Inspection logistics system

Abstract

An inspection logistics system is provided. The inspection logistics system includes a plurality of inspection facilities, a linear motion system including a plurality of coils that move inspection objects placed on a carrier to the plurality of inspection facilities, and a controller that controls movement of the carrier. The controller includes a facility state update unit that updates the states of the plurality of inspection facilities, a node recursive search unit that searches for nodes composed of connections between the plurality of coils and updates information about the presence of the reachable inspection facilities from a search start point, and a weight determination unit that determines the weight of the reachable inspection facilities. A weight determination unit selects an inspection facility to which the carrier is to move, based on the facility state updated by the facility state update unit and the information updated by the node recursive search unit.

Description

[0001] This application claims priority to and all benefits derived from Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0156425, filed on November 13, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates to an inspection logistics system, and more particularly to an inspection logistics system and an inspection logistics optimization scheduling method. Background Art

[0003] The hardware that constitutes the inspection logistics system is called a linear motion system. The linear motion system is a system that controls logistics by moving a carrier (or carrier) that carries a coil (or stator) on which a material (e.g., a display device or a display panel) is placed. For the efficient distribution of logistics, the inspection logistics system can control logistics by calculating the scheduling of logistics. The calculation result can be given in the form of an ID of an inspection facility. The carrier can be transferred to the corresponding inspection facility by a controller that controls the linear motion system. Summary of the invention

[0004] The embodiments provide an inspection logistics system and an inspection logistics optimization scheduling method that can optimize inspection logistics.

[0005] The inspection logistics system according to the embodiment includes a plurality of inspection facilities, a linear motion system and a controller, the linear motion system includes a plurality of coils for moving the inspection object arranged on the carrier to the plurality of inspection facilities, and the controller controls the movement of the carrier. The controller includes a facility status update unit, a node recursive search unit and a weight determination unit, the facility status update unit updates the status of the plurality of inspection facilities, the node recursive search unit searches for nodes composed of connections between the plurality of coils and updates the information on the existence of the reachable inspection facilities from the search starting point, and the weight determination unit selects the inspection facility to which the carrier will move based on the facility status updated by the facility status update unit and the information updated by the node recursive search unit.

[0006] In an embodiment, the facility status updating unit may update the operation status of the plurality of inspection facilities and the remaining time of the inspection process when the inspection object exists in the plurality of inspection facilities.

[0007] In an embodiment, the node recursive search unit may determine the status and number of all carriers existing from the search start point to the reachable inspection facility, and may calculate the inter-node movement weight.

[0008] In an embodiment, the node recursive search unit may configure the relationship between the plurality of coils as nodes, configure the relationship between the nodes as a node list, and search the entire section through the node recursive search.

[0009] In an embodiment, the node recursive search unit may check the carrier status of a start node in a node list, may obtain a child node list of the start node, may check the carrier status of a node selected in the child node list, and may obtain a child node list of the selected node.

[0010] In an embodiment, when there is no inspection object placed on the carrier or when the inspection process of the inspection object is completed, the node recursive search unit may skip searching the node.

[0011] In an embodiment, when a plurality of inspection facilities are unavailable, the facility status update unit may make the carrier stand by in a stopped state without selecting an inspection facility.

[0012] In an embodiment, the weight determination unit may apply the weight based on the number of carriers present from the search start point to the reachable inspection facility.

[0013] In an embodiment, when there are inspection objects being inspected in a plurality of inspection facilities, the weight determination unit may apply the weight based on a remaining inspection time of the inspection object.

[0014] In an embodiment, the weight determination unit may terminate the weight calculation when a carrier stops on a path from a search starting point to a reachable inspection facility, when the number of carriers moving from the search starting point to the reachable inspection facility and the number of carriers present in the reachable inspection facility exceed a specified range, or when the reachable inspection facility is inoperable.

[0015] According to the embodiment, the inspection logistics optimization scheduling method includes: updating the status of multiple inspection facilities; searching for a node composed of connections between multiple coils that move the inspection object placed on the carrier to the multiple inspection facilities, and updating the information from the search starting point to the existence of reachable inspection facilities; and selecting the inspection facility to which the carrier will move based on the updated facility status and the updated information.

[0016] In an embodiment, the updating of the status of the plurality of inspection facilities may include updating the operation status of the plurality of inspection facilities and the remaining inspection process time when the inspection object exists in the plurality of inspection facilities.

[0017] In an embodiment, updating of information may include: determining the status and quantity of all carriers existing from the search starting point to the reachable inspection facility, and calculating the movement weights between nodes.

[0018] In an embodiment, updating of the information may include: configuring the relationship between the plurality of coils as a node, configuring the relationship between the nodes as a node list, and searching the entire section through a node recursive search.

[0019] In an embodiment, updating the information may include: checking the carrier status of the start node in the node list, obtaining a child node list of the start node, checking the carrier status of a node selected in the child node list, and obtaining a child node list of the selected node.

[0020] In an embodiment, the inspection logistics optimization scheduling method may include: skipping the search node when there is no inspection object placed on the carrier or when the inspection process of the inspection object is completed.

[0021] In an embodiment, the inspection logistics optimization scheduling method may include: when a plurality of inspection facilities are unavailable, allowing the carrier to stand by in a stopped state without selecting an inspection facility from the plurality of inspection facilities.

[0022] In an embodiment, the selection of the inspection facility may include applying a weight based on the number of carriers that exist from the search starting point to the reachable inspection facility.

[0023] In an embodiment, the selection of the inspection facility may include applying a weight based on a remaining inspection time of the inspection object when there are inspection objects being inspected in a plurality of inspection facilities.

[0024] In an embodiment, the inspection logistics optimization scheduling method may include: terminating the weighted calculation when a carrier stops on a path from a search starting point to a reachable inspection facility, when the number of carriers moving from the search starting point to the reachable inspection facility and the number of carriers existing in the reachable inspection facility exceed a specified range, or when the reachable inspection facility is inoperable.

[0025] According to the embodiments, an inspection logistics system and an inspection logistics optimization scheduling method capable of optimally scheduling inspection logistics can be provided.

[0026] In addition, according to the embodiments, there are advantageous effects that can be recognized throughout the specification. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] Figure 1 is a schematic block diagram showing an inspection logistics system according to an embodiment.

[0028] Figure 2 is a schematic block diagram illustrating a node search configuration in an inspection logistics system according to an embodiment.

[0029] Figure 3 is a block diagram illustrating node list configuration logic according to an embodiment.

[0030] Figure 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a controller in an inspection logistics system according to an embodiment.

[0031] Figure 5is a block diagram illustrating facility status update logic according to an embodiment.

[0032] Figure 6 is a flow chart illustrating node recursive search logic according to an embodiment.

[0033] Figure 7 is a flow chart illustrating weight determination logic according to an embodiment.

[0034] Fig. 8A is a schematic block diagram illustrating a recursive search of nodes according to an embodiment.

[0035] Figure 8B is a schematic block diagram illustrating a recursive search of nodes according to an embodiment.

[0036] Figure 8C is a schematic block diagram illustrating a recursive search of nodes according to an embodiment.

[0037] Fig. 9 is a schematic block diagram illustrating calculation of an inspection logistics optimization schedule according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] With reference to the accompanying drawings, the embodiments will be described in detail so that those skilled in the art can easily implement the present invention.

[0039] When a portion of a layer, film, region or plate is referred to as being "on" or "over" another portion, this includes not only being "directly on" another portion, but also having another component between them. Conversely, when a component is referred to as being "directly on" another component, this means that there is no other component between them.

[0040] Throughout the specification, it means that unless there is a contrary statement that it "includes" a certain component, a certain part may further include other components.

[0041] Throughout the specification, "connected" means not only when two or more components are directly connected, but also when two or more components are indirectly connected through other components, when they are physically connected, or when they are electrically connected, and it may include an embodiment in which each part (which may be referred to by different names according to position or function) is connected to another part but is essentially integrated.

[0042] In the drawings, symbols “X”, “Y” and “Z” are used to indicate directions, where “X” is a first direction, “Y” is a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and “Z” is a third direction perpendicular to the first and second directions.

[0043] In addition, the size and thickness of each component shown in the drawings are arbitrarily shown for convenience of explanation, and thus the present invention is not necessarily limited to the shown size and thickness.

[0044] In the drawings, the thickness is exaggerated to clearly indicate layers and regions.

[0045] Also, in the drawings, the thicknesses of some layers and regions are exaggerated for convenience of explanation.

[0046] In addition, when a part of a layer, film, region or plate is referred to as being "above" or "on" another part, this includes not only the case where it is "directly above" another part, but also the case where another part exists between them. Conversely, when a part is referred to as being "directly on top of" another part, this means that there is no other part between them.

[0047] Additionally, “above” or “on” a reference portion means being located above or below the reference portion, and does not necessarily mean being located “above” or “on” the reference portion in a direction opposite to gravity.

[0048] In addition, throughout the specification, when a part is referred to as “comprising” a certain component, this means that it may further include other components, without excluding the other components, unless there is a specific description contrary thereto.

[0049] In addition, throughout the specification, when “on a plane” is mentioned, this means when the target portion is viewed from above, and when “in a cross section” is mentioned, this means when the cross section of the target portion is cut vertically and viewed from the side.

[0050] It will be understood that although the terms "first", "second", "third", etc. can be used to describe various elements, components, areas, layers and / or parts in this article, these elements, components, areas, layers and / or parts should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element, component, area, layer or part from another element, component, area, layer or part. Therefore, without departing from the teachings of this article, the "first element", "first component", "first area", "first layer" or "first part" discussed below can be referred to as the second element, second component, second area, second layer or second part.

[0051] The terms used herein are only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to be limiting. As used herein, "one", "the", "at least one" do not represent the limitation of quantity, and are intended to include both the singular and the plural, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. For example, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, "element" has the same meaning as "at least one element". "At least one" is not interpreted as being limited to "one" or "one". "Or" means "and / or". As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. In addition, unless there is a clear contrary description, the word "include" and its variants (such as "include" or "include") will be understood to imply the inclusion of the stated elements, but do not exclude any other elements.

[0052] As used herein, "about" or "approximately" includes the stated value and means within an acceptable range of deviation for a particular value as determined by one of ordinary skill in the art, taking into account the measurement in question and the errors associated with the measurement of a particular quantity (i.e., the limitations of the measurement system). For example, "about" can mean within one or more standard deviations, or within ±30%, ±20%, ±10%, or ±5% of the stated value.

[0053] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as those commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure belongs. It will be further understood that terms (such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries) should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and the present disclosure, and should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense, unless explicitly defined herein.

[0054] Embodiments are described herein with reference to cross-sectional illustrations, which are schematic illustrations of idealized embodiments. Thus, variations between the illustrated shapes may be expected as a result of, for example, manufacturing techniques and / or tolerances. Therefore, the embodiments described herein should not be construed as being limited to the specific shapes of the zones illustrated herein, but will include deviations in shapes caused by, for example, manufacturing. For example, a zone illustrated or described as flat may typically have rough and / or nonlinear features. In addition, the illustrated sharp corners may be rounded. Therefore, the zones illustrated in the accompanying drawings are schematic in nature, and their shapes are not intended to illustrate the precise shapes of the zones and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

[0055] Figure 1 An inspection logistics system according to an embodiment is schematically shown.

[0056] In an embodiment, the inspection logistics system may include an inspection facility 10 , a linear motion system 20 , and a controller 30 .

[0057] In an embodiment, the inspection facility 10 (hereinafter also referred to as "EQP") is a facility for performing an inspection process, and may be provided in plurality. For example, the inspection facility 10 may include first to fourth inspection facilities 101 to 104, respectively. The first to fourth inspection facilities 101 to 104 may be respectively arranged to be spaced apart from each other. For example, the first inspection facility 101 and the second inspection facility 102 may be spaced apart from each other in the second direction Y, and the first inspection facility 101 and the third inspection facility 103 may be spaced apart from each other in the first direction X. The third inspection facility 103 and the fourth inspection facility 104 may be spaced apart from each other in the second direction Y, and the fourth inspection facility 104 and the second inspection facility 102 may be spaced apart from each other in the first direction X.

[0058] In an embodiment, the inspection facilities 101-104 can perform the same type of inspection. For example, the inspection facilities 101-104 can control the lighting of the display device and inspect the characteristics of the display device, the image displayed on the display device, the color of the image displayed on the display device, the touch sensor of the display device, or the appearance of the display device. At least one of the inspection facilities 101-104 can perform a different type of inspection than other inspection facilities. Each of the inspection facilities 101-104 can have information about their own operating status. Although four inspection facilities 101-104 are illustrated, more or fewer inspection facilities 10 can also be placed.

[0059] In an embodiment, the linear motion system 20 can move the inspection object or object. The inspection object can be a display device or a display panel. The display device or the display panel can be an electronic device including a display screen that displays an image. The linear motion system 20 can include a coil 21, a carrier 22, and a ferry 23.

[0060] In an embodiment, the coil 21 can move the carrier 22 arranged thereon, and can be provided in plurality. For example, the coil 21 can include a first coil 211 to a ninth coil 219 respectively arranged along the first direction X. The coils 211-219 can be arranged along the first direction X. The coils 211-219 can move the carrier 22 in the first direction X. For example, the carrier 22 mounted on the first coil 211 can be moved to the second coil 212, and the carrier 22 mounted on the second coil 212 can be moved to the third coil 213. Although nine coils 211 to 219 are illustrated, the number of coils 21 can vary according to the number of inspection facilities 10, etc.

[0061] In an embodiment, the coil 21 may include buffer coils 211B-214B and facility coils 211E-214E located in the inspection facility 10. Specifically, the coil 21 includes a first buffer coil 211B and a first facility coil 211E located in the first inspection facility 101, a second buffer coil 212B and a second facility coil 212E located in the second inspection facility 102, a third buffer coil 213B and a third facility coil 213E located in the third inspection facility 103, and a fourth buffer coil 214B and a fourth facility coil 214E located in the fourth inspection facility 104. The buffer coils 211B-214B may be coils that exist as a waiting part before entering the inspection process, and the facility coils 211E-214E may be coils used during the inspection process. The buffer coils 211B-214B and the facility coils 211E-214E may move the carrier 22 in the first direction X like the coils 211-219.

[0062] In an embodiment, the carriers 22 and 22' may convey the inspection object and may be provided in plurality. The carrier 22 may move on the coil 21 in the first direction X. Six carriers 22 and 22' are shown, but the number of carriers 22 and 22' included in the inspection logistics system may vary according to the number of inspection facilities 10, etc.

[0063] In an embodiment, the ferry 23 may move the coil 21 in the second direction Y. The ferry 23 may be provided in plurality. For example, the ferry 23 may include a first ferry 231 located before the first inspection facility 101 and the second inspection facility 102 and a second ferry 232 located before the third inspection facility 103 and the fourth inspection facility 104. The second coil 212 and the third coil 213 may be located above the first ferry 231, and the sixth coil 216 and the seventh coil 217 may be located above the second ferry 232. When the first ferry 231 moves the second coil 212 and the third coil 213 in the second direction Y, the second coil 212 and the third coil 213 may be aligned with the first buffer coil 211B and the first facility coil 211E in the first direction X, or they may be aligned with the fourth coil 214 and the fifth coil 215 in the first direction X, or they may be aligned with the second buffer coil 212B and the second facility coil 212E in the first direction X. When the second ferry 232 moves the sixth coil 216 and the seventh coil 217 in the second direction Y, the sixth coil 216 and the seventh coil 217 may be aligned with the third buffer coil 213B and the third facility coil 213E in the first direction X, or they may be aligned with the eighth coil 218 and the ninth coil 219 in the first direction X, or they may be aligned with the fourth buffer coil 214B and the fourth facility coil 214E in the first direction X. For example, when the second coil 212 and the third coil 213 are aligned with the first buffer coil 211B and the first facility coil 211E in the first direction X, the carrier 22 mounted on the third coil 213 may be moved to the first buffer coil 211B.

[0064] In an embodiment, the controller 30 may control the overall operation of the inspection logistics system. The controller 30 may control the movement of the carriers 22 and 22'. For example, the controller 30 may control the carriers 22 and 22' on which the inspection objects are placed to move to a specific inspection facility 10 through the coil 21. The controller 30 may be a computer including a processor, a memory, an input / output device, etc.

[0065] Figure 2 is a block diagram illustrating a node search configuration in an inspection logistics system according to an embodiment.

[0066] In an embodiment, Figure 2 Will Figure 1 The coil 21 shown in FIG. 1 is shown as a node. Each node is depicted as a quadrilateral. The node can be connected to Figure 1 The position of the coil 21 shown in FIG. 1 corresponds to that of the coil 21 shown in FIG. 1 , and the dotted line can be Figure 122 shown in . For the efficient allocation of logistics, a node search algorithm can be used to configure the scheduling of logistics. The node search algorithm may include configuring the relationship between the coils as nodes and configuring the logic using a fractional weighting method. Organizing the relationship between the coils as nodes may include configuring the relationship between the nodes into a linked list and searching the entire section by a node recursive search (i.e., a depth-first search). Constructing the logic of the fractional weighting method may include searching the entire section and adding weights to each case to obtain the position with the lowest score. By allowing the user to customize the configuration of weights and nodes as needed, program-independent functions can be achieved.

[0067] In an embodiment, the configuration of a node can be written as a node table. The node table can describe the connection relationship between any coil and the coil at the next position. For example, the node table can assign an ID to each coil and record the next ID that can be reached from the ID. The relationship between the ID and the next ID can be described as a FROM and TO relationship. By setting availability, the end point of the node search can be set. For example, if the node is available, it can be set to 1, and if the node is not available, it can be set to 0. By adding speed or distance entries, the distance weights between coils can be input into the node table. The node table can be stored in the memory of the controller 30.

[0068] In an embodiment, the configuration of the weights can be written as a weight table. The arrival weight from any coil to the inspection facility can be set and recorded in the weight table. The coil ID in the weight table can be the same as the coil ID in the node table, and the scheduling priority for a specific inspection facility can be adjusted by setting the weight. The weight table can be stored in the memory of the controller 30.

[0069] Figure 3 is a block diagram illustrating node list configuration logic according to an embodiment.

[0070] In the examples and with reference to Figure 3 , you can use the content described in the node table to configure the links between coils. Figure 3In, the term written in each box is a coil ID. For example, COIL_CONTACT_CONFIRM is the ID of the first coil 211, COIL_AFTP_FERRY1_1 is the ID of the second coil 212, COIL_AFTP_FERRY1_2 is the ID of the third coil 213, COIL_AFTP1_IBUFFER is the ID of the first buffer coil 211B, COIL_AFTP2_IBUFFER is the ID of the second buffer coil 212B, COIL_AFTP_BYPASS1_1 is the ID of the fourth coil 214, COIL_AFTP1 is the ID of the first facility coil 211E, and COIL_AFTP2 is the ID of the second facility coil 212E. The coil ID can be set by the user in various ways. A node list can be constructed by creating a list of all coils based on the coil ID written in the FROM entry in the node table and connecting the coil ID written in the TO entry in the node table to a subset of the coil list. The configuration can be a loop type or a non-loop type.

[0071] Figure 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a controller in an inspection logistics system according to an embodiment. Figure 5 is a block diagram illustrating facility status update logic according to an embodiment, Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating node recursive search logic according to an embodiment, and Figure 7 is a flow chart illustrating weight determination logic according to an embodiment.

[0072] In the examples and with reference to Figure 4 , the controller 30 may traverse all information of the inspection facility and all nodes, record the values ​​detected from the traversed nodes in the score table of the inspection facility, and select the inspection facility ID receiving the lowest score among the available inspection facilities. To this end, the controller 30 may include a facility status updating unit 310, a node recursive search unit 320, a memory 330, and a weight determination unit 340.

[0073] In the examples and with reference to Figure 4 and Figure 5 , the facility status update unit 310 can update the facility status, such as whether the inspection facility is running, production model information (PPID), and the remaining time of the inspection process (remaining time). The facility status update can be a process of ensuring data on the availability status of the facility regardless of the weight score. The facility information is matched 1:1 with the inspection facility, allowing information on the current status of each inspection facility to be updated. The updated facility status can be stored in the memory 330.

[0074] In the examples and with reference to Figure 4 and Figure 6, the node recursive search unit 320 can determine the status and quantity of all coils from the scheduling starting point (search starting point) to all reachable inspection facilities, and calculate the corresponding quantity information and mobile weight information between nodes. This can be a process for updating all information from the starting point of the search to the final inspection facility. The updated information may include the number of carriers going to or arriving at the inspection facility, the existence of carriers parked on the way to the inspection facility, etc. The update command may include: checking the carrier status of the starting node, obtaining a list of child nodes of the node whose status has been checked, and repeating the following steps: selecting an entry from the obtained child node list, checking the carrier status of the selected node, and obtaining a child node list. The information about the number of carriers and the mobile weight information between nodes obtained by the node recursive search unit 320 can be stored in the memory 330.

[0075] In an embodiment, in order to explain the node search algorithm in more detail, the carrier state can be updated at the scheduling calculation point S321. The state of the carrier can include the presence or absence of the inspection object on the carrier and whether the inspection process of the inspection object on the carrier has been completed. When the carrier is stationary, the carrier state can be updated. After checking the state of the carrier, it can be determined whether the inspection process is necessary S322. For example, if there is no inspection object placed on the carrier or the inspection process is determined to be unnecessary due to the completion of the inspection process of the inspection object, the scheduling can be skipped. If it is determined that the inspection process needs to be continued, a list of child nodes of the search node starting point S323 can be obtained. The child node list can be written as, for example, Node[0], ..., Node[M]. Next, an entry (Node[N]) can be selected from the child node list S325, and it can be determined whether there is a carrier in the selected entry (Node[N]) S326. If it is determined that there is no carrier, a child node list S326 of the selected entry (Node[N]) can be obtained, and the child node list S324 can be searched. If it is determined that there is a carrier, the destination of the carrier (target inspection facility ID) can be obtained, and a weight determination algorithm for the target inspection facility ID can be applied S327. Figure 7 Describe the weight determination algorithm. Next, determine whether the carrier in the selected entry (Node[N]) is in a stationary state S328, and if the carrier is not in a stationary state, the child node list S236 of the selected entry (Node[N]) can be obtained, and the child node list S324 can be searched. If the carrier is in a stationary state, the search S329 of the selected entry (Node[N]) can be terminated, and a cyclic search of the next entry (Node[N+1]) can be started. This cyclic search of the child node list can end when the selected node reaches an inspection facility or an inspection termination point. The search termination condition can be specified as an availability setting in the node table.

[0076] In the examples and with reference to Figure 4 and Figure 7 The weight determination unit 340 determines the priority by adding the facility status information obtained by the facility status update unit 310 and the node search result obtained by the node recursive search unit 320 .

[0077] That is, in an embodiment, the weight determination unit 340 finally selects the inspection facility ID of the most effective point based on the information collected by the facility state update unit 310 and the node recursive search unit 320 and stored in the memory 330. For example, in an embodiment, the inspection facility ID of the most effective branch may be the inspection facility ID with the lowest score. If all inspection facilities are unavailable, it is possible to wait in a stopped state without selecting an inspection facility ID.

[0078] refer to Figure 7 , according to an embodiment, the weight determination algorithm may include checking the conditions of the available inspection facilities from the calculation starting point.

[0079] To this end, in an embodiment, a list of inspection facilities or a list of inspection facility IDs (EQP[0], ..., EQP[M]) can be obtained. By selecting an entry from the inspection facility ID list, the weight can be calculated while checking several conditions. If the number of carriers assigned to the inspection facility (e.g., EQP[N]) is within the permissible number range, if the EQP is running (if loading is possible), and if the path to the inspection facility is normal (if it is possible to move to the corresponding route), if the inspection object is an inspection facility that has already been inspected, and if the weight score of the inspection facility is lower than the weight score of the inspection facility that has been calculated (if the priority is high), then after saving the inspection facility ID, a procedure for checking the conditions of the next inspection facility can be executed. If the movement of the carrier is impossible due to the stop of another carrier on the way to the inspection facility, or if the number (score) of carriers moving to the inspection facility and the number (score) of carriers existing in the inspection facility exceed the specified range, or if the inspection facility is inoperable, the inspection facility cannot perform the inspection, and therefore, the calculation can be terminated and the inspection facility can be excluded from the selection target.

[0080] Meanwhile, in an embodiment, when the condition check is completed for all EQP IDs in the obtained inspection facility list (N>M), it may be determined whether the EQP ID is empty, that is, whether the target exists. If the target exists, the EQP ID may be selected and a dispatch command may be generated. If the target does not exist, the calculation may end and EQP ID selection may be impossible. In this case, the carrier may maintain the current position without moving.

[0081] An embodiment of weight configuration is as follows. If there is a migration piece moving to the inspection facility (EQP[N]) on the node path moving to the inspection facility, a high weight (e.g., +1000 points) can be assigned. Even if there is a carrier in the relevant inspection facility, a high weight (e.g., +1000 points) can be assigned. Since the movement time of the carrier between nodes may be short compared to the inspection time, the movement weight between nodes can be given as less than the actual amount. For example, the weight of the movement between nodes can be arbitrarily set by the user, such as +1 point, and the weight of the movement can be based on the distance and speed, and the size of the weight can be determined by the user as needed. Weighted +R points are assigned to EQP[N] points. In other words, the user can interfere with the priority by selecting a separate weight for each inspection facility. Weight +T points can also be assigned to the remaining inspection time of EQP[N]. For example, in an embodiment, the remaining inspection time can be determined by subtracting it from the standard inspection time in real time.

[0082] Fig. 8A , Figure 8B and Figure 8C are block diagrams respectively illustrating node recursive searching according to embodiments.

[0083] In the examples and with reference to Fig. 8A , a sequential search can be performed from the calculation start node to the next node. When a node branch point is reached, the next node can branch in three directions.

[0084] In the examples and with reference to Figure 8B , you can start searching in the order shown. The ① direction search can end at the end point, and the ② direction search can start and the sequential search for the next node can continue. When the node branch point is reached, the next node can branch in three directions.

[0085] In the examples and with reference to Figure 8C , you can start searching in the order shown. The ① direction search can end at the end point, and the ② direction search can end and then the sequential search for the next node can be performed. Once the node branch point is reached, the next node can branch in three directions and start searching in the order indicated. When Figure 8C When the ① direction search, ② direction search, and ③ direction search are completed, Figure 8B The search in direction ② is completed. Then, Figure 8B The search in direction ③ can be completed.

[0086] In an embodiment, the information obtained during the search may include information about the carrier of the node, such as the presence / absence of the carrier, the movement / stop of the carrier, and the moving target point of the carrier. It is possible to determine whether the route is moving by the presence / absence and the moving / stationary state of the carrier. By confirming the moving target point of the carrier, the number of carriers moving or arriving at each inspection facility can be ensured, and a weight can be applied to each EQP. The information can be stored in a memory that collects weight information.

[0087] Fig. 9 is a block diagram illustrating calculations for checking logistics optimization scheduling according to an embodiment.

[0088] In the examples and with reference to Fig. 9 , the calculation starts from the first coil 211, and it can be confirmed that there is no abnormality in the node with the second coil 212 and the third coil 213. The node can then branch at the third coil 213, and the search can end with the third coil 213, the first buffer coil 211B, and the first facility coil 211E. The first inspection facility 101 can be determined to be accessible. Since there is one carrier 22' in the first inspection facility 101, a carrier weight of +1000 points can be added to the first inspection facility 101. When the remaining inspection process time of the inspection object on the carrier 22' placed on the first facility coil 211E is 40 seconds, a remaining time weight of +40 points can be added to the first inspection facility 101.

[0089] Next, in an embodiment, the search may proceed from the third coil 213 of the node branch to the fourth coil 214, the fifth coil 215, the sixth coil 216, and the seventh coil 217. When the carrier 22" is in a stopped state in the sixth coil 216, it may be impossible to enter the node of the third inspection facility 103 and the fourth inspection facility 104. If the moving target point of the carrier 22" on the sixth coil 216 is confirmed by the third inspection facility 103, a carrier weight of +1000 points may be added to the third inspection facility 103.

[0090] In an embodiment, the node may branch from the seventh coil 217, and the search may proceed to the seventh coil 217, the third buffer coil 213B, and the third facility coil 213E. Since there is no carrier in the third inspection facility 103, the carrier weight at 0 o'clock may be added to the third inspection facility 103, and the remaining time weight at 0 o'clock may be added to the third inspection facility 103.

[0091] In an embodiment, the search may proceed from the seventh coil 217 of the node branch to the eighth coil 218 and the ninth coil 219. Since the ninth coil 219 is the last coil, the search may end at the ninth coil 219. That is, the ninth coil 219 may be the search end position.

[0092] Next, in an embodiment, the search may proceed from seventh coil 217 to fourth buffer coil 214B and fourth facility coil 214E. Since carrier 22' exists on fourth facility coil 214E, a carrier weight of +1000 points may be added to fourth facility coil 214E.

[0093] In an embodiment, if the remaining time of the inspection process of the inspection object on the carrier 22 ′ placed on the fourth facility coil 214E is 3 seconds, a remaining time weight of 3 points may be added to the fourth inspection facility 104 .

[0094] Next, in an embodiment, the search may proceed from the third coil 213 to the second buffer coil 212B and the second facility coil 212E, and the search may end at the second facility coil 212E. If there are two carriers 22' in the second inspection facility 102, a carrier weight of +2000 points may be added to the second inspection facility 102. If the remaining inspection process time of the inspection object on the carrier 22' placed on the second facility coil 212E is 10 seconds, a remaining time weight of +10 points may be added to the second inspection facility 102.

[0095] In the embodiment, according to the calculation results described above, the status and weight of each inspection facility are summarized in the following Table 1. The movement weight between carriers is added as +1 point.

[0096] Table 1

[0097]

[0098]

[0099] In the embodiment, as a result of the calculation, the score priority (the lower the score, the higher the priority) is the third inspection facility 103, the fourth inspection facility 104, the first inspection facility 101, and the second inspection facility 102. However, the third inspection facility 103 and the fourth inspection facility 104 can be excluded because the node is inaccessible, and the second inspection facility 102 can be excluded because the number of carriers is the largest. Therefore, the scheduling target of the carrier can be the first inspection facility 101.

[0100] As in the above-mentioned embodiment, by applying the scheduling algorithm to the linear motion system, effective scheduling management of logistics may be possible. For example, unnecessary moving operations do not occur, and the possibility of logistics congestion due to moving operations can be reduced. In addition, in an embodiment, the state of logistics in motion can be reflected, thereby minimizing the waiting time for input logistics. In addition, real-time updating of scheduling commands may be possible. For example, by confirming the actual moving end point of logistics, it may be possible to immediately re-reflect the order in response to user intervention. In addition, the weight of the scheduling can be defined by the user. For example, the priority of the EQP selection made by the user can be reflected by setting separate weights for the node search operation and the final end point. In addition, in an embodiment, the scheduling logic for various node types can be shared. The logic for most types of logistics can be shared, and the entire system can be searched according to the configuration of the node table.

[0101] Although the embodiments have been described in detail above, the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto, and those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements using the basic concept of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the contents described in the detailed description of the specification. In addition, the embodiments or parts of the embodiments can be combined in whole or in part without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A logistics inspection system, comprising: multiple inspection facilities; a linear motion system including a plurality of coils for moving an inspection object disposed on a carrier to the plurality of inspection facilities; as well as a controller, the controller controlling the movement of the carrier, The controller comprises: a facility status updating unit, the facility status updating unit updating the status of the plurality of inspection facilities; a node recursive search unit that searches for a node composed of connections between the plurality of coils and updates information on the existence of a reachable inspection facility from a search start point; and A weight determination unit that selects an inspection facility to which the carrier is to move based on the facility status updated by the facility status update unit and the information updated by the node recursive search unit.

2. The inspection logistics system according to claim 1, wherein: The facility status update unit updates operation statuses of the plurality of inspection facilities and remaining inspection process times when inspection objects are arranged in the plurality of inspection facilities.

3. The inspection logistics system according to claim 1, wherein: The node recursive search unit determines the status and quantity of all carriers arranged between the search start point and the reachable inspection facility, and The movement weights between the nodes are calculated.

4. The inspection logistics system according to claim 3, wherein: The node recursive search unit configures the relationship between the plurality of coils as the nodes, configures the relationship between the nodes as a node list, and searches the entire section by node recursive search.

5. The inspection logistics system according to claim 4, wherein: The node recursive search unit checks a carrier state of a start node in the node list, obtains a child node list of the start node, checks a carrier state of a selected node selected in the child node list, and obtains a child node list of the selected node.

6. The inspection logistics system according to claim 1, wherein: When there is no inspection object arranged on the carrier or when an inspection process of the inspection object is completed, the node recursive search unit skips searching the node.

7. The inspection logistics system according to claim 1, wherein: When the plurality of inspection facilities are unavailable, the facility state updating unit causes the carrier to stand by in a stopped state without selecting an inspection facility from among the plurality of inspection facilities.

8. The inspection logistics system according to claim 1, wherein: The weight determination unit applies a weight based on the number of carriers existing between the search start point and the reachable inspection facility.

9. The inspection logistics system according to claim 1, wherein: When there are inspection objects being inspected in the plurality of inspection facilities, the weight determination unit applies weights based on remaining inspection times of the inspection objects.

10. The inspection logistics system according to claim 1, wherein: The weight determination unit terminates the weight calculation when a carrier stops between the search starting point and the reachable inspection facility, when the number of carriers moved from the search starting point to the reachable inspection facility and the number of carriers present in the reachable inspection facility exceed a specified range, or when the reachable inspection facility is inoperable.

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