Data preservation system

Abstract

This invention provides a data storage system comprising: a data storage unit that acquires and stores multiple data generated during substrate processing by a substrate processing machine; a standard storage unit that serves as a candidate storage destination for the data; an additional storage unit that is configured to be added to and removed from the system, serving as a candidate storage destination for the data; a priority setting unit that sets a storage priority for each of the multiple data based on the implementation status of the substrate processing when the data is generated; and a storage destination control unit that controls the storage destination of the data based on one or more conditions, including the presence or absence of the additional storage unit, the number of additional storage units, and the storage capacity of the standard storage unit and the additional storage units, and based on the set priorities.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This specification relates to a data storage system that stores multiple data generated during substrate processing by a substrate processing machine in a storage unit. Background Technology

[0002] The technology of mass-producing substrate products by performing substrate-mounting operations on substrates with printed wiring is becoming increasingly common. Furthermore, multiple substrate-mounting machines are typically arranged to form a substrate-mounting production line. Most substrate-mounting machines generate data during the substrate-mounting process. This data includes image data captured by cameras installed on the substrate-mounting machines, log data recording the operating history of the substrate-mounting machines, etc. This data is stored for the purpose of improving the traceability of substrate products or as a reference for improving the operating conditions of the substrate-mounting machines. Patent Document 1 discloses a technical example related to this data storage.

[0003] The file storage destination volume control method disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes the following steps: calculating storage requirements (reliability requirements and performance requirements) for each file with a storage request; calculating the file storage destination volume based on the calculated storage requirements and the reliability and performance characteristics of each volume; and separating the files and storing them in the calculated storage destination volumes. Therefore, the file storage destination can be optimized for each file, avoiding the hassle of complex settings for administrators.

[0004] Existing technical documents

[0005] Patent documents

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2004-70403 Summary of the Invention

[0007] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0008] However, in the method of Patent Document 1, a suitable storage destination volume is determined for each file based on the calculated storage requirements, and the files are stored separately. According to the description of the implementation, the storage requirements are calculated based on the business application category, user category, or client category, and files with higher storage requirements (important files) are stored in volumes with higher reliability and performance (high-performance volumes). Not limited to the method of Patent Document 1, typically when the unused space of a volume is exhausted, older files are deleted one by one, and new files are saved. Here, sometimes an unreasonable and inefficient volume (storage unit) usage situation occurs where the unused space of a high-performance volume storing important files is exhausted, requiring the deletion of older important files, while the unused space of a volume storing unimportant files remains.

[0009] Furthermore, when unused areas of the storage unit are exhausted, countermeasures such as adding external storage devices or other new storage units are often implemented. The method in Patent Document 1 cannot flexibly address such changes in the structure of the storage unit.

[0010] Therefore, the problem to be solved in this specification is to provide a data storage system that controls the storage destination of data generated when a substrate processing machine performs substrate processing based on changes in the structure of the storage unit and changes in the usage of the storage capacity, thereby ensuring the amount of high-priority data stored and suppressing excessive deletion.

[0011] Technical solutions for solving the problem

[0012] This specification discloses a data storage system comprising: a data storage unit that acquires and stores multiple data generated during substrate processing by a substrate processing machine; a standard storage unit that serves as a candidate storage destination for the data; an additional storage unit that is configured to be added to and removed from the system, serving as a candidate storage destination for the data; a priority setting unit that sets a storage priority for each of the multiple data based on the implementation status of the substrate processing when the data is generated; and a storage destination control unit that controls the storage destination of the data based on the set priorities and considering one or more conditions, including the presence or absence of the additional storage unit, the number of additional storage units, and the storage capacity of the standard storage unit and the additional storage units.

[0013] Invention Effects

[0014] In the data storage system disclosed in this specification, the data storage destination control unit controls the data storage destination based on one or more conditions, including the presence or absence of additional storage units, the number of additional storage units, and the storage capacity of the standard storage unit and the additional storage units, and according to a set priority. In this way, the data storage system can prioritize the storage of higher-priority data and adjust the storage destination or omit the storage of lower-priority data based on changes in the storage unit structure or storage capacity usage. Therefore, it can prevent the depletion of unused areas in the storage unit, ensuring the retention of a sufficient amount of higher-priority data and suppressing excessive deletion. Furthermore, by ensuring the retention of a sufficient amount of higher-priority data, it can significantly contribute to improving the traceability of substrate products and improving the operating conditions of substrate processing machines. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is a diagram schematically illustrating the system structure of the data storage system according to the first embodiment.

[0016] Figure 2 It is a diagram illustrating the action flow of the data storage system.

[0017] Figure 3 This is a diagram showing a list of action examples in the priority setting section of the action flow.

[0018] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing a list of action examples of the destination control unit in the action flow.

[0019] Figure 5 It is a diagram illustrating the situation after the data storage destination is controlled.

[0020] Figure 6 This is a diagram showing a list of operation examples of the destination control unit in the second embodiment.

[0021] Figure 7 This is a diagram schematically illustrating the system structure of the data storage system according to the third embodiment.

[0022] Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the data storage system according to the fourth embodiment.

[0023] Figure 9 This is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the data storage system according to the fifth embodiment.

[0024] Figure 10 This is a diagram showing an example of the correspondence between the priority of image data determined for each type of substrate and the storage destination in the data storage system of the fifth embodiment.

[0025] Figure 11 This is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the data storage system according to the sixth embodiment.

[0026] Figure 12 This is a diagram showing a list of operation examples of the priority setting unit in the operation flow of the sixth embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0027] 1. Structure of substrate processing line 9

[0028] First, refer to Figure 1 The structure of the substrate processing line 9 of the data storage system 1 of the first embodiment will be described. The substrate processing line 9 is composed of five substrate processing machines, namely, a solder printing machine 91, a solder inspection machine 92, a component assembly machine 93, a substrate inspection machine 97, and a reflow soldering machine 98.

[0029] Solder printing machine 91 repeatedly performs the printing operation of printing paste-like solder on predetermined positions on a substrate. Solder printing machine 91 consists of a substrate transport device, a screen with a circuit pattern formed in the shape of grooves placed on the upper surface of the substrate, and a squeegee that moves on the screen to print solder. Solder inspection machine 92 repeatedly performs a solder inspection operation to determine the quality of the solder printing. Solder inspection machine 92 consists, for example, a substrate transport device, an inspection camera that captures image data of the printed solder, and an image processing unit that performs image processing on the image data to determine the quality of the printing.

[0030] The component assembly machine 93 repeatedly performs component assembly operations by assembling components onto solder printed on a substrate. The component assembly machine 93 is composed of, for example, a substrate handling device, a component supply device, and a component transfer device. The component transfer device is composed of component assembly accessories such as nozzles that pick up and assemble components, an assembly head that holds the component assembly accessories, a drive mechanism that drives the assembly head in two horizontal directions, a camera 94, and an image processing unit 95.

[0031] Camera 94 captures image data D of the component assembly holding components. This image data D is equivalent to data generated during substrate assembly operations (i.e., component assembly operations) performed by the substrate handling machine, i.e., the component assembly machine 93. Image processing unit 95 performs image processing on the image data D received from camera 94 to determine the quality of the component holding state of the component assembly. Specifically, image processing unit 95 pre-stores predetermined judgment criteria for determining quality, such as judgment criteria that define allowable errors related to the position and posture of the held components. Then, image processing unit 95 calculates the positional and posture errors of the held components through image processing and compares them with the judgment criteria to make a judgment.

[0032] The image processing unit 95 determines the goodness of the component holding state of the component assembly and obtains one of the following image processing results (1) to (3). In case (1), the assembly operation is stopped; in cases (2) and (3), the assembly operation is performed.

[0033] (1) Abnormal: The actual error deviates from the allowable error range of the judgment criterion.

[0034] (2) Abnormal signs: The actual error is within the allowable error range, but it is relatively large. Or, although the actual error is within the allowable error range, it is believed to have an increasing tendency.

[0035] (3) Normal: The actual error is within the allowable error range and has sufficient margin relative to the limit of the allowable error.

[0036] The substrate inspection machine 97 repeatedly performs inspection operations to check the assembly status of components mounted on the substrate. The substrate inspection machine 97 consists of a substrate transport device, an inspection camera that captures image data of the components mounted on the substrate, and an image processing unit that processes the image data to determine the quality of the component assembly status. The reflow soldering machine 98 repeatedly performs a reflow soldering operation by heating a paste-like solder to melt it and then cooling it. This makes the soldering process reliable, thereby producing substrate products. The reflow soldering machine 98 consists, for example, a substrate transport device, a heating device, a cooling device, and a temperature adjustment device.

[0037] The structure of the substrate processing line 9 described above is variable, and the construction of each substrate processing machine is also adaptable. A management computer 2 is provided to manage the overall operation progress of the substrate processing line 9. The management computer 2 is connected to the solder printer 91, solder inspection machine 92, component assembly machine 93, substrate inspection machine 97, and reflow soldering machine 98 via a communication line 99. This enables bidirectional data communication via the communication line 99.

[0038] The management computer 2 is configured with a built-in processing unit 21 and an internal storage device 22, and includes a data bus 23. The data bus 23 enables data transmission between the processing unit 21 and the internal storage device 22. Furthermore, the data bus 23 connects the management computer 2 to separate external devices, enabling data communication. The internal storage device 22 stores a pre-installed operating program 24. The operating program 24 describes detailed steps and implementation methods for operating the substrates, corresponding to each type of substrate. The management computer 2 distributes the operating program 24, corresponding to the type of substrate to be produced, to each substrate-operating machine and executes it.

[0039] 2. System structure of data storage system 1 according to the first embodiment

[0040] The description then moves to the data storage system 1 of the first embodiment. The data storage system 1 stores image data D acquired by the camera 94 of the component assembly machine 93. Since a large number of these image data D are generated during the operation of the substrate processing line 9, and their data size is large, they become a major cause of depletion of unused areas in the storage unit. The data storage system 1 can perform reasonable and efficient storage by setting a priority for these image data D and controlling the storage destination. Furthermore, the image data D is not limited to the raw data acquired by the camera 94; it can also be processed data after image processing by the image processing unit 95, or both raw data and processed data.

[0041] Not limited to the above, the data stored in the data storage system 1 can be image data captured by the inspection camera of the solder inspection machine 92 and the inspection camera of the substrate inspection machine 97, or image data captured by the camera installed on the substrate handling machine of the position reference mark of the substrate being moved in by the substrate handling device. Furthermore, the stored data can also be log data recording the operation history of the substrate handling machine, or various other numerical data. Moreover, the stored data can be a combination of multiple types of the above-mentioned data.

[0042] like Figure 1 As shown, the data storage system 1 consists of a data storage unit 3, a priority setting unit 4, a storage destination control unit 5, a standard storage unit MS, a first supplementary storage unit MA1, and a second supplementary storage unit MA2. The data storage unit 3, the priority setting unit 4, and the storage destination control unit 5 are configured using the arithmetic processing unit 21 of the management computer 2 and are implemented through software.

[0043] The standard storage unit MS is allocated a portion of the storage area of ​​the internal storage device 22. The first additional storage unit MA1 is allocated to the first external storage device 61. The first additional storage unit MA1 can either have all the storage area of ​​the first external storage device 61 or be allocated a portion of the storage area. The second additional storage unit MA2 is allocated to the second external storage device 62. The second additional storage unit MA2 can either have all the storage area of ​​the second external storage device 62 or be allocated a portion of the storage area. The first external storage device 61 and the second external storage device 62 are connected to the management computer 2 via the data bus 23.

[0044] The standard storage unit MS, the first supplementary storage unit MA1, and the second supplementary storage unit MA2 serve as candidates for storing image data D. The storage capacity of each of the first supplementary storage units MA1 and MA2 is significantly larger than that of the standard storage unit MS, enabling them to store more image data D than the standard storage unit MS. Furthermore, in the event that unused areas in each storage unit are exhausted, an update process is performed, sequentially deleting old image data D and storing new image data D.

[0045] The standard storage unit MS resides permanently within the data storage system 1. On the other hand, the first external storage device 61, which is assigned a first additional storage unit MA1, and the second external storage device 62, which is assigned a second additional storage unit MA2, can be added to and removed from the data storage system 1 after it begins operation. That is, the first additional storage unit MA1 and the second additional storage unit MA2 are configured to be able to be added to and removed from the system. Therefore, during the operation of the substrate production line 9, there may be changes in the structure of the storage units, and there may be discontinuous changes in the size of the unused areas of the storage units.

[0046] Furthermore, the first additional storage unit MA1 and the second additional storage unit MA2 can each be allocated to different storage areas of an external storage device. Alternatively, the data storage system 1 can be a system architecture without the second additional storage unit MA2, or a system architecture with three or more additional storage units. Moreover, the first additional storage unit MA1 and the second additional storage unit MA2 can also be allocated to a cloud storage device 63, which is detachably connected to the management computer 2 and identified as not being added when detached. Thus, the cloud system as an external resource can be effectively utilized, improving the overall economic efficiency of the system.

[0047] The data storage unit 3 acquires image data D and the corresponding image processing results from the image processing unit 95 of the component assembly machine 93. Furthermore, the data storage unit 3 saves each image data D to a save destination determined by the save destination control unit 5. Preferably, the data storage unit 3 acquires and saves the image data D each time it is generated, but batch processing that aggregates multiple image data Ds is also possible.

[0048] The priority setting unit 4 assigns a saving priority to each of the multiple image data Ds based on the implementation status of the component assembly operation when the image data D is generated. Specifically, the priority setting unit 4 assigns a low priority to image data D generated when the component assembly operation is performed well within a predetermined allowable range, and a high priority to image data D generated when the component assembly operation is performed poorly outside the allowable range. In the first embodiment, the priority setting unit 4 assigns one of a plurality of priority ranks representing priority to each of the multiple image data Ds (details will be described later).

[0049] Here, the implementation status of component assembly work is equivalent to the operation speed, direction, and other operation status of each part of the component assembly work, the positional relationship between each part, the substrate, and the components, and the positional relationship between the parts. In the first embodiment, the component holding state of the component assembly assembly is used as the implementation status of the component assembly work, and its goodness is represented by the image processing results. In addition, the lifting and lowering operation status of the component assembly assembly can also be used as the implementation status of the component assembly work, and the data storage unit 3 can also store log data of the lifting and lowering speed history. Alternatively, the position and posture of the components mounted on the substrate can also be used as the implementation status of the component assembly work, and the data storage unit 3 stores the error data of the position and posture of the components and the image data obtained by photographing the assembled components.

[0050] The save destination control unit 5 controls the save destination of image data D based on the presence or absence of the first additional storage unit MA1 and the second additional storage unit MA2 and on a set priority order. Furthermore, the save destination control unit 5 controls the save destination according to the priority order of each image data D (details will be described later).

[0051] 3. Operation of the data storage system 1 in the first embodiment

[0052] Next, refer to Figures 2-5 The operation of the data storage system 1 according to the first embodiment will be described. Figure 2 The operation flow shown is executed in parallel with the operation of the component assembly machine 93. Hereinafter, we will explain the case where the first additional storage unit MA1 and the second additional storage unit MA2 are not present at the beginning of the operation of the data storage system 1, and then the first additional storage unit MA1 is added, followed by the addition of the second additional storage unit MA2.

[0053] exist Figure 2 In step S11, the data storage unit 3 obtains a set of image data D and the corresponding image processing result from the image processing unit 95, which has completed image processing of image data D. In the next step S12, the priority setting unit 4 sets the image data D obtained by the data storage unit 3 as the target. Figure 3 The priority order is shown. Figure 3 The diagram illustrates the correspondence between the image processing results of image data D and the set priority order. Furthermore, when multiple image data Ds are assigned priority orders, the diagram shows the correspondence between the priority order and the number of data points.

[0054] As shown in the figure, when the image processing result of image data D shows that the component holding state of the component assembly is abnormal, the priority setting unit 4 assigns a first priority, indicating a high priority, to image data D. Furthermore, when the image processing result of image data D shows abnormal symptoms, the priority setting unit 4 assigns a second priority, indicating a middle priority, to image data D. Finally, when the image processing result of image data D shows normal conditions, the priority setting unit 4 assigns a third priority, indicating a low priority, to image data D.

[0055] Furthermore, when the priority setting unit 4 sets a priority order for multiple image data Ds, the number of image data Ds with the first priority order is relatively small. The number of image data Ds with the second priority order is larger than that with the first priority order, but even so, it remains relatively small. And, the number of image data Ds with the third priority order typically constitutes the vast majority.

[0056] In the next step S13, the save destination control unit 5 confirms the candidates for save destination. That is, in addition to the standard storage unit MS that is permanently resident in the system, the save destination control unit 5 also confirms whether the first additional storage unit MA1 and the second additional storage unit MA2 have been added to the system. In the next step S14, the save destination control unit 5 selects the image data D whose priority has been set by the priority setting unit 4 as the target and determines... Figure 4 The save destination is shown. Figure 4 In this paper, the priority of image data D and the structure of the storage unit are used as parameters to show the destination for storing image data D.

[0057] As shown in the figure, when the standard storage unit MS is not added (only the first additional storage unit MA1 and the second additional storage unit MA2 are not added), the save destination control unit 5 determines the save destination of the first priority image data D as the standard storage unit MS, and determines the save destination of the second priority and third priority image data D as none. The determined save destination is maintained until the structure of the storage unit is changed. In the next step S15, if the first priority is set for the image data D, the data saving unit 3 saves it in the standard storage unit MS; if the second priority and third priority are set for the image data D, the data saving unit 3 does not save it. After that, the execution of the operation flow returns to step S11.

[0058] Furthermore, in step S14, when the first additional storage unit MA1 is added, the save destination control unit 5 maintains the save destination of the first priority image data D as the standard storage unit MS, and determines the save destination of the second and third priority image data D as the first additional storage unit MA1. The determined save destination is maintained until the storage unit structure is changed again. In addition, if the first additional storage unit MA1 has already been added when the data storage system 1 starts operating, the save destination control unit 5 performs the above control operation immediately after the start of operation.

[0059] exist Figure 5 The image shows the state after the destination has been controlled as described above. Figure 5 In the diagram, the first priority image data D1 is represented by a shading with a crosshair, the second priority image data D2 is represented by a shading with a right-upper-diagonal line, and the third priority image data D3 is represented by a solid color. As shown, the first priority image data D1 is continuously stored in the standard storage unit MS from the start of operation of the data storage system 1. Furthermore, the second priority image data D2 and the third priority image data D3 are not stored from the start of operation of the data storage system 1 until the addition of the first supplementary storage unit MA1, after which they are stored in the newly added first supplementary storage unit MA1.

[0060] In this way, the storage destination for the small number of first-priority image data D1 is determined as the standard storage unit MS, and the storage destination for the smaller number of second-priority image data D2 and the larger number of third-priority image data D3 is determined as the first supplementary storage unit MA1. Therefore, since only a small number of image data D1 are stored in the standard storage unit MS with its smaller storage capacity, the depletion of unused areas can be suppressed. Furthermore, the entire storage capacity of the standard storage unit MS can be allocated to the first-priority image data D1. Thus, the amount of first-priority image data D1 stored can be ensured, and excessive deletion can be suppressed. Additionally, since the depletion of unused areas in the first supplementary storage unit MA1 with its larger storage capacity occurs before that in the standard storage unit MS, a second supplementary storage unit MA2 is required.

[0061] From another perspective, the above method is described below. Specifically, the priority setting unit 4, based on the criteria for determining priority, assigns a high priority (first priority) to the minority image data D1 and a low priority (second priority, third priority) to the majority image data (D2, D3). The storage destination control unit 5, referring to the storage capacity of the standard storage unit MS and the added first supplementary storage unit MA1, controls the storage destination of the image data (D1, D2, D3) so that the feasible storage period for the minority high-priority image data D1 is longer than the feasible storage period for the majority low-priority image data (D2, D3).

[0062] Furthermore, in step S14, when the second additional storage unit MA2 is added, the save destination control unit 5 maintains the save destination of the first priority image data D as the standard storage unit MS, maintains the save destination of the second priority image data D as the first additional storage unit MA1, and changes the save destination of the third priority image data D from the existing first additional storage unit MA1 to the newly established second additional storage unit MA2. At this time, the third priority image data D that has been saved in the first additional storage unit MA1 can be moved to the second additional storage unit MA2, or it can remain directly in the first additional storage unit MA1. The determined save destination is maintained until the next change in the storage unit structure. As described above, since the save destinations of multiple third priority image data Ds are changed to the second additional storage unit MA2, the depletion of unused areas in the first additional storage unit MA1 can be suppressed. In other words, the deletion of second priority image data D can be suppressed.

[0063] In the data storage system 1 of the first embodiment, the storage destination control unit 5 controls the storage destination of image data D based on the presence or absence of the first additional storage unit MA1 and the second additional storage unit MA2 and on a set priority order. In this way, the data storage system 1 can preferentially store the first-priority image data D in the standard storage unit MS, and adjust the storage destinations of the second-priority and third-priority image data D, or omit storage, depending on changes in the structure of the storage unit. Therefore, it can suppress the depletion of unused areas in the standard storage unit MS, ensure the storage quantity of the first-priority image data D, and suppress excessive deletion.

[0064] Furthermore, by storing the first and second priority image data D, significant contributions can be made to improving the traceability of substrate products and the operating conditions of substrate processing machines. For example, when a defective substrate product is discovered, confirming the presence or absence of image data D during component assembly operations on that substrate, or analyzing image data D, can help identify the cause of the defect. Additionally, by analyzing multiple image data D to verify the main causes of anomalies and their symptoms, and by improving the shooting conditions of camera 94 and the operating conditions of component assembly parts, anomalies can be reduced.

[0065] 4. Second Implementation Method

[0066] Next, refer to Figure 6 The data storage system of the second embodiment will be described. In the second embodiment, no changes are made. Figure 1 The system structure shown and Figure 2 The operation flow is shown. In the second embodiment, compared with the first embodiment, the storage capacity of the standard storage unit MS has a relatively large margin, so the operation of the storage destination control unit 5 executed in step S14 is changed.

[0067] That is, in step S14, the destination control unit 5 determines the destination based on the image data D. Figure 6 The save destination is shown. As shown in the figure, the save destination control unit 5 determines the save destination of all image data D from the first priority to the third priority as the standard storage unit MS when only the first additional storage unit MA1 and the second additional storage unit MA2 have not been added. The determined save destination is maintained until the structure of the storage unit is changed.

[0068] Furthermore, when the first additional storage unit MA1 is added, the save destination control unit 5 maintains the save destination of the first priority image data D as the standard storage unit MS, and changes the save destination of the second and third priority image data D from the standard storage unit MS to the first additional storage unit MA1. At this time, the second and third priority image data D that have been saved in the standard storage unit MS can be moved to the first additional storage unit MA1, or they can remain directly in the standard storage unit MS. The determined save destination is maintained until the next change in the storage unit structure. In addition, as a variation, the save destination control unit 5 can maintain the save destination of the second priority image data D as the standard storage unit MS, provided that the unused area of ​​the standard storage unit MS is exhausted more slowly than the unused area of ​​the first additional storage unit MA1.

[0069] Furthermore, when a second additional storage unit MA2 is added, the save destination control unit 5 maintains the save destination of the first priority image data D as the standard storage unit MS, maintains the save destination of the second priority image data D as the first additional storage unit MA1, and changes the save destination of the third priority image data D from the existing first additional storage unit MA1 to the newly established second additional storage unit MA2. At this time, the third priority image data D that has been saved in the first additional storage unit MA1 can be moved to the second additional storage unit MA2, or it can remain directly in the first additional storage unit MA1. The determined save destination is maintained until the next change in the storage unit structure. In the second embodiment, the same effect as in the first embodiment is achieved in ensuring the number of first priority and second priority image data D saved and suppressing excessive deletion.

[0070] 5. Data storage system 1A of the third embodiment

[0071] Next, refer to Figure 7 The data storage system 1A according to the third embodiment will be described. In the third embodiment, the storage unit differs from that in the first embodiment. That is, the standard storage unit MS is composed of a standard storage area for which a predetermined storage capacity has been allocated to the internal storage device 22. The standard storage unit MS is pre-allocated and pre-configured before the data storage system 1 begins operation.

[0072] On the other hand, the first additional storage unit MA1 and the second additional storage unit MA2 are composed of additional storage areas for which storage capacity is allocated, which are different from the standard storage areas of the internal storage device 22. The first additional storage unit MA1 and the second additional storage unit MA2 are configured to be allocated after the data storage system 1 begins operation, and from that point onward, they become candidates for storage destinations. In the third embodiment, even if the storage unit configuration is different, the same operation and the same effect can be achieved as in the first and second embodiments.

[0073] 6. Fourth Implementation Method

[0074] Next, refer to Figure 8 The data storage system of the fourth embodiment will be described. In the fourth embodiment, no changes are made. Figure 1The system structure is shown. In the fourth embodiment, the operation of the save destination control unit 5 differs from that in the first to third embodiments. In the fourth embodiment, the save destination control unit 5 controls whether to save the image data D based on the storage capacity of the standard storage unit MS and the additional storage unit, as well as the data size of the image data D, and a set priority order. In the fourth embodiment, the save destination control unit 5 does not perform control to distinguish candidate save destinations for the image data D, but instead performs control on whether to save it.

[0075] The following is in accordance with Figure 8 The operation flow will be explained primarily based on the operation of the destination control unit 5. Figure 8 In step S1, an initial setting of a predetermined quantity is performed. This predetermined quantity is pre-stored in the internal storage device 22 or set via operator input. The predetermined quantity corresponds to a determination value used to reduce the amount of image data D that can be saved in the future. In the next step S11, the data storage unit 3 obtains a set of image data D and the corresponding image processing results from the image processing unit 95. In the next step S12, the priority setting unit 4 sets a priority based on the image data D. Figure 3 The priority order is shown.

[0076] In the next step S21, the destination control unit 5 calculates the number of image data D that can be saved from now on, based on the unused storage capacity and the data size of the image data D. Specifically, for each storage unit that is a candidate for a storage destination at the current time, the destination control unit 5 divides the unused storage capacity by the data size to determine the number that can be saved individually (discarding the decimal point). Then, the destination control unit 5 adds up the number of individual storage units that can be saved to calculate the total number of images that can be saved.

[0077] In the next step S22, the destination control unit 5 determines whether the number of images that can be saved exceeds a predetermined number, and branches the execution of the operation flow. In step S15, if the number of images that can be saved exceeds the predetermined number, the destination control unit 5 causes the data storage unit 3 to save the image data D regardless of the priority set for the image data D. That is, if the unused area of ​​the storage unit is large and the number of images that can be saved is large, all image data D is saved. Afterwards, the operation flow returns to step S11.

[0078] In step S23, when the number of images that can be saved is less than a predetermined number, the destination control unit 5 determines whether a first priority has been set for image data D, causing the execution flow to branch. If the first priority has been set, the operation flow merges with step S15, and the data storage unit 3 saves image data D. If a second or third priority has been set, the operation flow returns to step S11, and image data D is not saved. That is, when the unused area of ​​the storage unit decreases and the number of images that can be saved decreases, only image data D with the first priority is saved.

[0079] Therefore, it is possible to continue storing the first-priority image data D, and to prevent the depletion of unused areas in the storage unit, ensuring the amount of first-priority image data D stored and suppressing excessive deletion. Furthermore, if the number of data that can be stored falls below a predetermined amount and only the first-priority image data D is stored in the standard storage unit MS, a first supplementary storage unit MA1 can be added. Moreover, if only the first-priority image data D is stored in both the standard storage unit MS and the first supplementary storage unit MA1, a second supplementary storage unit MA2 can be added. With these additions, the unused area of ​​the storage unit increases significantly and discontinuously, allowing all image data D to be stored again.

[0080] 7. Fifth Implementation Method

[0081] Next, refer to Figure 9 as well as Figure 10 The data storage system of the fifth embodiment will be described. In the fifth embodiment, no changes are made. Figure 1 The system structure is shown. In the fifth embodiment, the operation of the storage destination control unit 5 differs from that in the first to fourth embodiments. In the fifth embodiment, the storage destination control unit 5 controls the change of the storage destination of the image data D according to the type of substrate (hereinafter referred to as substrate type).

[0082] The following is in accordance with Figure 9 The operation flow will be explained primarily based on the operation of the destination control unit 5. Figure 9 In step S2, the destination control unit 5 takes the types of substrates produced subsequently as the target and obtains the correspondence between the priority of the image data D determined for each substrate type and the destination. An example of this correspondence is as follows: Figure 10As shown, a detailed explanation will be provided. Substrate type KA is not important in management due to its low cost or the less stringent precision requirements for substrate operations. In other words, the necessity of storing image data D is low, especially the necessity of storing image data D with low priority. Therefore, for substrate type KA, the first priority of image data D is established with the standard storage unit MS at the storage destination, while the second and third priority of image data D are not established (they do not need to be stored).

[0083] Substrate type KB is important for management due to its high price or the strict precision requirements of substrate operations. In other words, the need to store image data D is high, and even image data D with low priority is necessary. Therefore, regarding substrate type KB, the first priority of image data D corresponds to the standard storage unit MS of the storage destination, and the second and third priority correspond to the first additional storage unit MA1 of the storage destination.

[0084] Substrate type KC has a large production volume in the past, and a lot of image data D has already been saved. Therefore, there is less need to save image data D with lower priority. For substrate type KC, the first priority of image data D is established with the standard storage unit MS of the storage destination, the second priority is established with the first additional storage unit MA1 of the storage destination, and the third priority is not established (it does not need to be saved).

[0085] In the past, substrate type KD had a relatively small production volume, resulting in only a small amount of saved image data D. Therefore, the necessity of saving image data D is high, even for image data D with low priority. Regarding substrate type KD, the first priority of image data D corresponds to the standard storage unit MS at the destination of storage, while the second and third priority correspond to the first additional storage unit MA1 at the destination of storage.

[0086] These correspondences are defined by the operating procedure 24 for each substrate type, and can be easily obtained by the destination control unit 5. However, this is not a limitation; these correspondences can also be, for example,... Figure 10 The example list is stored in the internal storage device 22. Alternatively, these correspondences can be set by the operator through input operations each time the type of substrate to be produced is changed.

[0087] In the next step S11, the data storage unit 3 obtains a set of image data D and the corresponding image processing result from the image processing unit 95. In the next step S12, the priority setting unit 4 sets the priority based on the image data D. Figure 3The priority order is shown. In the next step S13, the save destination control unit 5 confirms the candidates for save destination. In the next step S14A, the save destination control unit 5 determines the save destination of image data D based on the obtained correspondence.

[0088] However, the storage destination control unit 5 needs to consider the constraints of candidate storage destinations. For example, if the image data D obtained when producing substrate type KB is the second priority, the storage destination control unit 5 sets the storage destination as the first additional storage unit MA1 (see reference). Figure 10 However, assuming that the first additional storage unit MA1 is not added, the save destination is corrected to none. In the next step S15, the data saving unit 3 saves the image data D at the save destination determined by the save destination control unit 5, and does not save if there is no save destination.

[0089] In the next step S16, the destination control unit 5 determines whether it is the end of production for the current substrate type. If production of that substrate type continues, the operation flow returns to step S11. In step S11, the data storage unit 3 acquires a set of next image data D and the corresponding image processing results. If production of that substrate type ends, the operation flow returns to step S2. In step S2, the destination control unit 5 re-acquires the correspondence between the priority order of the image data D determined for the next substrate type and the destination.

[0090] In the fifth embodiment, the storage destination control unit 5 considers not only changes in the structure of the storage unit and changes in storage capacity usage, but also the type of substrate, thereby controlling the change of storage destination for image data D. Therefore, the limited storage capacity of the storage unit can be used more efficiently. That is, considering the varying necessity of image data D depending on the type of substrate, it is possible to selectively store image data D that is of higher necessity.

[0091] 8. Sixth Implementation Method

[0092] Next, refer to Figure 11 as well as Figure 12 The data storage system of the sixth embodiment will be described. In the sixth embodiment, no changes are made. Figure 1 The system structure is shown. In the sixth embodiment, the operation of the priority setting unit 4 differs from that in the first to fifth embodiments. In the sixth embodiment, the priority setting unit 4 sets the priority of image data D acquired during a predetermined period after the implementation conditions of the component assembly operation (substrate operation) are changed to be higher than the priority of image data D acquired before the implementation conditions are changed.

[0093] Here, the conditions for performing the component assembly operation are equivalent to an operator assisting in the component assembly operation, or a specific part within the component assembly machine 93 that performs the component assembly operation. The operator assists in the component assembly operation, for example, by supplying components to the component supply device of the component assembly machine 93 or by changing the assembly head of the component transfer device. If this operator is replaced, cases where anomalies or changes in the frequency of anomaly occurrences may occur in the image processing results of the replaced image data D. Therefore, the necessity of storing the image data D for a period of time after the replacement increases.

[0094] Furthermore, the assembly head of the component transfer device can be used as an example of a specific part that performs component assembly operations. When the assembly head is replaced, there may be cases where anomalies or changes in the frequency of occurrence of abnormal symptoms may occur in the image processing results of the replaced image data D. Therefore, the necessity of storing image data D for a period of time after replacement increases. The changed information (operator replacement history, assembly head replacement history) of the implementation conditions of the component assembly operation is stored in the internal storage device 22. In addition, changes to the specific part that performs component assembly operations also include the replacement of camera 94, the version upgrade of the image processing program of image processing unit 95, etc.

[0095] The following is in accordance with Figure 11 The action flow will be explained primarily based on the actions of priority setting unit 4. Figure 11 In step S3, the initial setting of the predetermined period is performed. The predetermined period is pre-stored in the internal storage device 22 or set by the operator's input. The predetermined period is the time required to determine whether the replacement of the operator or the change of the assembly head will affect the image processing result of the image data D. The predetermined period can be specified by, for example, a time of three days, or by the workload of 1000 substrates.

[0096] In the next step S11, the data storage unit 3 obtains a set of image data D and the corresponding image processing result from the image processing unit 95. In the next step S12A, the priority setting unit 4 determines whether the current time point conforms to a predetermined period, and branches the execution of the operation flow accordingly. In step S12B, if the predetermined period is not met, the priority setting unit 4 operates in the same manner as in the first embodiment. That is, the priority setting unit 4 sets... Figure 12 The priority order is shown in the "Normal" column. "Normal" refers to the normal situation before the conditions for performing the component assembly operation are changed. The set priority order is the same as that described in the first embodiment. Figure 3 They have the same priority.

[0097] In step S12C, where the predetermined period applies, the priority setting unit 4 performs a priority upgrade setting, that is, it sets a higher priority for image data D than usual. For example... Figure 12 As shown in the "Predetermined Period 1" column, the priority setting unit 4 sets the first priority for all image data D. Alternatively, as shown in the "Predetermined Period 2" column, the priority setting unit 4 sets the first priority when the image processing result of image data D shows abnormalities or abnormal symptoms, and sets the second priority when the image processing result of image data D shows normal results. Furthermore, the priority setting unit 4 may also perform the settings shown in "Predetermined Period 1" in the early part of the predetermined period and the settings shown in "Predetermined Period 2" in the later part of the predetermined period.

[0098] After step S12B or step S12C is executed, the execution of the action flow merges with step S13. The actions in steps S13, S14, and S15 are the same as in the first embodiment. After step S15 is executed, the execution of the action flow returns to step S11.

[0099] In the sixth embodiment, the priority setting unit 4 considers changes in the implementation conditions of the component assembly operation (substrate operation) to change the priority of the image data D. Therefore, more image data D than usual can be saved only for a predetermined period after the implementation conditions are changed. Consequently, it is possible to selectively save the image data D required to determine whether the change in implementation conditions affects the image processing result of the image data D.

[0100] 9. Application and variations of the implementation methods

[0101] Furthermore, the system structure of the data storage system 1 can be freely changed. For example, the data storage unit 3, the priority setting unit 4, the storage destination control unit 5, and the standard storage unit MS can also be provided in the computer device within the component assembly machine 93. In addition, the priority order of the image data D is not limited to the three stages described in the embodiments, but can be subdivided into four or more stages, or it can be set to two stages: high priority and low priority. Various applications and modifications can be made in addition to the first embodiment to the sixth embodiment.

[0102] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0103] 1. 1A: Data storage system; 2. Management computer; 21: Processing unit; 22: Internal storage device; 24: Operating program; 3: Data storage unit; 4: Priority setting unit; 5: Storage destination control unit; 61: First external storage device; 62: Second external storage device; 63: Cloud storage device; 9: Substrate assembly line; 93: Component assembly machine; 94: Camera; 95: Image processing unit; D, D1, D2, D3: Image data; MS: Standard storage unit; MA1: First additional storage unit; MA2: Second additional storage unit.

Claims

1. A data storage system, comprising: The data storage unit acquires and stores multiple data generated during substrate processing by the substrate processing machine. The standard storage unit serves as a candidate for the storage destination of the data. An additional storage unit is configured to be able to be added to and removed from the system, serving as a candidate for the storage destination where the data is stored; The priority setting unit sets a storage priority for each of the multiple data sets based on the implementation status of the substrate operation when the data is generated; as well as The destination control unit controls the destination of the data storage based on one or more of the following conditions: the presence or absence of the additional storage unit, the number of additional storage units added, and the storage capacity of the standard storage unit and the additional storage units added, and based on the set priority.

2. The data storage system according to claim 1, wherein, The storage destination control unit is configured to, during periods when no additional storage unit is added, determine the storage destination of a portion of the data as the standard storage unit, and determine the storage destination of the remaining data, which has a lower priority than the portion of the data, as none. When the additional storage unit is added, the storage destination of a portion of the data is maintained as the standard storage unit, and the storage destination of the remaining portion of the data is determined as the additional storage unit.

3. The data storage system according to claim 1, wherein, The storage destination control unit is configured to, during periods when no additional storage unit is added, determine the storage destination for all data as the standard storage unit. When the additional storage unit is added, the storage destination of a portion of the data is maintained as the standard storage unit, and the storage destination of the remaining data with a lower priority than the portion of the data is changed from the standard storage unit to the additional storage unit.

4. The data storage system according to claim 2, wherein, Whenever a second or subsequent additional storage unit is added, the storage destination control unit changes the storage destination of the remaining data with lower priority from the existing additional storage unit to the newly added additional storage unit.

5. The data storage system according to claim 3, wherein, Whenever a second or subsequent additional storage unit is added, the storage destination control unit changes the storage destination of the remaining data with lower priority from the existing additional storage unit to the newly added additional storage unit.

6. The data storage system according to claim 1, wherein, The destination control unit is configured to control whether to save the data based on the storage capacity of the standard storage unit and the additional storage unit, the data size, and the set priority.

7. The data storage system according to claim 6, wherein, The storage destination control unit is configured to determine the amount of data that can be saved in the future by referring to the unused storage capacity and the data size. During the period when the storable quantity exceeds a predetermined quantity, the data storage unit stores all of the data. After the storable quantity falls below the predetermined quantity, the data storage unit stores a portion of the data and does not store the remaining data whose priority is lower than the portion of the data.

8. The data storage system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, The priority setting unit sets a low priority for data generated when the implementation of the substrate application is good within a predetermined allowable range, and sets a high priority for data generated when the implementation of the substrate application deviates from the allowable range and is not good.

9. The data storage system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, The priority setting unit assigns a higher priority to a minority of the data and a lower priority to the majority of the data based on a criteria for determining the priority level. The storage destination control unit controls the storage destination of the data with reference to the storage capacity of the standard storage unit and the additional storage unit, so that the feasible storage period of a minority of the high-priority data is longer than the feasible storage period of a majority of the low-priority data.

10. The data storage system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, The priority setting unit sets a priority position from a plurality of priority positions representing the priority for each of the plurality of data. The storage destination control unit controls the storage destination according to the priority order of each piece of data.

11. The data storage system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, The data storage unit, the priority setting unit, and the storage destination control unit are configured using a computer's processing unit. The standard storage unit is allocated to the internal storage device built into the computer. The additional storage unit is allocated to an external storage device connected to the computer.

12. The data storage system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, The standard storage section is a standard storage area allocated a predetermined storage capacity to the storage device. The additional storage unit is an additional storage area that allocates storage capacity to a region of the storage device that is different from the standard storage area.

13. The data storage system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, The data storage unit, the priority setting unit, and the storage destination control unit are configured using a computer's processing unit. The standard storage unit is allocated to the internal storage device built into the computer. The additional storage unit is allocated to a cloud storage device that is detachably connected to the computer and is identified as not being added when detached.

14. The data storage system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, The storage destination control unit changes the storage destination of the data according to the type of substrate.

15. The data storage system according to claim 13, wherein, The correspondence between the priority of the data determined for each substrate type and the storage destination is specified by the operating procedure that describes the implementation guidelines for substrate operations for each substrate type.

16. The data storage system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, The priority setting unit sets the priority of the data acquired within a predetermined period after the change of the implementation conditions for the substrate operation to be higher than the priority of the data acquired before the change of implementation conditions.

17. The data storage system according to claim 16, wherein, The conditions for performing the substrate-mounting operation are that at least one of the operator assisting in the substrate-mounting operation and at least one of the specific parts within the substrate-mounting machine that perform the substrate-mounting operation.

18. The data storage system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, The data is image data obtained by a camera installed on the substrate mounting machine when the substrate mounting machine performs the substrate mounting operation.

19. The data storage system according to claim 18, wherein, The data is image data obtained by the camera installed on the component assembly machine taking pictures of the component assembly holding the components when the component assembly machine, which is the substrate assembly machine, performs the component assembly operation as the substrate assembly operation. The priority setting unit is configured such that, if the result of image processing performed on the image data indicates that the component holding state of the component assembly is abnormal, it sets a first priority order for the image data, indicating that the priority is high. If the image processing results indicate that the component holding state of the component assembly is abnormal, the image data is assigned a second priority level, representing the middle priority. If the result of the image processing shows that the component of the component assembly is in a normal state, the image data is assigned a third priority order indicating a lower priority.

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