Process Control System

Abstract

To provide a process control system which can reduce movement of a worker for process control and reduce addition of a facility for expanding or advancing the process control.SOLUTION: A process control system comprises: a work instruction 200 on which a plurality of bar-codes in which data holding contents are differentiated for each work content and data holding contents are differentiated depending on the work start for each work content and the work completion of a prescribed quantity; a CPU 160 and a storage unit 170; an imaging unit 120, a reading device transmission unit 180 and a reading button 130 which can read a bar-code; a portable reading device 100 which causes the imaging unit to read the bar-code following depression of the reading button and causes the reading device transmission unit to wirelessly transmit data; and a server device 300 which includes a server reception unit 310 that receives data. The portable reading device does not include any of a display and a key input device.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a process control system, and more particularly to a process control system capable of determining and displaying the start and completion times of a plurality of work operations in the production of a product. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there is a process control system that includes a work instruction sheet on which a barcode is printed, a barcode reader that reads the barcode, and an information processing device that receives the barcode information transmitted by the barcode reader via a modem (Patent Document 1).

[0003] This conventional process control system includes multiple barcode readers corresponding to multiple work tasks for the production of a product, and the barcodes corresponding to the products are printed on the work instructions. Thus, when a worker starts, for example, the first work task, he or she reads the barcode using the first barcode reader corresponding to the first work task. At this time, the information processing device identifies the modem that sent the received barcode information. Then, after completing the first work task, the worker reads the barcode again using the first barcode reader.

[0004] Thereafter, at the start and completion of each of the work contents from the second work content onwards, which is the next work content, the barcode is read using the second barcode reader and each of the other barcode readers corresponding to each of the work contents.

[0005] In this way, the worker reads the barcode each time the work content is started and completed, and the information processing device that receives the barcode information each time can tally up the work time required for each work content, thereby enabling process management for the product and knowing the production efficiency for each work content. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-311007 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] In the conventional process control system, a barcode reader and modem are installed for each task. While the barcode readers and modems are installed in fixed locations, workers in charge of product production must travel to and from the locations of the facilities, equipment, raw materials and semi-finished products, work-in-progress, other workers, etc. required for each task. Therefore, the workers must travel to the locations of the barcode readers and modems in order to read barcodes.

[0008] Furthermore, under the conventional process control system, the barcode reader and the modem each correspond to a specific task, so when the number of tasks increases or is expanded, or when a task is further subdivided and managed, the barcode reader, modem, power supply, etc. must be added. This also requires additional space. Thus, the expansion or sophistication of process control requires the addition of additional equipment.

[0009] In light of these issues, the present invention aims to provide a process control system that can reduce the movement of workers for process control and reduce the need to add equipment to expand or enhance process control. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] (1) The present invention provides a process control system capable of determining and displaying the start and completion times of multiple work tasks in the production of a product, comprising: a work instruction sheet on which multiple barcodes are printed, with the data content stored differently for each work task and the data stored differently depending on whether the work task has started or a specified quantity of work has been completed for each work task; a portable reading device having a CPU, a memory unit, an imaging unit capable of reading the barcodes, a reading device transmission unit, and a reading button, and wherein when the reading button is pressed, the imaging unit reads the barcode and the reading device transmission unit wirelessly transmits the data; and a server device having a server receiving unit that receives the data, wherein the portable reading device does not have either a display or a key input device. Also, a process control system capable of determining and displaying the start and completion times of a plurality of work contents in the production of a product includes a work instruction sheet on which a plurality of barcodes are printed on a single sheet of paper, each barcode having different data contents for each work content and different data contents depending on whether the work content starts or a predetermined amount of work is completed for each work content, a portable reading device having a CPU, a memory unit, an imaging unit capable of reading the barcodes, a reading device transmission unit, and a reading button, and in response to pressing of the reading button, the imaging unit reads the barcode and the reading device transmission unit wirelessly transmits the data, and a server receiving unit that receives the data directly from the portable reading device. and a display device connected to the server device, wherein the data held by each of the barcodes differs in the work content or in whether the work has started or completed, the portable reading device has neither a display nor a key input device, and the server device may have a server device database section that stores work instruction information and work performance information for each of the work content, including personal identification information of the worker, the time the work started, and the time the work completed, a display information shaping means that shaped the work instruction information and the work performance information to be displayed on the display device, and a transmission section that transmits the display information obtained thereby to the display device wirelessly or by wire.

[0011] That is, the process control system of the present invention includes a portable reading device, but the portable reading device has a CPU, memory unit, imaging unit, reading device transmission unit, and reading button, but does not have a display or key input device. Therefore, the portable reading device is lightweight because it does not have a display or key input device. Furthermore, the portable reading transmission unit wirelessly transmits data to a server device. Therefore, workers can easily carry the portable reading device and read barcodes for multiple tasks. Moreover, even if work sites are scattered, workers can carry a single portable reading device and read barcodes while moving between the locations of equipment, devices, raw material and semi-finished product storage areas, work-in-progress items, other workers, and the like at each site. Therefore, there is no need for increased worker movement solely for process control.

[0012] Moreover, the barcodes store different data depending on whether the work has started or finished for each work content. Therefore, the process control system of the present invention can determine the start and completion times by having the portable reading device read the barcode for the start of work and the barcode for the completion of work, respectively, without having to specify whether the work has started or finished when being read using a display, key input device, etc.

[0013] Furthermore, the barcodes store different data depending on the work content. Therefore, when the number of work content items is increased or when a single work content is subdivided and managed, this can be addressed by printing additional barcodes on the work instructions that store the data of the work content that increases as the work is added, or the data of the work content that increases due to the subdivided management. In this case, only the number of barcodes printed on the work instructions increases, and no additional equipment is required. Therefore, there is no need to add additional equipment to expand or enhance process management.

[0014] (2) The server device may also include a display device connected to the server device, and the display device may display part or all of the contents of the data and whether or not the data has been received in association with each other.

[0015] In other words, the display device displays the presence or absence of data transmitted by the portable reading device and some or all of the data in association with the content, so that other personnel, including the manager of the worker in charge of each corresponding task, can share the progress information of the start and completion of each task by the worker. In terms of sharing such progress information, the process control system of the present invention can also expand and enhance process control by adding and printing barcodes.

[0016] (3) Furthermore, the portable reading device may be formed in a rod shape and have the reading button on its body, the imaging unit may be equipped with a light source, light emitted from the light source may be emitted in the longitudinal direction of the rod, and a detection unit may be arranged to detect the barcode located in the longitudinal direction.

[0017] That is, because the portable reading device of the present invention is lightweight and rod-shaped, a worker can put the portable reading device in a breast pocket or hang it from his neck with a strap, allowing him to move around the work site and continue working. Also, it can be easily taken out of a breast pocket and inserted again. When hanging it from the neck, the portable reading device will not fall on the floor or the like.

[0018] Furthermore, since the read button is located on the body and emits light in the longitudinal direction, enabling detection of barcodes located in that direction, the worker can easily press the read button with the fingers of the hand holding the portable reader placed on the read button to read the barcode located in the longitudinal direction. This operation then enables the read data to be wirelessly transmitted.

[0019] Therefore, workers can easily read the barcodes on the work instructions. For example, they can take out the portable reading device they carry with them at various work sites and immediately shine the light on the barcode in front of their line of sight to read it. This minimizes the burden on workers for process management.

[0020] (4) Also, the present invention may include a plurality of the portable reading devices, each of which is configured such that the memory unit stores personal identification information, and the reading device transmitting unit and the server receiving unit transmit and receive the personal identification information in conjunction with transmitting and receiving the data.

[0021] That is, in the process control system of the present invention, the memory unit of each portable reading device can store personal identification information, so even when multiple workers are responsible for the production of a product, a portable reading device can be distributed to each worker, and the personal identification information of each worker can be stored in each portable reading device.Furthermore, each personal identification information can be transmitted by each portable reading device together with data stored in the barcode read by each worker.This allows the server device receiving the data to determine which worker read and transmitted the received data, making it possible to manage the process for each worker.

[0022] The worker who transmitted the data can be identified without inputting the personal identification information using a display, key input device, etc. Furthermore, there is no need to prepare a barcode for each worker and have the portable reading device read it. In this way, there is no need to input or read the personal identification information. Therefore, the process control system of the present invention enables the expansion or sophistication of process control without increasing the equipment size, even though the portable reading device is lightweight.

[0023] (5) Also, the system may include a plurality of the portable reading devices and a display device connected to the server device, wherein the memory unit of each portable reading device is configured to store personal identification information, the reading device transmitting unit and the server receiving unit transmit and receive the personal identification information together with the transmission and reception of the data, and the display device may display whether or not the data has been received, some or all of the contents of the received data, and some or all of the personal identification information stored in the portable reading device that is the source of the received data, in association with each other.

[0024] That is, the display unit displays whether or not the portable reading device has transmitted data, and part or all of the data content in association with part or all of the personal identification information stored in the portable reading device, so that each worker and personnel including the manager of each worker can share progress information on the start and completion of each task by each worker. By distributing the portable reading device to each worker, the process control system of the present invention can expand and enhance process control in terms of sharing such progress information.

[0025] (6) The work instruction sheet may also be printed with multiple barcodes that store different data depending on whether the work for each work content is started, completed for a first predetermined quantity, or completed for a second predetermined quantity that is different from the first predetermined quantity. Furthermore, the work instruction sheet may be printed with multiple barcodes that store different data depending on whether the work start for each work content and the work completion are completion of a first predetermined quantity of work, which is the completion of a first predetermined quantity of work, or completion of a second predetermined quantity of work, which is the completion of a second predetermined quantity of work that is different from the first predetermined quantity.

[0026] In other words, by making the first predetermined quantity and the second predetermined quantity different, the process control system of the present invention can determine that the first predetermined quantity of work has been completed by using the portable reading device to read a barcode holding data corresponding to the completion of the first predetermined quantity of work, and can determine that the second predetermined quantity of work has been completed by reading a barcode holding data corresponding to the completion of the second predetermined quantity of work. This makes it possible to determine the completion of different quantities of work simply by increasing the number of barcodes printed on the work instruction sheet, without having to input the completed quantity at the time of work completion using a display, key input device, etc. Therefore, the process control system of the present invention enables the expansion or sophistication of process control without requiring additional equipment, even though the portable reading device is lightweight.

[0027] (7) The first predetermined quantity may be zero.

[0028] That is, when the first predetermined quantity is zero and the second predetermined quantity is a quantity other than zero, the process control system of the present invention can determine that a certain work content has not been completed by reading a barcode that holds data corresponding to the first predetermined quantity, and then can determine that the second predetermined quantity of work has been completed by reading a barcode that holds data corresponding to the completion of the second predetermined quantity of work.

[0029] By printing such a barcode containing data indicating the work quantity corresponding to the first predetermined quantity on the work instruction sheet, the worker can read the barcode corresponding to zero when the work is interrupted. The worker then reads the barcode containing the work start data when resuming the interrupted work, and the barcode containing the data corresponding to the second predetermined quantity when the work is completed. This allows the process control system of the present invention to determine that the second predetermined quantity of work has been completed after the interruption. If the barcode corresponding to zero was not provided, the system would be forced to determine that the work is continuing even when the worker actually interrupts the work for a break, lunch, etc. after scanning the work start barcode. In this case, the time during the interruption would also be counted as the worker's work time, preventing the system from accurately measuring the actual work time.

[0030] In contrast, the process control system of the present invention allows the worker to deduct the interruption time from the working time by reading a barcode that holds data corresponding to the first predetermined quantity, which is initially set to zero when the worker is interrupted. In this way, because there is no need to input interruptions using a display, key input device, etc., the process control system of the present invention enables the expansion or sophistication of process control without increasing the equipment size, even though the portable reading device is lightweight.

[0031] (8) The server device has a type determination means, a work performance identification means, and a server first transmission unit, and the type determination means determines whether the data received by the server reception unit is work start data whose stored content is the start of the work or work completion data whose stored content is the completion of the work, and identification The means further determines whether the state is a normal state in which the work start data for the work content of the work completion data has been received by the server receiving unit in advance, or an abnormal state in which the work start data for the work content of the work completion data has not yet been received by the server receiving unit, when the work completion data is received; The first server transmitting unit may wirelessly transmit an abnormality signal to the portable reading device when the abnormality occurs, and the portable reading device may have a reading device receiving unit and a reading status display unit, and when the reading receiving unit receives the abnormality signal, the reading status display unit may display an abnormality status.

[0032] That is, when the reading status display unit of the portable reading device displays an abnormal status, the worker is informed that he / she has mistakenly read the barcode containing the data indicating the completion of work when he / she should have read the barcode containing the data indicating the start of work at the start of work, and is thereby able to read the barcode containing the correct data indicating the start of work again.

[0033] In such a case, since the server device is provided with the type determination means and the work performance identification means, the portable reading device does not need to be provided with similar means. As a result, the portable reading device can simply transmit the data read by the imaging unit to the server device as is, and receive an abnormality signal when necessary to notify the worker that the barcode needs to be re-read. Therefore, even if the portable reading device has limited functions and a simple configuration, the process control system of the present invention can be provided with expanded functions.

[0034] (9) The wireless transmission may be performed via a wireless LAN.

[0035] In other words, the process control system of the present invention transmits and receives data via a wireless LAN, so that even if a business location is large or has many floors, the installation of repeaters allows the information processing device and the scattered portable reading devices to easily transmit and receive the data. Furthermore, since wireless LANs are generally widespread in manufacturing, distribution, and other industries, existing infrastructure can be utilized, eliminating waste. Thus, the process control system of the present invention can reduce the need to add equipment to expand or enhance process control. [Effects of the Invention]

[0036] In this way, the present invention provides a process control system that reduces the movement of workers for process control and enables the expansion and sophistication of process control. It also provides a process control system that reduces the need to add equipment for the expansion or sophistication of process control. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0037] [Figure 1] 1 is a functional configuration diagram of a process control system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1A and 1B are perspective views of a portable reading device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] 3 shows a functional configuration diagram of the portable reading device of FIG. 2. [Figure 4] 3 shows a printed side of a work instruction sheet according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] 1 is a functional configuration diagram of a server device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] 3 shows a sequence according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] 1A shows a work instruction information table according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 1B shows a personal identification information table according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8]3 shows a work performance information table according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] 1(a) and 1(b) show a work performance information table according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] 1(a) and 1(b) show a work performance information table according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] 1(a) and 1(b) show a work performance information table according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] 3 shows a screen of a display device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] 10 shows a printed side of a work instruction sheet according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] 10 shows a sequence according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] 10(a) and 10(b) show a work performance information table according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] 10(a) and 10(b) show a work performance information table according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17] 10 shows a printed side of a work instruction sheet according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 18] 10 shows a printed side of a work instruction sheet according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 19] 10A shows a work instruction information table according to the third embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 10B shows a personal identification information table according to the third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 20] 10(a) and 10(b) show a work performance information table according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 21] 10 shows a work performance information table according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 22] 10 shows a screen of a display device according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 23] 10 shows a screen of a display device according to a third embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0038] [First embodiment] A first embodiment of the present invention will be illustrated with reference to Figures 1 to 12. In Figure 1, reference numeral 1 denotes a process control system.

[0039] As shown in the functional configuration diagram of FIG. 1, the process control system 1 has a portable reading device 100, a work instruction sheet 200, a server device 300, and a display device 400. The process control system 1 can determine and display the start and completion times of multiple work tasks in the production of a product. In this embodiment, an example will be described in which one worker I is in charge of work task A, work task B, and work task C, in that order. Note that work tasks A to C are not the only tasks that can be performed, and subsequent work tasks may follow, and the configuration related to each of these subsequent work tasks is the same as the configuration related to each of work tasks A to C.

[0040] As shown in the perspective view of FIG. 2(a), the portable reading device 100 is rod-shaped overall, and its housing is formed in the shape of a substantially square prism with a center line C as its central axis. The longitudinal direction of the rod coincides with the direction of the center line C. The portable reading device 100 has an imaging unit 120, which is disposed at the tip in the direction of the center line C. The imaging unit 120 has a light source 121 and a detection unit 122, and can read a work barcode (described below) located in the direction of the center line C. This work barcode is printed on a work instruction sheet 200. The light source 121 emits light 123 in the direction of the center line C, as shown in FIG. 2(b). The detection unit 122 is disposed so that the light 123 can detect the work barcode.

[0041] The portable reading device 100 has a read button 130 and a power button 140 on the body portion, which is the side surface of the approximately rectangular prism. The read button 130 is positioned closer to the tip than the power button 140. The read button 130 is configured so that when pressed in a direction approaching the center line C, the imaging unit 120 reads the work barcode. Then, worker I carries the portable reading device 100.

[0042] The reading button 130 incorporates a reading status display unit 150. The reading status display unit 150 includes an LED lamp, which lights up in red when the portable reading device 100 receives an abnormality signal from the server device 300.

[0043] As shown in the configuration and function diagram of FIG. 3, the portable reading device 100 incorporates a reading and communication control unit 160, a reading device storage unit 170, a reading device transmission unit 180, and a reading device reception unit 190. The reading and communication control unit 160 is a CPU and is configured to process barcode data, which is data held by the work barcode. The reading device storage unit 170 is a memory and has personal identification information storage means 171 that stores personal identification information Pi of the worker I carrying the portable reading device 100. The reading device transmission unit 180 wirelessly transmits the barcode data and personal identification information Pi. In this specification, the barcode data may also be simply referred to as data.

[0044] Furthermore, the portable reading device 100 has a reading status display unit 150 equipped with an LED lamp as described above. In the portable reading device 100, the reading device receiving unit 190 may receive an abnormal signal, which will be described later, from the server device 300. At this time, the reading / communication control unit 160 sends an instruction to the reading status display unit 150 to turn the LED lamp red. In addition to these, the portable reading device 100 also has a built-in battery that supplies power to the imaging unit 120, reading status display unit 150, reading / communication device control unit 160, etc. However, the portable reading device 100 does not have either a display or a key input device.

[0045] As soon as the read button 130 is pressed, the reading and communication device control unit 160 sends an instruction to the imaging unit 120 to read the barcode, and also acquires the personal identification information Pi from the personal identification information storage means 171. Then, as soon as the read button 130 is pressed, the reading and communication device control unit 160 controls the portable reading device 100 to wirelessly transmit the barcode data and the personal identification information Pi via the reading device transmission unit 180.

[0046] Because the portable reading device 100 is lightweight and rod-shaped, worker I can carry the portable reading device 100 in a breast pocket or hang it from his neck using a strap, allowing him to move around the work site and continue working. Furthermore, the portable reading device 100 can be easily removed from a breast pocket and inserted again. When hanging it from the neck, the portable reading device 100 is unlikely to fall onto the floor or the like.

[0047] Moreover, since the read button 130 is provided on the body portion and the light emission 123 is emitted in the direction of the center line C, the work barcode located in the direction of the center line C can be detected, so that the worker I can easily press the read button 130 with the fingers of the hand holding the portable reading device 100 hooked on the read button 130 to read the work barcode located in the direction of the center line C. This operation then enables the read barcode data to be wirelessly transmitted.

[0048] The work instruction sheet 200 is obtained by printing six work barcodes a1, a2, b1, b2, c1, and c2 on A4-sized paper, as in the example work instruction sheet 211 shown in FIG. 4. The work instruction sheet 200 may also be printed by an external printer in response to instructions from the server device 300. Two-dimensional barcodes are used for the work barcodes a1, a2, b1, b2, c1, and c2, which are capable of recording information both vertically and horizontally and can store a large amount of information in a small area. The example of the two-dimensional barcode in FIG. 4 is taken from the display example of the GS1 QR Code (registered trademark) posted on the website of the Distribution System Development Center, a general incorporated association. However, one-dimensional barcodes may also be used as long as they can store the necessary information. Furthermore, the paper for the work instruction sheet 200 may be any size other than A4, as long as it has the necessary printing area and is easy to carry. Note that in this specification, the above work barcodes may also be simply referred to as barcodes.

[0049] The six work barcodes a1, a2, b1, b2, c1, and c2 printed on the work instruction sheet 211 of the example in FIG. 4 are arranged to form a matrix of three rows and two columns. From left to right, work barcode a1 and work barcode a2 are arranged in the top row, work barcode b1 and work barcode b2 are arranged in the middle row, and work barcode c1 and work barcode c2 are arranged in the bottom row. To the left of these work barcodes, the top row displays "Work Content A," the middle row displays "Work Content B," and the bottom row displays "Work Content C." Work barcode a1 holds barcode data containing instruction information that notifies the server device 300 that work content A has begun. Work barcode a2 holds barcode data containing instruction information that notifies the server device 300 that work content A has been completed. Similarly, the work barcodes b1, b2, c1, and c2 each hold barcode data including instruction information that notifies the server device 300 of the start or completion of work content B or work content C, respectively.

[0050] The work instruction sheet 211 in the example of FIG.

[0051] By printing the indications "Work content A," "Work content B," and "Work content C" on each line of the work instruction sheet 211, worker I can know that each work barcode a1, a2, b1, b2, c1, and c2 holds barcode data relating to work content A to C. Furthermore, by printing each work barcode a1, a2, b1, b2, c1, and c2 in order from left to right on each line, worker I can know that work barcodes a1, b1, and c1 on the left column each hold barcode data indicating the start of work, and that work barcodes a2, b2, and c2 on the right column each hold barcode data indicating the completion of work.

[0052] As shown in the functional configuration diagram of FIG. 5 , the server device 300 includes a server receiving unit 310, a server device control unit 320, a server first transmission unit 330, a server device database unit 340, a server device display device control unit 350, and a server second transmission unit 360. The server receiving unit 310 receives the barcode data and personal identification information Pi transmitted by the portable reading device 100. The server device control unit 320 creates work performance information to be stored in the server device database unit 340 based on the received barcode data and personal identification information Pi. The server device control unit 320 also issues an abnormality signal R based on the received barcode data and personal identification information Pi when certain conditions are met. The server first transmission unit 330 transmits this abnormality signal R to the portable reading device 100. As a result, the reading status display unit 150 of the portable reading device 100 lights up the LED lamp in red to indicate an abnormality to the worker I.

[0053] The server device 300 is installed at a fixed location such as an office or a site.

[0054] FIG. 6 shows the sequence when worker I reads work barcode a1, work barcode a2, work barcode b1, work barcode b2, work barcode c1, and work barcode c2 in that order. The abnormality signal E is not shown in this sequence. Worker I reads work barcode a1 at the start of work content A. At this time, as soon as the read button 130 is pressed, the portable reading device 100 detects work barcode a1 and, as a result, obtains the barcode data of work content A start data Sa, which is the content stored in work barcode a1. The work content A start data Sa is barcode data whose stored content is work content A and the start of the work. The work content A start data Sa and worker I's individual identification information Pi are then sent to the server device 300 in real time.

[0055] Next, when worker I completes task A, the task barcode a2 is read. At this time, as soon as the read button 130 is pressed, the portable reading device 100 detects the task barcode a2 and, as a result, obtains the barcode data of task A completion data Ea, which is the content stored in task barcode a2. The task A completion data Ea stores task A and its completion. The task A completion data Ea and worker I's individual identification information Pi are then sent to the server device 300 in real time.

[0056] Similarly, by starting and completing work content B after completing work content A, work barcode b1 and work barcode b2 are detected, and the barcode data of work content B start data Sb or work content B completion data Eb are transmitted to the server device 300 via the portable reading device 100, along with the personal identification information Pi, which is also transmitted to the server device 300. The same applies to work content C.

[0057] The server device control unit 320 has a time counting means 321. The time counting means 321 counts the date and time when the read button 130 of the portable reading device 100 is pressed. This process control system 1 is a real-time system. Therefore, the time when the read button 130 is pressed is the same as the time when the server device control unit 320 receives the barcode data and personal identification information Pi.

[0058] The server device control unit 320 also has a type determination means 322. The type determination means 322 determines whether the barcode data received from the portable reading device 100 contains work start data Sa, Sb, and Sc for work contents A to C, or whether the contained content is work completion data Ea, Eb, and Ec for work contents A to C.

[0059] The start data Sa, Sb, and Sc of work contents A to C, which are barcode data whose stored content has been determined by the type determination means 322 to be work start data, are sent to the start work record creation means 323 of the server device control unit 320 and stored as work record information in the server device database unit 340.

[0060] Furthermore, the completion data Ea, Eb, and Ec of task contents A to C, which are barcode data whose stored contents have been determined by the type determination means 322 to be task completion data, are sent to the task history determination means 324 of the server device control unit 320. Upon receiving these, the task history determination means 324 determines whether the corresponding start data Sa, Sb, and Sc for task contents A to C have already been stored in the task history information of the server device database unit 340. If the start data Sa, Sb, and Sc have already been received and stored, the current status is determined to be normal. The completion data Ea, Eb, and Ec are then sent to the completed task history creation means 325 of the server device control unit 320 and stored as task history information in the server device database unit 340.

[0061] However, if the type determination means 322 determines that the stored content is task completion data, but the task record identification means 324 determines that the corresponding task start data is not saved, the task record identification means 324 determines that the current state is abnormal. Then, the completion data Ea, Eb, and Ec are not sent to the completed task record creation means 325, and instead the server first transmission unit 330 transmits an abnormality signal R to the portable reading device 100.

[0062] In this way, the reading status display unit 150 of the portable reading device 100 that received the abnormality signal R displays an abnormality status, and the worker I is informed that he should have read the work barcodes a1, b1, c1 that hold the barcode data indicating the start of work at the start, but instead read the work barcodes a2, b2, c2 that hold the barcode data indicating the completion of work instead. This allows the worker I to once again read the work barcodes a1, b1, c1 that hold the correct barcode data indicating the start of work.

[0063] Because the type determination means 322 and the work record identification means 324 are provided in the server device 300, there is no need for the portable reading device 100 to be equipped with similar means. As a result, the portable reading device 100 can receive an abnormality signal R when necessary and notify the worker I that the work barcode needs to be re-read, simply by transmitting the barcode data read by the imaging unit 120 to the server device 300 as is. Therefore, even if the portable reading device 100 has limited functions and a simple configuration, the process control system 1 can be equipped with expanded functions.

[0064] The server device 300 and the portable reading device 100 are connected via a wireless LAN. LAN is an abbreviation for local area network, and refers to a private network connecting computers and peripheral devices installed in a limited area, such as within a single building or factory, and a wireless LAN is a network connecting these devices wirelessly. In this embodiment, the server device 300 is connected via a wireless LAN to the portable reading device 100 carried by the worker I via a repeater such as a router, and the reading device transmission unit 180, reading device reception unit 190, server reception unit 310, and server first transmission unit 330 wirelessly transmit and receive barcode data, identification information Pi, and abnormality signal R via the wireless LAN.

[0065] In this way, the process control system 1 transmits and receives barcode data and the like via a wireless LAN, so that even if a business location has a large site or many floors, the server device 300 and the portable reading device 100 can easily transmit and receive barcode data and the like by simply adding a repeater. Furthermore, since wireless LANs are generally widespread in manufacturing, distribution, and other industries, existing infrastructure can be utilized, eliminating waste. This reduces the need to add equipment to expand or enhance process control.

[0066] Work instruction information, personal identification information, work performance information, and other information are stored in tabular form in the server device database unit 340. Of these, an example of work instruction information table 341, which is the data configuration of work instruction information, is shown in Fig. 7(a), an example of personal identification information table 342, which is the data configuration of personal identification information, is shown in Fig. 7(b), and examples of work performance information table 343, which is the data configuration of work performance information, are shown in Figs.

[0067] The work instruction information table 341 includes work instruction information, which is information related to the content of each work, for each of work contents A to C. This information includes, for example, a completion quantity, which is the amount of work required to complete each of work contents A to C.

[0068] The personal identification information table 342 includes information for each worker, such as the name and affiliation of worker I corresponding to personal identification information Pi.

[0069] The work performance information table 343 includes work performance information for each of work contents A to C. For example, for each of work contents A to C, it includes personal identification information Pi of the worker I performing that work, the time the work started, the time the work was completed, the amount of work, and the work time. Fig. 8 shows the work performance information table 343 in its state before 9:00 AM, when worker I reads work barcode a1 at the start of work on a certain day, but has not yet read work barcode a1.

[0070] FIG. 9(a) shows the work performance information table 343 in its state after worker I reads work barcode a1 at 9:00 AM but before he next reads work barcode a2 at 10:00 AM. By reading work barcode a1, the server device 300 causes the start work performance creation means 323 to store work content A start data Sa as work performance information. At this time, the server device 300 also receives personal identification information Pi, records that the time measured by the time counting means 321 is 09:00, that the work content A start data Sa is work start data for work content A, whose information is stored in the work instruction information table 341, and that the work will be performed by worker I, whose information is stored in the personal information identification table 342. As a result, the work performance information in the first row from the bottom of FIG. 9(a) is stored. At this time, the work barcode a1, which indicates the start of work, was the only barcode read, so the work time is 0.

[0071] 9(b) shows the work performance information table 343 in its state after worker I reads work barcode a2 at 10:00 AM and before the next time he reads work barcode b1 at 10:30 AM. By reading work barcode a2, the server device 300 causes the completed work performance creation means 325 to store work content A completion data Ea as work performance information. At this time, the server device 300 also receives personal identification information Pi, and records that the time measured by the time counting means 321 is 10:00, that the work content A completion data Ea is work completion data for work content A whose information is stored in the work instruction information table 341, that the work quantity is 100, which is the completed quantity whose information is stored in the work instruction information table 341, and that the work was performed by worker I, whose information is stored in the personal information identification table 342. Since the work started at 9:00 AM and ended at 10:00 AM, the server device records that the elapsed time between these two times, that is, one hour, was the work time. As a result, the work performance information in the first line from the bottom in FIG. 9(b) is saved.

[0072] In this case, since the start data Sa of the work content A has already been saved as work performance information at the time the work barcode a2 is read, the work performance identification means 324 determines that the status is normal, and therefore the abnormality signal R is not issued.

[0073] 10(a) and (b) show the work performance information table 343 after work barcode b1 is read at 10:30 AM and work barcode b2 is read at 11:00 AM. Also, Figures 11(a) and (b) show the work performance information table 343 after work barcode c1 is read at 11:10 AM and work barcode c2 is read at 11:45 AM. In each case, the work content B start data Sa, work content B completion data Ea, work content C start data Sc, and work content C completion data Ec received by the server device 300 are saved in the work performance information table 343 as work performance information.

[0074] With this configuration, the process control system 1 includes a portable reading device 100. While the portable reading device 100 includes a CPU (reader / communication device control unit 160), a reading device storage unit 180, an imaging unit 120, a reading device transmission unit 180, and a read button 130, it does not include a display or a key input device. Therefore, the portable reading device 100 is lightweight due to its lack of a display or key input device. Furthermore, the reading device transmission unit 180 wirelessly transmits barcode data to the server device 300. Therefore, worker I can easily carry the portable reading device 100 and read task barcodes for multiple tasks A to C. Furthermore, even if the work sites are scattered, worker I can carry a single portable reading device 100 and read barcodes while traveling between the locations of equipment, devices, raw material and semi-finished product storage areas, work-in-progress items, and other workers at each site. This eliminates the need for increased worker movement solely for process control.

[0075] Moreover, the work barcodes store different barcode data depending on whether the work has started or completed for each of the work contents A to C. Therefore, the process control system 1 can determine whether the barcode data to be transmitted is work start data Sa, Sb, Sc at the start of the work or work completion data Ea, Eb, Ec at the completion of the work by having the portable reading device 100 read the work start barcodes a1, b1, c1 and the work completion barcodes a2, b2, c2, respectively, without having to specify whether the work has started or completed at the time of reading using a display, key input device, etc.

[0076] Furthermore, information on the completed quantity, which is the amount of work required to complete each of the work contents A to C, is stored in the work instruction information table 341 of the server device database unit 340. Therefore, the process control system 1 can record that a predetermined amount of work has been completed by having the portable reading device 100 read the work completion data Ea, Eb, and Ec, without the need to input the completed quantity using a display, key input device, or the like.

[0077] Furthermore, the barcode data stored in the work barcodes varies depending on the work content. Therefore, when adding work content other than work content A to C, or when subdividing and managing one work content, this can be handled by printing additional work barcodes on the work instruction sheet 200 that store the barcode data of the work content that increases as a result of the addition of such work, or barcodes that store the barcode data of the work content that increases due to the subdivision and management. In this case, only the number of work barcodes printed on the work instruction sheet 200 increases, and no additional equipment is required. Therefore, there is no need to add equipment to expand or enhance process management.

[0078] The server device display device control unit 350 has means for aggregating and classifying information stored in the server device database unit 340, including a work time aggregation means 351 and a work performance classification means 352. For example, based on the work performance information stored in the work performance information table 343 shown in FIG. 11(b), the work time aggregation means 351 aggregates the number of products processed per hour to 100, since worker I processes 100 products of work content A per hour. Also, based on the work performance information stored in the work performance information table 343 shown in FIG. 11(b), the work time aggregation means 351 aggregates the number of products processed per hour to 100, since worker I processes 50 products of work content B per 30 minutes. In this way, since the work efficiency can be known by the server device display device control unit 350, the user of the process control system 1 of the present invention can manage the production process at the business establishment.

[0079] The server device display device control unit 350 also has a display information shaping means 353 for shaping display information such as each piece of information stored in the server device database unit 340, the results of tallying and classifying this information, and the results of editing this information, so that it can be displayed on the display device 400. The display information obtained in this way is sent to the display device 400 via the server second transmission unit 360. Device 400. The display information may be transmitted wirelessly or via a wire.

[0080] The display device 400 displays a screen S as shown in the example of screen S1 in Fig. 12 based on the display information transmitted by the server device 300. Screen S1 shows screen S in a state where 10:30 AM has passed but before 11:00 AM has passed, as shown in the example of the work performance information table 343 in Fig. 10(a). At this time, the server device 300 formats and transmits display information including a display of worker I and marks M indicating work contents A to C assigned to worker I.

[0081] Of these, mark Ma, which indicates work content A, is surrounded by a thick black frame. The fact that mark M is surrounded by a thick black frame in this way means that the work content has been completed. In other words, this means that the work barcode a2, which holds work content A completion data Ea, has been read by worker I. Therefore, work content A has been completed by worker I. Next, mark Mb, which indicates work content B, is surrounded by a thick white frame in this way. The fact that mark M is surrounded by a thick white frame in this way means that the work content has been started but not yet completed. In other words, this means that the work barcode b1, which holds work content B start data Sb, has been read by worker I, but the work barcode b2 has not been read. Therefore, work content B is currently being performed by worker I. Finally, mark Mc, which indicates work content C, is surrounded by a standard-thick frame in this way. The fact that mark M is surrounded by a standard-thick frame in this way means that the work content has not yet been started. In other words, this means that the work barcode a1 has not been read. Therefore, Worker I has not yet begun work C.

[0082] As examples of the display content of mark M, we have listed one of the work contents A to C, the start time, the completion time, and the completed quantity, but these may be added or some of them may be omitted depending on the information required by the user.

[0083] In this way, the display device 400 displays the screen S in association with part or all of the contents of the barcode data and whether or not the barcode data has been received.

[0084] This allows other personnel, including the manager of worker I in charge of each of work contents A to C, to share progress information on the start and completion of each of work contents A to C by worker I. In addition, the process control system 1 can expand and enhance process control in terms of sharing such progress information by adding and printing barcodes.

[0085] The display device 400 is installed in a fixed location such as an office or a work site. Even if the server device 300 is installed away from the work sites of the tasks A to C, if the display device 400 is installed on site, other personnel, including the manager of the worker I, can view the screen S at the site. Furthermore, by installing multiple display devices 400, more people involved can view the screen S at the same time.

[0086] [Second embodiment] A second embodiment of the present invention will be illustrated with reference to FIGS.

[0087] As with the first embodiment, the process control system 1 according to this embodiment includes a portable reading device 100, a work instruction sheet 200, a server device 300, and a display device 400. Of these, an example of the work instruction sheet 200 according to this embodiment is shown in FIG.

[0088] 13, nine work barcodes a1, a2, a3, b1, b2, b3, c1, c2, and c3 are printed and arranged to form a matrix of three rows and three columns. In the top row, from left to right, there is a display of "Work content A," work barcode a1, work barcode a3, and work barcode a2. In the middle and bottom rows, there is a display of "Work content B," work barcode b1, work barcode b3, and work barcode b2, and a display of "Work content C," work barcode c1, work barcode c3, and work barcode c2, respectively.

[0089] Work barcode a1 holds barcode data containing instruction information that notifies server device 300 of the start of work content A. Work barcode a2 holds barcode data containing instruction information that notifies server device 300 of the completion of work content A. Work barcodes b1, b2, c1, and c2 similarly hold barcode data containing instruction information that notifies server device 300 of the start or completion of work content B or work content C, respectively.

[0090] Work barcode a3 holds barcode data including instruction information that notifies server device 300 of the suspension of work on work content A. Work barcode b3 and work barcode c3 similarly hold barcode data including instruction information that notifies server device 300 of the suspension of work on work content B or work content C, respectively.

[0091] FIG. 14 shows the sequence when worker I sequentially reads task barcode a1, task barcode a3, task barcode a1, and task barcode a2. The sequence for reading the other task barcodes b1, b2, b3, c1, c2, and c3 after these is not shown. The error signal R is also not shown in this sequence. Worker I reads task barcode a1 when starting task A. As a result, task A start data Sa and worker I's individual identification information Pi are sent to the server device 300. Next, worker I reads task barcode a3 when interrupting task A for a break, lunch, or the like. At this time, upon pressing the read button 130, the portable reading device 100 detects task barcode a3 and, as a result, obtains barcode data for task A interruption data Ia, which is the content stored in task barcode a3. Task A interruption data Ia is barcode data containing task A and its interruption. Then, the work content A interruption data Ia and the individual identification information Pi of the worker I are transmitted to the server device 300 in real time.

[0092] Then, when task A is resumed after an interruption such as a break or lunch, worker I reads task barcode a1 again. As a result, task A start data Sa and worker I's individual identification information Pi are sent to the server device 300. Furthermore, when task A is completed after resuming, worker I reads task barcode a2. As a result, task A completion data Ea and worker I's individual identification information Pi are sent to the server device 300.

[0093] When such work content A interruption data Ia is sent to the server device 300, or when work content B interruption data Ib or work content C interruption data Ic, which are the contents stored in work barcode b3 or work barcode c3 (not shown), are sent to the server device 300, the type determination means 322 of the server device control unit 320 determines that the barcode data received from the portable reading device 100 has the stored contents as work content A to C work interruption data Ia, Ib, Ic.

[0094] The interruption data Ia, Ib, and Ic of the work contents A to C, which are barcode data whose stored contents have been determined by the type determination means 322 to be work interruption data, are sent to the work history determination means 324. Then, when receiving these, the work history determination means 324 determines whether or not the corresponding start data Sa, Sb, and Sc for the work contents A to C have already been stored in the work history information of the server device database unit 340. Then, if the start data Sa, Sb, and Sc have already been received and stored, it determines that the current state is a normal state. Then, each interruption The data Ia, Ib, and Ic are sent to the completed work record creating means 325 of the server device control unit 320 and stored as work record information in the server device database unit 340.

[0095] Then, when the type determination means 322 determines that the stored content is work interruption data, but the work performance identification means 324 determines that the corresponding work start data is not saved, the work performance identification means 324 determines that the current state is an abnormal state. interruption The data Ia, Ib, and Ic are not sent to the completed work record creating means 325, and instead the server first transmitting section 330 transmits an abnormality signal R to the portable reading device 100.

[0096] Under normal conditions, each interruptionThe data Ia, Ib, and Ic are sent to the completed work record creating means 325 of the server device control unit 320 and stored as work record information in the server device database unit 340. At this time, the work quantity is recorded as 0.

[0097] 15 and 16 show examples of the work performance information table 343 when the work content A start data Sa, the work content A interruption data Ia, the work content A start data Sa, and the work content A completion data Ea are sent in this order from the portable reading device 100 to the server device 300.

[0098] The work performance information table 343 in Figures 15 and 16 includes work performance information for work content A. That is, it includes the personal identification information Pi of the worker I performing work content A, the time the work started, the time the work was completed, the amount of work, and the work time. The time when the work was interrupted is recorded in the work completion time column. First, while worker I reads work barcode a1 at 9:00 AM, the start of work on a certain day, the work performance information table 343 in the state before 9:00 AM, when work barcode a1 has not yet been read, is the same as that shown in Figure 8.

[0099] 15(a) shows the work performance information table 343 in a state after worker I reads work barcode a1 at 9:00 a.m. but before the next time he reads work barcode a3 at 9:45 a.m. This work performance information table 343 is also the same as the one shown in FIG. 9(a).

[0100] In contrast, Figure 15(b) shows the work performance information table 343 in its state after worker I reads work barcode a3 at 9:45 AM, but before 10:00 AM, when he next reads work barcode a1. By reading work barcode a3, the server device 300 causes the completed work performance creation means 325 to save work content A interruption data Ia as work performance information. At this time, the server device 300 also receives personal identification information Pi, and records that the time measured by the time counting means 321 is 9:45, that the work content A interruption data Ia is work interruption data for work content A, whose information is stored in the work instruction information table 341, that the work quantity is 0, and that the work is being performed by worker I, whose information is stored in the personal information identification table 342. Since the work started at 9:00 AM and was interrupted at 9:45 AM, the server device records that the elapsed time of 45 minutes between these times is the work time. As a result, the work performance information in the first line from the bottom in FIG. 15(b) is saved.

[0101] In this case, since the start data Sa of the work content A has already been saved as work performance information at the time the work barcode a3 is read, the work performance identification means 324 determines that the status is normal, and therefore the abnormality signal R is not issued.

[0102] 16(a) and 16(b) show the work performance information table 343 after the work barcode a1 is read again when the work is resumed at 10:00 AM, and the work barcode a2 is read when the work is completed at 10:15 AM. In each case, the work content A start data Sa and work content A completion data Ea received by the server device 300 are saved as work performance information in the work performance information table 343. As shown in FIG. 16(b), at 10:15 AM when the work is completed, the work quantity is recorded as 100, which is the completed quantity information saved in the work instruction information table 341. Since the work resumed at 10:00 AM and the work completed at 10:15 AM, the elapsed time between these times, 15 minutes, is recorded. As a result, the work performance information in the first row from the bottom of each of FIGS. 16(a) and 16(b), is saved.

[0103] In this embodiment, the work time tallying means 351 of the server device display device control unit 350 tallys up the work time spent by worker I on work content A based on the work performance information stored in the work performance information table 343 illustrated in FIG. 16(b) and finds that the work time spent by worker I on work content A is one hour, which is the sum of 45 minutes before the interruption and 15 minutes after the interruption. As a result, since worker I processes 100 products of work content A per hour, it is calculated that the number of products processed per hour is 100. In this way, the user of the process control system 1 can measure the work efficiency of worker I on work content A.

[0104] The other configurations are the same as those in the first embodiment.

[0105] Because the work instruction sheet 210 includes work barcodes a3, b3, and c3, each containing barcode data indicating the interruption of work and informing the server device 300 of the interruption, worker I can read these interrupted work barcodes a3, b3, and c3 when interrupting work. Then, worker I reads the work barcodes a1, b1, and c1 containing the work start barcode data when resuming the interrupted work, and the work barcodes a2, b2, and c2 containing the work completion barcode data when completing the work. This allows the process control system 1 to determine that the completed quantity of work has been completed after the interruption and resumption. If such interrupted work barcodes were not provided, the system would be forced to determine that the work is continuing even when worker I actually interrupts the work for a break, lunch, or other reasons after scanning the work start barcode. In this case, the time during the interruption would be counted as worker I's work time, preventing the system from accurately measuring actual work time.

[0106] In contrast, the process control system 1 allows worker I to deduct the interruption time from the work time by simply reading the interrupted work barcode when the interruption occurs. In this way, because there is no need to input the interruption using a display, key input device, etc., the process control system 1 enables the expansion or sophistication of process control without increasing the equipment, even though the portable reading device 100 is lightweight.

[0107] In this specification, the interruption of the work described above may be referred to as the completion of a first predetermined quantity of work, and the completion of the work described above may be referred to as the completion of a second predetermined quantity of work. In this embodiment, the first predetermined quantity is 0. That is, the work quantity in the work performance information table 343 illustrated in FIG. 15(b) at the time when the work content A interruption data Ia is saved as work performance information is 0, which corresponds to the completion of the first predetermined quantity of work. Also, the work quantity in the first row from the bottom in the work performance information table 343 illustrated in FIG. 16(b) at the time when the work content A completion data Ea is saved as work performance information is 100, which corresponds to the completion of the second predetermined quantity of work.

[0108] [Third embodiment] A third embodiment of the present invention will be illustrated with reference to FIGS.

[0109] Similar to the first and second embodiments, the process control system 1 according to this embodiment includes a portable reading device 100, a work instruction sheet 200, a server device 300, and a display device 400. In this embodiment, an example will be described in which a worker I is in charge of tasks A to C, a worker II different from worker I is in charge of tasks D and E, respectively, and a worker III different from both worker I and worker II is in charge of task F.

[0110] Each of worker I, worker II, and worker III carries one portable reading device 100. Therefore, in this embodiment, the process control system 1 has three portable reading devices 100. The personal identification information storage means 171 of each portable reading device 100 stores the personal identification information Pi, Pii, and Piii of workers I to III who carry that portable reading device 100.

[0111] Regarding the work instructions 200, Worker I carries the example work instruction 212 shown in FIG. 13, Worker II carries the example work instruction 220 shown in FIG. 17, and Worker III carries the example work instruction 230 shown in FIG. 18.

[0112] Six work barcodes d1, d2, d3, e1, e2, and e3 are printed on the work instruction sheet 220 carried by worker II. Work barcodes d1 and e1 hold barcode data containing instruction information that notifies the server device 300 of the start of work content D or work content E, respectively. Work barcodes d2 and e2 hold barcode data containing instruction information that notifies the server device 300 of the completion of work content D or work content E, respectively. Furthermore, work barcodes d3 and e3 hold barcode data containing instruction information that notifies the server device 300 of the suspension of work content D or work content E, respectively.

[0113] Three work barcodes f1, f2, and f3 are printed on the work instruction sheet 230 carried by the worker III. These work barcodes f1, f2, and f3 hold barcode data including instruction information that notifies the server device 300 of the start, completion, and interruption of work content F, respectively.

[0114] Each of workers I to III uses the portable reading device 100 they carry to read the work barcodes printed on the work instructions 212, 220, and 230 they carry. Upon pressing the read button 130, the portable reading device 100 detects the work barcodes a1 to f3 and acquires the barcode data of the work contents A to F start data, work contents A to F interruption data, and work contents A to F completion data stored in each work barcode. Furthermore, upon pressing the read button 130 of each of workers I to III, the reading and communication device control unit 160 of each portable reading device 100 acquires the personal identification information Pi, Pii, and Piii stored in the personal identification information storage means 171. The acquired barcode data and personal identification information Pi to Piii are then transmitted to the server device 300 in real time.

[0115] The work instruction information stored in the server device database unit 340 of the server device 300 is stored as in the work instruction information table 341 shown in the example of Fig. 19(a). The work instruction information in this embodiment includes, for example, a completion quantity, which is the amount of work required to complete each of the work contents A to F.

[0116] Similarly, the personal identification information is stored as in the personal identification information table 342 shown in the example of Fig. 19(b). In addition to worker I, the personal identification information in this embodiment includes, for example, the affiliation and name of worker II corresponding to personal identification information Pii, and the affiliation and name of worker III corresponding to personal identification information Piii.

[0117] Similarly, the work performance information is stored as in the work performance information table 343 shown in the examples of Figures 20 and 21. For example, Figure 20(a) shows the work performance information table 343 in a state before 10:15 AM, when worker I reads work barcode a1 when resuming work content A, and worker II reads work barcode d1 when starting work content D at the same time, and then worker I reads work barcode a2 when completing work content A.

[0118] At this time, for example, when worker II reads the work barcode d1, the server device 300 uses the start work record creation means 323 to store the start data of work content D as work record information. At this time, the server device 300 also receives the personal identification information Pii from the portable reading device 100. As a result, the server device 300 records that the time measured by the time counting means 321 is 10:00, that the start data of work content D is the work start data for work content D whose information is stored in the work instruction information table 341, and that the work will be performed by worker II whose information is stored in the personal information identification table 342. As a result, the work record information in the first row from the bottom of Figure 20(a) is stored.

[0119] The example in Figure 20(b) shows the state of work performance information table 343 after worker I has read work barcode a2 when completing work content A, and worker I and worker III have read work barcode b1 or work barcode f1 when starting work content B or work content F, respectively, and also after worker II has read work barcode d2 when completing work content D at 11:00 AM, and worker I has read work barcode b2 when completing work content B at the same time at 11:00 AM.

[0120] Furthermore, the example in Figure 21 shows the work performance information table 343 in a state where worker I reads work barcode c1 when starting work content C at 11:10 AM, 10 minutes after Figure 20(b), and worker II reads work barcode e1 when starting work content E at the same time at 11:10 AM.

[0121] The work performance classification means 352 of the server device display device control unit 350 tally up the number of tasks categorized by worker. For example, based on the work performance information stored in the work performance information table 343 illustrated in FIG. 21, the work time tallying means 351 and the work performance classification means 352 tally up the total number of tasks performed by worker I in charge of task A and task B as of 11:00 AM, which is 150, and also tally up the number of tasks performed by worker II in charge of task D as of 11:00 AM, which is 50. Among these, worker I interrupted task A for 15 minutes from 9:45 AM to 10:00 AM. From these, it is calculated that the number of tasks performed by worker I across task A and task B between 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM per hour was 100, and the number of tasks performed by worker II across task D was 50. In this way, the server device display device control unit 350 can determine work efficiency.

[0122] Furthermore, the work performance classification means 352 aggregates the number of processes categorized not only by worker but also by work content. Although not shown in the illustrated work performance information table 343, for example, even if different workers are in charge of work content A at different times or on different days, it is possible to know the work efficiency of work content A over a certain time or period. This allows the user of the process control system 1 of the present invention to manage the production process at this business establishment.

[0123] The display device 400 displays a screen S as shown in the example of screen S2 in Fig. 22. Screen S1 shows screen S in a state where 11:00 AM has passed but before 11:10 AM, as shown in the example of the work performance information table 343 in Fig. 20(b). At this time, the server device 300 formats and transmits display information showing the names of workers I, II, and III, and marks M indicating the work contents A to F assigned to each of workers I to III.

[0124] Furthermore, the screen S2 of the display device 400 may be a Gantt chart type screen as shown in the example of Fig. 23. The screen S2 of Fig. 23 shows the progress of work contents A, B, D, and F performed by each worker I to III using horizontal bars for each work content as time passes to the right of the figure.

[0125] The other configurations are common to the first and second embodiments.

[0126] With this configuration, the process control system 1 of the present invention can store the personal identification information Pi to Piii in the reading device storage unit 170 of each portable reading device 100. Therefore, even when multiple workers I to III are responsible for the production of a product, each worker can be assigned a portable reading device 100 and their personal identification information Pi to Piii can be stored in each portable reading device 100. Furthermore, each piece of personal identification information Pi to Piii can be transmitted by each portable reading device 100 together with the barcode data held in the work barcode read by each worker. This allows the server device 300, which receives the barcode data, to determine which worker read and transmitted the received barcode data, enabling process control for each worker.

[0127] Thus, the workers I to III who transmitted the barcode data can be identified without inputting personal identification information Pi to Piii, etc., using a display, key input device, etc. Furthermore, there is no need to prepare a barcode for each worker and have the portable reading device 100 read it. In this way, there is no need to input or read personal identification information Pi to Piii. Therefore, the process control system 1 of the present invention enables the expansion or sophistication of process control without increasing the equipment, even though the portable reading device 100 is lightweight.

[0128] Furthermore, since each portable reading device 100 and the server device 300 communicate wirelessly, the workers I to III carrying each portable reading device 100 can be away from the server device 300 and can be located at a distance from each other. Moreover, since communication is via a wireless LAN, they can be scattered over a wide area by adding repeaters.

[0129] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been exemplified above, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the invention.

[0130] For example, the reading status display unit 150 of the portable reading device 100 may be equipped with an LED lamp that lights up red and green, rather than an LED lamp that lights up only red. In this case, the server first transmission unit 330 of the server device 300 may send a normal signal to the portable reading device 100 when the work performance identification means 324 determines that the state when the completion data was received from the portable reading device 100 was normal. In this way, the portable reading device 100 can notify the worker that it is in a normal state by lighting up the LED lamp green, and the worker can confirm that the work barcode was read properly.

[0131] Furthermore, in order to store the time of interruption, a column such as "Interrupted" may be provided in addition to the column "Completed" in the work performance information table 343 of the server device database unit 340. Furthermore, on the screen S of the display device 400, the marks M may be classified into not only three types, "Not started," "In progress," and "Completed," but also four types, "Not started," "In progress," "Interrupted," and "Completed."

[0132] Furthermore, two types of work completion barcodes may be printed for one work content on the work instruction sheet 200. In this case, two types of completed quantities are stored for one work content as completed quantities, which are the work quantities required to complete the work content, in the work instruction information on the work instruction information table 341. These two types of completed quantities are referred to as the first predetermined quantity and the second predetermined quantity, respectively. Of these two types of work completion barcodes, the first type of work completion barcode holds barcode data containing instruction information notifying the server device 300 that the first predetermined quantity has been completed, and the second type of work completion barcode holds barcode data containing instruction information notifying the server device 300 that the second predetermined quantity has been completed.

[0133] When the server device 300 receives the former barcode data, the completed work record creation means 325 records the first predetermined quantity as the work quantity in the work record information on the work record information table 343. On the other hand, when the server device 300 receives the latter barcode data, the completed work record creation means 325 also stores the second predetermined quantity as the work quantity.

[0134] Furthermore, the server device display device control unit 350 may use the display information formatting means 353 to display the various pieces of information stored in the server device database unit 340, the aggregation and classification results of these pieces of information, and the edited results thereof in graph form on the display device 400. For example, by displaying work efficiency, the economic effects of improving work efficiency, etc. in graphs over time, the user of the process control system 1 of the present invention can more easily grasp the business performance of the business establishment. [Industrial Applicability]

[0135] The present invention can be used in a production management system, and in particular in a process management system that can determine and display the start and end times of each task. [Explanation of symbols]

[0136] 1 Process control system 100 Portable reading device 120 Imaging unit 121 Light source 122 Detection unit 123 Light 130 Read button 140 Power Button 150 Reading status display 160 Reading and communication control unit 170 Reading device memory unit 180 Reader transmitter 190 Reading device receiver 200,211,212,220,230 Work Instructions 300 Server device 310 Server Receiving Unit 320 Server device control unit 321 Time counting means 322 Type determination means 323 Start work record creation means 324 Work performance identification means 325 Completed Work Record Creation Method 330 Server first transmission unit 340 Server device database unit 341 Work Instruction Information Table 342 Personal Identification Information Table 343 Work Performance Information Table 350 Server device display device control unit 351 Working time calculation means 352 Work performance classification means 353 Display information formatting means 360 Server Second Transmission Unit 400 display device I, II, III Workers Pi,Pii,Piii Personal identification information S,S1,S2 screen

Claims

1. A process control system capable of determining and displaying the start and completion times of a plurality of work operations in the production of a product, a work instruction sheet on which a plurality of barcodes are printed on a single sheet, each of which stores different data for each work content and stores different data depending on whether the work has started or completed for a predetermined amount of work for each work content; a portable reading device having a CPU, a memory unit, an imaging unit capable of reading the barcode, a reading device transmission unit, and a reading button, and wherein when the reading button is pressed, the imaging unit reads the barcode and the reading device transmission unit wirelessly transmits the data; a server device having a server receiving unit that directly receives the data from the portable reading device; a display device connected to the server device, The data held by each of the barcodes differs in the work content or in whether the work has started or completed, the portable reading device has neither a display nor a key input device; The server device has a server device database unit that stores work instruction information and work performance information including personal identification information of workers, the time of the start of the work, and the time of the completion of the work for each work content, a display information shaping means that shapes the work instruction information and the work performance information to be displayed on the display device, and a transmission unit that transmits the display information obtained thereby to the display device wirelessly or by wire. A process control system characterized by:

2. The display device displays part or all of the content of the data in association with whether or not the data has been received. The process control system according to claim 1 .

3. The portable reading device is formed in a rod shape and has the reading button on its body portion, The imaging unit includes a light source, and light emitted from the light source is emitted in the longitudinal direction of the rod-shaped barcode. A detection unit is disposed to detect the barcode located in the longitudinal direction. The process control system according to claim 1 .

4. A plurality of the portable reading devices are provided, Each of the portable reading devices is configured such that the storage unit stores personal identification information; The reader transmitting unit and the server receiving unit transmit and receive the personal identification information together with transmitting and receiving the data. The process control system according to claim 1 .

5. A plurality of the portable reading devices are provided, Each of the portable reading devices is configured such that the storage unit stores personal identification information; the reader transmitting unit and the server receiving unit transmit and receive the personal identification information together with transmitting and receiving the data; The display device displays whether or not the data has been received, part or all of the content of the received data, and part or all of the personal identification information stored in the portable reading device that is the source of the received data, in association with each other. The process control system according to claim 1 .

6. The work instruction sheet is printed with a plurality of barcodes having different data contents depending on whether the work start for each work content and the work completion are a first predetermined quantity of work completion in which a first predetermined quantity of work is completed, or a second predetermined quantity of work completion in which a second predetermined quantity of work different from the first predetermined quantity is completed. The process control system according to claim 1 .

7. The first predetermined quantity is zero.

7. The process control system according to claim 6.

8. the server device includes a type determination means, a work performance identification means, and a server first transmission unit; the type determination means determines whether the data received by the server receiving unit is work start data, the stored content of which is the start of work, or work completion data, the stored content of which is the completion of work; The work performance identification means further determines, at the time of receiving the work completion data, whether the state is a normal state in which the work start data for the work content of the work completion data has been received in advance by the server receiving unit, or an abnormal state in which the work start data for the work content of the work completion data has not yet been received by the server receiving unit; the first server transmitting unit wirelessly transmits an abnormality signal to the portable reading device when the abnormality occurs; The portable reading device has a reading device receiving unit and a reading status display unit, and when the reading receiving unit receives the abnormal signal, the reading status display unit displays an abnormal status.

8. The process control system according to claim 1.

9. The wireless transmission is performed via a wireless LAN.

9. The process control system according to claim 1.

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