Knowledge management device, knowledge management method, and knowledge management program

Abstract

To provide a knowledge management device capable of efficiently managing knowledge information relating to a work process of a worker.SOLUTION: A knowledge management device includes: an acquisition unit that acquires work information of a work process of a worker; a determination unit that determines a work state of the worker on the basis of the work information acquired by the acquisition unit; a question generation unit that generates a question sentence relating to the work state of the worker on the basis of a determination result of the determination unit; an inquiry unit that transmits the question sentence generated by the question generation unit and receives an answer to the question sentence; and an information registration unit that registers, in a storage unit, knowledge information in which the work process and the answer received by the inquiry unit are associated with each other.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a knowledge management device, a knowledge management method, and a knowledge management program for managing knowledge information on tasks performed by workers. [Background technology]

[0002] Traditionally, knowledge about work processes has typically been transferred and learned through manufacturing instructions, guidance from experienced predecessors, or through training and other educational mechanisms.

[0003] However, the tacit knowledge is extremely diverse, and it is difficult to formalize and communicate it one by one by hand.

[0004] In this regard, for example, Patent Document 1 proposes a method for sharing tacit knowledge, and Patent Document 2 proposes a method for collecting information and creating a database. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] JP 2002-312375 A [Patent Document 2] JP 2003-196203 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] On the other hand, knowledge about work processes is diverse, and further improvements are needed in terms of managing them efficiently.

[0007] The present disclosure is intended to solve the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a knowledge management device, a knowledge management method, and a knowledge management program that are capable of efficiently managing knowledge information related to workers' work processes. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] A knowledge management device according to an example of the present disclosure includes an acquisition unit that acquires work information of a work process of a worker, a determination unit that determines the work status of the worker based on the work information acquired by the acquisition unit, a question generation unit that generates a question regarding the work status of the worker based on a determination result of the determination unit, an inquiry unit that transmits the question generated by the question generation unit and receives an answer to the question, and an information registration unit that registers knowledge information that associates the work process with the answer received by the inquiry unit in a storage unit. With this configuration, the work status of the worker is determined, a question is generated based on the determination result, and knowledge information that associates the received answer with the work process is registered in the storage unit, making it possible to efficiently manage knowledge information regarding the work process of the worker.

[0009] The knowledge management device further includes an analysis unit that analyzes the work information acquired by the acquisition unit to generate work status information. The determination unit determines the work status of the worker based on a comparison between the work status information generated by the analysis unit and index reference information that indicates an index reference for the worker's work process. With this configuration, the work status of the worker can be determined in a simple manner based on a comparison between the work status information generated by the analysis unit and the index reference information.

[0010] The knowledge management device further includes an index reference registration unit that registers the index reference information. With this configuration, since the index reference information can be registered, it is possible to efficiently manage knowledge information related to the work processes of workers.

[0011] The knowledge management device further includes an explanatory information registration unit that registers explanatory information related to the work process. The question generation unit generates a question about the work status of the worker based on the determination result of the determination unit and the explanatory information. With this configuration, it is possible to generate a question based on the explanatory information, thereby improving the degree of freedom of the question and efficiently managing knowledge information related to the work process of the worker.

[0012] The knowledge management device further includes an information presentation unit that presents the knowledge information registered in the storage unit to the worker. With this configuration, the knowledge information can be presented to the worker, thereby improving the work process of the worker.

[0013] The knowledge management device further includes a related party registration unit that registers information on related parties involved in the work process of the worker. The inquiry unit transmits a question based on the related party information. With this configuration, since the related party information can be registered, it is possible to transmit a question to an appropriate related party in a simple manner.

[0014] The knowledge management device further includes a shaping unit that determines whether or not to register the answer received by the inquiry unit as new knowledge information. The information registration unit registers knowledge information that associates the work process with the answer received by the inquiry unit based on a determination result of the shaping unit in the storage unit. With this configuration, the shaping unit determines whether or not to register the knowledge information as new knowledge information, making it possible to efficiently manage appropriate knowledge information.

[0015] The shaping unit performs a similarity determination based on natural language processing on the answer received by the inquiry unit and the knowledge information registered in the storage unit, and determines whether or not to register the information as new knowledge information based on the similarity determination result. With this configuration, it is possible to easily determine whether or not to register the information as new knowledge information based on the similarity determination result by the similarity determination based on natural language processing, and therefore it is possible to efficiently manage knowledge information related to the work processes of workers.

[0016] A knowledge management method according to the present disclosure includes the steps of acquiring work information of a worker's work process, judging the worker's work status based on the acquired work information, generating a question about the worker's work status based on the judgment result, transmitting the generated question, receiving an answer to the question, and registering knowledge information that associates the work process with the received answer in a storage unit. With this configuration, the work status of the worker is judged, a question is generated based on the judgment result, and knowledge information that associates the received answer with the work process is registered in the storage unit, making it possible to efficiently manage knowledge information about the worker's work process.

[0017] A knowledge management program according to the present disclosure is a knowledge management program that causes a computer to execute a knowledge management method, and includes the steps of acquiring work information of a worker's work process, judging the worker's work status based on the acquired work information, generating a question about the worker's work status based on the judgment result, transmitting the generated question, receiving an answer to the question, and registering knowledge information that associates the work process with the received answer in a storage unit. With this configuration, it is possible to efficiently manage knowledge information about the worker's work process by judging the worker's work status, generating a question based on the judgment result, and registering knowledge information that associates the received answer with the work process in the storage unit. Effect of the Invention

[0018] According to the knowledge management device, the knowledge management method, and the knowledge management program of the present disclosure, it is possible to efficiently manage knowledge information related to the work processes of workers. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0019] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a knowledge management system 1 according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2]FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a server 20 according to an embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating functional blocks of a server 20 according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a flow diagram illustrating processing of a server 20 according to the embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 11 is a subroutine flow diagram illustrating a determination process of a determination unit 115 according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a related party table according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an explanation information table according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an index reference table according to an embodiment. [Figure 9] 11 is a diagram illustrating a determination process of a determination unit 115 according to an embodiment. FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a work data table which is work status information according to the embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a knowledge data table according to the embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an inquiry screen by an inquiry unit 117 according to the embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating the presentation of knowledge information by an information presenter 118 according to an embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating another inquiry screen by inquiry unit 117 according to the embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 11 is another diagram illustrating the presentation of knowledge information by the information presenter 118 according to the embodiment. [Figure 16] 11A to 11C are diagrams illustrating the processing of a shaping unit 120 according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0020] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are designated by the same reference characters and the description thereof will not be repeated.

[0021] (Overall composition) A configuration of a knowledge management system 1 according to an embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining a configuration of the knowledge management system 1 according to an embodiment. Referring to FIG. 1, the knowledge management system 1 includes a projector 10, a server 20, a camera 30, the server 20, and network-connected terminals 50, 52, and 54. The projector 10 and the camera 30 are each connected to the server 20. As an example, a case is shown in which an operator performs a product assembly process using a workpiece W placed on a workbench TB. As an example, the assembly process is a process in which a product is assembled by processing slider attachment, screw tightening work, and cover attachment in that order. As an example, the operator performs screw tightening work using a screwdriver DR. A case in which an operator repeatedly performs the product assembly process will be described.

[0022] As an example, the projector 10 projects (outputs) information about a predetermined task onto a projection area DP that is a part of the worktable TB. The camera 30 captures an image of a predetermined task state of a worker and outputs the captured image data to the server 20 as task information.

[0023] The server 20 acquires the captured image data input via the camera 30 as work information, judges the work status of the worker based on the acquired work information, and generates a question about the work status of the worker based on the judgment result. The server 20 also transmits the generated question, receives a response to the question, and registers knowledge information that associates the work process with the received response in a storage unit.

[0024] In this embodiment, a case where a worker performs an assembly process will be described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this and may be applied to a case where a worker performs another process, such as a drilling process or a conveying process.

[0025] In this example, a case where information on work instructions for a predetermined work is projected (output) onto the projection area DP using the projector 10 will be described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, a display device may be used instead of the projector 10 to present information on work instructions for a predetermined work to a worker. Also, in this example, a case where information on work instructions for a predetermined work is visually presented will be described, but for example, the information may be presented to a worker by voice using a speaker. Alternatively, a speaker and the projector 10 may be used in combination.

[0026] The terminals 50, 52, 54 are connected to the server 20 via a network, and are configured to be able to respond to questions about the work status of workers sent from the server 20. The terminals 50, 52, 54 are terminals respectively associated with the relevant persons MA, MB, MC described later.

[0027] In this example, a case will be described in which three terminals are connected to the server 20, but a configuration in which more terminals are connected, or a configuration in which only one terminal is connected, may also be used.

[0028] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the configuration of the server 20 according to the embodiment. Referring to FIG. 2, the server 20 typically has a structure according to a general-purpose computer architecture. Specifically, the server 20 includes a processor 101 such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (Micro-Processing Unit), a memory 102, a storage 103, a display controller 104, an input interface 105, and a communication interface 106. These components are connected to each other via a bus so as to be able to perform data communication. The processor 101 realizes various processes according to the present embodiment by expanding various programs stored in the storage 103 into the memory 102 and executing them. The memory 102 is typically a volatile storage device such as a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) and stores programs read from the storage 103, etc. The storage 103 is typically a non-volatile magnetic storage device such as a hard disk drive. The storage 103 stores a knowledge management program 131 executed by the processor 101. The storage 103 also stores work information 132, knowledge information 133, index reference information 134, related person information 135, and explanation information 136. The work information 132 is data related to the work status of the worker in response to the work instruction transmitted from the camera 30 received via the communication interface 106. The knowledge information 133 is data registered by the information registration unit 119, and is data related to knowledge that associates the work process with the received answer when an answer to a question is received. The index reference information 134 is data registered by the index reference registration unit 111, and is information indicating the index reference of the worker's work process. For example, the index reference information 134 includes information indicating the index reference regarding the time of the slider installation work corresponding to the slider installation. The index reference information 134 includes information indicating the index reference regarding the screw tightening work corresponding to the screw and the time of the cover installation work corresponding to the cover. The related person information 135 is data registered by the related person registration unit 114, and is information on the contact information of the related person who sends a question regarding the worker's work process.The explanatory information 136 is data registered by the explanatory information registration unit 113, and is information used by the question generation unit 116 when generating a question.

[0029] Various programs installed in the storage 103 are distributed in a state stored in a memory card or the like. The display controller 104 is connected to the projector 10, and outputs a signal for displaying various information to the projector 10 according to an internal command from the processor 101. The input interface 105 may mediate data transmission from input devices such as a keyboard, a mouse, a touch panel, a dedicated console, etc., although not shown. The communication interface 106 mediates data transmission between the processor 101 and an external device (for example, the camera 30). The communication interface 106 typically includes Ethernet (registered trademark) and USB (Universal Serial Bus). The various programs stored in the storage 103 may be downloaded from a distribution server or the like via the communication interface 106.

[0030] When using a computer having a structure conforming to the above-mentioned general-purpose computer architecture, an OS (Operating System) for providing basic computer functions may be installed in addition to an application for providing the functions according to this embodiment. In this case, the program according to this embodiment may execute processing by calling necessary modules among program modules provided as part of the OS in a predetermined order and timing. That is, the program according to this embodiment itself may not include the above-mentioned modules, and may execute processing in cooperation with the OS. Alternatively, some or all of the functions provided by the execution of the knowledge management program 131 may be implemented as a dedicated hardware circuit.

[0031] Fig. 3 is a diagram illustrating the functional blocks of server 20 according to the embodiment. Referring to Fig. 3, server 20 constitutes a knowledge management device, and includes a task information acquisition unit 110, an index reference registration unit 111, an analysis unit 112, an explanation information registration unit 113, a related person registration unit 114, a determination unit 115, a question generation unit 116, an inquiry unit 117, an information presentation unit 118, an information registration unit 119, and a formatting unit 120. Each functional block is realized by processor 101 executing knowledge management program 131.

[0032] The work information acquisition unit 110 acquires work information on the work process of the worker. Specifically, the work information acquisition unit 110 acquires image data of the work process of the worker from the camera 30, and stores the image data in the storage 103 as work information 132.

[0033] The index reference registration unit 111 registers index reference information 134 indicating index references for the work process of a worker in the storage 103, for example, according to input by the manager. Note that, in this example, as an example, a case where the manager registers the index reference information 134 in the storage 103 in advance will be described, but this is not limited thereto, and the information may be downloaded from an external device connected to the server 20 and registered in the storage 103, and there is no particular limitation on the method of registration.

[0034] The analysis unit 112 analyzes the work information 132 stored in the storage 103 based on the work information 132, and generates work status information for the work instruction of the worker. The analysis unit 112 analyzes the work information 132, which is image data of the work status of the worker input via the camera 30, and generates the analysis result as work status information.

[0035] The explanatory information registration unit 113 registers explanatory information 136 relating to task indicators and task processes in the storage 103, for example, according to input from an administrator. Note that, in this example, a case where the administrator registers explanatory information 136 in advance in the storage 103 will be described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the information may be downloaded from an external device connected to the server 20 and registered in the storage 103, and there is no particular limitation on the method of registration.

[0036] The determination unit 115 determines the work state of the worker based on the work information 132 acquired by the work information acquisition unit 110. Specifically, the determination unit 115 determines the work state of the worker based on a comparison between the work state information generated by the analysis unit 112 and index standard information 134 indicating index standards for the work process of the worker.

[0037] The related person registration unit 114 registers information about related persons involved in the work process of the worker as related person information 135 in the storage 103 according to, for example, an input by the administrator. The related person information 135 is contact data that is information about related persons for inquiring about the reason why the index standard is exceeded according to the determination result of the work state of the worker by the determination unit 115. Note that in this example, as an example, a case will be described in which the administrator registers the related person information 135 in the storage 103 in advance, but this is not limited to this, and the information may be downloaded from an external device connected to the server 20 and registered in the storage 103, and there is no particular limitation on the method of registration.

[0038] The question generation unit 116 generates a question about the working status of the worker based on the determination result of the determination unit 115. Specifically, the question generation unit 116 generates a question about the working status of the worker based on the determination result of the determination unit 115 and the explanation information 136. The inquiry unit 117 transmits the question generated by the question generation unit 116 and receives an answer to the question. Specifically, the inquiry unit 117 transmits the question based on the related person information 135.

[0039] The shaping unit 120 judges whether or not to register the answer received by the inquiry unit 117 as new knowledge information. Specifically, the shaping unit 120 performs a similarity judgment according to natural language processing on the answer received by the inquiry unit 117 and the knowledge information 133 registered in the storage 103, and judges whether or not to register the answer as new knowledge information based on the similarity judgment result. As an example, the shaping unit 120 generates data converted from the answer received by the inquiry unit 117 into vector information according to natural language processing, and judges whether or not to register the answer as new knowledge information based on the similarity judgment using the vector information. There are various methods for similarity judgment, and it is also possible to adopt a method that does not use vector information. For example, an external server having a large-scale language model may be requested to judge the similarity between the answer received by the inquiry unit 117 and the knowledge information 133 registered in the storage 103, and the judgment result may be acquired.

[0040] The information registration unit 119 registers the knowledge information 133 in which the work process is associated with the answer received by the inquiry unit 117 in the storage 103. Specifically, the information registration unit 119 registers the knowledge information 133 in which the work process is associated with the answer received by the inquiry unit 117 based on the judgment result of the shaping unit 120 in the storage 103. In this regard, when the shaping unit 120 judges that the answer received by the inquiry unit 117 is new knowledge information, the information registration unit 119 registers the knowledge information 133 in which the work process is associated with the answer received by the inquiry unit 117 in the storage 103. On the other hand, when the shaping unit 120 judges that the answer received by the inquiry unit 117 is not new knowledge information, the information registration unit 119 does not register the knowledge information 133 in which the work process is associated with the answer received by the inquiry unit 117 in the storage 103. The information registration unit 119, which will be described later, registers knowledge information 133 including data of the converted vector information generated by the shaping unit 120 in the storage 103. Note that in this example, as an example, a case will be described in which the information registration unit 119 registers knowledge information 133 in which a work process is associated with the answer received by the inquiry unit 117 in the storage 103 when the answer received by the inquiry unit 117 as a result of the determination by the shaping unit 120 is new knowledge information; however, all answers received by the inquiry unit 117 may be registered in the storage 103 as knowledge information 133.

[0041] The information presenting unit 118 presents to the worker the knowledge information 133 stored in the storage 103. The information presenting unit 118 projects (outputs) the knowledge information 133 onto the projection region DP via the projector 10, for example.

[0042] FIG. 4 is a flow diagram for explaining the processing of the server 20 according to the embodiment. Referring to FIG. 4, the server 20 acquires the work information of the worker (step S2). Specifically, the work information acquisition unit 110 acquires image data of the work process of the worker from the camera 30, and stores the image data in the storage 103 as the work information 132. Next, the server 20 analyzes the work information stored in the storage 103 (step S4). The analysis unit 112 analyzes the work information 132, which is image data of the work state of the worker input via the camera 30, and generates the analysis result as work status information. As an example, the work status information is the time (measurement value) of the work process of the worker. For example, when a certain work process includes a plurality of processes (elements), the time (measurement value) for each process (element) is measured. Note that the work status information includes various information related to the work of the worker in addition to the measurement value of the work process of the worker. Specifically, the work status information includes a worker ID that identifies the worker, a process ID that identifies the work process, and an element ID that identifies the process (element) of the process. The worker ID, the process ID, and the element ID can be identified by image analysis based on a comparison between the image data of the working state and the reference data serving as a comparison standard. For example, the worker can be identified by image comparison between the image of the worker serving as a comparison standard and the image of the worker included in the image data of the working state. The same applies to the process ID and the element ID. In this example, the case where the worker ID, the process ID, and the element ID are obtained by image analysis will be described, but this is not limited to this, and for example, the worker himself may input the worker ID, the process ID, and the element ID. As an example, the time (measured value) of the worker's work process in this example may be measured by referring to the image data from when the worker grasps the workpiece W to when he places it on the workbench TB. Alternatively, a sensor for detecting the work may be used to measure the measured time of the sensor. For example, a sensor may be provided in the screwdriver DR, and the work time of the screw tightening work may be measured based on the time when the screwdriver DR is grasped and the time when the screwdriver DR is released according to the detection signal of the sensor. The above is an example, and the measured time may be obtained according to another method.

[0043] Next, the server 20 judges the work status (step S6). Specifically, the judgment unit 115 judges the work status of the worker based on a comparison between the work status information generated by the analysis unit 112 and index standard information 134 indicating an index standard for the work process of the worker. For example, a case where the index standard for the work process is set to be within a predetermined period will be described. The judgment unit 115 compares the time (measured value) of the work process with the predetermined period and judges whether the time (measured value) of the work process is included within the predetermined period. The processing of the judgment unit 115 will be described later.

[0044] Next, the server 20 generates a question based on the judgment result (step S8). Specifically, the question generator 116 generates a question about the work status of the worker based on the judgment result of the judgment unit 115 and the explanation information 136 stored in the storage 103. In this regard, the question generator 116 generates a question when the judgment result of the judgment unit 115 determines that the work status is nonstandard work. On the other hand, the question generator 116 does not generate a question when the judgment result of the judgment unit 115 determines that the work status is normal work. In this case, the process proceeds to step S18 again, and returns to step S2 if the work is not completed. When the judgment result of the judgment unit 115 determines that the work status is nonstandard work and the time (measured value) of the work process exceeds a predetermined period, the question generator 116 generates a question asking about an improvement plan for the work. On the other hand, when the judgment unit 115 judges that the work status is non-standard work and the time (measured value) of the work process is less than a predetermined period, the question generation unit 116 generates a question sentence asking for tips on why the work is appropriate.

[0045] Next, when the determination unit 115 determines that the work status is a non-standard work as a result of the determination, the server 20 transmits a question (step S10). Specifically, the inquiry unit 117 transmits the question generated by the question generation unit 116 based on the related person information 135.

[0046] Next, the server 20 judges whether or not an answer has been received (step S12). Specifically, the inquiry unit 117 judges whether or not an answer has been received from the transmission destination of the question text. In step S12, the server 20 maintains the state of step S12 until an answer is received. In step S12, when the server 20 receives an answer (YES in step S12), the server 20 formats the answer (step S14). Specifically, the formatting unit 120 judges whether or not to register the answer as new knowledge information. The formatting unit 120 performs a similarity judgment according to natural language processing on the answer received by the inquiry unit and the knowledge information 133 registered in the storage 103, and judges whether or not to register the answer as new knowledge information based on the similarity judgment result. Next, the server 20 registers the answer information as knowledge information (step S16). Specifically, the information registration unit 119 registers in the storage 103 the knowledge information 133 in which the work process and the answer received by the inquiry unit 117 are associated with each other. In this regard, the information registration unit 119 registers in the storage 103 the knowledge information 133 in which the work process is associated with the answer received by the query unit 117 based on the judgment result of the shaping unit 120. When the shaping unit 120 judges that the answer received by the query unit 117 is new knowledge information, the information registration unit 119 registers in the storage 103 the knowledge information 133 in which the work process is associated with the answer received by the query unit 117. When the shaping unit 120 judges that the answer received by the query unit 117 is not new knowledge information, the information registration unit 119 does not register in the storage 103 the knowledge information 133 in which the work process is associated with the answer received by the query unit 117. Next, the server 20 judges whether the work has been completed (step S18).

[0047] In step S18, if the server 20 determines that the worker has finished the work (YES in step S18), the server 20 ends the process (END). For example, the server 20 may determine that the work has finished when the worker leaves the workbench TB based on image data from the camera 30.

[0048] On the other hand, in step S18, if the server 20 determines that the work is not completed (NO in step S18), the process returns to step S2 and the above-mentioned process is repeated.

[0049] FIG. 5 is a subroutine flow diagram for explaining the judgment process of the judgment unit 115 according to the embodiment. Referring to FIG. 5, the judgment unit 115 acquires index reference information (step S20). Specifically, the judgment unit 115 acquires index reference information corresponding to the work process by referring to the index reference information 134 stored in the storage 103. For example, when a screw tightening work is being performed in an assembly process, information on the index of the screw tightening work is acquired. Next, the judgment unit 115 judges whether the measurement value is within a predetermined period according to the acquired index reference information (step S22). When the judgment unit 115 judges in step S22 that the measurement value is within the predetermined period, it judges that the work is a normal work (step S26). In this case, the process proceeds to the next "P". That is, the process proceeds to step S18 in FIG. 4. On the other hand, when the judgment unit 115 judges in step S22 that the measurement value is not within the predetermined period, it judges that the work state is a non-standard work (step S24). Then, the process ends (returns).

[0050] In this case, there are two cases in which a work process is judged to be outside the standard: when the work process time (measured value) exceeds a predetermined period, and when the work process time (measured value) is less than a predetermined period.

[0051] As described above, in the case of non-standard work, the content of the question differs depending on whether the work process time (measured value) exceeds the specified period or not. Also, in the knowledge data table described below, a status ("Bad") is registered in response to the answer to the question when the work process time (measured value) exceeds the specified period in the case of non-standard work. In the knowledge data table described below, a status ("Good") is registered in response to the answer to the question when the work process time (measured value) is less than the specified period in the case of non-standard work.

[0052] In this example, the determination unit 115 determines whether the time (measured value) of the work process is within a predetermined period or not as an example of the determination process, but the determination process of the determination unit 115 differs depending on the content of the work process. For example, in the case of a drilling process, the determination unit 115 may determine whether the size of the hole is within an index standard. Also, in the case of a conveying process, the determination unit 115 may determine whether the conveying speed is within an index standard or not.

[0053] (Register related party information) The related person table showing the related person information 135 registered by the related person registration unit 114 will be described.

[0054] Fig. 6 is a diagram for explaining a related party table according to an embodiment. Referring to Fig. 6, in the related party table, related party IDs are associated with process IDs. Specifically, related party MA is associated with the assembly A process. Related party MB is associated with the drilling B process. Related party MC is associated with the transportation C process.

[0055] The inquiry unit 117 refers to the related party table, acquires the contact information (email address or connection information) of the related party ID corresponding to the corresponding process ID, and inquires the terminal of the related party ID about the question. For example, a question about a worker working in the assembly A process is sent to the related party MA. Specifically, the inquiry unit 117 sends the question to the terminal 50 of the related party MA. The inquiry unit 117 receives a response from the related party MA via the terminal 50. Also, a question about a worker working in the drilling B process is sent to the related party MB. Specifically, the inquiry unit 117 sends the question to the terminal 52 of the related party MB. The inquiry unit 117 receives a response from the related party MB via the terminal 52. Also, a question about a worker working in the transportation C process is sent to the related party MC. Specifically, the inquiry unit 117 sends the question to the terminal 54 of the related party MC. The inquiry unit 117 receives a response from the related party MC via the terminal 54. As an example, a case where information on one related person is associated with each process ID is shown, but the present invention is not limited to this and information on multiple related people may be associated. Also, as an example, a case where contact information is different for each process ID is shown, but information on the same related person may be associated.

[0056] (Explanatory information registration) The explanation information table showing the explanation information 136 registered by the explanation information registration unit 113 will be described.

[0057] FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining an explanatory information table according to an embodiment. Referring to FIG. 7, in the explanatory information table, explanatory information is associated with a process ID. Specifically, explanatory information of a process for assembling a product by processing slider attachment, screw tightening work, and cover attachment in that order as elements indicating the process steps is associated with an assembly A process. Similarly, explanatory information is associated and registered with the respective corresponding processes of drilling B and conveying C. A question generating unit 116 generates a question regarding the working status of the worker based on the determination result of the determining unit 115 and explanatory information 136 stored in the storage 103.

[0058] (Index Standard Registration) The index reference table indicating the index reference information 134 registered by the index reference registration unit 111 will be described.

[0059] Fig. 8 is a diagram for explaining an index reference table according to an embodiment. Referring to Fig. 8, in the index reference table, lower and upper threshold values ​​and units are associated with an element ID. Also, a good index is associated. The good index is an index that indicates which range is good for values ​​outside the range of the lower and upper threshold values.

[0060] For example, when the index "lower" is registered, it indicates that the range of values ​​below the lower limit is good, and when the index "upper" is registered, it indicates that the range of values ​​above the upper limit is good.

[0061] Specifically, slider installation A1, screw tightening work A2, and cover installation A3 are registered as element IDs.

[0062] Corresponding to the slider attachment A1 are a lower limit value 1, an upper limit value 3, a unit of seconds (sec), and a goodness index lower. In the case of the slider attachment A1, the range of 1 to 3 seconds as the work time is the index standard, and if it is less than 1 second, it is shown to be good (Good) above the standard.

[0063] A lower limit of 3, an upper limit of 7, a unit of seconds (sec), and a goodness index lower correspond to the screw tightening task A2. In the case of the screw tightening task A2, the task time range of 3 to 7 seconds is the index standard, and a task time of less than 3 seconds is shown to be better than the standard (Good).

[0064] A lower limit value of 1, an upper limit value of 5, a unit of seconds (sec), and a goodness index lower correspond to the cover installation A3. In the case of cover installation A3, the range of 1 to 5 seconds as the work time is the index standard, and a time of less than 1 second indicates that the work is better than the standard (Good).

[0065] In this example, we will explain the case where slider installation A1, screw tightening work A2, and cover installation A3 are registered as element IDs, but index standards are also registered for other processes such as hole drilling B and transportation C.

[0066] As an example, the determination unit 115 refers to the index reference table, acquires the index reference information 134 of the corresponding element ID, and determines whether the measurement value is within a predetermined period. For example, when the measurement value corresponding to the screw tightening work A2 is 2 seconds, the determination unit 115 determines that the work is out of the standard (Good). For example, when the measurement value corresponding to the screw tightening work A2 is 10 seconds, the determination unit 115 determines that the work is out of the standard (Bad).

[0067] (Decision making process) Fig. 9 is a diagram for explaining the judgment process of the judgment unit 115 according to the embodiment. Referring to Fig. 9, in this example, as an example, a result when a screw tightening operation A2 is performed multiple times is shown. In this example, a case where the threshold is set between 3 s and 7 s is shown. As an example, a value outside the threshold (10 seconds) is shown. As an example, when the time (measured value) of the work process is a value outside the predetermined period (10 seconds), the judgment unit 115 judges it to be a non-standard work (Bad), generates a question, and asks the relevant person MA.

[0068] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a work data table, which is work status information according to an embodiment. Referring to FIG. 10, the analysis unit 112 analyzes the work information 132 to generate the work data table. In this example, work data related to each process is registered for each time. A case is shown in which a worker ID, a process ID, an element ID, and a measurement value are registered in association with each other in correspondence with time. In addition, image data from the camera 30 acquired as work information, i.e., video data, may also be registered in association with each other. Then, the inquiry unit 117 may inquire of the relevant person by associating the registered video data with the question generated by the question generation unit 116. This allows the relevant person to easily check the work according to the video data.

[0069] In this example, a case is shown in which the worker X repeatedly performs the slider installation A1, screw tightening work A2, and cover installation A3 of assembly A in succession. Specifically, a case is shown in which the worker ID "X", the process ID "assembly A", the element ID "slider installation A1", and the measurement value "4" are associated and registered in correspondence with the time "2023-11-10T09:11:02". A case is shown in which the worker ID "X", the process ID "assembly A", the element ID "screw tightening work A2", and the measurement value "10" are associated and registered in correspondence with the time "2023-11-10T09:11:03". A case is shown in which the worker ID "X", the process ID "assembly A", the element ID "cover installation A3", and the measurement value "3" are associated and registered in correspondence with the time "2023-11-10T09:11:04". This shows a case in which worker ID "X", process ID "assembly A", element ID "slider installation A1", and measurement value "3" are registered in association with the time "2023-11-10T09:11:05".

[0070] (Knowledge information registration) The information registration unit 119 registers the knowledge information 133, which associates the work process with the answer received by the inquiry unit 117, in the storage 103. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a knowledge data table showing the knowledge information 133 registered by the information registration unit 119.

[0071] FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining a knowledge data table according to an embodiment. Referring to FIG. 11, in the knowledge data table, an element ID, a worker ID, a state, and knowledge are registered in association with each other in correspondence with a process ID. Specifically, a case is shown in which an element ID "screw tightening work A2", a worker ID "X", a state "Bad", and knowledge "put the screwdriver straight down" are registered in association with each other in correspondence with a process ID "assembly A". A case is shown in which an element ID "screw tightening work A2", a worker ID "X", a state "Bad", and knowledge "raise the screwdriver to the left" are registered in association with each other in correspondence with a process ID "assembly A". A case is shown in which an element ID "screw tightening work A2", a worker ID "Y", a state "Good", and knowledge "adjust the posture so that the center of the body, elbow, and screwdriver form a triangle" are registered in association with each other in correspondence with a process ID "assembly A".

[0072] In addition, the data table is not limited to this, and the question text may also be associated and registered, and meta information such as the ID of the person who answered, the index used for the judgment, and product information may also be associated and registered.

[0073] (Inquiry screen) Fig. 12 is a diagram illustrating an inquiry screen by inquiry unit 117 according to the embodiment. Referring to Fig. 12, in this example, a screen on which a conversation in a chat format can be conducted is shown.

[0074] Specifically, the inquiry unit 117 asks the terminal 50 of the person concerned MA a question on a chat-style dialogue screen: "X was tightening screws and it took a long time. Do you know why?" In this example, the inquiry unit 117 asks the terminal 50 of the person concerned MA a question on a chat-style dialogue screen: "X was tightening screws and it took a long time. Do you know why?" In this example, the inquiry message is accompanied by image data of X working. The image data is acquired as work information via the camera 30.

[0075] The case is shown where the person concerned MA replies to the question on the dialogue screen of the terminal 50 with "You can wake the driver to the left." In response to the answer from the terminal 50, the inquiry unit 117 further replies to the terminal 50 of the person concerned MA with "I understand. I will add a new piece of advice, "You can wake the driver to the left." Note that the inquiry through the dialogue screen in the chat format is one example, and the content of the question may be inquired by sending and receiving emails, and the answer to the question may be received. Note that it is also possible not to send a confirmation message from the server to the terminal 50.

[0076] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining the presentation of knowledge information by the information presenting unit 118 according to the embodiment. With reference to FIG. 13, the information presenting unit 118 presents the knowledge information to the worker by referring to the knowledge data table when a predetermined condition is met. In this example, the information presenting unit 118 presents the knowledge information in the projection area DP via the projector 10. Specifically, a case is shown in which a message "Please raise the driver to the left" is projected (output) in the projection area DP. The display allows the worker to confirm the knowledge information output to the projection area DP. For example, when the worker starts the next work, the analysis unit 112 generates work status information. The information presenting unit 118 may check the worker ID, process ID, and element ID included in the work status information, and if the information matches, determine that the predetermined condition is met, and obtain the knowledge information registered in the knowledge data table and present it in the projection area DP. In addition, when there is a plurality of knowledge items, not limited to one message, they may all be presented, or may be selectively presented. There is no particular limitation on the presentation method. In this example, the information presenting unit 118 refers to the knowledge data table when a predetermined condition is satisfied and presents the knowledge information to the worker. However, for example, when a response is received from the concerned party MA, it may determine that the predetermined condition is satisfied and present the knowledge information to the worker. The worker can appropriately improve the work based on the knowledge information by the presentation.

[0077] Fig. 14 is a diagram illustrating another inquiry screen by inquiry unit 117 according to the embodiment. Referring to Fig. 14, in this example, a screen on which a conversation in a chat format is possible is shown.

[0078] Specifically, the inquiry unit 117 asks the terminal 50 of the person concerned MA a question on a chat-style dialogue screen, "Y was tightening screws and was able to do it very quickly. Do you know why?" In this example, the inquiry unit 117 asks the terminal 50 of the person concerned MA a question on a chat-style dialogue screen, "Y was able to do it very quickly. Do you know why?" In this example, the inquiry message is accompanied by image data of Y working. The image data is obtained as work information via the camera 30.

[0079] The relevant person MA replies to the question on the dialogue screen of the terminal 50 with "Your posture is such that a triangle is formed between the center of your body, your elbow, and the screwdriver." The inquiry unit 117 receives the answer from the terminal 50 and further replies to the terminal 50 of the relevant person MA with "I understand. I will add a new piece of advice: 'Your posture is such that a triangle is formed between the center of your body, your elbow, and the screwdriver.'" Note that the inquiry through the dialogue screen in the chat format is only an example, and the content of the question may be inquired by sending and receiving emails, and the answer to the question may be received. Note that it is also possible not to send a confirmation message from the server to the terminal 50.

[0080] FIG. 15 is another diagram for explaining the presentation of knowledge information by the information presenting unit 118 according to the embodiment. With reference to FIG. 15, the information presenting unit 118 refers to the knowledge data table when a predetermined condition is met and presents the knowledge information to the worker. In this example, the information presenting unit 118 presents the knowledge information in the projection area DP via the projector 10. Specifically, a case is shown in which a message "It is good to be in a position where the center of the body, elbow, and screwdriver can form a triangle" is projected (output) in the projection area DP. This display allows the worker to check the knowledge information output to the projection area DP. For example, when the worker starts the next work, the analysis unit 112 generates work status information. The information presenting unit 118 may check the process ID and element ID included in the work status information, and if the information matches, determine that the predetermined condition is met, and obtain the knowledge information registered in the knowledge data table and present it in the projection area DP. The worker can appropriately improve the work based on the knowledge information by the presentation. Since knowledge in the "Good" state is applicable to anyone, it may be presented regardless of the worker ID, or it may be presented selectively. There is no particular limitation on the presentation method. In this example, the information presenting unit 118 refers to the knowledge data table when a predetermined condition is met and presents the knowledge information to the worker. However, for example, when a response is received from the concerned person MA, it may be determined that the predetermined condition is met and the knowledge information may be presented to the worker.

[0081] When presenting knowledge information to the worker, the information presenting unit 118 may present the knowledge message as is, or may process and edit the content of the message so that the meaning is conveyed naturally. For example, a message may be added as shown in Fig. 15, or the content of the message may be changed to "Make a triangle with the center of the body, elbow, and screwdriver."

[0082] Fig. 16 is a diagram for explaining the process of the shaping unit 120 according to the embodiment. With reference to Fig. 16, the shaping unit 120 generates data by converting a message, which is a reply received by the inquiry unit 117, into vector information according to natural language processing.

[0083] In this example, as an example, vector information is generated using an Embedding model according to natural language processing for the phrase "You should raise the driver to the left." Specifically, the vector information is (-0.011 -0.0011 0.032 ... -0.12).

[0084] In this example, the information registration unit 119 registers the knowledge information 133 including the vector information generated by the reforming unit 120 in the storage 103 .

[0085] The shaping unit 120 judges whether or not the answer received by the inquiry unit 117 should be registered as new knowledge information.

[0086] At that time, the shaping unit 120 calculates the similarity with data already registered in the knowledge data table, and judges whether to register it as new knowledge information 133 based on the similarity. Specifically, it compares the vector information of the knowledge part, and if the similarity is high, it judges not to register it as new knowledge information 133 as similar knowledge information. On the other hand, if the similarity is low, the shaping unit 120 additionally registers it as new knowledge information. As an example, the shaping unit 120 judges the similarity based on the cosine similarity between the vector information.

[0087] The subject of vectorization is not limited to the knowledge portion, and other information may also be included in the vector information.

[0088] By registering the vectorized vector information in the storage 103 as knowledge information 133, data comparison and search can be performed efficiently.

[0089] Specifically, by searching and extracting knowledge information 133 with the same process ID, it becomes possible to easily aggregate data related to the knowledge of the process ID, and this data can be used, for example, to create a work manual for the process.

[0090] In addition, by collecting the registration history for a certain process from a knowledge data table and displaying the number of registrations per month in chronological order, for example, the degree of knowledge accumulation for the target process can be displayed in chronological order. For example, the degree of knowledge accumulation can be interpreted as the maturity of the process, allowing the growth of the organization to be quantitatively understood.

[0091] In addition, by collecting the status "Good" for a certain process, knowledge information 133 that is the so-called tricks for the process can be consolidated, and the knowledge information can be shared with various people, making it possible to easily share useful knowledge information.

[0092] This method makes it possible to efficiently collect and manage knowledge about the work processes of workers. In addition, the knowledge data table makes it possible to objectively refer to and understand knowledge, which is useful for smooth communication between experts (veterans) and novices alike. Knowledge can be accumulated as data, and the results can be used to quantitatively express the evolution of an organization. By making it possible to collect and reuse business knowledge, it becomes possible to create incentives to encourage originality and ingenuity throughout the organization.

[0093] Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described, the embodiment disclosed herein should be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in all respects. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, and it is intended to include all modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0094] 1 knowledge management system, 10 projector, 20 server, 30 camera, 50, 52, 54 terminal, 101 processor, 102 memory, 103 storage, 104 display controller, 105 input interface, 106 communication interface, 110 work information acquisition unit, 111 index standard registration unit, 112 analysis unit, 113 explanation information registration unit, 114 related person registration unit, 115 judgment unit, 116 question generation unit, 117 inquiry unit, 118 information presentation unit, 119 information registration unit, 120 formatting unit, 131 knowledge management program, 132 work information, 133 knowledge information, 134 index standard information, 135 related person information, 136 explanation information.

Claims

1. An acquisition unit that acquires work information of a work process of a worker; a determination unit that determines a work state of the worker based on the work information acquired by the acquisition unit; a question generation unit that generates a question regarding a working state of the worker based on a determination result of the determination unit; an inquiry unit that transmits a question generated by the question generation unit and receives an answer to the question; a knowledge management device comprising: an information registration unit that registers, in a storage unit, knowledge information that associates the work process with the answer received by the inquiry unit.

2. An analysis unit that analyzes the work information acquired by the acquisition unit and generates work status information, 2. The knowledge management device according to claim 1, wherein the determination unit determines the work state of the worker based on a comparison between the work state information generated by the analysis unit and index standard information indicating an index standard for the work process of the worker.

3. 3. The knowledge management device according to claim 2, further comprising an index standard registration unit for registering said index standard information.

4. Further, an explanation information registration unit is provided for registering explanation information related to the work process, The knowledge management device according to claim 1 , wherein the question generator generates a question about the working status of the worker based on the determination result of the determiner and the explanation information.

5. 2. The knowledge management device according to claim 1, further comprising an information presentation unit that presents the knowledge information registered in the storage unit to the worker.

6. A related person registration unit is further provided for registering information of related persons related to the work process of the worker, The knowledge management device according to claim 1 , wherein the inquiry unit transmits the question based on information about the person concerned.

7. a formatting unit that determines whether or not to register the answer received by the inquiry unit as new knowledge information; 2. The knowledge management device according to claim 1, wherein the information registration unit registers in a storage unit knowledge information that associates the work process with the answer received by the inquiry unit based on the determination result of the shaping unit.

8. 8. The knowledge management device according to claim 7, wherein the formatting unit performs a similarity determination according to natural language processing on the answer received by the query unit and the knowledge information registered in the memory unit, and determines whether or not to register the answer as new knowledge information based on a result of the similarity determination.

9. Acquiring work information of a work process of a worker; determining a work state of the worker based on the acquired work information; generating a question about the working status of the worker based on the result of the determination; Transmitting the generated question; receiving a response to the question; and registering, in a storage unit, knowledge information that associates the work process with the received answer.

10. A knowledge management program for causing a computer to execute a knowledge management method, comprising: Acquiring work information of a work process of a worker; determining a work state of the worker based on the acquired work information; generating a question about the working status of the worker based on the result of the determination; Transmitting the generated question; receiving a response to the question; and registering in a storage unit knowledge information that associates the work process with the received answer.

Images