JP6950941B2 - Product management system - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a product management system.

The merchandise management system manages merchandise in the manufacture of merchandise. The contents of management include weighing, packaging, foreign matter inspection, and discharge of defective products. For example, the packaging step is performed by a bag-making packaging machine disclosed in Patent Document 1 (Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2003-191901). In the foreign matter inspection process, an inspection device is used to identify defective products containing foreign matter. Defective products found are discharged from the production line by a sorting device located immediately after the inspection device.

In the sorting device, if the delivery of the product to the sorting device is delayed due to the product coming into contact with something in the middle of the transport path, the defective product may fail to be discharged.

An object of the present invention is to reduce the risk of defective products being mixed with non-defective products in a product management system.

The product management system according to the first aspect of the present invention is a food product and manages a product having a printed surface. The product management system includes an inspection unit, a first information acquisition unit, and a storage unit.

The inspection unit inspects the product and outputs the inspection result as to whether the product is a non-defective product or a defective product. A plurality of the same individual identification information is printed on the printed surface of the product. The first information acquisition unit reads individual identification information from the product. The storage unit stores the individual identification information read by the first information acquisition unit in association with the test result.

According to this configuration, the inspection result is associated with the individual identification information printed on each product. Therefore, by reading the individual identification information, it is possible to grasp whether the product is a non-defective product or a defective product.

In the product management system according to the second aspect of the present invention, the printed surface is the outer surface of the product, the packaging of the product, or the label of the product in the product management system according to the first aspect.

According to this configuration, the individual identification information is printed on the outer surface, packaging, or label of the product. Therefore, the product and the individual identification information correspond to each other.

In the product management system according to the third aspect of the present invention, in the product management system according to the first aspect or the second aspect, the printed surface has at least the first surface and the second surface opposite to the first surface. A plurality of the same individual identification information is printed on each of the first surface and the second surface.

According to this configuration, a plurality of the same individual identification information is printed on each of the first surface and the second surface. Therefore, individual identification is possible regardless of whether the first information acquisition unit reads either the first surface or the second surface.

In the product management system according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, in the product management system according to any one of the first to third aspects, a plurality of the same individual identification information is provided on 20% or more of the area of the printed surface. It is printed.

According to this configuration, 20% or more of the area of the printed surface is individual identification information. Therefore, the first information acquisition unit can easily read the individual identification information.

In the product management system according to the fifth aspect of the present invention, a plurality of the same individual identification information is printed on 50% or more of the area of the printed surface in the product management system according to the fourth aspect.

According to this configuration, 50% or more of the area of the printed surface is individual identification information. Therefore, it is easier for the first information acquisition unit to read the individual identification information.

The product management system according to the sixth aspect of the present invention further includes a distribution unit in the product management system according to any one of the fifth aspects from the first aspect. The distribution unit discharges defective products based on the inspection results associated with the individual identification information read by the first information acquisition unit.

According to this configuration, the sorting unit discharges defective products based on the inspection results associated with the individual identification information. Therefore, the risk of defective products being treated as non-defective products can be suppressed.

The product management system according to the seventh aspect of the present invention includes a defective product storage unit, a second information acquisition unit, and a defective product confirmation unit in the product management system according to any one of the first to sixth aspects. , Are further prepared. The defective product storage unit stores defective products. The second information acquisition unit reads individual identification information from the product transported to the defective product storage unit. The defective product confirmation unit inquires the storage unit of the inspection result associated with the individual identification information read by the second information acquisition unit, and confirms that the product transported to the defective product storage unit is a defective product.

According to this configuration, it is confirmed that the defective product has been transported to the defective product storage unit. Therefore, since it can be confirmed whether or not all the defective products found by the inspection unit are stored in the defective product storage unit, the risk of the defective products being treated as non-defective products can be further suppressed.

The product management system according to the eighth aspect of the present invention includes a boxing unit, a third information acquisition unit, and a non-defective product confirmation unit in the product management system according to any one of the first to seventh aspects. Further prepare. The boxing section packs non-defective products into a packing box. The third information acquisition unit reads the individual identification information from the product transported to the boxing unit. The non-defective product confirmation unit inquires the storage unit about the inspection result associated with the individual identification information read by the third information acquisition unit, and confirms that the product transported to the boxing unit is a non-defective product.

According to this configuration, it is confirmed that the non-defective product has been transported to the boxed portion. Therefore, it is possible to prevent defective products from reaching the boxed portion and being shipped.

According to the product management system according to the present invention, the risk of defective products being mixed with non-defective products can be reduced.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a first surface S1 of a product P packaged with a film F. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a second surface S2 of the product P packaged with the film F. FIG. 3 is a schematic view showing the repetitive symbol PT of the film F. FIG. 4 is a schematic view of the product management system 90 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a configuration of a bag making / packaging machine 20 in which the film F is set. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a film cylinder FT. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a film cylinder FT. FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a part of the product management system 90. FIG. 9A is a diagram showing the camera 201. FIG. 9B is a diagram showing a barcode reader 202. FIG. 9C is a diagram showing a wearable terminal 203. FIG. 9D is a diagram showing a keyboard 204. FIG. 10 is a schematic view showing a periodic pattern PT of the film F'used in the product management system 90 according to the modified example of the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a film cylinder FT'. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a film cylinder FT'. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a product P'managed by the product management system 90'according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 14 is a schematic view of the product management system 90'according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a product P "managed by the product management system 90" according to the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 16 is a schematic view of the product management system 90 ”according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the product management system according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The specific configuration of the product management system according to the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments, and can be appropriately changed without departing from the gist of the invention.

<First Embodiment>
(1) Product P
1 and 2 are appearances of the product P including the packaging film F. The articles packaged in the film F are diverse, such as food. The foods referred to here also include pharmaceutical products. The film F forms the bag B. FIG. 1 shows the first surface S1 of the bag B, and FIG. 2 shows the second surface S2 of the bag B. The second surface S2 is located on the opposite side of the first surface S1. The bag B has a vertical seal portion XL on the side of the second surface S2. The bag B has horizontal seal portions XT on two opposite sides.

Individual identification information I, which will be described later, is printed on the printed surface of the product P. The printed surface in the present embodiment means the packaging film F.

(2) Film F
FIG. 3 shows a film F for packaging. The film F has a constant width that extends long in the vertical direction L and extends in the horizontal direction T perpendicular to the vertical direction L. On the film F, a pattern PT corresponding to one bag B is repeatedly printed for each dimension D. That is, the compartment Z1, the compartment Z2, the compartment Z3, and the compartment Z4 each have a symbol PT and are used to form one bag B. When the film F is finally processed into a bag B, the dimension D is the distance between the upper side and the lower side of the bag B, or the distance between the left side and the right side of the bag B, depending on the design of the bag B.

Each compartment has a first area A1 and a second area A2. The first area A1 is a portion corresponding to the first surface S1 of the bag B. The second area A2 is a portion corresponding to the second surface S2 of the bag B.

The symbol PT includes the reference mark M. The reference mark M is for being read by the photoelectric sensor 29 of the bag making and packaging machine 20, which will be described later. The reference mark M may be in either the first area A1 or the second area A2.

The symbol PT includes unique individual identification information I. That is, each bag B has different individual identification information I. A plurality of the same individual identification information Is are printed in the first area A1 of one bag B. A plurality of the same individual identification information Is are printed in the second area A2 of one bag B. The plurality of individual identification information I printed in the first area A1 of one bag B and the plurality of individual identification information I printed in the second area A2 of the same bag B are the same.

The individual identification information I is printed in the form of an optically readable code such as a bar code, a two-dimensional bar code, or a dot code. Adjacent individual identification information I is arranged substantially without gaps. The ratio of the area occupied by the individual identification information I in the symbol PT is 20% or more, preferably 50% or more.

The individual identification information I may be a number. Furthermore, the individual identification information I included in the repetitive symbol PT may be a continuous number. For example, each individual identification information I included in the symbol PT printed in the compartment Z1, the compartment Z2, the compartment Z3, and the compartment Z4 is incremented by 1 in this order.

It is preferable that the symbol PT includes notation of the individual identification information I in numbers or letters in addition to the individual identification information I printed in the form of a code.

(3) Product management system 90
FIG. 4 shows the product management system 90. The product management system 90 is for managing the product P. The product management system 90 includes a weighing machine 10, a bag making and packaging machine 20, an inspection unit 30, a first information acquisition unit 41, a second information acquisition unit 42, a third information acquisition unit 43, a computer 50, a distribution unit 60, and a non-conveyor. It has a non-defective product storage unit 70, a boxing unit 80, and a belt conveyor without a special reference code.

(3-1) Weighing machine 10
The weighing machine 10 is for separating articles of a constant weight and sending them to the bag making and packaging machine 20. The weighing machine 10 is, for example, a combination weighing machine.

(3-2) Bag making and packaging machine 20
The bag-making and packaging machine 20 makes a product P using the film F. The film F is set in the bag making and packaging machine 20. FIG. 5 shows the configuration of the bag making and packaging machine 20. The bag-making and packaging machine 20 includes a roll holding unit 21, a transport mechanism 22, a printing unit 23, a printing inspection unit 24, a former 25, a vertical sealing mechanism 26, a horizontal sealing mechanism 27, a cutting mechanism 28, and a photoelectric sensor 29.

The roll holding portion 21 holds the film roll FR. The film roll FR has a core material and a film F wrapped around the core material.

The transport mechanism 22 transports the film F taken out from the roll holding portion 21. The transport mechanism 22 has a plurality of rollers, a pull-down belt 22a, a discharge conveyor 22b, and the like without reference numerals.

The printing unit 23 prints predetermined information such as a manufacturing date in the form of characters at an appropriate position on the film F being conveyed. The print inspection unit 24 includes a camera. The print inspection unit 24 inspects whether or not the predetermined information printed by the print unit 23 is printed on the film F in the correct manner.

The former 25 is for rolling the film F that has been conveyed in a flat state and superimposing the two vertical sides of the film F. The former 25 has a tubular member. The internal space of the tubular member is used as a filling path for filling the bag B formed of the film F with the article to be packaged.

The vertical sealing mechanism 26 fixes the two vertical sides of the film F superposed by the former 25. The vertical seal mechanism 26 has a heater. The heat generated by the heater temporarily softens the overlapping portion of the film F, so that the film F is fixed. As a result, as shown in FIG. 6, a vertical seal portion XL is formed on the film F, and a film cylinder FT having a cylinder shape is produced.

Returning to FIG. 5, the lateral sealing mechanism 27 fixes two opposing portions in the film cylinder FT. The lateral seal mechanism 27 has a first member 27a and a second member 27b that face each other via a transport path. The first member 27a and the second member 27b can be brought close to each other or separated from each other by a motor (not shown). When the first member 27a and the second member 27b approach each other, the facing portions of the film cylinder FT come into contact with each other. Both the first member 27a and the second member 27b have a heater. The heat generated by the heater temporarily softens the contact portion of the film cylinder FT, so that the film is fixed. As a result, as shown in FIG. 7, a horizontal seal portion XT is formed on the film cylinder FT. Each time the operation of the lateral sealing mechanism 27 is completed, the film cylinder FT is filled with an article for one bag through the internal space of the former 25.

Returning to FIG. 5, the cutting mechanism 28 is provided in the lateral sealing mechanism 27. The cutting mechanism 28 has a blade 28a and a receiving portion 28b. The blade 28a is provided on the first member 27a and can be extended and retracted. The receiving portion 28b is provided on the second member 27b and can receive the extended blade 28a. In the cutting operation of the cutting mechanism 28, the blade 28a extends toward the receiving portion 28b. As a result, the individual products P are separated. As shown in FIG. 7, the cutting position CP for cutting by the cutting mechanism 28 is located at the lateral seal portion XT.

Returning to FIG. 5, the photoelectric sensor 29 is for reading the reference mark M provided on the film F. The output signal of the photoelectric sensor 29 is used to determine the operation timing of the horizontal sealing mechanism 27 and the cutting mechanism 28.

(3-3) Inspection Department 30
Returning to FIG. 4, the inspection unit 30 performs a quality inspection of the product P and outputs an inspection result as to whether the product P is a non-defective product or a defective product. The inspection unit 30 is, for example, a metal detector or an X-ray foreign matter detector. The inspection unit 30 transmits the inspection result to the computer 50.

(3-4) First information acquisition unit 41
The first information acquisition unit 41 is arranged near the inspection unit 30 and reads the individual identification information I from the printed surface of the product P. The reading device used in the first information acquisition unit 41 includes a camera and an image processing unit for recognizing the individual identification information I. The image processing unit is composed of software or hardware. The image processing unit may be built in the camera, or may be mounted in a device other than the camera. The first information acquisition unit 41 transmits the individual identification information I read from the product P to the computer 50.

(3-5) Computer 50
As shown in FIG. 8, the computer 50 is connected to the inspection unit 30, the first information acquisition unit 41, the second information acquisition unit 42, the third information acquisition unit 43, the distribution unit 60, and the like. The computer 50 has a storage unit 51, a defective product confirmation unit 52, and a non-defective product confirmation unit 53.

The storage unit 51 stores the individual identification information I read by the first information acquisition unit 41 in association with the inspection result of the inspection unit 30.

The defective product confirmation unit 52 confirms that the product P that has reached the defective product storage unit 70 is a defective product, as will be described later.

The non-defective product confirmation unit 53 confirms that the product P that has reached the boxing unit 80 is a non-defective product, as will be described later.

The storage unit 51, the defective product confirmation unit 52, and the non-defective product confirmation unit 53 are realized by, for example, the CPU, memory, and software of the computer 50.

(3-6) Sorting unit 60
Returning to FIG. 4, the sorting unit 60 distributes the defective product of the product P to the defective product storage unit 70 and the non-defective product of the product P to the boxing unit 80 according to the inspection result received from the inspection unit 30.

(3-7) Defective product storage unit 70
The defective product storage unit 70 is for storing the product P determined to be a defective product by the inspection unit 30 and preparing for disposal. The defective product storage unit 70 is provided with an alarm unit 71 that issues an alarm with sound or light.

(3-8) Second information acquisition unit 42
The second information acquisition unit 42 reads the individual identification information I from the product P transported to the defective product storage unit 70. The physical configuration of the second information acquisition unit 42 is the same as that of the first information acquisition unit 41. The individual identification information I read by the second information acquisition unit 42 is transmitted to the defective product confirmation unit 52 of the computer 50. The defective product confirmation unit 52 collates the received individual identification information I with the information stored in the storage unit 51, and confirms that the individual identification information I is related to the defective product of the product P. Thereby, it can be confirmed whether or not all the defective products found by the inspection unit 30 are stored in the defective product storage unit 70. If the total number of defective products has not reached the defective product storage unit 70, the alarm unit 71 may issue an alarm. Further, when the individual identification information I read by the second information acquisition unit 42 relates to a non-defective product of the product P, the alarm unit 71 may issue an alarm.

(3-9) Boxing section 80
The boxing section 80 is for collecting a plurality of products P and packing them in a packing box. The boxing unit 80 is provided with an alarm unit 81 that issues an alarm by sound or light.

(3-10) Third information acquisition unit 43
The third information acquisition unit 43 reads the individual identification information I from the product P transported to the boxing unit 80. The physical configuration of the third information acquisition unit 43 is the same as that of the first information acquisition unit 41. The individual identification information I read by the third information acquisition unit 43 is transmitted to the non-defective product confirmation unit 53 of the computer 50. The non-defective product confirmation unit 53 collates the received individual identification information I with the information stored in the storage unit 51, and confirms that the individual identification information I is related to the non-defective product of the product P. When the individual identification information I read by the third information acquisition unit 43 relates to a defective product of the product P, the alarm unit 71 may issue an alarm.

(4) Features (4-1)
The test result is associated with the individual identification information I printed on each product P. Therefore, by reading the individual identification information I, it is possible to grasp whether the product P is a non-defective product or a defective product.

(4-2)
A plurality of the same individual identification information Is are printed on each of the first surface S1 and the second surface S2. Therefore, even when the first information acquisition unit 41 reads either the first surface S1 or the second surface S2, individual identification is possible.

(4-3)
20% or more, or 50% or more, of the area of the printed surface is the individual identification information I. Therefore, the first information acquisition unit 41 can easily read the individual identification information I.

(4-4)
Based on the inspection result associated with the individual identification information I, the distribution unit 60 discharges the defective product. Therefore, the risk of defective products being treated as non-defective products can be suppressed.

(4-5)
It is confirmed that the defective product has been transported to the defective product storage unit 70. Therefore, since it can be confirmed whether or not all the defective products found by the inspection unit 30 are stored in the defective product storage unit 70, the risk of the defective products being treated as non-defective products can be further suppressed.

(4-6)
It is confirmed that the non-defective product has been transported to the boxing portion 80. Therefore, it is possible to prevent defective products from reaching the boxing portion 80 and being shipped.

(5) Modification Example A modification of the above-described embodiment will be described below. A plurality of modified examples may be combined.

(5-1) Reading device Various reading devices other than the camera can be considered as the reading device used in the first information acquisition unit 41, the second information acquisition unit 42, and the third information acquisition unit 43. The reading device may be the camera 201 as shown in FIG. 9A as described above. Alternatively, the reading device may be the barcode reader 202 shown in FIG. 9B. Alternatively, the reading device may be a wearable terminal 203 such as the smart glasses shown in FIG. 9C.

Further, in case the reading by the reading device fails, the reading device may also have a keyboard 204 for inputting the individual identification information I represented by numbers or characters as shown in FIG. 9D.

These reading devices are wired or wirelessly connected to the computer 50.

(5-2) Printing mode of individual identification information I The printing mode of individual identification information I may be a digital watermark that cannot be visually recognized by humans, instead of a barcode, a two-dimensional bar code, a dot code, or the like.

FIG. 10 shows a packaging film F'according to a modified example. The film F'is set in the bag making / packaging machine 20 in the same manner as the film F. The design PT is composed of pictures, photographs, characters, figures, etc. that can be recognized by human vision. The individual identification information I is included in the symbol PT in the gradation of pixels or some other form. The individual identification information I does not have to be recognizable by human vision. One notation of individual identification information I is, for example, a square having a side of 1 cm. Not limited to those described above, any specifications for digital watermarking can be adopted.

Adjacent individual identification information I is arranged substantially without gaps. The ratio of the area occupied by the individual identification information I on the printed surface is 20% or more, preferably 50% or more.

11 and 12 are film cylinders FT'formed from film F'.

According to this configuration, there is little risk of bothering consumers and the like who do not need the individual identification information I.

(5-3) Inspection equipment The inspection equipment included in the inspection unit 30 is not limited to one. For example, the inspection unit 30 may include both a metal detector and an X-ray foreign matter detector. The metal detector uses an alternating magnetic field to determine whether or not a metal foreign substance is mixed in the package of the product P. The X-ray foreign matter detector uses X-rays to detect various foreign matters such as metals and resins. Further, the inspection unit 30 may include an inspection machine other than the metal detector and the X-ray foreign matter detector.

According to this configuration, since the information on defective products can be collectively managed by the storage unit 51, it is not necessary to provide the distribution unit 60 for each inspection device.

(5-4) Packaging In the above embodiment, the product P is packaged in a bag B formed of the film F. Instead, the packaging of the product P may be a box made of paper, resin, or other material. The outer surface of the box is the printed surface of the product P. The above-mentioned individual identification information I is printed on the printed surface.

<Second Embodiment>
(1) Configuration The product management system 90'according to the second embodiment manages an object different from the product management system 90 according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 13 is an appearance of the product P'managed by the product management system 90'. The product P'is an article placed on the tray TR and wrapped in the wrap W. Goods are diverse, such as food. The foods referred to here also include pharmaceutical products. Individual identification information I is printed on the printed surface of the product P'. The printed surface in the present embodiment means the label LB attached on the wrap film.

FIG. 14 shows the configuration of the product management system 90'. The product management system 90'is different from the product management system 90 according to the first embodiment in that it has a packaging unit 20'instead of the weighing machine 10 and the bag making / packaging machine 20. The packaging unit 20'wraps the tray TR on which the article is placed with the wrap W, and then attaches the label LB on which the individual identification information I is printed to the wrap W.

(2) Features The individual identification information I is printed on the label of the product P'. Therefore, the product P'and the individual identification information I correspond to each other.

(3) Modified Example A modified example of the first embodiment may be applied to the present embodiment. For example, the individual identification information I may be printed on the printing surface of the product P'in the form of a digital watermark.

<Third Embodiment>
(1) Configuration The product management system 90 according to the third embodiment manages an object different from the product management system 90 according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 15 is an appearance of the product P "managed by the product management system 90". The product P "is an unpackaged article. The article is diverse and is, for example, a food product. The food product here also includes a pharmaceutical product. The product P" is, for example, a fruit. Individual identification information I is printed on the printed surface of the product P ". The printed surface in the present embodiment means the outer surface of the product P".

FIG. 16 shows the configuration of the product management system 90 ". The product according to the first embodiment in that the product management system 90" has a printing unit 20 "instead of the weighing machine 10 and the bag making / packaging machine 20. The printing unit 20 "prints the individual identification information I on the product P", which is different from the management system 90. The ink used for printing is preferably edible.

(2) Features The individual identification information I is printed on the outer surface of the product P ". Therefore, the product P" and the individual identification information I correspond to each other.

(3) Modified Example A modified example of the first embodiment may be applied to the present embodiment. For example, the individual identification information I may be printed on the printing surface of the product P'in the form of a digital watermark.

10: Weighing machine 20: Bag making and packaging machine 30: Inspection unit 41: First information acquisition unit 42: Second information acquisition unit 43: Third information acquisition unit 50: Computer 51: Storage unit 52: Defective product confirmation unit 53: Non-defective product confirmation unit 60: Sorting unit 70: Defective product storage unit 80: Boxing unit 90, 90', 90 ": Product management system I: Individual identification information P, P', P": Product

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2003-191901

Claims (8)

A product management system that manages food products that have a printed surface.
An inspection device that inspects the product and outputs an inspection result as to whether the product is a non-defective product or a defective product.
A first information acquisition unit that reads the individual identification information from the product in which a plurality of the same individual identification information is printed on the printing surface, and
A storage unit that stores the individual identification information read as a result of one product by the first information acquisition unit in association with the inspection result.
Equipped with a,
The individual identification information is a digital watermark.
Product management system. The printed surface is the outer surface of the product, the packaging of the product, or the label of the product.
The product management system according to claim 1. The printed surface has at least a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface.
A plurality of the same individual identification information is printed on each of the first surface and the second surface.
The product management system according to claim 1 or 2. A plurality of the same individual identification information is printed on 20% or more of the area of the printed surface.
The product management system according to any one of claims 1 to 3. A plurality of the same individual identification information is printed on 50% or more of the area of the printed surface.
The product management system according to claim 1. A distribution unit that discharges the defective product based on the inspection result associated with the individual identification information read by the first information acquisition unit.
Further prepare,
The product management system according to any one of claims 1 to 5. A defective product storage unit that stores the defective product and
A second information acquisition unit that reads the individual identification information from the product transported to the defective product storage unit, and
The inspection result associated with the individual identification information read by the second information acquisition unit is inquired to the storage unit, and it is confirmed that the product transported to the defective product storage unit is the defective product. Defective product confirmation part and
Further prepare,
The product management system according to any one of claims 1 to 6. The boxing part that packs the non-defective product in the packing box,
A third information acquisition unit that reads the individual identification information from the product transported to the boxing unit, and
Checking the storage unit for the inspection result associated with the individual identification information read by the third information acquisition unit, and confirming that the product transported to the boxing unit is the non-defective product. Department and
Further prepare,
The product management system according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

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