In this paper, we propose a recognition index to evaluate the complexity of discrimination among parts and units. The parts and units are classified into some groups (the number of groups is shown as n) by one characteristic, such as color, shape, size and so on. The recognition index of each is denoted as log(2) (n+1) by the information quantity formula. The recognition diagram shows the classfication of parts and units into only one part and unit by the structure of a characteristic. Further we propose the line balancing method for assembly line based on the working time and recognition index.