JP7740934B2 - PCB Production System - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a circuit board production system.

Conventionally, board production systems using substrate-related operation machines, such as electronic component mounting machines that mount electronic components on boards, are known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). This board production system is equipped with an operation display. The operation display is located adjacent to the substrate-related operation machine and can be operated by a worker (operator). The operation display displays selectable commands leading up to each of a number of operations that the substrate-related operation machine can perform. Operations that the substrate-related operation machine can perform include, for example, the bulk replacement of feeders attached to the electronic component mounting machine and device removal operations associated with job switching. The operation display displays the above commands in a hierarchical order starting from a home screen. The worker selects commands in order from the home screen, and finally selects and operates the desired execution command to have the substrate-related operation machine perform the desired operation.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2020-115514

However, when an operator wants to have a substrate-related operation machine perform a task, having to constantly select and operate commands hierarchically from the home screen is time-consuming and tedious for the operator. This waste of time is particularly noticeable, as the same operator often repeatedly performs the same operation to have the substrate-related operation machine perform the same task.

The purpose of this specification is to provide a board production system that simplifies the operation of the operation display required to have a substrate-related processing machine perform a task.

This specification discloses a board production system comprising: an operation display that can be operated to input commands for selecting operations required for producing boards by a substrate-related performing machine; a display control unit that hierarchically arranges commands for each of a plurality of operations that the substrate-related performing machine can perform and displays them on the operation display so that the commands can be selected; a work control unit that causes the substrate-related performing machine to perform the operations in accordance with selection operations for the commands displayed on the operation display; a storage unit that stores unique information and stores a tool member used for input to the operation display and associates the operations with the unique information; and a work command unit that, when input from the tool member to the operation display is made, commands the work control unit to have the substrate-related performing machine perform the operations associated with the unique information of the tool member.

According to the present disclosure, when an operator causes a substrate-related performing machine to perform a task, the operator simply inputs commands from the tool member to the operation display. In this case, there is no need to individually select commands displayed hierarchically on the operation display. This simplifies the operations on the operation display required for the operator to cause the substrate-related performing machine to perform a task.

This specification discloses a board production system comprising: an operation display that can be operated to input commands for selecting operations required for producing boards using a substrate-related operating machine; a display control unit that hierarchically arranges commands for each of a plurality of operations that can be performed by the substrate-related operating machine and displays them on the operation display in a selectable manner; an operation control unit that causes the substrate-related operating machine to perform the operation in accordance with a selection operation for the command displayed on the operation display; a tool member that stores unique information and is used for input to the operation display; a memory unit that stores one or more operations in association with the unique information; and a display command unit that commands the display control unit to, when input is made to the operation display from the tool member, display the commands related to the one or more operations associated with the unique information of the tool member in a selectable manner on the operation display.

According to the present disclosure, when an operator causes a substrate-related performing machine to perform a task, the operator inputs information into the operation display using a tool member that stores at least the unique information corresponding to the task, and then selects one command from among the commands related to one or more tasks displayed on the operation display. In this case, there is no need to individually select commands displayed hierarchically on the operation display. This simplifies the operations on the operation display required for the operator to cause the substrate-related performing machine to perform a task.

This specification also discloses a board production system comprising: an operation display that can be operated to select operations required for the production of boards by a substrate-related operating machine; a display control unit that hierarchically arranges commands for each of a plurality of operations that can be performed by the substrate-related operating machine and displays them on the operation display in a selectable manner; an operation control unit that causes the substrate-related operating machine to perform the operation in accordance with a selection operation for the command displayed on the operation display; a memory unit that stores a history of the operations performed by the substrate-related operating machine in association with ID information specified for each worker; a tool member that stores the ID information and is used for input to the operation display; and a display command unit that commands the display control unit to, when input to the operation display from the tool member, display the commands related to the operations that are associated with the ID information and remain as history on the operation display in a selectable manner.

According to the present disclosure, when an operator causes a substrate-related performing machine to perform a task, the operator inputs ID information from a tool member storing the ID information to the operation display, and then selects one command from among the commands related to one or more tasks that are displayed on the operation display and stored as a history in association with that ID information. In this case, there is no need to individually select commands displayed hierarchically on the operation display. This simplifies the operations on the operation display required for the operator to cause the substrate-related performing machine to perform a task.

1 is a configuration diagram of a board production system (excluding a tool member) according to a first embodiment; FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of an electronic component mounting machine that is a substrate-related operation machine provided in the board production system. FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of a line device that controls an operation display and a substrate-related operating machine in the board production system. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a home screen displayed on an operation display. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a hierarchical representation of commands displayed on the operation display. FIG. 2 is an external view of a tool member provided in the substrate production system. 10 is a flowchart of an example executed in the board production system. FIG. 11 is a configuration diagram of a line device that controls an operation display and a substrate-related performing machine in a board production system according to a second embodiment. 10 is a flowchart of an example executed in the board production system. FIG. 11 is a configuration diagram of a line device that controls an operation display and a substrate-related performing machine in a board production system according to a third embodiment. 10 is a flowchart of an example executed in the board production system.

The following describes a board production system according to one embodiment.

[First embodiment]
1. Configuration of the Board Production System The board production system 1 of this embodiment is a system that produces boards 2 on which electronic components are mounted. As shown in FIG. 1 , the board production system 1 includes a board-related operation machine 10, a station 20, an exchange device 30, a line device 40, and a management device 50.

The substrate-related operation machine 10 is a device that performs a predetermined operation on the substrates 2 being produced. There are multiple types of substrate-related operation machines 10. Examples of the substrate-related operation machines 10 include a printing machine, a print inspection machine, an electronic component mounting machine, a reflow oven, and a visual inspection machine. The substrate-related operation machines 10 may also include, as needed, a function inspection machine, a buffer device, a substrate supply device, a substrate inversion device, a shield mounting device, an adhesive application device, an ultraviolet irradiation device, and the like. Multiple types (e.g., four types) of substrate-related operation machines 10 are arranged in a predetermined order to form a substrate-related operation line. The substrates 2 are transported by a board transport device in the arrangement order of the multiple types of substrate-related operation machines 10.

For example, the electronic component mounting machine 10A, which is a substrate-related processing machine 10, performs operations such as loading, positioning, and unloading the substrate 2, and also performs operations such as supplying, picking, and mounting electronic components in conjunction with these operations on the substrate 2. The electronic component mounting machine 10A mounts multiple electronic components on the substrate 2 that has been loaded and positioned in a predetermined position, and then unloads the substrate 2 with the mounted electronic components.

As shown in FIG. 2, the electronic component mounting machine 10A has a board transport device 11 that transports the board 2 and positions the board 2 on the main body of the electronic component mounting machine 10A, a component supply device 12 that supplies electronic components to be mounted on the board 2 to a pickup position, and a component transfer device 13 that transfers the electronic components supplied to the pickup position onto the board 2 positioned by the board transport device 11.

The board transport device 11 has a guide rail, a conveyor belt, and a clamping device. The board transport device 11 guides the board 2 in the transport direction X by rotating the conveyor belt on which the board 2 is placed and moving it along the guide rail. When the board 2 has been transported to a predetermined component mounting position in the transport direction, the clamping device positions the board 2. The conveyor belt, guide rail, and clamping device of the board transport device 11 can be replaced as appropriate depending on the type, size, shape, etc. of the board 2. The board transport device 11 may have two lanes for transporting the board 2 parallel to each other along the transport direction X, and may be switchable between a single lane, in which one lane is used for the production of boards 2, and a double lane, in which two lanes are used.

The component supply device 12 has a slot 12a. The slot 12a removably holds a feeder 70 that supplies electronic components to a pickup position. The slot 12a is formed so that multiple feeders 70 (e.g., 30) can be lined up in the conveying direction X. The slot 12a can hold multiple feeders 70 housed in a hollow box-shaped storage case. The storage case is a device pallet that can house and hold multiple feeders 70 together. When the feeder 70 is housed in the storage case, the feeder 70 and the storage case are connected to each other by connectors. Furthermore, the storage case can be removably attached to the slot 12a of the electronic component mounting machine 10A with the feeder 70 housed therein.

The slots 12a may be configured to hold two feeders 70, one above the other. In this case, for example, the upper slots 12a hold the feeders 70 in operable positions for each storage case, while the lower slots 12a hold the feeders 70 in reserve for each storage case to be used in board production, or temporarily hold used feeders that have been used in board production.

Feeder 70 has a holding section that removably holds a carrier tape containing electronic components. The carrier tape has storage sections that are arranged at predetermined intervals along its length and store electronic components, and is wound on a disc-shaped reel. The holding section of feeder 70 holds the reel removably and rotatably. Feeder 70 supplies electronic components from the storage sections to the pickup position by using a motor to run the carrier tape wound on the reel held by the holding section.

The component transfer device 13 has a mounting head that can be raised and lowered and to which holding members such as suction nozzles and gripping members are attached, and a robot that moves the mounting head horizontally. The mounting head and holding members are each changed as appropriate depending on the type of electronic component to be transferred to the board 2. The component transfer device 13 appropriately combines the mounting head and robot to pick up an electronic component supplied to the pickup position, move it above the positioned board, and mount the electronic component in the specified mounting position on the board.

Station 20 is a device that temporarily stores feeders 70 that may be used by the substrate-related operation machine 10, or feeders 70 that have been used by the substrate-related operation machine 10, by storage case. Station 20 is located adjacent to the substrate carry-in side of the substrate-related operation machine 10. Station 20 has a storage cabinet 21 that holds the storage cases. Storage cabinet 21 can transfer feeders 70 by storage case to and from the exchange device 30.

In the following, "feeder 70" will be used to refer not only to the "feeder 70" itself, but also to the "storage case that houses the feeder 70."

The exchange device 30 is a device that performs the exchange, replenishment, and recovery of feeders 70 for each storage case. The exchange device 30 performs the above-mentioned replacement operations between different slots 12a within a substrate-related operation machine 10, between different substrate-related operation machines 10, and between a substrate-related operation machine 10 and a station 20. For example, the exchange device 30 removes a feeder 70 from a station 20 and installs it in a slot 12a of the substrate-related operation machine 10, or removes a feeder 70 from a slot 12a of the substrate-related operation machine 10 and recovers it in the station 20. As shown in FIG. 1, the exchange device 30 has a first rail 31, a second rail 32, and a moving device 33.

The first rail 31 and the second rail 32 form a travel path along which the moving device 33 travels. The first rail 31 and the second rail 32 each extend along the direction in which the multiple substrate-related performing operations 10 are arranged (i.e., the transport direction X), covering substantially the entire area of all of the substrate-related performing operations 10 and stations 20.

The moving device 33 is a transport device that travels along a travel path formed by the first rail 31 and the second rail 32. The moving device 33 is capable of transferring feeders 70 between the substrate-related operating machine 10 and the station 20. The moving device 33 travels along the first rail 31 and the second rail 32 and transfers the feeders 70 when power is supplied. The moving device 33 performs the above-mentioned travel and transfer while its position (current position) on the travel path is detected optically or electromagnetically by a position detection device, for example.

The moving device 33 performs feeder replacement work, exchanging feeders 70 by storage case between different slots 12a within the substrate-related operation machine 10. The moving device 33 transports feeders 70 by storage case from the station 20 to the slots 12a of the substrate-related operation machine 10 to perform feeder replenishment work. Furthermore, the moving device 33 transports feeders 70 that are no longer needed by the substrate-related operation machine 10 by storage case from the slots 12a to the station 20 to perform feeder recovery work.

Furthermore, the station 20 may use an automatic guided vehicle (AGV) or the like to transfer the feeder 70 between the station 20 and a warehouse that stores and stores items (including at least the feeder 70) that arrive at the factory where the substrate-related processing machine 10 is installed and are used, or between the station 20 and an external setup area where a worker (operator) changes reels on the feeder 70 or performs adjustment or repair work on the feeder 70.

The line device 40 controls the various operations of the substrate-related work line. The line device 40 is capable of sending and receiving data via wire or wirelessly between the substrate-related work machines 10, stations 20, and replacement devices 30, monitors the operating status of the substrate-related work line, and provides overall control of the substrate-related work machines 10, stations 20, and replacement devices 30. The line device 40 is located adjacent to the substrate-related work line. As shown in FIG. 3, the line device 40 includes an operation display 41, a display control unit 42, a work control unit 43, a memory unit 44, and a work command unit 45. The display control unit 42, work control unit 43, memory unit 44, and work command unit 45 are included in a control device primarily configured using a microcomputer.

The operation display 41 is a display device that can be seen by workers performing tasks on the substrate-related operation line, and is also an operation input device that can be operated by workers to input data to select tasks required for producing substrates using the substrate-related operation machine 10. In other words, the operation display 41 is a touch display that can be operated by workers touching the screen surface. The operation display 41 is located, for example, adjacent to station 20.

As shown in FIG. 4, the operation display 41 is capable of displaying various commands in a touch-operable manner. In particular, the operation display 41 is capable of displaying commands for each of the multiple tasks that can be performed by the substrate-related operation machine 10 in separate areas, allowing the operator to select and operate them. Examples of commands for selecting tasks that can be performed by the substrate-related operation machine 10 include a setup change menu command, a single-lane production command, a feeder batch replacement command, a job switching command, and a device removal execution command, as shown in FIG. 5.

The setup change menu command above is a command that displays a setup change menu for switching the type of board produced by board production system 1. The single lane production command above is a command that sets the lane used by board transport device 11 to a single lane when producing boards in board production system 1. Note that the setup change menu command and single lane production command are displayed one level below the home screen displayed on operation display 41.

The feeder bulk replacement command is a command for replacing all feeders 70 stored in the slots 12a of each substrate-related operating machine 10 or the storage 21 of the station 20 in a batch changeover that switches the board type. The job switching command is a command for switching production jobs in a batch changeover that switches the board type. The feeder bulk replacement command and job switching command are displayed in parallel at a level one level lower than the setup menu command displayed on the operation display 41 (i.e., two levels lower from the home screen). The device removal execution command is a command for performing a batch replacement of feeders 70, and is displayed at a level one level lower than the feeder bulk replacement command.

The display control unit 42 controls the display on the operation display 41. The display control unit 42 is connected to the operation display 41. The display control unit 42 causes the operation display 41 to display a predetermined home screen on the top page, as well as commands leading up to each of the multiple tasks that can be performed by the substrate-related performing machine 10 described above. In particular, the display control unit 42 causes the operation display 41 to display the above commands hierarchically in a manner that allows selection and operation. The display control unit 42 hierarchically displays commands from the home screen of the operation display 41 to the final execution command for starting a task, in accordance with selection operations performed by the operator.

The work control unit 43 is a component that controls the work of the substrate-related performing machine 10. The work control unit 43 is connected to the operation display 41, as well as to the display control unit 42 and the substrate-related performing machine 10. In response to a selection operation on a command displayed on the operation display 41, the work control unit 43 instructs the display control unit 42 to switch the display and causes the substrate-related performing machine 10 to perform the work. The work control unit 43 can also cause the substrate-related performing machine 10 to perform the work in accordance with commands from the work command unit 45, as described below.

The memory unit 44 is a component that stores the unique information stored in the tool member 60 (described in detail below) and the operations performed by the substrate-related performing apparatus 10 in association with each other. The combination of the associated unique information of the tool member 60 and the operations performed by the substrate-related performing apparatus 10 stored in the memory unit 44 is determined for each unique information or each operation.

When input is made from the tool member 60 to the operation display 41, the work command unit 45 commands the work control unit 43 to have the substrate-related performing machine 10 perform the work associated with the unique information stored in that tool member 60. The work command unit 45 is connected to the operation display 41, as well as to the memory unit 44 and the work control unit 43. When input is made from the tool member 60 to the operation display 41, the work command unit 45 first compares the unique information of the tool member 60 with the association information stored in the memory unit 44 and extracts information about the work corresponding to the unique information. The work command unit 45 then commands the work control unit 43 to have the substrate-related performing machine 10 perform the extracted work.

The management device 50 is a device that manages the production of boards 2 by the board production system 1. If multiple board production systems 1 are installed in a factory, the management device 50 may manage board production by these multiple board production systems 1 in an integrated manner. The management device 50 stores production plans for multiple types of boards over a predetermined period of time (e.g., one week or one month) and usage plans that indicate the types and numbers of electronic components to be used in accordance with the board production plans. The management device 50 carries out board production based on these predetermined production plans and usage plans, and performs operations such as replacing and recovering feeders 70 and carrier tapes. The positions of the substrate-related operating machines 10 and slots 12a to which the feeders 70 are attached, the storage location of the recovered feeders 70 in the station 20 or warehouse, and the processing of the recovered feeders 70 after recovery are predetermined based on the production plans and usage plans.

The management device 50 is capable of wired or wireless data communication with the line devices 40 of each board production system 1. The line devices 40 are capable of controlling the substrate-related operating machines 10, stations 20, and exchange devices 30 in accordance with commands from the management device 50.

The board production system 1 also includes a tool member 60. The tool member 60 is a member used for inputting data into the operation display 41. The operation display 41 has an area (designated location S shown in FIG. 4) that allows input from the tool member 60. The designated location S may be provided on the home screen, for example. As shown in FIG. 6, the tool member 60 is portable and can be carried by a factory worker, and can be held by the worker and pressed against the operation display 41. The tool member 60 is an electronic stamp that inputs data into the operation display 41 by pressing it against the designated location S on the operation display 41.

The tool member 60 has a stamp surface portion 51 that is pressed against the operation display 41, and a holding portion 52 that is gripped by the operator. The tool member 60 realizes a shortcut function that eliminates the hierarchical input operations that the operator must perform from the home screen of the operation display 41 to the execution command. A tool member 60 is provided for each shortcut function, i.e., each execution command, to be realized. Furthermore, multiple tool members 60 may be provided for the same shortcut function or execution command.

The tool member 60 stores predetermined unique information as a pattern. The tool member 60 can notify the control device of the line device 40 (particularly the work command unit 45) of its own unique information via the operation display 41 using multi-touch technology based on the capacitance method (i.e., a method that uses the static electricity of the worker (person)) without using a power source such as a battery. Note that the unique information is information used to distinguish the tool member 60 from other tool members 60, and may include, for example, the identification information (ID) of the worker carrying the tool member 60 or information about the work that is allowed to be performed as a shortcut.

2. Operation of Board Production System In board production system 1, when an operator does not use tool member 60 to cause substrate-related performing machine 10 to perform a task, the commands displayed on operation display 41 change in a hierarchical manner from the home screen in response to a selection operation.

Specifically, when the work command unit 45 does not receive unique information notified from the tool member 60 (when a negative determination is made in step S100 shown in FIG. 7 ), the work control unit 43 detects a selection operation on a command displayed on the home screen of the operation display 41 (when a positive determination is made in step S101), and instructs the display control unit 42 to display the next-level command corresponding to the selection operation on the operation display 41. Subsequently, commands are displayed hierarchically in accordance with the selection operation on the commands displayed on the operation display 41 (step S102). Furthermore, when the final execution command is selected, the work control unit 43 causes the substrate-related performing machine 10 to perform the operation corresponding to the selected execution command (step S103).

For example, as shown in FIG. 5, if an operator wishes to have the substrate-related operation machine 10 perform a batch replacement operation of the feeders 70, the operator selects "Setup Change Menu Command" → "Feeder Batch Replacement Command" → "Device Removal Execution Command" from the home screen on the operation display 41. When this selection operation is performed, the batch replacement operation of the feeders 70 is performed in the substrate-related operation machine 10.

However, as described above, if the operator is required to constantly select commands hierarchically from the home screen on the operation display 41 in order to have the substrate-related performing machine 10 perform a task, the operator must perform multiple selection operations from the home screen to the final command, which is time-consuming and laborious for the operator. In particular, since each operator often performs a specific task, and the same operator often repeatedly performs operations to have the substrate-related performing machine 10 perform the same task, the above-mentioned waste of time is significant.

In the board production system 1, when an operator uses a tool member 60 to cause the substrate-related operating machine 10 to perform an operation, the operator presses the tool member 60 against a designated location S on the home screen while the home screen is displayed on the operation display 41. When the tool member 60 is pressed against the designated location S on the operation display 41, the tool member 60 notifies the work command unit 45 of the line device 40 of its unique information via the operation display 41.

When the work command unit 45 receives the unique information notified from the tool member 60 (if a positive judgment is made in step S100), it compares the unique information with the association information in the memory unit 44 and extracts information about the work corresponding to the unique information (step S111). The work command unit 45 then instructs the work control unit 43 to have the substrate-related performing machine 10 perform the extracted work (step S112). The work control unit 43 causes the substrate-related performing machine 10 to perform the work corresponding to the unique information of the tool member 60 in accordance with the instruction from the work command unit 45 (step S113). In this case, the work corresponding to the unique information of the tool member 60 is performed by the substrate-related performing machine 10.

In this way, when an operator causes the substrate-related performing operation machine 10 to perform an operation, the operator simply presses the tool member 60, which stores the unique information corresponding to that operation, against a designated location S on the home screen of the operation display 41, and inputs the information from the tool member 60 to the operation display 41. In this case, there is no need to individually select commands displayed hierarchically on the home screen of the operation display 41.

In other words, when an operator wants the substrate-related performing machine 10 to perform a task, the operator presses the tool member 60, which stores the unique information corresponding to that task, against a designated location S on the operation display 41, and can then use a shortcut from the home screen of the operation display 41 to cause the substrate-related performing machine 10 to perform the task corresponding to the unique information of that tool member 60.

This reduces the amount of work required for the operator to operate the operation display 41 when making the substrate-related performing machine 10 perform a task, and simplifies the operation, shortening the time it takes for the substrate-related performing machine 10 to start performing a task. This allows the same operator to improve the efficiency of repeated operations when making the substrate-related performing machine 10 perform the same task.

In addition, compared to individually selecting commands displayed hierarchically from the home screen of the operation display 41, the number of operations on the operation display 41 can be reduced, thereby reducing the risk of infection via the operation display 41, which may be operated by many workers. Furthermore, by having the worker hold a tool member 60 that stores unique information for causing the substrate-related performing machine 10 to perform a specific task, and then pressing the tool member 60 against a specified location S on the operation display 41, the substrate-related performing machine 10 can immediately perform the specific task, thereby shortening the time it takes for the substrate-related performing machine 10 to complete the task and improving the production efficiency of boards 2 in the board production system 1.

[Second embodiment]
In the first embodiment described above, the memory unit 44 stores the unique information stored in the tool member 60 in association with the work performed by the substrate-related work machine 10, and when the tool member 60 is pressed against a specified location S on the operation display 41, information on the work corresponding to the unique information of the tool member 60 is automatically extracted from the memory unit 44, and the work is performed by the substrate-related work machine 10.

In contrast, in this second embodiment, one or more tasks for the substrate-related performing machine 10 are stored in the memory unit 44 and associated with the unique information of the tool member 60. When the tool member 60 is pressed against a specified position S on the operation display 41, commands related to one or more tasks corresponding to the unique information of the tool member 60 are displayed on the operation display 41 so that they can be selected, and the task corresponding to the selected command is executed by the substrate-related performing machine 10.

The board production system 1 of this embodiment is realized by including a line apparatus 100 in place of the line apparatus 40 of the first embodiment. In this embodiment, components that are the same as those used in the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and their descriptions are omitted or simplified. The line apparatus 100 has the same functions as the line apparatus 40. As shown in FIG. 8, the line apparatus 100 includes an operation display 41, a display control unit 42, a work control unit 43, a memory unit 101, and a display command unit 102.

The work control unit 43 is a component that controls the work of the substrate-related performing machine 10. The work control unit 43 is connected to the operation display 41, as well as to the display control unit 42 and the substrate-related performing machine 10. In response to a selection operation on a command displayed on the operation display 41, the work control unit 43 instructs the display control unit 42 to switch the display and causes the substrate-related performing machine 10 to perform the work.

The memory unit 101 is a component that stores the unique information stored in the tool member 60 and the operations performed by the substrate-related operating machine 10 in association with each other. The combinations of associated unique information and operations stored in the memory unit 101 are determined for each piece of unique information or for each operation. Furthermore, these combinations of associated unique information and operations are set so that one or more operations are associated with one piece of unique information.

When input is made from the tool member 60 to the operation display 41, the display command unit 102 commands the display control unit 42 to display, on the operation display 41, commands related to one or more tasks associated with the unique information stored in the tool member 60 in a selectable manner. To make the most of the shortcut function, it is preferable that the command displayed in a selectable manner on the operation display 41 be the final execution command for starting the task. The display command unit 102 is connected to the operation display 41, the memory unit 101, and the display control unit 42.

In this board production system 1, when an operator does not use a tool member 60 to cause the substrate-related operation machine 10 to perform an operation, the commands displayed on the operation display 41 change hierarchically from the home screen in response to selection operations.

Specifically, when the display command unit 102 does not receive unique information notified from the tool member 60 (when a negative determination is made in step S200 shown in FIG. 9 ), the work control unit 43 detects a selection operation on a command displayed on the home screen of the operation display 41 (when a positive determination is made in step S201), and commands the display control unit 42 to display the next-level command corresponding to the selection operation on the operation display 41. Subsequently, commands are displayed hierarchically in accordance with the selection operation on the commands displayed on the operation display 41 (step S202). Furthermore, when the final execution command is selected, the work control unit 43 causes the substrate-related performing machine 10 to perform the operation corresponding to the selected execution command (step S203).

On the other hand, when an operator uses a tool member 60 to cause the substrate-related performing operation machine 10 to perform an operation, the operator presses the tool member 60 against a designated point S on the home screen while the home screen is displayed on the operation display 41. When the tool member 60 is pressed against the designated point S on the operation display 41, the tool member 60 notifies the display command unit 102 of the line device 100 of its unique information via the operation display 41.

When the display command unit 102 receives the unique information notified from the tool member 60 (if a positive judgment is made in step S200), it compares the unique information with the association information in the memory unit 101 and extracts information about one or more tasks corresponding to the unique information (step S211). The display command unit 102 then instructs the display control unit 42 to display commands related to the extracted one or more tasks on the operation display 41 so that they can be selected and operated (step S212).

In accordance with the display command from the display command unit 102, the display control unit 42 causes the operation display 41 to display commands related to one or more operations corresponding to the unique information of the tool member 60 in a selectable manner. Then, when a selection operation is performed on a command displayed on the operation display 41 (a positive judgment is made in step S213), the operation control unit 43 causes the substrate-related performing machine 10 to perform the operation corresponding to the execution command issued by the selection operation (step S214). In this case, the selected operation from the one or more operations corresponding to the unique information of the tool member 60 is performed by the substrate-related performing machine 10.

In this way, when an operator causes the substrate-related operation machine 10 to perform an operation, the operator presses the tool member 60, which stores at least the unique information corresponding to the operation, against a designated position S on the home screen of the operation display 41, inputting information from the tool member 60 to the operation display 41, and then selecting one command from among the commands related to one or more operations displayed on the operation display 41. In this case, there is no need to individually select commands displayed hierarchically on the home screen of the operation display 41.

In other words, when an operator wants the substrate-related performing machine 10 to perform a task, the operator presses a tool member 60, which stores at least the unique information corresponding to that task, against a designated location S on the operation display 41, and then selects a command corresponding to that task displayed on the operation display 41. This allows the operator to use a shortcut from the home screen of the operation display 41 to have the substrate-related performing machine 10 perform the task corresponding to the unique information of that tool member 60.

This reduces the amount of work required for the operator to operate the operation display 41 when making the substrate-related performing machine 10 perform a task, and by simplifying the operation, it is possible to shorten the time required for the substrate-related performing machine 10 to start performing a task.

Furthermore, some workers are permitted to have the substrate-related operation machine 10 perform multiple operations. In this situation, if the substrate-related operation machine 10 were to be limited to a single operation associated with the unique information of the tool member 60, it would be necessary to prepare a tool member 60 for each operation, and one worker would have to carry multiple tool members 60, which would be inconvenient.

Meanwhile, the memory unit 101 stores one or more operations associated with each piece of unique information about the tool member 60. When the tool member 60 is pressed against a designated position S on the operation display 41, commands related to one or more operations corresponding to the unique information about the tool member 60 are first displayed on the operation display 41 so that they can be selected, and then the operation corresponding to the selected command is performed by the substrate-related operating machine 10.

As a result, even if a worker is permitted to have the substrate-related operation machine 10 perform multiple operations, they can have the substrate-related operation machine 10 perform each operation simply by holding one tool member 60 and pressing it against the designated location S on the operation display 41. This prevents the worker from having to carry around the tool member 60, allowing the substrate-related operation machine 10 to perform the appropriate operation, thereby creating a board production system 1 that is suited to each worker's work.

Furthermore, after the operator presses the tool member 60 against the specified position S on the operation display 41, the substrate-related operation machine 10 does not immediately begin work. Rather, the substrate-related operation machine 10 begins work only when the final execution command displayed on the operation display 41 is selected and operated. This allows the operator to confirm the operation before having the substrate-related operation machine 10 perform the work, preventing the substrate-related operation machine 10 from performing the wrong work.

[Third embodiment]
In the above first and second embodiments, the unique information stored in the tool member 60 is information for distinguishing the tool member 60 from other tool members 60, and the unique information of the tool member 60 is associated with the work of the substrate-related work machine 10 and stored in the memory unit 44, 101.

In contrast, in this third embodiment, ID information specific to each worker is stored in the tool member 60, and each worker carries one tool member 60. Each time a worker causes the substrate-related operation machine 10 to perform an operation, the history of that operation is associated with the worker's ID information and stored in the memory unit 201.

The board production system 1 of this embodiment is realized by including a line apparatus 200 in place of the line apparatus 40 of the first embodiment. Note that in this embodiment, components that are the same as those used in the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and their description will be omitted or simplified. The line apparatus 200 has the same functions as the line apparatus 40. As shown in FIG. 10 , the line apparatus 200 includes an operation display 41, a display control unit 42, a work control unit 43, a memory unit 201, and a display command unit 202.

The work control unit 43 is a component that controls the work of the substrate-related performing machine 10. The work control unit 43 is connected to the operation display 41, as well as to the display control unit 42 and the substrate-related performing machine 10. In response to a selection operation on a command displayed on the operation display 41, the work control unit 43 instructs the display control unit 42 to switch the display and causes the substrate-related performing machine 10 to perform the work. The work control unit 43 is also connected to the memory unit 201 and is capable of controlling the information stored in the memory unit 201.

The memory unit 201 is a component that stores the ID information stored in the tool member 60 and the history of work performed by the substrate-related operating machine 10 in association with each other. The combination of associated ID information and work history stored in the memory unit 201 is determined for each piece of unique information. This combination of associated ID information and work history is set so that one or more work histories are associated with one piece of ID information and are arranged in chronological order.

When an input is made from the tool member 60 to the operation display 41, the display command unit 202 commands the display control unit 42 to selectably display on the operation display 41 commands related to one or more tasks that are associated with the ID identification information stored in the tool member 60 and remain as history. To make the most of the shortcut function, it is preferable that the command displayed on the operation display 41 in a selectable manner be the final execution command for starting the task. The display command unit 202 is connected to the operation display 41, the memory unit 201, and the display control unit 42.

In this board production system 1, each time a worker causes the substrate-related performing operation machine 10 to perform an operation, the operation history is associated with the worker's ID identification information and stored in the storage unit 201. Furthermore, if the worker does not use a tool member 60 to cause the substrate-related performing operation machine 10 to perform an operation, the commands displayed on the operation display 41 change hierarchically from the home screen in response to selection operations.

Specifically, when the display command unit 102 does not receive ID identification information notified from the tool member 60 (when a negative determination is made in step S300 shown in FIG. 11 ), the work control unit 43 detects the worker's input of ID identification information (step S301), and then determines whether a selection operation for a command displayed on the home screen of the operation display 41 has been detected (step S302). Note that the work control unit 43 may detect the worker's input of ID identification information by the worker pressing the tool member 60 against a predetermined position other than the designated position S on the operation display 41, or by the worker reading, for example, an ID card separate from the tool member 60 into a card reader or entering login information, etc.

When the work control unit 43 detects a selection operation on a command displayed on the home screen of the operation display 41 (a positive judgment in step S302), it instructs the display control unit 42 to display the next-level command corresponding to the selection operation on the operation display 41. Subsequently, commands are displayed hierarchically according to the selection operation on the commands displayed on the operation display 41 (step S303). Furthermore, when the final execution command is selected, the work control unit 43 causes the substrate-related performing machine 10 to perform the operation corresponding to the selected execution command, and stores the history of the operation in the memory unit 201 in association with the worker's ID identification information (step S304). The associated information stored in the memory unit 201 may include log information such as the date and time of the operation.

On the other hand, when an operator uses the tool member 60 to cause the substrate-related performing operation machine 10 to perform an operation, the operator presses the tool member 60 against a designated point S on the home screen while the home screen is displayed on the operation display 41. When the tool member 60 is pressed against the designated point S on the operation display 41, the tool member 60 notifies the display command unit 202 of the line device 200 of the ID identification information of the tool member 60 via the operation display 41.

When the display command unit 202 receives ID identification information notified from the tool member 60 (if a positive judgment is made in step S300), it compares the ID identification information with the association information in the memory unit 301 based on the ID identification information to extract information on the history of the work corresponding to the ID identification information (step S311). The display command unit 302 then commands the display control unit 42 to display commands related to one or more work tasks remaining as the extracted history information on the operation display 41 so that they can be selected and operated (step S312).

In accordance with the display command from the display command unit 202, the display control unit 42 causes the operation display 41 to display commands related to one or more operations that are stored as history corresponding to the ID identification information of the tool member 60 so that the commands can be selected and operated. Then, when a selection operation is performed on a command displayed on the operation display 41 (a positive judgment is made in step S313), the operation control unit 43 causes the substrate-related performing machine 10 to perform the operation corresponding to the execution command resulting from the selection operation (step S314). In this case, the selected operation from the one or more operations that are stored as history corresponding to the ID identification information of the tool member 60 is performed by the substrate-related performing machine 10.

In this way, when an operator causes the substrate-related performing operation machine 10 to perform an operation, the operator presses the tool member 60, which stores ID identification information, against a specified position S on the home screen of the operation display 41, inputting the information from the tool member 60 to the operation display 41. The operator then selects one command from among the commands related to one or more operations that are associated with the ID identification information and stored as history on the operation display 41. In this case, there is no need to individually select commands displayed hierarchically on the home screen of the operation display 41.

In other words, when an operator wants the substrate-related performing machine 10 to perform a task, the operator presses the tool member 60, which stores the ID identification information, against a specified location S on the operation display 41, and then selects a command corresponding to a specific task from one or more tasks that are associated with the ID identification information and stored as history and are displayed on the operation display 41. This allows the operator to use a shortcut from the home screen of the operation display 41 to have the substrate-related performing machine 10 re-execute the task that the operator previously performed.

This reduces the amount of work required for the operator to operate the operation display 41 when making the substrate-related performing machine 10 perform a task, and by simplifying the operation, it is possible to shorten the time required for the substrate-related performing machine 10 to start performing a task.

Furthermore, even if a worker is permitted to have the substrate-related operation machine 10 perform multiple operations, they can simply hold one tool member 60 and press it against the designated location S on the operation display 41 to have the substrate-related operation machine 10 perform each previously performed operation again. This eliminates the inconvenience to the worker of having to carry around the tool member 60, allowing the substrate-related operation machine 10 to perform the appropriate operation, thereby creating a board production system 1 that is suited to each worker's work.

Furthermore, after the operator presses the tool member 60 against the specified position S on the operation display 41, the substrate-related operation machine 10 does not immediately begin work. Rather, the substrate-related operation machine 10 begins work only when the final execution command displayed on the operation display 41 is selected. This allows the operator to confirm the operation before having the substrate-related operation machine 10 perform the work, preventing the substrate-related operation machine 10 from performing the wrong work.

In the above-described third embodiment, the tool member 60 is an electronic stamp that is pressed against the operation display 41 to input information, as in the first and second embodiments. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this, and instead of the electronic stamp-type tool member 60, a device such as an ID card carried by each worker, which stores ID information and allows the ID information to be input into the operation display 41 using capacitive multi-touch technology, may be used.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and variations, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

1: Board production system, 2: Board, 10: Substrate-related processing machine, 20: Station, 30: Exchange device, 40, 100, 200: Line equipment, 41: Operation display, 42: Display control unit, 43: Work control unit, 44, 101, 201: Memory unit, 45: Work command unit, 50: Management device, 60: Tool member, 70: Feeder, 102, 202: Display command unit.

Claims (7)

an operation display that can be operated to input a selection of an operation required for producing a substrate by the substrate-related operation machine;
a display control unit that hierarchically arranges commands leading up to each of a plurality of operations that can be performed by the substrate-related-operation performing machine and displays the commands on the operation display so that the commands can be selected and operated;
an operation control unit that causes the substrate-related performing machine to perform the operation in accordance with a selection operation for the command displayed on the operation display;
a tool member that stores unique information and is used for inputting information to the operation display;
a storage unit that stores the work and the unique information in association with each other;
a work command unit that, when an input is made from the tool member to the operation display, commands the work control unit to cause the substrate-related performing machine to perform the work associated with the unique information of the tool member;
A substrate production system comprising: an operation display that can be operated to input a selection of an operation required for producing a substrate by the substrate-related operation machine;
a display control unit that hierarchically arranges commands leading up to each of a plurality of operations that can be performed by the substrate-related-operation performing machine and displays the commands on the operation display so that the commands can be selected and operated;
an operation control unit that causes the substrate-related performing machine to perform the operation in accordance with a selection operation for the command displayed on the operation display;
a tool member that stores unique information and is used for inputting information to the operation display;
a storage unit that stores one or more of the tasks in association with the unique information;
a display command unit that commands the display control unit to, when an input is made from the tool member to the operation display, display one or more of the commands related to the work associated with the unique information of the tool member on the operation display in a selectable manner;
A substrate production system comprising: The board production system described in claim 2, wherein the command related to one or more of the operations associated with the unique information of the tool member is an execution command for starting the operation. A board production system as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the tool member is a device that inputs the unique information into the operation display using capacitive multi-touch technology. an operation display that can be operated to input a selection of an operation required for producing a substrate by the substrate-related operation machine;
a display control unit that hierarchically arranges commands leading up to each of a plurality of operations that can be performed by the substrate-related-operation performing machine and displays the commands on the operation display so that the commands can be selected and operated;
an operation control unit that causes the substrate-related performing machine to perform the operation in accordance with a selection operation for the command displayed on the operation display;
a storage unit that stores a history of the operations performed by the substrate-related-operation performing apparatus in association with ID information determined for each operator;
a tool member that stores the ID identification information and is used for inputting the ID identification information to the operation display;
a display command unit that commands the display control unit to, when an input is made to the operation display from the tool member, display the command related to the work associated with the ID identification information and retained as a history on the operation display in a selectable manner; and
A substrate production system comprising: The board production system described in claim 5, wherein the command related to the work that is associated with the ID identification information and remains as history is an execution command for starting the work. A board production system as described in claim 5 or 6, wherein the tool member is a device that inputs the ID identification information into the operation display using capacitive multi-touch technology.