CN113939838A

CN113939838A - Work management device and program

Info

Publication number: CN113939838A
Application number: CN202080041998.3A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 竹中章晴
Original assignee: Omron Corp
Current assignee: Omron Corp
Priority date: 2019-07-01
Filing date: 2020-03-09
Publication date: 2022-01-14
Also published as: JP2021009562A; WO2021002057A1; JP6748949B1

Abstract

A work management apparatus for managing work, the work management apparatus comprising: a work rule acquisition unit that acquires work rule information in each process of the work; and a work assistance information display unit that, based on the work rule The operator glasses worn by the operator who perform the work display information that assists the work; the robot control unit controls the work robot that performs work in each process based on the work rules; information on the work performed by the operator and information on the work performed by the work robot; and a work result determination unit that determines each Whether the job has been completed as specified in the job.

Description

Work management device and program

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a work management device and a program.

Background

A technique for supporting operations such as picking up and assembling parts in a system is known.

For example, patent document 1 describes: the work efficiency is improved by using an augmented reality device to instruct a storage part, in which an article to be picked up is placed, to an operator.

Further, patent document 2 describes a system that: in the assembling operation, the position of the screw hole through which the operator screws the component is indicated.

Documents of the prior art

Patent document

Patent document 1: japanese patent laid-open No. 2014-43353

Patent document 2: japanese patent laid-open publication No. 2019-12432

Disclosure of Invention

Problems to be solved by the invention

However, in the conventional methods described in

patent documents

1 and 2, although individual operations such as picking up and assembling are supported, the overall operation efficiency is not improved over a plurality of operation steps. In recent years, there are many cases where an operator and a robot perform work together, and it is demanded to improve work efficiency by managing both works together.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a technique for managing work over a series of steps to thereby improve the efficiency of the entire work.

Means for solving the problems

In order to solve the above problem, the present invention adopts the following configuration.

A job management apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention manages a job, and includes: a job specification acquisition unit that acquires information on a job specification in each step of the job; a work support information display unit that displays information for supporting a work on a worker worn by the worker who performs the work in each step, with glasses, based on the work specification; a robot control unit that controls a working robot that performs work in each step based on the work specification; a work performance information acquiring unit that acquires information on a work performed by the worker and information on a work performed by the work robot; and a work result determination unit that determines whether each of the works has been completed according to the work specification, based on information on the work performed by the worker and information on the work performed by the working robot. With this configuration, the content and progress of the work in a series of steps can be managed uniformly and without omission, and the efficiency of the whole work can be improved.

In the above-described configuration, the operation-specified information is information for assisting the operation of the operator in each step or control information of the working robot, and includes information on the type and number of the working components required for the operation, information on the storage location of each component, information on the mounting position or mounting order of the components, and the like. The term "operator glasses" refers to an augmented reality device worn by an operator, and information for assisting a work is displayed on a display.

In the picking step of taking out the parts necessary for the series of operations from the storage and placing them in the parts box, the work performance information acquisition unit acquires information on the type and number of the work parts taken out of the storage by the operator and information on the type and number of the work parts taken out of the storage by the work robot, the work result determination unit determines whether or not the picking up according to the work by the worker and the working robot is completed, the work management apparatus further includes a parts box identification number giving section which, when it is determined that the picking according to the work is completed, a parts box identification number is recorded in the wireless communication tag attached to the parts box, the parts box identification number being associated with information of a subsequent process using the work parts in the parts box. This prevents erroneous components from being placed in the parts box, and efficiently manages information generated during work using the parts box identification number.

Further, the method may further include: and an inventory replenishment instruction unit that outputs information on the type and number of the work parts to be replenished so that the inventory of each work part in the storage becomes a predetermined number, based on the information on the type and number of the work parts taken out of the storage by the operator and the information on the type and number of the work parts taken out of the storage by the work robot. This makes it possible to appropriately secure the stock number of the working parts in the storage and prevent shortage of the stock during the work.

Further, the parts box may be mounted on a movable body, and the work management apparatus may further include: a parts box movement control unit that moves the movable body to a predetermined area in which a next process corresponding to the parts box identification number is performed when the parts box identification number is recorded in a wireless communication tag; and a parts box arrival detection unit that detects, via wireless communication with the wireless communication tag, that the moving body on which the parts box is mounted has arrived at the predetermined area, wherein the work assistance information display unit displays, on the worker's glasses worn by the worker who performs the work in the process, a meaning that the moving body on which the parts box is mounted has arrived at the predetermined area. This makes it possible to provide the operator with operation information at an appropriate timing and prevent the use of an incorrect parts box during operation.

Further, the work result determination unit may determine whether or not the operator has performed the picking up according to the work specification by acquiring the code information attached to the work component taken out by the operator via the code reading means of the operator's glasses. This prevents picking errors, and allows immediate correction of work even when an erroneous part is picked.

Further, the work result determination unit may determine whether or not the picking-up specified by the work is completed by acquiring the code information of the work component attached to the component box via the code reading means of the work robot. Thus, the contents of the parts box can be confirmed to be correct before proceeding to the next step.

Further, the method may further include: a failure occurrence information acquisition unit that acquires failure occurrence information input via the worker's glasses when the worker determines that a failure has occurred in the work; and a failure information management unit that manages the failure information by associating the failure information with a parts box identification number of a parts box used by an operator who has input the failure information. Thus, at the time of trouble handling, handling such as correction can be performed based on the trouble information recorded in association with the parts box identification number.

Further, the method may further include: a failure presence/absence determination unit that determines whether or not the failure information is registered in association with the parts box identification number; and a trouble occurrence time movement control unit that moves the parts box determined to be associated with the parts box identification number and registered with the trouble information to an area where trouble handling is performed. Thus, the parts box with the non-repaired parts can be used for fault handling without omission.

Further, the method may further include: a work failure information acquisition unit that acquires work failure information from a tool used by the worker when a failure of work is detected by the tool; and a work image acquisition unit that acquires a visual field image of the operator captured via the operator glasses when the failure of the work is detected. This allows the information to be recorded as failure information in association with the parts box identification number.

A program according to an aspect of the present invention causes a computer that manages jobs to function as: a job specification acquisition unit that acquires information on a job specification in each step of the job; a work support information display unit that displays information for supporting a work on a worker worn by the worker who performs the work in each step, with glasses, based on the work specification; a robot control unit that controls a working robot that performs work in each step based on the work specification; a work performance information acquiring unit that acquires information on a work performed by the worker and information on a work performed by the work robot; and a work result determination unit that determines whether each of the works has been completed according to the work specification, based on information on the work performed by the worker and information on the work performed by the working robot. With this configuration, the content and progress of the work in a series of steps can be managed uniformly and without omission, and the efficiency of the whole work can be improved.

ADVANTAGEOUS EFFECTS OF INVENTION

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a technique for managing work over a series of steps to improve the efficiency of the whole work.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an application example of the present invention.

Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the job management apparatus 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of the job management apparatus 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 4 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the operation in the pickup step of the job management system 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a pickup work status screen displayed on the worker glasses 30 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the parts stock management operation performed by the work management system 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 7 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the operation in the manual assembling process of the work management system 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 8 is a diagram showing an example of an assembly work instruction screen displayed on the worker glasses 30 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a forcible completion screen displayed on the worker glasses 30 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of an operation in the failure handling step of the work management system 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed Description

Hereinafter, an embodiment (hereinafter also referred to as "the present embodiment") according to one aspect of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the embodiments described below are merely illustrative of the present invention in all aspects. Of course, various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. That is, in the implementation of the present invention, the specific configuration according to the embodiment can be appropriately adopted. The data appearing in the present embodiment has been described in a natural language, but more specifically, it is specified in a pseudo language, commands, parameters, machine language, and the like which can be recognized by a computer.

Application example § 1

First, an example of a scenario to which the present invention is applied will be described with reference to fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a diagram schematically showing an example of a job management system 1 as an example of a scene in which a job management apparatus 10 according to the present invention is applied. In the example of fig. 1, the work management system 1 manages a series of works including a picking-up process and an assembling process in a work place. As shown in fig. 1, the job management system 1 includes: the work management apparatus 10, the work robot 20, the operator glasses 30 which are an extended reality device worn by the operator W like glasses, a kit box (parts box) 40 in which a work part for work is put, a moving body 50 on which the kit box 40 is placed, a feed chute (storage) 60 in which a work part to be picked up is stored, and a torque wrench (tool) 70 used by the operator W in assembly work. The work management apparatus 10 is communicably connected to the work robot 20, the worker glasses 30, the moving body 50, and the torque wrench 70 via dedicated gateways (gateways).

The job management apparatus 10 manages the job of each step based on information (job specifying information) related to a series of jobs. The information for the job specification includes: information on the type and number of work parts required for work, information on the storage location of each part, information on the mounting position or mounting order of the parts, and the like. The work management apparatus 10 displays these pieces of information by using the augmented reality function of the worker glasses 30. Thus, the operator W can obtain information for assisting the work by looking at the actual work place with the glasses 30. Then, the work management apparatus 10 controls the working robot 20 to execute the work based on the information specified for the work.

Further, work management device 10 manages the contents of the work performed by the operator and work robot 20, and determines whether or not each work has been completed as specified. Then, the progress of the work is displayed on the worker glasses 30. This allows the operator W to check the status of both the work to be performed by the operator W and the work performed by the working robot 20.

Further, the work management apparatus 10 controls the movement of the tool box 40 in accordance with the progress of the work process. In the tool box 40, when a work component according to a work regulation is put in the picking process, a serial number (a component box identification number) is given. The work management apparatus 10 manages the tool box 40 by the serial number, and moves the mobile body 50 on which the tool box 40 is mounted to an appropriate place according to the progress of the work. In addition, a finished product or an uncorrected product (a product which has failed in the assembling process and is in a state before repair) assembled using the components therein is also put into the tool box 40.

Construction example 2

(1. hardware configuration)

Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the job management apparatus 10 in the present embodiment. In the example of fig. 2, the job management apparatus 10 is a computer in which a control unit 11, a storage unit 12, a communication interface 13, an input device 14, and an output device 15 are electrically connected.

The control Unit 11 includes a Central Processing Unit (CPU), a Random Access Memory (RAM), a Read Only Memory (ROM), and the like, and the CPU executes a program stored in the ROM and the like to implement various functions.

The storage unit 12 is an auxiliary storage device such as a hard disk drive. The storage unit 12 stores information defining the work in each step of the work, and various information (failure information and the like) associated with a serial number given to the tool box 40.

The communication interface 13 includes a gateway device for the work management device 10 to communicate with the working robot 20, the worker glasses 30, the moving body 50 on which the tool box 40 is mounted, the torque wrench 70, and the like.

The input device 14 is a device for inputting, such as a mouse or a keyboard. The output device 15 is a device for outputting, such as a display or a speaker.

Note that, the specific hardware configuration of the work management apparatus 10 may be omitted, replaced, or added as appropriate depending on the embodiment. For example, the control unit 11 may include a plurality of processors. Further, the work management apparatus 10 may include a plurality of information processing apparatuses. In addition, the job management apparatus 10 may be an information processing apparatus designed specifically for a service to be provided, and may be a general-purpose desktop Personal Computer (PC), a tablet PC, or the like.

The working robot 20 is, for example, an arm-attached robot that performs a picking operation or the like under the control of the work management apparatus 10. The working robot 20 also has a camera function or a two-dimensional code reading function, and can transmit a captured image to the work management apparatus 10.

The operator glasses 30 are glasses-type augmented reality devices worn by the operator W. The lens portion of the glasses functions as a display, and the operator W can view a screen superimposed on the actual surrounding situation viewed through the glasses and displayed on the display. The worker glasses 30 have a camera function, and can capture an actual site status viewed through the glasses by the worker W and transmit an image to the work management apparatus 10. The operator glasses 30 have a voice recognition function, and the operator W can instruct the operator glasses 30 by voice. The operator glasses 30 can transmit the voice data input by the operator W to the work management apparatus 10. The operator glasses 30 have a function of reading the two-dimensional code.

The mobile body 50 is a device that transports the tool box 40, and moves in the work place in response to an instruction from the work management device 10. A conveyor is provided on the upper surface of the moving body 50 to load the tool box 40 thereon.

The torque wrench 70 is a tool used when an operator fastens a part to a workpiece, and measures a torque value at the time of fastening the part and transmits the torque value to the work management apparatus 10.

(2. functional Structure)

Next, an example of the functional configuration of the job management apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of the job management apparatus 10.

The control unit 11 of the job management apparatus 10, for example, expands a job management program stored in the ROM into the RAM. The control unit 11 interprets and executes the program developed in the RAM by the CPU to control each constituent element. Thus, as shown in fig. 3, the work management apparatus 10 of the present embodiment functions as a computer including a work specification acquisition unit 101, a work support information display unit 102, a robot control unit 103, a work performance information acquisition unit 104, a work result determination unit 105, a parts box identification number assignment unit 106, an inventory replenishment instruction unit 107, a parts box movement control unit 108, a parts box arrival detection unit 109, a failure occurrence information acquisition unit 110, a failure information management unit 111, a failure presence/absence determination unit 112, a failure occurrence time movement control unit 113, a work failure information acquisition unit 114, and a work image acquisition unit 115.

(3. action)

Next, a process flow of the work management system 1 of the present embodiment will be described, and the process flow is divided into (3-1) a pickup process, (3-2) inventory management of parts, (3-3) a manual assembly process, and (3-4) a trouble handling process.

(3-1. pickup step)

First, the operation of the work management system 1 in the picking-up step will be described, and fig. 4 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the operation in the picking-up step of the work management system 1. In the picking step, the worker W picks up the work component from the feed chute 60 in cooperation with the work robot 20 and puts the work component into the tool box 40 based on the work specification managed by the work management apparatus 10.

The feed chute 60 is a shelf for storing the picked-up parts in a sorted manner, and the interior thereof is divided into a plurality of small rooms, and one kind of parts is stored in each small room. An inlet 61 and an outlet 62 are provided on both sides of the shelf for each small room, and parts are replenished (supplied) from the inlet 61, and an operator or the working robot 20 picks up the parts from the outlet 62. The input port 61 and the output port 62 of each cubicle are accompanied by identification codes (two-dimensional codes) of the components stored therein. Further, each stored component is also associated with a corresponding identification code.

The worker W reads the two-dimensional code or the like for starting the picking-up process with the glasses 30 for the worker worn (S101). The two-dimensional code is installed at a predetermined place of a work place where picking up is performed, for example. When the operator glasses 30 read the two-dimensional code, the operator glasses 30 are connected to the work management device 10 via the gateway, and information specified for the work in the pickup step is transmitted from the work management device 10 to the operator glasses 30 (S102).

The worker glasses 30 display a "picked-up work status screen" on the display based on the information received from the work management apparatus 10 (S103). Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a pickup work status screen displayed on the operator glasses 30. As shown in fig. 5, on the picked-up work status screen, a serial number P1, a list of work progress statuses P2, and a take-out port image P3 are displayed. The serial number P1 is a number for specifying the contents of a work, and when the picking work is completed, the same number is assigned to the tool box 40 as a parts box identification number. In the list P2 of work progress statuses, a list of identification numbers of picked-up parts, the number of notches of the magazine 60 in which each part is stored, the number of picked-up parts, and the progress status (work state) of the picking work is displayed. The work state is displayed as "not", indicating that the pickup by the worker W is not completed yet. The work state is displayed as "robot" and indicates a component to be picked up by the working robot 20.

The outlet image P3 is displayed so as to overlap the actual gate (outlet) of the chute 60 when viewed by the operator W. The four corners in the figure represent one pocket, and the numbers in the four corners represent the number of parts picked up from the corresponding pocket. The example of fig. 5 shows, for example, one part being removed from the top left-hand gate and three parts being removed from the bottom right-hand gate. Further, the notch corresponding to the component picked up by the operator W and the notch of the component picked up by the working robot 20 may be displayed in color.

The worker W performs the picking work in accordance with the instruction displayed on the picking work status screen. The worker W takes out the parts from the designated gate and puts them in the tool box 40. The tool box 40 is mounted on the moving body 50 in an empty state, and is moved to a work place where a picking work is performed in advance. When the operator W takes out the component from the throat of the chute 60, the operator reads the identification code attached to the component with the glasses 30. The read identification code is transmitted to the job management apparatus 10 (S104).

The work management apparatus 10 manages the progress of the picking work (which part has picked up how many) based on the received identification code. The display of the work state in the list of work progress statuses P2 is set to "completed" and the display of the corresponding bay of the outlet video P3 is also changed (for example, the number is set to "0" or the color is changed) for the instructed number of picked-up parts (S105). In addition, when an erroneous component is taken out (when the identification code is different from the identification code of the designated component), an error message or the like may be displayed on the glasses 30 by the operator.

The working robot 20 performs the picking-up work by the control of the work management apparatus 10 (S106). When the picking-up work by the working robot 20 is completed, the work management apparatus 10 updates the display of the picking-up work status screen displayed on the worker glasses 30. Specifically, the display of the work state of the parts picked up by the work robot 20 in the list of work progress statuses P2 is set to "completed", and the display of the corresponding notch in the outlet image P3 is changed.

When the work state of all the parts is "completed", the work management apparatus 10 causes the work robot 20 to perform the inspection of the parts in the tool box 40 (S107). The work robot 20 reads the two-dimensional codes associated with all the parts placed in the tool box 40, and transmits the two-dimensional codes to the work management apparatus 10 (S108). The work management apparatus 10 confirms the type and number of components placed in the tool box 40 based on the received code information (S109). When a part specified for a work is put in, the worker is notified of completion of the picking work with the glasses 30 and displays a message or the like (S110). Then, a serial number (kit identification number) is assigned to the tool kit 40. Specifically, a serial number is written to a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tag attached to the tool box 40 (S111). When a wrong component is placed in the tool box 40, a notch, a component name, and the like corresponding to the component picked up by mistake are displayed on the glasses 30 for the operator, and a message prompting a correction operation is displayed. When the worker W picks up the correct part, the worker W deletes the message and writes a serial number into the tool box 40.

When the serial number is given to the tool box 40, the work management apparatus 10 moves the mobile body 50 on which the tool box 40 is mounted to a place where the next process (manual assembly process) is performed (S112).

(3-2. stock management of parts)

Next, the parts stock management by the work management system 1 will be described, and fig. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the parts stock management by the work management system 1. The work management apparatus 10 manages the stock number of the work parts stored in the magazine 60, and replenishes the parts at an appropriate timing based on the work specification.

The work management apparatus 10 calculates the latest stock number of each component stored in the magazine 60 based on the work status in the picking-up process (S201). Further, the work management apparatus 10 acquires an appropriate stock number for each part determined based on information such as a production schedule (S202). The work management apparatus 10 calculates the number of parts to be supplied to the feed chute 60 from the difference between the appropriate stock count and the current stock count for each part (S203). The calculated number of parts to be replenished is notified to a system of the warehouse or the like, and replenished from the warehouse to the chute 60 (S204). At the time of replenishment, the parts are supplied from the inlet 61. The transfer of the parts from the warehouse to the feeder chute 60 and the input of the parts to the input port 61 may be performed by a movable robot or the like controlled by the work management apparatus 10.

(3-3. Manual Assembly procedure)

Next, the operation of the work management system 1 in the manual assembly process will be described. Fig. 7 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the operation in the manual assembly process of the work management system 1. In the manual assembly process, the worker W performs the assembly work using the components in the tool box 40 based on the work rule managed by the work management apparatus 10. Here, the worker W is a component in the tool box 40 for fastening a workpiece (a work object such as an engine or a vehicle body) conveyed by a belt conveyor or a mobile body (mobile) at a work site.

The worker W reads the two-dimensional code or the like for starting the manual assembly process with the glasses 30 for the worker W, and thereby the glasses 30 for the worker are connected to the work management apparatus 10 via the gateway (S301). The two-dimensional code is installed, for example, at a predetermined place of a work place where an assembling work (fastening work) is performed.

When the mobile object 50 carrying the tool box 40 with the components placed therein arrives at the place where the assembly work is performed, the serial number written in the RFID tag attached to the tool box 40 is read by the RFID antenna provided at the work place. The read serial number is transmitted to the job management apparatus 10 (S302).

The work management apparatus 10 transmits the information on the work regulation of the assembly work corresponding to the received serial number to the worker' S eyeglasses 30 (S303). The worker glasses 30 display the "assembly work instruction screen" on the display based on the information received from the work management apparatus 10 (S304).

Fig. 8 is a diagram showing an example of an assembly work instruction screen displayed on the glasses 30 for an operator. As shown in fig. 8, the assembly work instruction screen is displayed so as to overlap the actual workpiece when viewed by the operator W. Specifically, a serial number P1, a list of instruction contents P4, a mark P5 indicating a working site (a site where a component is fastened) on the workpiece, and working information P6 are displayed. In serial number P1, a serial number assigned to the toolbox 40 is displayed.

The instruction content list P4 is a list of fastening locations (indicated by names or numbers), the number and number of parts to be fastened, torque, angle, operation state at the time of fastening, and the like. When fastening is completed, the display of the corresponding instructed operation state is updated to "done". The mark P5 is displayed so as to surround the actual fastening portion with a frame, for example. In the work information P6, the instruction contents of the part in the work are displayed.

The worker W advances the fastening work in accordance with the instruction displayed on the assembly work instruction screen. The operator W fastens the parts using a tool such as a torque wrench 70. The torque wrench 70 measures a torque value and an angle at the time of fastening the component, and transmits a result of determining whether the torque value, the angle, and the fastening result are appropriate to the work management apparatus 10 (S305). The work management apparatus 10 transmits the determination result to the worker glasses 30 (S306). The worker displays the received determination result (OK or No (NG)) on the display using the glasses 30. If the determination result is "OK", the operation state of the operation instruction is updated to "complete".

When the operation state of all the operation instructions becomes "complete", the operation management device 10 notifies the worker of completion of the fastening operation with the glasses 30 and displays a message or the like (S307). When the assembled finished product is further moved to the work place of the next work step (the next assembly step or shipment step), the worker W puts the finished product into the tool box 40 in which the parts are placed. The mobile body 50 loaded with the finished tool box 40 is controlled by the work management apparatus 10 to move to a place where the next process is performed.

On the other hand, if the determination result is "No (NG)", the operator takes an image of the object fastening site with the glasses 30 by the camera and transmits the image to the work management apparatus 10 (S308). The job management apparatus 10 records the failure information in association with the serial number in the job (S309). The failure information includes an image of the target fastening portion photographed by the worker with the glasses 30, in addition to the fastening portion and the part number, the torque value at the time of fastening, and the like.

Further, when the worker W finds some trouble in the job, the forced completion can be performed by voice. When the operator W instructs the forcible completion, a "forcible completion screen" is displayed on the display of the operator glasses 30 (S310).

Fig. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the forcible completion screen displayed on the operator glasses 30. As shown in fig. 9, on the forcible completion screen, an input menu P7 ("reason code", "trouble content", "trouble part", "completion", "cancellation") is displayed.

When the operator W selects the menu "reason code" on the forcible completion screen (uttering the "reason code" voice), a list of the reason code number and the reason for forcible completion is displayed (for example, 01: correction in the current process, 02: correction other than the current process, 03: all processes are suspended, and the like). When the operator W selects the reason code (for example, utters "01" voice), the information of the selected reason code is received, and the forcible completion screen is displayed again.

When the worker W selects the menu "trouble content" on the compulsory completion screen (utters the voice of "trouble content"), a message urging the voice input of the trouble content is displayed. When the operator W inputs the trouble content by voice, the operator receives the input voice data and displays the forcible completion screen again.

When the worker W selects the menu "trouble part" on the forcible completion screen (the voice of "trouble part" is uttered), a message notifying that the trouble part that the worker W is looking at is to be shot by the camera is displayed, and shooting is performed several seconds later. After the shooting, the compulsory completion screen is displayed again.

When the operator W selects "complete" on the forcible completion screen (a "complete" voice is uttered), the registered reason code, the contents of the trouble, and the image of the trouble part are transmitted to the job management apparatus 10, and the process of the current serial number is ended (S311). When the operator W selects "cancel" on the forcible completion screen (the voice of "cancel" is uttered), the contents of the input reason code and the like are canceled, and the original assembly job instruction screen is returned.

The job management apparatus 10 records the received failure information (the cause code, the failure content, and the image of the failure portion) in association with the serial number in the job (S312).

(3-4. procedure for handling failure)

Next, the operation of the work management system 1 in the trouble handling process will be described. Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of an operation in the trouble handling process of the work management system 1.

In the assembling process, when the job is completed normally or forcibly, the job management apparatus 10 moves the tool box 40 of the corresponding serial number to the next process. At this time, the tool box 40 in which the serial number of the failure information is registered (yes in S401) is transported to the place where the failure handling work is performed (S402). The tool box 40 in which the serial number of the failure information is not registered (no in S401) is transported to a place where the normal next process is performed (S403).

The worker W who deals with the failure performs an operation such as repairing a defective product in the tool box 40 while referring to the failure information recorded in association with the serial number of the tool box 40 (S404).

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the work management device 10 displays information related to the work on the worker glasses 30 worn by the worker, and manages the work performed by the worker, the content of the work performed by the work robot 20, and the progress status. Thus, the content and progress of a series of operations can be managed uniformly and without omission, and the overall operation efficiency can be improved.

In the picking step, the status of picking by the operator and the status of picking by the working robot 20 are managed together, and when it is confirmed that both pickups have been correctly performed, the tool box 40 is given a serial number of the work. Further, since the work information in each process performed using the tool box 40 is managed by associating it with the serial number, it is possible to prevent erroneous parts from being placed in the tool box 40, and to efficiently manage information generated during work using the serial number.

Then, the type and number of parts to be replenished to the feed chute 60 are determined based on the type and number of parts picked up by the operator and the working robot 20. This can ensure the number of parts stored in the magazine 60 appropriately, and prevent shortage of parts during operation and over-supply of parts.

The tool box 40 to which the serial number is assigned is mounted on the mobile body 50, and can be controlled to move in accordance with the information associated with the serial number. When it is detected that the tool box 40 has moved to the place of the next process, the work information corresponding to the serial number is displayed on the glasses 30 for the operator of the operator. This makes it possible to provide the worker with the work information at an appropriate timing and prevent the wrong tool box 40 from being used for the work.

Then, a code for each component type is attached to the work component stored in the magazine 60, and the work management device 10 determines whether or not the work component is a correct component by reading the code with the glasses 30 for the operator when the operator picks up the component. Thus, it is possible to prevent an error in work and to immediately correct the work even when an erroneous part is picked up.

Further, once the picking operation is completed, the work robot 20 reads the codes of all the parts in the tool box 40 to finally confirm whether there are no erroneous parts or missing parts, and thus it is possible to confirm that the contents of the tool box 40 are correct before proceeding to the next process.

When a failure occurs in the manual assembly process, the operator inputs the content of the failure by voice through the glasses 30, or images the failure portion to register failure information, and records the failure information in association with the serial number. Thus, when a failure is handled, the handling such as correction can be performed based on the failure information recorded in association with the serial number.

Further, when the fault information is registered in association with the serial number, the work management apparatus 10 can apply the corresponding tool box 40 to the fault handling process, and therefore, the tool box 40 in which the uncorrected product or the like is placed can be applied to the fault handling without fail.

When a failure is detected in the torque value or the like during the fastening operation by the torque wrench 70 used by the operator for the fastening operation, information on the failure is transmitted to the operation management device 10, and the captured image of the operation portion where the failure occurred is transmitted to the operation management device 10. Thus, the job management apparatus 10 can record these pieces of information as failure information in association with the serial number.

The embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail, but the description up to this point is merely illustrative of the present invention in all aspects. Of course, various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. A part or all of the embodiments may be described as in the following remarks, but are not limited to the following.

(Note 1)

A job management apparatus (10) that manages jobs, the job management apparatus (10) comprising:

a job specification acquisition unit (101) for acquiring information on a job specification in each step of the job;

a work support information display unit (102) for displaying information for supporting a work on the basis of the work specification by means of a worker eyeglass (30) worn by a worker who performs the work in each step;

a robot control unit (103) that controls a working robot (20) that performs work in each step, based on the work specification;

a work performance information acquisition unit (104) that acquires information on the work performed by the worker and information on the work performed by the work robot (20); and

and a work result determination unit (105) that determines whether each of the jobs has been completed according to the job specification, based on information on the jobs performed by the worker and information on the jobs performed by the working robot (20).

(Note 2)

The work management apparatus (10) according to note 1, wherein

In a picking process for taking out parts required for a series of operations from a storage (60) and placing the parts in a parts box (40),

the work performance information acquisition unit (104) acquires information on the type and number of work parts taken out of a storage (60) by the operator and information on the type and number of work parts taken out of the storage (60) by the work robot (20),

the work result determination unit (105) determines whether or not the picking up according to the work specification by the worker and the working robot (20) has been completed,

the work management device (10) further comprises a parts box identification number adding unit (106), wherein when the parts box identification number adding unit (106) determines that the picking according to the work rule is completed, the parts box identification number is recorded in a wireless communication tag attached to the parts box (40),

the parts box identification number is associated with information of a post-process using the working parts in the parts box (40).

(Note 3)

The work management device (10) according to note 2, further comprising: and an inventory replenishment instruction unit (107) that outputs information on the type and number of the work parts to be replenished so that the inventory of each work part in the storage (60) becomes a predetermined quantity, based on the information on the type and number of the work parts taken out of the storage (60) by the operator and the information on the type and number of the work parts taken out of the storage (60) by the work robot (20).

(Note 4)

The work management apparatus (10) according to supplementary note 2, wherein

The parts box (40) is mounted on a movable body (50),

the work management device (10) further includes:

a parts box movement control unit (108) that, when the parts box identification number is recorded in a wireless communication tag, moves the mobile body (50) to a predetermined area in which a next process corresponding to the parts box identification number is performed; and

a parts box arrival detection unit (109) for detecting, via wireless communication with the wireless communication tag, that the mobile body (50) carrying the parts box (40) has arrived in the predetermined area,

the work support information display unit (102) displays, on the worker's glasses (30) worn by the worker who performs the work in the process, the fact that the moving body (50) having the parts box (40) mounted thereon has reached the predetermined area.

(Note 5)

The work management apparatus (10) according to supplementary note 2, wherein

Code information for specifying the type of the component is attached to each work component,

the work result determination unit (105) acquires code information attached to the work component taken out by the operator via the code reading means of the operator glasses (30), thereby determining whether the operator is performing pickup according to the work specification.

(Note 6)

The work management apparatus (10) according to supplementary note 2, wherein

the work result determination unit (105) acquires code information of the work parts attached to the parts box (40) via a code reading means of the work robot (20), thereby determining whether or not the pickup prescribed for the work is completed.

(Note 7)

The work management device (10) according to note 1, further comprising:

a failure occurrence information acquisition unit (110) that acquires failure occurrence information that is input via the worker's eyeglasses (30) when the worker determines that a failure has occurred in the work; and

and a failure information management unit (111) that associates and manages the failure information with a parts box identification number of a parts box (40) that is being used by the operator who has input the failure information.

(Note 8)

The work management device (10) according to note 7, further comprising:

a failure presence/absence determination unit (112) that determines whether or not the failure information is registered in association with the parts box identification number; and

and a failure occurrence movement control unit (113) that moves the parts box (40) determined to be associated with the parts box identification number and in which the failure information is registered, to an area where failure handling is performed.

(Note 9)

The work management device (10) according to note 1, further comprising:

a job failure information acquisition unit (114) that acquires job failure information from a tool (70) used by the worker when a failure of a job is detected by the tool (70); and

and a work image acquisition unit (115) which acquires a view image of the operator captured via the operator's glasses (30) when the failure of the work is detected.

(Note 10)

A program causes a computer (10) that manages jobs to function as:

Description of the symbols

1: job management system

10: work management device

11: control unit

12: storage unit

13: communication interface

14: input device

15: output device

20: working robot

30: glasses for operator

40: tool box

50: moving body

60: feeding trough

61: input port

62: taking-out port

70: torque wrench

101: work regulation acquiring unit

102: work support information display unit

103: robot control unit

104: work actual result information acquiring unit

105: work result determination unit

106: part box identification number giving part

107: stock replenishment instruction unit

108: parts box movement control part

109: arrival detection part of part box

110: failure occurrence information acquisition unit

111: failure information management unit

112: failure presence/absence determination unit

113: movement control unit for occurrence of failure

114: job failure information acquisition unit

115: job image acquisition unit

Claims

1. A job management apparatus that manages jobs, the job management apparatus comprising:

a job specification acquisition unit that acquires information on a job specification in each step of the job;

a work support information display unit that displays information for supporting a work on a worker worn by the worker who performs the work in each step, with glasses, based on the work specification;

a robot control unit that controls a working robot that performs work in each step based on the work specification;

a work performance information acquiring unit that acquires information on a work performed by the worker and information on a work performed by the work robot; and

and a work result determination unit that determines whether each of the works has been completed according to the work specification, based on information on the work performed by the worker and information on the work performed by the working robot.

2. The job management apparatus according to claim 1,

in a picking process in which parts required for a series of operations are taken out of a storage and placed in a parts box,

the work performance information acquisition unit acquires information on the type and number of the work parts taken out of the storage by the operator and information on the type and number of the work parts taken out of the storage by the work robot,

the work result determination unit determines whether or not the picking up according to the work by the worker and the working robot is completed,

the work management apparatus further includes a parts box identification number assigning unit that records a parts box identification number in a wireless communication tag attached to the parts box when it is determined that the picking according to the work specification is completed,

the parts box identification number is associated with information of a subsequent process using the work parts in the parts box.

3. The job management apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising:

and an inventory replenishment instruction unit that outputs information on the type and number of the work parts to be replenished so that the inventory of each work part in the storage becomes a predetermined number, based on the information on the type and number of the work parts taken out of the storage by the operator and the information on the type and number of the work parts taken out of the storage by the work robot.

4. The job management apparatus according to claim 2,

the parts box is mounted on a movable body,

the job management apparatus further includes:

a parts box movement control unit that moves the movable body to a predetermined area in which a next process corresponding to the parts box identification number is performed when the parts box identification number is recorded in a wireless communication tag; and

a parts box arrival detection unit that detects, via wireless communication with the wireless communication tag, that the mobile body carrying the parts box has arrived at the predetermined area,

the work support information display unit displays a view that the moving body with the parts box mounted thereon has reached the predetermined area, on the glasses for the operator worn by the operator who performs the work in the process.

5. The job management apparatus according to claim 2,

the work result determination unit acquires code information attached to the work component taken out by the operator via the code reading means of the operator's glasses, and thereby determines whether or not the operator is performing pickup according to the work specification.

6. The job management apparatus according to claim 2,

the work result determination unit determines whether or not the picking-up specified by the work is completed by acquiring code information of the work parts attached to the parts box via the code reading means of the work robot.

7. The job management apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising:

a failure occurrence information acquisition unit that acquires failure occurrence information input via the worker's glasses when the worker determines that a failure has occurred in the work; and

and a failure information management unit that manages the failure information by associating the failure information with a parts box identification number of a parts box used by an operator who has input the failure information.

8. The job management apparatus according to claim 7, further comprising:

a failure presence/absence determination unit that determines whether or not the failure information is registered in association with the parts box identification number; and

and a trouble occurrence time movement control unit that moves the parts box determined to be associated with the parts box identification number and registered with the trouble information to an area where trouble handling is performed.

9. The job management apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising:

a work failure information acquisition unit that acquires work failure information from a tool used by the worker when a failure of work is detected by the tool; and

and a work image acquisition unit that acquires a view image of the operator captured via the operator glasses when the failure of the work is detected.

10. A program for causing a computer that manages jobs to function as: