JP5067470B2 - Parts assembly work support system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a system that supports an assembly operation for a product composed of a plurality of parts, and in particular, uses an IC tag attached to each part to guide the correct combination of parts during the assembly operation. Related to the system.

  Many industrial products sold in the market are composed of a combination of a plurality of parts, many of which are assembled at the factory of the product manufacturer. However, there are many products that need to be assembled after they are shipped in the form of parts from the factory and reach the consumer. For example, in the case of furniture such as bookshelves and cabinets, the volume increases in the assembled state. For convenience of transportation, the furniture is shipped as parts from the factory and assembled after reaching the consumer. Many products are based on this assumption.

  In this way, a consumer who has purchased a product that needs to be assembled after delivery must perform assembly work by himself / herself after the product arrives. A department store or the like may provide a service for assembling at the time of delivery. In this case as well, there is no change in that the delivery clerk performs the assembling work at the delivery destination. In this way, for products that require assembly work after purchase, assembly instructions with drawings are usually included, so consumers who have purchased the products, department store delivery staff, etc. Assembly work will be done while reading the book. However, in the case where the assembly work for the product is performed for the first time, it is difficult to perform a smooth work, and in some cases, an incorrect assembly may be performed.

  In consideration of such points, various considerations for supporting the assembly work of parts have been proposed. For example, for a product with a complicated assembly procedure, a support measure such as attaching a videotape showing a work procedure may be taken. Patent Document 1 below discloses a technique for presenting an assembly procedure as a moving image using a personal computer.

JP 2004-334510 A

  As described above, if the assembly procedure is presented using a drawing or a moving image, the operator can visually grasp the overall work procedure. However, when assembling a product including a plurality of parts having similar shapes to each other, even if a part is confirmed while looking at a drawing or a moving image, a mistake that is mistaken for another part tends to occur.

  For example, bookshelves and cabinets contain the same plate-shaped parts made of the same material, and there are slight differences between the two, such as for the right side and for the left side. There are many cases that are difficult to do. Such differences are difficult to fully explain even using drawings and moving images, and parts are likely to be mixed during work. In many cases, there are a plurality of combinations of connection positions such as which side of the two plate-like components are connected to each other, and an error such as connection to an incorrect location is likely to occur.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a part assembly work support system capable of performing guidance such that correct parts are combined during assembly work.

  <Notes on divisional application>
  This application is a divisional application whose original application is Japanese Patent Application No. 2005-081071. Each of the first to twelfth aspects of the present invention described below is the invention described in the original application, but the invention directly corresponding to the divisional application is only the ninth to twelfth aspects. It is.

(1) According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an assembly work support system for parts that supports assembly work for a product composed of a plurality of parts.
Assembly instructions explaining the procedure of assembly work, IC tags for parts attached to individual parts, IC tags for instructions attached in relation to the description location of each part in the assembly instructions, and parts A component confirmation device having a function of reading the recorded contents of the IC tag and the IC tag for the manual is prepared.
In the component IC tag, a component code specific to the component to which the tag is attached is recorded,
In the IC tag for instructions, a part code specific to the part described in relation to the tag is recorded,
The component confirmation device determines whether or not the component code read from the component IC tag and the component code read from the manual IC tag match, and notifies the assembly operator of the result. It is designed to have a function.

(2) According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the component assembly work support system according to the first aspect described above,
A plurality of assembly procedures are described in the assembly instructions, and for each assembly procedure, an instruction IC tag in which a part code for a part used in the assembly procedure is recorded is attached.
The component confirmation device is provided with a function for determining whether or not a component code read from the component IC tag matches any of the component codes read from the instruction IC tag.

(3) A third aspect of the present invention is an assembly work support system for parts that supports assembly work for a product made up of a plurality of parts.
Assembly instructions explaining the procedure of assembly work, IC tags for parts attached to individual parts, IC tags for instructions attached in relation to the description location of each part in the assembly instructions, and parts A component confirmation device having a function of reading the recorded contents of the IC tag and the IC tag for the manual is prepared.
In the assembly manual, individual parts used in the assembly work are described in a predetermined order according to the procedure of the assembly work.
In the component IC tag, a component code specific to the component to which the tag is attached is recorded,
In the IC tag for instructions, a part code specific to the part described in relation to the tag is recorded,
The component confirmation apparatus has a function of storing the component codes read from the plurality of instruction IC tags in the storage unit according to the reading order, and the reading order of the component codes read from the component IC tag is the storage unit. It is determined whether or not the reading order of the component codes stored in the table matches, and a function for notifying the assembly operator of the result is provided.

(4) According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a part assembly work support system for supporting assembly work for a product composed of a plurality of parts.
Assembly instructions explaining the procedure of assembly work, IC tags for parts attached to individual parts, IC tags for instructions attached to assembly instructions, IC tags for parts and IC tags for instructions Prepare a parts confirmation device with a function to read the recorded contents,
In the assembly manual, individual parts used in the assembly work are described in a predetermined order according to the procedure of the assembly work.
In the component IC tag, a component code specific to the component to which the tag is attached is recorded,
In the IC tag for instructions, a part code unique to each part used in the assembly work is recorded in a predetermined order.
The component confirmation device has a function of storing the component codes read from the IC tag for instructions in the storage unit in the predetermined order, and the reading order of the component codes read from the IC tag for components is stored in the storage unit. In this case, it is determined whether or not the reading order of the component codes matches, and a function of notifying the result to the assembly operator is provided.

(5) According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the component assembly work support system according to the first to fourth aspects described above,
Instead of providing a manual IC tag in the assembly manual, print a barcode to record the part code.
Instead of reading the recorded content of the manual IC tag, the component confirmation device can read the recorded content of the barcode to read the component code.

(6) A sixth aspect of the present invention is an assembly work support system for parts that supports assembly work for a product composed of a plurality of parts.
A component IC tag attached to each component and a component confirmation device having a function of reading the recorded contents of the component IC tag are prepared.
In the component IC tag, a component code specific to the component to which the tag is attached is recorded,
In the parts confirmation device,
A support data capturing function that captures support data including a message indicating each of a plurality of assembly procedures for a specific product and a part code unique to the part used in each assembly procedure;
An assembly procedure presentation function for presenting a message indicating a specific assembly procedure;
When a specific part code is read from the IC tag for parts, by referring to the support data, the specific part code is used in the specific assembly procedure currently presented by the assembly procedure presentation function. A determination notification function for determining whether or not it matches any of the unique component codes and notifying the assembly operator of the result,
It is made to have.

(7) A seventh aspect of the present invention is an assembly work support system for parts that supports assembly work for a product composed of a plurality of parts.
A component IC tag attached to each component and a component confirmation device having a function of reading the recorded contents of the component IC tag are prepared.
In the component IC tag, a component code specific to the component to which the tag is attached is recorded,
In the parts confirmation device,
A support data fetching function for fetching support data including part names of individual parts used for assembly work for a specific product and part codes specific to these individual parts;
A part name presentation function for presenting a specific part name,
When a specific part code is read from the IC tag for parts, the specific part code matches the part code unique to the part currently displayed by the part name presentation function by referring to the support data. A determination notification function for determining whether or not to notify the assembly operator of the result,
It is made to have.

(8) According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in an assembly work support system for parts that supports assembly work for a product composed of a plurality of parts,
A component IC tag attached to each component and a component confirmation device having a function of reading the recorded contents of the component IC tag are prepared.
In the component IC tag, a component code specific to the component to which the tag is attached is recorded,
In the parts confirmation device,
Support data import that captures support data including a code table that contains part codes specific to individual parts used in assembly work for a specific product, and a program for checking parts using this code table Function and
In accordance with the program, an instruction message presenting function for presenting an instruction message for prompting a reading operation for the IC tag for a component attached to a specific component;
Based on the instruction message, when a specific part code is read from the specific part IC tag, according to the program, whether the specific part code matches a predetermined part code in the code table. A determination notification function for determining and informing the assembly operator of the result;
It is made to have.

(9) According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a component assembly operation support system including a plurality of IC tags attached to individual components in order to support an assembly operation for a product including a plurality of components. ,
When the specific part of the first component and the specific part of the second part are brought into close proximity by performing correct assembly work, the first IC tag attached to the specific part of the first component , Prepare a second IC tag attached to a specific part of the second part as a correct counterpart to each other ,
Each of the first IC tag and the second IC tag has a function of wirelessly communicating with another IC tag existing in a predetermined communication range.
In the second IC tag, a self-code is recorded and a function of transmitting the self-code to the IC tag that has entered the communication range is provided.
In the first IC tag, the self-code of the second IC tag is recorded as a correct partner code, and whether or not the code transmitted from the IC tag entering the communication range matches the correct partner code. Based on the above, it is determined whether or not the IC tag of the other party of the wireless communication is the correct other party , and has a function of notifying the result to the assembly operator ,
When correct assembly work is performed for multiple parts, it is possible to wirelessly communicate with the correct IC tag of the other party, and so that it is in a range that is out of the wireless communication range for another IC tag. The communication range is set.

(10) According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the component assembly work support system according to the ninth aspect described above,
The first IC tag has a function of recording a self-code and transmitting the self-code to the IC tag that has entered the communication range,
In the second IC tag , the self-code of the first IC tag is recorded as a correct partner code, and whether or not the code transmitted from the IC tag entering the communication range matches the correct partner code. Based on this, it is determined whether or not the IC tag of the other party of the radio communication is the correct other party , and a function for notifying the assembly operator of the result is provided.

(11) According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, in the component assembly work support system according to the ninth or tenth aspect described above,
The IC tag has a function of notifying the assembly operator of the determination result by emitting sound or light.

(12) According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, in the component assembly work support system according to the ninth or tenth aspect described above,
A management device having a function of wirelessly communicating with each IC tag is prepared, and this management device has a function of receiving a determination result from each IC tag and notifying an assembly worker of the received determination result. It is.

  According to the parts assembly work support system of the present invention, an IC tag is attached to each part, and the information recorded on the IC tag is read to check each part. Guidance can be made such that parts are combined.

1 is a block diagram showing a basic configuration of a part assembly work support system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram which shows the basic composition of the assembly work assistance system of the parts which concern on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the basic composition of the assembly work assistance system of the parts which concern on the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the basic composition of the assembly work assistance system of the parts which concern on the 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the basic composition of the assembly work assistance system of the parts which concern on the 6th Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the basic composition of the assembly work assistance system of the parts which concern on the 7th Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the basic composition of the assembly work assistance system of the parts which concern on the 8th Embodiment of this invention. It is a front view which shows the basic composition of the assembly work assistance system of the parts which concern on the 9th Embodiment of this invention. It is a table | surface which shows the self code and the correct other party code which are previously memorize | stored in each of the eight IC tags shown by FIG.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described based on the illustrated embodiments. As described above, this application is a divisional application based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2005-081071. The embodiments described below are all the embodiments described in the original application, but the embodiment directly corresponding to the divisional application is only the ninth embodiment described in §9.

<<< §1. First Embodiment >>>
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a basic configuration of a part assembly work support system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. This support system is a system for supporting assembly work for a product made up of a plurality of parts. Here, for convenience of explanation, it is assumed that one product is assembled by using the seven parts A to G shown by hatching in the upper left of the figure (hatching is for distinguishing parts). Does not show a cross section). In the example shown in the drawing, the four parts A to D seem to be the same parts at first glance. However, in reality, they are different in fine parts, and are not interchangeable. Similarly, the two parts E and F look the same at first glance, but are not commutative.

  In the first embodiment, the assembly manual 100 describing the procedure of the assembly work is an essential component. In the illustrated example, the assembly manual 100 is composed of a three-page document. On the first page, as illustrated, an assembly procedure “procedure 1: assembling the base” is illustrated with illustrations. Specifically, a procedure is shown in which three parts A, B, and E are assembled together to form a pedestal. Although not shown, procedure 2 is explained on the second page, and procedure 3 is explained on the third page. Of course, the assembly manual 100 does not necessarily have to be provided as such a document consisting of a plurality of sheets, and may be in a form in which a large sheet of paper is folded, or a part of a product packaging box (for example, It is also possible to use the cardboard lid part) as it is as an assembly manual.

  A feature of this embodiment is that an IC tag having a wireless communication function is attached to each of the parts A to G and the assembly manual 100. In the present application, this IC tag is illustrated by a black square. As shown in the figure, IC tags Ta to Tg for parts are attached to the parts A to G, respectively, and IC tags TTa to TTg for instructions are attached to the assembly manual 100 (IC tag TTc). Etc. are not shown in FIG. 1 since they are attached to the second and subsequent pages of the assembly manual 100). An IC tag is a small chip that incorporates a CPU, memory, wireless communication circuit, and the like, and normally operates by receiving power supply from an electromagnetic wave supplied from the outside. Therefore, it is not necessary to incorporate a battery or the like inside.

  At present, the IC tag has achieved a significant cost reduction by mass production and is attached to various products and used for various applications. For example, if an IC tag is attached to building materials at the time of factory shipment and information such as manufacturer name, product code, shipping date, and delivery destination is recorded, the information in the IC tag can be read and used in the distribution process. can do. Recent IC tags have been downsized to a size of several millimeters square, and even if they are attached to parts such as furniture, they do not hinder product functions. Therefore, as shown in the illustrated example, the component IC tags Ta to Tg are attached to the components A to G, respectively, and the components A to G are assembled in this state to produce a product without any trouble.

  However, from the viewpoint of design, it is preferable that the IC tags Ta to Tg for parts are invisible from the outside when the product is completed. Therefore, in practical use, the component IC tags Ta to Tg are preferably attached to the concealed portions of the components A to G when the product is completed.

  On the other hand, the IC tags TTa to TTg for instructions are attached at positions related to the description locations of the respective parts in the assembly instruction 100. Specifically, FIG. 1 shows an example in which three manual IC tags TTa, TTb, and TTe are attached to the first page of the assembly manual 100, respectively. The IC tag TTb is attached in the vicinity of the heading “component B” in the drawing, and the IC tag TTe is attached in the vicinity of the heading “component E” in the drawing. It is attached in the vicinity.

  In this example, the assembly instructions 100 are made of paper, and the IC tags TTa, TTb, TTe for each instruction are pasted on the paper. At present, the IC tag that is generally used has a size of about several mm square as described above, and the thickness is about a film, so even if it is affixed on the assembly manual 100 made of paper, There will be no trouble.

  In the present application, “the position related to the description location of each part” in the assembly manual 100 is a description location of each component (a location where a character string is described) in the assembly manual 100 as described above. However, the position may be any position as long as it is a position associated with the drawing). In other words, an assembly operator who has read the assembly manual 100 corresponds to a specific IC tag attached to the assembly manual 100 corresponding to a specific part (or part group). It is sufficient if each IC tag is attached at a position where it can be recognized. In the case of the illustrated example, since each IC tag TTa, TTb, TTe is attached to the head part of the character string for citing each part, the IC tag TTa corresponds to the part A, and the IC tag TTb becomes the part B. Correspondingly, it is clear that the IC tag TTe corresponds to the part E.

  Of course, the mounting position of the component IC tag is not limited to the vicinity of the character string that quotes each component, as in the illustrated example. For example, it may be arranged in the vicinity of each part in the drawing instead of the character string, or in the vicinity of the character string in the text (in the example of FIG. 1, the character string in the lower part of the assembly manual 100) You may arrange in. In addition, it is not always necessary to place them near the character string or the parts in the drawing, and if the correspondence is clear by a lead line or the like, they can be placed away from each other.

  The IC tag has a function of recording data, and each component IC tag Ta to Tg in the embodiment shown here records a component code specific to the component to which the tag is attached. . Here, for convenience of explanation, component codes “Code00a”, “Code00b”, “Code00c”, “Code00d”, “Code00e”, “Code00f”, and “Code00g” are assigned to the components A to G, respectively. Let ’s say that. These part codes may be any codes as long as the individual parts can be distinguished from each other. When such component codes are assigned to the components A to G, these component codes are recorded as data in the component IC tags Ta to Tg. For example, the component IC tag Ta is attached to the component A to which the component code “Code00a” is assigned. The component IC tag Ta of the component A to which the tag is attached is attached to the component IC tag Ta. Code00a "is recorded. Thus, the operation of recording the component code for the component on the component IC tag attached to each component may be performed at the time of factory shipment.

  On the other hand, in the IC tag for instructions, a component code unique to the component described in relation to the tag is recorded. For example, in the IC tag for instruction TTa shown in FIG. 1, the part code “Code00a” of the part A is recorded in accordance with the description “part A” related to the tag. Similarly, the part code “Code00b” of the part B is recorded in the instruction IC tag TTb, and the part code “Code00e” of the part E is recorded in the instruction IC tag TTe. In this way, the operation of recording each component code on the instruction IC tag attached to the assembly instruction 100 may be performed at the time of factory shipment.

  Another essential component in the embodiment shown here is a component confirmation apparatus 200. The component confirmation apparatus 200 has a function of reading the recorded contents of the component IC tag and the manual IC tag. More specifically, the component confirmation apparatus 200 has a function of emitting electromagnetic waves of a predetermined frequency to the surroundings, and has a function of supplying power to an IC tag existing in the vicinity and wirelessly communicating with the IC tag. . As described above, an apparatus that supplies power to an IC tag that exists within a predetermined distance range, performs wireless communication with the IC tag, and writes and reads data to and from the memory in the IC tag is generally used. This is known as an IC tag reader / writer device, and the component confirmation device 200 is a device incorporating the IC tag reader / writer device.

  After all, when the component confirmation apparatus 200 is brought close to a predetermined distance (readable range) with respect to each component IC tag Ta to Tg and each instruction IC tag TTa to TTg, The recorded contents can be read. If a plurality of IC tags enter the readable range at the same time with respect to the component confirmation apparatus 200, the recorded contents of the plurality of IC tags are simultaneously read, resulting in confusion of read data. Therefore, in the embodiment shown here, the readable range is optimized by adjusting the reading sensitivity of the component confirmation apparatus 200. For example, when the component confirmation apparatus 200 is brought close to the IC tag TTa on the assembly manual 100, the sensitivity is such that the IC tag TTa falls within the readable range but the IC tags TTb and TTe fall outside the readable range. Adjustments have been made. As shown in the figure, when the assembly manual 100 is composed of a plurality of pages, the IC tag attached to the hidden page can be read by performing the reading operation while the manuals of the plurality of pages are stacked. Since there is a risk of entering the range, it is preferable to separate the pages when reading the instruction IC tag.

  Moreover, the reading sensitivity of the component confirmation apparatus 200 is increased when reading the instruction IC tag on the assembly manual 100 and when reading the individual IC tags Ta to Tg as necessary. Switching operation is also possible. For example, in the former case, the sensitivity is lowered to narrow the readable range, so that the contents of the adjacent IC tag are not erroneously read on the assembly manual 100, and in the latter case, the sensitivity is improved. Thus, it is preferable that the readable range is widened so that the IC tag attached to the part can be read only by bringing the part confirmation apparatus 200 into contact with any part of the picked-up part.

  The component confirmation apparatus 200 determines whether or not two read component codes match together with a function of reading data, that is, a predetermined component code, from an IC tag close to the component, and the result is determined by an assembly operator. It also has a function to notify That is, the assembly operator brings the component confirmation apparatus 200 close to an arbitrary component, reads the component code from the component IC tag attached to the component, and the arbitrary instruction IC tag on the assembly manual 100. When the component confirmation apparatus 200 is brought close and an operation of reading a component code from the manual IC tag is performed, it is determined whether or not the two read component codes match, and the result is notified. .

  To determine whether the component code read from the component IC tag matches the component code read from the manual IC tag, an arithmetic process is performed to compare data constituting both component codes. Is possible. In addition, as a method for notifying whether or not they match as a result of the comparison, for example, a method of displaying some message on the display screen, a method of presenting some message by voice, or the like can be used. If the component confirmation apparatus 200 is configured by a small computer with a built-in CPU, the coincidence / mismatch determination processing function and the result notification processing function can be realized by a program operating on the computer.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the component confirmation apparatus 200 used in this embodiment is a small apparatus that can be held and operated with one hand, and a display 201 and operation buttons 202 are provided on the upper surface. . As described above, a reader / writer device for an IC tag and a computer are incorporated inside. The built-in computer uses a reader / writer device to execute arithmetic processing to determine whether the component code read from the component IC tag matches the component code read from the instruction IC tag. The result is displayed on the display 201. The operation button 202 is used to input an instruction for starting a reading operation by the reader / writer device or to input an instruction for displaying a determination result.

  Next, how the support function by the system shown in FIG. 1 is used when the assembly worker actually performs the assembly operation on the parts A to G will be described with reference to a specific procedure.

  As described above, the assembly instruction 100 describes the assembly procedure for the seven parts A to G, and the assembly operator can proceed with the assembly operation according to the assembly procedure. However, in the illustrated example, the appearances of the parts A to D are very similar to each other, and the appearances of the parts E and F are also very similar to each other. . In order to prevent such a mix-up of components, an assembly operator can perform component confirmation using the component confirmation apparatus 200.

  For example, the first page of the assembly manual 100 describes an operation “Procedure 1: Assembling the pedestal”. In this operation, three parts A, B, and E are used. Therefore, the assembly operator first checks the component A by placing the component confirmation apparatus 200 on the instruction IC tag TTa attached to the head of the character string “component A” of the assembly manual 100. In order to read the data, the operation button 202 is operated to give a reading instruction. As a result, the component code “Code00a” recorded in the manual IC tag TTa is read into the component confirmation apparatus 200. Subsequently, the assembling worker picks up a part that seems to be part A, brings it close to the part confirmation apparatus 200, and operates the operation button 202 to read the data from the part IC tag Ta. give. As a result, the component code “Code00a” recorded in the component IC tag Ta is read into the component confirmation apparatus 200.

  Finally, the operation button 202 is operated to give an instruction to determine whether the two component codes read immediately before are matched. In the case of the above-described example, since the two component codes read immediately before are both the component code “Code00a”, a determination result indicating that both match is obtained, and the determination result is displayed on the display 201. It will be. FIG. 1 shows an example in which the display 201 displays “correct part”. This is a message indicating a determination result indicating that both match, and the picked part is the correct part. A is shown. In this way, the assembling worker can confirm that the picked-up part is definitely the part A. Of course, if the picked-up parts are parts B, C, D, etc., a determination result indicating that the part codes do not match is obtained, so the display 201 displays, for example, “Incorrect part”. A message like this should be displayed. In that case, even if the assembly operator mistakes the parts, he / she will notice an error before performing the assembly operation.

  In the case of performing the procedure “Procedure 1: Assembling the pedestal” shown in FIG. 1, when the confirmation work for the part A is completed in the above-described procedure, the same part confirmation is performed for the parts B and E. You just have to do the operation. By this operation, it can be confirmed that all the three parts used in the assembling procedure are correct parts, so that it is possible to prevent an erroneous assembling work due to the mistake of the parts being performed.

  In the above-described embodiment, the component code “Code00a” recorded in the manual IC tag TTa and the component code “Code00a” recorded in the component IC tag Ta are completely the same. Although the data code is used, the two component codes to be compared do not necessarily need to be completely identical. That is, it can be confirmed that the part code recorded in the instruction IC tag for the same part and the part code recorded in the part IC tag are the codes corresponding to one code being the other code. If it is such a code, it does not necessarily need to be completely identical.

  For example, in the example shown in FIG. 1, for the part A, the part code “Code00a” is recorded in the IC tag for instruction TTa, and the part code “Data00a” is recorded in the IC tag for parts. Is recorded, the two part codes are not completely identical, but if the same character string is compared by comparing the last three digits, an algorithm is used to determine that both are part codes corresponding to each other. As long as it can perform the same function as the above-described embodiment. Alternatively, a relationship may be established in which the other component code is obtained by performing arithmetic processing based on a predetermined algorithm for one component code. In this case, if arithmetic processing based on the predetermined algorithm is executed inside the component confirmation apparatus 200, it can be determined whether or not the two component codes are codes corresponding to each other. In addition, a code correspondence table indicating that two component codes correspond to each other is prepared, the code correspondence table is built in the component confirmation apparatus 200, and the two component codes correspond to each other by referring to this table. It is also possible to determine whether or not the code is to be executed.

  Thus, in the present application, the phrase “two component codes match” does not only mean that the data constituting the two component codes match completely. This means that both component codes are in a predetermined correspondence relationship determined in advance.

<<< §2. Second Embodiment >>>
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the block diagram of FIG. This second embodiment is also an example in which one product is assembled using the seven parts A to G shown in the upper left of the drawing, and the assembly instruction 100 is composed of three pages of paper. Here, IC tags Ta to Tg for components are respectively attached to the individual components A to G, and component codes specific to the components to which the tags are attached are recorded in the IC tags Ta to Tg for components. This is exactly the same as in the first embodiment described above. That is, component codes “Code00a” to “Code00g” are recorded in the component IC tags Ta to Tg, respectively.

  The feature of this second embodiment is the configuration of the IC tag for instructions. The assembly manual 100 describes a plurality of assembly procedures. On the first page, as illustrated, the assembly procedure “Procedure 1: Assembling the pedestal” is illustrated and illustrated on the second page. Procedure 2 is explained, and on the third page, procedure 3 is explained. In the case of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1, an independent manual IC tag is provided for each part described on the assembly manual 100, but the second implementation shown in FIG. 2. In the case of the form, for each assembly procedure, a manual IC tag in which component codes for a plurality of components used in the assembly procedure are recorded is attached.

  That is, on the first page of the assembly instruction 100 shown in FIG. 2, one assembly procedure “Procedure 1: Assembling the pedestal” is described. An IC tag TT1 is provided. In the example shown in the figure, the instruction IC tag TT1 for the assembly procedure is arranged at the head of the heading “Procedure 1: Assembling the pedestal”. Any position can be used as long as it can be recognized as an IC tag corresponding to the assembly procedure “assembly”. In the IC tag TT1, component codes “Code00a”, “Code00b”, and “Code00e” are recorded for the components A, B, and E used in the assembly procedure “Procedure 1: Assembling the base”. Although not shown in the figure, an assembly procedure “procedure 2” is described on the second page, and another IC tag is provided. This IC tag records the part code for the part used in “Procedure 2”. Similarly, the assembly procedure “Procedure 3” is described on the third page, and another IC tag is provided, in which a part code for the component used in “Procedure 3” is recorded. Will be.

  On the other hand, the component confirmation apparatus 200 used in the second embodiment determines whether the component code read from the component IC tag matches any of the component codes read from the instruction IC tag. It has a function of determining and notifying this. For example, in the case of the illustrated example, three part codes “Code00a”, “Code00b”, and “Code00e” are read from the IC tag TT1 for instructions, so this “Procedure 1: Assembling the base” The result of determination as to whether or not the part code read from the part picked up when executing the assembly procedure as described above matches any of “Code00a”, “Code00b”, and “Code00e” will be notified. .

  Next, how the support function by the system shown in FIG. 2 is used when the assembly worker actually performs the assembly work on the parts A to G will be described with reference to a specific procedure.

  As shown in the figure, the first page of the assembly manual 100 describes an operation “procedure 1: assembling the pedestal”. In this operation, three parts A, B, and E are used. Yes. Therefore, the assembly operator first brings the component confirmation apparatus 200 close to the instruction IC tag TT1 attached to the head of the character string “procedure 1: assembling the pedestal” of the assembly instruction 100, and “procedure 1 Is operated to operate the operation button 202 for reading the data relating to “”. As a result, the component codes “Code00a”, “Code00b”, and “Code00e” recorded in the manual IC tag TT1 are read into the component confirmation apparatus 200. The component confirmation apparatus 200 temporarily stores these component codes.

  Subsequently, the assembling worker sequentially picks up the necessary parts in this “procedure 1: assembling the pedestal” and confirms whether or not the parts are correct. For example, the assembly operator picks up the first part that seems to be part A, brings it close to the part confirmation apparatus 200, and operates the operation button 202 for reading data from the part IC tag Ta. Give instructions. As a result, the component code “Code00a” recorded in the component IC tag Ta is read into the component confirmation apparatus 200. At this point, the component confirmation apparatus 200 determines whether or not the component code “Code00a” read from the component IC tag Ta matches any of the component codes temporarily stored in the previous process. Do. In the example shown in the figure, the component code “Code00a” matches one of the temporarily stored component codes (the component code recorded in the manual IC tag TT1). The result will be notified. FIG. 2 shows an example in which the display 201 displays “correct part”, but this is a message indicating a determination result that matches, and the first part taken up is “ This is one of the correct parts to be used in "Procedure 1: Assembling the base".

  Similarly, the assembling worker picks up the second part which is supposed to be part B, brings it close to the part confirmation device 200, and operates the operation button 202 for reading data from the part IC tag Tb. If a reading instruction is given, the determination result for the second part can be obtained. Further, the third part that is considered to be the part E is picked up and brought close to the part confirmation device 200, from the part IC tag Te. If the operation button 202 for reading the data is operated to give a reading instruction, the determination result for the third component can be obtained.

  In the case of the first embodiment described above, whether or not the picked-up part is a specific part described in the assembly manual 100 is determined on a part-by-part basis. In the case of the second embodiment, whether or not the picked-up part is a part used in a specific assembling procedure described in the assembling manual 100 is determined in the assembling procedure unit. become. In other words, in the case of the second embodiment, it is not possible to prevent a mixture of a plurality of parts used in the same assembly procedure. For example, in the case of the example shown in FIG. 2, both the determination of picking up the part A and the determination of picking up the part B will give a display result of “correct part”. Are both the correct parts used in “Procedure 1: Assembling the pedestal”, and do not indicate the distinction between the parts A and B.

  Therefore, in the second embodiment, the part picked up by the assembling worker as the part A is actually the part B, and the part picked up as the part B is actually the part A. Although it is not possible to prevent mistakes between parts in the procedure, the reading operation of the IC tag for instructions should be performed not for each individual part but for each individual procedure. Become. In practice, when the parts A and B are exactly the same parts and the part E is a part having a completely different appearance from the parts A and B, the second embodiment described here is very Is reasonable. That is, in the second embodiment, it is impossible to prevent the components A, B, and E from being mixed together. However, if the components A and B are exactly the same components, there is no problem of mixing, and the components If the appearance of E is completely different from the parts A and B, the part E cannot be mistaken for the part A or B.

  In the above-described embodiment, the three parts A, B, and E used in “Procedure 1: Assembling the pedestal” are picked up one by one, and the reading operation by the parts confirmation apparatus 200 is sequentially performed. It may be possible to perform reading operations collectively. As described above, the component confirmation apparatus 200 has a function of performing a reading operation with respect to an IC tag existing within a predetermined reading range, and thus may include three components A, B, and E (or two). ) At the same time, the component confirmation device 200 can be brought close, and a plurality of component IC tags can be read simultaneously. In this case, the message “It is a correct part” is displayed only when all of the read part codes match any of the temporarily stored part codes, and even one mismatched part code is included. If it is, the message “Wrong part” may be displayed.

<<< §3. Third embodiment >>>
Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the block diagram of FIG. This third embodiment is also an example in which one product is assembled using the seven parts A to G shown in the upper left of the figure, and the assembly manual 100 is composed of three pages of paper. Here, IC tags Ta to Tg for components are respectively attached to the individual components A to G, and component codes specific to the components to which the tags are attached are recorded in the IC tags Ta to Tg for components. This is exactly the same as in the first embodiment described above. That is, component codes “Code00a” to “Code00g” are recorded in the component IC tags Ta to Tg, respectively.

  Moreover, the point that the IC tags TTa to TTg for instructions are attached to the positions related to the description locations of the parts in the assembly instruction 100 is exactly the same as in the first embodiment described above. That is, in FIG. 3, three IC tags TTa, TTb, and TTe are attached to the first page of the assembly manual 100, and the IC tag TTa is “component A” in the drawing. The IC tag TTb is attached in the vicinity of the heading “component B” in the drawing, and the IC tag TTe is attached in the vicinity of the heading “component E” in the drawing. Further, the part codes “Code00a” to “Code00g” are recorded in the instruction IC tags TTa to TTg, respectively, which is exactly the same as in the first embodiment.

  The feature of the third embodiment is that a predetermined order according to the procedure of the assembling work is defined for each part used in the assembling work, and this order is specified in the assembling manual. . In other words, the individual parts are given a predetermined order on the assembly manual, and the individual parts used in the assembly work are determined according to the procedure of the assembly work. Will be listed in order.

  For example, in the case of the example shown in FIG. 3, each part shown on the assembly manual 100 is given a round numeral, and the parts A, B, and E are ordered. As described above, when the order is defined for each part, the work burden on the assembly worker can be further reduced. That is, in the first embodiment described above (see FIG. 1), the assembling worker first performs a reading operation on the instruction IC tag TTa on the assembling manual 100, and then picks up the part A and takes the part. The IC tag Ta is read and the picked-up part is confirmed to be a correct part. Next, the reading of the manual IC tag TTb on the assembly manual 100 is performed, and then the part B is Picking up and reading the IC tag Tb for parts, confirming that the picked-up part is a correct part, and so on. The IC tag for instruction on the assembly instruction 100 and the part attached to the part It is necessary to perform the reading operation alternately for the IC tag for use. However, in the case of the third embodiment described here, since the order is defined for each part, it is possible to temporarily store a plurality of part codes read from the instruction IC tag according to this order. As a result, the reading operation for the IC tag for instructions can be performed in a lump.

  For example, if the reading operation for the instruction IC tag for “procedure 1: assembling the base” is to be performed collectively, the following operation may be performed. First, the assembly operator brings the component confirmation device 200 close to the manual IC tag TTa for “component A” given the first order on the assembly manual 100, and performs an operation button for reading. 202 is operated to give a reading instruction. As a result, the component code “Code00a” recorded in the manual IC tag TTa is read into the component confirmation apparatus 200. Next, the component confirmation device 200 is moved closer to the manual IC tag TTb for “component B” given the second order on the assembly manual 100 and the operation button 202 for reading is operated. Give reading instructions. As a result, the component code “Code00b” recorded in the manual IC tag TTb is read into the component confirmation device 200. Finally, the component confirmation device 200 is moved closer to the manual IC tag TTe for “component E” given the third order on the assembly manual 100 and the operation button 202 for reading is operated. Give reading instructions. As a result, the component code “Code00e” recorded in the manual IC tag TTe is read into the component confirmation apparatus 200. In FIG. 3, the balloons on the broken line extending from each manual IC tag to the component confirmation apparatus 200 indicate the three component codes “Code00a”, “Code00b”, and “Code00e” read in this way. . Note that the circled numbers attached to the beginning of each code in the balloon are for convenience of indicating the order, and actually these circled numbers are not included in the read data.

  The component confirmation apparatus 200 performs a process of storing the component codes thus read from the plurality of manual IC tags in a storage unit (such as a built-in memory) according to the reading order. In the case of the above-described example, the storage process to the storage unit is performed in the order of the component codes “Code00a”, “Code00b”, and “Code00e”. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the order (order) of each part on the assembly manual 100 is indicated by a circled number, but the order of each part does not necessarily need to be indicated by a number. Any form can be used as long as the person can recognize the order in some form. For example, even if there is no numerical order display, in the case of horizontal assembly instructions, it is possible to indicate the order of each part in the order of social conventions such as right to left, top to bottom, Are quoted as words, it is possible to rank individual parts according to the order in which they appear in the text. In short, it is only necessary that the assembly operator recognizes the order defined in advance between a plurality of parts and can read the IC tags for individual instructions according to the order.

  When the assembly operator thus reads the instruction IC tags TTa, TTb, and TTe on the assembly instruction 100 in this order, as described above, the storage unit in the component confirmation apparatus 200 stores the information. The component codes “Code00a”, “Code00b”, and “Code00e” are stored in this order. Subsequently, the assembly operator picks up the individual parts and performs an operation of confirming that they are correct parts. At this time, the order of picking up parts follows the order on the assembly manual 100. That is, in the case of the above-described example, the assembling worker first picks up the first part that seems to be the part A given the first order, brings it close to the part confirmation apparatus 200, and uses the IC tag Ta for parts. The operation button 202 for reading data from the device is operated to give a reading instruction. As a result, the component code “Code00a” recorded in the component IC tag Ta is read into the component confirmation apparatus 200.

  The component confirmation apparatus 200 compares the component code “Code00a” read from the component IC tag Ta in this way with the first component code stored in the storage unit in the previous process, and whether or not they match. Judgment is made. In the case of the above-described example, since the part code of the first order stored in the storage unit is “Code00a”, it is determined that they match. FIG. 3 shows an example in which the display 201 displays “correct part”, but this is a message indicating a determination result that matches, and the first part taken up is “ This shows that the part A is given the first rank in "Procedure 1: Assembly of the base".

  Subsequently, the assembling worker picks up the second part that is supposed to be part B, brings it close to the part confirmation device 200, and operates the operation button 202 for reading data from the part IC tag Tb. If a reading instruction is given, a determination result for the second component (determination result as to whether or not the read component code matches the second component code stored in the storage unit) can be obtained. Furthermore, if a third part which is considered to be part E is picked up, this is brought close to the part confirmation apparatus 200, and the operation button 202 for reading data from the part IC tag Te is operated to give a reading instruction, A determination result for the third component (determination result of whether or not the read component code matches the third component code stored in the storage unit) can be obtained.

  Eventually, in this third embodiment, the component confirmation apparatus 200 determines whether the reading order of the component codes read from the component IC tag matches the reading order of the component codes stored in the storage unit. Thus, the function of notifying the assembly operator of the result is fulfilled. In the case of the above example, the reading order of the component codes stored in the storage unit (reading order from the assembly manual 100) is “Code00a”, “Code00b”, and “Code00e”. When the reading order of the component codes read from the tag matches this order, that is, when reading is performed by picking up the components A, B, and E in this order, a determination result indicating that they match is obtained.

  As a case where a determination result of inconsistency is obtained, there are a case where an assembly operator picks up a wrong order and a case where a part used for another procedure is picked up. For example, the case where the reading is performed by picking up parts B, parts A, and parts E in this order is the former, and the parts picked up by the assembling operator are the three parts used in "Procedure 1: Assembling the base". However, the parts A and B are misunderstood. On the other hand, the case where the reading is performed in the order of part A, part B, and part F is the latter case, and the part F picked up by the assembly operator is a part used in another procedure. In either case, there is a mix-up of components, and a message “wrong component” is displayed when a mismatch of component codes is detected.

  The above-described work example is an example in which the instruction IC tag is continuously read for each procedure, but it is also possible to continuously read the instruction IC tag throughout the entire procedure. . For example, FIG. 3 shows only “Procedure 1: Assembling the pedestal” on the first page of the assembly manual 100, but “Procedure 2: Attaching the back plate” using the part G is shown on the second page. “Procedure 3: Attaching the top plate” using parts C, D, and F is described on the third page. Parts A, B, E, G, C, and D are described throughout the entire procedure. , F can be defined, the assembling operator can continuously perform the reading operation from all the IC tags TTa to TTg for manuals attached on the assembly manual 100. Of course, the reading order is made to follow the order of parts A, B, E, G, C, D, and F. Then, seven component codes are stored in the storage unit in the component confirmation apparatus 200 in the order of “Code00a”, “Code00b”, “Code00e”, “Code00g”, “Code00c”, “Code00d”, “Code00f”. It will be.

  Subsequently, the assembling worker may perform the part checking operation while sequentially performing the procedure 1, the procedure 2 and the procedure 3 described in the assembly manual 100. That is, in the operation of “Procedure 1: Assembling the pedestal”, as described above, the parts that are supposed to be part A, part B, and part E are picked up sequentially, and the confirmation work by the part confirmation apparatus 200 is performed. Perform assembly. Then, in the subsequent “procedure 2: mounting the back plate”, a part that seems to be part G is picked up, checked by the part checking apparatus 200, and assembled. Finally, in the procedure “Procedure 3: Attaching the top plate”, components C, D, and F may be picked up, checked by the component checking device 200, and assembled.

<<< §4. Fourth Embodiment >>>
Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the block diagram of FIG. The fourth embodiment should be a modification of the above-described third embodiment, and the feature thereof is the configuration of the IC tag for instructions. In the third embodiment, since the instruction IC tags TTa to TTg are attached to the respective parts of the assembly instruction manual 100, the assembly operator can use the instruction IC tags TTa to TTg. Although the reading operation can be performed continuously, the reading operation is performed in order with respect to the individual IC tags TTa to TTg while referring to the order indicated by the circle numbers at the beginning of the part names. Must be repeated. On the other hand, in the fourth embodiment, the functions of a plurality of instruction IC tags are integrated into one instruction IC tag.

  That is, in the example shown in FIG. 4, the IC tag for instruction provided on the assembly instruction 100 side is only the IC tag TT2 attached to the upper left of the first page, and the second page and third page. The eyes do not have any IC tags. In the IC tag TT2, all the component codes for the components A to G are recorded. Moreover, the assembly manual 100 describes individual parts used in the assembly work in a predetermined order according to the procedure of the assembly work (the example shown in FIG. 4 is the same as the example shown in FIG. 3). The order of each part is indicated by a circle number), and the part code unique to each part used in the assembling work is recorded in the predetermined order on the instruction IC tag TT2.

  Specifically, seven component codes in the order of “Code00a”, “Code00b”, “Code00e”, “Code00g”, “Code00c”, “Code00d”, “Code00f” are recorded in the IC tag TT2 for instructions. Will be. The component confirmation apparatus 200 has a function of reading the seven component codes from the instruction IC tag TT2 in a lump and storing them in the storage unit in this order (see the balloon next to the broken line in the figure). ).

  Subsequent operations of the assembly operator are exactly the same as in the third embodiment described above. That is, an operation of picking up individual parts and confirming that they are correct parts is performed, but the order of picking up the parts follows the order on the assembly manual 100. That is, in the case of the above-described example, the assembly operator first picks up a part that seems to be part A given the first order, brings it close to the part confirmation apparatus 200, and receives data from the IC tag Ta for parts. A read instruction is given by operating the operation button 202 for reading. As a result, the component code “Code00a” recorded in the component IC tag Ta is read into the component confirmation apparatus 200. The component confirmation apparatus 200 compares the component code “Code00a” read from the component IC tag Ta in this way with the first component code stored in the storage unit in the previous process, and whether or not they match. Judgment is made. In the case of the above-described example, since the part code of the first order stored in the storage unit is “Code00a” (the top code in the balloon), it is determined that they match.

  Similarly, parts considered to be part B and part E are picked up sequentially, and confirmation work by the part confirmation apparatus 200 is sequentially performed, and assembly of these three parts is executed. Then, in the subsequent “procedure 2: mounting the back plate”, a part that seems to be part G is picked up, checked by the part checking apparatus 200, and assembled. Finally, in the procedure “Procedure 3: Attaching the top plate”, components C, D, and F may be picked up, checked by the component checking device 200, and assembled.

  Eventually, in the fourth embodiment, the component confirmation apparatus 200 collectively reads a plurality of component codes recorded in the instruction IC tag TT2 in a predetermined order and stores them in the predetermined order. In addition, it is determined whether the reading order of the component codes read from the individual component IC tags Ta to Tg matches the reading order of the component codes stored in the storage unit, A process for notifying the assembly operator of the result is performed.

  In the above example, a single instruction IC tag TT2 is provided on the assembly instruction 100 side, and the part codes for all the parts are recorded. An IC tag may be provided, and only a part code for a part used for each procedure may be recorded in each manual IC tag.

  For example, in the example shown in FIG. 4, since one procedure is described on each page of the assembly manual 100, a manual IC tag may be provided for each page. In this case, only the part codes for the parts A, B, and E used in “Procedure 1: Assembling the base” are recorded in this order on the instruction IC tag provided on the first page. become. Similarly, the instruction IC tag provided on the second page records only the part code for the part G used in “Procedure 2: Attaching the back plate”. Only the part codes for the parts C, D, and F used in “Procedure 3: Attaching the top plate” are recorded in this order on the IC tag for instructions provided in.

  In this case, the assembly operator first reads the three component codes “Code00a”, “Code00b”, and “Code00e” from the instruction IC tag for “Procedure 1: Assembling the pedestal”, and confirms the component. The components are stored in this order in 200, the parts A, B, and E are confirmed, and "Procedure 1: Assembling the base" is executed. Next, the part code “Code00g” is read from the IC tag for instructions for “Procedure 2: Attaching the back plate”, stored in the part confirmation device 200, and the part G is confirmed. 2: “Attach back plate”. Finally, the three part codes “Code00c”, “Code00d”, and “Code00f” are read from the instruction IC tag for “Procedure 3: Attaching the top plate”, and this is read into the part confirmation apparatus 200. The components C, D, and F are stored in order, and “Procedure 3: Attaching the top plate” is executed.

<<< §5. Fifth embodiment >>>
The fifth embodiment described here is obtained by changing the configuration of the assembly manual 100 in the first to fourth embodiments described so far. In the embodiment described so far, an IC tag for instructions is attached to the assembly instruction manual 100 side, and a part code relating to a part referred to in the assembly instruction manual 100 is recorded. In the fifth embodiment, considering that a general assembly instruction is provided as a printed matter using a paper surface, instead of providing an instruction IC tag in the assembly instruction, a part code is recorded. A barcode is printed.

  That is, a barcode is printed on a black square portion on the assembly manual 100 shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, and a component code to be recorded in the IC tag is expressed by this barcode. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 1, a barcode corresponding to the component code “Code00a” is printed at the placement position of the instruction IC tag TTa, and the placement position of the instruction IC tag TTb is “ A barcode corresponding to the component code “Code00b” may be printed, and a barcode corresponding to the component code “Code00e” may be printed at the placement position of the instruction IC tag TTe.

  As described above, when a bar code is used instead of the manual IC tag, the recorded content of the bar code is read on the component confirmation device 200 side instead of reading the recorded content of the manual IC tag. Therefore, it is necessary to provide a function for reading the component code. This may be achieved by incorporating a barcode reader in the component confirmation apparatus 200. The assembly worker makes the barcode reader of the component confirmation apparatus 200 approach the barcode on the assembly manual 100 and performs barcode reading work.

  When a barcode is used instead of an IC tag having a plurality of component codes recorded thereon, a plurality of barcodes corresponding to the plurality of component codes may be written side by side. However, if a large number of barcodes are written side by side on the assembly manual, it is necessary to secure a sufficient space. In such a case, it is preferable to use the above-described embodiment using the IC tag.

  In principle, not only the instruction IC tag on the assembly instruction side but also the component IC tag attached to the component side can be replaced with a barcode. In practice, however, not all parts have a suitable space for printing barcodes. In addition, since the reading with respect to the IC tag can be performed by an electromagnetic method, the reading can be performed without applying the component confirmation device 200 to the accurate position of the IC tag, whereas the reading with respect to the barcode is performed. Since it is necessary to carry out by an optical method, it is necessary to apply the component confirmation apparatus 200 to an accurate position of the barcode. Considering such circumstances, it is not very realistic to replace the IC tag for parts with a barcode.

<<< §6. Sixth Embodiment >>>
Next, a sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the block diagram of FIG. This sixth embodiment is also an example in which one product is assembled using the seven parts A to G shown in the upper left of the figure, and each of the parts A to G has IC tags Ta to Tg for parts, respectively. Are attached to the IC tags Ta to Tg for parts, and the part codes specific to the parts to which the tags are attached are recorded in the same manner as in the previous embodiments. That is, component codes “Code00a” to “Code00g” are recorded in the component IC tags Ta to Tg, respectively.

  In this sixth embodiment, the assembly instructions are not essential components. Of course, in actuality, it is preferable to attach an assembly manual. However, when implementing the sixth embodiment, the assembly manual may not be provided.

  The component confirmation apparatus 200 plays an important role in the sixth embodiment. The component confirmation device 200 has a built-in IC tag reader / writer device, and has the function of reading the recorded contents of the component IC tags Ta to Tg, exactly as in the embodiments described so far. It is. The component confirmation apparatus 200 used in the sixth embodiment further includes three additional functions.

  The first additional function is a support data capturing function that captures support data including a message indicating each of a plurality of assembly procedures for a specific product and a component code unique to the component used in each assembly procedure. . FIG. 5 shows a configuration example of the support data 300 in a block. In the illustrated example, the number of each procedure and the procedure name are illustrated as messages indicating the assembly procedure.

  For example, for the first assembly procedure, a character string “procedure 1 assembly of base” is prepared as a message indicating the assembly procedure, and the parts (parts A, B, E) used in the assembly procedure are prepared. As unique part codes, three codes “Code00a”, “Code00b”, and “Code00e” are prepared. Similarly, for the second assembly procedure, a character string “Procedure 2 Back plate attachment” is prepared as a message indicating the assembly procedure, and is specific to the part (part G) used in the assembly procedure. A code “Code00g” is prepared as a component code. For the third assembly procedure, a character string “Procedure 3 Attaching the top plate” is prepared as a message indicating the assembly procedure, and the parts (parts C, D, and F) used in the assembly procedure are prepared. There are three codes “Code00c”, “Code00d”, and “Code00f” as component codes unique to the.

  Such support data 300 may be prepared in a state of being recorded on an information recording medium such as a floppy disk, a CD-ROM, or a flash memory, or may be prepared as digital data provided by online distribution. The first additional function of the component confirmation apparatus 200 is a function that takes in the support data prepared in this way from the outside and stores it in the internal storage unit. When the support data 300 is provided on an information recording medium, the component confirmation apparatus 200 is provided with a function of reading the support data 300 from the information recording medium, and when the support data 300 is distributed online. The component confirmation apparatus 200 is provided with a function of receiving data distributed via online connection.

  The second additional function is an assembly procedure presentation function that presents a message indicating a specific assembly procedure based on the support data 300 captured by the above-described support data capture function. In the illustrated example, the character string “Procedure 1 Assembling the base” is displayed on the first and second lines of the display 201. This indicates that a message indicating the first assembling procedure in the support data 300 is displayed. It is displayed. The assembly operator can select a desired assembly procedure included in the support data 300 by operating the operation button 202, and can display a message indicating the selected assembly procedure on the display 201. . By viewing this display, the assembly operator can recognize which assembly procedure is currently selected.

  When a specific part code is read from the component IC tag, the third additional function refers to the support data 300 acquired by the above-described support data acquisition function. In the determination notification, it is determined whether or not it matches any of the part codes specific to the parts used in the specific assembly procedure presented by the assembly procedure presentation function described above, and the result is notified to the assembly operator. It is a function.

  For example, as shown in the example in the figure, as a result of the assembly operator selecting the first assembly procedure by operating the operation button 202, the character string “procedure 1 assembly of base” is displayed on the display 201. Let's assume that it was. In this state, it is assumed that the assembly operator picks up the part A, brings the part confirmation apparatus 200 close to the part A, and performs an operation of reading the part code “Code00a” recorded in the part IC tag Ta. In this case, the component confirmation apparatus 200 recognizes that the assembly procedure currently presented by the assembly procedure presentation function is the first assembly procedure (procedure 1: assembly of the base), and refers to the support data 300. As a result, it is possible to grasp that the part codes unique to the parts used in the first assembly procedure are “Code00a”, “Code00b”, and “Code00e”. Since the component code “Code00a” read from the component IC tag Ta matches one of these component codes, the component checking apparatus 200 performs a process of notifying the assembly operator of the determination result indicating that they match. become.

  FIG. 5 shows an example in which “displayed as a correct part” is displayed on the third line of the display 201. This is a message indicating a determination result indicating that the parts match. This is a correct part used in the assembly procedure “Procedure 1 Assembly of base” displayed on the first and second lines of the display 201.

  Next, how the support function by the system shown in FIG. 5 is used when the assembly worker actually performs the assembly work on the parts A to G will be described with reference to a specific procedure.

  First, an operation of importing support data 300 for a product to be assembled into the component confirmation apparatus 200 is performed. The support data 300 may be prepared for each individual product on the product manufacturer side in advance and provided to the purchaser (assembly worker) of the product. If the support data 300 is prepared in a state where it is recorded on an information recording medium such as a floppy disk, a CD-ROM, or a flash memory, the information recording medium is packaged in a product package together with the parts A to G. Provide it. If the support data 300 is to be provided by online distribution, the URL of the Web page is described in the assembly instructions of the product, etc., and this Web page is sent to the customer who purchased the product (assembly worker). The support data 300 may be downloaded from. After all, the support data 300 fetching operation performed by the assembly operator is performed by reading data from the information recording medium included in the product to the component checking device 200 side, or by using the communication function of the component checking device 200. This means downloading data via online.

  Subsequently, the assembling worker performs an actual assembling work with reference to an assembling manual or the like. At this time, the parts to be used can be confirmed for each assembling procedure. For example, when performing the procedure “Procedure 1: Assembling the pedestal”, the operation button 202 of the component confirmation apparatus 200 is operated, and the message “Procedure 1 Assembling the pedestal” is displayed on the screen of the display 201. To. Then, referring to the assembly instructions, etc., if it is recognized that three parts A, B, and E are used in this “Procedure 1: Assembling the pedestal”, the necessary parts are picked up sequentially to check whether they are correct parts. Confirm whether or not.

  For example, the assembly operator picks up the first part that seems to be part A, brings it close to the part confirmation apparatus 200, and operates the operation button 202 for reading data from the part IC tag Ta. Give instructions. As a result, the component code “Code00a” recorded in the component IC tag Ta is read into the component confirmation apparatus 200. At this time, the component checking apparatus 200 recognizes that “Procedure 1 pedestal assembly” is displayed on the screen of the display 201, and corresponds to “Procedure 1 pedestal assembly” in the support data 300. Search for the part code to be used. As a result, since the part code “Code00a” is found, the part confirmation apparatus 200 determines that they match, and displays “correct part” on the third line of the display 201.

  Similarly, the assembly operator picks up the second part that is considered to be part B, brings it close to the part confirmation device 200, and operates the operation button 202 for reading data from the part IC tag Tb. If a reading instruction is given, the determination result for the second part can be obtained. Further, the third part that is considered to be the part E is picked up and brought close to the part confirmation device 200, from the part IC tag Te. If the operation button 202 for reading the data is operated to give a reading instruction, the determination result for the third component can be obtained. Thus, when the assembly operator can correctly pick up the three parts to be used in “Procedure 1 Assembly of base”, the assembly procedure may actually be executed.

  Subsequently, when performing “Procedure 2 Back plate attachment”, the operation button 202 is operated again so that the message “Procedure 2 Back plate attachment” is displayed on the display 201, and it is considered to be the part G. The component is picked up, brought close to the component confirmation apparatus 200, data is read from the component IC tag Tg, and the component confirmation is performed. Similarly, when performing “Procedure 3 Attaching the top plate”, the operation button 202 is operated again so that the message “Procedure 3 Attaching the top plate” is displayed on the display 201 and the parts C and D are displayed. , F may be picked up and the parts may be checked sequentially. Of course, it is also possible to simultaneously read the data in the component IC tags of the three components and check the components collectively.

  Eventually, in the case of the sixth embodiment described here, just as in the second embodiment described above, whether or not the picked-up part is a part used in a specific assembly procedure is valid in the assembly procedure unit. Sexual judgment will be made.

  In the illustrated example, as a specific “message indicating an assembly procedure” to be displayed on the display 201, a “message indicating the number and procedure name of each procedure” is used, such as “procedure 1 assembly of base”. However, a message explaining the specific contents of the procedure (for example, a drawing or an explanation as described in the assembly manual 100 in FIG. 1) should be used as a “message indicating the assembly procedure”. It doesn't matter. In particular, when using the component confirmation apparatus 200 having the display 201 having a relatively large screen, as the “message indicating the assembly procedure” prepared in the support data 300, image data having the same content as the assembly manual is provided. It can be prepared and displayed on the display 201. In this case, an assembly manual on paper is not necessary, and the assembly operator can proceed with the assembly while looking at the explanation on the display 201 of the component confirmation apparatus 200, and in the process, it is actually picked up by hand. It is possible to confirm whether or not the correct part is a correct part used in the assembly procedure displayed on the display 201.

<<< §7. Seventh embodiment >>>
Next, a seventh embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the block diagram of FIG. The seventh embodiment is also an example in which one product is assembled using the seven parts A to G shown in the upper left of the drawing, and the IC tags Ta to Tg for parts are respectively attached to the individual parts A to G. Are attached to the IC tags Ta to Tg for parts, and the part codes specific to the parts to which the tags are attached are recorded in the same manner as in the previous embodiments. That is, component codes “Code00a” to “Code00g” are recorded in the component IC tags Ta to Tg, respectively. In the seventh embodiment, it is preferable to attach an assembly manual, but it is not essential to attach the assembly manual.

  Also in the seventh embodiment, the component confirmation apparatus 200 performs an important function. The component confirmation device 200 has a built-in IC tag reader / writer device, and has a function of reading the recorded contents of the component IC tags Ta to Tg. The basic functions of the embodiments described so far are as follows. It is the same. The component confirmation apparatus 200 used in the seventh embodiment further includes three additional functions.

  The first additional function is a support data capturing function that captures support data including part names of individual parts used in assembly work for a specific product and part codes unique to these individual parts. FIG. 6 shows a configuration example of the support data 300 in a block. Specifically, in the support data 300, character strings from “component A” to “component G” are recorded as component names, and “Code00a” to “Code00g” are stored as component codes of individual components. , Recorded corresponding to each part name. The order of the component names is not in alphabetical order, but is arranged in the order according to the procedure of the assembly work as in the third embodiment and the fourth embodiment.

  Such support data 300 may be prepared in a state of being recorded on an information recording medium such as a floppy disk, a CD-ROM, a flash memory, or the like, as in the sixth embodiment described above, or provided by online distribution. It may be prepared as digital data. The first additional function of the component confirmation apparatus 200 is a function that takes in the support data prepared in this way from the outside and stores it in the internal storage unit.

  The second additional function is a component name presentation function that presents a specific component name based on the support data 300 captured by the above-described support data capture function. In the illustrated example, a character string “component A” is displayed on the first line of the display 201, which is a display of the name of the first component in the support data 300. The assembly operator can select a desired part name included in the support data 300 by operating the operation button 202, and can display the selected part name on the display 201. Alternatively, the component confirmation apparatus 200 may be provided with a function of automatically displaying each component name sequentially according to the arrangement order in the support data 300.

  When a specific part code is read from the component IC tag, the third additional function refers to the support data 300 acquired by the above-described support data acquisition function. This is a determination notification function for determining whether the component code unique to the component presented by the component name presentation function described above matches, and notifying the assembly operator of the result.

  For example, assume that a character string “component A” is displayed on the display 201 as in the example shown in the figure. In this state, it is assumed that the assembly operator picks up the part A, brings the part confirmation apparatus 200 close to the part A, and performs an operation of reading the part code “Code00a” recorded in the part IC tag Ta. In this case, the component confirmation apparatus 200 recognizes that the component currently presented by the component name presentation function is the component A, and refers to the support data 300 so that a component code unique to the component A is obtained. , "Code00a" can be grasped. Since the component code “Code00a” read from the component IC tag Ta matches these component codes, the component confirmation apparatus 200 performs a process of notifying the assembly operator of the determination result indicating that they match.

  In FIG. 6, an example in which a display “correct part” is displayed on the second line of the display 201 is a message indicating a determination result that matches, and the picked-up part is This indicates “component A” displayed on the first line of the display 201.

  Next, how the support function by the system shown in FIG. 6 is used when the assembly worker actually performs the assembly work on the parts A to G will be described with reference to a specific procedure.

  First, an operation of importing support data 300 for a product to be assembled into the component confirmation apparatus 200 is performed. Similar to the sixth embodiment described above, the support data 300 may be prepared in advance for each individual product by the product manufacturer and provided to the purchaser (assembly worker) of the product. . If the support data 300 is prepared in a state where it is recorded on an information recording medium such as a floppy disk, a CD-ROM, or a flash memory, the information recording medium is packaged in a product package together with the parts A to G. Provide it. If the support data 300 is to be provided by online distribution, the URL of the Web page is described in the assembly instructions of the product, etc., and this Web page is sent to the customer who purchased the product (assembly worker). The support data 300 may be downloaded from. After all, the support data 300 fetching operation performed by the assembly operator is performed by reading data from the information recording medium included in the product to the component checking device 200 side, or by using the communication function of the component checking device 200. This means downloading data via online.

  Subsequently, the assembling worker performs an actual assembling work with reference to an assembling manual or the like. At this time, the individual parts to be used can be confirmed. For example, if it is to be confirmed which part of the actual part “Part A” described in the assembly manual corresponds to, the operation button 202 of the part confirmation apparatus 200 is operated to display the screen of the display 201. The part name “part A” is displayed on the top. Then, a real part that is considered to be part A is picked up, brought close to the part confirmation apparatus 200, and a reading instruction is given by operating the operation button 202 for reading data from the part IC tag Ta. As a result, the component code “Code00a” recorded in the component IC tag Ta is read into the component confirmation apparatus 200. At this time, the component confirmation apparatus 200 grasps that “component A” is displayed on the screen of the display 201, and searches for the component code corresponding to “component A” in the support data 300. Do. As a result, since the part code “Code00a” is found, the part confirmation apparatus 200 determines that they match, and displays “correct part” on the second line of the display 201. If the same confirmation operation is repeatedly performed, it is possible to confirm the correspondence between an arbitrary part and a correct real part.

  It should be noted that the confirmation processing can be automatically performed for all the parts in the order used in the assembly work. That is, the component confirmation apparatus 200 has a function of sequentially displaying the component names stored as the support data 300 on the display 201 in the order of storage, and each time a new component name is displayed, the assembly operator However, if an actual part that seems to be a displayed part is picked up and brought close to the part confirmation device 200 to read data from the part IC tag, the data is stored as support data 300. It is possible to confirm the correspondence with the correct real part for all the parts in accordance with the order in which they are stored.

<<< §8. Eighth Embodiment >>>
Next, an eighth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the block diagram of FIG. The eighth embodiment is also an example in which one product is assembled using the seven parts A to G shown in the upper left of the figure, and the IC tags Ta to Tg for parts are respectively attached to the individual parts A to G. Are attached to the IC tags Ta to Tg for parts, and the part codes specific to the parts to which the tags are attached are recorded in the same manner as in the previous embodiments. That is, component codes “Code00a” to “Code00g” are recorded in the component IC tags Ta to Tg, respectively. Also in this eighth embodiment, it is preferable to attach an assembly manual, but it is not essential to attach the assembly manual.

  The feature of the eighth embodiment is that a dedicated program for executing part confirmation processing for supporting the assembly work of each product is prepared in the support data 300, and the product is executed by executing this dedicated program. The part confirmation process suitable for the assembly work is performed. Of course, the component confirmation device 200 has a built-in IC tag reader / writer device and has a function of reading the recorded contents of the component IC tags Ta to Tg. It is the same as the basic function. The component confirmation apparatus 200 used in the eighth embodiment further includes three additional functions.

  The first additional function includes support including a code table containing a part code unique to each part used for assembly work for a specific product, and a program for confirming the part using the code table. This is a support data capture function that captures data. FIG. 7 shows a configuration example of the support data 300 in a block. Specifically, the support data 300 stores a code table and a program. As shown in the figure, character strings from “component A” to “component G” are recorded in the code table, and “Code00a” to “Code00g” are the component names of the individual components. It is recorded corresponding to. On the other hand, the program in the support data 300 includes a routine for performing component confirmation using this code table.

  Such support data 300 may be prepared in a state of being recorded on an information recording medium such as a floppy disk, a CD-ROM, or a flash memory, as in the sixth and seventh embodiments described above, or distributed online. You may prepare as digital data provided by. The first additional function of the component confirmation apparatus 200 is a function that takes in the support data prepared in this way from the outside and stores it in the internal storage unit.

  The second additional function is an instruction message presentation that presents an instruction message that prompts a reading operation on the IC tag for a component attached to a specific component in accordance with the program in the support data 300 captured by the support data capture function described above. It is a function. In the illustrated example, an instruction message “Please read the code of the part A” is displayed on the first and second lines of the display 201, which is displayed by executing this program. .

  When the specific component code is read from the specific component IC tag based on the instruction message displayed in this manner, the third additional function is configured so that the specific component code is stored in the code table according to the program. This is a determination notification function that determines whether or not a predetermined part code matches, and notifies the assembly operator of the result.

  For example, in the case of the illustrated example, since an instruction message “Please read the code of part A” is displayed on the display 201, the assembly operator seems to be part A (based on this instruction message. The component confirmation device 200 is brought close to the component, and an operation of reading the component code “Code00a” recorded in the component IC tag Ta is performed. At this time, the program routine executed by the component confirmation apparatus 200 is a confirmation processing routine for the component A, and the component code “Code00a” read from the component IC tag Ta is added to the routine “ If a processing procedure for notifying the result of the comparison with the component code “Code00a” for the component A is described, in the case of this example, the determination result indicating that they match is notified. FIG. 7 shows an example in which the message “correct part” is displayed on the third line of the display 201. This is a message indicating a determination result indicating that they match.

  As described above, the operation in the case where the routine for confirming the matching of the part A is described in the program in the support data 300 has been described. However, since the programmer can freely design the contents of the program, Depending on the content, it is possible to have the assembly operator perform a desired confirmation operation. For example, a program that displays an instruction message such as “Procedure 1: Read the code of three parts used for assembling the pedestal” on the display 201 is described, A, B, and E are picked up, and these parts codes are collectively read. The read three part codes are converted into part codes corresponding to the parts A, B, and E in the code table. If a program for determining whether or not they match is described, it is possible to confirm the parts used in “Procedure 1: Assembling the base”.

  Of course, the program can include a routine for presenting a guide screen or the like for explaining the contents of the assembly procedure, so that it is necessary as necessary while displaying such a guide screen on the display 201. It is also possible to execute a confirmation process for various parts. Eventually, the program can cause a display corresponding to the assembly instructions to be displayed on the display 201. In this case, it is not necessary to enclose the assembly instructions in paper with the product.

<<< §9. Ninth embodiment >>
Here, a ninth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. The ninth embodiment is slightly different in principle from the embodiments described so far. The basic idea of the ninth embodiment is that the component IC tag attached to the component itself has a determination function and a determination result notification function. Originally, an IC tag is a very small arithmetic processing device with a built-in CPU and memory, and potentially has the ability to execute the above-described determination function and notification function. The ninth embodiment described here makes good use of such a potential function of the IC tag.

  FIG. 8 shows a front view of a product completed by assembling four parts H, I, J, and K. A component IC tag indicated by a black square is attached to each component. The system according to the ninth embodiment includes these component IC tags. The point to be noted here is that a plurality of IC tags are attached to one component. That is, each IC tag is attached to a specific part of a specific part, and this attachment part has a great meaning.

  Specifically, with respect to the component H, the component IC tag Th1 is attached to the upper left side and the component IC tag Th2 is attached to the upper right side. The IC tag Ti2 is attached, and the component J tag Tj1 is attached to the upper end of the component J. The component IC tag Tj2 is attached to the lower end of the component J. The component IC tag Tk1 is attached to the left of the component K. A component IC tag Tk2 is attached.

  The broken lines and arrows in FIG. 8 indicate the correct assembly mode of these components. If these components are assembled correctly, a pair of IC tags Th1, Ti2, a pair of IC tags Th2, Tj2, and a pair of ICs are shown. The tags Tk1 and Ti1 and the pair of IC tags Tk2 and Tj1 are in proximity to each other. The basic concept of the ninth embodiment is that each IC tag is pre-stored with the other party's IC tag that should be in close proximity when correct assembly is performed, and when the actual assembly operation is performed. In other words, it is possible to determine whether or not the IC tag arranged in proximity is a correct counterpart.

  In the example shown in FIG. 8, a total of four pairs of IC tags are shown, but the minimum components of the ninth embodiment described here are a pair of IC tags. That is, when the specific part of the first part and the specific part of the second part are brought into close proximity by performing correct assembly work, the first part attached to the specific part of the first part is attached. The component assembly work support system according to the ninth embodiment can be configured by the IC tag and the second IC tag attached to a specific location of the second component. At this time, each of the first IC tag and the second IC tag is provided with a function of performing wireless communication with another IC tag existing in a predetermined communication range. Here, the predetermined communication range is a range in which, when correct assembly work is performed, it is possible to wirelessly communicate with the IC tag of the correct counterpart, and other IC tags are out of the wireless communication range. Set to be.

  In addition, at least one of the pair of IC tags has a function of determining whether or not the IC tag of the radio communication partner is the correct partner and notifying the assembly operator of the result. . For example, the first IC tag is provided with a function of determining whether or not the IC tag of the wireless communication partner is the second IC tag that is the correct partner and notifying the assembly operator of the result. Just keep it. Of course, the second IC tag side also has a function of determining whether or not the IC tag of the other party of the wireless communication is the first IC tag that is the correct counterpart and notifying the assembly operator of the result. You can leave it.

  Specifically, in the example shown in FIG. 8, for example, a pair of IC tags Th1 and Ti2 are the minimum components of the system according to the ninth embodiment. That is, in this product, the specific part (upper left side) of the first part H and the specific part (lower end part) of the second part I are in close proximity by performing a correct assembly operation. Therefore, the first IC tag Th1 is attached to the specific part (upper left side) of the first component H, and the second IC tag Ti2 is attached to the specific part (lower end part) of the second component I.

  Here, each of the first IC tag Th1 and the second IC tag Ti2 has a function of wirelessly communicating with another IC tag existing within a predetermined communication range, and as shown in FIG. When a certain distance approaches, wireless communication is performed between the two. In the example shown here, both the first IC tag Th1 and the second IC tag Ti2 determine whether or not the IC tag of the radio communication partner is the correct partner, and the result is sent to the assembly operator. It has a function to notify. Therefore, as shown in the figure, when correct assembly is performed such that the lower end portion of the component I is brought into contact with the upper left side of the component H, the first IC tag Th1 and the second IC tag Ti2 are wirelessly connected. It is determined that the IC tag of the communication partner is the correct partner, and the result is notified.

  However, for example, when the part I and the part J are mistaken, the counterpart who enters the communication range of the IC tag Th1 is the IC tag Tj2. In this case, the IC tag Ti2 which is the original correct counterpart is out of the communication range of the IC tag Th1. As a result, the pair of IC tags Th1 and Tj2 that have performed wireless communication with each other determine that the communication partner is not the correct partner and notify the result. Similarly, when trying to assemble the component I upside down, the other party entering the communication range of the IC tag Th1 is the IC tag Ti1. In this case, the IC tag Ti2 which is the original correct counterpart is out of the communication range of the IC tag Th1. As a result, the pair of IC tags Th1 and Ti1 that have performed wireless communication with each other make a determination that the communication partner is not the correct partner and notify the result. As described above, according to the ninth embodiment, a warning can be given to the assembling worker not only about the mistake of components but also about the mistake of the connection position between components.

  In order to make each IC tag determine whether or not it is the correct counterpart, record the self-code and the correct counterpart code on each IC tag, and for each IC tag that has entered the wireless communication range The self-codes may be transmitted to each other, and a function for determining whether or not the other party's own code matches the correct other party code may be provided.

  FIG. 9 is a table showing self-codes and correct counterpart codes recorded in advance in each of the eight IC tags shown in FIG. According to this table, for example, “Code00h1” is recorded as a self-code and “Code00i2” is recorded as a correct partner code in the IC tag Th1, respectively. Similarly, “Code00i2” is recorded as the self code and “Code00h1” is recorded as the correct partner code in the IC tag Ti2. Therefore, when the component H and the component I are correctly combined so that the IC tags Th1 and Ti2 are within the wireless communication range, a process of transmitting a self code to the other party by wireless communication between the two is performed. In both cases, it is determined that the communication partner is the correct partner, and a notification to that effect is made. If the codes shown in the table of FIG. 9 are recorded in each of the eight IC tags shown in FIG. 8, whether or not a correct combination of components is performed at each of the four connection locations. This determination is made and the result is notified.

  As a means for informing the assembly operator of the determination result, each IC tag may have a function of emitting sound or light, and the determination result may be presented as sound or light information. . If the sound or light emitted when it is determined to be the correct opponent and the sound or light emitted when it is determined to be the wrong opponent can be distinguished from each other, This sound or light makes it possible to recognize whether or not the correct combination of components has been performed. Of course, it is possible to present a predetermined sound or light only when it is determined to be a correct opponent, and conversely, a predetermined sound only when it is determined to be an incorrect opponent. It is also possible to present light or light.

  In order to cause the IC tag to execute the determination process and the notification process described above, it is necessary to supply power in some form. Of course, in principle, a power source such as a battery can be built in each IC tag, and each IC tag can be driven by power supplied from the power source. However, if such a power source is built in, the size of the IC tag must be increased, and the cost also increases. At present, many IC tags that are generally used use electromagnetic waves given from the outside (usually a reader / writer device) as a power source. Therefore, in practice, it is preferable to use a general IC tag that uses an electromagnetic wave applied from the outside as a power source also in the embodiment described here.

  As described above, when using an IC tag that operates by receiving external power supply, an external device (for example, a general IC tag reader / writer device) for supplying power is prepared. An operation for supplying power by bringing an external device close to a desired IC tag pair is required. For example, in the case of the example shown in FIG. 8, if an external device is brought close to the pair of IC tags Th1 and Ti2 and an electromagnetic wave serving as a power source is supplied, the pair of IC tags is driven and the above-described determination is performed. Processing and notification processing can be executed, and the result can be notified as sound or light. Thereby, it can be confirmed whether the combination state of the components H and I is correct. Similarly, if an external device is brought close to the pair of IC tags Th2 and Tj2 and an electromagnetic wave serving as a power source is supplied, it can be confirmed whether or not the combination state of the component H and the component J is correct. .

  Alternatively, a separate management device having a function of supplying an electromagnetic wave as a power source to each IC tag and performing wireless communication is prepared, and the determination result is received from each IC tag in this management device, and the received determination result It is also possible to provide a function for notifying the assembly operator. Such a management device can be realized by a computer incorporating a reader / writer device for an IC tag, like the component confirmation device 200 in the embodiments described so far. This management device also serves as means for supplying power by applying electromagnetic waves to each IC tag. And since it can communicate with each IC tag wirelessly, the determination result made by each IC tag can be received wirelessly, and this can be displayed on a display screen or notified by sound or light. Is possible. In general, in order to notify the determination result by sound or light, relatively large electric power is required. Therefore, it may be technically difficult to incorporate this notification function into a small IC tag. Therefore, as described above, if the notification function is incorporated in the external management apparatus, it is sufficient to provide each IC tag with a communication function and a determination function.

100: Assembly instruction 200: Parts confirmation device 201: Display 202: Operation buttons 300: Support data A to G, H, I, J, K: Parts Ta to Tg: IC tags for parts TTa to TTg, TT1, TT2: IC tags for instructions Th1, Th2, Ti1, Ti2, Tj1, Tj2, Tk1, Tk2: IC tags for parts

Claims (4)

A system composed of a plurality of IC tags attached to individual parts in order to support an assembly operation for a product composed of a plurality of parts,
The first IC tag attached to the specific part of the first part when the specific part of the first part and the specific part of the second part are brought close to each other by performing a correct assembly operation. And a second IC tag attached to a specific location of the second component as a correct counterpart to each other ,
Each of the first IC tag and the second IC tag has a function of wirelessly communicating with another IC tag existing in a predetermined communication range,
The second IC tag records a self code, and has a function of transmitting the self code to the IC tag that has entered the communication range,
The first IC tag records the self code of the second IC tag as a correct counterpart code, and whether the code transmitted from the IC tag that has entered the communication range matches the correct counterpart code. Whether or not the IC tag of the other party of the wireless communication is a correct counterpart , and has a function of notifying the result to the assembly operator ,
When correct assembly work is performed for the plurality of parts, it is possible to wirelessly communicate with the correct counterpart IC tag, and for other IC tags to be out of the wireless communication range. An assembly work support system for parts , wherein the communication range is set . The support system according to claim 1,
The first IC tag records a self code, and has a function of transmitting the self code to an IC tag that has entered the communication range.
Whether the second IC tag records the self-code of the first IC tag as a correct counterpart code, and whether the code transmitted from the IC tag that has entered the communication range matches the correct counterpart code A component assembly work support system having a function of determining whether or not an IC tag of a partner of wireless communication is a correct partner based on the above and notifying the result to the assembly worker. The support system according to claim 1 or 2,
An assembly work support system for parts, wherein the IC tag has a function of notifying an assembly operator of a determination result by emitting sound or light. The support system according to claim 1 or 2,
A management device having a function of wirelessly communicating with each IC tag is further provided, and this management device has a function of receiving a determination result from each IC tag and notifying an assembly operator of the received determination result. Parts assembly work support system.

Images