Cold rolling schedule planning system and cold rolling schedule planning method

Abstract

The present application provides a cold rolling plan making system and a cold rolling plan making method, which can easily and in a short time set a restriction condition required for making a cold rolling plan. The cold rolling plan making system includes an information processing device that makes an order in which a coil corresponding to a specification of a plurality of steel sheet products is processed by a continuous cold rolling process. The information processing device includes a restriction condition storage section in which a plurality of restriction condition templates in which specific information for generating a restriction condition can be inputted are stored. The information processing device generates a plurality of restriction conditions based on the plurality of restriction condition templates in which information is inputted.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a cold rolling scheduling system and a cold rolling scheduling method. More specifically, this invention relates to a cold rolling scheduling system and a cold rolling scheduling method for scheduling the sequence of steel sheet inputs into a continuous cold rolling process, wherein the continuous cold rolling process is a process of processing hot-rolled steel sheets into thinner sheets. Background Technology

[0002] In the steel industry, PL-TCM (Pickling Line-Tandem Cold Mill) is used. PL-TCM sequentially performs welding, pickling, trimming, and rolling processes on strips (plates) drawn from multiple coils.

[0003] During the welding process, whenever the lead coil is finished being unloaded, the lead and follow coils in the processing sequence are joined together by welding. Therefore, PL-TCM can continuously and efficiently produce rolled products of various steel grades from multiple coils by working continuously for 24 hours.

[0004] However, in PL-TCM, if the combination of the width and thickness of the preceding coil and the subsequent coil is inappropriate, strip breakage may sometimes occur within the PL-TCM due to rolling or other reasons. In this case, the broken material is removed from the PL-TCM, and the production line stops until the PL-TCM becomes operational again, thus potentially reducing production efficiency.

[0005] Therefore, regarding the calendering sequence of multiple rolls (i.e., the sequence of input into the PL-TCM), under constraints based on user experience, it is preferable to formulate a plan to meet these constraints. Examples of constraints based on user experience include those disclosed in Patent Document 1. Examples of technologies capable of formulating production plans include those disclosed in Patent Document 2 (also known as "MLCP"). The example disclosed in Patent Document 2 can reproduce a production plan that is suitable for a person skilled in the art, taking into account multiple constraints.

[0006] Existing technical documents

[0007] Patent documents

[0008] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 3248476.

[0009] Patent Document 2: International Publication No. 2018 / 220885. Summary of the Invention

[0010] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0011] In continuous cold rolling using PL-TCM, a production plan is formulated daily, determining when and in what order each product will be produced, based on the characteristics of the aforementioned production equipment. However, the planning process involves various considerations, making final adjustments at the PL-TCM operating site complex. Furthermore, this complexity sometimes leads to unnecessary adjustments to the dressing machine, roll changes, and transition parts due to poorly considered production sequences, or sheet breakage due to improper welding in response to urgent follow-up orders. Therefore, to ensure the quality of the plan while making timely corrections, judgment based on the experience of ordinary technicians is required.

[0012] Furthermore, as illustrated in Patent Document 2, when systematizing planning operations, it is necessary to clarify the constraints and organize them as system requirements. However, if the requirements (conditions necessary for the systematization of planning operations (planning)) are included as constraints from the outset each time a system is built, it takes a long time to implement them. Moreover, when the requirements are reviewed by a person skilled in the art, the proprietary technology is often not clearly defined, which tends to take even longer. Furthermore, the proprietary technology differs depending on the user; therefore, the constraints are not uniformly determined. To incorporate the constraints required for planning into the system, it is necessary to review the data with each user, which is very time-consuming.

[0013] This invention was created to address the aforementioned problems. Specifically, one of the objectives of this invention is to provide a cold rolling schedule formulation system and method that can easily and quickly set the constraints required for cold rolling schedule formulation.

[0014] Technical means for solving problems

[0015] To address the aforementioned problems, the cold rolling planning system of the present invention includes an information processing device that acquires steel plate specification data, which contains information indicating the specifications of steel plate products to be manufactured from coils through a continuous cold rolling process. Based on the steel plate specification data, the information processing device determines a sequence for processing multiple coils corresponding to the specifications of the multiple steel plate products contained in the steel plate specification data through the continuous cold rolling process. The information processing device includes a storage unit storing multiple constraint templates, which can be input with specific information for generating constraint conditions. The information processing device is configured to generate multiple constraint conditions based on the multiple constraint templates with the input specific information, and to include the multiple constraint conditions in calculation conditions. Under these calculation conditions, by performing optimization calculations, a sequence for processing the multiple coils corresponding to the specifications of the multiple steel plate products contained in the steel plate specification data through the continuous cold rolling process is determined.

[0016] The present invention discloses a cold rolling planning method using an information processing device. The information processing device acquires steel plate specification data, which includes information indicating the specifications of steel plate products to be manufactured from coils through a continuous cold rolling process. Based on the steel plate specification data, the information processing device determines a sequence for processing multiple coils corresponding to the specifications of the multiple steel plate products included in the steel plate specification data through a continuous cold rolling process. The information processing device includes a storage unit storing multiple constraint templates, in which specific information for generating constraint conditions can be input. The cold rolling planning method, through the information processing device, generates multiple constraint conditions based on the multiple constraint templates with the input specific information, and includes these constraint conditions in calculation conditions. Under these calculation conditions, by performing optimization calculations, a sequence for processing the multiple coils corresponding to the specifications of the multiple steel plate products included in the steel plate specification data through the continuous cold rolling process is determined.

[0017] Invention Effects

[0018] According to the present invention, the constraints required for the formulation of cold rolling plans can be set simply and quickly. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating a cold rolling process using a cold rolling planning system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 2 This is a functional block diagram illustrating an example of the structure of a cold rolling planning system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the hardware structure of a cold rolling planning system.

[0022] Figure 4 This is a sequence diagram showing the steps of the continuous cold rolling plan formulation process in the cold rolling plan formulation system.

[0023] Figure 5 It is a diagram used to illustrate the specifications of steel plates.

[0024] Figure 6 This is an example of a screen displaying setting restrictions.

[0025] Figure 7 This is an example of a screen showing the steel grade combination settings.

[0026] Figure 8 This is a diagram used to illustrate an example of data created using constraint templates.

[0027] Figure 9 This is a diagram used to illustrate an example of data created using constraint templates.

[0028] Figure 10A It is a diagram showing the arrangement of the width, thickness and steel grade of multiple rolls of material corresponding to the order of material input for a given object, before the input order is determined.

[0029] Figure 10B This is a diagram showing the width, thickness, and steel grade of multiple rolls of material for an object, corresponding to the manually specified order of their input.

[0030] Figure 10C This is a diagram showing the plate width, plate thickness, and steel grade of multiple rolls of material for an object, corresponding to the order in which the planning optimization calculation unit 204 determines the input sequence of multiple rolls of material for the object.

[0031] Figure 11 This is a diagram used to illustrate an example of the calculation result data shown in the table.

[0032] Figure 12 This is a diagram used to illustrate an example of displaying computational results data graphically. Detailed Implementation

[0033] Referring to the accompanying drawings, the cold rolling planning system 200 of the present invention (see attached drawings) is described. Figure 2The following explanation will be provided. The cold rolling planning system 200 will be referred to as the "planning system 200" below. Furthermore, in the following explanation, various information may sometimes be represented by "tables," "records," etc., but such information can also be represented by other data structures.

[0034] <Continuous cold rolling process>

[0035] First, to make the present invention easy to understand, a brief description will be given of the continuous cold rolling process (more precisely, the continuous pickling and cold rolling process) to which the planning system 200 is applied. Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating a continuous cold rolling process using a planning system 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] In continuous cold rolling processes, each time the lead coil is unloaded, the lead coil and the subsequent coil in the processing sequence are joined by welding, thereby enabling the continuous rolling of multiple coils. Therefore, continuous cold rolling processes can continuously produce steel sheet products of various grades. Continuous cold rolling processes can operate continuously for 24 hours, thus improving the productivity of steel sheet products. Continuous cold rolling processes are well-known, and therefore will be briefly explained below.

[0037] In the continuous cold rolling process, the coil (strip steel wound into a coil shape) is first uncoiled through an uncoiler (not shown) and fed into the PL-TCM (continuous pickling cold rolling mill) 100. In the PL-TCM 100, the following steps are performed sequentially: welding 101, pickling 102, finishing 103, and rolling 104.

[0038] In welding process 101, whenever the lead coil ends, the starting end of the subsequent coil is welded to the ending end of the lead coil using a welding machine (not shown), thereby forming a joint.

[0039] In pickling process 102, the strip steel (steel plate) drawn from the coil is pickled through pickling equipment (not shown) to remove the oxide coating or rust from the surface of the strip steel. In finishing process 103, the strip steel is finished by a finishing machine (not shown) to shape the strip steel. In rolling process 104, the strip steel is rolled to the target thickness by a continuous rolling mill (not shown). Then, the rolled strip steel to the target thickness is wound by a winding machine (not shown). As described above, steel plate products of various steel grades rolled to various target thicknesses are continuously produced from multiple coils.

[0040] <Structure>

[0041] Figure 2This is a functional block diagram illustrating an example of the structure of the planning system 200. The planning system 200 is a system for developing cold rolling schedules. A cold rolling schedule refers to a production plan that determines when (in what order) which types of steel sheet products (rolled products) will be produced. In other words, a cold rolling schedule is a plan for determining the sequence in which multiple coils of material that will become steel sheet products are fed into the PL-TCM. The planning system 200 automatically develops the plan for the sequence in which multiple coils of material that will become steel sheet products are fed into the PL-TCM 100.

[0042] The planning system 200 includes an object input unit 201, a constraint storage unit 202, a constraint setting input unit 203, a plan optimization calculation unit 204, and a plan output unit 205.

[0043] The object input unit 201 acquires steel sheet specification data representing the specifications of the steel sheet product that is to be formulated into the desired object, and inputs the acquired steel sheet specification data into the planning optimization calculation unit 204. For example, the object input unit 201 acquires steel sheet specification data by importing a CSV file corresponding to the specifications of the steel sheet product. Alternatively, the object input unit 201 can also acquire steel sheet specification data by importing it from an interface other than a file format from other systems such as MES (Manufacturing Execution System). The steel sheet specification data will be described in detail later.

[0044] The constraint storage unit 202 maintains (stores, saves) multiple constraint templates. For convenience, the constraint storage unit 202 is also referred to as the "storage unit". The constraint templates are used to generate the constraints used in optimization calculations when formulating cold rolling plans.

[0045] Furthermore, the restriction saving unit 202 maintains (stores, saves) one or more combinations of multiple specified restriction templates recommended from multiple restriction templates as recommended restriction combination templates.

[0046] The constraint template is configured to allow input (addition, modification, deletion, etc.) of information. The constraint template contains identification information (e.g., name) used to identify the corresponding constraint. Furthermore, the identification information can also be other than a name (e.g., identification number). The constraint template is configured to allow input of the inherent parameters of the corresponding constraint. The constraint template is configured to allow input of information indicating whether the corresponding constraint is included in the computational conditions during optimization calculations. The constraint template is configured to allow input of the priority of the corresponding constraints to be complied with during optimization calculations.

[0047] The constraint setting input unit 203 inputs (adds, modifies, etc.) information into the constraint template. For example, the constraint setting input unit 203 appends information corresponding to the inherent parameters of the constraint template to the constraint template. For example, the constraint setting input unit 203 inputs information (e.g., setting flags) indicating whether to include the corresponding constraint in the calculation conditions when performing optimization calculations into the constraint template.

[0048] When the setting flag is set to "1", it indicates that the constraints corresponding to the constraint template are included in the calculation conditions during optimization calculation. When the setting flag is set to "0", it indicates that the constraints corresponding to the constraint template are not included in the calculation conditions during optimization calculation. Furthermore, hereinafter, the calculation condition where the constraints corresponding to the constraint template are included in the calculation conditions during optimization calculation will be referred to as "Constraint (setting flag) is ON (set to ON)". Conversely, the calculation condition where the constraints corresponding to the constraint template are not included in the calculation conditions during optimization calculation will be referred to as "Constraint (setting flag) is OFF (set to OFF)".

[0049] For example, the constraint setting input unit 203 inputs information indicating the priority of the constraint corresponding to the optimization calculation (e.g., a value with a higher priority (e.g., any value from 0 to 1)) into the constraint template (set in the constraint template).

[0050] The planning optimization calculation unit 204 generates calculation conditions containing constraints based on the input constraint template, and determines the input order of multiple rolls relative to the PL-TCM.

[0051] For example, the planning optimization calculation unit 204 generates constraint conditions based on a constraint condition template with input inherent parameters, and includes constraint conditions with the setting flag set to ON and their corresponding priorities in the calculation conditions. Furthermore, the planning optimization calculation unit 204 sets the calculation conditions by including information such as evaluation indicators required for optimization calculations in the calculation conditions. Under the set calculation conditions, the planning optimization calculation unit 204 performs optimization calculations to determine the order in which multiple coils corresponding to the specifications of multiple steel plates included in the steel plate specification data are fed into the PL-TCM.

[0052] Furthermore, the planning optimization calculation unit 204 has a program required to perform the processing for these calculations. By executing the program, the planning optimization calculation unit 204 solves the optimization problem of optimizing the processing order of multiple coils of the object under calculation conditions set based on input steel plate specification data, information constraint templates, etc., thereby calculating the order in which the multiple coils of the object are fed into the PL-TCM.

[0053] The planning output unit 205 outputs the results calculated by the planning optimization calculation unit 204.

[0054] The planning system 200 can be composed of, for example, a computer (information processing device). Furthermore, the planning system 200 does not necessarily need to be composed of a single piece of hardware; it can also be composed of multiple pieces of hardware. In this case, for example, the multiple pieces of hardware can each send and receive data with each other via a network. For example, the multiple pieces of hardware can each send and receive data with each other via a network by exchanging files between them. The sending and receiving of data (communication) between the multiple pieces of hardware can also use a fifth-generation mobile communication system (5G).

[0055] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the planned hardware architecture of System 200. For example... Figure 3 As shown, the planned system 200 includes a server device 210 and a terminal 220. The server device 210 and the terminal 220 are connected via a network NW1.

[0056] Server device 210 includes a CPU 211, ROM 212, RAM 213, a non-volatile storage device (HDD) 214 capable of reading and writing data, a network interface 215, and an input / output interface 216. They are connected to each other via a bus 217 in a manner that enables communication. For convenience, server device 210 is also referred to as an "information processing device".

[0057] CPU 211 loads various programs (not shown) stored in ROM 212 and / or HDD 214 into RAM 213, and executes the programs loaded into RAM 213, thereby implementing various functions. RAM 213 contains various programs executed by CPU 211, as described above, and temporarily stores data used by CPU 211 when executing these programs. ROM 212 and / or HDD 214 are non-volatile storage media, and various programs are stored in ROM 212 and / or HDD 214. Network interface 215 is an interface for connecting the planning system 200 to network NW1. Input / output interface 216 is an interface for connecting to a keyboard, display, etc.

[0058] Terminal 220 includes a CPU 221, ROM 222, RAM 223, a non-volatile storage device (HDD) 224 capable of reading and writing data, a network interface 225, and an input / output interface 226. These components are interconnected via a bus 227 in a manner enabling communication. Furthermore, a display device 230 and an input device 240 are connected to terminal 220. Terminal 220 may also include a display device 230 and an input device 240.

[0059] CPU 221 loads various programs (not shown) stored in ROM 222 and / or HDD 224 into RAM 223, executes the programs loaded into RAM 223, thereby implementing various functions. RAM 223 contains various programs executed by CPU 221, as described above, and temporarily stores data used by CPU 221 when executing these programs. ROM 222 and / or HDD 224 are non-volatile storage media, storing various programs. Network interface 225 is an interface for connecting the planning system 200 to network NW1. Input / output interface 226 is an interface for connecting to display device 230 and input device 240, etc.

[0060] The object input unit 201 consists of various programs executed by the CPU 211 of the server device 210 and stored in the ROM 212 and / or HDD 214, as well as the input / output interface 216 and / or network interface 215. The constraint storage unit 202 consists of the HDD 214 of the server device 210.

[0061] For example, the restriction setting input unit 203 consists of various programs stored in ROM 222 and / or HDD 224 that are executed by CPU 221 of terminal 220, as well as input / output interface 226 and / or network interface 225, display device 230 connected to input / output interface 226, and input device 240.

[0062] For example, the planning optimization calculation unit 204 consists of various programs that are executed by the CPU 211 of the server device 210 and stored in ROM 212 and / or HDD 214.

[0063] For example, the planning output unit 205 consists of various programs stored in ROM 212 and / or HDD 214 that are executed by the CPU 211 of the terminal, an input / output interface 216 and / or a network interface 215, and a display device 230 connected to the input / output interface 216.

[0064] <Summary>

[0065] When systematizing planned business processes, it is necessary to clarify the constraints and organize them as system requirements. However, if these requirements are loaded into the system as constraints each time a system is built, it takes a long time from start to finish. When the requirements are reviewed by ordinary technical personnel, proprietary technology is often not clearly defined, which tends to take even longer.

[0066] In the case of building a system that automatically generates continuous cold rolling plans, the following points need to be considered in each process, and setting constraints will take a lot of time and cost.

[0067] That is, cold rolling differs from hot rolling in that it involves processing the steel plates that are welded together from the input steel plates (i.e., strip steel (plates) derived from the coil). Therefore, in the input sequence of the steel plates to the common rolling process 104, not only the width or thickness of the steel plates needs to be considered in hot rolling, but also the welding process 101 needs to be considered in cold rolling.

[0068] In welding process 101, continuously input steel plates are welded, but the thickness, width, and steel grade of the input steel plates do not need to be the same. The strength of the welded area is lower than that of other areas. Therefore, if the difference in at least one of the thickness and width of the two welded steel plates exceeds a certain value, the possibility of breakage increases. Therefore, for proper welding, the differences in the thickness, width, and steel grade of the continuous steel plates need to be considered. Moreover, the combination of steel grades that are suitable for welding is determined by the equipment. Furthermore, the input sequence of steel plates to the cold rolling process needs to be planned considering not only the constraints of the rolling process but also the constraints of the aforementioned welding process. Even with the same parameters (e.g., thickness difference), the constraints of the welding process are sometimes stricter than those of the rolling process. In such cases, optimization calculations based on the constraints of the welding process are required. Not limited to welding process 101, there may also be situations in pickling process 102 or finishing process 103 where it is necessary to set separate constraints.

[0069] Therefore, when building a system for automatically generating continuous cold rolling schedules, multiple factors must be considered when setting constraints, making it difficult to set appropriate constraints. Moreover, setting appropriate constraints in the context of building a system for automatically generating continuous cold rolling schedules consumes a significant amount of time and cost.

[0070] In contrast, the planning system 200 performs conditional optimization calculations based on the steel plate specification data and constraints obtained from the object input unit 201, and automatically determines the input sequence (rolling sequence) of multiple coils corresponding to multiple steel plate specifications contained in the steel plate specification data into the cold rolling process. In order to generate the constraints at this time simply and quickly, the planning system 200 maintains (stores, saves) multiple constraint templates.

[0071] For example, the planning system 200 provides a constraint template to a user terminal 220. By inputting information into the constraint template via the terminal 220, the user can easily generate appropriate constraints. Furthermore, the user can set via the terminal 220 whether to use the constraints generated using the constraint template for optimization calculations. Moreover, the user can set the priority of adhering to the constraints generated using the constraint template via the terminal 220. Thus, the planning system 200 can easily set (generate) appropriate constraints in a short time. Therefore, the planning system 200 can reduce the possibility of spending a lot of time and money setting appropriate constraints (including calculation conditions with appropriate constraints).

[0072] <Specific Actions>

[0073] The specific actions of the planning system 200 are explained below. Figure 4 This is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of the steps involved in the cold rolling schedule development process of the planning system 200. (Example:) Figure 4 As shown, the planning system 200 performs the cold rolling plan formulation process by sequentially performing the following processes S301 to S310.

[0074] S301: Object input unit 201, for example, by taking in and... Figure 5 The steel plate specification data shown corresponds to a CSV file; retrieve the steel plate specification data from this file. Figure 5 In this table, TB1 represents the steel plate specifications.

[0075] Table TB1 contains columns (columns) for storing information (values), such as No. 501, input steel plate length 502, input steel plate width 503, input steel plate thickness 504, output target steel plate width 505, output target steel plate thickness 506, steel grade 507, and delivery date 508.

[0076] Table TB1 stores information (records) corresponding to the columns of a steel sheet product specification, arranged as a row unit. No. 501 contains an identification number assigned to each steel sheet product specification, starting sequentially from number "1". Input Steel Sheet Length 502 stores the length of the coil (input steel sheet) used to manufacture the steel sheet product. Input Steel Sheet Width 503 stores the width of the coil used to manufacture the steel sheet product. Input Steel Sheet Thickness 504 stores the thickness of the coil used to manufacture the steel sheet product. Output Target Steel Sheet Width 505 stores the width of the steel sheet product (target value for the width of the rolled steel sheet product). Output Target Steel Sheet Thickness 506 stores the thickness of the steel sheet product (target value for the thickness of the rolled steel sheet product). Steel Grade 507 stores steel grade identification information indicating the steel grade of the coil. Delivery Date 508 stores the delivery date of the steel sheet product.

[0077] S302: The object input unit 201 sends the steel plate specification data to the planning optimization calculation unit 204.

[0078] S303: The planning optimization calculation unit 204 receives steel plate specification data. In order to set calculation conditions that include the constraints used in the optimization calculation, the planning optimization calculation unit 204 requests a constraint template (a constraint template with input information) from the constraint setting input unit 203.

[0079] S304: The constraint setting input unit 203 requests a recommended constraint combination template corresponding to the steel plate specification data from the constraint storage unit 202. Furthermore, the constraint setting input unit 203 can also select multiple constraint templates based on user operations and request the selected multiple constraint templates.

[0080] S305: The restriction condition storage unit 202 specifies a recommended restriction condition combination template corresponding to the steel plate specification data and sends information containing the specified recommended restriction condition combination template to the restriction condition setting input unit 203. Furthermore, when multiple restriction condition templates are selected based on a user's operation request, the restriction condition storage unit 202 specifies the requested multiple restriction condition templates and sends information containing the requested multiple restriction condition templates and necessary for displaying the restriction condition setting screen 600 (described later) to the restriction condition setting input unit 203.

[0081] S306: The restriction setting input unit 203 displays the restriction setting screen 600, which is a GUI screen constituting the GUI (Graphical User Interface), on, for example, the display device 230 based on information including a recommended restriction combination template. Figure 6 This is an example of setting the restriction conditions on screen 600.

[0082] like Figure 6 As shown, the constraint setting screen 600 includes a first column 601 displaying the name of the constraint, a second column 602 displaying a first checkbox CB1 for setting each constraint to either ON or OFF, a third column 603 displaying a first input box IB1 for specifying priority based on values ​​in the range of 0 to 1, a fourth column 604 displaying a second input box IB11 for setting the inherent parameters corresponding to each constraint (constraint template) and a steel number combination setting screen button Bt1, a prototype save button 605, and a prototype recall button 606.

[0083] Furthermore, the user operates the GUI (inputs information into the GUI) via the input device 240, such as a mouse or keyboard, which constitutes the restriction setting input unit 203. The restriction setting input unit 203 inputs information into the restriction template based on the information input into the GUI.

[0084] In order to set the constraint generated based on the corresponding constraint template to either ON or OFF, the user operates the first checkbox CB1 displayed in the second column 602. That is, when the checkmark (check mark) of the first checkbox CB1 is not displayed, if the user operates the first checkbox CB1, the constraint setting input unit 203 sets the value of the setting flag of the constraint template corresponding to the first checkbox CB1 to "1" and displays a checkmark (check mark) on the first checkbox CB1.

[0085] When the checkmark (check mark) of the first checkbox CB1 is displayed, if the user operates the first checkbox CB1, the restriction setting input unit 203 sets the value of the setting flag of the restriction template corresponding to the first checkbox CB1 to "0", and sets the checkmark (check mark) displayed on the first checkbox CB1 to not be displayed.

[0086] To set the priority in the optimization calculation of the corresponding constraint template, the user operates on the first input box IB1 in the third column 603. That is, if the user inputs any value in the range of 0 to 1 relative to the first input box IB1, the constraint setting input unit 203 sets the priority in the optimization calculation of the constraint generated by the constraint template corresponding to the first input box IB1 to the value input in the first input box IB1.

[0087] In order to set the inherent parameters of the corresponding constraint template, namely the limit value of the width difference between the preceding sheet (preceding roll) and the following sheet (following roll), the user operates the second input box IB11 displayed in the second row of the fourth column 604. That is, if the user inputs a value relative to the second input box IB11, the constraint setting input unit 203 sets the inherent parameters of the constraint template corresponding to the second input box IB11, namely the limit value of the width difference between the preceding sheet and the following sheet, to the value input to the second input box IB11.

[0088] In order to set the inherent parameter of the corresponding constraint template, namely the limit value of the thickness difference between the preceding and following plates, the user operates the second input box IB11 displayed in the third row of the fourth column 604. That is, if the user inputs a value relative to the second input box IB11, the constraint setting input unit 203 sets the inherent parameter of the constraint template corresponding to the second input box IB11, namely the limit value of the thickness difference between the preceding and following plates, to the value input to the second input box IB11.

[0089] To display another GUI screen, namely the steel grade combination setting screen 700 (see below) Figure 7 (In order to transition from the constraint setting screen to...) Figure 7 The steel grade combination setting screen 700 shown is accessed by the user through the steel grade combination setting screen button Bt1, which is displayed in the fourth row of the fourth column 604. That is, if the user operates the steel grade combination setting screen button Bt1, the restriction setting input unit 203 displays the steel grade combination setting screen 700 instead of the restriction setting screen 600.

[0090] To save the content of the constraint template entered via the constraint setting screen 600, the user operates the prototype save button 605. If the user operates the prototype save button 605, the constraint setting input unit 203 saves the recommended constraint combination template, including the input of inherent parameters, priority, and setting flags, to the constraint saving unit 202. To display the recommended constraint combination template containing the saved content again, the user operates the prototype recall button 606. If the user operates the prototype recall button 606, the constraint setting input unit 203 recalls the recommended constraint combination template containing the saved content from the constraint saving unit 202 and displays the constraint setting screen 600.

[0091] Figure 7 This is an example of a screen displaying the steel grade combination settings. For example... Figure 7 As shown, the steel grade combination setting screen 700 includes the following: the first column 701 of the third input box IB21 for inputting the steel grade identification name; the second column 702 for displaying the steel grade identification number of the preceding plate; the third column 703 of the fourth input box IB31 for displaying the recommendation level of the combination of the following plate for inputting steel grade identification number 1 and the preceding plate for each steel grade identification number; the fourth column 704 of the fifth input box IB41 for displaying the recommendation level of the combination of the following plate for inputting steel grade identification number 2 and the preceding plate for each steel grade identification number; the fifth column 705 of the sixth input box IB51 for displaying the recommendation level of the combination of the following plate for inputting steel grade identification number 3 and the preceding plate for each steel grade identification number; the sixth column 706 of the seventh input box IB61 for displaying the recommendation level of the combination of the following plate for inputting steel grade identification number 4 and the preceding plate for each steel grade identification number; and a return button 707.

[0092] To input the identification name (steel grade identification name) of the steel grade combination for which the recommendation level is to be set, each of the three input boxes IB21 in the first column 701 is displayed by the user. To input the recommendation level of the combination of the rear row of steel grade identification number 1 and the preceding row of steel grade identification numbers, each of the four input boxes IB31 in the third column 703 is displayed by the user. To input the recommendation level of the combination of the rear row of steel grade identification number 2 and the preceding row of steel grade identification numbers, each of the four input boxes IB41 in the fourth column 704 is displayed by the user. To input the recommendation level of the combination of the rear row of steel grade identification number 3 and the preceding row of steel grade identification numbers, each of the four input boxes IB51 in the fifth column 705 is displayed by the user. To input the recommendation level of the combination of the rear row of steel grade identification number 4 and the preceding row of steel grade identification numbers, each of the four input boxes IB61 in the sixth column 706 is displayed by the user. In order to return from the steel grade combination setting screen 700 to the restriction setting screen 600, the user operates the return button 707.

[0093] If the user inputs values ​​(recommendation levels) for all input boxes IB21 to IB61 (third to seventh), the constraint setting input unit 203 sets the recommendation level of the constraint, i.e., the combination of the steel grade of the preceding plate and the steel grade of the following plate, to a value relative to each of the input values ​​in input boxes IB21 to IB61 (third to seventh). Thus, the constraint setting input unit 203 generates the recommendation level of the combination of the steel grade of the preceding plate and the steel grade of the following plate as an inherent parameter of the constraint template. The constraint setting input unit 203 inputs (sets) the recommendation level of the combination of the steel grade of the preceding plate and the steel grade of the following plate generated in the constraint setting template.

[0094] As explained above, the restriction setting input unit 203 sets (inputs) restriction template information based on the information in the input GUI screen. Figure 8 and Figure 9 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a constraint template with input information as shown in Table TB2. Furthermore, the information (intrinsic parameter) corresponding to "3" in constraint No. 801 is provided by... Figure 9 Table TB2 was associated. Figure 9 Table TB3 represents this.

[0095] like Figure 8 As shown, Table TB2 contains restriction No. 801, setting flag 802, priority 803, first inherent parameter 804 and second inherent parameter 805, etc., as columns (columns) for storing information (values).

[0096] Table TB2 stores information (records) in rows corresponding to the columns associated with a constraint.

[0097] Restriction No. 801 stores the identification number of the restriction. Setting flag (ON / OFF flag) 802 stores the value of the setting flag indicating the setting state of the restriction. Priority 803 stores the priority of the restriction. First inherent parameter 804 stores the inherent parameter corresponding to each restriction. If there are inherent parameters corresponding to restrictions that differ from the inherent parameters stored in the first inherent parameter 804, the second inherent parameter 805 stores those inherent parameters. Furthermore, in... Figure 8 The example shown is that there are cases where the parameter corresponding to the second intrinsic parameter 805 does not exist.

[0098] like Figure 9 As shown, table TB3 contains steel grade No. 901, steel grade identification name 902, steel grade identification number "1" 903, steel grade identification number "2" 904, steel grade identification number "3" and steel grade identification number "4", which serve as columns (columns) for storing information (values).

[0099] Table TB3 stores information corresponding to each column of a steel grade identification number that serves as a lead plate, as a row unit (record).

[0100] Steel grade No. 901 stores the steel grade identification number. Steel grade identification name 902 stores the steel grade identification name. Steel grade identification number "1" 903 stores the recommendation score of the combination of the steel grade with the steel grade identification name as the preceding plate and the steel grade corresponding to steel grade identification number "1" as the following plate. Steel grade identification number "2" 904 stores the recommendation score of the combination of the steel grade with the steel grade identification name as the preceding plate and the steel grade identification number "2" as the following plate. Steel grade identification number "3" 905 stores the recommendation score of the combination of the steel grade with the steel grade identification name as the preceding plate and the steel grade identification number "3" as the following plate. Steel grade identification number "4" 906 stores the recommendation score of the combination of the steel grade with the steel grade identification name as the preceding plate and the steel grade identification number "3" as the following plate.

[0101] S307: The constraint setting input unit 203 sends the constraint template with the input information to the planning optimization calculation unit 204.

[0102] S308: The planning optimization calculation unit 204, based on the steel plate specification data received via S302 and the input constraint template, sets calculation conditions including the constraints used in the calculation. Under the set calculation conditions, based on evaluation indicators appropriately set for optimization calculation, it performs optimization calculation (planning optimization calculation) to optimize the order of coil input. Thus, the planning optimization calculation unit 204, based on the set constraints, determines the input order of the objects (multiple coils of the object) to the PL-TCM100. The planning optimization calculation unit 204 generates calculation result data representing the determination result. Here, using... Figures 10A to 10C An example of the results of the optimization calculation and the resulting data is explained. Figure 10A This indicates the arrangement of the plate width, plate thickness, and steel grade of the multiple rolls of material to be put into operation, prior to the determination of the input sequence. Figure 10B This indicates the plate width, plate thickness, and steel grade of the multiple rolls of material for a manually specified object, corresponding to the order in which they are loaded. Figure 10C This indicates the plate width, plate thickness, and steel grade of the multiple rolls of material for the object, corresponding to the order of their deployment as determined by the planning optimization calculation unit 204.

[0103] This example illustrates three parameters related to the constraints of the rolling or welding processes. Figure 10B While the system can organize plate width and thickness, it cannot be said that the arrangement of steel grades is suitable for the welding process. Moreover, since the input sequence is determined manually, it takes time. Figure 10C This refers to the order of plate width, plate thickness, and steel grade corresponding to the order in which multiple rolls of material are fed into the object resulting from the optimization calculation in this example. Figure 10C In the example, to optimize the welding process, a plan was developed to prioritize the constraints on steel grade allocation, and thus, a plan was formulated to determine the order in which these priorities would be applied (reflecting these priorities). Figure 10C In the process, the plate width and thickness are organized, and the steel grades are also arranged in a suitable order. Furthermore, the input sequence is determined by the planning optimization calculation unit 204, thus enabling the input sequence to be determined in a short time.

[0104] Figure 11 This is an example diagram used to illustrate the calculation results data shown in Table TB4. For example... Figure 11 As shown, Table TB4 contains columns (columns) for storing information (values), including input sequence 1001, No. 501, input steel plate length 502, input steel plate width 503, input steel plate thickness 504, output target steel plate width 505, output target steel plate thickness 506, steel grade 507, and delivery date 508.

[0105] Table TB4 stores information corresponding to the input order and the steel plate specifications associated with that input order in each column, as a row unit (record).

[0106] Input sequence 1001 stores a number indicating the order in which the cold rolling process is initiated. The information stored in No. 501, input steel plate length 502, input steel plate width 503, input steel plate thickness 504, output target steel plate width 505, output target steel plate thickness 506, steel grade 507, and delivery date 508 are the same as the steel plate specification data mentioned above.

[0107] S309: The planning optimization calculation unit 204 sends the calculation result data to the planning output unit 205.

[0108] S310: The planning output unit 205 outputs the calculation result data (planning result).

[0109] For example, the planned output department 205 will Figure 11 The calculation results shown in Table TB4 are output as a CSV file to terminal 220 of, for example, the cold rolling planning system 200.

[0110] The planning output unit 205 can also generate outputs based on the calculation result data. Figure 12 The four bar charts, Gr1 through Gr4, are arranged and output to screen GM1. Screen GM1 contains the first bar chart Gr1, the second bar chart Gr2, the third bar chart Gr3, and the fourth bar chart Gr4. The first bar chart Gr1 uses the input order of multiple coils of material as the horizontal axis and the output target steel plate width as the vertical axis, representing the shift in the output target steel plate width corresponding to the input order of the multiple coils of material. The second bar chart Gr2 uses the input order of multiple coils of material as the horizontal axis and the output target steel plate thickness as the vertical axis, representing the shift in the output target steel plate thickness corresponding to the input order of the multiple coils of material. The third bar chart Gr3 uses the input order of multiple coils of material as the horizontal axis and the output target steel plate width as the vertical axis, representing the shift in the output target steel plate width corresponding to the input order of the multiple coils of material. The fourth bar graph (Gr4) uses the input order of multiple rolls of material as the horizontal axis and the target output steel plate thickness of the rolls as the vertical axis, representing the progression of the input steel plate thickness of the rolls corresponding to the input order of the multiple rolls of material. For example, a user, such as a general technician, can visually confirm the appropriateness of the established plan by observing the first to fourth bars of an input screen.

[0111] <Effect>

[0112] As explained above, the cold rolling planning system of the present invention can easily and quickly set the constraints required for cold rolling planning. That is, by using constraint templates, the cold rolling planning system of the present invention can easily and quickly generate complex constraints for cold rolling planning. Furthermore, according to the cold rolling planning system of the present invention, even those who are not skilled in the art can easily and quickly generate constraints. Therefore, the cold rolling planning system of the present invention can eliminate the human element in setting constraints, thus alleviating the social problem of manpower shortage (shortage of skilled personnel).

[0113] <<Variation Examples>>

[0114] This invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications may be adopted within the scope of its spirit.

[0115] For example, in the above embodiment, the object input unit 201 may also obtain steel plate specification data from other systems such as MES (Manufacturing Execution System).

[0116] For example, in the above embodiment, the constraint setting input unit 203 may also be provided in other systems such as MES (Manufacturing Execution System). In this case, a display and... Figure 6 and Figure 7 The display section is a graphical user interface similar to the setup screen shown.

[0117] In the above embodiments, the recommendation degree of the steel grade combination is set by numerical input relative to the steel grade combination setting screen. However, data representing the actual results of past users' plans (e.g., ordinary technicians) can also be taken to analyze the steel grade combinations of the preceding and subsequent coils used in the plan, and the optimal recommendation degree can be automatically set based on the analysis results.

[0118] In the above embodiments, checkboxes can also be displayed instead of the input box on the steel grade combination setting screen. In this case, based on the user's operation of the checkboxes, it can be set whether the combination of steel grades for the preceding and following plates can be achieved. In the above embodiments, the coil delivery device is controlled so that it automatically delivers the coils sequentially according to the predetermined coil input order.

[0119] In the above embodiments, radio buttons, drop-down menus, and other on / off setting tools can be displayed instead of checkboxes, and the on / off settings of the restriction conditions can be executed based on the user's operation of the radio buttons, drop-down menus, etc.

[0120] In the above embodiments, drop-down menus, sliders, and other numerical input tools can be displayed instead of input boxes, allowing users to input values ​​based on their actions with the drop-down menus, sliders, etc. In the above embodiments, the restriction can also be set to either on or off based on priority (by setting the priority to either "0" or "values ​​greater than 0") rather than setting a flag.

[0121] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0122] 100: PL-TCM, 200: Cold rolling planning system, 201: Object input unit, 202: Limitation storage unit, 203: Limitation setting input unit, 204: Planning optimization calculation unit, 205: Planning output unit.

Claims

1. A cold rolling scheduling system, comprising an information processing device and a terminal connected to a display device and an input device, wherein the information processing device acquires steel plate specification data, the steel plate specification data including information on multiple specifications of steel plate products to be manufactured from coils through a continuous cold rolling process, and the information processing device, based on the steel plate specification data, schedules a sequence for processing multiple coils corresponding to the specifications of the multiple steel plate products included in the steel plate specification data through a continuous cold rolling process, characterized in that: The information processing device includes a storage unit that stores multiple constraint templates. These constraint templates are capable of receiving specific information for generating constraints. The constraint templates are configured to receive inherent parameters (i.e., intrinsic parameters) of the constraints generated based on the constraint templates, as the specific information. The storage unit stores multiple combinations of the specified constraint templates, serving as recommended constraint combination templates. The constraint template is configured to allow further input of flag information indicating whether the constraint generated based on the constraint template is included in the calculation conditions. The constraint template is configured to allow further input of priorities that correspond to and comply with the constraints generated based on the constraint template. The information processing device provides the recommended combination template of restriction conditions to the terminal. The terminal displays a constraint setting screen on the display device for inputting information into the recommended constraint combination template, and inputs the specific information, the flag information, and the priority into the constraint template based on the operation of the constraint setting screen via the input device. The information processing device is configured as follows: Based on multiple constraint templates input with the specific information, multiple constraints are generated, and these constraints are included in the calculation conditions. Under these calculation conditions, by performing optimization calculations, a sequence is determined for processing multiple coils corresponding to the specifications of multiple steel plate products included in the steel plate specification data through the continuous cold rolling process. Based on the constraint template with the input flag information, determine whether to include the constraints generated based on the constraint template in the calculation conditions. Based on the constraint template with the input priority, the priority corresponding to each of the multiple constraints is included in the calculation condition.

2. The cold rolling planning system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The plurality of constraints include the constraints relating to the welding process of the continuous cold rolling process, namely the welding process constraints.

3. The cold rolling planning system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The welding process constraints include a thickness constraint relating to the difference in thickness between the preceding and subsequent rolls of material. The constraint template corresponding to the thickness constraint is configured to accept a parameter corresponding to the difference in thickness between the preceding roll and the following roll as an inherent parameter.

4. The cold rolling planning system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The welding process constraints include a width constraint relating to the difference in width between the preceding and subsequent rolls of material. The constraint template corresponding to the width constraint is configured to accept a parameter corresponding to the difference in width between the preceding roll and the following roll as an inherent parameter.

5. The cold rolling planning system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The welding process constraint is a constraint regarding the degree of recommendation of the combination of the steel grade of the preceding coil and the steel grade of the subsequent coil, i.e., the recommendation constraint. The constraint template corresponding to the recommendation constraint is configured to allow input of the recommendation degree, which is a combination of the steel grade of the preceding coil and the steel grade of the following coil, as the inherent parameter.

6. The cold rolling planning system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The information processing device is configured to obtain production management information from the manufacturing execution system and to obtain the steel plate specification data from the production management information.

7. A method for cold rolling schedule formulation using an information processing device and a terminal connected to a display device and an input device, wherein, The information processing device acquires steel plate specification data, which includes information on the specifications of multiple steel plate products to be manufactured from coils through a continuous cold rolling process. Based on the steel plate specification data, the information processing device determines the sequence for processing multiple coils corresponding to the specifications of the multiple steel plate products included in the steel plate specification data through a continuous cold rolling process. The cold rolling plan determination method is characterized in that... The information processing device includes a storage unit that stores multiple constraint templates. These constraint templates are capable of receiving specific information for generating constraints. The constraint templates are configured to receive inherent parameters (i.e., intrinsic parameters) of the constraints generated based on the constraint templates, as the specific information. The storage unit stores multiple combinations of the specified constraint templates, serving as recommended constraint combination templates. The constraint template is configured to allow further input of flag information indicating whether the constraint generated based on the constraint template is included in the calculation conditions. The constraint template is configured to allow further input of priorities that correspond to and comply with the constraints generated based on the constraint template. The recommended combination template of constraints is provided to the terminal through the information processing device. Through the terminal, a constraint setting screen for inputting information into the recommended constraint combination template is displayed on the display device. Based on the operation of the constraint setting screen via the input device, the specific information, the flag information, and the priority are input into the constraint template. Through the information processing device Based on multiple constraint templates input with the specific information, multiple constraints are generated, and these constraints are included in the calculation conditions. Under these calculation conditions, by performing optimization calculations, a sequence is determined for processing multiple coils corresponding to the specifications of multiple steel plate products included in the steel plate specification data through the continuous cold rolling process. Based on the constraint template with the input flag information, determine whether to include the constraints generated based on the constraint template in the calculation conditions. Based on the constraint template with the input priority, the priority corresponding to each of the multiple constraints is included in the calculation condition.

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