Design support device, design support method, and computer program for design support

Abstract

To enable the calculation of processing costs when designing a product using information when the product was designed in the past by taking into account information about workers who can operate a facility when components for the product are assembled.SOLUTION: A design support apparatus 1 comprises a calculation unit 20 that selects, from new design information for a product which is design information including component information relating to components to be used for the product and design information capable of designing the product extracted using past actual result information based on the new design information, design information optimum for the product by using a processing cost of assembling components for the product calculated by taking into account information of workers who can operate a facility associated with the component information of each design information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a design support device, a design support method, and a computer program for design support.

Background Art

[0002] There are cases where design related to the assembly of parts for a product is carried out using a device that supports product design using information from past designs. Patent Document 1 discloses a device that calculates and displays processing time and processing costs based on tools, and allows an operator to perform design using the displayed information.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the design of a product using information from past designs, when assembling parts for the product, in addition to processing costs related to tools and processing time, for example, if new equipment is required for the assembly of the parts, other factors such as whether an operator who can operate the equipment is at the product assembly site also affect the processing cost of the product. That is, there is a problem that in the design of a product using information from past designs, the processing cost is not calculated taking into account information other than tools and processing time during the assembly of parts for the product.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a design support device, a design support method, and a computer program for design support that solve the above problems.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] According to a first aspect of the present invention, the design support device includes design information including component information relating to parts used for a product, and comprises a calculation means for selecting the optimal design information for the product from new design information for the product and design information that can be designed for the product extracted using past performance information based on the new design information, taking into account worker information that can handle the equipment associated with the component information of each design information.

[0007] Furthermore, according to a second aspect of the present invention, the design support method includes design information including component information relating to parts used for a product, and extracts design information that enables the design of the product from new design information for the product, using past performance information extracted based on the new design information, and selects the optimal design information for the product from the new design information and the extracted design information, using the processing cost for assembling the parts for the product, which is calculated by taking into account worker information that can handle the equipment associated with the component information of each design information.

[0008] Furthermore, according to a third aspect of the present invention, the computer program for design support includes design information including component information relating to parts used for a product, and the computer is instructed to extract design information that allows for the design of the product from new design information for the product, using past performance information extracted based on the new design information, and to select the optimal design information for the product from the new design information and the extracted design information, using the processing cost for assembling the parts for the product, which is calculated by taking into account worker information that can handle the equipment associated with the component information of each design information. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, when designing a product using information from a past design, it is possible to calculate processing costs by taking into account information other than tools and processing time used in the assembly of parts for that product. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This is a block diagram showing the configuration of a design support device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This figure shows an example of intensity information according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] This figure shows an example of component information according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] This figure shows an example of equipment information according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] This figure shows an example of worker information according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] This figure shows an example of quality information according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] This figure shows an example of processing cost information according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] This figure shows an example of a hardware configuration in which a design support device according to one embodiment of the present invention is implemented using a computer device including a processor. [Figure 9] This flowchart shows an example of the operation of a design support device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] This figure shows an example of a screen displayed by a design support device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] This figure shows an example of a screen displayed by a design support device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] This figure shows an example of a screen displayed by a design support device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] This figure shows an example of a screen displayed by a design support device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] This figure shows an example of a screen displayed by a design support device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] This figure shows the minimum configuration diagram of a design support device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] Hereinafter, a design support device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a design support device 1 according to the embodiment. The design support device 1 includes a processing unit 2 and a storage unit 3. The processing unit 2 performs processing for design support using the information in the storage unit 3. The processing unit 2 includes a calculation unit 20 and a display processing unit 25. The storage unit 3 stores various types of information generated or used in the design support device 1. The calculation unit 20 includes a strength confirmation unit 21, a facility confirmation unit 22, an operator confirmation unit 23, and a quality confirmation unit 24. The storage unit 3 stores information such as strength information 31, component information 32, facility information 33, operator information 34, quality information 35, and processing cost information 36.

[0012] The various types of information stored in the storage unit 3 are generated as needed based on past performance information regarding the parts required for product assembly for each base (e.g., factory) when new designs are input into the design support device 1, the presence or absence of certain equipment for each base, the presence or absence of operators who can operate that equipment, the necessity of training for operators, etc. Examples of the various types of information stored in the storage unit 3 will be described using figures.

[0013] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the strength information 31. The strength information 31 indicates information regarding the strength when assembled based on the design information indicating the product. From FIG. 2, the strength information 31 includes items such as a design ID, a design name, and product strength. The design ID is an ID for uniquely identifying the design information for designing the product. The design name is a name that can be set to make the design content understandable. The product strength is information regarding the strength of the target product. The strength indicates the strength of the entire product or the strength of a predetermined location of the product, etc. Here, the "design information" at least includes the parts required for the product that is the target of the design and information regarding the assembly of the parts. Note that the strength is a value obtained by strength calculation based on the design information, etc. FIG. 2 shows an example where three pieces of design information are registered / extracted. The design ID is used to associate the strength information 31, the component information 32, the facility information 33, the operator information 34, the quality information 35, and the processing cost information 36 respectively.

[0014] Figure 3 shows an example of part information 32. Part information 32 shows information about the parts necessary to assemble the target product and is part of the design information. As shown in Figure 3, part information 32 includes items such as design ID, part ID, part name, and standard processing cost. The part ID is an ID used to identify the part used for the target product. The part name is the name of the part associated with the part ID. The standard processing cost is the standard processing cost when assembling the part associated with the part ID. For example, in Figure 3, part ID "1" indicates that the standard processing cost is "10 yen" per part. In the example in Figure 3, a total of three design information sets are shown, including design information in which other design information has been extracted and added by referring to past performance information to correspond to newly entered design information. Note that part information 32 may be configured to automatically insert the part name and standard processing cost when the part ID is identified, using a parts database (not shown) that includes part ID, part name, standard processing cost, etc.

[0015] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of equipment information 33. The equipment information 33 is information indicating an assembly base when assembling parts required for a target product, and the presence or absence of jigs and equipment required for assembling the target parts at that base. From FIG. 4, the equipment information 33 includes items such as a design ID, a part ID, a base, jigs and equipment, assembly content (commonality), an assembly coefficient, etc. The base indicates a processing and assembly base for the target product, for example, a factory. The jigs and equipment indicate whether there are newly required jigs and equipment for each part required for the target product when assembling the parts for the product at that base. The assembly content (commonality) indicates whether there is commonality in the assembly content for parts of other products when jigs and equipment are required for each part, or in other words, whether there is versatility. The assembly coefficient indicates a coefficient used when calculating the processing cost for the target part, taking into account the introduction of new jigs and equipment when there are no jigs and equipment for each part required for the target product at the indicated base. Note that the assembly coefficient may be set taking further into account the commonality of the assembly content. For example, in FIG. 4, the part ID "3" with the design ID "3" has a base of "Factory B", requires the introduction of new jigs and equipment, has no commonality in the assembly content, and has an assembly coefficient of "1.2". In FIG. 4, the item "jigs and equipment" shows only an example of whether new introduction is "not required" or "required", but when other jigs and equipment can be diverted, information setting of "divertible" may be made. At this time, an assembly coefficient considering whether it is "required" or "divertible" may be set. Note that hereinafter, for the sake of convenience, when simply referred to as "equipment", it shall be used as a general term for jigs and equipment required for processing parts and assembling products using those parts.

[0016] Figure 5 shows an example of worker information 34. Worker information 34 indicates whether there are workers capable of operating specific equipment required at a designated location when assembling parts for the target product. Worker information 34 is used to calculate processing costs during design based on specified design information. As shown in Figure 5, worker information 34 includes items such as design ID, part ID, worker, worker coefficient, instruction manual, training coefficient, and delivery date. The worker information, linked to the equipment information 33 shown in Figure 4, indicates whether there are workers capable of operating the equipment required for the parts of the target product at the assembly site. The worker coefficient indicates a coefficient used in calculating processing costs for the target parts, based on factors such as the presence or absence of workers. The instruction manual indicates the presence or absence of a manual for operating the target equipment. The training coefficient indicates a coefficient used in calculating processing costs for the target parts, taking into account the cost of training required for workers to operate the equipment. The delivery date for the part in question takes into account whether there are workers capable of operating the equipment required for that equipment, and the need for training for those workers to operate the equipment. For example, in Figure 5, part ID "3" with design ID "3" is associated with equipment information 33 shown in Figure 4, indicating that the location is "Factory B" and new equipment installation is required. Furthermore, part ID "3" with design ID "3" indicates that at location "Factory B", there are no workers capable of operating the equipment, resulting in a worker coefficient of "1.5", a manual for operating the equipment exists, a training coefficient of "2", and a delivery date of "7". Note that while Figure 5 shows the presence or absence of workers when new equipment installation is required, the same information regarding the presence or absence of workers, and the corresponding worker coefficient and training coefficient, may also be set when existing equipment can be used.

[0017] Figure 6 shows an example of quality information 35. Quality information 35 indicates the quality of a component when assembled using the specified equipment, based on the components required for the target product. Here, "quality" refers to, for example, the yield rate based on past performance when processing the component or assembling it using the specified equipment. From Figure 6, quality information 35 includes the design ID, component ID, and the aforementioned quality (Q) items. Although Figure 6 also shows the jig / equipment item, it is an item added for convenience to show that the "quality (Q)" item is shown when the jig / equipment is "essential". The information of the item added for convenience can be identified by linking it with the equipment information 33 using the design ID and component ID. For example, in Figure 6, component ID "3" with design ID "3" is linked with the equipment information 33 to show that when the location is "Factory B", new equipment needs to be introduced, and the quality (Q) at that time is "99%" based on past performance. Furthermore, the "Quality (Q)" item may be set based on past performance even if the introduction of new equipment is not required for the assembly of parts.

[0018] Figure 7 shows an example of processing cost information 36. Processing cost information 36 shows the processing cost (calculated cost) for each part, taking into account the processing of parts at a designated location, the availability of workers, etc., when assembling the parts required for the target product, and when designated equipment is required at a designated location. Furthermore, processing cost information 36 also shows the processing cost for assembling the target product in that design, taking into account the "processing cost" of each part when the target product is assembled using the target design method. From Figure 7, processing cost information 36 includes items such as design ID, part ID, and the aforementioned calculated cost and processing cost [yen / design]. Note that Figure 7 also shows items such as standard processing cost [yen / part], assembly coefficient, worker coefficient, and training coefficient, but these are items added for convenience to explain how the items "calculated cost" and "processing cost [yen / design]" are calculated. Note that the information of the items added for convenience can be identified by linking it with part information 32, equipment information 33, and worker information 34 using design ID and part ID. For example, in Figure 7, part ID "3" with design ID "3" can be identified by linking it with part information 32, equipment information 33, and worker information 34, as having a standard processing cost [yen / part] of "5", an assembly coefficient of "1.2", a worker coefficient of "1.5", and a training coefficient of "2". In this case, the calculation unit 20 calculates the cost for part ID "3" with design ID "3" as "18" (=5 × 1.2 × 1.5 × 2). Also, the calculation unit 20 calculates the processing cost [yen / design] for the product with design ID "3" as "46" (=10 + 18 + 18).

[0019] The example shown for the memory unit 3 is that it stores information such as strength information 31, part information 32, equipment information 33, worker information 34, quality information 35, and processing cost information 36 as separate data (tables), but it is not limited to this. For example, all of this information may be stored in the memory unit 3 as a single data (table).

[0020] Furthermore, if there are any changes to the equipment, the operators of the equipment, or the processing results of parts at each location, this information will be updated as source data referenced for storage in the memory unit 3 whenever changes occur. In addition, the coefficients for calculating the processing costs of parts may be automatically set according to predetermined rules using a separate data (table), or they may be set individually by other methods.

[0021] Returning to Figure 1, the calculation unit 20 and display processing unit 25 in the processing unit 2 will be explained. The calculation unit 20 uses the information stored in the storage unit 3 to perform various calculations to support the design of products that take processing costs into account. The display processing unit 25 performs processing for displaying the results calculated by the calculation unit 20 and for displaying the user interface for users of the design support device 1. Next, the strength verification unit 21, equipment verification unit 22, worker verification unit 23, and quality verification unit 24 included in the calculation unit 20 will be explained.

[0022] When a required strength for a product is set, the strength verification unit 21 extracts design components and assembly methods from past performance data to ensure that the design information meets the required strength. Furthermore, if the strength calculated based on the newly entered design information is lower than the required strength, the strength verification unit 21 extracts design components and assembly methods from past performance data. Then, from the candidate design information created from the extracted information, the strength verification unit 21 extracts and selects design information for a product that meets the required strength as candidate design information. The strength verification unit 21 prepares strength information 31, component information 32, equipment information 33, worker information 34, and quality information 35 for the design information to be evaluated, and stores them in the storage unit 3.

[0023] The equipment verification unit 22 uses the equipment information 33 extracted and selected by the strength verification unit 21 to calculate the processing cost for each component when processing and assembling each component at each location, using the assembly coefficient.

[0024] The worker verification unit 23 uses the worker information 34 in the design information extracted and selected by the strength verification unit 21 to calculate the processing cost for each part when processing and assembling each part at each location, using worker coefficients and training coefficients.

[0025] The quality verification unit 24 uses the quality information 35 to calculate the processing cost for each component when processing and assembling each component at each location, based on the design information extracted and selected by the strength verification unit 21, using the quality (Q) value.

[0026] The calculation unit 20 uses the processing costs of each component calculated by the equipment verification unit 22, the worker verification unit 23, and the quality verification unit 24 to output the calculated cost for each component to the processing cost information 36. Furthermore, the calculation unit 20 determines the processing cost of the product in each design information using the calculated cost of each component in the design information and outputs it as the processing cost to the processing cost information 36. In addition, the calculation unit 20 selects the optimal design information from among the candidate design information based on the processing cost and required strength in each design information.

[0027] Figure 8 shows an example of a hardware configuration in which the design support device 1 of this disclosure is implemented using a computer device 8 including a processor. As shown in Figure 8, the computer device 8 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 801, memory such as ROM (Read Only Memory) 802 and RAM (Random Access Memory) 803, and a storage device 805 such as a hard disk for storing a program 804. Furthermore, the computer device 8 includes a communication I / F (Interface) 808 for connecting to a communication network 813, and an input / output interface 811 for inputting and outputting data to and from peripheral devices 814. In addition, the computer device 8 connects each device constituting the computer device 8 to input devices 809 and output devices 810 provided inside or outside the computer device 8 via a bus 812.

[0028] The CPU 801 controls the entire computer device 8 that runs the operating system and realizes the design support device 1. The CPU 801 also reads programs and data into memory from the recording medium 806, which is mounted on, for example, the drive device 807. Furthermore, the CPU 801 functions as the processing unit 2 shown in Figure 1, and executes processes or instructions in the flowchart shown in Figure 9, which will be described later, based on the program.

[0029] The recording medium 806 is, for example, an optical disc, a flexible disc, a magneto-optical disc, an external hard disk, or a semiconductor memory. Some recording media are non-volatile memory devices on which the program is recorded. The program may also be downloaded from an external computer (not shown) connected to a communication network.

[0030] The input device 809 is implemented as, for example, a mouse, keyboard, or built-in key buttons, and is used for input operations. The input device 809 is not limited to a mouse, keyboard, or built-in key buttons; it may also be, for example, a touch panel. The output device 810 is implemented as, for example, a display, and is used to confirm the output. In this embodiment, the design support device 1 starts processing when it detects that the user has received the necessary operations related to product design from the input device 809.

[0031] As described above, the design support device 1 shown in Figure 1 is implemented by the computer hardware shown in Figure 8. However, the means of implementing each part of the design support device 1 in Figure 1 are not limited to the configuration described above. The design support device 1 may also be implemented by a single physically coupled device, or by two or more physically separated devices connected by wired or wireless connections. For example, the input device 809 and the output device 810 may be connected to the computer device 8 via a network. In this embodiment, the storage device 805 or a storage device connected to the communication network 813 stores past product information and performance information such as equipment information for assembling parts. The storage device 805 also stores various information necessary for design support as the storage unit 3 shown in Figure 1.

[0032] Figure 9 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the design support device 1. The design support device 1 starts operating when the user registers (inputs) new design information for product assembly (step 901). For example, as shown in Figure 10, the user presses the design data input tab 10a on the input screen displayed by the design support device 1 to register the design data with the design support device 1.

[0033] Next, as an option, if there is a required strength for the product to be designed, the design support device 1 will acquire that required strength based on user input (step 902). For example, as shown in Figure 11, on the input screen displayed by the design support device 1, the user presses the strength setting tab 11a, selects the judgment range setting 11b on the strength setting screen, and selects the part to set the required strength as shown in the code range 11c. Furthermore, the user inputs the specified strength in the input section shown in code 11d. Once the user has finished specifying the strength, they press the input completion button 11e to set the specified strength for the product.

[0034] Subsequently, for example, as shown in Figure 12, the user presses the analysis execution tab 12a on the input screen displayed by the design support device 1, which starts the operation of the strength verification unit 21. Based on the parts required to be linked to the new design information entered in step 901, the strength verification unit 21 searches past performance for design parts and assembly methods that satisfy the parts in the new design information, and uses these as candidates for design support. The strength verification unit 21 calculates the strength based on the design information obtained from the search results and extracts one or more design information that satisfies the required strength for each site (step 903). At this time, after the strength calculation, the strength verification unit 21 selects only the design information that also satisfies the required strength entered in step 902, and uses these as candidate design information. If no required strength is entered in step 903, the strength verification unit 21 searches past performance for design parts and assembly methods that satisfy the parts in the new design information, based on the parts required to be linked to the new design information entered in step 901, without considering the required strength, and extracts candidate design information.

[0035] The design information extracted in step 903, and the new design information obtained in step 901, are stored in the storage unit 3 as strength information 31 and component information 32, respectively, as candidates for design information that may be used for design support. The new design information obtained in step 901 is also stored in the storage unit 3 as design information. In the examples in Figures 2 to 6, design ID "1" is new design information, and design IDs "2" and "3" are design information that may use past performance information, as will be explained below.

[0036] After extracting potential design information by searching past performance data, the strength verification unit 21 determines whether the product design based on the new design information entered in step 901 is equal to or greater than the required strength entered in step 902 (step 904). If the new design information is less than the required strength (step 904: No), the strength verification unit 21 uses the design information other than the new design information, i.e., the design information extracted in step 903, as the subject of the calculation of processing costs in the following steps (step 904). If the product design based on the new design information entered in step 901 is also equal to or greater than the required strength (step 904: Yes), then the new design information entered in 901 and the design information extracted in step 903 are subject to the calculation of processing costs in the following steps. If no required strength is entered in step 902, step 904 is skipped.

[0037] The equipment verification unit 22 searches for information on available equipment from past performance at the facility corresponding to each design information and adds information on "jigs and equipment," "assembly details (commonality)," and "assembly coefficient" to the equipment information 33. Then, based on the information added to the equipment information 33, the equipment verification unit 22 determines whether new equipment or jigs need to be introduced (step 906). If new equipment or jigs need to be introduced, that is, if there is no equipment or jigs used in past performance (step 906: No), the equipment verification unit 22 calculates the processing cost for each part using the assembly coefficient. For example, for part with design ID "3" and part ID "3" in Figure 7, this process calculates the cost of that part to be "6" (= 5 × 1.2).

[0038] The worker verification unit 23 refers to the track record at the facility corresponding to each design information, and, if necessary, personnel information and other information, to search for information such as whether there are users who can operate the equipment and whether there are instruction manuals. The worker information 34, which includes information on "worker," "worker coefficient," and "instruction manual" from the worker information 34, is then stored in the storage unit 3. Subsequently, the worker verification unit 23 uses the worker information 34 to determine whether there are operators when new equipment or jigs need to be introduced (step 907). If there are no users (step 907: No), the worker verification unit 23 calculates the processing cost for each part using the worker coefficient. For example, for part with design ID "3" and part ID "3" in Figure 7, this process results in a calculated cost of "9" (= 5 × 1.2 × 1.5).

[0039] The worker verification unit 23 further adds information regarding the "training coefficient," which takes into account the presence or absence of users, to the worker information 34. Subsequently, the worker verification unit 23 uses the worker information 34 to determine whether there is a "training coefficient" set taking into account the presence or absence of operators (step 908). If a "training coefficient" is set, that is, if worker training is not unnecessary (step 908: No), the worker verification unit 23 calculates the processing cost for each part using the training coefficient. For example, for part with design ID "3" and part ID "3" in Figure 7, this process further calculates the cost as "18" (= 5 × 1.2 × 1.5 × 2).

[0040] The quality verification unit 24, if there is a record of processing and assembling the parts in each design information using the specified equipment, refers to the data containing past performance and stores quality information 35 in the storage unit 3, which includes information about "quality (Q)" as the quality (Q). Subsequently, the quality verification unit 24 corrects the calculated cost of each part, taking into account the information about "quality (Q)" (step 907). For example, in the part with design ID "3" and part ID "3" in Figure 7, an example is shown where no correction is needed based on the value of "quality (Q)", i.e., the processing cost remains "18". The quality verification unit 24 calculates the cost of parts and separately includes a correction table that shows the relationship between the good product rate and the correction coefficient, and corrects the processing cost of the part according to "quality (Q)" based on that table. This correction table is set so that if "quality (Q)" is low, the correction coefficient is also reflected in the processing cost.

[0041] The calculation unit 20 calculates the processing cost for each design based on the design information from the calculated cost of each part calculated in steps 906 to 909. In the example of design ID "3" in Figure 7, the calculated cost is 46 (=10+18+18) and is recorded as "Processing Cost [yen / design]" in processing cost information 36. Next, the calculation unit 20 determines whether the processing cost for assembling the product based on the new design information is the minimum if it determines that the newly registered design information in step 904 satisfies the required strength entered in step 902 (step 910). If the processing cost for assembling the product based on the new design information is the minimum (step 910: Yes), the calculation unit 20 determines that the newly registered design information is the optimal design information and selects this new design information (step 911). Figure 13 shows an example of the display by the design support device 1 when the required strength is entered as "100" in step 902, the new design information also satisfies the required strength, and the processing cost is the minimum.

[0042] On the other hand, if the process transitions from step 910 to step 912, the calculation unit 20 selects the design information that minimizes processing costs from among the design information other than the new design information entered in step 901 as the optimal design information (step 913). Figure 14 shows an example of the display by the design support device 1 when the required strength is entered as "200" in step 902, the new design information does not satisfy the required strength, and the processing cost of the design based on other design information is minimized. Figure 14 also shows an example where the strength issue in the new design information is displayed as well. In Figure 14, the design name "Design 2" (design ID "2" in Figure 2) is displayed as the optimal design information, but the display processing unit 25 may also display the assembly site of the product associated with "Design 2", in the example of Figure 4, "Factory B".

[0043] In Figure 9, the calculation of the cost of each part was explained as using the "assembly coefficient," "worker coefficient," and "training coefficient," and then corrected by "quality (Q)," but this is not the only way to do so. For example, the calculation of the cost of each part may be calculated using one or more of the "assembly coefficient," "worker coefficient," "training coefficient," and "quality (Q)" applied to the "base processing cost." Furthermore, while the "assembly coefficient," "worker coefficient," and "training coefficient" were explained as coefficients applied to the "base processing cost," they are not limited to coefficients; any method that allows for some kind of correction to the "base processing cost" is acceptable.

[0044] Furthermore, although the worker information 34 shown in Figure 5 also includes information regarding delivery dates, if it is considered that long delivery dates also affect costs, the calculation unit 20 may further adjust the calculated cost for the parts by taking "delivery date" into account.

[0045] In this embodiment, the assembly and processing of parts required for a product are shown as an example, but it can also be used as design support for manufacturing, including assembly and processing.

[0046] Figure 15 shows a minimum configuration diagram of a design support device according to one embodiment of the present invention. The design support device 1 comprises at least a calculation unit 20. The calculation unit 20 selects the optimal design information for the product from design information including component information relating to parts used for the product, and from new design information for the product and design information that can be designed for the product extracted using past performance information based on the new design information, taking into account worker information that can handle the equipment associated with the component information of each design information, and using the processing cost for assembling the parts for the product.

[0047] Furthermore, design support may be provided by recording a program to realize the functions of processing unit 2 in Figure 1 on a computer-readable recording medium, loading the program recorded on this recording medium into a computer system, and executing it. Here, "computer system" includes hardware such as the OS and peripheral devices. Also, "computer system" includes WWW systems equipped with a homepage provisioning environment (or display environment). Furthermore, "computer-readable recording medium" refers to portable media such as flexible disks, magneto-optical disks, ROMs, CD-ROMs, and storage devices such as hard disks built into computer systems. Moreover, "computer-readable recording medium" also includes volatile memory (RAM) inside computer systems that act as servers or clients when programs are transmitted via networks such as the Internet or communication lines such as telephone lines, which retain programs for a certain period of time.

[0048] Furthermore, the above program may be transmitted from a computer system that stores the program in a memory device or the like to another computer system via a transmission medium or by transmission waves within the transmission medium. Here, the "transmission medium" for transmitting the program refers to a medium that has the function of transmitting information, such as a network (communication network) such as the Internet or a communication line (communication line) such as a telephone line. Also, the above program may be for the purpose of realizing only a part of the functions described above. Furthermore, it may be a so-called differential file (differential program) that can realize the above functions in combination with a program already recorded in the computer system. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0049] 1 Design support equipment 2 Processing Units 3 Storage section 20 Calculation Section 21 Strength verification section 22 Equipment Verification Department 23 Worker Verification Department 24 Quality Assurance Department 25 Display Processing Unit 31. Intensity Information 32 Parts Information 33 Equipment information 34. Worker Information 35 Quality information 36 Processing cost information

Claims

1. Design information including component information relating to parts used for a product, and a calculation means for selecting the optimal design information for the product from new design information for the product and design information that allows the design of the product extracted using past performance information based on the new design information, taking into account worker information that can operate the equipment associated with the component information of each design information, and using the processing cost for assembling the parts for the product. A design support device equipped with this device.

2. The calculation means uses the processing cost, which is calculated by further taking into account the information regarding the necessity of worker training associated with the worker information, to select the optimal design information. The design support device according to claim 1.

3. The calculation means uses the processing cost, which is calculated taking into account whether or not there is a need to introduce new equipment, to select the optimal design information. The design support device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The calculation means, if quality information is available regarding the assembly of parts using the equipment, uses the processing cost calculated by further taking into account the quality information to select the optimal design information. A design support device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The calculation means extracts the possible design information such that it includes the same part information as the part information included in the new design information. A design support device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. When the calculation means receives input of the required strength for the product based on the new design information, it extracts design information that satisfies the required strength from the past performance information as the possible design information. The design support device according to claim 5.

7. The calculation means selects the new design information if, as a result of the comparison using the processing costs, it determines that the new design information is the optimal design information for the product. A design support device according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. If the optimal design information selected by the calculation means is associated with location information relating to a location for assembling the product, then a display processing means displays the location information. A design support device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising:

9. A computer, Design information including component information for parts used in a product, wherein the optimal design information for the product is selected from new design information for the product and design information that allows the design of the product extracted using past performance information based on the new design information, taking into account the processing cost of assembling the parts for the product, calculated by adding worker information that can operate the equipment associated with the component information of each design information. Design support method.

10. A computer program for design support, Design information including component information for parts used in a product, wherein the optimal design information for the product is selected from new design information for the product and design information that allows the design of the product extracted using past performance information based on the new design information, taking into account the processing cost of assembling the parts for the product, calculated by adding worker information that can operate the equipment associated with the component information of each design information. A computer program for design assistance that allows a computer to perform a task.

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