Management device, control method for management device, control program, and recording medium

Abstract

The present invention links in-production lots and lot numbers using a simple and easy configuration. This management device comprises: a lot number acquisition unit in which, when there are a plurality of lots containing a plurality of workpieces processed by production equipment and during a processing period for a certain lot among the plurality of lots, one of a lot number identifying said lot and a lot number identifying a lot other than said lot is acquired a plurality of times; and a linking unit that links, to the certain lot, the most frequent lot number among the plurality of lot numbers acquired during the processing period.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a management device that manages lots processed by production equipment.

Background Art

[0002] In production equipment such as factories, production is managed for each lot. Patent Document 1 describes a device that causes an operator to read a barcode for identifying a lot by the device and notifies a management device of the identification information of the lot together with the event occurrence date and time at the start of processing.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

[0004] In order to solve the above problems, a management device according to an aspect of the present disclosure has a plurality of lots including a plurality of workpieces processed by production equipment, and during a processing period for a certain lot among the plurality of lots, an identification code for identifying the lot and one of the identification codes for identifying lots other than the lot are acquired a plurality of times, and an association unit that associates the most frequent identification code among the plurality of identification codes acquired during the processing period with the certain lot.

[0005] Also, a management method according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes a plurality of lots including a plurality of workpieces processed by production equipment, and during a processing period for a certain lot among the plurality of lots, an identification code for identifying the lot and one of the identification codes for identifying lots other than the lot are acquired a plurality of times, and an association step of associating the most frequent identification code among the plurality of identification codes acquired during the processing period with the certain lot.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0006] [Figure 1] This is a functional block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a management system and a management device included in the management system according to the embodiments of this disclosure. [Figure 2] This figure shows the relationship between the acquired production quantity and lot number and the time they were acquired. [Figure 3] Figure 2 shows a graph illustrating the relationship between production quantity and time, as well as the timing at which lot numbers were obtained. [Figure 4] This figure shows an example of linking lot production quantity to lot number. [Figure 5] This flowchart shows the processing flow of the control device. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0007] 〔overview〕 The management system 10 according to this embodiment manages lots processed by the production equipment 3. More specifically, the management system 10 includes a management device 1 and the production equipment 3. The management device 1 acquires the lot number (identification code) of a lot containing a workpiece 201 processed by the production equipment 3. The management device 1 then automatically associates the lot containing the workpiece 201 processed by the production equipment 3 with the lot number of that lot, thereby managing the workpiece 201 processed by the production equipment 3 on a lot-by-lot basis.

[0008] Production equipment 3 is equipment that processes workpieces 201. If the processing of workpieces 201 is carried out in multiple steps, production equipment 3 may be responsible for one of those steps. Furthermore, there may be multiple production equipment units 3. Production equipment 3 may be equipped with an input device such as a keyboard and a display device such as a liquid crystal display, and the processing of the steps may be executed by inputting operations to production equipment 3 using the input device. The number of workpieces 201 processed by production equipment 3 is transmitted to the management device 1 as production quantity information at each first time interval.

[0009] Furthermore, each workpiece 201 is managed by lot. For example, each workpiece 201 is housed in one storage box 210, and each storage box 210 is marked with a medium BN to identify the lot number. In the example shown in Figure 1, the medium BNs are "Lot Number #1" for lot 20, "Lot Number #2" for lot 21, and "Lot Number #3" for lot 22. The medium BN may be a sticker or other means that shows a specific numerical value as the lot number, or it may be a barcode or the like. Alternatively, it may be an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tag that stores information indicating the lot number. Also, the lot number may be displayed on a sign or the like instead of on the storage box 210.

[0010] [Configuration of Control Device 1] The configuration of the management device 1 will be explained based on Figure 1. Figure 1 is a diagram showing an example configuration of the management system 10 and the management device 1.

[0011] As shown in Figure 1, the management device 1 comprises a lot number acquisition unit (identification code acquisition unit) 11, a production quantity acquisition unit 12, a linking unit 13, and a storage unit 14. The management device 1 can be configured as, for example, a PC (Personal Computer).

[0012] The lot number acquisition unit 11 acquires the lot number by reading the medium BN at the first time interval. More details are as follows.

[0013] As described above, the medium BN indicating the lot number is attached to the storage box 210. Before processing the workpiece 201 by the production equipment 3, the operator of the production equipment 3 positions the storage box 210 in a location where the control device 1 can acquire the lot number indicated by the medium BN. The lot number acquisition unit 11 acquires the lot number multiple times at predetermined intervals from the medium BN attached to the storage box 210 during the processing period of the workpiece 201 by the production equipment 3. The lot number acquired by the lot number acquisition unit 11 during the processing period of the workpiece 201 is either a lot number that identifies the lot containing the workpiece 201, or a lot number that identifies a lot other than the lot containing the workpiece.

[0014] For example, if the medium BN indicates the lot number itself, the lot number acquisition unit 11 may acquire the lot number by photographing the lot number and performing image recognition. Alternatively, if the medium BN indicates the lot number using a barcode, the lot number acquisition unit may be equipped with a barcode reader and acquire the lot number from the information read by the barcode reader. Furthermore, if the medium BN is an RFID tag, the lot number acquisition unit 11 may be equipped with an RFID reader and acquire the lot number from the information read by the RFID reader.

[0015] The first time period may be such that the number of lot numbers acquired during the processing of all workpieces 201 included in the lot is equal to or greater than a predetermined number. For example, the first time period may be, for example, one minute, or it may be between one minute and several minutes. Alternatively, the first time period may be approximately 1 / 60th of the period from when the production quantity becomes zero to when it becomes zero again. Thus, the first time period is not particularly limited and may be any time as long as it does not cause problems such as excessive power consumption, excessive burden on the equipment, or inability to accurately link the lot numbers. The lot number acquisition unit 11 transmits the acquired lot numbers to the linking unit 13.

[0016] Furthermore, the lot number acquisition unit 11 may acquire information including the lot number as identification information, rather than the lot number itself. In other words, the lot number acquisition unit 11 may acquire identification information including at least one of a plurality of lot numbers that each identifies one of a plurality of lots, each containing a plurality of workpieces 201 processed by the production equipment 3. Also, the lot number acquisition unit 11 may acquire identification information including at least one of the plurality of lot numbers multiple times during the processing period of each of the plurality of lots.

[0017] The production quantity acquisition unit 12 sequentially acquires the production quantity of workpieces 201 in the production equipment 3 at second time intervals. The acquired production quantities are transmitted to the linking unit 13. The second time interval may be the same as or different from the first time interval.

[0018] The linking unit 13 performs a linking process between the lot number transmitted from the lot number acquisition unit 11 and the production quantity transmitted from the production quantity acquisition unit 12. The details of the linking process by the linking unit 13 will be explained using Figures 2 and 3. Figure 2 is a table showing an example of the acquired production quantity and lot number and the time at which they were acquired. Figure 3 is a graph of the relationship between the production quantity and time shown in Figure 2, and the timing at which the lot number was acquired.

[0019] In the examples shown in Figures 2 and 3, the production quantity at time "00:00~00:01" is "0" and the lot number is "#1", the production quantity at time "00:01~00:02" is "3" and the lot number is "#1", the production quantity at time "00:02~00:03" is "6" and the lot number is "#1", the production quantity at time "00:03~00:04" is "10" and the lot number is "#1", and at time "00:04~00:05" The production quantity at [time] is "10" and the lot number is "#1". The production quantity at [time] from "00:05" to "00:06" is "10" and the lot number is "#1". The production quantity at [time] from "00:06" to "00:07" is "7" and the lot number is "#1". The production quantity at [time] from "00:07" to "00:08" is "4" and the lot number is "#1". The production quantity at [time] from "00:08" to "00:09" is "0" and the lot number is "#1". Next, the production quantity at time "00:09~00:10" is "0" and lot number is "#2", the production quantity at time "00:10~00:11" is "2" and lot number is "#2", the production quantity at time "00:11~00:12" is "8" and lot number is "#2", the production quantity at time "00:12~00:13" is "11" and lot number is "#2", the production quantity at time "00:13~00:14" is "11" and lot number is "#2", and the production quantity at time "00:14~00:15" is... The sequence continues as follows: quantity "10", lot number "#2", production quantity "8" at time "00:15~00:16", lot number "#2", production quantity "0" at time "00:16~00:17", lot number "#2", production quantity "0" at time "00:17~00:18", lot number "#2", production quantity "3" at time "00:18~00:19", lot number "#2", production quantity "6" at time "00:19~00:20", lot number "#3", and so on.

[0020] In this case, the linking unit 13 sets the period from when the production quantity becomes "0" until it becomes "0" next as the processing period, and links the lot number with the most occurrences during this processing period to the production quantity in this processing period. That is, the linking unit 13 designates the lot number with the most occurrences among the lot numbers acquired during the processing period as the most frequent lot number, and links the most frequent lot number to the lot processed during the processing period in which the most frequent lot number was acquired most frequently among multiple lots.

[0021] In the examples shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the most frequent lot number (the most frequent identification code), which is the lot number with the most occurrences acquired during the processing period from "00:00" when the production quantity is "0" until the next time the production quantity becomes "0" at "00:09", is "#1". Therefore, the lot number "#1" is linked to the production quantity acquired during this processing period. In other words, the work 201 produced during this processing period becomes the lot number "#1".

[0022] Subsequently, the lot number with the most occurrences acquired during the processing period from "00:09" when the production quantity is "0" until the next time the production quantity becomes "0" at "00:17" is "#2". Therefore, the lot number "#2" is linked to the production quantity acquired during this processing period. In other words, the work 201 produced during this processing period becomes the lot number "#2".

[0023] Furthermore, the lot number with the most occurrences acquired during the processing period from "00:17" when the production quantity is "0" until the next time the production quantity becomes "0" at "00:26" is "#3". Therefore, the lot number "#3" is linked to the production quantity acquired during this processing period. In other words, the work 201 produced during this processing period becomes the lot number "#3".

[0024] In this way, by designating the lot number with the most occurrences among the lot numbers acquired during the processing of the work 201 as the lot number of the lot including the work 201, the lot and the lot number can be linked with an easy and simple configuration.

[0025] The memory unit 14 stores various types of information, including lot management data 141. The lot management data 141 is data that shows the relationship between the production quantity and lot number linked by the linking unit 13. Figure 4 shows an example of lot management data 141. As shown in the lot management data 141, lot number "#1" is linked to the production quantity during the time period "00:01~00:08". Lot number "#2" is linked to the production quantity during the time period "00:10~00:16". Furthermore, lot number "#3" is linked to the production quantity during the time period "00:18~00:25". The memory unit 14 may be, for example, a non-volatile memory.

[0026] As described above, in this embodiment, there are multiple lots (20, 21, 22) containing multiple workpieces 201 processed by the production equipment 3. The lot number acquisition unit 11 of the management device 1 acquires one of the lot numbers (#1) that identifies lot 20 and the lot numbers (#2, #3) that identify lots other than lot 20 multiple times during the processing period for a particular lot (for example, lot 20) among the multiple lots (20, 21, 22). The linking unit 13 then links the most frequent lot number among the multiple lot numbers (#1, #2, #3) acquired during the processing period to lot 20.

[0027] The lot number that is retrieved most frequently during the processing period of all workpieces included in a lot is highly likely to represent the lot number corresponding to the lot currently being processed. Therefore, by using the most frequently retrieved lot number, it is possible to accurately and easily link the lot being processed with the lot number. Furthermore, since the linking of lots can be done simply by retrieving the lot number, the linking can be performed with a simple and easy configuration.

[0028] Furthermore, for example, when manually reading lot numbers, there may be a discrepancy between the timing of actual lot processing and the timing of lot number reading. According to the configuration of this disclosure, even if the timing of lot number reading is off, the most frequently obtained lot number during the lot processing period is used for linking, thus reducing the discrepancy in linking lots and lot numbers.

[0029] [Processing flow in control device 1] Next, with reference to Figure 5, the processing flow in the management device 1 will be explained. Figure 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the linking process performed in the management device 1.

[0030] Once processing begins, for example, when the storage box 210 is placed in a predetermined position, the lot number acquisition unit 11 acquires the lot number by reading the medium BN (S101, identification code acquisition step). If the first predetermined time elapses (YES in S102), the lot number acquisition unit reads the medium BN again and acquires the lot number. In other words, the lot number acquisition unit 11 repeatedly acquires the lot number at intervals of the first predetermined time.

[0031] In parallel with steps S101 and S102, the production quantity acquisition unit 12 acquires the production quantity from production equipment 3 (S201). The production quantity acquisition unit 12 then determines whether the processing period has elapsed (S202). If the processing period has not elapsed (NO in S202), the production quantity acquisition unit 12 determines whether the second predetermined time has elapsed (S203). If the second predetermined time has elapsed (YES in S203), the production quantity acquisition unit 12 acquires the production quantity from production equipment 3 again. In other words, the production quantity acquisition unit 12 repeatedly acquires the production quantity at intervals of the second predetermined time. The second predetermined time may be the same as the first predetermined time, or it may be a different time.

[0032] In step S202, if it is determined that the processing period has elapsed (YES in S202), the linking unit 13 links the lot number with the production quantity (S204, linking step). The above is the flow of the linking process in the control device 1.

[0033] [Examples of implementation using software] The function of the control device 1 (hereinafter referred to as "the device") is a program that causes a computer to function as the device, and can be realized by a program that causes a computer to function as each control block of the device (in particular, the lot number acquisition unit 11, the production quantity acquisition unit 12, and the linking unit 13).

[0034] In this case, the device includes a computer having at least one control device (e.g., a processor) and at least one storage device (e.g., memory) as hardware for executing the program. By executing the program using this control device and storage device, each of the functions described in the above embodiments is realized.

[0035] The program may be recorded on one or more computer-readable recording media, not temporary ones. These recording media may or may not be provided by the device. In the latter case, the program may be supplied to the device via any wired or wireless transmission medium.

[0036] Furthermore, some or all of the functions of each control block can also be implemented by logic circuits. For example, an integrated circuit in which logic circuits functioning as each of the control blocks are formed is also included in the scope of this disclosure. In addition, it is also possible to implement the functions of each control block using, for example, a quantum computer.

[0037] The inventions described in this disclosure have been explained above based on the drawings and embodiments. However, the inventions described in this disclosure are not limited to the embodiments described above. That is, the inventions described in this disclosure can be modified in various ways within the scope shown in this disclosure, and embodiments obtained by appropriately combining the technical means disclosed in different embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the inventions described in this disclosure. In other words, it should be noted that it is easy for those skilled in the art to make various modifications or alterations based on this disclosure. Furthermore, it should be noted that these modifications or alterations are included in the scope of this disclosure.

[0038] 〔summary〕 The management device according to Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure comprises an identification code acquisition unit that acquires multiple identification codes from among an identification code that identifies a particular lot and an identification code that identifies a lot other than the particular lot, multiple times during the processing period for a particular lot, and a linking unit that links the most frequent identification code among the multiple identification codes acquired during the processing period to the particular lot.

[0039] The identification code that is most frequently retrieved during the processing period of all workpieces in a lot is highly likely to represent the identification code (e.g., lot number) corresponding to the lot being processed. Therefore, by using the most frequently retrieved identification code, it is possible to accurately and easily link the lot being processed with its identification code. Furthermore, since the linking of the lot and the identification code can be done simply by retrieving the identification code, the linking can be performed with a simple and easy configuration.

[0040] The management device according to Embodiment 2 of this disclosure includes a production quantity acquisition unit that sequentially acquires the production quantity in the production equipment, and the linking unit may link the lot with the most frequent identification code, with the processing period being from the time when the production quantity is zero until the time when it becomes zero again, during which all workpieces included in the lot are processed.

[0041] According to the above configuration, it is possible to determine the processing time of a lot from the number of units produced, and to accurately link the lot in production with its identification code.

[0042] In the management device according to embodiment 3 of this disclosure, the linking unit in embodiment 2 may link the production quantity of the lot with the most frequent identification code.

[0043] According to the above configuration, the production quantity of a product can be linked to its identification code.

[0044] In any of the embodiments 1 to 3, the management device according to embodiment 4 of the present disclosure is such that the identification code acquisition unit acquires the identification code at a first time interval, and the first time interval is such that the number of identification codes acquired during the period for processing all workpieces included in the lot is equal to or greater than a predetermined number.

[0045] According to the above configuration, a predetermined number of identification codes will be obtained, making it possible to accurately link lots with identification codes.

[0046] In the management device according to aspect 5 of this disclosure, the first time interval may be an interval of one minute to several minutes in aspect 4.

[0047] According to the above configuration, accurate linking of lot numbers to identification codes can be performed while reducing power consumption and the burden on the equipment.

[0048] In the control device according to embodiment 6 of the present disclosure, the first time interval may be an interval that is approximately 1 / 60th of the period from the time when the production quantity is zero to the time when it next becomes zero, in embodiment 4 or 5.

[0049] According to the above configuration, if the lot processing period is, for example, one hour, the first hourly interval will be one minute, allowing for accurate linking of lots to identification codes while minimizing power consumption and load on the equipment.

[0050] A control method for a management device according to aspect 6 of the present disclosure includes, in a case where there are multiple lots, each containing multiple workpieces to be processed by a production facility, an identification code acquisition step of acquiring one of an identification code that identifies a particular lot and an identification code that identifies a lot other than that lot multiple times during the processing period for a particular lot, and a linking step of linking the most frequent identification code among the multiple identification codes acquired during the processing period to the particular lot.

[0051] Each of the above embodiments may be implemented by a computer, in which case the control program for the management device that enables the management by operating the computer as each part (software element) of the management device, and the computer-readable recording medium on which the program is recorded, also fall within the scope of this disclosure. [Explanation of symbols]

[0052] 1 Management device 3. Production Equipment 11. Lot number acquisition unit (identification code acquisition unit) 12 Production Quantity Acquisition Department 13. Binding section 14 Storage section Lots 20, 21, and 22 201 Work

Claims

1. There are multiple lots, each containing multiple workpieces to be processed by the production equipment, and during the processing period for a particular lot among the multiple lots, an identification code acquisition unit acquires one of the following multiple times: an identification code to identify that lot and an identification code to identify the other lots. A linking unit that associates the most frequent identification code among the multiple identification codes acquired during the processing period with a certain lot, A production quantity acquisition unit that sequentially acquires the production quantity in the aforementioned production equipment, Equipped with, The linking unit is a management device that links a lot with the most frequent identification code, with the processing period being from the point in time when the production quantity is zero until the point in time when it becomes zero again, during which all workpieces included in the lot are processed.

2. The management device according to claim 1, wherein the linking unit links the production quantity of the lot with the most frequent identification code.

3. The identification code acquisition unit acquires the identification code at a first time interval, The management device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first time interval is an interval in which the number of identification codes obtained during the period for processing all workpieces included in the lot is equal to or greater than a predetermined number.

4. The control device according to claim 3, wherein the first time interval is an interval of one minute to several minutes.

5. The control device according to claim 3, wherein the first time interval is an interval that is approximately 1 / 60th of the period from the time when the production quantity in the production equipment is zero to the time when it next becomes zero.

6. A control method for a management device, The aforementioned control device There are multiple lots, each containing multiple workpieces to be processed by the production equipment, and during the processing period for one of these lots, an identification code acquisition step is performed to acquire one of the following multiple times: an identification code that identifies that lot and an identification code that identifies the other lots. A linking step in which the most frequent identification code among the multiple identification codes obtained during the processing period is linked to a certain lot, A production quantity acquisition step in which the production quantity in the aforementioned production equipment is acquired sequentially, Includes, A control method for a management device, wherein in the aforementioned linking step, the processing period for processing all workpieces included in the lot is defined as the period from when the production quantity is zero to when it becomes zero again, and the lot is linked to the most frequent identification code.

7. A control program for causing a computer to function as the management device described in claim 1, wherein the computer functions as the identification code acquisition unit, the linking unit, and the production quantity acquisition unit.

8. A computer-readable recording medium having the control program described in claim 7 recorded on it.

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