Arrangement work support device, arrangement work support method, and program

Abstract

A placement work assistance device (100) is provided with an evaluation value calculation unit (160) and a placement mode presentation unit (170). An evaluation value calculation unit (160) calculates a plurality of evaluation values on the basis of the work performance of each worker stored in advance for each arrangement pattern in which the worker is arranged on a production line in which a plurality of workers are arranged, and which produces an article by performing the work assigned to the worker by the worker. A disposition pattern presentation unit (170) associates the disposition pattern with the calculated evaluation value and presents the associated disposition pattern to the user.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to a configuration work assisting apparatus, a configuration work assisting method, and a program. BACKGROUND

[0002] In manufacturing, one product is manufactured by a plurality of workers configuring a production line and sequentially performing work assigned to the workers. In this case, there are people who can perform work skillfully and complete work within a standard time, and there are people who do not perform work skillfully and take more time than the standard time to complete work.

[0003] With the development of DX (Digital Transformation) of manufacturing, work times of workers are databased, and are used for improvement of production efficiency. For example, a work assignment management apparatus disclosed in Patent Literature 1 records actual work times of each worker, compares the recorded actual work times with target production takt, or calculates actual production line balance efficiency and compares it with target production line balance efficiency, thereby finding appropriate work assignment and proposing a configuration pattern.

[0004] Patent Literature 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2007-47926 SUMMARY

[0005] Recently, the life cycle of products is short, and the types of products manufactured are also increasing. Therefore, workers need to learn new work in a short time and cope with it. However, optimization of only the above-described indexes such as actual work times and actual production line balance efficiency will only assign "familiar" work to each worker. In a case where work becomes familiar by assigning unfamiliar work, as a result, there is a problem that the assignment must be made manually.

[0006] In addition, in a case where a sudden situation occurs in which work cannot be performed with sufficient work efficiency due to a worker's physical condition on the day of work, or the like, the assignment must also be made manually. In this way, in the related art, it is difficult to achieve appropriate personnel configuration.

[0007] The same problem is not limited to a manufacturing line of industrial products, but also exists in a production line in various production industries and personnel assignment in various projects.

[0008] The present application is made in view of the above-described actual situation, and aims to provide a configuration work assisting apparatus, a configuration work assisting method, and a program that can propose an appropriate configuration plan of personnel.

[0009] To achieve the above object, the arrangement work assisting apparatus of the present application has an evaluation value calculating section and an arrangement pattern prompting section. The evaluation value calculating section calculates a plurality of evaluation values based on work performances of respective workers stored in advance for each of arrangement patterns of the workers who are arranged in a production line in which a product is produced by the workers individually performing work assigned to themselves. The arrangement pattern prompting section prompts the arrangement patterns in association with the calculated evaluation values.

[0010] Effects of the Invention

[0011] According to the present application, the evaluation values are prompted to the user in association with the plurality of arrangement patterns respectively, so that the user can select an arrangement pattern corresponding to the condition of the worker from the plurality of arrangement patterns. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0012] Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating a relationship between a production line and an arrangement work assisting apparatus involved in an embodiment of the present application.

[0013] Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating a hardware structure of an arrangement work assisting apparatus involved in an embodiment of the present application.

[0014] Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating a functional structure of an arrangement work assisting apparatus involved in an embodiment of the present application.

[0015] Figure 4A is a diagram illustrating a structure of work performance information stored in a database shown in Figure 3

[0016] Figure 4B is a diagram illustrating a structure of work information classified by product stored in a database shown in Figure 3

[0017] Figure 4C is a diagram illustrating a structure of scheduling information classified by production line stored in a database shown in Figure 3

[0018] Figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating an arrangement work assisting process involved in the first embodiment of the present application.

[0019] Figure 6A is a diagram illustrating an example of a work display screen displayed on a worker display section involved in an embodiment of the present application.

[0020] Figure 6B is a diagram illustrating an example of a work display screen after a work interrupt button is selected involved in an embodiment of the present application.

[0021] Figure 7 ​​​is a drawing illustrating an example of a user screen involved in the embodiment of the present application.

[0022] Figure 8 is a drawing illustrating an example of a configuration proficiency table involved in the embodiment of the present application.

[0023] Figure 9A is a drawing illustrating an example of a configuration pattern calculated by the evaluation value calculation section involved in the embodiment of the present application.

[0024] Figure 9B is a drawing illustrating an example of a configuration pattern in which a plurality of evaluation values are associated involved in the embodiment of the present application.

[0025] Figure 10 is a flowchart illustrating a configuration work assisting process involved in the second embodiment of the present application.

[0026] Figure 11 is a flowchart illustrating a configuration work assisting process involved in the third embodiment of the present application.

[0027] Figure 12 is a drawing illustrating an example of a configuration proficiency table involved in the fourth embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] Hereinafter, a configuration work assisting apparatus 100 involved in the embodiment of the present application will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0029] (First Embodiment)

[0030] Hereinafter, the first embodiment will be described taking a manufacturing line in which industrial products (hereinafter, referred to as products) are manufactured by a flow line work as an example.

[0031] On a manufacturing line in which products are manufactured by a plurality of works, a work leader who is in charge of supervising the manufacturing line and a plurality of workers who actually perform the works form a team, and manufacture the products in accordance with a work plan. The configuration work assisting apparatus 100 involved in the present embodiment presents a plurality of configuration patterns of the workers to the work leader, i.e., a user, together with evaluation values.

[0032] In the present embodiment, as shown in Figure 1 , a case in which three workers, i.e., workers 1 to 3, are configured on a manufacturing line 1 composed of three works will be described as an example. On the manufacturing line 1, one product is completed by sequentially performing a "first work", a "second work", and a "third work" by each of the workers from the left side of Figure 1

[0033] ​Each workstation is equipped with a touch panel-type display monitor (operator display unit 110), a mouse, keyboard, etc. (operator input unit 120). Each operator performs work according to the instructions displayed on the operator display unit 110, and uses the operator display unit 110 or operator input unit 120 to report the start or end of the work. Each operator repeats the work in the following manner: if the work they are responsible for is completed, they pass the product to the next operator; if they receive a new product from the previous operator, they perform the work they are responsible for again.

[0034] The person in charge of the operation uses the terminal device, i.e. the operation assistance device 100, to confirm the progress of the operation, provide assistance to the operation according to the requests from each operator, or change the operator's configuration as needed.

[0035] like Figure 2 As shown, the configuration work assistance device 100 includes: a display unit 10, which displays information to the work supervisor and each worker; an input unit 20, which receives operations and inputs from the work supervisor and others; a control unit 30, which performs various controls by executing programs; a main storage unit 40, which functions as the work area of ​​the control unit 30; an auxiliary storage unit 50, which stores programs and various data executed by the control unit 30; and a communication unit 60, which communicates with external devices, and they are connected to each other via a bus 70.

[0036] The display unit 10 includes a liquid crystal display (LCD), an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display, etc. The input unit 20 includes a mouse, a keyboard, various sensors, an imaging device, etc.

[0037] The control unit 30 includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) as an integrated circuit. By loading and executing programs stored in the auxiliary storage unit 50 into the main storage unit 40, the control unit 30 realizes various functions of configuring the job assistance device 100 and performs the job assistance processing described later.

[0038] The main storage unit 40 contains RAM (Random Access Memory). Programs are loaded from the secondary storage unit 50 into the main storage unit 40. Furthermore, the main storage unit 40 is used as the operating area of ​​the control unit 30.

[0039] The auxiliary storage section 50 includes a nonvolatile memory such as an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), an SSD (Solid State Drive), and an HDD (Hard Disk Drive). The auxiliary storage section 50 stores a program executed by the control section 30, various data used in the processing of the control section 30, and the like. As will be described later, the stored data includes accumulation data of time required for each job of each worker. The auxiliary storage section 50 supplies data used by the control section 30 to the control section 30 and stores data supplied from the control section 30, in accordance with an instruction from the control section 30.

[0040] The communication section 60 includes a network interface circuit for transmitting and receiving a signal to and from an external device, such as the worker display section 110, the worker input section 120, and the like. Figure 1 The communication section 60 receives a signal from the outside and outputs data indicated by the signal to the control section 30. In addition, the communication section 60 transmits a signal indicating data output from the control section 30 to an external device. For example, the communication section 60 transmits display data output from the control section 30 to the worker display section 110 and displays an image as needed. In addition, a screen operation made by a user on the worker display section 110 is transmitted to the control section 30.

[0041] The display section 10 and the input section 20 can also be configured separately from the configuration work assistance device 100. For example, the display section 10 and the input section 20 can be connected to the configuration work assistance device 100 from a control box of the configuration work assistance device 100 through an extension cable or the like.

[0042] In addition, the functions of the configuration work assistance device 100 can be realized by a dedicated hardware, or can also be realized by a general computer system.

[0043] For example, by distributing a program executed by the control section 30 by storing the program in a non-transitory recording medium readable by a computer, and installing the program in the computer, a device that executes a work assistance process as will be described later can be configured. As such a recording medium, a floppy disk, a CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read-Only Memory), a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), an MO (Magnetro-Optical Disc), and the like are conceivable.

[0044] In addition, the program can be stored in a disk device possessed by a server device on a communication network typified by the Internet in advance, and downloaded to a computer, for example, by being superimposed on a carrier wave.

[0045] Further, by forwarding the program via the communication network and starting execution, the job support processing described later can also be realized.

[0046] Further, by executing all or a part of the program on the server device, the computer transmits and receives information related to the processing via the communication network and executes the program, and the job support processing described later can also be realized.

[0047] Further, in a case where the functions described later are realized by the OS (Operation System) or in a case where the functions described later are realized by the cooperative action of the OS and the application, only a part other than the OS can be stored in the medium and distributed, and the computer can also be downloaded.

[0048] Further, the means for realizing the functions of the configuration job support device 100 is not limited to software, and a part or all of it can also be realized by a dedicated hardware including a circuit.

[0049] Figure 3 is a diagram showing the functional structure of the configuration job support device 100 having the hardware structure described above. The configuration job support device 100 supports the case where the job responsible person, that is, the user of the manufacturing line 1 decides the optimal configuration mode of allocating jobs to the job performers on the basis of the site conditions such as the experience of the job performers, the physical condition, and the manufacturing scheduled quantity of the product. As described above, the configuration job support device 100 is connected to the job performer display part 110 that displays the tutorial of the job to the job performer and receives the operation input, and the job performer input part 120 that receives various reports from the job performer. The configuration job support device 100 has a time measuring part 130 that measures the actual job time of the job performer, a database 140 that stores various data, a job proficiency calculating part 150 that calculates the proficiency of the job performer, an evaluation value calculating part 160 that calculates the evaluation value of the configuration mode of allocating the job performer on the manufacturing line 1, a configuration mode prompting part 170 that prompts the job responsible person of the configuration mode of the job performer, and a user receiving part 180 that receives the operation from the user.

[0050] The job performer display part 110 is constituted by a touch panel type display device, and one is prepared for each job position. The job performer display part 110 provides the job performer of each job position with the kind of the job, the tutorial, and the like. The job performer display part 110 receives the operation or selection of the displayed operation button, for example, the input of the job start, the job interruption, the job end, and the like, and transmits it to the configuration job support device 100.

[0051] One operator input section 120 is prepared for each operator. The operator input section 120 is constituted by, for example, a mouse, a keyboard, or the like, and receives a report of a start of work, a suspension of work, an end of work, and the like from each operator. In addition, the operator input section 120 can be various sensors, a camera, or the like, and can detect a start of work, a suspension of work, an end of work, and the like based on an operator's action.

[0052] The time measuring section 130 is constituted by an internal timer of the control section 30 or the like, and measures the work time of each operator. The time measuring section 130 calculates the actual work time taken for each work for each operator based on a report of a start of work, a suspension of work, an end of work, and the like received by the operator display section 110 or the operator input section 120.

[0053] The database 140 stores work performance information indicating past work performance for each operator. For example, the database 140 accumulates information indicating which work on which production line the operator was assigned to when and information indicating the time taken for each work for each operator. For example, it is assumed that the operator 1 is assigned to the first work on the manufacturing line 1 for manufacturing the product A with a shift of 13:00 to 21:00 on June 1. In this case, as illustrated, for example, the operator ID of the operator 1 is stored as "operator ID", information indicating 13:00 to 21:00 on June 1 is stored as "date + work time period", the ID of the product A is stored as "product ID", the ID of the manufacturing line 1 is stored as "manufacturing line ID", and the ID of the first work is stored as "work ID". In addition, in "work time", the time taken for one work is added each time one work is completed. Figure 4A

[0054] In addition, in the database 140, information indicating the work and the order thereof necessary for manufacturing each product as a manufacturing target is registered for each product. For example, as illustrated, for each product, the product ID, the product name, the contents of each work of the first to the n-th work performed for manufacturing the product are registered. Figure 4B

[0055] In addition, the database 140 stores manufacturing schedule information for each manufacturing line. For example, as illustrated, for each manufacturing line, the manufacturing line ID, the date, the time period, the production machine number of the product manufactured in the date and the time period, and the like are stored in association. Figure 4C

[0056] Further, the database 140 can be constituted by the auxiliary storage section 50, or can be a storage device on a communication network connected via the communication section 60.

[0057] Figure 3 ​​​The job proficiency calculation unit 150 shown calculates a job proficiency level, representing the degree of proficiency with respect to a particular job type, for each worker based on their job performance stored in the database 140. The job proficiency calculation unit 150 is composed of a control unit 30.

[0058] The evaluation value calculation unit 160 calculates all configuration modes for operators 1 to 3 on manufacturing line 1. For each calculated configuration mode, based on work performance stored in database 140, it calculates multiple evaluation values ​​from different perspectives. As evaluation values ​​for configuration modes, the evaluation value calculation unit 160 calculates, for example, cycle time (CT), production line balancing efficiency (LB), and skill level index (PI). The calculation methods for these evaluation values ​​will be described later. The evaluation value calculation unit 160 is composed of a control unit 30.

[0059] The configuration mode prompting unit 170 associates all configuration modes calculated by the evaluation value calculation unit 160 with multiple evaluation values ​​calculated for each configuration mode and prompts the user. The configuration mode prompting unit 170 consists of a display unit 10 and a control unit 30.

[0060] The user receiving unit 180 consists of an input unit 20, which receives information related to the operator from the person in charge of the operation, i.e., the user.

[0061] The configuration operation assistance device 100 with the above structure provides the proposed configuration mode along with multiple indicators based on different perspectives to the operation manager, i.e., the user, to assist the operation manager, i.e., the user, in deciding how to configure operators 1 to 3 for each operation on manufacturing line 1. Below, refer to... Figure 5 The flowchart illustrates the configuration operation assistance process performed by the configuration operation assistance device 100.

[0062] First, as a premise, Figure 4B The operational information for the products that are the objects of manufacturing, as exemplified, is pre-registered in database 140.

[0063] Each worker is assigned a worker ID and registered before taking on their first job. Figure 4A The example shows work performance information. However, in the initial stage, most data, such as work time, is blank. Information is gradually accumulated as work performance is recorded.

[0064] In addition, before the work begins, the manager will... Figure 4C The scheduling information categorized by production line is recorded in database 140.

[0065] For example, if the power is set to ON, the configuration operation assistance device 100 begins. Figure 5The illustrated configuration work assisting process. The configuration work assisting process includes a process of accumulating work performance of each worker in the database 140 and a process of presenting a configuration pattern based on the accumulated work performance.

[0066] Here, first, the process of accumulating work performance of each worker in the database 140 is described.

[0067] The configuration work assisting apparatus 100 determines a product manufactured by the manufacturing line 1 in response to the scheduling information classified by the production line or an instruction from the manager, determines a work required for manufacturing the product based on the work information classified by the product, and determines a worker ID of a worker who performs a work at each work position of the manufacturing line 1 based on "date + work time period", "product ID", "production line ID + work ID" registered in the work performance information. The control section 30 displays a tutorial screen for prompting a worker at each work position of the manufacturing line 1 on the worker display section 110 as illustrated in Figure 6A The illustrated tutorial screen is synthesized and displayed on the worker display section 110. The tutorial screen includes a work start button 801 for prompting a worker to report a work start, a work interruption button 802 for prompting a worker to report a work interruption, and a work completion button 803 for prompting a worker to report a work completion.

[0068] For example, in Figure 1 , a worker 1 is assigned to the first work of the manufacturing line 1. Here, it is assumed that a product newly manufactured is production unit 123, and the first work thereof is work A. In this case, the configuration work assisting apparatus 100 generates a tutorial screen indicating that the product manufactured by the manufacturing line 1 is "production unit 123" and the first work thereof is "work A" based on the registered information of the database 140 based on the information registered in advance. Figure 6A The illustrated screen is displayed on the worker display section 110 for the first work.

[0069] A worker operates the work start button 801 when starting a work, operates the work interruption button 802 when interrupting a work, and operates the work completion button 803 when completing a work.

[0070] If the work interruption button 802 is operated, the control section 30 displays a tutorial screen for prompting a worker to report a work interruption on the worker display section 110 as illustrated in Figure 6B The illustrated tutorial screen is displayed on the worker display section 110. The screen includes a work recovery button 804.

[0071] If the process is started, first, the control section 30 determines whether an event has occurred (step S101). Here, the operation of each of the buttons 801 to 804 described above corresponds to an event.

[0072] As for the control section 30, if the configuration work assisting process is started, the control section 30 of the configuration work assisting apparatus 100 is in a standby state until an arbitrary event occurs (No in step S101).

[0073] If the operator operates the work start button 801 in order to start work, the action is detected in step S101 (Yes in step S101), the timing section 130 determines the operator and the kind of work assigned to the operator, and starts the timing of the work time (step S102).

[0074] Next, the timing section 130 determines whether or not the operator has selected the work interrupt button 802 displayed on the work instruction screen of Figure 6A (step S103). If it is determined that the operator has selected the work interrupt button 802 (Yes in step S103), the timing section 130 interrupts the timing (step S104).

[0075] Then, the timing section 130 determines whether or not the operator who has selected the work interrupt button 802 has selected the work resume button 804 displayed on the work instruction screen of Figure 6B (step S105). Until it is determined that the operator has selected the work resume button 804, the timing section 130 is in a standby state (No in step S105). If it is determined that the operator has selected the work resume button 804 (Yes in step S105), the timing section 130 resumes the timing (step S106). After that, the process proceeds to step S103.

[0076] In the case where the timing section 130 has not determined that the work interrupt button 802 is selected (No in step S103) and also has not determined that the work completion button 803 displayed on the tutorial screen of Figure 6A (step S107), the timing section 130 continues the timing. On the other hand, if the timing section 130 determines that the work completion button 803 is selected (Yes in step S107), the timing is ended (step S108).

[0077] Then, the timing section 130 calculates the actual work time of a series of operators, and adds it to the work performance information of the corresponding operator stored in the database 140 as work performance, thereby storing it (step S109). The actual work time means the time during which the operator actually performs work, and is obtained by subtracting the work start time from the work completion time, and subtracting the work interrupt time from the obtained time. After that, the process returns to step S101.

[0078] New information is added to the job performance information stored in the database 140 by the daily work of each worker, and is gradually accumulated.

[0079] Next, the flow when the user, who is the job supervisor, displays the list of the configuration modes by operating the configuration work assisting device 100 in the research staff configuration will be described.

[0080] Before the operation of the manufacturing line 1, the user, who is the job supervisor, displays the user screen shown in the example on the display section 10 of the configuration work assisting device 100 used by the user. Figure 7 In the user screen, the model input field 910 in which the model of the product to be manufactured next is input, the worker input fields 921 to 923 in which the candidates of the worker are input, the lot size input field 930 in which the manufacturing scheduled quantity is input, and the configuration mode display button 940 in which the configuration mode of the worker is displayed are displayed.

[0081] If the user inputs the required information in the model input field 910, the worker input fields 921 to 923, and the lot size input field 930, and selects the configuration mode display button 940, the job proficiency calculation section 150 calculates the job proficiency for the job type for each worker with reference to the job performance information stored in the database 140 (step S201).

[0082] At this time, the job proficiency calculation section 150 creates the job proficiency table PT shown in the example. Figure 8 As shown in the example, in the job proficiency table PT, the job proficiency for each job A to C is shown for each worker. In this example, the job proficiency is expressed by the values of "1", "2", and "3", which respectively mean "beginner", "intermediate", and "proficient".

[0083] The calculation of the job proficiency is either quantitative determination or qualitative determination. In the quantitative determination, for example, the number of experiences of the job type is calculated in such a manner that "3" is given when the number of experiences is 10 or more, "2" is given when the number of experiences is 5 or more but less than 10, and "1" is given when the number of experiences is 1 or more but less than 5. In the qualitative determination, for example, the average of the actual job time for each job for the last 10 times is calculated for each worker, and "3" is given when the average is less than 80% of the target job time, "2" is given when the average is 80% or more but less than 100% of the target job time, and "1" is given when the average exceeds the target job time.

[0084] In a case where the determination result is different between the quantitative determination and the qualitative determination, for example, the quantitative determination can be prioritized. In addition, the value obtained by weighting and adding the values of the work proficiency for each type of work for each worker can be stored as the proficiency of each worker as a comprehensive proficiency.

[0085] Returning to Figure 5 If the work proficiency calculation section 150 calculates the work proficiency for each type of work for each worker, the evaluation value calculation section 160 calculates all the arrangement patterns of the workers assigned to the types of work assigned (step S202). In the present embodiment, since three workers are assigned to three types of work, there are 3! = 6 arrangement patterns. The evaluation value calculation section 160 calculates the six arrangement patterns PP as shown in Figure 9A

[0086] Then, the evaluation value calculation section 160 calculates a plurality of evaluation values based on different viewpoints for each of the calculated arrangement patterns (step S203). In the present embodiment, the evaluation value calculation section 160 calculates the cycle time CT, the line balance efficiency LB, and the proficiency index PI.

[0087] The cycle time CT is the longest work time among the work times of each worker from the start of work to the completion of work for one product. For example, in the arrangement pattern No. 1 shown in Figure 9A The cycle time CT is the longest work time among the work times of each worker from the start of work to the completion of work for one product. For example, in the arrangement pattern No. 1 shown in

[0088] The line balance efficiency LB is an index indicating the balance of work among the workers constituting the manufacturing line 1. The line balance efficiency is obtained by dividing the total of the work times of each worker in the arrangement pattern by (cycle time CT x the number of workers).

[0089] The proficiency index PI is an index indicating the degree to which the proficiency of each worker arranged in the manufacturing line 1 matches the type of work to which each worker is assigned. For example, with regard to the arrangement pattern No. 2 shown in Figure 9A Figure 8 The proficiency index PI is an index indicating the degree to which the proficiency of each worker arranged in the manufacturing line 1 matches the type of work to which each worker is assigned. For example, with regard to the arrangement pattern No. 2 shown in Figure 8 ​​The job proficiency of the worker 1 for the job A is 2, the job proficiency of the worker 3 for the job B is 1, and the job proficiency of the worker 2 for the job C is 1, and therefore the evaluation value calculation section 160 can add these values to calculate the proficiency index.

[0090] If the evaluation value calculation section 160 calculates a plurality of evaluation values for each configuration pattern, the configuration pattern PPV in which the plurality of evaluation values are associated as shown in the drawing is completed. Figure 9B The configuration pattern prompt section 170 displays this configuration pattern PPV on the display section 10 to prompt the user (step S204). The user can also sort the configuration patterns by each evaluation value, and can select an appropriate configuration pattern in consideration of the situation on the site. For example, it can be that if the manufacturing scheduled quantity for the day is large, a configuration pattern that emphasizes the cycle time CT and the line balance efficiency LB is selected, or it can be that if the manufacturing scheduled quantity is small, a configuration pattern in which the proficiency index is low is selected, considering that the experience of each worker should be accumulated. Thereafter, the process returns to step S101.

[0091] In the configuration job assistance device 100 of the present embodiment, the job responsible person, i.e., the user, assigns a specific worker to a specific job, and on this basis, can also display possible configuration patterns. The flow in this case is also described.

[0092] After the configuration pattern PPV is prompted to the user from the configuration pattern prompt section 170, if the user reception section 180 receives a specification of a specific worker for a specific job from the user, the evaluation value calculation section 160 again calculates all the configuration patterns in a state in which the configuration is fixed, including the received specification (step S301). For example, if the user specifies "assign the worker 3 to the job A", the evaluation value calculation section 160 calculates the configuration pattern PPV in which the worker 3 is assigned to the job A, and the configuration pattern PPV in which the worker 3 is assigned to the job B. Figure 9A No. 5-6 of the configuration pattern PPV.

[0093] Then, the evaluation value calculation section 160 again calculates a plurality of evaluation values for each of the calculated configuration patterns (step S302). Thereafter, the configuration pattern prompt section 170 displays all the configuration patterns calculated again by the evaluation value calculation section 160, in association with the evaluation values calculated again for each of the configuration patterns, on the display section 10, thereby prompting the user (step S303). The user assigns a specific worker to a specific job, and on this basis, can select the best configuration pattern corresponding to the situation on the site. Thereafter, the process returns to step S101.

[0094] In a case in which an event different from the above-described process occurs (Yes in step S101), the configuration job assistance device 100 performs other processing corresponding to the event that occurs (step S401). Thereafter, the process returns to step S101.

[0095] As described above, according to the first embodiment, the configuration work assisting apparatus 100 prompts the user with the plurality of evaluation values based on different viewpoints in association with the configuration pattern to the manufacturing line configuration worker. Thereby, the user can select the optimal configuration pattern corresponding to the situation at the site.

[0096] In addition, the configuration work assisting apparatus 100 receives the designation of the specific work from the user to the specific worker, and prompts the user with the plurality of evaluation values in association with the configuration pattern in the state where the worker is fixed. Thereby, the user can more flexibly determine the configuration pattern.

[0097] Further, the work supervisor is exemplified as the user, but it can be other manager, person in charge, or the like.

[0098] (Second Embodiment)

[0099] Next, the second embodiment of the present application will be described. The same reference numerals are attached to the structures and processes equivalent to those of the first embodiment. In the second embodiment, various evaluation values can be calculated based on the physical condition of the worker on the day, and the like.

[0100] Figure 10 is a flowchart illustrating the configuration work assisting process in the second embodiment executed by the configuration work assisting apparatus 100. Next, the configuration work assisting process will be described with reference to Figure 10 to the configuration work assisting process.

[0101] If the configuration work assisting process is started, the configuration work assisting apparatus 100 is in a standby state until any event occurs (No in step S101).

[0102] If the user reception unit 180 receives the designation of the worker in the state where the work is affected due to the poor physical condition, or the like, from the user (Yes in step S101), the evaluation value calculation unit 160 calculates all the configuration patterns to assign the workers 1 to 3 to the manufacturing line 1 (step S501). Then, the evaluation value calculation unit 160 executes the process for the work performance deduction stored in the database 140 with respect to the worker included in the designation (step S502). For example, the evaluation value calculation unit 160 performs the process to multiply the average value of the actual work time of the last 10 times of each work by a predetermined value greater than 1, for example, 1.5 times, with respect to the worker with the poor physical condition included in the designation. Further, it can be possible to designate the value by the operation of the user reception unit 180.

[0103] Then, the work proficiency calculation unit 150 refers to the work performance information stored in the database 140, and calculates the work proficiency for the work type with respect to each worker (step S503).

[0104] After that, the evaluation value calculation section 160 calculates a plurality of evaluation values for each of the calculated arrangement patterns (step S504). Then, the arrangement pattern prompting section 170 displays the calculated plurality of evaluation values in association with all the arrangement patterns calculated by the evaluation value calculation section 160 on the display section 10, thereby prompting the user (step S505). After that, the process returns to step S101.

[0105] In addition, the arrangement work assistance device 100 executes other processing corresponding to the generated event (Yes in step S101) in a case where other events such as the event described in the first embodiment are generated (step S601). After that, the process returns to step S101.

[0106] As described above, according to the second embodiment, the arrangement work assistance device 100 calculates various evaluation values for each arrangement pattern based on the current state of the worker, and provides the user with the evaluation values. Thereby, the user can more flexibly determine the arrangement pattern from the candidates of the arrangement pattern taking into account the state of the worker on the day without using manual operation.

[0107] (Third Embodiment)

[0108] Next, the third embodiment of the present application will be described. The same reference numerals are attached to the structures and processes equivalent to those of the first and second embodiments. In the third embodiment, the arrangement work assistance device 100 proposes an appropriate arrangement pattern according to the situation on the site.

[0109] Figure 11 is a flowchart illustrating the arrangement work assistance process in the third embodiment executed by the arrangement work assistance device 100. Next, the arrangement work assistance process will be described with reference to Figure 11 to the arrangement work assistance process.

[0110] If the arrangement work assistance process is started, the arrangement work assistance device 100 is in a standby state until any event is generated (No in step S101).

[0111] If the user inputs the required information in the user screen shown in Figure 7 If the user inputs the required information in the user screen shown in

[0112] Then, the evaluation value calculation section 160 calculates the cycle time CT for each arrangement pattern based on the work performance stored in the database 140 for each worker (step S702).

[0113] If the evaluation value calculation unit 160 calculates the cycle time CT for each configuration mode, it determines whether the calculated cycle time CT meets a predetermined condition (step S703). For example, the evaluation value calculation unit 160 determines whether the calculated cycle time CT is lower than a predetermined value by dividing the working time by the predetermined manufacturing quantity. If the cycle time CT is sufficiently low, it is considered that the work for the day has surplus.

[0114] In this case (Yes in step S703), the evaluation value calculation unit 160 searches for the configuration mode with the lowest proficiency index that promotes each operator to master unfamiliar tasks. Then, the configuration mode prompting unit 170 presents the configuration mode of the search results to the user by displaying it on the display unit 10 (step S704). After that, the process returns to step S101.

[0115] On the other hand, if the evaluation value calculation unit 160 determines that the calculated cycle time CT does not meet the predetermined conditions (No in step S703), the configuration mode prompting unit 170 displays the normal configuration mode described in the first and second embodiments (step S705). After that, the process returns to step S101.

[0116] Additionally, if the configuration work assistance device 100 generates other events, such as the events described in the first embodiment and the second embodiment (Yes in step S101), it performs other processing corresponding to the generated event (step S801). After that, the processing returns to step S101.

[0117] As described above, according to the third embodiment, the configuration work assistance device 100 proposes a specific configuration mode to the user when the calculated evaluation value meets predetermined conditions. Therefore, even if some aspects are overlooked, the user can select the optimal configuration mode.

[0118] (Fourth implementation)

[0119] Next, the fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. Structures and processes equivalent to those in the first, second, and third embodiments will be labeled with the same reference numerals. In the fourth embodiment, a suitable configuration mode for configuring the work assistance device 100 is also proposed when the operator has unfamiliar tasks.

[0120] The job proficiency table PT in the fourth embodiment is as follows: Figure 12 As shown. The task proficiency table PT in the fourth embodiment and Figure 8 Unlike the table in the first embodiment shown, blank columns can be used to represent cells corresponding to tasks that the operator is not familiar with. Figure 12In the example shown, the blank column Ml indicates a job that the worker 1 does not master, and the blank column M2 indicates a job that the worker 2 does not master. Further, the job that is not mastered refers to a state in which the worker does not know the procedure of the job at all. The worker masters the job by knowing the procedure of the job, and the worker who has mastered the job performs the job repeatedly, whereby the worker becomes skilled in the job.

[0121] In the following description, it is assumed that there are one or more blank columns in the job proficiency table PT. The total number of blank columns is assumed to be N (N is a positive integer), and each blank column is assumed to be Mk (k is an integer that is greater than or equal to 1 and less than or equal to N). In the following description, it is assumed that the job proficiency table PT is a table in which the job proficiency of each worker is indicated by a value that is greater than or equal to 0 and less than or equal to 1. Figure 12 In the example shown, N is 2.

[0122] The evaluation value calculation section 160 refers to the job performance information stored in the database 140, and calculates, for each blank column Mk, an average value of the job time required for the worker who has mastered the job to perform the job corresponding to the blank column Mk. For example, the evaluation value calculation section 160 calculates, for the blank column Ml, an average value of the job time required for the worker 2 to perform the job C and the job time required for the worker 3 to perform the job C. Figure 12 For the blank column Ml shown, an average value of the job time required for the worker 2 to perform the job C and the job time required for the worker 3 to perform the job C is calculated.

[0123] The evaluation value calculation section 160 calculates, for each blank column Mk, a product of the calculated average value and a predetermined constant a. The product is a predicted value of the job time required for the worker corresponding to the blank column Mk to perform the job corresponding to the blank column Mk. The constant a is predetermined in accordance with the job, and is a value of about 1.2 to 1.5, for example. The reason for multiplying such a constant a is that, in general, the time required for a worker who has not mastered the job to perform the job is longer than the time required for a worker who has mastered the job to perform the job.

[0124] Since the job time of the worker who has not mastered the job can be predicted for each blank column Mk, the evaluation value calculation section 160 calculates a plurality of evaluation values for each arrangement pattern based on the job time, as in the case of the first embodiment.

[0125] The evaluation value calculation section 160 calculates, for each blank column Mk, an optimization rate of the evaluation value in the case where the worker who has not mastered the job corresponding to the blank column Mk is arranged to the job corresponding to the blank column Mk with respect to the evaluation value in the case where the worker who has mastered but not the worker who has not mastered the job is arranged to the job corresponding to the blank column Mk. The optimization rate indicates how much the evaluation value is improved in the case where the worker who has not mastered the job is arranged to the job compared to the case where the worker who has not mastered the job is not arranged to the job. The arrangement pattern prompting section 170 prompts the user, based on the calculated optimization rate, as to which worker should master which job that is not mastered. As a result, the user can determine which worker should master which job that is not mastered.

[0126] Thus, according to the fourth embodiment, in a case where the worker has an unmastered work, the configuration work assisting apparatus 100 calculates the evaluation value in the case where the unmastered work is mastered and the evaluation value in the case where it is not mastered. Thus, in a case where the worker has an unmastered work, the configuration work assisting apparatus 100 can also propose an appropriate configuration pattern. In addition, the configuration work assisting apparatus 100 calculates the degree of change of the evaluation value in the case where the unmastered work is mastered with respect to the evaluation value in the case where it is not mastered, and presents it to the user. Thus, the user can determine whether the worker should master the unmastered work.

[0127] (Fifth Embodiment)

[0128] Next, the fifth embodiment of the present application will be described. The same reference numerals are given to the structures and processes that are the same as those of the first, second, third, and fourth embodiments. In the fourth embodiment, the configuration work assisting apparatus 100 proposes an optimal configuration pattern even in a case where the work of the worker is replaced by an automated machine. The automated machine is, for example, a human-robot collaborative robot.

[0129] In a case where the work of the worker is replaced by an automated machine, a loading work of loading a work object to the automated machine by hand and an unloading work of unloading the work object from the automated machine by hand are sometimes newly generated. Therefore, the evaluation value calculating section 160 calculates the evaluation value taking into account the loading time and the unloading time.

[0130] For example, it is assumed that the worker A, the worker B, and the automated machine are involved in the work. First, the evaluation value calculating section 160 selects one from the configuration patterns of the plurality of works. However, the configuration pattern of the work here is the same as that of the first embodiment, and the loading work and the unloading work are not taken into account. The work time of the worker A at this time is set to La, the work time of the worker B is set to Lb, and the work time realized by the automated machine is set to Lm. In addition, the loading time is set to LI, and the unloading time is set to Lu. However, since the object that should be loaded and unloaded changes depending on the work content, LI and Lu vary depending on the configuration target of the automated machine.

[0131] The combination of which worker performs which of the loading work and the unloading work is one of the following four patterns (1) to (4).

[0132] (1) The worker A is assigned to both the loading work and the unloading work.

[0133] (2) The worker A is assigned to the loading work, and the worker B is assigned to the unloading work.

[0134] (3) Assign worker A to the unloading work and worker B to the loading work.

[0135] (4) Assign worker B to both the loading work and the unloading work.

[0136] The evaluation value calculation section 160 calculates the cycle time CT in each of the combinations of (1) to (4) above based on the following formula. The MAX function is a function that returns the maximum of a plurality of arguments.

[0137] In the case of (1): MAX (La+Ll+Lu, Lb, Lm)

[0138] In the case of (2): MAX (La+Ll, Lb+Lu, Lm)

[0139] In the case of (3): MAX (La+Lu, Lb+Ll, Lm)

[0140] In the case of (4): MAX (La, Lb+Ll+Lu, Lm)

[0141] Then, the evaluation value calculation section 160 adopts the minimum of the cycle times CT above as the cycle time CT in the currently selected assignment pattern. The evaluation value calculation section 160 calculates the cycle time CT in each assignment pattern in the manner described above. In addition, the evaluation value calculation section 160 calculates the production line balance efficiency LB in each assignment pattern by the following formula.

[0142] LB = (La+Lb+Ll+Lu+Lm) / (3 x CT)

[0143] As described above, according to the fifth embodiment, the assignment work assisting apparatus 100 calculates the evaluation value in consideration of the loading time and the unloading time in the case where the work of the worker is replaced by an automated machine. Therefore, the assignment work assisting apparatus 100 can also propose the optimal assignment pattern in the case where the work of the worker is replaced by an automated machine.

[0144] (Modified Example)

[0145] In the embodiments described above, the case where one work is assigned to one worker is described as an example, but one work process composed of a plurality of works can be assigned to one worker. In this case, the evaluation values such as the cycle time, the production line balance efficiency, and the proficiency index can be calculated based on the work times of the works that make up one work process, or can be calculated based on the work time of one work process.

[0146] In addition, in the above-described embodiment, an example in which the configuration mode in which three workers are assigned to three jobs is prompted is described, but the number of workers can be greater than the number of job types. For example, in a case where the number of workers is n people (n > 3), the configuration job support device 100 prompts nP3 types of configuration modes to the user. In addition, in a case where the user specifies a worker with low job proficiency, the configuration job support device 100 can preferentially assign a worker with high job proficiency to another worker. By being configured in the above-described manner, an experienced worker can assist a beginner, and the number of executable processes of the entire team can be increased.

[0147] In addition, in the above-described embodiment, it is described that after the configuration mode prompt unit 170 prompts the configuration mode PPV to the user, the user selects a desired configuration mode with a high evaluation value using a sorting function, but a machine learning such as a genetic algorithm, a Bayesian optimization, or reinforcement learning can be used to search for an optimal configuration mode. In this case, for example, it is conceivable to use a method in which, instead of a single evaluation value, a configuration mode in which different evaluation values are multiplied to obtain a value is searched for when the value is maximized.

[0148] In addition, in the above-described embodiment, an example in which all configuration modes are searched for is described. However, as the number of workers n increases, the number of configuration modes becomes large, and thus, with respect to the example described as "all", the number of configuration modes can be limited by an arbitrary method.

[0149] In the above-described embodiment, the worker display unit 110 and the worker input unit 120 are provided at each job site of the manufacturing line, but can be configured by workers. In this case, the control unit 30 determines which manufacturing line each worker performs which job on, creates a tutorial screen, and configures an operation button.

[0150] In the above-described embodiment, an example in which the configuration job support device 100 assists the configuration job of the workers of one manufacturing line is described, but one configuration job support device 100 can assist the configuration job of the workers of a plurality of manufacturing lines. In this case, the configuration job support device 100 can also assist the configuration job of n workers to m manufacturing lines that require n people in total.

[0151] In addition, when the evaluation value of the configuration mode is searched for, which range of job performance is used is arbitrary. For example, the evaluation value can be searched for using only the job performance in the past one year or half a year. In addition, a weighted moving average can be searched for and used.

[0152] Also, in the above-described embodiment, the application of the arrangement work assisting apparatus 100 to the manufacturing line 1 that manufactures products is described as an example, but the present application is not limited to this, and the arrangement work assisting apparatus 100 according to the present application can be widely applied to production lines that generally produce articles.

[0153] In the above-described embodiment, the worker display section 110 is arranged at the work position of the production line, but it can also be arranged for each worker. In this case, for example, the arrangement work assisting apparatus 100 discriminates the work content of the worker based on the schedule information, and displays the necessary screen on the arrangement work assisting apparatus 100.

[0154] (Postscript)

[0155] The present application is realized by the following postscript.

[0156] (Postscript 1)

[0157] An arrangement work assisting apparatus has: an evaluation value calculation section that calculates a plurality of evaluation values based on work performances of respective workers stored in advance, for each of arrangement patterns of the workers arranged at a production line that produces articles by the respective workers individually performing work allocated to themselves; and an arrangement pattern prompting section that prompts the arrangement patterns and the calculated evaluation values in association with each other.

[0158] (Postscript 2)

[0159] The arrangement work assisting apparatus according to Postscript 1, wherein further has a work proficiency calculation section that calculates a work proficiency indicating proficiency for a work category, for each of the respective workers, based on the work performances stored for the respective workers, the evaluation value calculation section calculates a proficiency index as the evaluation value, for each of the arrangement patterns, based on the work proficiency calculated for each of the respective workers, the proficiency index indicating a degree to which the proficiency of each of the workers arranged at the production line matches the category of the work allocated to the worker.

[0160] (Postscript 3)

[0161] The arrangement work assisting apparatus according to Postscript 1 or 2, wherein the evaluation value calculation section calculates a cycle time or a production line balance efficiency as the evaluation value, for each of the arrangement patterns, based on the work performances stored for each of the respective workers.

[0162] (Postscript 4)

[0163] The configuration work assisting apparatus according to any one of the Embodiments 1 to 3, wherein Further comprising a user receiving section that receives a designation of assigning a specific worker to a specific work, The evaluation value calculating section calculates the configuration pattern in a state where the assignment included in the received designation is fixed, and for each of the calculated configuration patterns, recalculates the plurality of evaluation values, The configuration pattern prompting section prompts the user of all the recalculated configuration patterns in association with the plurality of evaluation values recalculated for each of the configuration patterns.

[0164] (Embodiment 5)

[0165] The configuration work assisting apparatus according to any one of the Embodiments 1 to 4, wherein Further comprising a user receiving section that receives a designation of a worker in a state of affecting work, The evaluation value calculating section performs a process for subtracting the stored work performance for the worker included in the received designation, and on this basis, calculates the plurality of evaluation values for each of the calculated configuration patterns.

[0166] (Embodiment 6)

[0167] The configuration work assisting apparatus according to any one of the Embodiments 1 to 5, wherein The evaluation value calculating section calculates a cycle time as the evaluation value for each of the configuration patterns based on the work performance stored for each of the workers, The configuration pattern prompting section proposes a configuration pattern that promotes each worker to master a work that is unfamiliar to the worker, in a case where the cycle time calculated for each of the configuration patterns satisfies a predetermined criterion.

[0168] (Embodiment 7)

[0169] The configuration work assisting apparatus according to any one of the Embodiments 1 to 6, wherein The evaluation value calculating section predicts a work time required for a worker to perform a work that is not mastered, and for each of the configuration patterns, calculates the plurality of evaluation values based on the work performance of each of the workers stored in advance and the predicted work time, and calculates an optimization rate of the plurality of evaluation values in a case where an unfamiliar worker is assigned to a corresponding work with respect to the plurality of evaluation values in a case where a mastered worker is assigned to the work, The configuration pattern prompting section prompts the user of which work a worker should master and which unfamiliar work the worker should master, based on the calculated optimization rate.

[0170] (Parenthetical Note 8)

[0171] The configuration work assistance device according to any one of the parenthetical notes 1 to 7, wherein an automated machine that substitutes the work of the worker is further configured in the production line, the evaluation value calculation section further calculates the plurality of evaluation values based on a loading time of loading a work object to the automated machine and an unloading time of unloading the work object from the automated machine.

[0172] (Parenthetical Note 9)

[0173] A configuration work assistance method, in which a computer performs the following processing: for each of configuration modes in which a worker is configured to a production line, a plurality of evaluation values are calculated based on work performance of each worker, a configuration mode is prompted to a user in association with the calculated evaluation values.

[0174] (Parenthetical Note 10)

[0175] A program that causes a computer to perform the following processing: for each of configuration modes in which a worker is configured to a production line, a plurality of evaluation values are calculated based on work performance of each worker, a configuration mode is prompted to a user in association with the calculated evaluation values.

[0176] The present application can be configured in various embodiments and modifications without departing from the broad spirit and scope of the present application. In addition, the above-described embodiments are used to describe the present application and are not intended to limit the scope of the present application. That is, the scope of the present application is not represented by the embodiments, but by the claims. Furthermore, various modifications implemented within the scope of the claims and the scope of the meaning equivalent thereto are considered to fall within the scope of the present application.

[0177] The present application is based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-105688 filed on June 28, 2023. In this specification, the entire contents of the specification, claims, drawings of Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-105688 are incorporated by reference.

[0178] Explanation of Reference Signs

[0179] 1 manufacturing line, 10 display section, 20 input section, 30 control section, 40 main storage section, 50 auxiliary storage section, 60 communication section, 70 bus, 100 configuration work assisting apparatus, 110 worker display section, 120 worker input section, 130 time section, 140 database, 150 work proficiency calculation section, 160 evaluation value calculation section, 170 configuration mode prompting section, 180 user reception section, 801 work start button, 802 work interrupt button, 803 work completion button, 804 work resume button, 910 model input field, 921, 922, 923 worker input field, 930 batch quantity input field, 940 configuration mode display button, M1, M2 blank field.

Claims

1. A configuration work assistance device, comprising: An evaluation value calculation unit calculates multiple evaluation values ​​for each of the configuration patterns of operators assigned to the production line, based on pre-stored performance data of each operator. The production line is configured with multiple operators who produce goods by performing tasks assigned to them. The configuration mode prompting unit associates the configuration mode with the calculated evaluation value and provides a prompt.

2. The configuration operation auxiliary device according to claim 1, wherein, It also includes a job proficiency calculation unit, which calculates a job proficiency level for each worker, representing their level of proficiency with a particular job type, based on the job performance data stored for each worker. The evaluation value calculation unit calculates a proficiency index as the evaluation value for each configuration mode based on the work proficiency calculated for each of the operators. The proficiency index represents the degree to which the proficiency of each operator configured on the production line matches the type of work assigned to each operator.

3. The configuration operation auxiliary device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The evaluation value calculation unit calculates the cycle time or production line balancing efficiency as the evaluation value based on the work performance stored for each of the operators and for each of the configuration modes.

4. The configuration operation auxiliary device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, It also has a user receiving unit that receives instructions to assign a specific operator to a specific job. The evaluation value calculation unit calculates the configuration mode when the configuration included in the received specification is fixed, and then calculates the plurality of evaluation values ​​again for each of the calculated configuration modes. The configuration mode prompt unit will associate all the recalculated configuration modes with the multiple evaluation values ​​recalculated for each configuration mode and prompt them to the user.

5. The configuration operation auxiliary device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, It also has a user receiving unit that receives instructions from operators in situations affecting their work. The evaluation value calculation unit performs a deduction of points for the stored job performance of the operators included in the received specification, and on this basis, calculates the plurality of evaluation values ​​for each of the calculated configuration modes.

6. The configuration operation auxiliary device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The evaluation value calculation unit calculates the cycle time as the evaluation value based on the work performance stored for each of the operators and for each of the configuration modes. The configuration mode prompting unit proposes a configuration mode that helps each operator master unfamiliar tasks, provided that the cycle time calculated for each configuration mode meets a pre-defined benchmark.

7. The configuration operation auxiliary device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, The evaluation value calculation unit predicts the time required for the operator to perform the unprepared task. For each of the configuration modes, based on the pre-stored performance data of each operator and the predicted task time, it calculates multiple evaluation values ​​and calculates the optimization rate of the multiple evaluation values ​​when the unprepared operator is assigned to the corresponding task, relative to the multiple evaluation values ​​when the prepared operator is assigned to the task. The configuration mode prompting unit, based on the calculated optimization rate, prompts the user to determine which operator should master which unmastered task.

8. The configuration operation auxiliary device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, The production line is further equipped with automated machines that replace the work of the operators. The evaluation value calculation unit further calculates the multiple evaluation values ​​based on the loading time of the work object onto the automated machine and the unloading time of the work object from the automated machine.

9. A method for configuring job assistance, wherein a computer performs the following processing: For each configuration mode that assigns operators to the production line, multiple evaluation values ​​are calculated based on each operator's performance. The configuration mode is associated with the calculated evaluation value and presented to the user.

10. A program that causes a computer to perform the following processing: For each configuration mode that assigns operators to the production line, multiple evaluation values ​​are calculated based on each operator's performance. The configuration mode is associated with the calculated evaluation value and presented to the user.

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