Information processing device, prediction method, and prediction program

Abstract

An information processing device (100) includes an acquisition unit (120) that acquires a current operation process and a past operation process, and a prediction unit (150) that predicts bottlenecks using the current operation process and the past operation process. The current operation process indicates the flow of work that has been performed by a worker, and the worker's physical load information and / or the worker's psychological state information is associated with the work. The past operation process indicates a flow of work performed before the work indicated by the current operation process, and physical load information and / or psychological state information is associated with the work indicated by the past operation process. The physical load information is information that indicates the load on a body part. The psychological state information is information that indicates a psychological state.

Description

Information processing device, prediction method, and prediction program

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information processing device, a prediction method, and a prediction program.

[0002] A worker is performing work in a factory or the like. Process mining is known as a technology for visualizing work processes. A technology for evaluating the work ability of a worker has also been proposed (see Patent Literature 1). The work support device in Patent Literature 1 generates work ability evaluation information.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2021-51620

[0004] However, there are cases where people want to know about upcoming bottlenecks, but there is no way to know about them.

[0005] The purpose of this disclosure is to predict upcoming bottlenecks.

[0006] An information processing device according to one aspect of the present disclosure is provided. The information processing device has an acquisition unit that acquires a current business process and a past business process, and a prediction unit that predicts a bottleneck using the current business process and the past business process. The current business process indicates a flow of work performed by a worker, and at least one of physical load information of the worker and psychological state information of the worker is associated with the work. The past business process indicates a flow of work performed before the work, and at least one of the physical load information and the psychological state information is associated with the work. The physical load information is information indicating the load on a body part. The psychological state information is information indicating a psychological state.

[0007] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to predict bottlenecks that will occur in the future.

[0008] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a bottleneck detection and prediction system according to a first embodiment; FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating hardware included in an information processing device according to the first embodiment; FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating functions of the information processing device according to the first embodiment; FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing executed by the information processing device according to the first embodiment; FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of generation processing according to the first embodiment; FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of bottleneck analysis processing according to the first embodiment; FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of bottleneck prediction processing according to the first embodiment; FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of output processing according to the first embodiment; FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating functions of an information processing device according to a second embodiment; FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing executed by the information processing device according to the second embodiment.

[0009] Hereinafter, an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0010] 1 is a diagram showing an example of a bottleneck detection and prediction system according to a first embodiment. The bottleneck detection and prediction system includes an information processing device 100, a terminal 200, and a terminal 300. The information processing device 100, the terminal 200, and the terminal 300 communicate with each other via a network. The network may be a wired network or a wireless network.

[0011] The information processing device 100 is a device that executes the prediction method. For example, the information processing device 100 is a server. The terminal 200 is a device used by an administrator. The terminal 300 is a device used by an operator. For example, the operator is a factory worker.

[0012] Next, the hardware of the information processing device 100 will be described. Fig. 2 is a diagram showing the hardware of the information processing device of embodiment 1. The information processing device 100 is also called a computer. The information processing device 100 has a processor 101, a volatile storage device 102, and a non-volatile storage device 103.

[0013] The processor 101 controls the entire information processing device 100. For example, the processor 101 is a central processing unit (CPU) or a field programmable gate array (FPGA). The processor 101 may be a multiprocessor. The information processing device 100 may also include a processing circuit.

[0014] The volatile storage device 102 is a main storage device of the information processing device 100. For example, the volatile storage device 102 is a random access memory (RAM). The nonvolatile storage device 103 is an auxiliary storage device of the information processing device 100. For example, the nonvolatile storage device 103 is a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid state drive (SSD).

[0015] Next, a description will be given of functions of the information processing device 100. Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing functions of the information processing device of embodiment 1. The information processing device 100 has a storage unit 110, an acquisition unit 120, a generation unit 130, an analysis unit 140, a prediction unit 150, and an output unit 160.

[0016] The storage unit 110 may be realized as a storage area secured in the volatile storage device 102 or the non-volatile storage device 103. The storage unit 110 may also be called a memory. Some or all of the acquisition unit 120, generation unit 130, analysis unit 140, prediction unit 150, and output unit 160 may be realized by a processing circuit. Furthermore, some or all of the acquisition unit 120, generation unit 130, analysis unit 140, prediction unit 150, and output unit 160 may be realized as program modules executed by the processor 101. For example, the program executed by the processor 101 is also called a prediction program or a prediction program product. For example, the prediction program is recorded on a recording medium.

[0017] The storage unit 110 stores various information. The functions of the acquisition unit 120, the generation unit 130, the analysis unit 140, the prediction unit 150, and the output unit 160 will be described later.

[0018] Next, the processing executed by the information processing device 100 will be described using a flowchart. Fig. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of processing executed by the information processing device of embodiment 1. (Step S11) The information processing device 100 executes a generation process. (Step S12) The information processing device 100 executes a bottleneck analysis process. (Step S13) The information processing device 100 executes a bottleneck prediction process. (Step S14) The information processing device 100 executes an output process.

[0019] Next, the generation process will be described. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the generation process according to the first embodiment. The process in FIG. 5 corresponds to step S11. (Step S21) The acquisition unit 120 acquires physical load information of the worker. For example, the acquisition unit 120 acquires the physical load information from the storage unit 110. Also, for example, the acquisition unit 120 acquires the physical load information from an external device. Note that the external device is a device that exists outside the information processing device 100. For example, the external device is a cloud server, an external memory, etc. The external device is not shown in the drawing.

[0020] The physical load information is information indicating the load on a body part. For example, the physical load information is an AC (Action Category) value. The AC value is obtained using the Ovako Working Posture Analyzing System (OWAS) method.

[0021] Furthermore, time is associated with the physical load information. That is, time-series data is associated with the physical load information. Physical load information associated with time is called time-attached physical load information.

[0022] (Step S22) The acquisition unit 120 acquires psychological state information of the worker from the storage unit 110 or an external device. The psychological state information is information indicating the psychological state. The psychological state information may be expressed as information indicating the psychological load of the worker. For example, the psychological state information is a stress level, a motivation level, a concentration level, an emotion, etc. For example, the stress level can be obtained using HRV (Heart Rate Variability).

[0023] Furthermore, time is associated with the psychological state information. That is, time-series data is associated with the psychological state information. Psychological state information associated with time is called time-attached psychological state information.

[0024] (Step S23) The acquisition unit 120 acquires a work log indicating work performed by the worker from the storage unit 110 or an external device. The work log may also be called an event log.

[0025] (Step S24) The generation unit 130 generates a business process based on the work log. For example, the generation unit 130 generates the business process using an α algorithm, heuristic mining, or the like. A business process represents a work flow. A business process may also be expressed as representing a work step. For example, in terms of process mining, a business process may be considered as multiple transitions represented by a Petri net.

[0026] Furthermore, a business process is associated with a time. In other words, time-series data is associated with the business process. For example, when a business process is represented by a Petri net, a time is associated with each transition. A business process that is associated with a time is called a timed business process.

[0027] (Step S25) The generation unit 130 associates the time-attached physical load information, the time-attached psychological state information, and the time-attached work process information based on their respective times. The associated information is called the current work process. In other words, the current work process is information that indicates the flow of work performed by a worker, and in which the worker's physical load information and psychological state information are associated with the work.

[0028] In this way, the current business process is generated. The current business process is real-time information.

[0029] Next, the bottleneck analysis process will be described. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the bottleneck analysis process according to the first embodiment. The process in FIG. 6 corresponds to step S12. (Step S31) The acquisition unit 120 acquires an ideal work process from the storage unit 110 or an external device. The ideal work process indicates an ideal work flow. For example, the ideal work process is generated based on the work steps of an experienced worker. Furthermore, in the ideal work process, physical load information and psychological state information may be associated with the work, as in the current work process.

[0030] (Step S32 ) The acquiring unit 120 acquires the current business process from the generating unit 130 .

[0031] (Step S33) The analysis unit 140 analyzes the current bottleneck using the current business process and the ideal business process. For example, the analysis unit 140 compares the current business process with the ideal business process to analyze the bottleneck. Furthermore, for example, the analysis unit 140 analyzes the bottleneck using a token-based replay method, an alignment method, or the like.

[0032] The analysis unit 140 can identify whether a bottleneck is currently occurring through the analysis. For example, the analysis unit 140 can identify an incorrect work order, a skipped work, a deviation from a work, or a prolonged work period (i.e., work not being completed according to schedule) as a bottleneck.

[0033] Next, the bottleneck prediction process will be described. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the bottleneck prediction process according to the first embodiment. The process in FIG. 7 corresponds to step S13. (Step S41) The acquisition unit 120 acquires a past business process from the storage unit 110 or an external device. A past business process indicates the flow of past work. That is, a past business process indicates the flow of work that was executed before the work indicated by the current business process. Furthermore, like the current business process, a past business process is associated with work by physical load information and psychological state information. Note that the worker who is the subject of the physical load information and psychological state information of the past business process may be the same as or different from the worker who is the subject of the physical load information and psychological state information of the current business process.

[0034] (Step S42) The prediction unit 150 predicts future bottlenecks using the current business process and the past business process. For example, the prediction unit 150 predicts bottlenecks by comparing the current business process with the past business process. Furthermore, for example, the prediction unit 150 predicts bottlenecks using a token-based replay method, an alignment method, or the like. The prediction unit 150 can predict bottlenecks such as incorrect work order, skipped work, deviation from work, and prolonged work (i.e., work not being completed according to schedule).

[0035] A specific example is shown below. The current work process indicates task A1. The past work process indicates tasks A1 and A2. Furthermore, the past work process indicates that a work error occurred in task A2. If the physical load information and psychological state information at the time of task A1 in the current work process and the physical load information and psychological state information at the time of task A1 in the past work process are the same or similar, the prediction unit 150 predicts that the worker will make a work error in task A2.

[0036] Next, the output process will be described. Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the output process according to the first embodiment. The process in Fig. 8 corresponds to step S14. (Step S51) The output unit 160 determines whether or not a bottleneck has occurred at the present time. If a bottleneck has occurred, the process proceeds to step S52. If no bottleneck has occurred, the process proceeds to step S53.

[0037] (Step S52) The output unit 160 outputs information indicating the current bottleneck to the terminal 200 and the terminal 300. The output unit 160 may output the information indicating the current bottleneck to at least one of the terminal 200 and the terminal 300.

[0038] (Step S53) The output unit 160 determines whether a bottleneck will occur in the future. If a bottleneck will occur, the process proceeds to step S54. If a bottleneck will not occur, the process ends.

[0039] (Step S54) The output unit 160 outputs information indicating the predicted bottleneck to the terminal 200 and the terminal 300. The output unit 160 may output the information indicating the predicted bottleneck to at least one of the terminal 200 and the terminal 300.

[0040] When information indicating a predicted bottleneck is output to the terminal 200, the manager can take measures. For example, the manager can instruct the worker to take a break or change the work. The manager can also improve the worker's physical load and psychological state. When information indicating a predicted bottleneck is output to the terminal 300, the worker can recognize a bottleneck that will occur in the future. Therefore, the worker can take action to prevent a bottleneck.

[0041] According to the first embodiment, the information processing device 100 can predict a bottleneck that will occur in the future.

[0042] The prediction unit 150 may compare the current business process with the past business process to predict the success rate or failure rate of a future task. The output unit 160 may output the success rate or failure rate of the future task to at least one of the terminal 200 and the terminal 300. This allows the manager and the worker to recognize the success rate or failure rate of the future task. The output unit 160 may also output bottleneck tasks in descending order of failure rate.

[0043] In the above description, the generation unit 130 generates a current business process. However, the current business process may be generated by an external device. In the case where the external device generates the current business process, the acquisition unit 120 acquires the current business process from the external device.

[0044] In addition, the current work process includes physical load information and psychological state information. The current work process indicates the flow of work performed by a worker, and at least one of the worker's physical load information and the worker's psychological state information may be associated with the work. The past work process indicates the flow of work (i.e., past work) performed before the work (i.e., the current work), and at least one of the physical load information and the psychological state information may be associated with the work (i.e., past work). The prediction unit 150 may then predict a bottleneck using the current work process and the past work process.

[0045] Second Embodiment Next, a second embodiment will be described. In the second embodiment, differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described. In the second embodiment, descriptions of the commonalities between the first embodiment and the second embodiment will be omitted.

[0046] 9 is a block diagram showing the functions of the information processing device of embodiment 2. The information processing device 100 further includes an improvement unit 170. Part or all of the improvement unit 170 may be realized by a processing circuit. Alternatively, part or all of the improvement unit 170 may be realized as a program module executed by the processor 101. The functions of the improvement unit 170 will be described later.

[0047] Next, the processing executed by the information processing device 100 will be described using a flowchart. Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing executed by the information processing device of embodiment 2. The processing in Fig. 10 differs from the processing in Fig. 4 in that steps S15 to S18 are executed. Therefore, steps S15 to S18 will be described in Fig. 10. Further, a description of the processing other than steps S15 to S18 will be omitted.

[0048] (Step S15) The improvement unit 170 determines whether a bottleneck will occur in the future. If a bottleneck will occur, the process proceeds to step S16. If a bottleneck will not occur, the process ends.

[0049] (Step S16) The acquiring unit 120 acquires from the storage unit 110 or an external device a case in which a future bottleneck has been improved. For example, the future bottleneck may be a prolonged task. The acquiring unit 120 acquires a case in which a prolonged task has occurred but the task has been improved by allowing a worker to take a break. The acquiring unit 120 may also acquire a case in which a prolonged task has occurred but the task has been improved by replacing the worker.

[0050] (Step S17) The improvement unit 170 generates improvement proposal information indicating a proposal for improving the bottleneck based on the acquired case. For example, the improvement unit 170 generates improvement proposal information indicating a worker's break. Also, for example, the improvement unit 170 generates improvement proposal information indicating a worker replacement. The improvement proposal information may be expressed in the form of a flowchart. The improvement proposal information may also be information in which the work process is displayed in slides.

[0051] (Step S18) The output unit 160 outputs the improvement proposal information to the terminal 200 and the terminal 300. The output unit 160 may output the improvement proposal information to at least one of the terminal 200 and the terminal 300.

[0052] When the improvement proposal information is output to the terminal 200, the manager can visually check the improvement proposal information and make improvements. When the improvement proposal information is output to the terminal 300, the worker can visually check the improvement proposal information and make improvements.

[0053] In the process of FIG. 10, step S14 does not necessarily have to be executed.

[0054] According to the second embodiment, the information processing device 100 can provide improvements.

[0055] If a bottleneck currently exists, the acquisition unit 120 may acquire from the storage unit 110 or an external device a case in which the current bottleneck has been improved. For example, the current bottleneck may be a prolonged task. The acquisition unit 120 may acquire a case in which a prolonged task occurred but the prolonged task was improved by having a worker take a break. The acquisition unit 120 may also acquire a case in which a prolonged task occurred but the prolonged task was improved by replacing the worker. The improvement unit 170 generates improvement proposal information based on the acquired case. For example, the improvement unit 170 generates improvement proposal information indicating a worker taking a break. For example, the improvement unit 170 generates improvement proposal information indicating a worker being replaced. The output unit 160 outputs the improvement proposal information to at least one of the terminal 200 and the terminal 300. In this way, the information processing device 100 can eliminate a bottleneck currently occurring.

[0056] The embodiments are merely examples, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, the features of the embodiments can be combined with each other as appropriate.

[0057] 100 Information processing device, 101 Processor, 102 Volatile storage device, 103 Non-volatile storage device, 110 Storage unit, 120 Acquisition unit, 130 Generation unit, 140 Analysis unit, 150 Prediction unit, 160 Output unit, 170 Improvement unit, 200 Terminal, 300 Terminal.

Claims

1. An acquisition unit that acquires the current business process, past business processes, and an ideal business process that shows the ideal workflow, An analysis unit analyzes the current bottleneck using the aforementioned current business process and the aforementioned ideal business process, A prediction unit that predicts bottlenecks using the current business process and the past business process, It has, The aforementioned current work process shows the flow of work performed by the worker, and at least one of the worker's physical workload information and the worker's psychological state information is associated with the work. The aforementioned past business process shows the flow of work performed prior to the aforementioned work, and at least one of the physical load information and the psychological state information is associated with the said work. The aforementioned physical load information is information indicating the load on a part of the body, The aforementioned psychological state information is information that indicates a psychological state. Information processing device.

2. The aforementioned current work process shows the flow of work performed by the worker, and the worker's physical load information and psychological state information are associated with the work. The aforementioned past business process shows the flow of work performed prior to the aforementioned work, and the physical load information and the psychological state information are associated with the said work. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

3. The system further includes an output unit that outputs information indicating the predicted bottleneck, The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2.

4. It further has an output section, The prediction unit compares the current business process with the past business process to predict the success rate or failure rate of future operations. The output unit outputs the success rate or the failure rate. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2.

5. It further comprises an improvement unit and an output unit, If the aforementioned bottleneck occurs, the acquisition unit acquires an example of the improvement made when the bottleneck occurred. The improvement unit generates improvement suggestion information that indicates a proposed improvement of the bottleneck based on the above example. The output unit outputs the improvement suggestion information. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2.

6. Further comprising an improvement unit and an output unit, The acquisition unit, if the bottleneck is currently occurring, acquires an example of how the current bottleneck has been improved. The improvement unit generates improvement suggestion information that indicates a proposed improvement of the bottleneck based on the above example. The output unit outputs the improvement suggestion information. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2.

7. Information processing device, We obtain the current business process, the past business process, and the ideal business process which shows the ideal workflow. Using the current business process and the ideal business process, we analyze the current bottleneck, and using the current business process and the past business process, we predict the bottleneck. The aforementioned current work process shows the flow of work performed by the worker, and at least one of the worker's physical workload information and the worker's psychological state information is associated with the work. The aforementioned past business process shows the flow of work performed prior to the aforementioned work, and at least one of the physical load information and the psychological state information is associated with the said work. The aforementioned physical load information is information indicating the load on a part of the body, The aforementioned psychological state information is information that indicates a psychological state. Prediction method.

8. In an information processing device, We obtain the current business process, the past business process, and the ideal business process which shows the ideal workflow. Using the current business process and the ideal business process, the current bottleneck is analyzed, and using the current business process and the past business process, the bottleneck is predicted. It is a predictive program that executes the process, The aforementioned current work process shows the flow of work performed by the worker, and at least one of the worker's physical workload information and the worker's psychological state information is associated with the work. The aforementioned past business process shows the flow of work performed prior to the aforementioned work, and at least one of the physical load information and the psychological state information is associated with the said work. The aforementioned physical load information is information indicating the load on a part of the body, The aforementioned psychological state information is information that indicates a psychological state. Prediction program.