Manufacturing Progress Reporting via Image-Linked Control Tables
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Solution Overview
Problem
Efficient progress checking at remote manufacturing sites is hindered by the time-consuming nature of on-site visits, especially in overseas factories, where real-time monitoring and data sharing are challenging.
Innovation Solution
A system that uses a processor to receive and associate input information, including component names, manufacturing processes, and image data captured at the site, presenting this information in a control table format for efficient tracking and sharing across users, utilizing smartphones, tablets, and a network for communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a person in charge of management visits a manufacturing site directly to check progress, then the accuracy of progress information is improved, but the time required for progress checking increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a photo upload feature where workers capture images of manufacturing progress and upload them to the cloud. Managers can then view these photos along with progress data on their terminals, eliminating the need for physical site visits while maintaining accurate progress information through visual documentation and data entry.
2Reliability
If management personnel visit remote overseas factories to monitor manufacturing progress, then real-time monitoring capability is improved, but the frequency and efficiency of monitoring deteriorates due to travel time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a cloud-based information processing system as an intermediary between workers at remote sites and managers. Workers input progress data and upload photos to the cloud, which then makes this information accessible to managers anywhere in the world. This intermediary system enables reliable real-time monitoring without requiring managers to travel to remote locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions the monitoring system from physical space to digital space. Instead of managers physically traveling to sites (one-dimensional spatial movement), the system uses networked terminals and cloud services to transmit progress information across digital dimensions, enabling simultaneous monitoring of multiple remote locations without physical constraints.
3Loss of information
If workers use hand-held terminals to input manufacturing data, then data collection capability is improved, but the complexity of the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs standard smartphones and tablets as work terminals, which workers already possess and are familiar with. These universal devices perform multiple functions: displaying work instructions, capturing photos, inputting progress data, and communicating with the cloud system. This approach achieves complete data collection without requiring specialized or complex equipment.
Data Source
AI summary
A program for causing a processor of a computer to execute: a step of receiving an input of first information indicating a name of a component of a finished product to be manufactured at a manufacturing site; a step of receiving an input of second information indicating a name of a manufacturing process for the component; a step of receiving an input of image information captured by photographing or filming a state of the manufacturing process; a step of associating the image information with the first information and the second information; and a step of presenting the image information together with the first information and the second information to a user.