JPH06168245A - Scheduling system - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] [Purpose] An easier programming method has been sought because an operation plan for the production process is created using a computer system. Allows scheduling work such as production processes to be defined by rearranging functional blocks,
An object of the present invention is to provide a programming system that does not require computer knowledge and can be easily performed by a user with little programming experience. [Structure] A display screen such as a computer and a CRT and various input / output devices are used to input a plurality of input element strings and characters to be scheduled on the display screen. In addition, the functional blocks that specify a predetermined program operation are arranged on the display screen, and a plurality of them are combined and rearranged to specify the operation content and operation order of the program, and the scheduling logic is completed. It is a programming system that is characterized by what has been done.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a scheduling system used for supporting a production process planning work. For more details, we use the method of visual programming by computer to express the operations (selection and rearrangement) of multiple input elements by rearranging the rearrangement of blocks in two dimensions to build the scheduling logic. Regarding the system.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Due to rapid changes in market trends and diversification of requirements, plant scheduling has become an important factor in determining factory productivity. Prompt preparation of a practical operation plan is an urgent issue. Traditionally, plant operation planning relies on the experience and capabilities of the scheduler. Therefore, the plans vary from person to person, the risk of making mistakes is high, and the cost is high. Production must follow the rapid changes in market trends. As a result, the equipment modification cycle becomes faster, plants and processes become more complex, and flexible operation is required. Human capacity is limited and scheduling is extremely difficult. On the other hand, in the factory, as computer integration (CIM) progresses, it is difficult to standardize and automate this operation plan, which is a bottleneck for integration. When a user uses a computer system to make a plan, programming is not always easy because the user needs to do some programming, but programming is a specialized area that requires experience. Therefore, an easier programming method has been demanded.

[0003]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to disassemble an element selection work in a planned work conventionally performed by a scheduler into small units and prepare them in advance as various functional blocks. In this function block, if a condition is selected, it is represented by an if statement, and the scheduler prepares an adjustment screen for completing the statement by the blank entry method and adjusting for each job.
The element selection work performed by the scheduler can be expressed by combining the above various functional blocks on the logic construction window created for each type of work. This functional block works like a filter filter, and when the selection candidate sequence (input element sequence) is poured from above, it is configured so that the element with the highest priority is finally selected through the filter filters one after another. To do. In addition, the logic construction window has another hierarchical structure so that it can handle more complicated expressions.

[0004]

Computer and CRT
Input data such as display screens, keyboards, pointing devices, etc., and input basic data such as multiple input element columns to be scheduled and adjustment screens from the window on the CRT by the blank entry method. To do.
Specifically, for a plurality of input element strings to be scheduled, a plurality of functional blocks are displayed on the display screen, and the plurality of functional blocks are rearranged to perform an overall scheduling of a plurality of functions. The scheduling system

A logic construction interface unit for constructing a scheduling logic is constructed by combining a plurality of functional blocks for designating a predetermined program operation and rearranging them to specify the operation content and operation sequence of the program. It consists of a logic storage unit that stores logic, and an execution unit that executes scheduling using the logic stored in the storage unit. Each of the functional blocks is assigned to the functional block for the input element string that enters at the top. A first-level logic construction configured to evaluate and output based on the selected element selection (operation function), and a first logic display screen composed of a functional block for designating a plurality of predetermined program operations. As a hierarchy, use one of the functional blocks arranged on the first hierarchy as a pointing device. By designating again with, for example, the input element to the redesignated functional block is used as an input element, a display screen of the second hierarchy is provided in which an array of functional blocks can be configured in the same manner as the first hierarchy, and this screen is displayed. The scheduling system is characterized in that the final output of is the output of the functional block previously specified on the first layer, and in this way, the same processing can be performed over the multiple layers from the third layer onward.

[0006]

The logic construction interface section displays the functional blocks for designating a predetermined program operation in association with a unique figure such as a rectangle, and combines a plurality of these figures.
By rearranging, the operation contents of the program are specified and the operation sequence is specified, the existing program is edited, and the parameter of the functional block is adjusted. Each of the functional blocks displayed as a figure on the display screen is evaluated based on the element selection (operating function) specified in the functional block when the input element sequence enters the upper part, and when the evaluation block matches the evaluation. The output element string is output to another functional block adjacent in the downward direction, and if they do not match, the input element string is output to another functional block adjacent in the rightward direction. The logic storage unit stores and manages the logic program configured and edited by the logic construction interface unit. The program is passed to the logic execution part and evaluated. The logic execution unit evaluates the logic read from the storage unit together with the input element string to the logic, and outputs the output element string. It also controls the evaluation of each functional block, filter processing, and next candidate selection processing.

[0007]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Figure 1
FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram of the configuration of the system of the present invention. Reference numeral 11 is a processing device using a computer. Reference numeral 12 is a logic construction interface unit. A function block that specifies a predetermined program operation is displayed on the display screen in association with a unique figure such as a rectangle, and a plurality of these figures are combined and rearranged to specify the operation content and operation order of the program. Edit existing logic program,
It also has editing functions such as adjusting the parameters of the functional blocks, and completes the scheduling logic program.

Reference numeral 13 is a logic storage unit. The logic construction interface unit 12 stores and manages logic programs configured and edited. The program is passed to the logic execution part and evaluated. Reference numeral 14 is a logic execution unit. The logic read from the logic storage unit 13 is evaluated together with the input element string to the logic, and the output element string is output. Evaluation of individual function blocks, filter processing,
The next candidate selection process is controlled. Reference numeral 15 is a display control unit. Open a window on the CRT.

Reference numeral 16 is an input control unit. Controls keyboard and pointing device input. Reference numeral 17 is a plant data storage unit. Stores unit information such as plant equipment and lines that are incorporated into the process. 18 is C
This is a display unit represented by RT. Reference numeral 19 is a keyboard input device. Reference numeral 20 is a pointing device such as a mouse. On the display screen, the input element string to be scheduled and the character string such as the adjustment screen for setting specific conditions for functional blocks are entered in the blank entry method. The functional block is specified by the pointing device and edited.

FIG. 2 shows an example of the display screen of the job selection logic construction window, but various windows as shown below are prepared for each work. (In the strategy window that opens first, move the cursor to the logic construction section and click it to display the following pull-down menu.) 1 Job selection logic construction window Constructs a logic that selects a priority job from multiple jobs. This FIG. 2 is applicable. 2 Unit selection logic construction window When there are multiple units that can be used for storage parts (processes, facilities, areas, etc. for storing products etc.), construct a logic to assign which unit has priority. To do.

(3) Processing time setting logic construction window A time zone for executing a job is pasted on a schedule screen to construct a logic. 4 Mounting unit selection logic construction window When multiple mounting units are set in the storage part, etc., construct a logic to assign which mounting unit should be used first. Job selection logic construction window selected here The logic construction work will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 21 Job selection logic display area When the cursor is specified on this display area, the registered logic is displayed in the pull-down menu. When selected there, it is displayed on the job selection logic display section. In the figure, there are examples of strategies ○ ×.

22 Comment display section When the comment edit section of the pull-down menu provided on the screen is selected, the comment setting window opens. Comments can be entered regarding the content of logic. 23 Functional Block Arrangement Area When a functional block on the palette is specified with the cursor, a position is specified on this functional block arrangement area and clicked again, the functional block is pasted there. 24 Pallet part The pallet part displays specific figures showing various functional blocks.

25 Generating Section When a functional block in the palette is selected and arranged and then the generation is clicked, the functional block is set in the functional block arrangement area. The set function block can be moved. 26 Attribute Change Section When changing the contents (processing conditions) of a functional block, select the functional block in the functional block arrangement area and then click this attribute change section. If the selected functional block is a basic block, a job selection basic block adjustment window opens, and settings and changes can be made. 27 Delete section Select a functional block to delete and click Delete to delete the block. You can confirm and cancel the work by clicking the setting section and the cancel section. The logic is constructed by repeating these operations.

FIG. 3 shows the roles of the functional blocks.
A functional block is a process for selecting a certain element. The processing conditions are registered on the block adjustment screen. In this figure, the input elements are A, B, C, D, and E, and when the processing condition is the attribute a = y, the output elements are B and C.
Is shown. When the basic block part is clicked with the cursor on the job selection logic construction window opened on the display screen, various blocks are displayed in a pull-down method. Each block has an adjustment screen and registers attributes.

FIG. 4 shows the rules for passing an input element to a functional block. The block operates according to the following rules. Rule 1 In the job selection logic, the order in which jobs are input to the first functional block is the same as the order registered in advance as a scheduled work job from the window. Rule 2 When the functional blocks are arranged vertically, the elements are input in order from the functional block arranged above. If they are arranged side by side, they are input in order from the functional block arranged on the left.

Rule 3 If there is no element output from the functional block, all the elements input to that functional block are input again to the functional block on the right side. Rule 4 When there are a plurality of elements output from the functional block, the output element is input to the leftmost functional block below the element. Rule 5 When the number of elements that the functional block is output becomes one,
The output becomes the output of the entire logic, and the process ends. Rule 6 When a plurality of elements are finally output, the first element in the array of output elements is output and the process ends.

FIG. 5 is an example diagram in which the job selection logic is constructed. In the following drawings, click to open the basic block part on the job selection logic construction window screen to set the operation of the function block screen and the function block displayed in the palette part on the job selection logic construction window. The block adjustment screen is also shown. Characters that can be selected and blank characters should be selected from predefined characters. FIG. 6 is a diagram of the default block. This is a block that outputs the input job as it is. Prevents no jobs being selected in the block. It is automatically set at the right end of each line of the functional block set in the functional block arrangement area. There is no adjustment screen.

FIG. 7 shows an attribute selection block and an adjustment screen. It is a block that sets the condition that a job is selected based on a specific product name, additional code, work form, or job name. The adjustment screen is composed of "[7A] is a [7B] [7C] element. Select "". 7A is a product / additional code / work form / name / use attribute, and 7B is a name / additional code / work form / job name that is actually set according to 7A. 7C
Enter any of or other than.

FIG. 8 is a delivery date order element selection block and an adjustment screen. It is a block that can set the condition that a job is selected based on the delivery date or via the time, and the configuration of the adjustment screen is "[8A] selects [8B] element first". 8A inputs any of the earliest delivery date / latest delivery date / start time. 8B inputs either early or late.

FIG. 9 shows that the functional block 2 has the second and third hierarchies to perform the element selecting operation.
When the input element sequence abcdefghij is input to the functional block 1, the selected result is output as abcdef. When this is input to the function block 2, abcd is selected and output, and as a result of being selected by the function block 4, dc is finally output through the default block 6. On the other hand, if the function block 2 selects not to accept, the output abc of the function block 1
Def is input to the functional block 21 of the second layer. The result abc selected there is the functional block 2 of the third layer.
21 and 222, and since there is no downward output, it returns to the second layer and becomes an input of the functional block 23. Also in the functional block 23, there is no downward output, so that the layer 1 is returned to the input of the functional block 3 after all. Again, there is no downward output and the logic is over. Function block 1
When the output abcdef of is input to the functional block 3 without being selected by the functional block 2 at all, when the second layer is selected, the output abcdef is input to the functional block 31. The final selection result in this hierarchy is abcd, and it returns to the first hierarchy and becomes the input of the functional block 4.
As a result of being selected by, the dc is finally output through the default block 6.

The construction operation of the job selection logic constituting the present scheduling system will be described in detail below with reference to FIG. Job 51 to be scheduled
Jobs J1 to J7 are input separately in a predetermined order on the display screen. A logic for selecting a priority job is constructed for the plurality of input jobs.
First, as shown in FIG. 1, the job selection logic construction window shown in FIG. 2 is opened on the display screen by the pull-down menu method. A functional block is designated with the cursor on the palette 24 on the right side of FIG. 2, and a predetermined position on the functional block arrangement area 23 on this window is designated with the cursor again,
Place the functional block. By repeating this operation, the job selection logic 52 of FIG. 5 is constructed. Detailed procedure

First, the attribute selection block diagram 7 is designated on the pallet 24, the adjustment screen is opened, and the operation mode is input to 7A, the production is input to 7B, and the operation is input to 7C. Then, by designating a predetermined position on the functional block arrangement area 23 again with the cursor, the functional blocks whose work mode is production are arranged. Similarly, on the pallet 24, specify the delivery order element selection block diagram 8, open the adjustment screen, and start time on 8A,
Input 8B is fast. By again specifying a predetermined position on the functional block arrangement area 23 with the cursor,
Place the functional block with the earliest start time. Similarly, on the pallet 24, the delivery date order element selection block diagram 8 is designated again, the adjustment screen is opened, and the earliest delivery date is input to 8A and the earliest delivery date is input to 8B. The functional block having the earliest earliest delivery date when the predetermined position on the functional block arrangement area 23 is designated again by the cursor is arranged.

Similarly, the attribute selection block diagram 7 is designated again on the pallet 24, the adjustment screen is opened, and the product is input to 7A, the dry curry powder is input to 7B, and is input to 7C.
The predetermined position on the functional block arrangement area 23 was designated again with the cursor, and the functional block whose product is dry curry powder is arranged. In this way, the job selection logic construction window 52 shown in FIG.
To complete. This logic operates according to rules 1 to 6, and the result displays the operation result of the functional block for each row as the result 53 of the input / output element for each functional block in FIG.
As a final result, by arranging four predetermined functional blocks from jobs J1 to J7, jobs J4 and J7 are output to the display screen as priority jobs.

The operation when the logic construction window is composed of multiple layers will be described. FIG. 9 shows functional block 2
Indicates that the element selection operation is performed with the second and third layers. When the input element sequence abcdeffghij is input to the functional block 1, the selected result is abc.
It is output as def. When this is an input to the functional block 2, the selected abcd is output, and as a result of being selected by the functional block 4, the output element sequence dc is finally output via the default block 6.

On the other hand, when the function block 2 selects not to accept, the output abcdef of the function block 1 is input to the function block 21 of the second layer. The result abc selected there is the functional blocks 221, 22 of the third layer.
2 and there is no output in the downward direction, the operation returns to the second layer and becomes an input of the functional block 23. Also in the functional block 23, there is no downward output, so that the layer 1 is returned to the input of the functional block 3 after all. Again, there is no downward output and the logic is over.

When the output abcdef of the function block 1 is not selected at all in the function block 2 and is all input to the function block 3, when the second hierarchy is selected, it is input to the function block 31. The final selection result in this hierarchy is abcd, and it returns to the first hierarchy and becomes the input of the functional block 4. As a result of being selected in the functional block 4, the output element string dc is finally output via the default block 6. Is shown to be done. Each of the functional blocks in each layer has an adjustment screen to perform a predetermined setting, and the logic selecting operation is executed based on the rule described in FIG. 4, which is exactly the same as in the first layer. I am configuring.

[0027]

As described above, according to the present invention, the scheduling work can be defined by the rearrangement of the functional blocks, and the knowledge of the computer is not required and the user who has little programming experience can easily perform the scheduling work. Is now possible. In addition, since it is possible to reexamine and retry the result by taking a trace of how the functional block was selected, it has become possible to proceed with the scheduling work with less man-hours and time than before.

For example, excellent effects can be exhibited in the following points. (1) The time for responding to a sudden change in the production plan is shortened. (2) Scheduling work, which relies on the experience and ability of the scheduler, does not require experience and can level skills. (3) It can be applied to simulation and other engineering in plant design. For example, when a new device is installed or a new plant is constructed, the plant design engineer can change the configuration of the plant in various ways to simulate a feasible schedule. In this way, a plant configuration having a more optimal production process can be studied.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a structural conceptual diagram showing an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a screen showing a job selection logic construction window.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating roles of functional blocks.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing rules for passing an input element to a functional block.

FIG. 5 is an example diagram in which a job selection logic is constructed.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a default block.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an attribute selection block and an adjustment screen.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a delivery date order element selection block and an adjustment screen.

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating that the logic configuration window is configured in multiple layers.

[Explanation of symbols]

11 Processor Using Computer 12 Logic Construction Interface 13 Logic Storage 14 Logic Execution 15 Display Control 16 Input Control 17 Plant Data Storage 18 Display Unit Represented by CRT 19 Keyboard Input Device 20 Pointer such as Mouse Taing device 51 Table showing jobs to be scheduled 52 Configuration diagram of job selection logic 53 Output at each stage of result of input / output element for each functional block -7A, 7B, 7C Parts 8A, 8B for writing conditions in blank form ， The part to fill in the condition by the blank entry method

Claims (2)

[Claims] 1. A scheduling system for displaying a plurality of functional blocks designating a plurality of predetermined program operations on a display screen and rearranging the functional blocks to realize a plurality of logics for scheduling. The logic construction interface section that completes the scheduling logic by combining the functional blocks that specify a predetermined program operation and rearranging them to specify the operation content and operation order of the program, and the constructed logic Consists of a logic storage unit for storing and an execution unit for executing scheduling using the logic stored in the storage unit, wherein each of the functional blocks is for an input element sequence that enters at the top,
It is evaluated based on the element selection (operation function) specified in the function block, and if it matches the evaluation, the output element string is output to another function block adjacent in the downward direction, and if it does not match, it is input. A scheduling system characterized in that the element sequence is configured to be output to another functional block adjacent in the right direction. 2. A logic display screen having function blocks for designating a plurality of predetermined program operations according to claim 1 is defined as a first layer, and any function block arranged on the first layer is pointed. By re-designating with a device or the like, a display screen of the second layer is provided in which the array of the functional blocks can be configured similarly to the first layer by using the input element to the re-designated functional block as the input element. A scheduling system characterized in that the final output of the screen is the output of the functional block previously specified on the first hierarchy, and in this way, the same processing can be performed over multiple hierarchies on and after the third hierarchy. [0000]