KR102584908B1 - Apparatus and method for flexible production line management - Google Patents

Abstract

Disclosed is a flexible production line management system and method. The flexible production line management method includes the steps of a setting server acquiring production line setting information according to a production model selected by a user among production models that can be produced in the production line; The setting server configuring a logistics network using the production line setting information; And it may include a step where the management server maps and manages rack information attached to a product produced according to the production model in the production line with the product.

Description

Flexible production line management system and method {APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR FLEXIBLE PRODUCTION LINE MANAGEMENT}

The present invention relates to a system that changes and manages the production line according to the changed setting value when a change in the production model or production plan occurs in the production line.

This invention was carried out as part of the research project of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy and the Korea Evaluation Institute of Industrial Technology's industrial core technology development project [10052972, Development of core element technology for variable reconfigurable flexible assembly system and ICT convergence-based smart system].

Today, manufacturers are releasing new models faster and offering a variety of options to meet the diverse needs of consumers. To maintain competitiveness in this market environment, manufacturers can not only produce high-quality products at low cost, but also use flexible assembly systems to respond more quickly to market changes and consumer demands, and in-factory logistics tracking/management technology to maintain stable quality. Development is needed.

However, the conventional MES (Manufacturing Execution System) and POP (Point Of Production) are systems that can directly collect and process production information generated at any moment from machines, facilities, workers, tasks, etc. in real time during the factory production process. There is no way to easily set up production line facilities flexibly in response to changes in production plans and models.

Therefore, systems and methods that allow flexible settings of production line equipment are being requested.

The present invention can provide a system and method for configuring or reconfiguring a network (WFAN) and transportation means for logistics management within a factory depending on the production line operating environment.

In addition, the present invention, when a change in the production model or production plan occurs, remotely changes the settings of each equipment included in the production line and checks whether the change has occurred, thereby changing the production line according to the change in the production model or production plan. A system and method that can easily change equipment can be provided.

In addition, the present invention tracks the location of products by mapping product information and tag information in the receiving rack, thereby providing a system and method that can quickly track the products in case of product quality defects.

A flexible production line management method according to an embodiment of the present invention includes the steps of a setting server acquiring production line setting information according to a production model selected by a user among production models that can be produced in the production line; The setting server configuring a logistics network using the production line setting information; And it may include a step where the management server maps and manages rack information attached to a product produced according to the production model in the production line with the product.

In the step of configuring a logistics network of the flexible production line management method according to an embodiment of the present invention, the setting server configures the facility setting information, the number of APs (Access Points) to be installed for configuring the logistics network, channel information, and forklifts. Constructing a logistics network according to dispatch information; Transmitting configuration information of the logistics network to an RA (Reconfiguration Agent); And it may include receiving a logistics network configuration completion message from the RA that sets the logistics wireless network channel according to the configuration information.

In the flexible production line management method according to an embodiment of the present invention, the setting server transmits the production line setting information to a PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) installed in each facility of the production line, and the PLCs transmit the production line setting information to the production line setting information. Accordingly, a step of changing the settings of each of the facilities may be further included.

The step of changing the settings of the flexible production line management method according to an embodiment of the present invention is to change the mold to the terminal of the field line manager according to the production line setting information corresponding to the changed production model when the production model is changed. and transmitting gripper information; When a reader receives tag information generated by reading a tag attached to the mold and gripper, confirming that the mold and gripper have been replaced; When the terminal requests status information of a production line where the mold and gripper have been replaced, requesting production line equipment status information from the PLC; And it may include receiving production line equipment status information including status information of the production line where the mold and gripper has been replaced from the PLC and transmitting it to the terminal.

A flexible production line management method according to an embodiment of the present invention includes the steps of a management server receiving a production line equipment operation ready message from a terminal of an on-site line manager transmitting a production line equipment operation message to the POP system of the production line; The management server receiving a request for production model and production plan information from the POP system of the production line; And the step of transmitting the production model and production plan information retrieved from the DB server by the management server to the POP system so that the POP system displays production line status information based on the production model and production plan information. there is.

The step of mapping and managing products in the flexible production line management method according to an embodiment of the present invention involves transferring racks to forklifts assigned to the production line through PA and RA according to the production model warehousing request message received from the POP system. transmitting a request message; Receiving a rack transfer request acceptance message from one of the forklifts indicating acceptance of the rack transfer request; When the tag information of the rack loaded on the production line is received by the forklift that sent the rack transfer request acceptance message, the tag information of the rack is mapped to the product information being produced on the production line that sent the tag information of the rack. step; And it may include transmitting mapping information between the product information and the tag information of the rack to a POP system and providing it to production line workers.

The step of mapping and managing the product of the flexible production line management method according to an embodiment of the present invention involves transferring the rack to the remaining forklifts excluding the forklift that sent the rack transfer request acceptance message among the forklifts deployed to the production line. It may further include transmitting a rack transfer request completion notification message indicating that the request message is invalid.

A method of configuring a logistics network for a flexible production line according to an embodiment of the present invention includes the steps of requesting facility setting information corresponding to a production model selected by a user from a DB server; Configuring a logistics network according to facility setting information received from the DB server, the number of APs to be installed for configuring the logistics network, channel information, and forklift dispatch information; Transmitting configuration information of the logistics network to RA; And it may include receiving a logistics network configuration completion message from the RA that sets the logistics wireless network channel according to the configuration information.

The method of changing the production model of a flexible production line according to an embodiment of the present invention transmits mold and gripper information that must be replaced to the terminal of the field line manager according to the production line setting information corresponding to the changed production model when the production model is changed. steps; When a reader receives tag information generated by reading a tag attached to the mold and gripper, confirming that the mold and gripper have been replaced; When the terminal requests status information of a production line where the mold and gripper have been replaced, requesting production line equipment status information from the PLC; And it may include receiving production line equipment status information including status information of the production line where the mold and gripper has been replaced from the PLC and transmitting it to the terminal.

A method of changing the production model of a flexible production line according to an embodiment of the present invention includes the steps of a management server receiving a production line equipment operation ready message from the terminal transmitting a production line equipment operation message to the POP system of the production line; The management server receiving a request for production model and production plan information from the POP system of the production line; And the step of transmitting the production model and production plan information retrieved from the DB server by the management server to the POP system so that the POP system displays production line status information based on the production model and production plan information. there is.

The flexible production line management system according to an embodiment of the present invention obtains production line setting information according to the production model selected by the user among production models that can be produced in the production line, and the setting server uses the production line setting information Setting server that configures the logistics network; And the management server may include a management server that maps and manages rack information attached to a product produced according to the production model in the production line with the product.

The setting server of the flexible production line management system according to an embodiment of the present invention configures the logistics network according to the facility setting information, the number of APs to be installed for configuring the logistics network, channel information, and forklift dispatch information. Then, the configuration information of the logistics network is transmitted to the RA, and a logistics network configuration completion message can be received from the RA that sets the logistics wireless network channel according to the configuration information.

The setting server of the flexible production line management system according to an embodiment of the present invention transmits the production line setting information to the PLC installed in each of the production line facilities, so that the PLCs operate each of the facilities according to the production line setting information. You can change the settings.

The setting server of the flexible production line management system according to an embodiment of the present invention, when the production model is changed, provides mold and gripper information that must be replaced to the field line manager's terminal according to the production line setting information corresponding to the changed production model. When the tag information is transmitted and the reader receives the tag information generated by reading the tag attached to the mold and gripper, it can be confirmed that the mold and gripper have been replaced.

The setting server of the flexible production line management system according to an embodiment of the present invention requests production line equipment status information from the PLC when the terminal requests status information of the production line where the mold and gripper have been replaced, Production line equipment status information, including status information of the production line where the mold and gripper has been replaced, can be received from the PLC and transmitted to the terminal.

When the management server of the flexible production line management system according to an embodiment of the present invention receives a production line equipment operation ready message from the terminal of the field line manager, it transmits a production line equipment operation message to the POP system of the production line. And, when production model and production plan information is requested from the POP system of the production line, the management server transmits the production model and production plan information retrieved from the DB server to the POP system, so that the POP system transmits the production model and production plan information. Production line status information based on production plan information can be displayed.

The management server of the flexible production line management system according to an embodiment of the present invention transmits a rack transfer request message to forklifts assigned to the production line through PA and RA according to the production model stocking request message received from the POP system. , receiving a rack transfer request acceptance message from one of the forklifts indicating acceptance of the rack transfer request, and receiving tag information of the rack received on the production line by the forklift that sent the rack transfer request acceptance message. In this case, the product information being produced on the production line that transmitted the tag information of the rack is mapped to the tag information of the rack, and the mapping information between the product information and the tag information of the rack is transmitted to the POP system and provided to production line workers. can do.

The management server of the flexible production line management system according to an embodiment of the present invention determines that the rack transfer request message is not valid for forklifts other than the forklift that sent the rack transfer request acceptance message among the forklifts deployed to the production line. You can send a Rack transfer request completion notification message indicating that this is not possible.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the network (WFAN) and transportation means for logistics management within the factory can be configured or reconfigured depending on the production line operating environment.

In addition, according to an embodiment of the present invention, when a change in the production model or production plan occurs, the settings of each of the facilities included in the production line are remotely changed using the settings server 130, and whether or not the change is made is remotely confirmed. Since this can be confirmed, the production line equipment can be easily changed according to changes in the production model or production plan.

And, according to one embodiment of the present invention, the location of the product is tracked by mapping the product information and the tag information of the receiving rack, so that when product quality defects occur, the products can be quickly tracked and responded to.

1 is a diagram showing a flexible production line management system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2 is a flow chart showing a flexible production line management method according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 3 is an example of a user interface of a configuration server according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 4 is an example of the logistics network configuration process of the flexible production line management method according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 5 is an example of line equipment information for each production model according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 6 is an example of a production model change process in a flexible production line management method according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 7 is an example of a user interface of a POP system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 8 is an example of mapping information management creation and process of a flexible production line management method according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 9 is an example of a user interface of a forklift according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 10 is an example of mapping information according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. However, various changes can be made to the embodiments, so the scope of the patent application is not limited or limited by these embodiments. It should be understood that all changes, equivalents, or substitutes for the embodiments are included in the scope of rights.

The terms used in the examples are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as limiting. Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. In this specification, terms such as “comprise” or “have” are intended to designate the presence of features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, but are not intended to indicate the presence of one or more other features. It should be understood that this does not exclude in advance the possibility of the existence or addition of elements, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as generally understood by a person of ordinary skill in the technical field to which the embodiments belong. Terms defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with the meaning in the context of the related technology, and unless explicitly defined in the present application, should not be interpreted in an ideal or excessively formal sense. No.

In addition, when describing with reference to the accompanying drawings, identical components will be assigned the same reference numerals regardless of the reference numerals, and overlapping descriptions thereof will be omitted. In describing the embodiments, if it is determined that detailed descriptions of related known technologies may unnecessarily obscure the gist of the embodiments, the detailed descriptions are omitted.

The flexible production line management method according to an embodiment of the present invention can be performed by a flexible production line management system.

1 is a diagram showing a flexible production line management system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 1, the flexible production line management system according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a database (DB) server 110, a management server 120, a settings server 130, and a planning actuator (PA) 140. , It may be composed of a terminal 150, a POP system 160, an RA 170, and a forklift 180.

The DB server 110 may be a server that includes a database that can store and manage equipment settings and status information for each production model and logistics management information within the factory.

The management server 120 can manage the rack information attached to the product produced according to the production model on the production line by mapping it to the product. For example, the management server 120 may be a Manufacturing Execution System (MES) and a logistics management server within a factory. Additionally, the production line may be a car body production line consisting of a Hot Press Forming (HPF) line, a Laser Trim (LT) line, and a Welding (WD) line.

When a production line equipment operation completion message is received from the field line manager's terminal 150, the management server 120 may transmit a production line equipment operation message to the POP system 160 of the production line. Additionally, when production model and production plan information is requested from the POP system 160, the management server 120 may search the requested production model and production plan information from the DB server 110. Additionally, the management server 120 may transmit the searched production model and production plan information to the POP system 160. At this time, the POP system 160 can display production line status information according to the received production model and production plan information.

At this time, the management server 120 can perform intra-factory logistics tracking and logistics management using the RFID tag 100 attached to the logistics loading rack of the product or semi-finished product.

At this time, the logistics loading rack may be a box containing at least one of products, semi-finished products, or raw materials. Additionally, logistics loading racks can be classified into receiving racks containing semi-finished products or raw materials to be delivered to the production line, and shipping racks containing products being shipped from the production line.

Specifically, the management server 120 may receive a production model stocking request message received from the POP system 160. At this time, the management server 120 may transmit a rack transfer request message to forklifts assigned to the production line through the PA 140 and RA 170. Additionally, the management server 120 may receive a rack transfer request acceptance message from one of the forklifts 180 through the PA 140 and RA 170. At this time, the management server 120 transmits a rack transfer request completion notification message indicating that the rack transfer request message is invalid to the forklifts other than the forklift that sent the rack transfer request acceptance message among the forklifts deployed to the production line. , it is possible to prevent multiple forklifts from moving to load racks into the production line.

When the forklift 180, which sent the rack transfer request acceptance message, stocks the incoming rack into the production line, the POP system 160 of the production line can identify the tag information of the incoming rack using the reader 161. And, the POP system 160 may transmit the tag information of the identified warehouse rack to the management server 120.

At this time, the management server 120 may map the tag information of the receiving rack and product information being produced on the production line where the POP system 160, which transmits the tag information of the receiving rack, is installed. At this time, the tag information on the receiving rack may be an RFID tag (100) attached to the logistics loading rack of products to be received in the production line or semi-finished products.

And, the management server 120 may transmit mapping information between product information and tag information of the receiving rack to the POP system 160.

The setting server 130 may obtain production line setting information according to a production model selected by the user among production models that can be produced on the production line, and configure a logistics network using the production line setting information.

At this time, the setting server 130 may configure the logistics network according to facility setting information, the number of APs to be installed for configuring the logistics network, channel information, and forklift dispatch information. Additionally, the configuration server 130 may transmit configuration information of the logistics network to the RA 170. At this time, the RA 170 may set a logistics wireless network channel using the received configuration information and transmit a logistics network configuration completion message to the setup server 130.

In addition, the setting server 130 may deploy at least one forklift 180 to store an incoming rack containing raw materials in the production line or to ship an outgoing rack containing production products produced in the production line. .

Additionally, the setting server 130 can update the status of equipment included in the production line using production line setting information. At this time, the setting server 130 may transmit production line setting information to the PLC installed in each of the production line facilities. Additionally, PLCs can change the settings of each facility according to the line setting information received from the setting server 130.

When the production model is changed, the setting server 130 may transmit information on the mold and gripper that must be replaced to the field line manager's terminal 150 according to the production line setting information corresponding to the changed production model. At this time, the field line manager can replace the mold and gripper in the production line according to the mold and gripper information displayed on the terminal 150 and read the tag attached to the replaced mold and gripper with the reader 161.

At this time, the reader 161 may read the tag attached to the replaced mold and gripper and transmit the generated tag information to the setting server 130. Additionally, the setting server 130 that has received the tag information can confirm that the mold and gripper have been replaced.

In addition, when the terminal requests status information of the production line where the mold and gripper were replaced, the setting server 130 requests production line equipment status information from the PLC, and receives the status of the production line where the mold and gripper were replaced from the PLC. Production line equipment status information containing information can be received and transmitted to the terminal 150.

The Planning Actuator (PA) 140 may be configured to link the management server 120 and the setting server 130. Specifically, the PA 140 transmits the information or signal received from the management server 120 or the setting server 130 to the RA 170, and transmits the information or signal received from the RA 170 to the management server 140. (120), or can be transmitted to the settings server (130).

The terminal 150 is a terminal owned by the production line manager and can receive and display production line setting information and production line equipment status information from the setting server 130. For example, the terminal 150 may be a mobile human-machine interface (HMI).

The POP (Point Of Production) system 160 can collect and process production information generated from the machines, equipment, and production line workers included in the production line, and the production process. At this time, the POP system 160 can be installed in each of the production lines consisting of the HPF line, LT line, and WD line, as shown in FIG. 2.

In addition, the POP system 160 can provide production line status information and mapping information between product information received from the management server 120 and rack tag information to production line workers.

The RA (Reconfiguration Agent) 170 is configured to link the POP system 160 and the setup server 130, and can set a logistics wireless network channel according to the configuration information of the logistics network created by the setup server 130. .

The WFAN communication module 171 may be installed on a forklift 180 deployed on the production line. Additionally, the WFAN communication module 171 may receive a rack transfer request message broadcast by the management server 120 through the RA 170 and deliver it to the forklift 180. Additionally, the WFAN communication module 171 may transmit the rack transfer request acceptance message received from the forklift 180 to the RA (170).

The forklift 180 can move the incoming rack containing raw materials to the production line according to the rack transfer request message. In addition, the forklift 180 can move the shipping rack containing the product produced on the production line to a designated location and deliver it according to the rack transfer request message. Although FIG. 1 shows a forklift 180 as a transportation means for transporting racks, various transportation means capable of moving incoming or outgoing racks can be used in place of the forklift 180. In addition, a rack is also a means of containing at least one raw material or manufactured product, and can be replaced with another means capable of containing raw materials or manufactured products, such as a container. For example, when a rack is replaced with a container, the forklift 180 may be replaced with a crane that moves the container or a container vehicle.

The flexible production line management system according to an embodiment of the present invention can configure or reconfigure a network (Wireless Factory Area Network) for intra-factory logistics management and transportation means according to the production line operating environment.

In addition, the flexible production line management system according to an embodiment of the present invention remotely changes the settings of each equipment included in the production line using the settings server 130 when a change in the production model or production plan occurs. , changes can be checked remotely, so the production line equipment can be easily changed according to changes in the production model or production plan.

In addition, the flexible production line management system according to an embodiment of the present invention tracks the location of products by mapping product information and tag information of the receiving rack, so that when product quality defects occur, the products can be quickly tracked and responded to. .

Figure 2 is a flow chart showing a flexible production line management method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

In step 210, the setting server 130 may obtain production line setting information according to a production model selected by the user among production models that can be produced in the production line. At this time, the setting server 130 can receive the production model selected by the user through the user interface as shown in FIG. 3. Additionally, the setting server 130 may search for and receive production line setting information corresponding to the production model selected by the user from the DB server 110.

In step 220, the setting server 130 may configure a logistics network using the production line setting information obtained in step 210.

In step 230, the setting server 130 may transmit the production line setting information obtained in step 210 to the PLC installed in each of the production line facilities. At this time, PLCs can change the settings of each facility according to the received production line setting information.

In step 240, the management server 120 can check whether the production line is operating. If the production line is not in operation, the management server 120 may repeat step 140 until the production line is in operation.

In step 250, the management server 120 can track and manage the logistics of the product by mapping the rack information attached to the product produced according to the production model in the production line whose settings were changed in step 230 with the product.

Figure 3 is an example of a user interface of a configuration server according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The setting server 130 may include a production line configuration tool that provides a user interface (UI) as shown in FIG. 3 to the production line manager.

At this time, the setting server 130 provides the production line manager with an interface 310 for setting equipment included in the HPF line and an interface 320 for setting equipment included in the LT line, as shown in FIG. can do. At this time, the setting server 130 obtains HPF and LT line setting information and production target quantity information for each model from the DB server 110 and sets up the production line as shown in the interface 310 and interface 320 of FIG. 3. It can be displayed to the administrator. In addition, when the production line manager selects a production model in consideration of the HPF and LT line setting information and the production target quantity information, the setting server 130 provides production line setting information corresponding to the production model selected by the production line manager to the corresponding production It can be determined based on the production line setting information of the line.

In addition, the setting server 130 distributes a forklift 180, a transportation means for moving racks within the factory, to the production line, and provides an interface 330 for setting up a WFAN (Wireless Factory Area Network) for logistics to the production line. It can be provided to the administrator.

At this time, the setting server 130 may search for a forklift that has not been assigned to another production line among the forklifts 180 deployed in the factory. Additionally, the setting server 130 may assign the number of forklifts 180 entered into the interface 330 among the searched forklifts to the production line corresponding to the production line manager. Additionally, the setting server 130 can configure a WFAN for logistics according to information input to the interface 330 and apply the configured WFAN to the production line.

Figure 4 is an example of the logistics network configuration process of the flexible production line management method according to an embodiment of the present invention. Steps 410 to 415 of FIG. 4 may be included in step 210 of FIG. 2 . Additionally, steps 420 to 495 of FIG. 4 may be included in step 220 of FIG. 2 .

In step 410, the configuration server 130 may request facility configuration information for the HPF and LT lines for each model from the DB server 110.

In step 415, the DB server 110 may transmit facility setting information for the HPF and LT lines for each model to the setting server 130 according to the request received in step 410.

In step 420, the setting server 130 may receive input from the production line manager the number of APs to be installed to configure the logistics network, channel information, and forklift dispatch information. Additionally, the configuration server 130 may configure the logistics network according to the number of APs to be installed to configure the logistics network, channel information, forklift dispatch information, and production line setting information obtained in step 210.

In step 430, the configuration server 130 may transmit the configuration information of the logistics network configured in step 420 to the PA 140. Then, in step 435, the PA 140 may transmit the configuration information received in step 430 to a Reconfiguration Agent (RA) 170 connected to the WFAN Access Point (AP) 400.

In step 440, the RA 170 may set a logistics wireless network channel according to the configuration information received in step 435.

In step 450, the RA 170 may transmit a logistics network configuration completion message to the PA 140. Then, in step 451, the PA 140 may transmit the logistics network configuration completion message received in step 450 to the setting server 130.

In step 455, the setting server 130 may transmit forklift dispatch information to the terminal 150 of the field line manager.

In step 460, the WFAN communication module 171 may be installed in the forklift 180 by an on-site line manager. At this time, the field line manager may install the WFAN communication module 171 on a plurality of forklifts depending on the number of forklifts deployed to the production line. And, among the forklifts, the forklift 180 on which the WFAN communication module 171 is installed can perform step 470.

In step 470, the forklift 180 may transmit a component registration request message to the WFAN AP 400. At this time, in step 475, the WFAN AP 400 may transmit the component registration request message received from the forklift 180 to the RA 170.

In step 480, the RA 170 may register a forklift component according to the component registration request message received in step 475. Steps 470 to 480 may be repeatedly performed until all forklifts 180 on which the WFAN communication module 171 is installed register their forklift components in step 460. Additionally, in step 460, forklifts 180 equipped with the WFAN communication module 171 may perform steps 470 to 480 in parallel.

In step 485, RA 170 may transmit forklift connection information to PA 140. At this time, in step 486, the PA 140 may transmit the received forklift connection information to the setting server 130.

In step 490, the setting server 130 may transmit logistics network configuration information and forklift dispatch information to the management server 120.

In step 491, the management server 120 may transmit the logistics network configuration information and forklift dispatch information received in step 490 to the DB server 110.

In step 495, the DB server 110 may store and manage the logistics network configuration information and forklift dispatch information received in step 491.

Figure 5 is an example of line equipment information for each production model according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The type of configuration information that the DB server 110 provides to the configuration server 130 may differ depending on the production line. For example, the setting information 510 for the HPF line includes at least one of mold Tag ID, gripper Tag ID, heating furnace temperature, dot marker Serial number, and target production volume information for each production model as shown in FIG. 5. can do. Additionally, as shown in FIG. 5, the setting information 520 for the LT line may include at least one of the line number in which the model was produced, a Jig Tag ID for product mounting, and target production volume information for each production model.

Figure 6 is an example of a production model change process in a flexible production line management method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

In step 610, the setting server 130 may receive input of the application of the production model selected by the production line manager using a production line configuration tool including the user interface shown in FIG. 3.

In step 611, the setting server 130 may request the DB server 110 to update line equipment information corresponding to the production model selected in step 610.

In step 615, the DB server 110 may update the line equipment information requested in step 611 and report to the setting server 130 that the update has been completed.

In step 616, the setting server 130 may transmit production model information including mold and gripper information that must be replaced due to a change in the production model, and line equipment information to the PA 140. At this time, in step 620, the PA 140 may transmit production model information to the terminal 150. Additionally, in step 621, the PA 140 may transmit line facility information to the RA 170.

In step 625, the RA 140 may request a change in facility settings from the PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) 600 installed in each facility of the production line according to the line facility information.

In step 630, the PLC 600 may change facility setting information according to the line facility information received in step 625. At this time, in step 631, the field line manager holding the terminal 150 can replace the mold and gripper according to the production model information.

In step 640, the field line manager can read the tag of the replaced mold and gripper using the reader 161. At this time, in step 641, the reader 161 may transmit equipment RFID tag information read from the tags of the mold and gripper to the POP system 160. And, in step 642, the POP system 160 may transmit the received equipment RFID tag information to the setting server 130.

In step 643, the setting server 130 can use the equipment RFID tag information received in step 642 to check whether the mold and gripper that need to be replaced due to a change in the production model have been replaced. At this time, the setting server 130 may provide the production line manager with information on whether to replace the mold and gripper.

In step 650, the terminal 150 may transmit a production line equipment status information request message to the setting server 130 at the request of the field line manager to check the production readiness status of the changed production line. At this time, in step 651, the setting server 130 may transmit the production line equipment status information request message received in step 650 to the PLC 600.

In step 652, the PLC 600 may transmit production line equipment status information to the setting server 130 according to the production line equipment status information request message received in step 651. At this time, in step 653, the setting server 130 may transmit the production line equipment status information received in step 652 to the terminal 150. Additionally, the terminal 150 can display the received production line equipment status information to the field line manager.

In step 660, the terminal 150 may transmit a ready message indicating that the production line equipment is ready to operate to the setting server 130 according to the input of the field line manager who has confirmed the production line equipment status information. At this time, in step 661, the setting server 130 may transmit the ready message received in step 660 to the management server 120.

In step 670, the management server 120 may request the POP system 160 to operate the production line equipment.

In step 680, the POP system 160 may request a production model and production plan information to be produced on the production line from the management server 120.

In step 681, the management server 120 may request updated line facility information from the DB server 110 in step 611.

In step 682, the management server 120 may receive line facility information from the DB server 110.

In step 683, the management server 120 may transmit production model and production plan information according to facility information to the POP system 160.

In step 690, the POP system 160 may display status information on the production line according to the production model and production plan information received in step 683.

Figure 7 is an example of a user interface of a POP system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The POP system 160, which has received the production line equipment operation message, can guide production line workers on whether the production plan has been achieved by displaying the production model and production plan information and the production line status information together using the user interface. .

For example, as shown in FIG. 7, the POP system 160 provides equipment ID, production item, receiving rack, production model status information, production target, today's production volume, good product, defective product, worker, production per minute, and expected end time. Information can be displayed to production line workers. Additionally, the '+' and '-' buttons in FIG. 7 can be used when production quantity information needs to be changed due to defects.

Figure 8 is an example of mapping information management creation and process of a flexible production line management method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

When the production line worker selects the stocking call button to request a rack needed to load the produced product, step 810 may be performed.

In step 810, the POP system 160 may transmit a production model rack receipt request message to the management server 120. At this time, in step 811, the management server 120 may store the rack transfer request line information in the DB server 110.

In step 812, the POP system 160 may transmit a rack transfer request message to the PA 140 requesting the forklift 180 to move to the production line according to the production model rack warehousing request message. At this time, in step 813, the PA 140 may transmit the received rack transfer request message to the RA 170. And, in step 814, the RA 170 may broadcast a rack transfer request message to forklifts located within the factory through the WFAN AP 400.

In step 820, the forklift 180 may accept movement according to the rack transfer request message. At this time, the forklift 180 may be the first forklift to accept movement according to the rack transfer request message among the forklifts located in the factory.

In step 830, the forklift 180 may transmit a rack transfer request acceptance message including the ID of the forklift 180 to the RA 170. At this time, in step 831, the RA 170 may transmit the received rack transfer request acceptance message to the PA 140. And, in step 832, Pa 140 may transmit the received rack transfer request acceptance message to the management server 120.

In step 833, the management server 120 may store the ID of the forklift 180 included in the rack transfer request acceptance message in the DB server 110. Then, in step 834, the management server 120 may transmit a rack transfer request completion notification message to the PA 140 to inform other forklifts that the rack transfer request message sent in step 812 is invalid. . At this time, in step 835, the PA 140 may transmit the received rack transfer request completion notification message to the RA 170. And, in step 836, the RA (170) may broadcast a rack transfer request completion notification message to forklifts located in the factory through the WFAN AP (400).

In step 840, the forklift 180 may stock the rack requested by the production line operator into the production line according to the rack transfer request message. At this time, in step 850, the reader 161 can obtain Rack ID information by reading the Rack RFID Tag attached to the Rack according to the input of the production line worker.

In step 851, the reader 161 may transmit the Rack ID information obtained in step 850 to the POP system 160. At this time, in step 852, the POP system 160 may transmit the received Rack ID information to the management server 120.

In step 853, the management server 120 may store mapping information in the DB server 110 that maps the Rack ID to the product information being produced on the production line that transmitted the Rack ID information. And, in step 860, the DB server 110 may manage the mapping information stored in step 853.

In step 861, the DB server 110 may transmit mapping information to the management server 120. And, in step 862, the management server 120 may transmit mapping information to the POP system 160.

In step 870, the POP system 160 displays the received mapping information, thereby providing production product and rack mapping status information to production line workers.

Even if a production model rack warehousing request message is not received from the POP system 160 as in step 810, the management server 120 may transmit a rack transfer request message to the PA 140 according to the monitoring results of the production line. .

That is, as shown in steps 880 and 881, the management server 120 may transmit a rack transfer request message to the PA 140 according to the results of monitoring the production line. At this time, steps 810 to 814 may be replaced with steps 880 and 881.

Figure 9 is an example of a user interface of a forklift according to an embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 9, the forklift 180 may include a user interface for processing the rack transfer request message. At this time, the rack transfer request message may include information about call type, call location, delivery location, delivery model, and delivery rack. Additionally, the forklift 180 may display information about the call type, call location, delivery location, delivery model, and delivery rack on the user interface according to the rack transfer request message. Additionally, when the approval button in the user interface shown in FIG. 9 is selected by the forklift driver, the forklift can accept the rack transfer request.

Figure 10 is an example of mapping information according to an embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in Figure 10, the mapping information that maps product information and Rack ID includes production date and time, production location, production model, receiving Rack ID, shipping Rack ID, serial number start and end information of the product loaded in the rack, May include loading quantity information.

The present invention can configure or reconfigure the network and transportation means for logistics management within the factory depending on the production line operating environment. In addition, the present invention allows, when a change in the production model or production plan occurs, to remotely change the settings of each equipment included in the production line using the setting server 130 and to remotely check whether the change has occurred, thereby enabling production The production line equipment can be easily changed according to changes in the model or production plan. In addition, the present invention tracks the location of products by mapping product information and tag information on the receiving rack, so that when product quality defects occur, the products can be quickly tracked and responded to.

The method according to the embodiment may be implemented in the form of program instructions that can be executed through various computer means and recorded on a computer-readable medium. The computer-readable medium may include program instructions, data files, data structures, etc., singly or in combination. Program instructions recorded on the medium may be specially designed and configured for the embodiment or may be known and available to those skilled in the art of computer software. Examples of computer-readable recording media include magnetic media such as hard disks, floppy disks, and magnetic tapes, optical media such as CD-ROMs and DVDs, and magnetic media such as floptical disks. -Includes optical media (magneto-optical media) and hardware devices specifically configured to store and execute program instructions, such as ROM, RAM, flash memory, etc. Examples of program instructions include machine language code, such as that produced by a compiler, as well as high-level language code that can be executed by a computer using an interpreter, etc. The hardware devices described above may be configured to operate as one or more software modules to perform the operations of the embodiments, and vice versa.

Software may include a computer program, code, instructions, or a combination of one or more of these, which may configure a processing unit to operate as desired, or may be processed independently or collectively. You can command the device. Software and/or data may be used on any type of machine, component, physical device, virtual equipment, computer storage medium or device to be interpreted by or to provide instructions or data to a processing device. , or may be permanently or temporarily embodied in a transmitted signal wave. Software may be distributed over networked computer systems and stored or executed in a distributed manner. Software and data may be stored on one or more computer-readable recording media.

Although the embodiments have been described with limited drawings as described above, those skilled in the art can apply various technical modifications and variations based on the above. For example, the described techniques are performed in a different order than the described method, and/or components of the described system, structure, device, circuit, etc. are combined or combined in a different form than the described method, or other components are used. Alternatively, appropriate results may be achieved even if substituted or substituted by an equivalent.

Therefore, other implementations, other embodiments, and equivalents of the claims also fall within the scope of the following claims.

110: DB server
120: Management server
130: Setting server
140: P.A.
150: terminal
160: POP system
170: R.A.
180: Forklift

Claims (18)

A setting server acquiring production line setting information according to a production model selected by the user among production models that can be produced in the production line;
The setting server configuring a logistics network using the production line setting information;
A management server mapping and managing rack information attached to a product produced according to the production model in the production line with the product; and
The setting server transmits the production line setting information to a PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) installed in each of the production line equipment, so that the PLCs change the settings of each of the equipment according to the production line setting information.
Including,
The steps for mapping and managing the above products are:
Transmitting a rack transfer request message to forklifts assigned to the production line through PA and RA according to the production model warehousing request message received from the POP system;
Receiving a rack transfer request acceptance message from one of the forklifts indicating acceptance of the rack transfer request;
Transmitting a rack transfer request completion notification message notifying that the rack transfer request message is invalid to the remaining forklifts excluding the forklift that sent the rack transfer request acceptance message among the forklifts deployed to the production line;
When the tag information of the rack loaded on the production line is received by the forklift that sent the rack transfer request acceptance message, the tag information of the rack is mapped to the product information being produced on the production line that sent the tag information of the rack. step; and
A step of transmitting mapping information between the product information and the tag information of the rack to the POP system and providing it to production line workers.
Includes,
The steps to change the settings are:
When the production model selected by the user is changed, the setting server transmits information on the mold and gripper that must be replaced to the terminal of the field line manager according to production line setting information corresponding to the changed production model;
The setting server requests the PLC to change equipment settings according to line equipment information corresponding to the changed production model;
The PLC changing facility setting information upon request;
After the mold and gripper are replaced according to production model information, the setting server receives tag information generated by reading a tag attached to the replaced mold and gripper from a reader; and
The setting server uses the tag information to check whether the mold and gripper that need to be replaced due to a change in production model have been replaced.
Including,
The terminal of the field line manager is,
Displaying the mold and gripper information that needs to be replaced to the field line manager,
The reader is,
A flexible production line management method for reading tags attached to replaced molds and grippers to the field line manager according to the mold and gripper information displayed on the field line manager's terminal. According to paragraph 1,
The step of configuring the logistics network is,
Configuring the logistics network according to the facility setting information, the number of APs (Access Points) to be installed for configuring the logistics network, channel information, and forklift dispatch information, by the configuration server;
Transmitting configuration information of the logistics network to an RA (Reconfiguration Agent); and
Receiving a logistics network configuration completion message from the RA that sets the logistics wireless network channel according to the configuration information
Flexible production line management method including. delete According to paragraph 1,
The steps to change the settings are:
When the terminal requests status information of a production line where the mold and gripper have been replaced, requesting production line equipment status information from the PLC; and
Receiving production line equipment status information including status information of the production line where the mold and gripper has been replaced from the PLC and transmitting it to the terminal.
A flexible production line management method further comprising: According to paragraph 1,
A management server receiving a production line equipment operation ready message from the field line manager's terminal transmitting a production line equipment operation message to the POP system of the production line;
The management server receiving a request for production model and production plan information from the POP system of the production line; and
The management server transmits the production model and production plan information retrieved from the database upon request to the POP system so that the POP system displays production line status information based on the production model and production plan information.
A flexible production line management method further comprising: delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete

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