Production line analysis system, production line analysis method, and production line analysis program

Abstract

To easily specify a cause of abnormality occurrence about an individual workpiece in analysis of a production line.SOLUTION: The production line analysis system includes one or more processors, a display device, and a user interface. The one or more processors are configured to display, on a display device, a first window indicating a lead time distribution of a plurality of workpieces that have passed through a first facility included in one or more facilities based on a result of a simulation of a production line including the one or more facilities, receive, via a user interface, a first operator input for selecting one of the plurality of workpieces displayed in the first window, and in response to the first operator input, and display, on the display device, detailed information on the first facility unit when a selected workpiece, which is a workpiece selected by the first operator input, passes through the first facility unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to techniques for analysis of production lines. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a line capacity evaluation system that identifies bottlenecks in a production line through simulation. The line capacity evaluation system simulates the behavior of workpieces flowing through the production line and identifies equipment that does not achieve targets for average output and average lead time as a bottleneck.

[0003] Patent Document 2 discloses a production management device that manages the production progress of a production line consisting of multiple processes. The production management device acquires work performance data (e.g., information on work time) that includes multiple pieces of performance information (information for each process) related to the work progress of non-target objects, and counts the number of pieces of performance information included in the work performance data that do not satisfy predetermined conditions as an abnormal number for each process.

[0004] Patent Document 3 discloses a design support device that supports design work by presenting the knowledge of experts. The design support device searches for parts on a task execution screen that match knowledge data stored in an expert knowledge database, and prompts the user to focus on parts that the user has not yet focused on. Patent Document 4 discloses a workflow management device that changes a workflow based on the results of analyzing behavioral information acquired from workers in order to reflect the tacit knowledge of experts in the workflow. However, the technologies described in Patent Documents 3 and 4 do not relate to analysis of simulation results. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-244716 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-140625 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-150813 [Patent Document 4] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-146202 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] The technology described in Patent Document 1 only identifies bottlenecks in the production line based on average output and average lead time, and is unable to identify the cause of an abnormality for an individual workpiece.Similarly, the technology described in Patent Document 2 is unable to identify the cause of an abnormality for an individual workpiece. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A production line analysis system according to the present disclosure includes one or more processors, a display device, and a user interface. The one or more processors are configured to display on the display device a first window showing a lead time distribution of a plurality of workpieces that have passed through a first facility included in the one or more facilities based on a result of a simulation of a production line including the one or more facilities, to accept a first operator input via the user interface to select one of the plurality of workpieces displayed in the first window, and to display on the display device, in response to the first operator input, detailed information about the first facility when the selected workpiece, which is the workpiece selected by the first operator input, passed through the first facility.

[0008] A production line analysis method according to the present disclosure is a computer-executed method that includes the steps of: displaying, on a display device, a first window showing a lead time distribution of a plurality of workpieces that have passed through a first facility included in one or more pieces of equipment based on a result of a simulation of the production line including one or more pieces of equipment; receiving, via a user interface, a first operator input for selecting one of the plurality of workpieces displayed in the first window; and, in response to the first operator input, displaying, on the display device, detailed information about the first facility when the selected workpiece, which is the workpiece selected by the first operator input, has passed through the first facility.

[0009] A production line analysis program according to the present disclosure is executed by a computer. The production line analysis program causes the computer to display on a display device a first window showing a lead time distribution of multiple workpieces that have passed through a first facility included in one or more pieces of equipment based on the results of a simulation of the production line including one or more pieces of equipment, to accept via a user interface a first operator input for selecting one of the multiple workpieces displayed in the first window, and, in response to the first operator input, to display on the display device detailed information about the first facility when the selected workpiece, which is the workpiece selected by the first operator input, passed through the first facility. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present disclosure, a first window showing the lead time distribution of multiple workpieces that have passed through a first facility is displayed based on the results of a simulation of a production line including one or more facilities. A first operator input to select one of the multiple workpieces displayed in the first window is accepted. Then, in response to the first operator input, detailed information about the first facility when the selected workpiece passed through the first facility is displayed. This makes it easier to identify the cause of an abnormality that has occurred related to the selected workpiece. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1]1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a production line analysis system according to a first embodiment; [Figure 2] 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing executed by the analysis system according to the first embodiment to provide information to an operator. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a screen of a display device including a display of a window WN1. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of detailed information DI displayed on a display device. [Figure 5] 10 is a diagram showing another example of detailed information DI displayed on the display device. FIG. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing executed by an analysis system according to a modified example of the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a screen of a display device including a display of a window WN2 together with a window WN1. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of an analysis system according to a second embodiment. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing executed by the analysis system according to the second embodiment to provide information to an operator. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a screen of a display device including a window WN1 displaying recommended works Wp. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a screen of a display device including a display of recommended information Ip1. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of an analysis system according to a third embodiment. [Figure 13] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing executed by an analysis system according to a third embodiment to provide information to an operator. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a screen of a display device including a display of a window WN2 presenting a recommended viewpoint Vp. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a screen of a display device including display of recommended information Ip2. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0013] 1. First embodiment 1-1. Overview of the production line analysis system 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a production line analysis system 100 according to a first embodiment. The production line analysis system (hereinafter also simply referred to as the analysis system) 100 is a system that provides an operator O with a simulation result SR of a production line that includes one or more pieces of equipment E. The analysis system 100 includes an information processing device 110, a display device 120, and a user interface 130.

[0014] The production line 1 shown in FIG. 1 is a battery production line, which is an example of a production line to be simulated. The production line 1 includes multiple processes. Each process is carried out using one or more pieces of equipment E. The equipment E here includes, for example, manufacturing equipment Em and conveying equipment Ec. The manufacturing equipment Em is various equipment used in the production of workpieces (production objects) W (e.g., processing equipment such as presses, coating and drying equipment, coating equipment, and laminating equipment). The conveying equipment Ec is equipment used to convey the workpieces W (e.g., conveyor equipment). In the example shown in FIG. 1, the production line 1 includes process A using manufacturing equipment Em-A, process B using conveying equipment Ec-A, process C using manufacturing equipment Em-B, and process D using conveying equipment Ec-B.

[0015] The simulation of the production line 1 can be performed using, for example, digital twin technology. The simulation program is a computer program for performing the simulation. The information processing device 110 of the analysis system 100 may acquire the simulation result SR by performing the simulation itself. Alternatively, the information processing device 110 may acquire the simulation result SR from a system external to the analysis system 100.

[0016] More specifically, the information processing device 110 includes one or more processors 111 (hereinafter simply referred to as processors 111) and one or more storage devices 112 (hereinafter simply referred to as storage devices 112). The processor 111 executes various processes related to providing the simulation result SR to the operator O. Examples of the processor 111 include a general-purpose processor, a specific-purpose processor, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), and an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array). The processor 111 can also be called processing circuitry. The storage device 112 stores various types of information. The various types of information include the simulation result SR. Examples of the storage device 112 include a volatile memory, a non-volatile memory, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), and an SSD (Solid State Drive).

[0017] The functions of the information processing device 110 may be realized by cooperation between the processor 111, which executes a computer program, and the storage device 112. The computer program is stored in the storage device 112. Alternatively, the analysis program may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium. In an example in which the information processing device 110 executes the above-mentioned simulation, the processor 111 executes the simulation program. That is, in this example, the above-mentioned computer program includes the simulation program.

[0018] The display device 120 is used to present the simulation result SR to the operator O. Specifically, the display device 120 displays the simulation result SR in accordance with an instruction from the information processing device 110. Examples of the display device 120 include a display, a touch panel, and the like.

[0019] The user interface 130 is operated by an operator O who analyzes the simulation results SR while looking at the display device 120. The analysis of the simulation results SR by the operator O is performed, for example, when designing the production line 1 or when improving the production line 1. Examples of the user interface 130 include a touch panel, a keyboard, a mouse, and the like. In the case of a touch panel, the user interface 130 and the display device 120 may be configured as an integrated unit.

[0020] The above-described analysis system 100 provides the operator O with a tool for analyzing the simulation results SR.

[0021] 1-2. Providing information on simulation results 2 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing executed by analysis system 100 according to the first embodiment to provide information to operator O. The processing of this flowchart is started in response to a request from operator O operating user interface 130, for example.

[0022] In step S100, the information processing device 110 (processor 111) displays a window WN1 (first window) showing the lead time distribution on the display device 120 based on the simulation results SR of the production line 1. In other words, the information processing device 110 displays the window WN1 showing the lead time distribution from the obtained simulation results SR. The lead time distribution is the distribution of the lead times of multiple works W that have passed through one or more pieces of equipment E (including at least "equipment E1 (first equipment)" described below) among the multiple pieces of equipment E included in the production line 1. Note that the lead time is the time required from the start to the end of a process of the work W using a certain piece of equipment E. Furthermore, the passing of the work W through a certain piece of equipment E corresponds to the end of a process using that equipment E.

[0023] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a screen of the display device 120 including a display of window WN1. In the example shown in FIG. 3, window WN1 displays the lead time distribution of a predetermined number of workpieces W (circles) that have passed through each of a predetermined number of pieces of equipment E. Examples of the predetermined number of pieces of equipment E are manufacturing equipment Em-A, transport equipment Ec-A, manufacturing equipment Em-B, and transport equipment Ec-B. The predetermined number of pieces of equipment E displayed in window WN1 may be one, or may be a number other than four. The pieces of equipment E displayed may be all of the pieces of equipment E included in the production line 1.

[0024] Furthermore, the equipment E and work W displayed in window WN1 may be extracted based on the following predetermined condition. The predetermined condition here is, for example, that the lead time is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold (e.g., the average lead time of the same equipment, a predetermined reference value), that is, that the lead time is within the range of outliers. In statistics, an outlier is a value that deviates significantly from other values.

[0025] Furthermore, the operation history of the operator O who viewed the window WN1 may be used to extract the equipment E and work W displayed in the window WN1. More specifically, the information processing device 110 may accumulate a history of the work W that the operator O (particularly an experienced operator) confirmed by operating the user interface 130, and may learn the tendency of the operator O to confirm the work W based on the history, for example, by using machine learning. Then, the information processing device 110 may extract the equipment E and work W in accordance with the learned tendency.

[0026] In addition, the simulation result SR may include, for example, production information along with the lead time distribution. As shown in FIG. 3, the screen of the display device 120 may include, for example, a "Lead Time" button and a "Production Information" button, the text and background colors of which are inverted as shown in FIG. 3 when the lead time distribution is displayed. When the operator O operates the user interface 130 and presses the "Production Information" button, the display of the window WN1 may switch to display the production information. The production information may be, for example, production information for each process (e.g., the number of works W produced, the process availability rate, the process operation rate, inventory information, and standby time), or production information for all processes (e.g., the number of works W produced, the operation rate, and the operation rate). The production information may be displayed along with a graph such as a line graph or a bar graph. Also, as shown in FIG. 3, the screen of the display device 120 may include a "Details" text display, the text and background colors of which are inverted when detailed information DI is displayed (e.g., see FIG. 4). In the example shown in FIG. 7, which will be described later, the text display "Details" functions as a button.

[0027] After step S100, the process proceeds to step S102. After window WN1 is displayed by the process of step S100, the information processing device 110 accepts operator input IN1 (first operator input) via the user interface 130. The operator input IN1 is an input from the operator O to select one of the multiple workpieces W displayed in window WN1. More specifically, in an example where multiple pieces of equipment E are displayed in window WN1 as shown in FIG. 3, the operator O operates the user interface 130 to select a workpiece W by selecting equipment E. The equipment E selected by the operator O in this manner corresponds to "equipment E1 (first equipment)." In the example shown in FIG. 3, the transport equipment Ec-A corresponds to equipment E1. In addition, in the following description, the workpiece W selected by the operator O will be referred to as "selected workpiece Ws."

[0028] In step S102, the information processing device 110 determines whether or not an operator input IN1 has been received. As a result, if an operator input IN1 has been detected (step S102; Yes), the process proceeds to step S104. Note that, for example, if there is no operator input IN1 within a predetermined time after the window WN1 is displayed, the information processing device 110 may end the process shown in FIG. 2.

[0029] In step S104, in response to the operator input IN1, the information processing device 110 displays detailed information DI about the equipment E1 when the selected work Ws passed through the equipment E1 on the display device 120. More specifically, the information processing device 110 may, for example, automatically display one of the specific examples of detailed information DI shown below on the display device 120. Alternatively, for example, as in a modified example described later with reference to Figures 6 and 7, the information processing device 110 may display detailed information DI desired by the operator O on the display device 120.

[0030] More specifically, the detailed information DI may include not only information about the equipment E1 that the selected work Ws is targeted for, but also the following detailed information. That is, the detailed information DI may include detailed information about the equipment E1 that targets at least one of the work Wb that passed through the equipment E1 immediately before the selected work Ws, and the work Wa that passed through the equipment E1 immediately after the selected work Ws. Each of the work Wb and Wa may be one or more. Furthermore, the detailed information DI may include detailed information about at least one of the equipment Eb that the selected work Ws passed through immediately before the equipment E1, and the equipment Ea that the selected work Ws passed through immediately after the equipment E1. Each of the equipment Eb and Ea may be one or more.

[0031] (Specific examples of detailed information DI) The detailed information DI has various viewpoints V. Specifically, the viewpoint V of the detailed information DI includes, for example, at least one of lead time transition (LT transition), lead time histogram, location information, equipment status, worker status, inventory transition, order transition, and kanban transition. A specific example of the detailed information DI from viewpoint V exemplified here will be described as follows.

[0032] First, FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the detailed information DI displayed on the display device 120. FIG. 4 shows a specific example of the detailed information DI from perspective V of lead time transition. In FIG. 4, a scatter plot shows the transition of lead time when the same work W (selected work Ws; circled) passes through multiple (e.g., four) consecutive facilities E (processes). More specifically, the detailed information DI in this example includes not only the lead time when the selected work Ws passes through the transport facility Ec-A corresponding to facility E1, but also the lead time when the selected work Ws passes through the manufacturing facility Em-A (corresponding to facility Eb) immediately before the transport facility Ec-A. Similarly, the detailed information DI includes the lead time when the selected work Ws passes through each of the manufacturing facilities Em-B immediately after the transport facility Ec-A and the transport facility Ec-B two facilities after the transport facility Ec-A (corresponding to facility Ea). Such detailed information DI from perspective V of lead time transition is useful for the operator O to compare the simulation result SR with the actual measurement value.

[0033] Furthermore, the information on lead time transition as detailed information DI may also include the lead time of the work Wb that passed through each piece of equipment E immediately before (e.g., one before) the selected work Ws, as shown by the dashed triangle mark in Fig. 4. Similarly, the information on lead time transition may also include the lead time of the work Wb that passed through each piece of equipment E immediately after (e.g., one after) the selected work Ws, as shown by the dashed square mark in Fig. 4.

[0034] Next, FIG. 5 is a diagram showing another example of the detailed information DI displayed on the display device 120. FIG. 5 shows a specific example of the detailed information DI from viewpoint V of the lead time histogram. In FIG. 5, a histogram of lead times for the selected work Ws and the multiple works Wb and Wa before and after it is displayed as the detailed information DI for each of a plurality of consecutive pieces of equipment E (e.g., four pieces of equipment E) is displayed. As shown in FIG. 5, the display device 120 may also display at least one of the maximum value (Max), minimum value (Min), and mode (Mo) of the lead time in the histogram for each piece of equipment E. Such detailed information DI using the lead time histogram allows the operator O to easily check the deviation (e.g., standard deviation) of the lead time in each process (each piece of equipment E) and determine whether there are any abnormal values ​​in the lead time.

[0035] Next, the detailed information DI from the viewpoint V of location information is, for example, information about the location of the worker on a planar map within the factory having the production line 1. The location information includes at least information about the location when the equipment E1 is used to produce the selected workpiece Ws. For example, the movement path of the worker may be displayed on the display device 120 as the location information. Such location information can reveal, for example, the location where the worker came into contact with an automated conveying machine. When the worker comes into contact with the automated conveying machine, the automated conveying machine stops. Therefore, by using the location information, the operator O can identify the cause of the long lead time (i.e., the cause of the abnormality that occurred) and consider changing the work schedule to reduce contact.

[0036] Next, the detailed information DI from the viewpoint V of the equipment status is information indicating the operating status of the equipment E, and includes at least information indicating the operating status of the equipment E1 for producing the selected workpiece Ws. More specifically, the equipment status information is displayed on the display device 120, for example, as a graph that displays the operating status of the equipment E1 (e.g., availability rate, operation rate, on / off status of the equipment E, and the operating status of each part of the equipment E) in chronological order over a predetermined period T. The predetermined period T here is a period that includes the time t0 when the selected workpiece Ws passes through the equipment E1. The predetermined period T is, for example, a predetermined period before and after the time t0. Alternatively, the predetermined period T may be a predetermined period before the time t0, with the time t0 as the end point, or a predetermined period after the time t0, with the time t0 as the start point.

[0037] Furthermore, the detailed information DI from viewpoint V of the equipment status may include information indicating at least one of the operation status of the equipment E1 for producing the workpiece Wb using the equipment E1 immediately before the selected workpiece Ws, and the operation status of the equipment E1 for producing the workpiece Wa using the equipment E1 immediately after the selected workpiece Ws. Furthermore, the equipment status information may include information indicating at least one of the operation status of the equipment Eb in one or more processes immediately before the process using the equipment E1, and the operation status of the equipment Ea in one or more processes immediately after the process using the equipment E1.

[0038] According to the detailed information DI from the above-mentioned equipment status perspective V, the operator O can, for example, estimate which equipment E has stopped, estimate which part of the equipment E has stopped, or estimate that the material tank has run out of stock.

[0039] Next, the detailed information DI from viewpoint V of the worker status is information indicating the work performance of the worker, and includes at least information indicating the performance of the work performed using the equipment E1 for producing the selected work Ws. More specifically, the work status information is displayed on the display device 120, for example, as a graph displaying the performance of the work performed using the equipment E1 over a predetermined period T (e.g., information indicating what work the worker was doing) in chronological order. The worker status information may also include information indicating at least one of the performance of the work performed using the equipment E1 for producing the work Wb using the equipment E1 immediately before the selected work Ws, and the performance of the work performed using the equipment E1 for producing the work Wa using the equipment E1 immediately after the selected work Ws. Furthermore, the worker status information may also include information indicating at least one of the performance of the work performed using the equipment Eb in one or more processes immediately before the process using the equipment E1, and the performance of the work performed using the equipment Ea in one or more processes immediately after the process using the equipment E1. Such equipment status information enables the operator O to investigate, for example, whether a specific process has stopped because a worker was performing another task.

[0040] Next, the detailed information DI from the viewpoint V of inventory transition is information indicating the transition of the inventory quantity of work W in equipment E (including at least equipment E1). More specifically, the information on inventory transition is displayed on the display device 120, for example, as a graph that displays the inventory quantity in chronological order. Furthermore, the information on inventory transition may include information indicating at least one of the transition of the inventory quantity of work Wb in one or more processes immediately prior to the process using equipment E1 and the transition of the inventory quantity of work Wa in one or more processes immediately after the process using equipment E1. Such information on inventory transition allows the operator O to investigate, for example, whether production has stopped due to inventory depletion.

[0041] Next, the detailed information DI from the viewpoint V of order transition is information indicating the transition of ordered items and their quantities to other factories (e.g., raw material factories, parts factories), and includes at least information indicating the transition of ordered items and their quantities related to equipment E1 for producing the selected work Ws. More specifically, the order transition information is displayed on the display device 120, for example, as a graph displaying the quantity of each ordered item in chronological order. The order transition information may also include information indicating at least one of the transition of ordered items and their quantities related to equipment Eb in one or more processes immediately prior to the process using equipment E1, and the transition of ordered items and their quantities related to equipment Ea in one or more processes immediately following the process using equipment E1. Such order transition information allows the operator O to investigate, for example, whether production stoppages are due to a material shortage resulting from improper ordering.

[0042] Next, the detailed information DI from the perspective V of the kanban transition is used in an example where the production line 1 uses the kanban system. According to the kanban system, a "kanban" tag is sent from the upstream process along with a predetermined number of workpieces W produced in the upstream process. When the predetermined number of workpieces W are used in the downstream process, the kanban is returned to the upstream process. Then, in the upstream process, the predetermined number of workpieces W is produced again. The kanban transition information is, for example, information indicating the transition of the number of kanbans returned from the downstream process. The kanban transition information may also include, for example, information indicating the type of kanban returned from the downstream process. Examples of kanban types include a work kanban that indicates the production volume and production time of the workpieces W, and a pick-up kanban that indicates the pick-up volume of the workpieces W. When the process using equipment E1 for producing the selected workpieces W corresponds to the above-mentioned upstream process, the kanban transition information is used as the detailed information DI. According to such information on the progress of the kanban, the operator O can investigate, for example, whether the reason why production has not started properly in the previous process is that the kanban has not been properly returned to the previous process even though a predetermined number of workpieces W has been taken over to the next process together with the kanban.

[0043] 1-3.Effects As described above, the analysis system 100 according to the first embodiment displays detailed information DI about the equipment E1 when the selected work Ws passes through the equipment E1. This makes it easier to identify the cause of an abnormality that has occurred in relation to the selected work Ws (for example, the cause of a long lead time).

[0044] Furthermore, as described above, the detailed information DI may include detailed information about the equipment E1 that targets at least one of the workpiece Wb that passed through the equipment E1 immediately before the selected workpiece Ws and the workpiece Wa that passed through the equipment E1 immediately after the selected workpiece Ws. This makes it easier to efficiently identify which of the workpieces W supplied to the equipment E1 is causing the abnormality.

[0045] Furthermore, as described above, the detailed information DI may include detailed information about at least one of the equipment Eb through which the selected work Ws passed immediately before the equipment E1 and the equipment Ea through which the selected work Ws passed immediately after the equipment E1. This makes it easier to efficiently identify which of the equipment E1 and the equipment Eb and Ea before and after it is the cause of the abnormality. In addition, if the equipment Eb used in the previous process is stopped, the equipment E1 that follows it will also be stopped. For this reason, using the detailed information DI that includes detailed information about the equipment Eb before the equipment E1 is particularly effective in identifying the cause of the abnormality.

[0046] 1-4. Variations As described above, there are various viewpoints V of the detailed information DI. Therefore, in this modified example, the analysis system 100 is configured to enable the operator O to select the detailed information DI that he or she desires from among the detailed information DI of a plurality of viewpoints V.

[0047] 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing executed by analysis system 100 according to a modified example of the first embodiment. The processing of this flowchart differs from the flowchart shown in FIG. 2 in the following points.

[0048] 6, if an operator input IN1 is detected (step S102; Yes), the process proceeds to step S200. In step S200, the information processing device 110 displays a window WN2 (second window) on the display device 120 for the operator O to select one of a plurality of viewpoints V. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S202.

[0049] After the window WN2 is displayed by the processing of step S200, in step S202, the information processing device 110 receives an operator input IN2 (second operator input) via the user interface 130. The operator input IN2 is an input from an operator O who selects one of the multiple viewpoints V displayed in the window WN2.

[0050] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the screen of the display device 120 including a display of a window WN2 together with a window WN1. In the example shown in FIG. 7, the window WN2 has a display of a "Details" button. When selecting a desired viewpoint V, the operator O operates the user interface 130 to press the "Details" button. As a result, as shown in FIG. 7, the colors of the text and background of the "Details" button are inverted, and buttons representing each of the multiple viewpoints V are displayed. The operator O selects one of the multiple viewpoints V displayed in this way (operator input IN2). In the following description, the viewpoint V selected by the operator O will be referred to as the "selected viewpoint Vs."

[0051] In step S202, the information processing device 110 determines whether or not an operator input IN2 has been received. As a result, if an operator input IN2 has been detected (step S202; Yes), the process proceeds to step S204. Note that, for example, if there is no operator input IN2 within a predetermined time after the window WN2 is displayed, the information processing device 110 may end the process shown in FIG. 6.

[0052] In step S204, in response to the operator input IN2, the information processing device 110 displays the detailed information DI of the selected viewpoint Vs on the display device 120 (see, for example, FIG. 4 or 5). In addition, after the detailed information DI of the selected viewpoint Vs is displayed by the processing of step S204, the information processing device 110 may accept further operator input IN2 until the analysis of the simulation result SR by the operator O using the analysis system 100 is completed. In other words, steps S202 and S204 may be repeatedly executed until the analysis is completed.

[0053] As described above, the analysis system 100 according to this modification is configured to be able to switch the detailed information DI between various viewpoints V. This makes it easier for the operator O to guess the cause of the abnormality.

[0054] 2. Second embodiment 2-1. Utilizing expert operation logs for work selection According to the first embodiment described above, the lead time distribution of multiple works W is displayed in window WN1 (see FIG. 3). However, as the number of works W displayed in window WN1 increases, the number of options available to operator O also increases, making it more difficult for operator O to decide which one to select. Furthermore, the maximum outlier in lead time is not necessarily directly linked to the cause of an abnormality. For example, when simply replacing a part, the lead time can be relatively long.

[0055] Therefore, in the production line analysis system 200 (see FIG. 8) according to the second embodiment, the operation log of the skilled worker is utilized as follows to determine which workpiece W to select.

[0056] Specifically, the analysis system 200 automatically identifies a "recommended work Wp" that is recommended to be selected for the current lead time distribution based on the "expert operation database DB1 (first expert operation database)." Then, the recommended work Wp is displayed in a window WN1 so as to be distinguishable from other works W.

[0057] 8 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an analysis system 200 according to the second embodiment. Analysis system 200 differs from analysis system 100 shown in FIG. 1 in the following points.

[0058] The information processing device 210 of the analysis system 200 includes a processor 211 and a storage device 212. The various information stored in the storage device 212 includes an expert operation database DB1 that accumulates operation logs of an expert on window WN1. In other words, the expert operation database DB1 indicates the correspondence between "lead time distribution for one or more pieces of equipment E" and "selection results of work W (selected work Ws) by an expert."

[0059] More specifically, the various processes executed by the processor 211 include acquiring operation logs of the user interface 130 during past analyses by one or more experts and storing the logs in the storage device 212. As a result, operation logs of the experts on the window WN1 are accumulated in the storage device 212. Whether the operator O is an expert or not can be determined based on, for example, operator ID information received from the operator O via the user interface 130 when the operator O accesses the analysis system 200.

[0060] 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing executed by analysis system 200 according to the second embodiment to provide information to operator O. The processing of this flowchart differs from the flowchart shown in FIG. 2 in the following points.

[0061] In step S300, the information processing device 210 automatically identifies recommended works Wp that are recommended to be selected for the current lead time distribution (more specifically, the lead time distribution based on the current simulation result SR) based on the expert operation database DB1.

[0062] To automatically identify the recommended work Wp, the information processing device 110 may use, for example, the following machine learning model. Specifically, the information processing device 210 generates the machine learning model in advance using, as learning data, information in an expert operation database DB1 that stores correspondences between "lead time distributions for one or more pieces of equipment E" and "selection results of work W (selected work Ws) by experts." The machine learning model may be updated as appropriate using the latest information in the expert operation database DB1. Then, the information processing device 210 inputs the current lead time distribution into the machine learning model to identify the recommended work Wp that is recommended to be selected for the current lead time distribution. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S302.

[0063] In step S302, the information processing device 210 displays a window WN1 showing the lead time distribution based on the current simulation result SR on the display device 120. At this time, the information processing device 210 displays the recommended work Wp in the window WN1 so that it can be distinguished from other works W.

[0064] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a screen of the display device 120 including a display of a window WN1 presenting a recommended work Wp. As an example of expressing the recommended work Wp so that it can be distinguished from other works W, the recommended work Wp is displayed larger than the other works W, as shown in FIG. 10. In another example, the recommended work Wp may be displayed in a color different from the other works W (more specifically, a color (e.g., red) that attracts the attention of the operator O more than the color (e.g., black) of the other works W). In yet another example, the recommended work Wp may be displayed accompanied by a pop-up (see, for example, FIG. 11) that is displayed in association with a circle indicating the recommended work Wp.

[0065] Furthermore, in step S302, the information processing device 210 may display recommendation information Ip1 (first recommendation information) recommending the selection of the recommended work Wp on the display device 120. The recommendation information Ip1 is, for example, a message recommending the selection of the recommended work Wp. The message may be, for example, "The recommended work has been identified based on the knowledge of experienced operators of xx levels or higher." FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a screen of the display device 120 including a display of the recommendation information Ip1. As illustrated in FIG. 11, the recommendation information Ip1 may be displayed in an area outside the window WN1. Alternatively, the recommendation information Ip1 may be displayed within the window WN1.

[0066] Additionally, the process relating to utilization of the expert operation log according to the second embodiment may be combined with the process of the flowchart shown in Fig. 6. Specifically, after the process of step S302 in Fig. 9, the processes of steps S200-S204 (see Fig. 6) may be executed instead of the processes of steps S102 and S104.

[0067] 2-2.Effects As described above, the analysis system 200 according to the second embodiment presents recommended work Wp to be selected in the window WN1 based on the past operation log of the skilled worker. This allows the operator O to efficiently select work W that is likely to lead to the identification of the cause of the abnormality. In addition, the analysis system 200 can appropriately support the analysis of the unskilled operator O (unskilled worker). In other words, the analysis system 200 can provide an analysis tool suitable as a training tool for unskilled workers.

[0068] 3. Third Embodiment 3-1. Utilizing expert operation logs to select detailed information As described above, there are various viewpoints V of the detailed information DI. Therefore, in the production line analysis system 300 (see FIG. 12) according to the third embodiment, the operation log of the expert is utilized as follows to determine which viewpoint V of the detailed information DI to select.

[0069] Specifically, the analysis system 300 automatically identifies a "recommended viewpoint Vp" that is recommended to be selected for the current lead time distribution, based on the "expert operation database DB2 (second expert operation database)." Then, the recommended viewpoint Vp is displayed in a manner that allows it to be distinguished from other viewpoints V in the window WN2 (see, for example, FIG. 14).

[0070] 12 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an analysis system 300 according to the third embodiment. Analysis system 300 differs from analysis system 100 shown in FIG. 1 in the following points.

[0071] The information processing device 310 of the analysis system 300 includes a processor 311 and a storage device 312. The various information stored in the storage device 312 includes an expert operation database DB2 that accumulates operation logs of experts on the window WN2. In other words, similar to the expert operation database DB1 (see FIG. 8), the expert operation database DB2 indicates the correspondence between "lead time distribution for one or more pieces of equipment E" and "selection results of viewpoint V by an expert."

[0072] More specifically, the various processes executed by the processor 311 include acquiring operation logs of the user interface 130 during past analyses by one or more experts and storing the logs in the storage device 312. As a result, operation logs of the experts on the window WN2 are accumulated in the storage device 312.

[0073] 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing executed by analysis system 300 according to the third embodiment to provide information to operator O. The processing of this flowchart differs from the flowchart shown in FIG. 6 in the following points.

[0074] 13, if an operator input IN1 is detected (step S102; Yes), the processing proceeds to step S400. In step S400, the information processing device 310 automatically identifies a recommended viewpoint Vp that is recommended to be selected for the current lead time distribution (more specifically, the lead time distribution based on the current simulation result SR) based on the expert operation database DB2.

[0075] As with the recommended work Wp, to automatically identify the recommended viewpoint Vp, for example, a machine learning model is used, which is generated using information in the expert operation database DB2 as learning data. Then, the information processing device 310 inputs the current lead time distribution into the machine learning model, thereby identifying the recommended viewpoint Vp that is recommended to be selected for the current lead time distribution. Then, the process proceeds to step S402.

[0076] In step S402, the information processing device 310 displays a window WN2 on the display device 120 for the operator O to select one of the plurality of viewpoints V. At this time, the information processing device 310 displays the recommended viewpoint Vp in the window WN2 so that it can be distinguished from the other viewpoints V.

[0077] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of a screen of the display device 120 including a display of a window WN2 presenting a recommended viewpoint Vp. As an example of expressing the recommended viewpoint Vp so that it can be distinguished from the other viewpoints V, the recommended viewpoint Vp is displayed larger than the other viewpoints V, as shown in FIG. 14. In another example, the recommended viewpoint Vp may be displayed in a color different from the other viewpoints V (more specifically, in a color (e.g., red) that attracts the attention of the operator O more than the color (e.g., black) of the other viewpoints V). In yet another example, the recommended viewpoint Vp may be displayed accompanied by a pop-up (see, for example, FIG. 15) that is displayed in association with a button indicating the recommended viewpoint Vp.

[0078] Furthermore, in step S402, the information processing device 310 may display recommendation information Ip2 (second recommendation information) recommending the selection of the recommended viewpoint Vp on the display device 120. The recommendation information Ip2 is, for example, a message recommending the selection of the recommended viewpoint Vp. The message may be, for example, "The recommended viewpoint is most frequently selected by experienced operators of xx levels or higher." FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of a screen of the display device 120 including a display of the recommendation information Ip2. As illustrated in FIG. 15, the recommendation information Ip2 may be displayed in an area outside the window WN2. Alternatively, the recommendation information Ip2 may be displayed within the window WN2.

[0079] In addition, the process related to utilization of the expert operation log according to the third embodiment may be executed together with the process related to utilization of the expert operation log according to the second embodiment. Specifically, the storage device 312 of the analysis system 300 may store the expert operation database DB1 together with the expert operation database DB2. Then, in FIG. 13, the processes of steps S300 and S302 (see FIG. 9) may be executed instead of the process of step S100.

[0080] 3-2.Effects As described above, analysis system 300 according to the third embodiment presents recommended viewpoints Vp that are recommended to be selected in window WN2 based on the expert's past operation logs. This allows operator O to efficiently select detailed information DI that is likely to lead to the identification of the cause of an abnormality. In addition, analysis system 300 can also appropriately support the analysis of unskilled operator O (unskilled operator). In other words, analysis system 300 can also provide an analysis tool suitable as a training tool for unskilled operators. [Explanation of symbols]

[0081] 1 Production line, 100, 200, 300 Production line analysis system, 110, 210, 310 Information processing device, 111, 211, 311 Processor, 112, 212, 312 Storage device, 120 Display device, 130 User interface

Claims

1. one or more processors; A display device; A user interface; Equipped with the one or more processors: displaying, on the display device, a first window showing a lead time distribution of a plurality of workpieces that have passed through a first facility included in the one or more facilities based on a result of a simulation of the production line including the one or more facilities; receiving, via the user interface, a first operator input for selecting one of the plurality of workpieces displayed in the first window; In response to the first operator input, detailed information about the first facility when a selected workpiece selected by the first operator input passes through the first facility is displayed on the display device. It was configured as Production line analysis system.

2. 2. The production line analysis system according to claim 1, a first expert operation database that accumulates an operation log of an expert with respect to the first window; The one or more processors further automatically identifying a recommended work to be selected for the current lead time distribution based on the first expert operation database; In the first window, the recommended work is displayed so as to be distinguishable from other works. It was configured as Production line analysis system.

3. 3. The production line analysis system according to claim 2, The one or more processors are further configured to display, on the display device, first recommendation information that recommends selection of the recommended work. Production line analysis system.

4. 4. The production line analysis system according to claim 1, The detailed information includes detailed information from a plurality of viewpoints, The one or more processors further displaying a second window on the display device for selecting one of the plurality of viewpoints; receiving, via the user interface, a second operator input for selecting one of the plurality of viewpoints displayed in the second window; In response to the second operator input, the detailed information of the selected viewpoint is displayed on the display device. It was configured as Production line analysis system.

5. 5. The production line analysis system according to claim 4, a second expert operation database that accumulates an operation log of an expert with respect to the second window; The one or more processors further automatically identifying a recommended viewpoint that is recommended to be selected for the current lead time distribution based on the second expert operation database; In the second window, the recommended viewpoint is displayed in a manner that makes it distinguishable from other viewpoints. It was configured as Production line analysis system.

6. 6. The production line analysis system according to claim 5, The one or more processors are further configured to display, on the display device, second recommendation information that recommends selection of the recommended aspect. Production line analysis system.

7. 2. The production line analysis system according to claim 1, The detailed information includes detailed information about the first equipment that targets at least one of a workpiece that passed through the first equipment immediately before the selected workpiece and a workpiece that passed through the first equipment immediately after the selected workpiece. Production line analysis system.

8. 8. The production line analysis system according to claim 1, The detailed information includes detailed information about at least one of a facility through which the selected workpiece passes immediately before the first facility and a facility through which the selected workpiece passes immediately after the first facility. Production line analysis system.

9. 1. A computer-implemented production line analysis method, comprising: displaying, on a display device, a first window showing a lead time distribution of a plurality of workpieces that have passed through a first facility included in the one or more facilities based on a result of a simulation of the production line including the one or more facilities; receiving, via a user interface, a first operator input for selecting one of the plurality of workpieces displayed in the first window; In response to the first operator input, displaying on the display device detailed information about the first facility when a selected workpiece, which is a workpiece selected by the first operator input, passes through the first facility; Contains Production line analysis methods.

10. A production line analysis program executed by a computer, displaying, on a display device, a first window showing a lead time distribution of a plurality of workpieces that have passed through a first facility included in the one or more facilities based on a result of a simulation of the production line including the one or more facilities; receiving, via a user interface, a first operator input for selecting one of the plurality of workpieces displayed in the first window; In response to the first operator input, displaying on the display device detailed information about the first facility when a selected workpiece, which is a workpiece selected by the first operator input, passes through the first facility; causing the computer to execute Production line analysis program.

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