Job management device and storage medium

Abstract

The present invention provides a work management device and storage medium that manages work across a series of processes, thereby improving overall work efficiency. The work management device manages work and includes: a work specification acquisition unit that acquires information about the work specifications for each process; a work assistance information display unit that, based on the work specifications, causes worker glasses worn by workers performing work in each process to display information that assists the work; a robot control unit that controls the work robots performing work in each process based on the work specifications; a work performance information acquisition unit that acquires information about work performed by the worker and information about work performed by the work robot; and a work result determination unit that, based on the information about work performed by the worker and information about work performed by the work robot, determines whether each work has been completed in accordance with the work specifications.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a job management device and a storage medium. Background Art

[0002] There is known a technology for supporting tasks such as picking up and assembling parts in a system.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 describes using an augmented reality device to indicate to a worker a storage area where an item to be picked up is placed, thereby improving work efficiency.

[0004] Furthermore, Patent Document 2 describes a system that indicates the position of a screw hole into which a worker is to screw a component next during assembly work.

[0005] Prior art literature

[0006] Patent Literature

[0007] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-43353

[0008] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-12432 Summary of the Invention

[0009] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0010] However, the conventional methods described in Patent Documents 1 and 2 support individual tasks such as picking and assembly, but do not improve overall efficiency across multiple work steps. Furthermore, in recent years, workers and robots have increasingly collaborated on tasks, leading to a desire to improve efficiency by centrally managing both tasks.

[0011] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a technology for managing work throughout a series of steps, thereby improving the efficiency of the entire work.

[0012] Technical means to solve the problem

[0013] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention adopts the following structure.

[0014] A work management device according to one aspect of the present invention manages work, comprising: a work specification acquisition unit for acquiring work specification information for each process of the work; a work assistance information display unit for displaying work assistance information on worker glasses worn by workers performing work in each process based on the work specifications; a robot control unit for controlling the work robots performing work in each process based on the work specifications; a work performance information acquisition unit for acquiring information on work performed by the workers and the work robots; and a work result determination unit for determining whether each work has been completed in accordance with the work specifications based on the information on work performed by the workers and the work robots. This configuration enables unified and comprehensive management of the content and progress of work in a series of processes, thereby improving overall work efficiency.

[0015] In this configuration, the "work-related information" refers to information that assists the operator in each process or control information for the work robot. This information includes information on the types and quantities of work parts required for the work, the storage locations of each part, and information related to the installation positions and order of parts. Furthermore, the "worker glasses" refer to an augmented reality device worn by the operator that displays information that assists the operator in the work.

[0016] Furthermore, in a picking process for removing parts required for a series of operations from a storage and placing them in a parts box, the operation performance information acquisition unit may acquire information on the types and numbers of parts for the operations removed from the storage by the operator, and information on the types and numbers of parts for the operations removed from the storage by the operation robot, and the operation result determination unit may determine whether the picking by the operator and the operation robot in accordance with the operation specifications has been completed. The operation management device may further include a parts box identification number assignment unit. When the parts box identification number assignment unit determines that the picking in accordance with the operation specifications has been completed, the parts box identification number assignment unit records a parts box identification number in a wireless communication tag attached to the parts box, and the parts box identification number is associated with information on subsequent processes using the parts for the operations in the parts box. This prevents incorrect parts from being placed in the parts box, and allows efficient management of information generated during the operation using the parts box identification numbers.

[0017] Furthermore, the system may further include a stock replenishment instruction unit that outputs information on the types and numbers of working parts that should be replenished based on information on the types and numbers of working parts removed from the storage by the operator and information on the types and numbers of working parts removed from the storage by the working robot, so that the inventory of each working part in the storage reaches a predetermined quantity. This ensures that the inventory of working parts in the storage is appropriately maintained, preventing stock shortages during operation.

[0018] Furthermore, the part box may be placed on a mobile body, and the work management device may further include: a part box movement control unit that, when the part box identification number is recorded in the wireless communication tag, causes the mobile body to move to a predetermined area where the next process corresponding to the part box identification number is to be performed; and a part box arrival detection unit that detects, via wireless communication with the wireless communication tag, that the mobile body carrying the part box has arrived at the predetermined area, and the work support information display unit displays the fact that the mobile body carrying the part box has arrived at the predetermined area on a pair of worker glasses worn by a worker performing work in the process. Thus, work information can be provided to the worker at an appropriate time, and the use of an incorrect part box during work can be prevented.

[0019] Furthermore, each work component may be affixed with code information identifying the type of component. The work result determination unit may obtain the code information affixed to the work component removed by the worker via a code reading component of the worker's glasses, thereby determining whether the worker has picked up the component in accordance with the work specifications. This prevents picking errors, and even if the wrong component is picked up, the work can be corrected immediately.

[0020] Furthermore, each work part may be affixed with code information identifying the type of part, and the work result determination unit may obtain the code information affixed to the work parts in the parts box via a code reading unit of the work robot, thereby determining whether picking according to the work specification has been completed. This allows confirmation of the correctness of the contents of the parts box before proceeding to the next step.

[0021] Furthermore, the system may further include a fault occurrence information acquisition unit for acquiring fault occurrence information inputted via the operator's glasses when the operator determines that a fault has occurred in the operation; and a fault information management unit for managing the fault information by associating it with the parts box identification number of the parts box being used by the operator who input the fault information. Thus, when addressing the fault, corrections can be made based on the fault information recorded and associated with the parts box identification number.

[0022] Furthermore, the system may further include a fault presence determination unit for determining whether the fault information is registered in association with the parts box identification number; and a movement control unit for moving the parts box determined to be associated with the parts box identification number and having the fault information registered therein to an area for fault response. Thus, even parts boxes containing unrepaired parts can be used for fault response without exception.

[0023] Furthermore, the system may further include: a work failure information acquisition unit for acquiring work failure information from a tool used by the operator when a work failure is detected by the tool; and a work image acquisition unit for acquiring an image of the operator's field of view captured through the operator's glasses when a work failure is detected. Thus, this information can be recorded as failure information in association with the parts box identification number.

[0024] A storage medium according to one aspect of the present invention stores a program that causes a computer for managing a job to function as: a job specification acquisition unit that acquires job specification information for each process of the job; a job assistance information display unit that displays job assistance information on worker glasses worn by workers performing the job in each process based on the job specifications; a robot control unit that controls the work robots performing the job in each process based on the job specifications; a job performance information acquisition unit that acquires information on jobs performed by the workers and the work robots; and a job result determination unit that determines whether each job has been completed in accordance with the job specifications based on the information on jobs performed by the workers and the work robots. This configuration enables unified and comprehensive management of the content and progress of jobs across a series of processes, thereby improving overall job efficiency.

[0025] Effects of the Invention

[0026] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a technique for improving the efficiency of the entire work by managing the work throughout a series of steps. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram showing an application example of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 2 This is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the work management device 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 3 This is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the work management device 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 4This is a sequence diagram showing an example of the operation in the picking process of the work management system 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing an example of a picking work status screen displayed on the worker glasses 30 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 6 This is a flowchart showing an example of the parts inventory management operation performed by the work management system 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 7 This is a sequence diagram showing an example of the operation in the manual assembly process of the work management system 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 8 1 is a diagram showing an example of a fitting work instruction screen displayed on the worker glasses 30 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 9 This is a diagram showing an example of a forced completion screen displayed on the worker glasses 30 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 10 This is a flowchart showing an example of the operation in the failure response process of the work management system 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] [Explanation of Symbols]

[0038] 1: Job Management System

[0039] 10: Operation management device

[0040] 11: Control Department

[0041] 12: Storage

[0042] 13: Communication interface

[0043] 14: Input device

[0044] 15: Output device

[0045] 20: Operational robots

[0046] 30: Glasses for workers

[0047] 40: Toolbox

[0048] 50: Mobile

[0049] 60: Feeding chute

[0050] 61: Input port

[0051] 62: Take the exit

[0052] 70: Torque wrench

[0053] 101: Operational Regulations Acquisition Department

[0054] 102: Operation auxiliary information display unit

[0055] 103: Robot Control Department

[0056] 104: Operation Performance Information Acquisition Department

[0057] 105: Operation result judgment unit

[0058] 106: Parts box identification number assignment department

[0059] 107: Inventory Replenishment Instruction Department

[0060] 108: Parts box movement control unit

[0061] 109: Parts box arrives at the detection department

[0062] 110: Fault information acquisition unit

[0063] 111: Fault Information Management Department

[0064] 112: Fault determination unit

[0065] 113: Mobile control unit when a fault occurs

[0066] 114: Operation failure information acquisition department

[0067] 115: Operation image acquisition unit

[0068] P1: Serial number

[0069] P2: Overview of work progress

[0070] P3: Get the export image

[0071] P4: List of instructions

[0072] P5: Marking

[0073] P6: Job Information

[0074] P7: Input Menu

[0075] S101~S112, S201~S204, S301~S312, S401~S404: Steps

[0076] W: Operator DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0077] Hereinafter, an embodiment of one aspect of the present invention (hereinafter also referred to as "the present embodiment") will be described based on the accompanying drawings. However, the embodiment described below is merely an illustration of the present invention in all respects. Various improvements or modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. That is, when implementing the present invention, a specific structure corresponding to the embodiment can also be appropriately adopted. In addition, the data appearing in the present embodiment is described using natural language, but more specifically, it is specified using pseudo-languages, commands, parameters, machine languages, etc. that can be recognized by a computer.

[0078] §1 Application

[0079] First, use Figure 1 An example of a scenario in which the present invention is applicable will be described. Figure 1 This is a diagram schematically showing an example of a work management system 1 which is an example of a scenario in which the work management device 10 of the present invention is applied. Figure 1 In the example of FIG, the operation management system 1 manages a series of operations including a picking process and an assembly process in the workplace. Figure 1 As shown, the work management system 1 includes a work management device 10, a work robot 20, worker glasses 30 (an augmented reality device worn by a worker W like glasses), a tool box 40 for storing work parts used for work, a mobile body 50 on which the tool box 40 is placed, a chute (storage) 60 for storing work parts to be picked up, and a torque wrench (tool) 70 used by the worker W during assembly work. The work management device 10 can communicate with the work robot 20, worker glasses 30, mobile body 50, and torque wrench 70 via a dedicated gateway.

[0080] The work management device 10 manages the work of each process based on information related to a series of work (work-specified information). The work-specified information includes information on the types and numbers of work parts required for the work, information on the storage locations of each part, and information related to the installation positions and order of the parts. The work management device 10 uses the augmented reality function of the operator glasses 30 to display this information. Thus, the operator W can view the actual work site through the operator glasses 30 and obtain information to assist with the work. Furthermore, the work management device 10 controls the work robot 20 based on the work-specified information to cause it to perform the work.

[0081] Furthermore, the work management device 10 manages the content of the work performed by the worker and the working robot 20, and determines whether each work has been completed according to the work specifications. Furthermore, the progress of the work is displayed on the worker's glasses 30. This allows the worker W to confirm the status of both the work he or she is supposed to perform and the work being managed by the working robot 20.

[0082] Furthermore, the work management device 10 controls the movement of the toolbox 40 in accordance with the progress of the work process. When work parts specified in the work process are placed in the toolbox 40 during the picking process, a serial number (parts box identification number) is assigned. The work management device 10 manages the toolbox 40 using the serial number and moves the mobile body 50 carrying the toolbox 40 to an appropriate location based on the progress of the work. The toolbox 40 also contains finished products assembled using its parts, or uncorrected products (those that have experienced a malfunction during the assembly process and are in their current state before repair).

[0083] §2 Structure Example

[0084] (1. Hardware structure)

[0085] Figure 2 This is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the work management device 10 in this embodiment. Figure 2 In the example shown in FIG. 1 , the work management device 10 is a computer including a control unit 11 , a storage unit 12 , a communication interface 13 , an input device 14 , and an output device 15 electrically connected to each other.

[0086] The control unit 11 includes a central processing unit (CPU), a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), etc., and various functions are realized by the CPU executing programs stored in the ROM, etc.

[0087] The storage unit 12 is an auxiliary storage device such as a hard disk drive, and stores information on work specifications in each step of the work and various information (such as failure information) associated with the serial number assigned to the tool box 40 .

[0088] The communication interface 13 includes a gateway device for communication between the work management device 10 and the working robot 20 , the worker glasses 30 , the mobile body 50 on which the tool box 40 is mounted, the torque wrench 70 , and the like.

[0089] The input device 14 is, for example, a device for performing input, such as a mouse and a keyboard. The output device 15 is, for example, a device for performing output, such as a display and a speaker.

[0090] Furthermore, regarding the specific hardware structure of the job management device 10, components may be omitted, replaced, or added as appropriate depending on the implementation. For example, the control unit 11 may include multiple processors. Furthermore, the job management device 10 may include multiple information processing devices. Furthermore, in addition to information processing devices specifically designed for the services provided, the job management device 10 may also utilize general-purpose desktop personal computers (PCs), tablet PCs, and the like.

[0091] The working robot 20 is a robot with an arm that performs picking operations, etc., under the control of the work management device 10. The working robot 20 also has a camera function or a two-dimensional code reading function, and can send captured images to the work management device 10.

[0092] The worker glasses 30 are glasses-type augmented reality devices worn by the worker W. The lenses of the glasses function as a display, allowing the worker W to see an image displayed on the display superimposed on the actual surrounding conditions seen through the glasses. The worker glasses 30 also have a camera function, capable of capturing the actual on-site conditions as seen by the worker W through the glasses and transmitting the image to the work management device 10. Furthermore, the worker glasses 30 have a voice recognition function, allowing the worker W to operate the worker glasses 30 using voice. Furthermore, the worker glasses 30 can transmit voice data input by the worker W to the work management device 10. Furthermore, the worker glasses 30 have a QR code reader function.

[0093] The movable body 50 is a device for transporting the tool box 40, and moves in the work site according to the instruction of the work management device 10. A conveyor is provided on the upper surface of the movable body 50, and the tool box 40 is placed on the conveyor.

[0094] The torque wrench 70 is a tool used by an operator to fasten a component to a workpiece, and measures a torque value when fastening the component and transmits the torque value to the work management device 10 .

[0095] (2. Functional structure)

[0096] Next, use Figure 3 An example of the functional configuration of the work management device 10 according to this embodiment will be described. Figure 3 This is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the work management device 10 .

[0097] The control unit 11 of the job management device 10 expands the job management program stored in the ROM into the RAM. The control unit 11 interprets and executes the program expanded into the RAM through the CPU to control each component. Figure 3As shown, the operation management device 10 of this embodiment functions as a computer including an operation regulation acquisition unit 101, an operation auxiliary information display unit 102, a robot control unit 103, an operation performance information acquisition unit 104, an operation result judgment unit 105, a parts box identification number assignment unit 106, an inventory replenishment instruction unit 107, a parts box movement control unit 108, a parts box arrival detection unit 109, a fault occurrence information acquisition unit 110, a fault information management unit 111, a fault presence or absence judgment unit 112, a movement control unit 113 when a fault occurs, an operation unqualified information acquisition unit 114, and an operation image acquisition unit 115.

[0098] (3.Action)

[0099] Next, the processing flow of the work management system 1 of this embodiment is described. The processing flow is divided into (3-1) picking process, (3-2) parts inventory management, (3-3) manual assembly process, and (3-4) fault response process.

[0100] (3-1. Picking process)

[0101] First, the operation of the work management system 1 in the picking process will be described. Figure 4 This is a sequence diagram showing an example of operations in the picking process of the work management system 1. In the picking process, based on the work regulations managed by the work management device 10, the worker W cooperates with the working robot 20 to pick up working parts from the feed chute 60 and place them in the tool box 40.

[0102] The feed trough 60 is a shelf that pre-categorizes and stores the picked parts. It is divided into multiple small chambers, each of which stores a different type of part. On both sides of the shelf are inlets 61 and outlets 62 for each chamber. Parts are replenished (supplied) from the inlet 61, and the operator or the operating robot 20 picks up the parts from the outlet 62. Each inlet 61 and outlet 62 for each chamber are accompanied by an identification code (QR code) for the part stored therein. Furthermore, each stored part is also accompanied by a corresponding identification code.

[0103] The worker W uses the worker glasses 30 he is wearing to read a QR code or the like for starting the picking process (S101). The QR code is placed, for example, at a designated location in the work area where the picking process is to be performed. When the worker glasses 30 read the QR code, the worker glasses 30 connect to the work management device 10 via a gateway, and the work management device 10 transmits information specifying the work in the picking process to the worker glasses 30 (S102).

[0104] The worker glasses 30 display a “picking work status screen” on the display based on the information received from the work management device 10 ( S103 ). Figure 5 3 is a diagram showing an example of a picking operation status screen displayed on the operator's glasses 30. Figure 5 As shown, on the picking operation status screen, the serial number P1, the overview of the operation progress status P2 and the image of the removal port P3 are displayed. The serial number P1 is a number that determines the content of the operation. When the picking operation is completed, the same number is assigned to the toolbox 40 as the parts box identification number. In the overview of the operation progress status P2, the identification number of the picked parts, the number of the stalls of the feed trough 60 where each part is stored, the number of picked parts, and the overview of the progress status of the picking operation (operation status) are displayed. If the operation status is displayed as "Not", it means that the picking performed by the operator W has not been completed. Moreover, if the operation status is displayed as "Robot", it means that the parts are being picked up by the operation robot 20.

[0105] The take-out image P3 is displayed in a manner overlapping the actual port (take-out) of the feed chute 60 when viewed by the operator W. The four corners in the figure represent a port, and the numbers in the four corners represent the number of parts picked up from the corresponding port. Figure 5 In the example of , for example, one part is taken out from the upper left port and three parts are taken out from the lower right port. In addition, the port corresponding to the part picked up by the operator W and the port corresponding to the part picked up by the working robot 20 can also be displayed in different colors.

[0106] Worker W performs the picking operation according to the instructions displayed on the picking operation status screen. Worker W removes the parts from the designated slot and places them in toolbox 40. Toolbox 40 is placed empty on mobile body 50 and moved to the work area where the picking operation will be performed. When worker W removes the parts from the slot of feed chute 60, he or she uses worker glasses 30 to read the identification code attached to the parts. The read identification code is transmitted to the operation management device 10 (S104).

[0107] The work management device 10 manages the progress of the picking operation (which part has been picked, how many) based on the received identification code. For the indicated number of parts that have been picked, the work status displayed in the work progress overview P2 is set to "Complete," and the display of the corresponding slot in the exit image P3 is also changed (for example, by setting the number to "0" or changing the color) (S105). Furthermore, if an incorrect part is removed (if the identification code is different from the specified part's identification code), an error message may be displayed to the operator's glasses 30.

[0108] The working robot 20 performs the picking operation under the control of the work management device 10 (S106). When the picking operation by the working robot 20 is completed, the work management device 10 updates the picking operation status screen displayed on the worker's glasses 30. Specifically, the work status display of the part picked by the working robot 20 in the work progress overview P2 is set to "Complete", and the display of the corresponding slot in the exit image P3 is changed.

[0109] When the work status of all parts changes to "Complete", the work management device 10 causes the work robot 20 to perform an inspection of the parts in the toolbox 40 (S107). The work robot 20 reads the QR code attached to all parts placed in the toolbox 40 and sends it to the work management device 10 (S108). Based on the information in the received code, the work management device 10 confirms the type and number of parts placed in the toolbox 40 (S109). When the parts specified in the work are placed, the operator's glasses 30 are notified that the picking work is completed and a message is displayed (S110). In addition, a serial number (part box identification number) is assigned to the toolbox 40. Specifically, the serial number is written to the radio frequency identification (RFID) tag attached to the toolbox 40 (S111). In addition, if an incorrect part is placed in the toolbox 40, the port and part name corresponding to the incorrectly picked part are displayed on the operator's glasses 30, and a message urging correction of the work is displayed. Once the worker W has correctly picked up the parts, the message is deleted and the serial number is written to the tool box 40 .

[0110] Once the serial number is assigned to the tool box 40 , the work management device 10 moves the movable body 50 on which the tool box 40 is placed to a location where the next step (manual assembly step) is to be performed ( S112 ).

[0111] (3-2. Parts Inventory Management)

[0112] Next, the inventory management of parts performed by the operation management system 1 will be described. Figure 6 This is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of parts inventory management performed by the work management system 1. The work management device 10 manages the inventory number of work parts stored in the feed chute 60 and replenishes the parts at an appropriate timing based on work regulations.

[0113] The operation management device 10 calculates the latest inventory number of each part stored in the feed trough 60 based on the operation status in the picking process (S201). Furthermore, the operation management device 10 obtains the appropriate inventory number of each part determined based on information such as the production schedule (S202). For each part, the operation management device 10 calculates the number of parts that should be replenished to the feed trough 60 based on the difference between the appropriate inventory number and the current inventory number (S203). The calculated number of each part to be replenished is notified to the warehouse system, etc., and replenished from the warehouse to the feed trough 60 (S204). During replenishment, parts are supplied from the input port 61. In addition, the transportation of parts from the warehouse to the feed trough 60 and the input of parts to the input port 61 can also be performed by a movable robotic arm controlled by the operation management device 10.

[0114] (3-3. Manual assembly process)

[0115] Next, the operation of the work management system 1 in the manual assembly process will be described. Figure 7 This is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of operations in a manual assembly process of the work management system 1. In the manual assembly process, based on the work regulations managed by the work management device 10, a worker W uses parts in a tool box 40 to perform assembly work. Here, the worker W fastens the parts in the tool box 40 to a workpiece (such as an engine or vehicle body) transported by a belt conveyor or mobile device at the work site.

[0116] The worker W reads a QR code or the like for starting the manual assembly process through the worker glasses 30 he is wearing, thereby connecting the worker glasses 30 to the work management device 10 via the gateway (S301). The QR code is placed at a predetermined location in the work area where the assembly work (fastening work) is performed.

[0117] When the mobile body 50 carrying the tool box 40 containing the parts arrives at the assembly site, the RFID antenna installed at the work site reads the serial number written on the RFID tag attached to the tool box 40. The read serial number is sent to the work management device 10 (S302).

[0118] The work management device 10 transmits information on the work specification of the assembly work corresponding to the received serial number to the worker glasses 30 (S303). The worker glasses 30 displays an "assembly work instruction screen" on the display based on the information received from the work management device 10 (S304).

[0119] Figure 8 1 is a diagram showing an example of an assembly instruction screen displayed on the operator's glasses 30. Figure 8As shown, the assembly instruction screen is displayed so that it overlaps the actual workpiece when viewed by the worker W. Specifically, it displays a serial number P1, an instruction list P4, a mark P5 indicating the work location (the location where the part is fastened) on the workpiece, and work information P6. The serial number P1 displays the serial number assigned to the tool box 40.

[0120] The instruction list P4 lists the locations to be tightened (displayed by name or number), the number and quantity of parts to be tightened, the tightening torque, angle, and work status. When tightening is complete, the corresponding instruction status is updated to "Complete." The mark P5 is displayed, for example, by surrounding the actual tightening location with a frame. The work information P6 displays the instructions for the location being tightened.

[0121] The operator W performs the tightening operation according to the instructions displayed on the assembly operation instruction screen. The operator W uses a tool such as a torque wrench 70 to tighten the parts. The torque wrench 70 measures the torque value and angle when tightening the parts, and sends the judgment result of whether the torque value, angle, and tightening result are appropriate to the operation management device 10 (S305). The operation management device 10 sends the judgment result to the operator's glasses 30 (S306). The operator's glasses 30 displays the received judgment result (OK or NG) on the display. If the judgment result is "OK", the operation status of the operation instruction is updated to "Completed".

[0122] When the work status of all work instructions changes to "Complete," the work management device 10 notifies the worker's glasses 30 of the completion of the tightening work by displaying a message (S307). To move the assembled finished product to the next work process (the next assembly process or shipping process), the worker W places the finished product into the tool box 40 containing parts. The mobile body 50 carrying the tool box 40 containing the finished product is controlled by the work management device 10 and moves to the location where the next process is to be performed.

[0123] On the other hand, if the determination result is "No (NG)", the operator uses the glasses 30 to capture the target fastening location using a camera and sends the image to the work management device 10 (S308). The work management device 10 records the failure information in association with the serial number of the job (S309). The failure information includes the image of the target fastening location captured by the operator's glasses 30, in addition to the fastening location and part number, the torque value during tightening, and other information.

[0124] Furthermore, if the worker W finds any trouble during the operation, he or she can force the completion by voice. If the worker W instructs the forced completion, a "forced completion screen" is displayed on the display of the worker glasses 30 (S310).

[0125] Figure 9 3 is a diagram showing an example of a forced completion screen displayed on the operator's glasses 30. Figure 9 As shown, on the forced completion screen, an input menu P7 ("reason code", "fault content", "fault location", "complete", "cancel") is displayed.

[0126] When the operator W selects "Reason Code" from the menu on the forced completion screen (by emitting a voice signal of "Reason Code"), a list of reason code numbers and reasons for forced completion is displayed (e.g., 01: Correction in the current process, 02: Correction outside the current process, 03: Abort of all processes, etc.). When the operator W selects a reason code (e.g., by emitting a voice signal of "01"), information on the selected reason code is received, and the forced completion screen is displayed again.

[0127] When the operator W selects the menu item "Fault Details" on the forced completion screen (speaking "Fault Details"), a message urging the operator to input the fault details by voice is displayed. When the operator W inputs the fault details by voice, the input voice data is accepted and the forced completion screen is displayed again.

[0128] When the operator W selects "Fault Location" from the menu on the forced completion screen (a voice message "Fault Location" is heard), a message is displayed informing that the camera will capture the fault location the operator W is looking at. The capture will be performed after a few seconds. After the capture, the forced completion screen is displayed again.

[0129] When the operator W selects "Complete" on the forced completion screen (a voice message "Complete" is emitted), the registered cause code, fault details, and image of the fault location are sent to the work management device 10, and the process of the current sequence number is completed (S311). Furthermore, when the operator W selects "Cancel" on the forced completion screen (a voice message "Cancel" is emitted), the entered cause code and other contents are canceled, and the original assembly work instruction screen is returned.

[0130] The work management device 10 associates the received failure information (cause code, failure details, image of the failure site) with the serial number in the work and records it (S312).

[0131] (3-4. Troubleshooting Process)

[0132] Next, the operation of the work management system 1 in the failure response process will be described. Figure 10This is a flowchart showing an example of the operation in the failure response process of the work management system 1 .

[0133] During the assembly process, when a job is completed normally or forcibly completed, the work management device 10 moves the toolbox 40 with the corresponding serial number to the next process. In this case, the toolbox 40 with a serial number registered with a fault (S401: Yes) is transported to a location where fault response work is performed (S402). The toolbox 40 with a serial number not registered with a fault (S401: No) is transported to a location where the next normal process is performed (S403).

[0134] The operator W who handles the failure performs work such as repairing the failed component in the tool box 40 while referring to the failure information recorded in association with the serial number of the tool box 40 ( S404 ).

[0135] As described above, according to this embodiment, the work management device 10 displays work-related information on the worker's glasses 30 worn by the worker, and manages the content and progress of the work performed by the worker and the work robot 20. This allows for unified and comprehensive management of the content and progress of a series of tasks, thereby improving overall work efficiency.

[0136] Furthermore, during the picking process, the picking status of the operator and the picking status of the working robot 20 are managed together. Once it is confirmed that both have been correctly picked, a serial number for the operation is assigned to the toolbox 40. Furthermore, by associating the operation information of each process using the toolbox 40 with the serial number for management, it is possible to prevent incorrect parts from being placed in the toolbox 40 and to efficiently manage information generated during the operation using the serial number.

[0137] Furthermore, the type and number of parts to be replenished to the feed trough 60 are determined based on the type and number of parts picked up by the operator and the working robot 20. This ensures that the inventory of parts in the feed trough 60 is appropriately maintained, preventing both insufficient inventory and oversupply during operation.

[0138] Furthermore, the toolbox 40, assigned a serial number, is carried on the mobile body 50, and its movement is controlled according to information associated with the serial number. Furthermore, upon detecting that the toolbox 40 has moved to the next process location, the operator's glasses 30 display the work information corresponding to the serial number. This allows the operator to be provided with work information at the appropriate time and prevents the use of the wrong toolbox 40 during work.

[0139] Furthermore, the work parts stored in the feed chute 60 are labeled with codes corresponding to the part types. When the worker picks up a part, the worker uses the worker glasses 30 to read the codes, and the work management device 10 then determines whether the part is the correct one. This prevents work errors, and even if the wrong part is picked up, the work can be corrected immediately.

[0140] Moreover, once the picking operation is completed, the codes of all parts in the tool box 40 are read by the operating robot 20 to finally confirm whether there are any incorrect parts or omissions, so that the contents of the tool box 40 can be confirmed to be correct before proceeding to the next process.

[0141] Furthermore, if a fault occurs during the manual assembly process, the operator can use glasses 30 to input the details of the fault by voice, or take a photo of the faulty part to register the fault information, which is then associated with the serial number and recorded. This allows for corrective measures such as those based on the fault information recorded and associated with the serial number when responding to the fault.

[0142] Furthermore, when failure information is registered in association with a serial number, the work management device 10 utilizes the corresponding toolbox 40 in the failure response process, so that toolboxes 40 containing unrepaired parts can be utilized for failure response without omission.

[0143] Furthermore, when the torque wrench 70 used by the operator for tightening detects a failure in the torque value or the like during the tightening operation, information about the failure is transmitted to the operation management device 10, and a captured image of the work area where the failure occurred is also transmitted to the operation management device 10. Thus, the operation management device 10 can record this information as failure information in association with the serial number.

[0144] While the embodiments of the present invention have been described above in detail, the descriptions so far are merely illustrative of the present invention in all respects. Various modifications and variations are naturally possible without departing from the scope of the present invention. Furthermore, some or all of the embodiments described above may be described as follows, but are not limited thereto.

[0145] (Note 1)

[0146] A job management device 10 is provided for managing jobs. The job management device 10 includes:

[0147] The operation specification acquisition unit 101 acquires information on the operation specifications in each step of the operation;

[0148] The work support information display unit 102 displays work support information on the worker glasses 30 worn by the worker performing the work in each process based on the work regulations;

[0149] The robot control unit 103 controls the working robot 20 that performs work in each process based on the work regulations.

[0150] The work performance information acquisition unit 104 acquires information on the work performed by the operator and information on the work performed by the working robot 20; and

[0151] The work result determination unit 105 determines whether each work has been completed in accordance with the work regulations based on the information of the work performed by the worker and the information of the work performed by the working robot 20 .

[0152] (Note 2)

[0153] The operation management device 10 according to Supplementary Note 1, wherein

[0154] In the picking process of taking out the parts required for a series of operations from the storage 60 and placing them in the parts box 40,

[0155] The work performance information acquisition unit 104 acquires information on the types and numbers of work parts taken out from the storage 60 by the operator and information on the types and numbers of work parts taken out from the storage 60 by the working robot 20.

[0156] The work result determination unit 105 determines whether the picking performed by the operator and the working robot 20 in accordance with the work specification is completed.

[0157] The operation management device 10 further includes a parts box identification number assigning unit 106, which records the parts box identification number in the wireless communication tag attached to the parts box 40 when it is determined that the picking according to the operation specification has been completed.

[0158] The component box identification number is associated with information on subsequent processes that use the working components in the component box 40 .

[0159] (Note 3)

[0160] The operation management device 10 described in Note 2 further includes: an inventory replenishment indication unit 107, which outputs information on the type and number of operating parts to be replenished based on the information on the type and number of operating parts taken out from the storage 60 by the operator and the information on the type and number of operating parts taken out from the storage 60 by the operating robot 20, so that the inventory of each operating part in the storage 60 becomes a specified quantity.

[0161] (Note 4)

[0162] The operation management device 10 according to Supplementary Note 2, wherein

[0163] The parts box 40 is placed on a moving body 50.

[0164] The operation management device 10 further includes:

[0165] The parts box movement control unit 108 moves the moving body 50 to a predetermined area where a next process corresponding to the parts box identification number is to be performed when the parts box identification number is recorded in the wireless communication tag; and

[0166] The parts box arrival detection unit 109 detects that the moving body 50 carrying the parts box 40 has arrived at the predetermined area through wireless communication with the wireless communication tag.

[0167] The work support information display unit 102 displays to the worker glasses 30 worn by the worker who is working in the process that the movable body 50 carrying the parts box 40 has arrived at the predetermined area.

[0168] (Note 5)

[0169] The operation management device 10 according to Supplementary Note 2, wherein

[0170] Each workpiece is affixed with a code that identifies the type of part.

[0171] The work result determination unit 105 acquires the code information attached to the work parts taken out by the worker via the code reading unit of the worker glasses 30 , thereby determining whether the worker is picking up according to the work regulations.

[0172] (Note 6)

[0173] The operation management device 10 according to Supplementary Note 2, wherein

[0174] Each workpiece is affixed with a code that identifies the type of part.

[0175] The work result determination unit 105 acquires code information of the work parts attached to the parts box 40 via the code reading unit of the working robot 20 , thereby determining whether picking according to the work specification has been completed.

[0176] (Note 7)

[0177] The job management device 10 according to Supplementary Note 1 further includes:

[0178] The failure information acquisition unit 110 acquires failure information inputted via the operator glasses 30 when the operator determines that a failure has occurred in the operation; and

[0179] The failure information management unit 111 manages the failure information by associating it with the parts box identification number of the parts box 40 being used by the operator who input the failure information.

[0180] (Note 8)

[0181] The operation management device 10 according to Supplementary Note 7 further includes:

[0182] a fault presence / absence determination unit 112 for determining whether the fault information is registered in association with the parts box identification number; and

[0183] The movement control unit 113 moves the component box 40 determined to be associated with the component box identification number and having the failure information registered therein to an area where failure response is performed.

[0184] (Note 9)

[0185] The job management device 10 according to Supplementary Note 1 further includes:

[0186] a work failure information acquisition unit 114 that acquires work failure information from the tool 70 when a work failure is detected by the tool 70 used by the operator; and

[0187] When a failure in the work is detected, the work image acquisition unit 115 acquires an image of the worker's visual field captured through the worker glasses 30 .

[0188] (Note 10)

[0189] A storage medium storing a program that causes a computer 10 for managing jobs to function as:

[0190] The operation specification acquisition unit 101 acquires information on the operation specifications in each step of the operation;

[0191] The work support information display unit 102 displays work support information on the worker glasses 30 worn by the worker performing the work in each process based on the work regulations;

[0192] The robot control unit 103 controls the working robot 20 that performs work in each process based on the work regulations.

[0193] The work performance information acquisition unit 104 acquires information on the work performed by the operator and information on the work performed by the working robot 20; and

[0194] The work result determination unit 105 determines whether each work has been completed in accordance with the work regulations based on the information of the work performed by the worker and the information of the work performed by the working robot 20 .

Claims

1. A job management device for managing jobs, characterized in that: The operation management device includes: an operation specification acquisition unit for acquiring information on operation specifications in each step of the operation; a work-assistance information display unit for displaying work-assistance information on worker glasses worn by workers performing work in each process based on the work regulations; A robot control unit controls a working robot that performs work in each process based on the work regulations; an operation performance information acquisition unit that acquires information on the operation performed by the operator and information on the operation performed by the operation robot; and The operation result determination unit determines whether each operation has been completed according to the operation regulations based on the information of the operation performed by the operator and the information of the operation performed by the operation robot. In the picking process, parts required for a series of operations are taken out from the storage and placed in the parts box. The work performance information acquisition unit acquires information on the types and numbers of work parts taken out from the storage by the operator and information on the types and numbers of work parts taken out from the storage by the work robot. The work result determination unit determines whether the picking performed by the operator and the working robot in accordance with the work specification is completed. The operation management device further includes a parts box identification number assigning unit, which records the parts box identification number in the wireless communication tag attached to the parts box when it is determined that the picking according to the operation regulations has been completed. The parts box identification number is associated with information on a subsequent process using the work parts in the parts box.

2. The operation management device according to claim 1, wherein: Also includes: The inventory replenishment instruction unit outputs information on the types and numbers of operating parts to be replenished based on the information on the types and numbers of operating parts taken out from the storage by the operator and the information on the types and numbers of operating parts taken out from the storage by the operating robot, so that the inventory of each operating part in the storage reaches the specified quantity.

3. The operation management device according to claim 1, wherein: The parts box is placed on a movable body. The operation management device further includes: a parts box movement control unit that, when the parts box identification number is recorded in the wireless communication tag, moves the moving body to a predetermined area where a next process corresponding to the parts box identification number is to be performed; and The parts box arrival detection unit detects that the moving object carrying the parts box has arrived at the predetermined area through wireless communication with the wireless communication tag. The work support information display unit displays to the worker glasses worn by the worker who is working in the process that the movable body carrying the parts box has arrived at the predetermined area.

4. The operation management device according to claim 1, wherein: Each workpiece is affixed with a code that identifies the type of part. The work result determination unit acquires code information attached to the work parts taken out by the worker via a code reading unit of the worker glasses, thereby determining whether the worker is picking up according to the work regulations.

5. The operation management device according to claim 1, wherein: Each workpiece is affixed with a code that identifies the type of part. The work result determination unit acquires code information of the work parts attached to the parts box via a code reading unit of the work robot, thereby determining whether picking according to the work specification has been completed.

6. The work management device according to claim 1, wherein: Also includes: a fault occurrence information acquisition unit for acquiring fault occurrence information inputted via the operator's glasses when the operator determines that a fault has occurred in the operation; as well as The failure information management unit manages the failure information by associating it with the parts box identification number of the parts box being used by the operator who input the failure information.

7. The work management device according to claim 6, characterized in that: Also includes: a fault presence / absence determination unit for determining whether the fault information is registered in association with the parts box identification number; as well as The movement control unit moves the component box determined to be associated with the component box identification number and having the failure information registered therein to an area where failure response is performed.

8. The work management device according to claim 1, wherein: Also includes: a work failure information acquisition unit that acquires work failure information from a tool used by the operator when a work failure is detected by the tool; as well as The work image acquisition unit acquires an image of the worker's field of view captured through the worker glasses when a failure in the work is detected.

9. A storage medium storing a program that causes a computer for managing jobs to function as: an operation specification acquisition unit for acquiring information on operation specifications in each step of the operation; a work-assistance information display unit for displaying work-assistance information on worker glasses worn by workers performing work in each process based on the work regulations; A robot control unit controls a working robot that performs work in each process based on the work regulations; an operation performance information acquisition unit that acquires information on the operation performed by the operator and information on the operation performed by the operation robot; as well as The operation result determination unit determines whether each operation has been completed according to the operation regulations based on the information of the operation performed by the operator and the information of the operation performed by the operation robot. In the picking process, parts required for a series of operations are taken out from the storage and placed in the parts box. The work performance information acquisition unit acquires information on the types and numbers of work parts taken out from the storage by the operator and information on the types and numbers of work parts taken out from the storage by the work robot. The work result determination unit determines whether the picking performed by the operator and the working robot in accordance with the work specification is completed. The operation management device further includes a parts box identification number assigning unit, which records the parts box identification number in the wireless communication tag attached to the parts box when it is determined that the picking according to the operation regulations has been completed. The parts box identification number is associated with information on a subsequent process using the work parts in the parts box.

Images