Production management system

Abstract

The present invention aims to provide a production management system capable of easily sharing the processing status of an abnormality occurring in a production line. The production management system (Sy) is provided with a data server (20) that stores operation status data of a production line (10), and a plurality of mobile terminals (30) that communicate with the data server (20) via a network (N). The data server (20) distributes abnormality occurrence information to all the mobile terminals (30) in the case where an abnormality occurs in the production line (10). The mobile terminals (30) input and send to the data server (20) processable information indicating that the abnormality can be processed, based on the distributed abnormality occurrence information. The data server (20) distributes processing information indicating the processing status of the abnormality to all the mobile terminals (30) in response to the input of the processable information in the mobile terminals (30).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a production management system. Background Technology

[0002] The communication system of the related technology is equipped with a wireless transmitter that sends signal waves containing information about the abnormality when the machine or equipment malfunctions (for example, see Patent Document 1). Furthermore, in the communication system of the related technology, the machine supervisor managing the machine or equipment carries a wireless receiver that receives the signal waves from the wireless transmitter. Therefore, the machine supervisor can confirm the abnormality occurring in the machine or equipment by checking the wireless receiver, and as a result, can quickly handle the abnormality.

[0003] Patent Document 1: JPH9-65460A

[0004] Furthermore, in the existing communication systems described above, machine supervisors, such as users, can be aware of abnormalities occurring in the machinery constituting the production line. However, it is impossible to share whether the abnormalities have been addressed, or by whom they were addressed—in other words, the status of the abnormality handling cannot be shared. Therefore, there is a concern that delays in handling abnormalities could lead to reduced production efficiency and operating rates of the machinery, resulting in decreased productivity. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a production management system that enables easy sharing of the handling status of anomalies occurring on the production line.

[0006] The production management system of the present invention includes: a data server that stores operation status data representing the operation status of the production line and sends and receives various information; and multiple mobile terminals that communicate with the data server via a network. The data server has an anomaly notification unit that notifies all mobile terminals of an anomaly occurrence based on the aforementioned operation status data. Each mobile terminal has a processing input unit that inputs processable information indicating the ability to handle the anomaly based on the anomaly occurrence information received from the anomaly notification unit and sends the input processable information to the data server. In response to the input of processable information on the mobile terminal, the data server generates processing information indicating the handling status of the anomaly and distributes it to all mobile terminals.

[0007] Accordingly, in the event of an anomaly on the production line, anomaly information is distributed (sent) from the data server to the mobile terminals to share the anomaly information among multiple mobile terminals. This determines which user on each mobile terminal can handle the anomaly, and the data server reports the handler to other users.

[0008] Therefore, multiple users can easily identify who is handling any anomalies and share the status of their handling. This allows for rapid resolution of anomalies on the production line, preventing a decrease in production efficiency and uptime. Ultimately, this improves productivity on the production line. Attached Figure Description

[0009] Figure 1 It is a diagram showing the overall structure of the production management system.

[0010] Figure 2 It means Figure 1 The diagram shows the structure of the data server.

[0011] Figure 3 It means Figure 1 A diagram showing the structure of a mobile terminal.

[0012] Figure 4 It is used for explanation Figure 1 The image displayed on the wide area display device.

[0013] Figure 5 This is a diagram used to illustrate a display screen on a mobile terminal's display device that displays processed information.

[0014] Figure 6 It is used to explain from Figure 5 The image shows the transition of the display screen.

[0015] Figure 7 It is used to explain further from Figure 6 The display screen is a transitional display screen, and it is a display screen for displaying processing information.

[0016] Figure 8 This is a diagram illustrating the display screen for inputting support request information on a mobile terminal's display device.

[0017] Figure 9 It is used to explain from Figure 8 The display screen is a transitional display screen, and is a display screen used to display support notification information and input support information.

[0018] Figure 10 It is used to explain further from Figure 9 The display screen is a transitional display screen, and it is a display screen that displays support processing information.

[0019] Figure 11 It is a diagram used to illustrate the status of supporting processing information displayed on a wide-area display device.

[0020] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0021] 10… Production line, 11… First processing machine, 11a… PLC, 12… Second processing machine, 12a… PLC, 13… Third processing machine, 13a… PLC, 20… Data server, 21… Operation status monitoring device (data acquisition device), 22… Control device, 23… Communication device (abnormal notification unit), 24… Storage device, 24a… Terminal user information storage unit, 24b… User identification information storage unit, 24c… Communication history information storage unit, 30… Mobile terminal, 31… Wireless communication device (notification acquisition unit), 32… …Control device, 33…Display device (notification acquisition unit), 34…Input device, 35…Storage device, 35a…Terminal identification information storage unit, 40…Wide area display device, B1…Detailed confirmation button, B2…Processable button (processing input unit), B3…Call button, B4…Support button (support request input unit), B5…Conversation button, B6…Immediate button (supportable information input unit), B7…Later button (supportable information input unit), B8…Unsupportable button, N…Network, N1…Wireless communication unit, Sy…Production management system. Detailed Implementation

[0022] (1. Overview of the Production Management System Sy)

[0023] The production management system Sy of this example will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The production management system Sy includes one or more production lines 10, a data server 20, and multiple mobile terminals 30 that communicate with the data server 20 via a network N. Furthermore, the production management system Sy of this example includes a wide-area display device 40 connected to the network N. In this example, two production lines 10 are shown. Each production line 10 includes a first processing machine 11, a second processing machine 12, and a third processing machine 13. The number of processing machines constituting the production line 10 is not limited to three; it can be two, or four or more. Furthermore, examples of processing machines include machine tools such as grinding machines, cutting devices, gear processing devices, and machining centers.

[0024] Here, network N is constructed using the Internet as a public communication line or a local area network (LAN) as a private communication line. Furthermore, after being authenticated by data server 20, multiple mobile terminals 30 can communicate with data server 20 (can send and receive data). That is, each of the multiple mobile terminals 30 can communicate with data server 20 while logged into data server 20. Additionally, the multiple mobile terminals 30 wirelessly communicate with data server 20 via wireless communication unit N1 connected to network N.

[0025] (2. Composition of production line 10)

[0026] The first processing machine 11 is equipped with a programmable logic controller 11a (hereinafter referred to as "PLC11a"). The PLC11a takes in detection values ​​from various sensors (not shown) installed on the first processing machine 11 and controls the actions that the first processing machine 11 can perform independently. In addition, the PLC11a outputs the input detection values ​​as operating status data representing the operating status of the production line 10 to the data server 20.

[0027] The second processing machine 12 is equipped with a programmable logic controller 12a (hereinafter referred to as "PLC12a"). The PLC12a takes in detection values ​​from various sensors (not shown) installed on the second processing machine 12 and controls the actions that the second processing machine 12 can perform independently. In addition, the PLC12a also outputs the input detection values ​​as operating status data to the data server 20.

[0028] The third processing machine 13 is equipped with a programmable logic controller 13a (hereinafter simply referred to as "PLC13a"). The PLC13a takes in detection values ​​from various sensors (not shown) installed on the third processing machine 13 and controls the actions that the third processing machine 13 can perform independently. In addition, the PLC13a also outputs the input detection values ​​as operating status data to the data server 20.

[0029] (3. Composition of data server 20)

[0030] like Figure 2 As shown, the data server 20 includes an operation status monitoring device 21 (which serves as a data acquisition device), a control device 22, a communication device 23, and a storage device 24, and transmits and receives various types of information (described later) with the mobile terminal 30. The operation status monitoring device 21 acquires operation status data by communicating with the PLC 11a of the first processing machine 11, the PLC 12a of the second processing machine 12, and the PLC 13a of the third processing machine 13. Furthermore, the operation status monitoring device 21 executes a pre-set program (application program) that monitors the operation status of the production line 10 based on the acquired operation status data.

[0031] Therefore, when the operation status monitoring device 21 detects that the operation status of the production line 10 is normal, provided that the operation status data output from each PLC 11a, 12a, and 13a is within a preset range, the operation status monitoring device 21 detects that the operation status of the production line 10 is normal. In this case, the operation status monitoring device 21 outputs normal information indicating that the operation status of the production line 10 is normal to the control device 22, and stores it in the storage device 24 in association with time information indicating the time when the acquired operation status data was acquired.

[0032] On the other hand, if the operation status monitoring device 21 detects an abnormality in the operation status of the production line 10 when the operation status data output from each PLC 11a, 12a, 13a is outside a preset range, the operation status monitoring device 21 detects an abnormality in the operation status of the production line 10. In this case, the operation status monitoring device 21 outputs abnormality information to the control device 22 indicating that an abnormality has occurred in the production line 10 and the operation status is abnormal, and stores it in the storage device 24 in association with time information indicating the time when the acquired operation status data was acquired.

[0033] The control device 22 is a computer with a CPU, ROM, RAM, etc. as its main components. It executes various programs to uniformly control the operation of the data server 20. Based on the normal and abnormal information output by the operational status monitoring device 21, the control device 22 generates various information, which will be described later. In this case, the control device 22 generates various information as web pages so that they can be displayed on the mobile terminal 30 by running a web browser. Therefore, the control device 22 records various information according to a format suitable for display as a web page, such as HTML format.

[0034] The communication device 23 is connected to the network N and communicates with the mobile terminal 30 and the wide area display device 40. Furthermore, the communication device 23 can be connected to the network N via either a wired or wireless connection.

[0035] Storage device 24 stores operating status data and time information acquired by operating status monitoring device 21. Additionally, storage device 24 acquires and stores various information sent from mobile terminal 30 to data server 20 via communication device 23.

[0036] In addition, the storage device 24 includes an end-user information storage unit 24a that stores end-user information that associates the mobile terminal 30 with the production line manager who is the user of the mobile terminal 30. Furthermore, the storage device 24 includes a user identification information storage unit 24b that stores text data identifying the production line manager (e.g., name) and image data of the production line manager (e.g., facial photograph). Finally, the storage device 24 includes a communication history information storage unit 24c that stores communication history information representing the history of communication with multiple mobile terminals 30.

[0037] (4. Composition of mobile terminal 30)

[0038] like Figure 3As shown, the mobile terminal 30 includes a wireless communication device 31, a control device 32, a display device 33, an input device 34, and a storage device 35. The wireless communication device 31 communicates wirelessly with a wireless communication unit N1 provided in the network N. Thus, the wireless communication device 31 acquires various information distributed (sent) from the data server 20 and sends various information from the mobile terminal 30 (described later) to the data server 20.

[0039] The control device 32 is a computer with CPU, ROM, RAM, etc. as its main components. It controls the operation of the mobile terminal 30 in a unified manner by executing various programs. The control device 32 generates various information, which will be described later, based on the input content input from the input device 34. In addition, the control device 32 executes a web browser pre-stored in the storage device 35 to display various information distributed (sent) from the data server 20 as web pages on the display device 33.

[0040] Display device 33, under the control of control device 32, displays various information distributed (sent) from data server 20 as web pages. Furthermore, display device 33 recognizes user clicks or cursor clicks as input on the web pages. That is, display device 33 performs a portion of the functions of input device 34. Input device 34 is a software keyboard displayed on display device 33 or a keyboard that can be connected to control device 32. Input device 34 inputs user input content.

[0041] The storage device 35 is connected to the control device 32 and temporarily stores various information distributed (sent) from the data server 20. Additionally, the storage device 35 associates and stores input content entered via the display device 33 and the input device 34 with the time information at which the input content was entered. Furthermore, the storage device 35 includes a terminal identification information storage unit 35a that stores terminal identification information for identifying the mobile terminal 30.

[0042] (5. Wide Area Display Device 40)

[0043] The wide-area display device 40 is capable of communicating with the data server 20 via network N and is positioned near the production line 10. The wide-area display device 40 is a device referred to as an "Andon," such as... Figure 4 As shown, various information is obtained from the data server 20 and the mobile terminal 30, and the operating status of the production line 10 is displayed. Additionally, in Figure 4 In the example, production line 10 is shown as ten production lines, and the operating status of each production line 10 is shown.

[0044] Here, the configuration of the wide-area display device 40 is not limited to a location near the production line 10. For example, it can also be configured in other production plants, the management office where the production line manager is located, or other locations far from the production line 10. Furthermore, as described later, the wide-area display device 40 displays the processing status of the production line manager as a user (see [reference]). Figure 11 ).

[0045] (6. The Work of the Production Management System Sy) (6-1. Work Overview)

[0046] Next, the operation of the production management system Sy will be explained. In this example, when an anomaly occurs on production line 10, the production management system Sy can primarily report the anomaly to multiple production line managers managing production line 10 via their respective mobile terminals 30. Additionally, the production management system Sy can also report anomalies to production line managers using a wide-area display device 40.

[0047] In the production management system Sy in this example, the production line manager (hereinafter referred to as the "handler") who can handle anomalies generated on production line 10 can use their mobile terminal 30 to report the handling of the anomalies to other production line managers. Thus, in the production management system Sy, it is possible to share information among production line managers about who handled the anomalies generated on production line 10 or whether they were handled, i.e., the handling status.

[0048] Furthermore, in this example, the production management system Sy, when the handler responds to an anomaly, can quickly request support from other production line managers if needed. Moreover, the production management system Sy can report the production line manager who provided support to the handler (hereinafter referred to as the "supporter") to other production line managers besides the handler and the supporter. Therefore, in this example, the production management system Sy allows for rapid sharing of the handling status of anomalies occurring on production line 10 among production line managers. A detailed explanation follows.

[0049] (6-2. Specific examples of the work) (6-2-1. The handler's report)

[0050] The PLCs 11a, 12a, and 13a installed in the first processing machine 11, the second processing machine 12, and the third processing machine 13 constituting the production line 10 output operation status data to the operation status monitoring device 21 of the data server 20. If the operation status monitoring device 21 obtains operation status data from the PLCs 11a, 12a, and 13a, it associates the obtained operation status data with the time information of the time of acquisition and stores it sequentially in the storage device 24.

[0051] Furthermore, if the detected value of the acquired operational status data is outside the preset range, the operational status monitoring device 21 outputs abnormal information to the control device 22. Here, the abnormal information output to the control device 22 includes, in addition to information about the production line 10 that identifies the processing machine at the location of the abnormality, the content of the abnormality and the time at which the abnormality occurred.

[0052] If the control device 22 outputs abnormal information from the operation status monitoring device 21, it generates abnormality generation information that is distributed to multiple mobile terminals 30 via the network N (more specifically, the wireless communication unit N1). Here, the abnormality generation information is generated to include abnormal information (the production line 10 where the abnormality occurred, the content of the abnormality, and the time of occurrence), and can be input as processable information indicating whether the production line manager should take action, in other words, indicating the intention to handle the abnormality.

[0053] Specifically, control device 22 generates the exception information as a webpage, for example, by describing it in HTML format, so that it can be displayed on a browser running on the mobile terminal 30 held by the production line manager. Then, control device 22 outputs the generated exception information to communication device 23.

[0054] The communication device 23 distributes (sends) the anomaly generation information output from the control device 22 to multiple mobile terminals 30 via the network N and the wireless communication unit N1. That is, the communication device 23 functions as an "anomaly notification unit" that notifies the mobile terminals 30 of the anomaly generation information by distributing it. Here, the communication history information storage unit 24c of the storage device 24 stores the anomaly generation information distributed (sent) from the control device 22 of the data server 20 to the multiple mobile terminals 30, as well as time information indicating the time of distribution (sending) of the anomaly generation information, as communication history information. Furthermore, the communication device 23 can also distribute (send) the anomaly generation information to the wide-area display device 40 connected to the network N.

[0055] In the multiple mobile terminals 30, the wireless communication device 31 receives anomaly generation information distributed (sent) from the data server 20 via wireless communication. The wireless communication device 31 outputs the received anomaly generation information to the control device 32. The control device 32 executes a browser to display the anomaly generation information on the display device 33.

[0056] like Figure 5As shown, the display device 33 displays a screen H1 containing the production line 10 that experienced an anomaly and the moment the anomaly occurred. In this case, the display device 33 can, for example, change the displayed color according to the severity of the anomaly in the screen H1. The production line manager holding the mobile terminal 30 confirms the anomaly information displayed on the screen H1 of the display device 33 and clicks or taps the detailed confirmation button B1 displayed on the screen H1 to make a selection.

[0057] If the detailed confirmation button B1 is selected, the control device 32 moves the display device 33 from the display screen H1 to... Figure 6 The display screen H11 is shown. In this case, the display screen H11 shows that the detailed confirmation button B1 has been selected (e.g., a color change), and also displays the content of the generated error. Thus, the production line manager can confirm the content of the error generated on production line 10 and determine whether the error can be handled.

[0058] When a production line manager is able to handle an anomaly, in order to report their intention to handle the anomaly to other production line managers, they can click or tap the processable button B2 displayed on the display screen H11, which serves as a processing input. If the processable button B2 is selected, the control device 32 outputs processable information, including terminal identification information stored in the storage device 35, along with information indicating that the processable button B2 has been selected, to the wireless communication device 31. Then, the wireless communication device 31 transmits the processable information to the data server 20 via the wireless communication unit N1 and the network N.

[0059] Here, the production line manager, i.e., the handler, who has selected the processable button B2, can use the input device 34 to input processing information indicating a predetermined action to handle an anomaly occurring on the production line 10, such as immediate response or response later (a few minutes later, etc.). Alternatively, the handler can use the input device 34 to input processing start information indicating that processing of the anomaly has actually begun after selecting the processable button B2. Upon inputting at least one of the processing predetermined information and the processing start information, the control device 32 sends processable information containing the processing predetermined information and the processing start information to the data server 20.

[0060] If the control device 22 of the data server 20 receives processable information from the mobile terminal 30 via the communication device 23, it searches for terminal user information stored in the terminal user information storage unit 24a of the storage device 24 based on the terminal identification information contained in the processable information. Then, the control device 22 determines the mobile terminal 30 that sent the processable information based on the terminal user information, and determines the processor holding the mobile terminal 30.

[0061] Furthermore, the control device 22 acquires image data stored in the user identification information storage unit 24b of the storage device 24 for the processor determined based on the terminal user information. Then, the control device 22 records processing information, including the acquired image data and information about the processor starting processing (or the predetermined start time), in HTML format and generates a webpage. Then, the control device 22 controls the communication device 23 to distribute the processing information including the generated image data to all mobile terminals 30 via the network N (wireless communication unit N1).

[0062] Here, the communication history information storage unit 24c of the storage device 24 stores error generation information distributed (sent) from the control device 22 of the data server 20 to multiple mobile terminals 30, as well as time information indicating the time when the error generation information was distributed (sent), as communication history information. Additionally, the communication history information storage unit 24c stores processable information sent from each mobile terminal 30 to the data server 20, as well as time information indicating the time when the processable information was distributed (sent), as communication history information. Furthermore, the communication history information storage unit 24c stores processing information distributed (sent) from the control device 22 of the data server 20 to all mobile terminals 30, as well as time information indicating the time when the processing information was distributed (sent), as communication history information.

[0063] In each mobile terminal 30, processing information distributed from the data server 20 is received via the wireless communication device 31. Then, the control device 32 executes a browser to display the received processing information on the display device 33. Consequently, the display device 33 displays the screen from... Figure 6 The displayed screen H11 moves to Figure 7 The display screen H12 shown displays the processor's image data (e.g., a facial photo) at the location of the processable button B2.

[0064] Additionally, the display device 33 displays the time at which the processor begins processing (or, the predetermined start time) on the display screen H12. Figure 6 (Represented by black triangles and black squares). Therefore, production line managers other than the handlers can easily identify the handlers who process abnormalities generated on production line 10 and when they are processed, and as a result, the status of abnormality processing can be shared.

[0065] Here, the processor uses input device 34 to input processing content information indicating the processing performed in the event of an anomaly, and sends it sequentially from mobile terminal 30 to data server 20. Then, in data server 20, control device 22 sequentially stores the processing content information sent from mobile terminal 30 and the time information of the sending of the processing content information as communication history in the communication history information storage section 24c of information storage device 24. Thus, the storage device 24 of data server 20 stores the processing content of the anomaly performed by the processor and the time of processing. In this case, the processing content and time stored in storage device 24 can be confirmed by the processor during and after the anomaly processing. Therefore, the processor does not need to create a record or report documenting the processing content after handling the anomaly.

[0066] (6-2-2. The Supporter's Request)

[0067] Next, the requirements for support personnel in the production management system Sy will be explained. When handling an anomaly occurring on production line 10, the processor can request support. Upon requesting support, the processor moves the display screen from the display device 33 on the mobile terminal 30. Figure 7 The displayed screen H12 is moved to Figure 8 The displayed screen H2 is shown. Furthermore, displayed screen H2 is also a webpage displayed by a browser executed by the control device 32.

[0068] like Figure 8 As shown, display screen H2 displays, for example, a call button B3 for calling the person related to the generated abnormality, a support button B4 as a support request input section, and a conversation button B5 for communicating with other production line managers via network N during processing (conversation function). Furthermore, when conversation button B5 is selected by clicking or tapping, data server 20 allows communication between the mobile terminal 30 held by the processor and the mobile terminals 30 held by other production line managers via network N.

[0069] When requesting support, the operator clicks or taps the support button B4 displayed on screen H2. In this case, if no other production line manager is specified when requesting support, the operator can select "Quick" on screen H2 in addition to the support button B4. As explained below... Figure 8 As shown, this illustrates the case where the processor selected "Fast".

[0070] In addition, when requesting group support, the operator can select "Group" on display screen H2 in addition to the support button B4. Furthermore, when requesting support from other departments, the operator can select "Other Departments" on display screen H2 in addition to the support button B4. Moreover, when specifying a different production line manager to request support, the operator can select the specific production line manager displayed on display screen H2 in addition to the support button B4.

[0071] If the user selects the support button B4, the control device 32 outputs support request information containing terminal identification information stored in the storage device 35, along with information indicating that the support button B4 has been selected, to the wireless communication device 31. Then, the wireless communication device 31 sends the support request information to the data server 20 via the wireless communication unit N1 and the network N.

[0072] If the control device 22 of the data server 20 receives support request information from the mobile terminal 30 via the communication device 23, it searches for terminal user information stored in the terminal user information storage unit 24a of the storage device 24 based on the terminal identification information contained in the support request information. Then, the control device 22 determines the mobile terminal 30 that sent the support request information based on the terminal user information, and determines the processor holding the mobile terminal 30.

[0073] Furthermore, the control device 22 acquires text data, such as the name of the identified processor, and image data stored in the user identification information storage unit 24b of the storage device 24, based on the processor determined according to the terminal user information. Then, the control device 22 generates a webpage containing support notification information in HTML format, describing the acquired text data and image data. Then, the control device 22 controls the communication device 23 to distribute the generated support notification information to other mobile terminals 30 besides the mobile terminal 30 held by the processor via the network N (wireless communication unit N1).

[0074] In other mobile terminals 30, support notification information distributed from data server 20 is received via wireless communication device 31. Then, control device 32 executes a browser to display the received support notification information on display device 33. Thus, display device 33 displays... Figure 9 The display screen H3 shown indicates that the display device 33 of the other mobile terminals 30 performs the function of "notification acquisition unit".

[0075] Display screen H3 reports the support request made by the processor. Other administrators, based on display screen H3, can select between the "Immediate" button B6 or the "Later" button, which serves as the support information input area, if they are able to respond to the support request.

[0076] Here, if the "Immediately" button B6 is selected, enter the available support information indicating that immediate support can be provided. Alternatively, if the "Later" button B7 is selected, enter the planned support information indicating that support can be provided. The following explanation illustrates a case where another administrator has selected the "Immediately" button B6. On the other hand, other administrators, based on the display screen H3, can select the "Unsupportable" button B8 if they are unable to respond to a support request.

[0077] If another production line manager selects the "Immediate" button B6, the control device 32 outputs the terminal identification information stored in the storage device 35 along with the support information indicating that the "Immediate" button B6 has been selected to the wireless communication device 31. Then, the wireless communication device 31 sends the support information and terminal identification information to the data server 20 via the wireless communication unit N1 and the network N.

[0078] If the control device 22 of the data server 20 receives support information and terminal identification information from the mobile terminal 30 via the communication device 23, it searches for terminal user information stored in the terminal user information storage unit 24a of the storage device 24 based on the terminal identification information. Then, the control device 22 determines the mobile terminal 30 that sent the support information based on the terminal user information, and determines the supporter who owns the mobile terminal 30.

[0079] Furthermore, the control device 22 retrieves text data, such as the name of the identified supporter, and image data stored in the user identification information storage unit 24b of the storage device 24 for the supporter determined based on the terminal user information. Then, the control device 22 records the retrieved support processing information containing text data and image data in HTML format and generates a webpage. Then, the control device 22 controls the communication device 23 to distribute the generated support processing information to all mobile terminals 30 via the network N (wireless communication unit N1).

[0080] Here, the communication history information storage unit 24c of the storage device 24 stores support notification information distributed (sent) from the control device 22 of the data server 20 to multiple mobile terminals 30, as well as time information indicating the time of distribution (sent) of the support notification information, as communication history information. Additionally, the communication history information storage unit 24c stores support request information sent from the processor's mobile terminal 30 to the data server 20, as well as time information indicating the time of distribution (sent) of the support request information, as communication history information. Furthermore, the communication history information storage unit 24c stores support processing information distributed (sent) from the control device 22 of the data server 20 to all mobile terminals 30, as well as time information indicating the time of distribution (sent) of the support processing information, as communication history information.

[0081] In all mobile terminals 30, support processing information distributed from data server 20 is received via wireless communication device 31. Then, control device 32 executes a browser to cause display device 33 to display the received support processing information. Thus, as... Figure 10 As shown, display device 33 displays a screen H31 indicating that a support person is being reported and that immediate support should be provided. Therefore, production line managers can easily identify the handlers and support personnel responsible for addressing anomalies occurring on production line 10, and consequently, can share information on support status for the anomalies.

[0082] In addition to being displayed on the display device 33 of the mobile terminal 30, the supporter's report can also be displayed on other devices such as... Figure 11 As shown, it can also be displayed on the wide-area display device 40. Therefore, it is also possible to appropriately report the handling status and support status of any abnormalities to the operators performing operations on the production line 10.

[0083] (7. The effect of the production management system Sy)

[0084] According to the production management system Sy, when an anomaly occurs on production line 10, by confirming the anomaly information distributed (sent) from data server 20, the system can determine who will handle the anomaly and report the handler to other production line managers from data server 20. Thus, multiple production line managers can easily identify who is handling the anomaly and can share the status of the anomaly handling. Therefore, anomalies on production line 10 can be handled quickly, preventing a decrease in the production efficiency and operating rate of production line 10. As a result, productivity on production line 10 can be improved.

[0085] (8. Utilization of information stored in storage device 24)

[0086] In the communication history information storage unit 24c of the storage device 24 of the data server 20, various information and time information related to communication between the data server 20 and the mobile terminal 30 are stored as communication history information. Therefore, the processing status of each production line manager stored in the communication history information storage unit 24c can be used to objectively evaluate the anomaly handling capabilities of each production line manager. Specifically, the communication history information storage unit 24c sequentially stores the processing content from the occurrence of an anomaly on the production line 10 to the elimination of the anomaly when a certain production line manager is the processor.

[0087] Therefore, it is possible to determine the quality of an exception handling performed by a production line manager as the handler. Furthermore, the storage device 24 can also determine the quality of an exception handling performed by a production line manager as a supporter, working alongside the handler. Thus, by reviewing the processing content sequentially stored in the storage device 24, it is possible to objectively evaluate the production line manager's skill level, the time required to eliminate the exception, and other relevant factors.

[0088] Furthermore, based on this evaluation, production line managers (users) can discuss improvements to anomaly handling or methods to enhance the technical level. As a result, even if an anomaly occurs on production line 10, the time required to eliminate the anomaly can be shortened, thereby improving the production efficiency of production line 10.

[0089] (9. Other)

[0090] In the above description, the data server 20 reports the anomaly information to all mobile terminals 30 based on the anomaly information and determines the handler based on the intention of the production line manager. However, the mobile terminals 30 can, for example, send their location information to the data server 20 by using GPS (Global Positioning System) signals or by communicating wirelessly with the wireless communication unit N1. Therefore, the data server 20 may, for example, prioritize distributing (sending) the anomaly information to the production line manager who is closer to the location of the production line 10 where the anomaly occurred.

[0091] In this scenario, since the production line manager, who is closer to production line 10, becomes the handler, the handling of any abnormalities can begin as early as possible. As a result, the time required to eliminate the abnormality can be shortened, thereby improving the production efficiency of production line 10.

[0092] Additionally, when a processor requests support, it may be unable to receive support because other production line managers have selected the "unsupported" button B8. To handle such situations, the data server 20 can also have an information exchange function that enables information exchange between the processor (production line manager) and other production line managers.

[0093] Specifically, the control device 22 of the data server 20, for example, executes a pre-stored program (application) in the storage device 24 to realize a chat-like information exchange function between production line managers. Thus, by using the mobile terminal 30 connected to the network N, the processor can, for example, consult with production line managers who have experience in eliminating similar anomalies in the past, or discuss the processing content regarding methods for eliminating currently occurring anomalies. Therefore, in this case, the processor can also shorten the time required to eliminate the anomaly, thereby improving the production efficiency of the production line 10.

[0094] Furthermore, when the data server 20 and the mobile terminal 30 are communicating via network N (wireless communication unit N1), there may be times when communication is temporarily impossible. In such cases, the mobile terminal 30 can temporarily store the information sent to the data server 20 in the storage device 35.

[0095] That is, when the mobile terminal 30 is temporarily unable to communicate with the data server 20 via network N (wireless communication unit N1), it temporarily stores at least the time of the attempt to communicate with the data server 20 and the content of the information attempted to be sent to the data server 20 in the storage device 35. Then, when the mobile terminal 30 resumes communication with the data server 20 via network N (wireless communication unit N1), it sends the time and content temporarily stored in the storage device 35 to the data server 20. Thus, even when communication is temporarily unavailable, the data server 20 can store communication history information in the communication history information storage unit 24c of the storage device 24.

Claims

1. A production management system, comprising: The data server is configured to store operational status data representing the production line's operating status and to send and receive various information; and Multiple mobile terminals are configured to communicate with the aforementioned data server via a network. The aforementioned data server has an anomaly notification unit, which is configured to notify users of an anomaly based on the aforementioned operational status data by distributing an anomaly notification to all of the aforementioned multiple mobile terminals, indicating that an anomaly has occurred in the operational status of the aforementioned production line. The aforementioned mobile terminals each have a processing input unit. In response to the exception generation information sent from the exception notification unit, the aforementioned processing input unit accepts input of processable information indicating an intention to process the exception, and sends the processable information to the data server. In response to receiving the processable information from at least one of the plurality of mobile terminals, the data server generates processing information indicating the processing status of the anomaly and distributes it to all of the plurality of mobile terminals.

2. The production management system according to claim 1, wherein, The aforementioned mobile terminal is configured to send its own location information to the aforementioned data server, and the aforementioned data server is configured to prioritize distributing the anomaly information to the aforementioned mobile terminals that are close to the location of the aforementioned production line where the anomaly has occurred.

3. The production management system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The aforementioned processable information includes at least one of processing pre-processing information and processing start information. The aforementioned processing plan information indicates the main points of the planned handling for the aforementioned abnormalities. The above processing start information indicates that the processing of the above-mentioned exception has begun.

4. The production management system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The aforementioned network can be constructed using public or dedicated communication lines. The above-mentioned error generation information and processing information shall be described in a format suitable for display on a webpage. Each of the aforementioned mobile terminals is configured to execute a pre-stored web browser to obtain and display the aforementioned exception generation information and processing information.

5. The production management system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The aforementioned mobile terminals also have: The support request input unit is configured to accept input of support request information that represents a request for support in handling the above-mentioned exception; The notification acquisition unit acquires support notification information containing the aforementioned support request, which is generated by the data service in response to the input of the aforementioned support request information in one of the plurality of mobile terminals, and distributes it from the data server to the other mobile terminals among the plurality of mobile terminals; and It can support the information input section. The aforementioned support information input unit accepts the input of support information indicating an intention to respond to a support request, based on the aforementioned support notification information, and sends the aforementioned support information to the aforementioned data server. The aforementioned data server is configured to, in response to receiving the aforementioned supportable information from the other aforementioned mobile terminals, generate support processing information indicating the status of responding to the aforementioned support request for handling the aforementioned anomaly, and distribute the support processing information to all of the aforementioned multiple mobile terminals.

6. The production management system according to claim 5, wherein, The aforementioned support request input unit is configured to accept the designation of the selected mobile terminal from among the other mobile terminals of the plurality of mobile terminals.

7. The production management system according to claim 5, wherein, The aforementioned support notification information and support processing information shall be described in a format suitable for display on a webpage. The aforementioned mobile terminals each execute a pre-stored web browser to obtain and display the aforementioned support request information and the aforementioned support processing information.

8. The production management system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The aforementioned data server has: The terminal user information storage unit is configured to store terminal user information that associates each of the plurality of mobile terminals with each user holding the mobile terminal; and The user identification information storage unit is configured to store text data identifying the user and image data of the user. The aforementioned multiple mobile terminals each have a terminal identification information storage unit configured to store terminal identification information used for identifying themselves. In the case where the aforementioned data server communicates with one of the aforementioned mobile terminals, One of the aforementioned mobile terminals sends the terminal identification information stored in the aforementioned terminal identification information storage unit to the aforementioned data server. The data server determines the user based on the terminal identification information obtained from the mobile terminal and the terminal user information stored in the terminal user information storage unit, and sends at least the text data and image data of the determined user stored in the user identification information storage unit to one of the mobile terminals.

9. The production management system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The aforementioned data server has a communication history information storage unit, which is configured to store communication history information representing the history of communication with the aforementioned mobile terminals.

10. The production management system according to claim 9, wherein, The aforementioned communication history information includes the content of various information sent from the aforementioned multiple mobile terminals to the aforementioned data server, as well as the time when the aforementioned information was sent to the aforementioned data server.

11. The production management system according to claim 9, wherein, When the aforementioned mobile terminals are temporarily unable to communicate with the aforementioned data server, they shall at least temporarily save the time when they attempted to communicate with the aforementioned data server and the content of the information they attempted to send to the aforementioned data server. When communication with the aforementioned data server is restored, they shall send the temporarily stored time and the aforementioned content to the aforementioned data server.

12. The production management system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The aforementioned data server is equipped with a data acquisition device configured to acquire the aforementioned operational status data.

13. The production management system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The above-mentioned anomaly information includes the location where the anomaly occurred, the content of the anomaly, and the time when the anomaly occurred.

14. The production management system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The device is equipped with a wide-area display device configured to communicate with the data server and the plurality of mobile terminals and to report various information distributed from the data server and the plurality of mobile terminals.

15. The production management system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The aforementioned data server has an information exchange function that enables users of the aforementioned multiple mobile terminals to exchange information related to the aforementioned anomalies.

16. The production management system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, Each of the aforementioned mobile terminals has a call function configured to enable communication with another of the aforementioned mobile terminals via the aforementioned network.

17. The production management system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The aforementioned production line is configured to have multiple machine tools.

Images