Work plan creation method and work plan creation device

Abstract

To provide a work plan creation method and a work plan creation device capable of correcting a work plan in accordance with the progress of work by at least a worker or a robot. [Solution] A work plan creation method acquires work instructions and a target time for completing work, acquires the work progress of at least a worker or a robot, sets the work processes being performed by the worker and robot involved in the work progress acquired at a first point in time when the work progress was acquired, and the work processes between the first point in time and a predetermined time, as work not to be corrected, and creates a work plan with the work processes after the predetermined time elapsed as work to be corrected.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a work plan creation method and a work plan creation device. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a work schedule creation support device that inputs the number of people performing each task, the processing capacity per worker, and the task start time as parameters to calculate the task finish time, stores the latest task finish time or the maximum number of workers as constraints, inputs simulation results, and outputs a work schedule that displays a warning for task finish times or number of workers that violate the constraints.

[0003] Patent Document 2 discloses a work management support method that acquires current status information based on information collected using an information collection device placed at the work site and information related to changes in order quantities and changes in work schedules, and creates an improvement plan for at least one of the work process plan and personnel allocation plan included in the work plan based on the current status information and the current work plan. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-32011 [Patent Document 2] JP 2024-133115 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The present disclosure has been devised in view of the above-described conventional situation, and aims to provide a work plan creation method and a work plan creation device that are capable of correcting a work plan in accordance with the work progress of at least a worker or a robot. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The present disclosure provides: A computer-implemented method for creating a work plan including multiple work processes Work instructions, and The target time for completing the work plan including the work instruction is A target time for completing a task is acquired, and the task progress of at least a worker or a robot is acquired. The task progress is acquired based on the first time point at which the task progress is acquired, and the task process being performed by the worker and the robot related to the acquired task progress is acquired based on the first time point at which the task progress is acquired, and the task progress is acquired based on the first time point at which the task progress is acquired based on the second ... To be carried out The work process is set as a work not to be corrected, and the work process after the predetermined time has elapsed is set as a work to be corrected, Based on the target time for completing the work To create a work plan and to provide a method for creating a work plan.

[0007] The present disclosure provides: Includes multiple work processes Work instructions, and The target time for completing the work plan including the work instruction is A work plan creation device including a work plan creation unit that acquires a target time for completing a work task, and a work performance accumulation unit that acquires the work progress of at least a worker or a robot, wherein the work plan creation unit acquires a work process being performed by the worker and the robot related to the acquired work progress at a first time point when the work progress is acquired, and a work progress record between the first time point and a predetermined time. To be carried out The work process is set as a work not to be corrected, and the work process after the predetermined time has elapsed is set as a work to be corrected, Based on the target time for completing the work A work plan creation device for creating a work plan is provided. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present disclosure, a work plan can be modified in accordance with the work progress of at least a worker or a robot. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a warehouse operation support system including a work plan creation device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a work plan creation device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a batch definition method (batching) in a work plan creation method according to a first embodiment. [Figure 4]1 is a diagram showing an example of a current work plan in the work plan creation method according to the first embodiment; [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an overview of a work plan creation method according to a first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an overview of a work plan creation method according to a first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an overview of a work plan creation method according to a first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a method for determining a first lock target task in a task planning method according to a first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a method for determining a first lock target task in a task planning method according to a first embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a method for determining a second lock target task in the task plan creation method according to the first embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a method for determining a third lock target task in the task planning method according to the first embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating allocation of non-locked tasks in a work plan creation method according to the first embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating allocation of non-locked tasks in a work plan creation method according to the first embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating division of batches in a work plan creation method according to a first embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a display on a display screen of a display unit in the work plan creation device according to the first embodiment; [Figure 16] 1 is a flowchart illustrating a process flow of a work plan creation method according to the first embodiment. [Figure 17] 1 is a flowchart illustrating a process flow of a work plan creation method according to the first embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] (Background to this disclosure) In recent years, automated warehouse systems are often used in logistics facilities such as warehouses and distribution centers to perform tasks such as storing, picking, and sorting items. However, because logistics facilities handle a wide variety of items, manual labor is essential. In other words, operations at logistics facilities are carried out by workers performing tasks based on work plans created based on each worker's work shift and instructions for receiving and retrieving items. However, if additional work arises or depending on the worker's work progress, proceeding with the current work plan may result in not meeting the target time for completing the work. In contrast, simply revising (recreating) the work plan may result in rework, lost work time, or work stalls.

[0011] Therefore, in the following embodiments, a work plan creation method and a work plan creation device that can modify a work plan in accordance with the work progress of at least a worker or a robot will be described.

[0012] Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings as appropriate, detailed descriptions of embodiments that specifically disclose a work plan creation method and a work plan creation device according to the present disclosure will be provided. However, unnecessary detailed descriptions may be omitted. For example, detailed descriptions of well-known matters or redundant descriptions of substantially identical configurations may be omitted. This is to avoid unnecessary redundancy in the following description and to facilitate understanding by those skilled in the art. Note that the accompanying drawings and the following description are provided to enable those skilled in the art to fully understand the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the subject matter recited in the claims.

[0013] (Embodiment 1) <System configuration> FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a warehouse operation support system 1 including a work plan creation device 200 according to the first embodiment. Note that the system configuration shown in FIG. 1 is an example, and one system or device may be divided into multiple parts, or multiple systems or devices may be integrated into one. Also, one system or device shown in FIG. 1 may be provided multiple times. Furthermore, the processing entities shown below are an example, and part of the functions of one system or device may be realized as the functions of another system or device.

[0014] The warehouse operation support system 1 includes a work management system 100, a work plan creation device 200, a manager terminal 300, and a worker terminal 400. Each component of the warehouse operation support system 1 is configured to be able to communicate with each other via a network.

[0015] The work management system 100 is a system that manages and controls logistics within a warehouse, and in the example configuration shown in FIG. 1 is positioned above the work plan creation device 200. The work management system 100 manages all warehouse operations, such as the receiving and sending of goods, storage, inventory management, picking and shipping of goods, and inventory monitoring. The work management system 100 is sometimes referred to as a warehouse management system or WMS (Warehouse Management System).

[0016] The work plan creation device 200 is an information processing device that manages and optimizes work in a warehouse, and in the example configuration shown in FIG. 1 , is positioned below the work management system 100 and the manager terminal 300. The work plan creation device 200 manages processes such as warehousing, retrieval, picking, and packing in real time and creates an optimal work plan. The work plan creation device 200 functions as an interface for a system called, for example, a warehouse operations management system or a WES (Warehouse Execution System). The work plan creation device 200 transmits a work plan or work instructions to a worker terminal 400. Note that, although the present specification will be described taking an example in which the work plan creation device 200 is an information processing device, the various functions and configurations of the work plan creation device may be replaced by a cloud or the like.

[0017] The manager terminal 300 is an information processing device such as a PC or tablet terminal owned by the warehouse manager, and in the configuration example shown in Fig. 1, is positioned above the work plan creation device 200. The manager terminal 300 transmits various parameters (work plan parameters) required for creating a work plan, such as a target work completion time, to the work plan creation device 200.

[0018] The worker terminal 400 is an information processing device such as a tablet terminal carried by each worker, and in the configuration example shown in Fig. 1, is positioned below the work plan creation device 200. The worker terminal 400 transmits information such as the start and completion of work and the progress of work to the work plan creation device 200 in real time.

[0019] <Example of hardware configuration of work plan creation device> 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of the work plan creation device 200 according to Embodiment 1. The hardware configuration of the work plan creation device 200 described here is an example, and some components may be omitted or other components may be added as necessary.

[0020] The work plan creation device 200 includes a control unit 11, a storage unit 12, a communication unit 13, an input unit 14, and a display unit 15. Each unit is configured to be able to communicate with each other via an internal interface 16.

[0021] The control unit 11 may be configured using, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphical Processing Unit), an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), or an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), etc. The control unit 11 realizes various functions described below, for example, by referring to various databases stored in the storage unit 12 or reading out programs.

[0022] The memory unit 12 is a memory unit for storing various data, programs, etc., and may be composed of volatile / non-volatile memory units such as RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), HDD (Hard Disk Drive), etc. The memory unit 12 stores the work plan created by the control unit 11, the work times associated with each of the various work processes, etc.

[0023] The communication unit 13 is an interface for communicating with an external device via a network. There are no particular limitations on the communication standards that can be supported by the communication unit 13, and it can be wired or wireless. The communication unit 13 may also be capable of supporting multiple communication standards. Therefore, the network may be configured by combining networks based on multiple communication standards.

[0024] The input unit 14 receives operations and instructions from, for example, an inspector, and may be configured with a mouse, a keyboard, a touch panel display, and the like.

[0025] The display unit 15 displays various user interfaces to the user and may be configured with a liquid crystal display, a touch panel display, a lamp, or the like.

[0026] <Example of functional configuration of work plan creation device> An example of the functional configuration of the work plan creation device 200 will be described below with reference to Fig. 1. Each part shown in Fig. 1 may be realized, for example, by the control unit 11 reading out a program stored in the storage unit 12, or may be realized by providing dedicated hardware.

[0027] Note that the configuration shown in Fig. 1 is an example, and the components shown in Fig. 1 may be configured together, or may be divided into more detailed components. Also, the links and arrows of the components shown in Fig. 1 show an example of data transmission and reception, but the configuration is not limited to this, and other linkages and connections may be made.

[0028] The control unit 11 includes a work plan creation unit 21, a work performance accumulation unit 22, and a delay time calculation unit .

[0029] The work plan creation unit 21 creates a work plan based on work instructions acquired from the work management system 100 and work plan parameters acquired from the manager terminal 300. The work plan creation unit 21 outputs work instructions to each worker based on the created work plan to each worker terminal 400. The work plan parameters here include a "target work completion time" and the like.

[0030] Furthermore, after work based on the aforementioned work plan has begun, the work plan creation unit 21 reacquires work instructions from the work management system 100 and reacquires work plan parameters from the manager terminal 300. Then, the work plan creation unit 21 recreates (or "revises" in a broad sense, the same applies hereinafter) the work plan based on the reacquired work instructions and work plan parameters, as well as the work performance of each worker (or robot (not shown), the same applies hereinafter) acquired from the work performance accumulation unit 22 and the work delay time of each worker calculated by the delay time calculation unit 23. The work plan creation unit 21 outputs work instructions to each worker based on the recreated work plan to each worker terminal 400 (or robot or device controlling the robot, the same applies hereinafter).

[0031] The work record accumulation unit 22 collects and accumulates the work record of each worker based on the work progress, such as the work start notification and work completion notification, acquired from each worker terminal 400. The work record accumulation unit 22 outputs the collected and accumulated work record of each worker to the work plan creation unit 21 and the delay time calculation unit 23.

[0032] The delay time calculation unit 23 calculates the delay time of each worker's work based on the current time, the current work plan, and the work record of each worker acquired from the work record accumulation unit 22. The delay time calculation unit 23 outputs the calculated delay time of each worker's work to the work plan creation unit 21.

[0033] <How to define batch B> Hereinafter, a method for defining (batching) batch B will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a diagram for explaining a method for defining (batching) batch B in the work plan creation method according to the first embodiment.

[0034] As described above, once the work plan is created by the work plan creation unit 21, work instructions based on the work plan are output to each worker terminal 400. For example, as shown in FIG. 3(a), a work instruction WO is assigned to a worker S based on the work plan WPL. This work instruction WO includes multiple work processes WP, as shown in FIG. 3(b). The multiple work processes WP may be processes with different work content or processes with the same work content. A work process WP is, for example, a process such as picking and packing, and a series of work including one or more of these work processes WP is managed in batch B units, as shown in FIG. 3(c).

[0035] For example, suppose a work instruction WO for shipping work includes the following operation steps WP: "Picking item A," "Picking item B," "Picking item C," "Packing item A into box AA," "Picking item B into box AA," and "Picking item C into box BB." In this case, the operation steps WP: "Picking item A," "Picking item B," "Packing item A into box AA," and "Picking item B into box AA" form a series of operations for shipping work. Similarly, the operation steps WP: "Picking item C" and "Picking item C into box BB" form a series of operations for shipping work. In other words, a combination of operation steps WPs that form a series of operations can be defined as a batch B. On the other hand, depending on the work content, one operation step WP can also be defined as one batch B.

[0036] Note that each work process WP, such as "picking item A," "picking item B," and "picking item C," can also be defined as a series of picking-related tasks, called batch B. In other words, the series of tasks can be determined as appropriate and is not limited to the ones described above.

[0037] Furthermore, each work process WP, excluding "picking item A," "picking item B," and "picking item C," can be defined as a series of picking-related tasks as batch B. In other words, the series of tasks to be defined as batch B, i.e., the grouping of work processes WP, can be determined appropriately and is not limited to the above.

[0038] There is no particular limitation on the processing entity that defines (batches) batch B. For example, batch B may be defined manually by the owner or manager of the work plan creation device 200, or batch B may be defined mechanically by the control unit 11 of the work plan creation device 200, etc.

[0039] <Outline of work plan creation method> An outline of the work plan creation method will be described below with reference to Figs. 4 to 7. Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a current work plan in the work plan creation method according to the first embodiment. Fig. 5 is a diagram explaining an outline of the work plan creation method according to the first embodiment. Fig. 6 is a diagram explaining an outline of the work plan creation method according to the first embodiment. Fig. 7 is a diagram explaining an outline of the work plan creation method according to the first embodiment.

[0040] The following explanation will be given using the work plan WPL1 shown in Fig. 4 as an example. Work plan WPL1 visualizes each work instruction assigned to workers S1 to S4, with the vertical axis representing workers and the horizontal axis representing time. That is, in work plan WPL1, worker S1 is assigned work for batches S1B1 to S1B4, worker S2 is assigned work for batches S2B1 to S2B20, worker S3 is assigned work for batches S3B1 to S3B9, and worker S4 is assigned work for batches S4B1 to S4B3.

[0041] In FIG. 4 and other figures, for ease of explanation, each batch B is hatched to clearly distinguish between different work types. That is, within each batch, the same work type is hatched (e.g., batch S1B1 and batch S3B1), and different work types are hatched differently (e.g., batch S1B1 and batch S2B1). In the example of FIG. 5 and other figures, for ease of explanation, the first point in time when the work results are acquired is set to the current time, but the first point in time may be earlier than the current time. In addition, in FIG. 5 and other figures, for ease of explanation, each batch B on which each worker S1 to S4 has completed work is surrounded by a thick frame. In addition, in FIG. 6 and other figures, for ease of explanation, each batch B on which each worker S1 to S4 is currently working is surrounded by a thick dotted frame.

[0042] In the work plan creation method according to the first embodiment, the work plan is recreated after the work plan creation device 200 acquires the work results from each worker terminal 400. First, the work plan creation device 200 acquires the work results from each worker terminal 400. These work results are a "work start notification" and a "work completion notification" output from each worker terminal 400 to the work result accumulation unit 22. In this example, as shown in FIG. 5, at the first point in time (current time) when the work results are acquired, worker S1 has completed work on batch S1B1, worker S2 has completed work up to batch S2B5, and worker S3 has completed work on batch S3B2.

[0043] That is, at the first point in time (current time), the work plan creation device 200 has already acquired a work completion notification for batch S1B1 and a work start notification for batch S1B2. Similarly, at the first point in time (current time), the work plan creation device 200 has already acquired work completion notifications for up to batch S2B5 and a work start notification for batch S2B6, as well as work completion notifications for up to batch S3B2 and a work start notification for batch S3B3. Note that in the example of FIG. 5, it can be seen that at least for worker S1, the only work that has been completed as of the current time is batch S1B1, and therefore a work delay is occurring.

[0044] Next, the work plan creation device 200 identifies the batch B that each of the workers S1 to S4 is currently working on, based on the acquired work performance of each of the workers S1 to S4. In this example, as shown in Fig. 6, batch S1B2, batch S2B6, and batch S3B3 that have received a work start notification but have not received a work completion notification are identified as the work that each of the workers S1 to S3 is currently working on.

[0045] Next, the work plan creation device 200 sets the identified ongoing batch B as a work not to be corrected, and creates a work plan by setting the work excluding the work not to be corrected as work to be corrected. In this example, as shown in Fig. 7, batches S1B2, S2B6, and S3B3 are the work not to be corrected, and batches S1B3 to S1B5, S2B7 to S2B20, S3B4 to S3B9, and S4B1 to S4B3 are the work to be corrected.

[0046] In this specification, setting the identified ongoing batch B as a non-target task is referred to as "locking batch B." The non-target task is also referred to as "locked task." Therefore, the task to be modified can be rephrased as "non-locked task." Furthermore, by locking batch B, the required time for the locked task is also essentially locked. Therefore, the required time for the locked task is referred to as the "lock time" (see below).

[0047] <First method for determining the operations to be locked> A method for determining the first lock target work will be described below with reference to Figures 8 and 9. Figure 8 is a diagram for explaining a method for determining the first lock target work in the work plan creation method according to embodiment 1. Figure 9 is a diagram for explaining a method for determining the first lock target work in the work plan creation method according to embodiment 1. For convenience of explanation, in Figure 8 etc., arrow Y1 indicates a predetermined time (see below).

[0048] In the first method for determining a work to be locked, batch B (including previous batches B) that will be started between a first time point (current time) and a predetermined time is determined as a work to be locked.

[0049] The predetermined time here may be a time set in advance, or may be a time calculated based on the delay time calculated by the delay time calculation unit 23. When calculating based on the delay time, for example, the working speed of each worker S1 to S4 is calculated based on this delay time, and the predetermined time to be applied to each worker S1 to S4 is calculated based on the calculated working speed of each worker S1 to S4. In other words, a longer predetermined time is set for a worker with a faster working speed (worker S2 in this example), and a shorter predetermined time is set for a worker with a slower working speed (worker S1 in this example).

[0050] In this example, as shown in FIG. 8, worker S1 will start work on batch S1B3 between the first time point (current time) and the predetermined time. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 9, for worker S1, batch S1B2 (in progress) and batch S1B3 are determined as lock-target operations. Similarly, worker S2 will start work on batch S2B6 between the first time point (current time) and the predetermined time (see FIG. 8). Therefore, for worker S2, batch S2B6 (in progress) and batches S2B7 to S2B10 are determined as lock-target operations (see FIG. 9). Similarly, worker S3 will start work on batch S3B3 between the first time point (current time) and the predetermined time (see FIG. 8). Therefore, for worker S2, batch S3B3 (in progress) and batch S3B4 are determined as lock-target operations (see FIG. 9).

[0051] That is, in this example, as shown in FIG. 9, batches S1B4 to S1B5, batches S2B11 to S2B20, batches S3B5 to S3B9, and batches S4B1 to S4B3 are non-locked operations.

[0052] <Second method for determining the operations to be locked> A method for determining a second lock target operation will be described below with reference to Fig. 10. Fig. 10 is a diagram for explaining a method for determining a second lock target operation in the work plan creation method according to embodiment 1. For ease of explanation, in Fig. 10, the additional lock time is indicated by an arrow Y2.

[0053] In the second method for determining the locked work, if one or more works of batch B, which are of the same work type as batch B and will start work between the first time point (current time) and a predetermined time, are scheduled to be completed between the predetermined time and a certain time, the one or more works of batch B are determined to be the locked work. Note that the certain time here is set appropriately and is not particularly limited.

[0054] In this example, as shown in FIG. 10, for worker S1, work on batch S1B3 will begin between a first time point (current time) and a predetermined time, and work on batches S1B4 to S1B5, which are the same work type as batch S1B3, is scheduled to be completed between the predetermined time and a certain time. Therefore, batches S1B2 to S1B5 are determined as the locked work for worker S1. Similarly, work on batch S2B6 will begin between the first time point (current time) and a predetermined time, and work on batches S2B7 to S2B20, which are the same work type as batch S2B6, is scheduled to be completed between the predetermined time and a certain time. Therefore, batches S2B6 to S2B20 are determined as the locked work for worker S2. Similarly, for worker S3, work on batch S3B3 will begin between the first time point (current time) and a predetermined time, and work on batches S3B4 to S3B5, which are the same work type as batch S3B3, is scheduled to be completed between the predetermined time and a certain time. In addition, for worker S3, the work type will switch between batch S3B5 and batch S3B6 between the predetermined time and a certain time. Therefore, batches S3B3 to S3B5 are determined to be the work to be locked for worker S3.

[0055] <Third method for determining operations to be locked> Hereinafter, a method for determining a third lock target operation will be described with reference to Fig. 11. Fig. 11 is a diagram for explaining a method for determining a third lock target operation in the work plan creation method according to the first embodiment.

[0056] The third method for determining a locked task is a method for determining a locked task for a worker S (worker S4 in this example) who is not working at a first time point (current time). In the third method for determining a locked task, if worker S is not working at a first time point (current time), batch B that worker S will perform between the current time point and a predetermined time is determined as a locked task.

[0057] In this example, worker S4 is not currently working at the first time point (current time) as shown in Figure 11. Therefore, for worker S4, batch S4B1, which will be performed between the current time point (current time) and a predetermined time, is determined as the work to be locked.

[0058] The work plan creation method according to the first embodiment may employ any one of the first to third methods for determining a work to be locked, as explained above, or may employ a suitable combination of these methods.

[0059] <Assignment of non-locked work> The allocation of non-locked tasks will be described below with reference to Figs. 12 and 13. Fig. 12 is a diagram illustrating the allocation of non-locked tasks in the work plan creation method according to the first embodiment. Fig. 13 is a diagram illustrating the allocation of non-locked tasks in the work plan creation method according to the first embodiment. For ease of explanation, in Fig. 13, the lock time is indicated by an arrow Y3.

[0060] When a worker S is working at a first time point (original time), the work plan creation device 200 creates a work plan so that the work to be corrected is not assigned to the worker S who is working until the required work time (lock time) for the locked work has elapsed.

[0061] In this example, as shown in FIG. 12, workers S1 to S3 are working, and for worker S1, batches S1B2 to S1B3 are determined to be locked tasks, for worker S2, batches S2B6 to S2B10 are determined to be locked tasks, and for worker S3, batches S3B3 to S3B4 are determined to be locked tasks. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 13, for worker S1, the time required to complete batches S1B2 to S1B3 is the locked time, and no non-locked tasks are assigned to this locked time. Similarly, for worker S2, the time required to complete batches S2B6 to S2B10 is the locked time, and no non-locked tasks are assigned to this locked time. Similarly, for worker S3, the time required to complete batches S3B3 to S3B4 is the locked time, and no non-locked tasks are assigned to this locked time.

[0062] Furthermore, if the worker S is not working at the first time point (current time), the work plan creation device 200 creates a work plan so as not to assign the work to be corrected to the worker S who is not working during the period from the current time point (current time) to a predetermined time.

[0063] In this example, worker S4 is not working, as shown in Fig. 12. Therefore, as shown in Fig. 13, the predetermined time is the locked time for worker S4, and no non-locked work is assigned to this locked time.

[0064] In this way, when recreating a work plan, the work plan creation device 200 creates a work plan by not assigning non-locked work to each worker S1 to S4 during each lock time, and by appropriately assigning non-locked work after each lock time has elapsed.

[0065] <Batch division> Hereinafter, division of batches will be described with reference to Fig. 14. Fig. 14 is a diagram illustrating division of batches in the work plan creation method according to the first embodiment.

[0066] The following explanation will be given using batch S3Bn of worker S3 shown in Figure 14 as an example. Batch S3Bn is a batch that has been determined as a lock target operation. Therefore, for worker S3, the operation time required for batch S3Bn is the lock time x.

[0067] If this lock time x is longer than the remaining work time y, which is the difference between the target work completion time and the current time, the work completion time of worker S3 will exceed the target work completion time. Therefore, in the above case, the work plan creation device 200 determines that batch S3Bn needs to be divided. If batch S3Bn can be divided, the work plan creation device 200 preferably divides batch S3Bn so that lock time x is shorter than the remaining work time y, and more preferably divides batch S3Bn by the excess time, which is the difference between lock time x and the remaining work time y. However, if batch S3Bn cannot be divided, the work plan creation device 200 removes batch S3Bn from the list of locked tasks. Note that batch S3Bn removed from the list of locked tasks becomes a non-locked task that can be assigned to other workers S1 to S2, S4. Note that, in this case, the work plan creation device 200 may break down batch S3Bn into work processes WP.

[0068] Furthermore, a threshold value is set for the lock time x from the perspective of work efficiency. In other words, if the lock time x is equal to or greater than the threshold value, work efficiency may decline. For this reason, in the above-mentioned case, the work plan creation device 200 determines that batch S3Bn needs to be divided. If batch S3Bn can be divided, the work plan creation device 200 divides batch S3Bn so that lock time x is less than the threshold value. However, if batch S3Bn cannot be divided, the work plan creation device 200 breaks down batch S3Bn into work processes WP.

[0069] <Example of display on the screen> A display example on the display screen UI of the display unit 15 or the like will be described below with reference to Fig. 15. Fig. 15 is a diagram showing a display example on the display screen UI of the display unit 15 in the work plan creation device 200 according to the first embodiment.

[0070] Before the work plan is recreated, the display screen UI displays the current work plan with the work results reflected, as shown in (a). After the work plan is recreated, the display screen UI displays the recreated work plan, as shown in (b). The display screen UI transitions, for example, between the "(current or recreated) work plan," "work plan with work results reflected," "work plan recreate screen," and "recreated work plan," mainly in this order. The "work plan recreate screen" accepts input for recreating the work plan, such as selecting work to be locked or redefining batch B for work not to be locked.

[0071] <Process flow for creating a work plan> The process flow of the work plan creation method will be described below with reference to Figures 16 and 17. Figure 16 is a flowchart illustrating the process flow of the work plan creation method according to embodiment 1. Figure 17 is a flowchart illustrating the process flow of the work plan creation method according to embodiment 1.

[0072] The processing flow of the work plan creation method described below is a suitable combination of the various methods and functions described above. Therefore, some of the processing described below may be omitted, and other new processing may be added. Note that in this example, the processing is performed by the control unit 11 of the work plan creation device 200, but some of the functions may be performed by other components.

[0073] The control unit 11 acquires work instructions from the work management system 100 and work plan parameters from the manager terminal 300 (Sp101). The work plan parameters here include a target time for completing work and the like.

[0074] The control unit 11 creates a work plan based on the work instructions and work plan parameters (Sp102). Note that the work instructions to each worker based on the work plan created here are output to each worker terminal 400. Also, in this step, batching of multiple work processes included in the work instructions may be performed mechanically by the control unit 11, or may be performed manually by the owner of the work plan creation device 200 or the like. Note that when batching is performed manually, the control unit 11 accepts input from the owner of the work plan creation device 200 or the like in this step.

[0075] The control unit 11 acquires work start information from each worker terminal 400 or the manager terminal 300 (Sp103).

[0076] The control unit 11 reacquires the work instructions from the work management system 100 and the work plan parameters from the manager terminal 300 (Sp104).

[0077] The control unit 11 acquires the work results from each worker terminal 400 (Sp105). Here, work start notifications and work completion notifications are acquired in real time.

[0078] The control unit 11 identifies the work (batch) being performed by each worker based on the acquired work performance (Sp106).

[0079] The control unit 11 calculates the delay time of each worker's work based on the work plan created in step Sp102 and the work (batch) being performed by each worker identified in step Sp106 (Sp107). Note that this step may be omitted.

[0080] The control unit 11 calculates the working speed of each worker based on the calculated delay time (Sp108). Note that if step Sp107 is omitted, this step is also omitted.

[0081] The control unit 11 calculates a predetermined time for locking the work based on the calculated work speed of each worker (Sp109). This predetermined time differs depending on the work speed of each worker. Note that if step Sp107 is omitted, this step is also omitted. In other words, this predetermined time is assumed to be set in advance.

[0082] The control unit 11 determines the lock target work of each worker based on the predetermined time (Sp110).

[0083] The control unit 11 determines whether or not there will be a change in work within a certain time from the determined lock target work (Sp111). If there will be a change in work within a certain time from the lock target work (YES in Sp111), the control unit 11 proceeds to step Sp112. On the other hand, if there will not be a change in work within a certain time from the lock target work (NO in Sp111), the control unit 11 proceeds to step Sp113.

[0084] The control unit 11 determines that the work (batch) up until the switching time is to be additionally locked as a work to be locked (Sp112). Then, the processing of the control unit 11 proceeds to step Sp113. Note that here, if a work (batch) of the same work type as the locked work (batch) is scheduled to be completed within the aforementioned fixed time, this work (batch) that is scheduled to be completed is also determined to be a work to be locked.

[0085] The control unit 11 determines whether or not the batch determined to be the locked operation needs to be divided (Sp113). If the batch needs to be divided (YES in Sp113), the control unit 11 proceeds to step Sp114. On the other hand, if the batch does not need to be divided (NO in Sp113), the control unit 11 proceeds to step Sp117.

[0086] The control unit 11 determines whether or not the corresponding batch can be decomposed (Sp114). If the corresponding batch can be decomposed (YES in Sp114), the processing of the control unit 11 proceeds to step Sp115. On the other hand, if the corresponding batch cannot be decomposed (NO in Sp114), the processing of the control unit 11 proceeds to step Sp116.

[0087] The control unit 11 breaks down the batch (Sp115), and the process of the control unit 11 proceeds to step Sp117.

[0088] The control unit 11 removes the batch from the operations to be locked (Sp116), and the processing of the control unit 11 then proceeds to step Sp117.

[0089] The control unit 11 determines the lock-target works determined up to this step as lock-target works for creating a westward-moving plan (Sp117).

[0090] The control unit 11 breaks down the batch of non-locked work into work steps, and adds the new work steps acquired in step Sp105 to the non-locked work (Sp118). Note that here, if breaking down the non-locked batch is unnecessary or impossible, it is not necessary to break it down.

[0091] The control unit 11 batches the decomposed work processes and the new work processes (Sp119). Note that if the batching here is performed manually, this step can be replaced with "accepting input for batching" or the like.

[0092] The control unit 11 recreates the work plan (Sp120) so that the non-locked work (batch) that was not broken down in step Sp118 and the newly batched work in step Sp119 are assigned to each worker. Here, the control unit 11 creates the work plan so that work (batch) is not assigned during the locked time of each worker. Then, the processing of the control unit 11 proceeds to step Sp104.

[0093] A work plan is created or recreated as described above. The operation of the control unit 11 described above may be executed continuously or at a predetermined timing. The above description has been given as an example of modifying (recreating) a "work plan created by the control unit 11 of the work plan creation device 200" in accordance with the work progress of each worker. However, the present disclosure also allows for the modification of a "work plan created by a device or system other than the work plan creation device 200." The above description has been given as an example of modifying a work plan in accordance with the work progress of each worker. However, the present disclosure also allows for the modification of a work plan in accordance with the work progress of each robot or each worker and each robot. The above description has been given as an example of modifying a work plan in accordance with the work progress of multiple workers. However, the present disclosure also allows for the modification of a work plan in accordance with the work progress of one worker or one robot.

[0094] As described above, the work plan creation method and work plan creation device according to the first embodiment can modify a work plan in accordance with the progress of work by at least a worker or a robot.

[0095] (Other variations) The present disclosure also applies to programs and storage media that realize the functions of the devices of the above-mentioned embodiments, which are supplied to the device via a network or various storage media and read and executed by a computer within the device.

[0096] Although various embodiments have been described above with reference to the drawings, it goes without saying that the present disclosure is not limited to these examples. It is clear to those skilled in the art that various modifications, alterations, substitutions, additions, deletions, and equivalents may be made within the scope of the claims, and it is understood that these also fall within the technical scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, the components of the various embodiments described above may be combined in any manner without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0097] (Addendum) The above description of the embodiments discloses the following techniques.

[0098] <Technology 1> Obtain work instructions and target time for completing work, Obtaining the work progress of at least a worker or a robot; setting, as non-target tasks, a work process being performed by the worker and the robot at a first time point when the work progress information is acquired, and a work process between the first time point and a predetermined time; creating a work plan with the work process after the predetermined time has elapsed as the work to be corrected; How to create a work plan.

[0099] With this configuration, not only is the ongoing work process not interrupted when revising (recreating) a work plan, but work is also not interrupted while the work plan is being created, preventing rework, loss of work time, and work stagnation.

[0100] <Technology 2> Manage a series of operations that include one or more work processes in batch units, setting a batch being performed by the worker and the robot related to the acquired work progress at the first time point as the work not to be corrected; The work plan creation method described in Technology 1.

[0101] This configuration allows work to be managed in batch units, which improves work efficiency, simplifies the management of work progress, and makes work planning more flexible.

[0102] <Technology 3> setting a batch whose operation will start between the first time point and the predetermined time as the operation not to be corrected; A work plan creation method described in Technology 2.

[0103] With this configuration, work that begins while the work plan is being revised will not be interrupted even after the work plan is created, preventing rework, loss of work time, and work stagnation.

[0104] <Technology 4> If work of one or more batches of the same work type as a batch that will be started between the first time point and the specified time is scheduled to be completed between the specified time and a certain time, set the one or more batches as work not to be corrected. A work plan creation method described in Technology 3.

[0105] This configuration allows for consistency in work and helps to ensure efficient progress of work.

[0106] <Technology 5> If it is determined that it is necessary to divide the predetermined batch corresponding to the work not to be corrected, divide the predetermined batch into a plurality of batches. The work plan creation method according to claim 2.

[0107] This configuration reduces the risk of work delays and allows for more flexibility in creating work plans.

[0108] <Technology 6> If it is determined that the predetermined batch cannot be divided, the predetermined batch is excluded from the operations not to be corrected. A work plan creation method described in Technology 5.

[0109] This configuration reduces the risk of work delays and allows for more flexibility in creating work plans.

[0110] <Technology 7> If the worker or the robot is not working at the first time point, the work process to be performed by the worker and the robot who are not working between the current time point and the predetermined time is set as a work not to be corrected. A work plan creation method according to any one of techniques 1 to 6.

[0111] With this configuration, even if a worker or robot is not currently working, work that begins while the work plan is being revised will not be interrupted even after the work plan is created, preventing rework, loss of work time, and work stagnation.

[0112] <Technology 8> creating the work plan so that, if a worker or a robot is working at the first time point, the work plan is not assigned to the worker or the robot working at the first time point until the required time for the work not to be corrected has elapsed; If a worker or a robot is not currently working at the first time point, the work plan is created so as not to assign the work to be corrected to the worker and the robot that are not currently working between the current time point and the predetermined time. A work plan creation method according to any one of techniques 1 to 7.

[0113] This configuration reduces the burden on workers or robots caused by changes to the work plan.

[0114] <Technology 9> calculating, based on the acquired work progress, work speeds of the worker and the robot related to the acquired work progress; determining the predetermined time for each of the workers and the robots involved in the acquired work progress based on the calculated work speed; A work plan creation method according to any one of techniques 1 to 8.

[0115] This configuration makes it possible to create a flexible and more appropriate work plan according to the progress and capabilities of each worker and robot involved in the acquired work progress.

[0116] <Technology 10> A work plan creation device (200) including a work plan creation unit (21) that acquires work instructions and a target time for completing work, and a work record accumulation unit (22) that acquires work progress of at least a worker or a robot, The work plan creation unit 21 setting, as non-target tasks, the work process being performed by the worker and the robot at a first time point when the work progress information is acquired, and the work process between the first time point and a predetermined time, and creating a work plan by setting, as non-target tasks, the work process after the predetermined time point. Work plan creation device 200.

[0117] With this configuration, not only is the ongoing work process not interrupted when revising the work plan, but work is also not interrupted while the work plan is being revised, preventing rework, loss of work time, and work stagnation. [Industrial Applicability]

[0118] The present disclosure is useful as a work plan creation method and a work plan creation device that can modify a work plan in accordance with the work progress of at least a worker or a robot. [Explanation of symbols]

[0119] 11 Control section 21 Work Planning Department 22 Work record accumulation section 23 Delay time calculation section 100 Work Management System 200 Work plan creation device 300 Administrator terminal 400 Worker terminal

Claims

1. A computer-implemented method for creating a work plan, comprising: Acquire a work instruction including a plurality of work processes and a target work completion time that is a target time for completing the execution of a work plan including the work instruction; Obtaining the work progress of at least a worker or a robot; setting, as non-target operations, a work process being performed by the worker and the robot at a first time point when the work progress information is acquired, and a work process to be performed between the first time point and a predetermined time; a work plan is created based on the target work completion time, with the work process after the predetermined time has elapsed as the work to be corrected; How to create a work plan.

2. Manage a series of operations that include one or more work processes in batch units, setting a batch being performed by the worker and the robot involved in the acquired work progress at the first time point as the work not to be corrected; The work plan creation method according to claim 1 .

3. setting a batch whose operation will start between the first time point and the predetermined time as the operation not to be corrected; The work plan creation method according to claim 2 .

4. If work of one or more batches of the same work type as a batch on which work will be started between the first time point and the specified time is scheduled to be completed between the specified time and a certain time, the one or more batches are set as work not to be corrected. The work plan creation method according to claim 3 .

5. If it is determined that it is necessary to divide a predetermined batch corresponding to the non-correction target work based on the current time and the target work completion time, the predetermined batch is divided into multiple batches. The work plan creation method according to claim 2 .

6. If it is determined that the predetermined batch cannot be divided, the predetermined batch is excluded from the operations not to be corrected. The work plan creation method according to claim 5 .

7. If the worker or the robot is not working at the first time point, the work process to be performed by the worker and the robot who are not working between the current time point and the predetermined time is set as a work not to be corrected. The work plan creation method according to claim 1 .

8. creating the work plan so that, if a worker or a robot is working at the first time point, the work plan is not assigned to the worker or the robot working at the first time point until the required time for the work not to be corrected has elapsed; If a worker or a robot is not currently working at the first time point, the work plan is created so as not to assign the work to be corrected to the worker and the robot that are not currently working between the current time point and the predetermined time. The work plan creation method according to claim 1 .

9. calculating, based on the acquired work progress, work speeds of the worker and the robot related to the acquired work progress; determining the predetermined time for each of the workers and the robots involved in the acquired work progress based on the calculated work speed; The work plan creation method according to claim 1 .

10. A work plan creation device including a work plan creation unit that acquires work instructions including a plurality of work processes and a target work completion time that is a target time for completing the execution of a work plan including said work instructions, and a work performance accumulation unit that acquires work progress of at least a worker or a robot, The work plan creation unit setting, as non-target tasks, work processes being performed by the worker and the robot at a first time point when the work progress is acquired and work processes to be performed between the first time point and a predetermined time, and setting, as non-target tasks, work processes after the predetermined time point when the work progress is acquired, work processes to be corrected, and creating a work plan based on the target work completion time. Work planning device.

11. A computer-implemented method for creating a work plan, comprising: Acquire a work instruction including a plurality of work processes and a target work completion time that is a target time for completing the execution of a work plan including the work instruction; Obtaining the work progress of at least a worker or a robot; setting, as non-target tasks, a work process being performed by the worker and the robot at a first time point when the work progress is acquired, and a work process between the first time point and a predetermined time; A work plan is created based on the target work completion time, with the work process after the predetermined time has elapsed as the work to be corrected. Manage a series of operations that include one or more work processes in batch units, setting a batch being performed by the worker and the robot related to the acquired work progress at the first time point as the work not to be corrected; setting a batch whose operation will start between the first time point and the predetermined time as the operation not to be corrected; If work of one or more batches of the same work type as a batch on which work will be started between the first time point and the specified time is scheduled to be completed between the specified time and a certain time, the one or more batches are set as work not to be corrected. How to create a work plan.

12. A computer-implemented method for creating a work plan, comprising: Acquire a work instruction including a plurality of work processes and a target work completion time that is a target time for completing the execution of a work plan including the work instruction; Obtaining the work progress of at least a worker or a robot; setting, as non-target tasks, a work process being performed by the worker and the robot at a first time point when the work progress is acquired, and a work process between the first time point and a predetermined time; A work plan is created based on the target work completion time, with the work process after the predetermined time has elapsed as the work to be corrected. Manage a series of operations that include one or more work processes in batch units, setting a batch being performed by the worker and the robot related to the acquired work progress at the first time point as the work not to be corrected; If it is determined that a predetermined batch corresponding to the non-target work needs to be divided based on the current time and the target work completion time, the predetermined batch is divided into multiple batches. How to create a work plan.

13. A computer-implemented method for creating a work plan, comprising: Acquire a work instruction including a plurality of work processes and a target work completion time that is a target time for completing the execution of a work plan including the work instruction; Obtaining the work progress of at least a worker or a robot; setting, as non-target tasks, a work process being performed by the worker and the robot at a first time point when the work progress is acquired, and a work process between the first time point and a predetermined time; A work plan is created based on the target work completion time, with the work process after the predetermined time has elapsed as the work to be corrected. Manage a series of operations that include one or more work processes in batch units, setting a batch being performed by the worker and the robot related to the acquired work progress at the first time point as the work not to be corrected; If it is determined that it is necessary to divide a predetermined batch corresponding to the non-correction target work based on the current time and the target work completion time, the predetermined batch is divided into a plurality of batches; If it is determined that the predetermined batch cannot be divided, the predetermined batch is excluded from the operations not to be corrected. How to create a work plan.

14. A computer-implemented method for creating a work plan, comprising: Acquire a work instruction including a plurality of work processes and a target work completion time that is a target time for completing the execution of a work plan including the work instruction; Obtaining the work progress of at least a worker or a robot; setting, as non-target tasks, a work process being performed by the worker and the robot at a first time point when the work progress is acquired, and a work process between the first time point and a predetermined time; A work plan is created based on the target work completion time, with the work process after the predetermined time has elapsed as the work to be corrected. If the worker or the robot is not working at the first time point, the work process to be performed by the worker and the robot who are not working between the current time point and the predetermined time point is set as a work not to be corrected. How to create a work plan.

15. A computer-implemented method for creating a work plan, comprising: Acquire a work instruction including a plurality of work processes and a target work completion time that is a target time for completing the execution of a work plan including the work instruction; Obtaining the work progress of at least a worker or a robot; setting, as non-target tasks, a work process being performed by the worker and the robot at a first time point when the work progress is acquired, and a work process between the first time point and a predetermined time; A work plan is created based on the target work completion time, with the work process after the predetermined time has elapsed as the work to be corrected. creating the work plan so that, if a worker or a robot is working at the first time point, the work to be corrected is not assigned to the worker or the robot working at the first time point until the required time for the work not to be corrected has elapsed; If a worker or a robot is not currently working at the first time point, the work plan is created so as not to assign the work to be corrected to the worker and the robot that are not currently working between the current time point and the predetermined time. How to create a work plan.

16. A computer-implemented method for creating a work plan, comprising: Acquire a work instruction including a plurality of work processes and a target work completion time that is a target time for completing the execution of a work plan including the work instruction; Obtaining the work progress of at least a worker or a robot; setting, as non-target tasks, a work process being performed by the worker and the robot at a first time point when the work progress is acquired, and a work process between the first time point and a predetermined time; A work plan is created based on the target work completion time, with the work process after the predetermined time has elapsed as the work to be corrected. calculating, based on the acquired work progress, work speeds of the worker and the robot related to the acquired work progress; determining the predetermined time for each of the workers and the robots involved in the acquired work progress based on the calculated work speed; How to create a work plan.

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