Work support system, work support program, and work support method

Abstract

The challenge is to provide a novel technology that enables smooth equipment operation by managing connections between multiple production facilities. [Solution] A work support system that assists in work using multiple production equipment stores equipment terminal connection information in a database that associates a user, a user terminal device, and the production equipment on which the user performs work. When the system receives a request from the user to specify a production equipment to be disconnected, it refers to the equipment terminal connection information to identify multiple user terminal devices associated with the combination of the user and the specified target production equipment, and disconnects the identified multiple user terminal devices from the target production equipment.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a work support system, a work support program, and a work support method.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, industrial parts have been produced by automatically processing materials using production equipment such as machining centers. An example of a technology that supports such production work for industrial parts is proposed in Patent Document 1, for example.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a technology that prevents inadvertent operations by: automatically logging in a user terminal just when the user terminal enters a communication area of the production equipment; displaying information within the terminal in an editable manner on a touch panel of the production equipment only while the user terminal is located in the communication area; and restricting logins of users other than the user who started processing during the processing operation of the production equipment.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problem to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In Patent Document 1, user login to production equipment can be controlled. However, if the same user who started processing on the production equipment performs an operation to start processing on a plurality of pieces of production equipment and then leaves the work site, other users cannot operate those pieces of production equipment, leading to the problem that it is impossible to respond to sudden urgent work or the like.

[0006] In view of the above circumstances, an object of the present invention to be solved is to provide a novel technology that enables smooth facility operation by managing connections with a plurality of pieces of production equipment. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To solve the above problems, the present invention provides a work support system that assists in work using multiple production equipment, The aforementioned work support system includes a database and a disconnection unit. The database stores equipment terminal connection information that associates the user, the user terminal device, and the production equipment on which the user performs work. When the disconnection unit receives a designation of the target production equipment to be disconnected from the user, it refers to the equipment terminal connection information to identify a plurality of user terminal devices associated with the combination of the user and the designated target production equipment, and disconnects the connections between the identified plurality of user terminal devices and the target production equipment.

[0008] Furthermore, in order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides a work support method for supporting work using multiple production facilities, Computers The system stores equipment terminal connection information that corresponds to the user, the user terminal device, and the production equipment on which the user performs work. When a user specifies which production equipment to disconnect, the system refers to the equipment terminal connection information to identify a plurality of user terminal devices associated with the combination of the user and the specified target production equipment, and then executes a process to disconnect the identified plurality of user terminal devices from the target production equipment.

[0009] Furthermore, in order to solve the above problems, the present invention is a work support program that supports work using multiple production equipment, The aforementioned work support program makes the computer function as a database and a disconnection unit. The database stores equipment terminal connection information that associates the user, the user terminal device, and the production equipment on which the user performs work. When the disconnection unit receives a designation from the user for the production equipment to be disconnected, it refers to the equipment terminal connection information to identify a plurality of user terminal devices associated with the combination of the user and the designated production equipment, and disconnects the connections between the identified plurality of user terminal devices and the production equipment.

[0010] This configuration allows users to disconnect multiple user terminals and production equipment at once without having to manually disconnect each individual terminal. This enables users to work more efficiently.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, exclusive control relating to the operation of the production equipment is set for each user associated with the target production equipment. When the connection disconnection unit receives a request from a user to specify a target production equipment to be disconnected, if the exclusive control is set for the target production equipment, it refers to the equipment terminal connection information to identify the plurality of user terminal devices associated with the combination of the user and the specified target production equipment, disconnects the identified plurality of user terminal devices and the target production equipment, and releases the exclusive control set for the user associated with the target production equipment.

[0012] This configuration prevents the exclusive control state from unintentionally remaining active and prevents equipment from remaining occupied during user changes. It also allows for reliable handover by on-site users alone, without the need for forced release or system reset by an administrator. In other words, it prevents inconsistencies in the control states of production equipment in on-site environments where multiple terminals and multiple production equipment coexist, enabling safe and smooth equipment operation.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the database receives login requests from users performing work using the production equipment and stores terminal user connection information associated with the user and the user terminal device operated by the user. When the disconnection unit receives a logout request from the user for the first user terminal device, it refers to the terminal user connection information and determines whether the login status of the second user terminal device corresponding to the user who made the logout request is active or not. If there are no users logged into the second user terminal device, the connection between the user terminal device and the target production equipment is disconnected.

[0014] This configuration allows for automatic disconnection from the production equipment simply by logging out of the system. This ensures that even if the user forgets to disconnect the production equipment from the user terminal device, the connection can be reliably terminated, enabling safe and smooth equipment operation.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the work support system further comprises a learning unit, The database stores event log data including production events related to product processing that occurred in the production equipment, and operation events performed by the user. The learning unit refers to the equipment terminal connection information and the event log data to extract the operation events that occurred while the connection between the production equipment and the user terminal device was established, the production events, the user who performed the operation, and the production equipment operated by the user as training data, and learns a predictive model to predict the schedule of the user who operates the production equipment.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the database stores the process schedule of the production processes to be performed in the production equipment. The learning unit learns the predictive model using the production equipment, the user, the user's assumed operation time in the process schedule of the production equipment, the production events and operation events that actually occurred in the production equipment, and the measured times of the production events and operation events as training data.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the learning unit trains the prediction model by using the production equipment, the user, and the operating rate based on the assumed operation time and the actually measured time as the training data.

[0018] With such a configuration, the user's work schedule can be predicted in consideration of the actual work efficiency of the user. This allows the user to perform work efficiently.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the learning unit trains the prediction model by using work target information in work and resource operation information indicating the operation status of each of the plurality of production equipment and the plurality of users as the training data.

[0020] With such a configuration, the user's work schedule can be predicted in consideration of the operation status of production equipment and work targets. This allows the user to perform work more efficiently.

Effects of the Invention

[0021] The present invention can provide a novel technique that enables smooth equipment operation by managing connections with a plurality of pieces of production equipment.

Brief Description of Drawings

[0022] [Figure 1] It is a block diagram showing the system configuration of one embodiment. [Figure 2] It is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the system of one embodiment. [Figure 3] It is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the system of one embodiment. [Figure 4] It is a diagram showing an example of information stored in a database in the system of one embodiment. [Figure 5] It is an example of a flowchart showing a processing procedure of connection management in the system of one embodiment. [Figure 6]This is an example of a flowchart showing the learning procedure of a learning model in one embodiment of the system. [Figure 7] This is an example of a flowchart showing the procedure for predicting the work schedule in one embodiment of the system. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0023] Further details will be provided below with reference to the attached drawings. The drawings show preferred embodiments. However, many different forms are possible and the embodiments are not limited to those described herein.

[0024] For example, in this embodiment, the configuration and operation of the work support system will be described, but similar effects can be achieved by the method, device, computer program, etc. of execution. The program may be stored on a recording medium or provided for download from an external server. Furthermore, using this recording medium, for example, the program can be installed on a computer, thereby configuring a work support device and a work support system. Here, the recording medium on which the program is stored may be a non-transient recording medium such as a CD-ROM.

[0025] This invention is a system that supports work using multiple production equipment. In this invention, one user connects multiple user terminal devices to the production equipment on which they are working, and operates the connected production equipment using each user terminal device. Furthermore, when a user who has finished working disconnects a user terminal device from a production equipment, the connections between the other user terminal devices that the user was operating and the production equipment are automatically disconnected.

[0026] In this embodiment, one or more user terminal devices used by a user are associated with and managed for each combination of a user and a target production facility to which the user has connected in order to operate the production facility. For example, if a first user connects to a first target production facility using a first user terminal device, the first user terminal device is registered and associated with the combination of the first user and the first target production facility. Similarly, if a first user connects to a first target production facility using a second user terminal device, the second user terminal device is registered and associated with the combination of the first user and the first target production facility. When the first user performs an operation to disconnect the first user terminal device from the first target production facility, the connection between the second user terminal device and the first target production facility, which is associated with the combination of the first user and the first target production facility, is automatically disconnected.

[0027] More specifically, when a user specifies which production equipment to disconnect, the system simultaneously disconnects all user terminal devices associated with that user from the production equipment. On the other hand, logging off a user terminal device (disconnecting the user terminal device from the server of the present invention) only terminates the connection of that user terminal device to the server; as long as other user terminal devices of the same user are connected to the server, the connections between the user terminal devices and production equipment associated with that user are maintained. When other user terminal devices of the same user are no longer connected to the server, all connections between the user terminal devices and production equipment associated with that user are disconnected.

[0028] In this embodiment, while the user terminal device and the production equipment are connected, events that occur in the production equipment (hereinafter referred to as production events) and events of operations performed by the user (hereinafter referred to as operation events) are stored in a database. The production equipment on which the work was performed, the production events that occurred in the production equipment, the users who used the production equipment, and the operation events performed by the users are used as training data to learn a predictive model that predicts the optimal schedule for multiple users who operate multiple production equipment.

[0029] In this embodiment, the production equipment is a processing device, but it is not limited to this, and various other equipment such as manufacturing equipment, logistics equipment, and measuring equipment can be used. Also, the production process of the production equipment is a processing process, and the production event is a processing event, but it is not limited to these. Furthermore, "first" and "second" in this specification are terms used to distinguish between subjects, and for example, the second user terminal device refers to one or more user terminal devices other than the first user terminal device.

[0030] <1. System Configuration> Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a system according to one embodiment. As shown in Figure 1, the work support system 0 comprises an information management device 1, a user terminal device 3, and production equipment 4. The information management device 1 and the user terminal device 3 are configured to communicate via wired or wireless connections, and the user terminal device 3 and the production equipment 4 are configured to communicate via wired connections. There are no restrictions on the type of wireless communication protocol used between the information management device 1 and the user terminal device 3, nor on the type or scale of the network. Furthermore, communication between the user terminal device 3 and the production equipment 4 may be conducted wirelessly.

[0031] The information management device 1 functions as a server on which the work support program of the present invention is installed, and can utilize a general-purpose server computer, personal computer, or the like.

[0032] User terminal device 3 is a terminal device used by users performing tasks and administrators managing those tasks, and can utilize personal computers, smartphones, tablet devices, wearable devices, etc. User terminal device 3 has an information management device utilization program for making requests to and receiving responses from information management device 1. In the following, users and administrators will be collectively referred to as "users" to the extent that it does not become unclear.

[0033] Production equipment 4 can include machining centers, lathes, milling machines, etc. Production equipment 4 also includes a processing unit 42 such as a table and spindle for processing materials, a communication unit 43 for communicating with the user terminal device 3, a collector unit 44 for collecting mist and dust generated during the production of industrial products, a lighting unit 45 that lights up lamps of corresponding colors when production equipment 4 starts and stops, and a lighting unit 46 for illuminating the inside of production equipment 4.

[0034] <1.1. Hardware Configuration> Figure 2 is a block diagram of the hardware configuration in this system. As shown in Figure 2(a), the information management device 1 comprises a processing unit 101, a storage unit 102, and a communication unit 103.

[0035] The processing unit 101 has a processor such as a CPU capable of executing instruction sets, and controls the entire operation process of the information management device 1 by executing the work support program, OS, and other applications according to the present invention. The memory unit 102 includes volatile memory such as RAM capable of storing instruction sets, and non-volatile recording media such as HDDs or SSDs capable of storing the OS and information management programs. The communication unit 103 has a communication interface device for connecting to a network, and performs communication control with the network NW to input and output information.

[0036] As shown in Figure 2(b), the terminal device 90 (user terminal device 3) has a processing unit 91, a storage unit 92, a communication unit 93, an input unit 94, and a display unit 95.

[0037] The processing unit 91 has a processor such as a CPU capable of executing instruction sets, and controls the entire operation process of the user terminal device 3 by executing an information management device utilization program, an OS, and other applications for using the information management device 1. The memory unit 92 includes volatile memory such as RAM capable of storing instruction sets, and non-volatile recording media such as HDDs or SSDs capable of storing the OS and information management device user programs. The communication unit 93 has a communication interface device for connecting to the network and the production equipment 4, and performs communication control with the information management device 1 and the production equipment 4 to input and output information. The input unit 94 has an input device capable of input processing, such as a keyboard or a touch panel. The display unit 95 has a display device capable of display processing, such as a display.

[0038] As shown in Figure 2(c), the production equipment 4 comprises a processing unit 41 that controls the entire production equipment 4, a communication interface device for connecting to the user terminal device 3, a communication unit 43 that performs communication control with the user terminal device 3 and inputs and outputs information, and a storage unit 47 that stores programs for controlling the processing unit 42, collector unit 44, lighting unit 45, and illumination unit 46 in response to signals from the information management device 1 or the user terminal device 3.

[0039] <1.2. Functional Configuration of Information Management Device 1> Figure 3 is a block diagram of the functional configuration of the information management device 1. As shown in Figure 3, the information management device 1 comprises a connection management unit 11, a setting unit 12, an event acquisition unit 13, a production control unit 14, a connection disconnection unit 15, a learning unit 16, a prediction unit 17, and a display processing unit 18. This represents the concrete implementation of information processing by software (stored in the storage unit 102) by hardware (processing unit 101, etc.).

[0040] <1.3. Database 2> As shown in Figure 4, the database 2 stores a terminal user connection table showing the connection status between the information management device 1 and the user terminal device 3 according to the present invention, an equipment terminal connection table showing the connection status between the user terminal device 3 and the production equipment 4, control program information relating to a program for controlling the production process of the production equipment 4, output control information for controlling the output results of the production equipment 4, production event log data relating to the history of production events that occurred in the production equipment 4, and operation event log data relating to the history of operation events performed by the user.

[0041] <1.3.1. Terminal User Connection Table> The connection management unit 11 stores terminal user connection information in the terminal user connection table, where each user and user terminal device 3 is associated, and the start and end dates and times of the connection with the information management device 1 are set for each user terminal device 3.

[0042] <1.3.2. Equipment Terminal Connection Table> The connection management unit 11 associates user terminal devices, users, and target production equipment, and stores equipment terminal connection information in the equipment terminal connection table. For each user terminal device 3, the start and end dates and times of the connection with the production equipment 4, as well as a flag indicating whether or not exclusive control is in place, are set. In other words, exclusive control is set for each user associated with the target production equipment in the equipment terminal connection information.

[0043] <1.3.3. Control Program Information> The control program information includes a control program ID to uniquely identify the control program, and a process schedule within the program. Here, the process schedule includes the production processing schedule executed in production equipment 4, and the expected schedule of user operations that occur during the work (operation procedure and expected operation time).

[0044] <1.3.4. Output Control Information> The setting unit 12 receives information on whether or not the production processing results of each production equipment 4 are output and registers output control information.

[0045] <1.3.5. Production Event Log Data> The event acquisition unit 13 acquires production events related to product processing that occur in the production process of each production equipment 4 and registers production event log data. In this embodiment, production events include completion of setting (attaching / detaching) the jig of production equipment 4, startup of production equipment 4, start and end of production processing, error notification of production processing, counting up the number of processed products, and start and end of control of auxiliary equipment (collector unit 44). These production events are generated by production processing according to the process schedule in the control program information.

[0046] <1.3.6. Operation Event Log Data> The event acquisition unit 13 acquires operation events performed by the user operating the user terminal device 3 during the production process of the production equipment 4, and registers operation event log data. In this embodiment, operation events include starting and stopping the automatic control of the production equipment 4, changing the output status of output control information, and setting the exclusive control of equipment terminal connection information.

[0047] <1.4. Production Control Unit 14> The production control unit 14 controls the production process of the production equipment 4. The production control unit 14 receives a designation of a program for controlling the production equipment 4 (hereinafter referred to as the production control program) included in the control program information, and controls the production process of the production equipment 4 based on the production equipment 4 and the production control program.

[0048] <1.5. Disconnection section 15> The disconnection unit 15 disconnects the user terminal device 3 and the production equipment 4. When the disconnection unit 15 receives an instruction to disconnect the production equipment 4 and the user terminal device 3, it refers to the equipment terminal connection information stored in the database 2 and disconnects the production equipment 4 and the user terminal device 3 according to the correspondence between the production equipment 4 and the user terminal device 3.

[0049] In this embodiment, when the disconnection unit 15 receives a specification from the user regarding the disconnection of the user terminal device 3 and the production equipment 4, it refers to the equipment terminal connection information to identify a plurality of user terminal devices 3 associated with the combination of the user and the specified production equipment 4, and disconnects the connections between the identified plurality of user terminal devices 3 and the production equipment 4.

[0050] Furthermore, the disconnection unit 15 disconnects the user terminal device 3 and the information management device 1. When the disconnection unit 15 receives a logout request from the user terminal device 3, it registers the connection termination date and time of the terminal user connection information corresponding to the user terminal device 3, and disconnects the user terminal device 3 and the information management device 1.

[0051] <1.6. Learning Section 16> The learning unit 16 learns a predictive model to predict the schedule of users operating the production equipment 4. The learning unit 16 refers to equipment terminal connection information, production events, and operation events, and extracts as training data production events and operation events that occurred while the production equipment 4 and the user terminal device 3 were connected, as well as the production equipment 4 and the users who performed operations corresponding to the operation events when the operation events occurred, and learns the predictive model.

[0052] <1.7. Prediction Section 17> The prediction unit 17 uses a prediction model to predict the schedules of users operating the production equipment 4. The prediction unit 17 inputs work condition information into the learned prediction model to predict the schedules of multiple users operating multiple production equipment 4.

[0053] Here, the work conditions information includes work objective information for the work, resource operation information indicating the operating status of multiple production equipment 4 and multiple users. The resource operation information includes work information regarding the working status of multiple users, equipment status information indicating the operating status of each production equipment 4, and equipment capacity information indicating processing specifications. The work objective information includes the target number of industrial parts to be produced by the work, and the target work period indicating the target period until the target number of industrial parts is produced.

[0054] <1.8. Display Processing Unit 18> The display processing unit 18 processes and displays a screen showing multiple production equipment 4 performing work and a screen showing the predicted user schedule, and displays the display processing results to the user terminal device 3. In this embodiment, the main component of the display processing is the information management device 1, but it may also be the user terminal device 3.

[0055] <2. Disconnection Flow> The following describes a work support method using the work support system, with reference to Figures 5-7. Figure 5 is a flowchart showing the process from operating the user terminal device 3 to log in to the information management device 1 in the present invention and connecting to the production equipment 4 where the work will be performed, until the production process is executed in the production equipment 4.

[0056] <2.1. Registration of terminal user connection information> First, in step S11 (hereinafter simply referred to as SXX), the connection management unit 11 registers terminal user connection information. In this embodiment, the connection management unit 11 receives and acquires a login request from a user performing work using the production equipment 4, along with the user's user identification information and the terminal identification information of the user terminal device 3 operated by the user. The connection management unit 11 then associates the user identification information and the terminal identification information and registers the terminal user connection information in the database 2 as the connection start date and time, with the date and time the login request was received as the connection start date and time. Here, the terminal identification information can include a device ID, session cookie, UUID (Universally Unique Identifier), etc.

[0057] <2.2. Registration of Equipment Terminal Connection Information> In S12, the connection management unit 11 registers equipment terminal connection information. In this embodiment, the display processing unit 18 displays to the user terminal device 3 logged in in S11 that multiple production equipment 4 can be specified. The user terminal device 3 then receives a request from the user to specify the production equipment 4 in which to perform work (hereinafter referred to as the target production equipment 4) from among the multiple production equipment 4. The connection management unit 11 obtains the user's user identification information, the terminal identification information of the user terminal device 3, and the equipment identification information of the specified target production equipment 4 from the user terminal device 3. The connection management unit 11 associates the user identification information, the terminal identification information, and the equipment identification information, and registers the equipment terminal connection information in the database 2 as the connection start date and time, based on the date and time when the connection request to the target production equipment 4 was received. The connection management unit 11 also receives a request from the user to set up exclusive control related to the operation of the production equipment 4, and registers information indicating the presence or absence of exclusive control (exclusive control flag in the illustrated example) for each piece of equipment terminal connection information.

[0058] In this embodiment, "displaying in a selectable manner" means displaying in a way that allows for the selection of production equipment 4, input of identification information for production equipment 4, and so on.

[0059] <2.3. Control of Production Equipment 4> In S13, the production control unit 14 controls the production equipment 4. In this embodiment, the user terminal device 3 receives a specification from the user for a production control program having a desired process schedule among the tasks. Then, in S12, the production control unit 14 sends a command to the target production equipment 4 connected to the user terminal device 3 to execute the production process based on the specified production control program, thereby controlling the target production equipment 4.

[0060] <2.4. Registering Event Log Data> In S14, the event acquisition unit 13 registers event log data. In this embodiment, the event acquisition unit 13 acquires the production control program specified in S13, the production events that occur in accordance with the production control program, and the target production equipment 4 specified in S12, and registers a production event log in the database 2 for each production event acquisition time, in which the production equipment 4, production event, and production control program are associated.

[0061] Furthermore, the event acquisition unit 13 acquires operation events that occurred while the connection between the production control program specified in S13, the user terminal device 3, and the target production equipment 4 was established, as well as the combination of the target production equipment 4, the user terminal device 3, and the user (equipment terminal connection information) registered in S12, and registers operation event log data, which associates the production equipment 4, operation events, and terminal device connection information, in the database 2 for each operation event acquisition time. In other words, the event acquisition unit 13 treats the period from the start to the end of connection between the user terminal device 3 and the production equipment 4 as a work block, and stores the operation logs (equipment identification information, operation time, operation type, user identification information, terminal identification information) generated within the work block, linking them to the user's operation history.

[0062] In this embodiment, even if the user logs out, the production process executed in S13 does not stop, and the event acquisition unit 13 acquires production events from the start to the end of the process schedule.

[0063] <2.5. Determination of Disconnection> In S15, the disconnection unit 15 determines whether it has received an instruction to disconnect from the production equipment 4. In this embodiment, the disconnection unit 15 determines whether the target production equipment 4 connected in S12 was specified by the user, and whether it has received an instruction to disconnect from the user terminal device 3 that includes at least the equipment identification information of the production equipment 4 and the user identification information of the user. The disconnection unit 15 may also determine whether it has received an instruction to disconnect that further includes the terminal identification information of the user terminal device 3.

[0064] In this embodiment, the disconnection unit 15 may also determine whether or not it has received an instruction to disconnect based on the login status of the user terminal device 3 connected to the target production equipment 4. Specifically, when the disconnection unit 15 receives a logout request from a user for the first user terminal device 3, it refers to the terminal user connection information and determines whether or not the login status of the second user terminal device 3 corresponding to the user who made the logout request is connected. If there are no second user terminal devices 3 with a connected login status, it determines that the logout request from the first user terminal device 3 has been received as an instruction to disconnect from the production equipment 4. This allows the connection status between the user terminal device 3 and the information management device 1 to be used as a trigger to disconnect the user terminal device 3 and the production equipment 4 corresponding to the user and production equipment 4 combination.

[0065] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the disconnection unit 15 may determine whether or not it has received an instruction to disconnect based on the heart rate signal of the user terminal device 3. Specifically, the disconnection unit 15 determines that it has received a logout request if it does not receive a heart rate signal for a predetermined threshold time (such as 30 seconds or 90 seconds) or longer from the last heart rate signal transmitted from the user terminal device 3, and refers to the terminal user connection information to update the login status of the user terminal device 3, which is currently logged in, to disconnected.

[0066] Here, possible triggers that could cause the heart rate signal to stop being transmitted include browser / app crashes, forced shutdowns, tab closures, OS restarts, PC sleep / hibernation, network disconnections (Wi-Fi disconnections, VPN disconnections, unstable connections), and communication interruptions due to background restrictions on mobile devices. The heart rate signal refers to the signal periodically transmitted from the user terminal device 3 to the information management device 1 for the purpose of confirming the user's well-being. This allows the connection to the target production equipment 4 to be automatically terminated not only when the user explicitly logs out, but also when the number of user terminal devices 3 connected to the target production equipment 4 becomes zero due to cardiac arrest, communication loss, browser termination, etc.

[0067] <2.6. Disconnecting User Terminal Device 3 and Production Equipment 4> In S16, the disconnection unit 15 disconnects the user terminal device 3 and the production equipment 4. In this embodiment, if the disconnection unit 15 determines in S15 that it has received an instruction to disconnect, it refers to the equipment terminal connection information to identify a plurality of user terminal devices 3 that correspond to the combination of user and production equipment 4 included in the instruction to disconnect, and disconnects the plurality of user terminal devices 3 and the target production equipment 4. Furthermore, if mutual exclusion is set for the combination of user and production equipment 4 included in the instruction to disconnect, the disconnection unit 15 releases the mutual exclusion set for the user associated with the production equipment 4.

[0068] By executing the processes described in S11-S16, the user can disconnect multiple connections between multiple user terminal devices 3 and production equipment 4 by disconnecting only one connection. This allows the user to maintain a connection with production equipment 4 that requires operation while disconnecting only those that no longer require operation, enabling efficient work.

[0069] In this embodiment, when the disconnection unit 15 receives a designation of production equipment 4 and an instruction to disconnect from the user, it disconnects the user terminal device 3 corresponding to the combination of the user and the production equipment 4 from the production equipment 4. Furthermore, it may also disconnect (log out) the user terminal device 3 from the information management device 1.

[0070] <3. Training flow of the predictive model> Next, with reference to Figure 6, the learning flow for training the predictive model in the present invention will be described. Figure 6 is a flowchart showing the process from acquiring event log data to training the predictive model using the event log data as training data.

[0071] In S21, the learning unit 16 acquires event log data. In this embodiment, the learning unit 16 acquires event log data associated with operation events, production events, production equipment 4, and users registered in S14 of Figure 5.

[0072] In S22, the learning unit 16 learns a predictive model. In this embodiment, the learning unit 16 refers to the equipment terminal connection information and the event log data acquired in S21 to extract the production equipment 4, the user operating the production equipment 4, production events in the production equipment 4, and operation events that occurred during the establishment of the connection between the production equipment 4 and the user terminal device 3 while the production equipment is performing production processing, as training data, and learns a predictive model to predict the schedule of the user operating the production equipment 4.

[0073] Specifically, the learning unit 16 extracts the following as training data to train a predictive model: the production equipment 4, the user, the user's expected operation time in the process schedule of the production control program set for the production equipment 4, the production events and operation events that actually occurred in the production equipment 4, and the measured time (acquisition date and time) of the production events and operation events. More specifically, the learning unit 16 uses the production equipment 4, the user, and the utilization rate based on the expected and measured operation times (for example, expected operation time ÷ actual time, or the deviation between the actual time and the expected operation time) as training data to train a predictive model that specifies a schedule for each of the multiple users on duty, specifying the work time period, the production equipment 4, and the combination of work operations.

[0074] More specifically, the learning unit 16 uses work objective information for the work, and resource operation information indicating the operating status of each of the multiple production equipment 4 and multiple users, as training data to learn a predictive model. More specifically, the learning unit 16 uses work objective information, resource operation information, the production equipment 4 on which the work was performed, the user who performed the work on the production equipment 4, and the process schedule of the control program executed on the production equipment 4 as explanatory variables, and uses the measured time of the production event and the operation event (or the operating rate based on the assumed operation time and the measured time) as the objective variable to learn a predictive model.

[0075] As described above, by executing processes S21-S22, a model can be trained to predict an optimized schedule for the user's work using event log data accumulated during the user's work. This allows for the generation of a model that predicts the user's work schedule, taking into account factors such as the speed of setup, disassembly, and inspection based on the user's skill level (utilization rate).

[0076] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the learning unit 16 acquires the number of processed industrial parts for each product type of industrial part as event log data, and uses the number of processed parts for each manufacturing type as training data to train a predictive model.

[0077] <4. User work schedule prediction flow> In S31, the prediction unit 17 acquires work condition information. In this embodiment, the prediction unit 17 acquires work target information for the desired date for prediction, and resource operation information indicating the operating status of each of the multiple production facilities 4 and multiple users as work condition information. In this embodiment, the prediction unit 17 may acquire work condition information that has been stored in the database 2 in advance, or it may acquire it by receiving input from the user each time.

[0078] In S32, the prediction unit 17 predicts the optimal work schedule. In this embodiment, the prediction unit 17 inputs the work target information and resource utilization information acquired in S31 into the learned prediction model and outputs a work schedule that specifies the combination of work time slots, work production equipment, and work operations for each of the multiple users who will be working on the desired date, thereby predicting the optimal work schedule for the user.

[0079] As described above, by executing processes S31-S32, the user can efficiently perform tasks involving industrial parts.

[0080] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a list of logged-in terminals and logouts for each terminal may be displayed in a way that can be managed by the administrator. Specifically, the display processing unit 18 processes and displays a login list showing which user is logged in using which user terminal device 3, and displays it to the user terminal device 3 used by the administrator. The connection disconnection unit 15 then receives a specification from the administrator of the combination of user and user terminal device 3 to be forcibly logged out, and disconnects the connection to the information management device 1 for the specified combination of user and user terminal device 3.

[0081] In this embodiment, the disconnection unit 15 disconnects the user terminal device 3 associated with the combination of user and production equipment 4 from the production equipment 4. However, based on the attributes of the user who specifies the production equipment 4 to be disconnected, the disconnection unit 15 may disconnect all user terminal devices 3 associated with that production equipment 4. Specifically, the disconnection unit 15 uses information indicating whether or not the user is an administrator as an attribute of the user, and if it determines that the user is an administrator, it disconnects all user terminal devices 3 associated with the production equipment 4 that has received the designation for disconnection.

[0082] Furthermore, while this invention focuses on connection control and work schedule prediction in the production of industrial products, its applications are not limited to these fields and can be used in various sectors such as food products, beverages, pharmaceuticals, and apparel. [Explanation of symbols]

[0083] 0: Work support system 1: Information management device 3: User terminal device 100: Server (information management device) 101: Processing Unit 102: Storage section 103: Communications Department 9: Terminal device (user terminal device) 91: Processing Unit 92: Storage section 93: Communications Department 94: Input section 95:Display section 41: Processing Unit 42: Processing section 43: Communications Department 44: Collector section 45: Lighting part 46: Lighting Department 47: Storage section 11: Connection Management Department 12: Settings Section 13: Event Acquisition Department 14: Production Control Unit 15: Disconnection section 16: Learning Department 17: Prediction Department 18: Display Processing Unit 2: Database

Claims

1. A work support system that assists in operations using multiple production equipment, The aforementioned work support system includes a database and a disconnection unit. The database stores equipment terminal connection information that associates the user, the user terminal device, and the production equipment on which the user performs work. When the disconnection unit receives a designation from a user for the production equipment to be disconnected, it refers to the equipment terminal connection information to identify a plurality of user terminal devices associated with the combination of the user and the designated production equipment, and disconnects the connections between the identified plurality of user terminal devices and the designated production equipment. Work support system.

2. The aforementioned equipment terminal connection information is configured such that exclusive control related to the operation of the production equipment is set for each user associated with the target production equipment. When the connection disconnection unit receives a request from a user to specify the target production equipment to be disconnected, if the exclusive control is set for the target production equipment, it refers to the equipment terminal connection information to identify a plurality of user terminal devices associated with the combination of the user and the specified target production equipment, disconnects the identified plurality of user terminal devices and the target production equipment, and removes the exclusive control set for the user associated with the target production equipment. The work support system according to claim 1.

3. The database receives login requests from users who perform work using the production equipment and stores terminal user connection information associated with the user and the user terminal device operated by the user. When the disconnection unit receives a logout request from the user for the first user terminal device, it refers to the terminal user connection information and determines whether the login status of the second user terminal device corresponding to the user who made the logout request is connected or not. If there are no users logged into the second user terminal device, the connection between the user terminal device and the target production equipment is disconnected. A work support system according to claim 1 or claim 2.

4. The aforementioned work support system further comprises a learning unit, The database stores event log data including production events related to the production of products that occurred in the production equipment, and operation events performed by the user. The learning unit refers to the equipment terminal connection information and the event log data, extracts the operation events that occurred while the connection between the production equipment and the user terminal device was established, the production events, the user who performed the operation, and the production equipment operated by the user as training data, and learns a predictive model to predict the schedule of the user who operates the production equipment. The work support system according to claim 1.

5. The database stores the process schedule of the production processes executed in the production equipment. The learning unit learns the predictive model using the production equipment, the user, the user's assumed operation time in the process schedule of the production equipment, the production events and operation events that actually occurred in the production equipment, and the measured times of the production events and operation events as training data. The work support system according to claim 4.

6. The learning unit learns the predictive model using the production equipment, the user, and the operating rate based on the assumed and actual operating times as training data. The work support system according to claim 5.

7. The learning unit uses work objective information in the work, and resource operation information indicating the operating status of each of the multiple production facilities and multiple users, as training data to train the predictive model. A work support system according to any one of claims 4 to 6.

8. A work support method that supports work using multiple production equipment, Computers The system stores equipment terminal connection information that corresponds to the user, the user terminal device, and the production equipment on which the user performs work. When a user specifies which production equipment to disconnect, the system refers to the equipment terminal connection information to identify multiple user terminal devices associated with the combination of the user and the specified production equipment, and then disconnects the identified user terminal devices from the production equipment. A method for supporting the execution of tasks.

9. A work support program that assists in work using multiple production equipment, The aforementioned work support program makes the computer function as a database and a disconnection unit. The database stores equipment terminal connection information that associates the user, the user terminal device, and the production equipment on which the user performs work. When the disconnection unit receives a designation from a user for a production equipment to be disconnected, it refers to the equipment terminal connection information to identify a plurality of user terminal devices associated with the combination of the user and the designated production equipment, and disconnects the connections between the identified plurality of user terminal devices and the designated production equipment. Work support program.

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