physical distribution device, which is an actual machine, on the basis of an input from the target person. The system includes a pseudo operation terminal 101, an operation button 102, a relay device 103, a computer 104, a display device 105, and a communication cable 106.

  The computer 104 is a device that holds a program, appropriately extracts a part of the program, calculates an input signal from the outside according to the extracted part of the program, and outputs the result to a display device.

  The display device 105 is a device that displays images, animations, and moving images based on signals from the computer 104.

  The pseudo operation terminal 101 is a device having the same appearance shape and the same operation mode as an operation terminal used for a physical distribution device, which is an actual machine, and includes an operation housing 110, an operation button 102, a liquid crystal display device 111, and the like. In addition, a button signal transmission means 112 (not shown) and a wireless transmission means 113 (not shown) are provided inside the operation casing 110.

  The operation case 110 is a case having the same shape as an operation terminal (described later) for operating the physical distribution device 200. In the case of the present embodiment, the operation housing 110 employs the same housing as that used for an actual operation terminal.

  The operation button 102 is provided on the operation casing 110 and is arranged in the same manner as an operation terminal for operating a physical distribution device that is an actual machine. When the operator presses the operation button 102, a contact is operated and electrical conduction is performed. It is intended to control. In the case of the present embodiment, the operation buttons 102 are exactly the same as the buttons used for the operation terminal that is the actual machine, and a plurality of operation buttons 102 are arranged on the operation casing 110 so as to have the same operation feeling as the operation terminal. ing.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram functionally showing the pseudo operation terminal.

  As shown in the figure, the button signal transmission means 112 is individually connected to each operation button 102 disposed on the operation housing 110 and transmits a unique button signal corresponding to the operated operation button 102. It is.

  The wireless transmission unit 113 is a circuit that can wirelessly transmit the button signal transmitted from the button signal transmission unit 112. In the case of the present embodiment, infrared communication is adopted as wireless communication, and the wireless transmission means 113 includes a light emitting device 114 that can emit infrared pulses.

  Next, the relay device 103 is a relay device that receives a signal transmitted from the operation casing 110, converts the signal into a signal that can be easily acquired by the computer 104, and transmits the signal to the computer 104.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating functional units of the relay device 103.

  As shown in the figure, in the case of the present embodiment, the relay apparatus 103 includes a receiving unit 131, a converting unit 132, and an interface 133 inside the receiving housing 135, and further includes a communication cable 106. Yes.

  The receiving housing 135 is a box that can accommodate various circuits therein.

  The receiving unit 131 is a circuit that receives a button signal transmitted by the wireless transmission unit 113. In the case of the present embodiment, since the infrared pulse is transmitted from the wireless transmission unit 113, the reception unit 131 includes a light receiving device 134 that can receive the infrared pulse.

  The conversion means 132 is a circuit that converts the button signal into a key signal that the computer 104 recognizes as a signal transmitted from the keyboard. For example, when a predetermined button signal is received, the same key signal as that transmitted when [a] is pressed on the keyboard is transmitted.

  The interface 133 is a circuit that converts the key signal transmitted from the conversion unit 132 into a standard that can be received by the computer 104 and transmits it. In this embodiment, an interface conforming to the universal serial bus (hereinafter referred to as “USB”) standard is employed.

  The communication cable 106 is detachable from the computer 104, is provided in the relay device 103, and connects the receiving unit 131 and the computer 104. In the case of the present embodiment, the communication cable 106 is connected to the reception unit 131 via the interface 133 and the conversion unit 132. Note that one end of the communication cable 106 is fixedly attached to the receiving housing 135, and the other end is a male USB terminal 161 (see FIG. 4) that can be attached to and detached from a female USB terminal 143 (see FIG. 4) provided in the computer 104. Is attached).

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram functionally showing the computer.

  As shown in the figure, the computer 104 includes a simulation unit 142 obtained by executing a program, and further includes an interface 133 and a female USB terminal 143.

  The simulation unit 142 is a processing unit that simulates the operation of the physical distribution equipment based on the button signal. In the case of the present embodiment, the simulation unit 142 receives the key signal corresponding to the button signal, grasps the operation state in the pseudo operation terminal 101, and calculates the operation of the physical distribution device corresponding to the operation state. It is a processing unit that obtains and displays the result on the display device 105.

  Next, an operation education method using the operation education system 100 will be described.

  FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a part of a physical distribution device that is an actual machine.

  A physical distribution device 200 shown in the figure is a physical distribution device targeted for operation training, and includes an overhead traveling vehicle 201 that transports a container or the like in which a wafer is stored, a rail 202 that is a track of the overhead traveling vehicle 201, an operation It is comprised with the terminal 203. FIG. As shown in the figure, the appearance shape and button arrangement of the operation terminal 203 are the same as those of the pseudo operation terminal 101.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an image displayed on the display device 105 when the operation education is performed.

  As shown in the figure, seven windows are displayed on the display device 105.

  The first window 151 is a window in which the content currently being educated is displayed in text.

  The second window 152 is a window in which a map that can indicate a pseudo current position of the overhead traveling vehicle 201 is displayed.

  The third window 153 is a window that can indicate the vertical movement of the overhead traveling vehicle 201, and can also indicate the operation state of the overhead traveling vehicle 201 with numerals.

  The fourth window 154 is a window that can display the contents of a command when the pseudo operation terminal 101 is operated in characters.

  The fifth window 155 is a window in which a link for determining the operation of the operation education system 100 is described.

  The sixth window 156 is a window that visually indicates what operation should be performed next.

  The seventh window 157 is a window for forcibly ending the simulation.

  First, follow the links in the fifth window and specify the content you want to receive operation education. This operation is performed using a mouse connected to the computer 104.

  Next, a map and an overhead traveling vehicle 201 are displayed according to the designated operation training content, and a message indicating what kind of operation is required is displayed on the first window 151.

  The subject operates the pseudo operation terminal 101 and performs an operation corresponding to the message on the operation button 102.

  Here, since the pseudo operation terminal 101 has the same shape as the operation terminal 203 and the same button arrangement, it can be operated with the same feeling as an actual machine.

  Further, the button signal transmitted by operating the pseudo operation terminal 101 is converted into a key signal that can be easily obtained by a device driver provided as a standard in a general-purpose operating system that is read into the general-purpose computer 104. The converted key signal is transmitted / received through an interface 133 compliant with the USB standard that is provided as a standard in the general-purpose computer 104.

  Therefore, the operation education system 100 can be constructed without using a special driver or interface, and the subject can be educated on the operation through an experience close to that of the actual machine.

  Next, if the operation of the subject person is correct, a movement corresponding to the operation is displayed on the second window 152 or the third window 153.

  On the other hand, if the operation of the subject person is wrong, the correct operation is displayed in the sixth window 156.

  As described above, if the operation education system 100 is used and the operation education method is performed, the same operation feeling as that of the operation terminal 203 used in the actual physical distribution device 200 is used even though the general-purpose computer 104 is used. It is possible to educate the operation technology of the logistics equipment 200 with the pseudo operation terminal 101. Therefore, it is possible to acquire a feeling of actual machine operation by simulation.

  Further, since the operation education system 100 uses a general-purpose computer 104 and communicates with the computer 104 based on a general-purpose standard, an existing circuit or program can be used. Accordingly, the development of the operation education system 100 is facilitated and the development cost can be reduced.

  In addition, although the operation training system 100 in this Embodiment was provided with the pseudo | simulation operation terminal 101, this invention is not necessarily limited to this. For example, the operation education system 100 may include an operation terminal 203 included in the physical distribution device 200 that is an actual machine. In this case, the relay apparatus 103 may include a conversion unit 132 that converts a signal transmitted from the operation terminal 203 that is a real machine into a key signal.

  Next, another embodiment of the operation education system 100 according to the present invention will be described.

  FIG. 7 is an external view schematically showing another example of an operation education system for physical distribution equipment.

  In the case of this embodiment, the communication cable 106 extends directly from the pseudo operation terminal 101 and is connected to the computer 104 without the relay device 103.

  FIG. 8 is a block diagram functionally showing another example of the pseudo operation terminal.

  As shown in the figure, the pseudo operation terminal 101 accommodates a button signal transmission unit 112, a conversion unit 132, and an interface 133 in an operation case 110 to which an operation button 102 is attached, and a communication cable 106. Is attached.

  Note that the functions of the operation casing 110, the operation button 102, the button signal transmission unit 112, the conversion unit 132, the interface 133, and the communication cable 106 are the same as described above, and thus description thereof is omitted.

  According to the operation education system 100 described above, the pseudo operation terminal 101 can be manufactured at a relatively low cost. Therefore, it is easy to prepare a large number of operation education systems 100 and simultaneously provide operation education to many people. It becomes.

  The present invention can be used at a site where operation training is given to a subject who needs to operate a physical distribution device.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Operation education system 101 Pseudo operation terminal 102 Operation button 103 Relay apparatus 104 Computer 105 Display apparatus 106 Communication cable 110 Operation case 111 Liquid crystal display apparatus 112 Button signal transmission means 113 Wireless transmission means 114 Light emission apparatus 131 Reception means 132 Conversion means 133 Interface 134 Photodetector 135 Reception housing 142 Simulating means 143 Female USB terminal 151 First window 152 Second window 153 Third window 154 Fourth window 155 Fifth window 156 Sixth window 157 Seventh window 161 Male USB terminal 200 Distribution equipment 201 Overhead traveling vehicle 202 Rail 203 Operation terminal

Claims (4)

An operation education system for physical distribution equipment that uses a computer equipped with a display device, displays the operation of the physical distribution equipment on the display device based on an input from the subject, and educates the subject on the operation method of the physical distribution equipment. ,
An operation casing having the same shape as the operation terminal for operating the logistics equipment,
An operation button provided in the operation casing and arranged in the same manner as an operation terminal for operating the physical distribution device,
Button signal transmitting means for transmitting a button signal by operating the operation button;
An operation education system for physical distribution equipment, comprising simulation means for simulating the operation of the physical distribution equipment based on the button signal. further,
The physical distribution equipment operation education system according to claim 1, further comprising conversion means for converting the button signal into a key signal that the computer recognizes as a signal transmitted from a keyboard. In the operation casing,
The button signal transmitting means;
The physical education equipment operation education system according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a communication cable that is detachable from the computer and connects the button signal transmission means and the computer. further,
A wireless transmission means provided in the operation casing, for wirelessly transmitting a button signal transmitted from the button signal transmission means;
A relay device that relays the button signal transmitted by the wireless transmission means to the computer;
The relay device is
Receiving means for receiving a button signal transmitted by the wireless transmitting means;
The physical distribution equipment operation education system according to claim 1, further comprising a communication cable that is detachable from the computer and connects the receiving unit and the computer.

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