JP2019038550A - Device management system - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a device management system capable of automatically performing setup confirmation work of a merchandise processing apparatus before starting operation.SOLUTION: A device management system 100 manages a merchandise processing apparatus 102 which performs merchandise processing for wrapping merchandise with a wrapping material 103. The device management system comprises a shooting unit 121, a reading unit 123 and a control unit 125. The shooting unit takes pictures of a first particular mark 111 given to the wrapping material and a second particular mark 112 given to the merchandise processing apparatus. The reading unit reads the first particular mark and the second particular mark of which images are taken by the shooting unit. The control unit manages the merchandise processing apparatus on the basis of a first red mark which is the first particular mark red by the reading unit and a second red mark which is the second particular mark red by the reading unit. The shooting unit takes the pictures of the first particular mark and the second particular mark so that the first particular mark and the second particular mark fall within the same screen.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

  The present invention relates to a system for managing a product processing apparatus that covers a product with a packaging material.

  Product processing equipment such as bag making and packaging machines for packaging products with film and boxing equipment for packing products into cardboard boxes must be checked for proper setup before starting operation. There is. Here, the setup is, for example, an operation of setting a film or a cardboard box suitable for a product to be processed in the apparatus. For example, in the case of a bag making and packaging machine as disclosed in Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-36246), whether or not a film of a model number suitable for the product to be packaged is set before the operation is started. It is necessary to confirm. Conventionally, such a setup check operation has been performed by a user of a product processing apparatus visually checking a film or a cardboard box.

  However, when the setup confirmation work of the product processing apparatus is performed visually, the setup before the start of operation may not be performed correctly due to a work mistake. Therefore, automation of setup confirmation work is required.

  An object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus management system capable of automatically performing a setup confirmation operation before starting operation of a commodity processing apparatus.

  The apparatus management system which concerns on this invention manages the merchandise processing apparatus which performs the merchandise processing which covers goods with a packaging material. The apparatus management system includes an imaging unit, a reading unit, and a control unit. The photographing unit photographs the first unique symbol given to the packaging material and the second unique symbol given to the product processing apparatus. The reading unit reads the first unique symbol and the second unique symbol photographed by the photographing unit. The control unit manages the commodity processing apparatus based on the first read symbol that is the first unique symbol read by the reading unit and the second read symbol that is the second unique symbol read by the reading unit. The imaging unit captures the first unique symbol and the second unique symbol so that the first unique symbol and the second unique symbol fit on the same screen.

  This device management system reads the first unique symbol attached to the packaging material set in the product processing device and the second unique symbol attached to the product processing device, and reads the first and second Based on the unique symbol, it is determined whether the combination of the packaging material and the product processing apparatus is correct. Therefore, this device management system can automatically perform a setup check operation before starting operation.

  The device management system according to the present invention preferably further includes a storage unit that stores collation information including a combination of the first unique symbol and the second unique symbol. In this case, the control unit is given the second read symbol when the combination of the first read symbol and the second read symbol is included in the collation information stored in the storage unit. Permit product processing of the product processing device.

  In this case, the apparatus management system can automatically perform the setup confirmation work before starting the operation based on the correct combination of the first unique symbol and the second unique symbol stored in the storage unit.

  Moreover, it is preferable that the device management system according to the present invention further includes a registration unit for registering processing settings related to product processing of the product processing device. In this case, the storage unit stores collation information including a combination of the first unique symbol, the second unique symbol, and the processing setting. In addition, the control unit, when the combination of the first read symbol, the second read symbol, and the processing setting registered in the registration unit is included in the collation information stored in the storage unit The product processing of the product processing apparatus to which the second read symbol is assigned is permitted.

  In this case, the apparatus management system can automatically perform the setup confirmation work before starting the operation based on the correct combination of the first unique symbol, the second unique symbol, and the processing setting stored in the storage unit. .

  Moreover, it is preferable that a goods processing apparatus has a mechanism for locking a packaging material. In this case, the control unit further permits the product processing of the product processing device when the packaging material is locked.

  In this case, the device management system can prevent inappropriate use of the packaging material due to a change in the packaging material immediately before the start of the operation of the commodity processing apparatus.

  Further, it is preferable that the control unit prohibits the merchandise processing of the merchandise processing apparatus when the packaging material is unlocked after permitting the merchandise processing of the merchandise processing apparatus.

  In this case, the equipment management system shall prevent the use of inappropriate packaging materials when it is no longer guaranteed that the packaging materials set in the merchandise processing device are appropriate after the completion of the setup verification work. Can do.

  The reading unit preferably reads the first unique symbol from the first region in the screen and reads the second unique symbol from the second region in the screen.

  In this case, since the reading unit can read the first unique symbol and the second unique symbol at the same time, the device management system can efficiently perform the setup confirmation work before starting the operation.

  Moreover, it is preferable that the reading unit and the control unit are provided in a management device different from the product processing device.

  In this case, a personal computer or the like different from the product processing apparatus can be used as the apparatus having the reading unit and the control unit. Therefore, the functions of the reading unit and the control unit can be easily added to the conventional product processing apparatus.

  The management device is preferably connected to the product processing device via a network. In this case, the device management system further includes a transmission unit that transmits the first unique symbol and the second unique symbol captured by the imaging unit to the management device.

  In this case, a server or the like on the network can be used as the device having the reading unit and the control unit. Therefore, the functions of the reading unit and the control unit can be easily added to the conventional product processing apparatus.

  The device management system according to the present invention can automatically perform a setup confirmation operation before starting the operation of the product processing device.

It is a figure showing the whole structure of the apparatus management system 100 which is one Embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view of the bag making packaging machine 1 which is an example of the goods processing apparatus 102. FIG. 4 is an example of an authentication image P acquired using the imaging device 104. FIG. It is an example of the collation information memorize | stored in the memory | storage part. 4 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure of the device management system 100. It is a figure showing the whole structure of the apparatus management system 100 in the modification A. It is an example of the collation information memorize | stored in the memory | storage part 124 in the modification A. 14 is an example of a first imaging region R1 and a second imaging region R2 displayed on the display 104a of the imaging device 104 in Modification D. It is a figure showing the whole structure of the apparatus management system 200 in the modification F. 10 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure of the device management system 200 in Modification F.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The embodiment described below is one specific example of the present invention, and does not limit the technical scope of the present invention.

(1) Configuration of Device Management System The device management system according to the present invention manages a product processing device that performs product processing for covering a product with a packaging material. This device management system has a function of automating the setup confirmation work before starting the operation of the product processing device. The setup confirmation operation is an operation for confirming whether or not a type of packaging material suitable for the product to be processed is set in the product processing apparatus.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an overall configuration of an apparatus management system 100 according to the present embodiment. The apparatus management system 100 mainly includes a product processing apparatus 102, an imaging apparatus 104, and an analysis apparatus 106. The product processing apparatus 102, the imaging apparatus 104, and the analysis apparatus 106 are connected to each other by a wired or wireless connection via a network 108 such as a LAN. The device management system 100 may include a plurality of product processing devices 102, a plurality of imaging devices 104, and a plurality of analysis devices 106. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the apparatus management system 100 includes three product processing apparatuses 102, one photographing apparatus 104, and one analysis apparatus 106. . Each merchandise processing apparatus 102 is set with a packaging material 103 for covering merchandise to be merchandise processed.

(2) Merchandise processing apparatus The merchandise processing apparatus 102 is an apparatus that performs packaging or boxing of merchandise, for example. Next, a bag making and packaging machine as an example of the product processing apparatus 102 will be described. A bag making and packaging machine is an apparatus for packaging an article to be packaged such as food with a film and packing it.

  FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the bag making and packaging machine 1. The bag making and packaging machine 1 mainly includes a combination weighing unit 2, a bag making and packaging unit 3, a film supply unit 4, an operation switch 5, a liquid crystal display 6, and a control device (not shown). .

  The combination weighing unit 2 is disposed above the bag making and packaging unit 3. The combination weighing unit 2 measures the weight of an object to be packaged with a plurality of weighing hoppers, and combines the weight values measured by the respective weighing hoppers so as to be a predetermined total weight. The combination weighing unit 2 discharges the combined objects having a predetermined total weight downward and supplies them to the bag making and packaging unit 3.

  The bag making and packaging unit 3 forms the bag from the film supplied from the film supply unit 4 and seals the package in the bag in accordance with the timing when the package is supplied from the combination weighing unit 2. And wrap it.

  The film supply unit 4 is installed adjacent to the bag making and packaging unit 3 and supplies a film for forming a bag to the bag making and packaging unit 3. A film roll around which a film is wound is set in the film supply unit 4. The film supply unit 4 feeds the film from the film roll and supplies it to the bag making and packaging unit 3.

  The operation switch 5 and the liquid crystal display 6 are attached to the front surface of the bag making and packaging machine 1. The liquid crystal display 6 is a touch panel display disposed at a position where the operator of the operation switch 5 can visually recognize. The operation switch 5 and the liquid crystal display 6 function as an input device that receives instructions for the bag making and packaging machine 1 and settings related to the bag making and packaging machine 1. The liquid crystal display 6 functions as an output device that displays information related to the bag making and packaging machine 1.

  The control device is a computer mainly composed of a CPU, ROM, RAM, HDD (hard disk drive) and the like. An SSD (solid state drive) may be used instead of the HDD. The control device includes a display control circuit, an input circuit, a communication port, and the like not shown. The display control circuit is a circuit that controls display on the liquid crystal display 6. The input circuit is a circuit that captures input data input via the touch panel of the liquid crystal display 6 and the operation switch 5. The communication port is a port that enables connection with an external device such as a printer and the network 108.

  The control device is connected to the combination weighing unit 2, the bag making and packaging unit 3, the film supply unit 4, the operation switch 5, and the liquid crystal display 6. The control device controls the combination weighing unit 2, the bag making and packaging unit 3, and the film supply unit 4 based on inputs from the operation switch 5 and the liquid crystal display 6, and outputs various kinds of information to the liquid crystal display 6.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a first unique symbol 111 is assigned to the packaging material 103 used by the product processing apparatus 102 such as the bag making and packaging machine 1. The first unique symbol 111 is a symbol for uniquely identifying the type of the packaging material 103 used by the commodity processing apparatus 102. The first unique symbol 111 is, for example, a character string composed of alphanumeric characters, a barcode, and a two-dimensional code. In the present embodiment, the first unique symbol 111 is a product number, and is assumed to be a character string (ID number) made up of only seven numbers. The first unique symbol 111 may be directly printed on the packaging material 103, or a seal or the like on which the first unique symbol 111 is printed may be attached to the packaging material 103. When the product processing apparatus 102 is the bag making and packaging machine 1 shown in FIG. 2, the first unique symbol 111 is given to the film roll that is the packaging material 103 set in the film supply unit 4.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 1, each commodity processing apparatus 102 is given a second unique symbol 112. The second unique symbol 112 is a symbol for uniquely identifying the product processing apparatus 102. The second unique symbol 112 is, for example, a character string composed of alphanumeric characters, a barcode, and a two-dimensional code. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the second unique symbol 112 is a character string (ID number) composed of only 10 numbers. The second unique symbol 112 may be printed directly on the surface of the frame of the product processing apparatus 102, or a sticker or the like on which the second unique symbol 112 is printed may be attached to the surface of the frame of the product processing apparatus 102. . Each merchandise processing apparatus 102 stores its own second unique symbol 112.

(3) Imaging Device The imaging device 104 has a camera or the like for taking an image. In the present embodiment, the photographing apparatus 104 is assumed to be a smartphone with a camera or a smart glass with a camera. The photographing apparatus 104 is connected to the network 108 by wireless. The imaging device 104 has a function of transmitting a captured image to the analysis device 106. The imaging device 104 mainly includes an imaging unit 121 and a transmission unit 122. These are programs that are stored in the storage device of the photographing apparatus 104 and executed.

  The photographing unit 121 is software or the like for photographing an image with a camera attached to the photographing device 104. The photographing unit 121 is used for photographing the first unique symbol 111 and the second unique symbol 112. In order to use the function of automating the setup confirmation work of the device management system 100, the user of the product processing apparatus 102 uses the photographing unit 121 and the first unique symbol 111 and the second unique symbol 112 are the same. The first unique symbol 111 and the second unique symbol 112 need to be photographed so as to fit on the screen. In other words, the user needs to operate the photographing apparatus 104 to acquire an authentication image in which both the first unique symbol 111 and the second unique symbol 112 are reflected. For this reason, the first unique symbol 111 and the second unique symbol 112 are provided at positions where the user can easily obtain an authentication image using the imaging device 104. For example, the second unique symbol 112 is provided on the surface of the frame located in the vicinity of the packaging material 103 set in the commodity processing apparatus 102. FIG. 3 is an example of an authentication image P acquired using the imaging device 104. A character string “1110123” representing the first unique symbol 111 attached to the packaging material 103 is shown on the right side of the authentication image P shown in FIG. 3. On the left side of the authentication image in FIG. 3, a character string “1209987654” representing the second unique symbol 112 attached to the product processing apparatus 102 is shown.

  The transmission unit 122 is a dedicated application installed in the image capturing apparatus 104. The transmission unit 122 is used to transmit the authentication image acquired by the user using the function of the imaging unit 121 to the analysis device 106. The transmission unit 122 may automatically transmit the authentication image simultaneously with acquisition, or may transmit the authentication image according to a user instruction.

(4) Analysis Device The analysis device 106 is a personal computer (server) connected to each product processing device 102 via a LAN cable, for example. The analysis device 106 mainly includes a reading unit 123, a storage unit 124, and a control unit 125. These are programs stored in the storage device of the analysis device 106 and executed.

  The reading unit 123 analyzes the authentication image received from the transmission unit 122 of the photographing apparatus 104 and reads the first unique symbol 111 and the second unique symbol 112. Specifically, the reading unit 123 automatically identifies the first and second unique symbols 111 and 112 included in the authentication image using optical character recognition (OCR) technology, and first and second Each of the two unique symbols 111 and 112 is converted into a corresponding character code string. Thereby, the analysis apparatus 106 can computer-process the 1st intrinsic | native symbol 111 attached | subjected to the packaging material 103, and the 2nd intrinsic | native symbol 112 attached | subjected to the merchandise processing apparatus 102. FIG. Hereinafter, the first unique symbol 111 read by the reading unit 123 is referred to as a first read symbol, and the second unique symbol 112 read by the reading unit 123 is referred to as a second read symbol. The reading unit 123 acquires the first and second read symbols from the authentication image.

  The storage unit 124 stores collation information including a combination of the first unique symbol 111 and the second unique symbol 112. Specifically, the collation information is a database including a record in which the first unique symbol 111 and the second unique symbol 112 are linked. The user of the device management system 100 registers the collation information in the analysis device 106 in advance and saves it in the storage unit 124. FIG. 4 is an example of collation information stored in the storage unit 124. In the table of FIG. 4, the right column represents the first unique symbol 111, and the left column represents the second unique symbol 112. The first unique symbol 111 and the second unique symbol 112 included in the same row are associated with each other. For example, the first unique symbol 111 “1110123” is linked to the second unique symbol 112 “1120987654”. This is because the packaging material 103 to which the first unique symbol 111 “1110123” is attached is set in the product processing apparatus 102 to which the second unique symbol 112 “11209987654” is attached. It means that the packaging material 103 of a type suitable for a certain product is set in the product processing apparatus 102.

  The control unit 125 permits or prohibits the start of operation of the commodity processing apparatus 102 based on the first read symbol and the second read symbol. Specifically, the control unit 125 determines whether or not the combination of the first read symbol and the second read symbol acquired by the reading unit 123 from the authentication image is included in the collation information in the storage unit 124. judge. When the combination of the first read symbol and the second read symbol is included in the collation information, the control unit 125 permits the product processing device 102 to start operation. On the other hand, when the combination of the first read symbol and the second read symbol is not included in the collation information, the control unit 125 prohibits the product processing device 102 from starting operation. When the control unit 125 permits the product processing apparatus 102 to start operation, the user can start the operation of the product processing apparatus 102. For example, when the product processing apparatus 102 is the bag making and packaging machine 1 shown in FIG. 2, the user can start the bag making and packaging machine 1 by pressing an operation start button included in the operation switch 5.

(5) Operation of Device Management System Next, the operation procedure of the device management system 100 will be described. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure of the apparatus management system 100. Steps S <b> 1 to S <b> 3 can be executed in any order with respect to advance preparation. Steps S4 to S8 relate to setup confirmation work. It is assumed that the operation start of the commodity processing apparatus 102 is prohibited at the start of the process of FIG. A first unique symbol 111 is given in advance to the packaging material 103 set in the commodity processing apparatus 102.

  In step S <b> 1, an ID number representing the second unique symbol 112 is registered in each product processing device 102 of the device management system 100. In step S <b> 1, for example, the user of the device management system 100 operates each product processing device 102 to register an appropriate ID number in the control device of each product processing device 102.

  In step S <b> 2, a second unique symbol 112 is assigned to each product processing device 102 of the device management system 100. In step S <b> 2, for example, the user of the apparatus management system 100 affixes a seal or the like on which the second unique symbol 112 is printed to the frame of the commodity processing apparatus 102. However, the user may directly enter or print the second unique symbol 112 on the frame of the commodity processing apparatus 102.

  In step S <b> 3, verification information is registered in the analysis device 106. In step S3, for example, the user of the device management system 100 operates the analysis device 106 to analyze the collation information including the combination of the first unique symbol 111 and the second unique symbol 112 as shown in FIG. The data is stored in the storage unit 124 of the device 106.

  In step S <b> 4, an authentication image is acquired using the imaging device 104. Specifically, the user of the product processing apparatus 102 operates the photographing apparatus 104 to acquire an authentication image in which both the first unique symbol 111 and the second unique symbol 112 are reflected.

  In step S <b> 5, the authentication image acquired in step S <b> 4 is transmitted to the analysis device 106. The imaging device 104 may automatically transmit the authentication image.

  In step S6, the analysis device 106 analyzes the authentication image and obtains the first read symbol and the second read symbol. The first and second read symbols are character string data representing the first and second unique symbols 111 and 112, respectively.

  In step S7, the analysis device 106 determines whether or not the combination of the first read symbol and the second read symbol acquired in step S6 is included in the collation information stored in the storage unit 124. Process. In the authentication process, when the combination is included in the verification information, the authentication result is OK. When the combination is not included, the authentication result is NG. The analysis device 106 transmits the authentication result to the product processing device 102. The product processing apparatus 102 that is the transmission destination of the authentication result is the product processing apparatus 102 to which the second unique symbol 112 corresponding to the second read symbol used in the authentication processing is attached. That is, the analysis device 106 transmits the authentication result to the product processing device 102 in which the second unique symbol 112 has been photographed by the photographing device 104. The analysis device 106 permits or prohibits the start of operation of the product processing device 102 by the authentication process.

  In step S <b> 8, the merchandise processing device 102 performs a determination process on the authentication result received from the analysis device 106. If the authentication result is OK in step S8, the operation start of the commodity processing apparatus 102 is permitted in step S9. Specifically, the merchandise processing apparatus 102 is in a state where the user can press its own operation start button or the like. Thereafter, the device management system 100 ends the setup confirmation work. On the other hand, if the authentication result is NG in step S8, the apparatus management system 100 ends the setup confirmation work while the start of operation of the merchandise processing apparatus 102 is prohibited.

  In addition, when performing the setup confirmation work by the apparatus management system 100 again, steps S1 to S3 relating to the advance preparation can be omitted. However, when updating the collation information registered in the analysis device 106, it is necessary to re-execute only step S3.

(6) Features In the present embodiment, the user of the device management system 100 uses the photographing device 104 and the first unique symbol 111 attached to the packaging material 103 set in the product processing device 102, and the product The second unique symbol 112 attached to the processing device 102 is simultaneously photographed to obtain an authentication image. The analysis device 106 performs a setup confirmation work before starting the operation of the product processing device 102 based on the first and second read symbols that are the first and second unique symbols 111 and 112 read from the authentication image. Specifically, when the combination of the first read symbol and the second read symbol is registered in the analysis device 106, the analysis device 106 applies to the product processing device 102 to which the second read symbol is attached. It is determined that an appropriate packaging material 103 is set. In this case, based on the determination result of the analysis device 106, the merchandise processing device 102 puts its own operation start button or the like into a state where the user can press it. Therefore, the apparatus management system 100 can automatically perform the setup confirmation work before starting the operation of the commodity processing apparatus 102.

  In addition, the user of the device management system 100 can acquire an authentication image by photographing the first unique symbol 111 and the second unique symbol 112 using the photographing device 104 so as to fit on the same screen. . Therefore, the apparatus management system 100 can efficiently perform the setup confirmation work before starting the operation of the commodity processing apparatus 102.

  In addition, the user of the device management system 100 uses the photographing device 104 and the analysis device 106, which are devices not originally attached to the product processing device 102, to perform setup confirmation work before starting the operation of the product processing device 102. Can do. Therefore, the function of automating the setup confirmation work can be easily added to the configuration of the conventional product processing apparatus 102 simply by adding the photographing apparatus 104 and the analysis apparatus 106.

(7) Modifications Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, at least one of the modifications described below can be applied to the present invention.

(7-1) Modification A
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating the overall configuration of the device management system 100 in the present modification. As shown in FIG. 6, each commodity processing apparatus 102 may further include a registration unit 126. The registration unit 126 is a program for registering processing settings that are settings related to product processing of the product processing apparatus 102. The processing setting is, for example, a setting relating to the type of product that is the target of product processing by the product processing apparatus 102 and the capability of product processing by the product processing apparatus 102. The process setting registered in the product processing apparatus 102 is a process setting currently used by the product processing apparatus 102.

  In this modification, the storage unit 124 uniquely identifies the first unique symbol 111 given to the packaging material 103, the second unique symbol 112 given to the product processing apparatus 102, and the processing setting. The collation information associated with the reservation number 113 is stored. FIG. 7 is an example of the collation information stored in the storage unit 124 of this modification. In the table of FIG. 7, the right column represents the first unique symbol 111, the middle column represents the second unique symbol 112, and the left column represents the reservation number 113. In FIG. 7, the reservation number 113 is represented by an ID number composed of four numbers.

  When the user of the apparatus management system 100 captures an image for authentication using the image capturing apparatus 104 and transmits it to the analysis apparatus 106, the user corresponds to the processing setting registered in the product processing apparatus 102 that captured the authentication image. The reservation number 113 to be transmitted is also transmitted to the analysis device 106. The analysis device 106 receives the authentication image and the reservation number 113 from the imaging device 104. The analysis device 106 acquires the first and second read symbols from the received authentication image. The analysis device 106 uses the product of the product processing device 102 to which the second read symbol is attached when the combination of the first read symbol, the second read symbol, and the reservation number 113 is included in the collation information. Allow processing.

  In this modification, when performing the setup confirmation work, in addition to the authentication processing of the analysis device 106 in the embodiment, the verification processing of the processing settings registered in the product processing device 102 is further performed. Therefore, when the combination of the first read symbol and the second read symbol is appropriate, but the processing setting registered in the product processing device 102 is not appropriate, the analysis device 106 sets the authentication result as NG and performs product processing. The start of operation of the device 102 is prohibited. This prevents the merchandise processing apparatus 102 from starting merchandise processing while an inappropriate process setting is registered in the merchandise processing apparatus 102.

(7-2) Modification B
In the device management system 100, the product processing device 102 may further include a mechanism for locking the packaging material 103. When the packaging material 103 is locked, the packaging material 103 set in the product processing apparatus 102 cannot be removed. Therefore, when the packaging material 103 is locked, the packaging material 103 set in the product processing apparatus 102 cannot be replaced with another type of packaging material 103. While the product processing apparatus 102 is not performing product processing, the packaging material 103 can be unlocked.

  In this modification, the control unit 125 of the analysis device 106 may permit the product processing of the product processing device 102 when the authentication result is OK and the packaging material 103 is locked. In other words, even if the authentication result is OK, the control unit 125 does not permit the product processing of the product processing apparatus 102 when the packaging material 103 is not locked. When the packaging material 103 is not locked, the packaging material 103 set in the product processing device 102 can be replaced with another type of packaging material 103 even if the authentication result by the analysis device 106 is OK. . When the packaging material 103 is replaced, the product processing apparatus 102 may not be able to appropriately perform product processing. Therefore, the device management system 100 of the present modification can prevent the use of an inappropriate packaging material 103 set in the product processing device 102.

  Moreover, in this modification, even if the authentication result is OK, the control unit 125 of the analysis device 106 invalidates the authentication result and cancels the product processing of the product processing device 102 when the packaging material 103 is unlocked. It is preferable not to allow. This is because even if the authentication result is OK, if the lock of the packaging material 103 is released, the authentication result may be unreliable, so the user of the product processing apparatus 102 can execute step S4 in FIG. This is because the subsequent setup confirmation work needs to be executed again. Therefore, the device management system 100 according to the present modified example is not suitable when the packaging material 103 set in the product processing device 102 is not guaranteed to be suitable after the setup confirmation work is completed. Can be prevented.

  In the present modification, the control unit 125 of the analysis apparatus 106 is configured so that the power of the product processing apparatus 102 is turned on again or the processing setting registered in the product processing apparatus 102 (modified) even if the authentication result is OK. Even when the reservation number 113) of Example A is changed, it is preferable that the authentication result is invalidated and the product processing of the product processing apparatus 102 is not permitted. This is because the authentication result may not be reliable even in these cases.

(7-3) Modification C
In the device management system 100 of the embodiment, the analysis device 106 analyzes the authentication image and acquires the first read symbol and the second read symbol. Thereafter, the analysis apparatus 106 performs an authentication process for determining whether or not the combination of the first read symbol and the second read symbol is included in the collation information in the storage unit 124.

  At this time, the analysis device 106 invalidates the authentication result when the time at which the first read symbol and the second read symbol are acquired and the time at which the authentication processing is performed are more than a predetermined period. Therefore, it is preferable not to permit the product processing of the product processing apparatus 102. As a result, unauthorized authentication processing due to falsification of the first read symbol and the second read symbol can be prevented.

(7-4) Modification D
In the apparatus management system 100, the imaging apparatus 104 may have a function of performing navigation so that the first and second unique symbols 111 and 112 are within a predetermined area of the authentication image. For example, when the photographing device 104 is a smartphone, the display of the photographing device 104 displays a first photographing region for accommodating the first unique symbol 111 and a second photographing region for accommodating the second unique symbol 112. Also good. FIG. 8 is an example of the first imaging region R1 and the second imaging region R2 displayed on the display 104a of the imaging device 104 that is a smartphone. The display 104a shown in FIG. 8 displays an instruction for the operator of the photographing apparatus 104. The first photographing region R1 and the second photographing region R2 are rectangular regions that are part of the entire authentication image, and do not overlap each other. In FIG. 8, the first shooting area R1 is a rectangular area located on the right side of the screen of the display 104a, and the second shooting area R2 is a rectangular area located on the left side of the screen of the display 104a. Further, when the photographing device 104 is a smart glass, for example, the first photographing region and the second photographing region may be displayed on the transmissive display using an augmented reality (AR) function.

  In this modification, when analyzing the authentication image, the analysis device 106 analyzes only the image in the first imaging region to obtain the first read symbol instead of analyzing the entire authentication image, In addition, the second read symbol can be obtained by analyzing only the image in the second imaging region. Therefore, in the present modification, the analysis speed of the authentication image by the analysis device 106 is improved, so that the time required for the setup confirmation work can be shortened.

(7-5) Modification E
In the embodiment, as an example of the product processing apparatus 102, the bag making and packaging machine 1 for packaging an object to be packaged such as food with a film and bagging it has been described. However, the product processing apparatus 102 may be an apparatus other than the bag making and packaging machine 1. For example, the product processing device 102 may be a boxing device for packing a bag in which food is packaged in a cardboard box. In this case, the first unique symbol 111 is attached to the cardboard box that is the packaging material 103.

(7-6) Modification F
In the apparatus management system 100 of the embodiment, the reading unit 123 of the analysis apparatus 106 analyzes the authentication image acquired by the imaging apparatus 104 and acquires first and second read symbols. Then, the control unit 125 of the analysis device 106 includes the combination of the first read symbol and the second read symbol acquired from the authentication image included in the collation information stored in the storage unit 124 of the analysis device 106. Authentication processing is performed to determine whether or not That is, the analysis device 106 includes a reading unit 123, a storage unit 124, and a control unit 125.

  However, the analysis device 106 may not include all of the reading unit 123, the storage unit 124, and the control unit 125. In this case, a part of the reading unit 123, the storage unit 124, and the control unit 125 may be incorporated in another device.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an overall configuration of an apparatus management system 200 according to the present modification. The apparatus management system 200 mainly includes three commodity processing apparatuses 202, one photographing apparatus 204, and one analyzing apparatus 206. The merchandise processing apparatus 202, the imaging apparatus 204, and the analysis apparatus 206 are connected to each other by a wired or wireless connection via a network 208 such as a LAN. The main difference between FIG. 9 and FIG. 1 regarding the embodiment is that the analysis device 206 includes only the reading unit 123, and the commodity processing device 202 includes the storage unit 124 and the control unit 125. In this modification, the basic functions of the packaging material 103, the first unique symbol 111, the second unique symbol 112, the photographing unit 121, the transmission unit 122, the reading unit 123, the storage unit 124, and the control unit 125 are implemented. The form is the same.

  Next, an operation procedure of the device management system 200 will be described. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure of the apparatus management system 200. Steps S11 to S13 can be executed in any order with respect to advance preparation. Steps S14 to S18 relate to setup confirmation work. It is assumed that the operation start of the commodity processing apparatus 202 is prohibited at the start of the process of FIG. Further, a first unique symbol 111 is given in advance to the packaging material 103 set in the commodity processing apparatus 202. The imaging device 204 is a portable device with a display such as a smartphone. In this modification, the smart glass is not used as the photographing device 204.

  In step S <b> 11, an ID number representing the second unique symbol 112 is registered in each product processing device 202 of the device management system 200. In step S <b> 11, for example, the user of the device management system 200 operates each product processing device 202 to register an appropriate ID number in the control device of each product processing device 202.

  In step S <b> 12, the second unique symbol 112 is assigned to each product processing device 202 of the device management system 200. In step S <b> 12, for example, the user of the apparatus management system 200 affixes a sticker or the like on which the second unique symbol 112 is printed to the frame of the commodity processing apparatus 202. However, the user may directly enter or print the second unique symbol 112 on the frame of the commodity processing apparatus 202.

  In step S <b> 13, verification information is registered in the product processing apparatus 202. In step S13, for example, the user of the device management system 200 operates the product processing device 202 to obtain collation information including a combination of the first unique symbol 111 and the second unique symbol 112 as shown in FIG. The information is stored in the control device of the product processing apparatus 202.

  In step S <b> 14, an authentication image is acquired using the imaging device 204. Specifically, the user of the product processing apparatus 202 operates the photographing apparatus 204 to acquire an authentication image in which both the first unique symbol 111 and the second unique symbol 112 are reflected.

  In step S15, the authentication image acquired in step S14 is transmitted to the analysis device 206. The imaging device 204 may automatically transmit the authentication image.

  In step S <b> 16, the reading unit 123 of the analysis device 206 analyzes the authentication image and acquires the first read symbol and the second read symbol. The first and second read symbols are character string data representing the first and second unique symbols 111 and 112, respectively.

  In step S <b> 17, the analysis device 206 transmits the first and second read symbols to the imaging device 204. The analysis device 206 may automatically transmit the first and second read symbols.

  In step S <b> 18, the imaging device 204 displays the first and second read symbols received from the analysis device 206 as barcodes on the display of the imaging device 204.

  In step S <b> 19, the user of the apparatus management system 200 reads the barcode displayed on the display of the photographing apparatus 204 with a barcode scanner attached to the product processing apparatus 202. The product processing device 202 that reads the barcode is the product processing device 202 to which the second unique symbol 112 photographed by the user using the photographing device 204 is attached. Thereby, the merchandise processing apparatus 202 can acquire the first and second read symbols acquired by the analysis apparatus 206 via the photographing apparatus 204.

  In step S <b> 20, the control unit 125 of the product processing device 202 matches the combination of the first read symbol and the second read symbol acquired in step S <b> 19 stored in the storage unit 124 of the product processing device 202. Authentication processing is performed to determine whether or not it is included. In the authentication process, when the combination is included in the verification information, the authentication result is OK. When the combination is not included, the authentication result is NG.

  In step S21, the merchandise processing device 202 performs an authentication result determination process. If the authentication result is OK in step S21, the operation start of the commodity processing apparatus 202 is permitted in step S22. Specifically, the merchandise processing apparatus 202 puts a state in which the user can press its own operation start button and the like. Thereafter, the device management system 200 ends the setup confirmation work. On the other hand, if the authentication result is NG in step S21, the apparatus management system 200 ends the setup confirmation work while the start of operation of the merchandise processing apparatus 202 is prohibited.

  As described above, in the device management system 200, the analysis device 206 only analyzes the authentication image acquired by the imaging device 204. The analysis device 206 transmits the analysis result to the imaging device 204, and the product processing device 202 performs authentication processing based on the analysis result acquired via the imaging device 204. Therefore, as the analysis device 206, a device that only analyzes the authentication image and an external service can be used. For example, in the device management system 200, an external OCR analysis service can be used as the analysis device 206. In this case, it is not necessary to prepare the analysis device 206.

  In this modification, in step S <b> 18, the imaging device 204 may display the first and second read symbols received from the analysis device 206 as a two-dimensional code on the display of the imaging device 204. In this case, in step S <b> 19, the user of the apparatus management system 200 reads the two-dimensional code displayed on the display of the photographing apparatus 204 with a dedicated scanner attached to the product processing apparatus 202.

  The apparatus management system according to the present invention is useful because it can automatically perform the setup confirmation work before starting the operation of the commodity processing apparatus.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Device management system 102 Product processing apparatus 103 Packaging material 106 Analysis apparatus (management apparatus)
108 Network 111 First Unique Symbol 112 Second Unique Symbol 121 Imaging Unit 122 Transmitter 123 Reading Unit 124 Storage Unit 125 Control Unit 126 Registration Unit

JP 2006-36246 A

Claims (8)

A system for managing a product processing apparatus that performs product processing for covering a product with a packaging material,
A photographing unit for photographing the first unique symbol given to the packaging material and the second unique symbol given to the product processing device;
A reading unit for reading the first unique symbol and the second unique symbol taken by the photographing unit;
The product processing apparatus is managed based on a first read symbol that is the first unique symbol read by the reading unit and a second read symbol that is the second unique symbol read by the reading unit. A control unit;
With
The imaging unit captures the first unique symbol and the second unique symbol so that the first unique symbol and the second unique symbol fit on the same screen;
Device management system. A storage unit that stores collation information including a combination of the first unique symbol and the second unique symbol;
The control unit assigns the second read symbol when the combination of the first read symbol and the second read symbol is included in the collation information stored in the storage unit. Permit the product processing of the product processing device being
The apparatus management system according to claim 1. A registration unit for registering processing settings related to the product processing of the product processing apparatus;
The storage unit stores the collation information including a combination of the first unique symbol, the second unique symbol, and the processing setting,
The control unit includes a combination of the first read symbol, the second read symbol, and the processing setting registered in the registration unit in the collation information stored in the storage unit The product processing device of the product processing device to which the second read symbol is assigned is permitted,
The apparatus management system according to claim 2. The commodity processing apparatus has a mechanism for locking the packaging material,
The control unit further permits the product processing of the product processing device when the packaging material is locked,
The device management system according to claim 2 or 3. The control unit further prohibits the product processing of the product processing device when the packaging material is unlocked after allowing the product processing of the product processing device.
The apparatus management system according to claim 4. The reading unit reads the first unique symbol from a first region in the screen, and reads the second unique symbol from a second region in the screen;
The device management system according to any one of claims 1 to 5. The reading unit and the control unit are provided in a management device different from the product processing device,
The device management system according to any one of claims 1 to 6. The management device is connected to the product processing device via a network,
A transmission unit for transmitting the first unique symbol and the second unique symbol photographed by the photographing unit to the management device;
The device management system according to claim 7.

Images