Production instruction system

Abstract

To provide a production instruction system capable of easily setting IP addresses of production facilities.SOLUTION: A production instruction system for producing a plurality of types of products includes a plurality of production facilities 50 for producing the plurality of types of products, and a server device 40 capable of communicating with each of the plurality of production facilities via Ethernet. The production facility includes a facility control unit 51a that stores information about MAC addresses that are assigned to the production facility in advance and transmits the stored information about its own MAC address to the server device. The server device stores address information, and when it receives MAC address information from a specific facility control unit of a specific production facility among multiple production facilities, it sets the IP address of the specific facility control unit based on the address information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a production instruction system.

Background Art

[0002] [[ID=1I]] Conventionally, a manufacturing system including a plurality of unit cells that automatically perform operations on a workpiece, a connection mechanism that connects the plurality of unit cells to each other, and a management device that manages the plurality of unit cells is known (for example, see Patent Document 1).

[0003] In this manufacturing system, a production line is configured by arranging a plurality of unit cells individually and integrally managed by a management device. Then, each time a part or a semi-finished product passes through each of the plurality of unit cells, unit operations such as processing and sorting are performed on the workpiece, and the product is manufactured. Further, the plurality of unit cells are provided at positions where the carry-in port of any one unit cell and the carry-out port of any other unit cell are adjacent to each other, and any unit cells can be combined with each other.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] By the way, as a system in which a management device manages a plurality of unit cells such as the manufacturing system described in Patent Document 1, there is a production instruction system in which each of a plurality of production facilities communicates with a server using a communication protocol such as TCP / IP. In such a production instruction system, in order to enable the server and the plurality of production facilities to communicate with each other, it is necessary to set mutually different IP addresses in advance for each of the plurality of production facilities.

[0006] IP address configuration is typically performed by workers with specialized knowledge. However, if IP address configuration can only be done by workers with specialized knowledge, inconveniences arise, such as the inability to easily replace production equipment.

[0007] This disclosure aims to provide a production instruction system that allows for easy configuration of the IP address of production equipment. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The invention described in claim 1 is, A production instruction system for producing multiple types of products, Multiple production facilities (50) for producing multiple types of products, A server device (40) that can communicate with each of the multiple production facilities via Ethernet, A configuration determination unit (31a) that determines whether multiple production equipment is arranged in the order of the process, Equipped with, Multiple types of products are produced using production equipment arranged in a predetermined order of processes across multiple stages. Multiple production facilities, They are arranged next to each other in order of the process, Equipment control unit (51a) stores information on MAC addresses assigned in advance and transmits the stored MAC address information to the server device. The system includes an address detection unit (53) that detects the MAC address pre-assigned to the production equipment located next to itself among multiple production equipment, It has, The server device stores address information that links MAC address information pre-assigned to each of the multiple production facilities and equipment control units corresponding to each of the multiple product types, with IP address information that can be set for the equipment control unit. When it receives MAC address information from a predetermined equipment control unit of a particular production facility among the multiple production facilities, it sets the IP address of the predetermined equipment control unit based on the address information. death, The IP addresses stored in the server device are determined based on the order of the process. The address detection unit transmits the detected MAC address information to the placement determination unit. The arrangement determination unit determines whether multiple production pieces are arranged in process order based on the MAC address information and address information transmitted from the address detection unit of each of the multiple production pieces. do. Furthermore, the invention described in claim 2 is, A production instruction system for producing multiple types of products, Multiple production facilities (50) for producing multiple types of products, The system includes a server device (40) that can communicate with each of the multiple production facilities via Ethernet, Multiple types of products are produced by multiple production facilities arranged in a predetermined order of processes across multiple stages. Multiple production equipment has an equipment control unit (51a) that stores information on MAC addresses assigned in advance and transmits the stored MAC address information to a server device. The server device stores address information that links MAC address information pre-assigned to each of the multiple production equipment and equipment control units corresponding to each of the multiple product types, with IP address information that can be set for the equipment control unit. When it receives MAC address information from a predetermined equipment control unit of a predetermined production equipment among the multiple production equipment, it sets the IP address of the predetermined equipment control unit based on the address information. The IP addresses stored in the server device are assigned one to each of the multiple processes based on their sequence.

[0009] According to this, the production instruction system can easily set different IP addresses for the equipment control units of each of the plurality of production facilities even without an expert.

[0010] Note that the reference numerals with parentheses attached to each component etc. show an example of the correspondence relationship between the component etc. and the specific components etc. described in the embodiments described later.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0011] [Figure 1] It is a schematic configuration diagram of the production instruction system according to the present disclosure. [Figure 2] It is a diagram showing an example of the registration contents of the model registration database and the module registration database. [Figure 3] It is a diagram showing an example of the registration contents of the layout registration database. [Figure 4] It is a diagram showing an example of the control process executed by the production management server. [Figure 5] It is a diagram showing an example of the control process executed by the integrated CPU unit. [Figure 6] It is a diagram showing an example of the control process executed by the BOOTP server. [Figure 7] It is a diagram showing an example of the control process executed by the equipment CPU unit. [Figure 8] It is a diagram showing the state in which the IP address is set when the equipment CPU unit is replaced.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0012] An embodiment of the production instruction system 1 of this disclosure will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 8. As shown in Figure 1, the production instruction system 1 of this disclosure comprises an equipment management server 10, a production management server 20, an integrated control unit 30, a BOOTP server 40, and a plurality of equipment modules 50. These components 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 constituting the production instruction system 1 are connected to each other via a communication network 5 and are configured to communicate with each other using Ethernet. Specifically, these components 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 constituting the production instruction system 1 are configured to communicate with each other using the TCP / IP protocol. TCP / IP is an abbreviation for Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol.

[0013] The equipment management server 10 is a server device that manages the production management server 20, the integrated control unit 30, and the multiple equipment modules 50 that constitute the production instruction system 1. The equipment management server 10 is a computer having a communication unit, a display unit, a volatile storage medium, a non-volatile storage medium, a calculation unit, etc. (not shown).

[0014] The communication unit of the equipment management server 10 is a network interface that connects to the communication network 5 and communicates with other devices via the communication network 5. The display unit of the equipment management server 10 is a display device that shows the operating status, operational status, etc., of the production management server 20, integrated control unit 30, and multiple equipment modules 50 managed by the equipment management server 10 to the user.

[0015] The computing unit of the equipment management server 10 executes predetermined processes by running programs stored in non-volatile storage media. During execution, it writes data to volatile and non-volatile storage media as needed, reads data from volatile and non-volatile storage media, and communicates with other devices using the communication unit. The volatile and non-volatile storage media are composed of non-transitional physical storage media. In this embodiment, the equipment management server 10 is configured as a cloud server created in a cloud environment.

[0016] The production management server 20 is a server device that manages the information necessary to produce products using multiple equipment modules 50. The production management server 20 is a computer having a communication unit (not shown), a display unit, input devices such as a keyboard and mouse, volatile storage media, non-volatile storage media, and an arithmetic unit.

[0017] The communication unit of the production management server 20 is a network interface that connects to the communication network 5 and communicates with other devices via the communication network 5. The display unit of the production management server 20 is a display device that shows users various information necessary for the production of products managed by the production management server 20. This display unit displays data entered by the operator through the operation of input devices such as a keyboard and mouse.

[0018] The calculation unit of the production management server 20 executes predetermined processes by running programs stored in non-volatile storage media. During execution, it writes data to volatile and non-volatile storage media as needed, reads data from volatile and non-volatile storage media, and communicates with other devices using the communication unit.

[0019] Furthermore, the non-volatile storage medium of the production management server 20 stores various information necessary for producing products. Specifically, as shown in Figure 2, the non-volatile storage medium of the production management server 20 has a model registration database 21 in which information on equipment modules 50 necessary for producing a given product is pre-registered. The non-volatile storage medium of the production management server 20 also has a module registration database 22 in which detailed information on equipment modules 50 that can be connected to the production instruction system 1 is pre-registered. Note that the volatile storage medium and the non-volatile storage medium are composed of non-transitional physical storage media. Hereinafter, the model registration database 21 will also be referred to as the model registration DB 21, and the module registration database 22 will also be referred to as the module registration DB 22.

[0020] Incidentally, in the production instruction system 1 disclosed herein, the production line for producing products is configured by combining multiple equipment modules 50. Products are then produced by this production line. Furthermore, the production instruction system 1 is configured to produce multiple types of products depending on the configuration of the production line.

[0021] Furthermore, the products produced by the production line, which is composed of multiple equipment modules 50, are produced through multiple processes performed in each of the equipment modules 50. In other words, the products produced by the production instruction system 1 of this disclosure are produced by the work performed in the processes of each of the equipment modules 50. To put it another way, the products are produced by equipment modules 50 arranged in a predetermined process order in multiple processes. For this reason, the multiple equipment modules 50 are arranged in the process order in which the processes performed to produce the product are carried out.

[0022] Incidentally, the work required to produce a product varies depending on the type of product. Therefore, the configuration of a production line, which is made up of multiple equipment modules 50, differs depending on the product being produced. Specifically, the work performed by the equipment modules 50, the quantity, the order in which they are arranged, etc., differ depending on the product being produced.

[0023] Therefore, the product registration DB21 contains information on multiple equipment modules 50 that make up the production line for each product model produced by the production line. Specifically, as shown in Figure 2, the product registration DB21 contains information on the production part number and information on the sequence of process types required to produce the product for each product model. Here, process type refers to the type of work performed in the equipment module 50. For example, process types include the "loading process" for loading workpieces, the "coating process" for applying chemicals, the "assembly process" for assembling parts, the "image inspection process" for performing image inspection, the "recovery process" for recovering workpieces, and the "screw tightening process" for tightening screws.

[0024] Furthermore, these processes allow for the registration of multiple processes for a single process type. For example, under the "Input Process," multiple "Input Processes" such as "Input Process A" and "Input Process B" can be registered depending on the type of workpiece being input.

[0025] The product registration database 21 stores information about the production part number and the sequence of process types for each product model. In this disclosure, the product registration database 21 is configured to be able to register 100 different product models.

[0026] Furthermore, this disclosure allows for the production of a product using up to 10 different process types. Therefore, a production line for producing a product is formed by arranging up to 10 equipment modules 50, each performing 10 different process types, in a predetermined process sequence. In other words, this disclosure allows for the production of a product by a production line composed of up to 10 equipment modules 50 arranged adjacent to each other in a process sequence.

[0027] Hereafter, among the positions of the equipment modules 50 arranged in the order of the processes, the position of the first process will be designated as the 1st module position. Then, starting from the 1st module position and moving towards the last process, the positions will be designated as the 2nd module position, 3rd module position, 4th module position, 5th module position, 6th module position, 7th module position, 8th module position, 9th module position, and 10th module position.

[0028] In Figure 2, the "NULL" shown in the model registration DB21 indicates a process that does not require work, and represents a module position where the installation of equipment module 50 is not necessary. For example, when producing product number "X", three processes are required, and the installation of equipment module 50 is not necessary at module positions 4 through 10.

[0029] Furthermore, the number of equipment modules 50 that make up the production line is not limited; the maximum number may be less than 10 units or more than 10 units. Also, the number of product models that can be registered in the model registration DB21 is not limited; it may be less than 100 types or more than 100 types.

[0030] The module registration DB22 contains information on each of the equipment modules 50 that can be connected to the production instruction system 1 of this disclosure. Specifically, as shown in Figure 2, the module registration DB22 contains information on the registration name, the types of processes that can be executed, and the MAC address information that is pre-assigned to the equipment PLC unit 51 provided in the equipment module 50, which will be described later. Furthermore, the module registration DB22 also contains information on whether or not the equipment module 50 is in use. Thus, the module registration DB22 stores the registration name information, process information, the MAC address information pre-assigned to the equipment PLC unit 51 of the equipment module 50, and the usage status, all linked together. Hereafter, the MAC address information pre-assigned to the equipment PLC unit 51 of the equipment module 50 may be simply referred to as the MAC address information of the equipment module 50.

[0031] Furthermore, the module registration DB22 allows for the registration of multiple equipment modules 50 capable of performing the same process. For example, as shown in Figure 2, information for two equipment modules 50, module number 1 and module number 253, can be registered as equipment modules 50 capable of performing the same "input process B". This indicates that the equipment module 50 performing "input process B" can be either equipment module 50 with module number 1 or equipment module 50 with module number 253.

[0032] Furthermore, the non-volatile storage medium of the production management server 20 stores process information that combines the information from the model registration DB 21 and the module registration DB 22. The process information includes information such as the registered names and MAC addresses of the usable equipment modules 50 assigned to each of the 1st to 10th module positions for producing a predetermined product from among several types of products.

[0033] For example, in the example shown in Figure 2, the MAC address information of equipment module 50 that is capable of executing "Input Process A" and is in a usable state is assigned to the first module position as process information for producing production product number "X". The MAC address information of equipment module 50 that is capable of executing "Input Process B" and is in a usable state is assigned to the second module position. The MAC address information of equipment module 50 that is capable of executing "Recovery Process A" and is in a usable state is assigned to the third module position. Furthermore, "NULL" information, indicating processes that do not require work, is assigned to the fourth through tenth module positions.

[0034] Thus, the production management server 20 stores information on multiple equipment modules 50 corresponding to multiple types of products, information on the process sequence of these equipment modules 50, and information on the MAC addresses of each of the equipment modules 50, all linked together. This information stored in the equipment modules 50 can be registered by the user by operating the input device of the production management server 20. Hereinafter, the information stored in the model registration DB 21 and module registration DB 22 of the production management server 20 may be referred to as module information.

[0035] Furthermore, the non-volatile storage medium of the production management server 20 stores processing recipe information that indicates the control content of the equipment module 50 corresponding to the process type registered in the model registration DB 21 and module registration DB 22. A processing recipe is a program executed by the equipment PLC unit 51 provided in the equipment module 50, and is predetermined according to the model and process of the product to be produced. A processing recipe is an execution program installed in the equipment PLC unit 51 of each of the multiple equipment modules 50 arranged to produce a predetermined product. Processing recipes can be registered in the non-volatile storage medium, for example, by a user operating an input device. In the following, the processing executed by the calculation unit of the production management server 20 will be described simply as processing executed by the production management server 20.

[0036] Returning to Figure 1, the integrated control unit 30 is a control device that manages multiple equipment modules 50 that constitute a production line producing a predetermined product. In other words, the integrated control unit 30 manages multiple equipment modules 50 located on the same network. As shown in Figure 1, the integrated control unit 30 has an integrated PLC unit 31 and an integrated relay device 32.

[0037] The integrated PLC unit 31 is a programmable logic controller composed of multiple units with different functions. Specifically, the integrated PLC unit 31 is composed of one integrated CPU unit 31a, two integrated IF units 31b, and an I / O unit (not shown).

[0038] The integrated CPU unit 31a consists of a microcomputer and its peripheral circuits, which include a CPU, ROM, and RAM. The memory is composed of a non-transitional physical storage medium. The integrated CPU unit 31a performs various calculations and processes based on the program stored in the ROM.

[0039] Specifically, the integrated CPU unit 31a is connected to the equipment management server 10 so that it can transmit information such as the operating status and operational status of each of the multiple equipment modules 50. The integrated CPU unit 31a is also connected to the production management server 20 so that it can receive module information and process information. The integrated CPU unit 31a is connected to the BOOTP server 40 via the integrated relay device 32, and can transmit process information received from the production management server 20 to the BOOTP server 40.

[0040] The two integrated IF units 31b are network interfaces that connect to the communication network 5 and communicate with other devices via the communication network 5. Of the two integrated IF units 31b, one is connected to the equipment management server 10 via the communication network 5, and the other is connected to the production management server 20 via the communication network 5. As a result, the integrated control unit 30 is connected to communicate with the equipment management server 10 and the production management server 20.

[0041] An I / O unit is an interface that connects to input / output devices (not shown) and communicates with those devices. Examples of input / output devices that can be connected to an I / O unit include display devices, sensors, buzzers, and lamps.

[0042] The integrated relay device 32 is a relay device installed between other devices when connecting other devices via the communication network 5. The integrated CPU unit 31a and the BOOTP server 40 are connected to the integrated relay device 32. The integrated relay device 32 then connects the integrated CPU unit 31a and the BOOTP server 40 so that they can communicate with each other.

[0043] Furthermore, the integrated relay device 32 is also connected to an equipment relay device 52 provided in the equipment module 50. The integrated relay device 32 connects the integrated CPU unit 31a and the equipment PLC unit 51 to enable communication with each other via the equipment relay device 52, and also connects the equipment PLC unit 51 and the BOOTP server 40 to enable communication with each other. For example, a switching hub can be used as the integrated relay device 32.

[0044] The BOOTP server 40 sets the IP address of the requested equipment CPU unit 51a in response to a request from the equipment CPU unit 51a located in the equipment module 50. The BOOTP server 40 is a computer having a communication unit, display unit, volatile storage medium, non-volatile storage medium, arithmetic unit, etc. (not shown). The communication unit of the BOOTP server 40 is a network interface that connects to the communication network 5 and communicates with other devices via the communication network 5. The display unit of the BOOTP server 40 is a display device that displays information about the equipment modules 50 that constitute the production line to the user. The arithmetic unit of the BOOTP server 40 executes predetermined processes by executing programs stored in the non-volatile storage medium. During execution, it writes data to the volatile storage medium and non-volatile storage medium as needed, reads data from the volatile storage medium and non-volatile storage medium, and communicates with other devices using the communication unit.

[0045] Furthermore, the non-volatile storage medium of the BOOTP server 40 stores various information necessary for setting the IP address of the equipment CPU unit 51a. Specifically, the non-volatile storage medium has a layout registration database 41 in which information on the process sequence of the equipment module 50 corresponding to each of several types of products, as well as information on the IP address and MAC address to be set for the equipment CPU unit 51a, are registered. Hereinafter, the layout registration database 41 will also be referred to as the layout registration DB 41.

[0046] As shown in Figure 3, the layout registration DB41 stores information on the 1st module position to the 10th module position, which indicates the process sequence for each of the equipment modules 50 that constitute a production line for producing a predetermined product from among several types of products. The layout registration DB41 also stores information on the 1st module position to the 10th module position, associating it with the IP address information registered to the equipment CPU unit 51a provided in the equipment module 50.

[0047] As an example of this disclosure, the IP address of the equipment module 50 located at the first module position is specified as "192.168.0.1". The IP address of the equipment module 50 located at the second module position is specified as "192.168.0.2". The IP address of the equipment module 50 located at the third module position is specified as "192.168.0.3". The IP address of the equipment module 50 located at the fourth module position is specified as "192.168.0.4". The IP address of the equipment module 50 located at the fifth module position is specified as "192.168.0.5". The IP address of the equipment module 50 located at the sixth module position is specified as "192.168.0.6". The IP address of the equipment module 50 located at the seventh module position is specified as "192.168.0.7". The IP address of the equipment module 50 located at the eighth module position is specified as "192.168.0.8". The IP address of equipment module 50 located at module position 9 is specified as "192.168.0.9". The IP address of equipment module 50 located at module position 10 is specified as "192.168.0.10". Note that the IP addresses specified for module positions 1 through 10 are not limited to "192.168.0.1" to "192.168.0.10", but any IP addresses can be specified that are different from each other.

[0048] Furthermore, the layout registration DB 41 allows for the registration of information about equipment modules 50 located at each of the 1st to 10th module locations. Specifically, the layout registration DB 41 allows for the registration of the module number information of the equipment module 50 and the MAC address information registered to the equipment CPU unit 51a of the equipment module 50 at each of the 1st to 10th module locations. As a result, the MAC address of the equipment CPU unit 51a provided in the equipment module 50 located at each of the 1st to 10th module locations is associated with the IP address information set for that equipment CPU unit 51a and registered accordingly.

[0049] Thus, the layout registration DB41 stores information on the process sequence, module number, MAC address, and IP address of each equipment module 50 corresponding to each of the multiple types of products, all linked together. Hereafter, the information on the process sequence, module number, MAC address, and IP address of each of the multiple types of products that are stored together will also be referred to as address information.

[0050] The BOOTP server 40, in response to a request from the equipment PLC unit 51 connected via the integrated relay device 32, sets the IP address associated with the MAC address of the equipment CPU unit 51a in the layout registration DB 41. When the BOOTP server 40 receives MAC address information for the equipment PLC unit 51 from the equipment PLC unit 51, it registers the IP address associated with that MAC address in the layout registration DB 41 and assigns it to the equipment CPU unit 51a of the equipment PLC unit 51. The non-volatile storage medium of the BOOTP server 40 functions as an address storage unit. The calculation unit of the BOOTP server 40 functions as an IP setting unit.

[0051] Note that volatile and non-volatile storage media are composed of non-transitional substantial storage media. Also, BOOTP is an abbreviation for BOOT strap Protocol. In the following, the processing performed by the arithmetic unit of the BOOTP server 40 will be described simply as processing performed by the BOOTP server 40.

[0052] The equipment module 50 is a production piece of equipment that produces a product by performing pre-set tasks in a predetermined process during product production. As shown in Figure 1, in the production instruction system 1 of this disclosure, multiple equipment modules 50 are arranged side by side according to the type of product to be produced. The type and quantity of equipment modules 50 to be arranged are registered in advance in the model registration DB 21 of the production management server 20 according to the type of product to be produced. The multiple equipment modules 50 arranged according to the type of product constitute a single production line. Each of these multiple equipment modules 50 constituting the production line is connected to the communication network 5.

[0053] Furthermore, these multiple equipment modules 50 that make up the production line perform different tasks that are pre-configured for each product being produced. Each of the multiple equipment modules 50 is equipped with various devices for performing the tasks it performs.

[0054] However, the main equipment installed in the multiple equipment modules 50 is the same, as shown in Figure 1. For this reason, only the equipment module 50 that is directly connected to the integrated relay device 32 shown in Figure 1 will be described in detail, and the detailed descriptions of the other equipment modules 50 will be omitted.

[0055] The equipment module 50 includes an equipment PLC unit 51, an equipment relay device 52, and a QR code (registered trademark) reader 53. The equipment PLC unit 51 is composed of multiple units with different functions. Specifically, the equipment PLC unit 51 is composed of one equipment CPU unit 51a, one equipment IF unit 51b, and an I / O unit (not shown).

[0056] The equipment CPU unit 51a consists of a microcomputer and its peripheral circuits, which include a CPU, ROM, and RAM. The memory is composed of a non-transitional physical storage medium. The equipment CPU unit 51a performs various calculations and processes based on programs stored in the ROM. Specifically, when producing a product, the equipment CPU unit 51a operates the equipment provided in each equipment module 50 by performing various calculations and processes based on processing recipes pre-stored in the ROM in order to execute tasks that are predetermined for each equipment module 50.

[0057] The equipment CPU unit 51a is pre-assigned a unique MAC address. The equipment module 50 also has a document attached that displays information about the MAC address assigned to the equipment CPU unit 51a. Furthermore, the equipment CPU unit 51a can be configured with any IP address via control signals transmitted from the BOOTP server 40. The equipment CPU unit 51a functions as the equipment control unit.

[0058] The equipment IF unit 51b is a network interface for communication between the equipment CPU unit 51a and the QR code reader 53. The QR code reader 53 is connected to the equipment IF unit 51b.

[0059] An I / O unit is an interface that connects to input / output devices (not shown) and communicates with those devices. Examples of input / output devices that can be connected to an I / O unit include display devices, sensors, buzzers, and lamps.

[0060] The equipment relay device 52 is a relay device installed between other devices when connecting other devices via the communication network 5. The integrated relay device 32 and the equipment CPU unit 51a are connected to the equipment relay device 52. The equipment relay device 52 then connects the integrated relay device 32 and the equipment CPU unit 51a so that they can communicate with each other. In other words, the equipment relay device 52 connects the integrated CPU unit 31a and the BOOTP server 40 connected to the integrated relay device 32 to the equipment CPU unit 51a so that they can communicate with each other.

[0061] Furthermore, the equipment relay device 52 is also connected to other equipment relay devices 52 installed in equipment modules 50 that are different from the equipment module 50 to which it is installed. This connects the other equipment module 50 to the integrated CPU unit 31a and BOOTP server 40 connected to the integrated relay device 32. As a result, all equipment modules 50 constituting the production line are connected to the integrated CPU unit 31a and BOOTP server 40. For example, a switching hub can be used as the equipment relay device 52.

[0062] The QR code reader 53 is a device that reads information written on a QR code and outputs the read information. In this embodiment, the QR code reader 53 is used to read the QR code of a document attached to an equipment module 50 located next to the equipment module 50 on which it is installed.

[0063] The QR code reader 53 reads the MAC address information registered in the equipment CPU unit 51a installed in the adjacent equipment module 50 by reading the QR code of the adjacent equipment module 50. In this disclosure, the QR code reader 53 is mounted to the right of the equipment module 50 in which it is installed, and is capable of reading the MAC address information registered in the equipment CPU unit 51a of the equipment module 50 located to the right.

[0064] The MAC address information read by the QR code reader 53 is transmitted to the equipment CPU unit 51a and can be transmitted to the BOOTP server 40 via the equipment CPU unit 51a. The QR code reader 53 is mounted in a position corresponding to where the QR code is attached on the equipment module 50 located on the right side. The QR code reader 53 functions as an address detection unit.

[0065] In the production instruction system 1, which is equipped with various components, the combination of equipment modules 50 that make up the production line and the process sequence are set according to the product to be produced. After installing the multiple equipment modules 50 in the set combination and process sequence, it is necessary to make the equipment CPU units 51a provided in each of the multiple equipment modules 50 capable of communicating with other devices. For this reason, it is necessary to set different IP addresses for each equipment CPU unit 51a of the equipment modules 50.

[0066] If the IP address configuration process can only be performed by experts with specialized knowledge, then an expert will be required every time the equipment module 50 is installed. This can lead to problems such as the inability to install the equipment module 50 without an expert, or the inability to replace the equipment module 50 in the event of a failure of the equipment CPU unit 51a without an expert.

[0067] In contrast, the production instruction system 1 of this disclosure can set different IP addresses for each equipment CPU unit 51a of the equipment module 50, even without the presence of experts. The operation of the production instruction system 1 when setting IP addresses for the equipment CPU units 51a when installing the equipment modules 50 in a set combination and process order will be described below with reference to the control processes shown in Figures 4 to 7. This disclosure describes an example where the production part number of the product to be manufactured is "Y," and a production line is set up to produce product part number "Y."

[0068] Suppose a user has entered information into the production management server 20 that the production number of the product to be produced is "Y" and the production quantity, in order to produce a product with production number "Y". Then, as shown in Figure 4, in step S100, the production management server 20 creates process information based on the module information. Specifically, the production management server 20 creates process information by assigning equipment modules 50 to each of the 1st module position to the 5th module position for production number "Y" registered in the model registration DB 21. For each of the 1st module position to the 5th module position, an available equipment module 50 from the equipment modules 50 registered in the module registration DB 22 is assigned.

[0069] In the example provided in this disclosure, as process information for producing production product number "Y", the first module position is assigned information for equipment module 50 with module number 1, as shown in Figure 3. Specifically, the first module position is assigned information for equipment module 50 with the registered name "Baby Turtle Input 01" and the MAC address "00000AD75DFB". Furthermore, the second module position is assigned information for equipment module 50 with module number 253. Specifically, the second module position is assigned information for equipment module 50 with the registered name "Input 15" and the MAC address "00000AD75EEB".

[0070] Furthermore, the third module position will be assigned information for equipment module 50 with module number 10. Specifically, the third module position will be assigned information for equipment module 50 with the registered name "Coating 03" and the MAC address "00000AD75E5C". Furthermore, the fourth module position will be assigned information for equipment module 50 with module number 15. Specifically, the fourth module position will be assigned information for equipment module 50 with the registered name "Image Inspection 02" and the MAC address "00000AD75F4B".

[0071] Furthermore, the information for equipment module 50, module number 3, is assigned to the 5th module position. Specifically, the information for equipment module 50, which has the registered name "Recovery01" and the MAC address "00000AD75D6B", is assigned to the 5th module position. Then, the information "NULL", indicating a process that does not require work, is assigned to the 6th to 10th module positions.

[0072] Then, in step S110, the production management server 20 transmits module information and process information to the integrated CPU unit 31a of the integrated control unit 30. Specifically, the production management server 20 transmits various information about the five equipment modules 50 necessary to produce production part number "Y" registered in the model registration DB 21 and module registration DB 22, as well as process sequence information for each of the five equipment modules 50. Then, in step S120, the production management server 20 waits until it receives a request signal from the integrated CPU unit 31a for processing recipes to be installed in each of the equipment modules 50.

[0073] As shown in Figure 5, when the integrated CPU unit 31a receives module information and process information in step S200, the display device displays the module information and process information in step S210. Specifically, the display device of the integrated control unit 30 displays the registration names and process sequence information of the five equipment modules 50 necessary to produce production product number "Y". In this way, the integrated control unit 30 informs the user of the registration names and process sequence information of each of the five equipment modules 50 necessary to produce production product number "Y".

[0074] The user can check the registered names and process order information of the five equipment modules 50 displayed on the display device of the integrated control unit 30, and install the five equipment modules 50 in the displayed process order.

[0075] Furthermore, in step S220, the integrated CPU unit 31a transmits process information to the BOOTP server 40. Specifically, the integrated CPU unit 31a transmits to the BOOTP server 40 information regarding the process sequence of the five equipment modules 50 necessary to produce production product number "Y", as well as the MAC address information of each of the five equipment modules 50. Then, in step S230, the integrated CPU unit 31a waits until it receives information regarding the IP addresses set for each of the five equipment modules 50 from the BOOTP server 40.

[0076] As shown in Figure 6, when the BOOTP server 40 receives process information in step S300, it updates the address information registered in the layout registration DB 41 in step S310. Specifically, the BOOTP server 40 registers the IP address information registered in the equipment CPU units 51a of the five equipment modules 50 at the positions from the first module to the fifth module, associating it with the MAC address information of each of the five equipment modules 50.

[0077] In this disclosure, the MAC address information of equipment module 50 with module number 1 assigned to the first module position in the process information is associated with the IP address information of "192.168.0.1" and registered in the layout registration DB 41. Similarly, the MAC address information of equipment module 50 with module number 253 assigned to the second module position is associated with the IP address information of "192.168.0.2" and registered in the layout registration DB 41. Furthermore, the MAC address information of equipment module 50 with module number 10 assigned to the third module position is associated with the IP address information of "192.168.0.3" and registered in the layout registration DB 41. Finally, the MAC address information of equipment module 50 with module number 15 assigned to the fourth module position is associated with the IP address information of "192.168.0.4" and registered in the layout registration DB 41. Furthermore, the IP address information "192.168.0.5" is linked to the MAC address information of equipment module 50, module number 3, which is assigned to the 5th module position, and registered in the layout registration DB41.

[0078] Then, in step S320, the BOOTP server 40 waits until it receives MAC address information from each of the equipment CPU units 51a of the five equipment modules 50 registered in the layout registration DB 41.

[0079] Next, the operations performed by the equipment CPU units 51a of the equipment PLC unit 51, which are installed in the order of the process by the user, will be explained with reference to Figure 7. Since the operations performed by each of the equipment CPU units 51a of the five equipment modules 50 are the same, only the operations performed by one equipment CPU unit 51a will be explained. When power is turned on after the equipment module 50 is installed, the equipment CPU unit 51a performs the control processing shown in Figure 7.

[0080] First, in step S400, the equipment CPU unit 51a determines whether the startup is an initial startup. That is, the equipment CPU unit 51a determines whether it is in a state where it has been powered on for the first time since being installed in the process sequence.

[0081] If the startup is not determined to be an initial startup, the equipment CPU unit 51a skips all processing from step S410 onward. On the other hand, if the startup is determined to be an initial startup, in step S410, the equipment CPU unit 51a sends its MAC address information to the BOOTP server 40, requesting the BOOTP server 40 to set an IP address for itself. Then, in step S420, the equipment CPU unit 51a waits until the BOOTP server 40 sets an IP address for it.

[0082] If the BOOTP server 40 determines in step S320 that it has received MAC address information from the equipment CPU unit 51a of the equipment module 50, it proceeds to step S330. In step S330, the BOOTP server 40 compares the MAC address information registered in the address information of the layout registration DB 41 with the MAC address information received from the equipment CPU unit 51a.

[0083] Then, in step S340, the BOOTP server 40 sets the IP address of the equipment module 50 whose MAC address matches the received MAC address among the equipment modules 50 registered in the address information. The BOOTP server 40 sets the IP address associated with the MAC address that matches the received MAC address to the equipment CPU unit 51a that sent the MAC address. In other words, when the BOOTP server 40 receives the MAC address information assigned to the equipment CPU unit 51a transmitted from the equipment CPU unit 51a, it sets the IP address of this equipment CPU unit 51a based on the address information.

[0084] As a result, an IP address is set for each of the initially activated equipment CPU units 51a. In this way, the production instruction system 1 of this disclosure can set different IP addresses for each of the equipment CPU units 51a of the equipment modules 50, even without the presence of experts.

[0085] Then, in step S350, the configured IP address information is linked to the MAC address information of the equipment CPU unit 51a to which the IP address is configured, and sent to the integrated CPU unit 31a.

[0086] Returning to Figure 7, if the equipment CPU unit 51a determines in step S420 that an IP address has been set for it by the BOOTP server 40, it proceeds to step S430. In step S430, the equipment CPU unit 51a obtains the MAC address information of the equipment module 50 located next to the equipment module 50 on which it is installed via the QR code reader 53. The equipment CPU unit 51a obtains the MAC address information of the equipment module 50 located to the right of the equipment module 50 on which it is installed by obtaining the QR code on the document attached to the equipment module 50 located to the right via the QR code reader 53.

[0087] In step S440, the equipment CPU unit 51a transmits the MAC address information of the equipment module 50 located to its right to the integrated CPU unit 31a.

[0088] Furthermore, the QR code reader 53 installed on the rightmost of the five equipment modules 50, which are installed in the order of the process, cannot obtain the MAC address information of the equipment module 50. This is because there is no equipment module 50 to the right of the rightmost equipment module 50, and therefore there is no readable QR code at the location corresponding to where the QR code reader 53 is installed.

[0089] In this case, the equipment CPU unit 51a located in the rightmost equipment module 50 transmits information to the integrated CPU unit 31a in step S440 that the equipment module 50 in which it is located is the rightmost.

[0090] Then, in step S450, the equipment CPU unit 51a waits until it receives processing recipe information from the integrated CPU unit 31a.

[0091] Returning to Figure 5, when the integrated CPU unit 31a receives information on the IP addresses configured for each of the five equipment modules 50 from the BOOTP server 40 in step S230, it proceeds to the process in step S240. In step S240, the integrated CPU unit 31a determines whether the arrangement of the equipment modules 50 is correct based on the MAC address information received from the equipment CPU unit 51a.

[0092] Specifically, the integrated CPU unit 31a obtains information on the arrangement of the five equipment modules 50 based on the MAC address information received from each equipment CPU unit 51a of the five equipment modules 50. Then, it compares the obtained arrangement of the five equipment modules 50 with the placement order included in the address information to determine whether the arrangement of the five equipment modules 50 is correct. In other words, the integrated CPU unit 31a determines whether the five equipment modules 50 are arranged in process order based on the MAC address information and address information transmitted from each of the QR code readers 53 of the five equipment modules 50. The integrated CPU unit 31a functions as an arrangement determination unit.

[0093] If the arrangement of the equipment module 50 is not determined to be correct, in step S250, the integrated CPU unit 31a outputs an error indicating that the arrangement of the equipment module 50 is incorrect. The error output may be displayed on the display device of the integrated control unit 30, or it may be output by a buzzer, lamp, etc. connected to the I / O unit of the integrated control unit 30. Alternatively, the error output may be output to the equipment management server 10. When the equipment management server 10 receives an error output signal from the integrated CPU unit 31a, it may display on the equipment management server 10's display device that the arrangement of the equipment module 50 is incorrect.

[0094] If the arrangement of the equipment modules 50 is determined to be correct, in step S260, the integrated CPU unit 31a requests information on the processing recipes to be installed on each of the five equipment CPU units 51a of the equipment modules 50 from the production management server 20. Then, in step S270, the integrated CPU unit 31a waits until it receives the processing recipe information from the production management server 20.

[0095] Returning to Figure 4, when the production management server 20 receives a processing recipe request signal from the integrated CPU unit 31a in step S120, it proceeds to the process in step S130. In step S130, the production management server 20 transmits processing recipe information corresponding to each of the five equipment modules 50 to the integrated CPU unit 31a. Specifically, the production management server 20 transmits processing recipe information to the integrated CPU unit 31a for the equipment module 50 to execute the following operations: "Input Process A", "Input Process B", "Coating Process C", "Image Inspection Process B", and "Recovery Process A".

[0096] When the integrated CPU unit 31a receives processing recipe information from the production management server 20 in step S270, it proceeds to the process in step S280. In step S280, the integrated CPU unit 31a transmits the processing recipe information received from the production management server 20 to the equipment CPU unit 51a provided in each of the corresponding equipment modules 50.

[0097] Specifically, the integrated CPU unit 31a transmits processing recipe information for executing "Input Process A" to the equipment CPU unit 51a of equipment module 50 with module number 1. The integrated CPU unit 31a also transmits processing recipe information for executing "Input Process B" to the equipment CPU unit 51a of equipment module 50 with module number 253. The integrated CPU unit 31a also transmits processing recipe information for executing "Coating Process C" to the equipment CPU unit 51a of equipment module 50 with module number 10. The integrated CPU unit 31a also transmits processing recipe information for executing "Image Inspection Process B" to the equipment CPU unit 51a of equipment module 50 with module number 15. The integrated CPU unit 31a also transmits processing recipe information for executing "Recovery Process A" to the equipment CPU unit 51a of equipment module 50 with module number 3.

[0098] When the equipment CPU unit 51a receives machining recipe information from the integrated CPU unit 31a in step S450, it proceeds to the process in step S460. In step S460, the equipment CPU unit 51a installs the machining recipe received from the integrated CPU unit 31a. Then, in step S470, the equipment CPU unit 51a determines whether the equipment module 50 to which it is installed is in a state where it can operate normally in order to execute the installed machining recipe. For example, if the equipment module 50 has a conveying device that transports workpieces, the equipment CPU unit 51a determines whether the equipment module 50 is in a state where it can operate normally by returning the position of the conveying device to its origin.

[0099] If it is determined that the equipment module 50 is in a state where it can operate normally, in step S480, the equipment CPU unit 51a turns on the normal flag indicating that the equipment module 50 is in a state where it can operate normally. Conversely, if it is not determined that the equipment module 50 is in a state where it can operate normally, in step S490, the equipment CPU unit 51a turns off the normal flag indicating that the equipment module 50 is in a state where it can operate normally.

[0100] Returning to Figure 5, in step S290, the integrated CPU unit 31a determines whether each of the five equipment modules 50 is in a normal state. Specifically, the integrated CPU unit 31a determines whether each of the five equipment modules 50 is in a normal state based on whether the normal flag of the equipment CPU unit 51a for each of the five equipment modules 50 is turned on.

[0101] If all five equipment modules 50 are determined to be in a normal state, in step S295, the integrated CPU unit 31a sends a start signal to each of the equipment CPU units 51a of the five equipment modules 50. As a result, the production line becomes ready to produce product number "Y" using the five equipment modules 50. On the other hand, if even one of the five equipment modules 50 is not determined to be in a normal state, in step S250, the integrated CPU unit 31a outputs an error indicating that the equipment module 50 is in an abnormal state.

[0102] As described above, the production instruction system 1 of this embodiment comprises a plurality of equipment modules 50 for producing multiple types of products, and a BOOTP server 40 that can communicate with each of the plurality of equipment modules 50 via Ethernet. Each of the plurality of equipment modules 50 stores information of a MAC address assigned to it in advance and has an equipment CPU unit 51a that transmits its own MAC address information to the BOOTP server 40.

[0103] The BOOTP server 40 stores address information. Furthermore, when the BOOTP server 40 receives MAC address information from a predetermined equipment CPU unit 51a of a predetermined equipment module 50 among multiple equipment modules 50, it sets the IP address of the predetermined equipment CPU unit 51a based on the address information.

[0104] According to this, the production instruction system 1 can easily set different IP addresses for each of the equipment CPU units 51a of multiple equipment modules 50, even without the need for experts.

[0105] Furthermore, according to the above embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

[0106] (1) In the above embodiment, the product is produced by equipment modules 50 arranged in a predetermined order of processes in multiple processes. The IP addresses stored in the BOOTP server 40 are determined based on the order of processes.

[0107] According to this, even if the arrangement of the equipment module 50 is changed depending on the product being produced, the IP address of the equipment CPU unit 51a of the equipment module 50 can be easily set.

[0108] Furthermore, by determining the IP address based on the process sequence, it is not necessary to pre-fix the IP address for each equipment CPU unit 51a. In other words, it is not necessary to pre-associate an IP address with the MAC address of each equipment CPU unit 51a.

[0109] Therefore, for example, even if one of the multiple equipment CPU units 51a fails and needs to be replaced, the same IP address as the equipment CPU unit 51a before replacement can be set to the replacement equipment CPU unit 51a, as shown in Figure 8. Figure 8 shows an example where one of the four equipment CPU units 51a is replaced, and the replacement equipment CPU unit 51a is set to the IP address "192.168.0.2" that was set to the equipment CPU unit 51a before replacement.

[0110] Furthermore, if the number of equipment modules 50 registered in the module registration DB22 is greater than or equal to the maximum number that can be connected to the same network, and the quantity of equipment modules 50 constituting a single production line is less than or equal to that maximum number, then an IP address can be easily set.

[0111] (2) In the above embodiment, an integrated control unit 30 is provided that determines whether or not a plurality of equipment modules 50 are arranged in process order.

[0112] According to this, it is possible to detect whether the equipment modules 50 are correctly arranged in the order of the process.

[0113] (3) In the above embodiment, the multiple equipment modules 50 are arranged adjacent to each other in process order. Each of the multiple equipment modules 50 has a QR code reader 53 that detects a MAC address that is pre-assigned to the equipment module 50 located next to it among the multiple equipment modules 50. The QR code reader 53 transmits the detected MAC address information to the integrated control unit 30. The integrated control unit 30 determines whether the multiple equipment modules 50 are arranged in process order based on the MAC address information and address information transmitted from the QR code reader 53 of each of the multiple equipment modules 50.

[0114] According to this, each of the multiple equipment modules 50 can easily detect whether or not they are arranged in process order by detecting the MAC address information of the equipment CPU unit 51a of the equipment module 50 located next to it.

[0115] (Other embodiments) While representative embodiments of this disclosure have been described above, this disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above and can be modified in various ways, for example, as follows.

[0116] In the above embodiment, an example was described in which the IP addresses stored in the BOOTP server 40 are determined based on the process sequence, but this is not limited to this. For example, the IP addresses stored in the BOOTP server 40 may be predetermined and associated with the MAC address of each equipment CPU unit 51a.

[0117] In the above-described embodiment, an example was described in which an integrated control unit 30 is provided to determine whether or not multiple equipment modules 50 are arranged in process order, but the system is not limited to this. For example, the production instruction system 1 may not have an integrated control unit 30 that determines whether or not multiple equipment modules 50 are arranged in process order.

[0118] In the embodiment described above, multiple equipment modules 50 are arranged adjacent to each other in process order. Each of the multiple equipment modules 50 detects the MAC address of the equipment module 50 located next to it using a QR code reader 53. The integrated control unit 30 then determines whether the multiple equipment modules 50 are arranged in process order based on the MAC address information and address information transmitted from the QR code reader 53 of each of the multiple equipment modules 50. However, the embodiment is not limited to this.

[0119] For example, the MAC address of the equipment module 50 may be detected by a method other than the QR code reader 53, such as a camera.

[0120] In the embodiments described above, it goes without saying that the elements constituting the embodiments are not necessarily essential, except in cases where they are explicitly stated to be essential or where they are clearly considered essential in principle.

[0121] In the embodiments described above, if numerical values ​​such as the number, numerical values, quantities, or ranges of the components of the embodiment are mentioned, the embodiment is not limited to those specific numbers unless explicitly stated as particularly essential or clearly limited to a specific number in principle.

[0122] In the embodiments described above, when referring to the shape, positional relationships, etc. of the components, the definition is not limited to those shapes, positional relationships, etc., unless otherwise specifically stated or when the definition is fundamentally limited to a particular shape, positional relationship, etc.

[0123] The equipment management server 10, production management server 20, integrated PLC unit 31, BOOTP server 40, equipment PLC unit 51, and their respective methods of this disclosure may be implemented in a dedicated computer provided by configuring a processor and memory programmed to execute one or more functions embodied by a computer program. The equipment management server 10, production management server 20, integrated PLC unit 31, BOOTP server 40, equipment PLC unit 51, and their respective methods of this disclosure may be implemented in a dedicated computer provided by configuring a processor with one or more dedicated hardware logic circuits. The equipment management server 10, production management server 20, integrated PLC unit 31, BOOTP server 40, equipment PLC unit 51, and their respective methods of this disclosure may be implemented in one or more dedicated computers configured by a combination of a processor and memory programmed to execute one or more functions and a processor configured with one or more hardware logic circuits. Furthermore, the computer program may be stored as instructions executed by the computer on a computer-readable non-transitional tangible recording medium. [Explanation of symbols]

[0124] 40 Server Devices 50 Production Equipment 51a Equipment Control Unit

Claims

1. A production instruction system for producing multiple types of products, Multiple production facilities (50) for producing the aforementioned multiple types of products, A server device (40) that can communicate with each of the aforementioned multiple production facilities via Ethernet, The system includes an arrangement determination unit (31a) that determines whether the plurality of production equipment are arranged in the order of the process, The aforementioned multiple types of products are produced by the production equipment arranged in a predetermined order of processes in multiple steps, The plurality of production equipment are arranged adjacent to each other in the order of the process, and each has an equipment control unit (51a) that stores information on MAC addresses assigned in advance and transmits the stored MAC address information to the server device, and an address detection unit (53) that detects the MAC address assigned in advance to the production equipment located next to itself among the plurality of production equipment, The server device stores address information that links the MAC address information pre-assigned to each of the multiple production equipment and equipment control units corresponding to each of the multiple types of products, and the IP address information that can be set for the equipment control unit. When it receives MAC address information from a predetermined equipment control unit of a predetermined production equipment among the multiple production equipment, it sets the IP address of the predetermined equipment control unit based on the address information. The IP address stored in the server device is determined based on the process sequence, The address detection unit transmits the detected MAC address information to the placement determination unit. The arrangement determination unit is a production instruction system that determines whether the multiple production equipment is arranged in the order of the process based on the MAC address information transmitted from the address detection unit of each of the multiple production equipment and the address information.

2. A production instruction system for producing multiple types of products, Multiple production facilities (50) for producing the aforementioned multiple types of products, Each of the aforementioned production facilities is equipped with a server device (40) that can communicate with each other via Ethernet, The aforementioned multiple types of products are produced by the aforementioned multiple production equipment arranged in a predetermined order of processes in multiple processes, Each of the aforementioned production equipment has an equipment control unit (51a) that stores information on MAC addresses assigned in advance and transmits the information on its own stored MAC address to the server device. The server device stores address information that links the MAC address information pre-assigned to each of the multiple production equipment and equipment control units corresponding to each of the multiple types of products, and the IP address information that can be set for the equipment control unit. When it receives MAC address information from a predetermined equipment control unit of a predetermined production equipment among the multiple production equipment, it sets the IP address of the predetermined equipment control unit based on the address information. The IP address stored in the server device is determined for each of the multiple processes based on the process sequence in the production instruction system.

3. The production instruction system according to claim 2, further comprising an arrangement determination unit (31a) that determines whether the plurality of production equipment are arranged in the order of the process.

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