Visualizing system

Abstract

This invention relates to a visualization system, comprising: a first storage unit storing manufacturing log information for each manufacturing unit of a product manufactured sequentially through multiple manufacturing processes, including the start or end time of each process; a second storage unit storing historical time information of process characteristic elements that affect quality characteristics during the manufacturing process; a first generation unit generating a timeline of process characteristic elements synchronized with the time of the manufacturing log information, and generating display objects representing the state or changes of process characteristic elements based on the historical time information and configuring them on the timeline to generate timeline objects of process characteristic elements; and a display control unit causing a display device to display a timeline screen of process characteristic elements composed of the timeline objects of each of the multiple process characteristic elements arranged side by side.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a technique for visualizing process characteristic elements of a manufacturing process. Background Technology

[0002] Traditionally, Gantt charts have been used as a technique to visualize the manufacturing process of products that are manufactured sequentially through multiple manufacturing steps. A Gantt chart arranges multiple manufacturing steps in a continuous time sequence on the vertical axis and parallel time axes for each of the manufacturing steps on the horizontal axis. Furthermore, for each manufacturing unit (batch) of the product, the start and end times are plotted on the time axis of each manufacturing step. By connecting the start and end times on the parallel time axes with line segments, the manufacturing process can be visualized at the manufacturing unit level.

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2009-025851

[0004] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2010-040007

[0005] A visualization system is provided that displays the manufacturing status of a product after a manufacturing process in a timeline that is synchronized with the manufacturing status, showing changes in process characteristic elements that occur during the manufacturing process in a visually verifiable manner on the same timeline. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The visualization system of the embodiment includes: a first storage unit that stores manufacturing log information for each manufacturing unit of a product manufactured sequentially through multiple manufacturing processes, including the start time or end time of each process; a second storage unit that stores historical time information of each process characteristic element that becomes an element affecting quality characteristics in the manufacturing process; a first generation unit that generates a timeline of process characteristic elements synchronized with the time of the manufacturing log information, and generates display objects representing the state or changes of process characteristic elements based on the historical time information and arranges them on the timeline to generate a timeline object of process characteristic elements; and a display control unit that causes a display device to display a timeline screen of process characteristic elements composed of the timeline objects of each of the multiple process characteristic elements arranged side by side. Attached Figure Description

[0007] Figure 1 This is a block diagram of the visualization system according to the first embodiment.

[0008] Figure 2 This is a diagram showing a data example of the actual manufacturing results of the first embodiment.

[0009] Figure 3This is a data example of the actual manufacturing results of the first embodiment, and is a diagram representing an example of an actual result record organized by the data structure definition accumulated in the data model.

[0010] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing an example of actual results data from equipment management in the first embodiment.

[0011] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing a data example of the process characteristic elements of the first embodiment.

[0012] Figure 6 This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the visualization function of the first embodiment.

[0013] Figure 7 This is a visualization example of the manufacturing status of the first embodiment, and is an example of a timeline diagram showing each manufacturing process.

[0014] Figure 8 This is a diagram showing an example of a chart display selection screen according to the first embodiment.

[0015] Figure 9 This is an example of a 5M1E timeline diagram from the equipment (process) perspective of the first embodiment.

[0016] Figure 10 This is an example of a 5M1E timeline diagram from the product viewpoint of the first embodiment.

[0017] Figure 11 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the first embodiment.

[0018] Figure 12 This is a diagram showing an example of the manufacturing status of the first embodiment.

[0019] Figure 12A This is a diagram showing the detailed manufacturing status example of the first embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0020] The embodiments will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following description uses multiple manufacturing processes as an example. Structures that obtain a finished product through multiple processes, such as waste production lines that generate recyclable waste from waste through multiple processes, waste treatment lines that use furnaces to burn waste, and printing lines that print newspapers and other printed materials, can also be included in the concept of "manufacturing" and become the subject of this invention. That is, the terms "product" and "manufacturing" in this invention are not limited to the generated product.

[0021] (First Embodiment)

[0022] Figure 1This is a configuration diagram of the visualization system 100 according to the first embodiment. The visualization system 100 is configured to include a control device 110 and a storage device 120, and is connected to a display device 300 via a wireless connection or a wired connection. The display device 300 is a display terminal equipped with a display device, such as a computer 301, a tablet computer 302, a multi-function mobile phone, or a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), and is capable of appropriately possessing data communication functions and computing functions (CPU, etc.).

[0023] Furthermore, this embodiment illustrates an example where the display device 300 and the visualization system 100 are independently connected, but it is not limited to this. For example, the visualization system 100 of this embodiment can also be configured as a display device including the functions of the visualization system 100 by connecting the display device to the visualization system 100. That is, the visualization system of this embodiment can also be configured as a single display device.

[0024] The visualization system 100 of this embodiment provides a visualization function that displays the manufacturing status of a product manufactured sequentially through multiple manufacturing processes on a display device 300. The storage device 120 stores historical records such as manufacturing plan 121, actual manufacturing results 122, and process characteristic elements 123 for each of the multiple manufacturing processes.

[0025] The various information stored in storage device 120 is as follows Figure 1 The information is provided by the prescribed manufacturing management system, as shown. The manufacturing management system mainly collects and accumulates various information from various data sources, ranging from manufacturing plans / basic information to actual results of manufacturing processes.

[0026] As an example of manufacturing plan 121, there are production plans, information on the equipment / machines used, planned production volume, planned production line schedules (including planned schedules for each process that makes up the production line), etc.

[0027] As an example of manufacturing actual results 122, there are information related to the products manufactured by each manufacturing unit of the product (start time, end time, processing time, etc. of each process constituting the production line), the status of operating equipment, environmental information, inspection results, actual production results, and actual result values ​​(change logs of process characteristic elements) based on the change history of quality management described later. Manufacturing actual results 122 stores information collected from equipment, sensors, etc., in each manufacturing process of the production line constituting the product as data sources in a time-series manner, and can also be configured to include sensor values ​​obtained from sensor machines.

[0028] Figure 2This is a graph representing a data example of the actual manufacturing result 122. In Figure 2 In the example, it is shown that a collection of the same type of products (the manufacturing unit of the product: batch) flows through multiple processes as a unit of production. Manufacturing outcome 122 establishes a correspondence between the multiple manufacturing processes constituting the production line and the batch IDs of the products flowing through the production line, and establishes a correspondence between the start time, end time, and processing time (end time - start time) of each process according to each batch ID. Manufacturing processes are assigned process IDs with consecutive numbers according to the process sequence determined in advance based on the production plan.

[0029] A batch ID is, for example, a unique number assigned to each product unit manufactured. That is, when multiple products are associated with the same batch ID, each product is independently assigned a unique manufacturing number. On the other hand, a batch is a collection of products of the same type that serve as a unit of production; that is, the smallest unit of production of products manufactured under the same conditions, containing more than one product. Therefore, in addition to batches, the visualization system 100 of this embodiment can also be applied to manufacturing units where the production unit is "1".

[0030] exist Figure 2 In the actual manufacturing result 122 shown, process 1 for the product with batch ID "R001" starts at "10:50:00" and ends at "11:05:00". For the product with batch ID "R001", subsequent process 2 starts at "11:06:00" and ends at "11:11:00". For the product with batch ID "R002", process 1 is initiated immediately after batch ID "R001". At this time, process 1 for batch ID "R002" starts at "11:05:05" and ends at "11:20:05". For the product with batch ID "R002", subsequent process 2 starts at "11:21:05" and ends at "11:26:05".

[0031] Figure 2 One example of the manufacturing actual results 122 shown is an example of extracting the actual results of multiple processes from a product unit. As other examples of manufacturing actual results 122, they can be structured and accumulated using a prescribed data structure definition. For example, factual / actual result data collected from data sources can be accumulated using a data structure definition (templated data model) consisting of "Subject (Who)," "Object (Whome)," "Event (What)," "Time (When)," "Place (Where)," and "Situation (How)" (5W1H).

[0032] like Figure 3 As shown, the data source can be treated as a "subject" to organize and accumulate information about which object the "subject" performed on and what "event" it performed. For example, information is collected from device 1, which is the data source, via MES (Manufacturing Execution System). Device 1 is operating according to a manufacturing process based on a manufacturing plan, and the actual results of the operation are collected in real time into the manufacturing management system. At this time, the facts of what device 1 did in the manufacturing process and its current state are organized using a data structure definition. Device 2 takes a product with a certain manufacturing number as the object (subject) and generates the actual result of the assembly (event). The actual result record generated based on the data structure definition is accumulated in the data model in time sequence.

[0033] Figure 3 The preceding paragraph illustrates an example of actual manufacturing / operational results data. Furthermore, the detailed actual results for each object within the actual manufacturing / operational results data are stored in... Figure 3 The second paragraph shows the actual results data of the manufacturing method (recipe). In the actual results data of the manufacturing method, the information collected and accumulated from the equipment includes measured values ​​of "object," "time," and "condition (manufacturing parameters)." Additionally, the actual results data of the manufacturing method accumulates real-time sensor values ​​in the "condition" field. Sensor values ​​are sensor information output from the sensor machine installed in equipment 1, and sensor information output from a sensor machine installed independently of equipment 1 to monitor the condition of equipment 1.

[0034] The sensor information is structured as a set of sensor values ​​detected in a time series at specified time intervals. Each data point in the sensor value set is stored corresponding to a specific manufacturing process. The accumulated sensor information includes sensor values ​​output from the equipment in each manufacturing process, sensor values ​​required for manufacturing and inspection, and includes time-series elements.

[0035] in, Figure 2 The actual manufacturing result 122 shown can also be extracted from the accumulated information using such a data model. That is, the "object" is each product, and the "item" or "location" corresponds to each manufacturing process. Furthermore, an "item" includes one or more manufacturing processes. Although substrate assembly is performed as an "item" for example in "location: substrate assembly process, substrate assembly first production line, third processing stage," but as... Figure 3 The actual results data of the manufacturing method show that the "items" include multiple processes such as CPU installation and memory installation. Therefore, in Figure 3 as well as Figure 4 The information accumulated in this way includes and Figure 2The same information as the actual manufacturing result 122 shown can be used to understand the status of each product that flows through multiple processes.

[0036] In addition, such as Figure 3 As shown, the actual manufacturing / operational results data also includes the inspection processes involved in inspection equipment 1. In the manufacturing quality inspection data, the information collected and accumulated from the equipment is the actual result value of "object," "time," and "condition (inspection result)." Additionally, there is the actual result data of the receiving inspection of products used in the manufacturing process. By accumulating such actual receiving inspection results into a data model, it is possible to understand the purchase history of each component constituting the product and the manufacturing history of the purchased components.

[0037] Figure 4 This diagram illustrates an example of actual equipment management outcome data, which comprises equipment alarm history records and equipment maintenance history records. The equipment alarm history records which machine experienced an anomaly, what the anomaly was, and what actions were taken as a result. The equipment maintenance history records which operator performed which maintenance (parts replacement, repair, etc.) on which machine, when, and the history (sequence ID) of the parts replaced during that maintenance. These are also organized using data structure definitions and accumulated as outcome records.

[0038] Figure 1The process characteristic factor 123 shown is based on the historical change of the prescribed quality management rules. For example, there are process characteristic factors in manufacturing processes that affect quality characteristics, referred to as "4M", "5M", "5M1E", and "6M". Depending on the management object, "4M" has four elements in the machining site: Man, Machine, Material, and Method. In the cause analysis and countermeasure research of accidents and disasters, it has four elements: Man, Machine, Media / Environment, and Management. "5M" is used for quality management classification in factories and has five elements: Man, Machine, Material, Method, and Measurement. Furthermore, there are cases where the manufacturing process is unstable due to the environment. Quality management is carried out by adding "Environment" to "5M" ("5M1E") and adding "Management" to "5M" to control the overall process ("6M"). These "4M", "5M", "5M1E", and "6M" are expressions that use the first letter of each word and have the attributes (distinctions) of each factor.

[0039] For operators, for example, if the non-conformity rate varies depending on the operator's ability, the operator's work history and change history (history of switching from operator A to operator B) are accumulated as a change log for process characteristic elements. For example, Figure 3 The actual results data of the receiving inspection shown are linked to the personnel (Man) of the process characteristic elements. That is, the actual results stored contain the component number (D-001) and sequence ID (31235~) of the main board (object) that the receiving inspection person A (person in charge sequence ID 5555) purchased from Company A at 10:00 on August 25, 2016, as the actual results data of the manufacturing / operation. Through the operations involved by the receiving inspection person A, it can be known that the component purchased from Company A was manufactured by Company A's Plant B.

[0040] For machinery / equipment, there may be situations where product quality characteristics differ due to the machinery / equipment itself, or where quality characteristics differ due to maintenance such as replacement or adjustment of the machinery / equipment. The system should be able to accumulate a change history (maintenance history) of the machinery / equipment. Figure 3The data shown includes actual manufacturing / operational results, actual manufacturing method results, and manufacturing quality inspection data. Figure 4 The data in the equipment alarm history and equipment maintenance history are linked to the machine / equipment of the process characteristic elements.

[0041] For raw materials, there are situations where even with the same raw material, the yield of the finished product can vary depending on the distributor and brand. It's necessary to accumulate a history of changes to raw materials (changes in suppliers, variations in raw materials, etc.). For example, Figure 3 The actual supply results data shown are linked to the raw materials / materials of the process characteristics.

[0042] For work methods, for example, changing the work method may affect work efficiency, or changing the order of multiple work methods may affect work efficiency. It can accumulate a history of work method changes (changes in order, changes in work content). For example, Figure 3 The actual results data of the manufacturing method shown are linked with the operation method of the process characteristic elements, which can grasp the situation of the object being soldered with a flow rate ΔΔ.

[0043] In measurement, there are situations where measured values ​​differ or are unstable due to variations in the measurer, measuring machine, or measurement method. It's possible to accumulate a history of measurement changes (changes in the measurer, measuring machine, or measurement method). For example, Figure 3 The manufacturing quality inspection data shown is linked to the measurement of process characteristic elements, which enables us to understand the inspection of the object, the actual results (status) of no problems stored in the results, and what kind of confirmation (measurement method) was performed.

[0044] Regarding the environment, changes in factors such as temperature, humidity, season, time, vibration, sound, and light can lead to instability in manufacturing processes (including inspection processes). This system can accumulate a historical record of environmental changes (environmental variations in each manufacturing process, such as sensor output values). It establishes a correlation between the sensor value sets corresponding to each manufacturing process and stored in a time-series manner, and the environmental characteristics of each process.

[0045] Furthermore, the attributes of each factor in "5M1E" are explained, and the same applies to "4M," "5M," and "6M," allowing the accumulation of change history records for each element into a change log. In "4M," the "Media" refers to factors such as the work environment, guidelines, and work information, which primarily serve as the medium between workers and materials. In "6M," the "Management" refers to management practices that guide the factory's future direction, such as differentiation from other companies and talent development.

[0046] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing data examples of process characteristic elements 123. Here, we will use "5M" as an example for explanation. For example... Figure 5 As shown, process characteristic element 123 includes items such as change point code, change attribute distinction (5M distinction), occurrence time, recorder information, process ID, batch ID, details (explanation of how the process characteristic element changes), and sensor measurement values. Process characteristic element 123 is information that determines the change attribute distinction that occurred when the process characteristic element changed, and identifies the process in which the process characteristic element changed and the batch ID processed at that time.

[0047] It can accumulate process characteristic elements 123 based on daily work reports created by operators stored in the recorder information, or automatically generate and accumulate process characteristic elements 123 based on signals indicating changes in process characteristic elements collected from the manufacturing management system. Additionally, it can collect and accumulate the operation / input history and voice recordings of operators' tablet terminals for flexible use. Figure 5 In the example, this represents a change in the Man attribute during process 1, where the operator is changed from A to B, and the batch ID at this time is "ZD1-150107".

[0048] Additionally, this indicates that a change in the Measurement attribute occurred in process 1, and operator B performed a prescribed inspection on the equipment. The batch ID at this time is "ZD1-150107".

[0049] Furthermore, this indicates that a change in the Machine attribute occurred in process 1, and operator B performed the prescribed maintenance on the equipment. The batch ID at this time is "ZD1-150107". At this time, three changes occurred in the Machine attribute: a change in temperature setting, a change in arm angle, and a change in arm speed.

[0050] Furthermore, the various information stored in the storage device 120 can also be configured to store information collected directly from various data sources without going through the manufacturing management system. In this case, the control device 110 of the visualization system 100 can have information processing functions to edit / process the information collected from various data sources to generate various information for visualizing the manufacturing status of products manufactured sequentially through multiple manufacturing processes.

[0051] Furthermore, for process characteristic elements 123, there are also cases where they are collected within the actual manufacturing results 122, as described above. Therefore, it is also possible to configure an information processing function that, even if it is not received independently from the manufacturing management system as process characteristic elements 123, generates various information on the visualization system 100 side based on the information received from the manufacturing management system to visualize the manufacturing status, such as the actual manufacturing results 122 and process characteristic elements 123.

[0052] Next, the visualization process of this embodiment will be explained. Figure 6 This is an explanatory diagram of the visualization function of this embodiment, including a timeline based on the actual manufacturing results by each manufacturing process (a manufacturing status diagram based on each manufacturing unit) and a 5M1E timeline based on process characteristic elements.

[0053] Figure 7 This is an example of a timeline diagram showing the actual manufacturing results, organized by each manufacturing process. It's a display example that visualizes the manufacturing status of a product that undergoes multiple manufacturing processes sequentially. The horizontal axis represents time, and the vertical axis represents the manufacturing processes in a continuous time sequence. Here, time axes T1 to T6 are set for each manufacturing process, and multiple time axes T1, T2, T3, T4, T5, and T6 are arranged in parallel from top to bottom for each manufacturing process. Time axis T1 is the start time of Process 1, and the display objects indicated by "0" show each product. Time axis T2 is the start time of Process 2. For ease of explanation, it is shown that the end time of Process 1 is the same as the start time of Process 2, but it is also possible that the end time of Process 1 is different from the start time of Process 2. The same applies to time axes T3 to T5. Additionally, time axis T6 depicts the end time of Process 5.

[0054] The control device 110 of this embodiment includes a generation unit 112. The generation unit 112 obtains the start time of each manufacturing process from the actual manufacturing output 122 according to each batch ID. The first generation unit 112 generates a line segment for each manufacturing unit (batch) of the product that connects the start time of the first process 1 in the time axis T1 of the first process 1 to the start time of the second process 2 in the time axis T2 that is parallel to the time axis T1 of the first process 1. At this time, marks indicating the start time are drawn on the respective time axes T1 and T2 corresponding to each manufacturing process, and line segments connecting the marks on each time axis T1 and T2 are generated between processes (line segments connecting the start times to each other between processes 1 and 2). Similarly, a line segment is generated connecting the start time of the second process 2 in time axis T2 to the start time of the third process 3 in time axis T3, which is parallel to the second process 2. The same process is performed for the time axes T4 and T5 of the fourth process 4 and the fifth process 5, which are immediately following the third process 3, marking the start time and generating line segments.

[0055] In this way, the generation unit 112 generates line segments connecting the start times of each manufacturing process on its respective time axis to each manufacturing process in a sequential order of manufacturing operations within the production line, creating a time map for each manufacturing process. Their time axes T1 to T6 are the same time in the vertical direction.

[0056] Next, the 5M1E timeline diagram will be explained. For example, the control allows selection of any one of multiple manufacturing processes in the timeline diagram by each manufacturing process, and the control allows generation / display of a 5M1E timeline diagram with the selected manufacturing process as the object. In this case, the control also allows selection of a time range on the timeline along with the manufacturing process selection control.

[0057] like Figure 6 As shown, the horizontal axis represents time, and the vertical axis represents the characteristic elements of each process. The change log of the characteristic elements of each process is displayed on the time axis. Figure 6An example is a Gantt chart display. Since process-specific elements 123 accumulate change logs in a time series as described above, the change logs of Machine attributes can be represented by a timeline. When there are "stopped" change logs within a specified time range, the intervals of the "stopped" change logs can be displayed on the timeline. Furthermore, as an example, running timeline objects representing "running" within a specified time range and stopping timeline objects representing "stopped" can be arranged and displayed in a time series, allowing for the differentiation between "stopped" intervals and other intervals ("running" intervals).

[0058] Similarly, for the process characteristics of Man, Material, and Method, the time range in which Sato performed the work or was responsible, and the time range in which Tanaka performed the work or was responsible, can be displayed on their respective timelines based on the change log (e.g., replacement) of the Man attribute. For Material, the batch IDs of the materials used in the products manufactured during that time period can be represented on the timeline in chronological order.

[0059] A method, for example, refers to the processing conditions implemented in the process, and is represented on a timeline as an object whose value changes from that shown by sensor α to that shown by sensor β. A measurement refers to the point of change related to the accuracy of the measuring machine, the measurement conditions, and the measurement method, but can be amplified for the purpose of inspection values ​​and results; for example, objects representing the results of inspection items (OK "〇", NG "×") can be depicted on a timeline for display. An environment, for example, can display the time variation of sensor values, and can be represented using a time-series line graph.

[0060] In the display control of the 5M1E timeline chart, it is possible to... Figure 8 The chart shown displays a selection screen to choose the process characteristic element displayed on the vertical axis. As described above, the process characteristic element can be configured in the 5M1E context to include Machine, Man, Material, Method, Measurement, and Environment, and each process characteristic element includes one or more items.

[0061] For example, the process characteristic element "Machine" can include items such as equipment operating status, equipment events, manufacturing operations (finished products, assembly / parts used), processing conditions (methods), measurement / inspection results, fixtures / metal molds, and equipment maintenance. The process characteristic element "Man" can include items such as operator name, voice, actions, and status. The process characteristic element "Environment" can include items such as temperature, humidity, concentration, external air temperature, external air humidity, supply air temperature, supply air humidity, and vibration.

[0062] In this embodiment, such as Figure 6 As shown, the changes in each process characteristic element composed of 5M1E can be represented through different timelines. Furthermore, the display method is designed so that the process characteristic element categories of 5M1E are set as broad categories, and the items that you want to display in each process characteristic element category can be set as intermediate items. The process characteristic element "Man" includes items such as operator name, voice, action, and status; these are "Man" attribute items. Additionally, the process characteristic element "Environment" includes "Environment" attribute items such as temperature, humidity, concentration, external air temperature, external air humidity, supply air temperature, supply air humidity, and vibration.

[0063] On the other hand, the items of the process characteristic element "Machine" are controlled to include, in addition to the "Machine" attributes such as "Machine operating status", "Machine events" and "Machine maintenance", "Assembly / components used" belonging to other process characteristic elements such as Material, "Measurement / inspection results (quality inspection)" belonging to Measurement, and "Processing conditions (method)" and "Jig / metal mold" belonging to Method as process characteristic elements related to the manufactured products.

[0064] For example, instead of displaying each item in the operation status and maintenance history as "Machine," other process characteristic elements are displayed together from the "Machine" viewpoint. This allows one to grasp the status (changes) of other process characteristic elements on the timeline from the perspective of a single process characteristic element. The display is synchronized with the timeline of the process characteristic element category "Machine," showing items such as "Assembly / Components Used" under "Material," "Measurement / Inspection Results (Quality Inspection)" under "Measurement," and "Processing Conditions (Method), Fixtures / Metal Molds" under "Method," etc.

[0065] When displaying the 5M1E timeline chart, it is possible to do so either in advance or every time. Figure 8 The chart shown displays the selection screen where you choose the items you want to display under each process characteristic element category. Additionally, you can add items to pre-defined categories and delete (non-displayed) items, which can also be controlled to be visible in these cases. Figure 8 The chart shown illustrates the various operations for adding / deleting items on the selection screen.

[0066] In this embodiment, the state and changes of process characteristic elements are accumulated as historical time information. Each process characteristic element comprises one or more items. The historical time information is accumulated according to these items. The display control unit 111 generates a chart display selection screen and displays it on the display device 300. The generation unit 112 generates item-by-item display objects representing the state or changes of items belonging to the process characteristic elements based on the historical time information of the selected item, and arranges them on the timeline, generating a timeline object for the process characteristic element. The display control unit 111 causes the display device 300 to display a 5M1E timeline diagram (process characteristic element timeline screen) composed of the timeline objects of each item-by-item display object arranged side-by-side on the timeline.

[0067] Next, the 5M1E timeline diagram of this embodiment will be explained. The 5M1E timeline diagram exists... Figure 9 The 5M1E timeline diagram and the device viewpoint shown are as follows. Figure 10 The product viewpoint shown is a 5M1E timeline diagram.

[0068] <5M1E Timeline Chart from Equipment Viewpoint>

[0069] A 5M1E timeline diagram from the equipment viewpoint is used, for example, to compare acceptable and unacceptable products. In the manufacturing process, when acceptable and unacceptable products arise from products manufactured using the same equipment (and in cases involving the same product or similar products), it's necessary to analyze whether the problem lies with the equipment or the product itself. In such cases, a 5M1E timeline diagram from the equipment viewpoint displays information such as the conditions applied to the equipment during the manufacturing of the product, and measurement results from the equipment (sensor information, etc.).

[0070] exist Figure 9In the example, the equipment's operating status is displayed as a bar chart on the timeline (time axis), with different colored bars indicating whether the operating status is "running" or "stopped." That is, the historical records of process characteristic elements accumulate time periods of operation and time periods of stoppage. If a "stopped" historical record exists in the change log within the displayed time range, the timeline object (time axis) is generated and displayed in a different format than the operation period.

[0071] Additionally, the "Equipment Maintenance" item (displayed as "Maintenance") displays the maintenance time or a time period marker on the timeline. The "Manufacturing Operations" item (displayed as "Products") depicts each product input into the equipment on the timeline. That is, it depicts each product processed by the equipment. At this time, the depiction of each product can be displayed in a way that distinguishes between acceptable and unacceptable products. Acceptable and unacceptable attributes can be obtained from the inspection results of each product. The 5M1E timeline diagram display items as an equipment viewpoint, when... Figure 8 If the "Manufacturing Operation" project is selected in the screen, the attribute information (batch ID, start time, qualified / unqualified) of each product is obtained from the actual manufacturing result 122 and depicted on the timeline.

[0072] <Product Perspective>

[0073] A 5M1E timeline diagram from a product viewpoint is a graph that shows the changes of process-specific elements in a time sequence from the perspective of an object product. For example, when confirming the status of equipment using a 5M1E timeline diagram from an equipment viewpoint and determining that there are likely no problems with the equipment, it can be displayed to confirm detailed information related to the object product.

[0074] At this point, it is still possible to compare qualified and unqualified products. In this case, the 5M1E timelines from the individual product viewpoints can be displayed. Figure 1 The display can be switched between two views. For example, in a 5M1E timeline diagram from the equipment viewpoint, if a defective product is selected under the item "Manufacturing Operation" (displayed as "Product"), a 5M1E timeline diagram from the product viewpoint is generated and displayed, focusing on the selected defective product. Furthermore, while the format for switching from a 5M1E timeline diagram from the equipment viewpoint to a 5M1E timeline diagram from the product viewpoint has been described, it is also possible to determine the target product and directly display a 5M1E timeline diagram from the product viewpoint without using the equipment viewpoint 5M1E timeline diagram (which is not displayed).

[0075] Figure 10This illustrates an example of a product sequentially flowing through multiple manufacturing processes. Therefore, the timeline of the "Process" item shows each process on the timeline according to its processing time (actual output value). It can also be configured to display the name and processing content of each process. Furthermore, in the "Equipment" item, the equipment's operating status, equipment events, and maintenance history are simultaneously displayed on the timeline from the perspective of the target product. The same applies to items related to materials and measurements. In essence, the 5M1E timeline diagram from the product's perspective is a diagram that edits the 5M1E timeline diagrams representing the equipment used in each of the multiple manufacturing processes from the perspective of a single product.

[0076] Here, the usage of the 5M1E timeline is explained in detail. For example, as an operation of the 5M1E timeline up to the viewpoint of the display device, in... Figure 7 In the display screen showing the manufacturing process status, select the process within the specified time frame that will result in a defective product. At this time, by default, for example, an 8-hour timeframe is set, which can generate and display a 5M1E timeline chart within that time range.

[0077] If the 5M1E timeline chart from the device viewpoint is selected, a "Chart Display Selection" pop-up appears. The user selects the specific elements of the process they want to display. Alternatively, items can be preset, in which case the chart display selection process can be skipped. Figure 7 If the user makes a selection, information related to the selected product, equipment (process), and the specified time quantity of the equipment that becomes part of the display range is extracted from the actual manufacturing result 122 and process characteristic elements 123. Furthermore, information on display items pre-selected or selected in real-time in the chart display selection screen is extracted from the actual manufacturing result 122 and process characteristic elements 123.

[0078] Figure 9 This is a 5M1E timeline diagram display example of a device viewpoint where "Manufacturing Operation" has been selected in addition to the default items "Device Operating Status" and "Device Event" under the process-specific element "Machine". In the screen display, "Device Operating Status" is referred to as "Operation", "Device Event" as "Event", and "Manufacturing Operation" as "Product". Additionally, "Sound" and "Action" are displayed as information for the process characteristic element "Man". The display range shows information related to the corresponding device for two hours before and after the starting time (00:02). Information initially extracted from the actual manufacturing result 122 and process characteristic element 123 is related to the default items; however, if the displayed items change due to user operation, information for the selected items is retrieved and displayed at that time.

[0079] For example, in Figure 9 In the 5M1E timeline diagram of the device viewpoint shown, if a specific time period is selected and the display object depicted on the "Product" (project name "Manufacturing Operation") timeline is selected, the display will switch to... Figure 10 The 5M1E timeline diagram is shown from the product's perspective.

[0080] Figure 11 It is a diagram used to explain the function of the 5M1E timeline in the device's viewpoint, making it easier to observe "what happened at that time" and to know which moment is being viewed compared to observing the whole. As a method, it can also be configured to specify a certain interval of the timeline, divide the timeline along the vertical axis with a line (auxiliary line) H, or generate and display a pop-up screen that cuts out and enlarges the specified interval.

[0081] exist Figure 10 In the 5M1E timeline diagram of the product viewpoint shown, and Figure 9 The 5M1E timeline diagram shown in the device viewpoint also displays the preset default items. Although Figure 9 Not shown in the diagram, but included as default items are "Processing Conditions (Methods)," "Measurement Results," "Test Results (Good / Defective)," and "Equipment Events." The displayed time range (time amplitude) is also the same as the 5M1E timeline diagram from the equipment viewpoint, allowing it to be set to a preset time amount, or, when a product is specified in the 5M1E timeline diagram from the equipment viewpoint, to the time before and after the specified product's time. The 5M1E timeline diagram from the product viewpoint is also controlled to be within the same time frame as the 5M1E timeline diagram from the equipment viewpoint. Figure 8 The chart display selection screen allows you to select items to display.

[0082] Thus, in this embodiment, by observing the 5M1E of process-specific elements on the same timeline, the relationship between continuous processes and changes in process characteristic elements can be intuitively grasped. That is, by displaying the changes of multiple process characteristic elements on a timeline synchronized with the manufacturing status timeline, it is easy to intuitively grasp what happened (or whether nothing happened).

[0083] Since the causes of defects during manufacturing are varied, judgment is generally made based on the equipment status (5M1E timeline chart from the equipment viewpoint). Therefore, as shown in this embodiment, by displaying 5M1E timeline charts from two viewpoints, the product's manufacturing history can also be observed. Thus, by combining a top-down view with a subjective viewpoint, the accuracy of identifying the causes of defects can be improved.

[0084] The visualization system of this embodiment stores the manufacturing log information of each manufacturing unit of a product manufactured sequentially through multiple manufacturing processes, including the start or end time of each process, as the actual manufacturing result 122 in the storage device 120. In addition, the historical information of the time-bound process characteristic elements of each process (including the time series status of the change log of process characteristic elements) of the machine, man, material, and method in the manufacturing process is stored as process characteristic element 123 in the storage device 120.

[0085] The control device 110 includes a display control unit 111 and a generation unit 112. The generation unit 112 can be configured to include a first generation unit and a second generation unit. The second generation unit generates the display object of the time map (manufacturing timeline screen) according to each manufacturing process.

[0086] The first generation unit generates a timeline of process characteristic elements synchronized with the manufacturing log information. Simultaneously, based on historical time history information, display objects representing the state or changes of process characteristic elements are generated and arranged on the timeline, enabling the generation of timeline objects for process characteristic elements. The display control unit 111 causes the display device 300 to display a 5M1E timeline diagram (process characteristic element timeline screen) composed of multiple timeline objects of each process characteristic element arranged side-by-side.

[0087] Here, the 5M1E timeline chart can include both equipment (process) viewpoints and product viewpoints. For example, in Figure 7 In the timeline diagram (manufacturing timeline screen) shown for each manufacturing process, the display control unit 111 is configured to allow selection of any manufacturing process. Furthermore, the first generation unit generates a timeline object of process characteristic elements synchronized with the time of the manufacturing process selected in the manufacturing timeline screen. The display control unit 111 can be configured to display a timeline screen of process characteristic elements from a process viewpoint (5M1E timeline diagram from an equipment viewpoint) based on the selection operation of the manufacturing process in the manufacturing timeline screen.

[0088] On the other hand, Figure 7 In the timeline diagram (manufacturing timeline screen) shown for each manufacturing process, the display control unit 111 is configured to allow selection of any product. Furthermore, the first generation unit generates a timeline object of process characteristic elements that is synchronized with the overall time of the multiple manufacturing processes traversed by the product selected in the manufacturing timeline screen. The display control unit 111 can be configured to display a timeline screen of process characteristic elements from the product's viewpoint (5M1E timeline diagram from the product's viewpoint) based on the product selection operation in the manufacturing timeline screen.

[0089] The 5M1E timeline diagram from the equipment (process) viewpoint and the 5M1E timeline diagram from the product viewpoint can be switched collaboratively. As an example, the display control unit 111 controls the switching between these timelines. Figure 7 The timeline chart (manufacturing timeline screen) shown allows you to select any manufacturing process and displays the process characteristic elements timeline screen from the selected equipment viewpoint. Figure 9 Furthermore, the display control unit 111 controls the selection of any product in the process characteristic element timeline screen at the equipment viewpoint, and controls the display of the process characteristic element timeline screen at the product viewpoint based on the product selection operation in the process characteristic element timeline screen at the equipment viewpoint. Figure 10 ).

[0090] <Usage examples>

[0091] a) First, input the basic conditions. For example, from the perspective of when and where you want to view the manufactured product, you can specify the period, product, and the starting point (assembly line, process, equipment) through a prescribed screen (not shown). Extract the actual output data that matches these basic conditions and display it. Figure 7 The manufacturing process status screen shown is a timeline of each manufacturing process based on the actual manufacturing results.

[0092] For example, in cases where the specified conditions are a period and a specific product, in Figure 7 In the example, display control can be performed by showing only the line segments of the specific product that matches the description, while excluding the line segments of other products. On the other hand, when the specified conditions are a period and a location (assembly line, process, equipment) that serves as the starting point, all manufacturing at that location within the specified period is considered the object, such as... Figure 7 As illustrated, the control is displayed as multiple line segments corresponding to each product flowing through during the specified period.

[0093] b) Next, in Figure 7 In the manufacturing process status screen, if a specific process is specified, a selection screen appears allowing you to specify whether to display the process from the equipment viewpoint or the product viewpoint. When the equipment viewpoint is specified, the following is displayed: Figure 9 The screen shown. Initially, the default settings are displayed. On the other hand, when a product viewpoint is specified, the screen displays... Figure 10 The screen shown. At this time, the default settings are also initially displayed. In addition, although the control can specify which viewpoint, the equipment viewpoint or the product viewpoint, is displayed, it can also be configured to automatically display either the equipment viewpoint or the product viewpoint after the basic condition input operation in a) above.

[0094] c) As described above, it can be controlled to be in Figure 9 , Figure 10 The screen shown displays Figure 8 The chart shown displays a selection screen. If in Figure 8 The chart shows the selection screen where you want to... Figure 9 , Figure 10 When an additional item is displayed on the screen, the control device 110 extracts the actual result data corresponding to the selected item, adds the item to the display, and displays the data. Furthermore, it can also perform item deletion operations and update the 5M1E timeline diagram from the equipment (process) viewpoint and the 5M1E timeline diagram from the product viewpoint, including items other than the selected deletion item.

[0095] d) Regarding screen switching, in addition to selecting the screen based on the basic conditions mentioned above, it is also possible to select the screen based on... Figure 9 The 5M1E timeline diagram shown is from the device viewpoint. Figure 10 The operations within the 5M1E timeline chart showing the product viewpoint are used to switch between the equipment viewpoint and the product viewpoint. If in Figure 9 If a product is selected in the screen, the actual result data of the selected product will be extracted and displayed. Figure 10 The viewpoint of the product. On the other hand, if in Figure 10 If a process is selected in the screen, the actual result data of the selected process will be extracted and displayed. Figure 9 The view from the device's perspective.

[0096] Furthermore, in the above embodiments, the timeline display of the device viewpoint and product viewpoint, as well as the switching display between the device viewpoint and product viewpoint, have been described. The following will refer to... Figure 12 as well as Figure 12A This section explains the display of manufacturing operations that focus on the equipment viewpoint.

[0097] Figure 12 This is a diagram showing an example of the manufacturing status of the first embodiment. Figure 12A This is a diagram showing the detailed manufacturing status example of the first embodiment.

[0098] The above Figure 9 The timeline diagram shown is an effective display format for comparing qualified and unqualified products. In cases of long manufacturing processes, only [the timeline] is displayed. Figure 9 The current situation shown (description) makes it difficult to know the operation period of each product, and there is a problem of difficulty in grasping the relationship between the 5M1E change points and manufacturing operations.

[0099] Therefore, if it is indicated (specified) that in Figure 9 The manufacturing operations shown in the timeline diagram from the equipment viewpoint (displayed as manufacturing in the figure) are the designated points (starting points) depicted on the timeline. Figure 12 If (a) is true, then the generation unit 112 of the control device 110 obtains manufacturing actual result information related to the product, including a specified time range, from the manufacturing actual result 122 of the storage device 120. Furthermore, it generates time-series data based on the start and end times of the obtained manufacturing actual results. The display control unit 112 displays the time-series data generated by the generation unit 112 in a bar chart on the display device 300. Figure 12 (b)

[0100] The bar display is as follows Figure 12A As shown, the manufacturing start time and time series data based on the end time of each batch ID of the actual product generated by the generation unit 112 are displayed. Figure 12A (c) are superimposed on the same time axis and displayed as bars. Figure 12A (b) Therefore, when multiple batches are sequentially added within a specified time, the display becomes denser than when only one batch is added, depending on the overlap.

[0101] Next, the detailed processing involved in the manufacturing status display will be explained.

[0102] If via display control unit 111 Figure 9 When the timeline diagram of the device viewpoint is displayed, and a reference instruction is made for the detailed information related to the point that represents the specific product information depicted in the process characteristic element "manufacturing operation (manufacturing in the figure)" which becomes the display axis, the generation unit 112 obtains manufacturing actual result information including the product and time from the manufacturing actual result 122 stored in the storage unit 120.

[0103] Figure 9 This screen displays information about the equipment involved in a process (Process 2) of a certain product. If, for example, a reference instruction is given for the point depicted at 13:00 in the product operation (shown as manufacturing in the figure) on this screen, the production unit 112 will... Figure 2 The actual manufacturing results shown refer to the information of Process 2 of this product, and obtain information before and after the specified time (specified time amount).

[0104] Specifically, since the actual manufacturing result of batch ID "R011" in process 2 is specified, the production unit 112 obtains the start time and end time of the corresponding batch ID as information equivalent to the specified time amount and recorded as the actual result of process 2. Here, the information "R010" and "R011" will be used as part of the corresponding information for explanation. The display control unit 111 uses the time sequence information generated by the production unit 112 based on the obtained information to display sequentially. Figure 12A The bar display in (b) initially shows the length of time from the start time (12:58:30) to the end time (13:01:30) of "R010". Then, a bar showing the length of time from the start time (12:59:00) to the end time (13:02:00) of "R011" is also displayed on the same timeline. Since the start time of "R011" is earlier than the end time of "R010", the overlapping of the bars in the same position results in a darker color in the overlapping area on the screen.

[0105] In this way, by displaying the product manufacturing process in a bar chart on a single area based on actual manufacturing results, the product flow becomes smooth and the overlap becomes even when each process is proceeding without problems. However, if the process is halted due to some condition, the overlap becomes uneven, and the halted parts become darker or thinner than other parts, thus allowing for a quick overview of the operational status. Furthermore, it also allows for understanding the relationship between the manufacturing period of each product, represented by the bars, and the 5M1E (Manufacturing, Manufacturing, and Equipment) variation points.

[0106] The above describes this embodiment. However, each function of the visualization system 100 described above can be implemented by a program. A computer program prepared in advance to implement each function is stored in an auxiliary storage device. The control unit such as the CPU reads the program stored in the auxiliary storage device to the main storage device. By executing the program read to the main storage device by the control unit, the functions of each part can be activated.

[0107] Furthermore, the aforementioned program can also be provided to a computer while being recorded on a computer-readable recording medium. Examples of computer-readable recording media include optical discs such as CD-ROMs, phase-change optical discs such as DVD-ROMs, optical disks such as MO (Magnet Optical) and MD (Mini Disk), floppy disks, portable hard disks, compact flash memory, smart media, SD memory cards, and memory sticks. Additionally, hardware devices such as integrated circuits (IC chips, etc.) specifically designed and configured for the purposes of this invention are also included in the recording medium.

[0108] Furthermore, although embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are merely illustrative and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. This new embodiment can be implemented in various other ways, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included within the scope and spirit of the invention, and are also included within the scope of the invention and its equivalents as described in the technical solution.

[0109] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0110] 100 Visualization System

[0111] 110 control device

[0112] 111 Display Control Unit

[0113] 112 Generation Department

[0114] 120 storage devices

[0115] 121 Manufacturing Project

[0116] 122 Manufacturing Practical Results

[0117] 123 Process Characteristics

[0118] 300 display device

Claims

1. A visualization system, characterized in that, include: The first storage unit stores manufacturing log information for each manufacturing unit of a product that has been manufactured sequentially through multiple manufacturing processes, including the start or end time of each process. The second storage unit stores historical information over time for various process characteristic elements that influence quality characteristics during the manufacturing process. The generation unit generates a timeline of process characteristic elements that is synchronized with the time of the manufacturing log information, and generates display objects representing the state or changes of process characteristic elements based on the historical time information and configures them on the timeline, and generates timeline objects for multiple different process characteristic elements respectively. as well as The display control unit causes the display device to display a process characteristic element timeline screen, which is composed of multiple different process characteristic elements whose timelines are synchronized with the time of the manufacturing log information, arranged side by side. The generation unit generates a product timeline object, which is obtained by depicting product display objects representing each product manufactured through the manufacturing process within the period of the generated timeline object based on process characteristic elements on a timeline synchronized with the timeline of the process characteristic elements. The generation unit generates the product display object in a manner that allows it to distinguish between qualified and unqualified products based on the inspection results of each product. The display control unit causes the display device to display the process characteristic element timeline screen, which is further arranged side by side with the product timeline object, on the basis of multiple different process characteristic elements arranged vertically side by side.

2. The visualization system according to claim 1, characterized in that, Process characteristic elements include one or more items that belong to each process characteristic element. The historical time record information is accumulated according to each of the aforementioned items. The display control unit generates a project selection screen for the project and displays it on the display device. Based on the historical time information of the selected project, it generates a project-by-project display object representing the status or changes of the project belonging to the process characteristic element and configures it on the time axis, thereby generating a timeline object of the process characteristic element.

3. The visualization system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The display control unit controls the display to specify any time range in the process characteristic element timeline screen displayed on the display device, and displays auxiliary lines that divide the specified time range.

4. The visualization system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The process characteristic elements include at least the machinery / equipment, man, material, and method in the manufacturing process.

5. A visualization device, characterized in that, include: The first storage unit stores manufacturing log information for each manufacturing unit of a product that has been manufactured sequentially through multiple manufacturing processes, including the start or end time of each process. The second storage unit stores historical information over time for various process characteristic elements that influence quality characteristics during the manufacturing process. The generation unit generates a timeline of process characteristic elements that is synchronized with the time of the manufacturing log information, and generates display objects representing the state or changes of process characteristic elements based on the historical time information and configures them on the timeline, and generates timeline objects for multiple different process characteristic elements respectively. as well as The display control unit causes the display device to display a process characteristic element timeline screen, which is composed of multiple different process characteristic elements whose timelines are synchronized with the time of the manufacturing log information, arranged side by side. The generation unit generates a product timeline object, which is obtained by depicting product display objects representing each product manufactured through the manufacturing process within the period of the generated timeline object based on process characteristic elements on a timeline synchronized with the timeline of the process characteristic elements. The generation unit generates the product display object in a manner that allows it to distinguish between qualified and unqualified products based on the inspection results of each product. The display control unit causes the display device to display the process characteristic element timeline screen, which is further arranged side by side with the product timeline object, on the basis of multiple different process characteristic elements arranged vertically side by side.

6. A computer program product comprising a computer program, the computer program being executed by a computer to display changes in process characteristic elements produced in a production line where the product is manufactured sequentially through multiple manufacturing processes, characterized in that, To enable the computer to perform the following functions: The first function is to store manufacturing log information for each manufacturing unit of the product, including the start or end time of each process. The second function is to store historical information of various process characteristic elements that affect quality characteristics during the manufacturing process. The third function is to generate a timeline of process characteristic elements that is synchronized with the time of the manufacturing log information, and to generate display objects representing the status or changes of process characteristic elements based on the historical time information and configure them on the timeline, thereby generating timeline objects for multiple different process characteristic elements respectively. as well as The fourth function enables the display device to show a timeline screen of process characteristic elements, which is composed of multiple different process characteristic elements whose timelines are synchronized with the time of the manufacturing log information, arranged side by side. The third function generates a product timeline object, which is obtained by depicting product display objects representing each product manufactured through the manufacturing process within the period of the generated timeline object based on process characteristic elements on a timeline synchronized with the timeline of the process characteristic elements. Furthermore, the third function generates the product display object in a manner that allows differentiation between qualified and unqualified products based on the inspection results of each product. The fourth function enables the display device to display a timeline screen of the process characteristic elements, which is further arranged side-by-side with the product timeline object, on top of multiple timeline objects of different process characteristic elements arranged vertically.

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