Component management device, component management method, and computer program for component management processing

Abstract

To provide a member management device capable of storing and supplying members such as components, tools, and implements without error.SOLUTION: In a member management device, respective trays 23 (storage mechanism) correspond on a one-to-one basis to respective members and are distinguished from each other (steps 14 and 15). When a bar code of a member to be stored is inputted (step 32), only a corresponding tray 23 is unlocked and the member is stored (step 33), and then is locked (steps 34 and 35). When a bar code of a member to be taken out is inputted (step 42), a corresponding tray 23 is unlocked and the member is taken out (step 43). When there are a plurality of members to be taken out by one bar code, after locking (steps 44 and 45), a tray 23 of the next member is unlocked and the member is taken out (steps 49, 50, and 43) and then is locked (steps 44 and 45). Member storing processing of Fig.7 and member taking-out processing of Fig.8 may be combined, and the same program may be used for both of them.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] To provide a material management device and the like, in particular, a device capable of checking materials reliably and without error, for example, a device for storing and supplying parts, tools, etc. without error, and a device for preventing the running out of materials during work from causing a hindrance to the work. [Background technology]

[0002] When manufacturing or repairing an item, such as a vehicle, it was necessary to properly organize and store a large number of parts, tools, and other materials, and to properly retrieve and supply them. Also, if a material ran out during the work, it could cause problems such as having to stop the work.

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Utility Model Application Publication No. 03-033812 [Patent Document 2] Patent No. 6948876 [Patent Document 3] JP 2020-195764 A [Patent Document 4] JP 2020-154722 A [Patent Document 5] JP 2015-170230 A [Patent Document 6] JP 2014-072443 A [Patent Document 7] JP 2012-216080 A [Patent Document 8] JP 2010-113672 A [Patent Document 9] JP 2009-294908 A [Patent Document 10] JP 2008-090453 A [Patent Document 11] JP 2006-019353 A [Patent Document 12] JP 2005-280943 A [Patent Document 13] JP 2004-288105 A [Patent Document 14] JP 2004-038414 A [Patent Document 15] JP 2003-192111 A [Patent Document 16] JP 2002-073746 A [Patent Document 17] JP 2002-026588 A [Patent Document 18] JP 2002-019930 A DISCLOSURE OF THEINVENTION [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a parts management device / method / computer program that can store and supply parts accurately without error and manage them accurately. These parts include various parts (including semi-finished products, components, etc.; the same applies below) that make up a finished product, and tools (including tools, measuring instruments, etc.; the same applies below) that are used to attach and install these parts and do not make up a finished product. Another object of the present invention is to provide a parts management device / method / computer program that can prevent parts from being lost in the middle of the work of making a finished product and allow smooth work. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] In order to achieve the above object, the present invention comprises: a plurality of components constituting a finished product; a plurality of storage mechanisms which correspond one-to-one to the plurality of components and thereby distinguishably store the plurality of components; a first control means which, when storing components in the storage mechanisms, enables the components to be stored in one storage mechanism corresponding to a specified component; and a second control means which, when removing components from the storage mechanisms, simultaneously designates two or more components among the plurality of components, and, for two or more storage mechanisms corresponding to the two or more designated components, prohibits the removal of components from other storage mechanisms among the two or more storage mechanisms when one of the two or more storage mechanisms is enabled for removal, and allows the removal of components from any one of the two or more storage mechanisms when removal is prohibited from all of the two or more storage mechanisms.

[0006] The present invention also comprises a plurality of components that constitute a finished product, a plurality of storage mechanisms that correspond one-to-one to the plurality of components and thereby distinguishably store the plurality of components, a detection means for detecting a remaining amount of the component in the storage mechanism, a component being taken out of one of the storage mechanisms and used to complete the finished product, and an alarm means for prompting the user to replenish the component when the remaining amount detected by the detection means is equal to or less than a predetermined amount. Effect of the Invention

[0007] This allows the parts to be managed accurately and finished products to be manufactured without mistakes in parts. Also, there is no risk of parts in the storage mechanism running out during the process, which would cause problems with the finished product, and the efficiency of the production process for the finished product is improved. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 2 shows the front of the member management device 21. [Diagram 2] The tray 23 and the locking / unlocking device 27 are shown in side view. [Diagram 3] The top views of the trays 23 and the locking / unlocking devices 27 are shown. [Figure 4]2 shows the overall circuit of the member management device 21. [Diagram 5] 2 shows a flowchart of the overall process (material management process) of the material management device 21. [Figure 6] 1 shows a flowchart of a member registration mode process executed in step 04. [Figure 7] 1 shows a flowchart of the material storage (recall / storage / retrieval) mode process executed in step 04. [Figure 8] 1 shows a flowchart of the material pick-up (call / storage / retrieval) mode process executed in step 04. [Explanation of symbols]

[0009] 1... Controller 2... Address / Data bus line 3... Input section 4... Output section 5...Interface section 6...Information storage section 7...Program / data storage section 21... Parts management device 22... Shelf board 23...Tray (storage mechanism) 24...Bottom plate 25...Weight scale 26...Hook 27...Lock / release device 28...Slit 31...LED (blue / red) 32...Tablet 33...Barcode reader 34... Vein authentication device 35... Camera BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THEINVENTION

[0010] (1) Material management device 21 1 shows the entire component management device 21. This component management device 21 is in the shape of a large box, and inside this component management device 21, a plurality of horizontal, plate-like shelves 22... are formed and partitioned, and the left and right ends of these shelves 22... are fixed to the inner surface of the component management device 21.

[0011] A plurality of small box-shaped trays 23 (storage mechanisms) are installed on the shelves 22 so as to be able to slide along the shelves 22, and the trays 23 are made of a material such as hard resin that is transparent and allows light to pass through, so that the inside of the trays 23 can be seen from the outside. The height of the trays 23 is slightly smaller than the spacing between the shelves 22. As a whole, the component management device 21 has multiple stages or rows of trays 23.

[0012] The bottom plates 24 of the trays 23 are thick, and light from the rear of the bottom plates 24 of the trays 23 reaches the front by being transmitted or reflected through the bottom plates 24, making it easy to see the rear light from the front of the component management device 21. Flat weighing scales 25 are built into the top of the bottom plates 24 of the multiple trays 23. The top plates of the weighing scales 25 are flat and have almost no gaps against the inner surfaces of the trays 23, preventing components from getting caught or falling into the gaps.

[0013] The weighing scales 25... weigh the components in the trays 23..., detect and measure the remaining amount, detect the remaining amount (amount put in), and measure the weight of each component. In the multiple trays 23..., multiple components (including parts, tools, and equipment) that constitute or complete a finished product are distinguished / classified and stored / removed and supplied. A component is removed from one of the trays 23... and used to complete a finished product.

[0014] 2 and 3 show a side view / cross-sectional view and a plan view of the trays 23. A hook 26 is fixed to the rear surface of each tray 23. The hook 26 is made of metal and is formed by bending a rod vertically into a U-shape. The hooks 26 as a whole protrude rearward from the trays 23.

[0015] A locking / unlocking device 27 is fixed on the shelf board 22 at the rear of each tray 23. A cut-like slit 28 is formed in the center of the front of each locking / unlocking device 27, and a plunger is electromagnetically inserted and retracted from the inner side of the slit 28.

[0016] The trays 23, hooks 26, locking / unlocking devices 27, and slits 28 are arranged so that the trays 23 slide over the shelves 22 to close the trays 23 and the hooks 26 enter the slits 28. A sensor or switch that detects the entry of the hooks 26 is provided in the slits 28.

[0017] In this manner, when the trays 23 are closed, the hooks 26 enter the slits 28, the sensor or switch is activated, the plungers in the slits 28 come out and engage with the hooks 26, the trays 23 are locked, and as a result, removal of members from the trays 23 is prohibited.

[0018] When the plungers in the slits 28 are lowered and the engagement between the hooks 26 and the plungers is released, and the trays 23 are unlocked, the hooks 26 come out from within the slits 28, and a part of the trays 23 jumps out and is pulled out and opened by the force of the spring, thereby making it possible to remove the members in the trays 23.

[0019] LEDs (light emitting diodes) 31 are provided on the sides of the locking / unlocking devices 27. The LEDs 31 are available in blue and red, and the blue LEDs 31 are lit while the trays 23 are unlocked.

[0020] When the number of components in the trays 23 falls below a predetermined number, for example, 5 or less, 10 or less, the red LEDs 31 light up. When component information identifying the components is input and read, and the locking / unlocking devices 27 and the trays 23 are unlocked, the LEDs 31 (blue) are switched from off to on.

[0021] While the trays 23 are pulled out, only the LED 31 (blue) corresponding to the pulled out tray 23 continues to light up. When the pulled out trays 23 are closed and the above-mentioned sensor or switch is activated to lock the lock / unlock device 27, the LED 31 (blue) is switched from on to off.

[0022] A display device / input device / output device such as a tablet 32 ​​is provided on the upper surface of the component management device 21, and the information to be input in the flowchart described below is displayed, the information is input, the information to be output in the flowchart is displayed, and the information is output.

[0023] An input device such as a barcode reader 33 is installed next to the tablet 32, and multiple pieces of component information for identifying multiple components that make up the finished product are input. The barcode input from this barcode reader 33 is, for example, a two-dimensional QR or one-dimensional code, information for identifying other dimensions, or other components, and information on one component / one type of component is input with one barcode, but information on multiple components / multiple types of components may also be input simultaneously with one barcode.

[0024] The tray 23... corresponding to the component information input by this barcode reader 33 is unlocked, making it possible to remove / replenish / supply / store the corresponding component. This includes tools / equipment. The multiple trays 23... (storage mechanisms) correspond one-to-one to the multiple components, thereby distinguishing and storing the multiple components. Information on the multiple components identifies the multiple components that make up the finished product, and is stored in advance in the information storage unit 6 or the program / data storage unit 7.

[0025] Therefore, there is a one-to-one correspondence between the identification information / barcodes of the multiple pre-stored components that identify the components and the identification information of the multiple pre-stored trays 23... that identify the trays 23..., and the identification information of these components and the identification information of the trays 23... can be used interchangeably.

[0026] In the case where the above-mentioned components can be stored in the above-mentioned trays 23, one identification information / barcode specifies one component or one tray 23. In the case where the components can be taken out from the trays 23, one identification information / barcode specifies multiple components or multiple trays 23.

[0027] An input device such as a vein authentication device 34 is installed next to the tablet 32, and individual information identifying each individual of the material manager / material user or manager / user, that is, the shape of the veins in the palm of the material manager / material user or manager / user, is identified and vein data is input and collated from the vein authentication device 34. A camera 35 is also installed next to the tablet 32, and external appearance image data of the above-mentioned component is input from the camera 35 and stored in the information storage unit 6 or the program / data storage unit 7 in association with the information of the above-mentioned component.

[0028] (2) Whole circuit FIG. 4 shows the overall circuitry within the component management device 21, including a data processing device for component management, a device for implementing a component management method, a device for executing a computer program for component management, and the overall circuitry of the component management device 21.

[0029] This overall circuit is provided in one of the multiple material management devices 21, but may be provided in multiple or all of the material management devices 21. The overall circuit (including a power supply circuit, battery, etc. in some cases) of the material management device 21 in Fig. 4 is provided on a board (not shown) that can be inserted and removed from a storage box on the back of the material management device 21.

[0030] This entire circuit is centered around a controller 1 (a central processing unit, such as a CPU, ROM, RAM, etc.), which is electrically connected by wire or wirelessly to an input unit 3, an output unit 4, an interface unit 5, an information storage unit 6, a program / data storage unit 7, etc. via an address / data bus line 2 along which address signals and data signals are transmitted in both directions.

[0031] The input unit 3 comprises the above-mentioned component management device 21, lock / unlock device 27, weighing scale 25..., tablet 32, barcode reader 33, vein authentication device 34, camera 35, main setting switch, sub setting switch, various sensors, and in some cases character input devices such as a keyboard, mouse, touch panel, digitizer or tablet, and the inputted information / data is written and stored in the information memory unit 6 or program / data memory unit 7.

[0032] From the tablet 32, in addition to text data, commands, setting / instruction data, and other information for processing various types of data such as the component manager / component user or the manager / user's vein data, component manager / component user data, and manager / user data are input.

[0033] Weight data of the materials in the trays 23... from the weighing scales 25... is sent to the controller 1 via communication means such as light, laser, radio waves, sound waves, wired or wireless, and is written and stored in the information storage unit 6 / program / data storage unit 7.

[0034] Barcodes / other codes corresponding to the parts stored / supplied by the parts manager / parts user are read from the barcode reader 33 or tablet 32 ​​of the input unit 3, or entered via the keyboard, and then collated by the controller 31 or written and stored in the information storage unit 6 / program / data storage unit 7.

[0035] The vein authentication device 34 of the input unit 3 inputs individual information for identifying each individual of the material manager / material user or the manager / user, that is, the shape of the veins in the palm of the material manager / material user or the manager / user is identified and vein data is input, which is collated by the controller 31 or stored in the information storage unit 6. The vein data of the material manager / material user or the manager / user is stored in the information storage unit 6 and collated.

[0036] Therefore, the vein data becomes a plurality of pieces of individual information for identifying each of the many individual material managers / material users pre-stored in the information storage unit 6, or individual information for identifying an individual manager / user. The vein authentication device 34 detects one individual among the many material managers / material users, or detects the individual manager / user.

[0037] Then, the vein authentication device 34 collates the plurality of pieces of individual information with the detection information of the detected one individual, or collates the individual information of the administrator / user with the detection information of the detected administrator / user. Only the administrator / user collated by this vein authentication device 34 can open and close the trays 23... of the member management device 21.

[0038] The output unit 4 is composed of the above-mentioned component management device 21, tray 23..., locking / unlocking device 27, LED 31..., tablet 32, mobile phone, display, printer, etc., and performs output processing such as displaying / printing various data such as the above-mentioned vein data, component manager / component user data, manager / user data, input screens for various information, control screens, output screens, etc. on the display screen of the tablet 32 / display device.

[0039] To this output unit 4, in some cases, vein data, various messages, various data, etc. inputted by the vein authentication device 34 and stored in the information storage unit 6 are outputted. Information / data stored / read in the information storage unit 6 / program / data storage unit 7 are outputted from the output unit 4.

[0040] The interface unit 5 is composed of transmitting / receiving circuits such as an input jack and an output jack of a LAN, and is connected to an external device composed of an external input device and an external output device. Other data, commands, setting / instruction data, other information, and programs are sent and received through the input jack and output jack of the LAN of the interface unit 5.

[0041] The program / data storage unit 7 (internal storage medium / means) is broadly composed of two types of storage devices (storage means): non-volatile memory such as ROM, including flash memory, EEPROM, EPROM, and CD-ROM, and temporary memory such as RAM, cache memory, hard disk, magnetic card, magnetic disk, CD-RAM, DVD (digital video disk), etc.

[0042] The ROM of the program / data storage unit 7 stores programs executed by the member management device 21 (overall circuit) and general-purpose data used for various processes. These programs correspond to the flowcharts described below. The temporary storage memory of the program / data storage unit 7 is used for temporarily storing data during program processing, i.e., as a working memory or cache memory.

[0043] In addition, the information storage unit 6 (external memory auxiliary medium / means, auxiliary storage medium) is composed of mass information storage / preservation media such as magnetic disks, optical disks, flexible disks (floppy disks), magnetic drums, magnetic tapes, memory cards, CD-RAMs, CD-ROMs, DVDs, and large-scale semiconductor devices, as well as information writing / reading devices for these media (drive devices, interface circuits).

[0044] In some cases, the member management device 21 is a dedicated device in which a single process is performed by a program pre-stored in the ROM of the information storage unit 6, and is a general-purpose computer device in which the program stored in the information storage unit 6 is loaded into the RAM of the program / data storage unit 7 and started as appropriate. In this case, the information storage unit 6 stores various programs, including basic software (operating software), system software, and application programs, which are executed by the controller 1.

[0045] Then, when the power supply of the material management device 21 is turned on, when a new program is started, or the like, the program is read out from the information storage unit 6, temporarily stored in the RAM or the like of the program / data storage unit 7, and executed by the controller 1. In other words, the program executed by the material management device 21 is stored in the information storage unit 6, and is read out as appropriate and executed by the controller 1.

[0046] In this case, the change to the new program is made by replacing the program itself stored in the information storage unit 6, or by exchanging (installing / transferring) the CD-ROM, magnetic disk, flexible magnetic disk, etc. on which the program is stored.

[0047] In the case of a computer device that exclusively executes a program stored in the EPROM of the program / data storage unit 7, the EPROM etc. is similarly rewritten in response to the replacement (installation / transfer) of a CD-ROM, magnetic disk, flexible magnetic disk etc., or this is achieved by replacing the ROM itself.

[0048] In some cases, the new program is sent from an external device such as another computer connected via the Internet line, telephone line, public line, or LAN line through the interface 5. In other words, the program executed in the computer device (whole circuit) is exchanged directly with the information storage unit 6, or exchanged with a program sent from an external device at home or abroad via a communication network such as the Internet.

[0049] Therefore, in some cases, a program executed in the material management device 21 (overall circuit) is sent from a domestic or overseas external device every time it is started. In other words, no application program is stored in the information storage unit 6 of the material management device 21, and the material management device (overall circuit) of the present invention is given only the role of a terminal device that executes a program sent from a domestic or overseas external device. Furthermore, a program and data to be processed by the program are sent together from a domestic or overseas external device, and after the data is processed by the program, the results are sent back to the domestic or overseas external device.

[0050] In addition, the programs executed by the computer device are programs for a general computer system in which an application program is executed based on a basic program such as an OS, and are dedicated computer systems that execute only one unified program including the OS. Therefore, the unified programs are provided from external devices at home or abroad, and only the application program, the basic program, or a part of the program is sent from an external device at home or abroad and executed.

[0051] In some cases, another operating system, system program (OS), or other program is stored in advance in this computer device, and the above program is executed together with the OS and other programs. When this program is installed and executed in this device (computer main body), it executes the processing and functions described in the claims (claims) or in each claim of other invention effects at the end, together with the other programs or alone.

[0052] In some cases, a part or the whole of this program is stored and executed in one or more other devices, domestic or foreign, other than this device, and data to be processed / data already processed / programs are transmitted and received between this device and the other devices via communication means, and the present invention is implemented by this device and the other devices as a whole. These communication means are, for example, an Internet communication system.

[0053] The tablet 32 ​​in the output unit 4, the display screen of the display device, the tablet 32 ​​in the input unit 3, the barcode reader 33, the vein authentication device 34, and the camera 35 are usually placed on the upper surface of the material management apparatus 21, and are inseparable from the material management apparatus 21. Of course, the tablet 32, the display screen of the display device, the vein authentication device 34, and the camera 35 may be separated from the material management apparatus 21 and can be handled separately.

[0054] The tablet 32, barcode reader 33, vein authentication device 34, camera 35, and display device can be handled separately from the component management device 21, and only the tablet 32, barcode reader 33, vein authentication device 34, camera 35, and display device can be separated from the component management device 21 and brought to the component manager / component user for authentication. Note that the tablet 32, barcode reader 33, vein authentication device 34, and camera 35 may be integral with the component management device 21.

[0055] (3) Overall processing Fig. 5 shows a flowchart of the overall process (material management process) executed by the controller 1. The process in Fig. 5 is started by turning on the power or by a predetermined process for executing the program, and first, an initialization process is executed (step 01), and error checks are performed on the information storage unit 6 and the program / data storage unit 7, and other initializations are performed.

[0056] Next, a list of all the modes to be selected is displayed (step 02). The modes to be selected are a material registration mode, a material storage (recall / enter / retrieve) mode, a material removal (recall / enter / retrieve) mode, a user registration mode, a user verification mode, a maintenance mode, and the display continues to wait until one of the multiple modes is selected (steps 02, 03). When one of the multiple modes is selected by key operation, touch operation, operation of tablet 32, or the like, a process corresponding to the selected mode is executed (step 04).

[0057] In the member registration mode, which of the above members is stored in which of the plurality of trays 23 is registered / changed / deleted. In this member registration mode, the name of the member, the symbol of the member, the bar code of the member, the appearance image data of the member, and other information are input.

[0058] In the material storage (recall / storage / retrieval) mode, any of the above-mentioned materials is selected, only the tray 23 corresponding to this material is unlocked, and the above-mentioned material is replenished and stored. In the material removal (recall / storage / retrieval) mode, any of the above-mentioned materials is selected, only the tray 23 corresponding to this material is unlocked, and the above-mentioned material is removed / supplied.

[0059] In the information memory unit 6 or the program / data memory unit 7, identification information of each tray 23..., such as the tray number, the names of the components stored in the trays 23..., the symbols of the components, the conversion codes (numeric codes) of the barcodes of the components, image data of the appearance of the components, weight data per component, data on the remaining amount of components on the trays 23..., and other information are written / read / stored in one-to-one correspondence for each identification information / tray number of the trays 23 or for each component.

[0060] In the user registration mode, a person who uses the material management device 21 or a material is registered / changed / deleted. In this user registration mode, the user's vein data, the user's name, a photo of the user's face, and other information are input. In the user verification mode, it is verified whether the person who uses the material management device 21 is a registered user.

[0061] For each user, the user's name, a photo of the user's face, etc., the user's vein data, and other information are written / read / stored in the information storage unit 6 or the program / data storage unit 7. The user's vein data is input from the vein authentication device 34 and stored in the information storage unit 6 or the program / data storage unit 7, or is read from the information storage unit 6 or the program / data storage unit 7 and displayed or collated. Some of this information may be omitted, or the user's name, face photo data, mobile phone number, and other information may be added.

[0062] In the maintenance mode, all trays 23... or specific trays 23... are opened, a list of users and a list of parts are displayed, stored information in the information storage unit 6 or the program / data storage unit 7 is displayed, parts are replaced, repairs are made, and other information changes are performed.

[0063] (4) Component registration mode processing 6 shows a flowchart of the member registration mode process executed in the above step 04. This member registration mode process is executed if the member registration mode is selected on the tablet 32 ​​in the above step 03 from the list of modes displayed on the tablet 32 ​​in the above step 02.

[0064] In this component registration mode, the icons “Component List,” “New Registration,” and “Back” are displayed on the tablet 32 ​​(step 11), and when the “New Registration” icon is clicked (step 12), the component input screen and the icons “Photograph” and “Save” are displayed on the tablet 32 ​​(step 13).

[0065] The identification information / tray number of the tray 23... and the name of the component are input from the tablet 32, and the component symbol and component barcode are input from the barcode reader 33 (step 14), and the component name, component symbol, conversion information for the component barcode, etc. are written into the information storage unit 6 or the program / data storage unit 7 in one-to-one correspondence with the identification information / tray number of the tray 23 (step 15).

[0066] After step 15, steps 51 to 58 and 61 to 68 described below may be executed to measure weight data for each component, replenish / store the components, take out / supply the components, measure / warn remaining amount data for the components, etc. Such processing is executed in a component storage mode and a component removal mode described below.

[0067] In step 13, when the "Photograph" icon is clicked (step 16), the component is photographed by camera 35, and this appearance image data is written into information storage unit 6 or program / data storage unit 7 in one-to-one correspondence with the identification information / tray number of tray 23 (step 17).

[0068] In step 13, if the "Save" icon is clicked (step 18), the process returns to step 11, and a list of the components to which the newly entered components have been added and the icons "New Registration" and "Back" are displayed on the tablet 32.

[0069] Furthermore, in step 11 above, if another process is selected, such as by clicking the "List of components" or "Back" icons (step 20), the process corresponding to the clicked icon is executed (step 21). When the "List of components" is specified, a list of components that have already been registered is displayed, allowing the user to check which components have already been registered and preventing the user from registering components that have already been registered. When the "Back" is specified, the process returns to step 02 above.

[0070] (5) Parts storage (call / entry / return) mode processing 7 shows a flowchart of the material storage (recall / storage / retrieval) mode processing executed in the above step 04. This material storage (recall / storage / retrieval) mode processing is executed if the material storage (recall / storage / retrieval) mode is selected on the tablet 32 ​​in the above step 03 from the list of modes displayed on the tablet 32 ​​in the above step 02.

[0071] In the material storage (recall / storage / retrieval) mode, the character string "Scan the barcode to open the tray" and icons "Menu" and "Back" are displayed on the tablet 32 ​​(step 31).

[0072] In response to this, when the barcode / identification information of the parts to be called and stored / removed is read one by one by the barcode reader 33 (step 32), the one-to-one corresponding tray 23 is unlocked, the LED 31 (blue) of the tray 23 is turned on (step 33), and the above-mentioned external image data of the part is displayed if it has been stored.

[0073] In this case, the barcodes are given to the user or manager as a signboard or the like, or the user or manager prints out a barcode list in advance and brings it with them. In this way, the trays 23... can be opened simply by inputting the identification information of the parts.

[0074] In this way, when storing parts in the plurality of trays 23..., when one of the plurality of trays 23... (parts) is unlocked and designated in steps 32 and 33, allowing the storage of parts, the other parts / trays 23... (parts) remain locked and cannot be designated, and the storage of other parts is prohibited.

[0075] In addition, when all of the trays 23... (components) remain locked and undesignated, and the storage of components in all of the trays 23... (components) is prohibited, one of the trays 23... (components) can be unlocked and designated, allowing the storage of components therein.

[0076] Next, if the weight data of this one component and the remaining amount data of that component are not stored in the information storage unit 6 / program / data storage unit 7 (step 51), that component will be replenished / stored / removed / supplied to the tray 23 for the first time.

[0077] In this case, for example, a message such as "Please place one component to be registered on the tray" is displayed on the tablet 32, and when this one component is placed on the tray 23... and a switch is operated on the tablet 32 ​​(step 52), data for this one component is written into the information storage unit 6 / program / data storage unit 7 corresponding to the tray 23 in step 15 above (step 53).

[0078] Then, for example, a message such as "Please place the parts in multiple trays" is displayed on tablet 32, and these parts are placed on the trays 23... to store / replenish the parts. When a switch is operated on tablet 32 ​​(step 54), data on these parts is written as remaining quantity data in information storage unit 6 / program / data storage unit 7 corresponding to tray 23 in step 15 above (step 55).

[0079] If the amount of material inserted is small and the weight data from the weighing scales 25... is less than a pre-stored predetermined amount, for example 5, 10,..., in other words, if the inserted amount data / remaining amount data is small (step 56), the LEDs 31... (red) are lit to notify / warn that the inserted amount / remaining amount is low (step 57).

[0080] When the remaining amount of the component detected in this way is equal to or less than a predetermined amount, a notification is given to encourage the user to replenish the component. Thus, this notification is given when the component is stored. The amount inserted / remaining number can be found by dividing the weight data from weighing scale 25... by the weight data per component written in step 53 above. If there is a notification / warning in step 57 above, the process returns to step 54, "Please place components in multiple trays" is displayed again, and the components are inserted / replenished / stored.

[0081] In this manner, the weight of each of the components is measured, and the weight of the remaining amount of the components in the trays 23 is measured. Then, the number of the remaining components is detected from the weight of each component and the weight of the remaining amount, and when the number of the remaining components falls below a predetermined number, a notification is issued to encourage the user to replenish the components.

[0082] When the weight data of the components in the trays 23 becomes greater than a predetermined amount (step 56), the LEDs 31 (red) are turned off, and the notification / warning that the amount of components inserted / remaining is low is terminated (step 58). In this way, when the amount of components inserted is small, a notification / warning is given, preventing the remaining amount of components from becoming low or running out. Note that the processing of steps 56 to 58 above may be omitted here.

[0083] If it is not the first time but the second time or later in step 51 (step 51), the unlocked tray 23 is pulled out and opened, and the member corresponding to the barcode is stored / replenished. After this, when the tray 23 is closed and the sensor / switch in the slit 28 of the locking / unlocking device 27 is activated, the tray 23 is locked and the LED 31 (blue) is turned off (steps 34, 35).

[0084] In this case, the other trays 23 remain locked. In this way, when storing a component in this tray 23, the component can be stored in one tray 23 that corresponds to the specified component, and storing / replenishing the component by mistake in another different tray 23 is prevented. Also, since only the tray 23 that can be stored is lit and all the other trays 23 are turned off, there is no risk of mistakenly selecting the tray 23 that can be stored.

[0085] When the "Back" icon is clicked (step 36), the state returns to the previous state (step 37). When the "Menu" icon is clicked (step 38), the state returns to the process of displaying the list of modes in step 02.

[0086] (6) Parts removal (call / storage / retrieval) mode processing 8 shows a flowchart of the material retrieval (recall / storage / retrieval) mode process executed in the above step 04. This material retrieval (recall / storage / retrieval) mode process is executed if the material retrieval (recall / storage / retrieval) mode is selected on the tablet 32 ​​in the above step 03 from the list of modes displayed on the tablet 32 ​​in the above step 02.

[0087] In the material removal (recall / storage / retrieval) mode, the character string "Scan the barcode to open the tray" and the icons "Menu" and "Back" are displayed on the tablet 32 ​​(step 41).

[0088] In response to this, when the barcode / identification information of the parts to be taken out and stored / removed is read one by one by the barcode reader 33 (step 42), the one-to-one corresponding tray 23 is unlocked, the LED 31 (blue) of the tray 23 is turned on (step 43), and the above-mentioned appearance image data of the part is displayed if it has been stored.

[0089] In this case, the barcodes are given to the user or manager as a Kanban or the like, or the user or manager prints out a barcode list in advance and brings it with them. In this way, by simply inputting the identification information of the parts, the trays 23... can be opened and the corresponding parts can be taken out / supplied.

[0090] In this way, when components are removed from the multiple trays 23..., when one of the multiple trays 23... (components) is unlocked and designated in steps 42 and 43, allowing the components to be removed, the other trays 23... (components) remain locked and cannot be designated, and the components cannot be removed.

[0091] Furthermore, when all of the trays 23... (components) remain locked and the removal of components from all of the trays 23... (components) is prohibited, one or more of the trays 23... (components) (steps 49, 50) can be unlocked and designated, allowing the removal of components.

[0092] The tray 23 unlocked in step 43 is pulled out and opened, and the component corresponding to the barcode is removed / supplied. In this case, the other trays 23 remain locked. In this way, when removing a component from this tray 23, the component can be removed from one tray 23 corresponding to the specified component, and removing / supplying the component by mistake from another different tray 23 is prevented. Also, since only the tray 23 that can be removed is lit and all the other trays 23 are turned off, there is no risk of removing the wrong tray 23.

[0093] Next, if the weight data of this one component and the remaining amount data of that component are not stored in the information storage unit 6 / program / data storage unit 7 (step 61), this means that the weight data of this one component and the remaining amount data of that component have been lost for some reason.

[0094] In this case, for example, a message such as "Please place one component to be registered on the tray" is displayed on the tablet 32, and when this one component is placed on the tray 23... and a switch is operated on the tablet 32 ​​(step 62), data for this one component is written into the information storage unit 6 / program / data storage unit 7 corresponding to the tray 23 in step 15 above (step 63).

[0095] Then, for example, a message such as "Please place the parts in multiple trays" is displayed on the tablet 32, and the parts are placed on the trays 23... to store / replenish the parts. When a switch is operated on the tablet 32 ​​(step 64), data on the parts is written as remaining quantity data in the information storage unit 6 / program / data storage unit 7 corresponding to the tray 23 in step 15 above (step 65).

[0096] If the amount of the inserted component is small, or if the amount of the component remaining after storing / replenishing the components in step 43 above is small and the weight data from weighing scale 25... is less than a pre-stored predetermined amount, for example 5, 10, ..., in other words, if the remaining amount data / input amount data is small (step 66), LED 31... (red) is lit to notify / warn that the remaining amount / input amount is low (step 67).

[0097] When the remaining / added amount of a component detected in this way is below a predetermined amount, a notification is issued to encourage the replenishment of that component. Thus, this notification is issued when a component is removed. The number of remaining / added components can be calculated by dividing the weight data from weighing scale 25... by the weight data per component written in step 53 above. If there is a notification / warning in step 57 above, the process returns to step 54, "Please place components in multiple trays" is displayed again, and the components are added / replenished / stored.

[0098] In this manner, the weight of each of the components is measured, and the weight of the remaining amount of the components in the trays 23 is measured. Then, the number of the remaining components is detected from the weight of each component and the weight of the remaining amount, and when the number of the remaining components falls below a predetermined number, a notification is issued to encourage the user to replenish the components.

[0099] When the weight data of the components in the trays 23... exceeds a predetermined amount (step 66), the LEDs 31... (red) are turned off and the notification / warning that the input amount / remaining amount is low is terminated (step 68). In this way, when the remaining amount of components is low, a notification / warning is given, preventing the remaining amount of components from becoming low or running out.

[0100] In the above step 61, if the weight data of one component and the remaining amount data of the component are stored (step 61), the processing of the above steps 62 to 63 is not performed. Note that the processing of the above steps 61 to 63 or steps 61 to 65 may be omitted here.

[0101] The barcodes used in this material removal (recall / storage / retrieval) mode include one barcode that is specified at the same time and contains identification information for one material, and one barcode that is read and specified at the same time and contains two or more / multiple pieces of identification information. The barcodes / identification information used in the material registration mode or material storage (recall / storage / retrieval) mode above usually contain only identification information for one material in one barcode that is specified at the same time. However, multiple pieces of identification information may be used.

[0102] Thereafter, when the tray 23 is closed and the sensor / switch in the slit 28 of the locking / unlocking device 27 is activated, the tray 23 is locked and the LED 31 (blue) is turned off (steps 44, 45). If the member removed from the tray 23 before steps 44, 45 (34, 35) is a tool or other implement, the tool is returned to the tray 23.

[0103] This allows the tools to always be returned to the same trays 23, and the tools will not get lost. In this case, if a sensor or the like detects that the tool has not been returned to the tray 23, the LEDs 31 (red) are lit to notify the user (steps 66, 67 (56, 57)). This notification may be performed by LEDs 31 of other colors, by voice, or the like.

[0104] If the one barcode that is read simultaneously in the above-mentioned one time contains information on two or more / multiple components, and two or more / multiple components are specified at the same time and there are components that have not yet been removed (step 49), the processing of the above-mentioned steps 43 to 45 (steps 66 to 68, steps 61 to 65) is repeated for the remaining components, the next component information is specified in the same barcode, the next one-to-one corresponding tray 23 is unlocked, and the LED 31 (blue) of this next tray 23 is turned on (steps 50, 43).

[0105] In this way, by simply specifying a component with a barcode, it is possible to specify only the tray 23 in which this component is stored. Also, two or more / plural components / trays 23... can be specified at the same time with one barcode.

[0106] In this way, when components can be stored in trays 23, one identification information / barcode specifies one component or one tray 23. However, when components can be removed from trays 23, one identification information / barcode may specify multiple components or multiple trays 23. However, even in the case of storage, multiple components or multiple trays 23 may be specified by one identification information / barcode.

[0107] Even if two or more / plural components / trays 23... are specified at the same time with one barcode, the trays 23... for these components are not unlocked at the same time, but are unlocked one by one in sequence, so that the two or more / plural components are not mixed up by mistake, and the two or more / plural components can be distinguished and taken out. However, for components that are easy to distinguish even when mixed, components that are difficult to distinguish even when mixed, and other components, the trays 23... may be unlocked at the same time.

[0108] Also, in steps 49 and 50, when two or more / plural components / trays 23... are specified at the same time with one barcode and all of the two or more / plural components / trays 23... are prohibited from removal, it is possible to enable removal of components from only one of the storage mechanisms of the two or more / plural components / trays 23....

[0109] In this case, two or more / plurality of components / trays 23... that have already been made removable are excluded from the two or more / plurality of components / trays 23... that are made removable. This is because the information on the multiple components / trays 23... in one barcode is read out in sequence in the arrangement of the barcode (step 50), unlocked in sequence (step 43), and locked in sequence (step 45), and the information on the components / trays 23... that have already been read out is excluded from this reading.

[0110] In this way, for two or more / plural trays 23... corresponding to two or more / plural components designated at the same time, when one of the two or more / plural trays 23... is permitted to be removed, removal of components from the other trays 23... among the two or more / plural trays 23... is prohibited. Then, when all of the two or more / plural trays 23... are closed and prohibited from being removed, removal of components from any one of the two or more / plural trays 23... is permitted.

[0111] In the above case, the order of taking out the above components / unlocking the trays 23... is the order formed in the barcodes of the components contained in one barcode designated at the same time. However, the information converted from the barcodes of the components may be rearranged in alphabetical order, alphabetical order, numerical order, or the like by the names and symbols of the components, and the components may be unlocked in that order, and the order of the components to be taken out is arbitrary.

[0112] In this way, the simultaneous designation of two or more components / trays 23 is based on the simultaneous input or reading of one barcode (identification information) at one time (steps 49 → 50 → 43). Similarly, the designation of only one component / tray 23 is based on the simultaneous input or reading of one identification information or one barcode (identification information) at one time (steps 49 → 41).

[0113] When the "Back" icon is clicked (step 46), the display returns to the previous state (step 47). When the "Menu" icon is clicked (step 48), the display returns to the mode list display process of step 02.

[0114] In the part removal (call / storage) mode process, the two or more parts designated at the same time may be two or more parts that are worked on at the same time, such as bolts and nuts. Also, the two or more parts designated at the same time may be parts that are attached to adjacent parts of the finished product.

[0115] In the part removal (call / storage) mode processing, the two or more parts specified at the same time may be parts that constitute the above-mentioned finished product, such as bolts, nuts and spanners, or tools for attaching these parts to a semi-finished product before completion. They may also be measuring instruments that measure finished products or semi-finished products, such as calipers. In this way, they may be tools or measuring instruments for completing the finished product without constituting the finished product.

[0116] The barcode / identification information itself is the same for each component / each tray 23, but in the component registration process of FIG. 6, the component storage process of FIG. 7, and the component removal process of FIG. 8, different barcode lists / identification information lists are used for each process.

[0117] Furthermore, when multiple components are simultaneously designated with one barcode / identification information in the component removal process of Fig. 8, this will be different from the one barcode / identification information corresponding to one component used in the component registration process of Fig. 6 and the component storage process of Fig. 7. However, multiple components may also be simultaneously designated with one barcode / identification information in the component registration process of Fig. 6 and the component storage process of Fig. 7.

[0118] (7) Second embodiment In the second embodiment, the material storage (recall / entering / retrieving) mode processing in Fig. 7 and the material removal (recall / entering / retrieving) mode processing in Fig. 8 are integrated and used as the same processing. The difference between the two is the processing of steps 49 and 50, but since one barcode specified at the same time used in the material storage (recall / entering / retrieving) mode processing contains only one piece of material information, the processing of steps 49 and 50 is not actually executed in the material storage (recall / entering / retrieving) mode processing.

[0119] In this case, when the trays 23 are opened in steps 33 and 43, a member may be stored or removed. Even in this case, steps 33→35 and 43→45 themselves can be said to be "selecting either storing a member in the storage mechanism or removing a member from the storage mechanism" or "selecting either a mode for storing a member in the storage mechanism or a mode for removing a member from the storage mechanism", and steps 33 and 43 themselves can be said to be "when storing a member in the storage mechanism" or "when the mode for storing a member in the storage mechanism is selected", or "when removing a member from the storage mechanism" or "when the mode for removing a member from the storage mechanism is selected". However, such mode selection may be omitted.

[0120] Furthermore, before step 33, or before steps 52-53, or even before steps 54-55, or before step 43, or before steps 62-63, or even before steps 64-65, it is determined whether or not the member storage mode is selected, and if the member storage mode is selected, step 33, steps 52-53, or even steps 54-55, step 43, steps 62-63, or even steps 64-65 are executed. This means that "when storing a member in a storage mechanism, the member can be stored in one storage mechanism corresponding to the specified member" or "when a mode for storing a member in a storage mechanism is selected, the member can be stored in one storage mechanism corresponding to the specified member". However, such a mode selection may be omitted.

[0121] Furthermore, before the above steps 49-50→43, it is determined whether or not the mode is for removing a member, and if the mode is for removing the member, the steps 49-50→43 are executed. This means that "when the mode for removing a member from a storage mechanism is selected, two or more members among the plurality of members are simultaneously designated, and for two or more storage mechanisms corresponding to the designated two or more members, when one of the two or more storage mechanisms is made removable, the removal of members from the other storage mechanisms among the two or more storage mechanisms is prohibited, and when removal of all of the two or more storage mechanisms is prohibited, the removal of members from any one of the two or more storage mechanisms is made possible." Such mode selection may be omitted.

[0122] The weighing scale 25 is provided outside the trays 23, for example, on the top surface of the material management device 21, and the weighing scale 25 inside the trays 23 is omitted. Then, each time a material is stored / removed, the trays 23 are pulled out and placed on the weighing scale 25, the weight of one material is measured, and the remaining amount is measured (steps 53, 55, 63, 65), a notification is given that the remaining amount is low (steps 56, 57, 66, 67), the material is stored / removed (steps 33, 43), and the trays 23 are returned and locked (steps 35, 45).

[0123] Other configurations, actions, and effects of this second embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment described above, and the descriptions thereof are also assumed to be described in this embodiment, and the contents of this embodiment are also assumed to be described in the first embodiment.

[0124] (8) Other embodiments The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications are possible. For example, the component management device, the component management method, and the computer program for component management may be executed by devices, programs, and AI (artificial intelligence) provided in multiple countries, both domestically and internationally.

[0125] The weight measurement of one component in steps 52-53 and 62-63 and the remaining amount notification in steps 56-58 and 66-68 are executed by a circuit / device that manages multiple component management devices 21 in an integrated manner, that is, a management center circuit / device similar to that shown in FIG. 4, and may be sent to each component management device 21 for processing and displayed on tablet 32, etc., as necessary.

[0126] The weight scales 25 may not be provided for each tray 23, but may be provided outside the trays 23 of the component management device 21, and the weight of each component may be measured here. This is performed in steps 15, 53, and 63 above.

[0127] The remaining amount data is measured by providing an optical sensor in each tray 23..., and in steps 56 and 66, if the amount of light reflected from the bottom plates 24... of the trays 23... becomes greater than the amount of light reflected from the components, for example, becoming 50% or more, or 25% or more, or 75% or more, and the amount of light detected by the optical sensor increases above a predetermined value, a detection signal is sent to the controller 1, the processing of steps 57 and 67 is performed, and a notification / warning / LED 31... (red) may be turned on.

[0128] The optical sensor may be a photographing device. In this case, in steps 56 and 66, the components of the trays 23 and the bottom plate 24 are photographed by the photographing device, and the number of components that appear in the bottom plate 24 is counted. The optical sensor is provided inside each of the trays 23, but may also be provided outside the trays 23 and detect the remaining amount through a transparent window in the side wall of the trays 23.

[0129] When the number of measured members falls below a predetermined number, the detection signal is sent to the controller 1, the above steps 57 and 67 are executed, and the notification / warning / LED 31... (red) may be turned on. In this way, it is detected whether the bottom of the member trays 23... is visible, and if the bottom is visible, the notification is issued, and the user is prompted to replenish the members.

[0130] The optical sensor may be a photocoupler. In this case, in steps 56 and 66, the photocoupler may be provided on the outside of the rear, side, or front of the tray 23, etc., and when the light that was reflected by the internal components and detected is no longer reflected due to the decrease in the number of components, the detection signal is sent to the controller 1, the processing of steps 57 and 67 is executed, and the notification / warning / LED 31... (red) may be turned on.

[0131] In this case, the trays 23 are transparent, but only the area around the photocoupler may be transparent like a window. With this, if the height of the components stored in the trays 23 / storage mechanism becomes lower than a predetermined value detected by the photocoupler, this is detected and a notification is given by the LEDs 31 (red), tablet 32, etc., to prompt the user to replenish the components. The photocoupler may be provided inside the trays 23.

[0132] Weighing scales 25 may be provided outside trays 23, for example, under trays 23. This also allows the remaining amount of material to be detected. The remaining amount detection and notification processes of steps 66 to 68 above may be performed anywhere, such as after steps 35 and 45, before steps 36 and 46, or before steps 38 and 48.

[0133] The LED 31 (red) may be omitted and instead the LED 31 (blue) may flash, or the lighting state of the LED 31 of one color may be switched between unlocking the tray 23 in steps 33-35 and 43-45 and notifying / warning that the remaining amount is low in steps 57-58 and 67-68. Conversely, other colors may be used for the LED 31 (red or blue).

[0134] A single tray 23 may be divided into compartments so that a plurality of members with different barcodes / identification information can be stored / removed. In this case, for example, when a member at the front of a single tray 23 is stored / removed, LEDs 31 (blue / green) are lit or displayed on tablet 32, and when a member at the back is stored / removed, LEDs 31 (yellow / red) are lit or displayed on tablet 32.

[0135] In this case, for example, a voice may be used to notify, for example, "Please take the material in front" or "Please take the material in the back." The switching of LED 31... (blue / green) / (yellow / red) in this process is performed in steps 33 and 43 above according to the barcode / identification information input in steps 32 and 42.

[0136] Also, one member may be stored in / removed from multiple trays 23. In this case, for example, when the first of the multiple trays 23 for the same member is unlocked, the LED 31 (blue / green) is lit, and when the second tray 23 is stored in / removed, the LED 31 (yellow / red) is lit or displayed on the tablet 32.

[0137] In this case, for example, a voice may be used to notify, for example, "Please take the component from tray number XX" or "Please take the component from tray number △△". The switching of LED 31... (blue / green) / (yellow / red) in this process is performed in steps 33 and 43 according to the number of calls stored for the barcode / identification information input in steps 32 and 42. Also, in steps 32, 33, 42 and 43, the trays 23... containing the same components may be unlocked / locked at the same time.

[0138] The individual components may be anything, such as screws, bolts, nuts, springs, links, bearings, wire, pipes, lenses, spanners, wrenches, screwdrivers, primers, drills, cutters, shears, tape measures, rulers, calipers, micrometers, vehicles, electrical products, communication equipment, office equipment, computers, semiconductors, office supplies, home appliances, kitchen supplies, bathing supplies, toilet supplies, furniture, doors, windows, miscellaneous goods, daily necessities, clothing, hats, footwear, food, glasses, lighting supplies, optical supplies, sporting goods, houses, buildings, etc., tools, measuring instruments, and equipment for attaching each part.

[0139] The above notification is made by the LED 31... (blue and red), but may also be made by voice or display such as "Tray No. XX has opened", "Tray No. XX has closed", "The amount of material remaining in Tray No. XX is low", "There is enough material remaining in Tray No. XX", etc. using the tablet 32, speaker, etc. Such notifications may also be made using a portable device or mobile phone carried by the user or manager.

[0140] The identification information of the above-mentioned member may be a two-dimensional barcode, a one-dimensional barcode, a three-dimensional or higher barcode using a hologram, a part number, a part code, a product number, a product code, an identification number, an identification code, image information of the member, or other identification information. The identification information of the member may or may not correspond one-to-one to the identification information of the tray 23 (storage mechanism).

[0141] In the case where they do not correspond to each other, the identification information of multiple components may correspond to one tray 23 (storage mechanism), or the identification information of one component may correspond to multiple trays 23 (storage mechanisms). In this case, one component may be numerous and correspond to multiple trays 23 (storage mechanisms), or one tray 23 (storage mechanism) may be large and multiple components may be stored in one tray 23 (storage mechanism) at the same time.

[0142] The tray 23 may have a rectangular parallelepiped, polyhedral, cylinder, elliptical cylinder, rectangular cylinder, semicylinder, semi-elliptical cylinder, semi-rectangular cylinder, truncated cone, truncated pyramid, sphere, egg, hemisphere, semi-egg, polyhedron, gourd shape, sawtooth shape, or other three-dimensional shape, or a three-dimensional shape formed by combining these, and may be transparent, translucent, partially transparent, or opaque.

[0143] There may be partitions between the trays 23, each tray 23 may have a lid, or the shelves 22 may be omitted. The lid may be unlocked or locked by the locking / unlocking device 27. The width, depth and height of the trays 23 range from a few centimeters to a few tens of centimeters, but may be larger or smaller.

[0144] The information for distinguishing each of the trays 23... may be a tray number, a two-dimensional barcode, a one-dimensional barcode, a three- or higher-dimensional barcode using a hologram, a part number, a part code, a product number, a product code, an identification number, an identification code, image information of the trays 23..., or other identification / distinguishing information. The identification information of the trays 23... may or may not correspond one-to-one to the identification information of the members.

[0145] In the above-mentioned component storage mode of Figure 7 or component removal mode of Figure 8, the storage / removal barcode is read in steps 32, 42 each time the operation / processing of Figure 7 or Figure 8 is performed, but multiple barcodes may be read and stored before the operation / processing of Figure 7 or Figure 8, and then read out sequentially to repeat the operation / processing of Figure 7 or Figure 8.

[0146] In this case, it is determined whether or not the bar code of the next member has been read in sequence in steps 32 and 42. Even in this case, in steps 49 and 50, the removal of a plurality of members is executed in sequence using one bar code.

[0147] The process of removing multiple items with one barcode in steps 49 and 50 may be performed after step 35 in Fig. 7. In this case, the process of storing multiple items with one barcode is performed. The processes of steps 49 and 50 are repeated for multiple items with one barcode, and the trays 23 are unlocked / locked in the order in which they appear in the barcode, but they may also be unlocked / locked simultaneously.

[0148] The multiple pieces of individual information identifying each manager / user may include, in addition to the planar or three-dimensional shape of veins, fingerprints, iris, irises, lips, ears, proverbs, walking style, facial images, genes, blood type, health insurance number, social security number, driver's license number, basic resident register number, name, age, date of birth, gender, telephone number, taxpayer number, height, weight, habits, a component manager / component user's unique password, still images, and moving images.

[0149] This component management device 21 can be installed in factories, as well as in design laboratories, prototype laboratories, car racing tracks, component facilities, nursing homes, elderly care facilities, apartment complexes, various other facilities, privately owned buildings, and the homes of component managers / users. In this case, mobile phones, mobile devices, tablets, PCs, etc. can be used as the input unit 3, output unit 4, or component management device 21.

[0150] The order of some or all of the processes in steps 14-15, 16-17, 31-32, 52-53, 54-55, 56-58, 33-34-35, 41-42, 62-63, 64-65, 66-68, and 43-44-45 may be changed or some may be omitted.

[0151] In each of the flowcharts of Figures 5 to 8 above, the order of each process may be partially rearranged or partially omitted, each step may be replaced with another equivalent process, and each step may be partially or completely replaced with hardware, circuitry, or AI (artificial intelligence) that performs equivalent functions.

[0152] The controller 1, address / data bus line 2, input section 3, output section 4, interface section 5, information storage section 6, program / data storage section 7, member management device 21, shelf board 22..., tray 23..., bottom board 24..., weighing scale 25..., hook 26..., locking / unlocking device 27..., slit 28..., LED 31... (blue, red), tablet 32, barcode reader 33, vein authentication device 34, camera 35, member, and each step of FIGS. 5 to 8 may be singular, plural, or three or more, and each of the configurations, operations, actions, steps, or functions may be part or all of the configurations, operations, actions, steps, or functions. The body may be omitted, or may be divided and separated to increase or decrease the number of parts, the shape may be arbitrarily changed, or may be replaced with other equivalent parts, or two or more of these may be combined or integrated for use in combination, the orientation may be as shown in the figure, or may be tilted / turned / flipped 90 degrees, 0 degrees to 180 degrees, up and down, left and right, front and back, front and back, front and back, the relative size of each dimension may be switched or may be the same, some or all of them may be omitted, and the shape may be flat, curved, or may have holes. The shape may be a rectangle, a square, a triangle, a disk, an ellipse, a polygonal plate, a trapezoidal plate, a semi-ellipse, a parallelogram, a rhombus, a polygon, a triangle, a trapezoid, a ring, a semi-ring, a star, a sector, a curved shape, a cross, an L-shape, an H-shape, an I-shape, a U-shape, a T-shape, a C-shape, an O-shape, an N-shape, an M-shape, an X-shape, a J-shape, a Y-shape, an E-shape, an F-shape, an S-shape, a V-shape, a curved surface, an angular shape, a rectangular parallelepiped, a polyhedron, a cylinder, an elliptical cylinder, a rectangular cylinder, a semi-circular cylinder, a semi-elliptical cylinder, a semi-rectangular cylinder, a truncated cone, a truncated pyramid, a sphere, an egg, a hemisphere, a semi-egg, a polyhedron, a gourd shape, a sawtooth shape, other three-dimensional shapes, and combinations thereof. It may be a three-dimensional shape with angular steps, a rounded step shape, a rounded uneven shape, a combination of these, a step shape, a net shape, a frame shape, a sheet shape, a mesh shape, a blind shape, a slit shape, a shape with many holes, a shape with a hole in the center or the like, a composite combination of these, or it may be omitted in part or in whole, and the material may be polyester, polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polycarbonate, polychlorotrifluoroethylene, urethane, ureta foam, polyurethane, polyacrylamide,It may be a polymer resin, hard resin, soft resin, thermoplastic resin, or thermosetting resin such as polymethyl acrylate, polyacrylonitrile, polyvinyl chloride, acrylic resin, PET resin, Aquajob, Shine Up, Mumack, or bamboo pile, or a synthetic resin or natural resin, or may be made of wood, bamboo, resin, metal, glass, cotton, cloth, thread, fiber, rubber, paper, ceramic, carbon, concrete, or a composite / mixture / multi-layer laminate of these, or may be an inflexible material, a flexible material, a liquid, a solid, a gas, a sol, or a gel, and may have flexibility, elasticity, cushioning, moisture absorption, water absorption, breathability, antibacterial properties, far-infrared effect, heat retention effect, drying effect, or moisture absorption effect.

[0153] For example, the controller 1, information storage unit 6 and program / data storage unit 7 may be combined or separated into three or more units, the input unit 3, output unit 4 and interface unit 5 may be combined or separated into three or more units, and some or all of the above-mentioned systems, processing, circuits, programs, software and hardware may be executed by AI (artificial intelligence).

[0154] (9) Effects of other inventions [1] A materials management method for a plurality of materials constituting a finished product and a plurality of storage mechanisms which correspond one-to-one to the plurality of materials and thereby store the plurality of materials in a distinguishable manner, the method comprising the steps of: when storing a material in the storage mechanisms, allowing the material to be stored in one storage mechanism corresponding to a specified material; when removing a material from the storage mechanisms, specifying two or more of the plurality of materials simultaneously; for two or more storage mechanisms corresponding to the two or more specified materials, when one of the two or more storage mechanisms is allowed to be removed, prohibiting the removal of materials from other storage mechanisms of the two or more storage mechanisms; and when removal is prohibited from all of the two or more storage mechanisms, allowing the removal of materials from any one of the two or more storage mechanisms.

[0155] [2] A computer program for managing parts that causes a computer to execute the following processes for storing parts in one storage mechanism corresponding to a specified part when storing parts in the storage mechanisms, and for removing parts from the storage mechanisms, simultaneously designating two or more parts among the multiple parts, and for two or more storage mechanisms corresponding to the two or more designated parts, prohibiting the removal of parts from other storage mechanisms among the two or more storage mechanisms when one of the two or more storage mechanisms is allowed to be removed, and allowing the removal of parts from any one of the two or more storage mechanisms when removal is prohibited from all of the two or more storage mechanisms.

[0156] [3] A material management device comprising: a plurality of components that constitute a finished product; a plurality of storage mechanisms that correspond one-to-one to the plurality of components, thereby distinguishing and storing the plurality of components; a first control means that, when storing components in the storage mechanisms, allows the components to be stored in one storage mechanism corresponding to a specified component; and a second control means that, when removing components from the storage mechanisms, simultaneously designates two or more of the plurality of components, and, for two or more storage mechanisms corresponding to the two or more designated components, prohibits the removal of components from other storage mechanisms of the two or more storage mechanisms when one of the two or more storage mechanisms is allowed to be removed, and allows the removal of components from any one of the two or more storage mechanisms when removal is prohibited from all of the two or more storage mechanisms.

[0157] [4] The component management device according to claim 3, characterized in that the identification information of the multiple components stored in advance for identifying the components corresponds one-to-one to the identification information of the multiple storage mechanisms stored in advance for identifying the storage mechanisms, and the identification information of the components and the identification information of the storage mechanisms are used interchangeably, and when the components are to be stored in the storage mechanisms, one identification information specifies one component or one storage mechanism, and when the components are to be taken out of the storage mechanisms, one identification information specifies multiple components or multiple storage mechanisms. This allows the components and storage mechanisms to be specified by the identification information. Furthermore, the identification information allows the components to be properly organized without mistakes in relation to the storage mechanisms.

[0158] [5] The material management device according to claim 4, characterized in that when removal from all of the two or more storage mechanisms is prohibited, and removal of a material from any one of the two or more storage mechanisms is permitted, the storage mechanisms that have already been permitted for removal are excluded from the storage mechanisms that are permitted for removal. This prevents the mistaking of materials for each storage mechanism, and allows proper organization.

[0159] [6] The component management device according to claim 5, further comprising a first prohibition means for prohibiting the specification of other components when one of the plurality of components is specified when storing components in the storage mechanisms, and for enabling the specification of one of the components when none of the components are specified. This prevents a component from being stored in one storage mechanism by mistake in another storage mechanism.

[0160] [7] The material management device according to claim 6, further comprising a second prohibition means for prohibiting designation of other storage mechanisms when removal of a material from one of the plurality of storage mechanisms is permitted, and for allowing designation of one or more of the storage mechanisms when removal of a material from all of the plurality of storage mechanisms is prohibited. This prevents a material from being stored in a certain storage mechanism by mistake in another storage mechanism.

[0161] [8] The component management device according to claim 7, characterized in that the simultaneous designation of two or more components is based on a single input or reading of one piece of identification information or one barcode, and the designation of only one component is based on a single input or reading of one piece of identification information or one barcode. This makes it possible to designate multiple components with one piece of identification information or one barcode, and also to designate one component with one piece of identification information or one barcode, and to select between these.

[0162] [9] The component management device according to claim 8, wherein the two or more components designated simultaneously are components that are worked on simultaneously or components that are attached to adjacent locations of the finished product, thereby improving work efficiency.

[0163]

[10] The component management device according to claim 9, characterized in that the two or more components designated at the same time are a component constituting the finished product, a tool for attaching the component to a semi-finished product before completion, or a measuring machine for measuring the finished product or semi-finished product, which is a tool that does not constitute the finished product, and a tool or measuring machine for completing the finished product. This allows the tools or measuring machines required for work on finished products or semi-finished products to be managed and quickly retrieved, improving work efficiency.

[0164]

[11] A materials management method comprising the steps of: a computer having a plurality of pre-stored material information identifying a plurality of materials constituting a finished product and a plurality of storage mechanisms each corresponding to the plurality of material information in a one-to-one relationship and thereby storing the plurality of materials in a distinguished manner, a computer being configured to take a material from one of the storage mechanisms and use it to complete the finished product, a computer being configured to detect the amount of the material remaining in the storage mechanism, and a computer being configured to issue a notification urging the user to replenish the material when the amount detected by the detection means is equal to or less than a predetermined amount. This prevents the finished product from being hindered due to a shortage of the material, and improves the efficiency of the work involved in completing the finished product.

[0165]

[12] A computer program for managing parts that causes a computer to execute the following steps for identifying multiple parts that compose a finished product, storing multiple storage mechanisms that correspond one-to-one to the multiple parts information and store the multiple parts in a distinguished manner: a process for taking out a part from one of the storage mechanisms and using it to complete the finished product, detecting the amount of the part remaining in the storage mechanism; and a process for issuing a notification to encourage the user to replenish the part when the amount detected by the detection means is equal to or less than a predetermined amount. This prevents the finished product from being hindered due to a low remaining amount, and improves the efficiency of the work of completing the finished product.

[0166]

[13] A parts management device comprising: a plurality of pre-stored parts information for identifying a plurality of parts constituting a finished product, a plurality of storage mechanisms that correspond one-to-one to the plurality of parts information and thereby distinguish and store the plurality of parts, a detection means for detecting a remaining amount of the part in the storage mechanism, in which a part is taken out from one of the storage mechanisms and used to complete the finished product, and a notification means for prompting replenishment of the part when the remaining amount detected by the detection means is equal to or less than a predetermined amount. This prevents the remaining amount from becoming low, which would cause problems with the finished product, and improves the efficiency of the work of completing the finished product.

[0167]

[14] The component management device according to claim 13, wherein the notification is executed when the component is removed. This notifies the user when the remaining amount of a component falls below a predetermined value after the component is removed / replenished from the storage mechanism, thereby preventing the component from running low or disappearing.

[0168]

[15] The component management device according to claim 13, wherein the notification is executed when the component is stored. As a result, even if a component is stored / supplied to the storage mechanism, if the amount of the stored / supplied component is less than a predetermined value, a notification is issued, so that the component is prevented from suddenly becoming low or running out.

[0169]

[16] The component management device according to claim 13, characterized in that the detection means measures the weight of each of the components, measures the weight of the remaining amount of the components in the storage mechanism, detects the number of the remaining amount from the weight of each component and the weight of the remaining amount, and when the number of the remaining amount falls below a predetermined number, the notification means prompts the user to replenish the components. This makes it possible to accurately grasp the amount of components stored / replenished / removed / supplemented in the storage mechanism in units of number.

[0170]

[17] The component management device according to claim 13, characterized in that the detection means detects whether the bottom of the component storage mechanism is visible, and if the bottom is visible, the notification means prompts the user to replenish the component. This allows the storage mechanism to be easily detected from outside if it is transparent, or from inside if it is.

[0171]

[18] The component management device according to claim 13, characterized in that, when the height of the component stored in the storage mechanism falls below a predetermined value, the notification means prompts the user to replenish the component. This allows the component to be easily detected from outside the storage mechanism if the storage mechanism is transparent, or from inside the storage mechanism. [Industrial Applicability]

[0172] Parts, tools, equipment, and other materials are stored and supplied without error. Each tray 23 (storage mechanism) corresponds one-to-one to each material and is identified (steps 14, 15). When the barcode of the material to be stored is input (step 32), only the corresponding tray 23 is unlocked, the material is stored therein (step 33), and the tray is locked (steps 34, 35).

[0173] When the barcode of the part to be removed is input (step 42), the corresponding tray 23 is unlocked and the part is removed (step 43). If multiple parts are to be removed with one barcode, the tray 23 for the next part is unlocked after locking (steps 44, 45), and the part is removed (steps 49, 50, 43) and locked again (steps 44, 45).

[0174] If the remaining amount of material is low after removal (step 66), a notification is issued (step 67). If sufficient material has been replenished (steps 64, 65), the notification ends (step 68). Such notification is also executed when the amount of material replenished during storage is low (steps 56-58). The material storage process in Fig. 7 and the material removal process in Fig. 8 may be combined and both may be used by the same program.

Claims

1. A computer having a plurality of components constituting a finished product and a plurality of storage mechanisms that correspond one-to-one to the plurality of components and thereby store the plurality of components in a distinguishable manner, When storing a member in the storage mechanism, a first step of enabling the member to be stored in one storage mechanism corresponding to a designated member; a second step of simultaneously designating two or more members from among all the members; a third step of, when removing members from the storage mechanisms, prohibiting removal of members from other storage mechanisms among the two or more storage mechanisms corresponding to two or more members simultaneously designated in the second step among the plurality of members when one of the two or more storage mechanisms is set to be removable, and allowing removal of members from any one of the two or more storage mechanisms when all of the two or more storage mechanisms are set to be removable; a fourth step of, after making the storage mechanism that has been made removable removable, excluding the components of the storage mechanism from the simultaneously designated components, determining whether or not there are any remaining designated components after this removal, and, if there are, enabling the storage mechanism to be removed in accordance with the third step for the remaining designated components and prohibiting the removal of components of other storage mechanisms, and, if there are no remaining designated components, enabling a new removal of the storage mechanism in accordance with the third step or a storage of the storage mechanism in accordance with the first step.

2. For a plurality of components constituting a finished product and a plurality of storage mechanisms that correspond one-to-one to the plurality of components and thereby store the plurality of components in a distinguishable manner, a first process for enabling a specified member to be stored in one of the storage mechanisms when storing the member in the storage mechanism; A second process of simultaneously designating two or more components from among all the components; a third process for, when removing members from the storage mechanisms, prohibiting removal of members from other storage mechanisms among the two or more storage mechanisms corresponding to two or more members simultaneously designated in the second process among the plurality of members when one of the two or more storage mechanisms is set to be removable, and allowing removal of members from any one of the two or more storage mechanisms when all of the two or more storage mechanisms are set to be removable; A computer program for managing components that causes a computer to execute a fourth process of, after making the storage mechanism that has been made removable removable, excluding the components of the storage mechanism from the simultaneously specified components, determining whether or not there are any remaining specified components after this excluding, and if there are, enabling the removal of the storage mechanism by the third process for the remaining specified components and prohibiting the removal of components of other storage mechanisms, and if there are no remaining specified components, enabling a new removal of the storage mechanism by the third process or storing of the storage mechanism by the first process.

3. a plurality of components constituting a finished product, and a plurality of storage mechanisms corresponding to the plurality of components one-to-one and thereby storing the plurality of components in a distinguishable manner; a first control means for controlling, when storing a member in the storage mechanism, the member to be stored in one storage mechanism corresponding to a specified member; A second control means for simultaneously designating two or more members from among all the members; a third control means for, when removing members from the storage mechanisms, with respect to two or more storage mechanisms corresponding to two or more members simultaneously designated by the second control means among the plurality of members, when one of the two or more storage mechanisms is set to be removable, prohibiting the removal of members from other storage mechanisms among the two or more storage mechanisms, and when all of the two or more storage mechanisms are set to be removable, allowing the removal of members from any one of the two or more storage mechanisms; and a fourth control means for, after making the storage mechanism that has been made removable available for removal, excluding the members of that storage mechanism from the members specified at the same time, determining whether or not there are any remaining designated members after this removal, and, if there are, enabling the removal of the storage mechanism by the third control means for the remaining designated members and prohibiting the removal of members of other storage mechanisms, and, if there are no remaining designated members, enabling a new removal of the storage mechanism by the third control means or a storage of the storage mechanism by the first control means.

4. a plurality of pre-stored identification information for identifying the above-mentioned components corresponds to a plurality of pre-stored identification information for identifying the above-mentioned storage mechanisms in a one-to-one manner, and the identification information for these components and the identification information for the storage mechanisms are used interchangeably; When the member can be stored in the storage mechanism, one piece of identification information designates one member or one storage mechanism, 4. The material management device according to claim 3, wherein when said material is made removable from said storage mechanism, a plurality of materials or a plurality of storage mechanisms are designated by one piece of identification information.

5. A material management device as described in claim 4, characterized in that when the second control means enables the removal of a material from any one of two or more storage mechanisms corresponding to two or more materials specified simultaneously, storage mechanisms that have already been made removable are excluded from the storage mechanisms that are made removable.

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