A method and apparatus for controlling a flow line production process

Abstract

The application relates to the technical field of production, and provides a flow line production process control method and device, wherein the method comprises the following steps: when an employee puts a product into a material box, using a code scanner to identify an identification code on the product, and monitoring a radio frequency signal sent by a bracelet worn by the employee at the moment through an RFID reader; using a camera to collect the identification code when the product is put into the material box in real time; determining the products put into the material box by the employee respectively by the radio frequency signal, employee information and the identification code on the product, and comparing the identification codes collected by the code scanner and the camera. Through the setting of the code scanner, the RFID reader and the camera, the products put by the employee can be traced, the structure is simple, the operation is convenient, and the demand of the contemporary flow line production process can be well met.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of intelligent assembly line production technology, and in particular to a method and apparatus for controlling assembly line production processes. Background Technology

[0002] With the continuous advancement of computer technology, internet technology, and artificial intelligence technology, information technology has been widely applied in various fields, becoming a vital force driving social development and economic growth. Simultaneously, due to the widespread adoption of information technology, people's demands for information processing and management are increasing, leading to the emergence of information systems to meet these requirements for efficiency, accuracy, and effectiveness. Information systems can learn autonomously, make autonomous decisions, and optimize themselves, exhibiting significant advantages and application value in data processing, information analysis, and decision support. Information systems are widely used in various sectors, including industry, commerce, healthcare, education, and government, improving work efficiency, reducing management costs, optimizing resource allocation, and enhancing service quality, thus making a significant contribution to the sustainable development of the economy and society.

[0003] Many companies currently employ assembly line operations. In traditional assembly line operations, employees stack products sequentially into material bins. To save on material bin costs and speed up the stacking process, allowing for quick transfer of full bins to the next worker, two employees often share a single material bin. However, when calculating employee workload, the shared bins require manual calculation by the team leader or other statistical staff, easily leading to errors. Furthermore, since most products involve numerous production steps, and each step is often performed in a different location, requiring the bins or products within them to be moved to continue subsequent steps. This makes it difficult to trace quality issues back to the individual employee, hindering quality control.

[0004] Therefore, overcoming the shortcomings of the existing technology is an urgent problem to be solved in this technical field. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The technical problem this invention aims to solve is how to address the difficulty in accurately calculating employee workload caused by shared material boxes in existing assembly line production, and the difficulty in tracing the origin of products with numerous processes due to shared material boxes among employees.

[0006] The present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0007] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a method for controlling assembly line production, comprising:

[0008] When an employee puts a product into a material box, a barcode scanner is used to identify the identification code on the product, and an RFID reader monitors the radio frequency signal emitted by the employee's wristband at this time; wherein, the radio frequency signal carries employee information.

[0009] Use a camera to capture the identification code of the product when it is placed into the material box in real time;

[0010] The products placed by employees in the material boxes are identified by comparing the radio frequency signals, employee information, and product identification codes with those collected by the barcode scanner and camera.

[0011] Preferably, the step of placing the product into the material box by the employee further includes:

[0012] Set the corresponding identification code on the product;

[0013] Install RFID readers and scanners on the side of the material bins closest to the employees.

[0014] Preferably, the method further includes performing corresponding operations based on the radio frequency signals transmitted by the wristband, specifically including:

[0015] The radio frequency signals transmitted by the wristband are monitored in real time to obtain the time interval between adjacent radio frequency signals;

[0016] If no radio frequency signal is detected from the wristband, an employee absence information will be generated and sent to the management personnel to prompt them to fill the vacant position.

[0017] If the time interval is greater than the first preset value, an abnormal situation of the employee's position will be generated and sent, and the manager will be prompted to check the employee's work status.

[0018] If the time interval is not greater than a first preset value, then monitor the radio frequency signal sent by the wristband worn by the employee.

[0019] Preferably, the camera includes a first camera and a second camera, and the step of using the camera to collect the identification code when the product is placed into the material box in real time specifically includes:

[0020] The first slide rail and the second slide rail are respectively set on the inner wall of the opposite side of the material box, and the first camera is set on the first slide rail and the second camera is set on the second slide rail;

[0021] The first and second cameras monitor the interior of the material box in real time. When an employee puts a product into the material box, the first and second cameras are adjusted via the first and second slide rails to follow the position of the employee as the product is placed into the material box and identify the identification code on the product.

[0022] Preferably, when a first employee and a second employee simultaneously place products into different locations within the material box, the method further includes using a first camera and a second camera to respectively capture the locations where the first employee and the second employee store the products in the material box, specifically including:

[0023] Reference markers are set inside the material box, and the internal condition of the material box is monitored in real time by a first camera and a second camera.

[0024] When the first employee is detected to put the product into the material box, the first camera is adjusted by the first slide rail and / or the second camera is adjusted by the second slide rail to follow the first employee and monitor the position of the product being put into the material box, and the specific position of the first employee storing the product in the material box is determined by the reference mark.

[0025] When the system detects that a second employee is placing a product into the material box, the system adjusts the first camera via the first slide rail and / or the second camera via the second slide rail to follow the first employee and monitor the position of the product placed into the material box. The system then determines the specific location where the second employee placed the product in the material box using the reference marker.

[0026] Preferably, the step of identifying the products placed into the material box by the employee through the radio frequency signal and by comparing the identification codes collected by the barcode scanner and the camera specifically includes:

[0027] The employee who put the product into the material box and the product that the employee put into the material box can be obtained through the radio frequency signal, employee information and identification code on the product.

[0028] Compare whether the identification codes collected by the barcode scanner and the camera are consistent;

[0029] If the barcode scanner and the camera capture the same identification code, it is determined that the employee has placed the product into the material box.

[0030] If the identification code collected by the barcode scanner and the camera does not match, it is determined that the employee did not put the product into the material box.

[0031] Secondly, the present invention also proposes a production line control device, which is applicable to the production line control method of the first aspect, and the device includes a material box, a barcode scanner, an RFID reader and a camera;

[0032] The barcode scanner and the RFID reader are respectively disposed on the outer side of the material box, and the barcode scanner and the RFID reader are disposed adjacent to each other.

[0033] The camera is mounted on the inner wall of the material box to facilitate product identification and determine the position of the product when it is placed in the material box.

[0034] Preferably, the camera includes a first camera and a second camera. A first slide rail and a second slide rail are respectively provided on the inner wall of the opposite side of the material box. The first camera is disposed on the first slide rail, and the second camera is disposed on the second slide rail, so that the first camera and the second camera can slide horizontally along the inner wall of the opposite side of the material box.

[0035] Preferably, the inner wall of the material box is provided with reference marks to facilitate determining the position where employees put the products into the material box.

[0036] Preferably, wheels are provided at each of the top corners of the bottom of the material box to facilitate the transportation of the material box.

[0037] This invention enables the traceability of products placed by employees by setting up a barcode scanner, RFID reader, and camera. It has a simple structure, is easy to operate, and can well meet the needs of modern assembly line production processes. Attached Figure Description

[0038] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, the accompanying drawings used in the embodiments of the present invention will be briefly described below. Obviously, the drawings described below are merely some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without any creative effort.

[0039] Figure 1 This is a flowchart of a production line control method provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0040] Figure 2 This is a flowchart of a method for pre-setting corresponding devices before employees put products into a material box in a production line control method provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0041] Figure 3 This is a detailed flowchart of step 202 within a production line control method provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0042] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for managers to perform corresponding operations based on information sent by a wristband in a production line control method provided by an embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] Figure 5 This is a flowchart of a method for obtaining the location of a product stored in a material box within a production line control method provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0044] Figure 6 This is a flowchart of a method for determining the products that employees put into material boxes in a production line control method provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0045] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of a production line control device provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0046] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of another perspective of the structure of a production line control device provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0047] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a production line control device according to an embodiment of the present invention, showing an internal camera that follows an employee as they place items inside.

[0048] Figure 10 This is a flowchart of an alternative method provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0049] Figure 11 This is a flowchart of a detailed method for step 801 within an alternative solution provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0050] Figure 12A This is a flowchart of an alternative three-point positioning method provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0051] Figure 12B This is a schematic diagram of the principle model structure of the three-point positioning method provided in the embodiment of the present invention;

[0052] Figure 13 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for setting a reference identifier in an alternative solution provided by an embodiment of the present invention.

[0053] The attached figures are labeled as follows:

[0054] 1-Material box; 2-Bar scanner; 3-RFID reader / writer; 4-Camera; 5-First slide rail; 6-Second slide rail. Detailed Implementation

[0055] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative and not intended to limit the invention.

[0056] In the description of this invention, the terms "inner", "outer", "longitudinal", "lateral", "upper", "lower", "top", "bottom", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this invention and do not require that this invention must be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limiting this invention.

[0057] In this invention, the terms "first," "second," etc., are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Therefore, a feature defined with "first," "second," etc., may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this application, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0058] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the term "connection" should be interpreted broadly. For example, "connection" can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, the term "coupled" can refer to an electrical connection that enables signal transmission.

[0059] Furthermore, the technical features involved in the various embodiments of the present invention described below can be combined with each other as long as they do not conflict with each other.

[0060] Example 1:

[0061] Embodiment 1 of the present invention provides a method for controlling a production line process, such as... Figure 1 , Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, it includes:

[0062] Step 201: When an employee puts a product into the material box 1, the barcode scanner 2 is used to identify the identification code on the product, and the radio frequency signal sent by the employee's wristband is monitored by the RFID reader 3; wherein the radio frequency signal carries employee information.

[0063] The RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) reader in this embodiment of the invention can identify devices that transmit radio frequency signals and communicate non-contactly with the wristbands worn by employees via radio frequency. To implement the assembly line production control method of this embodiment, it is assumed that employees wear wristbands capable of transmitting radio frequency signals during work. During operation, employees always use the hand wearing the wristband to place products into the material bin 1; and the radio frequency signals transmitted by the wristband can be identified by the RFID reader 3. Furthermore, to implement the intelligent assembly line production control method of this embodiment, it is uniformly stipulated that each product is affixed with a corresponding identification code, and each product's identification code is exposed and can be identified by the corresponding barcode scanner 2, so that employees can scan and identify the products placed in the material bin 1.

[0064] In this embodiment of the invention, the RFID reader 3 monitors the radio frequency (RF) signal transmitted by the wristband. Based on the strength of the RF signal acquired by the RFID reader 3, the distance between the wristband and the RFID reader 3 can be determined (for example, when the strength of the RF signal transmitted by the wristband is constant, due to RF signal attenuation, the farther the RFID reader 3 is from the wristband, the more severe the attenuation, and therefore the weaker the RF signal strength monitored by the RFID reader 3). Since the spatial position of the wristband changes constantly during the process of employees placing products into the material box 1, the strength of the RF signal received by the RFID reader 3 from the wristband also changes constantly. By monitoring the strength of the RF signal acquired by the RFID reader 3, the distance between the wristband and the RFID reader 3 can be determined. Furthermore, the RF signal emitted by the wristband contains employee information (such as employee number or employee ID), and by monitoring the RF signal transmitted by the wristband, it is possible to identify which employee's wristband emitted the signal.

[0065] To implement the assembly line production process control method of this invention, the barcode scanner 2 and RFID reader 3 are installed on the outer wall of the material box 1, and are positioned close to each other. When an employee puts a product into the material box 1, the barcode scanner 2 is used to identify the product's identification code before the product is placed inside. When the employee uses the barcode scanner 2 to identify the product's identification code, the employee's wristband is close to the RFID reader 3. At this time, the signal received by the wristband by the RFID reader 3 is strongest. By monitoring the radio frequency signal and employee information transmitted by the wristband worn by the employee, the RFID reader 3 can determine that the employee is currently performing the action of putting the product into the material box 1. During this process, we can know that the employee is performing the action of putting the product into the material box 1, and the barcode scanner 2 can identify what the product is and which specific item it is; however, it cannot determine whether the employee has actually put the product into the material box 1. It is worth noting that in this invention, only when the product is put into the material box 1 can the corresponding employee be considered to have completed the workload for that product.

[0066] Step 202: Use camera 4 to collect the identification code of the product when it is placed into material box 1 in real time; use the radio frequency signal and compare the identification code collected by barcode scanner 2 and camera 4 to determine the products that the employees put into material box 1 respectively.

[0067] To implement the intelligent assembly line production control method of this invention, this invention uniformly stipulates that each product is affixed with a corresponding identification code. Each product's identification code is exposed, with a consistent orientation and uniform specifications, and can be captured by camera 4 when the product is placed in material box 1. By identifying the identification code of the product placed in material box 1 through camera 4, the type and location of the product can be determined. Furthermore, by comparing the identification code on the product identified by the barcode scanner 2 in step 201 with the identification code on the product captured by camera 4, the specific location of which products were placed in material box 1 by the employee can be determined, thus achieving product traceability. Step 202 of this invention uses camera 4 for confirmation to determine that the corresponding employee placed the product in material box 1. Therefore, by combining steps 201-202, product traceability can be achieved.

[0068] This invention enables the traceability of products placed by employees by setting up a barcode scanner 2, an RFID reader / writer 3, and a camera 4. It has a simple structure, is easy to operate, and can well meet the needs of modern assembly line production processes.

[0069] To illustrate the complete solution of the embodiments of the present invention, the details of the embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below. In the embodiments of the present invention, before an employee places a product into material box 1, such as... Figure 2 As shown, it also includes:

[0070] Step 301: Set the corresponding identification code on the product.

[0071] To enable product traceability, this embodiment of the invention assigns a corresponding identification code to each product. This identification code serves as a symbol of the product's identity, and the information within each product's identification code is unique. The rules for setting the identification codes have been described in the preceding steps and will not be repeated here.

[0072] Step 302: Install an RFID reader 3 and a barcode scanner 2 on the side of the material box 1 closest to the employee.

[0073] The setting rules for the reader and barcode scanner 2 in this embodiment of the invention have been described in the preceding steps and will not be repeated here.

[0074] The following describes the process of using a corresponding camera 4 to monitor in real time the identification code of the product when the employee puts the product into the material box 1, as described in this embodiment of the invention. The camera 4 includes a first camera and a second camera. The process involves using the camera 4 to collect the identification code of the product when it is placed into the material box 1 in real time. Figure 3 As shown, it specifically includes:

[0075] Step 401: Set the first slide rail 5 and the second slide rail 6 on the inner walls of opposite sides of the material box 1, and set the first camera on the first slide rail 5 and the second camera on the second slide rail 6.

[0076] Since a single camera 4 has a blind spot, this embodiment of the invention is equipped with a first camera and a second camera. By setting up corresponding sliding rails, the first camera and the second camera can be used to monitor the position of the product that the employee puts into the material box 1 in all directions in real time. By sliding the camera 4 on the sliding rail to follow the employee as they put the product into the material box 1, the position of each product put into the material box 1 can be monitored throughout the entire working period.

[0077] Step 402: Monitor the internal situation of material box 1 in real time through the first camera and the second camera. When the employee puts the product into material box 1, adjust the first camera and the second camera to follow the position of the employee putting the product into material box 1 through the first slide rail 5 and the second slide rail 6, and identify the identification code on the product.

[0078] In this embodiment of the invention, a first camera and a second camera slide on corresponding slide rails and follow the position of the employee placing the product into the material box 1, thereby monitoring the position of each product placed into the material box 1 in real time.

[0079] In addition, embodiments of the present invention can also monitor the radio frequency signals transmitted by the wristbands worn by employees in real time through the corresponding RFID reader 3, and upload the data to the corresponding management personnel. The management personnel can then perform corresponding operations based on the uploaded information, such as... Figure 4 As shown, it specifically includes:

[0080] Step 501: Monitor the radio frequency signal sent by the wristband in real time and obtain the time interval between adjacent radio frequency signals.

[0081] In this embodiment of the invention, the RFID reader 3 requires a certain distance (e.g., within 1 meter) to receive the radio frequency signal sent by the wristband. Beyond this range, the RFID reader 3 has difficulty recognizing the radio frequency signal sent by the wristband. When employees place products into the material box 1, it is assumed that they are within the range where the RFID reader 3 can recognize the radio frequency signal sent by the wristband. By monitoring the radio frequency signal when an employee places each product into the material box 1, and the time interval between adjacent radio frequency signals, it is possible to monitor whether any abnormalities occur during the employee's work (e.g., slacking off or the absence of a corresponding employee at the workstation).

[0082] Step 502: If no radio frequency signal is detected from the wristband, generate and send employee absence information to the management personnel to prompt them to fill the vacant positions.

[0083] If no radio frequency (RF) signal is detected from the wristband at a given position, indicating an vacancy, employee information is generated and sent to management. Management can then fill the vacancy based on the notification. It's worth noting that in this embodiment, employees typically check the wristbands before placing the product in the material box 1 to ensure they can transmit RF signals correctly. Therefore, this embodiment does not consider situations where the equipment is malfunctioning or damaged.

[0084] Step 503: If the time interval is greater than the first preset value, an abnormal situation of the employee's position is generated and sent, and the manager is prompted to check the employee's work status.

[0085] If the time interval is greater than a first preset value, it indicates that there is a corresponding employee at that position. When the monitored spatial location information does not change over time (or the monitored product movement trajectory does not pass through the inside of material box 1), it indicates that the employee has not performed the action of putting the product into material box 1 during the monitored period. During this period, the employee may be slacking off. At this time, an abnormal situation of the employee's position is generated and sent, and the manager is prompted to check the employee's work status.

[0086] Step 504: If the time interval is not greater than the first preset value, monitor the radio frequency signal sent by the wristband worn by the employee.

[0087] If the time interval is not greater than a first preset value, and the spatial location information is detected to change over time, it can be assumed that the employee is active at their corresponding work station. When the movement trajectory of the product being placed passes through material box 1, it indicates that the employee has placed the product into material box 1 during this time period, i.e., they are performing normal work. At this time, the spatial location information and employee messages sent by the employee's wristband are monitored in real time. In this case, the quantity of products produced by the employee and the traceability of the products have been described above and will not be repeated here.

[0088] It is worth noting that, theoretically, this embodiment of the invention can also be applied to three or more employees sharing a material box 1. Each employee corresponds to an RFID reader 3 and a barcode scanner 2. By using the RFID reader 3 and barcode scanner 2 used by each employee, it can be determined that each employee is performing the action of putting a product into the material box 1. Furthermore, the barcode scanner 2 can identify what the product is. Then, by combining the identification code on the product collected by the corresponding camera 4, it is possible to know which products each employee put into the material box 1, and even the specific location of the corresponding product in the material box 1.

[0089] This invention utilizes an RFID reader 3 to monitor the radio frequency signals emitted by the wristbands worn by employees in real time, and a barcode scanner 2 to identify the identification codes on the products. This allows the system to track each employee's action of placing a product into the storage box 1, identifying the specific product placed. A camera 4 then confirms whether the product is placed in the storage box 1, thus revealing the specific product placed in the box and its location, enabling product traceability. This method is simple, low-cost, and requires only a few simple components to achieve product traceability.

[0090] The following section focuses on how the embodiments of the present invention solve the problem of product traceability caused by employees sharing material bin 1 in existing assembly line production. Specifically, the problem is: how to solve the difficulty in product traceability caused by different employees placing products into material bin 1 at the same time.

[0091] To address the aforementioned issues and resolve the problem of calculating employee workload, this embodiment of the invention assumes that when two employees share a material box 1, different employees are uniformly designated to place products in different positions within the material box 1. For ease of explanation, the following description will use "first employee" and "second employee" to distinguish between the two different employees. Furthermore, to enable traceability when the first and second employees simultaneously place products in different positions within the material box 1, this embodiment typically places a barcode scanner and an RFID reader on opposite sides of the material box 1. Specifically, assuming sides A and B are two opposite sides of the material box 1, a first barcode scanner and a first RFID reader are placed on the outer wall of side A, and a second barcode scanner and a second RFID reader are placed on the outer wall of side B. The first employee places the product into the material box 1 on side A, and the second employee places the product into the material box 1 on side B. The RFID reader and barcode scanner on the same side of the material box 1 are positioned adjacent to each other.

[0092] When the first employee puts a product into material box 1, the first barcode scanner can identify which product it is by scanning the identification code on the product. Since the first RFID reader and the first barcode scanner are set up close, the first RFID reader detects the strongest radio frequency signal from the wristband worn by the first employee. At this time, it can be known that the first employee is performing the action of putting a product into material box 1, and the first barcode scanner can know what the product is and which one it is. However, it cannot be determined whether the first employee has put the product into material box 1.

[0093] Similarly, by using a second RFID reader and a second barcode scanner, it is possible to detect which specific products the second employee puts into material box 1 and to know exactly which products these are; however, it is not possible to determine whether the second employee actually puts these products into material box 1.

[0094] Then, the camera is used to monitor in real time the positions where the first and second employees place the products into material box 1. This embodiment of the invention uses a camera to monitor the positions of products placed in material box 1, thus identifying which products are specifically placed in which location within material box 1. Finally, by combining the monitored actions of employees placing specific products into material box 1 and the types of products placed, product traceability can be achieved.

[0095] In Embodiment 3 of this invention, the barcode scanner 2 and RFID reader 3 monitor the actions of employees placing products into the material box 1, and track the specific products placed inside. Then, combined with the identification of the corresponding products by the camera 4, it becomes possible to determine the specific products placed into the material box 1 by each employee, as well as their location within the box 1, thereby achieving product traceability. It is worth noting that in the specific application scenario of this embodiment, to enable the camera 4 to identify each product, each product is affixed with a corresponding identification code. Each product's identification code is exposed, with a consistent orientation and uniform specifications, so that it can be captured by the camera 4 when the product is placed into the material box 1.

[0096] In addition, in this embodiment of the invention, when the first employee and the second employee simultaneously place the product into different positions in the material box 1, the invention also includes using the first camera and the second camera to respectively acquire the positions where the first employee and the second employee store the product in the material box 1, such as... Figure 5 As shown, it specifically includes:

[0097] Step 601: Set reference markers inside material box 1 and monitor the internal condition of material box 1 in real time using the first and second cameras.

[0098] The camera 4 in this embodiment of the invention is mainly used to identify products in order to confirm the position of the products placed in the material box 1 at a corresponding time. In order to accurately determine the position of the products placed in the material box 1 at a corresponding time, this embodiment of the invention preferably sets a reference mark inside the material box 1. By using the reference mark inside the material box 1 as a reference, the precise position of the products placed in the material box 1 can be known.

[0099] Step 602: When it is detected that the first employee puts the product into the material box 1, the first camera is adjusted by the first slide rail 5 and / or the second camera is adjusted by the second slide rail 6 to follow the first employee and monitor the position of the product being put into the material box 1, and the specific position of the first employee storing the product in the material box 1 is determined by the reference mark.

[0100] Because a single camera 4 has blind spots, this embodiment of the invention includes a first camera and a second camera. By setting corresponding sliding rails, the first and second cameras can be used to monitor the position of the product that the employee has just placed into the material box 1 from all directions in real time. The camera 4 slides on the sliding rail to follow the position where the employee places the product into the material box 1 (e.g., ...). Figures 8-9 As shown, this allows for the tracking of the location of each product placed in the material box 1 throughout the employee's entire work period. It is worth noting that in this embodiment of the invention, the process of the camera following the first employee to monitor the placement of products into the material box can be automatically implemented by corresponding software. This process is existing technology. When the camera 4 detects that the employee has placed a product into the material box 1, the corresponding software issues a corresponding instruction, thereby controlling the camera 4 to move along a corresponding track, so that the camera 4 always follows the first employee and monitors the position where the first employee places the product into the material box 1.

[0101] Step 603: When it is detected that the second employee puts the product into the material box 1, the first camera is adjusted by the first slide rail 5 and / or the second camera is adjusted by the second slide rail 6 to follow the first employee to monitor the position of the product being put into the material box 1, and the specific position of the second employee storing the product in the material box 1 is determined by the reference mark.

[0102] The methods of steps 603 and 602 in the embodiments of the present invention are basically the same, and will not be described in detail here.

[0103] In addition, the embodiments of the present invention use the radio frequency signal and compare the identification codes collected by the barcode scanner 2 and the camera 4 to determine the products that employees put into the material box 1, such as... Figure 6 As shown, it specifically includes:

[0104] Step 701: Using the radio frequency signal, employee information, and identification code on the product, obtain the employee who performs the action of placing the product into the material box 1, and the product that the employee performs the action of placing into the material box 1.

[0105] Step 702: Compare whether the identification codes collected by the barcode scanner 2 and the camera 4 are consistent; if the identification codes collected by the barcode scanner 2 and the camera 4 are consistent, it is determined that the employee has placed the product into the material box 1; if the identification codes collected by the barcode scanner 2 and the camera 4 are inconsistent, it is determined that the employee has not placed the product into the material box 1.

[0106] Steps 701-702 have already been explained above and will not be repeated here. It is worth noting that in step 702, if the identification code collected by the barcode scanner 2 is inconsistent with the identification code collected by the camera 4, it means that the employee did not put the product scanned by the barcode scanner 2 into the material box 1. It is possible that other products were put in, and it does not mean that no products were put in.

[0107] This invention enables the traceability of products placed by employees by setting up a barcode scanner 2, an RFID reader / writer 3, and a camera 4. It has a simple structure, is easy to operate, and can well meet the needs of modern assembly line production processes.

[0108] Example 2:

[0109] Based on Embodiment 1, this invention also proposes a production line control device, which is used to implement a production line control method as described in the embodiment, such as... Figures 7-8 As shown, the device includes a material box 1, a barcode scanner 2, an RFID reader / writer 3, and a camera 4;

[0110] The barcode scanner 2 and the RFID reader 3 are respectively disposed on the outer side of the material box 1, and the barcode scanner 2 and the RFID reader 3 are disposed adjacent to each other.

[0111] The camera 4 is installed on the inner wall of the material box 1 to facilitate product identification and determine the position of the product placed in the material box 1.

[0112] This invention only requires a barcode scanner 2, an RFID reader 3, and a camera 4 to be installed on the corresponding material box 1 to achieve traceability of the production process for each employee. This invention has a simple structure, is easy to operate, and can well meet the needs of modern assembly line production processes.

[0113] To avoid blind spots in a single camera 4, the camera 4 in this embodiment of the invention includes a first camera and a second camera (see...). Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, where, Figure 7 Camera 4 in the image represents the first camera. Figure 8 Camera 4 in the image represents the second camera. Figure 7 and Figure 8 (These are structural schematic diagrams from different perspectives of embodiments of the present invention). The inner walls of the opposite sides of the material box 1 are respectively provided with a first slide rail 5 and a second slide rail 6. The first camera is disposed on the first slide rail 5 and the second camera is disposed on the second slide rail 6, so that the first camera and the second camera can slide horizontally along the inner walls of the opposite sides of the material box 1.

[0114] This embodiment of the invention avoids the blind spots caused by a single camera by installing corresponding cameras 4 on the inner wall of the opposite side of the material box 1. Furthermore, to better monitor the identification code of the product when an employee places it into the material box 1, and the position of the product in the material box 1, this embodiment of the invention provides a first slide rail 5 and a second slide rail 6 on the inner wall of the material box 1. The first camera is mounted on the first slide rail 5, and the second camera is mounted on the second slide rail 6. By adjusting the slide rails, the corresponding camera 4 always follows the employee's action when placing the latest product, thus enabling monitoring of all products placed by the employee.

[0115] To monitor the location where employees place products into material box 1, a reference marker is provided on the inner wall of material box 1 in this embodiment of the invention to facilitate determining the real-time location where employees place products into material box 1. It is worth noting that the reference marker in this embodiment of the invention may, but is not limited to, be located on the inner wall of material box 1 to identify the specific location where the product is placed into material box 1.

[0116] In addition, to facilitate subsequent processes of the product, each of the top corners of the bottom of the material box 1 in this embodiment of the invention is provided with wheels to facilitate the transportation of the material box 1.

[0117] The embodiments of the present invention only require the installation of a barcode scanner 2, an RFID reader / writer, and a camera 4 on the corresponding material box 1 to perfectly achieve traceability of the production process of each employee. Furthermore, the embodiments of the present invention have a simple structure, are easy to operate, and can well meet the needs of modern assembly line production processes.

[0118] Example 3:

[0119] Based on Example 1, Example 3 of this invention proposes an equivalent alternative to solve the problems of difficulty in accurately calculating employee workload caused by shared material boxes in existing assembly line production, and the difficulty in tracing products due to shared material boxes among employees in products with many processes.

[0120] Embodiment 3 of the present invention proposes a production line control method, such as... Figure 10 As shown, it includes:

[0121] Step 801: Monitor the spatial location information and employee information sent by the wristbands worn by employees in real time through the first RFID reader, the second RFID reader and the third RFID reader.

[0122] Similar to Embodiment 1, Embodiment 3 of the present invention uses an RFID reader that can identify radio frequency signals and perform non-contact two-way data communication via radio frequency. By default, employees wear wristbands that can emit radio frequency signals during work and always use the hand wearing the wristband to place the product into the material box. The radio frequency signals emitted by the wristband can be identified by the RFID reader.

[0123] In this embodiment of the invention, the RFID reader monitors the radio frequency signal transmitted by the wristband. The distance between the wristband and the RFID reader can be determined based on the strength of the radio frequency signal. Since the wristband's spatial position changes constantly as the employee places products into the material box, the strength of the radio frequency signal received by the RFID reader also changes constantly. To monitor the employee's process of placing products into the material box, this embodiment uses three RFID readers (a first, second, and third RFID reader) to simultaneously identify the distance between the employee's wristband and the corresponding RFID reader. A three-point positioning method is used to determine the wristband's position in real time, thereby achieving real-time monitoring of the employee placing products into the material box. It is worth noting that, in order to monitor the spatial location transmitted by the wristbands worn by employees, the embodiments of the present invention cannot place the first, second, and third RFID readers on the same straight line. Typically, the first, second, and third RFID readers are placed on three different sides of the material box, or two RFID readers are placed on one side of the material box, and another on the other side. Furthermore, the radio frequency signals emitted by the wristbands contain employee information (such as employee ID or employee number). By using the first, second, and third RFID readers, the process of an employee placing a product into the material box can be monitored in real time, thereby determining the trajectory of the product and its location in the material box, but not the specific product.

[0124] Step 802: Use the first and second cameras to monitor in real time the position where employees put the products into the material box.

[0125] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the first and second cameras are mounted on the inner walls of the material box. Specifically, the first and second cameras are mounted on the inner walls of two opposite sides of the material box to avoid blind spots from a single camera. When the first and second cameras detect a product being placed into the material box, they record the position and time of placement, thus identifying the specific product that was placed.

[0126] Step 803: Based on the spatial location information, employee information, and the position of the product in the material box, determine the product that the employee put into the material box.

[0127] The first, second, and third RFID readers can monitor the entire process of employees placing products into the material bin in real time. During this process, the position of the wristband at any given moment can be determined. By observing the relationship between the wristband being worn and the product being held, the position of the product at any given time can be identified. When a product is placed into the material bin, the three RFID readers can identify which employee placed the product and its location within the bin. Furthermore, the camera can precisely monitor the placement of the product, even identifying the specific product placed, thus determining the exact product placed by a particular employee at any given time and consequently, the workload completed by the employee within any given time period.

[0128] The following section focuses on how the embodiments of the present invention solve the problem of product traceability caused by employees sharing material boxes in existing assembly line production. Specifically, the problem is: how to solve the difficulty in product traceability caused by different employees placing products into material boxes at the same time.

[0129] To address the aforementioned issues and resolve the problem of calculating employee workload, this embodiment of the invention stipulates that when two employees share a material box, they should uniformly place the products in different locations within the material box. For ease of explanation, the following description will use "first employee" and "second employee" to distinguish between the two employees.

[0130] First, the spatial information and employee information transmitted by the wristbands worn by the first and second employees are monitored in real time through the first, second and third RFID readers.

[0131] In this embodiment of the invention, when two employees share a material box, it is uniformly stipulated that different employees place products in different positions within the material box. Therefore, the movement trajectory of the first employee placing the product in the material box differs from that of the second employee. By using the first, second, and third RFID readers to monitor the spatial location information and employee information transmitted by the wristband worn by the first employee in real time, it can be determined that the first employee is responsible for placing the product in the material box. Furthermore, by combining the spatial location information transmitted by the wristband, the movement trajectory of the product placed by the first employee can be determined. Similarly, by using the spatial location information and the corresponding employee information, the movement trajectory of the product placed by the second employee can also be determined, and the location of the product within the material box can be determined from the movement trajectory.

[0132] Then, the first and second cameras are used to monitor in real time as the first and second employees place the corresponding products into the material boxes. This embodiment of the invention uses the first and second cameras to monitor the positions of the products placed in the material boxes, thus determining which products are specifically placed in which locations within the boxes. Finally, by combining the monitored movement trajectories of the products placed by the first and second employees, the specific locations where the products were stored in the material boxes and what products were placed there can be determined, thereby achieving product traceability.

[0133] This invention utilizes a first, second, and third RFID reader to monitor in real-time the spatial location information and employee information transmitted by the wristbands worn by employees. This allows for the acquisition of the movement trajectory of each employee placing products into the material box, as well as the location of the products within the box. Then, by using a first and second camera to identify the products, the specific location of each product within the material box can be determined. Finally, by combining the employee's movement trajectory, the product's location within the box, and the specific location of each product, the specific product placed in the box by each employee can be identified, along with its location within the box, thus enabling product traceability.

[0134] To illustrate the complete solution of the embodiments of the present invention, the details of the embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below. The method involves real-time monitoring of the spatial location information and employee information transmitted by the wristbands worn by employees through a first RFID reader, a second RFID reader, and a third RFID reader, such as... Figure 11 As shown, it specifically includes:

[0135] Step 901: Place the first RFID reader, the second RFID reader, and the third RFID reader on the three sides of the material box in sequence.

[0136] In this embodiment of the invention, the first RFID reader, the second RFID reader, and the third RFID reader are installed on the material box. The positions of the first RFID reader, the second RFID reader, and the third RFID reader on the material box are set according to the actual situation, but they cannot be set on the same straight line at the same time. This has been stated above and will not be repeated here.

[0137] Step 902: Monitor in real time the first spatial distance between the wristband and the first RFID reader, the second spatial distance between the wristband and the second RFID reader, the third spatial distance between the wristband and the third RFID reader, and the employee information sent by the wristband.

[0138] The RFID reader in this embodiment of the invention actually monitors the strength of the signal transmitted by the wristband, that is, the distance between the wristband and the RFID reader. When a radio frequency signal of a certain strength is detected, the radio frequency signal is mapped to the distance between the wristband and the RFID reader. For the RFID reader, the set of points with the same distance from the RFID reader constitutes the surface of a sphere with the RFID reader as its center. When the wristband is located at a point on this sphere, the signal strength received by the RFID reader is the same.

[0139] Step 903: Align the timing of the first spatial distance, the second spatial distance, and the third spatial distance, and determine the spatial position of the wristband's transmission using the three-point positioning method.

[0140] In this embodiment of the invention, during the movement of the wristband, the first spatial distance, the second spatial distance, and the third spatial distance will change accordingly with time. When the times at which the first spatial distance, the second spatial distance, and the third spatial distance are measured are the same, it indicates the time sequence alignment. At this time, the specific spatial position sent by the wristband at the corresponding time can be determined by the three-point positioning method.

[0141] The following section focuses on the process of the three-point positioning method of this invention. As described in the embodiments of this invention, the timing of the first spatial distance, the second spatial distance, and the third spatial distance are aligned, and the spatial position of the wristband's transmission is determined using the three-point positioning method. Figure 12A As shown, it specifically includes:

[0142] Step 1001: Obtain the first spatial distance, the second spatial distance, and the third spatial distance at the same time.

[0143] Step 1002: Construct a first sphere with the first RFID reader as the center and the first spatial distance as the radius; construct a second sphere with the second RFID reader as the center and the second spatial distance as the radius; construct a third sphere with the third RFID reader as the center and the third spatial distance as the radius.

[0144] Step 1003: Determine the spatial location for the wristband to launch by obtaining the intersection point between the first sphere, the second sphere, and the third sphere.

[0145] The processes of steps 1001-1003 have already been described above and will not be repeated here. It is worth noting that determining the spatial position of the wristband's transmission by obtaining the intersection point between the first, second, and third spheres specifically includes: when there is only one intersection point between the first, second, and third spheres, the spatial position of the wristband's transmission is the position of that intersection point; when there are two intersection points between the first, second, and third spheres, the wristband's orientation is monitored by the first, second, and third RFID readers to determine the spatial position of the transmission. Figure 12B The diagram illustrates the structural principle of using the three-point positioning method to obtain corresponding intersection points in an embodiment of the present invention. A represents the center of the first sphere, B represents the center of the second sphere, C represents the center of the third sphere, and D and E represent the two intersection points between the first, second, and third spheres. By monitoring the approximate location of the wristband using the first, second, and third RFID readers, and combining this with the intersection points between the first, second, and third spheres, the exact location of the wristband can be determined (the wristband's location can only be D or E; by assessing the approximate location, one can determine which side of the plane formed by points A, B, and C the wristband is on, thus determining its specific location).

[0146] Theoretically, in three-dimensional space, the first, second, and third RFID readers are not on the same straight line. The three points where the first, second, and third RFID readers are located form a plane. After obtaining the first, second, and third spatial distances, if there is only one intersection point, the intersection point lies within the plane formed by the three points (the intersection point is at the center of the circle formed by the three RFID readers, where these three points are on the arc). If there are two intersection points, these two intersection points are symmetrically distributed about the plane formed by the three RFID readers. Then, by using the spatial location information identified by the RFID readers (for example, obtaining the approximate orientation of the radio frequency signal sent by the wristband through the first RFID reader), the specific location of the wristband at this moment can be uniquely determined.

[0147] The following describes the process of using corresponding cameras to monitor in real time the position of employees placing products into the material box according to an embodiment of the present invention. Specifically, the first and second cameras are used to monitor the position of the employees placing products into the material box in real time. Figure 13 As shown, it specifically includes:

[0148] Step 1101: Set reference labels inside the material bin.

[0149] The camera in this embodiment of the invention is mainly used to identify products to confirm the position of the products placed in the material box at a corresponding time. In order to accurately determine the position of the products placed in the material box at a corresponding time, this embodiment of the invention preferably sets a reference mark inside the material box. By using the reference mark inside the material box as a reference, the precise position of the products placed in the material box can be known.

[0150] Step 1102: Set the first slide rail and the second slide rail on the inner wall of the opposite side of the material box, and set the first camera on the first slide rail and the second camera on the second slide rail.

[0151] Since a single camera has blind spots, this embodiment of the invention is equipped with a first camera and a second camera. By setting up corresponding sliding rails, the first and second cameras can be used to monitor the position of the products that employees have just put into the material box in all directions in real time. By sliding the camera on the sliding rail to follow the position of the product put into the material box by the employee, the position of each product put into the material box can be monitored throughout the entire working period.

[0152] Step 1103: Monitor the internal situation of the material box in real time through the first camera and the second camera. When the employee puts the product into the material box, adjust the first camera and the second camera through the first slide rail and the second slide rail to follow the employee to monitor the position of the product put into the material box, and determine the specific location of the product in the material box through the reference mark.

[0153] In this embodiment of the invention, a first camera and a second camera slide on corresponding slide rails and follow the position of the employee placing the product into the material box for real-time monitoring, thereby obtaining the position of each product placed into the material box during the entire working period.

[0154] In addition, embodiments of the present invention can also monitor the spatial location information and employee information sent by the wristbands worn by employees in real time through the first RFID reader, the second RFID reader and the third RFID reader, and upload them to the corresponding managers. The managers can then perform corresponding operations based on the uploaded information, as described above, and will not be repeated here.

[0155] Embodiment 3 of this invention utilizes three RFID readers to monitor in real time the spatial location information and employee information transmitted by the wristbands worn by employees. This allows for the acquisition of the movement trajectory of each employee placing products into the material box, as well as the location of the products within the material box. Then, two RFID readers are used to identify the specific location of each product within the material box. Finally, by constantly correlating the employee's movement trajectory, the product's location within the material box, and the specific location of each product within the material box, it is possible to determine the specific product placed in the material box by each employee and its location within the material box, thereby achieving product traceability. This invention is simple, low-cost, and requires only a few simple components to solve the product traceability problem.

[0156] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for controlling a production line process, characterized in that, Two employees share a material box. Different employees are instructed to place products in different locations within the box. A barcode scanner and an RFID reader are installed on opposite sides of the box, with the RFID reader on the same side of the box positioned close to the barcode scanner. This includes: When an employee puts a product into a material box, a barcode scanner is used to identify the identification code on the product, and an RFID reader monitors the radio frequency signal emitted by the employee's wristband at this time; wherein, the radio frequency signal carries employee information. The system utilizes cameras to capture the identification codes of products placed into a material box in real time. This includes: setting a first slide rail and a second slide rail on the inner wall of the opposite side of the material box, and setting a first camera on the first slide rail and a second camera on the second slide rail. The system monitors the internal situation of the material box in real time using the first and second cameras. When it detects an employee placing a product into the material box, it adjusts the first and second cameras along the first and second slide rails to follow the employee's placement of the product and identify the identification codes on the product. The method uses the radio frequency signal and compares the identification codes collected by the barcode scanner and the camera to determine the products that employees put into the material box. This includes: using the radio frequency signal to identify the employee who put the product into the material box; comparing whether the identification codes collected by the barcode scanner and the camera are consistent; if the identification codes collected by the barcode scanner and the camera are consistent, it is determined that the employee put the product into the material box, and the product placed into the material box is determined based on the identification code on the product; if the identification codes collected by the barcode scanner and the camera are inconsistent, it is determined that the employee did not put the product that has been scanned by the barcode scanner into the material box.

2. The assembly line production process control method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The process of employees placing products into the material bin also includes: Set the corresponding identification code on the product; Install RFID readers and scanners on the side of the material bins closest to the employees.

3. The assembly line production process control method according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes performing corresponding operations based on the radio frequency signals sent by the wristband, specifically including: The radio frequency signals transmitted by the wristband are monitored in real time to obtain the time interval between adjacent radio frequency signals; If no radio frequency signal is detected from the wristband, an employee absence information will be generated and sent to the management personnel to prompt them to fill the vacant position. If the time interval is greater than the first preset value, an abnormal situation of the employee's position will be generated and sent, and the manager will be prompted to check the employee's work status. If the time interval is not greater than a first preset value, then monitor the radio frequency signal sent by the wristband worn by the employee.

4. The assembly line production process control method according to claim 1, characterized in that, When a first employee and a second employee simultaneously place products in different locations within the material box, the method also includes using a first camera and a second camera to respectively capture the locations where the first employee and the second employee store the products in the material box, specifically including: Reference markers are set inside the material box, and the internal condition of the material box is monitored in real time by a first camera and a second camera. When the first employee is detected to put the product into the material box, the first camera is adjusted by the first slide rail and / or the second camera is adjusted by the second slide rail to follow the first employee and monitor the position of the product being put into the material box, and the specific position of the first employee storing the product in the material box is determined by the reference mark. When it is detected that the second employee puts the product into the material box, the first camera is adjusted by the first slide rail and / or the second camera is adjusted by the second slide rail to follow the second employee and monitor the position of the product being put into the material box, and the specific location where the second employee puts the product in the material box is determined by the reference mark.

5. A production line control device, characterized in that, The production line control device is used to implement the production line process control method as described in any one of claims 1-4, and includes a material box, a barcode scanner, an RFID reader, and a camera; The barcode scanner and the RFID reader are respectively disposed on the outer side of the material box, and the barcode scanner and the RFID reader are disposed adjacent to each other. The camera is mounted on the inner wall of the material box to facilitate product identification and determine the position of the product when it is placed in the material box.

6. The production line control device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The camera includes a first camera and a second camera. A first slide rail and a second slide rail are respectively provided on the inner wall of the opposite side of the material box. The first camera is set on the first slide rail and the second camera is set on the second slide rail, so that the first camera and the second camera can slide horizontally along the inner wall of the opposite side of the material box.

7. The production line control device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The inner wall of the material box is equipped with reference marks to help employees determine the position where they will place the product into the material box.

8. The production line control device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The material box is equipped with wheels at each of the top corners of its bottom to facilitate its transport.

Images