Management device, management system, method, and program

Abstract

This management device (3) comprises a management control unit (34) that sets, among a plurality of remote devices (2) that are manufacturing devices on a wired network, a first positioning module (1a) that performs positioning provided to a first remote device (2a) as an anchor serving as a reference for positioning, sets a second positioning module (1b) that performs positioning provided to a second remote device (2b) as a tag to be positioned, and causes the first positioning module (1a) to measure the position of the second positioning module (1b).

Description

Management device, management system, method, and program

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a management device, a management system, a method, and a program.

[0002] In a manufacturing system in which manufacturing equipment used to manufacture products in a factory is connected to a wired network, if the locations of the manufacturing equipment on the network are unknown, it can be inconvenient when a malfunction or problem occurs or when managing and inspecting the status of the manufacturing equipment. For this reason, a method has been devised to measure the locations of equipment on the network by combining a wireless network that can wirelessly determine each other's locations, in addition to a wired network communication means. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses technology related to a management device that can back up and restore the information on the locations of manufacturing equipment.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2018-97542

[0004] In the technology disclosed in Patent Literature 1, a management device broadcasts a location information request to all connected manufacturing equipment and acquires the location information of each manufacturing equipment based on responses from each manufacturing equipment. However, to locate each manufacturing equipment, it is necessary to place anchors, which are location-locating devices, on tags, which are the equipment to be located. Therefore, when building a control and measurement system using a wired network within a factory using the technology disclosed in Patent Literature 1, it is necessary to prepare tags for each manufacturing equipment to be located and optimal anchors for each tag, which is likely to increase costs. In addition, providing tags for each manufacturing equipment to be located and setting optimal anchors for each tag places a heavy burden on workers. Furthermore, when adding a control and measurement system to existing equipment in a factory, it is necessary to configure the tags and location-locating anchors on the manufacturing equipment to be located so as not to interfere with the existing equipment, which is likely to complicate the setup work for workers.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a management device, method, management system, and program that can easily determine the location information of manufacturing equipment on a wired network.

[0006] In order to achieve the above-mentioned objective, the management device of the present disclosure includes a management control unit that sets a first positioning module that performs positioning and is provided in a first remote device among multiple remote devices that are manufacturing equipment on a wired network as an anchor that serves as a reference for positioning, sets a second positioning module that performs positioning and is provided in a second remote device as a tag to be positioned, and causes the first positioning module to locate the position of the second positioning module.

[0007] According to the present disclosure, a management device can be provided that can easily locate the location information of remote devices that are manufacturing equipment on a wired network, by switching between using the positioning module equipped in the remote device as an anchor that serves as the reference for positioning and as a tag to be positioned, based on an instruction signal from the management device.

[0008] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overview of a management system according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a management system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a positioning module according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a remote device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a management device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining a positioning method of a remote device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen of a positioning result according to the first embodiment.

[0009] First Embodiment Hereinafter, a management device 3 according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure and a management system 100 including the management device 3 will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the same or equivalent parts are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0010] The management device 3 is a device that measures the position of the remote device 2, which is manufacturing equipment connected via a field network to a programmable logic controller (PLC) used to control equipment in a factory. The management system 100 is a system that includes the management device 3.

[0011] 1 shows an overview of a management system 100. The management system 100 includes remote devices 2 equipped with positioning modules 1 for positioning, a management device 3 that performs positioning of the remote devices 2, and a display device 4 that displays the positioning results. The remote devices 2 include a first remote device 2a equipped with a first positioning module 1a, a second remote device 2b equipped with a second positioning module 1b, ..., and an nth remote device 2n equipped with an nth positioning module 1n, where n is an integer equal to or greater than 2.

[0012] The first remote device 2a and the second remote device 2b are connected by a wired first device connection cable 5a. The second remote device 2b is connected to a third remote device 2c (not shown) by a wired second device connection cable 5b. The nth remote device 2n is connected to an (n-1)th remote device 2k (not shown) by a wired nth device connection cable 5n. Note that k is a unique alphabetic symbol. In the following, the first device connection cable 5a, the second device connection cable 5b, ..., the nth device connection cable 5n will be collectively referred to as the device connection cable 5. The first remote device 2a is connected to the management device 3 by a wired device connection cable 6. The management device 3 is connected to the display device 4 by a display cable 7.

[0013] Next, the configuration of the management system 100 is shown. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the management system 100. The positioning module 1 is a module that can be used as a mobile positioning tag. The positioning module 1 includes an antenna unit 11 for performing positioning via wireless communication with other positioning modules 1, a positioning memory unit 12 for storing positioning results, a positioning power supply unit 13 for operation, a positioning control unit 14 for performing various controls, and a positioning connection unit 15 for connecting to a remote device 2. The antenna unit 11 connects to other positioning modules 1 via wireless communication and functions as a positioning tag or anchor. The positioning memory unit 12 stores the positioning results obtained by the antenna unit 11. The positioning control unit 14 performs various controls. The positioning connection unit 15 connects to the remote device 2 and transmits and receives various data, power, etc.

[0014] The remote device 2 is a manufacturing device connected via a field network to a PLC used to control devices in a factory. The remote device 2 includes a remote communication unit 21 that communicates with the management device 3, a remote storage unit 22 that stores positioning results, a remote power supply unit 23 for operation, a remote control unit 24 that executes various controls, and a remote connection unit 25 that connects to the positioning module 1. The remote communication unit 21 communicates with the management device 3 via a wired device connection cable 6. When the remote device 2 functions as a first remote device 2a, the remote communication unit 21 connects to a second remote device 2b via a first device connection cable 5a.

[0015] The remote storage unit 22 synchronizes various data such as positioning results and control information with the positioning storage unit 12 of the positioning module 1 via the remote connection unit 25 and the positioning connection unit 15. The remote power supply unit 23 supplies power to the positioning power supply unit 13 of the positioning module 1 via the remote connection unit 25 and the positioning connection unit 15. The remote control unit 24 executes various controls.

[0016] The management device 3 selects whether to use the positioning module 1 of the remote device 2 connected via the wired device connection cable 6 as a positioning tag or an anchor, controls the positioning timing, associates the remote device 2 with the positioning module 1, and performs positioning processing, etc. The management device 3 includes a management display processing unit 31 that performs display processing, a management power supply unit 32 used for operation, a management memory unit 33 that stores various data and programs, a management control unit 34 that performs various controls, a management input operation unit 35 that inputs various data, etc., and a management communication unit 36 ​​that communicates with the remote device 2.

[0017] The management display processing unit 31 displays the positioning results on the display device 4 connected via the display cable 7. The management power supply unit 32 is a power source that supplies power for executing the operations of the management device 3. The management memory unit 33 stores various data and programs including the positioning results acquired from the remote devices 2 and connection information for each remote device 2. The management control unit 34 performs various controls by executing the programs stored in the management memory unit 33. The management input operation unit 35 inputs various data, instructions from the user, etc. The management communication unit 36 ​​sends and receives various data, instruction signals, etc. by communicating with the remote devices 2.

[0018] The functions executed by the positioning module 1, the remote device 2, and the management device 3 described above are functions realized by software. Examples of hardware configurations for executing software programs that realize the functions are shown in Figures 3 to 5. Figure 3 shows an example of the hardware configuration of the positioning module 1.

[0019] The positioning module 1 includes a wireless communication device 101 for communicating with other positioning modules 1, a connection device 102 for connecting to the remote device 2, a power supply device 103 for operation, a storage device 104 for storing various data including positioning results and various programs, a memory 105 for expanding the various programs, and a processor 106 for executing the various programs. The wireless communication device 101, the connection device 102, the power supply device 103, the storage device 104, the memory 105, and the processor 106 are interconnected via a bus 107.

[0020] The wireless communication device 101 performs positioning by communicating with other positioning modules 1. The wireless communication device 101 can be configured with an antenna that uses a communication method that allows data to be transmitted and received between positioning modules 1, such as UWB (Ultra-Wide Band), Wi-Fi (registered trademark), or infrared communication. The wireless communication device 101 functions as the antenna unit 11 of the positioning module 1 shown in FIG. 2.

[0021] The connection device 102 connects to the remote device 2, acquires power, and synchronizes various data including positioning results with the remote device 2. The connection device 102 can be configured using various ports and connectors that allow devices to send and receive power and data, such as a wired USB (Universal Serial Bus) port or serial bus port. The connection device 102 functions as the positioning connection unit 15 of the positioning module 1 shown in FIG. 2 .

[0022] The power supply device 103 is a power source for operating the positioning module 1. Power for the power supply device 103 is supplied from the remote device 2. The power supply device 103 can be configured using, for example, a battery that can store the power supplied from the remote device 2. The power supply device 103 functions as the positioning power supply unit 13 of the positioning module 1 shown in FIG. 2 .

[0023] The storage device 104 stores various programs executed by the processor 106 and various data including positioning results. The storage device 104 can be configured using a storage element such as a semiconductor memory or a semiconductor chip. The storage device 104 also functions as the positioning storage unit 12 of the positioning module 1 shown in FIG. 2.

[0024] The memory 105 is a device for expanding the various programs stored in the storage device 104. The memory 105 can be configured using a storage element and a storage medium, such as a volatile or non-volatile semiconductor memory, such as a random access memory (RAM) or a flash memory.

[0025] The processor 106 reads out various programs stored in the storage device 104, loads them into the memory 105, and executes them. The processor 106 can be configured using a processing device such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (Micro-processing Unit). The memory 105 and the processor 106 function as the positioning control unit 14 of the positioning module 1 shown in FIG. 2.

[0026] 4 shows an example of the hardware configuration of the remote device 2. The remote device 2 includes a connection device 201 that connects to the positioning module 1, a communication device 202 for communicating with the management device 3 and the second remote device 2b, a power supply device 203 for operation, a storage device 204 that stores various data including positioning results and various programs, a memory 205 for expanding the various programs, and a processor 206 that executes the various programs. The connection device 201, communication device 202, power supply device 203, storage device 204, memory 205, and processor 206 are interconnected via a bus 207.

[0027] The connection device 201 connects to the positioning module 1, supplies or acquires power, and synchronizes various data including positioning results with the positioning module 1. The connection device 201 can be configured using various ports that can send and receive power and data between devices, such as a wired USB port or serial bus port. The connection device 201 functions as the remote connection unit 25 of the remote device 2 shown in FIG. 2.

[0028] The communication device 202 is connected to the management device 3 and the second remote device 2b and transmits and receives various data. The communication device 202 can be configured using various ports that allow data to be transmitted and received between devices, such as various industrial networks, a wired LAN (Local Area Network) port, a USB port, an IEEE 1394 port, etc. The communication device 202 functions as the remote communication unit 21 of the remote device 2 shown in FIG. 2.

[0029] The power supply device 203 is a power source for operating the remote device 2. The power supply device 203 supplies power to the power supply device 103 of the positioning module 1 shown in Fig. 3. The power supply device 203 can be configured using, for example, a power port that receives power from an external source and a battery that can store the power supplied from an external source. The power supply device 203 functions as the remote power supply unit 23 of the remote device 2 shown in Fig. 2.

[0030] The storage device 204 stores various programs executed by the processor 206 and various data including the positioning results. The storage device 204 can be configured using a storage element such as a semiconductor memory or a semiconductor chip. The storage device 204 also functions as the remote storage unit 22 of the remote device 2 shown in FIG. 2.

[0031] The memory 205 is a device for expanding the various programs stored in the storage device 204. The memory 205 can be configured using a storage element and a storage medium, such as a volatile or non-volatile semiconductor memory, such as a RAM or a flash memory.

[0032] The processor 206 reads out various programs stored in the storage device 204, loads them into the memory 205, and executes them. The processor 206 can be configured using a processing device such as a CPU or an MPU. The memory 205 and the processor 206 function as the remote control unit 24 of the remote device 2 shown in FIG. 2 .

[0033] 5 shows an example of the hardware configuration of the management device 3. The management device 3 includes a communication device 301 for communicating with the remote device 2, an input device 302 for receiving input of various data, a storage device 303 for storing various programs and various data, a display controller 304 for generating display data to be displayed on the display device 4, a power supply device 305 for operation, a memory 306 for expanding the various programs, and a processor 307 for executing the various programs. The communication device 301, the input device 302, the storage device 303, the display controller 304, the power supply device 305, the memory 306, and the processor 307 are connected to each other via a bus 308.

[0034] The communication device 301 connects to the remote device 2 and transmits and receives various data including positioning results. The communication device 301 can be configured using various ports that allow data to be transmitted and received between devices, such as various industrial networks, a wired LAN port, a USB port, an IEEE 1394 port, etc. The communication device 301 functions as the management communication unit 36 ​​of the management device 3 shown in FIG. 2.

[0035] The input device 302 is an input unit through which a user inputs various data and instructions. The input device 302 can be configured using, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, a touch panel, etc. The input device 302 functions as the management input operation unit 35 of the management device 3 shown in FIG. 2.

[0036] The storage device 303 stores various programs executed by the processor 307 and display data such as images and characters to be displayed on the display device 4. The storage device 303 can be configured using a storage device such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or an SSD (Solid State Drive). The storage device 303 also functions as the management storage unit 33 of the management device 3 shown in FIG. 2.

[0037] The display controller 304 is a controller that outputs a video signal to the display device 4 to display display data including characters and images. The display device 4 can be configured using, for example, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), an organic EL (Electroluminescence) monitor, or the like. The display controller 304 can be configured using, for example, a video signal output device such as a video card, a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), or a graphics board. The display controller 304 functions as the management display processing unit 31 of the management device 3 shown in FIG. 2.

[0038] The power supply device 305 is a power source for operating the management device 3. The power supply device 305 can be configured using, for example, a power port that receives power from an external source and a battery that can store the power supplied from an external source. The power supply device 305 functions as the management power supply unit 32 of the management device 3 shown in FIG. 2.

[0039] The memory 306 is a device for expanding the various programs stored in the storage device 303. The memory 306 can be configured using a storage element and a storage medium, such as a RAM, a volatile or non-volatile semiconductor memory such as a flash memory, etc.

[0040] The processor 307 reads out various programs stored in the storage device 303, loads them into the memory 306, and executes them. The processor 307 can be configured using a processing device such as a CPU or an MPU. The memory 306 and the processor 307 function as the management control unit 34 of the management device 3 shown in FIG. 2.

[0041] Next, a method for locating the position of the remote device 2 in the first embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 6. In principle, the remote device 2 is not stopped while in operation. Therefore, the position of the remote device 2 is located periodically during operation or in response to a request from the management device 3. First, the management control unit 34 of the management device 3 shown in Fig. 2 obtains connection information of each remote device 2 connected via the device connection cable 6 and the device connection cable 5 from the management storage unit 33.

[0042] 6, for example, the management device 3 is connected to a first remote device 2a via a device connection cable 6. The first remote device 2a is connected to a second remote device 2b via a first device connection cable 5a. The second remote device 2b is connected to a third remote device 2c via a second device connection cable 5b. The third remote device 2c is connected to a fourth remote device 2d via a third device connection cable 5c. The fourth remote device 2d is connected to a fifth remote device 2e via a fourth device connection cable 5d. The fifth remote device 2e is connected to a sixth remote device 2f via a fifth device connection cable 5e. Note that the sixth remote device 2f is connected to a seventh remote device 2g (not shown) via the sixth device connection cable 5f.

[0043] In this state, consider a case where the management control unit 34 of the management device 3 shown in Figure 2 determines the positions of each of the first remote device 2a to the sixth remote device 2f, for example, by angle and distance combined positioning, which is capable of determining one-to-one anchor-to-tag positioning. First, the management control unit 34 of the management device 3 transmits an instruction signal to each remote device 2 based on the connection information of each remote device 2 acquired from the management storage unit 33, and sets an anchor and a tag. As a result, the management control unit 34 of the management device 3 can set an anchor and a tag based on the connection information of each remote device 2, and can also control the positioning timing of each remote device 2.

[0044] For example, the management control unit 34 of the management device 3 transmits an instruction signal via the device connecting cable 6 to simultaneously operate the first positioning module 1a of the first remote device 2a and the second positioning module 1b of the second remote device 2b. At this time, the management control unit 34 of the management device 3 performs positioning of the second remote device 2b using the first remote device 2a as a reference anchor and the second remote device 2b as a tag. More specifically, the first positioning module 1a provided in the first remote device 2a is the anchor. The second positioning module 1b provided in the second remote device 2b is the tag. The first remote device 2a determines the current position of the second positioning module 1b using its own position as a reference.

[0045] Similarly, the management control unit 34 of the management device 3 transmits an instruction signal via the device connection cable 6 to simultaneously operate the second positioning module 1b of the second remote device 2b and the third positioning module 1c of the third remote device 2c. Positioning is performed using the second remote device 2b as the anchor and the third remote device 2c as the tag. The management control unit 34 of the management device 3 then sequentially positions the third remote device 2c as the anchor and the fourth remote device 2d as the tag, the fourth remote device 2d as the anchor and the fifth remote device 2e as the tag, and the fifth remote device 2e as the anchor and the sixth remote device 2f as the tag. After the measurements are complete, the management control unit 34 of the management device 3 receives positioning data from the first remote device 2a through the sixth remote device 2f.

[0046] In the case of a 2:1 or 3:1 anchor-to-tag positioning method, if the relative positions of two or three localization modules 1 are initially known, it is possible to perform positioning of all localization modules 1 in the same way as in the case of a 1:1 anchor-to-tag ratio. Furthermore, by using positioning data of one tag from multiple anchors, it is possible to improve positioning accuracy.

[0047] The management control unit 34 of the management device 3 receives positioning data from the first remote device 2a to the sixth remote device 2f. The management control unit 34 of the management device 3 associates the positioning data of each remote device 2 calculated from the received positioning data of the first remote device 2a to the sixth remote device 2f with asset information, status information, etc. of each remote device 2 to create data. This data will be referred to as positioning information data hereinafter. The management display processing unit 31 of the management device 3 shown in FIG. 2 displays a space map 410 shown in FIG. 7 on the display device 4 based on the positioning information data of each remote device 2.

[0048] The spatial map 410 is displayed on the display screen 41 of the display device 4. In Fig. 7, for example, a management device 3, a router Ru, and a first remote device 2a to a ninth remote device 2i are arranged on a factory floor map 421. Each of the first remote device 2a to the ninth remote device 2i is equipped with a positioning module 1. The rectangular parallelepipeds indicated by dotted lines represent, for example, multiple devices and workbenches for manufacturing, inspecting, etc. products.

[0049] A first remote device 2a to a third remote device 2c are connected to a management device 3. A router Ru is connected to the third remote device 2c, which branches out into a fourth remote device 2d, a fifth remote device 2e, a sixth remote device 2f, a seventh remote device 2g, an eighth remote device 2h, and a ninth remote device 2i.

[0050] When the user selects the management device 3 or any of the first to ninth remote devices 2a to 2i displayed on the space map 410 from the management input operation unit 35 of the management device 3 shown in FIG. 2, an information presentation unit 422 is displayed. The information presentation unit 422 displays asset information and status information, such as serial numbers and alarm information, of the selected management device 3 or remote device 2. Furthermore, when asset information or status information is selected or input from the management input operation unit 35 of the management device 3, the position of the corresponding management device 3 or remote device 2 is highlighted on the space map 410. This makes it possible to show the user where on the space map 410 the selected management device 3 or remote device 2 is located.

[0051] Next, a positioning method for the remote device 2 in the first embodiment will be described below with reference to the flowchart shown in Fig. 8. Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing in the positioning process. The positioning process is stored as a positioning process program in the management storage unit 33 of the management device 3 shown in Fig. 2. For example, when a user selects an icon associated with the positioning process program arranged on the display screen 41 of the display device 4 using the management input operation unit 35 of the management device 3, the processor 307 shown in Fig. 5 reads the positioning process program stored in the storage device 303 into the memory 306 and executes it.

[0052] The management control unit 34 of the management device 3 shown in FIG. 2 sets the variable m to 1 (step S101). The management control unit 34 transmits an instruction signal via the device connection cable 6 to simultaneously operate the positioning modules of the mth remote device k and the (m+1)th remote device l (step S102). Note that k and l are any numbers and alphabetic suffixes. For example, based on the connection information of each remote device 2 previously acquired from the management storage unit 33, the management control unit 34 transmits an instruction signal via the device connection cable 6 to simultaneously operate the first positioning module 1a of the first remote device 2a and the second positioning module 1b of the second remote device 2b.

[0053] The management control unit 34 sets an anchor that serves as a reference for positioning and a tag that is to be positioned (step S103). For example, the management control unit 34 sets the first positioning module 1a of the first remote device 2a as the anchor and the second positioning module 1b of the second remote device 2b as the tag. The management control unit 34 causes the first positioning module 1a of the first remote device 2a to position the tag (step S104). For example, the management control unit 34 causes the first positioning module 1a provided in the first remote device 2a to position the position of the second positioning module 1b of the second remote device 2b that is set as the tag.

[0054] The management control unit 34 determines whether the positions of all connected remote devices 2 have been determined (step S105). If the positions of all remote devices 2 have not been determined (step S105; NO), the management control unit 34 adds 1 to the variable m (step S106). The management control unit 34 returns to step S102 and executes step S102 and subsequent steps.

[0055] In step S105, if the positions of all the remote devices 2 have been measured (step S105; YES), the management control unit 34 converts the positioning results into data and stores the data in the management storage unit 33 (step S107). For example, the management control unit 34 associates the data of the positioning results of the positions of the first remote device 2a to the sixth remote device 2f with asset information, status information, etc. of each remote device 2 and converts the data into data. The management control unit 34 stores the converted positioning results, that is, positioning information data, in the management storage unit 33.

[0056] 2 displays the spatial map 410 shown in Fig. 7 on the display screen 41 of the display device 4 based on the positioning information data (step S108). The management control unit 34 ends the positioning process.

[0057] As described above, according to the first embodiment, positioning can be performed by switching between using the positioning module 1 provided in the remote device 2 as an anchor that serves as a reference for positioning and as a tag that is the target of positioning, in response to an instruction signal from the management device 3. This allows the management device 3 to easily locate the position information of the remote device 2 that is manufacturing equipment on the wired network.

[0058] (Embodiment 2) In the above-described embodiment 1, the position of the remote device 2 on the wired network can be determined by switching the positioning module 1 provided in the remote device 2 between using it as an anchor that serves as a reference for positioning and a tag that is the target of positioning in response to an instruction signal from the management device 3. In this embodiment 2, the anchor that serves as a reference for positioning is dynamically determined in response to an instruction signal from the management device 3, thereby making it possible to determine the position of tags other than the remote device 2 that are in the vicinity of the remote device 2.

[0059] Fig. 9 is a diagram for explaining a positioning method of the mobile positioning module 8. In Fig. 9, a first mobile positioning module 8a is attached to a tool 81, a second mobile positioning module 8b is attached to a worker 82, and a third mobile positioning module 8c is attached to a workpiece 83 to be manufactured. Note that the mobile positioning module 8 is a collective term for the first mobile positioning module 8a, the second mobile positioning module 8b, and the third mobile positioning module 8c.

[0060] When locating the position of the mobile positioning module 8, the management control unit 34 of the management device 3 performs positioning using the positioning modules 1 of three remote devices 2 that are in the vicinity of the mobile positioning module 8 to be measured as anchors. To determine the nearby positioning modules 1, possible methods include, for example, determining the placement range of each mobile positioning module 8 in advance, or operating all remote devices 2 as anchors to perform an initial search.

[0061] For example, when positioning a first mobile positioning module 8a attached to a tool 81, the management control unit 34 of the management device 3 sets the first positioning module 1a of the first remote device 2a, the second positioning module 1b of the second remote device 2b, and the third positioning module 1c of the third remote device 2c as anchors. The first positioning module 1a, the second positioning module 1b, and the third positioning module 1c sequentially position the first mobile positioning module 8a. The management control unit 34 of the management device 3 determines the position calculated from each piece of positioning data as the current position of the first mobile positioning module 8a.

[0062] Similarly, when locating the second mobile positioning module 8b attached to the worker 82, the management control unit 34 of the management device 3 sets the second positioning module 1b of the second remote device 2b, the third positioning module 1c of the third remote device 2c, and the fourth positioning module 1d of the fourth remote device 2d as anchors, and performs positioning. Furthermore, when locating the third mobile positioning module 8c attached to the workpiece 83 to be manufactured, the management control unit 34 of the management device 3 sets the fourth positioning module 1d of the fourth remote device 2d, the fifth positioning module 1e of the fifth remote device 2e, and the sixth positioning module 1f of the sixth remote device 2f as anchors, and performs positioning.

[0063] The management control unit 34 of the management device 3 receives positioning data of the first mobile positioning module 8a to the third mobile positioning module 8c from the first positioning module 1a to the sixth positioning module 1f. The management control unit 34 of the management device 3 associates the position data calculated from the received positioning data of the first mobile positioning module 8a to the third mobile positioning module 8c and the previously positioned position data of the first remote device 2a to the sixth remote device 2f with asset information, status information, etc. of each mobile positioning module 8 and each remote device 2 to digitize the positioning result data. Hereinafter, the digitized positioning result data will be referred to as radio positioning information data. The management display processing unit 31 of the management device 3 shown in FIG. 2 displays the spatial map 410A shown in FIG. 10 on the display screen 41 of the display device 4 based on the radio positioning information data.

[0064] The spatial map 410A is displayed on the display screen 41 of the display device 4. In Fig. 10, for example, a management device 3, a router Ru, and a first remote device 2a to a ninth remote device 2i are arranged on a factory floor map 421. Each of the first remote device 2a to the ninth remote device 2i is equipped with a positioning module 1. The rectangular parallelepipeds indicated by dotted lines represent, for example, multiple devices and workbenches for manufacturing, inspecting, etc. products.

[0065] The white circles on the spatial map 410A indicate the locations of the management device 3, the router Ru, and the first remote device 2a to the ninth remote device 2i. The management device 3, the router Ru, and the first remote device 2a to the ninth remote device 2i are connected by wired cables to form a wired network. Therefore, the lines connecting the white circles indicate the wired network based on the locations of the management device 3, the router Ru, and the first remote device 2a to the ninth remote device 2i.

[0066] The black circles indicate the positions of mobile positioning modules 8 attached to tools 81, workers 82, workpieces 83 to be manufactured, etc. Each mobile positioning module 8 is connected via wireless communication to the positioning module 1 of each remote device 2, forming a wireless network. Therefore, the lines connecting the black circles and white circles indicate the wireless network based on the positions of each mobile positioning module 8 and the positioning module 1 of each remote device 2.

[0067] The management control unit 34 of the management device 3 can form a mesh network 423 within the factory using a wireless network made up of black and white circles. This allows communication backup via the wireless network, for example, when the wired network malfunctions.

[0068] Next, a positioning method of the mobile positioning module 8 in the second embodiment will be described below with reference to the flowchart shown in Fig. 11. Fig. 11 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing in the dynamic positioning process. The dynamic positioning process is stored as a dynamic positioning process program in the management storage unit 33 of the management device 3 shown in Fig. 2. For example, when a user selects an icon associated with the dynamic positioning process program arranged on the display screen 41 of the display device 4 using the management input operation unit 35 of the management device 3, the processor 307 shown in Fig. 5 reads the dynamic positioning process program stored in the storage device 303 into the memory 306 and executes it.

[0069] The management control unit 34 of the management device 3 shown in Fig. 2 sets a tag to be positioned and an anchor that serves as a reference for positioning (step S201). For example, assume that the position of the first mobile positioning module 8a attached to the tool 81 shown in Fig. 9 is to be positioned. In this case, the management control unit 34 of the management device 3 sets the first mobile positioning module 8a as the tag. The management control unit 34 of the management device 3 sets the first positioning module 1a of the first remote device 2a, the second positioning module 1b of the second remote device 2b, and the third positioning module 1c of the third remote device 2c, which are located near the first mobile positioning module 8a, as anchors.

[0070] The management control unit 34 of the management device 3 determines the position of the first mobile positioning module 8a using the first remote device 2 (step S202). For example, the first remote device 2a. The management control unit 34 of the management device 3 causes the first positioning module 1a of the first remote device 2a to determine the position of the first mobile positioning module 8a.

[0071] The management control unit 34 of the management device 3 determines the position of the first mobile positioning module 8a using the second remote device 2 (step S203). For example, the second remote device 2b. The management control unit 34 of the management device 3 causes the second positioning module 1b of the second remote device 2b to determine the position of the first mobile positioning module 8a.

[0072] The management control unit 34 of the management device 3 determines the position of the first mobile positioning module 8a using the third remote device 2 (step S204). For example, the third remote device 2c is assumed to be the third remote device 2c. The management control unit 34 of the management device 3 causes the third positioning module 1c of the third remote device 2c to determine the position of the first mobile positioning module 8a.

[0073] The management control unit 34 of the management device 3 determines the position of the first mobile positioning module 8a (step S205). For example, the management control unit 34 of the management device 3 determines the position calculated from the positioning data measured in steps S202 to S204 as the current position of the first mobile positioning module 8a.

[0074] The management control unit 34 of the management device 3 determines whether there is a mobile positioning module 8 to be positioned (step S206). For example, assume that the second mobile positioning module 8b attached to the worker 82 and the third mobile positioning module 8c attached to the workpiece 83 to be manufactured shown in FIG. 9 are the targets of positioning. In this case, since there is a mobile positioning module 8 to be positioned (step S206; YES), the management control unit 34 of the management device 3 returns to step S201 and executes step S201 and subsequent steps.

[0075] Furthermore, if there is no mobile positioning module 8 to be positioned (step S206; NO), the management display processing unit 31 of the management device 3 shown in FIG. 2 displays the spatial map 410A shown in FIG. 10 on the display screen 41 of the display device 4 (step S207). For example, the management control unit 34 of the management device 3 associates the position data calculated from the received positioning results of the first mobile positioning module 8a to the third mobile positioning module 8c and the position data of the first remote device 2a to the sixth remote device 2f, which have been previously positioned, with asset information, status information, etc. of each mobile positioning module 8 and each remote device 2, and converts them into data to generate wireless positioning information data. The management display processing unit 31 of the management device 3 shown in FIG. 2 displays the spatial map 410A shown in FIG. 10 on the display screen 41 of the display device 4 based on the wireless positioning information data. The management display processing unit 31 of the management device 3 ends the dynamic positioning process.

[0076] As described above, according to the second embodiment, in addition to the effects of the first embodiment, an instruction signal from the management device 3 can be used to define a mobile positioning module 8 attached to a tool 81, a worker 82, etc. as a tag, and a remote device 2 located in the vicinity of the tag as an anchor that serves as the reference for positioning. Therefore, by dynamically defining the anchor, it is possible to smoothly perform positioning of tags other than the remote device 2.

[0077] Furthermore, a mesh network 423 can be formed within the factory by connecting points on the wired network of the remote device 2 with points on the wireless network of the mobile positioning module 8. This allows, for example, communication backup via the wireless network when the wired network malfunctions.

[0078] (Variation 1) In the above-described first and second embodiments, the positioning power supply unit 13 of the positioning module 1 is supplied with power from the remote power supply unit 23 of the remote device 2. This is not limiting, and for example, as shown in FIG. 12 , the positioning module 1A may be provided with an auxiliary power supply unit 16, which is a secondary battery, instead of the positioning power supply unit 13. If the remote power supply unit 23 of the remote device 2 is unable to supply power for some reason, power is supplied to the remote device 2 from the auxiliary power supply unit 16 of the positioning module 1A, thereby maintaining the positioning function and the communication function via the wired network. Alternatively, the positioning module 1A may be provided with both the positioning power supply unit 13 and the auxiliary power supply unit 16. Furthermore, the auxiliary power supply unit 16 may be a power supply that is removable from the positioning module 1A.

[0079] (Modification 2) In the above-described first and second embodiments, the management device 3 and the display device 4 are separate entities. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the management device 3 may include the display device 4.

[0080] In addition, in the embodiment of the present disclosure, the management device 3 and the management system 100 including the management device 3 can be realized as a dedicated system. However, they can also be realized using a normal computer system without a dedicated system. For example, a program for realizing each function of the above-described management device 3 and the management system 100 including the management device 3 may be stored and distributed on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read Only Memory) or a DVD-ROM (Digital Versatile Disc Read Only Memory), and a computer may be configured to realize each of the above-described functions by installing this program on the computer. Furthermore, if each function is realized by sharing the work between an operating system (OS) and an application, or by collaboration between an OS and an application, only the application may be stored on the recording medium.

[0081] The present disclosure allows various embodiments and modifications without departing from the broad spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, the above-described embodiments are intended to illustrate the present disclosure and do not limit the scope of the present disclosure. That is, the scope of the present disclosure is defined by the claims, not the embodiments. Various modifications made within the scope of the claims and the meaning of equivalent disclosures are considered to be within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0082] The present disclosure can be suitably used in a management device.

[0083] Ru Router, 1, 1A Positioning module, 1a First positioning module, 1b Second positioning module, 1c Third positioning module, 1d Fourth positioning module, 1e Fifth positioning module, 1f Sixth positioning module, 1n nth positioning module, 2 Remote device, 2a First remote device, 2b Second remote device, 2c Third remote device, 2d Fourth remote device, 2e Fifth remote device, 2f Sixth remote device, 2g Seventh remote device, 2h Eighth remote device, 2i Ninth remote device, 2k (n-1)th remote device, 2n nth remote device, 3 Management device, 4 Display device, 5 Device connection cable, 5a First device connection cable, 5b Second device connection cable, 5c Third device connection cable, 5d Fourth device connection cable, 5e Fifth device connection cable, 5f Sixth device connection cable, 5n nth device connection cable, 6 Device connection cable, 7 Display cable, 8 Mobile positioning module, 8a First mobile positioning module, 8b Second mobile positioning module, 8c Third mobile positioning module, 11 Antenna unit, 12 Positioning memory unit, 13 Positioning power supply unit, 14 Positioning control unit, 15 Positioning connection unit, 16 Auxiliary power supply unit, 21 Remote communication unit, 22 Remote memory unit, 23 Remote power supply unit, 24 Remote control unit, 25 Remote connection unit, 31 Management display processing unit, 32 Management power supply unit, 33 Management memory unit, 34 Management control unit, 35 Management input operation unit, 36 Management communication unit, 41 Display screen, 81 Tool, 82 Worker, 83 Work, 100 Management system, 101 Wireless communication device, 102, 201 Connection device, 103, 203, 305 Power supply device, 104, 204, 303 Storage device, 105, 205, 306 Memory, 106, 206, 307 Processor, 107, 207, 308 Bus, 202, 301 Communication device, 302 Input device, 304 Display controller, 410, 410A Space map, 421 Floor map, 422 Information presentation unit, 423 Mesh network.

Claims

1. A management device comprising a management control unit that sets a first positioning module that performs positioning and is provided in a first remote device among multiple remote devices that are manufacturing equipment on a wired network as an anchor that serves as a positioning reference, sets a second positioning module that performs positioning and is provided in a second remote device as a tag to be positioned, and causes the first positioning module to locate the position of the second positioning module.

2. The management device described in claim 1, wherein, after locating the position of the second positioning module, the management control unit sets the second positioning module as an anchor, sets a third positioning module that performs positioning and is provided in a third remote device as a tag to be positioned, and causes the second positioning module to locate the position of the third positioning module.

3. The management device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the management control unit controls the setting of the anchor and the tag or the timing of positioning based on connection information of each remote device on the wired network.

4. The management device described in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the management control unit sets a mobile positioning module that performs positioning and is attached to at least one of a tool, a worker, and a workpiece to be manufactured as a tag to be positioned, sets the first positioning module as an anchor that serves as a reference for positioning, and causes the first positioning module to position the current position of the mobile positioning module.

5. The management device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a management display processing unit that displays a spatial map showing the positions of the plurality of remote devices on an external display device.

6. The management device according to claim 4, further comprising a management display processing unit that displays on an external display device a spatial map including a mesh network that connects a wired network based on the positions of the plurality of remote devices and a wireless network based on the positions of the mobile positioning modules.

7. A management system comprising: a plurality of remote devices which are manufacturing equipment connected via a wired network; a positioning module for performing positioning provided in each of the plurality of remote devices; and a management device including a management control unit which sets a first positioning module provided in a first remote device among the plurality of remote devices as an anchor which serves as a positioning reference, sets a second positioning module provided in a second remote device as a tag to be positioned, and causes the first positioning module to measure the position of the second positioning module.

8. A method executed by a management device, comprising: setting a first positioning module provided in a first remote device that is manufacturing equipment on a wired network as an anchor that serves as a reference for positioning; setting a second positioning module provided in a second remote device that is manufacturing equipment as a tag to be positioned; and having the first positioning module determine the location of the second positioning module.

9. A program for causing a computer to execute the following processes: a process for setting a first positioning module provided in a first remote device, which is manufacturing equipment on a wired network, as an anchor that serves as the reference for positioning; a process for setting a second positioning module provided in a second remote device, which is manufacturing equipment, as a tag to be positioned; and a process for having the first positioning module locate the position of the second positioning module.

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