Abstract: A distance measurement device includes: a mirror disposed so as to be tilted relative to a rotation center axis; a drive unit configured to rotate the mirror about the rotation center axis; a photodetector configured to detect reflected light, of laser light, reflected in a distance measurement region; and a condensing lens disposed on the rotation center axis and configured to condense the reflected light reflected by the mirror, on the photodetector. The mirror has a shape elongated in one direction and is disposed such that a short axis thereof is tilted relative to the rotation center axis in a direction parallel to a plane including the rotation center axis. A width in a short-axis direction of the mirror is smaller than a width of a lens portion of the condensing lens as viewed in a direction parallel to the rotation center axis.

Abstract: A material flow control device for controlling flows of a plurality of work species within a production system measures the two-stage engagement amounts and the output amounts of respective work species in respective controlled units, and calculates the evaluation values for respective work species in the respective controlled units as a function of: the difference (or the ratio) of the measured engagement amount and a reference engagement amount; and the difference (or the ratio) of the measured output amount and the reference output amount. The order of dispensation from the upstream controlled units are determined in accordance with the priority determined by the evaluation values for the respective work species.