Patent Description:
The data management system uses shape data including shape information of a component as a management target (refer to Patent Literature <NUM>). In a mounting process of mounting a component onto a board, a component mounter determines whether a component to be mounted is suitable based on a component shape defined by the shape data. The data management system can store multiple types of corresponding shape data, for example, even for components of the same type, in consideration of a production environment, required accuracy, a process load, and the like.

<CIT> relates to mounting components on a board. Component data are stored which are used in the manufacturing process. Furthermore, a sum-up is stored indicating performance measures of component mounting operations for each component data.

<CIT> relates to searching component data for use in a mounting process. A database holds basic data for the components, which are identical for all production programs. In addition to the basic data, data on additional components which are not included in the basic data may be loaded. For a production program, mounting data is created by loading basic data where available and adding further data.

However, when applied to a mounting process, shape data may be limited to a predetermined production environment, for example, designating the type of a suction nozzle to be used. In such a case, for example, when there is an error or shortage in setting a search condition for the shape data, shape data that cannot be used in a production environment possessed by a user can be acquired. While the data management system is required to manage multiple number of various types of shape data, it is demanded to facilitate search and increase convenience.

An object of the present specification is to provide a data management system capable of increasing convenience by simplifying search of shape data and suppressing search errors.

The present specification provides a data management system that is used in a mounting process of a component by a component mounter and uses shape data including shape information of the component as a management target, including a first storage section storing registration data in which component specifying information for specifying the component is associated with the shape data, a second storage section storing possession device data possessed by a producer who produces a board product by using the component mounter and indicating a configuration device exchangeably equipped in the component mounter, a search section that searches the registration data from the first storage section by using partial information included in at least one of the shape data and the component specifying information as a search condition, and a determination section that performs a suitability determination process of determining whether the shape data included in the registration data in a search result by the search section is suitable for the mounting process using the configuration device, based on the possession device data.

According to such a configuration, it is possible to obtain a determination result as to whether shape data is suitable for a mounting process based on possession device data stored in advance when the shape data is searched for. Thereby, setting of a search condition when searching shape data can be simplified, and an error in the setting of the search condition can be prevented. Thus, convenience of a data management system capable of searching for shape data can be increased.

Specific embodiments of a data management system will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Data management system <NUM> manages shape data <NUM> used in a process of mounting components by component mounter <NUM>. Shape data <NUM> includes shape information of a component. In the present embodiment, data management system <NUM> is configured by data server <NUM> and production management device <NUM> that are communicably connected to each other via the Internet.

Component mounter <NUM> configures a production line for producing a board product together with, for example, multiple types of board work machines including other component mounters <NUM>. The board work machine configuring the production line can include a print machine, an inspection device, a reflow furnace, and the like. Component mounter <NUM> performs a mounting process of mounting a component onto a board.

As illustrated in <FIG>, component mounter <NUM> includes board conveyance device <NUM>. Board conveyance device <NUM> sequentially conveys board C1 in a conveyance direction and positions board C1 at a predetermined position in the machine. Component mounter <NUM> includes component supply device <NUM>. Component supply device <NUM> supplies a component to be mounted onto board C1. In component supply device <NUM>, feeders <NUM> are respectively set in multiple slots <NUM>. Feeders <NUM> feed and move a carrier tape in which multiple components are housed, so as to collectably supply the components.

Component mounter <NUM> includes component transfer device <NUM>. Component transfer device <NUM> transfers components supplied by component supply device <NUM> to a predetermined mounting position on board C1. Component transfer device <NUM> includes head drive device <NUM>, movement table <NUM>, mounting head <NUM>, and suction nozzle <NUM>. Head drive device <NUM> moves movement table <NUM> in a horizontal direction (an X direction and a Y direction) by a linear motion mechanism. Mounting head <NUM> is detachably provided to movement table <NUM> by a clamp member (not illustrated).

Mounting head <NUM> supports multiple suction nozzles <NUM> so as to be rotatable and to be movable up and down. Suction nozzles <NUM> are holding members that hold collected components. Suction nozzles <NUM> pick up components supplied by feeder <NUM> by supplied negative pressure air. As a holding member to be attached to mounting head <NUM>, a chuck or the like that holds a component by gripping the component can be employed.

Here, various types of mounting heads <NUM> can be employed in mounting head <NUM> described above. Specifically, mounting head <NUM> has a type in which multiple holding members are supported by a rotary head rotatably provided around an R axis parallel to a vertical axis (a Z axis). Further, mounting head <NUM> has a type that supports multiple holding members arranged in a straight line or a matrix, a type that supports one holding member, and the like. The type of mounting head <NUM> can be appropriately selected according to, for example, the type or the like of board products to be produced.

Component mounter <NUM> includes component camera <NUM> and board camera <NUM>. Component camera <NUM> and board camera <NUM> are digital type imaging devices including an imaging element such as CMOS. Component camera <NUM> and board camera <NUM> capture an image based on a control signal and transmit image data acquired by the imaging. Component camera <NUM> can capture an image of a component held by suction nozzle <NUM> from below. Board camera <NUM> is provided on movement table <NUM> so as to be movable in a horizontal direction integrally with mounting head <NUM>. Board camera <NUM> can capture an image of board C1 from above.

Component mounter <NUM> includes control device <NUM>. Control device <NUM> is mainly configured by CPU, various memories, and a control circuit. Control device <NUM> includes a storage device (not illustrated). The storage device is configured by an optical drive device such as a hard disk device, a flash memory, or the like. A control program used for controlling a mounting process, and various data such as shape data <NUM> are stored in the storage device of control device <NUM>. The control program indicates a mounting position and a mounting sequence of a component to be mounted onto board C1 in the mounting process.

Control device <NUM> performs a recognition process of a holding state of a component held by each of multiple holding members (suction nozzle <NUM>). Specifically, control device <NUM> performs image processing of image data acquired by component camera <NUM> and recognizes a position and an angle of each component for a reference position of mounting head <NUM>. At this time, control device <NUM> determines whether a component to be mounted is suitable among components included in the image data, based on a component shape defined by shape data <NUM>. Details of shape data <NUM> will be described below.

In addition to component camera <NUM>, control device <NUM> may perform image processing of image data acquired by capturing an image of a component from the side, the bottom, or the top by, for example, a head camera unit or the like provided integrally with mounting head <NUM>. Control device <NUM> performs a mounting process by controlling a mounting operation of a component by mounting head <NUM>, based on a control program. Here, the mounting process includes a process of repeating a pick-and-place cycle (hereinafter, referred to as a "PP cycle") including a collection operation and a mounting operation multiple times.

The "collection operation" is an operation of collecting components supplied by component supply device <NUM> by using multiple suction nozzles <NUM>. The "mounting operation" is an operation of mounting collected components to predetermined mounting positions on board C1. In the mounting process, control device <NUM> controls an operation of mounting head <NUM> based on information output from various sensors, a result of image processing, a control program, and the like. Thereby, positions and angles of multiple suction nozzles <NUM> supported by mounting head <NUM> are controlled.

Shape data <NUM> includes shape information <NUM> of a component (refer to <FIG>). The "shape information" includes, for example, items such as sizes of vertical and horizontal heights of a component, an allowable error (tolerance) of each size, an appearance shape, and an appearance color. Further, when a component is a lead component, the "shape information" includes items such as a position of a lead, a shape of the lead, an allowable flatness of a lead end. Further, shape data <NUM> can include imaging conditions such as exposure time, a light source type, and light emission time of the light source when component camera <NUM> performs an imaging process.

Shape data <NUM> defines a component shape according to shape information <NUM> described above. Shape data <NUM> is used for, for example, a recognition process of a holding state of a component. At this time, accuracy or a process load of the recognition process can be affected by shape data <NUM> used in the recognition process. That is, by applying appropriate shape data <NUM> to image processing such as a recognition process, suitability and a posture of a component held by suction nozzle <NUM> is accurately recognized.

Due to the circumstances, shape data <NUM> is adjusted for, for example, general-purpose initial data based on a production environment, an inspection result after a mounting process is performed, and the like. Thus, multiple types of shape data <NUM> may be generated for components of the same type (model). For example, the type of shape data <NUM> suitable for various types of a process can be generated in consideration of required accuracy for a mounting process and a load of image processing. Furthermore, the type of shape data <NUM> suitable for a production condition and various circumstances can be generated in consideration of correspondence to a configuration device applied to production and a difference between manufacturers of components.

Further, shape data <NUM> configures part data. The "part data" includes handling information of a component and information indicating a supply mode of a component. The "handling information of a component" includes, for example, a position and a range with which a holding member comes into contact when the component is held, an allowable value of acceleration and deceleration when the held component is transferred, and the like. The "supply mode of a component" indicates whether a component is supplied by being housed in a carrier tape or a stick, or whether the component is supplied in a bulk state, or the like.

As described above, shape data <NUM> used in a mounting process is generated by a producer according to a production environment and the like of the producer and is adjusted based on usage results or the like thereafter. Multiple shape data <NUM> edited multiple times are preferably managed for each type together with, for example, the type of an applicable mounting process (corresponding to the type of a board product) and information indicating a combination of configuration devices capable of performing the mounting process.

Therefore, data management system <NUM> is configured in an aspect exemplified below with shape data <NUM> as a management target. Thereby, data management system <NUM> can perform addition to a management target of generated or edited shape data <NUM>, and deletion from a management target of unnecessary shape data <NUM>. Further, in the present embodiment, data management system <NUM> can provide shape data <NUM> according to a request.

As illustrated in <FIG>, data management system <NUM> includes data server <NUM>. Data server <NUM> allows data access by multiple users. For example, data server <NUM> is a cloud server connected to a terminal device of a user via the Internet.

Data server <NUM> includes first storage section <NUM>. First storage section <NUM> configures data server <NUM> together with a server control section (not illustrated). First storage section <NUM> constructs a database capable of sharing various types of data including multiple shape data <NUM>. When storing shape data <NUM>, first storage section <NUM> stores registration data <NUM> in which component specifying information <NUM> is associated with shape data <NUM>, as illustrated in <FIG>. Details of registration data <NUM> will be described below.

Data server <NUM> accumulates registration data <NUM> uploaded from each of multiple production management devices <NUM>. Further, data server <NUM> limits the number of pieces of registration data <NUM> in the database based on a predetermined criterion in consideration of storage capacity of first storage section <NUM>. At this time, data server <NUM> performs a deletion process based on various types of information included in registration data <NUM> (described below) and associated with shape data <NUM> such that better data remains.

Component specifying information <NUM> associated with registration data <NUM> is information for specifying a component. Component specifying information <NUM> is used to specify the type of component to which shape data <NUM> is to be applied. Generally, component specifying information <NUM> includes at least one of model information of a component and manufacturer information of the component. The model information of the component is assigned, for example, by a manufacturer of the component. The manufacturer information includes a manufacturer name of the component, an abbreviation or a symbol indicating the manufacturer name of the component, and the like.

In addition to this, a standard designation can be applied to component specifying information <NUM>. Further, image data acquired by capturing an image of a component or an icon generated based on the image data can be applied to component specifying information <NUM>. Furthermore, when data management system <NUM> is used only for a specific producer, in-house designation uniquely set by the producer may be used as component specifying information <NUM>.

In the present embodiment, registration data <NUM> includes device information <NUM> indicating a configuration device associated with shape data <NUM> and capable of performing a mounting process by using shape data <NUM>. That is, the configuration device indicated by device information <NUM> can be applied to the mounting process using shape data <NUM> with which device information <NUM> is associated.

Device information <NUM> indicates a name, a model, a specification, and performance of a configuration device with a character string, a symbol, or the like. For example, device information <NUM> may indicate multiple models of mounting head <NUM> as a configuration device capable of performing a mounting process or may indicate one or more models of mounting head <NUM> applied to the mounting process performed previously. Further, a manufacturer name, a model, a specification, and performance of component mounter <NUM> performed the mounting process may be indicated in device information <NUM> by a character string or a symbol.

Furthermore, information indicating an application level for a configuration device may be added to device information <NUM>. The "application level" includes a level such as whether a configuration device is an indispensable device, whether recommendation includes compatibility with other configuration devices, or whether the configuration device used previously is simply indicated, when shape data <NUM> is applied to a mounting process.

In the present embodiment, registration data <NUM> includes resultant information <NUM> that is associated with shape data <NUM> and indicates usage results of shape data <NUM> used in the mounting process. The "usage results" may be the number of times that shape data <NUM> is used in a predetermined mounting process or may be the number of times that shape data <NUM> is used in image processing in the mounting process. The number of times used for the image processing substantially corresponds to the number of times that a mounting operation of a component corresponding to shape data <NUM> is performed in the mounting process. When associated shape data <NUM> is edited by adjustment or the like, resultant information <NUM> indicates the number of uses that is counted again by resetting the usage results.

In the present embodiment, registration data <NUM> includes reliability information <NUM> that is associated with shape data <NUM> and indicates work reliability based on a performing result of a mounting process using shape data <NUM>. The "work reliability" is an index indicating accuracy in various works such as image processing using shape data <NUM>. For example, when the work reliability is low, the frequency of occurrence of a work error (for example, an error of determining an appropriate component as an inappropriate component) caused by shape data <NUM> in the image processing is relatively high.

In the present embodiment, reliability information <NUM> indicates at least one of a collection success rate and a mounting success rate as work reliability. The "collection success rate" indicates a probability that a holding member holding a component can appropriately collect the component in a mounting process. In more detail, the collection success rate is a success rate of a collection operation using shape data <NUM>. The picking success rate corresponds to a probability that a component is appropriately picked up, for example, when suction nozzle <NUM> serving as a holding member has attempted to pick up the component recognized by shape data <NUM>.

The "mounting success rate" indicates a probability that a holding member can appropriately mount a component onto board C1. In more detail, the mounting success rate is a success rate of a mounting operation based on a result of a recognition process of a holding state of a component using shape data <NUM>. The mounting success rate corresponds to a probability that a component is appropriately mounted, for example, when suction nozzle <NUM> serving as a holding member performs mounting based on a result of a recognition process of a holding state. Whether mounting is successful is recognized by, for example, inspection of board C1 after the mounting is performed.

As illustrated in <FIG>, data management system <NUM> includes production management device <NUM>. Production management device <NUM> collectively manages a board work machine such as component mounter <NUM> configuring a production line for producing a board product. Further, data management system <NUM> may include multiple production management devices <NUM>. Multiple production management devices <NUM> may be respectively provided to multiple factories possessed by the same producer or different producers. Each of multiple production management devices <NUM> can transmit and receive shape data <NUM> via data server <NUM>.

Data management system <NUM> includes second storage section <NUM> in production management device <NUM>. Second storage section <NUM> stores a control program, part data including shape data <NUM>, possession device data <NUM>, production plan D1, allocation information D2, and the like. Here, the "possession device data <NUM>" indicates a configuration device possessed by a producer who produces a board product by using component mounter <NUM> and exchangeably equipped in component mounter <NUM>, as illustrated in <FIG>.

Specifically, the "configuration device" includes a holding member for holding a component, suction nozzles <NUM>, mounting head <NUM>, feeders <NUM>, component camera <NUM>, board camera <NUM>, and a head camera unit. The configuration device is an device that can cause a difference in an operation in a mounting process or a difference in acquired image data due to a change in the type equipped in component mounter <NUM>.

Possession device data <NUM> may include information on a version of software installed in the configuration device. Specifically, for example, when a configuration device includes a control section for controlling a drive section driven by supplied electric power such as mounting head <NUM> or feeders <NUM>, possession device data <NUM> includes information indicating a version of software installed in the control section and an update history of the software. Furthermore, possession device data <NUM> may include a history of maintenance and usage results of each of the multiple configuration devices.

Production plan D1 indicates a type and a production sequence of a board product to be produced by using component mounter <NUM>. In addition to the above-described items, production plan D1 may indicate items such as the planned number of products, a planned start time of production, and a planned end time of production for each type of board products. Allocation information D2 indicates allocation of configuration devices to be used for each production of board products. Specifically, allocation information D2 indicates mounting head <NUM> and suction nozzles <NUM> used in a predetermined mounting process by using an identification code or the like. Allocation information D2 is used for an operator to setup change of component mounter <NUM>.

Here, shape data <NUM> used for a mounting process by component mounter <NUM> is adjusted based on usage results or the like as described above and accumulated in first storage section <NUM> of data server <NUM>. Then, for example, when performing of a new mounting process is planned, it is conceivable to acquire shape data <NUM> used for a similar mounting process performed previously and to edit shape data <NUM>. Therefore, data management system <NUM> includes search section <NUM> in production management device <NUM>. Search section <NUM> searches registration data <NUM> including shape data <NUM> from first storage section <NUM> by using predetermined search condition <NUM>.

Search section <NUM> searches registration data <NUM> from first storage section <NUM> by using partial information included in at least one of shape data <NUM> and component specifying information <NUM>, as search condition <NUM>. That is, as illustrated in <FIG>, search conditions <NUM> is set by a numerical value, a range, a character string, a symbol, or the like for one or more items selected from shape information of shape data <NUM> (a vertical-horizontal height size of a component, an allowable error (tolerance) of each size, an appearance shape, and the like) and various types of information of component specifying information <NUM> (model information of a component, manufacturer information of the component, and the like). Specifically, search section <NUM> searches registration data <NUM> by using model information of a component set by an operator as search condition <NUM>.

Further, search section <NUM> may search registration data <NUM> by including usage results indicated by resultant information <NUM> in search condition <NUM> during a search process. Specifically, search section <NUM> searches registration data <NUM> by including, for example, an item representing that the number of times used for image processing set by an operator is N1 or more in search condition <NUM>. Further, search section <NUM> may search registration data <NUM> by including work reliability represented by reliability information <NUM> in search condition <NUM> during the search process. Specifically, search section <NUM> searches registration data <NUM> by including an item representing that a mounting success rate set by an operator is N2 % or more in search condition <NUM>.

Here, when multiple shape data <NUM> is stored in first storage section <NUM>, multiple pieces of shape data <NUM> can be acquired as a search result. In such a case, it is necessary to determine whether multiple shape data <NUM> are applicable to a mounting process to be performed. Further, shape data <NUM> acquired as a result of the search may be limited to a predetermined production environment when applied to the mounting process.

Specifically, in order to apply predetermined shape data <NUM> to the mounting process, it may be conditioned that component mounter <NUM> is equipped with designated types of mounting head <NUM>, suction nozzle <NUM>, and component camera <NUM>. Accordingly, even when predetermined shape data <NUM> is acquired, shape data <NUM> cannot be used unless a corresponding configuration device is possessed.

In contrast to this, when searching registration data <NUM>, it is not easy to input information on a previously assumed production environment even from a viewpoint of the amount of information and the amount of work. Even when information on a production environment is input, when a difference occurs between the information and an actual production environment according to a change in the production environment, an error can be included in a search result. Therefore, data management system <NUM> includes determination section <NUM> in production management device <NUM>.

Determination section <NUM> performs a suitability determination process for determining, based on possession device data <NUM>, whether shape data <NUM> included in registration data <NUM> of a search result obtained by search section <NUM> is suitable for a mounting process using a configuration device. Here, the "mounting process using a configuration device" in the suitability determination process is a mounting process that can be performed by arbitrarily combining a predetermined configuration device. The "predetermined configuration device" includes a configuration device included in possession device data <NUM>, and a configuration device derived from shape data <NUM>, component specifying information <NUM>, and device information <NUM>.

Hereinafter, assuming a production environment in which a predetermined configuration device is used for a mounting process, a "mounting process using a predetermined configuration device" will be simply described a "mounting process". For example, "whether shape data <NUM> is suitable for a mounting process using a predetermined configuration device" is simply described as "whether shape data <NUM> is suitable for a mounting process". Determination section <NUM> recognizes a configuration device possessed by a producer indicated by possession device data <NUM>, and, for example, when shape data <NUM> is limited to a predetermined production environment, whether the mounting process can be performed within a range of the limitation is determined.

Further, as in the present embodiment, when device information <NUM> is associated with shape data <NUM> in registration data <NUM>, determination section <NUM> performs a suitability determination process based on device information <NUM> associated with possession device data <NUM> and shape data <NUM>. Thereby, determination section <NUM> can perform the suitability determination process by adding a configuration device necessary for application of shape data <NUM> and a configuration device applied previously.

Here, possession device data <NUM> can include a configuration device that is possessed by a producer but cannot be used for a mounting process due to predetermined circumstances. The predetermined circumstances are assumed to include circumstances such as being planned to be used or being used for another mounting process different from a mounting process to be performed, or maintenance being planned to be performed or being performed. Therefore, determination section <NUM> may perform a suitability determination process, based on determination condition <NUM> indicating whether each of multiple configuration devices included in possession device data <NUM> is set as a determination target in the suitability determination process.

Determination section <NUM> causes an operator to present, for example, content of possession device data <NUM>, and receives setting of whether to set a determination target in the suitability determination process for each configuration device. Determination section <NUM> sets a result of the above-described setting as determination condition <NUM>. Then, determination section <NUM> performs a suitability determination process for a search result acquired by search section <NUM>, based on determination condition <NUM> and possession device data <NUM>. Thereby, shape data <NUM> that is not actually applicable due to predetermined circumstances or the like may be prevented from being determined to be suitable for a mounting process to be performed.

Determination condition <NUM> may be automatically set based on production plan D1 and allocation information D2 in addition to being manually set by an operator as described above. Production plan D1 indicates a production sequence of board products, and allocation information D2 indicates allocation of configuration devices used for each production of the board products. Thus, it is possible to figure out a period during which a predetermined configuration device is planned to be used, a period during which the configuration device is housed in a warehouse, a period during which maintenance is performed, and the like, based on production plan D1 and allocation information D2.

Therefore, data management system <NUM> automatically sets determination condition <NUM> based on production plan D1 and allocation information D2 so as to be determinable whether shape data <NUM> is suitable for a mounting process planned to be performed at a predetermined period. Thereby, determination section <NUM> can perform the suitability determination process by adding determination condition <NUM>. As a result, shape data <NUM> that is not actually applicable can be prevented from being acquired from first storage section <NUM>.

Here, in the suitability determination process, whether shape data <NUM> is suitable for a mounting process to be performed is determined over multiple items, or whether some items are within an applicable range is determined. By doing so, multiple shape data <NUM> may include shape data <NUM> having high suitability such as results of being applied to a similar mounting process performed previously, and shape data <NUM> that is usable but located near a boundary of an applicable range in a predetermined determination item.

Therefore, determination section <NUM> calculates a suitable level for a mounting process for each of multiple shape data <NUM> in the suitability determination process. The "suitable level" is an index indicating a suitable level or unsuitability for a mounting process of a target in addition to whether shape data <NUM> is suitable for the mounting process. When an ideal configuration device is designated in applying predetermined shape data <NUM> and the configuration device is included in possession device data <NUM>, determination section <NUM> calculates the suitable level of shape data <NUM> so as to be high.

Meanwhile, when the ideal configuration device is not included in possession device data <NUM> but a replaceable compatible device is included in possession device data <NUM>, determination section <NUM> calculates the suitable level of shape data <NUM> so as to be low but to be suitable. Further, determination section <NUM> may calculate the suitable level only when shape data <NUM> is suitable for a mounting process to be performed or may calculate the suitable level in the same manner even when shape data <NUM> is not suitable.

Further, a predetermined production environment applied to shape data <NUM> may include a version of software installed in a configuration device. In such a case, determination section <NUM> performs the suitability determination process by using information of the version of the software included in possession device data <NUM>. Determination section <NUM> may reflect the version of the software of the configuration device in calculation of the suitable level.

Here, as a result of a search process by search section <NUM>, one or more pieces of registration data <NUM> satisfying search condition <NUM> may be obtained. Furthermore, as a result of the suitability determination process by determination section <NUM>, one or more pieces of shape data <NUM> suitable for a mounting process to be performed may be obtained. Therefore, in the present embodiment, data management system <NUM> includes presentation section <NUM> in production management device <NUM>. Presentation section <NUM> presents a determination result obtained by determination section <NUM> to an operator so as to be checkable.

Specifically, for example, as illustrated in <FIG>, presentation section <NUM> displays shape data <NUM> on a display device such that an operator can visually recognize shape data <NUM> as a determination result by determination section <NUM>. At this time, when multiple shape data <NUM> suitable for a mounting process are included in the determination result by determination section <NUM>, presentation section <NUM> may also present a recommendation level of application of each of the multiple pieces of shape data <NUM> to the mounting process according to the suitable level. At this time, determination section <NUM> may present shape data <NUM> with a higher recommendation level so as to be higher.

Further, presentation section <NUM> may present together with a configuration device that is insufficient for shape data <NUM> to be suitable for the mounting process, to shape data <NUM> determined by determination section <NUM> to be not suitable for the mounting process. Even when shape data <NUM> is determined to be unsuitable by determination section <NUM>, there may be excellent shape data <NUM> that can be adapted by supplementing a predetermined configuration device. In such a case, presentation section <NUM> may present information for resolving a reason together and the reason for unsuitability.

Specifically, presentation section <NUM> presents, for example, model information and the like of suction nozzles <NUM> so as to prompt purchase of predetermined suction nozzle <NUM>. Further, a reason for unsuitability can include a case where software installed in a control section of a configuration device is not updated even though the configuration device is possessed by a producer. In such a case, presentation section <NUM> presents a fact that the configuration device is unsuitable, and performing of a maintenance process such as version-up of the software installed in the configuration device.

Here, possession device data <NUM> indicates a configuration device currently possessed by a producer and is edited appropriately and manually by a manager or the like of the configuration device. At this time, when there is an editing error by the manager, a possession state indicated by possession device data <NUM> may be different from an actual possession state. Therefore, in the present embodiment, data management system <NUM> includes editing section <NUM>. Editing section <NUM> edits possession device data <NUM> stored in second storage section <NUM> based on information indicating addition and discarding of a configuration devices possessed by a producer.

Here, for example, when a new configuration device is introduced, information such as an identification code, a type, and an introduction date of the configuration device is input to production management device <NUM>. Further, when a configuration device is carried out from a warehouse, carried in a warehouse, used for a mounting process, subjected to a maintenance process, or the like, such information is input to production management device <NUM>. Furthermore, when a configuration device is discarded, information such as an identification code and a discard date of the configuration device is input to production management device <NUM>.

Therefore, editing section <NUM> automatically edits possession device data <NUM> based on the information on the configuration device input to production management device <NUM> as described above. Thereby, it is possible to prevent a possession state indicated by possession device data <NUM> from being different from an actual possession state. As a result, accuracy of a suitability determination process by determination section <NUM> can be increased.

Production management device <NUM> configuring data management system <NUM> uploads registration data <NUM> including shape data <NUM> to data server <NUM> as described above. Production management device <NUM> associates component specifying information <NUM> or the like with shape data <NUM> to generate registration data <NUM> at a predetermined timing. Then, production management device <NUM> uploads generated registration data <NUM> to data server <NUM>.

A timing when production management device <NUM> uploads registration data <NUM> is assumed to be, for example, randomness of a manager of shape data <NUM>, a timing when shape data <NUM> is determined to satisfy a predetermined registration criterion, a timing when there is a request for shape data <NUM> from another sharer, and the like. Further, examples of the registration criterion include a picking success rate and a mounting success rate which are greater than or equal to a prescribed value. Further, production management device <NUM> may upload registration data <NUM> based on an increase in the picking success rate, the mounting success rate, and work reliability.

Further, production management device <NUM> generates registration data <NUM> so as not to include information that is not related to a shape and that a producer does not want publication among the information included in shape data <NUM>. Examples of the information that is not desired to be published include marketing information assigned to shape data <NUM> for the purpose of facilitating convenience in an enterprise of a producer or the like, and information on know-how.

As described above, shape data <NUM> uploaded to data server <NUM> is data having a result used in a mounting process of a component and may be limited to data of which publication is approved by a producer. Then, by accumulating shape data <NUM> as registration data <NUM> in data server <NUM>, shape data <NUM> is shared such that multiple consumers can use each other.

A search process of shape data <NUM> by data management system <NUM> will be described with reference to <FIG>. First, as illustrated in <FIG>, data management system <NUM> receives settings of search condition <NUM> and determination condition <NUM> by an operator who needs shape data <NUM> (S11). Thereby, as illustrated in <FIG>, for example, model information of a component, vertical and horizontal sizes of a component, and the like are set as search condition <NUM>. Set search condition <NUM> and set determination condition <NUM> are stored in second storage section <NUM>.

Next, search section <NUM> performs an adjustment process of search condition <NUM> and determination condition <NUM> (S12). Here, when resultant information <NUM> and reliability information <NUM> are associated with shape data <NUM> in registration data <NUM>, usage results and work reliability may be required to be added to the search process. In such a case, search section <NUM> adjusts search condition <NUM> including the usage results and the work reliability. Further, when there is a request for automatic setting of determination condition <NUM>, search section <NUM> adjusts determination condition <NUM> based on production plan D1 and allocation information D2.

Subsequently, search section <NUM> searches first storage section <NUM> for registration data <NUM> by using search condition <NUM> (S13). When there is no shape data <NUM> satisfying search condition <NUM>, data management system <NUM> notifies, for example, an operator to change gist thereof and search condition <NUM>. Here, it is assumed that registration data <NUM> including multiple shape data <NUM> satisfying search condition <NUM> is detected.

Determination section <NUM> performs a suitability determination process (S14). In detail, determination section <NUM> determines, based on possession device data <NUM>, whether a mounting process can be performed by using a configuration device possessed by a producer for each piece of shape data <NUM> included in one or more pieces of registration data <NUM> detected by the search process (S13). Thereby, whether each piece of shape data <NUM> is suitable for the mounting process is determined.

In more detail, when device information <NUM> is associated with shape data <NUM> in registration data <NUM>, determination section <NUM> performs a suitability determination process by collating configuration devices respectively indicated by device information <NUM> and possession device data <NUM>. Further, when determination condition <NUM> is set, determination section <NUM> performs the suitability determination process by adding determination condition <NUM>. Furthermore, in the suitability determination process, determination section <NUM> calculates a suitable level for the mounting process for each piece of shape data <NUM>.

Presentation section <NUM> performs a presentation process of a determination result (S15). Specifically, as illustrated in <FIG>, presentation section <NUM> displays shape data <NUM> that satisfies search condition <NUM> and is suitable for the mounting process using a possessed configuration device. At this time, presentation section <NUM> may display shape information indicated by shape data <NUM> together with component specifying information <NUM>, device information <NUM>, resultant information <NUM>, and reliability information <NUM> associated with shape data <NUM>. Further, presentation section <NUM> may switch between display and non-display of such information in response to a request from an operator.

Furthermore, when multiple shape data <NUM> is suitable, presentation section <NUM> may present shape data <NUM> such that the higher the recommendation level of application to the mounting process according to the suitable level for each piece of shape data <NUM>, the higher the level. Further, presentation section <NUM> presents, in a separate column, a reason why shape data <NUM> determined to be unsuitable for the mounting process using the possessed configuration device is unsuitable, as well as information for resolving the reason. Thereby, an operator is prompted to introduce insufficient configuration devices, perform a maintenance process of the configuration devices, and the like.

When multiple shape data <NUM> is presented as described above, data management system <NUM> is in a state where resetting of search condition <NUM>, resetting of determination condition <NUM>, and designation of shape data <NUM> to be acquired by an operator can be received. When resetting of search condition <NUM> is made (S16: Yes), data management system <NUM> performs step S13 to step S15 again. Further, when resetting of determination condition <NUM> is made (S16: No, S17: Yes), data management system <NUM> performs step S14 and step S15 again.

When designation of shape data <NUM> to be acquired is received (S17: No), data management system <NUM> performs an acquisition process of designated shape data <NUM> (S18). Specifically, one or more shape data <NUM> is downloaded from first storage section <NUM> of data server <NUM> to production management device <NUM>. Acquired shape data <NUM> is stored in second storage section <NUM> and is edited according to a mounting process to be performed and a configuration device as required.

According to the configuration described above, it is possible to obtain a determination result as to whether shape data <NUM> is suitable for a mounting process based on possession device data <NUM> stored in advance when shape data <NUM> is searched. Thereby, it is possible to simplify setting of a search condition when searching shape data <NUM>, and to prevent a setting error of the search condition. Thus, convenience of a data management system capable of searching for shape data <NUM> can be increased.

In the embodiment, data management system <NUM> has a configuration in which first storage section <NUM> is provided in data server <NUM> in order to share shape data <NUM>. In contrast to this, data management system <NUM> may be merely used for managing multiple pieces of shape data <NUM> by the same producer and may have, for example, a configuration in which first storage section <NUM> is provided in production management device <NUM>. At this time, first storage section <NUM> and second storage section <NUM> may be configured as the same storage device.

Further, data management system <NUM> has a configuration in which registration data <NUM> obtained by associating various types of information with shape data <NUM> is stored in first storage section <NUM>. In contrast to this, data management system <NUM> may have registration data <NUM>, which is obtained by associating various types of information with part data including shape data <NUM>, as a management target. Even in such a configuration, the same effect as in the embodiment is obtained.

In the embodiment, possession device data <NUM> is manually edited by an operator or automatically edited by editing section <NUM>. Possession device data <NUM> indicates a configuration device possessed by a producer as described above, and in other words, indicates a production environment applicable to a mounting process. Thus, possession device data <NUM> may be appropriately edited in at least one of a manual mode and an automatic mode as long as a suitability determination process can be appropriately performed by determination section <NUM>. Likewise, determination condition <NUM> may be appropriately set in at least one of a manual mode and an automatic mode.

Further, in the embodiment, the configuration device is described by exemplifying an aspect in which mounting head <NUM> and suction nozzles <NUM> are provided. In contrast to this, the configuration device can use various devices if the devices cause differences in a pick-up operation, a mounting operation, and acquired image data in a mounting process when exchanged with another one. Further, as described in the embodiment, when types or versions of installed software are different from each other even in the same configuration device, data management system <NUM> may treat those configuration devices as another configuration device.

In the embodiment, presentation section <NUM> visually displays results of a search process (S13) and a suitability determination process (S14) to an operator. In contrast to this, data management system <NUM> may have a configuration in which presentation section <NUM> is omitted. Specifically, data management system <NUM> may perform the search process (S13) and the suitability determination process (S14) to acquire all shape data <NUM> with suitability or may output shape data <NUM> to a predetermined communication destination.

Claim 1:
A data management system (<NUM>) that is used in a mounting process of a component by a component mounter (<NUM>) and uses shape data (<NUM>) including shape information of the component as a management target, the data management system (<NUM>) comprising:
a first storage section (<NUM>) configured to store registration data (<NUM>) in which component specifying information for specifying the component is associated with the shape data (<NUM>);
a second storage section (<NUM>) configured to store possession device data (<NUM>) possessed by a producer who produces a board product by using the component mounter (<NUM>) and indicating a configuration device exchangeably equipped in the component mounter (<NUM>);
a search section (<NUM>) configured to search the registration data (<NUM>) from the first storage section (<NUM>) by using partial information included in at least one of the shape data (<NUM>) and the component specifying information as a search condition; and
a determination section (<NUM>) configured to perform a suitability determination process of determining whether the shape data (<NUM>) included in the registration data (<NUM>) in a search result by the search section (<NUM>) is suitable for the mounting process using the configuration device, based on the possession device data (<NUM>),
wherein the registration data (<NUM>) includes device information (<NUM>) associated with the shape data (<NUM>) and indicating the configuration device capable of performing the mounting process by using the shape data (<NUM>), and
the determination section (<NUM>) is configured to perform the suitability determination process based on the possession device data (<NUM>) and the device information (<NUM>) associated with and the shape data (<NUM>).