Remote operation support apparatus, remote operation system, and remote operation support method

Abstract

To provide a remote operation support apparatus, a remote operation system, and a remote operation support method capable of predicting whether or not a processing policy is appropriate.SOLUTION: A remote operation support device 5 is provided with a data collection unit 52 for collecting information on errors occurring in a plurality of operation apparatuses 2, and a simulation unit 53 for simulating whether an error occurring in the operation apparatuses 2 can be recovered by a remote monitoring device 4 based on the collected information on the errors and a given processing policy (provisional processing policy 51a).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a remote operation assistance device, a remote operation system, and a remote operation assistance method that assist processing in a remote operation system that remotely processes an error that occurs in a maintenance device. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there is known a remote operation system that is constructed so that when an error occurs in a working device, the error can be resolved by remote operation performed from a remote monitoring device. In the remote operation system, when an error occurs in the working device, information about the error is transmitted to the remote monitoring device. Then, when an operator performs an operation to resolve the error from the remote monitoring device, the operation signal is transmitted to the working device, which operates and resolves the error (for example, see Patent Document 1 below).

[0003] In such a remote operation system, when multiple remote monitoring devices are installed, a management device can be placed between the operation device and the remote monitoring device. By storing the skill data of the operators in the management device, it becomes possible to efficiently allocate the error resolution processing work according to the skills of the operators. Furthermore, if multiple candidates for the policy (processing policy) for the error resolution processing work are prepared and the person operating the management device (administrator) can select the processing policy that he / she considers appropriate (optimum) from the multiple processing policies, the error resolution processing work can be performed even more efficiently. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2021-015469 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, even if an administrator can select a processing policy from among multiple processing policies as described above, it is not clear whether the processing policy is actually appropriate until it is actually used, and it is desirable to be able to predict in advance the effects of using that processing policy.

[0006] SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT EMBODIMENTS Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a remote operation assistance device, a remote operation system, and a remote operation assistance method that are capable of predicting whether a processing policy is appropriate. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The remote operation support device of the present invention is a remote operation support device that supports a remote operation system comprising a plurality of work devices, a plurality of remote monitoring devices that remotely process errors that occur in the work devices, and a management device that allocates errors that occur in the work devices to one of the plurality of remote monitoring devices based on a processing policy, and is equipped with a data collection unit that collects information regarding errors that occur in the plurality of work devices, and a simulation unit that simulates whether the error that occurs in the work devices can be recovered by the remote monitoring devices based on the collected information regarding the errors and a given processing policy.

[0008] Another remote operation support device of the present invention includes a data collection unit that collects information regarding an error that occurs in a work device, and a simulation unit that simulates whether an error that occurs in the work device can be recovered by processing from a remote monitoring device based on the collected information regarding the error and a given processing policy.

[0009] The remote operation system of the present invention is a remote operation system comprising a plurality of work devices, a plurality of remote monitoring devices which remotely process errors which occur on the work devices, and a management device which allocates errors which occur on the work devices to one of the plurality of remote monitoring devices based on a processing policy, and further comprising a data collection unit which collects information relating to errors which occur on the plurality of work devices, and a simulation unit which simulates whether or not the error which occurs on the work devices can be recovered by the remote monitoring devices based on the collected information relating to the errors and a given processing policy.

[0010] The remote operation assistance method of the present invention is a remote operation assistance method that supports a remote operation system that includes a plurality of work devices, a plurality of remote monitoring devices that remotely handle errors that occur on the work devices, and a management device that allocates errors that occur on the work devices to one of the plurality of remote monitoring devices based on a processing policy, and collects information regarding errors that occur on the plurality of work devices, and simulates whether the error that occurs on the work devices can be recovered by the remote monitoring device based on the collected information regarding the errors and a given processing policy. Effect of the Invention

[0011] According to the present invention, it is possible to predict whether a processing policy is appropriate. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a remote control system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the flow of information in a remote control system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 is a side view of a main part of a working device constituting a remote operation system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a control system of a remote control system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 5] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of an example of error record information collected by a remote operation support device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of an example of work result information collected by a remote operation support device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of an example of skill data collected by the remote operation support device according to the embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a simulation condition setting screen displayed on a display unit of the remote operation support device according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a simulation result display screen displayed on a display unit of a remote operation support device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a flow diagram of a remote operation support method according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0013] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 show a remote operation system 1 in one embodiment of the present invention. The remote operation system 1 includes a plurality of operating devices 2, a management device 3, a plurality of remote monitoring devices 4, and a remote operation support device 5. Each operating device 2 and the management device 3, each remote monitoring device 4 and the management device 3, and the management device 3 and the remote operation support device 5 are connected to each other by wire or wirelessly so that they can communicate with each other. Each remote monitoring device 4 is operated by an operator OP arranged corresponding to each remote monitoring device 4. The remote operation support device 5 has a function of supporting the creation of processing policies and skill data used by the management device 3.

[0014] In this embodiment, each working device 2 is a component mounting device that performs the task of mounting components BH on a board KB (component mounting task). As shown in Fig. 3, the working device 2 includes a base 11, a transport conveyor 12, a tape feeder 13, a head moving mechanism 14, a mounting head 15, and a board camera 16.

[0015] 3, the transport conveyor 12 extends horizontally on the base 11, and transports the substrate KB horizontally from one end to the other end. The tape feeder 13 pulls out and transports the carrier tape CT wound around the reel RL by a built-in sprocket 13S.

[0016] A large number of components BH are enclosed in the carrier tape CT in a line. The tape feeder 13 feeds the carrier tape CT toward the transport conveyor 12, thereby supplying the components BH to a component supply position 13K.

[0017] The head moving mechanism 14 has, for example, an XY table mechanism, and moves the mounting head 15 in a horizontal plane. The mounting head 15 has a plurality of nozzles 15N extending downward.

[0018] 3, the board camera 16 is attached to the mounting head 15 in a position in which the imaging optical axis faces downward. The board camera 16 is moved together with the mounting head 15 in a horizontal plane direction by the head moving mechanism 14.

[0019] The operation of each part of each operating device 2, i.e., the transport conveyor 12, tape feeder 13, head moving mechanism 14, mounting head 15 and board camera 16, is controlled by an operating device control unit 17. As a result, the transport conveyor 12 transports and positions the board KB, and each tape feeder 13 supplies a component BH to a component supply position 13K.

[0020] The head moving mechanism 14 is controlled by the operation device control unit 17 to move the mounting head 15, and the mounting head 15 picks up the component BH onto the lower end of the nozzle 15N. The board camera 16 performs an imaging operation based on a command from the operation device control unit 17. Image data obtained by the imaging operation of the board camera 16 is sent to the operation device control unit 17 and processed.

[0021] 3, when the working device 2 performs a component mounting operation, first, the transport conveyor 12 is operated to carry in the board KB and position it at the working position. Once the board KB is positioned at the working position, the head moving mechanism 14 is operated to move the mounting head 15 to above the board KB, and the board KB is imaged by the board camera 16. Once the board KB is imaged by the board camera 16, the board KB is recognized based on the image obtained by imaging.

[0022] When the working device 2 recognizes the board KB, it causes the mounting head 15 to repeatedly execute mounting turns. Each mounting turn executed by the mounting head 15 includes an operation of picking up a component BH supplied by the tape feeder 13 with the nozzle 15N, and an operation of mounting the picked-up component BH at a predetermined position on the board KB.

[0023] When all the components BH to be mounted on the board KB have been mounted by the mounting head 15 repeatedly performing the mounting turn, the working device 2 operates the transport conveyor 12 to carry the board KB out of the working position, thereby completing the component mounting work for one board KB.

[0024] In Fig. 2, the maintenance device 2 performs the component mounting work as described above. During this process, some kind of error may occur. When an error occurs in the maintenance device 2, the maintenance device 2 outputs error information (error information) to the management device 3. When the error information is output from the maintenance device 2, the management device 3 selects one remote monitoring device 4 from among the multiple remote monitoring devices 4 based on a processing policy given in advance. Then, the management device 3 transmits a resolution instruction signal to the selected remote monitoring device 4 together with the error information.

[0025] Here, the "resolution instruction signal" refers to a signal that instructs the operator OP of the remote monitoring device 4 to resolve the error that has occurred. The resolution instruction signal includes a remote operation right that allows remote operation of the operating device 2 in which the error has occurred, and only the remote monitoring device 4 that has the remote operation right can give an instruction to resolve the error.

[0026] In this embodiment, the combination of each remote monitoring device 4 and the operator OP who operates it is not fixed. Therefore, each operator OP can operate from any remote monitoring device 4. Then, before operating the remote monitoring device 4, the operator OP reports the combination of its own identifier and the identifier of the remote monitoring device 4 that it operates to the management device 3. Information on the combination of the operator OP and the remote monitoring device 4 is stored in the management device 3. Therefore, the management device 3 knows which remote monitoring device 4 is being operated by which operator OP. In other words, transmitting a resolution instruction signal to a remote monitoring device 4 means instructing the operator OP who operates the remote monitoring device 4 to perform an error resolution operation.

[0027] 2, when a resolution instruction signal is sent from the management device 3 to a selected remote monitoring device 4, an operator OP who operates the remote monitoring device 4 performs an error resolution operation (error resolution processing work) from the remote monitoring device 4. When the operator OP performs an error resolution operation from the remote monitoring device 4, the remote monitoring device 4 outputs a resolution operation signal based on the error resolution operation. Then, the operation device 2 resolves the error by operating based on the resolution operation signal output from the remote monitoring device 4 (i.e., by being remotely operated by the remote monitoring device 4).

[0028] After performing an operation to resolve the error based on the resolution operation signal, the operating device 2 outputs information (recovery information) indicating whether the error has been resolved and the component mounting operation can be returned to, to the management device 3. Furthermore, if the operating device 2 is unable to resolve the error by remote operation, it performs a notification operation such as sounding a buzzer 18 (see FIG. 4) to notify the floor worker in charge of the operation on the floor on which the operating device 2 is installed to directly operate the operating device 2 to resolve the error.

[0029] 2, when a predetermined timeout time (e.g., 30 seconds) has elapsed without the management device 3 being able to transmit a resolution instruction signal to any of the remote monitoring devices 4, the management device 3 transmits a notification operation signal to the operating device 2 that is the source of the error information, so as to perform a notification operation. For example, when remote operations are being performed in all of the remote monitoring devices 4, or when the operator OP operating an available remote monitoring device 4 is not qualified to perform the resolution processing work for the error, the management device 3 is unable to transmit a resolution instruction signal.

[0030] In this way, in the operation device 2, if an error cannot be resolved by remote operation from the remote monitoring device 4, or if a timeout period has elapsed without the remote monitoring device 4 being assigned an error resolution processing task, the floor worker will directly operate the operation device 2 to perform the error resolution processing task to resolve the error.

[0031] Next, the configuration of the control system of the remote operation system 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Here, among the functions of the remote operation system 1, a function of simulating whether an error occurring in the maintenance device 2 can be distributed to multiple remote monitoring devices 4 based on a processing policy and predicting whether the processing policy is appropriate will be described.

[0032] The working device control unit 17 of each working device 2 includes an error detection unit 21, an error information acquisition unit 22, an error information transmission unit 23, a resolution operation signal reception unit 24, and a notification instruction signal reception unit 25. When an error occurs in the working device 2, the error detection unit 21 detects the error, and interrupts all or part of the operation of the working device 2. The error information acquisition unit 22 identifies the location where the error detected by the error detection unit 21 occurred (error occurrence location), and acquires information on the occurred error (type and its contents) as error information (FIG. 2).

[0033] 4, when the location where the error has occurred can be imaged by the board camera 16, the error information acquisition unit 22 operates the head moving mechanism 14 to move the board camera 16 above the location where the error has occurred, and causes the board camera 16 to image the location where the error has occurred. For example, when the mounting head 15 has failed to pick up a component BH from a certain tape feeder 13 a certain number of times in succession, the error information acquisition unit 22 identifies the component supply position 13K of that tape feeder 13 as the location where the error has occurred, and causes the board camera 16 to capture a still image or video of the component supply position 13K.

[0034] The error information transmission unit 23 transmits the error information acquired by the error information acquisition unit 22 to the management device 3 (FIG. 2). When the location where the error occurred is imaged by the board camera 16, image data (still image or video data) of the location where the error occurred is also transmitted to the management device 3 as all or part of the error information.

[0035] In FIG. 4, the management device 3 includes a management storage unit 31, a distribution processing unit 32, a resolution instruction signal transmission unit 33, a recovery determination unit 34, and a notification instruction signal transmission unit 35. The management storage unit 31 is a storage device, and stores a processing policy 31a, skill data 31b, and the like. The processing policy 31a is a processing policy that specifies which of the multiple remote monitoring devices 4 is to be distributed to perform an error resolution processing operation for an error that has occurred in the operation device 2. The skill data 31b stores the contents of remote operations that can be processed by multiple operators OP in charge of operating the remote monitoring devices 4, and an average processing time for each type of error based on past work performance data. The processing policy 31a and the skill data 31b are created by the remote operation support device 5, and are stored in advance in the management storage unit 31.

[0036] Here, the "error handling policy" refers to a policy as to which operator OP to give an instruction to resolve an error that has occurred in the maintenance device 2 (to which remote monitoring device 4 a resolution instruction signal should be sent), and in what order to give error resolution instructions to multiple operators OP (in what order to send resolution instruction signals to multiple remote monitoring devices 4), etc.

[0037] 4, the allocation processing unit 32 determines a remote monitoring device 4 to which an error resolution processing task for an error that has occurred in the operation device 2 is to be allocated, based on the processing policy 31a, skill data 31b, and information and processing status of an operator OP operating the remote monitoring device 4. The resolution instruction signal sending unit 33 sends a resolution instruction signal and error information to the remote monitoring device 4 determined by the allocation processing unit 32.

[0038] In FIG. 1 and FIG. 4, each of the multiple remote monitoring devices 4 is composed of, for example, a personal computer. Each remote monitoring device 4 includes a remote monitoring control unit 41, a monitor 42, and an input device 43. The remote monitoring control unit 41 includes a solution instruction signal receiving unit 44, an error information display control unit 45, and a solution operation signal sending unit 46. The solution instruction signal receiving unit 44 receives the solution instruction signal and error information sent from the management device 3. The error information display control unit 45 displays the error information received by the solution instruction signal receiving unit 44 on the monitor 42. The operator OP performs an error solution operation from the input device 43 while viewing image data of the error occurrence location included in the error information displayed on the monitor 42. The remote monitoring device 4 may be a tablet terminal or the like in addition to a personal computer.

[0039] 4, a resolution operation signal transmission unit 46 transmits a resolution operation signal based on an error resolution operation input by an operator OP from an input device 43 to the management device 3. When the management device 3 receives the resolution operation signal, it transmits (transfers) the received resolution operation signal to the operation device 2 that is the source of the error information (FIG. 2).

[0040] The operation device control unit 17 of the operation device 2 which is the sender of the error information receives the resolution operation information output by the remote monitoring device 4 (transferred via the management device 3) by the resolution operation signal receiving unit 24 (FIG. 2). Having received the resolution operation signal, the operation device control unit 17 operates a part related to the location where the error has occurred based on the received resolution operation signal.

[0041] When the error is thereby resolved, the operation device control unit 17 releases the interrupted state of the component mounting work, resumes the component mounting work, and transmits a signal to the management device 3 indicating that the error has been successfully resolved (recovered). On the other hand, if the error has not been resolved, a signal to the management device 3 indicating that the error has not been resolved (recovered). In other words, the operation device control unit 17 transmits information (recovery information) regarding whether or not recovery from the error has been achieved to the management device 3.

[0042] 4, the recovery determination unit 34 determines whether the maintenance device 2, which is the sender of the error information, has recovered from the error. For example, when recovery information is received indicating that the error resolution has failed, or when a predetermined timeout period has elapsed without a resolution instruction signal being sent to the remote monitoring device 4, it is determined that the maintenance device 2 has failed to recover from the error. When the recovery determination unit 34 determines that the maintenance device 2 has failed to recover from the error, the notification instruction signal sending unit 35 sends a notification instruction signal to the maintenance device 2, which is the sender of the error information.

[0043] The working device control unit 17 of the working device 2, which is the sender of the error information, receives the notification instruction signal output by the management device 3 by means of the notification instruction signal receiving unit 25 (FIG. 2). Upon receiving the notification instruction signal, the working device control unit 17 activates the buzzer 18 and releases the remote operation authority of the remote monitoring device 4, enabling the floor worker to operate the working device 2. The floor worker can eliminate (recover) an error that could not be eliminated by remote operation by directly operating the working device 2. Note that the means for notifying the floor worker of an error may be a visual notification by a signal light, in addition to an audible notification by the buzzer 18.

[0044] 4, the remote operation support device 5 includes a support storage unit 51, a data collection unit 52, a simulation unit 53, a display unit 54, and an input unit 55. The support storage unit 51 is a storage device, and stores a provisional processing policy 51a, remote environment information 51b, error record information 51c, work record information 51d, and a simulation result 51e. The provisional processing policy 51a includes a plurality of rules (processing policy 31a) for distributing an error that occurs in the operation device 2 to the operator OP or the remote monitoring device 4. The remote environment information 51b includes the number of remote monitoring devices 4 included in the remote operation system 1, information on the operator OP (skill data 31b), and the like.

[0045] The data collection unit 52 collects from the management device 3 information (error information) related to errors occurring in the multiple operation devices 2, information related to the resolution instruction signal transmitted to the remote monitoring device 4, information related to the resolution operation signal transmitted from the remote monitoring device 4, and information related to whether or not recovery from the error has been achieved (recovery information). The data collection unit 52 stores the collected error information in the support storage unit 51 as error performance information 51c. The data collection unit 52 also stores the collected recovery information in the support storage unit 51 as work performance information 51d. The data collection unit 52 also stores the collected information identifying the operator OP who operated the remote monitoring device 4 and performance information of the worker including performance information of processing for the error as remote environment information 51b in the support storage unit 51.

[0046] An example of error record information 51c will now be described with reference to Fig. 5. Error record information 51c includes, for each event number 61 that identifies an error that has occurred in operating device 2, an occurrence date 62, an occurrence time 63, an event type 64, a line 65, an apparatus 66, a location 67, a feeder address 68, and the like. The occurrence date 62 is the date on which the error occurred. The occurrence time 63 is the time at which the error occurred. The event type 64 is information that identifies the type of error that has occurred in operating device 2, such as a pickup error, a recognition error, or a mounting error.

[0047] Line 65 is information identifying the production line that includes the operating apparatus 2 in which the error occurred. Apparatus 66 is information identifying the operating apparatus 2 in which the error occurred. Location 67 is information identifying whether the position in which the error occurred is the front or rear of the operating apparatus 2. Feeder address 68 is information identifying the position of the tape feeder 13 in which the error occurred.

[0048] Next, an example of the work result information 51d will be described with reference to Fig. 6. The work result information 51d includes, for each event number 61, a start time 71, an end time 72, a processing result 73, a worker number 74, and the like. The start time 71 is the time when the remote operation for error recovery is started in the remote monitoring device 4. The end time 72 is the time when the remote operation for error recovery is ended in the remote monitoring device 4.

[0049] The processing result 73 is information for specifying whether or not the operating device 2 has recovered from the error as a result of remote operation. For example, "remote recovery" indicates that the operating device 2 has recovered from the error as a result of remote operation. "Remote abandonment" indicates that recovery from the error caused by remote operation has been abandoned, and the remote operation rights of the operating device 2 have been abandoned. "Timeout" indicates that the timeout time has elapsed without the remote operation being assigned to any remote monitoring device 4. In the case of "remote abandonment" and "timeout", a notification instruction signal is transmitted from the management device 3 to the operating device 2, and the error resolution processing work is performed by the floor worker. The worker number 74 is information for specifying the operator OP who performed the remote operation by the remote monitoring device 4.

[0050] Next, an example of skill data 31b included in remote environment information 51b will be described with reference to Fig. 7. In skill data 31b, an average time 75 of error resolution processing work (processing record) by remote operation is stored for each worker number 74. The average processing record time 75 is calculated for each event type 64. In this example, an average processing time 75a for pickup errors, an average processing time 75b for recognition errors, and an average processing time 75c for mounting errors are included. The processing time by remote operation for each event is calculated from a start time 71 and an end time 72 included in work record information 51d.

[0051] An item in which the average processing time 75 is blank (shown as "-" in the figure) indicates that the operator OP is not authorized to perform error resolution processing work for that type of error. For example, experienced operators OP1 and OP4 are authorized to perform error resolution processing work for all events. Intermediate operators OP3 and OP5 are authorized to perform pick-up errors and recognition errors, but are not authorized to perform error resolution processing work for mounting errors. Novice operator OP2 is authorized only for pick-up errors. The skill data 31b in the management memory unit 31 of the management device 3 is updated to the skill data 31b included in the work performance information 51d at a predetermined timing.

[0052] 4, a simulation unit 53 simulates whether an error occurring in the operation device 2 can be recovered by remote operation by the remote monitoring device 4, based on the simulation conditions, various information stored in the support storage unit 51, and a provisional processing policy 51a (given processing policy). The simulation conditions are input by an input unit 55 using, for example, a simulation condition setting screen displayed on a display unit 54.

[0053] 8, an example of a simulation condition setting screen 80 displayed on the display unit 54 will be described. The simulation condition setting screen 80 has a remote monitoring device number input frame 81, a timeout time input frame 82, a processing time collective setting frame 83, an individual processing time setting frame 84, a processing time operator designation frame 85, and a decision button 86.

[0054] The number of remote monitoring devices 4 included in the remote operation system 1 is set in the remote monitoring device number input box 81. The timeout time input box 82 is set as the maximum waiting time from when an error occurs in the operation device 2 until the error processing work by remote operation starts. The processing time collective setting box 83, the processing time individual setting box 84, and the processing time operator designation box 85 are exclusively selected using radio buttons.

[0055] 8, the same processing time is set for all events (error types) in the processing time collective setting frame 83. In the processing time individual setting frame 84, the processing time is set for each type of error using a pickup error setting frame 84a, a recognition error setting frame 84b, and a mounting error setting frame 84c. In the processing time operator designation frame 85, operators OP1 to OP6 who will perform error processing work in the remote monitoring device 4 are set. The simulation unit 53 executes the simulation using the average processing time 75 included in the skill data 31b of the set operators OP1 to OP6 as the processing time.

[0056] When the decision button 86 is operated, the simulation unit 53 simulates whether or not recovery is possible by remote operation by the remote monitoring device 4 when multiple errors (errors with event number 61) included in the error result information 51c occur at the occurrence time 63, based on the conditions set on the simulation condition setting screen 80. In this example, a simulation is performed by the simulation unit 53 under the conditions that there are three remote monitoring devices 4, the timeout time is 30 seconds, and operators OP1, OP2, and OP5 perform error resolution processing work, and the simulation result is stored in the support storage unit 51 as a simulation result 51e.

[0057] Next, an example of a simulation result display screen 90 including the simulation result 51e by the simulation unit 53 displayed on the display unit 54 will be described with reference to Fig. 9. The simulation result display screen 90 is provided with a simulation result display frame 91, a processing policy display frame 92, and a back button 93. When the back button 93 is operated, the screen returns to the simulation condition setting screen 80 shown in Fig. 8, and the simulation conditions can be changed.

[0058] The processing policy display frame 92 displays the contents of the provisional processing policy 51a used in the simulation. In this example, three rules are used. In rule 1, errors to be processed by remote operation are assigned in order to all operators OP, regardless of the proficiency of the operators OP. In rule 2, errors to be processed by remote operation are assigned preferentially to beginners. In rule 3, errors to be processed by remote operation are assigned preferentially to experts.

[0059] In Fig. 9, the simulation result display frame 91 displays, for each processing policy (rule), the number of applications, the number of errors that could be recovered from, the number of errors that could not be recovered from, the processing time, the processing time for recovery only, and the waiting time for all errors. The number of applications is the number of times that rule was applied. The processing time is the average processing time per error for the error resolution processing work. The processing time for recovery only is the average waiting time from when an error that could be recovered from occurs in the operation device 2 until the remote monitoring device 4 is assigned. The waiting time for all errors is the average waiting time for all errors, including errors that could not be recovered from by remote operation because the timeout time has elapsed since the error occurred in the operation device 2.

[0060] The simulation unit 53 judges whether an error occurring in the maintenance device 2 can be recovered by the remote monitoring device 4 as follows. That is, if an operator OP that matches the processing policy is available when an error occurs in the maintenance device 2, the simulation unit 53 assigns the error resolution processing work to the remote monitoring device 4 of that operator OP. Then, it is assumed that the error resolution processing work is completed after an average processing time of 75, the maintenance device 2 can recover from the error, and that operator OP becomes available. That is, it is judged that recovery from the error has been achieved.

[0061] Furthermore, if an operator OP capable of performing error resolution processing work is not available when an error occurs in the operation device 2, the simulation unit 53 waits until an operator OP becomes available. Then, if an operator OP becomes available within the timeout time (maximum waiting time), the simulation unit 53 assigns the error resolution processing work to that operator OP. Then, after an average processing time of 75, the error resolution processing work is completed, and the operation device 2 is determined to have been able to recover from the error. Furthermore, if an operator OP capable of performing error resolution processing work is not available during the timeout time, the simulation unit 53 determines that recovery from the error has not been possible.

[0062] In this way, the simulation unit 53 simulates the number of errors that can be recovered from, the number of errors that cannot be recovered from, and the waiting time from when an error occurs until the process of recovering from the error starts (waiting time for recovery only, waiting time for all cases). The simulation unit 53 simulates whether or not recovery is possible based on the maximum waiting time (timeout time) until the process of recovering from an error starts. Specifically, the simulation unit 53 determines that an error that exceeds the maximum waiting time is an error that cannot be recovered from. At that time, the simulation unit 53 calculates the waiting time for all cases, including errors that exceed the maximum waiting time.

[0063] Furthermore, simulation unit 53 simulates whether or not recovery from an error is possible based on the standard processing time required for processing to recover from an error (average time 75 of processing results, the processing time set in processing time collective setting frame 83, the processing time set in individual processing time setting frame 84, etc.). When set in individual processing time setting frame 84 or when average time 75 of processing results included in skill data 31b is used, the standard processing time is set for each type of error occurring in operation device 2.

[0064] That is, the simulation unit 53 simulates whether or not an error occurring in the operating device 2 can be recovered by the remote monitoring device 4 based on the collected performance information (skill data 31b) of the operators OP. Also, the simulation unit 53 simulates whether or not an error occurring in the operating device 2 can be recovered by the remote monitoring device 4 based on the number of remote monitoring devices 4 (or the number of operators OP).

[0065] The given processing policy (provisional processing policy 51a) includes information on an operator OP who preferentially distributes errors that occur in the operating device 2. In addition, the simulation unit 53 simulates whether or not recovery is possible based on information (skill data 31b) on an operator OP who can process each type of error that occurs in the operating device 2.

[0066] Next, a remote operation support method for supporting the remote operation system 1 by the remote operation support device 5 will be described along the flow of Fig. 10. First, the data collection unit 52 collects information (error record information 51c) related to errors that have occurred in a plurality of maintenance devices 2 (ST1: data collection step). Next, the simulation unit 53 simulates whether or not the remote monitoring device 4 can recover from an error that has occurred in the maintenance device 2 based on the collected error record information 51c and a given processing policy (provisional processing policy 51a) (ST2: simulation step). This makes it possible to predict whether or not the processing policy is appropriate.

[0067] As described above, the remote operation support device 5 of this embodiment includes a data collection unit 52 that collects information (error record information 51c) about errors that occur in a plurality of maintenance devices 2, and a simulation unit 53 that simulates whether or not an error that occurs in the maintenance device 2 can be restored by the remote monitoring device 4 based on the collected information about the error and a given processing policy (provisional processing policy 51a), and supports a remote operation system 1 that includes a plurality of maintenance devices 2, a plurality of remote monitoring devices 4, and a management device 3. This makes it possible to predict whether or not the processing policy is appropriate.

[0068] In the above description, the remote operation system 1 is configured such that the management device 3 and the remote operation support device 5 are separate devices, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the management device 3 may have the functions of the remote operation support device 5. That is, any device in the remote operation system 1 may have a data collection unit 52 that collects information (error record information 51c) about errors that have occurred in a plurality of operation devices 2, and a simulation unit 53 that simulates whether or not the remote monitoring device 4 can recover from an error that has occurred in the operation device 2 based on the collected information about the error and a given processing policy (provisional processing policy 51a).

[0069] The remote operation support device 5 may be separate from the remote operation system 1. The management device 3 may include a data collection unit 52, and the simulation unit 53 may be provided in a device separate from the remote operation system 1 or on a cloud. [Industrial Applicability]

[0070] INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The remote operation assistance device, remote operation system, and remote operation assistance method of the present invention have the effect of being able to predict whether a processing policy is appropriate, and are useful in the field of mounting components on a board. [Explanation of symbols]

[0071] 1 Remote Operation System 2. Working Equipment 3 Management device 4. Remote monitoring equipment 5. Remote operation support device

Claims

1. A remote operation support device that supports a remote operation system including a plurality of maintenance devices, a plurality of remote monitoring devices that remotely process errors that occur in the maintenance devices, and a management device that distributes errors that occur in the maintenance devices to any one of the plurality of remote monitoring devices based on a processing policy, A data collection unit that collects information regarding errors that have occurred in the plurality of operating devices; a simulation unit that simulates whether or not an error occurring in the maintenance device can be recovered by the remote monitoring device based on the collected information about the error and a given processing policy.

2. The remote operation support device according to claim 1 , wherein the simulation unit simulates at least one of the number of errors that can be recovered from, the number of errors that cannot be recovered from, and a waiting time from when an error occurs until a process for recovering from the error is started.

3. 3. The remote operation support device according to claim 1, wherein the simulation unit simulates whether or not recovery is possible based on a standard processing time required for a process of recovering from an error.

4. The remote operation support device according to claim 3 , wherein the standard processing time is set for each type of error that occurs in the maintenance device.

5. 3. The remote operation support device according to claim 1, wherein the simulation unit simulates whether or not recovery is possible based on a maximum waiting time until a process for recovering from an error is started.

6. The remote operation support device according to claim 5 , wherein the simulation unit determines an error that exceeds the maximum waiting time as an error that cannot be recovered from.

7. The remote operation support device according to claim 5 , wherein the simulation unit calculates the waiting time including an error exceeding the maximum waiting time.

8. 3. The remote operation support device according to claim 1, wherein the simulation unit simulates whether an error occurring in the operation device can be recovered by the remote monitoring device, based on the number of remote monitoring devices.

9. The data collection unit further collects information for identifying an operator who operated the remote monitoring device and performance information of the operator including performance information of a process for handling an error; 3. The remote operation support device according to claim 1, wherein the simulation unit simulates whether or not an error occurring in the maintenance device can be recovered by the remote monitoring device, based on the collected performance information of the operator.

10. The plurality of remote monitoring devices are operated by different operators; 10. The remote operation support device according to claim 9, wherein the simulation unit simulates whether or not recovery is possible based on information from an operator who preferentially allocates errors that occur in the maintenance device.

11. The plurality of remote monitoring devices are operated by different operators; The remote operation support device according to claim 9 , wherein the simulation unit simulates whether or not recovery is possible based on information about an operator who can process each type of error occurring in the maintenance device.

12. A data collection unit that collects information regarding errors that occur in the working device; A remote operation support device comprising: a simulation unit that simulates whether an error occurring in the operation device can be recovered by processing from a remote monitoring device based on the collected information regarding the error and a given processing policy.

13. A remote operation system including a plurality of maintenance devices, a plurality of remote monitoring devices that remotely process errors that occur in the maintenance devices, and a management device that distributes errors that occur in the maintenance devices to any one of the plurality of remote monitoring devices based on a processing policy, A data collection unit that collects information regarding errors that have occurred in the plurality of operating devices; a simulation unit that simulates whether or not an error occurring in the maintenance device can be recovered by the remote monitoring device based on the collected information about the error and a given processing policy.

14. A remote operation support method for supporting a remote operation system including a plurality of maintenance devices, a plurality of remote monitoring devices that remotely process errors that occur in the maintenance devices, and a management device that distributes errors that occur in the maintenance devices to any one of the plurality of remote monitoring devices based on a processing policy, comprising: Collecting information regarding errors occurring in the plurality of operating devices; A remote operation support method comprising: simulating whether or not an error occurring in the maintenance device can be recovered by the remote monitoring device, based on the collected information about the error and a given processing policy.

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