Server device and program

Abstract

The server device includes: an acquisition device that acquires drawings to be used in an estimation related to an operation for manufacturing a product; a processing device that processes the drawings so that objects indicating details of operations to be performed in each step of the operation for manufacturing the product are shown on the drawings; and an output device that outputs the processed drawings to a terminal device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a technology for assisting an operator in performing work of producing a product. Background Art

[0002] Estimation techniques associated with the work of producing products based on drawings are known. For example, Patent Document 1 describes a technique of generating a graph for estimating component costs based on design drawings and estimating component costs based on the generated graph.

[0003] Reference List

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: JP 2013-246487A Summary of the invention

[0006] Technical issues

[0007] Generally, drawings used for estimation are not used for purposes other than estimation. It is expected that drawings used for estimation can be used for purposes other than estimation. Meanwhile, operators in the workplace basically perform operations for producing products based on production drawings. However, it may take time for each operator to understand the parts and the contents of the operations that the operator is to operate by simply viewing the production drawings. In order to allow each operator to easily understand the contents of the operations, for example, it is conceivable to create written operating instructions separately from the production drawings. However, in this case, it will take time and effort to create written operation instructions.

[0008] An object of the present invention is to enable an operator to more easily understand the contents of work by effectively using drawings for estimation.

[0009] Technical solutions to the problem

[0010] One aspect of the present invention provides a server device, which includes: an acquisition device for acquiring drawings to be used in estimates related to jobs for producing products; a processing device for processing the drawings so that an object indicating the content of jobs to be performed in the job process for producing the product is displayed on the drawings; and an output device for outputting the processed drawings to a terminal device.

[0011] An object may indicate the part on which the work is to be performed.

[0012] An object may have a different appearance depending on the type of job.

[0013] The drawing may include a layer corresponding to a work process, and the layer may include an object indicating the content of a work to be performed in the work process.

[0014] The output device can output the drawing obtained by superimposing a layer including an object indicating the content of the operation to be performed during the operation on the acquired drawing to the terminal device corresponding to the operation process among a plurality of terminal devices.

[0015] The server device may further include: a generation device that generates a coded image indicating an identifier uniquely identifying the production of a product, wherein when the coded image is read by the reader device, the output device can output the processed drawing to the terminal device.

[0016] The server device may further include: a storage control device that stores at least one of the start date and time and the end date and time of the operation in the storage unit based on the date and time when the coded image is read by the reader device.

[0017] Another aspect of the present invention provides a program for causing a computer to execute the following steps: a step of acquiring a drawing to be used in an estimation related to an operation for producing a product; a step of processing the drawing so that an object indicating the content of the operation to be performed during the operation for producing a product is displayed on the drawing; and a step of outputting the processed drawing to a terminal device.

[0018] Effect of the Invention

[0019] According to the present invention, by effectively using the drawing for estimation, the operator can more easily understand the operation content. Description of the Drawings

[0020] Figure 1 Shows an example of an estimation system according to an embodiment.

[0021] Figure 2 Shows an example of the configuration of the server device.

[0022] Figure 3 Shows an example of an estimation management table.

[0023] Figure 4 Shows an example of a scheduling management table.

[0024] Figure 5 Is a sequence diagram showing an example of the operations performed during estimation.

[0025] Figure 6 Shows an example of a drawing.

[0026] Figure 7 Shows an example of an object indicating an operation element.

[0027] Figure 8Shows an example of an item label.

[0028] Figure 9 Is a sequence diagram showing an example of operations performed when manufacturing a product.

[0029] Figure 10 Shows an example of an estimated drawing according to a variant.

[0030] Figure 11 Shows another example of an estimated drawing according to a variant. Detailed Description

[0031] Figure 1 Shows an example of the estimation system 10 according to an embodiment. The estimation system 10 creates an estimation related to the production of a product and assists an operator (worker) in an operation for manufacturing the product. Here, the "product" refers to an item to be manufactured. The "product" includes not only the item but also components of the item. The estimation system 10 is used, for example, in a factory for manufacturing sheet metal products. The process of manufacturing sheet metal products includes a plurality of operation processes such as an order receiving process, a bending process, and a welding process.

[0032] The estimation system 10 includes an image processing device 100, an input terminal 200, a server device 300, a user terminal 400, and operation terminals 500A,..., 500B (collectively also referred to as "operation terminals 500"). These devices are connected to each other via a network 600, which is a LAN (Local Area Network) or the like.

[0033] The image processing device 100 is used by an operator in charge of the order receiving process to read a drawing received from a customer (hereinafter referred to as "customer drawing"). For example, the image processing device 100 is a multifunctional device having functions such as a printer and an image scanner. An estimated drawing (hereinafter referred to as "estimated drawing") to be used in an estimation related to an operation for manufacturing a product is generated based on the customer drawing.

[0034] The input terminal 200 is used by an operator in charge of the order receiving process to input estimation information to the server device 300. The input terminal 200 is a computer such as a personal computer, for example. The input terminal 200 includes an operation unit 201 having a keyboard, a mouse, hardware buttons, a touch sensor, etc., and accepts operations by the operator.

[0035] The server device 300 manages information related to received orders and production. The server device 300 is also used to create an estimation based on the estimated drawing and order information and process the estimated drawing so that the operation content is displayed on the estimated drawing.

[0036] After the order acceptance is completed, the set of product materials, item labels, and production drawings is transported to the work site where the operations for producing the product are performed. The item label includes a coded image indicating the serial number of the product. The coded image is an image obtained by encoding information. The coded image includes, for example, a barcode or a two-dimensional code. Note that the coded image is not limited to a barcode or a two-dimensional code and can be any type of image obtained by encoding information.

[0037] The user terminal 400 is used to read the coded image associated with the operations for producing the product when each operator who performs the operations starts the operations. By reading the coded image, it is recognized that the operator starts the operations. The user terminal 400 is, for example, a smart phone carried and used by the operator. The user terminal 400 includes an image capturing unit 401 such as a digital camera, and reads the coded image captured by the image capturing unit 401. The user terminal 400 is an example of the "reader device" according to the present invention.

[0038] Each work terminal 500 is used to display the estimated drawing associated with the operations for producing the product when the operator performs the operations. The estimated drawing shows the operation content. Therefore, the operator can easily understand the operation content by viewing the estimated drawing displayed on the work terminal 500. A plurality of work terminals 500 are installed in the work sites where different operation processes are performed. For example, the work terminal 500A is installed in the work site where the welding process is performed. The work terminal 500B is installed in the work site where the bending process is performed. For example, the work terminal 500 is a computer such as a personal computer. Each work terminal 500 includes a display unit 501, which is a liquid crystal display, an organic EL (electroluminescence) display, etc., and displays the estimated drawing. The work terminal 500 is an example of the "terminal device" according to the present invention.

[0039] Figure 2An example of the configuration of the server device 300 is shown. The server device 300 includes a control unit 301, a communication unit 302, and a storage unit 303. These constituent units are connected to each other via a bus 304. The control unit 301 is also referred to as a processor and is configured to control each unit of the server device 300 and execute various types of processing. The control unit 301 includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The storage unit 303 is also referred to as a memory and stores various data and programs. The storage unit 303 includes at least one of, for example, a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), and an SSD (Solid State Drive). The communication unit 302 is a communication interface for connecting the server device 300 to a network 600. The communication unit 302 is used to communicate with other devices connected via the network 600. Programs for implementing the functions of the server device 300 are stored in the storage unit 303. In addition, an estimation management table 321 and a scheduling management table 322 are stored in the storage unit 303.

[0040] Figure 3 An example of the estimation management table 321 is shown. The estimation management table 321 includes an order number, a serial number, a drawing number, order information, a product name, a quantity, material information, processing information, a job process, an estimated man-hours, and an estimated amount. The order number is an identifier that uniquely identifies an order from a customer. The serial number is an identifier that uniquely identifies the production of a product ordered by a customer. The drawing number is an identifier that uniquely identifies the drawing of a product ordered by a customer. The order information is information about an order from a customer. The order information includes a customer name and a delivery date. The customer name is the name of the customer who placed the order. The delivery date is the due date by which the product ordered by the customer for its production is to be delivered. The product name is the name of the product ordered by the customer for its production. The quantity is the quantity of the product ordered by the customer for its production. The material information is information about the materials of the product ordered by the customer. The processing information is information indicating the processing required to produce the product ordered by the customer. The job process is information indicating the process of the job required to produce the product ordered by the customer. The estimated man-hours is the estimated time required for the job of producing a product according to an order from a customer. The estimated amount is the estimated amount required for the job of producing a product according to an order from a customer.

[0041] Figure 4An example of the scheduling management table 322 is shown. The scheduling management table 322 includes a serial number, a drawing number, a job type, an operator name, a scheduling start date and time, a scheduling end date and time, a scheduled man-hours, a start date and time, an end date and time, and an actual man-hours. The serial number and the drawing number are the same as those included in the estimation management table 321. The job type is information that uniquely identifies the job type. The operator name is the name of the operator who performs the job for producing the product. For example, the operator is pre-assigned based on the job load and ability of each operator. The scheduling start date and time is the date and time when the job for producing the product is scheduled to start. The scheduling end date and time is the date and time when the job for producing the product is scheduled to end. The scheduling start date and time and the scheduling end date and time are determined in advance according to the job content and scheduling of the operator. The scheduled man-hours is the number of days and hours required for the job. The scheduled man-hours may be the estimated man-hours included in the estimation management table 321. The start date and time is the date and time when the job for producing the product actually starts. The end date and time is the date and time when the job for producing the product actually ends. The actual man-hours is the number of days and hours actually required for the job for producing the product.

[0042] Return Figure 2 , the control unit 301 functions as a receiving device 311, an obtaining device 312, a specifying device 313, a processing device 314, a calculating device 315, a generating device 316, a storage control device 317, and an output device 318. These functions are implemented by the control unit 301 executing the program stored in the storage unit 303 to perform calculations or control each unit of the server device 300.

[0043] The receiving device 311 receives a customer drawing from the image processing device 100. The obtaining device 312 generates and obtains an estimated drawing based on the customer drawing received by the receiving device 311. The specifying device 313 identifies operation elements for manufacturing a product based on the customer drawing received by the receiving device 311. The processing device 314 processes the estimated drawing obtained by the obtaining device 312 based on the operation elements specified by the specifying device 313, such that an object indicating the content of an operation to be performed in each operation process of manufacturing the product is displayed on the estimated drawing. Here, the "object" refers to a virtual object indicated by a graphic or an image. Here, the "processing" refers to modifying the estimated drawing. The calculating device 315 calculates an estimated man-hour and an estimated amount for the operation of manufacturing the product based on the estimated drawing processed by the processing device 314. The generating device 316 generates a coded image indicating the drawing number of the estimated drawing processed by the processing device 314. The storage control device 317 stores the estimated man-hour and the estimated amount calculated by the calculating device 315 in the estimation management table 321. The storage control device 317 also stores the start date and time and the end date and time of the operation associated with the coded image in the schedule management table 322 based on the date and time when the coded image generated by the generating device 316 is read by the user terminal 400. The output device 318 outputs the estimated drawing processed by the processing device 314 to the operation terminal 500.

[0044] Similar to the server device 300, each of the image processing device 100, the input terminal 200, the user terminal 400, and the operation terminal 500 also has a control unit, a communication unit, and a storage unit. The functions of each of these devices are also implemented by the control unit executing a program stored in the storage unit to perform calculations or control each unit of the device. In the following description, when any of these devices is described as the subject of an operation, this means that the operation of the device is executed by the control unit that executes the program stored in the storage unit.

[0045] Figure 5 is a sequence diagram showing an example of operations performed by the estimation system 10 when creating an estimate. To create an estimate, first, the estimation system 10 receives a customer drawing from a customer. The customer drawing is, for example, a two-dimensional drawing. In step S11, the image processing device 100 reads the customer drawing and converts the read customer drawing into a drawing in digital format. Here, the image processing device 100 can apply OCR (Optical Character Recognition) processing to the customer drawing in order to identify characters included in the customer drawing.

[0046] Figure 6 Shows an example of a drawing. Figure 6The customer drawing 710 shown in includes a graphic 711 and production information 712. The graphic 711 includes at least one of the following views of the product: front view, rear view, left side view, right side view, plan view, bottom view, sectional view, and geometric net. The production information 712 includes, for example, the product name, material information such as the material and thickness of the product, processing information related to processes such as bending, welding, and deburring, order information such as the customer name, department name, order date, and delivery date, the drawing scale, and standard information related to surface treatment and heat treatment. Note that the production information 712 does not need to be written in letters and can alternatively be represented by manufacturing symbols or graphics indicating processing information, or dimension lines or dimension values indicating dimensions.

[0047] Return Figure 5 , in step S12, the image processing device 100 sends the customer drawing read in step S11 to the server device 300. In step S13, the storage control device 317 of the server device 300 assigns a drawing number to the customer drawing received from the image processing device 100 and stores the customer drawing in the storage unit 303.

[0048] In step S14, the operator uses the operation unit 201 of the input terminal 200 to select a target customer drawing from the customer drawings stored in the storage unit 303 of the server device 300 and performs an operation of inputting estimation information. The estimation information includes, for example, the order number, serial number, order information, product name, quantity, material information, processing information, drawing scale, and operation process.

[0049] In step S15, the input terminal 200 sends the estimation information to the server device 300. In step S16, the storage control device 317 of the server device 300 stores the estimation information received from the input terminal 200 in the estimation management table 321. For example, if the customer drawing with the drawing number "201" is selected and estimation information including the order number "001", serial number "101", customer name "Customer X", delivery date "20XX / 12 / 20", product name "Metal Plate Product O", and quantity "4" is input, then this information is associated with each other and stored in the Figure 3 estimation management table 321 as shown.

[0050] In step S17, the acquisition device 312 of the server device 300 generates an estimation drawing based on the customer drawing stored in step S13. In Figure 6In the example shown, the estimated drawing 720 is generated by tracing the figure 711 included in the customer drawing 710. For example, this tracing can be performed according to the operation of tracing the figure 711 performed by the operator on the input terminal 200, or can be performed by means of a line tracing technique using image processing.

[0051] In step S18, the specifying device 313 of the server device 300 specifies job elements for the job of producing a product based on the customer drawing and the estimation information. In Figure 6 the example shown, the customer drawing 710 shows job elements for producing a product in a predetermined format. The specifying device 313 specifies the job elements by performing image recognition on the figure 711 included in the customer drawing 710. Alternatively, the specifying device 313 can specify the job elements according to the production information 712 included in the customer drawing 710. The job elements include the positions where operations such as processing are performed during the job process of producing a product and the amount of work. For example, if the job process includes a welding process, the job elements include the number of welding positions and the welding length. If the job process includes a bending process, the job elements include the portion to be bent and the bending length.

[0052] In step S19, the processing device 314 of the server device 300 adds an object indicating the job elements specified in step S18 to the estimated drawing. Thereby, a processed estimated drawing is generated. The estimated drawing has layers corresponding to the respective job processes. For example, as Figure 6 shown, if the job process for producing a product includes a bending process and a welding process, in addition to the original image layer 721 on which the figure 711 is drawn, the estimated drawing 720 also includes a bending layer 722 corresponding to the bending process and a welding layer 723 corresponding to the welding process. Each layer includes an object indicating the job content to be performed in the corresponding job process. The estimated drawing to which the object is added is not only used for creating an estimate but also serves as a written job instruction indicating the job content.

[0053] Figure 7 shows an example of an object indicating a job element. Here, it is assumed that welding is performed at one position during the welding process. In this case, a welding object 731 is added to the welding layer 723 of the estimated drawing 720 as Figure 6 shown. Thereby, a processed estimated drawing 730 is generated. The welding object 731 is, for example, a line having a color, line type, or thickness different from the line forming the figure 711. For example, the welding object 731 can have a more prominent color than the color of the figure 711, such as red. As Figure 7As shown, the welding object 731 is added to the welding object part indicated by the figure 711 to indicate the welding object part. Depending on the welding type, the welding object 731 may also have different appearances. For example, the welding object 731 may have different colors, line types, or thicknesses between electric welding and laser welding.

[0054] In step S20, the processing device 314 of the server device 300 decomposes the processed estimated drawing according to the operation process. For example, if the operation process includes a welding process and a bending process, the decomposed estimated drawing includes an estimated drawing for the welding process and an estimated drawing for the bending process. As Figure 7 shown, the estimated drawing for the welding process has a welding layer 723 on top of the original image layer 721. The estimated drawing for the bending process has a bending layer 722 on top of the original image layer 721. The estimated drawings generated for the corresponding operation processes are stored in the storage unit 303.

[0055] In step S21, the computing device 315 of the server device 300 calculates the estimated man-hours and estimated amount for the operation of producing the product based on the processed estimated drawing and the estimated information. The estimated man-hours are the time required for the operation of producing the product. For example, by referring to the time required for each operation element pre-stored in the storage unit 303, the estimated man-hours are calculated according to the operation elements specified in step S18. The estimated amount includes material cost, operation cost, and purchase cost. The material cost is the cost of the materials of the product. For example, by referring to the cost of each material pre-stored in the storage unit 303, the material cost is calculated according to the materials determined based on the size, material quality, and thickness of the product. For example, the size of the product can be specified according to the estimated drawing. The operation cost is the cost of the operations required for the processes (such as bending and welding) for producing the product. For example, by referring to the operation cost per unit time pre-stored in the storage unit 303, the operation cost is calculated according to the estimated man-hours. The purchase cost is the cost of purchasing the general components (such as nuts and screws) required for the production of the product in common distribution. For example, by referring to the cost of each general component pre-stored in the storage unit 303, the purchase cost is calculated according to the general components required for producing the product. For example, the general components required for producing the product can be specified from the estimated drawing. In addition to the material cost, operation cost, and purchase cost, the estimated amount may also include predetermined indirect costs.

[0056] In step S22, the storage control device 317 of the server device 300 stores the estimated man-hours and estimated amount calculated in step S20 in the estimation management table 321. For example, as Figure 3As shown, if the estimated man-hours is "15" and the estimated amount is "30,000" yen, this information is stored in association with the drawing number "201".

[0057] In step S23, the generation device 316 of the server device 300 generates an encoded image indicating the serial number corresponding to the estimated drawing at a predetermined timing, and adds the generated encoded image to the article label data indicating the article label. This encoded image 751 is generated, for example, by encoding the serial number.

[0058] Figure 8 An example of the article label 750 is shown. The article label 750 is a slip of paper attached to the material of the product. The article label 750 includes, for example, the serial number "101", the delivery date "20XX / 12 / 20", the product name "Metal Plate Product O", and the quantity "4" included in the Figure 3 shown estimated management table 321. The article label 750 also includes an encoded image 751 indicating the serial number "101".

[0059] In step S24, the output device 318 of the server device 300 sends a print instruction to the image processing device 100, that is, an instruction to print the article label. This print instruction includes the article label data.

[0060] In step S25, the image processing device 100 prints the article label according to the print instruction received from the server device 300. For example, Figure 8 the shown article label 750 is printed. The article label printed in this way is attached to the material of the product together with the production drawing and brought to the operator of each operation process. Note that the production drawing is created separately from the estimated drawing based on the customer drawing.

[0061] Figure 9 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the operation of the estimation system 10 when the operator manufactures a product. The set of the material of the product, the article label, and the production drawing is brought to the operator. In step S31, when the operation starts, the operator uses the user terminal 400 to read the encoded image added to the article label. For example, the user terminal 400 first uses the image capture unit 401 to capture Figure 8 the encoded image 751 included in the shown article label 750. Next, the user terminal 400 decrypts the captured encoded image 751 and obtains the serial number. In step S32, the user terminal 400 sends the serial number and the type of operation to be performed by the operator to the server device 300. Here, the type of operation is pre-stored in the storage unit of the user terminal 400. For example, if the user terminal 400 is used by the operator of the welding process, the type of operation (which is "welding") is pre-stored in the storage unit of the user terminal 400 and is read and sent.

[0062] In step S33, the storage control device 317 of the server device 300 stores the date and time of the first reading of the encoded image as the start date and time of the job in the scheduling management table 322. The date and time when the serial number is received can be used as the time and date when the encoded image is first read. For example, if Figure 8 the encoded image 751 shown is first read at "20XX / 12 / 10 10:10", and a serial number "101" and a job type "welding" are received from the user terminal 400, then the start date and time "20XX / 12 / 10 10:10" are stored in association with the serial number "101" and the job type "welding", as Figure 4 shown.

[0063] In step S34, the output device 318 of the server device 300 sends a display instruction to the job terminal 500 associated with the user terminal 400 that has read the encoded image, that is, an instruction to display an estimated drawing of the corresponding job process. Here, it is assumed that the user terminal 400 is used by an operator who performs a welding process job. In this case, an instruction to display an estimated drawing for the welding process is sent to the job terminal 500A installed at the job site where the welding process is performed. This display instruction includes an estimated drawing for the welding process. As Figure 7 shown, the estimated drawing for the welding process is a drawing obtained by superimposing only the welding layer 723 on the original image layer 721.

[0064] In step S35, the job terminal 500 displays the estimated drawing received from the server device 300 on the display unit 501. For example, Figure 7 the estimated drawing 730 shown is displayed on the job terminal 500A installed at the job site for the welding process. As Figure 7 shown, the welding object 731 indicating the welding position is displayed on the estimated drawing 730. This enables the operator performing the welding to easily understand the welding position and the welding length by viewing this estimated drawing 730. Note that the estimated drawing 730 is only for estimation, and the accuracy of the drawing is not necessarily high. For this reason, the actual welding operation is performed based on the production drawing rather than the estimated drawing 730.

[0065] Here, although there are cases where the estimation of the job is different from the actual job content, the operator can identify the difference between the estimation of the job and the actual job content by viewing the objects added to the estimated drawing 730. If the estimation of the job is different from the actual job content, the operator can also notify the person in charge of the order acceptance process of this difference. This enables the content of the estimation to be modified, and an estimation of the job that matches the actual job content can be created for the next order.

[0066] After completing the work, in step S36, the operator uses the user terminal 400 to read again the encoded image added to the article label, as in step S31 above. In step S37, the user terminal 400 sends the serial number and type of this work obtained from the encoded image in step S36 to the server device 300.

[0067] In step S38, the storage control device 317 of the server device 300 stores the date and time of reading the encoded image again as the end date and time of the work in the schedule management table 322. The date and time when the serial number is received again can be used as the date and time when the encoded image is read again. For example, if Figure 8 the encoded image 751 shown is read again at "20XX / 12 / 10 10:16", and the serial number "101" and the work type "welding" are received from the user terminal 400, then the end date and time "20XX / 12 / 10 10:16" are stored in association with the serial number "101" and the work type "welding".

[0068] In step S39, the computing device 315 of the server device 300 calculates the actual working hours based on the start date and time and the end date and time. For example, if as Figure 4 shown, the start date and time is "20XX / 12 / 10 10:10" and the end date and time is "20XX / 12 / 10 10:16", then the time from the start date and time to the end date and time, that is, "6", is calculated as the actual working hours.

[0069] In step S40, the storage control device 317 of the server device 300 stores the actual working hours calculated in step S39 in the schedule management table 322. For example, as Figure 4 shown, the actual working hours, that is, "6", are stored in association with the serial number "101" and the work type "welding".

[0070] The information included in the schedule management table 322 can be displayed on the work terminal 500 or the user terminal 400 in response to an operation performed by, for example, a manager. This allows the administrator to understand the work schedule and work results of each operator.

[0071] According to the above embodiment, the work content is indicated by an object added to the estimated drawing, thereby allowing the operator to more easily understand the work content. In addition, the estimated drawing is not only used for creating an estimate, but also serves as a written work instruction, and thus the estimated drawing is effectively used.

[0072] Variation

[0073] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments. In order to implement, the above-described embodiments can also be changed as follows. Here, two or more of the following variations can be combined.

[0074] In the above-described embodiment, the method for processing the estimated drawing is not limited to adding an object. For example, at least any one of the line type, color, and thickness of the figure included in the estimated drawing can be changed.

[0075] In the above-described embodiment, when the operation is completed, it is not necessary to read the encoded image. For example, the date and time when the second encoded image is read after the first encoded image has been read can be used as the end date and time of the operation corresponding to the first encoded image.

[0076] In the above-described embodiment, the trigger for displaying the estimated drawing on the operation terminal 500 is not limited to reading the encoded image. For example, if the operation schedule is displayed on the user terminal 400, the estimated drawing can be displayed on the operation terminal 500 in response to an operation indicating the start of the operation being executed by selecting the operation to start from the schedule. In this variation, when the operation is performed, the operation is notified to the server device 300, and a display instruction including the estimated drawing is sent to the operation terminal 500.

[0077] In the above-described embodiment, each drawing is not limited to a two-dimensional drawing, and alternatively can be a three-dimensional drawing. Similarly, in the case of a three-dimensional estimated drawing, an object indicating the operation element is also added to the part where the operation is to be performed.

[0078] In the above-described embodiment, the server device 300 can also include any other hardware elements, or some hardware elements of the server device 300 can be included in any other device. At least one function of the server device 300 can be implemented by any other device.

[0079] Another mode of the present invention can be provided as a program to be executed by the image processing device 100, the input terminal 200, the server device 300, the user terminal 400, or the operation terminal 500. The program can be provided in a state recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, or can be downloaded via the Internet or any other communication line.

[0080] In the above-described embodiment, estimation information may also be added to the estimation drawing. The estimation information refers to information used to calculate the estimated amount. Examples of the estimation information include the detailed operation type, operation method, operation content, operation process, set values to be used in the operation, etc., which are the prerequisites and conditions for the estimation. In the case of an operation in the welding process, the detailed operation type includes welding types such as laser welding or spot welding. The set value includes the welding current value. In the case of an operation in the finishing process, the detailed operation type includes finishing types such as mirror finishing. Here, it is assumed that an estimator creates the estimation. In this case, according to the operation of the input terminal 200 performed by the estimator, for example, the estimation information is input to the server device 300. Here, an example is described in which the estimation information includes the text information "laser welding, welding current value A1" related to the welding indicated by the welding object 731 in Figure 7 In this case, the text information "laser welding, welding current value A1" is added near the welding object 731 in the welding layer 723. Displaying this information enables the operator to identify the estimation information related to the operation for which the operator is responsible.

[0081] In addition, warning information may also be added to the estimation drawing. Here, it is assumed that warning information for each operation process is stored in the storage unit 303 of the server device 300. In this case, the warning information for each operation process can be added to the estimation drawing of the corresponding operation process. Displaying this information enables the operator to identify the warning information related to the operation for which the operator is responsible.

[0082] Furthermore, if the operation content indicated by the estimation information is different from the actual operation content, the operator's comment can be input according to the operation of the user terminal 400 or the operation terminal 500 performed by the operator. For example, if the detailed operation type included in the estimation information is spot welding, but laser welding is performed during the actual operation, a comment on this difference can be input. The estimator can view this comment displayed on the input terminal 200. Therefore, when the operation content indicated by the estimation information is different from the actual operation content, as a result of giving feedback from the operator to the estimator, the estimator can recognize that the operation content assumed during the estimation is incorrect. This enables the estimator to modify the estimation to be created in the future, thereby improving the estimation accuracy.

[0083] In addition, the estimated man-hours can also be added to the estimation drawing. In this variant, the estimated man-hours are calculated for each operation process. In Figure 7 the example shown, the estimated man-hours in the welding process are added to the welding layer 723. Displaying this estimated man-hours enables the operator to identify the estimated man-hours.

[0084] In addition, if the actual working hours exceed the upper limit time determined corresponding to the estimated working hours, an alarm can be output. In this variant, the estimated working hours are calculated for each operation process. The upper limit time corresponding to the estimated working hours is determined by the server device 300. The upper limit time can be greater than the estimated working hours. In one example, the upper limit time is the time obtained by multiplying the estimated working hours by 110%. Note that the value multiplied by the estimated working hours is not limited to 110%, and can also be a value greater than or less than 110%. If the upper limit time has elapsed after the start date and time of the welding process are stored, and the end date and time of the operation are not stored, an alarm is output. Examples of alarm output include displaying an image on the operation terminal 500, sound output, and combinations thereof. The alarm can also be output from the input terminal 200 used by the estimator. The output of the alarm enables the operator and the estimator to recognize that the actual working hours have exceeded the estimated working hours. This allows the operator to perform the operation while aware that the operation will be completed within the estimated working hours. In addition, the estimator can find that the operation content assumed during estimation is incorrect. This enables the estimator to modify the estimation to be created in the future, thereby improving the estimation accuracy.

[0085] In the above embodiment, the operation type can be input according to the operation of the user terminal 400 performed by the operator. In one example, the user terminal 400 displays a screen for the operation to be used to select the operation type. The operation type is input by the operator who performs the operation using this screen. In another example, the item label includes a plurality of coded images indicating a combination of different operation types and a serial number. For example, if the operator performs an operation of the welding process, the operator uses the user terminal 400 to read the coded image indicating the combination of the operation type and the serial number of the welding process from the plurality of coded images. The operation type can also be obtained in this way.

[0086] In the above embodiment, the estimation drawing is not limited to Figure 7 the shown estimation drawing 730. The estimation drawing can be at least any one of a three-view drawing, a six-view drawing, or these drawings that better represent the operation content. Here, it is assumed that the product produced by this operation has a U-shaped shape. In this case, as Figure 10 shown, a plan view is used as the estimation drawing, and the welding object 761 can be added to the portion to be welded in this plan view of the graphic 760. Alternatively, as Figure 11As shown, a cross-sectional view can be used as an estimation drawing, and welding objects 766 can be added to the portions to be welded in the cross-sectional view of the drawing 765. Each of the welding objects 766 has a circular shape. This indicates that the welding line extends from the proximal side to the distal side of the paper in the depth direction. In this cross-sectional view, the welding line extends from the proximal side to the distal side of the paper in the depth direction. Therefore, in addition to the portions to be welded, the welding objects 766 are also used to indicate that the welding line extends from the proximal side to the distal side of the paper in the depth direction. Note that the appearance of each welding object 766 is not limited to Figure 11 the appearance shown, and each welding object 766 can have any appearance.

[0087] In the above embodiment, the customer drawing can be a three-dimensional drawing. In this case, the estimation drawing can be generated after unfolding the three-dimensional drawing into a two-dimensional drawing using known techniques.

[0088] List of Reference Numerals

[0089] 10 Estimation System

[0090] 100 Image Processing Device

[0091] 200 Input Terminal

[0092] 300 Server Device

[0093] 311 Receiving Device

[0094] 312 Acquisition Device

[0095] 313 Designation Device

[0096] 314 Processing Device

[0097] 315 Calculation Device

[0098] 316 Generation Device

[0099] 317 Storage Control Device

[0100] 318 Output Device

[0101] 400 User Terminal

[0102] 500 Job Terminal

Claims

1. A server device, the server device comprises: an acquisition device configured to acquire drawings to be used in an estimation related to an operation for producing a product; a processing device configured to perform image recognition processing on the drawings to identify operation elements included in the drawings, create an object indicating the content of an operation to be performed during an operation process for producing the product, and superimpose the created object on the drawings; and a generation device configured to generate a coded image associated with the processed drawings, wherein the processed drawings include a plurality of layers corresponding to each different operation process to be performed, the plurality of layers being superimposed on the drawings, and each layer includes respective objects created to indicate the respective content of the operations to be performed during the respective operation processes, and wherein the respective objects at least indicate target positions in the product where the respective operation processes need to be performed, so as to be used as visual instructions for an operator performing the respective operation processes, wherein the server device is configured to: cause a printer to print the coded image on a printing medium; determine that a user terminal has read the coded image printed on the printing medium; and when it is determined that the user terminal has read the coded image, select a layer corresponding to operation process information pre-stored in the user terminal from the plurality of layers, and automatically output the selected layer among the plurality of layers to a terminal device located at a work site where the operation process indicated in the user terminal is to be performed.

2. The server device according to claim 1, wherein the object indicates a part where the operation is to be performed.

3. The server device according to claim 1, wherein the object has an appearance different according to the type of the operation.

4. The server device according to claim 1, the server device further comprises: an output device configured to output the drawings obtained by superimposing the layer including the object indicating the content of the operation to be performed during the operation process on the acquired drawings to a terminal device corresponding to the operation process among a plurality of terminal devices.

5. The server device according to claim 1, wherein the generation device is configured to generate the coded image indicating an identifier that uniquely identifies the production of the product, wherein when the coded image is read by a reader device, the output device outputs the processed drawings to the terminal device.

6. The server device according to claim 5, the server device further comprises: a storage control device configured to store at least one of a start date and time of the operation and an end date and time of the operation in a storage unit based on a date and time when the coded image is read by the reader device.

7. A computer program product, the computer program product comprising a computer program which, when executed, causes a computer to perform the following steps: Steps for obtaining drawings to be used in estimations related to operations for producing a product; Steps for performing image recognition processing on the drawings to identify operation elements included in the drawings; Steps for creating an object indicating the content of operations to be performed during the operation for producing the product and superimposing the created object on the drawings; Steps for generating a coded image associated with the processed drawings; And Steps for causing a printer to print the coded image on a printing medium, wherein the processed drawings include a plurality of layers corresponding to each different operation process to be performed, the plurality of layers are superimposed on the drawings, and each layer includes respective objects created to indicate the corresponding content of operations to be performed during the respective operation processes, and wherein the respective objects at least indicate target positions in the product where the respective operation processes need to be performed, so as to be used as visual instructions for an operator performing the respective operation processes, wherein when the computer program is executed, the computer is further caused to perform the following steps: Determining that a user terminal has read the coded image printed on the printing medium; and When it is determined that the user terminal has read the coded image, Selecting a layer corresponding to operation process information pre-stored in the user terminal from the plurality of layers, Automatically outputting the selected layer among the plurality of layers to a terminal device located at a work site where the operation process indicated in the user terminal is to be performed.

Images