Pipelining work hour clocking method, apparatus, and electronic device

Abstract

The application relates to a pipeline work time clocking method, device and electronic device. The pipeline comprises a tooling plate, an RFID reader and a button assembly; the tooling plate is provided with an RFID electronic tag; the button assembly comprises a start button and an end button; the pipeline work time clocking method comprises the following steps: firstly, when the tooling plate reaches a preset work area, the RFID electronic tag is read by the RFID reader to obtain task information of the tooling plate and record an entry time of the tooling plate; secondly, when the start button is triggered, a start processing time is recorded; then, when the end button is triggered, a finished processing time is recorded; finally, the entry time, the start processing time and the finished processing time are associated to calculate assembly work time and entry waiting time consumption. Through the double-signal linkage of the RFID technology and the button operation confirmation, the assembly work time and the entry waiting time consumption can be independently calculated, and the work time data calculation accuracy is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of industrial automation production management technology, and in particular to assembly line timekeeping methods, apparatus and electronic devices. Background Technology

[0002] Time management is a fundamental aspect of industrialized production management, directly impacting production efficiency assessment, product cost accounting, and worker performance-based pay calculation. As the manufacturing industry shifts towards a flexible production model characterized by diverse product types, small batches, and frequent line changes, the complexity of assembly line operations continues to rise, placing higher demands on the accuracy and real-time performance of workstation-level time data.

[0003] Currently, the collection of work hours for assembly line operations mainly relies on manual entry, with workers manually inputting start and finish times. However, this manual method is highly dependent on worker integrity and is prone to omissions, delays, and errors. In contrast, data collection methods based on automatic identification technology generally employ fully automated timing logic, which cannot distinguish between actual worker work time and the time spent waiting for non-work tasks. This results in a significant amount of non-work waiting time being mixed into the timing data, leading to low accuracy in work hour calculations.

[0004] There is currently no effective solution to the problem of low accuracy in calculating working hours data in related technologies. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This embodiment provides a method, apparatus, and electronic device for timing assembly line work hours to solve the problem of low accuracy in calculating work hour data in related technologies.

[0006] In a first aspect, this embodiment provides a method for timing production line work hours. The production line includes a fixture plate, an RFID reader, and a button assembly. The fixture plate has an RFID electronic tag. The button assembly includes a start button and an end button. The method for timing production line work hours includes:

[0007] When the tooling plate arrives at the preset work area, the radio frequency identification (RFID) reader reads the RFID electronic tag to obtain the task information of the tooling plate and records the arrival time of the tooling plate.

[0008] When the start button is triggered, the start time of processing is recorded;

[0009] Record the completion time when the "End" button is triggered.

[0010] The assembly time and waiting time for entering the station are correlated with the entry time, the start time of processing, and the completion time to calculate the assembly time and the waiting time for entering the station.

[0011] In some embodiments, the step of associating the arrival time, the start processing time, and the completion time to calculate assembly time and arrival waiting time includes:

[0012] The arrival time, the start time of processing, and the completion time are correlated;

[0013] Subtracting the start time from the completion time yields the assembly time.

[0014] Subtracting the entry time from the start processing time yields the entry waiting time.

[0015] In some embodiments, the button component further includes an exception button; the method further includes:

[0016] When the error button is triggered, all current timers are paused and the interruption duration is accumulated separately, while an error status indicator is generated.

[0017] When the error button is triggered again or the start button is triggered, the timer resumes.

[0018] In some embodiments, the production line further includes a workstation controller; the workstation controller includes a state machine management system, and the initial workstation state is set to an idle state; when the tooling plate reaches the preset work area, the workstation state switches from an idle state to a ready-to-process state after the RFID reader reads the RFID electronic tag.

[0019] The step of recording the start processing time when the start button is triggered includes:

[0020] When the start button is triggered in the waiting-to-process state, the start time is recorded, and the workstation state is switched from the waiting-to-process state to the processing state.

[0021] When the "End" button is triggered, the completion time is recorded, including:

[0022] When the "End" button is triggered in the "Processing" state, the completion time is recorded, and the workstation status is switched from the "Processing" state to the "Idle" state.

[0023] In some embodiments, a barrier is further provided at the inlet and / or outlet of the assembly line; wherein the barrier is connected to the workstation controller; the assembly line timekeeping method further includes:

[0024] After the tooling plate reaches the preset working area, the stopper is raised by the workstation controller to prevent the tooling plate from leaving.

[0025] When the end button is triggered, the stopper is lowered and released by the workstation controller.

[0026] In some embodiments, the assembly line further includes a host computer; the step of associating the arrival time, the start processing time, and the completion time to calculate assembly time and waiting time for arrival includes:

[0027] The entry time, the start time of processing, and the completion time are uploaded to the host computer.

[0028] The host computer associates the entry time, start processing time, and completion time of the same task.

[0029] The assembly time and the waiting time for entering the station are stored.

[0030] In some embodiments, the assembly line timekeeping method further includes:

[0031] When the trigger time difference between the end button and the start button is less than the preset anti-shake interval threshold in the workstation controller, it is determined to be a false touch.

[0032] In some embodiments, the assembly line timekeeping method further includes:

[0033] When the tooling plate leaves the preset work area after the start processing time and before the completion time, and / or the RFID reader loses the signal of the RFID electronic tag, the abnormal completion time is recorded and marked as abnormal completion, and an audible and visual alarm is triggered.

[0034] Secondly, this embodiment provides a production line timekeeping device. The production line includes a tooling plate, an RFID reader, and a button assembly. The tooling plate has an RFID electronic tag. The button assembly includes a start button and an end button. The production line timekeeping device includes: an information recognition module, a button timing module, and a time calculation module; wherein:

[0035] The information identification module is used to read the radio frequency identification electronic tag through the radio frequency identification reader when the tooling plate arrives at the preset work area, obtain the task information of the tooling plate, and record the arrival time of the tooling plate.

[0036] The button timing module is used to record the start time when the start button is triggered and to record the completion time when the end button is triggered.

[0037] The time calculation module is used to associate the arrival time, the start processing time, and the completion time to calculate the assembly time and the waiting time for arrival.

[0038] Thirdly, this embodiment provides an electronic device including a memory, a processor, and a computer program stored in the memory and executable on the processor, wherein the processor executes the computer program to implement the assembly line timekeeping method described in the first aspect above.

[0039] Compared with related technologies, the assembly line timekeeping method, apparatus, and electronic device provided in this embodiment are different. The assembly line in the assembly line timekeeping method includes a tooling plate, an RFID reader, and a button assembly. The tooling plate has an RFID electronic tag. The button assembly includes a start button and an end button. The assembly line timekeeping method includes: first, when the tooling plate arrives at the preset work area, the RFID reader reads the RFID electronic tag to obtain the task information of the tooling plate and records the tooling plate's arrival time; second, when the start button is triggered, the start processing time is recorded; then, when the end button is triggered, the completion time is recorded; finally, the arrival time, start processing time, and completion time are correlated to calculate the assembly time and the waiting time at the station. By using RFID technology to sense the arrival of the tooling plate and obtaining task information, combined with the dual-signal linkage of button operation confirmation, the tooling plate occupancy time and the actual working time can be separated, thereby enabling independent calculation of assembly time and waiting time at the station, improving the accuracy of time data calculation.

[0040] Details of one or more embodiments of this application are set forth in the following drawings and description to make other features, objects and advantages of this application more readily apparent. Attached Figure Description

[0041] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of this application and form part of this application, illustrate exemplary embodiments and are used to explain this application, but do not constitute an undue limitation of this application. In the drawings:

[0042] Figure 1 This is a hardware structure block diagram of the terminal of a production line timekeeping method according to an embodiment of this application;

[0043] Figure 2 This is a flowchart of a production line timekeeping method according to an embodiment of this application;

[0044] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the hardware composition and installation layout of a single-station timekeeping system provided in one embodiment of this application;

[0045] Figure 4This is a flowchart illustrating a method for timing production line hours according to an embodiment of this application;

[0046] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the workstation status flow in an embodiment of the assembly line timekeeping method of this application;

[0047] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the linkage between the tooling plate blocker and the workstation controller in an embodiment of the assembly line timekeeping method of this application;

[0048] Figure 7 This is a structural block diagram of a production line timekeeping device according to an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0049] To better understand the purpose, technical solution, and advantages of this application, the application is described and illustrated below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0050] Unless otherwise defined, the technical or scientific terms used in this application shall have the general meaning understood by a person skilled in the art to which this application pertains. Words such as “a,” “an,” “an,” “the,” “the,” and “these” used in this application do not indicate quantitative limitation and may be singular or plural. The terms “comprising,” “including,” “having,” and any variations thereof used in this application are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion; for example, a process, method, system, product, or device that comprises a series of steps or modules (units) is not limited to the listed steps or modules (units) but may include steps or modules (units) not listed, or may include other steps or modules (units) inherent to these processes, methods, products, or devices. Words such as “connected,” “linked,” and “coupled” used in this application are not limited to physical or mechanical connections but may include electrical connections, whether direct or indirect. “Multiple” used in this application refers to two or more. “And / or” describes the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships may exist; for example, “A and / or B” can represent: A alone, A and B simultaneously, or B alone. Normally, the character " / " indicates that the objects before and after it are in an "or" relationship. The terms "first," "second," "third," etc., used in this application are merely to distinguish similar objects and do not represent a specific order of objects.

[0051] The method embodiments provided in this example can be executed on a terminal, computer, or similar electronic device with a certain computing power. For example, it can run on a terminal. Figure 1 This is a hardware structure block diagram of the terminal of a production line timekeeping method according to an embodiment of this application. For example... Figure 1 As shown, a terminal may include one or more ( Figure 1 Only one is shown in the diagram. A processor 102 and a memory 104 for storing data are also included. The processor 102 may be, but is not limited to, a microprocessor (MCU) or a programmable logic device (FPGA). The terminal may also include a transmission device 106 for communication functions and an input / output device 108. Those skilled in the art will understand that… Figure 1 The structure shown is for illustrative purposes only and does not limit the structure of the terminal described above. For example, the terminal may also include components that are larger than... Figure 1 The more or fewer components shown, or having the same Figure 1 The different configurations shown are illustrated.

[0052] The memory 104 can be used to store computer programs, such as application software programs and modules, like the computer program corresponding to the assembly line timekeeping method in this embodiment. The processor 102 executes various functional applications and data processing by running the computer programs stored in the memory 104, thereby implementing the above-described method. The memory 104 may include high-speed random access memory, and may also include non-volatile memory, such as one or more magnetic storage devices, flash memory, or other non-volatile solid-state memory. In some instances, the memory 104 may further include memory remotely located relative to the processor 102, and these remote memories can be connected to the terminal via a network. Examples of such networks include, but are not limited to, the Internet, corporate intranets, local area networks, mobile communication networks, and combinations thereof.

[0053] The transmission device 106 is used to receive or send data via a network. This network includes a wireless network provided by the terminal's communication provider. In one example, the transmission device 106 includes a Network Interface Controller (NIC), which can connect to other network devices via a base station to communicate with the Internet. In another example, the transmission device 106 can be a Radio Frequency (RF) module used for wireless communication with the Internet.

[0054] This embodiment provides a method for timing work hours on an assembly line. The assembly line includes a fixture plate, an RFID reader, and a button assembly. The fixture plate has RFID tags. The button assembly includes a start button and an end button. Specifically, the fixture plate is a carrier that holds products to be assembled and moves with the conveyor line. RFID tags are fixedly installed on the fixture plate. The RFID tags are wirelessly readable data carriers that store or are associated with the task information of the products currently on the fixture plate. Furthermore, the RFID tags can be installed at different heights on the side of the fixture plate to match readers at different workstations. The RFID reader is a reading and writing device fixedly installed at each workstation, used to automatically read the information stored in the RFID tags when the fixture plate enters its recognition range. The button assembly is a human-machine interface device arranged in the workstation operating area, including a start button and a finish button. The start button is triggered by the worker to confirm the start of the assembly operation of the product on the fixture plate, and the finish button is triggered by the worker to confirm the completion of the assembly operation of the product.

[0055] Figure 2 This is a flowchart of a production line timekeeping method according to an embodiment of this application, such as... Figure 2 As shown, the process includes the following steps:

[0056] Step S210: When the tooling plate arrives at the preset work area, the RFID electronic tag is read by the RFID reader to obtain the task information of the tooling plate and record the arrival time of the tooling plate.

[0057] As the tooling plate moves along the conveyor line and arrives at the preset work station area, the RFID reader automatically senses and reads the RFID electronic tags installed on the tooling plate, retrieves the task information of the product currently loaded on the tooling plate stored or associated with the tag, and records the tooling plate's arrival time. The task information may include product model, work order number, batch information, and process requirements.

[0058] Step S220: When the start button is triggered, record the start time of processing.

[0059] When the start button is triggered in the pending processing state, in response to the trigger operation, the trigger time is used as the start processing time and recorded. The start processing time record is used to indicate the moment when the worker actually begins to perform assembly operations on the product on the tooling plate.

[0060] Step S230: When the end button is triggered, record the completion time.

[0061] When the "Complete" button is triggered in the "In Process" state, in response to the triggering operation, the triggering time is used as the completion time and recorded. The completion time record is used to indicate the moment when the worker has completed the assembly operation of the product on the tooling plate.

[0062] Step S240: Correlate the arrival time, start processing time, and completion time to calculate the assembly time and waiting time for arrival.

[0063] After obtaining the task information of the current task through RFID, the arrival time, start processing time, and completion time corresponding to the same task can be associated and bound. The difference between the start processing time and the arrival time can be calculated as the arrival waiting time. The arrival waiting time represents the non-operational waiting time incurred between the tooling plate arriving at the workstation and the worker actually starting work, due to waiting for materials, equipment debugging, changeover preparation, etc. The difference between the completion time and the start processing time is calculated as the net assembly time. The net assembly time represents the pure operation time for the worker to perform assembly work.

[0064] Currently, the collection of assembly line work hours mainly relies on manual entry, with workers manually inputting start and finish times. However, this method is highly dependent on worker conscientiousness, and in fast-paced production or when one person performs multiple roles, omissions, delays, and errors in recording are frequent, requiring subsequent corrections from memory, making data accuracy difficult to guarantee. Furthermore, manual entry is difficult to automatically link to specific product batches or tooling tasks, making data traceability challenging. In contrast, data collection methods based on automatic identification technology, using barcode scanning or RFID, employ tags on tooling, with fixed readers at workstations automatically recording the arrival and departure times of the tooling, reducing manual intervention to some extent. However, existing RFID-based solutions generally use a fully automatic timing logic of "start when the tag arrives, end when the tag leaves," meaning the start and end times are entirely determined by the arrival and departure of the RFID signal, rather than by the actual start and finish times of the assembly work. In actual production, after the tooling plate arrives at the workstation, workers may not be able to start working immediately due to waiting for materials, equipment debugging, or changeover preparation. The existing solution cannot distinguish between "the time the tooling plate occupies the workstation" and "the actual time the worker works", resulting in a large amount of non-operation waiting time mixed in the timing data, and the problem of low accuracy of time data calculation.

[0065] Steps S210 to S240 above involve the following steps: First, when the tooling plate arrives at the preset work area, an RFID reader reads the RFID tag to obtain the task information of the tooling plate and records its arrival time. Second, when the start button is triggered, the start processing time is recorded. Third, when the end button is triggered, the completion time is recorded. Finally, the arrival time, start processing time, and completion time are correlated to calculate the assembly time and the waiting time before arrival. By using RFID technology to sense arrival and obtain task information, combined with the dual-signal linkage of button confirmation, the time the tooling plate occupies can be separated from the actual working time. This allows for independent calculation of assembly time and waiting time before arrival, improving the accuracy of time data calculation.

[0066] Optionally, in one embodiment, the arrival time, start processing time, and completion time are correlated to calculate the assembly time and the waiting time for arrival, including: correlating the arrival time, start processing time, and completion time; subtracting the start processing time from the completion time to obtain the assembly time; and subtracting the arrival time from the start processing time to obtain the waiting time for arrival.

[0067] Specifically, firstly, the arrival time, start time, and completion time for the same task need to be linked and bound to ensure that the three timestamps belong to the same tooling plate and the same product task. Secondly, the difference between the completion time and the start time is the assembly time, which represents the pure working time of workers actually performing assembly operations and can objectively reflect the actual operational efficiency of workers. Next, the difference between the start time and the arrival time is the arrival waiting time, which represents the non-operational waiting time between the arrival of the tooling plate at the workstation and the actual start of work by the worker due to waiting for materials, equipment debugging, changeover preparation, or incomplete work at the previous workstation. This provides data for managers to identify bottleneck workstations on the production line and optimize production scheduling.

[0068] In addition, in one embodiment, the button component also includes an exception button; the above-described assembly line timekeeping method further includes: when the exception button is triggered, pausing all current timekeeping and accumulating the interruption duration separately, while generating an exception status identifier; when the exception button is triggered again or the start button is triggered, resuming the timekeeping state.

[0069] The exception button can be triggered in either the pending or in-process state. In response to the exception button's trigger, all current timers are paused, and the interruption duration is accumulated separately. An exception status identifier is generated, and the exception type is recorded. The exception status identifier includes at least one of the following: material shortage exception, equipment malfunction exception, or changeover / adjustment exception. The interruption duration represents the non-productive time consumed due to the exception status. When the exception button is triggered again or the start button is triggered, the timing resumes, and the interruption duration stops accumulating.

[0070] The above-mentioned abnormal timing mechanism can effectively separate abnormal interruption time from normal operation time, preventing abnormal time from being included in the work hour statistics. At the same time, the separately accumulated interruption duration can be used by managers to analyze the frequency and duration of various abnormalities, providing data basis for targeted improvement of production line downtime and other issues.

[0071] In one embodiment, the production line further includes a workstation controller. The workstation controller incorporates a state machine for management, initially setting the workstation state to idle. When a workpiece arrives at a preset work area, the workstation state changes from idle to ready-to-process after the RFID tag is read by an RFID reader. The idle state indicates that the workstation has no pending tasks and is ready to receive new workpieces. Upon arrival at the preset work area, after the RFID tag is read and task information is successfully obtained, the workstation controller automatically changes the workstation state from idle to ready-to-process, indicating that the workpiece has arrived at the workstation, task information has been acquired, and the line is ready for worker operation.

[0072] When the start button is triggered, the start time is recorded, including when the start button is triggered in the waiting state, the start time is recorded and the workstation status is switched from the waiting state to the processing state.

[0073] When the workstation is in the pending state, the start button can be triggered, the start time is recorded, and the workstation state is switched from pending state to processing state. The processing state indicates that the worker is assembling the product on the tooling plate. In this state, the start button will no longer be triggered repeatedly.

[0074] When the End button is triggered, the completion time is recorded, including when the End button is triggered in the processing state, the completion time is recorded, and the workstation status is switched from the processing state to the idle state.

[0075] When the workstation is in the processing state, the completion button will be triggered and the completion time will be recorded. The workstation will then switch from the processing state to the idle state, indicating that the product assembly operation of the tooling plate has been completed and the workstation can receive the next tooling plate. When the workstation is in the pending processing state or the idle state, the completion button will not be triggered.

[0076] Furthermore, in one embodiment, the workstation controller can also be simplified into a data acquisition terminal, with the timing logic handled centrally by the host computer, to adapt to scenarios that are sensitive to workstation costs or require centralized computation and management.

[0077] In one embodiment, the button assembly also includes an exception button. Therefore, when the exception button is triggered in the pending or processing state, the station controller switches the station state to the exception state, pauses all timings and accumulates the interruption duration separately in the exception state; when the exception button is triggered again, the station controller restores the station state from the exception state to the state before the trigger and resumes timing.

[0078] By using the state machine management built into the workstation controller, it is ensured that the start and finish buttons only respond and trigger when they are in a valid state, avoiding invalid operation and accidental triggering of the buttons. At the same time, it effectively separates abnormal interruption time from normal operation time, ensuring the accuracy and reliability of work time statistics.

[0079] In one embodiment, a stopper is also provided at the inlet and / or outlet of the production line; wherein the stopper is connected to the workstation controller; the production line timekeeping method further includes: after the tooling plate arrives at the preset work area, the stopper is raised by the workstation controller to prevent the tooling plate from leaving; when the end button is triggered, the stopper is lowered by the workstation controller to allow passage.

[0080] Specifically, after the tooling plate arrives at the preset working area and the station controller has recorded the arrival time, the station controller controls the stopper to rise, positioning the tooling plate within the working area and preventing it from moving forward or accidentally leaving. Thus, during the tooling plate positioning period, even if the conveyor line continues to run, the tooling plate is reliably blocked by the stopper and cannot flow to the downstream station. When the completion button is triggered and the station controller has recorded the completion time, the station controller controls the stopper to descend, releasing the obstruction of the tooling plate and allowing it to flow with the assembly line to the next station. Alternatively, the stopper can be replaced by a lifting and positioning mechanism integrated into the conveyor line, simplifying the equipment structure and reducing modification costs.

[0081] The linkage control mechanism between the stopper and the workstation controller ensures that the tooling plate remains at the current workstation throughout the entire operation cycle, effectively avoiding the problem of missing work time data or the tooling plate flowing into the downstream workstation before completion due to workers missing the completion button, thus ensuring the integrity of work time data.

[0082] In one embodiment, the production line further includes a host computer; associating the entry time, start processing time, and completion time, and calculating the assembly time and entry waiting time, including: uploading the entry time, start processing time, and completion time to the host computer; associating the entry time, start processing time, and completion time corresponding to the same task through the host computer; and storing the assembly time and entry waiting time.

[0083] Specifically, the workstation controllers upload the arrival time, start time, and completion time corresponding to the same task to the host computer. After receiving the timing data uploaded by each workstation controller, the host computer associates and binds the arrival time, start time, and completion time of items belonging to the same tooling plate and the same product task. Based on the associated time data, the host computer calculates the assembly time and waiting time for arrival. Furthermore, the host computer stores the arrival time, start time, completion time, assembly time, waiting time for arrival, and corresponding task information in the database, forming a complete time record.

[0084] By centrally linking and storing the timing data of each workstation through the host computer, the management of working hours data for the same product at each workstation on the entire production line is realized, providing complete and accurate data support for production cycle analysis, bottleneck workstation identification, and worker performance accounting.

[0085] In addition, in one embodiment, the above-mentioned assembly line timekeeping method further includes: when the trigger time difference between the end button and the start button is less than the preset anti-shake interval threshold in the workstation controller, it is determined to be a false touch.

[0086] The workstation controller has a preset anti-jitter interval threshold, which is used to distinguish between valid triggers and accidental touches. When the trigger time difference between the "Complete" button and the "Start" button is less than the anti-jitter interval threshold, it is determined to be an accidental touch. The completion time is not recorded, and the workstation state is not changed. The workstation controller continues to maintain the current timer and the current workstation state. Only when the trigger time difference between the "Complete" button and the "Start" button is greater than or equal to the anti-jitter interval threshold is it determined to be a valid trigger, and the completion time is recorded and the workstation state is changed.

[0087] The aforementioned anti-shake mechanism effectively avoids timing anomalies and incorrect state switching caused by unintentional operations such as accidental touches by workers, mechanical vibrations of buttons, or brief touches, thereby improving interference resistance and the accuracy of time data.

[0088] In one embodiment, the above-mentioned assembly line timekeeping method further includes: when the tooling plate leaves the preset work area after the start processing time and before the completion time, and / or the RFID reader loses the signal of the RFID electronic tag, recording the abnormal completion time and marking it as abnormal completion, and triggering an audible and visual alarm.

[0089] When a fixture plate leaves the preset work area after the start time but before the completion time, causing the RFID reader to lose the RFID tag signal, the workstation controller determines that the fixture plate has abnormally left. Upon determining the abnormal departure, the workstation controller automatically records the current time as the abnormal completion time and marks the task as abnormally completed, distinguishing it from normally completed tasks. Simultaneously, the workstation controller triggers an audible and visual alarm to notify on-site operators and managers to handle the situation promptly.

[0090] By using the workstation controller to detect and identify RFID signal loss in real time, the system can automatically record abnormal events and issue alarms when a tooling board is removed from the workstation before it has been completed according to the normal process. This avoids data loss or production line disruption caused by abnormal departures, and improves the system's abnormal response capability and data integrity.

[0091] In one embodiment, multi-product mixed-flow production scenarios are also supported. RFID tags on different tooling boards are associated with task information for different product models, and the host computer can pre-set the standard working hours for each product model at the corresponding workstation. When a tooling board arrives at the station, the workstation controller automatically retrieves the corresponding standard working hours based on the task information read by RFID, using it as the baseline value for task timeout warnings, thus achieving differentiated warnings for different product models. When the production line switches product types, workers can press and hold the abnormality button for 3 seconds to trigger a "changeover" abnormality. This changeover time is recorded and marked as a changeover abnormality separately by the workstation controller, without being confused with other abnormality types such as material shortages or equipment malfunctions, thereby facilitating managers to statistically analyze changeover losses and efficiency.

[0092] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the hardware composition and installation layout of a single-station timekeeping system provided in one embodiment of this application. Figure 3 As shown, the single-station timekeeping system of this application includes: a conveyor line, a traveling fixture plate, an RFID reader, a station controller, a physical button group, a host computer, a stopper, and an audible and visual alarm module. The conveyor line can be a belt, roller, or conveyor chain. The traveling fixture plate includes an RFID sub-tag and the product. The RFID reader is installed on the side of the station. The physical button group includes a start button, a finish button, and an error button.

[0093] Specifically, the accompanying tooling plate is carried by the conveyor line. A high-temperature resistant, metal-resistant RFID tag is fixed to the bottom or side of the tooling plate with screws. The RFID tag has a unique internal code, associated with the task information (product model, order number, process sequence, standard working hours, etc.) of that batch of products in the production management system. An RFID reader is fixedly installed on the side of the workstation, with its sensing area directly facing the tag position as the tooling plate passes. When the tooling plate reaches the workstation's operating area, the RFID reader automatically reads the RFID tag information and sends the reading result to the workstation controller via RS485 or Ethernet.

[0094] The workstation controller uses an industrial touch screen all-in-one machine, installed on the workstation frame or boom directly in front of the worker. It connects to an RFID reader via RS485 / Ethernet, to a physical button group via input / output modules, and to a barrier and audible / visual alarm module via switch output signals. The physical button group is arranged on the operating table or suspended within the worker's reach, including a start button, a completion button, and an exception button, used to trigger the start of processing, completion confirmation, and exception interruption timing, respectively. The buttons in the physical button group can be industrial-grade physical buttons, foot switches, or virtual buttons on the touch screen. In this embodiment, the buttons in the physical button group are industrial-grade physical buttons with LED backlighting, in green, red, and yellow colors for easy worker identification. The barrier is a pneumatic or electric lifting block, located below the conveyor line at the workstation exit end, electrically connected to the workstation controller. Its default state is raised, and it only lowers to release traffic after the completion button is triggered. The host computer is deployed in the workshop management office or cloud server, and communicates with each workstation controller through industrial Ethernet or wireless communication technology. It is used to receive and store the timing data reported by each workstation and generate statistical reports.

[0095] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for timing production line hours according to an embodiment of this application. Figure 4 As shown, the assembly line timekeeping method includes the following steps:

[0096] Step S401: The tooling plate arrives at the workstation.

[0097] Step S402: The RFID reader reads the label on the tooling plate.

[0098] Step S403: Obtain task information and record the arrival time.

[0099] Step S404: The workstation status is switched to pending processing, and the screen displays task information.

[0100] Step S405: Determine if the start button has been pressed. If yes, proceed to step S412; otherwise, proceed to step S406.

[0101] Step S406: Determine whether the abnormal button has been pressed. If yes, proceed to step S408; otherwise, proceed to step S407.

[0102] Step S407: Determine if the tooling plate has abnormally left the machine. If yes, proceed to step S410; otherwise, proceed to step S405.

[0103] Step S408: Switch the workstation status to interrupt, pause the timer, and record the interrupt duration.

[0104] Step S409: Determine if there was an abnormal recovery. If yes, proceed to step S404; otherwise, proceed to step S408.

[0105] Step S410: Automatically record abnormal completion and trigger an audible and visual alarm.

[0106] Step S411: Task terminated abnormally.

[0107] Step S412: Record the start time, switch the workstation status to processing, and start accumulating assembly time.

[0108] Step S413: Determine whether the "Complete" button has been pressed. If yes, proceed to step S422; otherwise, proceed to step S414.

[0109] Step S414: Determine whether to issue a timeout warning. If yes, proceed to step S415; otherwise, proceed to step S416.

[0110] Step S415: Send a warning screen pop-up reminder to the host computer.

[0111] Step S416: Determine whether the abnormal button has been pressed. If yes, proceed to step S417; otherwise, proceed to step S418.

[0112] Step S417: Switch the workstation status to interrupt, pause the timer, and record the interrupt duration.

[0113] Step S418: Determine whether the tooling plate has left abnormally. If so, proceed to step S420; otherwise, proceed to step S413.

[0114] Step S419: Determine if there is an abnormal recovery. If yes, proceed to step S412; otherwise, proceed to step S417.

[0115] Step S420: Automatically record abnormal completion and trigger an audible and visual alarm.

[0116] Step S421: The task terminated abnormally.

[0117] Step S422: Record the completion time and switch the work status to idle.

[0118] Step S423: Calculate assembly time and waiting time at the station.

[0119] Step S424: Upload the data to the host computer for storage.

[0120] Step S425: The barrier descends to release the flow, and the tooling plate flows to the downstream station.

[0121] Step S426: The task was completed normally.

[0122] Steps S401 to S426 above utilize a dual-signal linkage mechanism of automatic sensing of entry into the station and confirmation of the start and end of the operation via radio frequency identification. This mechanism breaks down the time occupied by the tooling plate into assembly time and waiting time for entry into the station, enabling accurate measurement of the actual working time of workers. It effectively avoids interference from non-operation waiting time on the work time statistics and provides an accurate data foundation for production management and performance accounting.

[0123] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the workstation status flow in a production line timekeeping method according to an embodiment of this application. For example... Figure 5 As shown, the workstation state machine in this embodiment includes five states: idle, waiting to be processed, processing, abnormal interruption, and abnormal completion. The transition relationships between the states are as follows:

[0124] Idle state: The workstation has no tasks waiting to be processed and is in the initial state where it can receive new tooling boards. When the tooling board arrives at the workstation, the RFID reader reads the tag and records the arrival time T_in, the barrier rises, and the workstation state changes from idle to waiting to be processed.

[0125] Pending Processing Status: The fixture has arrived at the workstation, task information has been acquired, and the worker is awaiting commencement of operations. When the start button is pressed, the start time T_start is recorded, and timing begins for net assembly. The workstation status changes from Pending Processing to Processing. If the fixture abnormally leaves the workstation during the Pending Processing status (loss of RFID signal), the workstation status immediately switches to Abnormal Completion, the abnormal completion time is recorded, and an alarm is triggered. During the Pending Processing status, if the Abnormal button is pressed, timing is paused, and the interruption duration is recorded. At this time, the workstation status switches to Abnormal Interruption.

[0126] In Processing Status: The worker is performing assembly work, and net assembly time continues to accumulate. In this status, if the "Complete" button is pressed, the completion time T_end is recorded, assembly time and waiting time for entering the station are calculated, the barrier lowers to allow passage, the workstation status switches back to idle, and the task is completed normally. If the "Abnormal" button is pressed, the timer pauses and the interruption duration is recorded, and the workstation status switches to "Abnormal Interruption." If a timeout occurs (reaching a preset warning threshold), a timeout alarm is triggered, and a pop-up window alerts the management personnel, but the timer is not interrupted, and the workstation status remains "Processing." If the tooling plate abnormally leaves the workstation, the workstation status switches to "Abnormal Completion," the abnormal completion time is automatically recorded, and an alarm is triggered.

[0127] Abnormal Interruption Status: Timing is interrupted due to an abnormal event (such as material shortage, equipment failure, or model changeover / adjustment). In this status, all timings are paused and the interruption duration is accumulated separately. When the abnormal button is pressed again, timing resumes. If the previous status was "processing," it resumes to "processing"; if the previous status was "pending processing," it resumes to "pending processing."

[0128] Abnormal completion status: The task is terminated due to abnormal departure instead of normal completion. This is the final state of the task. The system marks the task as abnormally completed and records the abnormal completion time.

[0129] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the linkage between a tooling plate stopper and a workstation controller in a production line timekeeping method according to an embodiment of this application. Figure 6 As shown, the device control linkage in the assembly line timekeeping method first involves the tooling plate moving along the conveyor line, with radio frequency identification electronic tags fixedly installed on the tooling plate.

[0130] The physical button group is located within the operator's reach and includes a start button and a finish button, used to trigger the start of processing and the completion confirmation, respectively. Optionally, the physical button group also includes an exception button to trigger an exception interruption timer. Each button is connected to the workstation controller via input / output signal lines. When a button is pressed, a trigger signal is transmitted to the workstation controller via the input / output signal lines.

[0131] The workstation controller, equipped with a screen, is mounted on the side of the workstation. It connects to the RFID reader via RS485, to the physical button group via input / output signal lines, and to the stopper via control lines. The workstation controller has built-in timing logic and a state machine management program for performing work time tracking, state switching, and equipment control.

[0132] The RFID reader is fixedly installed on the side of the workstation, with its sensing area facing the tag position when the fixture plate passes by. When the fixture plate reaches the workstation's operating area, the RFID reader automatically reads the RFID electronic tag on the fixture plate via wireless radio frequency, obtains the task information, and sends the reading result to the workstation controller via RS485 communication.

[0133] The stopper is located at the conveyor line at the exit end of the workstation and is connected to the workstation controller. Its default state is raised (blocking), preventing the tooling plate from moving forward. When the completion button is triggered, the workstation controller controls the stopper to descend and release the tooling plate, which then flows along the conveyor line to the downstream workstation.

[0134] Figure 7 This is a structural block diagram of a production line timekeeping device 70 according to an embodiment of this application, as shown below. Figure 7 As shown, the assembly line timekeeping device 70 includes: an information identification module 72, a button timing module 74, and a time calculation module 76; wherein: the information identification module 72 is used to read the RFID electronic tag through an RFID reader when the tooling plate arrives at the preset work area, obtain the task information of the tooling plate, and record the tooling plate's arrival time; the button timing module 74 is used to record the start processing time when the start button is triggered and the completion time when the end button is triggered; the time calculation module 76 is used to associate the arrival time, start processing time, and completion time to calculate the assembly time and the waiting time for arrival.

[0135] It should be noted that the above modules can be functional modules or program modules, and can be implemented through software or hardware. For modules implemented through hardware, the above modules can reside in the same processor; or the above modules can be located in different processors in any combination.

[0136] This embodiment also provides an electronic device, including a memory and a processor, wherein the memory stores a computer program and the processor is configured to run the computer program to perform the steps in any of the above method embodiments.

[0137] Optionally, the electronic device may further include a transmission device and an input / output device, wherein the transmission device is connected to the processor and the input / output device is connected to the processor.

[0138] Optionally, in this embodiment, the processor can be configured to perform the following steps via a computer program:

[0139] S1, when the tooling plate arrives at the preset work area, the RFID reader reads the RFID electronic tag to obtain the task information of the tooling plate and records the arrival time of the tooling plate.

[0140] S2, when the start button is triggered, record the start time of processing;

[0141] S3: When the end button is triggered, the completion time is recorded;

[0142] S4 correlates the arrival time, start processing time, and completion time to calculate assembly time and waiting time at the station.

[0143] It should be noted that the specific examples in this embodiment can refer to the examples described in the above embodiments and optional implementations, and will not be repeated in this embodiment.

[0144] It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the application and not intended to limit it. All other embodiments derived by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments provided in this application without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0145] It should be noted that the user information (including but not limited to user device information, user personal information, etc.) and data (including but not limited to data used for analysis, data stored, data displayed, etc.) involved in this application are all information and data authorized by the user or fully authorized by all parties.

[0146] Obviously, the accompanying drawings are merely some examples or embodiments of this application. Those skilled in the art can apply this application to other similar situations based on these drawings without any creative effort. Furthermore, it is understood that although the work done in this development process may be complex and lengthy, for those skilled in the art, certain design, manufacturing, or production modifications made based on the technical content disclosed in this application are merely conventional technical means and should not be considered as insufficient disclosure of this application.

[0147] The term "embodiment" in this application refers to a specific feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment that may be included in at least one embodiment of this application. The appearance of this phrase in various places in the specification does not necessarily imply the same embodiment, nor does it imply that it is mutually exclusive with or independent of other embodiments. It will be clearly or implicitly understood by those skilled in the art that the embodiments described in this application may be combined with other embodiments without conflict.

[0148] The above embodiments merely illustrate several implementation methods of this application, and while the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of patent protection. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of this application, and these all fall within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A method for timing work hours on an assembly line, characterized in that, The production line includes tooling boards, RFID readers, and button assemblies; The tooling plate has an RFID electronic tag; the button assembly includes a start button and an end button; the assembly line timekeeping method includes: When the tooling plate arrives at the preset work area, the radio frequency identification (RFID) reader reads the RFID electronic tag to obtain the task information of the tooling plate and records the arrival time of the tooling plate. When the start button is triggered, the start time of processing is recorded; Record the completion time when the "End" button is triggered. The assembly time and waiting time for entering the station are correlated with the entry time, the start time of processing, and the completion time to calculate the assembly time and the waiting time for entering the station.

2. The assembly line timekeeping method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The step of associating the arrival time, the start processing time, and the completion time to calculate the assembly time and the waiting time for arrival includes: The arrival time, the start time of processing, and the completion time are correlated; Subtracting the start time from the completion time yields the assembly time. Subtracting the entry time from the start processing time yields the entry waiting time.

3. The assembly line timekeeping method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The button component further includes an error button; the method further includes: When the error button is triggered, all current timers are paused and the interruption duration is accumulated separately, while an error status indicator is generated. When the error button is triggered again or the start button is triggered, the timer resumes.

4. The assembly line timekeeping method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The production line also includes a workstation controller; the workstation controller contains a state machine management system, and the initial workstation state is set to an idle state; when the tooling plate reaches the preset work area, the workstation state is switched from an idle state to a ready-to-process state after the RFID reader reads the RFID electronic tag. The step of recording the start processing time when the start button is triggered includes: When the start button is triggered in the waiting-to-process state, the start time is recorded, and the workstation state is switched from the waiting-to-process state to the processing state. When the "End" button is triggered, the completion time is recorded, including: When the "End" button is triggered in the "Processing" state, the completion time is recorded, and the workstation status is switched from the "Processing" state to the "Idle" state.

5. The assembly line timekeeping method according to claim 4, characterized in that, A barrier is also provided at the inlet and / or outlet of the assembly line; wherein the barrier is connected to the workstation controller; the assembly line timekeeping method further includes: After the tooling plate reaches the preset working area, the stopper is raised by the workstation controller to prevent the tooling plate from leaving. When the end button is triggered, the stopper is lowered and released by the workstation controller.

6. The assembly line timekeeping method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The assembly line also includes a host computer; the process of correlating the arrival time, the start processing time, and the completion time to calculate assembly time and waiting time for arrival includes: The entry time, the start time of processing, and the completion time are uploaded to the host computer. The host computer associates the entry time, start processing time, and completion time of the same task. The assembly time and the waiting time for entering the station are stored.

7. The assembly line timekeeping method according to claim 4, characterized in that, The assembly line timekeeping method also includes: When the trigger time difference between the end button and the start button is less than the preset anti-shake interval threshold in the workstation controller, it is determined to be a false touch.

8. The assembly line timekeeping method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The assembly line timekeeping method also includes: When the tooling plate leaves the preset work area after the start processing time and before the completion time, and / or the RFID reader loses the signal of the RFID electronic tag, the abnormal completion time is recorded and marked as abnormal completion, and an audible and visual alarm is triggered.

9. A timekeeping device for assembly line work, characterized in that, The production line includes tooling boards, RFID readers, and button assemblies; The tooling plate has an RFID electronic tag; the button assembly includes a start button and an end button; the assembly line timekeeping device includes: an information identification module, a button timekeeping module, and a time calculation module; wherein: The information identification module is used to read the radio frequency identification electronic tag through the radio frequency identification reader when the tooling plate arrives at the preset work area, obtain the task information of the tooling plate, and record the arrival time of the tooling plate. The button timing module is used to record the start time when the start button is triggered and to record the completion time when the end button is triggered. The time calculation module is used to associate the arrival time, the start processing time, and the completion time to calculate the assembly time and the waiting time for arrival.

10. An electronic device comprising a memory and a processor, characterized in that, The memory stores a computer program, and the processor is configured to run the computer program to perform the assembly line timekeeping method according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

Images