JP2011256019A - System and method for managing history - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent communication interference between a manufactured or tested product and a transmitter/receiver, to improve access speed.SOLUTION: A history management system includes: a carrying pallet with a memory, which mounts a product can wireless communication by having an RFID tag thereon, and moves; and a pallet-circulation device with a plurality of workbenches on which works different from each other are performed respectively, and which are arranged so that the carrying pallets sequentially move. In addition, the history management system includes a first reader/writer which is arranged at the first workbench and performs wireless communication of information related to the product with the RFID tag, a second reader/writer which is arranged at the last workbench and performs wireless communication with the RFID tag. Further, the system includes a cable communication means for performing cable communication with the memory for each workbench and storing history related to the work performed for the product for each workbench into the memory. The second reader/writer transmits the stored history to the RFID tag, to let the RFID tag stores the history.

Description

  The present invention relates to a history management system and a history management method.

  In recent years, for example, electronic components, electronic devices, and other products have become highly functional. Along with this, product manufacturing processes and test processes are increasing, and the importance of managing the results of each process is increasing. Conventionally, in order to inspect a product, an RFID (Radio Frequency IDentification) tag is provided on the product, and wireless communication is performed with an RFID reader / writer installed on an assembly / inspection line. A non-contact type printed circuit board inspection system using such an RFID tag is known (for example, Patent Document 1). There is also known a semiconductor product manufacturing system in which an antenna is mounted on a product IC (Integrated Circuit) chip and a wireless IC tag reader is used as an inspection device (for example, Patent Document 2).

JP 2006-242736 A JP 2006-66806 A

  By the way, it is efficient to manufacture, test, and inspect the product while sequentially moving the pallet on which the product is mounted to a work table provided for each operation. For example, it is possible to work continuously by using a conveyor and sequentially moving the pallets to adjacent work tables. Then, if an RFID reader / writer is installed for each work table and the history is written in the RFID tag incorporated in the product for each process using this reader / writer, the entire history is RFID when all tests are completed. Stored in the tag.

  However, if data communication by the RFID reader / writer is performed for each work table as described above, the reader / writer is arranged in an approached state, which may cause crosstalk. In addition, if data communication is not performed properly and data communication is performed again, the access speed decreases as a whole, and the throughput decreases. Further, in wireless communication using a reader / writer, the access speed may be slow in principle.

  Accordingly, an object of the invention disclosed in this specification is to suppress interference during communication between a product to be manufactured or tested and a transceiver, and to improve an access speed.

  The history management system disclosed in the present specification includes a pallet storage unit, and is arranged so that the transfer pallet is sequentially moved by performing a different operation from the transfer pallet that is mounted and moved with a product capable of wireless communication. Pallet circulation means having a plurality of work tables, a first transmitter / receiver that is installed on one work table and performs wireless communication of information about the product and the product, and the pallet storage unit for each work table Wired communication means for performing a wired communication between the worktables and storing a history of work performed on the product for each worktable in the pallet storage unit; and in the pallet circulation means, downstream of the one worktable. A second transmitter / receiver that is located on the other side and is installed on another work table with at least one work table open, performs wireless communication with the product, and transmits the accumulated history to the product. It is characterized in that to obtain.

  The first transmitter / receiver and the second transmitter / receiver are arranged with an interval of at least one worktable. For this reason, interference is unlikely to occur. The history of the work performed on each work table is stored in the pallet storage unit one by one and circulates with the product. Then, the history accumulated in the pallet storage unit is stored in the product by the second transceiver. In the workbench located between the one workbench and the other workbench, only wired communication is performed. For this reason, it is possible to perform communication that stably maintains a high access speed without interference.

  According to the history management system disclosed in the present specification, it is possible to suppress interference during communication between a product to be manufactured or tested and a transceiver, and to improve the access speed.

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a history management system according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing the history management system of the embodiment. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing a history management system of a comparative example. FIG. 4 is a schematic configuration diagram of a work table and a transport pallet. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of the memory. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a flow of information regarding a history performed on the work table. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of a detailed flow of writing information to the memory. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of a detailed flow of reading information from the memory.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, in the drawings, the dimensions, ratios, and the like of each part may not be shown so as to completely match the actual ones. Further, depending on the drawing, details may be omitted, or a state in which overlapping components are removed may be depicted.

  First, a schematic configuration of the history management system according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a history management system 100 according to the embodiment. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram schematically illustrating the history management system 100 according to the embodiment.

  The history management system 100 includes a memory 2 that corresponds to a pallet storage unit, and includes a transport pallet 1 that moves by mounting a product 3 including an RFID tag 4. The memory 2 is a readable and writable nonvolatile memory. Specifically, an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read only Memory) is employed. Instead of the EEPROM, other nonvolatile memories can be adopted. Products include those that are being processed and those that have been completed. The product in this embodiment is an electronic device, but a device that can perform wireless communication and can manage its history can be included in the product in this specification. The product 3 includes the RFID tag 4 so that wireless communication is possible. The history includes a manufacturing history and a test history. As shown in FIG. 4, a plurality of electronic circuits 3a to 3c are incorporated in the product in the present embodiment.

  The history management system 100 includes a pallet patrol device 50 including a plurality of work tables S1 to S8 arranged so that different operations are performed and the transport pallet 1 is sequentially moved. The pallet patrol device 50 corresponds to pallet patrol means. As shown in FIG. 1, the pallet patrol device 50 has a two-story structure, and includes a conveyor part 51, a slider part 52, and a lift part 53. The transport pallet 1 is circulated by a conveyor unit 51, a slider unit 52, and a lift unit 53. Then, work is performed on the product 3 at each work table. The work can include work included in the manufacturing process and work related to testing. In addition, the number of work tables can be appropriately increased or decreased according to the required work. The transporting pallet patrol apparatus 50 according to the embodiment has a workbench S0 on which a work for placing the product 3 on the transporting pallet 1 is performed between a workbench S1 serving as the first workbench and a workbench S8 serving as the last workbench. Is provided. The product 3 for which all operations have been completed is taken out at the last work platform S8.

  The product 3 is placed on the transport pallet 1 on the work table S0, and then slides down the slider portion 52 and reaches the top work table S1. Thereafter, the transport pallet 1 is transported to the work table S2 by the lift unit 53, and reaches the work table S8 by the conveyor unit 51. In the meantime, different work is performed on each of the work tables S1 to S8. The work tables S2 to S7 disposed between the first work table S1 and the last work table S8 are referred to as intermediate work tables. Depending on the work performed, the work tables S2 to S7 may be provided with shielding housings 5 and 6 as shown in FIG. For example, when a radio wave is emitted by a test operation, the shielding housings 5 and 6 block leakage of the radio wave to the outside.

  The history management system 100 is installed on one workbench, specifically, a workbench S1 located at the top of the pallet patrol device 50, and is a first reader / writer that wirelessly communicates information about the RFID tag 4 and the product 3 8 is provided. The first reader / writer 8 is an example of a first transceiver. The history management system 100 also includes a second reader / writer 9 that is installed on a workbench S8 located at the end of the pallet patrol device 50 and performs wireless communication with the RFID tag 4. The second reader / writer 9 is an example of a second transceiver. In the pallet patrol device 50, the work table S8 is located downstream of the top work table S1, and is arranged with a plurality of intermediate work tables S2 to S7. As described above, since the two reader / writers are separated from each other, the interference between the first reader / writer 8 and the second reader / writer 9 is suppressed.

  FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing a history management system 200 of a comparative example. Unlike the history management system 100 of the embodiment, the history management system 200 does not include a memory in the transport pallet 201. Further, the history management system 200 includes a reader / writer 202 for each work table, which is also different from the history management system 100 of the embodiment. That is, the reader / writer 202 performs wireless communication with the RFID tag 4 of the product 3 placed on the transport pallet for each work table. For this reason, interference is likely to occur.

  The first reader / writer 8 includes a transmission / reception surface 8a and a back surface 8b. One second reader / writer 9 includes a transmission / reception surface 9a and a back surface 9b. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the first reader / writer 8 and the second reader / writer 9 are arranged such that the back surface 8b side and the back surface 9b face each other. Such an arrangement is effective in suppressing interference.

  Here, the schematic configuration of the work platforms S1 to S8 and the transport pallet 1 will be described with reference to FIG. The work table Sn (n is 1 to 8) includes a test apparatus PC (Personal Computer) 10. The test apparatus PC10 may be a manufacturing apparatus PC depending on the content of work on the work table Sn. The test apparatus PC10 is connected to a product I / F (Interface) 11 and a memory I / F (Interface) 12. A probing unit 13 connected to the product I / F 11 and the memory I / F 12 is provided on the work table Sn. The probing unit 13 includes a plurality of needles 13a as contact points on the test apparatus side.

  The transport pallet 1 includes a plurality of transport pallet side contacts 14. The connection state and the disconnection state of the transport pallet side contact 14 and the needle 13 a are switched by the probing unit 13 operating as indicated by an arrow 17. The transport pallet 1 includes a memory 2. Furthermore, a power feeding system 15 is provided. The power supply system 15 can supply power to the product 3 placed on the transport pallet 1. Further, the power feeding system 15 can be connected to an external power supply device 16 through the probing unit 13 to be in a charged state. That is, when the transport pallet 1 is positioned on the work table Sn, the power feeding system 15 is charged. The power supply system 15 supplies power necessary for testing the product 3 and power supply to the product 3 being transported.

  The product I / F 11 transmits and receives information related to the product 3 test. The memory I / F 12 transmits and receives information related to the history. The test apparatus PC10, the memory I / F 12, the probing unit 13, and the transport pallet side contact 14 perform wired communication with the memory 2 for each work table Sn. Then, a history of work performed on the product 3 for each work table Sn is stored in the memory. Thus, the test apparatus PC10, the memory I / F 12, the probing unit 13, and the conveyance pallet side contact 14 are included in the wired communication means.

  Here, the internal structure of the memory 2 will be described with reference to FIG. The inside of the memory 2 is divided into a used bank number storage area 2a, a bank 0, and a bank 1. Further, the bank 0 includes a first area 2b for storing the number of times of use, a second area 2c for storing history information, and a third area for storing information relating to ECC (Error Check and Collection). Similarly, the bank 1 also includes a first region 2e, a second region 2f, and a third region 2g. Normally, bank 0 is used, and bank 1 is used when an abnormality is found in bank 0. Accordingly, the initial value of the used bank number storage area is “0”, and normally this area is read-only. When the alternative bank is selected, it is rewritten to “1”.

  The test apparatus PC10 in the first workbench S1 of the history management system 100 as described above is connected to the first reader / writer 8. The test apparatus PC10 in the last workbench S8 is connected to the second reader / writer 9. Note that a reader / writer is not connected to the test apparatus PC10 in the intermediate work benches S2 to S7.

  The first reader / writer 8 performs wireless communication with the RFID tag 4 regarding the information regarding the products 3, specifically, the information regarding the manufacturing number, which is information unique to each product 3. Do.

  In the last workbench S8, the second reader / writer 9 transmits the history accumulated up to the workbench S1 to S7 to the RFID tag 4, and causes the RFID tag 4 to store the last history.

  Next, a history management method for the product 3 using the history management system 100 as described above will be described with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS.

  First, the product 3 is placed on the transport pallet 1 on the work table S0. At this stage, information unique to the product is stored in the RFID tag 4 in the product 3. Thereafter, the product 3 is sequentially moved on the work platforms S1 to S8 on which different operations are performed. The conveyance pallet 1 on which the product 3 is placed slides down the slider portion 52 and reaches the leading work table S1. When the first workbench S1 is reached, the information stored in the RFID tag 4 related to the product 3 is read out by wireless communication by the first reader / writer 8 (step S110). Then, the read information is transferred to the memory 2 via the test apparatus PC10 to the conveyance pallet side contact 14 (step S120). By transferring this information, the memory 2 is initialized. That is, since the transport pallet 1 is used repeatedly, the information stored at the previous use is erased and initialized to prepare for the current exchange of information.

  In step S130, which is performed subsequent to step S120, the work (test) assigned to the first workbench S1 is executed. The execution of the test for the product 3 is performed through the product I / F 11. Then, the result of the test is also temporarily stored in the test apparatus PC10. Then, the history of the test is written into the memory 2 (step S140). The history is written into the memory 2 via the memory I / F 12.

  Here, the contents of the writing process to the memory 2 (step S140) will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. First, in step S141, ECC information is added to enable error detection and correction. In the subsequent step S142, the history information is written by inserting ECC information from the test apparatus PC10 into the memory 2. In step S143, the information written in the memory 2 in step S142 is read again to the test apparatus PC10 (readback). Thereafter, the test apparatus PC10 collates the content of the information written in step S142 with the content of the information read back in step S143 (step S144). As a result, when it is determined that the contents match and YES is determined, the process ends (END). On the other hand, if the contents do not match and it is determined NO, the process proceeds to step S145. In step S145, bank 1 which is an alternative bank is selected. In other words, if there is a discrepancy in the contents as a result of the collation process in step S144, it can be determined that the bit cell destruction of bank 0 has occurred, so bank 1 is used as an emergency measure. When the alternative bank is selected in step S145, the used bank number storage area is simultaneously rewritten to “1”.

  After selecting an alternative bank in step S145, the processing from step S141 to step S144 is repeated again. When bank 1 which is an alternative bank is used, a YES determination is made substantially in step S144, and the process ends (END). When bank 1, which is an alternative bank, is used, the product 3 is circulated using the transport pallet 1 as it is, but when the circuit is completed, the transport pallet 1 is replaced. To do.

  Next, processing in the intermediate work tables S2 to S7 will be described. All transmission and reception of information in the intermediate work tables S2 to S7 is wired communication. First, in step S210, the test apparatus PC10 reads information from the memory 2. In the case of the intermediate workbench S2, since information unique to the product 3 and a history of work performed on the head workbench S1 are stored in the memory 2, the information is temporarily read out to the test apparatus PC10. . In the case of the intermediate workbench S7, information unique to the product 3 and a history of work performed up to the intermediate workbench S6 are stored in the memory 2, and these information is temporarily stored in the test apparatus PC10. read out.

  Here, the contents of reading of information from the memory 2 (step S210) will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. First, in step S211, the used bank number is read. Normally, it is “0”, but “1” is read when the alternative bank is selected on the previous work table Sn. In the subsequent step S212, the contents of the bank corresponding to the bank No read in step S211 are read.

  After the information is read from the memory 2 in step S210, the test is executed (step S220) and written to the memory 2 (step S230) in the same manner as steps S130 and S140 in the first workbench S1. Such processing from step S210 to step S230 is common to the intermediate work tables S2 to S7. However, since the history is sequentially accumulated, for example, the history read out in the intermediate workbench S7 is up to the previous intermediate workbench S6. The history is displayed as “good” or “abnormal”. That is, when a history of “good” is displayed, it means that all the tests performed before that were good. When the test result on a certain work table Sn is “abnormal”, it can be notified that it is abnormal. In this case, the product 3 determined to be abnormal is found to be defective at that time, and it is not necessary to perform a subsequent test.

  Next, processing in the last workbench S8 will be described. First, in step S310, the test apparatus PC10 reads information from the memory 2. This is a process common to step S210. Specifically, since information unique to the product 3 and a history of work performed up to the intermediate work table S7 are stored in the memory 2, the information is temporarily read out to the test apparatus PC10.

  In step S320, the test is executed in the same manner as in step S130 or step S220.

  In step S330, which is performed subsequent to step S320, information is written into the RFID tag 4. That is, the second reader / writer 9 transmits the accumulated history to the RFID tag 4 and causes the RFID tag 4 to store the final history. Since the information read in step S310 includes the history up to the workbench S7, the history of the test performed in step S320 is added to this history and the information is written to the RFID tag 4. As a result, the entire history is stored in the RFID tag 4, that is, the product 3.

  Subsequent to Step S330, Step S340 and subsequent steps are processing related to the exchange of the transport pallet 1. Specifically, in step S340, it is determined whether or not the bank No. stored in the used bank No. storage area 2a is “1”. If it is “1”, it is determined as YES, and the process proceeds to step S350 to take a measure for replacing the transport pallet 1. On the other hand, when it is determined NO in step S340, the memory 2 mounted on the transport pallet 1 is normal, so that the pallet patrol device 50 is circulated again to continue processing (step S360).

  Note that the transport pallet 2 can take a replacement measure with reference to the stored information on the number of times of use even if no abnormality is detected.

  As described above, the history management system 100 according to the embodiment includes two reader / writers installed apart from each other, and also uses information exchange without radio wave interference by wire. As a result, interference between the RFID tag (product) and the reader / writer (transmitter / receiver) can be suppressed, and the access speed can be improved.

  Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments, and various modifications, within the scope of the gist of the present invention described in the claims, It can be changed.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Conveyance pallet 2 ... Memory 3 ... Product 3a-3c ... Electronic circuit 4 ... RFID tag S0-S8 ... Worktable 5, 6 ... Shielding housing 8 ... 1st reader / writer 8a ... Transmission / reception surface 8b ... Back surface 9 ... 1st 2 reader / writers 9a ... transmission / reception surface 9b ... rear surface 10 ... test apparatus PC
11 ... Product I / F
12 ... Memory I / F
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 13 ... Probing unit 13a ... Needle 14 ... Conveying pallet side contact 15 ... Power feeding unit 16 ... Power supply device 50 ... Pallet circulating device 51 ... Conveyor part 52 ... Slider part 53 ... Lift part 100 ... History management system

Claims (4)

A transport pallet that has a pallet storage unit and moves with products that can communicate wirelessly;
Pallet patrol means comprising a plurality of worktables arranged so that the different operations are performed and the transport pallet sequentially moves,
A first transmitter / receiver installed on one workbench for performing wireless communication of the product and information related to the product;
Wired communication means for performing wired communication with the pallet storage unit for each worktable, and accumulating a history of work performed on the product for each worktable in the pallet storage unit;
In the pallet patrol means, located on the downstream side of the one workbench, installed on another workbench with at least one workbench, performing wireless communication with the product, and the accumulated history A second transceiver for transmitting to the product;
A history management system characterized by comprising: The one work table on which the first transceiver is installed is a work table located at the top of the pallet patrol means,
2. The history management system according to claim 1, wherein the other work table on which the second transmitter / receiver is installed is a work table located at the end of the pallet patrol means.   3. The history management system according to claim 1, wherein the first transceiver and the second transceiver are disposed with their back surfaces facing each other. A product capable of wireless communication is mounted on a transport pallet equipped with a pallet storage unit, and a plurality of work tables on which different operations are performed are sequentially moved,
Wireless communication of information about the product between the first transceiver installed on one workbench and the product,
Perform wired communication with the pallet storage unit for each work table, accumulate a history of work performed on the product for each work table,
The accumulated history is obtained by performing wireless communication with a second transmitter / receiver installed on another work table that is located downstream from the one work table and that has at least one work table. Is sent to the product.

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