JP7824630B2 - Process Control System - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a process control system, and more particularly to a process control system that can determine and display the start and completion times of multiple tasks in the production of a product.

Conventionally, there is a process control system that includes a work instruction sheet on which a barcode is printed, a barcode reader that reads the barcode, and an information processing device that receives the barcode information transmitted by the barcode reader via a modem (Patent Document 1).

This conventional process control system is equipped with multiple barcode readers corresponding to multiple work tasks for producing a product, and the barcode corresponding to the product is printed on the work instruction sheet. As a result, when a worker begins, for example, the first work task, he or she reads the barcode using the first barcode reader corresponding to the first work task. At this time, the information processing device identifies the modem that sent the received barcode information. Then, after the worker completes the first work task, he or she reads the barcode again using the first barcode reader.

After this, at the start and completion of each of the work contents from the second work content onwards, the barcode is read using the second barcode reader and each of the other barcode readers corresponding to each of the work contents.

In this way, by having the worker scan the barcode each time the work begins and ends, the information processing device that receives the barcode information each time can tally up the work time required for each work. This allows for process management of the product and makes it possible to know the production efficiency for each work.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-311007

In the conventional process control system described above, a barcode reader and modem are installed for each task. While the barcode readers and modems are installed in fixed locations, workers in charge of product production must travel back and forth between the locations of the equipment, devices, raw material and semi-finished products, work-in-progress items, other workers, and other items required for each task. As a result, the workers must travel to the locations of the barcode readers and modems in order to read barcodes.

Furthermore, under the conventional process control system, the barcode reader and modem each correspond to a specific task, so when the number of tasks increases or is expanded, or when a task is further subdivided and managed, additional barcode readers, modems, power supplies, etc. must be installed. This also requires additional space. In this way, additional equipment is required to expand or enhance process control.

In light of these challenges, the present invention aims to provide a process control system that reduces the amount of worker movement required for process control and reduces the need to add equipment to expand or enhance process control.

(1) The present invention provides a process control system capable of determining and displaying the start and completion times of multiple work tasks in the production of a product, comprising: a work instruction sheet on which multiple barcodes are printed, with the data content stored being different for each work task and the data content stored being different depending on whether the work task has started or a specified quantity of work has been completed for each work task; a portable reading device having a CPU, a memory unit, an imaging unit capable of reading the barcodes, a reading device transmission unit, and a reading button, wherein when the reading button is pressed, the imaging unit reads the barcode and the reading device transmission unit wirelessly transmits the data; and a server device having a server receiving unit that receives the data, wherein the portable reading device does not have either a display or a key input device. Also, a process control system capable of determining and displaying the start and completion times of a plurality of work contents in the production of a product includes a work instruction sheet on which a plurality of barcodes are printed on a single sheet of paper, each barcode having different data contents for each work content and different data contents depending on whether the work content starts or a predetermined amount of work is completed for each work content, a portable reading device having a CPU, a memory unit, an imaging unit capable of reading the barcodes, a reading device transmission unit, and a reading button, and in which, when the reading button is pressed, the imaging unit reads the barcode and the reading device transmission unit wirelessly transmits the data, and a server receiving unit that receives the data directly from the portable reading device. and a display device connected to the server device, wherein the data held by each of the barcodes differs in the work content or in whether the work has started or completed, the portable reading device has neither a display nor a key input device, and the server device may have a server device database section that stores work instruction information and work performance information for each of the work content, including personal identification information of the worker, the time the work started, and the time the work completed, a display information shaping means that shaped the work instruction information and the work performance information to be displayed on the display device, and a transmission section that transmits the display information obtained thereby to the display device wirelessly or by wire.

In other words, the process control system of the present invention is equipped with a portable reading device, which has a CPU, memory unit, imaging unit, reading device transmission unit, and reading button, but does not have a display or key input device. Therefore, the portable reading device is lightweight because it does not have a display or key input device. Furthermore, the portable reading transmission unit wirelessly transmits data to a server device. Therefore, workers can easily carry the portable reading device and read barcodes for multiple work tasks. Moreover, even if work sites are scattered, workers can carry a single portable reading device and read barcodes while traveling between the locations of each site's equipment, devices, raw material and semi-finished product storage areas, work-in-progress items, other workers, and so on. Therefore, there is no need for increased worker movement solely for process control.

Furthermore, the data stored in the barcodes differs depending on whether the work has started or been completed for each task. Therefore, the process control system of the present invention can determine the start and completion times by having the portable reading device read the barcode indicating the start of the work and the barcode indicating the completion of the work, respectively, without having to specify whether the data being sent is for the start of the work or the completion of the work using a display, key input device, etc.

Furthermore, the data stored in the barcodes differs depending on the work content. Therefore, when increasing the number of work content items or when subdividing and managing one work content, this can be addressed by printing additional barcodes on the work instructions that store the data on the work content that increases as work is added, or barcodes that store the data on the work content that increases due to the subdivision and management. In this case, only the number of barcodes printed on the work instructions increases, and no additional equipment is required. Therefore, there is no need to add equipment to expand or enhance process management.

(2) The system may also have a display device connected to the server device, and the display device may display part or all of the content of the data in association with whether or not the data has been received.

In other words, the display device displays the presence or absence of data transmitted by the portable reading device, as well as some or all of that data, in association with other personnel, including the manager of the worker in charge of each relevant task, so that progress information on the start and completion of each task by that worker can be shared. The process management system of the present invention can also expand and enhance process management in terms of sharing such progress information by adding and printing barcodes.

(3) The portable reading device may also be rod-shaped, with the reading button located in its body, the imaging unit equipped with a light source, light emitted from the light source in the longitudinal direction of the rod, and a detection unit disposed to detect the barcode located in the longitudinal direction.

In other words, because the portable reading device of the present invention is lightweight and rod-shaped, workers can carry it in a breast pocket or hang it from their neck using a strap, allowing them to move around the work site and continue working. It can also be easily removed from a breast pocket and inserted again. When hanging it from the neck, the portable reading device will not fall onto the floor or other surfaces.

Furthermore, the read button is located on the body, and light is emitted in the longitudinal direction, allowing barcodes located in that direction to be detected. Therefore, the worker can easily press the read button with the fingers of the hand holding the portable reading device resting on the read button to read barcodes located in that direction. This operation then allows the read data to be wirelessly transmitted.

This allows workers to easily read barcodes on work instructions. For example, they can take out the portable reading device they carry with them at various work sites and immediately shine the light onto the barcode directly in front of them to read it. This minimizes the burden on workers in process management.

(4) Alternatively, the system may include a plurality of portable reading devices, each of which is configured so that the storage unit stores personal identification information, and the reading device transmission unit and the server reception unit transmit and receive the personal identification information in conjunction with transmitting and receiving the data.

In other words, the process management system of the present invention allows the memory unit of each portable reading device to store personal identification information. Therefore, even when multiple workers are responsible for the production of a product, a portable reading device can be distributed to each worker, and the personal identification information of each worker can be stored on each portable reading device. Furthermore, the personal identification information of each worker can be transmitted by each portable reading device together with the data contained in the barcode read by each worker. This allows the server device receiving the data to determine which worker read and transmitted the data it receives, enabling process management for each worker.

The worker who transmitted the data can be identified without having to input personal identification information using a display, key input device, etc. There is also no need to prepare a barcode for each worker and have the portable reading device read it. In this way, there is no need to input or read personal identification information. Therefore, the process management system of the present invention enables the expansion or sophistication of process management without increasing the equipment size, even though the portable reading device is lightweight.

(5) The system may also include a plurality of portable reading devices and a display device connected to the server device, wherein the storage unit of each portable reading device is configured to store personal identification information, the reading device transmission unit and the server reception unit transmit and receive the personal identification information in conjunction with the transmission and reception of the data, and the display device may display whether or not the data has been received, some or all of the content of the received data, and some or all of the personal identification information stored in the portable reading device that is the source of the received data, in association with each other.

In other words, the display unit displays whether or not data is being transmitted by the portable reading device, and some or all of that data in association with some or all of the personal identification information stored by the portable reading device. This allows personnel, including each worker and their manager, to share progress information on the start and completion of each task by each worker. By distributing the portable reading device to each worker, the process management system of the present invention can expand and enhance process management in terms of the sharing of such progress information.

(6) The work instruction sheet may be printed with a plurality of barcodes each having different data contents depending on whether the work start for each of the work contents, the work completion of a first predetermined quantity, or the work completion of a second predetermined quantity different from the first predetermined quantity. The work instruction sheet may be printed with a plurality of barcodes each having different data contents depending on whether the work start for each of the work contents, the work completion of a first predetermined quantity of work, or the work completion of a second predetermined quantity of work, different from the first predetermined quantity, is included in the work completion.

In other words, by having the first predetermined quantity and the second predetermined quantity be different, the process control system of the present invention can determine that the first predetermined quantity of work has been completed by the portable reading device reading a barcode holding data corresponding to the completion of the first predetermined quantity of work, and can determine that the second predetermined quantity of work has been completed by reading a barcode holding data corresponding to the completion of the second predetermined quantity of work. This makes it possible to determine the completion of different quantities of work simply by increasing the number of barcodes printed on the work instruction sheet, without having to input the completed quantity at the time of work completion via a display, key input device, etc. Therefore, the process control system of the present invention enables the expansion or sophistication of process control without the need for additional equipment, despite the lightweight portable reading device.

(7) The first predetermined quantity may also be zero.

In other words, when the first predetermined quantity is zero and the second predetermined quantity is a quantity other than zero, the process control system of the present invention can determine that work for a certain task has not been completed by reading a barcode that holds data corresponding to the first predetermined quantity. Then, by reading a barcode that holds data corresponding to the completion of the second predetermined quantity of work, it can determine that the second predetermined quantity of work has been completed.

By printing a barcode on the work instruction sheet that holds data indicating the work quantity is the first predetermined quantity, the worker can read the barcode corresponding to zero when the work is interrupted. The worker then reads the barcode holding the work start data when resuming the interrupted work, and the barcode holding the data corresponding to the second predetermined quantity completed when the work is completed. This allows the process control system of the present invention to determine that the second predetermined quantity of work has been completed after the interruption. If a barcode corresponding to zero like the one described above were not provided, the system would be forced to determine that the work is continuing even when the worker actually interrupts the work for a break, lunch, etc. after scanning the work start barcode. In this case, the time during the interruption would also be counted as the worker's working time, preventing the system from accurately measuring the actual working time.

In contrast, the process control system of the present invention allows workers to deduct interruption time from work time by reading a barcode that stores data corresponding to the first predetermined quantity, which is initially set to zero when the worker is interrupted. In this way, because interruptions do not need to be input via a display, key input device, etc., the process control system of the present invention allows for the expansion or sophistication of process control without the need for additional equipment, even though the portable reading device is lightweight.

(8) The server device further includes a type determination means, a work performance identification means, and a server first transmission unit, and the type determination means determines whether the data received by the server receiving unit is work start data, which indicates the start of work, or work completion data, which indicates the completion of work. The work performance identification means further determines whether the data is in a normal state, in which the work start data for the work content of the work completion data has been received in advance by the server receiving unit, or an abnormal state, in which the work start data for the work content of the work completion data has not yet been received by the server receiving unit, when the data is received by the server receiving unit.
The first server transmitting unit may wirelessly transmit an abnormality signal to the portable reading device when the abnormality occurs, and the portable reading device may have a reading device receiving unit and a reading status display unit, and when the reading receiving unit receives the abnormality signal, the reading status display unit may display an abnormality status.

In other words, when the reading status display unit of the portable reading device displays an abnormal status, the worker is informed that they should have read the barcode containing the work start data at the start, but instead mistakenly read the barcode containing the work completion data. This allows the worker to re-read the barcode containing the correct work start data.

In such cases, since the type determination means and work performance identification means are provided in the server device, there is no need for the portable reading device to be equipped with similar means. As a result, the portable reading device can simply transmit the data read by the imaging unit to the server device as is, and receive an abnormality signal when necessary to notify the worker that the barcode needs to be re-scanned. Therefore, even if the portable reading device has limited functionality and a simple configuration, the process management system of the present invention can be equipped with expanded functionality.

(9) The wireless transmission may also be performed via a wireless LAN.

In other words, the process management system of the present invention transmits and receives data via wireless LAN. By adding repeaters, even in large offices or offices spanning many floors, the data can be easily transmitted and received between information processing devices and scattered portable reading devices. Furthermore, because wireless LANs are generally widespread in manufacturing, distribution, and other industries, existing infrastructure can be utilized, eliminating waste. In this way, the process management system of the present invention can reduce the need to add equipment to expand or enhance process management.

In this way, the present invention provides a process control system that reduces worker movement for process control and enables the expansion and sophistication of process control. It also provides a process control system that reduces the need to add equipment to expand or sophisticate process control.

1 is a functional configuration diagram of a process control system according to a first embodiment of the present invention; 1A and 1B are perspective views of a portable reading device according to a first embodiment of the present invention; 3 shows a functional configuration diagram of the portable reading device of FIG. 2. 3 shows a printed side of a work instruction sheet according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a functional configuration diagram of a server device according to a first embodiment of the present invention; 3 shows a sequence according to a first embodiment of the present invention. 1A shows a work instruction information table according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 1B shows a personal identification information table according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 1 shows a work performance information table according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 1A and 1B show a work performance information table according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 1A and 1B show a work performance information table according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 1A and 1B show a work performance information table according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 1 shows a screen of a display device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. 10 shows a printed side of a work instruction sheet according to a second embodiment of the present invention. 10 shows a sequence according to a second embodiment of the present invention. 10A and 10B show a work performance information table according to a second embodiment of the present invention. 10A and 10B show a work performance information table according to a second embodiment of the present invention. 10 shows a printed side of a work instruction sheet according to a third embodiment of the present invention. 10 shows a printed side of a work instruction sheet according to a third embodiment of the present invention. 10A shows a work instruction information table according to a third embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 10B shows a personal identification information table according to the third embodiment of the present invention. 10A and 10B show a work performance information table according to a third embodiment of the present invention. 10 shows a work performance information table according to a third embodiment of the present invention. 10 shows a screen of a display device according to a third embodiment of the present invention. 10 shows a screen of a display device according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[First embodiment]
A first embodiment of the present invention will be illustrated with reference to Figures 1 to 12. In Figure 1, reference numeral 1 denotes a process control system.

As shown in the functional configuration diagram of Figure 1, the process control system 1 has a portable reading device 100, a work instruction sheet 200, a server device 300, and a display device 400. The process control system 1 can determine and display the start and completion times of multiple work tasks in the production of a product. In this embodiment, an example will be given in which one worker I is responsible for work tasks A, B, and C, in that order. Note that work tasks A to C are not limited to these, and subsequent work tasks may follow, and the configuration for each subsequent work task is the same as the configuration for each of work tasks A to C.

As shown in the perspective view of Figure 2(a), the portable reading device 100 is rod-shaped overall, with its housing formed into a roughly rectangular prism with center line C as its central axis. The longitudinal direction of the rod coincides with the direction of center line C. The portable reading device 100 has an imaging unit 120, which is located at the tip in the direction of center line C. The imaging unit 120 has a light source 121 and a detection unit 122, and is capable of reading a work barcode (described below) located in the direction of center line C. This work barcode is printed on the work instruction sheet 200. Light source 121 emits light 123 in the direction of center line C, as shown in Figure 2(b). Furthermore, detection unit 122 is positioned so that light 123 can detect the work barcode.

The portable reading device 100 has a read button 130 and a power button 140 on the body portion, which is the side of the approximately rectangular prism. The read button 130 is positioned closer to the tip than the power button 140. The read button 130 is configured so that when pressed in a direction approaching the center line C, the imaging unit 120 reads the work barcode. Worker I then carries the portable reading device 100.

The reading button 130 incorporates a reading status display unit 150. The reading status display unit 150 is equipped with an LED lamp that lights up red when the portable reading device 100 receives an abnormality signal from the server device 300.

As shown in the configuration and function diagram of Figure 3, the portable reading device 100 incorporates a reading and communication control unit 160, a reading device storage unit 170, a reading device transmission unit 180, and a reading device reception unit 190. The reading and communication control unit 160 is a CPU and is configured to process barcode data, which is data held by the work barcode. The reading device storage unit 170 is a memory and has personal identification information storage means 171 that stores personal identification information Pi of the worker I carrying the portable reading device 100. The reading device transmission unit 180 wirelessly transmits the barcode data and personal identification information Pi. Note that in this specification, the above barcode data may also be simply referred to as data.

The portable reading device 100 also has a reading status display unit 150 equipped with an LED lamp, as described above. The reading device receiving unit 190 of the portable reading device 100 may receive an abnormal signal, described below, from the server device 300. When this occurs, the reading/communication control unit 160 sends an instruction to the reading status display unit 150 to turn the LED lamp red. In addition to these, the portable reading device 100 also has a built-in battery that supplies power to the imaging unit 120, reading status display unit 150, reading/communication device control unit 160, etc. However, the portable reading device 100 does not have a display or key input device.

As soon as the read button 130 is pressed, the reading/communication device control unit 160 sends an instruction to the imaging unit 120 to read the barcode, and also acquires the personal identification information Pi from the personal identification information storage means 171. Then, as soon as the read button 130 is pressed, the reading/communication device control unit 160 controls the portable reading device 100 to wirelessly transmit the barcode data and the personal identification information Pi via the reading device transmission unit 180.

As such, because the portable reading device 100 is lightweight and rod-shaped, worker I can store the portable reading device 100 in a breast pocket or hang it from his neck using a strap, allowing him to move around the work site and continue working. It can also be easily removed from a breast pocket and inserted again. When hanging it from the neck, the portable reading device 100 will not fall onto the floor or the like.

Furthermore, the read button 130 is located on the body, and the light 123 is emitted in the direction of the center line C, making it possible to detect work barcodes located in the direction of the center line C. Therefore, worker I can easily press the read button 130 with the fingers of the hand holding the portable reading device 100 resting on the read button 130 to read work barcodes located in the direction of the center line C. This operation then allows the read barcode data to be wirelessly transmitted.

The work instruction sheet 200 is obtained by printing six work barcodes a1, a2, b1, b2, c1, and c2 on A4-sized paper, as in the example work instruction sheet 211 shown in Figure 4. The work instruction sheet 200 may also be printed by an external printer in response to instructions from the server device 300. Two-dimensional barcodes, which can record information both vertically and horizontally and can store a lot of information in a small area, are used as the work barcodes a1, a2, b1, b2, c1, and c2. The example two-dimensional barcode in Figure 4 is taken from the GS1QR Code (registered trademark) display example posted on the website of the Distribution System Development Center, a general incorporated association. However, one-dimensional barcodes may also be used as long as they can store the necessary information. Furthermore, the paper for the work instruction sheet 200 may be a size other than A4, as long as it has the necessary printing area and is easy to carry. Note that, throughout this specification, the above work barcodes may also be simply referred to as barcodes.

The six work barcodes a1, a2, b1, b2, c1, and c2 printed on the work instruction sheet 211 in the example of Figure 4 are arranged to form a matrix of three rows and two columns. From left to right, work barcode a1 and work barcode a2 are arranged in the top row, work barcode b1 and work barcode b2 are arranged in the middle row, and work barcode c1 and work barcode c2 are arranged in the bottom row. To the left of these work barcodes, the top row displays "Work Content A," the middle row displays "Work Content B," and the bottom row displays "Work Content C." Work barcode a1 holds barcode data containing instruction information notifying the server device 300 that work content A has begun. Work barcode a2 holds barcode data containing instruction information notifying the server device 300 that work content A has been completed. Similarly, task barcodes b1, b2, c1, and c2 each hold barcode data containing instruction information that notifies server device 300 of the start or completion of task B or task C, respectively.

The work instruction sheet 211 in the example of Figure 4 is carried by worker I.

By printing the indications "Work Content A," "Work Content B," and "Work Content C" on each line of the work instruction sheet 211, worker I can see that each work barcode a1, a2, b1, b2, c1, and c2 holds barcode data related to work contents A to C. Furthermore, by printing each work barcode a1, a2, b1, b2, c1, and c2 in order from left to right on each line, worker I can see that work barcodes a1, b1, and c1 in the left column each hold barcode data indicating the start of work, and that work barcodes a2, b2, and c2 in the right column each hold barcode data indicating the completion of work.

As shown in the functional configuration diagram of Figure 5, the server device 300 comprises a server receiving unit 310, a server device control unit 320, a server first transmission unit 330, a server device database unit 340, a server device display device control unit 350, and a server second transmission unit 360. The server receiving unit 310 receives the barcode data and personal identification information Pi transmitted by the portable reading device 100. The server device control unit 320 creates work performance information to be stored in the server device database unit 340 based on the received barcode data and personal identification information Pi. The server device control unit 320 also issues an abnormality signal R based on the received barcode data and personal identification information Pi when certain conditions are met. This abnormality signal R is transmitted by the server first transmission unit 330 to the portable reading device 100. As a result, the reading status display unit 150 of the portable reading device 100 lights up the LED lamp in red to indicate an abnormality to worker I.

The server device 300 is installed in a fixed location such as an office or on-site.

Figure 6 shows the sequence when worker I reads task barcode a1, task barcode a2, task barcode b1, task barcode b2, task barcode c1, and task barcode c2 in that order. Abnormal signal E is not shown in this sequence. Worker I reads task barcode a1 at the start of task A. At this time, as soon as the read button 130 is pressed, the portable reading device 100 detects task barcode a1 and, as a result, obtains the barcode data of task A start data Sa, which is the content stored in task barcode a1. Task A start data Sa is barcode data whose content stored is task A and the start of the task. Then, task A start data Sa and worker I's individual identification information Pi are transmitted to the server device 300 in real time.

Next, when worker I completes task A, task barcode a2 is read. At this time, as soon as the read button 130 is pressed, the portable reading device 100 detects task barcode a2 and, as a result, obtains the barcode data of task A completion data Ea, which is the content stored in task barcode a2. The task A completion data Ea stores task A and its completion. The task A completion data Ea and worker I's individual identification information Pi are then transmitted to the server device 300 in real time.

By starting and completing task B after completing task A, task barcode b1 and task barcode b2 are detected, respectively, and the barcode data of task B start data Sb or task B completion data Eb, respectively, is sent to server device 300 via portable reading device 100, along with personal identification information Pi, which is also sent to server device 300. The same applies to task C.

The server device control unit 320 has a time counting means 321. The time counting means 321 counts the date and time when the read button 130 on the portable reading device 100 is pressed. This process control system 1 is a real-time system. Therefore, the time when the read button 130 is pressed is the same as the time when the server device control unit 320 receives the barcode data and personal identification information Pi.

The server device control unit 320 also has a type determination means 322. The type determination means 322 determines whether the barcode data received from the portable reading device 100 contains work start data Sa, Sb, and Sc for work contents A to C, or whether the contained content contains work completion data Ea, Eb, and Ec for work contents A to C.

The start data Sa, Sb, and Sc for work contents A to C, which are barcode data whose stored content has been determined by the type determination means 322 to be work start data, are sent to the start work record creation means 323 of the server device control unit 320 and stored as work record information in the server device database unit 340.

Furthermore, the completion data Ea, Eb, and Ec for work contents A to C, which are barcode data whose stored content has been determined by the type determination means 322 to be work completion data, are sent to the work history identification means 324 of the server device control unit 320. Upon receiving this, the work history identification means 324 determines whether the corresponding start data Sa, Sb, and Sc for work contents A to C have already been stored in the work history information of the server device database unit 340. If the start data Sa, Sb, and Sc have already been received and stored, the current status is determined to be normal. Then, each completion data Ea, Eb, and Ec is sent to the completed work history creation means 325 of the server device control unit 320 and stored as work history information in the server device database unit 340.

However, if the type determination means 322 determines that the stored content is work completion data, but the work record identification means 324 determines that corresponding work start data is not saved, the work record identification means 324 determines that the current state is abnormal. Then, the completion data Ea, Eb, and Ec are not sent to the completed work record creation means 325, and instead the server first transmission unit 330 transmits an abnormality signal R to the portable reading device 100.

In this way, the reading status display unit 150 of the portable reading device 100 that received the abnormality signal R displays an abnormality status, letting worker I know that when starting, worker I should have read the work barcodes a1, b1, and c1 that hold the barcode data indicating the start of work, but instead mistakenly read the work barcodes a2, b2, and c2 that hold the barcode data indicating the completion of work. This allows worker I to once again read the work barcodes a1, b1, and c1 that hold the correct barcode data indicating the start of work.

Since the type determination means 322 and work performance identification means 324 are provided in the server device 300, the portable reading device 100 does not need to be equipped with similar means. As a result, the portable reading device 100 can simply send the barcode data read by the imaging unit 120 to the server device 300 as is, and can receive an abnormality signal R when necessary to notify worker I that the work barcode needs to be re-read. Therefore, even if the portable reading device 100 has limited functionality and a simple configuration, the process control system 1 can be equipped with expanded functions.

The server device 300 and the portable reading device 100 are connected via a wireless LAN. LAN is an abbreviation for local area network, and refers to a private network connecting computers and peripheral devices installed in a limited area, such as within a single building or factory. A wireless LAN is a network connecting these devices wirelessly. In this embodiment, the server device 300 is connected via a wireless LAN to the portable reading device 100 carried by worker I via a repeater such as a router, and the reading device transmitter 180, reading device receiver 190, server receiver 310, and server first transmitter 330 wirelessly transmit and receive barcode data, identification information Pi, and abnormality signal R via the wireless LAN.

In this way, the process control system 1 transmits and receives barcode data and the like via wireless LAN. By adding repeaters, even when a business location spans a large area or many floors, the server device 300 and the portable reading device 100 can easily transmit and receive barcode data and the like. Furthermore, because wireless LANs are generally widespread in manufacturing, distribution, and other industries, existing infrastructure can be utilized, eliminating waste. This reduces the need to add equipment to expand or enhance process control.

The server device database unit 340 stores work instruction information, personal identification information, work performance information, and other information in tabular format. Of these, an example of the work instruction information table 341, which shows the data configuration of work instruction information, is shown in Figure 7(a), an example of the personal identification information table 342, which shows the data configuration of personal identification information, and examples of the work performance information table 343, which shows the data configuration of work performance information, are shown in Figures 8 to 11.

The work instruction information table 341 contains work instruction information, which is information related to the content of each task for each task A to C. This information includes, for example, the completion quantity, which is the amount of work required to complete each task A to C.

The personal identification information table 342 contains information for each worker. For example, it includes the affiliation and name of worker I corresponding to personal identification information Pi.

The work performance information table 343 contains work performance information for each of work contents A to C. For example, for each of work contents A to C, it contains the personal identification information Pi of the worker I performing that work, the time the work started, the time the work was completed, the quantity of work, and the work time. Figure 8 shows the work performance information table 343 in its state before 9:00 AM, when worker I reads work barcode a1 at the start of work on a certain day, but has not yet read work barcode a1.

Figure 9(a) shows the work performance information table 343 in its state after worker I reads work barcode a1 at 9:00 AM, but before 10:00 AM when he next reads work barcode a2. By reading work barcode a1, the server device 300 causes the start work performance creation means 323 to save work content A start data Sa as work performance information. At this time, the server device 300 also receives personal identification information Pi, and records that the time measured by the time counting means 321 is 09:00, that work content A start data Sa is work start data for work content A, whose information is saved in the work instruction information table 341, and that the work will be performed by worker I, whose information is saved in the personal information identification table 342. As a result, the work performance information in the first row from the bottom in Figure 9(a) is saved. At this time, the work barcode a1, which has the saved information of work start, was the only one read, so the work time is 0.

Figure 9(b) shows the work performance information table 343 in its current state after worker I reads work barcode a2 at 10:00 AM, but before 10:30 AM, when he next reads work barcode b1. By reading work barcode a2, the server device 300 causes the completed work performance creation means 325 to store work content A completion data Ea as work performance information. At this time, the server device 300 also receives personal identification information Pi, and records that the time measured by the time counting means 321 is 10:00, that the work content A completion data Ea is work completion data for work content A whose information is stored in the work instruction information table 341, that the work quantity is 100, which is the completed quantity whose information is stored in the work instruction information table 341, and that the work was performed by worker I, whose information is stored in the personal information identification table 342. Since the work started at 9:00 AM and ended at 10:00 AM, the server device records that the elapsed time between these two times, that is, one hour, was the work time. As a result, the work performance information in the first line from the bottom in Figure 9(b) is saved.

At this time, since the work content A start data Sa has already been saved as work performance information at the time the work barcode a2 is read, the work performance identification means 324 determines that the status is normal. Therefore, an abnormality signal R is not issued.

Figures 10(a) and (b) show the work performance information table 343 after work barcode b1 is read at 10:30 AM and work barcode b2 is read at 11:00 AM. Figures 11(a) and (b) show the work performance information table 343 after work barcode c1 is read at 11:10 AM and work barcode c2 is read at 11:45 AM. In each case, the work content B start data Sa, work content B completion data Ea, work content C start data Sc, and work content C completion data Ec received by the server device 300 are saved in the work performance information table 343 as work performance information.

With this configuration, the process control system 1 is equipped with a portable reading device 100. While the portable reading device 100 includes a CPU (reader/communication device control unit 160), a reading device memory unit 180, an imaging unit 120, a reading device transmission unit 180, and a read button 130, it does not include a display or key input device. Therefore, the absence of a display or key input device makes the portable reading device 100 lightweight. Furthermore, the reading device transmission unit 180 wirelessly transmits barcode data to the server device 300. Therefore, worker I can easily carry the portable reading device 100 and read task barcodes for multiple tasks A through C. Furthermore, even if the work sites are scattered, worker I can carry a single portable reading device 100 and read barcodes while traveling between the locations of equipment, devices, raw material and semi-finished product storage areas, work-in-progress items, and other workers at each site. This eliminates the need for increased worker movement solely for process control.

Furthermore, the work barcodes store different barcode data depending on whether the work has started or completed for each work content A to C. Therefore, the process control system 1 can determine whether the transmitted barcode data is work start data Sa, Sb, Sc at the start of the work or work completion data Ea, Eb, Ec at the completion of the work by having the portable reading device 100 read the work start barcodes a1, b1, c1 and the work completion barcodes a2, b2, c2, respectively, without having to specify whether the work has started or completed at the time of reading using a display, key input device, etc.

Furthermore, information on the completed quantity, which is the amount of work required to complete each of the work contents A to C, is stored in the work instruction information table 341 of the server device database unit 340. Therefore, the process control system 1 can record that a specified amount of work has been completed by having the portable reading device 100 read the work completion data Ea, Eb, and Ec, without the need to input the completed quantity via a display, key input device, etc.

Furthermore, the barcode data stored in each work barcode varies depending on the work content. Therefore, when adding more work content beyond work content A to C, or when subdividing and managing a single work content, this can be handled by printing additional work barcodes on the work instruction sheet 200 that store the barcode data for the additional work content that is added as a result of the addition of work, or barcodes that store the barcode data for the additional work content that is added due to the subdivision and management. In this case, only the number of work barcodes printed on the work instruction sheet 200 increases, and no additional equipment is required. Therefore, there is no need to add equipment to expand or enhance process management.

The server device display device control unit 350 has means for aggregating, classifying, etc., information stored in the server device database unit 340, including a work time aggregation means 351 and a work performance classification means 352. For example, based on the work performance information stored in the work performance information table 343 illustrated in FIG. 11(b), the work time aggregation means 351 aggregates the number of products processed per hour to 100, since worker I processes 100 products of work content A per hour. Furthermore, based on the work performance information stored in the work performance information table 343 illustrated in FIG. 11(b), the work time aggregation means 351 aggregates the number of products processed per hour to 100, since worker I processes 50 products of work content B per 30 minutes. In this way, by being able to know work efficiency via the server device display device control unit 350, users of the process management system 1 of the present invention can manage the production process at this business establishment.

The server display device control unit 350 also has a display information shaping means 353 that shapes display information such as the various pieces of information stored in the server database unit 340, the results of compiling and classifying the various pieces of information, and the results of editing the information, for display on the display device 400. The display information obtained in this way is transmitted to the display device 400 via the server second transmission unit 360. The transmission of the display information may be performed wirelessly or via a wired connection.

The display device 400 displays screen S, as shown in the example of screen S1 in Figure 12, based on the display information transmitted by the server device 300. Screen S1 shows screen S in a state where 10:30 AM has passed but before 11:00 AM, as shown in the example of the work performance information table 343 in Figure 10(a). At this time, the server device 300 formats and transmits display information showing the display of worker I and marks M indicating the work contents A to C assigned to worker I.

Of these, mark Ma, which indicates task A, is surrounded by a thick black frame. The fact that mark M is surrounded by a thick black frame in this way means that the task has been completed. In other words, this means that task barcode a2, which holds task A completion data Ea, has been read by worker I. Therefore, task A has been completed by worker I. Next, mark Mb, which indicates task B, is surrounded by a thick white frame in this way. The fact that mark M is surrounded by a thick white frame in this way means that the task has been started but not yet completed. In other words, this means that task barcode b1, which holds task B start data Sb, has been read by worker I, but task barcode b2 has not been read. Therefore, task B is currently being performed by worker I. Finally, mark Mc, which indicates task C, is surrounded by a standard-thick frame in this way. The fact that mark M is surrounded by a standard-thick frame in this way means that the task has not yet been started. In other words, this means that task barcode a1 has not been read. Therefore, worker I has not yet begun work on task C.

Note that examples of what mark M can display include one of the work contents A to C, the start time, the completion time, and the completed quantity, but these may be added or omitted depending on the information the user requires.

In this way, the display device 400 displays screen S by associating some or all of the contents of the barcode data with whether or not the barcode data has been received.

This allows other personnel, including the manager of Worker I in charge of each task A-C, to share progress information about the start and completion of each task A-C by Worker I. Furthermore, by adding and printing barcodes, the process management system 1 can expand and enhance process management in terms of sharing this progress information as well.

The display device 400 is installed in a fixed location, such as an office or a work site. Even if the server device 300 is installed away from the work sites of tasks A to C, if the display device 400 is installed on site, other personnel, including the manager of worker I, can view the screen S at the site. Furthermore, by installing multiple display devices 400, more people involved can view the screen S at the same time.

Second Embodiment
A second embodiment of the present invention will be illustrated with reference to FIGS.

The process control system 1 according to this embodiment, like the first embodiment, includes a portable reading device 100, a work instruction sheet 200, a server device 300, and a display device 400. Of these, an example of the work instruction sheet 200 according to this embodiment is shown in Figure 13.

In the example work instruction sheet 212 shown in Figure 13, nine work barcodes a1, a2, a3, b1, b2, b3, c1, c2, and c3 are printed and arranged to form a matrix of three rows and three columns. In the top row, from left to right, there is a display of "Work content A," work barcode a1, work barcode a3, and work barcode a2. In the middle and bottom rows, there is a display of "Work content B," work barcode b1, work barcode b3, and work barcode b2, and a display of "Work content C," work barcode c1, work barcode c3, and work barcode c2, respectively.

Work barcode a1 holds barcode data containing instruction information notifying server device 300 that work on work content A has begun. Work barcode a2 holds barcode data containing instruction information notifying server device 300 that work on work content A has been completed. Work barcodes b1, b2, c1, and c2 similarly hold barcode data containing instruction information notifying server device 300 that work on work content B or work content C has been begun or completed, respectively.

Work barcode a3 holds barcode data containing instruction information that notifies server device 300 that work on work content A has been suspended. Work barcode b3 and work barcode c3 similarly hold barcode data containing instruction information that notifies server device 300 that work on work content B or work content C has been suspended, respectively.

Figure 14 shows the sequence when worker I sequentially reads task barcode a1, task barcode a3, task barcode a1, and task barcode a2. The sequence when the other task barcodes b1, b2, b3, c1, c2, and c3 are read after these is not shown. Furthermore, the abnormality signal R is not shown in this sequence. Worker I reads task barcode a1 when starting task A. As a result, task A start data Sa and worker I's individual identification information Pi are sent to the server device 300. Next, worker I reads task barcode a3 when interrupting task A for a break, lunch, etc. At this time, as soon as the read button 130 is pressed, the portable reading device 100 detects task barcode a3 and, as a result, obtains the barcode data of task A interruption data Ia, which is the content stored in task barcode a3. Task A interruption data Ia is barcode data containing task A and its interruption as its content. Then, the work content A interruption data Ia and the individual identification information Pi of worker I are transmitted to the server device 300 in real time.

When task A is resumed after an interruption such as a break or lunch, worker I again reads task barcode a1. This causes task A start data Sa and worker I's individual identification information Pi to be sent to server device 300. Furthermore, when task A is completed after resumption, worker I reads task barcode a2. This causes task A completion data Ea and worker I's individual identification information Pi to be sent to server device 300.

When such task A interruption data Ia is sent to the server device 300, or when indoor work B interruption data Ib or task C interruption data Ic, which are the contents stored in task barcode b3 or task barcode c3 (not shown), are sent to the server device 300, the type determination means 322 of the server device control unit 320 determines that the barcode data received from the portable reading device 100 contains task interruption data Ia, Ib, and Ic for task A to C.

The interruption data Ia, Ib, and Ic for work contents A to C, which are barcode data whose stored content has been determined by the type determination means 322 to be work interruption data, are sent to the work history identification means 324. Upon receiving this data, the work history identification means 324 determines whether the corresponding start data Sa, Sb, and Sc for each of work contents A to C have already been stored in the work history information of the server device database unit 340. If the start data Sa, Sb, and Sc have already been received and stored, the current status is determined to be normal. The interruption data Ia, Ib, and Ic are then sent to the completed work history creation means 325 of the server device control unit 320 and stored as work history information in the server device database unit 340.

If the type determination means 322 determines that the stored content is work interruption data, but the work record identification means 324 determines that the corresponding work start data is not saved, the work record identification means 324 determines that the current state is an abnormal state. Then, the interruption data Ia, Ib, Ic are not sent to the completed work record creation means 325, and instead the server first transmission unit 330 transmits an abnormality signal R to the portable reading device 100.

Under normal conditions, each of the interruption data Ia, Ib, and Ic is sent to the completed work record creating means 325 of the server device control unit 320 and stored as work record information in the server device database unit 340. At this time, the work quantity is recorded as 0.

Figures 15 and 16 show examples of the work performance information table 343 when task A start data Sa, task A interruption data Ia, task A start data Sa, and task A completion data Ea are transmitted in this order from the portable reading device 100 to the server device 300.

The work performance information table 343 in Figures 15 and 16 contains work performance information for work content A. That is, it includes the personal identification information Pi of the worker I performing work content A, the time the work started, the time the work was completed, the quantity of work, and the work time. The time when the work was interrupted is recorded in the work completion time column. First, while worker I reads work barcode a1 at 9:00 AM, the start of work on a certain day, the work performance information table 343 in the state before 9:00 AM, when work barcode a1 has not yet been read, is the same as that shown in Figure 8.

Figure 15(a) shows the work performance information table 343 in its state after worker I reads work barcode a1 at 9:00 AM and before 9:45 AM, when he next reads work barcode a3. This work performance information table 343 is also the same as the one shown in Figure 9(a).

In contrast, Figure 15(b) shows the work performance information table 343 in its state after worker I reads work barcode a3 at 9:45 AM and before 10:00 AM, when he re-reads work barcode a1. By reading work barcode a3, the server device 300 causes the completed work performance creation means 325 to save work content A interruption data Ia as work performance information. At this time, the server device 300 also receives personal identification information Pi and records that the time measured by the time counting means 321 is 09:45, that work content A interruption data Ia is work interruption data for work content A, whose information is stored in the work instruction information table 341, that the work quantity is 0, and that the work is being performed by worker I, whose information is stored in the personal information identification table 342. Since the work start time was 09:00 and the interruption time was 09:45, the server device records that the elapsed time of 45 minutes between these times is the work time. As a result, the work performance information in the first line from the bottom in Figure 15(b) is saved.

At this time, since the work content A start data Sa has already been saved as work performance information at the time the work barcode a3 is read, the work performance identification means 324 determines that the status is normal. Therefore, an abnormality signal R is not issued.

Figures 16(a) and (b) show the work performance information table 343 after work barcode a1 is read again when work resumes at 10:00 AM, and work barcode a2 is read when work is completed at 10:15 AM. In each case, the work content A start data Sa and work content A completion data Ea received by the server device 300 are saved as work performance information in the work performance information table 343. As shown in Figure 16(b), at 10:15 AM when the work is completed, the work quantity is recorded as 100, which is the completed quantity information saved in the work instruction information table 341. Then, because the work resumed at 10:00 AM and the work completed at 10:15 AM, it is recorded that 15 minutes elapsed between these times. As a result, the work performance information in the first row from the bottom in each of Figures 16(a) and 16(b) is saved.

In this embodiment, the work time aggregation means 351 of the server device display device control unit 350 aggregates, based on the work performance information stored in the work performance information table 343 illustrated in FIG. 16(b), that the work time spent by worker I on work content A is 1 hour, which is the sum of 45 minutes before the interruption and 15 minutes after the interruption. As a result, since worker I processes 100 products of work content A per hour, it is aggregated that the number of products processed per hour is 100. In this way, the user of the process control system 1 can measure the work efficiency of worker I for work content A.

The rest of the configuration is the same as in the first embodiment.

Since work barcodes a3, b3, and c3, which contain barcode data including instruction information notifying server device 300 that work has been interrupted, are printed on work instructions 210, worker I can read these interrupted work barcodes a3, b3, and c3 when work is interrupted. Then, when worker I resumes the interrupted work, he or she reads work barcodes a1, b1, and c1, which contain the work start barcode data, and when the work is completed, he or she reads work barcodes a2, b2, and c2, which contain the work completion barcode data. This allows the process control system 1 to determine that the completed quantity of work has been completed after the interruption and resumption. If such interrupted work barcodes were not provided, the system would be forced to determine that work is continuing even when worker I actually interrupts the work for a break, lunch, etc. after scanning the work start barcode. In this case, the time during the interruption would be counted as worker I's work time, preventing the system from accurately measuring actual work time.

In contrast, the process control system 1 allows worker I to deduct the interruption time from the work time by simply reading the interrupted work barcode when an interruption occurs. In this way, because there is no need to input the interruption via a display, key input device, etc., the process control system 1 enables the expansion or sophistication of process control without requiring additional equipment, even though the portable reading device 100 is lightweight.

In this specification, the interruption of work as described above is sometimes referred to as the completion of a first predetermined quantity of work, and the completion of work as described above is sometimes referred to as the completion of a second predetermined quantity of work. In this embodiment, the first predetermined quantity is 0. That is, when the work quantity in the work performance information table 343 illustrated in Figure 15(b) at the time when work content A interruption data Ia is saved as work performance information is 0, this corresponds to the completion of the first predetermined quantity of work. Furthermore, when the work quantity in the first row from the bottom in the work performance information table 343 illustrated in Figure 16(b) at the time when work content A completion data Ea is saved as work performance information is 100, this corresponds to the completion of the second predetermined quantity of work.

[Third embodiment]
A third embodiment of the present invention will be illustrated with reference to FIGS.

The process control system 1 according to this embodiment, like the first and second embodiments, includes a portable reading device 100, a work instruction sheet 200, a server device 300, and a display device 400. In this embodiment, an example will be given in which worker I is responsible for tasks A to C, worker II, who is different from worker I, is responsible for tasks D and E, respectively, and worker III, who is different from both worker I and worker II, is responsible for task F.

Worker I, Worker II, and Worker III each carry one portable reading device 100. Therefore, in this embodiment, the process control system 1 has three portable reading devices 100. The personal identification information storage means 171 of each portable reading device 100 stores the personal identification information Pi, Pii, and Piii of Workers I to III who are carrying that portable reading device 100.

Worker I carries the example work instruction 212 shown in Figure 13, while worker II carries the example work instruction 220 shown in Figure 17 and worker III carries the example work instruction 230 shown in Figure 18.

Six work barcodes d1, d2, d3, e1, e2, and e3 are printed on the work instruction sheet 220 carried by worker II. Work barcodes d1 and e1 hold barcode data containing instruction information that notifies the server device 300 of the start of work content D or work content E, respectively. Work barcodes d2 and e2 hold barcode data containing instruction information that notifies the server device 300 of the completion of work content D or work content E, respectively. Furthermore, work barcodes d3 and e3 hold barcode data containing instruction information that notifies the server device 300 of the suspension of work content D or work content E, respectively.

Three work barcodes f1, f2, and f3 are printed on the work instruction sheet 230 carried by worker III. These work barcodes f1, f2, and f3 each hold barcode data containing instruction information that notifies the server device 300 of the start, completion, and interruption of work content F.

Each of the workers I-III uses the portable reading device 100 they carry to read the work barcodes printed on the work instructions 212, 220, and 230 they carry. Upon pressing the read button 130, the portable reading device 100 detects the work barcodes a1-f3 and acquires the barcode data for the work details A-F start data, work details A-F interruption data, and work details A-F completion data stored in each work barcode. Furthermore, upon pressing the read button 130 of each of the portable reading devices 100, the reading and communication device control unit 160 acquires the personal identification information Pi, Pii, and Piii stored in the personal identification information storage means 171. The acquired barcode data and personal identification information Pi-Piii are then transmitted to the server device 300 in real time.

The work instruction information stored in the server device database unit 340 of the server device 300 is stored as shown in the example work instruction information table 341 in Figure 19(a). In this embodiment, the work instruction information includes, for example, a completion quantity, which is the amount of work required to complete each of the work contents A to F.

Similarly, personal identification information is stored as in the personal identification information table 342 shown in the example of Figure 19(b). In this embodiment, in addition to worker I, the personal identification information includes, for example, the affiliation and name of worker II corresponding to personal identification information Pii, and the affiliation and name of worker III corresponding to personal identification information Piii.

Similarly, the work performance information is saved as in the work performance information table 343 shown in the examples of Figures 20 and 21. For example, Figure 20(a) shows the work performance information table 343 in a state before 10:15 AM, when worker I reads work barcode a1 when resuming work content A at 10 AM, and worker II reads work barcode d1 when starting work content D at the same time, and then worker I reads work barcode a2 when completing work content A.

At this time, for example, when worker II reads the work barcode d1, the server device 300 uses the start work record creation means 323 to store the work content D start data as work record information. At that time, the server device 300 also receives personal identification information Pii from the portable reading device 100. As a result, the server device 300 records that the time measured by the time counting means 321 is 10:00, that the work content D start data is the work start data for work content D whose information is stored in the work instruction information table 341, and that the work will be performed by worker II whose information is stored in the personal information identification table 342. As a result, the work record information in the first row from the bottom of Figure 20(a) is saved.

The example in Figure 20(b) shows the state of the work performance information table 343 after worker I has read work barcode a2 when completing work content A, and worker I and worker III have read work barcode b1 or work barcode f1 when starting work content B or work content F, respectively, and also after worker II has read work barcode d2 when completing work content D at 11:00 AM, and worker I has read work barcode b2 when completing work content B at the same time at 11:00 AM.

Furthermore, the example in Figure 21 shows the work performance information table 343 in a state where worker I reads work barcode c1 when starting work item C at 11:10 AM, 10 minutes after Figure 20 (b), and worker II reads work barcode e1 when starting work item E at the same time at 11:10 AM.

The work performance classification means 352 of the server device display device control unit 350 tally up the number of transactions categorized by worker. For example, based on the work performance information stored in the work performance information table 343 illustrated in FIG. 21, the work time tallying means 351 and work performance classification means 352 tally up the total number of transactions by worker I in charge of work content A and work content B as of 11:00 AM, which is 150, and also tally up the number of transactions by worker II in charge of work content D as of 11:00 AM, which is 50. Of these, worker I interrupted work content A for 15 minutes from 9:45 AM to 10:00 AM. From this, it is calculated that the number of transactions per hour by worker I across work content A and work content B between 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM was 100, and the number of transactions per hour by worker II across work content D was 50. In this way, work efficiency can be determined by the server device display device control unit 350.

In addition, the work performance classification means 352 aggregates the number of processes categorized by work content, not just by worker. Although not shown in the illustrated work performance information table 343, for example, even if different workers are in charge of work content A at different times or on different days, it is possible to know the work efficiency of work content A over a certain time or period. This allows users of the process management system 1 of the present invention to manage the production process at this business establishment.

Screen S, as shown in the example of screen S2 in Figure 22, is displayed on the display device 400. Screen S1 shows screen S in a state where 11:00 AM has passed but before 11:10 AM, as shown in the example of the work performance information table 343 in Figure 20(b). At this time, the server device 300 formats and transmits display information showing workers I, II, and III, and marks M indicating the work contents A to F assigned to each of workers I to III.

In addition, screen S2 of display device 400 may be a Gantt chart screen, as shown in the example of Figure 23. Screen S2 in Figure 23 uses horizontal bars to represent the progress of work items A, B, D, and F performed by each worker I to III over time, which progresses to the right of the figure.

The rest of the configuration is the same as in the first and second embodiments.

With this configuration, the process management system 1 of the present invention can store personal identification information Pi-Piii in the reader storage unit 170 of each portable reader 100. Therefore, even when multiple workers I-III are responsible for product production, each worker can be given a portable reader 100 and their personal identification information Pi-Piii can be stored in each portable reader 100. Furthermore, each personal identification information Pi-Piii can be transmitted by each portable reader 100 along with the barcode data contained in the work barcode read by each worker. This allows the server device 300 receiving the barcode data to determine which worker read and transmitted the received barcode data, enabling process management for each worker.

Then, the workers I-III who transmitted the barcode data can be identified without having to input personal identification information Pi-Piii via a display, key input device, etc. Furthermore, there is no need to prepare a barcode for each worker and have the portable reading device 100 read it. In this way, there is no need to input or read personal identification information Pi-Piii. Therefore, the process control system 1 of the present invention enables the expansion or sophistication of process control without increasing the equipment size, even though the portable reading device 100 is lightweight.

Furthermore, because each portable reading device 100 and server device 300 communicate wirelessly, multiple workers I to III carrying each portable reading device 100 can move away from the server device 300 and can be located far away from each other. Moreover, because communication is via wireless LAN, they can be scattered over a wide area by adding repeaters.

The above describes exemplary embodiments of the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

For example, the reading status display unit 150 of the portable reading device 100 may be equipped with an LED lamp that lights up red and green, rather than an LED lamp that lights up only red. In this case, the server first transmission unit 330 of the server device 300 may send a normal signal to the portable reading device 100 if the work performance identification means 324 determines that the state when the completion data was received from the portable reading device 100 was normal. This allows the portable reading device 100 to indicate that it is in a normal state by having the LED lamp light up green, and allows the worker to confirm that the work barcode was read correctly.

Furthermore, in the work performance information table 343 of the server device database unit 340, a column other than the "Complete" column, for example, a "Suspended" column, may be provided to store the time of suspension. Furthermore, on the screen S of the display device 400, the marks M may be divided not only into three types: not yet started, working, and completed, but also into four types: not yet started, working, suspended, and completed.

In addition, two types of work completion barcodes may be printed on the work instruction sheet 200 for one work content. In this case, two types of completed quantities are stored for one work content in the work instruction information on the work instruction information table 341 as completed quantities, which are the amount of work required to complete the work content. These two types of completed quantities are referred to as the first predetermined quantity and the second predetermined quantity, respectively. Of these two types of work completion barcodes, the first type of work completion barcode holds barcode data containing instruction information notifying the server device 300 that the first predetermined quantity has been completed, and the second type of work completion barcode holds barcode data containing instruction information notifying the server device 300 that the second predetermined quantity has been completed.

When the server device 300 receives the former barcode data, the completed work record creation means 325 records the first predetermined quantity as the work quantity in the work record information on the work record information table 343. On the other hand, when the server device 300 receives the latter barcode data, the completed work record creation means 325 also stores the second predetermined quantity as the work quantity.

The server device display device control unit 350 may also use the display information formatting means 353 to display on the display device 400 in graph format each piece of information stored in the server device database unit 340, the aggregation and classification results of this information, and the edited results thereof. For example, by displaying work efficiency and the economic effects of improved work efficiency in a graph over time, users of the process control system 1 of the present invention can more easily understand the business performance of this business establishment.

The present invention can be used in production management systems, and in particular in process management systems that can determine and display the start and completion times of each task.

1 Process control system 100 Portable reading device 120 Imaging unit 121 Light source 122 Detection unit 123 Light emission 130 Reading button 140 Power button 150 Reading status display unit 160 Reading/communication control unit 170 Reading device storage unit 180 Reading device transmission unit 190 Reading device reception unit 200, 211, 212, 220, 230 Work instruction sheet 300 Server device 310 Server reception unit 320 Server device control unit 321 Time counting means 322 Type determination means 323 Started work record creation means 324 Work record identification means 325 Completed work record creation means 330 Server first transmission unit 340 Server device database unit 341 Work instruction information table 342 Personal identification information table 343 Work record information table 350 Server device display device control unit 351 Work time aggregation means 352 Work record classification means 353 Display information shaping means 360 Server second transmission unit 400 Display device I, II, III Workers Pi, Pii, Piii Personal identification information S, S1, S2 Screen

Claims (9)

A process control system capable of determining and displaying the start and completion times of a plurality of work operations in the production of a product,
a work instruction sheet on which a plurality of barcodes are printed on a single sheet, each of which stores different data for each work content and stores different data depending on whether the work has started or completed for a predetermined amount of work for each work content;
a portable reading device having a CPU, a memory unit, an imaging unit capable of reading the barcode, a reading device transmission unit, and a reading button, and wherein when the reading button is pressed, the imaging unit reads the barcode and the reading device transmission unit wirelessly transmits the data;
a server device having a server receiving unit that directly receives the data from the portable reading device ;
a display device connected to the server device,
The data held by each of the barcodes differs in the work content or in whether the work has started or completed,
The portable reading device has neither a display nor a key input device ;
The server device has a server device database unit that stores work instruction information and work performance information including personal identification information of workers, the time of the start of the work, and the time of the completion of the work for each work content, a display information shaping means that shapes the work instruction information and the work performance information to be displayed on the display device, and a transmission unit that transmits the display information obtained thereby to the display device wirelessly or by wire.
A process control system characterized by:
2. The process control system according to claim 1, wherein the display device displays part or all of the contents of the data in association with whether or not the data has been received.
The portable reading device is formed in a rod shape and has the reading button on its body portion,
The process control system according to claim 1, characterized in that the imaging unit is equipped with a light source, light emitted from the light source is emitted in the longitudinal direction of the rod, and a detection unit is arranged to detect the barcode located in the longitudinal direction.
A plurality of the portable reading devices are provided,
Each of the portable reading devices is configured such that the storage unit stores personal identification information;
The process control system according to claim 1 , wherein the reader transmitting unit and the server receiving unit transmit and receive the personal identification information together with transmitting and receiving the data.
A plurality of the portable reading devices are provided,
Each of the portable reading devices is configured such that the storage unit stores personal identification information;
the reader transmitting unit and the server receiving unit transmit and receive the personal identification information together with transmitting and receiving the data;
The process control system according to claim 1, characterized in that the display device displays whether or not the data has been received, part or all of the content of the received data, and part or all of the personal identification information stored in the portable reading device that is the source of the received data, in association with each other.
2. The process control system according to claim 1, wherein the work instruction sheet is printed with a plurality of barcodes each having different data contents depending on whether the work start for each work content and the work completion are completion of a first predetermined quantity of work, which is completion of a first predetermined quantity of work, or completion of a second predetermined quantity of work, which is completion of a second predetermined quantity of work different from the first predetermined quantity.
The process control system according to claim 6 , wherein the first predetermined quantity is zero.
the server device includes a type determination means, a work performance identification means, and a server first transmission unit;
the type determination means determines whether the data received by the server receiving unit is work start data, the stored content of which is the start of work, or work completion data, the stored content of which is the completion of work;
The work performance identification means further determines, at the time of receiving the work completion data, whether the state is a normal state in which the work start data for the work content of the work completion data has been received in advance by the server receiving unit, or an abnormal state in which the work start data for the work content of the work completion data has not yet been received by the server receiving unit;
the first server transmitting unit wirelessly transmits an abnormality signal to the portable reading device when the abnormality occurs;
The process control system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the portable reading device has a reading device receiving unit and a reading status display unit, and when the reading receiving unit receives the abnormal signal, the reading status display unit displays an abnormal status.
9. The process control system according to claim 1, wherein the wireless transmission is performed via a wireless LAN.