Control device, method of controlling the same, and program

Abstract

To reduce the possibility of process stoppage to enable efficient production.SOLUTION: A control device is provided, comprising acquisition means for acquiring the number of articles remaining in a target process, and display control means configured to display an alert when the number of articles remaining is less than the minimum number set for the target process.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 17

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a control device, a control method for a control device, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] In commercial printing, the entire process from "order placement" to "printing process" is managed and visualized using printing workflow software. In addition, the status of online post-processing machines connected to the network is also visualized by collecting information via the network.

[0003] Furthermore, Patent Document 1 proposes a technology for acquiring location information such as storage locations of intermediate products and production progress statuses, and determining the intermediate products to be moved to the next production process and their destinations. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 8-278807 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] According to the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1, the process status such as the work results of each process and production information such as the processing time of the equipment can be acquired and displayed. This acquires and displays the information necessary for workers to manage the process. However, since no movement instructions are given to the workers, there is a possibility that the operation of the process may come to a halt in situations such as when the number of stockpiles is small, resulting in a decrease in production efficiency.

[0006] Therefore, the purpose of the disclosure is to reduce the possibility of process operation being stopped and to carry out production efficiently. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A control device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes: an acquisition unit for acquiring the number of items remaining in a target process; The method is characterized by comprising a display control means for displaying a warning when the number of remaining processes is less than the minimum number of remaining processes set in the process in question. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present disclosure, the possibility of process operation being stopped can be reduced, and production can be carried out efficiently. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of an image forming system. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a hardware configuration diagram of an information processing device. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a software configuration of the information processing device. [Figure 4] 10 is a print job management screen of a print workflow application. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a print job information table stored in print job information data. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a product information table stored in the print job information data. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of the configuration of a location management system. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a tag reader. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a user terminal included in the mobile system. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a management server. [Figure 11] 10A to 10C are diagrams showing examples of the configuration of an item table, a location table, a reader table, a user table, a movement amount table, and a tag detection table. [Figure 12] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a process control system. [Figure 13]3A to 3C are diagrams illustrating examples of the configurations of a job table, a process position table, and a job status table. [Figure 14] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of an arrangement of processes performed offline in an area of ​​a printing factory. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the contents registered in advance in a manufacturing process registration DB by an administrator in a production management system. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a progress table for managing a next process. [Figure 17] 10 is a flowchart showing the process up to the point where a movement notification is made. [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a process management screen. [Figure 19] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of counting the number of replenishment jobs when all preceding processes on which all jobs depend are detected in the end area. [Figure 20] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of counting the number of replenishment jobs when some jobs are detected in the current process standby area. [Figure 21] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of excluding a job that is being left unattended from the count of the number of replenishment jobs. [Figure 22] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of notification content when the notification content on the process management screen is changed. [Figure 23] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of notification content when the notification content on the process management screen is changed. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not necessarily limit the present disclosure. Furthermore, not all of the combinations of features described in the present disclosure are necessarily essential to the solution of the present disclosure, and multiple features may be combined arbitrarily.

[0011] <Embodiment 1> In this embodiment, when the number of jobs waiting in each process is small and the number of jobs in the waiting area of ​​the previous process is equal to or greater than the replenishment number, a move instruction is sent to the previous process all at once. This is expected to prevent a decrease in production efficiency due to a process being stopped due to a small number of jobs waiting.

[0012] (Configuration of image forming system) 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an image forming system according to this embodiment. The system configuration of this embodiment includes an information processing device 101, an image forming device 102, a post-processing device 103, a position management system 700, and a process management system 1200. The information processing device 101, the image forming device 102, the position management system 700, and the process management system 1200 are connected to one another via a network 100. The position management system 700 and the process management system 1200 will be described later with reference to FIGS. 7 and 12.

[0013] The image forming apparatus 102 analyzes print data transmitted from the information processing apparatus 101 and the like, converts it into a dot image for printing, and prints it page by page. The printed material output from the image forming apparatus 102 is either hand-carried by an operator to the post-processing apparatus 103 or passed to the post-processing apparatus 103 via a belt conveyor (not shown). The post-processing apparatus 103 is configured as an offline device that operates independently without communicating with the image forming apparatus 102 or the information processing apparatus 101. The post-processing apparatus 103 performs processes such as cutting, laminating, folding, or binding on the printed material passed to it. It is also possible to use multiple post-processing apparatuses to bind and then cut the printed material. Note that while FIG. 1 illustrates one each of the information processing apparatus 101, image forming apparatus 102, and post-processing apparatus 103, any number of each apparatus may be provided. For example, printed materials output from multiple image forming apparatuses may be processed by multiple post-processing apparatuses 103.

[0014] (Hardware configuration of information processing device) FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of the information processing device 101. As shown in FIG.

[0015] The CPU 201 reads out control programs stored in the ROM 202 or HDD 204 and executes various control processes. The RAM 203 is used as a temporary storage area such as the main memory or work area of ​​the CPU 201. The hard disk drive (HDD) 204 stores image data and various programs. Note that the configuration may include other storage devices such as a solid state drive (SSD) instead of or in addition to the HDD.

[0016] The keyboard 205 is an input device that serves as an instruction input unit, and issues control command instructions, text input, etc. to applications (described later). The pointing device 206 is also an input device that serves as an instruction input unit together with the keyboard 205, and issues control command instructions to applications (described later).

[0017] The display 207 is an output device that serves as a display unit, and displays commands input from the keyboard 205 or pointing device 206, or the status of applications (described later), etc. The network I / F 208 connects the information processing device 101 to a network (such as a LAN, an intranet, or the Internet). The information processing device 101 transmits and receives various information to and from other devices on the network using the network I / F 208. The hardware configurations of the management server 701 included in the position management system 700 and the control devices included in the process management system 1200 are also the same as those shown in FIG. 2.

[0018] (Software configuration of information processing device) 3 is a diagram showing an example of the software configuration of the information processing apparatus 101. A print workflow application 301 is a program module that is installed and operates on the HDD 204 of the information processing apparatus 101, is loaded into the RAM 203 at the time of execution, and is executed by the CPU 201.

[0019] The print workflow application 301 has a UI unit 302, a print job management unit 303, a print job control unit 304, a print processing unit 305, and a device management unit 306. The UI unit 302 constructs a graphical user interface (GUI) and receives various input operations from the user, and issues instructions to execute the corresponding processes. The print job management unit 303 accesses print job information data 307 (described later) and references various information about the print job that the print workflow application 301 sends to the image forming device.

[0020] The print job control unit 304 controls the execution of various functions (such as sending, editing, and deleting a print job) for a print job in the print workflow application 301. The print processing unit 305 sends content data and job ticket data of the print job to the image forming apparatus in response to a print job sending instruction received from the print job control unit 304.

[0021] The device management unit 306 manages various information (such as identification name and address) of the image forming device to which the print workflow application 301 sends a print job.

[0022] The print job information data 307 is a database that manages information related to print jobs (a print job information table and a product information table) that will be described later. The print job information table will be described later in FIG. 6. The product information table will be described later in FIG. 6.

[0023] The print workflow application 301 is assumed to be installed and run on the HDD 204 of the information processing device 101, but may also be configured on the cloud and provided as a cloud service by being accessed from a web browser on the information processing device 101. Furthermore, the print job information data 307 need not only be configured to be stored on the HDD 204 of the information processing device 101, but may also be stored in another information processing device connected via a network (such as a database server (including on the cloud)).

[0024] (Print job management screen configuration) 4 is a diagram showing an example of a print job management screen of the print workflow application 301. When the print operator instructs the information processing apparatus 101 to execute the print workflow application 301 via the keyboard 205 or pointing device 206, the CPU 201 loads a program into the RAM 203 and executes it. This starts the print workflow application 301. When the print workflow application 301 starts, the UI unit 302 displays a print job management screen 401 as shown in FIG. 4 on the display 207. Here, the print workflow application 301 may access a cloud service from a web browser on the information processing apparatus 101, so that the print job management screen is displayed on the web browser.

[0025] The print job management screen 401 shows the print job management screen in the print workflow application 301. The function menu 402 shows a menu of functions that can be executed on the print job management screen 401. The function menu 402 has a print button 403 and a delete button 405. The print button 403 is a button for issuing a print instruction for a print job (an instruction for actual printing). The delete button 405 is a button for issuing an instruction to delete a print job. Note that the function menu 402 may also have an edit button or the like for issuing an instruction to edit a print job.

[0026] The print job list 406 shows a list displaying a list of print jobs managed by the print workflow application 301. The print workflow application 301 accesses print job information stored in print job information data 307 via the print job management unit 303, and displays the print jobs to be printed in the print job list 406. The print operator selects a print job displayed in the print job list 406 with the pointing device 206 or the like, and issues print instructions, deletion instructions, editing instructions, etc. to the print job by pressing a function button arranged in the function menu 402.

[0027] The device list 407 displays a list of image forming devices managed as output destinations by the print workflow application 301. The print workflow application 301 acquires information about image forming devices that are communicably connected via the network 100 or the like via the device management unit 306, and displays the information in the device list 407.

[0028] (Print job table configuration) Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a print job information table stored in the print job information data 307. In the example shown in Fig. 5, the print job information table has items such as job ID, deliverable number, product name, number of copies, content name, order date, and expected shipping date. The product name is a value linked to detailed print setting (print attribute) information defined in the product information table shown in Fig. 6, which will be described later. The content name is link information to the file name that will be the content data used when printing the print job.

[0029] (Product information table configuration) FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a product information table stored in the print job information data 307. As shown in FIG.

[0030] The product information table defines detailed settings related to printing (output paper size, finished size, paper type, orientation, single-sided / double-sided, stapling, punching, folding, binding, trimming, output destination, etc.). The product information table is created in advance by an installer such as a system engineer when installing the print workflow application 301, according to the order details of the print materials handled by the print workflow application 301. The print job management unit 303 retrieves detailed print settings from the product information table using the product name mentioned above as a key. For example, if the product name is "Saddle-stitched, imposed, A4, double-sided, landscape," settings such as output paper size "320 x 450," paper type "high-quality paper," ..., single-sided / double-sided, ..., binding "ON," saddle-stitching "ON," trimming "ON," and lamination "ON" are retrieved.

[0031] (Location management system configuration) FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a location management system 700 according to the present invention. The location management system 700 is a system that manages item data in a database. The location management system includes location tags 707 installed at different locations, item tags 709a and 709b attached to items, at least one tag reader 705b, a mobile system 714, a management server 701, and an information processing device 101. The mobile system 714, the tag reader 705b, the management server 701, and the information processing device 101 are connected to a network 100. The network 100 may be a wired network, a wireless network, or any combination thereof. Examples of the network 100 include the Internet, an intranet, an intranet, and a cloud network.

[0032] Location tag 707 is a wireless device that is installed at each location where a reader may store an item in location management system 700, and has unique tag identification information (hereinafter referred to as tag ID) 708 embedded in the tag. The installation location of location tag 707 may be fixed or may be changeable at each location.

[0033] Item tags 709a and 709b are wireless devices attached to each item managed by the location management system 700, and each tag has unique tag identification information (hereinafter, tag ID) 710a and 710b embedded therein. As examples of linking jobs and item tags, FIG. 7 illustrates an example in which item tag 709a is attached to a returnable box 711a that stores jobs when they are moved between work processes, and an example in which item tag 709b is attached to a work instruction sheet 711b that issues work instructions. However, this is not limited to this example. Here, when items with item tags attached, such as returnable box 711a and work instruction sheet 711b, are transported by a reader or moved automatically, item tags 709a and 709b also move along with the items. While returnable boxes are used in this embodiment, attaching tags to work instruction sheets 711b can be expected to offer advantages such as simplifying the transportation process when transporting items without returnable boxes in small-lot or small-scale production situations where returnable boxes are not used.

[0034] In the following description, when it is not necessary to distinguish between the item tags 709a and 709b, the alphabet at the end of the reference numeral will be omitted and they will be collectively referred to as the item tag 709. The same applies to the tag readers 705 (705a, 705b), tag IDs 710 (710a, 710b), items 711 (711a, 711b), and other subsequent elements.

[0035] In this embodiment, each of the tags, such as the position tag 707 and the item tag 709, is assumed to be a passive RFID tag (passive tag). A passive tag is composed of a small IC (Integrated Circuit) chip with built-in memory and an antenna, and stores identification information for identifying the tag and other information in the memory. In this embodiment, the identification information is simply referred to as "ID," and the identification information for identifying the tag is also referred to as "tag ID." Note that the tag ID may also be considered as information for identifying the object to which the tag is attached. The IC chip of the passive tag operates using the energy of electromagnetic waves emitted from the tag reader, modulates the tag ID and other information stored in the memory into an information signal, and transmits (returns) the information signal from the antenna.

[0036] Each tag may be an active RFID tag. When each tag actively (e.g., periodically) transmits information to the surrounding area using power from a built-in battery, the tag may be called a beacon tag. Each tag may also be a wireless device that responds to a signal from a reader and returns information using, for example, the NFC (Near Field Communication) method or the Bluetooth (registered trademark) method. Each tag may also be called any name, such as an IC tag, an IC card, or a responder.

[0037] The portable system 714 includes at least a tag reader 705a. The tag reader 705 is a reading device capable of reading information stored in a wireless device such as an RFID tag. The tag reader 705 can detect an item 711, for example, by reading a tag ID 710 from an item tag 709 attached to the item 711. The tag reader 705 performs reading periodically or in response to some trigger such as a user operation, and transmits the tag reading result to the management server 701. The tag reader 705 may be capable of communicating directly with the management server 701, or may be capable of communicating indirectly with the management server 701 via some relay device (for example, a user terminal 706 described later). An example of a specific configuration of the tag reader 705 will be further described later.

[0038] 7, the mobile system 714 further includes a user terminal 706. The user terminal 706 may be any type of terminal device or information processing device, such as a notebook PC (Personal Computer), a tablet PC, a smartphone, or a smart watch. The user terminal 706 may be used for interaction with the user 704 via the location management system 700. An example of a specific configuration of the user terminal 706 will be further described later.

[0039] The management server 701 is an information processing device that manages, in a database, status, location information, and other information related to the inspection of multiple items 711. The management server 701 may be implemented as an application server, database server, or cloud server using, for example, a high-performance general-purpose computer. The management server 701 receives tag reading results from the tag reader 705 and updates the database based on the received tag reading results.

[0040] 7 shows a single management server 701, but the functions of the management server 701, which will be described in detail later, may be provided by a single device, or may be provided by multiple physically separate devices working together. Also, in this embodiment, an example will be described in which the management server 701 holds the database, but a device separate from the management server 701 may hold part or all of the database. For example, some of the data may be held by a wireless device (e.g., a location tag or an item tag), a tag reader 705, or a user terminal 706.

[0041] 7 shows an example in which portable system 714 includes tag reader 705a and user terminal 706, which are separate devices. However, portable system 714 is not limited to this example. For example, tag reader 705a may have some or all of the functions of user terminal 706, which will be described later, and user terminal 706 may have some or all of the functions of tag reader 705a, which will be described later. Furthermore, the functions of management server 701 described in this embodiment may be implemented in user terminal 706.

[0042] (Tag reader configuration) 8 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of tag reader 705 in this embodiment. Referring to Fig. 8, tag reader 705 includes a control unit 801, a storage unit 802, a communication unit 803, a measurement unit 804, an operation unit 805, and a reading unit 806.

[0043] The control unit 801 includes a memory for storing a computer program and one or more processors (e.g., a CPU (Central Processing Unit)) for executing the computer program. The control unit 801 controls the overall functions of the tag reader 705 described in this embodiment. For example, the control unit 801 causes the reading unit 806 to read an RFID tag within the tag reading range, and temporarily stores the read information, the read time, and the signal reception level as read result data in the memory unit 80. In addition, the control unit 801 causes the measuring unit 804 to measure the position of the tag reader 705 in parallel with reading the RFID tag, and stores the measurement result in the memory unit 802. The control unit 801 then transmits the read result data and measurement result data stored in the memory unit 802 to the management server 701 via the communication unit 803, together with the reader identification information (also referred to as a reader ID) of the device itself.

[0044] The storage unit 802 may include any type of storage medium, such as a semiconductor memory such as a read-only memory (ROM) or a random access memory (RAM), an optical disk, or a magnetic disk. In this embodiment, the storage unit 802 stores the reading result data, measurement result data, and the reader ID of the tag reader 705.

[0045] The communication unit 803 is a communication interface for the tag reader 705 to communicate with the management server 701. For example, the communication unit 803 may be a WLAN interface for communicating with a WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network) access point, or a cellular communication interface for communicating with a cellular base station. The communication unit 803 may also be a connection interface for connecting to a relay device (for example, a Bluetooth (registered trademark) interface or a USB (Universal Serial Bus) interface).

[0046] The measurement unit 804 is a unit capable of measuring the position of the tag reader 705. In this embodiment, the measurement unit 804 measures the relative movement amount of the tag reader 705 from a certain reference position using a self-position estimation technology also known as PDR (Pedestrian Dead Reckoning), and outputs the measured movement amount to the control unit 801. The reference position for measuring the relative movement amount may be, for example, the position of the tag reader 705 at the time the tag reader 705 is activated. The relative movement amount of the tag reader 705 may be treated as a relative position. For example, the measurement unit 804 includes a three-axis acceleration sensor 804a, a gyro sensor 804b, and a geomagnetic sensor 804c. The three-axis acceleration sensor 804a measures the acceleration applied to the tag reader 705 in a device coordinate system specific to the tag reader 705, and outputs first sensor data. The gyro sensor 804b measures the angular velocity of the tag reader 705, i.e., the change in the attitude of the tag reader 705, and outputs second sensor data. The geomagnetic sensor 804c measures the orientation of the tag reader 705 in real space, and outputs third sensor data. Based on the sensor data from these sensors, the measurement unit 804 can measure the relative movement amount of the tag reader 705 by accumulating the acceleration while converting the direction of the acceleration of the tag reader 705 into a direction in a coordinate system of real space. The relative movement amount output from the measurement unit 804 to the control unit 801 may be a two-dimensional vector in a horizontal plane, or may be a three-dimensional vector that also includes a component in the height direction.

[0047] As will be described later, in this embodiment, the location coordinates of the installation location of each location tag 707 are known and registered in a database. Therefore, the current absolute location (position coordinates) of the tag reader 705 can be estimated based on the relative movement amount from the time when the tag reader 705 detected a certain location tag 707 to the current time and the known location coordinates of the location tag 707. In this embodiment, an example in which the management server 701 estimates the absolute location of the tag reader 705 will be mainly described, but the control unit 801 or measurement unit 804 of the tag reader 705 may access a database to estimate the absolute location of the tag reader 705. In another embodiment, the measurement unit 804 may measure the current geographical location of the tag reader 705 using a GPS (Global Positioning System). In still another embodiment, the measurement unit 804 may perform base station positioning or wireless LAN positioning to estimate the current location using the known location coordinates of the connected base station or wireless LAN access point.

[0048] Note that instead of tag reader 705 including measurement unit 804, portable system 714 may include a measurement device separate from tag reader 705 (for example, capable of measuring the amount of relative movement using a self-location estimation technique).

[0049] The operation unit 805 accepts operations by the user 704. The operation unit 805 includes, for example, a physical input device such as a button, switch, or lever arranged on the housing of the tag reader 705. The operation unit 805 accepts operations by the user 704 via the input device and outputs an operation signal to the control unit 801. The operation unit 805 may also include an audio input interface such as a microphone.

[0050] The reading unit 806 is a unit capable of reading information stored in each of the position tags 707 and item tags 709 under the management of the position management system 700. Referring to FIG. 8 , the reading unit 806 includes an RF controller 807, a power amplifier 808, a filter 809, a first coupler 810, a second coupler 811, an antenna 812, a power detection unit 813, and a canceller 814. The RF controller 807 outputs a transmission signal (e.g., a signal modulated in the UHF band) from its TX terminal to the power amplifier 808 under the control of the control unit 801. The power amplifier 808 amplifies the transmission signal input from the RF controller 807 and outputs it to the filter 809. The amplification factor of the transmission signal here may be variably controllable; the higher the amplification factor, the stronger the output intensity of the electromagnetic waves radiated from the tag reader 705. The filter 809 may be, for example, a low-pass filter, which removes unnecessary low-frequency components from the transmission signal amplified by the power amplifier 808. The first coupler 810 distributes the transmission signal that has passed through the filter 809 to the coupler 811 and the power detection unit 813. The second coupler 811 outputs the transmission signal input from the first coupler 810 to the antenna 812, and outputs the received signal input from the antenna 812 to the RF controller 807. The antenna 812 transmits the transmission signal input from the coupler 811 into the air as an electromagnetic wave. The antenna 812 also receives a signal returned from an RFID tag present within the reading range of the tag reader 705 in response to the transmission signal, and outputs the received signal to the coupler 811. As an example, the antenna 812 may be an omnidirectional antenna. As another example, the antenna 812 may be a directional antenna whose beam direction can be variably controlled. The power detection unit 813 detects the power level of the signal input from the first coupler 810 and outputs a signal RF_DETECT indicating the detected power level to the control unit 801.

[0051] The canceller 814 receives a signal CARRIER_CANCEL indicating the power level of the carrier wave from the control unit 801. Then, the canceller 814 extracts a desired signal component of the received signal to be output to the RX terminal of the RF controller 807 by canceling the carrier component of the transmitted signal based on CARRIER_CANCEL. The RF controller 807 demodulates the signal input from the RX terminal, acquires the tag ID and other information returned from the RFID tag, and outputs the acquired information to the control unit 801. The RF controller 807 also measures the reception level (also called reception intensity) of the signal input from the RX terminal, and outputs the measurement result to the control unit 801.

[0052] (User terminal configuration) 9 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a user terminal 706 included in a mobile system 714 according to this embodiment. Referring to FIG. 9, the user terminal 706 includes a control unit 901, a storage unit 902, a communication unit 903, an image capturing unit 904, an operation unit 905, a display unit 906, an audio output unit 907, and a vibration unit 908.

[0053] The control unit 901 includes a memory for storing computer programs and one or more processors for executing the computer programs. The processor may be a CPU or an IC (Integrated Circuit) such as a microcontroller (e.g., a single-chip microcomputer). The control unit 901 may include a timer circuit or a software timer for measuring time. The control unit 901 controls the overall functions of the user terminal 706 described herein. For example, when the location of an item 711 is inspected in the location management system 1, the control unit 901 causes the display unit 906 to display a screen displaying the current location of the portable system 714 and the locations of surrounding items. The location of the item to be inspected is indicated on this screen, and the user 704 is guided to the location of the item. Some examples of screens for guiding the user 704 to the location of the item will be further described later.

[0054] The storage unit 902 may include any type of storage medium, such as a semiconductor memory such as a ROM or RAM, an optical disk, or a magnetic disk. In this embodiment, the storage unit 902 temporarily stores, for example, a map image and location information (of the mobile system 714 and the item 711) received from the management server 701 (described later) for on-screen display.

[0055] The communication unit 903 is a communication interface for the user terminal 706 to communicate with the management server 701. For example, the communication unit 903 may be a WLAN interface or a cellular communication interface. Although not shown in FIG. 9, the user terminal 706 may further include a connection interface (for example, a Bluetooth (registered trademark) interface or a USB interface) for connecting to a peripheral device.

[0056] The image capturing unit 904 is a so-called camera unit that captures images of the real space and generates image data of still or moving images. The image capturing unit 904 outputs the generated image data to the control unit 901. For example, the image data generated by the image capturing unit 904 may be used for optical character recognition or for reading visible codes such as barcodes or QR codes (registered trademark).

[0057] The operation unit 905 accepts operations and information input by the user 704. The operation unit 905 includes input devices such as a touch sensor, a keypad, a keyboard, a button, or a pointing device. The operation unit 905 accepts operations by the user 704 via the input devices and outputs operation signals to the control unit 901. The operation unit 905 may further include other types of input devices, such as a voice input interface like a microphone or a sensor that detects vibrations.

[0058] The display unit 906 displays images and information. The display unit 906 may be, for example, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or an OLED (Organic Light-Emitting Diode). The audio output unit 907 outputs audio. The audio output unit 907 may be, for example, a speaker. The vibration unit 908 vibrates the user terminal 706. The vibration unit 908 may be, for example, a vibrator including an eccentric motor. One or more of the display unit 906, the audio output unit 907, and the vibration unit 908 may function as an alarm unit 909 that notifies the user 704. Although not shown in FIG. 9 , a notification function similar to the above-mentioned alarm unit 909 may be provided in the tag reader 705.

[0059] (Management Server Configuration) 10 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the management server 701 in this embodiment. Referring to FIG. 10, the management server 701 includes a communication unit 1003, an item database (DB) 1001, and a management unit 1002.

[0060] The communication unit 1003 is a communication interface that allows the management server 701 to communicate with other devices. The communication unit 1003 may be a wired communication interface or a wireless communication interface. In this embodiment, the communication unit 1003 communicates with the mobile system 714 (e.g., one or both of the tag reader 705a and the user terminal 706). The item DB 1001 is a database that stores status, location information, and other information related to the inspection of multiple items under the management of the system. In this embodiment, the item DB 1001 includes an item table 1004, a location table 1005, a reader table 1006, a user table 1007, a movement amount table 1008, and a tag detection table 1009. The management unit 1002 is a collection of multiple software modules that provide management functions for managing data in the item DB 1001. Each software module may be operated by one or more processors (not shown) of the management server 701 executing a computer program stored in a memory (not shown). In this embodiment, the management unit 1002 includes a position estimation unit 1011 .

[0061] (each table configuration) 11A to 11F show examples of the configurations of an item table 1004, a location table 1005, a reader table 1006, a user table 1007, a movement amount table 1008, and a tag detection table 1009 of the item DB 1001, respectively.

[0062] The item table 1004 has six data items: tag ID 1111, item ID 1112, name 1113, type 1114, location 1115, and coordinates 1116. The tag ID 1111 is identification information that uniquely identifies the item tag 709 attached to each item 711 under the management of the system. The value of the tag ID 1111 is the same as the value of the tag ID stored internally in the corresponding item tag 709.

[0063] The item ID 1112 is identification information that uniquely identifies each item 711. The name 1113 represents the name of each item 711. The type 1114 represents the type into which each item 711 is classified. The values ​​of the name 1113 and type 1114 of each item 711 may be determined by a user and registered in advance via a user interface provided by the management unit 1002. Alternatively, the values ​​of the name 1113 and type 1114 may be stored in the item tag 709 as item-related information and read by the tag reader 705. In the latter case, the management server 701 may receive the values ​​of the name 1113 and type 1114 of each item 711 from the tag reader 705 in response to the initial tag reading from the item tag 709 of each item 711, and register them in the item table 1004. The location 1115 represents the location where each item 711 was last detected by the tag reader 705, using a location ID that identifies the location. Coordinates 1116 represent the location coordinates of the point where each item 711 is estimated to be located. The values ​​of location 1115 and coordinates 1116 can be updated by location estimation unit 1011 when movement of an item is detected by tag reader 705, as will be described later.

[0064] The location table 1005 has six data items: tag ID 1121, location ID 1122, name 1123, coordinates 1124, map image 1125, and scale 1126. The tag ID 1121 is identification information that uniquely identifies the location tag 707 installed at each location 712 under the management of the system. The value of the tag ID 1121 is the same as the tag ID value stored internally in the corresponding location tag 707. The location ID 1122 is identification information that uniquely identifies each location 712. The name 1123 represents the name of each location 712. The coordinates 1124 represent the location coordinates of the installation location of the location tag 707 installed at each location 712. The map image 1125 is a data item in which map image data of each location 712 is stored. The scale 1126 indicates a ratio for converting a distance on the map of the map image 1125 into a distance in real space (for example, how many meters one pixel of the image corresponds to in real space). Note that the map image data stored in the map image 1125 may be acquired from an external data source or uploaded by the user and updated as needed.

[0065] The reader table 1006 has three data items: a reader ID 1131, a name 1132, and a user 1133. The reader ID 1131 is identification information that uniquely identifies each tag reader 705 used in the system. The name 1132 indicates the name of each reader. The user 1133 indicates the user 704 who uses the tag reader 705 by the value of the user ID 1141 in the user table 1007.

[0066] The user table 1007 has two data items: a user ID 1141 and a name 1142. The user ID 1141 is identification information that uniquely identifies each user 704 who uses the location management system 700. The name 1142 represents the name of each user. Although not shown in FIG. 11(D), the user table 1007 may further include authentication information (e.g., a password) used when each user 704 logs in to the system. It is also possible to link the user 704 with the user ID 1141 by attaching an item tag 709 to the user 704. In this example, an item tag 709 is attached, but it is also possible to use a configuration in which tags are distinguished between those for "users" and those for "items," and the configuration of the table may also change accordingly.

[0067] The movement amount table 1008 is a table for storing records of measurement result data received from the tag reader 705 (hereinafter referred to as measurement result records). The movement amount table 1008 has three data items: measurement time 1151, reader ID 1152, and movement amount 1153. The measurement time 1151 indicates the time when measurement was performed for the measurement result indicated by each measurement result record. The reader ID 1152 is identification information that identifies the tag reader 705 that performed the measurement for the measurement result indicated by each measurement result record. The movement amount 1153 indicates the relative movement amount as a measurement result. Here, the movement amount 1153 indicates the relative movement amount in the form of a two-dimensional vector in a coordinate system of real space.

[0068] The tag detection table 1009 is a table for storing records of read result data received from the tag reader 705 (hereinafter referred to as read result records). The tag detection table 1009 has five data items: read time 1161, tag ID 1162, reader ID 1163, reception level 1164, and detection position 1165. The read time 1161 indicates the time when the tag ID was read for each read result record. The tag ID 1162 indicates the tag ID read for each read result record. The reader ID 1163 is identification information that identifies the tag reader 705 that read the tag for each read result record. The reception level 1164 indicates the reception level of the signal received by the tag reader 705 when reading the tag for each read result record. The detection position 1165 represents the position coordinates of the location where the tag reader 705 was located when tag reading from the item tag 709 was performed (ie, the detection position of the item tag 709 and the corresponding item 711).

[0069] (Process control system overview) 12 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a process control system 1200 and a production control system 1210 according to this embodiment. The process control system 1200 and the production control system 1210 are, for example, servers equipped with control devices. These servers may also be installed externally via a cloud system.

[0070] The process management system 1200 is a system that generates a process management screen in response to a process management screen request received from a web browser on the information processing device 101. Here, the process management screen is a screen that displays information about the image forming devices 102 and post-processing devices 103 within the area of ​​the printing factory, and the processes performed by each device. The process management system 1200 includes a process management UI 1201, a process management service 1202, a process database (DB) 1203, a job management service 1206, and a job database (DB) 1207. Furthermore, the process DB 1203 includes a job table 1204 and a process position table 1205, and the job DB 1207 includes a job status table 1208.

[0071] When the process management UI 1201 receives a process management screen request from the information processing device 101, it generates a process management screen based on information collected by the process management service 1202 and transmits it to the information processing device 101. The process management screen is a screen that displays information on the image forming devices 102 and post-processing devices 103 within the area of ​​the printing factory, as well as the processes performed by each device. The operator can check the process management screen of the information processing device 101 installed in the printing factory.

[0072] In response to a request from the process management UI 1201 , the process management service 1202 acquires information from the location management system 700 , job management service 1206 , process DB 1203 , and manufacturing process registration DB 1212 , and transmits the information to the process management UI 1201 .

[0073] The process location table 1205 is a table for managing information about each process 1321 within the area of ​​the printing factory and the coordinates 1322 of each process. This table defines coordinate information in advance, indicating where each process is located within the area of ​​the printing factory. The process management service 1202 acquires tag ID information 1111 and its coordinates 1116 detected by the tag reader 705 for each process from the item table 1004 held by the management server 701 of the location management system 700. The process in which the tag ID 710 exists within the area of ​​the printing factory is identified based on the acquired tag ID coordinates 1116 and the information in the process location table 1205. Here, as a method for identifying the process, for example, the distance between the coordinates in the process location table 1205 and the tag ID coordinates 1116 may be calculated, and if the distance is equal to or less than a threshold, it may be determined that the tag ID exists in that process. Alternatively, the coordinates 1322 in the process position table 1205 may be specified as an area such as (X1, Y1) to (X11, Y11), and if the coordinates 1116 of the detected tag ID are within that area, it may be determined that the tag is present in that process.

[0074] The job status table 1208 is a table for managing job IDs 1331 and job statuses 1332. Here, a job with a job status 1332 of "production completed" indicates that all processes have been completed, and a job with a job status of "print completed" indicates that printing has been completed and processing is being performed in an offline process. When each job is processing the process indicated in process 1321, the job status 1332 indicates that the respective process is being processed, and when the processing is completed, the job status 1332 indicates that the respective process is completed.

[0075] The production management system 1210 is a system that generates a process management screen in response to a process management screen request received from a web browser on the information processing device 101. The production management system 1210 includes a production management UI 1211 and a manufacturing process registration DB.

[0076] When the production management UI 1211 receives a production management screen request from the information processing device 101, it generates a production management screen based on information collected by the process management service 1202 and transmits it to the information processing device 101. The production management system 1210 transmits information about the production management system 1210, etc. to the process management service of the process management system 1200.

[0077] (Process table overview) Fig. 13 shows examples of a job table 1204, a process position table 1205, and a job status table 1208 in this embodiment. Fig. 13(a) shows the job table 1204. The job table 1204 includes items of a tag ID 1311 and a job ID 1312, and is a table that manages the tag ID 710 of the item tag 709 attached to the item 711 in Fig. 7 by linking it with the job ID of the job stored in the item 711. The tag ID 710 may be linked with the job ID by sequentially reading the barcode attached to the item 711, such as a returnable box or a work instruction sheet, and the barcode attached to the job. The linking method is not limited here.

[0078] 13(b) shows the process location table 1205. The process location table 1205 includes items for each process 1321 within the area of ​​the printing factory and coordinates 1322 of each process.

[0079] 13C shows the job status table 1208. The job status table 1208 includes the following fields: job ID 1331 and job status 1332.

[0080] (Image of the factory) FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of the layout of processes in an area 1400 of a printing factory in this embodiment. In this example, a printer 1403 is arranged as an inline process within the specified area 1400. A laminating machine 1404 and a binding machine 1405 are also arranged as offline processes. Tag readers 705c, 705d, 705e, 705f, 705g, and 705h for each process are arranged near the printer 1403, laminating machine 1404, and binding machine 1405. Waiting areas 1402f, 1402g, and 1402h, which are detection ranges for each tag reader 705c, 705d, 705e, 705f, 705g, and 705h, and finishing areas 1402c, 1402d, and 1402e are predefined. The finishing area and waiting area are collectively referred to as the working area. For example, the work areas in the printing process are the finishing area 1402c and the waiting area 1402f.

[0081] When work in each process is completed, the job is stored in an item 711 to which an item tag 709 is affixed, and the item is placed in the end area. The operator 1406 moves the item 711 from the end area to the waiting area for the next process. As a result, the item tag 709 moves between processes together with the item 711 in which the job is stored. For example, the operator 1406 moves the item from the end area 1402c of the process using a printing machine to the waiting area 1402g of the process using a laminating machine. Also, the operator 1406 moves the item from the end area 1402d of the process using a laminating machine to the waiting area 1402h of the process using a binding machine. Here, an example in which a tag ID 710 is attached to a returnable box is shown as an example of the item 711, but this is not limiting. The tag ID 710 may also be attached to a work instruction sheet or the like.

[0082] The position of each tag ID 710 is identified by detecting each tag ID 710 with tag readers 705c, 705d, 705e, 705f, 705g, and 705h for each process. The process in which each tag ID 710 exists is identified by comparing the position information of each identified tag ID 710 with the process position table 1205. Furthermore, the job assigned to each process is identified from the information in the job table 1204.

[0083] (Manufacturing process table overview) FIG. 15 shows an example of a manufacturing process table and a table of the minimum number of queued jobs for each process in this embodiment. The minimum queued number refers to the minimum number of jobs that must be held in the waiting area for each process. FIG. 15(a) shows a manufacturing process table 1500 that is registered in advance in the manufacturing process registration DB 1212 by an administrator in the production management system 1210. FIG. 15(b) shows an example of the contents of the minimum queued job number table 1510 for each process. The manufacturing process table 1500 is composed of a tag ID 1501, a product type 1502, and each process 1503. In this example, printing and the binding process after printing (hereinafter referred to as the post-process) are predefined. That is, the processes of printing, laminating, cutting, binding, second cutting, inspection, and packaging are defined. Since the order of the processes is determined for each tag ID, numbers are assigned in this example to indicate the order of the processes. Additionally, in the binding process where the cover and body are joined together, work must be done only after each cover and body are completed. The defined processes are not performed if the order of each process is skipped or the same process is repeated, as this would not produce the desired final product. Here, we will explain the post-process for the JOBA product type. JOBA manufactures the cover and body separately, and the cover and body are joined together in the binding process to produce the final product. The pre-process for the JOBA cover binding process is the lamination process. Therefore, JOBA covers wait until the lamination process is complete, and bodies wait until printing is complete before proceeding to the binding process. After this, work is performed in the order of trimming 2, inspection, and packaging.

[0084] (Process progress table overview) 16 is a diagram showing an example of a progress table 1600 that manages the next process in the process management service 1202 of this embodiment based on location information acquired from the location management system 700 and the manufacturing process registration DB 1212. The progress table 1600 is composed of a tag ID 1601, a product type 1602, a detection area 1603, and a next process 1604. In this example, "TG01" of the tag ID 1601 is detected in the end area 1402c of the printing process, and furthermore, "bookbinding" is registered in the next process 1604 from the manufacturing process table 1500 registered in the manufacturing process registration DB.

[0085] In addition to the above figures, the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 17 is a diagram showing the flow of controlling the display of a warning and issuing a movement instruction from the previous process when the number of work-in-progress items (items waiting to be worked on) in each process falls below a predetermined number on the process control screen in this embodiment. The series of processes shown in the flowchart in FIG. 17 are performed by the CPU of the process control system 1200 loading a program stored in ROM into RAM and executing it. Note that "S" in the following explanation of each process indicates a step in the flowchart, and this is the same in the following embodiments. The process of this flowchart begins when the process control system 1200 is started.

[0086] In S1701, the manager registers the manufacturing process in the manufacturing process registration DB 1212 of the production management system 1210.

[0087] In S1702, the process control system 1200 acquires the detection information by the tag reader 705.

[0088] In S1703, the process control system 1200 acquires the number of queued processes in the current process from the detection information acquired in S1702, and temporarily stores the acquired number in the RAM of the process control system 1200. The storage destination may be, for example, the RAM 203 of the information processing device 101.

[0089] In S1704, the process control system 1200 acquires the minimum number of queued jobs in the current process from the minimum queued job number table 1510 of the production control system 1210, and temporarily stores it in the RAM.

[0090] In S1705, the process management system 1200 compares the number of queued jobs in the current process acquired in S1702 with the minimum number of queued jobs acquired in S1704. If the comparison results in the number of queued jobs in the current process being smaller than the minimum number, the process management system 1200 proceeds to S1706, and if the number of queued jobs in the current process is greater than or equal to the minimum number, the process management system 1200 proceeds to S1707.

[0091] In S1707, the process control system 1200 hides the warning if, as a result of the comparison in S1705, the number of queued jobs held in S1703 is equal to or greater than the minimum number of queued jobs held in S1704. The process control system 1200 then ends the processing of this flowchart. In other words, since there is no abnormality in the queued number, the process control system 1200 ends this flowchart without displaying a warning or the like.

[0092] In S1706, the process control system 1200 displays a warning for the current process on the process control screen.

[0093] FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an example of a process management screen 1800. The process management screen 1800 is displayed on a web browser on the information processing apparatus 101 by being transmitted from the process management UI 1201 to the information processing apparatus 101 as a response to a request from the information processing apparatus 101. The process management screen shown in FIG. 18 displays, for example, displays 1807 to 1809 of the number of waiting jobs for each process, information 1804 to 1806 indicating the process, and images 1801 to 1803 indicating the process. A warning 1810 is displayed as a warning display for a process for which a YES determination has been made in S1705. In FIG. 18(a), it can be seen that the warning 1810 is displayed against the job count display 1809 for the bookbinding process. The content of the warning may be different from that shown in the figure; for example, the job count display 1809 may be displayed in red. In FIG. 18(b), a notification 1811 indicating an instruction to move a job is displayed, the details of which will be described later in S1715.

[0094] In S1708, the process control system 1200 calculates the required number of supplementary jobs from the difference between the minimum number of queued jobs in the current process stored in S1704 and the queued number in the current process stored in S1703.

[0095] In S1709, the process management system 1200 acquires the previous processes required for the current process from the manufacturing process table 1500 of the production management system 1210, and temporarily stores them in RAM. For example, if the current process is a bookbinding process, it can be seen from the manufacturing process table 1500 that the previous processes required for the bookbinding process are a printing process and a laminating process.

[0096] In S1710, the process management system 1200 acquires information on the detection area 1603 in the progress table 1600 that corresponds to the end area of ​​the previous process acquired in S1709. Specifically, the production management system 1210 acquires the tag ID 1601, product type 1602, detection area 1603, and next process 1604, and temporarily stores them in RAM.

[0097] In S1711, the process control system 1200 checks whether the next process stored in S1710 is the current process. For example, if the current process is a bookbinding process, it can be seen from the manufacturing process table in Figure 15 that the process preceding the bookbinding process is the "printing" process with tag IDs "TG01" and "TG03". It can also be seen that the process preceding the bookbinding process is the "laminating" process with tag IDs "TG02" and "TG04".

[0098] Furthermore, referring to the progress table 1600 shown in FIG. 16, it can be seen that the next process for "TG01," "TG02," "TG03," and "TG04" is the current process, "bookbinding." This means that the items corresponding to TG01 to TG04 are currently held up in the end area of ​​the respective process (the process preceding the current process, bookbinding). This allows the process control system 1200 to determine that the next process for TG01 to TG04 is the current process (bookbinding). If the process control system 1200 determines that the next process is the current process, it proceeds to S1712, and if it determines that the next process is not the current process, it proceeds to S1712.

[0099] In S1712, the process control system 1200 counts the number of replenishment items if it is confirmed in S1711 that the next process is the current process. If the next process is not the current process, no counting is performed.

[0100] In S1713, the process control system 1200 checks whether processing has been completed for all of the previous processes acquired in S1709. If it is determined that processing has been completed for the number of previous processes, the process control system 1200 proceeds to S1714. If it is determined that processing has not been completed for the number of previous processes, the process returns to S1710. Using the example of the bookbinding process described above, the next process after TG01 is bookbinding, so counting is performed. Then, in S1713, processing has not been completed for the number of previous processes (determination has not been completed for the previous processes TG02 to TG04), so the process returns to S1710, and determination is then performed for TG02 to TG04. When counting has been completed for all of TG01 to TG04, in this embodiment, it can be seen that the count number will be "4".

[0101] In S1714, when processing has been completed for all previous processes in S1713, the process control system 1200 compares the required replenishment number calculated in S1708 with the replenishment number counted in S1712. If the comparison shows that the replenishment number counted in S1712 is equal to or greater than the required replenishment number calculated in S1708, the process control system 1200 proceeds to S1715. If not, the processing of this flowchart ends. In S1715, the process control system 1200 displays a notification 1811 of the movement instruction on the process control screen 1800, and ends this flowchart. Fig. 18(b) is a diagram showing an example of the movement instruction displayed in S1715. As shown in Fig. 18(b), a notification 1811 is displayed as a message display for information 1806 indicating the process. Note that the displayed content of the message is not limited to this. The above is a flowchart for displaying a warning on the process management screen when the number of work-in-progress items falls below a preset number, and issuing a transfer instruction from the previous process. Note that the "current process" indicates the process for which the processing in Figure 17 is to be performed, and there is no restriction on which process is the current process. Furthermore, the processing in Figure 17 may be applied to multiple processes simultaneously, or may be applied to all processes at all times. Note that if the number of replenishments is not equal to or greater than the required number of replenishments in S1714, the flowchart in Figure 17 is terminated, but this is not limited to this; the process may also be such that the process waits until the number of replenishments exceeds the required number of replenishments, and then a movement instruction is issued when the number exceeds the required number.

[0102] (Effects of the First Embodiment) As described above, in this embodiment, the possibility of process operation being stopped can be reduced, and production can be carried out efficiently. Specifically, when the number of queued jobs is small, a warning is displayed and a transfer instruction is issued. When issuing a notification, by setting the condition that the number is equal to or greater than the required replenishment number calculated in S1708, unnecessary notifications and job transfers can be reduced, and transfer instructions can be issued at the optimal timing. This effectively prevents a decrease in production efficiency due to process operation being stopped.

[0103] <Embodiment 2> In this embodiment, we will explain a form in which a process can be executed when the jobs of the previous processes on which the current process depends are all complete, and the number of replenishments is counted when all the previous processes on which all jobs depend are detected in the end area.

[0104] Figure 19 is a flowchart showing an example of this embodiment. Note that the steps explained in Figure 17 will be omitted. For example, referring to Figure 15, it can be seen that the previous processes on which the bookbinding process depends are the printing process and laminating process. The following explanation will be given assuming that the current process is JOBA's bookbinding process as an example.

[0105] In S1901, the process management system temporarily stores the tag ID 1601, product type 1602, and detection area 1603 of the progress table 1600 of the job whose next process is the current process in S1711 in RAM 203. If the current process is a bookbinding process, the information stored in this step is the information for each of the tag IDs TG01, TG02, TG03, and TG04 (because the next process is the bookbinding process).

[0106] In S1902, the process management system 1200 searches for a job of a paired product from the product type 1602 of the end area of ​​the dependent process among the information held in S1901. In this embodiment, in the progress table of Fig. 16, TG01 and TG02, whose product type is JOBA, correspond to a job of a paired product.

[0107] In S1903, the process management system determines whether the results of the search for jobs for the same product in S1902 are sufficient for the number of previous processes stored in S1709. If it is determined that there are sufficient jobs for the number of previous processes, the process proceeds to S1712. If it is determined that there are not sufficient jobs for the number of previous processes, the process proceeds to S1904. In this embodiment, the pair of product types required for the current process (JOBA bookbinding process) is "JOBA body" and "JOBA cover". When the progress table 1600 is referenced, these two product types exist, so the process proceeds to YES in this step. If only one of the product types exists in the progress table 1600, the process proceeds to NO in this step.

[0108] In S1904, the process control system 1200 checks whether a search has been performed for all jobs held in S1901, and if the search has been completed, the process proceeds to S1714.

[0109] (Effects of the second embodiment) In this embodiment, all previous processes that depend on the current process are searched for the same product type, and only when all are available are they counted as a replenishment quantity. This makes it possible to confirm that all jobs required for the current process are available, even when the current process requires multiple jobs, and prevents a decrease in productivity due to a process stoppage caused by a lack of jobs that prevents the process from being executed.

[0110] <Embodiment 3> In this embodiment, we will explain a form in which, in a case where a process can be executed when the jobs of the previous process on which the current process depends are complete, when some jobs are detected in the waiting area of ​​the current process, they are counted as a replenishment number together with those detected in the end area of ​​the previous process.

[0111] Fig. 20 is a flowchart showing an example of this embodiment, in which the steps explained in Fig. 17 and Fig. 19 are omitted.

[0112] In S2001, the process control system 1200 temporarily stores in RAM the tag ID 1601, product type 1602, detection area 1603, and next process 1604 for items whose detection area 1603 in the progress table 1600 is in the waiting area of ​​the current process. In S1711, the process control system 1200 checks whether the next process stored in S1710 and S2001 is the current process.

[0113] (Effects of the third embodiment) In this embodiment, jobs of the same product type are searched for from the waiting area of ​​the current process as well as the completion area of ​​the previous process that depends on the current process, and only when all jobs are available are they counted as replenishment. This makes it possible to confirm that all jobs required for the current process are available, even when the current process requires multiple jobs, preventing a decline in productivity due to a process stoppage caused by a shortage of jobs that prevents the process from being executed.

[0114] <Embodiment 4> In this embodiment, a job is detected in the end area of ​​the previous process on which the current process depends, but in cases where a job is intentionally left unattended, for example, while waiting for the lamination process to dry, this is excluded from the count as a replenishment number.

[0115] Fig. 21 is a flowchart showing an example of this embodiment, in which the steps explained in Fig. 17 and Fig. 19 are omitted.

[0116] In S2101, the process management system 1200 performs the process of S1712 only if the jobs searched for in S1903 do not include an abandoned job, even if the search results in the number of jobs equal to the number of previous processes stored in S1709. Whether or not the job is an abandoned job can be determined, for example, by reading information from an abandoned job table registered by the operator 1406. Alternatively, an abandoned job may be determined using a method different from the above.

[0117] (Effects of the fourth embodiment) In this embodiment, all previous processes that depend on the current process are searched for the same product type, but if the searched product is a job that is intentionally left unattended, it is excluded from the count as a replenishment. This allows for more appropriate timing of issuing a movement instruction by not counting jobs that cannot be performed in the current process as a replenishment.

[0118] <Embodiment 5> In this embodiment, a form will be described in which the notification content is made clearer in the notification of the movement instruction in S1715 of FIG.

[0119] Fig. 22 is a diagram showing an example of a notification in this embodiment. In this embodiment, for example, a notification 2201 is displayed. It can be seen that more detailed instructions are notified compared to the notification 1810 shown in Fig. 18. Specifically, it can be seen that instructions are given as to which area a return box with which tag ID should be moved.

[0120] FIG. 23 is a diagram and a flowchart showing an example of notification based on the contents of the tag ID 1601 and the detection area 1603 acquired in S1901.

[0121] In S2301, the process control system 1200 temporarily stores in RAM the tag ID 1601 and the detection area 1603 of the target that was counted in S1712.

[0122] In S1715, the process control system 1200 issues a notification that includes the tag ID 1601 and the detection area 1603 held in S2301 in the notification content (see notification 2201 in FIG. 22).

[0123] (Effects of the fifth embodiment) In this embodiment, the movement notification content includes the tag ID 1601 and the detection area 1603. This makes it clear which end area a return box with which tag ID should be moved when the operator 1406 places it from the end area to the waiting area for the next process, making it possible to further prevent a decrease in productivity.

[0124] <Other embodiments> The present disclosure can also be realized by supplying a program that realizes one or more functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or a storage medium, and having one or more processors in the computer of the system or device read and execute the program. It can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) that realizes one or more functions.

[0125] The present disclosure also includes the following configurations. (Configuration 1) An acquisition means for acquiring the number of items remaining in the target process; a display control means for displaying a warning when the number of remaining items is less than a minimum number of remaining items set in the target process; A control device comprising: (Configuration 2) The display control means counts the number of items remaining in the end area of ​​the process preceding the target process as the number of replenishment items, and when the number exceeds the difference between the minimum number of items remaining and the number of items remaining in the target process, displays an instruction to move the items from the end area of ​​the process preceding the target process to the waiting area of ​​the target process. (Configuration 3) The control device according to configuration 1, wherein the number of remaining articles is managed by reading a tag that manages each article with a tag reader installed in a work area of ​​each process. (Configuration 4) 4. The control device according to configuration 3, wherein the work area includes a waiting area and a finishing area. (Configuration 5) 2. The control device according to configuration 1, wherein the warning and the instruction to move the article are displayed on a display unit of an external device. (Configuration 6) When the target process is a process using articles obtained by each of a plurality of previous processes, The control device according to configuration 1, characterized in that the display control means checks the number of items remaining in each end area of ​​the previous process, and when the items required for the target process are all collected, counts the number of items replenished. (Configuration 7) The control device according to configuration 6, wherein the display control means checks the number of items in the waiting area of ​​the target process in addition to the end areas of the previous processes, and counts the number of items replenished when the items required for the target process are all collected. (Configuration 8) 2. The control device according to configuration 1, wherein the display control means does not count items intentionally left in the work area as items to be replenished. (Configuration 9) 2. The control device according to configuration 1, wherein the instruction to move the item includes information about a work area and information about tag IDs of items remaining in the work area. (Configuration 10) an acquisition step of acquiring the number of items remaining in the target process; a display control step of displaying a warning when the number of remaining products is less than a minimum number of remaining products set in the target process; A control method for a control device, comprising: (Configuration 11) A program that operates in a control device, the control device comprising: An acquisition means for acquiring the number of items remaining in the target process; a display control means for displaying a warning when the number of remaining items is less than a minimum number of remaining items set in the target process; A program characterized by functioning as

Claims

1. An acquisition means for acquiring the number of items remaining in the target process; a display control means for displaying a warning when the number of remaining items is less than a minimum number of remaining items set in the target process; A control device comprising:

2. The display control means of the control device described in claim 1 is characterized in that the display control means counts the number of items remaining in the end area of ​​the process corresponding to the process preceding the target process as the replenishment number, and when the number exceeds the difference between the minimum remaining number and the number of items remaining in the target process, displays an instruction to move the items from the end area of ​​the process corresponding to the process preceding the target process to the waiting area of ​​the target process.

3. 2. The control device according to claim 1, wherein the number of remaining articles is managed by reading a tag that manages each article with a tag reader installed in a work area of ​​each process.

4. 4. The control device according to claim 3, wherein the work area includes a waiting area and a finishing area.

5. 2. The control device according to claim 1, wherein the warning and the instruction to move the article are displayed on a display unit of an external device.

6. When the target process is a process using articles obtained by each of a plurality of previous processes, The control device according to claim 1, wherein the display control means checks the number of items remaining in each end area of ​​the previous process, and when the items required for the target process are all collected, counts the number of items replenished.

7. The control device according to claim 6, characterized in that the display control means checks the number of items in the waiting area of ​​the target process in addition to the end areas of each of the previous processes, and counts the number of items replenished when the items necessary for the target process are all collected.

8. 2. The control device according to claim 1, wherein the display control means does not count items intentionally left in the work area as the number of items to be replenished.

9. 2. The control device according to claim 1, wherein the instruction to move the article includes information about a work area and information about a tag ID of the article remaining in the work area.

10. an acquisition step of acquiring the number of items remaining in the target process; a display control step of displaying a warning when the number of remaining products is less than a minimum number of remaining products set in the target process; A control method for a control device, comprising:

11. A program that operates in a control device, the control device comprising: An acquisition means for acquiring the number of items remaining in the target process; a display control means for displaying a warning when the number of remaining items is less than a minimum number of remaining items set in the target process; A program characterized by functioning as

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