Control device provided with identification information reading device, and control method using identification information

Abstract

The present invention automatically changes an industrial machine or the operation range of the industrial machine when, for example, the type of workpiece or an operator is changed.　This control device comprises: an identification information reading device that reads identification information stored in a storage medium; and a control unit that sets an industrial machine or the operation range of the industrial machine on the basis of the read identification information. The operation range of the industrial machine may be the operation range of a simulation device for simulating an operation of the industrial machine. The control device may include a display unit for displaying the set industrial machine or the set operation range of the industrial machine. The storage medium may be, for example, an ID card or tag. The identification information may be at least one of the operator or the type of industrial machine that is recorded in an ID card, the type of tool recorded in a tag attached to the tool, and the type of workpiece recorded in a tag attached to the workpiece.

Description

Control device equipped with identification information reading device and control method using identification information

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a control device equipped with an identification information reading device and a control method using identification information, and more particularly to a control device and control method that reads identification information stored in a storage medium and performs control using the identification information.

[0002] Patent Documents 1, 2 and 3 describe management systems and processing devices that read identification information stored in a storage medium such as an ID card or an RF tag and perform control using the identification information.

[0003] Patent Document 1 describes a production management system using ID plates that is applied to automated assembly lines for automobiles, etc. Specifically, Patent Document 1 describes attaching an ID plate to the workpiece itself or to a conveying means that conveys the workpiece along the line, and recording data for identifying the workpiece and data on the processing content on the ID plate. Patent Document 1 also describes performing operations based on an operating program using the data read from the ID plate.

[0004] Patent Literature 2 describes a work management system that can efficiently respond to various situational changes, such as process changes, addition of vehicle models, and communication disruptions, and can provide necessary work instruction information for each vehicle to be worked on and collect detailed work results for each task. Specifically, Patent Literature 2 describes that the work management system includes an in-vehicle terminal for work management and a server. The in-vehicle terminal for work management includes: a specification request means that transmits a specification data request including vehicle information to the server if the information stored in a portable medium such as an RFID card corresponds to a work specification data request; a specification storage means that receives and stores the work specification data from the server; and a specification display means that identifies and displays the work specification data corresponding to the work item of the relevant worker if the information stored in the portable medium corresponds to a work specification display request. The server includes a specification transmission means that receives the specification request from the in-vehicle terminal for work management and returns the work specification data for the relevant vehicle.

[0005] Patent Document 3 describes a processing device that can provide appropriate information to an operator. Specifically, Patent Document 3 describes a processing device that includes a chuck table and processing means that processes a workpiece held on the chuck table, the processing device including: input means for inputting processing conditions for the processing means; display means for displaying the processing conditions input by the input means; reading means for reading an identification code that identifies an operator to identify the operator; and control means for controlling each component, the control means including: an advice information storage unit that stores multiple pieces of advice information to be displayed on the display means; a processing storage unit that stores, as processing information, processes performed by the processing device and the times at which the processes occurred; a compilation unit that compiles the processing information of the operator identified by the reading means that is stored in the processing storage unit; and an advice information selection unit that selects advice information corresponding to the compilation result of the compilation unit and displays the advice information for the operator identified by the reading means on the display means.

[0006] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 4-199304 Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-170334 Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-229800

[0007] Even if the workpiece (hereinafter referred to as the workpiece) or the worker is identified based on the identification information, if the type of workpiece or the work content performed by the worker changes, the industrial machine or the operating range of the industrial machine must be changed accordingly. It is time-consuming for the worker to change the industrial machine or the operating range of the industrial machine each time the type of workpiece or the worker changes, and there is also a possibility of input errors.

[0008] Therefore, there is a need for a control device and a control method that can automatically change the industrial machine or the operating range of the industrial machine when the type of workpiece or the worker, etc., changes.

[0009] A first representative aspect of the present disclosure is a control device including: an identification information reading device that reads identification information stored in a storage medium; and a control unit that sets an industrial machine or an operation range of the industrial machine based on the read identification information.

[0010] A second representative aspect of the present disclosure is a control method using identification information, in which a computer as a control device executes the following processes: reading identification information stored in a storage medium; and setting an industrial machine or an operating range of the industrial machine based on the read identification information.

[0011] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of a control device according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a block diagram for explaining the operation of a control device according to a first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a block diagram for explaining the operation of a control device according to a second embodiment. FIG. 4 is a block diagram for explaining the operation of a control device according to a third embodiment. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of a control device. FIG. 6 is a configuration diagram showing an example configuration of a control system including a control device according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of a control device according to a third embodiment. FIG. 8 is a partial configuration diagram showing an example configuration of a machine tool including a control device according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 9 is a partial configuration diagram showing an example configuration of a machine tool including a control device according to a fifth embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of a control device according to a sixth embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing each process and time of setup of the control device according to the sixth embodiment. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen of a display unit.

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. (First Embodiment) Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of a control device according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Fig. 1, the control device 10 includes an identification information reader 100 that reads identification information stored in a storage medium such as an ID card or an RF tag, a control unit 200 that sets an industrial machine or an operating range of the industrial machine based on the identification information, and a display unit 300 that displays the set industrial machine or the operating range of the industrial machine. The control device 10 outputs the set industrial machine or the operating range of the industrial machine to, for example, the industrial machine. The industrial machine includes at least a machine tool, a robot, and a simulation device that simulates the operation of these. The control device 10 may be provided as part of the industrial machine.

[0013] The identification information reading device 100 reads identification information from an ID card, an RF tag, or the like, and outputs it to the control unit 200. The identification information reading device 100 may be of either a contactless or contact type, but the following description will be given assuming it is of a contactless type. The control unit 200 stores a table that associates multiple pieces of identification information with multiple pieces of industrial machinery or operating ranges of the industrial machinery, reads out the industrial machinery or the operating range of the industrial machinery based on the identification information output from the identification information reading device 100, and outputs control information including the industrial machinery or the operating range of the industrial machinery to the industrial machinery. The control unit 200 also outputs display information to the display unit 300 for displaying the industrial machinery or the operating range of the industrial machinery set based on the identification information. The display unit 300 is a liquid crystal display device or the like that displays the set industrial machinery or the operating range of the industrial machinery.

[0014] The operation of the control device 10 will be specifically described below based on examples. In the following explanation of each example, an example in which the control device 10 is applied to a machine tool that serves as industrial machinery will be described. Similarly, for the second to sixth embodiments, an example in which the control device is applied to a machine tool that serves as industrial machinery will be described. Furthermore, in the following explanation of each example, an example in which the control unit 200 sets the operation range of the machine tool that serves as industrial machinery based on the identification information read will be described.

[0015] (First embodiment) Figure 2 is a block diagram for explaining the operation of the control device of the first embodiment. Workers who perform work on machine tools are given ID cards to identify the type of worker depending on the work they are doing. For example, a worker who performs setup work (referred to as a setup worker) is given an ID card 21 with an identification number 1000-0100, a worker who performs workpiece replacement work (referred to as a workpiece replacement worker) is given an ID card 22 with an identification number 1000-0200, and a worker who performs maintenance work (referred to as a maintenance worker) is given an ID card 23 with an identification number 1000-0300.

[0016] When a worker holds an ID card over the identification information reading device 100, the identification information reading device 100 reads the identification number stored on the ID card and outputs it to the control unit 200. The control unit 200 stores, for example, the table shown in Table 1 below. The identification numbers in Table 1 indicate the type of worker, and the operating range for the axes of the machine tool specified by the identification number is also stored. The operating range for the axes of the machine tool corresponds to the operating range of the industrial machine.

[0017] For example, if the identification information reading device 100 reads the identification number 1000-0100, the control unit 200 refers to the table shown in Table 1, recognizes that the worker is a setup worker, and limits the operation range for the axis to a low speed. If the identification information reading device 100 reads the identification number 1000-0200, the control unit 200 refers to the table shown in Table 1, recognizes that the worker is a workpiece replacement worker, and prohibits axis movement (setting the axis speed to zero) and prohibits rotation of the spindle because there is no need to move the axis. If the identification information reading device 100 reads the identification number 1000-0300, the control unit 200 refers to the table shown in Table 1, recognizes that the worker is a maintenance worker, and sets the operation range for the axis to no speed limit, allowing the axis to move at all speeds for maintenance.

[0018] The control unit 200 outputs control information including the operation range set based on the identification number to the machine tool. The control unit 200 also outputs display information to the display unit 300 for displaying the set operation range on the display unit 300. For example, when the identification number is "1000-0100", the content displayed by the display unit 300 is "The operator is a setup operator. The operation range of the axis is set to low speed."

[0019] Second Embodiment Figure 3 is a block diagram for explaining the operation of a control device of a second embodiment. Tools used in machine tools are assigned tags such as RF tags to identify the type of tool (e.g., drill, end mill, etc.). For example, three tools, tool T1, tool T2, and tool T3, are used depending on the machining content, and tool T1 is assigned an RF tag with identification number 2000-0100, tool T2 is assigned an RF tag with identification number 2000-0200, and tool T3 is assigned an RF tag with identification number 2000-0300.

[0020] When a tool with an RF tag approaches, the identification information reader 100 reads the identification number of the RF tag and outputs it to the control unit 200. The control unit 200 stores, for example, a table shown in Table 2 below. The identification numbers in Table 2 indicate the type of tool, and the operation range for the axis specified by the identification number is also stored. The operation range for an axis is the spindle speed and axis movement (feed rate) recommended for each tool by the tool manufacturer.

[0021] For example, when the identification information reading device 100 reads the identification number 2000-0100, the control unit 200 refers to the table shown in Table 2, recognizes that the tool being used is tool T1, and sets the spindle rotation speed to 5000 rpm and the axis movement to 8 m / min. When the identification information reading device 100 reads the identification number 2000-0200, the control unit 200 refers to the table shown in Table 2, recognizes that the tool being used is tool T2, and sets the spindle rotation speed to 10000 rpm and the axis movement to 10 m / min. When the identification information reading device 100 reads the identification number 2000-0300, the control unit 200 refers to the table shown in Table 2, recognizes that the tool being used is tool T3, and sets the spindle rotation speed to 2000 rpm and the axis movement to 6 m / min.

[0022] The control unit 200 outputs control information including the operation range set based on the identification number to the machine tool. The control unit 200 also outputs display information to the display unit 300 for displaying the operation range set on the display unit 300. For example, when the identification number is "2000-0100" and the tool T1 is a drill, the content displayed by the display unit 300 is "The tool is a drill. The spindle rotation speed is 5000 rpm, and the axis movement is 8 m / min."

[0023] (Third Embodiment) Figure 4 is a block diagram for explaining the operation of a control device of a third embodiment. An RF tag is attached to a workpiece before it is machined by a machine tool in order to identify the type of material of the workpiece. For example, three materials, aluminum, iron, and titanium, are used as the materials for workpieces 31, 32, and 33, and an RF tag with identification number 3000-0100 is attached to aluminum workpiece 31, an RF tag with identification number 3000-0200 is attached to iron workpiece 32, and an RF tag with identification number 3000-0300 is attached to titanium workpiece 33.

[0024] When a workpiece with an RF tag comes close, the identification information reader 100 reads the identification number of the RF tag and outputs it to the control unit 200. The control unit 200 stores, for example, the table shown in Table 3 below. The identification number in Table 3 indicates the type of material of the workpiece, and the operation range for the axis specified by the identification number is also stored.

[0025] For example, if the identification information reading device 100 reads the identification number 3000-0100, the control unit 200 refers to the table shown in Table 3, recognizes that the material of the workpiece 31 being used is aluminum, and sets the spindle rotation speed to 10,000 rpm and the axis movement to 20 m / min. If the identification information reading device 100 reads the identification number 3000-0200, the control unit 200 refers to the table shown in Table 3, recognizes that the material of the workpiece 32 being used is iron, and sets the spindle rotation speed to 3,000 rpm and the axis movement to 4 m / min. If the identification information reading device 100 reads the identification number 3000-0300, the control unit 200 refers to the table shown in Table 3, recognizes that the material of the workpiece 33 being used is titanium, and sets the spindle rotation speed to 10,000 rpm and the axis movement to 3 m / min.

[0026] The control unit 200 outputs control information including the operation range set based on the identification number to the machine tool. The control unit 200 also outputs display information to the display unit 300 for displaying the operation range set on the display unit 300. For example, when the identification number is "3000-0100", the content displayed by the display unit 300 is "The workpiece material is aluminum. The spindle rotation speed is 10,000 rpm, and the axis movement is 20 m / min."

[0027] The first to third embodiments described above are examples in which the control unit 200 sets the operating range of a machine tool serving as industrial machinery based on the identification information read. Below, an example will be described in which the control unit 200 sets the machine tool serving as industrial machinery based on the identification information read. When an operator holds an ID card over the identification information reading device 100, the identification information reading device 100 reads the identification number stored on the ID card and outputs it to the control unit 200. The control unit 200 stores, for example, a table that associates multiple identification numbers with multiple machine tool types corresponding to the multiple identification numbers. Machine tools include, for example, drilling machines, lathes, milling machines, etc., and are assigned identification numbers 4000-0100, 4000-0200, and 4000-0300, respectively. The control unit 200 outputs display information to the display unit 300 to display information indicating the machine tool, for example, a drilling machine, that has been set based on the identification number. For example, if the identification number is "4000-0100", the display unit 300 displays "Drilling press work will be performed."

[0028] Next, the control method of this embodiment will be described using a flowchart. In the following description, an example will be described in which the control method is executed by the control device 10 shown in Figure 1. The control method of this embodiment is not limited to the configuration of the control device 10 shown in Figure 1. In the following flowchart, an example will be described in which the control unit 200 sets the operation range of a machine tool, which is an industrial machine, based on the identification information read.

[0029] 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the control device. In step S11, the identification information reader 100 reads identification information from a storage medium such as an ID card or an RF tag, and outputs the information to the control unit 200.

[0030] In step S12, the control unit 200 reads out the operation range for the set axis corresponding to the identification information based on the identification information.

[0031] In step S13, the control unit 200 outputs control information including the set operation range to the machine tool or the like.

[0032] In step S14, the display unit 300 displays the set operation range.

[0033] According to the control device and control method of the present embodiment and examples described above, it is possible to automatically select the operation range for an axis based on identification information. In the above-described embodiments and examples, the identification information is one of the type of worker or industrial machine recorded on an ID card, the type of tool recorded on a tag attached to the tool, and the type of workpiece recorded on a tag attached to the workpiece. However, the operation range for an axis may be automatically selected based on a combination of multiple types of worker or industrial machine, the type of tool, and the type of workpiece.

[0034] Second Embodiment Fig. 6 is a configuration diagram showing a configuration example of a control system including a control device according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 6 shows an example in which there are two control devices, but there may be three or more control devices.

[0035] 6, the control system includes control devices 10-1 and 10-2 and a management server 40. The control devices 10-1 and 10-2 are connected to the management server 40 via a network 50. The network 50 is, for example, a local area network (LAN) established within a factory, the Internet, a direct connection via a connection interface, or a combination of these. There are no particular limitations on the specific communication method of the network 50, such as whether it is a wired connection or a wireless connection.

[0036] Compared to the control device 10, the control device 200 is replaced with control devices 200-1 and 200-2 in the control devices 10. The control devices 200-1 and 200-2 do not store a table that associates multiple pieces of identification information with multiple pieces of industrial machines or operational ranges of industrial machines, and instead acquire the industrial machines or operational ranges of industrial machines from the management server 40. The control devices 10-1 and 10-2 each transmit the identification information to the management server 40 via the network 50.

[0037] The management server 40 stores a table associating multiple pieces of identification information with multiple pieces of industrial machinery or operating ranges of industrial machinery, reads out the industrial machinery or the operating ranges of the industrial machinery based on the received identification information, and outputs information including the industrial machinery or the operating ranges of the industrial machinery corresponding to the identification information to the control units 200-1 and 200-2, respectively.

[0038] For example, when a setup operator holds an ID card over identification information reader 100 of control device 10-1, identification information reader 100 reads the identification number 1000-0100 stored on the ID card and outputs it to control unit 200-1. Control unit 200-1 transmits identification number 1000-0100 to management server 40 via network 50. Management server 40 stores the table shown in Table 1, and recognizes that the operator is a setup operator based on the identification number 1000-0100, and transmits information including an operation range in which the shaft speed is set to low to control unit 200-1.

[0039] On the other hand, when a workpiece replacement operator holds an ID card over the identification information reader 100 of the control device 10-2, the identification information reader 100 reads the identification number 1000-0200 stored on the ID card and outputs it to the control unit 200-2. The control unit 200-2 transmits the identification number 1000-0200 to the management server 40 via the network 50. The management server 40 stores the table shown in Table 1 and recognizes that the operator is a workpiece replacement operator based on the identification number 1000-0200. Since there is no need to move the axes, the control unit 40 transmits information to the control unit 200-2 to set the axis speed to zero. When the control units 200-1 and 200-2 receive the information including the operating range in which the axis speed is set to low speed and the information including the information that sets the axis speed to zero, the control units 200-1 and 200-2 output control information including the operating range set based on the identification number to the machine tool, similar to the control unit 200, and output display information to the display unit 300 for displaying the set operating range on the display unit 300.

[0040] According to this embodiment, it is no longer necessary for a plurality of control devices to store tables, and the storage capacity of the storage device can be reduced.

[0041] The example described above is an example in which the control system of this embodiment is applied to the first example of the first embodiment, but the control system of this embodiment can also be applied to the second or third example of the first embodiment. Furthermore, if the management server 40 stores the tables of Table 1, Table 2, and Table 3, the management server 40 can transmit the operation range corresponding to the identification number received from the control units 200-1 and 200-2, regardless of whether the management server 40 receives an identification number for determining the type of worker, an identification number for determining the type of tool, or an identification number for determining the type of workpiece material, from the control units 200-1 and 200-2.

[0042] (Third Embodiment) Fig. 7 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of a control device according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure. The control device 11 includes a remote-controlled manual pulse generator 110 integrated with an identification information reader, which is provided separately from a device main body 11A. The manual pulse generator 110 and the device main body 11A are connected by wire or wirelessly. The manual pulse generator is a device such as a rotary encoder used for manual input. The device main body 11A includes a display unit 301 and a data input unit 400.

[0043] The identification information reader and the remote control type manual pulse generator are integrated and separated from the device main body, which improves the convenience of operation and simplifies the design of the control device 11 and reduces costs.

[0044] (Fourth embodiment) Figure 8 is a partial configuration diagram showing an example configuration of a machine tool equipped with a control device according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 8, if the machine tool is capable of mounting a maximum of 21 tools, 21 identification information readers R1-R21 are attached to 21 tool holder positions corresponding to the 21 tools T1-T21, each equipped with an RF tag. Tools T7-T16 and identification information readers R7-R16 are omitted from Figure 8.

[0045] The control unit 200 can check whether the tool is attached in the correct position in the tool holder by using the identification numbers read from the 21 identification information readers R1-R21, and can also set the operating range for the axis by using the identification numbers.

[0046] For example, if the identification numbers on the RF tags of tools T1 and T3 are read by identification information readers R1 and R3, but the identification numbers cannot be read by identification information reader R2, the control unit 200 refers to the table shown in Table 2, recognizes that the tools are tools T1 and T3 and are installed in the predetermined tool holders H1 and H3 (not shown in FIG. 8 ) (setting OK), and limits the spindle rotation speed of tool T1 to 5000 rpm and the axial movement to 8 m / min, and limits the spindle rotation speed of tool T3 to 2000 rpm and the axial movement to 6 m / min. It then recognizes that tool T2 is not installed in the predetermined tool holder H2 (not shown in FIG. 8 ).

[0047] The display unit 300 displays the recognition result as shown in Table 4. Table 4 shows a table that associates the type of tool, the installation location of the tool, the setting state, and the operation range for the axis.

[0048] This embodiment can also be applied to jigs that are attached to a table. An RF tag that stores an identification number corresponding to the type of jig is attached to the jig. An identification information reader is attached to the table at the position where the jig will be placed, and by reading the identification number from the RF tag of the jig placed on the table, it becomes possible to confirm whether the jig is attached to the correct position on the table.

[0049] Fifth Embodiment Fig. 9 is a partial configuration diagram showing an example of the configuration of a machine tool equipped with a control device according to a fifth embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Fig. 9, if the machine tool is capable of mounting a maximum of 21 tools, RF tags G1-G21 are attached to the tool holders that mount the tools T1-T21, corresponding to the 21 tools T1-T21 each having an RF tag attached. Tools T7-T16 and RF tags G7-G16 are omitted from Fig. 9.

[0050] The reader R is positioned so that it can read identification information indicating the type of tool from the RF tag attached to one tool and can also read identification information from the RF tag attached to the tool holder corresponding to that tool. In Figure 9, when the reader R is able to read the identification information from the RF tag attached to tool T2 and the identification information from the RF tag G2 attached to the tool holder, it is possible to confirm whether the tool is attached to the tool holder in the correct position and to set the axis operation range for the tool identified by the identification number. In order for the reader R to read the identification information from the RF tags attached to tools T1-T16 and RF tags G1-G21, it is sufficient to rotate the disk-shaped base to which the tool holders are attached.

[0051] For example, if the identification information reader R reads the identification numbers on the RF tags of tools T1 and T3 and the identification numbers on the RF tags G1 and G3 on the holders of tools T1 and T3, but is unable to read the identification number on the RF tag of tool T2, the control unit 200 refers to Table 2, recognizes that tools T1 and T3 are installed in their respective predetermined tool holders, and limits the spindle rotation speed of tool T1 to 5000 rpm and the axial movement of tool T3 to 2000 rpm and 6 m / min. It also recognizes that tool T2 is not installed in its predetermined tool holder. The display unit 300 displays the recognition results as shown in Table 4, as in the fourth embodiment.

[0052] This embodiment can also be applied to a jig that is attached to a table. An RF tag that stores an identification number corresponding to the type of jig is attached to the jig. Also, an RF tag that stores a position identification number is attached to the position on the table where the jig will be placed. An identification information reader reads the identification number from the RF tag attached to the table and also reads the identification number from the RF tag on the jig, making it possible to confirm whether the jig is attached to the correct position on the table.

[0053] Sixth Embodiment FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of a control device according to a sixth embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing each process and time of setup of the control device according to the sixth embodiment. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen of a display unit. As shown in FIG. 10, the control device 11 includes a memory unit 500 in addition to the configuration of the control device 10. The control unit 200 measures and stores the operation time in the memory unit 500. Displaying the stored operation time makes it easy to understand the operation time. The control unit 200 measures and stores the operation time, and outputs control information including an operation range set based on an identification number to the machine tool in each process of setup described below, and outputs display information to the display unit 300 for displaying the operation range set on the display unit 300.

[0054] 11, when a setup worker holds an ID card bearing the identification number 1000-0100 over the identification information reading device 100, the identification information reading device 100 reads the identification number stored on the ID card and outputs it to the control unit 200. The control unit 200 refers to the table shown in Table 1 to recognize that the worker is a setup worker, and stores the time at which this occurs in the memory unit 500 as the setup start time.

[0055] Next, when the setup operator attaches tool T1, which has an RF tag with identification number 2000-0100, to the tool holder, identification information reader 100 reads the identification number stored in the RF tag and outputs it to control unit 200. Control unit 200 refers to the table shown in Table 2, recognizes that the tool is tool T1, and stores the time at this time in memory unit 500 as the attachment time of tool T1. Control unit 200 also stores in memory unit 500 the time from the start of setup to the attachment time of tool T1 as 57 seconds.

[0056] Next, when the setup worker attaches tool T2, which has an RF tag with identification number 2000-0200, control unit 200 performs the same operation as that for attaching tool T1 and stores the attachment time of tool T2 in memory unit 500. Control unit 200 also stores in memory unit 500 the time from the attachment time of tool T1 to the attachment time of tool T2 as 5 seconds.

[0057] Next, when the setup worker attaches jig 60 having an RF tag with an identification number attached thereto, identification information reader 100 reads the identification number stored in the RF tag and outputs it to control unit 200. Control unit 200 refers to a table that associates identification numbers with jig types, recognizes that the jig is jig 60, and stores the time at this point in time in memory unit 500 as the attachment time of jig 60. Control unit 200 also stores in memory unit 500 the time from the attachment time of tool T2 to the attachment time of jig 60 as 1 minute 12 seconds.

[0058] Next, when the setup worker attaches the aluminum workpiece 31, which has an RF tag with identification number 3000-0100, to the jig 60, the identification information reader 100 reads the identification number stored in the RF tag and outputs it to the control unit 200. The control unit 200 refers to the table shown in Table 3, recognizes that the workpiece is the aluminum workpiece 31, and stores this time in the memory unit 500 as the attachment time of the workpiece 31. The control unit 200 also stores in the memory unit 500 the time from the attachment time of the jig 60 to the attachment time of the workpiece 31 as 3 minutes and 24 seconds.

[0059] Finally, when the setup operator attaches tool T3, which has an RF tag with identification number 2000-0300, control unit 200 stores the attachment time of tool T3 in memory unit 500 in the same manner as when tool T1 was attached. Control unit 200 also stores in memory unit 500 the time from the attachment time of workpiece 31 to the attachment time of tool T3 as 32 seconds. Setup is completed when tool T3 is attached. Control unit 200 adds the time from the setup start time to the attachment time of tool T3, which are stored in memory unit 500, to determine the setup time. The setup time is 6 minutes and 10 seconds, and this setup time becomes the work time.

[0060] The display unit 300 displays the setup time and the time for each process, for example, as shown on the display screen in FIG.

[0061] Since machine tools are not operating during setup, understanding and reducing setup time is an important issue in the manufacturing industry from the perspective of improving equipment utilization rates. Furthermore, relying on workers' self-reporting of "when the workers started setup" makes it difficult to accurately grasp the required setup time. This embodiment contributes to a more substantial understanding of the required setup time than self-reporting.

[0062] In this embodiment, it is possible to check the proficiency of a worker by determining whether the worker is working slower than other workers. It is also possible to check the bottleneck of the setup by determining which item is taking the longest to set up. Furthermore, it is possible to check the difficulty of the setup by determining whether the setup is taking longer than other setup tasks.

[0063] In order to realize the functional blocks included in the control device in each embodiment and example described above, the control device can be realized by hardware, software, or a combination of these. The control method can also be realized by hardware, software, or a combination of these. Here, "realized by software" means that the control method is realized by a computer reading and executing a program.

[0064] To realize the components included in the control device by software or a combination thereof, the control device includes a central processing unit (CPU) or other such processing device that functions as an execution unit. The control device also includes a secondary storage device such as a hard disk drive (HDD) that stores various control programs such as application software or an operating system (OS), and a primary storage device such as a random access memory (RAM) that stores data temporarily required for the processing device to execute the programs.

[0065] The control device then performs arithmetic processing based on the application software or OS, with the arithmetic processing unit reading the application software or OS from the auxiliary storage device and expanding the loaded application software or OS into the main storage device. Furthermore, the control device controls various hardware components provided in the control device based on the results of this calculation. This achieves the functional blocks of this embodiment. The control method can also be achieved using a configuration similar to that of the control device.

[0066] The components included in the control device can be realized by hardware including electronic circuits, etc. When the control device is configured by hardware, some or all of the functions of the components included in the control device can be configured by an integrated circuit (IC) such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), a gate array, an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), or a CPLD (Complex Programmable Logic Device).

[0067] The program can be stored and supplied to a computer using various types of non-transitory computer-readable media. Non-transitory computer-readable media include various types of tangible storage media. Examples of non-transitory computer-readable media include magnetic recording media (e.g., hard disk drives), magneto-optical recording media (e.g., magneto-optical disks), CD-ROMs (Read Only Memory), CD-Rs, CD-R / Ws, and semiconductor memories (e.g., mask ROMs, PROMs (Programmable ROMs), EPROMs (Erasable PROMs), flash ROMs, and RAMs (Random Access Memory)). The program may also be supplied to the computer by various types of transient computer readable media.

[0068] According to the control device and control method of the present disclosure, including the embodiments and examples described above, it is possible to automatically change the industrial machine or the operating range of the industrial machine when the type of work or the worker changes.

[0069] Although the above-described embodiments are preferred embodiments of the present invention, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and the present invention can be implemented in various modified forms within the scope that does not deviate from the gist of the present invention.

[0070] The following supplementary notes are further disclosed regarding the above-described embodiment: (Supplementary Note 1) A control device comprising: an identification information reading device (100) that reads identification information stored in a storage medium; and a control unit (200, 200-1, 200-2) that sets an industrial machine or an operation range of the industrial machine based on the read identification information.

[0071] (Supplementary Note 2) The control device according to Supplementary Note 1, wherein the operational range of the industrial machine is the operational range of a simulation device that simulates the operation of the industrial machine.

[0072] (Supplementary Note 3) The control device according to Supplementary Note 1, further comprising a display unit that displays the set industrial machine or the set operation range of the industrial machine.

[0073] (Supplementary Note 4) The control device according to Supplementary Note 1, wherein the control unit (200) stores a table associating a plurality of pieces of identification information with a plurality of industrial machines or a plurality of operation ranges of the plurality of industrial machines corresponding to the plurality of pieces of identification information, refers to the table based on the read identification information, and sets the industrial machine or the operation range of the industrial machine corresponding to the read identification information.

[0074] (Supplementary Note 5) The control device according to Supplementary Note 1, wherein the control unit (200-1, 200-2) transmits the read identification information to a management server (40) that can communicate with the control unit, and receives the industrial machine or the operating range of the industrial machine corresponding to the read identification information from the management server that stores a table that associates multiple pieces of identification information with multiple industrial machines or multiple operating ranges of the multiple industrial machines that respectively correspond to the multiple pieces of identification information.

[0075] (Supplementary Note 6) The control device according to Supplementary Note 1, wherein the storage medium is an ID card (21, 22, 23) or a tag, and the identification information indicates at least one of a type of worker or industrial machine recorded on the ID card, a type of tool (T1, T2, T3) recorded on the tag attached to the tool, and a type of workpiece recorded on the tag attached to the workpiece.

[0076] (Supplementary Note 7) The control device according to Supplementary Note 1, comprising a manual pulse generator (110) with the identification information reading device integrated therein.

[0077] (Appendix 8) A control device according to any one of Appendices 1 to 7, which is included in a machine tool, and wherein the identification information reading device is attached to a table that fixes a tool holder or a jig that holds a workpiece, and reads identification information from a storage medium attached to the tool or the jig.

[0078] (Appendix 9) A control device according to any one of Appendices 1 to 7, which is included in a machine tool, wherein the identification information reading device reads identification information from a storage medium attached to a table that fixes a tool holder or a jig that holds a workpiece, and also reads identification information from a storage medium attached to the tool or the jig.

[0079] (Supplementary Note 10) A control method using identification information, in which a computer as a control device (200, 200-1, 200-2) executes the following processes: reading identification information stored in a storage medium; and setting an industrial machine or an operation range of the industrial machine based on the read identification information.

[0080] 10, 10-1, 10-2, 11, 12 Control device 21, 22, 23 ID card 31, 32, 33 Work 40 Management server 50 Network 60 Jig 100 Identification information reading device 200, 200-1, 200-2 Control unit 300 Display unit 400 Data input unit 500 Storage unit

Claims

1. A control device comprising: an identification information reading device that reads identification information stored in a storage medium; and a control unit that sets an industrial machine or the operating range of the industrial machine based on the read identification information.

2. The control device according to claim 1, wherein the operational range of the industrial machine is the operational range of a simulation device that simulates the operation of the industrial machine.

3. A control device according to claim 1, further comprising a display unit that displays the set industrial machine or the set operating range of the industrial machine.

4. The control device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit stores a table associating multiple pieces of identification information with multiple industrial machines or multiple operating ranges of the multiple industrial machines that correspond to the multiple pieces of identification information, and references the table based on the read identification information to set the industrial machine or the operating range of the industrial machine that corresponds to the read identification information.

5. The control device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit transmits the read identification information to a management server capable of communicating with the control unit, and receives the industrial machine or the operating range of the industrial machine corresponding to the read identification information from the management server that stores a table associating multiple pieces of identification information with multiple industrial machines or multiple operating ranges of the multiple industrial machines that respectively correspond to the multiple pieces of identification information.

6. The control device according to claim 1, wherein the storage medium is an ID card or a tag, and the identification information indicates at least one of the type of worker or industrial machine recorded on the ID card, the type of tool recorded on the tag attached to the tool, and the type of workpiece recorded on the tag attached to the workpiece.

7. The control device of claim 1, wherein said identification reader comprises an integrated manual pulse generator.

8. A control device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, which is included in a machine tool, and wherein the identification information reading device is attached to a table that fixes a tool holder or a jig that holds a workpiece, and reads identification information from a storage medium attached to the tool or the jig.

9. A control device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, which is included in a machine tool and in which the identification information reading device reads identification information from a storage medium attached to a table that fixes a tool holder or a jig that holds a workpiece, and also reads identification information from a storage medium attached to the tool or the jig.

10. A control method using identification information, in which a computer as a control device executes the following processes: reading identification information stored in a storage medium; and setting an industrial machine or the operating range of the industrial machine based on the read identification information.

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