JP7455505B2 - Systems, methods, article manufacturing methods, and recording media - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a system, a method, a method for manufacturing an article, and a recording medium .

At production sites such as factories, the history of each production process is recorded in a database, regardless of whether the production process is automatically executed by production equipment such as robots or manually by workers. things are being done.

Furthermore, when using this type of database, production history is managed for each workpiece rather than for each process, so that the process history of processing and assembly for a specific workpiece can be referenced, for example. For this reason, for example, in order to identify a specific workpiece, a configuration is known in which an ID tag is attached to each workpiece using a unique identification code (barcode) or a recording device such as an IC chip that can store a small amount of data. ing. When such an ID tag is used, an individual workpiece can be identified by the ID tag, and, for example, information on the production (process) history up to the previous process obtained from a database can be referred to regarding that particular workpiece. In this case, it becomes possible to control the selection of subsequent processes, processing conditions, etc. based on the referenced production (process) history information.

It would be convenient if ID tags could be attached directly to workpieces passing through a process or to articles handled by a system, but some articles cannot be handled in this way. For example, since ID tags cannot be directly attached to objects such as cells and microorganisms, there is a known method of attaching ID tags to containers to perform process control, such as culture history management (Patent Document 1). . Additionally, when performing the same processing on multiple workpieces loaded on a pallet, a configuration is known in which production information is collected on a pallet basis by attaching an ID tag to the pallet (patented). Reference 2).

Further, a configuration is known in which defect information of a work such as an electronic component on a board as a product manufacturing unit is managed in association with the position on the board (Patent Document 3). Furthermore, a technique is known in which work status information for each of a plurality of work processes of a worker is managed based on the worker and displayed in a bird's-eye view (Patent Document 4).

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2004-119 Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2000-66705 Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2001-273019 Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2001-84305

Depending on the production line (system), multiple workpieces may be housed on pallets (cases or containers) and supplied, transferred between processes, and carried out, regardless of whether they are of the same type or not. Even in such a case, it is desirable to be able to manage process and work history information for each individual work using a database. Further, when using a process history database, it is conceivable to select a process for a specific workpiece according to process (history) information of a previous process stored in the database. In that case, if a worker intervenes in process selection or if a manager or the like needs to check the progress of a process, a configuration is required that allows the database information to be referenced, for example, via display output.

According to the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1, the history of the workpiece (cell) is managed using the barcode of the container, so the history can be managed even on objects to which ID tags cannot be directly attached. However, in Patent Document 1, since objects such as cells are targeted, one container is used for one workpiece. Therefore, Patent Document 1 does not disclose how to manage the history of each workpiece when a plurality of workpieces are held in one container, for example. Furthermore, the technology disclosed in Patent Document 2 assumes that the same processing is performed on each pallet for multiple workpieces loaded on a pallet, etc., and the ID tag is attached to the pallet. Unable to manage production information. Therefore, for example, it cannot cope with a case where different production processes are performed for each workpiece within one pallet.

Further, according to the technique described in Patent Document 3, although it is possible to manage the quality of a workpiece on a substrate, it is not possible to manage the process history of a workpiece that is produced through a plurality of processes. Further, according to the technique disclosed in Patent Document 4, it is possible to manage the process progress of workpieces whose production processes differ from workpiece to workpiece. However, the configuration of Patent Document 4 cannot handle workpieces to which ID tags cannot be directly attached, and it is difficult to manage the production status of each workpiece when multiple workpieces are held in one holding case. I can't.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a system that can appropriately manage each work.

One aspect of the present invention is that a first work ID for identifying a first work and information on the position of the first work are stored in association with each other, and a second work ID for identifying a second work is stored. a storage unit in which an ID and information on the position of the second workpiece are stored in association with each other, and information indicating a relationship between the first workpiece and the second workpiece is stored; and the first workpiece is moved. a control unit that changes information on the position of the first workpiece associated with the first workpiece ID in the storage unit and information indicating a relationship between the first workpiece and the second workpiece; The system is characterized in that the information on the position of the first workpiece and the information on the position of the second workpiece indicate a relationship between the position of the first workpiece and the position of the second workpiece .

One aspect of the present invention is a method for managing the history of processing related to a plurality of works, in which processing for the plurality of works is executed using a case in which the plurality of works can be held, and the processing for the plurality of works is performed. When a case holding a certain workpiece is changed from a first case to a second case after processing the certain workpiece, the case is physically attached to the first case, and the first case a first case ID tag that can identify the second case, a second case ID tag that is physically attached to the second case and that can identify the second case , and a database that records the history of processing for each work. a first case ID for identifying the first case ID tag recorded in the database; a second case ID for identifying the second case ID tag recorded in the database; Managing the history of processing related to the certain work using a holding position address of the certain work in one case and a work ID associated with the holding position address of the certain work in the second case. This method is characterized by the following .

According to the present invention , each workpiece can be appropriately managed .

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a production management system and a display example according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an overview of a production management system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a database configuration in a production management system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a database operation when supplying and discharging to and from a transport case according to an embodiment of the present invention. (a) is an explanatory diagram showing a process history reference method according to an embodiment of the present invention, and (b) is an explanatory diagram showing an inter-process transport case and a workpiece used in the embodiment. It is an explanatory view showing an example of a display screen of reference contents of process history concerning an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a workflow when different production processes are performed for each work according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing database contents when the workflows according to the embodiment of the present invention are different. (a) and (b) are explanatory diagrams showing display screens of process histories related to different workflows in the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a process history display screen for components to be mounted on a product at a remote location in an embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram showing an example of composition of a database control part in a production management system concerning an embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart figure showing the control procedure of the database control part in the production management system concerning an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an assembly procedure and an assembly component layout display example according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of application of a display screen of reference contents of process history to a circuit board according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration example of a network and production equipment in a production management system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the configuration shown below is just an example, and for example, the detailed configuration can be changed as appropriate by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Moreover, the numerical values taken up in this embodiment are reference numerical values, and do not limit the present invention.

As described above, depending on the workpieces handled by the production system and the products manufactured, it may not be appropriate to attach an ID tag such as a stamp, a bar code, or an IC chip. For example, in a production system for optical products such as interchangeable lenses for cameras, if an optical element (lens) is engraved with a unique identification code or given an ID tag such as a barcode or IC chip, the performance of the optical product after assembly is improved. - May affect quality. Therefore, in the production process of optical products such as interchangeable lenses, it is not preferable to attach a physical ID tag to an optical element (lens), for example.

This embodiment will be described by taking as an example the production of an optical element (lens) or an optical product including the same. In this case, for example, optical element (lens) workpieces to which ID tags cannot be directly attached are held in one case and moved between processes. The plurality of workpieces held in this one case may be a plurality of workpieces that have different production processes for each workpiece. In this embodiment, production management for managing the production (process) history and a display output method of the production (process) history in the above production mode will be described.

FIG. 1 shows the configuration of the process history database (101, 102) stored in the storage unit in the production management system in this embodiment, the interprocess transport case 2 that accommodates a plurality of works 1 used in the manufacturing process 1022, and the history A monitor 13 for displaying information is shown. Further, in FIG. 1, an example of a manufacturing process 1022 that is a target of production control is shown at the bottom.

The manufacturing process 1022 in FIG. 1 includes "1. Acceptance", "2. Processing A", "3. Inspection A", "4. Processing B", "5. Inspection B", "6. Assembly", "7. It consists of various processes such as "Shipping inspection". In this manufacturing process 1022, a workpiece that becomes a lens base material as an optical element is received ("acceptance"), and the lens is subjected to two types of processing and inspection processes ("processing A, B" and "inspection A, B"). This is an example of assembly into a lens barrel ("assembly") and shipping inspection ("shipping inspection"). In this embodiment, mainly based on such a manufacturing process 1022, production management using a process history database (101, 102), a method of displaying a process history while the production process is in progress, etc. will be described. Note that in the attached drawings, the database may be abbreviated as "DB" due to space constraints.

As shown in the lower part of FIG. 1, the process history of the manufacturing process 1022 is stored and managed for each process in the case information database 101 that constitutes the process history database, particularly in the process operation history database 103. When each process of the manufacturing process 1022 is executed, the process operation history database 103 stores a detailed history of processing conditions such as setting conditions, environment, and sensor data when the process was executed. For example, in the "1. Acceptance" process, the shipper information, lot number, delivery date, acceptance inspection results, etc. of the workpiece are saved. In the "2. Processing A" process, the identification name of the processing device used, processing date and time, processing recipe, processing setting conditions, condition of consumable parts, sensor history of the device such as temperature and humidity, etc. are saved.

The work history database 102 manages process history for each work. For example, when a production line receives a workpiece, a new work history for each workpiece is created and saved in the work history database 102. Every time the history of each production process is saved in the process operation history database 103, the address (link information) of the history record of the process operation history database 103 related to the work concerned is added to the work history database 102 in the order of the processes. In this way, the progress of the production process for each workpiece and the reference destination of the process operation history database 103 can be managed.

In the production line of this embodiment, a plurality of workpieces 1 are held in an interprocess transport case 2 and the workpieces are transported between production processes. The case information database 101 constituting the process history database is configured to store work layout information in the inter-process transport case 2, information on individual works held, and the like. The case information database 101 is referred to when supplies are supplied to or discharged from each process, and is also registered and updated. For example, the inter-process transport case 2 in FIG. 1 is partitioned between the works so that it can hold a plurality of works 1, and in this embodiment, the partitions are divided into three rows and six columns. Thereby, the inter-process transport case 2 can hold a plurality of works 1 up to 18 pieces.

In this embodiment, each inter-process transport case 2 is attached with an ID tag 3 (case ID tag) that has identification information specific to that case and can identify a specific case. The ID tag 3 includes, for example, a bar code or an IC chip that records identification information unique to the case. With this ID tag 3, a unique identification code can be assigned to each inter-process transport case 2. In this embodiment, an ID tag 3 using a bar code is attached to the side surface of the inter-process transport case 2.

The barcode of the ID tag 3 can be read by a barcode reader 11. However, an IC chip or other type of ID tag 3 may also be used, and the mounting position on the inter-process transport case 2 is arbitrary. For example, the ID tag 3 may be a member such as a nameplate to which a unique case number or the like is added in the form of a character string. In that case, the means for reading the ID tag 3 may be configured by an imaging device such as a digital camera and hardware or software that performs OCR processing.

Note that the reading means (device) for the ID tag 3, for example, the barcode reader 11, may be operated manually by a worker, or may be operated by a pre-programmed automatic operation of a robot device. Alternatively, when the inter-process transport case 2 is carried in (discharged) to a predetermined position on the production line, the ID tag 3 reading means (device) placed nearby automatically detects the ID tag 3 and identifies it. It may also be configured to read information.

In this embodiment, the inter-process transport case 2 or the workpiece 1 is taken out and held from the case by a robot device that performs automatic transport on the production line. It is assumed that this robot device (details not shown) or its robot control device is capable of so-called palletizing processing. A virtual palletizing number 4 (“1” to “18”) is assigned to the workpiece holding position (holding portion) of the inter-process transfer case 2 in accordance with the palletizing rules of a robot device that performs automatic transfer. This palletizing number corresponds to control information for controlling the inter-process transport case 2 or the robot device that handles the workpiece 1. In the robot control data, the palletizing number 4 is associated with the geometry of the case (the arrangement and dimensions of the holding parts). Thus, for example, when an operation for a holding position corresponding to a certain palletizing number 4 is taught, an operation for holding positions corresponding to another palletizing number 4 can be generated through coordinate transformation of the teaching point. In this embodiment, this palletizing number is used as the holding position address in the inter-process transport case 2. Note that the format of the holding position address in the inter-process transport case 2 does not necessarily need to be a palletizing number, and for example, three-dimensional coordinates of a coordinate system having the origin at a predetermined part of the case may be used. The format of is arbitrary. In this specification, a holding position or a holding position address may be simply referred to as a position.

In FIG. 1, a computer 12 equipped with a monitor 13 is shown as a terminal that refers to a process history database (101, 102, 103). Although the monitor 13 and computer 12 are shown in the form of a desktop PC (personal computer) in the figure, the installation location and implementation of the computer 12 are arbitrary. For example, the monitor 13 and the computer 12 may be configured by a pad type computer equipped with a touch panel or the like, or a mobile terminal (smartphone, mobile phone, etc.). Alternatively, the monitor 13 and the computer 12 may be other types of PCs (including notebook type, small-sized so-called UMPC, etc.). If the monitor 13 and computer 12 are configured to be portable, for example, a worker managing a production line can search the process history database (101, 102, 103) while moving around the site and display it on the monitor 13. A variety of work styles are possible.

Here, FIG. 11 shows control system hardware that can be commonly used in the computer 12 equipped with the monitor 13 in FIG. 1 and the database device (server) that operates the process history database (101, 102, 103). Show the configuration. As shown in the figure, this control system is composed of blocks arranged around a CPU 1601. In the following, the control system in FIG. 11 will be explained using the configuration of the computer 12 equipped with the monitor 13 in FIG. 1 as an example. Add explanations accordingly.

The control system around the CPU 1601 in FIG. 11 is connected to another device B via the network NW. If the control system around the CPU 1601 is the computer 12 equipped with the monitor 13 in FIG. be able to. Conversely, if the control system around the CPU 1601 is a database device (server), the other device B is associated with the computer 12 equipped with the monitor 13 in FIG.

The control system in FIG. 11 has a configuration using a CPU 1601, ROM 1602, RAM 1603, etc. as main control means (control device). The control means in FIG. 11 includes a CPU 1601 as a main control section, a ROM 1602 as a storage section, and a RAM 1603. The ROM 1602 can store a control program for the CPU 1601, constant information, etc. for implementing control procedures to be described later. Further, the RAM 1603 is used as a work area for the CPU 1601 when executing database control procedures shown in each figure described later.

If the configuration in FIG. 11 is a database reference terminal such as the computer 12 in FIG. . The operation unit (input unit) 1609 can be composed of, for example, a full keyboard and a pointing device, and constitutes a user interface for an operator who performs simulation and verification. Alternatively, the display 1608 and the operation unit 1609 may be integrated as hardware such as a touch pad.

The control system in FIG. 11 includes a network interface 1605 as a communication means for communicating via the network NW. The CPU 1601 can transmit and receive control signals (packets) necessary for controlling the process history database (101, 102, 103), for example, via the network interface 1605 to the network NW. The network NW is also used to receive control signals related to process progress from production devices (robot devices, transport devices, etc.) arranged on the production line (system). The network interface 1605 can be configured using a communication standard such as wired communication such as IEEE 802.3 or wireless communication such as IEEE 802.11 or 802.15. However, it is of course possible to adopt any other communication standard for the network NW.

Note that a control program for the CPU 1601 for realizing the control procedure described below can also be stored in an external storage device 1604 such as an HDD or SSD, or a storage unit such as the ROM 1602 (for example, an EEPROM area). In that case, the control program of the CPU 1601 for implementing the control procedure described below can be supplied to each of the above-mentioned storage units via the network interface 1605, and can be updated to a new (different) program. Alternatively, the control program of the CPU 1601 for realizing the control procedure described below is supplied to each of the above-mentioned storage units via storage means such as various magnetic disks, optical disks, and flash memories, and a drive device for that purpose, Also, its contents can be updated. The various storage means and storage units storing the control program for the CPU 1601 for implementing the above-described control procedure constitute a computer-readable recording medium that stores the control procedure of the present invention.

Further, if the configuration shown in FIG. 11 is a control system of a database device (server) that operates a process history database (101, 102, 103), a database file recording the database records is stored in the external storage device 1604. Note that the external storage device 1604 does not necessarily need to be connected to the control system hardware interface of the database device (server). For example, the external storage device 1604 may be configured from a disk device such as a NAS (Network Attached Storage), and may be connected to the network NW as a single piece of hardware.

Here, the contents of the process history display screen displayed on the monitor 13 in FIG. 1 will be explained. In this embodiment, the monitor 13 constitutes a display section that can display the holding position of the workpiece within the case serving as the holding section. The display example in FIG. 1 corresponds to a state in which the process history screen 5a of each workpiece held in the inter-process transport case 2 is read into the computer 12 and displayed on the monitor 13. The process history screen 5b on the left side of FIG. 1 is an enlarged display of the process history screen 5a of the monitor 13 in the center of the figure. In this example, the process history screen 5b includes a case identification number display section 8 that can display and input the individual identification number of the inter-process transport case, a work layout display section 6 in the inter-process transport case, and the process of each workpiece. It consists of a process history display section 7 that displays history.

When the ID tag 3 (barcode) attached to the inter-process transport case 2 is read by the barcode reader 11, the barcode number is displayed on the case identification number display section 8 of the monitor 13. Based on this barcode data, individual information on the inter-process transport case 2 can be searched from the case information database 101. Further, from the individual information of the inter-process transport case 2, "work layout information in the inter-process transport case" and "information on individual works held" can be acquired from the case information database 101.

Then, based on the acquired "work layout information in the inter-process transport case", the work layout, which is the layout of the entire case including the holding position, can be displayed on the work layout display section 6. In this example, the work layout display section 6 has a configuration of 3 rows and 6 columns corresponding to the layout of 18 holding positions of the case. Note that if the geometry of the holding position of the inter-process transport case 2 is different, any other arbitrary aspect may be used for the work layout display section 6 in accordance with the geometry. In this embodiment, each holding position in the 3rd row and 6th column of the work layout display section 6 or each display cell corresponding to the workpiece held there contains a palletizing number (1 to 1) corresponding to the case holding position address. 18) is displayed.

The monitor 13 may have a touch panel configuration, or may be used in conjunction with a pointing device such as a mouse or trackpad (not shown) to allow selection operations for individual workpieces (or holding positions) on the workpiece layout display section 6. Configure it as follows. The work selected in the work layout display section 6 is highlighted (with a thick frame of 10 in FIG. 1).

Furthermore, based on the retained information on each workpiece obtained from the case information database 101, the corresponding workpiece process history can be searched from the workpiece history database 102. Then, the reference destination of the process operation history database 103 for each unique workpiece can be obtained. Thereby, the process operation history of the selected work 10 selected in the work layout display section 6 can be acquired from the process operation history database 103 and displayed on the process history display section 7. In FIG. 1, the process history for the work corresponding to the holding position selected (10) on the work layout display section 6 is displayed on the process history display section 7.

The display of the process history display section 7 is configured so that the content display can be switched by operating the tabs at the top (manufacturing process "1. Acceptance", "2. Processing A", "3. Inspection A", etc.). Therefore, by sequentially operating the tabs, the progressed process contents can be viewed in the order of the production process displayed on the process history display section 7. Further, the tabs of this process history display section 7 are generated and displayed only for the processes that have already progressed. For example, in the display example of FIG. 1, the work with palletizing number "6" selected in the selected work layout display section 6 is shown to have progressed to the rightmost tab, "5. Inspection B". I understand. The detailed history of the production process selected by tab switching is displayed in a list.

Furthermore, the display mode can be changed for items that are within the allowable range of preset predetermined process conditions and items that are not within the allowable range (abnormality information). In this case, the display mode can be changed by changing the display color (separated by at least two colors) or the density (switching the same density). Selection of such a display mode is made, for example, as a result of comparing predetermined process condition tolerance values with process history data related to a specific process of a specific workpiece accommodated at a specific holding position address of the case. This can be done based on the following.

In addition, in the work layout display section 6, display cells for workpieces that are within the permissible range of predetermined process conditions in all items of all production processes are displayed as "OK", and cells that are partially out of the permissible range are displayed as "Gray". Works that are clearly defective are classified and displayed as "NG". In that case, the classification of "OK" (for example, a non-defective product), "Gray" (for example, between a non-defective product and a defective product), and "NG" (for example, a defective product) is done by different display modes, such as color coding, on the work layout display section 6. indicate. Workpieces that partially fall outside the allowable range and workpieces that are clearly defective may be displayed as containing abnormality information to indicate an abnormality. Further, as in the example of FIG. 1, "Null" indicating the absence of a work is displayed at the holding position addresses (display cells of palletizing numbers 17 and 18) where there is no work in the inter-process transport case. Furthermore, when the machining conditions are changed, a display indicating that there is an abnormality in the holding position (workpiece display cell) associated with the workpiece ID associated with the information on the process executed on the workpiece before the change is displayed. You may do so.

Further, the individual information on the inter-process transport case 2 can also be searched by directly inputting the barcode number of the inter-process transport case 2 into the case identification number display section 8 and operating the search button 9. Even if the inter-process transport case 2 is not at hand, if the barcode number is known, it is possible to refer to the production process progress and process history of each workpiece held in the inter-process transport case.

Next, with reference to FIG. 2, a configuration example of the production management system in this embodiment will be described. In FIG. 2, in each manufacturing process (1022), workpieces held in the interprocess transport case 2 in various holding modes are transported between each production process. The illustrated manufacturing process (1022) is similar to the flow of the manufacturing process (1022) for an optical product similar to that illustrated in FIG.

Each manufacturing process (1022) is supplied with a workpiece held in an inter-process transport case 2 for supply, the workpiece is taken out from the inter-process transport case for supply, and each process is sequentially executed. In that case, for example, if there is an operation that requires returning to the previous process for reprocessing or removing defective products that do not meet standards as a result of inspection, there will be an inter-process transport case for supply and an inter-process transport case for discharge. The number of works accommodated may be different (1023). When each production process is finished, the workpiece is held in the inter-process transport case (2) for discharge, the inter-process transport case (2) for discharge is discharged, and the workpiece is transported to the next process (1023). In the next process, the workpiece is similarly taken out from the interprocess transport case (2) that has been transported from the previous process, and the process is executed.

Also in FIG. 2, the process history database includes a case information database 101, a work history database 102, and a process operation history database 103. The process operation history database 103, which stores the history of each process constituting the manufacturing process (1022), is managed for each production process by hardware such as a database storage device and a database computer (server). Such hardware for database management may be installed in different production plants, for example.

The work history database 102 and the case information database 101 are connected via a network (not shown), for example. In that case, the work history database 102 can be accessed from all processes, and the case information database 101 can be accessed from at least each transport process.

A process operation history database 103 that stores the history of each process is arranged in each process (“1. Acceptance”, “2. Processing A”, “3. Inspection A”, etc.) of the manufacturing process (1022). Ru. When each process is executed, detailed history data such as setting conditions, environment, sensor data, etc. when the process was executed is accumulated and stored in the process operation history database 103.

When the history of each manufacturing process is stored in the process operation history database 103, the address (link information) of the database record related to the work in the process operation history database 103 is added to the work history database 102 in the order of the processes. The case information database 101 includes work layout information within the inter-process transport case 2 and information on individual workpieces corresponding to the held positions, as well as information necessary for automatic transport and assembly by production equipment, such as robot equipment. Teaching data etc. are registered.

Next, the internal configurations of the work history database 102, case information database 101, and process operation history database 103 shown in FIG. 2 will be explained.

FIG. 3 shows an example of a database configuration according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the case information database 101, teaching information 301 and work holding information (work storage information) 302 are registered. The teaching information 301 includes the type of case (3011), the name of the part number (3012) of the workpiece held in the case, and the number of rows and columns (3013) of the inter-process transport case 2 necessary for palletizing the above-mentioned robot device. , 3014) and teaching data (3015) are registered.

In the work holding information 302, a case ID (3021), a case type (3022), and a barcode (3023) of an ID tag attached to the case are registered for each inter-process transport case. Further, in the work holding information 302, the work ID (3024) of the work held at each holding position (palletizing number) of the case of the record is registered.

In the work history 303, the work ID (3031) and the name of the part number (3032) of the work are registered for each work in the receiving process. Then, each time each production process is executed for the workpiece, the address (addr: link information) of the process operation history database 103 is added in the process order, such as "Process 1", "Process 2", etc. go. Note that the address of the process operation history database 103 may be abbreviated as "addr" in the diagram. Note that a necessary and sufficient number of processes that can be registered in the database is secured based on the number of production processes for the workpiece.

Next, in the "1. Acceptance" process of the manufacturing process shown in Figure 2, database control for associating the receiving process operation history with the workpiece holding location after saving the receiving process operation history will be explained using Figure 3. do. In FIG. 3, the steps of the database control procedure are indicated by reference numerals such as "Step 1", "Step 2", etc. (the same applies to the accompanying drawings of the same format described later).

First, in accordance with the delivery of the workpiece to the production line, the workpiece ID "W0012345" (field 3031) and part number name "L0003" (field 3032) are newly added to the work history database 102 in the "1. Acceptance" process. Register ([Step 1]).

Subsequently, information such as shipping source information, lot number, delivery date, and acceptance inspection results of the work is stored in the process operation history database 103. Then, the address (link information) of the record stored in the (receiving) process operation history database 103 regarding this work is recorded in the field (3033) of "Process 1" of the work ID "W0012345" ([Step 2]).

Next, when holding the workpiece in the inter-process transport case, the barcode reader 11 (FIG. 1) reads the barcode (field 3023) of the ID tag 3 attached to the case and selects the case type "CT0003" (field 3022) to be held. ) ([Step 3]).

Furthermore, from the case type "CT0003" (field 3022), the case information database 101 is referred to, and the number of rows, columns, teaching data (3013, 3014, 3015), etc. required for palletizing that accommodates the workpiece (W0012345) is obtained. do. That is, the configuration of each holding section of the case, teaching data for handling the workpieces held in each holding section of the case, palletizing numbers, etc. are acquired ([Step 4]).

Next, when holding the workpiece with the workpiece ID “W0012345” in the palletizing number “1” of the inter-process transport case 2, the workpiece ID “W0012345” is registered in the palletizing number “1” of the workpiece holding information 302 ([Step 5] ).

Hereinafter, for palletizing numbers "2" onwards, by repeating this registration every time a workpiece is held in an inter-process transport case, you can identify the location where each workpiece is held (palletizing number) and the workpiece. An ID is associated.

Next, referring to FIG. 4, the inter-process transport case 2 in which the workpiece was held in the "1. Acceptance" process of the manufacturing process shown in FIG. 2 is supplied to the next process "2. Processing A", The process up to discharge will be explained. That is, this example is database control when supplying and discharging workpieces to and from the inter-process transport case 2. FIG. 4 shows, in the same format as FIG. 3 and using the same reference numerals, an example of database operation for a process of supplying and discharging to and from an interprocess transport case.

In the workpiece holding information 302 in FIG. 4, the case information database 101 indicates that the inter-process transport case for supply (I) has the case ID "C150154", and the inter-process transport case for discharge (O) has the case ID "C150158". is registered in.

In the palletizing number "1" of the case ID "C150154" of the supply (I) inter-process transport case, the work ID "W0012345" held at that position (first position) is registered. Further, since no work is yet held in the inter-process transport case for discharge (O), the explanation will be made starting from a state where no work ID is registered in the palletizing number of case ID "C150158".

First, the barcode reader 11 reads the barcodes from the ID tags of the supply (I) interprocess transport case and the discharge (O) interprocess transport case. Then, from the read case types "CT0003" and "CT0004", the case information database 101 and the workpiece holding information 302 are referred to, and the teaching position and palletizing number of each holding place in each case are acquired ([Step 1] ).

Next, when taking out the work from palletizing number "1" (first position) of the inter-process transport case for supply (I), this Obtain work ID "W0012345". When this work is taken out, the registration of the work ID of the palletizing number "1" of the case ID "C150154" of the supply inter-process transport case is deleted ([Step 2]).

When the process of machining A is executed on the retrieved workpiece, the identification name of the machining device used, the machining date and time, the machining recipe, machining setting conditions, the status of consumable parts, and the sensor of the device are stored in the process operation history database 103 of machining A. The process history of history (temperature, humidity, etc.) is saved.Then, for this "processing A", the address (link information) of these process history records saved in the process operation history database 103 is the work ID "W0012345". It is recorded at the "Step 2" position (3033) ([Step 3]).

Next, when holding the processed workpiece in the inter-process transport case for ejection, the workpiece holding information 302 is set to the palletizing number (third position) that holds the workpiece with case ID "C150158" for ejection (O). Register the work ID "W0012345" ([Step 4]). At this time, depending on the sensor data of the device during processing, the palletizing number for discharging may be changed, or the process may be changed to sort and discharge into a plurality of inter-process transport cases for discharging (O). In that case, the holding position in an inter-process transport case other than the one shown is recorded in the database in the same way as described above. This example shows a case where a processed workpiece is held in palletizing number "2" of a plurality of inter-process transport cases for discharge (O). Further, the discharge case may be held at a different position (second position), for example, palletizing number "10" of the same case "C150154" as the supply case "C150154".

After that, by repeating the same database registration for the manufacturing process steps after "2. Processing A" shown in Figures 1 and 2, all process operation history will be stored in the work ID "W0012345" of the work history. Addresses in the database 103 are registered. After the process of "7. Shipping inspection", the work ID "W0012345" is registered as the palletizing number of the case ID of the case where this work is held and shipped. For example, even when assembling different types of optical elements such as a lens barrel, it is possible to register the work IDs of different optical elements in the palletizing number of the case ID of the lens barrel using the same database operation. can. For example, if the workpiece held at the palletizing number "1" is held at another position and then another workpiece is held at the position of the palletizing number "1", the first position in the first case A new work ID is assigned to the palletizing number "1". Then, the above-mentioned different work and the newly assigned work ID are associated with each other and stored in the server.

Next, in this embodiment, a method of referring to individual process history for each work will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6. Here, after the process of "3. Inspection A" of the production management system shown in Figure 1, the history of each process of "1. Acceptance", "2. Processing A", and "3. Inspection A" up to that point is recorded. The case of reference will be explained as an example.

FIGS. 5A and 5B show a process history reference method according to this embodiment. FIG. 5(a) shows the database structure in a format similar to FIGS. 3 and 4. Further, FIG. 5(b) shows a state in which the workpiece is held in the inter-process transport case 2 after the "3. Inspection A" process. Further, FIG. 6 shows a display screen for referring to the process history in this embodiment.

For example, here, after the "3. Inspection A" process, the process history of the work W held in the inter-process transport case 2 as shown in FIG. 5(b) is referred to. The display in FIG. 6 is a screen display of process history information obtained through the operations shown in FIG. 1 described above. In the following, an example will be described in which the palletizing number "3" (the holding position of the workpiece W in FIG. 5(b)) is selected in the initial state. In the following, similarly to the cases of FIGS. 3 and 4, the database control in FIG. 5A will be explained using reference numerals such as steps "Step 1", "Step 2", and so on.

In the database control shown in FIG. 5A, first, the barcode reader 11 reads the ID tag 3 of the inter-process transport case 2 holding the workpiece W whose process history is to be referenced. Then, the case type "CT1554" is displayed on the case identification number display section 8 of FIG. 6 ([Step 1]).

Furthermore, the teaching information 301 in FIG. 5(a) is searched from the acquired case type "CT1554", and the corresponding number of rows (field 3013), number of columns (field 3014), teaching data (field 3015), etc. are read out. It is displayed on the work layout display section 6 in FIG. 6 ([Step 2]).

Further, when the palletizing number "3" corresponding to the holding position of the work W (FIG. 5(b)) is selected in the work layout display section 6 of FIG. 6, the work holding information 302 is searched based on the palletizing number "3". Then, the work ID "W0503265" registered in the palletizing number "3" is acquired, and based on this, the corresponding process history data record is searched from the work history 303 ([Step 3]).

Regarding this work ID "W0503265", the history up to "Process 3" is registered. Therefore, the databases such as acceptance (103a), processing A (103b), and inspection A (103c) that constitute the process operation history database 103 are referred to using the work ID "W0503265." As a result, for example, the process name is acquired, and the tabs in the process history display section 7 in FIG. 6 are displayed in the order of the processes. Furthermore, based on the reference results of the same database, a process history for each process executed for the work ID "W0503265" is obtained. For example, the details of each process history are read out from the process operation history database 103 using addresses (link information) that refer to databases such as receiving (103a), processing A (103b), and inspection A (103c), and the process history is It is displayed on the display section 7 ([Step 4]).

Even when more manufacturing processes are being executed, the process history and process progress status data for each workpiece are acquired from the process operation history database 103 using the same control as described above, and the process is performed in the same manner as shown in FIG. Display output is possible.

Next, with reference to FIG. 7, FIG. 8, and FIGS. 9(a) and (b), a description will be given of control in the case of managing the production history of workpieces whose production processes are different for each workpiece. FIG. 7 shows an example of a workflow in which the production process differs for each work in this embodiment. In FIG. 7, "2. Processing A", "3. Inspection A", and "4. "Processing B" is shown.

Handling (1023) of the inter-process transport case (2) is indicated by reference numerals 704, 705, and 706 between each process.

In this manufacturing process (1022), after the "2. Processing A" process, the "3. Inspection A" process is performed, and the workpieces that passed the inspection are transported between processes (I) for supply to "4. Processing B". The workpiece is held in case 2 and proceeds to the "4. Processing B" process (the uppermost interprocess transport case 706).

Furthermore, the "2. Machining A" process is executed again for the workpieces that were not inspected in the "3. Inspection A" process. For example, if the workpiece is inspected OK by re-execution of the "2. Machining A" process, the workpiece is held in the inter-process transport case (I) for supplying "2. Machining A" again. Return to the process (lowest inter-process transport case 706).

In addition, among the workpieces that were not inspected in the "3. Inspection A" process, the workpieces that are unlikely to be inspected OK even if the "2. Processing A" process is executed again are placed in the middle stage of 706 for disposal. Keep in transport case. In addition, a workpiece that has undergone the "2. Processing A" step, for example, twice (or more), is also held in the inter-process transport case 706 for disposal in the middle stage. The inter-process transport case for disposal in the middle of 706 is then sent to the disposal process (707).

The process history of each process (1022) is recorded in each database of processing A (103b), inspection A (103c), and processing B (103d) of the process operation history database 103. The replacement of inter-process transport cases and the proper use of cases related to process changes as described above are managed by the case information database 101. Switching to this inter-process transport case and using different cases can be performed by a robot device or the like. In that case, based on the control information for controlling the palletizing operation of the robot device, the relevant case ID and palletizing number (holding position in the case) in the case information database 101 can be changed to the case or changed according to the usage. Updated.

Next, when the workflow of the production process is different for each workpiece as shown in FIG. 7, for example, database control regarding the process operation history database 103, work history database 102, and case information database 101 is performed as shown in FIG. . FIG. 8 shows how the process history database (101, 102, 103) is controlled in a format similar to that in FIGS. 3 and 5(a).

Here, initially, the production process of two workpieces with workpiece IDs "W0583266" and "W0583265" stored in two holding positions of a certain case (case ID "C950160") and palletizing numbers "1" and "2", respectively. It shows how it progresses. The progress of the process is shown by displays such as [Step 1] to [Step 6].

In Fig. 8, the workpiece with the work ID "W0583266" passed the inspection OK the first time through the "3. Inspection A" process shown in Fig. 7, and proceeded to the "4. Machining B" process without returning to the process. (Field 3033 of each process in the work history database 102). On the other hand, for the workpiece with work ID "W0583265", after the "3. Inspection A" step, the "2. Machining A" step is executed again, and the inspection is OK in the second "3. Inspection A" step, and " 4. The workpiece has been completed up to the "Processing B" process.

Even if the "2. Processing A" process and the "3. Inspection A" process are executed twice, as in the case of work ID "W0583265," the process operation history database 103 is updated every time the production process is executed. Addresses are added to the work history database 102 in process order.

Then, when Step 1 to Step 6 are executed, the process history is registered in the work history database as shown in FIG. In the state of FIG. 8, it can be seen that the number of registered addresses in the process operation history database 103 is different for work IDs "W0583266" and "W0583265" which have different numbers of executed production processes.

In addition, in this example, between the workpieces with workpiece IDs "W0583266" and "W0583265", "W0583265" passes through more processes, and passes through the "2. Processing A" process and the "3. Inspection A" process twice. are doing. However, even at that stage, the workpieces with workpiece IDs "W0583266" and "W0583265" are accommodated in palletizing numbers "1" and "2", respectively, of the interprocess transport case (2) with the same case ID "C950160". .

The process history of the workpiece whose data has been registered as shown in FIG. 8 can be displayed on the monitor 13 (FIG. 1) in the display mode shown in FIG. 9, for example, and can be referred to by the operator or manager. FIG. 9 shows an example of a process history display screen when the workflow differs for each work as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8. This display example corresponds to a state where, for example, the case ID "C950160" is specified in the case identification number display section 8 after the process has progressed as shown in FIG. 8, for example.

Figure 9(a) shows the process history display screen when palletizing number "1" of interprocess transport case (2) with case ID "C950160" is selected, and Figure 9(b) shows the process history display screen when palletizing number "2" is selected. This is the process history display screen when selected. Works with work IDs "W0583266" and "W0583265" are held at these holding positions, respectively.

In FIGS. 9(a) and 9(b), as mentioned above, the tabs in the process history display section 7 are arranged in the order of production processes, so the palletizing numbers "1" and "2" as shown in FIG. If they are different, you can know the progressed production process history by looking at the tab display. Furthermore, by selecting a tab in the process history display section 7, the operator or manager can display the detailed process history. Further, the workpiece "W0583265" with the palletizing number "2" has undergone a different workflow from the workpiece "W0583266" with the palletizing number "1". Therefore, it is preferable that the display modes of these two works are different from each other in the work layout display section 6 or the process history display section 7 shown in FIGS. 9(a) and 9(b), for example. In that case, for the workpiece "W0583265" that has been re-inspected or reprocessed, the display color of the corresponding workpiece layout display section 6 or the display cell of the process history display section 7, for example, is different from that of "W0583266". Change the display color. This makes it possible to highlight the identification information of the workpiece "W0583265" that has undergone a different process than usual and its process history.

Further, since the address (link information) of the history record of the process operation history database 103 related to the workpiece is written in the work history database 102, the latest updated process operation history can be referred to. Therefore, even if a defective workpiece is leaked to a subsequent process due to a machining setting error, etc., it is possible to make the subsequent process worker or manager refer to the fact that the workpiece is defective as soon as the process operation history is updated. I can do it. For example, assume that the process of "Processing A" in [Step 4] of FIG. 8 is completed normally, but when the process advances to the process of "Processing B", a setting error in "Processing A" is discovered. When this mistake is discovered, if the contents of the machining process database are corrected and the work is set as defective, it will be classified as "NG" in the work layout display section 6 as a defective work in the process of "Processing B". Is displayed. Although not shown, if the case ID in which the work is held is registered in the work history database and the case owner information is registered in the case information database, there is a change in the work history. It is also possible to notify the owner of the work concerned.

FIG. 10 shows an example of displaying the process history of parts installed in a product located at a remote location. In this example, the lens barrel (such as a camera's interchangeable lens) to which the work is assembled or the lens holder inside the camera is also considered an inter-process transport case, and the serial number of the lens barrel or lens holder is used as the "case". It is used as an ID tag (3).

Generally, this type of lens barrel product (such as an interchangeable lens for a camera) has a visually understandable serial number attached to the lens barrel as an identification code. Therefore, a completed and shipped product, that is, a lens barrel, is regarded as an inter-process transport case, and the serial number of the product is recorded and saved in the case information database 101 as the ID tag (3) of the "case". You can leave it there.

If such a database is operated, the process history database (101, 102, 103) can be used not only during the production period, but also to track and investigate the process history of the workpieces (for example, lens elements) that make up each part of the product after shipping. It can be used for purposes such as.

For example, the production process history of a lens (workpiece) mounted on a lens barrel, which is a product, can be displayed. For example, the serial number can be obtained from the store 2002 or the customer 2003, inputted into the case identification number display section 8 of the monitor 13 of the computer 12, and the process history database (101, 102, 103) can be searched. As a result, the case information database 101 can be displayed on the work layout display section 6 in the lens barrel, and the process operation history of the selected workpiece 10 can be obtained from the process operation history database 103 and displayed on the process history display section 7. can.

The work layout display section 6 in FIG. 10 is different from the 18-square rectangular display of the inter-process transport case (2) in the previous example, and is a schematic display of a lens barrel as a product. In this example, the work layout display section 6 schematically displays nine works (lens elements) accommodated in accommodation positions 1 to 9 within the lens barrel. Therefore, for example, a worker who repairs or repairs a product at a support center (2001) or the like can identify the lens barrel (inter-process transport case) using a terminal equipped with the computer 12 and monitor 13. In that case, for example, the lens barrel can be identified by specifying the serial number from the case identification number display section 8 using the display mode shown on the left side of FIG. Further, by specifying (for example, clicking or tapping) a problematic lens element (work) displayed on the work layout display section 6, the detailed process history of the work can be displayed and referenced.

FIG. 13 shows an example of an assembly procedure and an assembly parts layout display in an assembly process. This example shows an example of a display displayed during the assembly process of a lens barrel. This display example is composed of an assembly procedure display section 501, an assembly detailed explanation display section 502, and an assembly parts layout display section 504. When the barcode of the lens barrel to be assembled is read, the barcode number or serial number of the lens barrel is displayed on the identification number display section 500, and the assembly process steps are displayed in the order of the steps on the assembly procedure display section 501. That is, the monitor 13 serving as a display section displays the assembly procedure for the lens barrel as the second case (assembly procedure display section 501). When each procedure is selected in the assembly procedure display section 501, a detailed explanation of the assembly is displayed in the assembly detailed explanation display section 502 in the form of diagrams and text. Then, the component 505 to be assembled is highlighted, the barcode number of the case holding the component is displayed on the identification number display section 503, and is displayed on the assembly component layout display section 504 of the case.

Assembled parts are classified by statistical processing into those that meet the quality standards in any combination and those that meet the quality standards with combination conditions, depending on the production process history of the parts. The assembly parts layout display section 504 displays parts that can be assembled to the lens barrel in the case (OK), parts that cannot be assembled (NG), and parts that cannot be said to be assembled (Gray) in text and color. has been done. That is, the entire layout of the first case is displayed on the monitor 13, which is a display section, and the parts to be assembled into the lens barrel as the second case are displayed so as to be selectable from the layout of the entire first case (assembled parts layout). display section 504). Furthermore, when you actually assemble the parts into the lens barrel, if the content differs from the content in the assembled parts layout display area 504, by correcting the data using the correction buttons (505a, 505b), statistical data that meets the non-defective product standard in combination can be created. to correct. In addition, for parts that do not meet the specifications in any combination, the inspection standards of the pre-process inspection process are revised to prevent defective products from being sent to the post-process.

The search and reference display of the process history of the workpieces constituting the lens barrel as a product as described above is controlled in the same way as the reference to the process history of the workpieces housed in the interprocess transport case described up to Figure 9. It can be done by process.

As shown in FIG. 10, a database is managed by associating a product with a case used in the manufacturing process, its serial number with a case ID (ID tag), and a work mounting position in the product with a work ID. As a result, as long as the serial number is known, the production history of a specific workpiece in a specific product can be referenced and displayed, greatly assisting workers in repairs and repairs. According to database management as shown in FIG. 10, it is possible to refer to the production history of a specific workpiece even when it is incorporated in a product, such as a lens element in a lens barrel. That is, according to the method shown in Fig. 10, as long as the serial number of the product is known, the production history of a specific workpiece in a specific product can be referenced and displayed in a non-destructive manner even if the actual product is not available, thereby reducing product maintenance work. becomes extremely easy.

Note that although the case of a lens barrel product has been considered above, any specific product other than a lens barrel may be treated in the same way as a case used in the manufacturing process, and the mounting position can be assigned to the work ID. The workpiece may be any part that is attached to the product. For example, the process history of an IC chip mounted at a specific position address (work ID) on the circuit board can be managed by treating the circuit board as a case. FIG. 14 shows an example of application of the process history reference content display screen to a circuit board according to the embodiment of the present invention. If the product has multiple circuit boards or units, a hierarchy display section 14 may be displayed on the display screen. When the serial number of the product is entered and searched in the case identification number display section 8, the built-in circuit boards and unit groups are displayed on the hierarchy display section 14. For example, when board A in the internal board hierarchy is selected, the circuit layout of board A is displayed on the work layout display section 6. When an IC in the work layout display section 6 is selected, the name of the IC is displayed on the selected component name display section 15, and the manufacturing process history of the IC can be displayed on the process history display section 7.

In the above, it has been assumed that information equivalent to an ID tag, such as a serial number or a product code, is not given to a workpiece (for example, the above-mentioned lens element) managed by a workpiece ID associated with a holding (mounting) position. However, the above-described method of managing workpieces using workpiece IDs associated with holding (mounting) positions may be used for workpieces to which serial numbers or product codes are assigned, for example.

FIG. 15 shows a configuration example of a network and production equipment in a production management system according to an embodiment of the present invention. The process operation history database 103, the case information database 101, and the work history database 102 are managed by database servers (5110, 5210, 5310), respectively, and have a hierarchy of a global network, an interprocess network, and a process network. The process networks are grouped by process, such as a machining A process network 5120a, an inspection A process network 5120b, a machining B process network 5120c, and an inspection B process network 5120d. Although not all shown in the figure, a database and a database server are connected to each network. The production equipment for processing A (5101a to 5101d), the production equipment for inspection A (5102a, 5102b), the production equipment for processing B (5103a to 5103c), and the production equipment for inspection B (5104a, 5104b) are each connected to a process network. There is. The lower part of FIG. 15 shows details of the processing B production apparatus 5103b. The apparatus controller is composed of a main control section 5006, a processing control section 5007, and a transport control section 5008, and is connected to a processing B process network 5120c via a network IF 5009.

When the supply case 4001 and the discharge case 4002 are set in the apparatus, a barcode reader 5011 reads the barcode of the case, and the barcode is sent from the barcode reading device 5010 to the conveyance control unit 5008. The case information database 101 is referred to from the read barcode, and the case IDs of the supply case 4001 and the discharge case 4002 and the work virtual ID tag (eg, palletizing number) are obtained. Then, a process history screen (5001, 5002) of each workpiece held in the supply case 4001 and the discharge case 4002 is displayed on a monitor 5012 connected to the main control unit 5006.

The transport robot 5004 is controlled by a transport control unit 5008 and transports the workpiece based on information (for example, teaching information, palletizing number) acquired from the case information database 101. A workpiece is transported from the supply case 4001 to the processing chamber 5003 by the transport robot 5004 . The machining chamber 5003 is controlled by a machining control unit 5007 and stores the machining process history in the process operation history database 103. Add the address (link information) of the recorded process history data to the work history database. A workpiece that has been processed in the processing chamber 5003 is stored in a holding position of a specific palletizing number in a specific discharge case 4002 by a robot device or the like. Then, in response to this workpiece accommodation operation, the case information database 101 is updated using the case ID of the discharge case 4002 and the workpiece virtual ID tag corresponding to the holding position of the palletizing number.

FIG. 12 shows the above-mentioned process history database (101, 102, 103), particularly database control (management) performed by a database device (server) implementing the database, according to the progress of the manufacturing process of a certain production line (system). It shows the flow. The control procedure in FIG. 12 can be written, for example, as a control program executed by the CPU 1601 (FIG. 11) of a database device (server) that implements the process history database (101, 102, 103) described above. The control program can be stored in a storage unit such as the external storage device 1604 in FIG. 11 or the ROM 1602 (eg, an EEPROM area).

In the procedure of FIG. 12, inter-process transport cases (4001, 4002) for supply (I) and discharge (O) are used in a certain manufacturing process. The figure shows how, after the manufacturing process is completed, the workpieces (group) are transferred from the supply (I) to the discharge (O) interprocess transport case (4001->4002). In this example, N workpieces are stored in the supply (I) interprocess transport case (4001), and the relevant manufacturing process is performed on all of them. Thereafter, the work that has completed the process is transferred to the discharge (O) inter-process transport case (4002).

In step S101 in FIG. 12, the inter-process transport cases (4001, 4002) for supply (I) and discharge (O) are moved manually by a worker or by a programmed automatic operation of a robot device included in the production system. is set in a predetermined position on the production equipment. It is assumed that, for example, a plurality of workpieces are already held in the inter-process transport case (4001) for supply (I).

In step S102, the ID tags (case IDs) of the supply (I) and discharge (O) interprocess transport cases (4001, 4002) are read by the reading means (device). This reading process is performed manually by a worker or by a programmed automatic operation of a robot device included in the production system, and the above-mentioned barcode reader 11 or the like is used as the reading means (device).

In step S103, the workpiece is taken out from the supply (I) interprocess transport case (4001), and thereafter, the relevant manufacturing process progresses through the first to fourth steps (S201 to S204). Then, in synchronization with the progress of the manufacturing process, the process history is recorded in the process history database (101, 102, 103). Note that in FIG. 12, steps S201 to S204 are shown as the first to fourth steps, but these first to fourth steps are for convenience and do not necessarily correspond to the processing used in the above-mentioned [Stepxxx] notation. It doesn't match the steps.

In the first step, S201, the case information database 101 is referenced using the case ID of the supply (I) interprocess transport case (4001) and the work virtual ID tag (eg, palletizing number) (S2011). Then, in response to the workpiece retrieval (S103), the workpiece ID of the workpiece in the holding position of the workpiece virtual ID tag of the case in the case information database 101 is deleted (S2012).

In the second step, S202, a manufacturing process is executed by a robot device or the like, and a process history corresponding to the content is recorded in the process operation history database 103 (S2021).

In the third step, S203, the address (link information) of the process history data recorded in the process operation history database 103 by a robot device or the like is added to the work history database 102 (S2031).

In the fourth step, S204, the workpiece that has completed the process is stored in a holding position of a specific palletizing number in a specific inter-process transport case (4002) for discharge (O) by a robot device or the like (S2041). Then, in response to this workpiece storage operation, the case information database 101 is updated using a workpiece virtual ID tag corresponding to the holding position of the case ID and palletizing number of the interprocess transport case (4002) for discharge (O). (S2042). Here, the work virtual ID tag of the case ID of the inter-process transport case (4002) for discharge (O) is associated with the work virtual ID tag, and the corresponding record in the case information database 101 is changed (or created).

In step S301, it is determined whether all the N workpieces initially held in the supply (I) interprocess transport case (4001) have been processed. This determination can be made, for example, by decrementing the counter (N) for counting the number of remaining works by 1 at the position of step S301 and then comparing it with 0. If there are still unprocessed workpieces left in the supply (I) inter-process transport case (4001) and all N workpieces have not been processed at first, the process returns from step S301 to step S103 and the above processing is performed. repeat. If all N workpieces have been processed initially, the process advances from step S301 to step S401, and the interprocess transport cases (4001, 4002) for supply (I) and discharge (O) are moved from the predetermined position of the production equipment. taken out.

According to the control shown in FIG. 12, a work is taken out from the supply (I) inter-process transport case (4001: first case) in which the work is held, a process operation is performed on the work, and a discharge The inter-process transport case (4002: second case) of (O) is held. In that case, in the workpiece process history databases (101, 102, 103), the following first to third database information are appropriately updated in accordance with the process history and the replacement of the workpiece to the case.
(1) First database information corresponding to a virtual work ID tag including a case ID of a first case and a holding position address of a specific work in the first case.
(2) Second database information that records process history related to process work performed on a specific workpiece.
(3) Third database information corresponding to a virtual work ID tag that associates the case ID of a second case in which a specific work is held and the holding position address of the specific work in the second case.

By controlling as shown in FIG. 12, it is possible to sequentially update the process history database (101, 102, 103) with the history of executed processes in synchronization with the progress of the manufacturing process. At that time, depending on the relocation of the workpiece, the workpiece virtual ID tag (for example, the workpiece holding position address such as the palletizing number ) will be updated accordingly. This allows an operator, administrator, or person in charge of the support center (2001) in FIG. 10 to refer to the database using the display screen of the monitor (13) as described above. That is, the process history of a specific workpiece accommodated in a specific case (or product) can be referenced without error.

As described above, according to the production management system of this embodiment, even if the workpiece is an optical (lens) element or the like to which an ID tag cannot be directly attached, it can be easily handled. In the production management system of this embodiment, in a holding section including first and second cases (I, O) each capable of holding a plurality of workpieces, there are holding positions where a plurality of workpieces are held and a holding position where each workpiece is held. A work ID for identification is stored in association with the work ID. For example, an ID tag is attached to a case (an inter-process transport case), and the workpieces in the case are managed with workpiece IDs associated with the holding position address of a specific workpiece in the case. When the holding position information associated with the work ID in the storage unit (302) is changed from the first position in the first case to the second position, the storage unit corresponds to the work ID. The attached holding position information is changed from the first position to the second position. In addition, when newly holding the work in the third position in the second case, the holding position information associated with the work ID in the storage section is transferred from the first position to the second or third position. It is changing. In addition, the storage unit (102) stores the workpiece ID and information on the process executed on the workpiece in association with each other, and the control unit (1601) stores the workpiece ID and the workpiece ID based on the information on the holding position. The storage unit is configured to store the information in association with the information on the process executed. Note that the process information includes the processing conditions described above.

For example, consider a case where the first workpiece is moved from the first position to the second position and then moved from the second position to a fourth position different from the second position. At this time, the CPU (1601) serving as a control unit stores information regarding the process performed between taking it out from the first position and newly holding it at the second position in the storage unit (302). Based on the fact that it is associated with the position, it is stored in the storage unit (102) in association with the work ID of the first work. Further, information regarding the process performed between taking out the product from the second position and newly holding it at a position different from the second position is associated with the second position in the storage unit (302). Based on this, the first work is stored in the storage unit (303) in association with the work ID of the first work.

Thereby, the workpiece process history database (101, 102, 103) can manage the process history of each specific workpiece to which an ID tag cannot be directly attached. For example, a palletizing number used in the teaching data of a robot device that handles the case or workpiece can be used as the virtual workpiece ID tag, particularly the holding position address of a specific workpiece in the case.

That is, according to this embodiment, it is possible to deal with a workpiece to which an ID tag cannot be directly attached. For example, in a production system in which articles (products) are manufactured in a state where a single holding case holds workpieces whose production processes differ for each workpiece, the production history of each workpiece can be appropriately managed. Therefore, workers and managers can refer to the production history managed by the database through the display device and through appropriate display output.

W... Workpiece, 2... Inter-process transport case, 3... ID tag, 6... Work layout display section, 7... Process history display section, 8... Case identification number display section, 11... Barcode reader, 13... Monitor, 101... Case information database, 102... Work history database, 103... Process operation history database, 301... Teaching information, 302... Work holding information, 1022... Manufacturing process, 1601... CPU, 1602... ROM, 1603... RAM, 1608... Display, 2002 ...Store, 2003...Customer.

Claims (27)

A first work ID for identifying the first work and information on the position of the first work are stored in correspondence, and a second work ID for identifying the second work and the second work a storage unit in which information on the position of the first workpiece and the second workpiece are stored in association with each other, and information indicating a relationship between the first workpiece and the second workpiece is stored;
When moving the first workpiece, information on the position of the first workpiece associated with the first workpiece ID in the storage unit, and information indicating a relationship between the first workpiece and the second workpiece. , a control unit for changing the
The information on the position of the first workpiece and the information on the position of the second workpiece indicate the relationship between the position of the first workpiece and the position of the second workpiece,
A system characterized by: The information on the position of the first workpiece is a holding position address of the first workpiece in a holding part that can hold a plurality of works, and the information on the position of the second workpiece is a holding position address of the first workpiece in the holding part that can hold a plurality of works. The system according to claim 1, wherein the workpiece holding position address is a workpiece holding position address. The information indicating the relationship between the first workpiece and the second workpiece includes a holding part that holds the first workpiece and a holding part that holds the second workpiece among a plurality of holding parts each capable of holding a plurality of works. The system according to claim 1 or 2 , wherein the information is for identifying the holding unit. The storage unit associates and stores the first work ID and information on a process executed on the first work , and associates and stores the second work ID and information on a process executed on the second work. I have attached it and memorized it ,
The control unit associates the first work ID with information on a process executed on the first work, based on the information on the position of the first work, causes the storage unit to store the associated information , and Based on the information on the position of the workpiece, the second workpiece ID and information on the process executed on the second workpiece are associated with each other and stored in the storage unit ;
The system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The control unit includes:
When the first workpiece is moved from the first position to the second position and then moved from the second position to a fourth position different from the second position,
Information regarding processing performed before the first workpiece is moved from the first position to the second position, based on the information being associated with the first position in the storage unit. , stored in the storage unit in association with the first work ID;
Associating information regarding processing performed during the period from the second position to the fourth position different from the second position with the second position in the storage unit. storing it in the storage unit in association with the first work ID based on the fact that
The system according to claim 4, characterized in that: The information on the process includes abnormality information in the process;
The system according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that: The storage unit constitutes a part of a database connected to a network together with a device that performs the processing performed on the second work.
The system according to any one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that: a display section that can display the holding position of the holding section that can hold multiple workpieces;
an input section that allows the holding position of the holding section to be selected;
When one of the holding positions is selected, the display unit displays processing information stored in the storage unit in association with the second work ID associated with the selected holding position. history is displayed,
The system according to any one of claims 4 to 7, characterized in that: It has a display section that can display the holding position of the holding section that can hold multiple workpieces,
The display unit indicates that the holding position of the holding unit associated with the second work ID in which abnormal information is included in the history of processing information stored in the storage unit is abnormal. displayed,
7. The system of claim 6. The display unit is capable of displaying the entire layout of the holding unit including the holding position,
The system according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that: The display section displays the entire layout of the holding section as well as a history of the information of the processing.
11. The system of claim 10. The information on the processing performed on the second workpiece is processing conditions;
The system according to any one of claims 4 to 11, characterized in that: When the machining conditions are changed, a display indicating that there is an abnormality is displayed at the holding position of the holding unit that is associated with the workpiece ID that is associated with the information on the process performed on the second workpiece before the change. Ru,
13. The system of claim 12. When moving the first workpiece held at a first position in the first case to a third position in the second case, the control unit associates the first workpiece with the first workpiece ID in the storage unit. changing the information on the position of the first workpiece that is located from information indicating the first position to information indicating the third position;
14. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that: The control unit assigns a third work ID for identifying a third work located at the first position after the first work is moved from the first position, and includes the third work ID and the third work ID. storing the information in the storage unit in association with information on the position of the third work;
A system according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that: In the storage unit,
case IDs of the first case and the second case and information on positions where the workpieces can be held in the first case and the second case are stored in association with each other;
15. The system of claim 14. A case ID tag that can identify the case ID is physically attached to each of the first case and the second case,
17. The system of claim 16. A display section;
A reading device that reads identification information provided in the case ID tag,
The display unit displays information corresponding to the case having the identification information read by the reading device.
18. The system of claim 17. The storage unit stores the first work ID and the second work ID in a state where the first work and the second work are housed in the same case.
15. The system of claim 14. The first position is in the first case, and the device includes a display section that displays an assembly procedure for the second case.
20. The system of claim 19. The display section displays the entire layout of the first case, and is capable of selecting parts to be assembled into the second case from the layout of the entire first case.
21. The system of claim 20. the first position is in the first case, and the second position is in the second case;
22. The system according to claim 20 or 21, characterized in that: A method of manufacturing an article, comprising performing processing on the first work using the system according to any one of claims 1 to 22, and manufacturing an article. 24. The method for manufacturing an article according to claim 23, wherein the first workpiece is held on a lens barrel, a lens holder inside a camera, or a circuit board. A method for managing processing history regarding multiple works, the method comprising:
Processing on the plurality of workpieces is executed using the case capable of holding the plurality of workpieces, and a case in which a certain workpiece among the plurality of workpieces is held is the case in which the processing on the certain workpiece is executed from the first case. If the case is changed to the second case after
a first case ID tag that is physically attached to the first case and can identify the first case; and a second case ID tag that is physically attached to the second case and can identify the second case. and a database that records processing history for each work, and the control unit uses a first case ID that identifies the first case ID tag recorded in the database, and a database that records the history of processing for each work. a second case ID that identifies a second case ID tag; a work ID that is associated with a holding position address of the certain work in the first case and a holding position address of the certain work in the second case; , to manage the history of processing related to the certain work;
A method characterized by: A computer-readable recording medium storing a control program that causes the control unit to execute the method according to claim 25. 26. A method for manufacturing an article, comprising managing a history of processing related to the plurality of workpieces using the method according to claim 25, and manufacturing an article using the certain workpiece.

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