Processing management system and processing control method

Abstract

To provide a processing management system which allows for managing processing information associated with processing work done by processing equipment in conjunction with work information entered to an operator terminal.SOLUTION: A management device disclosed herein receives processing information from a processing information collection device and work information from an operator terminal. The processing information and the work information received by the management device are added with identification information for associating an operator doing processing work with processing equipment with an operator entering the work information to the worker terminal. The management device manages the processing information received from the processing information collection device and the work information received from the operator terminal for each operator on the basis of the identification information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a processing management system and a processing management method.

Background Art

[0002] In the welding system disclosed in Patent Document 1, an ID corresponding to a welder is attached to a welding apparatus and a welding data recording apparatus. The welding data recording apparatus collects welding data for each welder and transmits the collected welding data to a welding data management apparatus. The welding data management apparatus collectively manages the received welding data for each welder.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In Patent Document 1, nothing is considered about linking the welding data received from the welding data recording apparatus with the work information received from the worker terminal.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to obtain a processing management system and a processing management method capable of managing in cooperation the processing information associated with the processing operation by a processing apparatus and the work information input to a worker terminal.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A processing management system according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises a processing apparatus in which processing work is performed by an operator; a processing information collection device for collecting processing information associated with the processing work from the processing apparatus; an operator terminal into which operation information, including start and end information, is input by the operator; and a management device, wherein the management device receives the processing information from the processing information collection device and the operation information from the operator terminal, and the processing information and operation information received by the management device are accompanied by identification information for associating the operator who performs the processing work with the processing apparatus and the operator who inputs the operation information into the operator terminal, and the processing information received from the processing information collection device and the operation information received from the operator terminal are managed on an operator-by-operator basis based on the identification information. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to this disclosure, the processing information and work information received by the management device are accompanied by identification information to associate the worker performing the processing work with the worker entering the work information into the worker terminal. The management device manages the processing information received from the processing information collection device and the work information received from the worker terminal on a worker-by-worker basis based on the identification information. This allows the processing information and work information to be managed in conjunction with each other based on the identification information. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This figure shows a simplified overall configuration of the processing management system according to the first embodiment of this disclosure. [Figure 2] This diagram shows a simplified example of planning information. [Figure 3] This diagram shows a simplified example of a database. [Figure 4] This diagram shows a simplified example of performance data. [Figure 5] This figure shows a simplified overall configuration of the processing management system according to the first example of the second embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6]This figure shows a simplified overall configuration of a processing management system according to a second example of a second embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] This figure shows a simplified overall configuration of the processing management system according to the third embodiment of this disclosure. [Figure 8] This diagram shows a simplified example of a database. [Figure 9] This figure shows a simplified overall configuration of the processing management system according to the fourth embodiment of this disclosure. [Figure 10] This diagram shows a simplified example of a database. [Figure 11] This diagram shows a simplified example of planning information. [Figure 12] This figure shows an example of how welding speed measurement results are displayed. [Figure 13] This figure shows a simplified overall configuration of the processing management system according to the fifth embodiment of this disclosure. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] The embodiments of this disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. Elements denoted by the same reference numerals in different drawings refer to the same or corresponding elements. The multiple embodiments described below can be applied in any combination.

[0010] <First Embodiment> [System Configuration] Figure 1 is a simplified diagram showing the overall configuration of the processing management system 1 according to the first embodiment of this disclosure. The processing management system 1 comprises a processing device 11, a processing information collection device 12, an operator terminal 13, and a management device 14. The processing management system 1 also comprises an operator information collection device 15A and a display device 16. The processing information collection device 12, the operator terminal 13, the management device 14, and the display device 16 are connected to any communication network 17, such as the Internet or an intranet.

[0011] The processing device 11 is an arbitrary processing device for performing processing operations by an operator, and is a welding machine in the following example.

[0012] The processing information collection device 12 is configured to include a microcontroller or the like. The processing information collection device 12 collects processing information D1 associated with the processing operation from the processing device 11.

[0013] The operator information collection device 15A equipped with a barcode reader or the like reads operator identification information D2A such as an operator ID assigned to each operator from a barcode or the like held by the operator and inputs it to the processing information collection device 12. However, the acquisition of the operator identification information D2A is not limited to reading from a barcode, and may be a method of reading from a QR code (registered trademark) or manual input. The same applies to other embodiments described later.

[0014] The processing information collection device 12 generates processing information D3 by adding the operator identification information D2A to the processing information D1, and transmits the generated processing information D3 to the management device 14 via the communication network 17.

[0015] The operator terminal 13 is a portable device such as a smartphone or a tablet owned by the operator. The operator terminal 13 includes a display unit 41 such as a liquid crystal display, an input unit 42 such as a touch panel, a communication unit 43 such as an IP communication module, and a storage unit 44 such as a semiconductor memory. The operator terminal 13 transmits work information D4 including work start information and work end information to the management device 14 via the communication network 17. The operator performs an input operation of operator identification information such as an operator ID assigned to himself / herself by the input unit 42. The storage unit 44 holds the input operator identification information. Also, before starting work using the processing device 11, the operator performs an input operation such as tapping a work start icon displayed on the display unit 41 by the input unit 42. The communication unit 43 transmits work information D4 including work start information and operator identification information to the management device 14 via the communication network 17. The work start information includes time information indicating the work start time. Further, after finishing work using the processing device 11, the operator performs an input operation such as tapping a work end icon displayed on the display unit 41 by the input unit 42. The communication unit 43 transmits work information D4 including work end information and operator identification information to the management device 14 via the communication network 17. The work end information includes time information indicating the work end time.

[0016] The management device 14 is a cloud server or an on-premises server, etc., and includes a data processing unit 21, a storage unit 22, and a communication unit 23. The data processing unit 21 is configured to include a processor such as a CPU. The storage unit 22 is configured to include an HDD, an SSD, or a semiconductor memory, etc. The communication unit 23 is configured to include an IP communication module, etc. The storage unit 22 holds the plan information 31, the database 32, and the performance information 33.

[0017] The communication unit 23 receives processing information D3 from the processing information collection device 12 and work information D4 from the worker terminal 13. The processing information D3 and work information D4 received by the communication unit 23 are accompanied by worker identification information such as a worker ID. The worker identification information is used to associate the worker who performs processing work using the processing device 11 with the worker who inputs work information D4 into the worker terminal 13. This identification information links the worker terminal 13 with the processing device 11 or the processing information collection device 12 via the worker. The management device 14 manages the processing information D3 received from the processing information collection device 12 and the work information D4 received from the worker terminal 13 on a worker-by-worker basis based on the worker identification information.

[0018] The display device 16 is configured to include a liquid crystal display or the like.

[0019] [Operation] The administrator creates a work plan 31 for, for example, one day's worth of work using the processing device 11, adds worker identification information such as the worker ID assigned to the worker performing the work to the work plan 31, and inputs it into the management device 14. The storage unit 22 holds the input work plan 31.

[0020] Before starting work using the processing device 11, the worker inputs worker identification information, such as the worker ID assigned to them, using the input unit 42 of the worker terminal 13. The storage unit 44 stores the input worker identification information.

[0021] Next, the communication unit 43 of the worker terminal 13 receives plan information 31, which has the same worker identification information as the input worker identification information attached to it, from the management device 14 via the communication network 17. The storage unit 44 holds the received plan information 31.

[0022] Figure 2 is a simplified diagram showing an example of planning information 31 held by the memory unit 22. The planning information 31 is associated with the worker ID as worker identification information for the worker performing the work. In the planning information 31, times T11 to T12 are the execution period for pre-welding preparation work, times T12 to T15 and T16 to T19 are the execution period for welding work, and times T15 to T16 are the execution period for other work unrelated to welding. These periods are assigned to the worker performing the work. Pre-welding preparation work includes welding speed measurement work to measure the execution speed of the welding work in advance. The welding work includes the actual welding work, which involves operating the welding machine by applying welding current and welding voltage to weld the target joint, and incidental work such as checking the welding condition of the welded joint. In addition, the planning information 31 includes times (T13), (T14), (T17), and (T18) that distinguish between the actual welding work and incidental work as reference information. The periods T12-(T13), (T14)-T15, and (T17)-(T18) represent the actual welding work execution period, while the periods T13-(T14), T16-(T17), and (T18)-T19 represent the execution period of ancillary work. In arc welding, the actual welding work execution period corresponds to the arc discharge period.

[0023] Furthermore, the worker has the barcode containing their worker ID read by the barcode reader of the worker information collection device 15A. The worker information collection device 15A inputs the worker identification information D2A, such as the read worker ID, into the processing information collection device 12. The processing information collection device 12 holds the input worker identification information D2A.

[0024] Next, the worker performs the work according to the work sequence displayed on the display unit 41 of the worker terminal 13 based on the plan information 31. To start work, the worker displays a work start icon on the display unit 41 of the worker terminal 13 and performs an input operation such as tapping the displayed work start icon using the input unit 42. The communication unit 43 transmits work information D4, which includes the input work start information and worker identification information read from the storage unit 44, to the management device 14 via the communication network 17. The work start information includes time information indicating the work start time. The work start time corresponds to the time when the worker tapped the work start icon. The communication unit 23 of the management device 14 receives the work information D4 from the worker terminal 13. The communication unit 23 inputs the received work information D4 into the storage unit 22. The storage unit 22 stores the input work information D4 in the database 32.

[0025] The processing device 11 outputs processing information D1 associated with the processing operation. Processing information D1 includes information such as the status of the welding machine, such as whether the arc discharge is on or off, and information such as the current value of the welding current or the voltage value of the welding voltage.

[0026] The processing information collection device 12 generates processing information D3 by adding its own operator identification information D2A and time information such as the date and time it generates to the processing information D1 input from the processing device 11. The processing information collection device 12 transmits the generated processing information D3 to the management device 14 via the communication network 17 at regular time intervals, such as once per second. The communication unit 23 of the management device 14 receives the processing information D3 from the processing information collection device 12. The communication unit 23 inputs the received processing information D3 into the storage unit 22. The storage unit 22 stores the input processing information D3 in the database 32.

[0027] When processing work using the processing device 11 is completed, the worker displays a work completion icon on the display unit 41 of the worker terminal 13 and performs an input operation such as tapping the displayed work completion icon using the input unit 42. The communication unit 43 transmits work information D4, which includes the input work completion information and worker identification information read from the storage unit 44, to the management device 14 via the communication network 17. The work completion information includes time information indicating the time the work is completed. The work completion time corresponds to the time when the worker tapped the work completion icon. The communication unit 23 of the management device 14 receives the work information D4 from the worker terminal 13. The communication unit 23 inputs the received work information D4 into the storage unit 22. The storage unit 22 stores the input work information D4 in the database 32.

[0028] Figure 3 is a simplified diagram showing an example of a database 32 held by the storage unit 22. The database 32 includes processing information D3 and work information D4, which are associated by worker identification information D2A such as worker ID. Processing information D3 includes time information such as date and time, welding machine status information such as arc discharge on or off, and information such as welding current value or welding voltage value. Work information D4 includes information such as work start time, work end time, manufacturing number, and joint number of the work target.

[0029] The data processing unit 21 creates performance information 33 based on the database 32 held by the storage unit 22 after the work is completed, and stores the created performance information 33 in the storage unit 22. As a result, the storage unit 22 stores the performance information 33 in association with the worker identification information.

[0030] Figure 4 is a simplified diagram showing an example of performance information 33 held by the memory unit 22. The performance information 33 is associated with the worker ID as worker identification information for the worker corresponding to the performance information 33. In the performance information 33, time T21 corresponds to the start time of the pre-welding preparation work. Time T22 corresponds to the end time of the pre-welding preparation work and the start time of the first welding operation. Time T25 corresponds to the end time of the first welding operation. Also, time T26 corresponds to the start time of the second welding operation, and time T29 corresponds to the end time of the second welding operation. Furthermore, in the performance information 33, the periods T23-T24, T26-T27, and T28-T29 are the periods during which ancillary work related to the welding operation is performed. Ancillary work includes work to check the welding condition of the welded joint, etc. The periods T22-T23, T24-T25, and T27-T28 represent the execution periods of the actual welding work, in which the welding machine is operated by applying welding current and welding voltage to weld the target joint. In arc welding, the execution period of the actual welding work corresponds to the arc discharge period. Thus, in the performance information 33, the execution periods of the actual welding work corresponding to times T22-T23, T24-T25, and T27-T28 can be clearly distinguished from the execution periods of incidental work corresponding to times T23-T24, T26-T27, and T28-T29. The period T25-T26 represents the execution period of other work unrelated to the welding work.

[0031] Furthermore, the data processing unit 21 calculates the operating rate of the welding machine for the first welding operation as the ratio of the total operating time of the welding machine during the elapsed time from the start time T22 to the end time T25. In arc welding, the operating rate corresponds to the arc time rate. The operating time of the welding machine for the first welding operation is the sum of the elapsed time from time T22 to time T23 and the elapsed time from time T24 to time T25. Furthermore, the data processing unit 21 calculates the operating rate of the welding machine for the second welding operation as the ratio of the total operating time of the welding machine during the elapsed time from the start time T26 to the end time T29. The operating time of the welding machine for the second welding operation is the elapsed time from time T27 to time T28. Note that the data processing unit 21 may calculate the operating rate for multiple welding operations together.

[0032] The communication unit 23 transmits the planning information 31 and actual information 33 held by the storage unit 22 to the display device 16 via the communication network 17. The display device 16 displays the received planning information 31 and actual information 33 side by side. This allows managers and others to take measures to improve work efficiency on a worker-by-worker basis by comparing the planning information 31 and actual information 33. The communication unit 23 also transmits information indicating the welding machine operating rate calculated by the data processing unit 21 to the display device 16 via the communication network 17. The display device 16 displays the welding machine operating rate indicated by the received information. This allows managers and others to manage the welding machine operating rate on a worker-by-worker basis.

[0033] [Effects and Effects] According to this embodiment, the processing information D3 and work information D4 received by the management device 14 are accompanied by worker identification information, such as a worker ID, to associate the worker performing the processing work with the worker inputting the work information into the worker terminal 13. The management device 14 then manages the processing information D3 received from the processing information collection device 12 and the work information D4 received from the worker terminal 13 on a worker-by-worker basis based on the worker identification information. This allows the processing information D3 and work information D4 to be managed in conjunction with each other based on the worker identification information.

[0034] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, it becomes possible to manage workers on a per-worker basis using worker identification information such as worker IDs.

[0035] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, in calculating the operating rate of the welding machine, the period from time T25 to T26, which is the period during which other tasks unrelated to welding are performed, can be excluded from the denominator of the calculation formula, thus enabling the welding machine's operating rate to be calculated with high accuracy.

[0036] <Second Embodiment> Figure 5 is a simplified diagram showing the overall configuration of the processing management system 1 according to the first example of the second embodiment of this disclosure. Instead of the worker information collection device 15A shown in Figure 1, a terminal information collection device 15B is implemented. In the first embodiment, the worker ID assigned to each worker was used as worker identification information, but in the first example of this embodiment, the terminal ID assigned to each worker terminal 13 is used as terminal identification information.

[0037] Before starting work using the processing device 11, the worker inputs worker identification information, such as the worker ID assigned to them, using the input unit 42 of the worker terminal 13. The storage unit 44 holds the input worker ID. Next, the communication unit 43 of the worker terminal 13 receives plan information 31, which has the same worker identification information as the input worker identification information attached, from the management device 14 via the communication network 17. The storage unit 44 holds the received plan information 31. The terminal ID of the worker terminal 13 is also stored in the storage unit 44 in advance. The worker terminal 13 transmits the work information D4, which includes the terminal ID and worker ID read from the storage unit 44, to the management device 14 via the communication network 17.

[0038] The worker terminal 13 can display a barcode containing its own terminal ID on the display unit 41. Alternatively, a barcode sticker containing the terminal ID of the worker terminal 13 is affixed to the back of the worker terminal 13. The terminal information collection device 15B reads terminal identification information D2B, such as the terminal ID assigned to each worker terminal 13, from these barcodes and inputs it into the processing information collection device 12. The processing information collection device 12 generates processing information D3 by adding the terminal identification information D2B and time information such as the date and time that it generates to the processing information D1, and transmits the generated processing information D3 to the management device 14 via the communication network 17.

[0039] The communication unit 23 receives processing information D3 from the processing information collection device 12 and work information D4 from the worker terminal 13. The processing information D3 received by the communication unit 23 has a terminal ID attached to it, and the work information D4 received by the communication unit 23 has both a terminal ID and a worker ID attached to it. The management device 14 manages the processing information D3 and work information D4 on a worker basis by associating the processing information D3 and work information D4 with the same terminal ID with the worker ID.

[0040] Figure 6 is a simplified diagram showing the overall configuration of the processing management system 1 according to a second example of the second embodiment of the present disclosure. The worker information collection device 15A shown in Figure 1 is omitted. Also, the worker terminal 13 has a camera 45. In the first embodiment, the worker ID assigned to each worker was used as worker identification information, but in the second example of this embodiment, the device ID assigned to each processing information collection device 12 is used as device identification information. A barcode sticker recording the device ID of the processing information collection device 12 is affixed to the housing of the processing information collection device 12.

[0041] Before starting work using the processing device 11, the worker inputs worker identification information, such as the worker ID assigned to them, using the input unit 42 of the worker terminal 13. The storage unit 44 stores the input worker ID. Next, the communication unit 43 of the worker terminal 13 receives plan information 31, which has the same worker identification information as the input worker identification information attached, from the management device 14 via the communication network 17. The storage unit 44 stores the received plan information 31. Next, the worker photographs the barcode attached to the processing information collection device 12 using the camera 45 of the worker terminal 13. This acquires the device ID of the processing information collection device 12. The storage unit 44 stores the acquired device ID. The worker terminal 13 transmits work information D4, including the device ID and worker ID read from the storage unit 44, to the management device 14 via the communication network 17.

[0042] The processing information collection device 12 adds its own device ID and time information such as the date and time it generates to the processing information D1 input from the processing device 11, and transmits it to the management device 14 via the communication network 17.

[0043] The communication unit 23 receives processing information D1 from the processing information collection device 12 and work information D4 from the worker terminal 13. The processing information D1 received by the communication unit 23 has a device ID attached to it, and the work information D4 received by the communication unit 23 has both a device ID and a worker ID attached to it. The management device 14 manages the processing information D1 and work information D4 on a worker basis by associating the processing information D1 and work information D4 with the same device ID attached to the worker ID.

[0044] Since the other configurations and operations are the same as in the first embodiment, redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0045] According to this embodiment, management can be performed on a per-worker basis using worker identification information such as terminal ID or device ID.

[0046] <Third Embodiment> Figure 7 is a simplified diagram showing the overall configuration of the processing management system 1 according to the third embodiment of this disclosure. Figure 8 is a simplified diagram showing an example of the database 32 held by the storage unit 22. The database 32 according to this embodiment includes processing information and work information, as well as linkage flag information. The linkage flag information is associated with the processing information and work information by worker identification information such as worker ID.

[0047] If the value of the linkage flag information is "0", the processing information collection device 12 associated with the worker ID executes an operation prohibition control for the processing device 11 connected to the processing information collection device 12. When the processing information collection device 12 executes the operation prohibition control for the processing device 11 by the control signal D5, the processing device 11 becomes inoperable. In other words, the interlock of the processing device 11 is set. In the initial state, the value of the linkage flag information is "0".

[0048] On the other hand, if the value of the linkage flag information is "1", the processing information collection device 12 associated with the worker ID releases the operation prohibition control of the processing device 11 connected to the processing information collection device 12. By releasing the operation prohibition control of the processing device 11 with the control signal D5, the processing device 11 becomes operational. In other words, the interlock of the processing device 11 is released.

[0049] Before starting work using the processing device 11, the worker inputs worker identification information, such as the worker ID assigned to them, using the input unit 42 of the worker terminal 13. The storage unit 44 holds the input worker ID. Next, the communication unit 43 of the worker terminal 13 receives plan information 31, which has the same worker identification information as the input worker identification information attached, from the management device 14 via the communication network 17. The storage unit 44 holds the received plan information 31. Next, the worker displays a work start icon on the display unit 41 of the worker terminal 13 and performs an input operation, such as tapping the displayed work start icon, using the input unit 42. The communication unit 43 transmits work information D4, which includes the input work start information and the worker identification information read from the storage unit 44, to the management device 14 via the communication network 17. The communication unit 23 of the management device 14 receives the work information D4 from the worker terminal 13. The communication unit 23 inputs the received work information D4 into the storage unit 22. The storage unit 22 stores the input work information D4 in the database 32. In addition, the data processing unit 21, upon receiving the work information D4, which includes work start information, from the communication unit 23, rewrites the value of the linkage flag information in the database 32 from "0" to "1".

[0050] When processing work using the processing device 11 is completed, the worker displays a work completion icon on the display unit 41 of the worker terminal 13 and performs an input operation such as tapping the displayed work completion icon using the input unit 42. The communication unit 43 transmits work information D4, which includes the input work completion information and worker identification information read from the storage unit 44, to the management device 14 via the communication network 17. The communication unit 23 of the management device 14 receives the work information D4 from the worker terminal 13. The communication unit 23 inputs the received work information D4 into the storage unit 22. The storage unit 22 stores the input work information D4 in the database 32. In addition, the data processing unit 21 changes the value of the linkage flag information in the database 32 from "1" to "0" when the communication unit 23 receives the work information D4 including the work completion information.

[0051] The processing information collection device 12 transmits processing information D3 to the management device 14 at regular time intervals, such as once per second. The processing information collection device 12 also checks the value of the linkage flag information in the database 32 at regular time intervals, such as once per second, as defined by polling control. If the value of the linkage flag information is "0", the processing information collection device 12 executes a control signal D5 to disable the operation of the processing device 11, and if the value of the linkage flag information is "1", it releases the control signal D5 to disable the operation of the processing device 11. However, instead of the processing information collection device 12 checking the value of the linkage flag information in the database 32 by polling control, the management device 14 may transmit control commands for the processing device 11 to the processing information collection device 12 in real time.

[0052] Since the other configurations and operations are the same as in the first embodiment, redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0053] According to this embodiment, when work start information is entered into the worker terminal 13, the management device 14 releases the operation prohibition control of the processing device 11 via the processing information collection device 12, and when work completion information is entered into the worker terminal 13, the management device 14 starts the operation prohibition control of the processing device 11 via the processing information collection device 12. Therefore, the release and start of the operation prohibition control of the processing device 11 can be easily controlled, and errors in the input of work start information by workers can be prevented.

[0054] <Fourth Embodiment> Figure 9 is a simplified diagram showing the overall configuration of the processing management system 1 according to the fourth embodiment of this disclosure. Figure 10 is a simplified diagram showing an example of the database 32 held by the storage unit 22. The database 32 according to this embodiment includes processing information and work information, as well as linkage flag information. The linkage flag information is associated with the processing information and work information by worker identification information such as worker ID.

[0055] In this embodiment, planning information 31 is pre-set, including the value of the linkage flag information, and the operating mode of the processing information collection device 12 is controlled based on the planning information 31.

[0056] Figure 11 is a simplified diagram showing an example of planning information 31. Planning information 31 is associated with the worker ID as worker identification information for the worker. In planning information 31, time T11 to T12 is the period for performing pre-welding preparation work, time T12 to T15 and T16 to T19 is the period for performing welding work, and time T15 to T16 is the period for performing other work unrelated to welding. Pre-welding preparation work includes welding speed measurement work to measure the execution speed of the welding work in advance. Welding work includes the actual welding work, which involves operating the welding machine by applying welding current and welding voltage to weld the target joint, and incidental work such as checking the welded state of the welded joint. Planning information 31 also includes time (T13), (T14), (T17), and (T18) as reference information to distinguish between the actual welding work and incidental work. In the example shown in Figure 11, the value of the linkage flag information is set to "2" corresponding to the period from time T11 to T12, to "1" corresponding to the periods from time T12 to T15 and T16 to T19, and to "0" corresponding to the period from time T15 to T16.

[0057] The processing information collection device 12 has multiple operating modes. In this embodiment, the multiple operating modes include a mode in which the processing device 11 is not operated, a mode in which the processing device 11 is permitted to operate, a welding speed measurement mode, and a temperature measurement mode. The operating mode of the processing information collection device 12 is controlled by the value of the linkage flag information in the database 32. The value of the linkage flag information is pre-set in the planning information 31. The data processing unit 21 of the management device 14 sets the value of the linkage flag information in the database 32 according to the planning information 31, and the processing information collection device 12 controls its own operating mode according to the value of the linkage flag information in the database 32. In other words, the management device 14 controls the operating mode of the processing information collection device 12, which is associated with the operator identification information, by setting the value of the linkage flag information in the database 32 according to the planning information 31. The initial value of the linkage flag information in the database 32 is set to "0".

[0058] If the operating mode of the processing device 11 is set to the operation prohibition mode for the processing information collection device 12 in the planning information 31, the data processing unit 21 sets the value of the linkage flag information in the database 32 to "0".

[0059] If the operating mode of the processing device 11 is set as the operating mode of the processing information collection device 12 in the planning information 31, the data processing unit 21 sets the value of the linkage flag information in the database 32 to "1".

[0060] If the welding speed measurement mode is set as the operating mode of the processing information collection device 12 in the planning information 31, the data processing unit 21 sets the value of the linkage flag information in the database 32 to "2". The welding speed measurement mode is an operating mode that pre-measures the welding speed performed by the operator.

[0061] If the temperature measurement mode is set as the operating mode of the processing information collection device 12 in the planning information 31, the data processing unit 21 sets the value of the linkage flag information in the database 32 to "3". The temperature measurement mode is an operating mode for measuring the inter-pass temperature of the welding target, etc.

[0062] Furthermore, by allowing the value of the linkage flag information to be set, the processing information collection device 12 may be set to other operating modes other than those described above.

[0063] The processing information collection device 12 transmits processing information D3 to the management device 14 at regular time intervals, such as once per second. The processing information collection device 12 also checks the value of the linkage flag information in the database 32 at regular time intervals, such as once per second, as defined by polling control, and controls its own operating mode according to the value of the linkage flag information. Alternatively, instead of polling control, the management device 14 may transmit a control signal D7 to the processing information collection device 12 in real time to set the operating mode.

[0064] As shown in the example in Figure 10, if the value of the linkage flag information is set to "2", the processing information collection device 12 sets the operating mode to welding speed measurement mode.

[0065] When the welding speed of an operator is measured by the welding speed measurement mode, the processing information collection device 12 transmits measurement result information S8, which indicates the measured welding speed, to the management device 14 along with operator identification information such as the operator ID. The management device 14 transmits the received measurement result information S8 to the operator terminal 13 associated with the operator identification information. The welding speed measurement result shown in the measurement result information S8 is displayed on the display unit 41 of the operator terminal 13.

[0066] Figure 12 shows an example of how welding speed measurement results are displayed. In this example, a welding speed of 30 cm / min is displayed on the display unit 41 of the operator terminal 13.

[0067] In the above explanation, the planning information 31, including the value of the linkage flag information, was pre-set, and the operating mode of the processing information collection device 12 was controlled based on the planning information 31. However, this example is not limited to this one; the operating mode of the processing information collection device 12 may be controlled without linking with the planning information 31. An example of such a configuration will be described below.

[0068] The worker terminal 13 is pre-configured with three work menus: "Pre-welding preparation work," "Welding work," and "Other work unrelated to welding." The linkage flag information is set to "2," "1," and "0," respectively. A setting of "0" corresponds to the operation prohibition mode. The worker inputs worker identification information, such as the worker ID assigned to them, using the input unit 42 of the worker terminal 13. The worker also displays icons for the three work menus on the display unit 41 of the worker terminal 13 and selects a work by tapping or other operations. Once a work is selected, a work start icon is displayed on the display unit 41. The worker performs an input operation, such as tapping the displayed work start icon, using the input unit 42. The communication unit 43 transmits work information D4, which includes the input work start information and the worker identification information read from the storage unit 44, to the management device 14 via the communication network 17. Furthermore, the communication unit 43 transmits control information D6, which indicates the selected task from the three task menus, to the management device 14 via the communication network 17. The management device 14 sets the value of the linkage flag information in the database 32 in accordance with the task set in the received control information D6. In addition, for operations such as tapping the task completion icon displayed on the display unit 41, the value of the linkage flag information in the database 32 is set to "0" in accordance with the operation prohibition mode.

[0069] Since the other configurations and operations are the same as in the first embodiment, redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0070] According to this embodiment, the management device 14 controls the operating mode of the processing information collection device 12 based on the linkage flag information pre-set in the planning information 31, or based on the work selection information indicated by the control information D6 input from the worker terminal 13. This makes it easy to remotely control the operating mode of the processing information collection device 12.

[0071] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, remote control of the welding speed measurement mode can be easily realized.

[0072] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the operator can check the measurement results of the welding speed measured by the welding speed measurement mode on the display unit 41 of the operator terminal 13.

[0073] <Fifth Embodiment> Figure 13 is a simplified diagram showing the overall configuration of the processing management system 1 according to the fifth embodiment of this disclosure. An information processing device 18 is added to the processing management system 1 shown in Figure 1. The information processing device 18 is, for example, a personal computer.

[0074] The information processing device 18 receives processing information D3 from the processing information collection device 12. The information processing device 18 performs a predetermined data decimation process on the processing information D3 received from the processing information collection device 12 during periods when welding operations are not being performed by the processing device 11. For example, out of 60 pieces of processing information D3 per minute transmitted once per second, the decimation process removes the remaining 50 pieces of processing information D3, leaving only the first 10 pieces. The information processing device 18 transmits the processed processing information D3S after the decimation process to the management device via the communication network 17.

[0075] On the other hand, the information processing device 18 transmits the input processing information D3 directly to the management device via the communication network 17 without performing the above-mentioned decimation process, for processing information D3 input from the processing information collection device 12 during the period in which welding work is being performed by the processing device 11.

[0076] Since the other configurations and operations are the same as in the first embodiment, redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0077] According to this embodiment, the information processing device 18 transmits the processing information D3S after the decimation process to the management device 14, thereby reducing the load on the management device 14 associated with the communication and storage of the processing information D3.

[0078] <Summary of this disclosure> The embodiments of this disclosure described above can be summarized as follows:

[0079] A processing management system according to a first aspect of this disclosure comprises a processing apparatus in which processing work is performed by an operator; a processing information collection device for collecting processing information associated with the processing work from the processing apparatus; an operator terminal into which operation information, including start and end information, is input by the operator; and a management device, wherein the management device receives the processing information from the processing information collection device and the operation information from the operator terminal, and the processing information and operation information received by the management device are accompanied by identification information for associating the operator who performs the processing work with the processing apparatus and the operator who inputs the operation information into the operator terminal, and the processing information received from the processing information collection device and the operation information received from the operator terminal are managed on an operator-by-operator basis based on the identification information.

[0080] According to this embodiment, the processing information and work information received by the management device are accompanied by identification information to associate the worker performing the processing work with the worker who inputs the work information into the worker terminal. The management device manages the processing information received from the processing information collection device and the work information received from the worker terminal on a worker-by-worker basis based on the identification information. This allows the processing information and work information to be managed in conjunction with each other based on the identification information.

[0081] The processing management system according to the second aspect of this disclosure is a processing management system according to the first aspect, wherein the identification information is one of the following: worker identification information for identifying a worker, terminal identification information for identifying the worker terminal, and device identification information for identifying the processing information collection device.

[0082] According to this embodiment, management can be performed on a per-worker basis using worker identification information, terminal identification information, or device identification information.

[0083] A processing management system according to a third aspect of this disclosure, in a processing management system according to a first or second aspect, the management device releases the operation prohibition control of the processing equipment associated with the worker terminal by the identification information when the work start information is input to the worker terminal, and starts the operation prohibition control of the processing equipment associated with the worker terminal by the identification information when the work end information is input to the worker terminal.

[0084] According to this embodiment, when work start information is entered into the worker terminal, the management device releases the operation prohibition control of the processing equipment via the processing information collection device, and when work completion information is entered into the worker terminal, the management device starts the operation prohibition control of the processing equipment via the processing information collection device. Therefore, the release and start of operation prohibition control can be easily controlled, and failure to input work start information by the worker can be prevented.

[0085] A processing management system according to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, in a processing management system according to any one of the first to third aspects, the management device controls the operating mode of the processing information collection device associated with the worker terminal by the identification information, based on pre-set planning information or control information received from the worker terminal.

[0086] According to this embodiment, the management device controls the operating mode of the processing information collection device associated with the worker terminal by identification information based on pre-set planning information or control information received from the worker terminal. This makes it possible to easily remotely control the operating mode of the processing information collection device.

[0087] A processing management system according to a fifth aspect of this disclosure is a processing management system according to a fourth aspect, wherein the processing device is a welding machine on which welding work is performed by an operator, and the operating mode is a welding speed measurement mode for measuring the speed of the welding work performed by the operator.

[0088] According to this embodiment, remote control of the welding speed measurement mode can be easily realized.

[0089] A processing management system according to a sixth aspect of the present disclosure, in a processing management system according to a fifth aspect, the management device transmits measurement result information indicating the welding speed measured by the processing information collection device in the welding speed measurement mode to the operator terminal associated with the processing information collection device using the identification information.

[0090] According to this embodiment, the worker can check the measurement results of the welding speed measured by the welding speed measurement mode on the display screen of the worker's terminal.

[0091] A processing management system according to a seventh aspect of the present disclosure further comprises an information processing device that, in a processing management system according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, performs a predetermined thinning process on the processing information collected by the processing information collection device from the processing device during a period when the processing work is not being performed by an operator, and transmits the processing information after the thinning process to the management device.

[0092] According to this embodiment, the information processing device transmits the processed information after the decimation process to the management device, thereby reducing the load on the management device associated with the communication and storage of the processed information.

[0093] A processing management system according to the eighth aspect of this disclosure is a processing management system according to any one of the first to seventh aspects, wherein the processing apparatus is a welding machine on which welding work is performed by an operator, and the management device calculates the operating rate of the welding machine as the ratio of the total operating time of the welding machine within the elapsed time from the start time of work indicated by the start time of work included in the work information received from the operator terminal to the end time of work indicated by the end time of work included in the work information received from the operator terminal.

[0094] According to this embodiment, the operating rate of the welding machine can be calculated with high accuracy.

[0095] A processing management method according to a ninth aspect of the present disclosure is a processing management method in a processing management system comprising: a processing apparatus in which processing work is performed by an operator; a processing information collection device for collecting processing information associated with the processing work from the processing apparatus; an operator terminal into which operator inputs work information; and a management device, wherein the management device receives the processing information from the processing information collection device, and receives the work information, including work start information and work end information, from the operator terminal, and the processing information and work information received by the management device are accompanied by identification information for associating an operator who performs the processing work with the processing apparatus and an operator who inputs the work information into the operator terminal, and the processing information received from the processing information collection device and the work information received from the operator terminal are managed on an operator basis based on the identification information.

[0096] According to this embodiment, the processing information and work information received by the management device are accompanied by identification information to associate the worker performing the processing work with the worker who inputs the work information into the worker terminal. The management device manages the processing information received from the processing information collection device and the work information received from the worker terminal on a worker-by-worker basis based on the identification information. This allows the processing information and work information to be managed in conjunction with each other based on the identification information. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0097] 1. Processing Management System 11 Processing equipment 12 Processing Information Acquisition Device 13. Worker terminal 14 Management device 15A Worker Information Collection Device 15B Terminal Information Collection Device 18 Information Processing Devices 31. Planning Information 32 Databases 33. Performance Information

Claims

1. A processing device in which processing work is performed by an operator, A processing information collection device that collects processing information associated with the aforementioned processing work from the processing apparatus, A worker terminal into which work information, including work start and work end information, is entered by the worker, Management device and Equipped with, The aforementioned control device is The processing information is received from the processing information collection device, The aforementioned work information is received from the worker's terminal, The processing information and work information received by the management device are accompanied by identification information for associating the worker who performs the processing work using the processing device with the worker who inputs the work information into the worker terminal. The processing information received from the processing information collection device and the work information received from the worker terminal are managed on a worker-by-worker basis based on the identification information. A processing management system in which the identification information is worker identification information for identifying a worker, or terminal identification information for identifying a worker's terminal.

2. The aforementioned control device is Upon input of the work start information into the worker terminal, the operation prohibition control of the processing device associated with the worker terminal is released by the identification information. The processing management system according to claim 1, wherein when the work completion information is entered into the worker terminal, the operation prohibition control of the processing apparatus associated with the worker terminal is initiated by the identification information.

3. The processing management system according to claim 1, wherein the management device controls the operating mode of the processing information collection device associated with the worker terminal based on the identification information, based on pre-set planning information or control information received from the worker terminal.

4. The aforementioned processing device is a welding machine in which welding work is performed by an operator. The processing management system according to claim 3, wherein the operating mode is a welding speed measurement mode for measuring the speed of the welding work performed by the operator.

5. The processing management system according to claim 4, wherein the management device transmits measurement result information indicating the welding speed measured by the processing information collection device in the welding speed measurement mode to the operator terminal associated with the processing information collection device using the identification information.

6. The processing management system according to claim 1, further comprising an information processing device that performs a predetermined thinning process on the processing information collected by the processing information collection device from the processing device during a period when the processing work is not being performed by an operator, and transmits the processing information after the thinning process to the management device.

7. The aforementioned processing device is a welding machine in which welding work is performed by an operator. The aforementioned control device is The processing management system according to claim 1, wherein the operating rate of the welding machine is calculated as the ratio of the total operating time of the welding machine within the elapsed time to the elapsed time from the start time of work indicated by the start time of work included in the work information received from the worker terminal to the end time of work indicated by the end time of work included in the work information received from the worker terminal, with respect to the elapsed time.

8. A processing management system comprising a processing apparatus in which processing work is performed by an operator, a processing information collection device for collecting processing information associated with the processing work from the processing apparatus, an operator terminal into which work information is entered by the operator, and a management device, wherein a processing management method is provided. The aforementioned control device The processing information is received from the processing information collection device, The work information, including work start information and work end information, is received from the worker terminal. The processing information and work information received by the management device are accompanied by identification information for associating the worker who performs the processing work using the processing device with the worker who inputs the work information into the worker terminal. The processing information received from the processing information collection device and the work information received from the worker terminal are managed on a worker-by-worker basis based on the identification information. A processing management method wherein the identification information is worker identification information for identifying a worker, or terminal identification information for identifying a worker's terminal.

Images