Manufacturing support system

Abstract

This system enables easy data sharing and viewing of images or videos capturing processing know-how between information processing devices installed on manufacturing sites for the purpose of supporting manufacturing operations. [Solution] The present invention relates to a manufacturing work support system that presents manufacturing work support information to a user. The first information processing device photographs a two-dimensional code attached to a work instruction sheet, photographs identification information and the work process, transmits it to a server, and issues a recording instruction based on the identification information. The server records the work support information in association with the image or video using the identification information as a key, and provides the work support information and related data in response to a request from the second information processing device. The second information processing device photographs the two-dimensional code on the same work instruction sheet and acquires and displays the necessary information based on the identification information.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a work support system at a manufacturing site, and more particularly to a system for presenting work support information and images or videos showing the state of work to workers by utilizing a two-dimensional code attached to a work instruction sheet.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, introduction of work support systems aimed at standardizing work and improving work quality at manufacturing sites has been progressing. Conventionally, in this type of system, a method of distributing work instruction sheets to workers in advance and performing work based on the instruction sheets is common. Furthermore, with the advancement of digital technology, work support using tablet terminals and mobile devices is also being carried out.

[0003] As an example, a system is known from Patent Document 1 that allows access to specific information by reading a two-dimensional code to obtain work support information. However, in the prior art, work support information is often provided in the form of text, diagrams and tables, and there are cases where it is difficult to convey work procedures and know-how. In particular, for skills that are difficult to verbalize and work that requires judgment based on experience, there has been a problem that conventional support information cannot sufficiently cope with such cases.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] The following problems exist in the above-described background art:

[0006] Since the content of work instructions is limited to documents, diagrams and tables, the transmission of on-site situations and work know-how is insufficient The correlation between the work support information and the actual work footage is not guaranteed, making the information unreliable. Accessing support information requires cumbersome operations for workers, resulting in a lack of responsiveness on-site. The present invention aims to solve these problems and achieve the following effects:

[0007] By recording the work process as images or videos and linking them to work support information, visual and concrete support can be achieved. By using paper-based work instructions, it is possible to easily synchronize information between multiple information processing devices. Workers can access support information and work videos simply by scanning a QR code, improving on-site operability and support effectiveness. The objective of this invention is to resolve the above-mentioned problems and to improve the accuracy and efficiency of work support by visually presenting work know-how and easily synchronizing information. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The manufacturing work support system according to the present invention is a system for presenting manufacturing work support information to a user, and comprises a first information processing device, a second information processing device, and a server, and has the following configuration.

[0009] The first information processing device performs the following processes: capturing a two-dimensional code attached to a work instruction sheet with a first camera; transmitting identification information encoded by the two-dimensional code and images or videos of the work being performed captured by the first camera to a server; and instructing the server to record the images or videos in association with work support information identified by the identification information.

[0010] The second information processing device captures the same two-dimensional code printed on the same work instruction sheet as the one captured by the first information processing device using a second camera, and performs the following processes: requesting the server to acquire work support information identified by the identification information encoded by the two-dimensional code; and acquiring the work support information and images or videos associated with the work support information, and displaying them on a display device.

[0011] The server is A process of receiving identification information and images or videos transmitted from the first information processing device, and recording them in association with work support information identified by the identification information, Based on a request from the second information processing device, the system performs the following steps: transmit the work support information identified by the identification information and the images or videos associated with the work support information to the second information processing device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] The present invention provides the following remarkable effects.

[0013] (1) Work support information and images or videos showing the work process can be uniquely associated and recorded / presented using identification information, making it possible to visually communicate and pass on work know-how that is difficult to put into words.

[0014] (2) The first and second information processing devices are configured to acquire identification information from a two-dimensional code attached to the same work instruction sheet and to synchronize data in cooperation with the server, thereby ensuring the consistency of information at the work site and preventing errors and discrepancies in information.

[0015] (3) Workers can access the necessary information simply by taking a picture of the paper work instructions, without needing to operate any special equipment, thus reducing the effort required to obtain support information and improving the responsiveness of work support.

[0016] (4) The consistent data management structure centered on identification information by the server maintains the quality of work support information, and demonstrates high utility in the fields of work standardization, education support, and quality assurance.

[0017] In view of the above effects, the present invention is an industrially extremely useful technology that improves the accuracy and efficiency of work support at manufacturing sites. [Brief Description of the Drawings]

[0018] [Figure 1] It is an explanatory diagram showing the overall configuration and outline of operations of the manufacturing work support system of the present invention. [Figure 2] It is a block diagram showing the configuration of the first information processing apparatus. [Figure 3] It is a block diagram showing the configuration of the second information processing apparatus. [Figure 4] It is a block diagram showing the configuration of the server. [Figure 5] It is an explanatory diagram showing the flow of information processing in the present invention. [Figure 6] It is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the first information processing apparatus and the second information processing apparatus capture the two-dimensional code printed on the same work instruction sheet, and transmit and receive moving images to and from the server. [Figure 7] It is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a display screen in the second information processing apparatus. [Modes for Carrying Out the Invention]

[0019] <1. Overall Configuration of the System> Figure 1 shows an overview of the overall configuration and operation of the manufacturing work support system of the present invention. The worker photographs the two-dimensional code 910 attached to the work instruction sheet 900 with the first camera 111 of the first information processing device 110, and then photographs their work as an image or video. The photographed data and identification information are transmitted to the server 130 via the communication unit 113, and a recording instruction is sent from the control unit 114. The server 130 records the information and, based on the worker's information acquisition request from the second information processing device 120, transmits the recorded work support information and images or videos. The worker views the information via the display unit 123 and is supported in their work.

[0020] <2. First Information Processing Device 110> As shown in Figure 2, the first information processing device 110 is an information processing device that has the function of taking photographs of work instructions and the work in progress, and transmitting this information to the server 130. This device 110 is configured with the following components.

[0021] (First camera 111) This camera device has the function of capturing a QR code attached to a work instruction sheet, and the function of capturing images or videos of workers performing their tasks.

[0022] (Image processing unit 112) This processing unit applies predetermined image processing (data compression, noise reduction, format conversion, etc.) to image or video data acquired from the first camera 111.

[0023] (Communications Section 113) This is a communication module that has network communication capabilities and is used to send and receive data and identification information processed by the image processing unit 112 to and from the server 130.

[0024] (Control Unit 114) This control device comprehensively controls the operation of each component of the first information processing device 110, and performs tasks such as analyzing identification information, transmitting captured data, and transmitting recording instructions.

[0025] <2-1 Processing to obtain identification information> As shown in Figure 6, the first camera 111 photographs the two-dimensional code 910 printed on the work instruction sheet 900 and obtains the identification information encoded in the code. This identification information is used to access work support information stored on the server 130, and specifically includes a URL, work ID, or passcode that can identify the work support information.

[0026] The image processing unit 112 analyzes the image data acquired from the first camera 111 and extracts identification information from the two-dimensional code 910. The control unit 114 receives this identification information and uses it for association processing with the captured data and for transmission processing.

[0027] The identification information is used in server 130 as key information to uniquely associate work support information with transmitted image or video data. In this invention, consistent data management is achieved between the information processing device and the server based on this identification information.

[0028] <2-2. Acquisition and transmission of work images / videos> The first camera 111 captures the worker's work, and the resulting image or video data is processed by the image processing unit 112 and then transmitted to the server 130 via the communication unit 113 along with identification information.

[0029] In this invention, the purpose of filming the work process is not merely to record information, but to visually record and accumulate work know-how that is difficult to put into words, and to utilize it for future training and quality assurance. In manufacturing sites, there are processes where it is difficult to communicate work procedures and precautions through documents or diagrams, and these can only be effectively communicated by showing an "example" using images or videos.

[0030] This invention is a work support system that enables the transfer of such non-verbal know-how, and by acquiring work images or videos and linking them with support information, it realizes a configuration that objectively records and presents who performed what task and how.

[0031] The image processing unit 112 performs data compression and noise reduction processing on the captured image or video to reduce the communication load. The communication unit 113 transmits the processed captured data along with identification information to the server 130, enabling accurate data recording on the server side.

[0032] <2-3. Recording Instructions> The control unit 114 sends an instruction to the server 130 to record the transmitted image or video data in association with the work support information identified by the identification information.

[0033] This configuration allows server 130 to uniquely associate work support information and captured data using identification information as key information, ensuring reliable information presentation and educational use later on.

[0034] <2-4. Processing Flow and Design Intent of the Control Unit> The control unit 114 ensures consistency between the image or video and the supporting information by sequentially executing the following processes: 1. Photographing the 2D code and obtaining identification information. 2. Taking photographs or videos of the work in progress. 3. Send the image data along with the identification information. 4. Transmission of recording instructions based on identification information

[0035] This series of controls ensures data integrity between shooting and recording, allows for accurate correlation of information, and simplifies user operation.

[0036] Furthermore, recording can be initiated at the user's discretion, allowing for flexible recording according to the worker's judgment. This enables the capture of key points and areas of caution during work using images or videos, promoting the accumulation and standardization of work know-how.

[0037] <3. Second information processing device 120> As shown in Figure 3, the second information processing device 120 is a device for acquiring and displaying work support information and images or videos showing the work process, and is configured with the following components.

[0038] (Second camera 121) It has the function of taking a picture of the QR code on a work instruction sheet and acquiring the identification information encoded in the code.

[0039] (Communications Section 122) It has communication functions with server 130 for sending information requests using identification information and receiving work support information, as well as images or videos.

[0040] (Display section 123) This is a display that shows work support information and images or videos, allowing the worker to view the necessary information via the display unit 123.

[0041] (Control Unit 124) This is a central processing unit that provides overall control over the operation of each component of the second information processing device 120, and performs tasks such as acquiring identification information, executing information requests, receiving information, and display control.

[0042] <3-1. Acquisition of Identification Information> As shown in Figure 6, the second camera 121 photographs the two-dimensional code printed on the work instruction sheet and extracts the identification information encoded in the code. The work instruction sheet to be photographed here is the same as the one photographed by the first information processing device 110, and the fact that both devices photograph the same work instruction sheet ensures the consistency of the information.

[0043] In this invention, the first information processing device 110 captures and records the work process, and the second information processing device 120 acquires and displays information, all of which acquire identification information encoded in the same two-dimensional code. This enables consistent use of work support information and images or videos on the server 130.

[0044] The two-dimensional code captured by the second camera 121 encodes identification information that can identify the work support information stored in the server 130. The identification information extracted by image processing is transmitted to the server 130 via the communication unit 122. The control unit 124 uses this identification information to perform a process that requests the server 130 to acquire the work support information identified by the identification information.

[0045] <3-2. Information acquisition / display> Server 130 transmits work support information identified by the identification information and associated images or videos to the communication unit 122, which then displays them on the display unit 123 via the control unit 124. The display unit 123 presents the displayed work support information and images or videos in a format that can be viewed by the worker, allowing the worker to review them and use them as a reference for understanding and performing the work.

[0046] <3-3. Technical significance of inter-device synchronization using paper media> In this invention, by printing a two-dimensional code on a work instruction sheet, which is a paper medium with excellent information readability and operability, the first and second information processing devices can acquire common identification information, and information synchronization between devices at the worksite is easily achieved.

[0047] In this way, by using a physical medium such as a work instruction sheet, workers can access work support information and recorded images or videos on the server 130 simply by scanning the QR code, without requiring them to operate any special equipment. This significantly improves the efficiency and convenience of work support on-site.

[0048] <3-4. Effects of Synchronized Display of Support Information and Images / Videos> The second information processing device 120 allows workers to acquire and view images or videos showing the work recorded by the first information processing device 110, along with work support information corresponding to the work, based on the same identification information, by photographing a two-dimensional code attached to the work instruction sheet.

[0049] As shown in Figure 7, the display unit 123 appropriately displays a display area 210 for the first work support information, a display area 220 for the second work support information, a display area 230 for the third work support information, and an image or video display area 240. By checking these, the worker can accurately understand and perform the target work. In particular, the present invention makes it possible to visually present work know-how that is difficult to put into words, and has a remarkable effect on the standardization of work and the transfer of skills.

[0050] <3-5. Significance of Control Procedures and Configuration> The control unit 124 is configured to sequentially control a series of processes: (1) capturing a two-dimensional code, (2) analyzing and acquiring identification information, (3) sending an information request, and (4) displaying the received data. As a result, the acquisition and presentation of work support information and images or videos are performed consistently, simplifying the information acquisition operation for the worker.

[0051] Furthermore, this configuration enables accurate verification of work procedures, promoting work efficiency, improved quality assurance, and educational use. Workers can use images or videos demonstrating the work of skilled workers as a model to support their own work; therefore, this invention can be said to be a device configuration that highly realizes the function of a support system in the workplace.

[0052] <4. Functions of Server 130> As shown in Figure 4, the server 130 transmits and receives information between the first information processing device 110 and the second information processing device 120, and records and provides information by associating work support information using identification information with captured data (images or videos). The specific functional configuration and control processing of this device will be described below.

[0053] <4-1. Configuration and Operation of Recording Process> Server 130 receives identification information and image or video data transmitted from the first information processing device 110. The received data is recorded using the identification information as a data identification key, and is uniquely associated with the work support information identified by the identification information.

[0054] This recording process is performed based on a recording instruction from the control unit 114 of the first information processing device 110, and the server 130 is configured to reliably perform the associated recording process upon receiving the instruction. In the recording process, by using identification information as a key and storing the captured data in consistency with the work support information, it is possible to prevent the presentation of incorrect information when acquiring information later.

[0055] <4-2. Data Management Structure and Consistency Assurance> The identification information is a unique information key for associating work support information with images or videos, and the server 130 has a configuration that links corresponding information in the database with the captured data based on this identification information.

[0056] This configuration prevents received data from being mistakenly associated with other work support information, thereby ensuring data integrity. Furthermore, by adopting identification information as a common key, consistent data handling between the first and second information processing devices becomes possible, providing an environment where information synchronization between devices can be easily performed.

[0057] <4-3. Structure of Information Provision Processing> Based on an information acquisition request from the second information processing device 120, the server 130 acquires work support information and images or videos corresponding to the identification information specified in the request and transmits them to the second information processing device 120.

[0058] This transmission process is performed based on a request, and the server 130 searches and extracts data corresponding to the received identification information, and then has a configuration that includes processing of identification information analysis and data matching in order to provide accurate information.

[0059] <4-4. Differentiating between instructions and requests> As shown in Figure 5, in the present invention, the first information processing device 110 transmits captured image or video data to the server 130 and then transmits an instruction to record the data in association with work support information. This instruction is a definitive processing execution request, and the server 130 reliably performs the recording process based on the instruction.

[0060] Meanwhile, the second information processing device 120 requests the acquisition of work support information and associated images or videos, and the server 130 transmits the relevant information based on the request. By distinguishing between the processing of instructions and requests, recording processing is reliably executed, and information provision is appropriately performed in response to requests, thus the control configuration of the server 130 has clear responsiveness and reliability.

[0061] <4-5. Consistent Data Management and its Effects> Server 130 has a consistent data management configuration centered on identification information, thereby enabling consistent information provision and recording in response to recording instructions from the first information processing device 110 and information requests from the second information processing device 120.

[0062] This configuration provides an environment where, at the work site, without requiring any special operations or information verification, users can simply scan the QR code attached to the work instruction sheet to appropriately view and utilize images or videos showing the recorded work and corresponding work support information.

[0063] Furthermore, by ensuring data integrity, Server 130 plays an important role as an information management platform that contributes to the accumulation and transfer of operational know-how, quality assurance, and business improvement.

[0064] (supplement) The functions and configurations described in each embodiment of the present invention are not limited to being implemented individually, and the described elements and functions can be combined as appropriate to the extent that is technically compatible. Therefore, the scope of the present invention accommodates a wide variety of modifications, including these combinations. [Industrial applicability]

[0065] This invention is applicable to work support and the accumulation and transfer of work know-how in the manufacturing industry, and is particularly useful in manufacturing processes that involve manual work and processes that require skilled techniques.

[0066] Specifically, in tasks that involve diverse work content and require on-site judgment, such as the assembly of automotive parts, the manufacturing of precision equipment, and the wiring and inspection of electronic equipment, the presentation of work support information and the synchronized recording of work videos are expected to have educational effects. Furthermore, this technology contributes to standardizing work quality and reducing human error.

[0067] Furthermore, because the work support system according to the present invention manages information on the cloud, it can be applied to remote work support and the visualization and centralized management of work status. This enables more efficient information sharing and work support in multi-site factories and outsourcing sites, contributing to improved productivity and skill transfer support across the entire industry. Therefore, the present invention has extremely high industrial applicability in the manufacturing industry as a whole. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0068] 110 First Information Processing System 111 First Camera 112 Image Processing Unit 113 Communications Department (First Information Processing Unit Side) 114 Control Unit (First Information Processing Device Side) 120 Second Information Processing Device 121 Second Camera 122 Communications Unit (Second Information Processing Unit Side) 123 Display section 124 Control Unit (Second Information Processing Device Side) 130 servers 131 Receiving Unit 132 Records Section 133 Transmitter 134 Control Unit (Server Side) 210 Display area for the first work support information 220 Second work support information display area 230 Display area for third-party work support information 240 video display area 900 Work instructions (paper) 910 QR code

Claims

[Claim 1] A manufacturing support system for presenting manufacturing support information to users, It comprises a first information processing device, a second information processing device, and a server. The first information processing device is The process involves taking a picture of the QR code attached to the work instruction sheet with the first camera, The process involves transmitting the identification information encoded by the two-dimensional code, along with images or videos of the work being performed, captured by the first camera, to a server. The process involves instructing the server to associate and record images or videos showing the work in progress with the work support information identified by the said identification information, and then executing the following: The second information processing device is The first information processing device photographs the work instruction sheet, and the same two-dimensional code printed on the same work instruction sheet is photographed by the second camera. The process involves requesting work support information, identified by the identification information encoded by the two-dimensional code, from the server. The process of acquiring the work support information and images or videos associated with the work support information and displaying them on a display device is executed. The aforementioned server is The work support information identified by the aforementioned identification information is recorded in association with the image or video, In response to a request from the second information processing device, the work support information and the images or videos associated with the work support information are transmitted to the second information processing device based on the same identification information. A manufacturing work support system characterized by the following features.

Images