Inspection management system, inspection management method, and program

Abstract

To provide an inspection management system, an inspection management method, and a program capable of preventing a release of a defective product from a manufacturing line.SOLUTION: An inspection management system comprises: an acquisition unit that acquires, for each of a plurality of inspections, identification information of an inspection target and inspection information indicating an inspection result of the inspection target in an inspection step in which the plurality of inspections are performed; a storage unit that stores the identification information acquired by the acquisition unit and the plurality of pieces of inspection information acquired by the acquisition unit for the inspection target indicated by the identification information in association with each other with respect to the inspection target in which the plurality of inspections are performed in the inspection step; and a determination unit that determines whether or not to transport the inspection target to a post-step based on the plurality of pieces of inspection information stored in the storage unit in association with the identification information acquired by the acquisition unit with respect to the inspection target which is transported to the post-step of the inspection step.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an inspection management system, an inspection management method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, various types of monitoring have been carried out on production lines to prevent the production of defective products by detecting signs of abnormalities in production equipment or manufactured products, or by detecting existing abnormalities and removing defective products from the production line, thereby preventing the release of defective products.

[0003] For example, the following Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for preventing uninspected products from being transported to a post-processing device when the CPU (Central Processing Unit), which is the control means of the inspection device, goes out of control. This makes it possible to prevent defective products from being sent out if they are included in the uninspected products. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2011-31200 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, while the technology described in Patent Document 1 can prevent defective products from being released due to the operation of the device, it cannot prevent defective products from being released due to human manipulation.

[0006] In view of the above-mentioned problems, an object of the present invention is to provide an inspection management system, an inspection management method, and a program capable of preventing the outflow of defective products from a manufacturing line. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, an inspection management system according to one embodiment of the present invention is an inspection management system comprising: an acquisition unit that acquires, for each of multiple inspections, identification information of an inspection object and inspection information indicating the inspection results of the inspection object in an inspection process in which multiple inspections are performed; a memory unit that stores, for the inspection object for which the multiple inspections are performed in the inspection process, the identification information acquired by the acquisition unit and the multiple pieces of inspection information acquired by the acquisition unit for the inspection object indicated by the identification information, in association with each other; and a judgment unit that, for the inspection object to be transported to a subsequent process of the inspection process, judges whether or not to transport the inspection object to the subsequent process based on the multiple pieces of inspection information stored in the memory unit in association with the identification information acquired by the acquisition unit.

[0008] An inspection management method according to one embodiment of the present invention is an inspection management method executed by a computer, the method including: an acquisition process for acquiring, for each of multiple inspections, identification information of an inspection object and inspection information indicating inspection results of the inspection object in an inspection process in which multiple inspections are performed; a storage process for storing, in a memory unit, the identification information acquired in the acquisition process for the inspection object subjected to the multiple inspections in the inspection process in association with the multiple pieces of inspection information acquired in the acquisition process for the inspection object indicated by the identification information; and a determination process for the inspection object to be transported to a subsequent process of the inspection process, based on the multiple pieces of inspection information stored in the memory unit in association with the identification information acquired in the acquisition process.

[0009] A program according to one embodiment of the present invention is a program for causing a computer to function as: an acquisition means for acquiring, for each of a plurality of inspections, identification information of an object to be inspected and inspection information indicating the inspection results of the object to be inspected in an inspection process in which a plurality of inspections are performed; a storage means for storing in a storage unit, the identification information acquired by the acquisition means for the object to be inspected for which a plurality of inspections are performed in the inspection process, in association with the plurality of pieces of inspection information acquired by the acquisition means for the object to be inspected indicated by the identification information; and a determination means for determining whether or not to transport the object to a subsequent process in the inspection process based on the plurality of pieces of inspection information stored in the storage unit in association with the identification information acquired by the acquisition means. Effect of the Invention

[0010] According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent defective products from being sent out of the production line. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing an overview of a manufacturing line and an example of a configuration of an inspection management system according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 2] 11A and 11B are diagrams illustrating an example of printing on a product case according to the embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a product case in which brick-pack products according to the present embodiment are assorted. [Figure 4] 13 is an example of a screen showing the inspection results of a print inspection in the assortment inspection device according to the present embodiment. [Diagram 5] 13 is a diagram showing an example of a screen showing an inspection result of an assortment inspection in the assortment inspection device according to the present embodiment. FIG. [Figure 6] 1 is a diagram showing an example of an expiration date label attached to a product case according to the present embodiment. FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a screen showing inspection results of label inspection in the label inspection device according to the present embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a screen showing a defective discharge record according to the embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a management screen according to the embodiment. [Figure 10] 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of an examination management server according to the present embodiment. FIG. [Figure 11] 11 is a diagram showing an example of a data configuration of inspection information related to a print inspection and an assortment inspection according to the embodiment. FIG. [Figure 12] 4 is a diagram showing an example of a data configuration of inspection information related to X-ray inspection and weight inspection according to the present embodiment. FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a data configuration of inspection information related to label inspection according to the present embodiment. [Figure 14] 5 is a flowchart showing an example of a process flow in print inspection and assortment inspection according to the present embodiment. [Figure 15] 5 is a flowchart showing an example of a process flow in X-ray inspection and weight inspection according to the present embodiment. [Figure 16] 5 is a flowchart showing an example of a process flow in label inspection according to the present embodiment. [Figure 17] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a process flow before transport to a palletizing process according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In addition, in the drawings, mutually orthogonal X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis are shown as necessary. On each axis, the direction in which the arrow extends is called the "positive direction," and the direction opposite to the positive direction is called the "negative direction."

[0013] <1. Overview of the production line> An overview of a manufacturing line according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an overview of a manufacturing line according to this embodiment and an example of the configuration of an inspection management system. In the following, the present embodiment will be described using as an example a production line in which products of multiple varieties are removed from a case in which only one variety of product is packed (hereinafter also referred to as a "semi-finished product case") and a case in which multiple varieties of products are assorted (hereinafter also referred to as a "product case") is manufactured. The product according to the present embodiment is, for example, food or beverage provided in a brick pack (hereinafter also referred to as a "brick pack product"). The brick pack product is prepared in multiple varieties with different flavors.

[0014] The manufacturing line PL shown in Fig. 1 is a line for assorting multiple types of brick-pack products in one case. The number of types to be assorted in one case, the number of brick-pack products to be assorted for each type, and the total number of brick-pack products to be assorted are not particularly limited. In this embodiment, an example will be described in which brick-pack products taken out of each of the semi-finished product cases prepared for eight types of products are assorted into one case, three of each type (i.e., a total of 24 products). As shown in FIG. 1, the production line PL includes an empty box forming process (step S1), an assorting process (step S2), an inspection process (step S3), and a palletizing process (step S4).

[0015] The empty box forming process is a process in which empty boxes (cases) for assorting brick-pack products are formed. The cases are, for example, cardboard boxes. The formed empty cases are transported to the assorting process.

[0016] The assortment process is a process in which brick-pack products are assorted into empty cases transported from the empty box molding process. Assortment is performed automatically, for example, by a robot. In this case, the robot takes out brick-pack products from each type of semi-finished product case and assorts three brick-pack products of each type into each empty case. The product cases in which multiple types of brick-pack products are assorted into multiple units are transported to the inspection process. Alternatively, the brick-pack products may be assorted manually by a person.

[0017] The inspection process is a process in which inspection is performed on the product cases transported from the assorting process. In the inspection process, multiple inspections are performed on the product cases to be inspected (hereinafter also referred to as "inspection objects"). For example, the inspection process includes multiple inspection processes such as a print inspection process, an assorting inspection process, an X-ray inspection process, a weight inspection process, and a label inspection process, and each process performs inspections such as print inspection, assorting inspection, X-ray inspection, weight inspection, and label inspection. If the inspection results for all inspection items are OK, the inspection object is transported to the palletizing process. On the other hand, if the inspection result for even one inspection item is NG, the inspection object is removed from the production line PL as a defective product. The product cases are transported from the assorting process to the inspection process in an unsealed state. The unsealed product cases are sealed in a process for sealing the product cases (sealing process). The sealing process is carried out, for example, after the assorting inspection process, and the sealed product cases are transported to the X-ray inspection process.

[0018] The palletizing process is a process in which the product cases transported from the inspection process are loaded onto pallets (palletizing). Palletizing is performed automatically, for example, by a robot. In this case, the robot removes the transported product case boxes from the transport device and loads them onto a pallet. The pallet on which the product cases are palletized is transported, for example, to a warehouse. Alternatively, the product cases may be palletized manually by a person.

[0019] As long as the processes included in the manufacturing line PL include at least an inspection process, there is no particular limit to the number of processes before and after the inspection process and the contents of each process. In the following, a process before an inspection process is also referred to as a "pre-process" and a process after an inspection process is also referred to as a "post-process."

[0020] <2. Configuration of the inspection management system> The outline of the manufacturing line PL according to this embodiment has been described above. Next, the configuration of the inspection management system according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0021] As shown in FIG. 1, the inspection management system 1 includes an inspection management server 10, an assortment inspection device 20, an X-ray inspection device 30, a weight inspection device 40, a label inspection device 50, a reject device 60, and a management terminal 70. The network NW may be configured to transmit and receive information using, for example, a Local Area Network (LAN), a Wide Area Network (WAN), a telephone network (mobile phone network, landline telephone network, etc.), a regional Internet Protocol (IP) network, the Internet, etc.

[0022] (1) Inspection management server 10 The inspection management server 10 is a server device that manages inspections performed on inspection objects, and is an example of an inspection management device. The inspection management device may be, for example, a PC (Personal Computer). The inspection management server 10 is configured with one or more servers (for example, cloud servers). The inspection management server 10 is communicatively connected to an assortment inspection device 20, an X-ray inspection device 30, a weight inspection device 40, a label inspection device 50, a reject device 60, and a management terminal 70 via a network NW.

[0023] The inspection management server 10 receives from each inspection device information that uniquely identifies the inspection object that was inspected (hereinafter also referred to as "identification information") and information regarding the inspection performed on the inspection object indicated by the identification information (hereinafter also referred to as "inspection information"). The identification information is information consisting of an identifier printed on the test object before the start of the first test, and the printing time when the identifier was printed. The identifier is, for example, a five-digit number (00001 to 99999). The printing time is, for example, a ten-digit number (YYMMDDhhmm) consisting of the last two digits of the year (YY), two digits of the month (MM), two digits of the day (DD), two digits of the hour (hh), and two digits of the minute (mm). Hereinafter, the identification information is also referred to as a "case ID" or a "product key".

[0024] The inspection information is information that indicates the inspection results of the object to be inspected in the inspection process and the inspection time when the inspection was conducted on the object to be inspected. The inspection results indicate, for example, the results of each of the multiple inspections included in the inspection process and the overall result of all the inspections. Each result is expressed, for example, as "OK" or "NG". "OK" means that the object to be inspected passed the inspection. "NG" means that the object to be inspected failed the inspection. The overall result of all the inspections is "OK" if all the inspections are "OK", and is "NG" if even one inspection is "NG".

[0025] Here, the printing on the product case will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the printing on the product case according to this embodiment.

[0026] The product case has the expiration date of the assorted products, the identifier of the product case, and a code image printed on the surface. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, an expiration date 81, an identifier 82, and a code image 83 are printed in the area A1 on the side of the product case 80. Hereinafter, the information printed on the product case 80 is also referred to as "printed information." In the example shown in FIG. 2, the printed information is printed in the order of the expiration date 81, the identifier 82, and the code image 83 from the left, but the printing order of the printed information is not limited to this example. For example, the printing order of the expiration date 81 and the identifier 82 may be reversed, or the code image 83 may be printed first. The expiration dates of the brick-packed products assorted in the product case 80 may differ for each variety. For this reason, the expiration date 81 printed on the product case 80 is the expiration date that is closest among the expiration dates of the brick-packed products assorted in the product case 80. The code image 83 is an image in which identification information is coded as optically readable information. The code image 83 is printed so as to be optically readable on the exterior of the inspection object. The code image 83 is, for example, a one-dimensional code or a two-dimensional code. In this embodiment, as an example, a case where a QR code (registered trademark) is used as the code image 83 will be described.

[0027] (2) Assortment inspection equipment 20 The assortment inspection device 20 is a device that performs print inspection and assortment inspection on the objects to be inspected. The assortment inspection device 20 includes, for example, a printing device, a reading device, a camera, a sealing device, a display device, and the like (not shown). The product cases 80, which are the objects to be inspected, are assorted brick-pack products and are transported to the assortment inspection device 20 in an unsealed state. The assortment inspection device 20 uses a printing device to print printing information on the objects to be inspected before starting inspection. After printing, the assortment inspection device 20 performs print inspection and assortment inspection using a reading device or a camera. After the assortment inspection, the opening of the product case 80, which is the object to be inspected, is sealed by a sealing device. The assortment inspection device 20 is communicably connected to the inspection management server 10 via a network NW. The assortment inspection device 20 transmits to the inspection management server 10 identification information read from the code image 83 by a reading device and inspection information related to the print inspection and assortment inspection. The product cases 80 that are determined to be "NG" by the print inspection or assortment inspection by the assortment inspection device 20 are removed from the manufacturing line PL as defective products after the assortment inspection.

[0028] In the print inspection, it is inspected whether the print information is printed in a readable manner. The assortment inspection device 20 uses a reading device to read the print information printed by the printing device and performs a print inspection on the print information. For example, the assortment inspection device 20 inspects whether the expiration date and identifier can be read by OCR (Optical Character Recognition) and whether the correct identification information can be read from the code image 83.

[0029] In the assortment inspection, an inspection related to the assortment is performed on each brick-pack product assorted in the product case 80. The assortment inspection device 20 uses a camera to photograph the brick-pack products assorted in the product case 80 through the opening of the product case 80 and performs the assortment inspection. Specifically, the assortment inspection includes inspections such as type inspection, crushing inspection, and expiration date inspection. In the variety inspection, it is checked whether each brick-pack product is assorted with the correct variety. In the crush inspection, it is checked whether each brick-pack product is crushed. In the expiration date inspection, it is checked whether each brick-pack product is assorted with the correct expiration date.

[0030] Here, a product case 80 in which brick-pack products are assorted will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a product case 80 in which brick-pack products are assorted according to this embodiment. Fig. 3 shows a state in which the opening of the product case 80 is photographed from the positive direction of the Z axis.

[0031] 3, a total of 24 brick-pack products 90 are assorted in the product case 80, with 8 in each direction along the X axis and 3 in each direction along the Y axis. The expiration date is printed in an area 91 of the brick-pack products 90. 3, three brick-pack products of different types are assorted in each of the areas A2 to A9. As an example, three brick-pack products 90 of type 1 are assorted in the area A2, three brick-pack products 90 of type 2 are assorted in the area A3, three brick-pack products 90 of type 3 are assorted in the area A4, three brick-pack products 90 of type 4 are assorted in the area A5, three brick-pack products 90 of type 5 are assorted in the area A6, three brick-pack products 90 of type 6 are assorted in the area A7, three brick-pack products 90 of type 7 are assorted in the area A8, and three brick-pack products 90 of type 8 are assorted in each of the areas A9. In the type inspection, it is inspected whether the correct type of brick-pack product 90 is placed in each of the areas A2 to A9. In the crush inspection, it is inspected whether the corners of each brick-pack product 90 are crushed. In the expiration date inspection, it is inspected whether the expiration date printed in the area 91 of each brick-pack product 90 is the correct expiration date.

[0032] Here, the results of the print inspection in the assortment inspection device 20 will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is an example of a screen showing the results of the print inspection in the assortment inspection device 20 according to this embodiment. Fig. 4 shows a print inspection result screen P1 showing the results of the print inspection. The print inspection result screen P1 is displayed, for example, on a display device provided in the assortment inspection device 20 or a display device provided in the management terminal 70.

[0033] Area B1 of print inspection result screen P1 shown in Fig. 4 displays an image of the printed portion of the print information captured by a reading device. Area B2 of print inspection result screen P1 displays the results of reading the identification information from code image 83 (code reading result) and the results of reading the expiration date and identifier by OCR (OCR reading result) based on the image displayed in area B1. Area B3 of print inspection result screen P1 displays "OK" or "NG" as the result of the print inspection.

[0034] Here, the inspection results of the assortment inspection in the assortment inspection device 20 will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a screen showing the inspection results of the assortment inspection in the assortment inspection device 20 according to this embodiment. Fig. 5 shows an assortment inspection result screen P2 showing the results of the assortment inspection. The assortment inspection result screen P2 is displayed on, for example, a display device provided in the assortment inspection device 20 or a display device provided in the management terminal 70. In this embodiment, an image that mainly captures areas A2 to A5 and an image that mainly captures areas A6 to A9 are taken of the opening of the product case 80 shown in Figure 3, and an assortment inspection is performed using each of the images.

[0035] Area C1 of the assortment inspection result screen P2 shown in FIG. 5 displays the results of an assortment inspection of the brick-pack products 90 arranged in areas A6 to A9, which was performed using images mainly taken of areas A6 to A9 shown in FIG. 3. An image mainly taken of areas A6 to A9 by a camera is displayed in area C1-1 of the assortment inspection result screen P2. The image is labeled with numbers 5 to 8 and letters A to B. The brick-packed products 90 in the image are indicated by combinations of the numbers and letters. For example, the brick-packed products 90 in area A6 are indicated as 5A, 5B, and 5C, the brick-packed products 90 in area A7 are indicated as 6A, 6B, and 6C, the brick-packed products 90 in area A8 are indicated as 7A, 7B, and 7C, and the brick-packed products 90 in area A9 are indicated as 8A, 8B, and 8C. Area C1-2 of the assortment inspection result screen P2 displays the results of the assortment inspection and crushing inspection that were performed based on the image displayed in area C1-1. The inspection results are indicated by, for example, "o" or "x" for each brick-pack product 90. In the example shown in FIG. 5, all are indicated as "o". The positions of these "o"s correspond to the positions of the brick-pack products 90 in areas A6 to A9 shown in the image in area C1-1. The area C1-3 of the assortment inspection result screen P2 displays the results of the expiration date inspection performed based on the image displayed in the area C1-1. For example, the expiration dates of 5A, 5B, and 5C, which are brick-packed products 90 in the area A6, are displayed as "23.06.06", the expiration dates of 6A, 6B, and 6C, which are brick-packed products 90 in the area A7, are displayed as "23.07.22", the expiration dates of 7A, 7B, and 7C, which are brick-packed products 90 in the area A8, are displayed as "23.06.19", and the expiration dates of 8A, 8B, and 8C, which are brick-packed products 90 in the area A9, are displayed as "23.06.17". In the area C1-4 of the assortment inspection result screen P2, "OK" or "NG" is displayed as the result of the assortment inspection of the brick-pack products 90 arranged in the areas A6 to A9.

[0036] Area C2 of the assortment inspection result screen P2 shown in FIG. 5 displays the results of an assortment inspection of the brick-pack products 90 arranged in areas A2 to A5, which was conducted using images mainly taken of areas A2 to A5 shown in FIG. 3. An image mainly taken by a camera of areas A2 to A5 is displayed in area C2-1 of the assortment inspection result screen P2. The image is labeled with numbers 1 to 4 and letters A to B. The brick-packed products 90 in the image are indicated by a combination of the numbers and letters. For example, the brick-packed products 90 in area A2 are indicated as 1A, 1B, and 1C, the brick-packed products 90 in area A3 are indicated as 2A, 2B, and 2C, the brick-packed products 90 in area A4 are indicated as 3A, 3B, and 3C, and the brick-packed products 90 in area A5 are indicated as 4A, 4B, and 4C. Area C2-2 of the assortment inspection result screen P2 displays the results of the assortment inspection and crushing inspection that were performed based on the image displayed in area C2-1. The inspection results are indicated by, for example, "o" or "x" for each brick-pack product 90. In the example shown in FIG. 5, all are indicated as "o". The positions of these "o"s correspond to the positions of the brick-pack products 90 in areas A2 to A5 shown in the image in area C2-1. The area C2-3 of the assortment inspection result screen P2 displays the results of the expiration date inspection carried out based on the image displayed in the area C2-1. For example, the expiration dates of 1A, 1B, and 1C, which are brick-packed products 90 in the area A2, are displayed as "23.07.03", the expiration dates of 2A, 2B, and 2C, which are brick-packed products 90 in the area A3, are displayed as "23.06.02", the expiration dates of 3A, 3B, and 3C, which are brick-packed products 90 in the area A4, are displayed as "23.07.08", and the expiration dates of 4A, 4B, and 4C, which are brick-packed products 90 in the area A5, are displayed as "23.07.17". In the area C2-4 of the assortment inspection result screen P2, "OK" or "NG" is displayed as the result of the assortment inspection of the brick-pack products 90 arranged in the areas A2 to A5.

[0037] (3) X-ray inspection equipment 30 The X-ray inspection device 30 is a device that performs X-ray inspection on an object to be inspected. The X-ray inspection device 30 includes, for example, a reading device, a display device, and the like (not shown). The X-ray inspection device 30 inspects the product cases 80, which are the objects to be inspected, and each of the brick-pack products 90 assorted in the product cases 80, to see whether or not a foreign object is present. The X-ray inspection device 30 is communicatively connected to the inspection management server 10 via a network NW. The X-ray inspection device 30 transmits to the inspection management server 10 the identification information read from the code image 83 by the reading device and the inspection information related to the X-ray inspection. Product cases 80 that are determined to be "NG" by the X-ray inspection by the X-ray inspection device 30 undergo weight inspection by the weight inspection device 40 and are then removed from the manufacturing line PL as defective products. A screen showing the results of the X-ray inspection by X-ray inspection apparatus 30 is displayed on a display device provided in X-ray inspection apparatus 30, a display device provided in management terminal 70, or the like, for example.

[0038] (4) Weight inspection device 40 The weight inspection device 40 is a device that inspects the weight of an inspection object. The weight inspection device 40 includes, for example, a reading device, a display device, and the like (not shown). The weight inspection device 40 inspects whether the weight of a product case 80, which is the inspection object, is between a preset upper limit and a preset lower limit in a state in which the brick-pack products 90 are assorted. The weight inspection device 40 is communicatively connected to the inspection management server 10 via the network NW. The weight inspection device 40 transmits to the inspection management server 10 the identification information read from the code image 83 by the reading device and the inspection information related to the weight inspection. Product cases 80 that are determined to be "NG" by the weight inspection by the weight inspection device 40 are removed from the production line PL as defective products after the weight inspection. A screen showing the results of weight inspection by the weight inspection device 40 is displayed on a display device provided in the weight inspection device 40 or a display device provided in the management terminal 70, for example.

[0039] (5) Label inspection device 50 The label inspection device 50 is a device that performs label inspection on an object to be inspected. The label inspection device 50 is equipped with, for example, a camera, a reading device, a display device, etc. (not shown). After a weight inspection, a product case 80 that is the object to be inspected is transported to the label inspection device 50 with a best-before date label affixed thereto by a label attachment device (not shown). The label inspection device 50 performs label inspection of the best-before date label using a camera and a reading device. The label inspection device 50 is communicatively connected to the inspection management server 10 via the network NW. The label inspection device 50 transmits to the inspection management server 10 the identification information read from the code image 83 by the reading device and the inspection information related to the label inspection.

[0040] In the label inspection, a label-related inspection is performed on the expiration date label affixed to the product case 80. Specifically, the label inspection includes inspections such as a label position inspection and a label printing OCR inspection. In the label position inspection, it is inspected whether the affixing position of the expiration date label on the product case 80 and the printing position of the expiration date information on the label are appropriate. The label inspection device 50 uses a camera to photograph the expiration date label affixed to the product case 80 and performs the label position inspection based on the photographed image. In the label printing OCR inspection, it is inspected whether the expiration date information printed on the expiration date label is correct. The label inspection device 50 uses a reading device to read the expiration date information printed on the expiration date label affixed to the product case 80, and performs the label printing OCR inspection based on the read expiration date information. In the label printing OCR inspection, for example, the expiration date information set (input) in advance by the worker is compared with the expiration date information read by the reading device.

[0041] Here, the expiration date label attached to the product case 80 will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of an expiration date label attached to the product case 80 according to this embodiment.

[0042] As shown in Fig. 6, a best-before date label 84 is affixed to the product case 80. The best-before date is printed on the best-before date label 84 for each type of brick-pack product 90 to be assorted in the product case 80. In the example shown in Fig. 6, the closest best-before date among the best-before dates of each type is the best-before date of type 2, "23.06.02". Therefore, the best-before date 81 printed in area A1 shown in Fig. 2 is the best-before date of type 2.

[0043] Here, the inspection results of the label inspection in the label inspection device 50 will be described with reference to Fig. 7. Fig. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a screen showing the inspection results of the label inspection in the label inspection device 50 according to this embodiment. Fig. 7 shows a label inspection result screen P3 showing the results of the label inspection. The label inspection result screen P3 is displayed on, for example, a display device provided in the label inspection device 50 or a display device provided in the management terminal 70.

[0044] An image of the expiration date label photographed by a camera or reader is displayed in area D1 of the label inspection result screen P3 shown in Fig. 7. The result of reading the expiration date information from the expiration date label based on the image displayed in area D1 is displayed in area D2 of the label inspection result screen P3. The result of the label inspection, "OK" or "NG", is displayed in area D3 of the label inspection result screen P3.

[0045] (6) Reject device 60 The reject device 60 is a device that ejects defective product cases 80 from the manufacturing line PL. The reject device 60 includes, for example, a reading device, a display device, and the like (not shown). The reject device 60 is communicably connected to the inspection management server 10 via the network NW.

[0046] The reject device 60 is provided, for example, between the inspection process and the palletizing process, and controls the transportation of the product cases 80 transported from the inspection process to the palletizing process. The reject device 60 transmits identification information read from the code image 83 by a reading device for the product cases 80 transported from the inspection process to the inspection management server 10. The inspection management server 10 determines whether or not the product case 80 indicated by the identification information is defective based on the inspection result associated with the identification information transmitted from the reject device 60. The reject device 60 receives a control instruction from the inspection management server 10 according to the determination result as to whether or not the transported product case 80 is defective. The reject device 60 controls the discharge of the product case 80 based on a control instruction received from the inspection management server 10. If the product case 80 is determined to be defective, the reject device 60 discharges the product case 80 from the manufacturing line PL in response to the discharge instruction received from the inspection management server 10. On the other hand, if the product case 80 is determined not to be defective, the reject device 60 transports the product case 80 to a subsequent process in response to a transport instruction received from the inspection management server 10.

[0047] The product cases 80 transported to the reject device 60 are not limited to those transported from the inspection process. The product cases 80 transported to the reject device 60 also include those that are manually inserted by an operator into a position before the reject device 60 after the inspection process, for example.

[0048] Here, the defective rejection record will be described with reference to Fig. 8. Fig. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a screen showing the defective rejection record according to this embodiment. Fig. 8 shows a defective rejection record screen P4 showing the defective rejection record. The defective rejection record screen P4 is displayed, for example, on a display device provided in each inspection device, a display device provided in the reject device 60, or a display device provided in the management terminal 70. The defective rejection record screen P4 shown in Fig. 8 shows, for example, the rejection record based on the print inspection and assortment inspection in the assortment inspection device 20.

[0049] Area E1 of the defective rejection record screen P4 shown in Fig. 8 displays expiration date information that has been set (input) in advance by a manager or worker. Area E2 of the defective rejection record screen P4 displays part of the record (history) of product cases 80 that have been rejected as defective. As an example, area E2 displays the time of rejection, the identifier (number) of the product case 80, and the results of each inspection for the most recent five cases. Area E3 of the defective rejection record screen P4 displays the number of inputs, number of outputs, number of non-defective products, and number of rejects for the product cases 80.

[0050] (7) Management terminal 70 The management terminal 70 is a terminal used by an administrator. The management terminal 70 is, for example, a PC, a tablet terminal, or a smartphone. The management terminal 70 is communicatively connected to the inspection management server 10 via a network NW. The management terminal 70 may be communicatively connected to the assortment inspection device 20, the X-ray inspection device 30, the weight inspection device 40, the label inspection device 50, and the reject device 60 via the network NW.

[0051] An application for the manager to manage the inspection objects (hereinafter, also referred to as an "inspection management application") displays an inspection management screen on the management terminal 70. The manager manages the inspection objects according to the screen displayed on the management terminal 70 by the inspection management application. The functions of the inspection management application may be provided by installing the inspection management application in the management terminal 70 (i.e., a native application), or may be provided by a Web system (i.e., a Web application). In the case of a Web system, the functions of the inspection management application are provided via a Web browser.

[0052] Here, the management screen displayed on the management terminal 70 will be described with reference to Fig. 9. Fig. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the management screen according to this embodiment. Fig. 9 shows an inspection result search screen P5 that allows a search for inspection results. The inspection result search screen P5 is displayed on, for example, a display device provided in the management terminal 70. The inspection result search screen P5 shown in Fig. 9 shows, for example, search results for the results of each inspection performed in an inspection process in the production line PL.

[0053] Search conditions can be set in area F1 of the inspection result search screen P5 shown in Fig. 9. Search results for inspection results are displayed in area F2 of the inspection result search screen P5. As an example, area F2 displays the production line name, device name, product key, delivery time, assortment inspection results (including print inspection results), X-ray inspection results, weight inspection results, label inspection results, and overall inspection results.

[0054] <3. Functional configuration of the inspection management server> The configuration of the examination management system 1 according to this embodiment has been described above. Next, the functional configuration of the examination management server 10 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 10 to Fig. 13. Fig. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the examination management server 10 according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 10, the examination management server 10 includes a communication unit 110, a storage unit 120, and a control unit .

[0055] (1) Communications Department 110 The communication unit 110 has a function of transmitting and receiving various information. In communicating with the assortment inspection device 20, the communication unit 110 receives identification information of the inspection objects on which the print inspection and assortment inspection have been performed, and inspection information related to the print inspection and assortment inspection. In communicating with X-ray inspection apparatus 30, communication unit 110 receives identification information of an inspection object on which X-ray inspection has been performed, and inspection information related to the X-ray inspection. In communicating with the weight inspection device 40, the communication unit 110 receives identification information of the inspection object for which weight inspection has been performed and inspection information related to the weight inspection. In communicating with the label inspection apparatus 50, the communication unit 110 receives identification information of the inspection object for which label inspection has been performed and inspection information related to the label inspection. In communication with the reject device 60, the communication section 110 receives identification information of the inspection target object to be judged as a defective product, and transmits a control instruction according to the result of the judgment as a defective product. In communication with the management terminal 70, the communication unit 110 receives display requests for various screens, and transmits screen information relating to the screen corresponding to the received display request.

[0056] (2) Storage section 120 The storage unit 120 has a function of storing various information. The storage unit 120 is configured by a storage medium provided as hardware in the inspection management server 10, such as a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), a flash memory, an electrically erasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM), a random access read / write memory (RAM), a read only memory (ROM), or any combination of these storage media. The memory unit 120 stores, in association with each other, identification information acquired by the acquisition unit 131 described below for an inspection object for which multiple inspections are performed in an inspection process, and multiple pieces of inspection information acquired by the acquisition unit 131 for the inspection object indicated by the identification information.

[0057] Here, the data structure of the examination information stored in the storage unit 120 will be described with reference to Figs.

[0058] (2-1) Inspection information regarding print inspection and assortment inspection The data configuration of the inspection information related to the print inspection and assortment inspection will be described with reference to Fig. 11. Fig. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the data configuration of the inspection information related to the print inspection and assortment inspection according to this embodiment.

[0059] As shown in FIG. 11, the inspection information related to the print inspection and assortment inspection includes the case ID, the inspection time, the print inspection result, and the assortment inspection result. The case ID is identification information of the inspection object on which the print inspection and assortment inspection were performed, and is registered as, for example, "00047_2303231624". The inspection time is the time when the print inspection and assortment inspection were performed (for example, the start time of the first inspection), and is registered as, for example, "2023 / 03 / 23 16:24:42". The print inspection result is the result of the print inspection on the inspection object indicated by the case ID, and for example, either "OK" or "NG" is registered. The assortment inspection result is the result of the assortment inspection on the inspection object indicated by the case ID. The assortment inspection result includes the results of the variety inspection, crushing inspection, and expiration date inspection, and is registered as, for example, either "OK" or "NG".

[0060] (2-2) Inspection information regarding X-ray inspection and weight inspection The data configuration of inspection information related to X-ray inspection and weight inspection will be described with reference to Fig. 12. Fig. 12 is a diagram showing an example of the data configuration of inspection information related to X-ray inspection and weight inspection according to this embodiment.

[0061] As shown in FIG. 12, the inspection information regarding the X-ray inspection and weight inspection includes a case ID, an inspection time, an X-ray inspection result, and a weight inspection result. The case ID is identification information of the inspection object for which the X-ray inspection and weight inspection were performed, and is registered as, for example, "00047_2303231624". The inspection time is the time when the X-ray inspection and weight inspection were performed (for example, the start time of the inspection that is performed first), and is registered as, for example, "2023 / 03 / 23 16:24:55". The X-ray inspection result is the result of the X-ray inspection of the inspection object indicated by the case ID, and for example, either "OK" or "NG" is registered. The weight inspection result is the result of the weight inspection of the inspection object indicated by the case ID, and for example, either "OK" or "NG" is registered.

[0062] (2-3) Inspection information regarding label inspection The data configuration of inspection information related to label inspection will be described with reference to Fig. 13. Fig. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the data configuration of inspection information related to label inspection according to this embodiment.

[0063] As shown in FIG. 13, inspection information regarding label inspection includes a case ID, inspection time, and label inspection result. The case ID is identification information of the inspection object for which label inspection was performed, and is registered, for example, as "00047_2303231624". The inspection time is the time when the label inspection was performed (for example, the start time of the label inspection), and is registered, for example, as "2023 / 03 / 23 16:25:07". The label inspection result is the result of the label inspection of the inspection object indicated by the case ID. The label inspection result registers the results of the label position inspection and the label print OCR inspection, and is registered, for example, as either "OK" or "NG".

[0064] (3) Control unit 130 The control unit 130 has a function of controlling the overall operation of the examination management server 10. The control unit 130 is realized, for example, by causing a central processing unit (CPU) or a graphics processing unit (GPU) provided as hardware in the examination management server 10 to execute a program. As shown in FIG. 10, the examination management server 10 includes an acquisition unit 131, a determination unit 132, a discharge control unit 133, and an output processing unit .

[0065] (3-1) Acquisition part 131 The acquisition unit 131 has a function of acquiring various information. The acquisition unit 131 acquires, for each of a plurality of inspections, identification information of the inspection object and inspection information indicating the inspection result of the inspection object in an inspection process in which a plurality of inspections are performed. The acquisition unit 131 also acquires identification information of the inspection object to be judged as a defective product. The identification information acquired by the acquisition unit 131 is information read from a code image 83 printed on the inspection object together with an identifier.

[0066] The identification information acquired by the acquisition unit 131 together with the inspection information is the identification information read from the code image 83 at the start of inspection by each inspection device. The acquisition unit 131 acquires the identification information that the communication unit 110 receives from the assortment inspection device 20 via the network NW, and the inspection information related to the print inspection and assortment inspection. The acquisition unit 131 also acquires the identification information that the communication unit 110 receives from the X-ray inspection device 30 via the network NW, and the inspection information related to the X-ray inspection. The acquisition unit 131 also acquires the identification information that the communication unit 110 receives from the weight inspection device 40 via the network NW, and the inspection information related to the weight inspection. The acquisition unit 131 also acquires the identification information that the communication unit 110 receives from the label inspection device 50 via the network NW, and the inspection information related to the label inspection. Acquiring unit 131 outputs the identification information and the inspection information received from each inspection device to storage unit 120, and causes storage unit 120 to store the identification information and the inspection information in association with each other.

[0067] The identification information acquired by the acquisition unit 131 as the target for determining whether the product is defective is the identification information read from the code image 83 by the reject device 60. The acquisition unit 131 acquires the identification information received by the communication unit 110 from the reject device 60 via the network NW. The acquisition unit 131 outputs the acquired identification information to the determination unit 132.

[0068] (3-2) Judgment section 132 The determination unit 132 has a function of determining whether or not the product case 80 is to be transported to a process subsequent to the inspection process. For example, the determination unit 132 determines whether or not the product case 80 (inspection target) to be transported to a process subsequent to the inspection process is to be transported to the subsequent process based on a plurality of pieces of inspection information stored in the storage unit 120 in association with the identification information acquired by the acquisition unit 131. Here, the identification information acquired by the acquisition unit 131 is identification information transmitted from the reject device 60 as an object to be determined as a defective product. After the determination, the determination unit 132 outputs the determination result to the discharge control unit 133 .

[0069] The determination unit 132 checks whether the product case 80 being determined has passed all of the multiple inspections based on the multiple pieces of inspection information acquired from the storage unit 120. In this check, the determination unit 132 checks the inspection results included in the inspection information for each inspection. If the product case 80 has passed all of the multiple inspections, the determination unit 132 determines that the product case 80 should be transported to a subsequent process. On the other hand, if the product case 80 has not passed all of the multiple inspections, the determination unit 132 determines that the product case 80 should not be transported to a subsequent process.

[0070] If the product case 80 does not pass all of the inspections, it is considered that the product case 80 is defective. Therefore, the reject device 60 determines that the product case 80 that does not pass all of the inspections is defective and ejects it from the manufacturing line PL without transporting it to a subsequent process. This makes it possible to prevent a product case 80 that is suspected of being defective from being ejected to a subsequent process. In addition, when the product case 80 does not pass all the inspections, this also includes cases where the inspections were not performed in the first place. For example, due to a procedural error by an operator or an intentional operation, the product case 80 removed from the production line PL may be returned during or after the inspection process, which may result in all or some of the inspections not being performed in the inspection process. Even in such a case, the reject device 60 can eject the product case 80 as a defective product from the production line PL without transporting it to a subsequent process.

[0071] The determination unit 132 may further determine whether or not to transport the product case 80 to a subsequent process based on whether or not a plurality of inspections are completed within a designated time. In this case, the determination unit 132 checks whether or not all inspections of the product case 80 to be determined have been performed within a designated time based on a plurality of pieces of inspection information acquired from the storage unit 120. In this check, the determination unit 132 refers to the inspection time included in the inspection information of each inspection, and calculates the inspection time from the inspection time of the first inspection to the inspection time of the last inspection. If the calculated inspection time is within the designated time, the determination unit 132 determines that the product case 80 should be transported to a subsequent process. On the other hand, if the calculated inspection time is not within the designated time, the determination unit 132 determines that the product case 80 should not be transported to a subsequent process.

[0072] If the inspection time is not within the designated time, it may be that all inspections of the product case 80 have not been performed normally, or that the product case 80 has been removed from the manufacturing line PL, subjected to improper processing, and then returned to the manufacturing line PL. For this reason, the reject device 60 regards the product case 80 for which the inspection time is not within the designated time as a defective product and ejects it from the manufacturing line PL without transporting it to a subsequent process. This makes it possible to prevent a product case 80 suspected of being a defective product due to improper processing from being ejected to a subsequent process. The specified time may be set to any time (for example, 30 minutes) by the administrator or worker.

[0073] (3-3) Discharge control unit 133 The discharge control unit 133 has a function of controlling the discharge of the product case 80 in the reject device 60. Based on the determination result by the determination unit 132, the discharge control unit 133 transmits a control instruction to the reject device 60 according to the determination result. When the determination unit 132 determines that the product case 80 is defective, the discharge control unit 133 causes the communication unit 110 to transmit a discharge instruction for discharging the product case 80 from the manufacturing line PL to the reject device 60. On the other hand, when the determination unit 132 determines that the product case 80 is not defective, the discharge control unit 133 causes the communication unit 110 to transmit a transport instruction for transporting the product case 80 to a process subsequent to the inspection process to the reject device 60.

[0074] (3-4) Output processing unit 134 The output processing unit 134 has a function of performing processing related to the output of various information. For example, the output processing unit 134 generates screen information related to a screen corresponding to a display request, based on a display request of various screens received by the communication unit 110 from the management terminal 70. After generation, the output processing unit 134 transmits the generated screen information from the communication unit 110 to the management terminal 70, and causes the management terminal 70 to display the screen requested to be displayed.

[0075] <4. Processing flow> The functional configuration of the examination management server 10 according to this embodiment has been described above. Next, the flow of processing in the examination management system 1 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figs.

[0076] (1) Processing flow for assortment inspection The flow of processing in the assortment inspection according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 14. Fig. 14 is a flow chart showing an example of the flow of processing in the assortment inspection according to this embodiment.

[0077] 14, first, the product cases 80 are input to the inspection process (step S101). The product cases 80 input to the inspection process are input to the assortment inspection device 20 by a conveying device such as a belt conveyor. The product cases 80 may be input to the inspection process automatically from a previous process by a conveying device such as a belt conveyor, or may be input manually by an operator.

[0078] Next, the printing device of the assortment inspection device 20 prints print information on the product case 80 (step S102). Next, the reading device of the assortment inspection device 20 reads the case ID from the code image 83, which is the printed information printed by the printing device (step S103). Next, the assortment inspection device 20 performs a print inspection on the product cases 80 whose case IDs have been read by the reading device (step S104). Next, the assortment inspection device 20 performs an assortment inspection on the product cases 80. First, the assortment inspection device 20 performs a quality inspection on the product cases 80 (step S105). Next, the assortment inspection device 20 performs a crushing inspection on the product cases 80 (step S106). Next, the assortment inspection device 20 performs a best-before date inspection on the product cases 80 (step S107).

[0079] After the assortment inspection, the results of the assortment inspection are stored (step S108). Specifically, the assortment inspection device 20 transmits the case ID of the inspected product case 80 and the inspection information of the print inspection and assortment inspection to the inspection management server 10. The inspection management server 10 stores the case ID and the inspection information received from the assortment inspection device 20 in the storage unit 120 in association with each other. After the inspection results are stored, the inspection results for the product cases 80 are confirmed (step S109). Specifically, the assortment inspection device 20 confirms whether or not the inspection results for all of the product cases 80 are "OK." If all are "OK" (step S109 / YES), the process proceeds to step S110. On the other hand, if all are not "OK" (step S109 / NO), the process proceeds to step S111.

[0080] When the process proceeds to step S110, the assortment inspection apparatus 20 conveys the product cases 80 to the X-ray inspection apparatus 30 (step S110), and the assortment inspection ends. When the process proceeds to step S111, the assortment inspection device 20 ejects the product cases 80 from the manufacturing line PL (step S111), and ends the assortment inspection. The process flow in the assortment inspection is not limited to the example shown in Fig. 14. For example, the order of the print inspection, variety inspection, crushing inspection, and expiration date inspection may be different.

[0081] (2) Processing flow for X-ray inspection and weight inspection The process flow in X-ray inspection and weight inspection according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 15. Fig. 15 is a flowchart showing an example of the process flow in X-ray inspection and weight inspection according to this embodiment.

[0082] As shown in FIG. 15, first, the reader of the X-ray inspection apparatus 30 reads the case ID from the code image 83 printed on the product case 80 conveyed from the assortment inspection apparatus 20 (step S201). Next, the X-ray inspection device 30 performs an X-ray inspection on the product case 80 whose case ID has been read by the reading device (step S202).

[0083] After the X-ray inspection, the results of the X-ray inspection are stored (step S203). Specifically, the X-ray inspection device 30 transmits the case ID of the inspected product case 80 and the inspection information of the X-ray inspection to the inspection management server 10. The inspection management server 10 stores the case ID and the inspection information received from the X-ray inspection device 30 in the storage unit 120 in association with each other. After storing the inspection results, X-ray inspection device 30 conveys product case 80 to weight inspection device 40, and ends the X-ray inspection (step S204).

[0084] Next, the reader of the weight inspection device 40 reads the case ID from the code image 83 printed on the product case 80 conveyed from the X-ray inspection device 30 (step S205). Next, the weight inspection device 40 performs a weight inspection on the product case 80 whose case ID has been read by the reader (step S206).

[0085] After the weight inspection, the result of the weight inspection is stored (step S207). Specifically, the weight inspection device 40 transmits the case ID of the inspected product case 80 and the inspection information of the weight inspection to the inspection management server 10. The inspection management server 10 stores the case ID and the inspection information received from the weight inspection device 40 in the storage unit 120 in association with each other. After the inspection results are stored, the inspection results for the product cases 80 are confirmed (step S208). Specifically, the weight inspection device 40 confirms whether or not all of the inspection results for the product cases 80 are "OK." If all are "OK" (step S208 / YES), the process proceeds to step S209. On the other hand, if all are not "OK" (step S208 / NO), the process proceeds to step S210.

[0086] When the process proceeds to step S209, the weight inspection device 40 conveys the product case 80 to the label inspection device 50 (step S209), and the weight inspection ends. When the process proceeds to step S210, the weight checker 40 ejects the product case 80 from the production line PL (step S210), and ends the weight check. It should be noted that the process flow for the X-ray inspection and weight inspection is not limited to the example shown in Fig. 15. For example, the order of the X-ray inspection and weight inspection may be reversed.

[0087] (3) Label inspection process The flow of processing in label inspection according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 16. Fig. 16 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing in label inspection according to this embodiment.

[0088] As shown in FIG. 16, first, the reading device of the label inspection device 50 reads the case ID from the code image 83 printed on the product case 80 conveyed from the weight inspection device 40 (step S301). Next, the label inspection device 50 performs label inspection on the product case 80 whose case ID has been read by the reading device. First, the label inspection device 50 performs label position inspection on the product case 80 (step S302). Next, the label inspection device 50 performs label print OCR inspection on the product case 80 (step S303).

[0089] After the label inspection, the results of the label inspection are stored (step S304). Specifically, the label inspection device 50 transmits the case ID of the inspected product case 80 and the inspection information of the label inspection to the inspection management server 10. The inspection management server 10 stores the case ID and the inspection information received from the label inspection device 50 in the storage unit 120 in association with each other. After the inspection results are stored, the inspection results for the product cases 80 are confirmed (step S305). Specifically, the label inspection device 50 confirms whether or not all of the inspection results for the product cases 80 are "OK." If all are "OK" (step S305 / YES), the process proceeds to step S306. On the other hand, if all are not "OK" (step S305 / NO), the process proceeds to step S307.

[0090] When the process proceeds to step S306, the label inspection device 50 conveys the product case 80 to the reject device 60 (step S306), and the label inspection ends. If the process proceeds to step S307, the label inspection device 50 ejects the product case 80 from the production line PL (step S307), and ends the label inspection. The flow of processing in the label inspection is not limited to the example shown in Fig. 16. For example, the order of the label position inspection and the label print OCR inspection may be reversed.

[0091] (4) Processing flow before transport to the palletizing process The flow of processing before transport to the palletizing process according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 17. Fig. 17 is a flow chart showing an example of the flow of processing before transport to the palletizing process according to this embodiment.

[0092] As shown in FIG. 17, first, the reader of the reject device 60 reads the case ID from the code image 83 printed on the product case 80 conveyed from the label inspection device 50 (step S401). Next, the inspection results for the product cases 80 are confirmed (step S402). Specifically, the reject device 60 transmits the read case ID to the inspection management server 10. In the inspection management server 10 that receives the case ID from the reject device 60, the judgment unit 132 checks whether the inspection results of the product cases 80 to be judged are all "OK" or not. If all are "OK" (step S402 / YES), the process proceeds to step S403. On the other hand, if all are not "OK" (step S402 / NO), the process proceeds to step S405.

[0093] When the process proceeds to step S403, the inspection time for the product case 80 is confirmed (step S403). Specifically, the judgment unit 132 of the inspection management server 10 checks whether the inspection time for the product case 80 to be judged is within a designated time. If it is within the designated time (step S403 / YES), the process proceeds to step S404. On the other hand, if it is not within the designated time (step S403 / NO), the process proceeds to step S405.

[0094] When the process proceeds to step S404, the reject device 60 conveys the product case 80 to a palletizing process (step S404), and the process ends. When the process proceeds to step S405, the reject device 60 ejects the product case 80 from the production line PL (step S405), and the process ends. The flow of processing before transport to the palletizing process is not limited to the example shown in FIG. 17 described above. For example, the judgment in step S403 is not limited to a judgment based on the inspection time. In the judgment in step S403, a judgment may be made based on, for example, a process discharge time, a printing time, and a label attachment time. The process discharge time is the time when the product case is discharged from each process. The printing time is the time when printing is performed on the product case or label. The label attachment time is the time when the label is attached to the product case. The judgment may be based on one time, or may be a combination of multiple times.

[0095] As described above, the inspection management system 1 of this embodiment includes an acquisition unit 131 that acquires, for each of multiple inspections, identification information of the product case 80 (object to be inspected) and inspection information indicating the inspection results of the product case 80 in the inspection process in which multiple inspections are performed; a memory unit 120 that stores, in association with each other, the identification information acquired by the acquisition unit 131 for the product case 80 for which multiple inspections are performed in the inspection process and the multiple pieces of inspection information acquired by the acquisition unit 131 for the product case 80 indicated by the identification information; and a judgment unit 132 that judges whether or not to transport the product case 80 to the palletizing process (a process following the inspection process) based on the multiple pieces of inspection information stored in the memory unit 120 in association with the identification information acquired by the acquisition unit 131 for the product case 80 to be transported to the palletizing process (a process following the inspection process).

[0096] With this configuration, if a product case 80 does not pass all of the inspections, the inspection management system 1 can control the product case 80 to be determined as defective and not to be transported to the palletizing process that is the process following the inspection process, but to be discharged from the manufacturing line PL. As a result, in the inspection management system 1, not only product cases 80 that are defective due to the operation of the device, but also product cases 80 that are defective due to human operation are not transported to the process following the inspection process. Therefore, the inspection management system 1 according to this embodiment makes it possible to prevent the outflow of defective products from the production line PL.

[0097] <5. Modifications> The above describes the embodiment. Next, modified examples of the above embodiment will be described. Each modified example described below may be applied to the embodiment alone or in combination. Each modified example may be applied in place of the configuration described in the embodiment, or may be applied in addition to the configuration described in the embodiment.

[0098] In the above-described embodiment, an example has been described in which the code image 83 in which the identification information is encoded is printed on the product case 80, but the present invention is not limited to such an example. The identification information may be printed directly on the product case 80, for example.

[0099] In the above-described embodiment, an example in which the inspection result of each inspection is confirmed by each inspection device has been described, but the present invention is not limited to such an example. The inspection result of each inspection may be confirmed by the inspection management server 10. In this case, each inspection device transmits the inspection result to the inspection management server 10. The determination unit 132 of the inspection management server 10 determines whether the product case 80 is defective or not based on the inspection result received from each inspection device. After the determination, the discharge control unit 133 of the inspection management server 10 transmits a control instruction according to the determination result to each inspection device. Each inspection device that has received the control instruction transports the product case 80 if the control instruction is a transport instruction, and discharges the product case 80 from the manufacturing line PL if the control instruction is a discharge instruction.

[0100] In the above-described embodiment, an example has been described in which the X-ray inspection and the weight inspection are performed consecutively, and the inspection result is confirmed after the weight inspection, but the present invention is not limited to such an example. For example, the inspection result may be confirmed after the X-ray inspection. In this case, if the product case 80 is determined to be defective by the X-ray inspection, the product case 80 is removed from the manufacturing line PL by the X-ray inspection device 30, and the weight inspection by the weight inspection device 40 is not performed.

[0101] In the above embodiment, an example in which the ejection of the product case 80 is controlled by each inspection device in each inspection has been described, but the present invention is not limited to such an example. For example, in each inspection, a reject device independent of the inspection device may be provided, and the ejection of the product case 80 may be controlled by the reject device.

[0102] In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the test time included in the test information is the start time of the test, but the present invention is not limited to such an example. For example, the test time may also include the end time of the test. In this case, the test time by the determination unit 132 is calculated as, for example, the difference between the start time of the first test and the end time of the last test.

[0103] The above describes the modified examples. In addition, the inspection management system 1, the inspection management server 10 (inspection management device), the assortment inspection device 20, the X-ray inspection device 30, the weight inspection device 40, the label inspection device 50, the reject device 60, and the management terminal 70 in the above-mentioned embodiment may be partially or entirely realized by a computer. In that case, a program for realizing this function may be recorded in a computer-readable recording medium, and the program recorded in the recording medium may be read into a computer system and executed to realize the function. In addition, the "computer system" here includes hardware such as an OS and peripheral devices. In addition, the "computer-readable recording medium" refers to a portable medium such as a flexible disk, an optical magnetic disk, a ROM, a CD-ROM, and a storage device such as a hard disk built into a computer system. Furthermore, the "computer-readable recording medium" may also include a medium that dynamically holds a program for a short period of time, such as a communication line when a program is transmitted via a network such as the Internet or a communication line such as a telephone line, and a medium that holds a program for a certain period of time, such as a volatile memory inside a computer system that is a server or client in that case. Furthermore, the above program may be for realizing part of the functions described above, or may be capable of realizing the functions described above in combination with a program already recorded in a computer system, or may be realized using a programmable logic device such as an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array).

[0104] Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described in detail above with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to the above, and various design changes, etc. are possible within the scope that does not deviate from the gist of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0105] 1...inspection management system, 10...inspection management server, 20...assortment inspection device, 30...X-ray inspection device, 40...weight inspection device, 50...label inspection device, 60...reject device, 70...management terminal, 110...communication unit, 120...storage unit, 130...control unit, 131...acquisition unit, 132...determination unit, 133...discharge control unit, 134...output processing unit, NW...network

Claims

1. an acquisition unit that acquires identification information of an inspection object and inspection information indicating an inspection result of the inspection object in an inspection process in which a plurality of inspections are performed for each of the plurality of inspections; a storage unit that stores the identification information acquired by the acquisition unit for the inspection object for which the multiple inspections are performed in the inspection process in association with multiple pieces of inspection information acquired by the acquisition unit for the inspection object indicated by the identification information; a determination unit that determines whether or not to convey the inspection object to a subsequent process based on a plurality of pieces of inspection information stored in the storage unit in association with the identification information acquired by the acquisition unit, for the inspection object to be conveyed to the subsequent process; An inspection management system comprising:

2. the determination unit determines, based on the plurality of pieces of inspection information, that the inspection object is to be transported to the subsequent process if the inspection object passes all of the plurality of inspections, and determines, based on the plurality of pieces of inspection information, that the inspection object is not to be transported to the subsequent process if the inspection object does not pass all of the plurality of inspections. The inspection management system according to claim 1 .

3. the determination further includes determining whether or not to convey the inspection object to the subsequent process based on whether or not the plurality of inspections are completed within a designated time. The inspection management system according to claim 1 .

4. The inspection information further includes an inspection time when the inspection was performed on the inspection object, the determination unit calculates an inspection time from an inspection time of a first inspection to an inspection time of a last inspection, and determines that the inspection object should be transported to the subsequent process if the inspection time is within the designated time, and determines that the inspection object should not be transported to the subsequent process if the inspection time is not within the designated time. The inspection management system according to claim 3 .

5. the identification information is information including an identifier printed on the inspection object before the start of a first inspection and a printing time when the identifier was printed, the acquiring unit acquires the identification information read from a code image printed on the inspection object together with the identifier. The inspection management system according to claim 1 .

6. an acquisition step of acquiring identification information of an inspection object and inspection information indicating an inspection result of the inspection object in an inspection process in which a plurality of inspections are performed for each of the plurality of inspections; a storage step of storing, in a storage unit, the identification information acquired in the acquisition step for the inspection object for which the plurality of inspections are performed in the inspection process, and the plurality of pieces of inspection information acquired in the acquisition step for the inspection object indicated by the identification information in association with each other; a determination step of determining whether or not to convey the inspection object to a subsequent step based on a plurality of pieces of inspection information stored in the storage unit in association with the identification information acquired in the acquisition step, for the inspection object to be conveyed to the subsequent step; 23. A computer-implemented inspection management method comprising:

7. Computer, an acquiring means for acquiring identification information of an inspection object and inspection information indicating an inspection result of the inspection object in an inspection process in which a plurality of inspections are performed for each of the plurality of inspections; a storage unit that stores the identification information acquired by the acquisition unit for the inspection object on which the multiple inspections are performed in the inspection process in a storage unit in association with the multiple pieces of inspection information acquired by the acquisition unit for the inspection object indicated by the identification information; a determination means for determining whether or not to convey the inspection object to a subsequent process based on a plurality of pieces of inspection information stored in the storage unit in association with the identification information acquired by the acquisition means, for the inspection object to be conveyed to the subsequent process; A program to function as a

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