Arrangement work assistance device, arrangement work assistance method, and program

Abstract

This arrangement work assistance device (100) is provided with an evaluation value calculation unit (160) and an arrangement pattern presentation unit (170). The evaluation value calculation unit (160) calculates a plurality of evaluation values on the basis of a work result stored in advance for each worker for each of arrangement patterns for arranging a plurality of workers in a production line along which the workers each perform given works to produce products. The arrangement pattern presentation unit (170) associates the arrangement patterns with the calculated evaluation values and presents the associated result to the user.

Description

Placement work support device, placement work support method, and program

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a placement operation support device, a placement operation support method, and a program.

[0002] In the manufacturing industry, multiple workers are assigned to a production line, and each worker is assigned a task and works in order to produce a single product. In such a situation, some workers are proficient in the task and can complete it within the standard time, while others are not proficient enough and take longer than the standard time.

[0003] With the advancement of DX (Digital Transformation) in the manufacturing industry, the work hours of workers are compiled into a database and utilized to improve production efficiency. For example, a work allocation management device disclosed in Patent Literature 1 records the actual work hours of each worker, compares the recorded actual work hours with a target takt time, calculates actual line balance efficiency, and compares it with a target line balance efficiency to find an appropriate work allocation and propose an allocation pattern.

[0004] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-47926

[0005] Nowadays, product life cycles are becoming shorter and the variety of products being manufactured is increasing. This means that workers need to learn new tasks in a short amount of time and be able to adapt to them. However, simply optimizing indicators such as the actual work time and actual line balance efficiency mentioned above will only assign tasks that each worker is "familiar with." If you encourage workers to become proficient at a task by assigning them unfamiliar tasks, you end up having to assign them manually.

[0006] Furthermore, if an unexpected situation arises on the day of work, such as a worker's poor health, making it difficult to perform at a satisfactory level, manual allocation is the only option. As such, it is difficult to allocate personnel appropriately using conventional techniques.

[0007] Similar problems exist not only in industrial production lines, but also in production lines in various manufacturing industries and in the allocation of personnel to various projects.

[0008] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above-described circumstances, and aims to provide a placement operation support device, a placement operation support method, and a program that can propose an appropriate personnel placement plan.

[0009] To achieve the above object, a placement work assistance device according to the present disclosure includes an evaluation value calculation unit and a placement pattern presentation unit. The evaluation value calculation unit calculates multiple evaluation values ​​for each placement pattern for a production line in which multiple workers are assigned to perform assigned tasks to produce an item, based on the work performance of each worker that is stored in advance. The placement pattern presentation unit associates the placement patterns with the calculated evaluation values ​​and presents them to a user.

[0010] According to the present disclosure, a plurality of arrangement patterns are each associated with an evaluation value and presented to the user, so that the user can select an arrangement pattern from the plurality of arrangement patterns that suits the worker's situation.

[0011] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between a production line and a placement work support device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the hardware configuration of a placement work support device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating the functional configuration of a placement work support device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of work performance information stored in the database shown in FIG. 3; FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of product-specific work information stored in the database shown in FIG. 3; FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of line-specific schedule information stored in the database shown in FIG. 3;

[0012] Hereinafter, a placement operation support device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0013] First Embodiment Hereinafter, a first embodiment will be described using as an example a production line that produces industrial products (hereinafter, products) using an assembly line process. In a production line that produces products using multiple tasks, a team is formed of an operation leader who supervises the production line and multiple workers who actually perform the tasks, and the product is produced according to a work plan. The placement work support device 100 according to this embodiment presents multiple worker placement patterns together with evaluation values ​​to a user who is the operation leader.

[0014] In this embodiment, an example will be described in which three workers, workers 1 to 3, are assigned to a production line 1 consisting of three operations, as shown in Figure 1. On production line 1, one product is completed when each worker performs a "first operation," a "second operation," and a "third operation" in that order from the left side of Figure 1.

[0015] Each work position is provided with a worker display unit 110, which is a touch panel display monitor, and a worker input unit 120, which is a mouse, keyboard, etc. Each worker proceeds with the work according to the tutorial displayed on the worker display unit 110, and uses the worker display unit 110 or the worker input unit 120 to report the start or end of the work, etc. When each worker completes their assigned work, they hand the product to the next worker, receive a new product from the previous worker, and then resume their assigned work, repeating the process.

[0016] The work leader uses the placement work support device 100, which is a terminal device, to check the progress of the work, assist the work at the request of each worker, and change the placement of the workers as necessary.

[0017] As shown in FIG. 2, the placement work support device 100 comprises a display unit 10 that displays information to the work leader and each worker, an input unit 20 that accepts operations and inputs from the work leader etc., a control unit 30 that performs various controls by executing programs, a main memory unit 40 that functions as the work area of ​​the control unit 30, an auxiliary memory unit 50 that stores the programs executed by the control unit 30 and various data, and a communication unit 60 that communicates with external devices, all of which are connected to each other via a bus 70.

[0018] The display unit 10 includes a liquid crystal display, an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display, etc. The input unit 20 includes a mouse, a keyboard, various sensors, an imaging device, etc.

[0019] The control unit 30 includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), which is an integrated circuit. The control unit 30 loads a program stored in the auxiliary storage unit 50 into the main storage unit 40 and executes it, thereby realizing various functions of the placement work support device 100 and executing the work support process described below.

[0020] The main memory unit 40 includes a RAM (Random Access Memory). Programs are loaded into the main memory unit 40 from the auxiliary memory unit 50. The main memory unit 40 is used as a work area for the control unit 30.

[0021] The auxiliary storage unit 50 includes non-volatile memory such as an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), an SSD (Solid State Drive), and an HDD (Hard Disk Drive). The auxiliary storage unit 50 stores programs executed by the control unit 30, various data used for processing by the control unit 30, and the like. The stored data includes accumulated data on the time required for each task by each worker, as will be described later. The auxiliary storage unit 50 supplies data used by the control unit 30 to the control unit 30 in accordance with instructions from the control unit 30, and stores data supplied from the control unit 30.

[0022] The communication unit 60 includes a network interface circuit for sending and receiving transmission signals from external devices such as the worker display unit 110 and worker input unit 120 shown in FIG. 1 . The communication unit 60 receives signals from the outside and outputs data indicated by these signals to the control unit 30. The communication unit 60 also transmits signals indicating data output from the control unit 30 to the external device. For example, the communication unit 60 transmits display data output from the control unit 30 to the worker display unit 110 to display necessary images. The communication unit 60 also transmits screen operations performed by the user on the worker display unit 110 to the control unit 30.

[0023] The display unit 10 and the input unit 20 may be configured as separate units from the placement work support device 100. For example, the display unit 10 and the input unit 20 may be connected to the placement work support device 100 from a control box of the placement work support device 100 via an extension cable or the like.

[0024] The functions of the placement work support device 100 can be realized by dedicated hardware or by a general computer system.

[0025] For example, a device that executes the work support process described below can be configured by storing and distributing the program executed by the control unit 30 on a non-transitory computer-readable recording medium and installing the program on a computer. Examples of such recording media include flexible disks, CD-ROMs (Compact Disc Read-Only Memory), DVDs (Digital Versatile Discs), and MOs (Magneto-Optical Discs).

[0026] Alternatively, the program may be stored in a disk device of a server device on a communication network such as the Internet, and may be downloaded to a computer by superimposing the program on a carrier wave, for example.

[0027] Furthermore, the work support process described below can also be achieved by starting and executing a program while transferring it via a communication network.

[0028] Furthermore, the work support processing described below can also be achieved by executing all or part of the program on a server device and having a computer execute the program while sending and receiving information about the processing via a communication network.

[0029] In addition, when the functions described below are realized by an operating system (OS) or by the OS working in cooperation with an application, only the parts other than the OS may be stored on a medium and distributed, or may be downloaded to a computer.

[0030] Furthermore, the means for realizing the functions of the arrangement work support device 100 is not limited to software, and some or all of the functions may be realized by dedicated hardware including circuits.

[0031] 3 is a diagram showing the functional configuration of a placement work support device 100 having the above hardware configuration. The placement work support device 100 supports a user, who is a work leader of the production line 1, in determining an optimal placement pattern for allocating work to workers, taking into consideration on-site conditions such as the experience, physical condition, and planned number of products to be manufactured. As described above, the placement work support device 100 is connected to a worker display unit 110 that displays a work tutorial to the worker and accepts operation inputs, and a worker input unit 120 that accepts various reports from the worker. The placement work support device 100 includes a timing unit 130 that measures the actual work time of the worker, a database 140 that stores various data, a work proficiency calculation unit 150 that calculates the level of proficiency of the worker, an evaluation value calculation unit 160 that calculates an evaluation value of a placement pattern for allocating workers to the production line 1, a placement pattern presentation unit 170 that presents the worker placement pattern to the work leader, and a user reception unit 180 that accepts operations from the user.

[0032] The worker display unit 110 is composed of a touch panel display device, and one is provided at each work position. The worker display unit 110 provides the worker at each work position with information such as the type of work and a tutorial. The worker display unit 110 accepts input such as operation or selection of the displayed operation button, for example, start work, interrupt work, or end work, and transmits this to the placement work support device 100.

[0033] One worker input unit 120 is provided for each worker. The worker input unit 120 is composed of, for example, a mouse, a keyboard, etc., and receives reports from each worker of the start, interruption, and completion of work. The worker input unit 120 may also be various sensors, an imaging device, etc., and may detect the start, interruption, and completion of work from the worker's movements.

[0034] The timing unit 130 is composed of an internal timer of the control unit 30 and the like, and measures the working time of each worker. The timing unit 130 calculates the actual working time required for each task for each worker from reports of the start, interruption, and completion of the task received by the worker display unit 110 or the worker input unit 120.

[0035] The database 140 stores work performance information indicating past work performance for each worker. For example, the database 140 accumulates, for each worker, information indicating when and which line the worker was assigned to which task, as well as information indicating the required time for each task. For example, assume that worker 1 is assigned to the first task on production line 1, which manufactures product A, for the 1:00 PM to 9:00 PM shift on June 1st. In this case, as illustrated in FIG. 4A , the database stores, for example, the worker ID of worker 1 as the "worker ID," information indicating 1:00 PM to 9:00 PM on June 1st as the "date and work time period," the ID of product A as the "product ID," the ID of production line 1 as the "line ID," and the ID of the first task as the "task ID." Furthermore, the time required for each task is added to the "task time" each time the task is completed.

[0036] Furthermore, for each product to be manufactured, information specifying the operations required to manufacture the product and the order in which they are to be performed is registered in database 140. For example, as shown in Fig. 4B, for each product, the product ID, product name, and the details of each of the first to nth operations to be performed to manufacture the product are registered.

[0037] The database 140 also stores production schedule information for each production line. For example, as shown in Fig. 4C, the database 140 stores, for each production line, a production line ID, a date, a time period, and a production unit number of a product to be produced on that date and time period, in association with each other.

[0038] The database 140 may be configured from the auxiliary storage unit 50 or may be a storage device on a communication network connected via the communication unit 60 .

[0039] 3 calculates a task proficiency level indicating a level of proficiency for a task type for each worker based on the task performance data stored for each worker in the database 140. The task proficiency level calculation unit 150 is configured by the control unit 30.

[0040] The evaluation value calculation unit 160 calculates all arrangement patterns for allocating workers 1 to 3 on the production line 1, and for each of the calculated arrangement patterns, calculates multiple evaluation values ​​based on different perspectives, based on the work performance stored in the database 140. The evaluation value calculation unit 160 calculates, for example, the cycle time CT, line balance efficiency LB, and proficiency index PI as the evaluation values ​​of the arrangement patterns. The method for calculating these evaluation values ​​will be described later. The evaluation value calculation unit 160 is configured by the control unit 30.

[0041] The layout pattern presenting unit 170 presents to the user all of the layout patterns calculated by the evaluation value calculating unit 160, linking the multiple evaluation values ​​calculated for each layout pattern. The layout pattern presenting unit 170 is composed of a display unit 10 and a control unit 30.

[0042] The user reception unit 180 is configured from the input unit 20 and receives information about the worker from the user who is the work leader.

[0043] The placement work support device 100 having the above configuration provides possible placement patterns together with multiple indicators based on different perspectives to assist the user, who is the work leader, in determining how to place the workers 1 to 3 for each task on the production line 1. The placement work support process executed by the placement work support device 100 will be described below with reference to the flowchart in FIG.

[0044] First, as a premise, the product-specific work information for the products to be manufactured, as shown in FIG. 4B, is registered in advance in the database 140. Before each worker starts work for the first time, a worker ID is assigned, and work performance information, as shown in FIG. 4A, is registered. However, in the initial stage, most data, such as work time, is blank. Thereafter, information is accumulated as work performance increases. In addition, the manager registers line-specific schedule information, as shown in FIG. 4C, in the database 140 before work begins, etc.

[0045] For example, when the placement work support device 100 is turned on, it starts the placement work support process shown in Fig. 5. The placement work support process includes a process of storing the work performance of each worker in the database 140 and a process of proposing a placement pattern based on the stored work performance.

[0046] First, the process of storing the work records of each worker in the database 140 will be described.

[0047] In response to line-specific schedule information or instructions from a manager, the placement work support device 100 identifies the products to be manufactured on the production line 1 and identifies the work required to create the products from the product-specific work information. Furthermore, the placement work support device 100 identifies the worker IDs of the workers working at each work position on the production line 1 from the "date + work time period," "product ID," and "line ID + work ID" registered in the work performance information. The control unit 30 synthesizes a tutorial screen to be presented to the workers at each work position on the production line 1, as illustrated in FIG. 6A , and displays it on each worker display unit 110. This tutorial screen includes a work start button 801 for the worker to report the start of work, a work interrupt button 802 for reporting the interruption of work, and a work completion button 803 for reporting the completion of work.

[0048] For example, in Fig. 1, worker 1 is assigned to the first task on production line 1. Assume that the new product to be manufactured is production machine No. 123 and its first task is task A. In this case, the placement work support device 100 generates the screen shown in Fig. 6A from the registered information in the database 140, which is pre-registered information, indicating that the product to be manufactured on production line 1 is "production machine No. 123" and that its first task is "task A," and displays this screen on the worker display unit 110 for the first task.

[0049] The worker operates a work start button 801 when starting work, a work interrupt button 802 when interrupting work, and a work completion button 803 when completing work. When the work interrupt button 802 is operated, the control unit 30 displays a tutorial screen, an example of which is shown in FIG. 6B, on the worker display unit 110. This screen includes a work resume button 804.

[0050] When the control unit 30 starts the process, it first determines whether or not an event has occurred (step S101). Here, the operation of each of the above-mentioned buttons 801 to 804 corresponds to an event.

[0051] When the control unit 30 starts the placement work support process, the control unit 30 of the placement work support apparatus 100 goes into a standby state until any event occurs (No in step S101).

[0052] When a worker operates the work start button 801 to start work, this is detected in step S101 (Yes in step S101), and the timing unit 130 identifies the worker and the type of work assigned to that worker, and starts timing the work time (step S102).

[0053] Next, the timing unit 130 determines whether the worker has selected the work interruption button 802 displayed on the work instruction screen of Fig. 6A (step S103). If the timing unit 130 determines that the worker has selected the work interruption button 802 (Yes in step S103), the timing unit 130 interrupts timing (step S104).

[0054] The timing unit 130 then determines whether the worker who selected the work interruption button 802 has also selected the work resume button 804 displayed on the work instruction screen of FIG. 6B (step S105). The timing unit 130 remains in a standby state until it is determined that the worker has selected the work resume button 804 (No in step S105). When it is determined that the worker has selected the work resume button 804 (Yes in step S105), the timing unit 130 resumes timing (step S106). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S103.

[0055] If the timing unit 130 does not determine in step S103 that the work interruption button 802 has been selected (No in step S103) and does not determine that the work completion button 803 displayed on the tutorial screen of Fig. 6A has been selected (No in step S107), the timing unit 130 continues timing. On the other hand, if the timing unit 130 determines that the work completion button 803 has been selected (Yes in step S107), the timing unit 130 ends timing (step S108).

[0056] The timing unit 130 then calculates the actual work time for the series of workers and stores it by adding it to the work performance information of the corresponding workers stored in the database 140 as work performance (step S109). The actual work time is the time that the worker actually worked, and is calculated by subtracting the time that the work was interrupted from the time that the work start time was subtracted from the time that the work was completed. Then, the process returns to step S101.

[0057] As each worker performs their daily work, new information is added to and accumulated in the work performance information stored in the database 140 .

[0058] Next, a flow will be described in which a user who is an operation leader operates the arrangement work support device 100 to display a list of arrangement patterns when considering the arrangement of personnel.

[0059] Before the production line 1 starts operation, the display unit 10 of the placement work support device 100 used by the user who is the work leader displays a user screen such as the one shown in Fig. 7. The user screen displays a model number input field 910 for inputting the model number of the next product to be manufactured, worker input fields 921 to 923 for inputting candidate workers, a lot number input field 930 for inputting the planned production quantity, and a placement pattern display button 940 for displaying the worker placement pattern.

[0060] When the user inputs the necessary information into the model number input field 910, the worker input fields 921 to 923, and the lot number input field 930 and selects the placement pattern display button 940, the work proficiency calculation unit 150 refers to the work performance information stored in the database 140 and calculates the work proficiency for each type of work for each worker (step S201).

[0061] At this time, the task proficiency calculation unit 150 creates a task proficiency table PT shown in the example of Fig. 8. As shown in the example, the task proficiency table PT shows the task proficiency for each worker for tasks A to C. In this example, the task proficiency is shown as the numbers "1," "2," and "3," which respectively mean "beginner," "intermediate," and "expert."

[0062] There are two types of calculations for work proficiency: quantitative and qualitative. In quantitative determination, for example, a "3" is calculated if the worker has experience with the type of work 10 or more times, a "2" is calculated if the worker has experience with 5 to less than 10 times, and a "1" is calculated if the worker has experience with 1 to less than 5 times. In qualitative determination, for example, the average actual work time for each type of work in the most recent 10 times is calculated for each worker, and a "3" is calculated if the average work time is less than 80% of a preset target work time, a "2" is calculated if the average work time is 80% to less than 100% of the target work time, and a "1" is calculated if the average work time exceeds the target work time.

[0063] When the quantitative and qualitative judgments produce different results, the quantitative judgment may be prioritized. Also, for each worker, the numerical values ​​of the work proficiency for each type of work may be weighted and added to calculate an overall proficiency, which may then be stored as the overall proficiency for each worker.

[0064] 5, once the task proficiency calculation unit 150 calculates the task proficiency for each task type for each worker, the evaluation value calculation unit 160 calculates all possible assignment patterns for allocating workers to the given task types (step S202). In this embodiment, three workers are assigned to three types of tasks, so there are 3! = 6 possible assignment patterns. The evaluation value calculation unit 160 calculates six possible assignment patterns PP, as shown in FIG. 9A.

[0065] Then, the evaluation value calculation unit 160 calculates a plurality of evaluation values ​​based on different viewpoints for each of the calculated arrangement patterns (step S203). In this embodiment, the evaluation value calculation unit 160 calculates a cycle time CT, a line balance efficiency LB, and a proficiency index PI.

[0066] The cycle time CT is the longest task time among all the tasks performed by each worker on one product from the start to the completion of the task. For example, in the arrangement pattern No. 1 shown in Fig. 9A, the cycle time CT1 is calculated by comparing the "average value of the actual task time for the most recent 10 times when worker 1 performed task A," the "average value of the actual task time for the most recent 10 times when worker 2 performed task B," and the "average value of the actual task time for the most recent 10 times when worker 3 performed task C," and taking the maximum value.

[0067] The line balance efficiency LB is an index showing the balance of work among the workers who make up the production line 1. The line balance efficiency is calculated by dividing the total work time of each worker in the layout pattern by (cycle time CT x number of workers).

[0068] The proficiency index PI is an index that indicates the degree to which the proficiency of each worker assigned to the production line 1 matches the type of work assigned to each worker. For example, consider the arrangement pattern No. 2 shown in FIG. 9A with reference to the work proficiency table PT shown in FIG. 8. In arrangement pattern No. 2, worker 1 is assigned to work A, worker 3 to work B, and worker 2 to work C. Referring to FIG. 8, worker 1's work proficiency for work A is 2, worker 3's work proficiency for work B is 1, and worker 2's work proficiency for work C is 1. Therefore, the evaluation value calculation unit 160 may add these numerical values ​​together to obtain the proficiency index.

[0069] When the evaluation value calculation unit 160 calculates multiple evaluation values ​​for each placement pattern, an placement pattern PPV, as shown in FIG. 9B , is completed, with multiple evaluation values ​​linked to it. The placement pattern presentation unit 170 displays this placement pattern PPV on the display unit 10 and presents it to the user (step S204). The user may sort the placement patterns by each evaluation value, allowing them to select an appropriate placement pattern taking into account the situation on the shop floor. For example, if the planned production volume for that day is large, the user can select a placement pattern that emphasizes cycle time CT and line balance efficiency LB. Alternatively, if the planned production volume is small and each worker needs to gain experience, the user can select a placement pattern with a low proficiency index. Then, the process returns to step S101.

[0070] In the arrangement work support device 100 of this embodiment, a user who is an operation leader can assign specific workers to specific operations and then display possible arrangement patterns. The flow in this case will also be described.

[0071] After the placement pattern presentation unit 170 presents the user with a placement pattern PPV, the user acceptance unit 180 accepts a user instruction to assign a specific worker to a specific task. The evaluation value calculation unit 160 then recalculates all placement patterns in a state where the placement included in the accepted instruction is fixed (step S301). For example, if the user specifies "assign worker 3 to task A," the evaluation value calculation unit 160 calculates Nos. 5 and 6 in FIG. 9A in which worker 3 is assigned to task A.

[0072] The evaluation value calculation unit 160 then recalculates multiple evaluation values ​​for each of the calculated placement patterns (step S302). The placement pattern presentation unit 170 then associates all of the placement patterns calculated again by the evaluation value calculation unit 160 with the recalculated evaluation values ​​for each placement pattern and presents them to the user by displaying them on the display unit 10 (step S303). The user can assign specific operators to specific tasks and then select an optimal placement pattern that suits the situation at the site. The process then returns to step S101.

[0073] If an event other than the above-described process occurs (Yes in step S101), the arrangement work support apparatus 100 executes another process corresponding to the event that occurred (step S401), after which the process returns to step S101.

[0074] As described above, according to the first embodiment, the placement operation assistance device 100 associates multiple evaluation values ​​based on different perspectives with placement patterns for placing workers on a production line and presents them to the user, allowing the user to select the optimal placement pattern according to the situation on-site.

[0075] Furthermore, the placement work support device 100 accepts a user's designation to assign a specific worker to a specific task, and presents the user with a placement pattern in which the worker is fixed, linked to multiple evaluation values. This allows the user to determine the placement pattern more flexibly. Note that although the example of the user is a task leader, other users such as managers and supervisors may also be used.

[0076] Second Embodiment Next, a second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. The same configurations and processes as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals. In the second embodiment, various evaluation values ​​can be calculated based on the physical condition of the worker on that day, etc.

[0077] 10 is a flowchart illustrating the placement work support process in the second embodiment, which is executed by the placement work support device 100. The placement work support process will be described below with reference to FIG.

[0078] When the placement work support process starts, the placement work support apparatus 100 enters a standby state until any event occurs (No in step S101).

[0079] When the user reception unit 180 receives from the user the designation of a worker who is experiencing difficulties in performing their work, such as poor health (Yes in step S101), the evaluation value calculation unit 160 calculates all allocation patterns for allocating workers 1 to 3 to production line 1 (step S501). The evaluation value calculation unit 160 then performs a process of deducting points from the work performance stored in the database 140 for the worker included in the designation (step S502). For example, for a worker who is in poor health included in the designation, the evaluation value calculation unit 160 multiplies the average value of the actual work time for the most recent 10 tasks by a preset value greater than 1, for example, 1.5 times. Note that this value may be specified by operating the user reception unit 180.

[0080] The task proficiency calculation unit 150 then refers to the task performance information stored in the database 140 and calculates the task proficiency for each task type for each worker (step S503). The evaluation value calculation unit 160 then calculates multiple evaluation values ​​for each of the calculated placement patterns (step S504). The placement pattern presentation unit 170 then associates the calculated multiple evaluation values ​​with all of the placement patterns calculated by the evaluation value calculation unit 160 and displays them on the display unit 10 to present to the user (step S505). The process then returns to step S101.

[0081] Furthermore, when an event other than the event described in the first embodiment occurs (Yes in step S101), the placement work support apparatus 100 executes another process corresponding to the event that occurred (step S601). After that, the process returns to step S101.

[0082] As described above, according to the second embodiment, the arrangement work support device 100 calculates various evaluation values ​​for each arrangement pattern based on the current state of the worker and provides them to the user. This allows the user to more flexibly determine an arrangement pattern from candidate arrangement patterns that take into account the worker's situation on that day, without having to do it manually.

[0083] Third Embodiment Next, a third embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. The same components and processes as those in the first and second embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals. In the third embodiment, the placement operation support device 100 proposes an appropriate placement pattern depending on the situation at the site.

[0084] 11 is a flowchart illustrating the placement work support process in the third embodiment, which is executed by the placement work support device 100. The placement work support process will be described below with reference to FIG.

[0085] When the placement work support process starts, the placement work support apparatus 100 enters a standby state until any event occurs (No in step S101).

[0086] When a user uses the user reception unit 180 to input the necessary information into the user screen shown in FIG. 7 and selects the placement pattern display button 940, the evaluation value calculation unit 160 first calculates all placement patterns for placing each worker on the production line 1 (step S701).

[0087] Then, the evaluation value calculation unit 160 calculates the cycle time CT for each arrangement pattern based on the work performance stored for each worker in the database 140 (step S702).

[0088] After calculating the cycle time CT for each arrangement pattern, the evaluation value calculation unit 160 determines whether the calculated cycle time CT satisfies a predetermined condition (step S703). For example, the evaluation value calculation unit 160 determines whether the calculated cycle time CT is shorter than the value obtained by dividing the working hours by the planned production quantity by a predetermined value or more. If the cycle time CT is sufficiently short, it is considered that there is enough leeway in the work for that day.

[0089] In such a case (Yes in step S703), the evaluation value calculation unit 160 searches for an arrangement pattern with the lowest proficiency index that encourages each worker to become proficient in the work in which they have little experience. Then, the arrangement pattern presentation unit 170 displays the arrangement pattern as a search result on the display unit 10 to suggest it to the user (step S704). Then, the process returns to step S101.

[0090] On the other hand, if the evaluation value calculation unit 160 determines that the calculated cycle time CT does not satisfy the predetermined condition (No in step S703), the arrangement pattern presentation unit 170 displays the normal arrangement pattern described in the first and second embodiments (step S705). Thereafter, the process returns to step S101.

[0091] Furthermore, when an event other than the events described in the first and second embodiments occurs (Yes in step S101), the placement work support apparatus 100 executes another process corresponding to the event that occurred (step S801). Then, the process returns to step S101.

[0092] As described above, according to the third embodiment, the placement work assistance device 100 proposes a specific placement pattern to the user when the calculated evaluation value satisfies a predetermined condition, thereby enabling the user to select an optimal placement pattern even if the user has overlooked a certain aspect.

[0093] Fourth Embodiment Next, a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. The same configurations and processes as those of the first, second, and third embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals. In the fourth embodiment, the placement operation support device 100 proposes an appropriate placement pattern even when there is a task that the worker has not yet mastered.

[0094] The task proficiency table PT in the fourth embodiment is shown in FIG. 12. Unlike the task proficiency table PT in the first embodiment shown in FIG. 8, the task proficiency table PT in the fourth embodiment can indicate blank spaces corresponding to tasks that a worker has not yet mastered. In the example shown in FIG. 12, blank space M1 indicates that worker 1 has not yet mastered task C, and blank space M2 indicates that worker 2 has not yet mastered task B. Note that not having mastered a task means that a worker has no knowledge of how to perform that task. A worker masters a task by learning how to perform it. By repeatedly performing the task after mastering it, a worker gradually becomes proficient in that task.

[0095] In the following explanation, it is assumed that there is one or more blank columns in the task proficiency table PT. The total number of blank columns is N (N is a positive integer), and each blank column is Mk (k is an integer between 1 and N). In the example shown in FIG. 12, N is 2.

[0096] The evaluation value calculation unit 160 refers to the work performance information stored in the database 140 and calculates, for each blank Mk, the average value of the work time required for a worker who has mastered the work to perform the work corresponding to the blank Mk. For example, for blank M1 shown in FIG. 12 , the evaluation value calculation unit 160 calculates the average value of the work time required for worker 2 to perform work C and the work time required for worker 3 to perform work C.

[0097] The evaluation value calculation unit 160 calculates the product of the calculated average value and a predetermined constant α for each blank Mk. This product is a predicted value of the task time required for the worker corresponding to the blank Mk to perform the task corresponding to the blank Mk. The constant α is determined depending on the task and is, for example, a value of approximately 1.2 to 1.5. The reason for multiplying by the constant α is that the time required for an untrained worker to perform a task is generally longer than the time required for a trained worker to perform the task.

[0098] Since it was possible to predict the working time of an untrained worker for each blank Mk, the evaluation value calculation unit 160 calculates multiple evaluation values ​​for each arrangement pattern based on the working time, as in the first embodiment.

[0099] The evaluation value calculation unit 160 calculates, for each blank Mk, an improvement degree of the evaluation value when an unacquainted worker corresponding to the blank Mk is assigned to the task corresponding to the blank Mk, relative to the evaluation value when an acquainted worker, rather than the unacquainted worker, is assigned to the task corresponding to the blank Mk. This improvement degree indicates how much the evaluation value improves when an unacquainted worker is assigned to the task compared to when the unacquainted worker is not assigned to the task. The assignment pattern presentation unit 170 presents to the user which worker should master which unacquainted task based on the calculated improvement degree. This allows the user to determine which worker should master which unacquainted task.

[0100] As described above, according to the fourth embodiment, when a worker has not yet mastered a task, the placement work support device 100 calculates an evaluation value for when the worker is made to master the unmastered task and an evaluation value for when the worker is not made to master the task. This allows the placement work support device 100 to propose an appropriate placement pattern even when a worker has not yet mastered a task. Furthermore, the placement work support device 100 calculates the degree of change in the evaluation value for when the worker is made to master the unmastered task relative to the evaluation value for when the worker is not made to master the task, and presents this to the user. This allows the user to determine whether or not to have the worker master the unmastered task.

[0101] Fifth Embodiment Next, a fifth embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. The same reference numerals are used to designate configurations and processes equivalent to those of the first, second, third, and fourth embodiments. In the fourth embodiment, the placement work assistance device 100 proposes an optimal placement pattern even when an automated machine takes over the work of a worker. The automated machine is, for example, a collaborative robot.

[0102] When an automated machine takes over a task, new tasks may arise, such as manually loading the work object onto the automated machine and manually unloading the work object from the automated machine. Therefore, the evaluation value calculation unit 160 calculates the evaluation value taking into account the loading time and unloading time.

[0103] For example, consider a case where worker A, worker B, and an automated machine are involved in a task. First, the evaluation value calculation unit 160 selects one from a plurality of task placement patterns. However, the task placement pattern here is the same as that in the first embodiment, and loading and unloading tasks are not taken into consideration. In this case, the task time of worker A is set to La, the task time of worker B is set to Lb, and the task time of the automated machine is set to Lm. Furthermore, the loading time is set to Ll, and the unloading time is set to Lu. However, Ll and Lu vary depending on the location of the automated machine, as what needs to be loaded and unloaded changes depending on the task content.

[0104] There are four combinations of which workers will perform which loading and unloading tasks: (1) Worker A will be assigned to both loading and unloading tasks. (2) Worker A will be assigned to loading tasks and worker B will be assigned to unloading tasks. (3) Worker A will be assigned to unloading tasks and worker B will be assigned to loading tasks. (4) Worker B will be assigned to both loading and unloading tasks.

[0105] The evaluation value calculation unit 160 calculates the cycle time CT for each of the combinations (1) to (4) above based on the following formula: where the MAX function is a function that returns the maximum value among multiple arguments.

[0106] In the case of (1): MAX(La+Ll+Lu, Lb, Lm) In the case of (2): MAX(La+Ll, Lb+Lu, Lm) In the case of (3): MAX(La+Lu, Lb+Ll, Lm) In the case of (4): MAX(La, Lb+Ll+Lu, Lm)

[0107] The evaluation value calculation unit 160 then adopts the smallest of the above cycle times CT as the cycle time CT for the currently selected layout pattern. The evaluation value calculation unit 160 calculates the cycle time CT for each layout pattern in this manner. The evaluation value calculation unit 160 also calculates the line balance efficiency LB for each layout pattern using the following formula: LB = (La + Lb + Ll + Lu + Lm) / (3 x CT)

[0108] As described above, according to the fifth embodiment, the placement work support device 100 calculates the evaluation value taking into account the loading time and unloading time when an automated machine takes over the work of a worker. Therefore, the placement work support device 100 can propose an optimal placement pattern even when an automated machine takes over the work of a worker.

[0109] While the above embodiment has been described with reference to an example in which one task is assigned to one worker, one process consisting of multiple tasks may be assigned to one worker. In this case, evaluation values ​​such as cycle time, line balance efficiency, and proficiency index may be calculated based on the work time of each task that constitutes one process, or may be calculated based on the work time of one process.

[0110] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, an example was given in which an arrangement pattern was presented in which three workers were assigned to three tasks. However, the number of workers may be greater than the number of tasks. For example, if the number of workers is n (n > 3), the arrangement work support device 100 presents nP3 arrangement patterns to the user. Furthermore, if the user specifies a worker with low task proficiency, the arrangement work support device 100 may preferentially assign workers with high task proficiency to the other workers. This configuration allows experienced workers to support beginners while increasing the number of executable processes for the entire team.

[0111] In the above embodiment, the arrangement pattern presenting unit 170 presents the arrangement patterns PPV to the user, and then the user uses the sorting function to select an arrangement pattern with a desired high evaluation value. However, machine learning such as a genetic algorithm, Bayesian optimization, or reinforcement learning may be used to search for an optimal arrangement pattern. In this case, for example, it may be possible to use the system to find an arrangement pattern when a combination of different evaluation values, rather than a single evaluation value, takes an extreme value.

[0112] In the above-described embodiment, the explanation has been given mainly on an example in which all arrangement patterns are obtained. However, as the number of workers n increases, the number of arrangement patterns becomes enormous. Therefore, even in the example in which "all" is described, the number of arrangement patterns may be limited by any method.

[0113] In the above-described embodiment, the worker display unit 110 and the worker input unit 120 are installed at each work location on the production line, but they may be installed for each worker. In this case, the control unit 30 identifies which work each worker will perform on which production line, creates a tutorial screen, and arranges operation buttons.

[0114] In the above-described embodiment, an example has been described in which the placement operation support device 100 supports the placement operation of workers on one production line, but one placement operation support device 100 may support the placement operation of workers on multiple production lines. In this case, it is also possible for the placement operation support device 100 to support the placement operation of n workers on m production lines requiring a total of n workers.

[0115] Furthermore, the range of work performance data to be used when calculating the evaluation value of a placement pattern is arbitrary. For example, the evaluation value may be calculated using only work performance data from the past year or six months. Alternatively, a weighted moving average may be calculated and used.

[0116] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the placement work support device 100 is described as being applied to a production line 1 that manufactures products, but this is not limited to this, and the placement work support device 100 of the present disclosure can be applied to a wide range of production lines that generally produce items.

[0117] In the above embodiment, the worker display unit 110 is placed at the work position of the line, but it may also be placed at each individual worker. In this case, the placement work support device 100 determines the content of the worker's work from, for example, schedule information, and displays the necessary screen on the placement work support device 100.

[0118] (Supplementary Note) This disclosure is achieved by the matters described in the following supplementary note: (Supplementary Note 1) A placement work assistance device comprising: an evaluation value calculation unit that calculates a plurality of evaluation values ​​for each placement pattern for placing a plurality of workers on a production line where the workers are placed and each worker performs a task assigned to produce an item, based on the work performance of each of the workers that is stored in advance; and a placement pattern presentation unit that links the placement pattern with the calculated evaluation values ​​and presents them.

[0119] (Supplementary Note 2) The placement work support device described in Supplementary Note 1 further comprises a work proficiency calculation unit that calculates, for each worker, a work proficiency level indicating the degree of proficiency for a type of work based on the work performance stored for each worker, and the evaluation value calculation unit calculates, for each of the placement patterns, a proficiency index that indicates the degree of match between the proficiency of each worker placed on the production line and the type of work assigned to each worker, based on the work proficiency level calculated for each worker.

[0120] (Supplementary Note 3) The placement work assistance device according to Supplementary Note 1 or 2, wherein the evaluation value calculation unit calculates a cycle time or a line balance efficiency as the evaluation value for each placement pattern based on the work performance stored for each worker.

[0121] (Supplementary Note 4) A placement work support device as described in any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 3, further comprising a user reception unit that receives a specification to assign a specific worker to a specific task, wherein the evaluation value calculation unit calculates the placement pattern while fixing the placement included in the received specification, and re-calculates the multiple evaluation values ​​for each calculated placement pattern, and the placement pattern presentation unit presents all of the re-calculated placement patterns to the user, linking the re-calculated multiple evaluation values ​​for each placement pattern.

[0122] (Supplementary Note 5) A placement work support device as described in any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 4, further comprising a user reception unit that receives designations of workers who have circumstances that interfere with their work, and the evaluation value calculation unit performs a process of deducting points from the stored work performance of the workers included in the received designations, and then calculates the multiple evaluation values ​​for each of the calculated placement patterns.

[0123] (Supplementary Note 6) The placement work support device described in any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 5, wherein the evaluation value calculation unit calculates a cycle time as the evaluation value for each placement pattern based on the work performance stored for each worker, and the placement pattern presentation unit proposes a placement pattern that encourages each worker to become proficient in work in which they have little experience, when the cycle time calculated for each placement pattern meets a predetermined standard.

[0124] (Supplementary Note 7) The placement work support device described in any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 6, wherein the evaluation value calculation unit predicts the work time required for the worker to perform the unmastered work, calculates the multiple evaluation values ​​for each of the placement patterns based on the work performance of each worker stored in advance and the predicted work time, and calculates an improvement degree of the multiple evaluation values ​​when an unmastered worker is assigned to the corresponding work compared to the multiple evaluation values ​​when a mastered worker is assigned to the work, and the placement pattern presentation unit presents to a user which worker should master which unmastered work based on the calculated improvement degree.

[0125] (Appendix 8) The placement work support device described in any one of Appendices 1 to 7, wherein an automated machine that takes over the work of the worker is further arranged on the production line, and the evaluation value calculation unit further calculates the multiple evaluation values ​​based on a loading time for loading the work object into the automated machine and an unloading time for unloading the work object from the automated machine.

[0126] (Supplementary Note 9) A method for supporting worker placement, comprising: a computer calculating a plurality of evaluation values ​​for each of placement patterns for placing workers on a production line based on the work performance of each worker; linking the placement patterns with the calculated evaluation values; and presenting the results to a user.

[0127] (Supplementary Note 10) A program that causes a computer to execute the following process: calculates multiple evaluation values ​​for each of the arrangement patterns of workers on a production line based on the work performance of each worker; links the arrangement patterns with the calculated evaluation values; and presents them to a user.

[0128] The present disclosure allows various embodiments and modifications without departing from the broad spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, the above-described embodiments are intended to illustrate the present disclosure and do not limit the scope of the present disclosure. That is, the scope of the present disclosure is defined by the claims, not the embodiments. Various modifications made within the scope of the claims and the meaning of equivalent disclosures are considered to be within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0129] This application is based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-105688, filed on June 28, 2023. The entire specification, claims, and drawings of Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-105688 are incorporated herein by reference.

[0130] 1 Production line, 10 Display unit, 20 Input unit, 30 Control unit, 40 Main memory unit, 50 Auxiliary memory unit, 60 Communication unit, 70 Bus, 100 Placement work support device, 110 Worker display unit, 120 Worker input unit, 130 Timekeeping unit, 140 Database, 150 Work proficiency calculation unit, 160 Evaluation value calculation unit, 170 Placement pattern presentation unit, 180 User reception unit, 801 Work start button, 802 Work interrupt button, 803 Work completion button, 804 Work resume button, 910 Model number input field, 921, 922, 923 Worker input field, 930 Lot number input field, 940 Placement pattern display button, M1, M2 Blank

Claims

1. A placement work support device comprising: an evaluation value calculation unit that calculates multiple evaluation values ​​for each placement pattern in which multiple workers are placed on a production line where each worker produces an item by performing assigned tasks, based on the work performance of each worker that is stored in advance; and a placement pattern presentation unit that links the placement pattern with the calculated evaluation values ​​and presents them.

2. The placement work support device of claim 1, further comprising a work proficiency calculation unit that calculates, for each worker, a work proficiency indicating a degree of proficiency for a type of work based on the work performance stored for each worker, and the evaluation value calculation unit calculates, for each of the placement patterns, a proficiency index indicating the degree of match between the proficiency of each worker placed on the production line and the type of work assigned to each worker, based on the work proficiency calculated for each worker, as the evaluation value.

3. The placement work support device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the evaluation value calculation unit calculates cycle time or line balance efficiency as the evaluation value for each placement pattern based on the work performance stored for each worker.

4. A placement work support device as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a user receiving unit that receives a specification to assign a specific worker to a specific task, wherein the evaluation value calculation unit calculates the placement pattern while fixing the placement included in the received specification, and re-calculates the multiple evaluation values ​​for each calculated placement pattern, and the placement pattern presentation unit presents all of the re-calculated placement patterns to a user, linking the re-calculated multiple evaluation values ​​for each placement pattern.

5. A placement work support device as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a user reception unit that receives designation of workers who have circumstances that interfere with work, and the evaluation value calculation unit performs a process of deducting points from the stored work performance of workers included in the received designation, and then calculates the multiple evaluation values ​​for each of the calculated placement patterns.

6. A placement work support device as described in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the evaluation value calculation unit calculates a cycle time for each placement pattern as the evaluation value based on the work performance stored for each worker, and the placement pattern presentation unit suggests a placement pattern that encourages each worker to become proficient in a task in which he or she has little experience when the cycle time calculated for each placement pattern meets a predetermined standard.

7. A placement work support device as described in any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the evaluation value calculation unit predicts the working time required for the worker to perform the unmastered task, calculates the multiple evaluation values ​​for each of the placement patterns based on the work performance of each worker stored in advance and the predicted working time, and calculates an improvement degree of the multiple evaluation values ​​when an unmastered worker is assigned to a corresponding task relative to the multiple evaluation values ​​when a mastered worker is assigned to the task, and the placement pattern presentation unit presents to a user which worker should master which unmastered task based on the calculated improvement degree.

8. A placement work support device as described in any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the production line further includes an automated machine that takes over the work of the worker, and the evaluation value calculation unit further calculates the multiple evaluation values ​​based on a loading time for loading a work object into the automated machine and an unloading time for unloading the work object from the automated machine.

9. A method for supporting worker placement operations, in which a computer calculates multiple evaluation values ​​for each of patterns for placing workers on a production line based on the work performance of each worker, links the placement patterns with the calculated evaluation values, and presents them to a user.

10. A program that causes a computer to execute a process of calculating multiple evaluation values ​​for each arrangement pattern of workers on a production line based on the work performance of each worker, linking the arrangement pattern with the calculated evaluation values, and presenting them to a user.

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