User assistance device and computer-readable recording medium

Abstract

This user assistance device is provided with: a response source storage unit that stores information that serves as a source for a response to an inquiry; an inquiry acquisition unit that acquires an inquiry; a machine information acquisition unit that acquires machine information regarding a control device and an industrial machine that are subjects of the inquiry; a response source search unit that searches for at least one response source from the response source storage unit on the basis of the inquiry and the machine information; a prompt generation unit that, on the basis of the inquiry, the machine information, and the response source, generates a prompt that can be input into a dialogue-type answering device; a transmission unit that transmits the prompt to the dialogue-type answering device; a receiving unit that receives an answer to the prompt from the dialogue-type answering device; and an output unit that produces output regarding the answer.

Description

User assistive device and computer-readable recording medium

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a user assistive device and a computer-readable recording medium.

[0002] When a malfunction occurs in industrial machinery such as a machine tool or a robot, it is difficult for the user to identify the cause of the malfunction, and so the user may inquire of the manufacturer of the machine tool (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In such cases, communication means such as telephone or email are often used. Attempts have also been made to solve problems interactively using generative AI, such as chatbots, which are automatic conversation programs that automatically respond to questions from users. One method for realizing generative AI is to use large language models (LLMs).

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2020-035286

[0004] Generally, to receive support from an automatic conversation program, users must input the information necessary for their inquiry using text and images. Industrial machinery, particularly robots and machine tools, has a complex configuration and a wide range of added options, so a large amount of information tends to be required to resolve the inquiry. To obtain an appropriate response, users must correctly input the information required to analyze the status of the control device and industrial machinery. This also places a significant burden on users. Therefore, there is a demand for technology that can reduce the operational costs incurred when using automatic conversation programs in the field.

[0005] The user assistance device according to the present disclosure solves the above problem by automatically switching and using the answer source that an interactive response device incorporating a generation AI refers to when creating an answer, based on the content of the inquiry and machine information such as the model name and specifications of the industrial machine and the control device that controls the industrial machine, when the user makes an inquiry.

[0006] One aspect of the present disclosure is a user assistance device comprising: an answer source storage unit that stores information that serves as a source of an answer to a query; an inquiry acquisition unit that acquires a query; a machine information acquisition unit that acquires machine information related to a control device and industrial machine that are the subject of the query; an answer source search unit that searches for at least one answer source from the answer source storage unit based on the query and the machine information; a prompt generation unit that generates a prompt that can be input to an interactive response device based on the query, the machine information, and the answer source searched by the answer source search unit; a transmission unit that transmits the prompt to the interactive response device; a reception unit that receives a response to the prompt from the interactive response device; and an output unit that outputs the response.

[0007] FIG. 1 is a schematic hardware configuration diagram of a user assistance device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the schematic functions of a user assistance device according to a first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a prompt. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a response of an interactive response device. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the schematic functions of a user assistance device according to a second embodiment. FIG. 6 is a screen diagram showing an example of the display of a two-dimensional code. FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the schematic functions of a user assistance device according to the second embodiment. FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a plurality of templates stored in a template storage unit. FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a template.

[0008] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, components having the same or similar functions will be denoted by the same reference numerals. Duplicate descriptions of those components may be omitted.

[0009] In this application, "based on XX" means "based on at least XX," and includes cases where it is based on other elements in addition to XX. Furthermore, "based on XX" is not limited to cases where XX is used directly, but also includes cases where it is based on XX that has been calculated or processed. "XX" is any element (for example, any information).

[0010] [First Embodiment] Fig. 1 is a schematic hardware configuration diagram showing the main parts of a user assistance device according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. The user assistance device 1 according to this embodiment can be implemented on a mobile terminal carried by a user who operates a control device that controls industrial machinery such as an industrial robot, a service robot, or a machine tool. The user assistance device 1 can also be implemented on a computer such as a personal computer installed near the control device of the industrial machinery. In this embodiment, an example is shown in which the user assistance device 1 is implemented on a mobile terminal carried by a user who operates the user assistance device 1.

[0011] The CPU 11 provided in the user assistance device 1 according to this embodiment is a processor that controls the entire user assistance device 1. The CPU 11 reads a system program stored in the ROM 12 via the bus 22 and controls the entire user assistance device 1 in accordance with the system program. The RAM 13 temporarily stores temporary calculation data, display data, and various data acquired from outside.

[0012] The non-volatile memory 14 is composed of, for example, a battery-backed memory (not shown) or an SSD (Solid State Drive), and retains its stored state even when the user assistance device 1 is powered off. The non-volatile memory 14 stores programs and data read from an external device 72 via the interface 15, and programs and data input via the input device 71. The programs and data stored in the non-volatile memory 14 may be expanded into the RAM 13 when executed / used. In addition, various system programs such as known analysis programs are written in the ROM 12 in advance.

[0013] The interface 15 is an interface for connecting the CPU 11 of the user assistance device 1 to an external device 72 such as a USB device. For example, system programs, setting data, etc. are read from the external device 72. In addition, programs and setting data created and edited within the user assistance device 1 can be stored in external storage means via the external device 72.

[0014] The interface 20 is an interface for connecting the CPU 11 of the user assistance device 1 to a wired or wireless network 5. The network 5 may communicate using technologies such as serial communication such as RS-485, Ethernet (registered trademark), wireless LAN, Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), etc. The network 5 is connected to an interactive response device 2 that responds to inquiries from users, and exchanges data with the user assistance device 1.

[0015] The display device 70 displays data and the like obtained as a result of executing various data and programs loaded into the memory, output via the interface 17. Furthermore, an input device 71, which is composed of a keyboard, touch panel, imaging device, voice input device, etc., passes instructions, data, etc. based on operations by an operator to the CPU 11 via the interface 18.

[0016] The interactive response system 2 is configured as a system that returns a sentence including a program that serves as a response to a predetermined request. The interactive response system 2 includes large-scale language models (LLMs) that have learned sentences including a program that serves as a response to a predetermined sentence. This model can use a known model such as a Transformer model. The large-scale language model learns the probability that a text including each program command can be a response to the predetermined sentence when the predetermined sentence is input. The large-scale language model also learns the probability that the text will be followed by text including each other program command. By repeating this learning process, the large-scale language model, when a predetermined sentence is input, will output a text string including a program that has a high probability as a response to the sentence. In learning, depending on how the interactive response device 2 learns a document that is a response to a specified sentence, it can be used for purposes such as dialogue, question and answer session, summarizing sentences, editing sentences, translating sentences, converting sentences, modifying sentences, optimizing sentences, interpreting and detecting sentences, recognizing, predicting, judging, generating code, generating images, and making comprehensive judgments.

[0017] The user assistance device 1 according to the present disclosure is assumed to be connected to an interactive response device 2 via a network 5. This interactive response device 2 has been trained based on various information publicly available on the Internet, for example. If necessary, additional training (fine tuning) may be performed in advance using various documents, including reports (including the causes of the problems and solutions to the problems) created when resolving problems that previously occurred in the control device 3 and the industrial machine 4, test programs created at that time, and manuals for the control device 3 and the industrial machine 4. By narrowing down the information used for training, it is possible to prepare an interactive response device 2 that returns responses to inquiries with a certain degree of accuracy.

[0018] 2 is a schematic block diagram showing functions of the user assistance device 1 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. Each function of the user assistance device 1 according to this embodiment is realized by the CPU 11 of the user assistance device 1 shown in FIG. 1 executing a system program and controlling the operation of each part of the user assistance device 1.

[0019] The user assistance device 1 of this embodiment includes a query acquisition unit 100, a machine information acquisition unit 110, an answer source search unit 120, a prompt generation unit 130, a transmission unit 140, a reception unit 150, and an output unit 190. The RAM 13 to the non-volatile memory 14 of the user assistance device 1 also include an answer source storage unit 200, which is an area that stores answer sources such as manuals used to create answers to queries.

[0020] The query acquisition unit 100 acquires queries regarding the control device 3 and the industrial machine 4 sent to the interactive response device 2. For example, when a malfunction such as an alert occurs in the control device 3 or the industrial machine 4, the query acquisition unit 100 may automatically create a query regarding the malfunction based on the details of the malfunction entered by the user. The query acquisition unit 100 may also acquire information entered by the user in a natural language that expresses the details of the query as a query. The query acquisition unit 100 outputs the acquired query to the answer source search unit 120. The machine information acquisition unit 110 outputs the acquired machine information to the prompt generation unit 130.

[0021] The machine information acquisition unit 110 acquires machine information related to the industrial machine 4. The machine information acquisition unit 110 may acquire, as machine information, information such as the model names and specifications of the control device 3 and the industrial machine 4 input by the user, and control values ​​related to malfunctions of the control device 3 and the industrial machine 4 (for example, an abnormal axis load value or machine temperature value displayed on a display device (not shown) of the control device 3). The machine information acquisition unit 110 outputs the acquired machine information to the answer source search unit 120. The machine information acquisition unit 110 also outputs the acquired machine information to the prompt generation unit 130.

[0022] The answer source search unit 120 searches for one or more answer sources from among the multiple answer sources stored in the answer source storage unit 200 based on the inquiry input from the inquiry acquisition unit 100 and the machine information input from the machine information acquisition unit 110. The answer source storage unit 200 stores multiple answer sources, such as manuals and specifications for various control devices and various industrial machines, in advance. These answer sources may be divided into predetermined document units (e.g., chapters, sections, or a certain number of characters). Furthermore, each answer source may be stored together with a feature vector indicating its characteristics. The answer source search unit 120 may search for at least one answer source related to either the model names of the control device 3 and the industrial machine 4 included in the machine information or the defect content included in the inquiry. The answer source search unit 120 outputs the searched at least one answer source to the prompt generation unit 130.

[0023] The prompt generation unit 130 generates a prompt that can be input to the interactive response system 2, based on the information related to the inquiry acquired by the inquiry acquisition unit 100, the machine information acquired by the machine information acquisition unit 110, and at least one answer source searched by the answer source search unit 120. The prompt generation unit 130 may assign prompt identification information that allows the generated prompt to be uniquely identified. The prompt generation unit 130 may create a standard prompt by performing a predetermined document creation process for the inquiry, the machine information, and the answer source.

[0024] 3 shows an example of a prompt generated by the prompt generator 130. In the example of FIG. 3, a prompt is created that combines an opening template with an inquiry, machine information, and an answer source. The answer source may be directly embedded in the prompt, or, as shown in FIG. 3, may be sent together with the prompt in the form of an attached file.

[0025] The transmitting unit 140 transmits the prompt generated by the prompt generating unit 130 to the interactive response device 2. Upon receiving the prompt from the transmitting unit 140, the interactive response device 2 generates a response to the prompt. Generally, an interactive response device 2 such as ChatGPT generates a response based on information included in an answer source when an answer source is specified. The interactive response device 2 transmits the generated response to the user assistance device 1.

[0026] The receiving unit 150 receives the response transmitted from the interactive response apparatus 2. Then, the receiving unit 150 outputs the received response to the output unit 190.

[0027] The output unit 190 outputs the response from the interactive response apparatus 2 received by the receiving unit 150. The output unit 190 may, for example, display the response from the interactive response apparatus 2 on the display device 70. The output unit 190 may also record and output the response from the interactive response apparatus 2 in a file format on a memory such as the nonvolatile memory 14.

[0028] 4 is a screen diagram showing an example of display output by the output unit 190 based on a response from the interactive response apparatus 2. In the example of FIG. 4, the interactive response apparatus 2 returns a response including a plurality of countermeasures related to abnormal vibrations occurring in the industrial machine 4, which is a robot. The user can operate the control device 3 and the industrial machine 4 while referring to the countermeasures displayed on the screen, and proceed with addressing the malfunction occurring in the control device 3 and the industrial machine 4.

[0029] When making an inquiry about industrial machinery 4 such as machine tools or robots and the control device 3 that controls the industrial machinery 4, the user assistance device 1 of this embodiment having the above configuration allows the user to simply input the content of the inquiry and machine information such as the model name and specifications of the industrial machinery and the control device that controls the industrial machinery, and the interactive response device 2 will automatically switch the answer source to refer to when creating an answer, thereby reducing the burden of information input on the user.

[0030] As a modified example of the user assistance device 1 according to this embodiment, the answer source search unit 120 may determine the necessity of an answer source based on the content of the inquiry and search for an answer source only when necessary. For example, there may be cases where inquiries are continuously made to the interactive response device 2 regarding the control device 3 and the industrial machine 4. In such a case, if the inquiry content is to request a more detailed explanation of the previous inquiry, there is no need to present an answer source again. In such a case of a continuous inquiry, the answer source search unit 120 may not newly search for an answer source. Even in such a case, for example, if the interactive response device 2 returns a response indicating that information is insufficient in the previous inquiry, the answer source search unit 120 may search for an additional answer source and re-inquire. This configuration makes it possible to reduce the presentation of unnecessary answer sources.

[0031] Second Embodiment A user assistance device according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below. The user assistance device 1 according to this embodiment has the same hardware configuration as the user assistance device 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0032] 5 is a schematic block diagram showing functions of the user assistance device 1 according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure. Each function of the user assistance device 1 according to this embodiment is realized by the CPU 11 of the user assistance device 1 shown in FIG. 1 executing a system program and controlling the operation of each part of the user assistance device 1.

[0033] The user assistance device 1 of this embodiment includes a code reading unit 115 in addition to the query acquisition unit 100, machine information acquisition unit 110, answer source search unit 120, prompt generation unit 130, transmission unit 140, reception unit 150, and output unit 190. The RAM 13 to nonvolatile memory 14 of the user assistance device 1 also include an answer source storage unit 200, which is an area that stores in advance answer sources such as manuals used to create answers to queries.

[0034] The query acquisition unit 100, answer source search unit 120, prompt generation unit 130, transmission unit 140, reception unit 150, and output unit 190 provided in the user assistance device 1 according to this embodiment have the same functions as those in the first embodiment.

[0035] The code reading unit 115 reads a predetermined code indicating information related to the control device 3 and the industrial machine 4. Then, it outputs information related to the read code to the machine information acquisition unit 110. The code reading unit 115 may read the code using, for example, an imaging device as the input device 71. The code read by the code reading unit 115 is, for example, a two-dimensional code such as a stacked two-dimensional code or a matrix two-dimensional code. The code read by the code reading unit 115 may also be a one-dimensional barcode or a character code. The code reading unit 115 may read, for example, a two-dimensional code such as a QR code (registered trademark) that is affixed or engraved in advance on the main body of the control device 3 or the industrial machine 4, thereby reading the model name, specification information, etc. of the control device 3 or the industrial machine 4. In this case, a two-dimensional code containing information such as the model names of the control device 3 and the industrial machine 4, the version number of the software installed in the control device 3, and the mechanical configuration of the industrial machine 4 (number of axes, drawing number of the motor used, machine name, drawing number, manufacturer) may be printed and attached or engraved in advance on the main body of the control device 3 or the industrial machine 4. In this way, the machine information of the control device 3 and the industrial machine 4 can be input simply by reading the two-dimensional code without the user having to input anything.

[0036] Furthermore, the control device 3 may be provided with a function in advance to display a two-dimensional code on a display device (not shown), and a two-dimensional code including, for example, the model names of the control device 3 and the industrial machine 4, the version number of the software installed in the control device 3, the mechanical configuration of the industrial machine 4 (number of axes, drawing number of the motor used, machine name, drawing number, manufacturer), each parameter set in the control device 3, alarm information occurring in the control device 3 and the industrial machine 4, detected values ​​(temperature, vibration, etc.) of various sensors attached to the industrial machine 4, the machining program running on the control device 3, the ladder program, information on I / O devices connected to the control device 3 (allocation, drawing number, manufacturer), the type of coolant used in the industrial machine 4, tool information, the user name of the user using the control device 3 and the industrial machine 4, data captured by an attached camera attached to the industrial machine 4 (still image data, moving image data, etc.), and the machining history of the industrial machine 4 (operation information, number of machining operations), etc. may be displayed on the display device and read by the code reading unit 115. In this case, the machine information included in the two-dimensional code may include information detected at the time when a malfunction or the like occurred in the control device 3 and the industrial machine 4. It may also include information detected within a predetermined range before and after the timing when a malfunction or the like occurred. Fig. 6 shows an example in which machine information is displayed as a two-dimensional code on a display device (not shown) of the control device 3. In this way, dynamically changing information on the control device 3 and the industrial machine 4 can also be easily input.

[0037] The machine information acquisition unit 110 according to this embodiment acquires, as machine information, information related to the control device 3 and the industrial machine 4 read by the code reading unit 115. Then, the acquired machine information is output to the answer source searching unit 120. The machine information acquisition unit 110 also outputs the acquired machine information to the prompt generating unit 130.

[0038] The user assistance device 1 according to this embodiment having the above configuration makes it possible to input machine information related to the control device 3 and the industrial machine 4 simply by reading a code when making an inquiry about industrial machines 4 such as machine tools and robots and the control device 3 that controls the industrial machines 4. This reduces the burden on the user of inputting information.

[0039] As a modification of the user assistance device 1 according to this embodiment, the code read by the code reading unit 115 may include information on the access destination for indirectly obtaining information related to the control device 3 and the industrial machine 4. For example, information related to the control device 3 and the industrial machine 4 may be recorded on a website, and the code itself may include URL information for accessing that website. When the code reading unit 115 reads the URL information, it accesses the website indicated by the URL information and obtains the information related to the control device 3 and the industrial machine 4. This configuration reduces the amount of information to be included in the code itself, making it possible to use compact codes.

[0040] Third Embodiment A user assistance device according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below. The user assistance device 1 according to this embodiment has the same hardware configuration as the user assistance device 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0041] 7 is a schematic block diagram showing functions of the user assistance device 1 according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure. Each function of the user assistance device 1 according to this embodiment is realized by the CPU 11 of the user assistance device 1 shown in FIG. 1 executing a system program and controlling the operation of each part of the user assistance device 1.

[0042] The user assistance device 1 of this embodiment includes a query acquisition unit 100, a machine information acquisition unit 110, an answer source search unit 120, a prompt generation unit 130, a transmission unit 140, a reception unit 150, and an output unit 190. The RAM 13 to the non-volatile memory 14 of the user assistance device 1 also include an answer source storage unit 200, which is an area that stores answer sources such as manuals used to create answers to queries, and a template storage unit 210, which is an area that stores prompt templates.

[0043] The query acquisition unit 100, machine information acquisition unit 110, answer source search unit 120, transmission unit 140, reception unit 150, and output unit 190 provided in the user assistance device 1 of this embodiment have the same functions as those of the first embodiment.

[0044] The prompt generation unit 130 according to this embodiment generates a prompt that can be input to the interactive response system 2, based on the information related to the inquiry acquired by the inquiry acquisition unit 100, the machine information acquired by the machine information acquisition unit 110, and at least one or more answer sources searched by the answer source search unit 120. The prompt generation unit 130 may create a prompt by applying the information related to the inquiry, the machine information, and at least one or more answer sources to a prompt template corresponding to the inquiry information.

[0045] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing an example of multiple templates stored in the template storage unit 210. In the example of FIG. 8, the template storage unit 210 stores multiple templates 1, 2, .... Each template is associated with multiple keywords related to the control device 3 and the industrial machine 4. The prompt generation unit 130 searches for templates stored in the template storage unit 210 using keywords that are words included in the information related to the inquiry acquired by the inquiry acquisition unit 100 and the machine information acquired by the machine information acquisition unit 110. Then, the template with the highest keyword match is read as the template to be used for creating a prompt. The read template is then used to generate a prompt. The template selected by the prompt generation unit 130 includes the content of the inquiry to the interactive response device 2 related to the control device 3 and the industrial machine 4. The prompt generation unit 130 transmits the generated prompt to the transmission unit 140.

[0046] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a template. In the example of FIG. 9, the template includes information keys for embedding predetermined information at predetermined positions in the prompt sentence. The prompt generation unit 130 generates a prompt by embedding corresponding information at each information key position. In the example of FIG. 9, the query acquired by the query acquisition unit 100 is embedded at the position of the information key "USER_QUESTION." Furthermore, the model numbers of the control device 3 and the industrial machine 4 acquired by the machine information acquisition unit 110 are embedded at the positions of "CONTROLLER_MODEL_NUM" and "MACHINE_MODEL_NUM," and the operating parameters of the control device 3 and the industrial machine 4 acquired by the machine information acquisition unit 110 are embedded at the positions of "PARAM1," "PARAM2," etc. Similarly, for the answer source, at least one answer source searched by the answer source search unit 120 is embedded in the positions of "ANSWER_SOURCE1", "ANSWER_SOURCE2", "ANSWER_SOURCE3", etc. An information key corresponding to information calculated by performing a predetermined calculation based on predetermined machine information may be prepared in the template.

[0047] Such templates are created in advance to match the format of the inquiry to the interactive response device 2. For example, if the interactive response device 2 responds to an inquiry in the form of a list of items, it is desirable that the template be for generating a prompt that lists the inquiry, machine information, and answer source as exemplified in Fig. 9. Furthermore, if the interactive response device 2 responds to an inquiry format in natural language, it is desirable that the template be for generating a prompt in the form of natural sentences. It is desirable that each template be created so as to include machine information that is useful for creating an answer to an inquiry about an assumed abnormal state of the control device 3 and the industrial machine 4, and information calculated from the machine information.

[0048] The user assistance device 1 according to this embodiment having the above configuration can flexibly generate prompts for the interactive response device 2 when making an inquiry about industrial machinery 4 such as machine tools or robots and the control device 3 that controls the industrial machinery 4, depending on the content of the inquiry and machine information about the control device 3 and the industrial machinery 4. Since the user does not need to input information while being conscious of the format of the prompt, it is possible to reduce the burden of information input on the user.

[0049] Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail above, the present disclosure is not limited to the individual embodiments described above. Various additions, substitutions, modifications, partial deletions, etc. are possible in these embodiments without departing from the gist of the invention or the idea and intent of the present disclosure derived from the content described in the claims and their equivalents. For example, in the above-described embodiments, the order of each operation and the order of each process are shown as examples and are not limited to these. The same applies when numerical values ​​or mathematical expressions are used in the description of the above-described embodiments.

[0050] The following are supplementary notes related to embodiments of the present disclosure. (Supplementary Note 1) A user assistance device (1) according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes an answer source storage unit (200) that stores information serving as a source of an answer to a query, a query acquisition unit (100) that acquires a query, a machine information acquisition unit (110) that acquires machine information related to a control device (3) and an industrial machine (4) that are the targets of the query, an answer source search unit (120) that searches for at least one answer source from the answer source storage unit (200) based on the query and the machine information, a prompt generation unit (130) that generates a prompt that can be input to an interactive response device (2) based on the query, the machine information, and the answer source searched by the answer source search unit (120), a transmission unit (140) that transmits the prompt to the interactive response device (2), a reception unit (150) that receives a response to the prompt from the interactive response device (2), and an output unit (190) that outputs the response.

[0051] (Supplementary Note 2) A user assistance device (1) according to another aspect of the present disclosure further includes a code reading unit (115) that reads either machine information related to the control device (3) and the industrial machine (4) or information related to access to the machine information from a two-dimensional code related to the control device (3) and the industrial machine (4), and the machine information acquisition unit (110) acquires machine information based on the information read by the code reading unit (115). (Supplementary Note 3) The query acquired by the user assistance device (1) according to another aspect of the present disclosure includes information expressed in natural language.

[0052] (Supplementary Note 4) A user assistance device (1) according to another aspect of the present disclosure further includes a template storage unit (210) that stores prompt templates, and the prompt generation unit (130) selects a template from the template storage unit (210) based on at least one of the query and the machine information, and generates a prompt using the selected template. (Supplementary Note 5) The answer source search unit (120) included in the user assistance device (1) according to another aspect of the present disclosure determines whether a search for an answer source is necessary depending on the content of the query, and omits the search for the answer source if it is determined that the search is not necessary.

[0053] (Supplementary Note 6) A computer-readable recording medium according to one aspect of the present disclosure records a program including instructions to cause a computer to function as an answer source storage unit (200) that stores information that serves as a source of an answer to an inquiry, an inquiry acquisition unit (100) that acquires an inquiry, a machine information acquisition unit (110) that acquires machine information related to a control device (3) and an industrial machine (4) that are the subject of the inquiry, an answer source search unit (120) that searches for at least one answer source from the answer source storage unit (200) based on the inquiry and the machine information, a prompt generation unit (130) that generates a prompt that can be input to an interactive response device (2) based on the inquiry, the machine information, and the answer source searched by the answer source search unit (120), a transmission unit (140) that transmits the prompt to the interactive response device (2), a reception unit (150) that receives a response to the prompt from the interactive response device (2), and an output unit (190) that outputs the response.

[0054] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 User assistance device 2 Interactive response device 3 Control device 4 Industrial machine 5 Network 6 Fog computer 7 Cloud server 11 CPU 12 ROM 13 RAM 14 Non-volatile memory 15, 17, 18, 20 Interface 22 Bus 70 Display device 71 Input device 72 External device 100 Query acquisition unit 110 Machine information acquisition unit 120 Answer source search unit 130 Prompt generation unit 140 Transmission unit 150 Reception unit 190 Output unit 200 Answer source storage unit 210 Template storage unit

Claims

1. A user assistance device comprising: an answer source memory unit that stores information that serves as a source of an answer to a query; an inquiry acquisition unit that acquires a query; a machine information acquisition unit that acquires machine information related to the control device and industrial machine that are the subject of the query; an answer source search unit that searches for at least one answer source from the answer source memory unit based on the query and the machine information; a prompt generation unit that generates a prompt that can be input to an interactive response device based on the query, the machine information, and the answer source searched by the answer source search unit; a transmission unit that transmits the prompt to the interactive response device; a reception unit that receives a response to the prompt from the interactive response device; and an output unit that outputs the response.

2. A user assistance device as described in claim 1, further comprising a code reading unit that reads either machine information related to the control device and the industrial machine or information related to access to the machine information from a two-dimensional code related to the control device and the industrial machine, and the machine information acquisition unit acquires the machine information based on the information read by the code reading unit.

3. The user assistance device of claim 1, wherein the query includes information expressed in natural language.

4. The user assistance device according to claim 1, further comprising a template storage unit that stores prompt templates, wherein the prompt generation unit selects a template from the template storage unit based on at least one of the query and the machine information, and generates a prompt using the selected template.

5. The user assistance device according to claim 1, wherein the answer source search unit determines whether or not a search for an answer source is necessary depending on the content of the inquiry, and omits the search for the answer source if it determines that the search is not necessary.

6. A computer-readable recording medium having recorded thereon a program including instructions to cause a computer to function as: an answer source memory unit that stores information that serves as a source of an answer to an inquiry; an inquiry acquisition unit that acquires an inquiry; a machine information acquisition unit that acquires machine information related to the control device and industrial machine that are the subject of the inquiry; an answer source search unit that searches for at least one answer source from the answer source memory unit based on the inquiry and the machine information; a prompt generation unit that generates a prompt that can be input to an interactive response device based on the inquiry, the machine information, and the answer source searched by the answer source search unit; a transmission unit that transmits the prompt to the interactive response device; a reception unit that receives a response to the prompt from the interactive response device; and an output unit that outputs the response.

Images