Sewing management system

Abstract

An operator's work efficiency can be evaluated. A sewing management system (1) has a sewing machine (2) and a management device (3), the management device (3) having: a calculation section (13) that calculates an overall efficiency of an operator using the sewing machine; and an information acquisition section (11) that acquires operation information (151) from the sewing machine in order to calculate the overall efficiency, the operation information including information for acquiring a start time and an end time of a sewing work performed by the operator using the sewing machine, a total work time for a plurality of work processes included in the sewing work, and an actual piece count for each work process, the calculation section calculating the overall efficiency of the operator based on a target processing time determined for each work process and the operation information acquired by the information acquisition section. In addition, the calculation section (13) can also calculate a process efficiency for each work process and evaluate the efficiency by process.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a sewing management system. Background Technology

[0002] As an existing sewing machine operator's operation information management, the operator's production achievement rate is calculated based on the set value of the target number of pieces to be sewn in a day, the start time of the operation, and the current actual number of pieces sewn (for example, see Patent Document 1).

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-130767

[0004] Current operational information management calculates the production achievement rate, which represents the progress of work within a given timeframe, but it does not show the achievement rate of the operator's actual work performance. Therefore, it is impossible to evaluate the level of efficiency with which the operator performs the work. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to evaluate the work efficiency of operators.

[0006] This invention is a sewing management system that manages the production of sewn items using sewing machines.

[0007] The sewing management system is characterized by having:

[0008] The sewing machine; and

[0009] A management device that manages the sewing machine.

[0010] The management device has:

[0011] The computation unit calculates the overall efficiency of the operator using the sewing machine; and

[0012] The information acquisition unit acquires operational information from the sewing machine in order to determine the overall efficiency.

[0013] The operational information includes information for obtaining the start and end times of the sewing operation performed by the operator using the sewing machine, the total operation time for the various work steps included in the sewing operation, and the number of pieces sewn for each of the work steps.

[0014] The calculation unit calculates the operator's overall efficiency based on the target processing time determined for each of the work processes and the operation information obtained by the information acquisition unit.

[0015] The effects of the invention

[0016] According to the present invention, the operator's work efficiency can be comprehensively evaluated. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing the general structure of the sewing management system involved in this embodiment.

[0018] Figure 2 This is a block diagram of the management devices included in the sewing management system.

[0019] Figure 3 This is a block diagram of the sewing machines included in the sewing management system.

[0020] Figure 4 It is a graph representing parameters used by the computing unit of the management device to calculate the overall efficiency of the operator based on the operating information obtained from the sewing machine for a single operator performing multiple work processes on a sewing machine.

[0021] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating the generation and processing of operational information by the control unit of the sewing machine.

[0022] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating the calculation process by which the processor of the management device determines the overall efficiency of the operator based on operational information. Detailed Implementation

[0023] [Overview of the Sewing Management System]

[0024] Below, refer to the appendix. Figure 1 The embodiments of the present invention will be described below.

[0025] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing the schematic structure of the sewing management system 1 according to this embodiment. Figure 2 This is a block diagram of the management device 3 included in the sewing management system 1. Figure 3 This is a block diagram of the sewing machine 2 included in the sewing management system 1.

[0026] The sewing management system 1 is a system that manages the operational status of the operator using the sewing machine 2. The sewing management system 1 includes the sewing machine 2 and the management device 3.

[0027] For example, multiple sewing machines 2 are installed in a sewing factory. Each sewing machine 2 is exemplified as an industrial sewing machine. Sewn products are produced by sewing a workpiece using each sewing machine 2. The workpiece is exemplified as a sheet of fabric. The sewn product is exemplified as clothing. Furthermore, the sewing machine 2 constituting the sewing management system 1 may also be a single machine.

[0028] The management device 3 is installed in the same facility as the facility where the sewing machines 2 are installed. However, the management device 3 may also be installed in a remote location as long as it is able to communicate the prescribed information with each sewing machine 2.

[0029] In a sewing factory, sewn products are produced using multiple sewing machines 2. The sewing factory is equipped with one or more sewing machines 2 of the same type, corresponding to their intended uses. Each sewing machine 2 is assigned multiple work processes for producing sewn products. However, work processes of the same type can also be assigned to multiple sewing machines 2.

[0030] Examples of sewing machine 2 include a flat sewing machine for sewing the body of a garment, a button sewing machine for sewing buttons onto the body of a garment, and a buttonhole overlock sewing machine for overlocking buttonholes. Furthermore, the types of sewing machine 2 are just examples and can be appropriately changed according to the type of the object being sewn or the type of sewing process.

[0031] Generally, a sewing factory has many sewing machines 2 of various types. The sewing management system 1 can contain one or more sewing machines 2, and the number is not limited, but for the sake of simplicity... Figure 1 Only three sewing machines are shown in the picture.

[0032] like Figure 1 As shown, in a sewing factory, the manager uses a management device 3, and each operator uses a sewing machine 2. The manager manages the operators. The operators operate the sewing machines 2 to perform the sewing operation procedures.

[0033] The number of operators can be multiple or single, and does not have to match the number of sewing machines 2. For example, one operator can operate multiple sewing machines 2, or multiple operators can take turns using one sewing machine 2.

[0034] [Management Device]

[0035] The management device 3 includes a display device 4 and an input device 5. The display device 4 displays display data. The display device 4 includes a flat panel display such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display. The input device 5 is operated by the manager to generate input data.

[0036] The input device 5 includes a touch panel (touch sensor) configured on the display screen of the display device 4. Alternatively, the input device 5 may be a computer keyboard, a mouse, or a voice input device.

[0037] The management device 3 is communicatively connected to multiple sewing machines 2 in the sewing factory. However, the management device 3 may not be able to communicate with the sewing machines 2 in real time. The management device 3 only needs to be able to obtain the specified digitized information from the sewing machines 2. Therefore, the required specified information can be transferred from the sewing machines 2 to a recording medium, from which the management device 3 can obtain the specified information from the sewing machines 2.

[0038] The management device 3 can communicate with one or more sewing machines 2 individually. The management device 3 also communicates with the control device 8 of the sewing machine 2. The management device 3 and the control device 8 communicate via a network NW (see reference). Figure 2 Communication can be made via wired or wireless means. Management device 3 and control device 8 can communicate, for example, via a network such as a Local Area Network (LAN). Management device 3 and control device 8 can also communicate via a wireless LAN such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark).

[0039] Management device 3 provides operation information 151 for each of the multiple sewing machines 2 (refer to...). Figure 2 and Figure 3 The data is collected. The management device 3 calculates the overall efficiency of the operator (described later) based on the operating information 151 of each of the multiple sewing machines 2, and displays it on the display device 4.

[0040] like Figure 2 As shown, the management device 3 includes a computer system. The management device 3 has at least one processor 10, a storage device 15 for storing computer programs executable by the processor 10, and an interface 16 for the processor 10 to communicate with various devices.

[0041] Processor 10 is a computing element such as CPU (Central Processing Unit).

[0042] Storage device 15 includes: main memory, which includes non-volatile memory such as ROM (Read Only Memory) and volatile memory such as RAM (Random Access Memory); and storage such as hard disk drive or solid-state drive.

[0043] Interface 16 includes: input / output circuitry for inputting and outputting signals to display device 4 and input device 5; and communication controller for communicating with control devices 8 of each sewing machine 2 via network NW.

[0044] The management device 3 includes an information acquisition unit 11, a setting unit 12, an arithmetic unit 13, and an output unit 14. The information acquisition unit 11, setting unit 12, arithmetic unit 13, and output unit 14 are functional blocks implemented in a program by the processor 10 executing a program stored in the storage device 15. That is, the processor 10 functions as the information acquisition unit 11, setting unit 12, arithmetic unit 13, and output unit 14 by executing the program.

[0045] The information acquisition unit 11 obtains operation information 151 from each sewing machine 2 via the network NW. The operation information 151 of the sewing machine 2 includes, for example, input data input from the operation switch 6 of the sewing machine 2 as described later, and motion data of the thread cutting mechanism.

[0046] The setting unit 12 receives the target processing time 154 from the manager via the input device 5 for various work processes.

[0047] The target processing time 154, also known as SAM (Standard Allotted Minutes), is a time set as "the time required to perform a task by an operator of standard skill level based on a standard work sequence or method and work conditions, plus a margin of safety".

[0048] The target processing time of 154 is a target value (ideal value) calculated under the conditions set in production management.

[0049] The target processing time 154 for each set operation procedure is stored in the storage device 15.

[0050] Additionally, the setting unit 12 receives settings from the manager via the input device 5, including process information 152 indicating the work processes that should be performed by each sewing machine 2. (This will be described later.) Figure 4 The example illustrates the following situation: a sewing machine 2 is set up via input device 5 to assign a first work operation, a second work operation, and a third work operation.

[0051] Furthermore, the process information 152 can include setting information inherent to each work process. For example, the number of times the stitches are cut during sewing in each work process is such setting information. The manager can input the content of the process information 152 through the input device 5.

[0052] The output unit 14 outputs information generated by the calculation unit 13 and information set by the setting unit 12. The output unit 14 outputs various information display screens to the display device 4 via the interface 16. Specifically, the output unit 14 displays the target processing time 154, the overall efficiency of each operator calculated by the calculation unit 13 (described later), etc., on the display device 4.

[0053] In addition to storing the program executed by the processor 10, the storage device 15 also stores the information acquired by the information acquisition unit 11 and the setting information sent to the setting unit 12. The storage device 15 stores the operation information 151 of each sewing machine 2, the process information 152 of each sewing machine 2, and the setting information of the target processing time 154.

[0054] [Sewing machine]

[0055] Regarding the mechanical structure of sewing machine 2, since it is the same as that of known sewing machines, detailed descriptions are omitted. Sewing machine 2 includes a control device 8, an actuator 21, sensors 22, a communication unit 23, an operation panel 7, and operation switches 6.

[0056] The control device 8 outputs control signals to control the sewing machine 2. The control device 8 is configured as a computer system. Specifically, the control device 8 includes a control unit 81, which contains a processor such as a CPU; and a storage unit 82, which contains storage devices such as ROM (Read Only Memory) and RAM (Random Access Memory). Furthermore, the storage unit 82 stores programs used to enable the processor to function as the control unit 81. The storage unit 82 stores operating information 151 obtained from actuators 21, sensors 22, operating switches 6, etc. Additionally, the storage unit 82 stores setting data input from the operation panel 7.

[0057] The control device 8 transmits the setting data of the sewing machine 2 and the operation information 151 of the sewing machine 2 to the management device 3 via the communication unit 23. The setting data of the sewing machine 2 includes information on determining the processes (first process, second process, third process, etc.) performed by the sewing machine 2 and the setting values ​​of the operating conditions of the sewing machine 2.

[0058] Actuator 21 includes a main drive unit 211, a pressure foot drive unit 212, a tangential drive unit 213, etc. These drive units include actuators such as electric motors or solenoids.

[0059] The main drive unit 211 is the main drive source of the sewing machine 2 for performing reciprocating drive of the needle bar, rotation of the needle, or feeding action.

[0060] The presser foot drive unit 212 is a drive source for raising and lowering the presser foot of the sewn material.

[0061] The thread-cutting drive unit 213 is a drive source for operating the thread-cutting mechanism of the sewing machine 2. The thread-cutting mechanism, for example, cuts the thread from the workpiece provided on the sewing machine 2 at the timing that divides the sewing operation of the sewing machine 2.

[0062] Furthermore, the above-described structure of actuator 21 is used as an example, and sometimes a part of it is not mounted. In addition, sewing machine 2 may also have actuators for purposes other than those described above.

[0063] Sensor type 22 includes sensors that detect the driving amount or specific operating states of the main drive unit 211, the pressure foot drive unit 212, and the tangential drive unit 213. These sensors may also include encoders that detect the rotation of the electric motor, and position sensors that detect the displacement of movable parts. The detection data from these sensor types 22 are output to the control device 8.

[0064] The operation switch 6 accepts operation inputs associated with the sewing operations performed by the sewing machine 2.

[0065] The operator inputs the operation switch 6 at a time when starting a sewing operation facing the sewing machine 2 and at a time when interrupting or ending the sewing operation and leaving the sewing machine 2. In this case, the time when each operation switch 6 is input is recorded in the operation information 151.

[0066] The operation panel 7 includes a display device, an operation device, and a microcomputer.

[0067] Display devices include flat panel displays such as liquid crystal displays or organic EL displays.

[0068] The operating device includes a touch panel (touch sensor) configured on the display screen of the display device. The microcomputer has at least one processor and main memory for storing computer programs executable by the processor.

[0069] The operation panel 7 accepts input operations from the operator when setting parameters for the control device 8 of the sewing machine 2, and displays information related to the control of the sewing machine 2. The operation panel 7 may be, for example, a liquid crystal display with a touch panel.

[0070] For example, the operation panel 7 accepts the operator's selection of the next work procedure to be performed by the sewing machine 2, and the selection of setting data for the sewing operation to be performed by the selected work procedure. The operator uses the operation panel 7 to select the next work procedure to be performed by the sewing machine 2 from the process information 152 set by the management device 3.

[0071] When the operator repeatedly performs the same work procedure, it is not necessary to select the work procedure from the operation panel 7 each time a work procedure is performed. If the work procedure to be performed next changes, the new work procedure can be selected from the operation panel 7.

[0072] In this case, the work procedure selected by the operator and the time of making the selection from the operation panel 7 are recorded in the operation information 151.

[0073] The communication unit 23 includes a network controller for connecting the control device 8 to the network NW. The control device 8 communicates with the management device 3 via the communication unit 23 and the network NW.

[0074] The control device 8 sends the input data of the operation switch 6 and the operation data of the tangential drive unit 213 as operation information 151 to the management device 3. The input data of the operation switch 6 is, for example, log data recording the input time of the operation switch 6. The operation data of the tangential drive unit 213 is log data recording the operation time of the tangential drive unit 213.

[0075] [Calculation of operator work efficiency]

[0076] Figure 4 It is a graph representing parameters used by the calculation unit 13 of the management device 3 to calculate the overall efficiency of the operator based on the operation information 151 obtained from the sewing machine 2 for a single operator performing multiple work processes through a sewing machine 2.

[0077] based on Figure 4 A method for calculating the overall efficiency of the operator executed by the arithmetic unit 13 is explained.

[0078] The operator's "overall efficiency" is a concept of work efficiency for a specific operator, representing the time from the "start of work" to the "end of work" of a unit of sewing operation using a sewing machine 2.

[0079] "Comprehensive" refers to the efficiency of work that is not limited to a single work process. For example, if multiple work processes are performed during a unit of sewing operations, the overall efficiency of the sewing operation, including all the work processes, is called comprehensive efficiency.

[0080] "Sewing industry" Figure 4 The time from the start of the task to the end of the task is set as one unit.

[0081] The term "start of work" as used here refers not only to the beginning of the first sewing task in a workday, but also to the restart of the first sewing task immediately following the "end of work" of the previous sewing task.

[0082] Furthermore, "work completion" not only refers to the end of the last sewing task during the workday, but also includes interruptions to sewing work during lunch breaks or restroom breaks. It also includes interruptions caused by malfunctions of sewing machine 2. In other words, interruptions of a certain duration or longer during repetitive sewing operations are also included in "work completion."

[0083] Figure 4 The times for "job start" and "job end" shown can be obtained from operation information 151.

[0084] As mentioned above, if the operation switch 6 is input, the control device 8 of the sewing machine 2 records the input time as the "work start" time or the "work end" time in the operation information 151.

[0085] Therefore, the calculation unit 13 is able to obtain the start and end times of a unit amount of sewing operation from the operation information 151.

[0086] In addition, the operating switch 6 can be configured to separately indicate "work start" and "work end".

[0087] Furthermore, when both the "work start" and "work end" switches are shared using a single operation switch 6, the recognition of "work start" and "work end" can be switched alternately each time the operation switch 6 is input. For example, the odd-numbered input times of the operation switch 6 starting from the start of the operator's workday can be recognized as "work start" times, and the even-numbered input times of the operation switch 6 starting from the start of the workday can be recognized as "work end" times.

[0088] In addition, it can also replace the operation switch and switch by reading or detecting based on the reading of an RFID card or other recording element that records some kind of information such as process information.

[0089] During a unit of sewing operation, one or more work processes are performed with a number of actual pieces sewn.

[0090] The types of work processes performed during a unit of sewing operations can be obtained from operation information 151.

[0091] As mentioned above, if the operator selects the next work procedure from the operation panel 7, the control device 8 of the sewing machine 2 records the selected work procedure and the time of selection as part of the operation information 151.

[0092] Therefore, the calculation unit 13 is able to identify the work process selected at a time during a unit of sewing operation, which is the work process performed during that unit of sewing operation.

[0093] When multiple work processes are selected during a unit of sewing operation, the calculation unit 13 can identify that multiple work processes have been performed in the sewing operation. Figure 4 The example shows that "first operation", "second operation" and "third operation" were carried out during a unit of sewing operation.

[0094] Figure 4 The "detailed timing of the work process switching" shown can be obtained from the operation information 151.

[0095] As mentioned above, the operation information 151 records the operation procedure selected from the operation panel 7 and the time of selection. Therefore, the calculation unit 13 can identify the time of selection of each operation procedure up to the time of selection of the next operation procedure as a "continuous operation period" of one operation procedure.

[0096] "Detailed switching time of work procedures" indicates the time when each "continuous work period" is divided.

[0097] In addition, Figure 4 The beginning and end of the "continuous operation period" of each work process within a unit of sewing operation is illustrated by arrows.

[0098] In addition, Figure 4 In the example, it is shown that within a unit volume of sewing operations, the same type of work process is sometimes divided into multiple "continuous work periods".

[0099] Figure 4 The "number of actual pieces for each work process" shown can be obtained from operation information 151 and process information 152.

[0100] As described above, the control device 8 of the sewing machine 2 detects the movement of the thread cutting drive unit 213 and records the moment of movement as part of the operation information 151.

[0101] Therefore, the calculation unit 13 can obtain the number of tangent executions performed in each "continuous operation period" from the start time of the tangent drive unit 213 belonging to each "continuous operation period" based on the "continuous operation period" obtained by the aforementioned "detailed timing of the switching of the operation process".

[0102] In addition, when a "work process" is divided into multiple "continuous work periods", the total number of tangent executions in each "continuous work period" is summed.

[0103] Therefore, the calculation unit 13 calculates the number of tangent executions for each "work process".

[0104] Furthermore, in process information 152, the number of times the slitting is performed during the sewing process in a single operation is recorded for various work processes.

[0105] Therefore, the calculation unit 13 refers to the process information 152 and calculates the number of finished pieces in the work process by dividing the [number of times the tangent is executed in the work process] by the [number of times the tangent is executed in the sewing process in one work process].

[0106] Figure 4 The "total operation time of the operation process" shown can be obtained from operation information 151.

[0107] As mentioned above, the "detailed switching time of the work process" is obtained based on the operation information 151, and thus the duration of each "continuous operation period" can be calculated.

[0108] Furthermore, as mentioned above, when a work process consists of a "continuous work period", the length of the "continuous work period" becomes the "total work time of the work process". When a work process consists of multiple "continuous work periods", the total length of the multiple "continuous work periods" becomes the "total work time of the work process".

[0109] Figure 4 The "SAM" value for each work step shown can be obtained from the target processing time of 154.

[0110] Figure 4 The "Total SAM Time for the Work Process" shown can be obtained by multiplying the value of "SAM" for that work process by the "Number of Slices Performed in the Work Process". The calculation unit 13 calculates the "Total SAM Time for the Work Process" by multiplying the value of "SAM" by the "Number of Slices Performed in the Work Process" for each work process.

[0111] Figure 4 The “work process efficiency” shown refers to the efficiency of the various work processes included in the sewing operation performed by the corresponding operator.

[0112] The "work process efficiency" is calculated by dividing the value of the "total SAM time of the work process" by the "total work time of the work process". The calculation unit 13 calculates the "work process efficiency" by dividing the value of the "total SAM time of the work process" by the "total work time of the work process" for each work process.

[0113] If we express "work process efficiency" through a formula, it is as follows.

[0114] [Work process efficiency]

[0115] = [SAM] × [Number of finished pieces in each work process] ÷ [Total work time for each work process]

[0116] = [Total SAM Time for All Work Processes] ÷ [Total Work Time for All Work Processes]

[0117] The "overall efficiency" of a unit volume of sewing operations can be obtained based on the "SAM" value of each work process included in the sewing operation, the "number of finished pieces in each work process", and the "total working time of each work process".

[0118] The calculation unit 13 multiplies the value of "SAM" by the "number of finished pieces in the sewing process" for each work process included in the sewing operation, and calculates the aforementioned "total SAM time of the work process" for each work process.

[0119] Furthermore, the total SAM time for each work process is calculated. The calculation unit 13 then divides this total value by the total SAM time for each work process included in the sewing operation, thereby calculating the overall efficiency.

[0120] If we express "overall efficiency" through a formula, it is as follows.

[0121] [Overall efficiency]

[0122] = {Total value of ([SAM] × [Number of finished pieces in each work process]) of all work processes} ÷ (Total value of [Total work time of each work process] of all work processes)

[0123] = (Total SAM time for all work processes) ÷ (Total operation time for all work processes)

[0124] [Generation and processing of operational information]

[0125] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating the generation process of operation information 151 performed by the control unit 81 of the sewing machine 2. The generation process of operation information 151 will be explained in turn.

[0126] First, the control unit 81 of the sewing machine 2 monitors whether there is an input from the operation switch 6. If an input from the operator to the operation switch 6 is detected, the current time is recorded in the operation information 151, and it is determined whether the input from the operation switch 6 is "sewing start" (step S1).

[0127] Furthermore, if the input to the operating switch 6 is not "sewing start", continue monitoring in step S1.

[0128] In addition, when the input of the operation switch 6 is "sewing start", the control unit 81 monitors the start of the drive of the main drive unit 211 and determines whether the operator has selected the "work process" from the operation panel 7 before the drive starts (step S3).

[0129] Furthermore, when there is a "work procedure" to be selected, the control unit 81 starts the selected "work procedure" (step S5) and records the moment when the "work procedure" was selected to the operation information 151.

[0130] However, if the "work process" is selected in conjunction with the start of the drive of the initial main drive unit 211 after "sewing begins", the current time may not be recorded in the operation information 151.

[0131] The recording of the current time associated with the selection of the "work process" in step S5 is a process used to record the start time of the newly selected "work process". However, in the case of selecting the "work process" associated with the start of the drive of the initial main drive unit 211 after "sewing start", the time of "sewing start" can also be regarded as the start time of the "work process", so the recording of the operation information 151 is not required.

[0132] In addition, if there is no "work procedure" to select, it is identified as continuing the previous "work procedure" that was last selected (step S7).

[0133] Next, the control unit 81 determines whether a tangent has been executed by the drive of the tangent drive unit 213 (step S9).

[0134] If there is no tangent, the control unit 81 causes the process to proceed to step S13.

[0135] On the other hand, when a tangent exists, the control unit 81 records the current time as the execution time of the tangent to the operation information 151 (step S11).

[0136] Next, the control unit 81 monitors whether there is an input to the operation switch 6 (step S13). If an input to the operation switch 6 by the operator is detected, the current time is recorded as the "sewing end" time in the operation information 151.

[0137] Furthermore, the control unit 81 sends the operation information 151 to the management device 3 (step S15), thus ending the generation process of the operation information 151.

[0138] On the other hand, if no input from the operator to the operation switch 6 is detected, the control unit 81 repeats the processing of steps S3 to S13.

[0139] [Comprehensive efficiency calculation]

[0140] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating the calculation process by which the processor 10 of the management device 3 calculates the overall efficiency of the operator based on the operating information 151 obtained from the control unit 81 of the sewing machine 2. The calculation process of the overall efficiency of the operator will be explained in turn.

[0141] The arithmetic unit 13 of the processor 10 obtains the "detailed timing of the switching of the work process" (step S31) from the operation information 151 regarding the multiple work processes performed by the sewing machine 2.

[0142] The operation information 151 records the time of "work start", the time of "work end" and the time of "work procedure" selection, so the calculation unit 13 can determine the start time and end time of the "continuous operation period" in which each work procedure has been performed based on them.

[0143] The start time of the initial "continuous work period" in a unit of sewing operations can coincide with the start time of the "work". The end time of the final "continuous work period" in a unit of sewing operations can coincide with the end time of the "work".

[0144] The calculation unit 13 obtains the "total operation time of the operation process" for each operation process from the "detailed switching time of the operation process" obtained in step S31 (step S33).

[0145] Since the start and end times of the "continuous operation period" of each work process are known, the calculation unit 13 can calculate the duration of the "continuous operation period" based on their time differences.

[0146] When a work process consists of a single "continuous work period", the "total work time of the work process" is the same as the length of the "continuous work period".

[0147] When a work process is divided into multiple "continuous work periods", the "total work time of the work process" is consistent with the total time of the multiple "continuous work periods".

[0148] The calculation unit 13 obtains the "actual number of slices for each work process" (step S35) from the operation information 151 and the process information 152.

[0149] Since the start and end times of each "continuous operation period" are known, and the execution time of the tangent is recorded in the operation information 151, the calculation unit 13 can calculate the number of times the tangent is executed in each "continuous operation period".

[0150] Furthermore, the process information 152 records the number of times the tangent is executed in each work process, so the "number of actual pieces of the work process" in each work process can be calculated based on the total number of times the tangent is executed during the "continuous work period" belonging to each work process.

[0151] The calculation unit 13 obtains the "total SAM time of the operation process" (step S37) for each operation process from the operation information 151, process information 152 and target processing time 154.

[0152] The computing unit 13 is able to obtain the "SAM" of each operation from the target processing time 154.

[0153] Furthermore, the calculation unit 13 obtains the "number of actual pieces for each work process" from the operation information 151 and the process information 152, and thus can calculate the "total SAM time for each work process" for each work process by calculating [SAM] × [number of actual pieces for the work process].

[0154] The calculation unit 13 obtains the "operation process efficiency" for each operation process from the operation information 151, process information 152 and target processing time 154 (step S39).

[0155] The computing unit 13 has obtained the "total operation time of each operation process" from the operation information 151 regarding each operation process.

[0156] In addition, the computing unit 13 has obtained the "total SAM time of each operation process" from the operation information 151, process information 152 and target processing time 154.

[0157] Therefore, the calculation unit 13 can calculate the "work process efficiency" for each work process by calculating the total SAM time of the work process ÷ the total work time of the work process.

[0158] The calculation unit 13 obtains the operator's "overall efficiency" (step S41) from the operation information 151, process information 152 and target processing time 154.

[0159] The computing unit 13 has obtained the "total operation time of each operation process" from the operation information 151 regarding each operation process.

[0160] In addition, the computing unit 13 has obtained the "total SAM time of each operation process" from the operation information 151, process information 152 and target processing time 154.

[0161] Therefore, the calculation unit 13 can calculate the operator's "overall efficiency" by calculating (the total SAM time of all work processes) ÷ (the total work time of all work processes).

[0162] The output unit 14 displays the "work process efficiency" of each work process and the "overall efficiency" of the operator, which are calculated by the calculation unit 13, on the display device 4 (step S43).

[0163] Furthermore, the calculation and processing of the overall efficiency are completed.

[0164] Furthermore, instead of displaying the output on the display device 4, the processing in step S43 can simply stop at storing the "work process efficiency" and "overall efficiency" in the storage device 15. Alternatively, the "work process efficiency" and "overall efficiency" can be sent from the management device 3 to an external network.

[0165] Furthermore, the order of steps S33 and S35 in the above-mentioned comprehensive efficiency calculation process can also be reversed.

[0166] In addition, in step S41, when calculating the "overall efficiency", the calculation unit 13 calculates the "total operation time of the operation process" for each of the multiple operation processes, and calculates the total value of the "total operation time of all operation processes".

[0167] In contrast, the calculation unit 13 can also treat the total value of all "total operation time of all operation processes" as the same value as the time length from the start time to the end time of the sewing operation, and calculate it by [overall efficiency] = (total value of [total SAM time of all operation processes]) ÷ (time length from the start time to the end time of the sewing operation).

[0168] [Technical Effects of Embodiments of the Invention]

[0169] The management device 3 of the sewing management system 1 includes: an arithmetic unit 13, which calculates the overall efficiency of the operator using the sewing machine 2; and an information acquisition unit 11, which acquires operation information 151 from the sewing machine 2.

[0170] Furthermore, the operation information 151 includes the start and end times of the sewing operation performed by the operator using the sewing machine 2, information on the time for selecting each operation step to obtain the total operation time of each operation step included in the sewing operation, and information on the time of tangent execution for obtaining the number of finished pieces for each operation step.

[0171] Therefore, the computing unit 13 can calculate the operator's overall efficiency based on the target processing time and operation information of each work process.

[0172] Therefore, the management device 3 can obtain the overall work efficiency of the sewing operation, which includes multiple work steps, rather than the process efficiency corresponding to the content of each work step, and can provide the manager with judgment material on the operator's overall technical ability.

[0173] In addition, the calculation unit 13 of the management device 3 calculates the overall efficiency of the operator by dividing the total value obtained by summing the target processing time for each work process and the number of finished pieces for that work process by summing the total processing time for each work process.

[0174] Therefore, the overall efficiency of the operator can be used as the overall efficiency value of the sewing industry, thus suppressing the bias towards the efficiency of a particular work process.

[0175] In addition, the calculation unit 13 can also use the total working time for each work process as the time from the start time to the end time of the sewing operation to calculate the overall efficiency of the operator.

[0176] In this case, in order to calculate the overall efficiency of the operator, the process of calculating the total operation time for each operation step can be omitted, and the overall efficiency of the operator can be calculated quickly with less processing burden.

[0177] Furthermore, the management device 3 includes a setting unit 12 that sets the target processing time for each work process. This allows for appropriate adjustment of the target processing time for each work process, enabling the determination of the operator's overall efficiency based on conditions corresponding to the manager's requirements.

[0178] In addition, the calculation unit 13 divides the value obtained by multiplying the target processing time of the work process by the number of actual pieces by the total processing time to calculate the process efficiency for each work process.

[0179] Therefore, the management device 3 can not only obtain comprehensive work efficiency for the operator, but also process efficiency corresponding to the content of each work process. It can provide the manager with both comprehensive technical ability assessment materials for the operator and technical ability assessment materials corresponding to each work process.

[0180] [other]

[0181] The embodiments of the present invention have been described above. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. For example, in the embodiments, a structural element integrally formed by a single component can be replaced by a structural element divided into multiple components that are connected or fixed to each other. Furthermore, a structural element composed of multiple connected components can be replaced by a structural element integrally formed by a single component. In addition, the details shown in the embodiments can be appropriately modified without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0182] For example, a portion of the steps S31 to S37, which involve calculating the overall efficiency of the operator by the calculation unit 13 of the management device 3, can be performed by the control unit 81 of the sewing machine 2, while the remaining processing can be performed by the calculation unit 13.

[0183] In addition, in sewing machine 2, the number of finished pieces in a work process is obtained based on the number of times the thread is cut. However, it could also be configured such that the operator inputs the completion number via a button or similar method each time a single work process for a workpiece is completed, and the number of finished pieces is obtained based on the number of inputs. Alternatively, it could be configured such that the number of finished pieces is obtained by detecting the operator's hand movements or the passage of the workpiece through a sensor each time a single work process for a workpiece is completed.

[0184] Alternatively, the sewing machine 2 can be configured to accept operator identification information such as operator ID to identify the operator, and the control unit 81 can add the operator identification information to the operation information 151 and send it to the management device 3.

[0185] Explanation of the label

[0186] 1. Sewing Management System

[0187] 2 Sewing machine

[0188] 21 Actuators

[0189] 211 Main Drive Unit

[0190] 212 Presser foot drive unit

[0191] 213 Tangential drive unit

[0192] 22 Sensor Class

[0193] 23 Ministry of Communications

[0194] 6. Operation switch

[0195] 7. Control Panel

[0196] 8. Control device

[0197] 81 Control Department

[0198] 82 Storage Section

[0199] 3. Management device

[0200] 4 Display devices

[0201] 5 Input Devices

[0202] 10 processors

[0203] 11 Information Acquisition Department

[0204] 12. Setting Department

[0205] 13. Arithmetic Department

[0206] 14 Output Section

[0207] 15 Storage devices

[0208] 151 Operational Information

[0209] 152 Process Information

[0210] 154 Target processing time

[0211] 16 interfaces

[0212] NW Network

Claims

1. A sewing management system for managing the production of sewn items using sewing machines. The sewing management system is characterized by having: The sewing machine; and A management device that manages the sewing machine. The management device has: The computation unit calculates the overall efficiency of the operator using the sewing machine; and The information acquisition unit acquires operational information from the sewing machine in order to determine the overall efficiency. The operational information includes information for obtaining the start and end times of the sewing operation performed by the operator using the sewing machine, the total operation time for the various work steps included in the sewing operation, and the number of pieces sewn for each of the work steps. The calculation unit calculates the operator's overall efficiency based on the target processing time determined for each of the work processes and the operation information obtained by the information acquisition unit.

2. The sewing management system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The calculation unit calculates the multiplication value of the target processing time and the actual number of pieces processed in each of the work steps, and then calculates a total value obtained by summing the multiplication values. The overall efficiency of the operator is calculated by dividing the total value by the total working time for each of the said work processes.

3. The sewing management system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The calculation unit uses the total operation time of each of the work processes as the time from the start time to the end time of the sewing operation, and calculates the overall efficiency of the operator.

4. The sewing management system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The management device has a setting unit that sets the target processing time for each of the work processes.

5. The sewing management system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The calculation unit calculates the process efficiency by multiplying the target processing time by the number of actual pieces for each of the work processes and then dividing the result by the total work time.

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