Production management device, production management system, production management method, and program

Abstract

A production management device (11) comprises: a user request acquisition unit (21) that acquires user request information indicating a user request for a change to a product production plan; and a control unit (22) that outputs the user request information and status information, which is information related to the change indicated by the user request information and indicates the content of the production plan or the status of the product production site, to an artificial intelligence unit, and that receives manufacturing change information, which is information output by the artificial intelligence unit and indicates changes from the production plan, and outputs the manufacturing change information to devices external to the production management device (11).

Description

Production Management Device, Production Management System, Production Management Method, and Program

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a production management device, a production management system, a production management method, and a program for managing the production of products.

[0002] Conventionally, in the production of products, a Manufacturing Execution System (MES) that manages the manufacturing process of products based on a production plan has been utilized. The production plan may need to be changed according to situations such as when a production delay occurs for the set production plan or when the production of a product not scheduled in the set production plan is urgently requested.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a scheduler system including an MES that executes production based on production plan information indicating a production plan, a production scheduler that creates the production plan information, and a scheduler management device that instructs the creation or recreation of the production plan information. According to Patent Document 1, when the scheduler management device detects the occurrence of an event that requires a change in the currently executing production plan information, it instructs the production scheduler to recreate the production plan information. Also, the scheduler management device has a learning engine unit that learns the implementation logic for recreating the production plan information. Such a learning engine unit learns the monitoring target data, replanning conditions, and replanning rules necessary to improve the accuracy of recreating the production plan information, and reflects the learning results in the recreation of the production plan information. The monitoring target data is data for monitoring the occurrence of the above event and is also required in the recreation of the production plan information. The replanning conditions are conditions under which it is necessary to recreate the production plan information. The replanning rules are information that defines the content to be observed in the recreation of the production plan information.

[0004] International Publication No. 2022 / 014048

[0005] According to the technology described in Patent Document 1, when recreating production plan information, it is necessary to input information indicating the cause of the delay and information indicating the amount of the delay into the learning engine unit. In the technology of Patent Document 1, since the input of this information is essential, it is not possible to translate flexible change instructions that depend on the situation into changes to the production plan. For this reason, the conventional technology disclosed in Patent Document 1 has the problem that it is not possible to easily change the production plan.

[0006] This disclosure has been made in view of the above, and aims to provide a production management device that enables easy modification of production plans.

[0007] To solve the aforementioned problems and achieve the objectives, the production management device according to this disclosure is a production management device for managing the production of products. The production management device according to this disclosure includes a user request acquisition unit that acquires user request information indicating a user's request for a change in the product production plan, and a control unit that outputs the user request information and status information indicating the content of the production plan or the status of the product production site, which are information related to the changes indicated in the user request information, to an artificial intelligence unit, and that receives manufacturing change information indicating the changes from the production plan, which are information output by the artificial intelligence unit, and outputs it to a device outside the production management device.

[0008] The production management device described herein has the effect of making it easy to change the production plan.

[0009] Figure showing an example configuration of the production management system according to Embodiment 1. Flowchart showing an example of the operation procedure of the user request acquisition unit and control unit of the production management device of the production management system according to Embodiment 1. Flowchart showing an example of the operation procedure of the generation AI unit of the server device of the production management system according to Embodiment 1. Figure showing a first modified example of the production management system according to Embodiment 1. Figure showing a second modified example of the production management system according to Embodiment 1. Figure showing a third modified example of the production management system according to Embodiment 1. Figure for explaining a fourth modified example of the production management system according to Embodiment 1. Figure showing an example of the hardware configuration of the production management device according to Embodiment 1. Figure showing an example of the hardware configuration of the server device according to Embodiment 1. Figure showing an example of the configuration of the production management system according to Embodiment 2.

[0010] The production management device, production management system, production management method, and program according to the embodiment will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0011] Embodiment 1. Figure 1 shows an example of the configuration of a production management system 10 according to Embodiment 1. The production management system 10 comprises a production management device 11 that manages the production of products and a server device 12 that functions as an information processing device.

[0012] The server device 12 is composed of, for example, one or more cloud servers. A cloud server is a server built in a cloud environment that includes computer resources provided on a cloud service platform. The production management device 11 and the server device 12 are connected to each other via a network such as a VPN (Virtual Private Network). The production management device 11 and the server device 12 send and receive information to each other through communication over the network.

[0013] The server device 12 includes a generation AI unit 31, which is an artificial intelligence (AI) unit having artificial intelligence (AI) functions. In Embodiment 1, the artificial intelligence unit is an artificial intelligence with intelligent functions such as reasoning or judgment, and its operating environment.

[0014] The production management device 11 sends user request information, which indicates the user's request for a change in the product production plan, and status information, which is information related to the change indicated in the user request information and indicates the content of the production plan or the status of the product production site, to the generation AI unit 31. The production management device 11 obtains manufacturing change information, which indicates the changes from the production plan, from the generation AI unit 31. In this way, the production management device 11 exchanges information with the generation AI unit 31.

[0015] The production scheduler, MES, production equipment, simulator, material management system, and worker management system shown in Figure 1 are examples of external devices. Here, devices outside the production management system 10 are referred to as external devices. The production scheduler is a device that assists in the creation of production plans. The production scheduler accepts input operations and creates production plan information according to those operations. The MES is a device that manages production equipment. The MES executes product production by operating the production equipment based on the production plan information. Production equipment is equipment installed in the factory, which is the production site. Production equipment includes manufacturing equipment, FA (Factory Automation) equipment, automated guided vehicles, or robots that manufacture products. One example of FA equipment is a PLC (Programmable Logic Controller). The PLC is connected to equipment, robots, or sensors that make up the production line. Sensors detect the operating status of equipment or robots. The simulator is a device that simulates the manufacturing of products. The material management system is a system that manages the inventory status of materials. A worker management system is a system that manages information about workers.

[0016] Each of the production scheduler, MES, production equipment, simulator, material management system, and worker management system is connected to the production management device 11 via a network. This network is, for example, a LAN (Local Area Network), but it may also be a WAN (Wide Area Network) such as the Internet.

[0017] In the above, examples of external devices connected to the production management device 11 include a production scheduler, MES, production equipment, simulator, material management system, and worker management system. Other devices besides the production scheduler, MES, production equipment, simulator, material management system, and worker management system may also be connected to the production management device 11 as external devices.

[0018] The production management device 11 comprises a user request acquisition unit 21 and a control unit 22. The user request acquisition unit 21 acquires user request information indicating a user's request for a change in the product production plan. The user request information is input to the user request acquisition unit 21 by the user. User request information can also be described as a change instruction regarding a change in the production plan. The user request information includes information indicating the specific changes from the production plan at the time the user inputs the user request information. In Embodiment 1, "user" refers to a user of the production management system 10. An example of a user of the production management system 10 is a team leader who supervises the production site.

[0019] In Embodiment 1, the user request information is expressed in natural language. The user request acquisition unit 21 acquires the user request information expressed in natural language. For example, the user request acquisition unit 21 acquires the user request information, which is voice data, by capturing the user's utterance about the content of the request. The manner in which the user request acquisition unit 21 acquires the user request information is not limited to that described herein and is arbitrary. For example, the user request acquisition unit 21 may acquire the user request information, which is text data.

[0020] The control unit 22 functions as an interface unit that handles the exchange of information with the generation AI unit 31 and with external devices. The control unit 22 comprises an artificial intelligence (AI) input / output unit 23, a production scheduler interface (InterFace: IF) 24, a database control IF 25, a PLC control IF 26, a simulator IF 27, and an information input / output unit 28. Each of the production scheduler IF 24, database control IF 25, PLC control IF 26, simulator IF 27, and information input / output unit 28 functions as an external device input / output unit that handles the exchange of information with external devices.

[0021] The AI ​​input / output unit 23 is an interface unit that handles the exchange of information with the generation AI unit 31. The production scheduler IF 24 is an interface unit that handles the exchange of information with the production scheduler. The database control IF 25 is an interface unit that handles the exchange of information with the MES. The PLC control IF 26 is an interface unit that handles the exchange of information with the production equipment. The simulator IF 27 is an interface unit that handles the exchange of information with the simulator.

[0022] The information input / output unit 28 is an interface unit that handles the exchange of information between the production scheduler, MES, production equipment, and external devices other than the simulator. In the example shown in Figure 1, the information input / output unit 28 handles the exchange of information between the material management system and the worker management system. If external devices other than the production scheduler, MES, production equipment, simulator, material management system, and worker management system are connected to the production management device 11, the information input / output unit 28 also handles the exchange of information between those external devices.

[0023] The external device input / output unit of the control unit 22 outputs manufacturing change information, which is information indicating changes from the production plan, to an external device. The external device to which the manufacturing change information is output includes, for example, an MES (Manufacturing Energy Storage) or production equipment. The database control IF 25 outputs the manufacturing change information to the MES. The PLC control IF 26 outputs the manufacturing change information to the production equipment.

[0024] When the user request acquisition unit 21 acquires user request information indicating a user's request, the AI ​​input / output unit 23 executes a first output process to output the user request information to the generation AI unit 31. When the user request information is input to the generation AI unit 31, the generation AI unit 31 outputs task request information to the production management device 11, indicating a request for status information that relates to the changes indicated in the user request information, and which shows the content of the production plan or the status of the product production site. In this way, the control unit 22 acquires task request information from the generation AI unit 31 by executing the first output process.

[0025] When the AI ​​input / output unit 23 acquires task request information, the external device input / output unit of the control unit 22 outputs the task request information to the external device. The external device executes the request indicated in the task request information and outputs the requested status information to the external device input / output unit. In this way, the control unit 22 outputs task request information indicating a request for acquisition of status information to the external device, and also receives the status information output by the external device that executed the request indicated in the task request information.

[0026] For example, the production scheduler IF24 outputs task request information to the production scheduler and receives status information output by the production scheduler that executed the request indicated in the task request information. The database control IF25 outputs task request information to the MES and receives status information output by the MES that executed the request indicated in the task request information. The PLC control IF26 outputs task request information to the production equipment and receives status information output by the production equipment that executed the request indicated in the task request information. The simulator IF27 outputs task request information to the simulator and receives status information output by the simulator that executed the request indicated in the task request information.

[0027] The information input / output unit 28 outputs task request information to the material management system. The material management system outputs status information, which is the information requested by the task request information, to the information input / output unit 28. Alternatively, the information input / output unit 28 outputs task request information to the worker management system. The worker management system outputs status information, which is the information requested by the task request information, to the information input / output unit 28. As a result, the information input / output unit 28 receives status information from either the material management system or the worker management system.

[0028] When the external device input / output unit acquires status information, the AI ​​input / output unit 23 performs a second output process to output the status information acquired by the external device input / output unit to the generation AI unit 31. When the status information is input to the generation AI unit 31, the generation AI unit 31 outputs manufacturing change information indicating the changes from the production plan to the production management device 11. In this way, the control unit 22 acquires manufacturing change information from the generation AI unit 31 by executing the second output process.

[0029] If the external device to which the manufacturing change information is output is an MES (Manufacturing Element System), the AI ​​input / output unit 23 sends the acquired manufacturing change information to the database control IF 25. The database control IF 25 outputs the manufacturing change information to the MES.

[0030] If the external device to which the manufacturing change information is output is a production facility, the AI ​​input / output unit 23 sends the acquired manufacturing change information to the PLC control IF 26. The PLC control IF 26 outputs the manufacturing change information to the production facility.

[0031] The generation AI unit 31 comprises a model control unit 32 and a model storage unit 33. The generation AI unit 31 is a model and its operating environment configured to output task request information corresponding to user request information when user request information is input. When user request information is input from the AI ​​input / output unit 23, the generation AI unit 31 outputs task request information based on the user request information and the trained model.

[0032] Furthermore, the generation AI unit 31 is a model and its operating environment configured to output manufacturing change information corresponding to the situation information when situation information is input. When situation information is input from the AI ​​input / output unit 23, the generation AI unit 31 outputs manufacturing change information based on the situation information and the trained model.

[0033] The model storage unit 33 stores the trained model. The trained model includes model information, which will be described later. The trained model may also include model parameters, which are information that defines the behavior of the model, such as constraints, weighting variables, and evaluation functions.

[0034] The model may be, for example, a Neural Network (NN), Convolutional Neural Network (CNN), Recurrent Neural Network (RNN), Variational Autoencoder (VAE), Generative Adversarial Networks (GAN), Diffusion Model, Transformer, Large Language Model (LLM), Visual Language Model (VLM), Bidirectional Encoder Representations from Transformers (BERT), Generative Pre-trained Transformer (GPT), or a Contrastive Language Image Pre-training (CLIP).

[0035] In the generation AI unit 31, a language learning model such as LLM, which takes natural language as input and produces output results, can be applied as a model for obtaining task request information from user request information.

[0036] When the model control unit 32 acquires user request information, it outputs task request information corresponding to the user request information based on the user request information and the trained model. In other words, when the model control unit 32 acquires user request information, it generates and outputs task request information corresponding to the user request information using the model shown by the trained model.

[0037] Furthermore, when the model control unit 32 acquires status information, it outputs manufacturing change information corresponding to the status information based on the status information and the trained model. In other words, when the model control unit 32 acquires status information, it uses the model shown by the trained model to generate and output manufacturing change information corresponding to the status information.

[0038] The trained model and other information used by the generation AI unit 31 may be pre-prepared, or they may be acquired via the network as needed.

[0039] Next, the operation of the user request acquisition unit 21 and the control unit 22 will be described. Figure 2 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation procedure of the user request acquisition unit 21 and the control unit 22 of the production management device 11 of the production management system 10 according to Embodiment 1.

[0040] In step S1, the user request acquisition unit 21 acquires user request information. The user request information acquired by the user request acquisition unit 21 is information expressed in natural language. The user request acquisition unit 21 sends the acquired user request information to the AI ​​input / output unit 23 of the control unit 22.

[0041] In step S2, the AI ​​input / output unit 23 outputs user request information to the server device 12. That is, the AI ​​input / output unit 23 performs a first output process that outputs user request information to the generating AI unit 31.

[0042] In step S3, the AI ​​input / output unit 23 obtains task request information corresponding to the user request information output in step S2 from the generation AI unit 31. The AI ​​input / output unit 23 sends the obtained task request information to the external device input / output unit in the control unit 22.

[0043] In step S4, the external device input / output unit of the control unit 22 outputs task request information to the external device. In step S5, the external device input / output unit obtains status information from the external device corresponding to the task request information output in step S4. The external device input / output unit sends the obtained status information to the AI ​​input / output unit 23.

[0044] In step S6, the AI input / output unit 23 outputs the status information to the server device 12. That is, the AI input / output unit 23 executes a second output process of outputting the status information to the generation AI unit 31.

[0045] In step S7, the AI input / output unit 23 acquires production change information corresponding to the status information output in step S6. The AI input / output unit 23 sends the acquired production change information to the external device input / output unit. When the output destination of the production change information is MES, the AI input / output unit 23 sends the acquired production change information to the database control IF 25. When the output destination of the production change information is the production facility, the AI input / output unit 23 sends the acquired production change information to the PLC control IF 26.

[0046] In step S8, the external device input / output unit outputs the production change information to the external device. The database control IF 25 outputs the production change information to MES. Or, the PLC control IF 26 outputs the production change information to the production facility. Thus, the production management device 11 ends the operation according to the procedure shown in FIG. 2.

[0047] Next, the operation of the generation AI unit 31 will be described. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation procedure of the generation AI unit 31 included in the server device 12 of the production management system 10 according to the first embodiment.

[0048] In step S11, the generation AI unit 31 acquires user request information from the AI input / output unit 23 of the production management device 11.

[0049] In step S12, the generation AI unit 31 generates task request information based on the user request information acquired in step S11. The generation AI unit 31 generates task request information corresponding to the user request information based on the user request information and the learned model. In step S13, the generation AI unit 31 outputs the task request information generated in step S12 to the production management device 11.

[0050] In step S14, the generation AI unit 31 acquires status information from the AI ​​input / output unit 23. In step S15, the generation AI unit 31 generates manufacturing change information based on the status information acquired in step S14. The generation AI unit 31 generates manufacturing change information based on the status information and the trained model.

[0051] In step S16, the generation AI unit 31 outputs the manufacturing change information generated in step S15 to the production management device 11. With this, the server device 12 completes its operation according to the procedure shown in Figure 3.

[0052] Next, we will explain user request information. Here, we will use the example of a user requesting a change in the production order of a product. In the factory, which is the production site for the product, multiple product numbers are manufactured in the order specified in the production plan. Furthermore, for each of the multiple product numbers, products of the same product number are manufactured consecutively. The number of products manufactured consecutively for each product number is specified in the production plan. Here, the continuous production of products of the same product number is referred to as a production operation. In addition, each of the multiple production operations will be identified by being represented as Production Operation A, Production Operation B, ... and so on.

[0053] For example, suppose the production plan specifies the order of production tasks A, B, C, D, and E. Now, suppose a production task N, which is not included in the production plan, is requested. If the user requests, for example, to add production task N between production tasks B and C, they input user request information such as "Add production task N between production tasks B and C" into the user request acquisition unit 21. Once the request indicated in this user request information is fulfilled, the production order is changed to production task A, B, N, C, D, and E.

[0054] User requests regarding changes to the production sequence may include, for example, a request to produce production task N as early as possible. Alternatively, the user requests may include a request to be informed of the completion time of production task N. Furthermore, the user requests may include a request to change the priority of production tasks A through E shown in the production plan.

[0055] The requests indicated in the user request information may not be requests for changes to the production sequence as described above. For example, if a situation arises where equipment scheduled for use in the production plan stops due to a malfunction, a worker who was scheduled to work is absent, or materials are out of stock due to a delay in material delivery, the user request information may request a change to the production plan in accordance with that situation.

[0056] Next, I will explain the status information. Situation information is information used in the manufacturing operations shown in the production plan, and is pre-prepared information for instructing the production of products. Situation information can also be considered information necessary for manufacturing instructions.

[0057] Examples of status information include production plan information, material information, equipment operation information, or worker information. Production plan information is information that shows the content of the production plan. Material information is information about the materials used in the manufacture of the product. Material information includes information about the inventory levels of materials. Equipment operation information is information about the operation of production equipment. For example, if production equipment is stopped due to a malfunction, information indicating that it is stopped will be included in the equipment operation information. Worker information is information about the personnel involved in the work. Worker information includes information showing the number of workers assigned to the production line, or a skill map showing the skills and levels of workers working in the factory.

[0058] Here, we assume that the following four types of information can be acquired as status information: production plan information, material information, equipment operation information, and worker information. Each of these is stored in the storage means of an external device. Production plan information is stored in the database maintained by the MES. Material information is stored in the material management system. Equipment operation information is stored in the manufacturing equipment that constitutes the production facility, or in the line control PLC that constitutes the production facility. The line control PLC is a PLC that centrally manages data from multiple PLCs in the production line. In the following explanation, we assume that equipment operation information is stored in the line control PLC. Worker information is stored in the database maintained by the worker management system. Alternatively, a CSV (Comma-Separated Values) file showing worker information is stored in the worker management system.

[0059] Next, the details of how to acquire status information will be explained. When the generating AI unit 31 acquires user request information from the AI ​​input / output unit 23, it interprets the content of the request indicated in the user request information. Furthermore, the generating AI unit 31 divides the content of the request into multiple subtasks that can be executed by software related to production management or manufacturing execution, which is executed on an external device.

[0060] The multiple subtasks include subtasks for acquiring information necessary to determine whether or not it is possible to modify the production plan according to the request. Based on the user request information and the trained model, the generation AI unit 31 outputs task request information indicating each of the multiple subtasks.

[0061] For example, regarding the change to add production task N between production task B and production task C, as described above, the generating AI unit 31 acquires production plan information in order to understand the order of production tasks shown in the production plan. The generating AI unit 31 confirms, based on the content of the production plan or the situation at the product production site, that it is possible to add production task N to the production plan shown in the production plan information.

[0062] The change of adding production task N requires that the production line assigned to production task N be in a condition to perform production task N at the time it is scheduled to be performed. To confirm that the line is in a condition to perform production task N, the process of acquiring equipment operation information is included as one of the subtasks. In this case, the generating AI unit 31 confirms that no defects have been found in the production line assigned to production task N and that it is capable of normal operation, and that the production line is not scheduled to be used for any other production tasks at the time production task N is performed.

[0063] Furthermore, regarding the change of adding production work N, it is necessary that this change does not result in a shortage of materials or workers. To confirm that there will be no shortage of materials based on the material inventory status, the process of acquiring material information is designated as one of the subtasks. To confirm that there will be no shortage of workers, the process of acquiring worker information is designated as one of the subtasks.

[0064] The generation AI unit 31 determines which information needs to be acquired as status information from among the four types of information that can be acquired as status information: production plan information, material information, equipment operation information, and worker information. The generation AI unit 31 outputs task request information to acquire the information that has been determined to be necessary.

[0065] When the AI ​​input / output unit 23 receives task request information from the generation AI unit 31, it outputs the task request information to each of the multiple external device input / output units. Based on the task request information for each subtask, the AI ​​input / output unit 23 recognizes the external device for which the execution of the subtask is requested, and outputs the task request information to the external device input / output unit corresponding to the recognized external device.

[0066] For example, the AI ​​input / output unit 23 outputs task request information indicating a subtask to be executed in the MES to the database control IF 25. An example of a subtask to be executed in the MES is the process of acquiring production plan information. More specifically, the process of acquiring production plan information is the process of acquiring information indicating the order of production work in the production plan. Information indicating the order of production work in the production plan is, for example, information indicating the order of production work A, production work B, production work C, production work D, and production work E. The database control IF 25 outputs the task request information to the MES. The MES software executes the subtask indicated in the task request information and outputs information indicating the order of production work to the database control IF 25. The AI ​​input / output unit 23 acquires status information, which is information indicating the order of production work, from the database control IF 25.

[0067] For example, the AI ​​input / output unit 23 outputs task request information to the PLC control IF 26 indicating a subtask to be executed by the manufacturing equipment or the line control PLC that constitutes the production facility. An example of a subtask to be executed by the manufacturing equipment or line control PLC is the process of acquiring equipment operation information. The PLC control IF 26 outputs the task request information to the manufacturing equipment or the line control PLC. The software of the manufacturing equipment or the software of the line control PLC executes the subtask indicated in the task request information and outputs the equipment operation information to the PLC control IF 26. The AI ​​input / output unit 23 acquires the equipment operation information, which is status information, from the PLC control IF 26.

[0068] For example, the AI ​​input / output unit 23 outputs task request information to the information input / output unit 28 indicating that reading material information should be performed as a subtask. The information input / output unit 28 outputs the task request information to the material management system. The material management system outputs the material information indicated in the task request information to the information input / output unit 28. The AI ​​input / output unit 23 obtains the material information, which is status information, from the information input / output unit 28.

[0069] For example, the AI ​​input / output unit 23 outputs task request information to the information input / output unit 28 indicating that the reading of worker information should be performed as a subtask. The information input / output unit 28 outputs the task request information to the worker management system. The worker management system outputs the worker information indicated in the task request information to the information input / output unit 28. The AI ​​input / output unit 23 obtains the worker information, which is status information, from the information input / output unit 28.

[0070] One of the subtasks may be to create an optimized production plan based on the status information obtained through the output of the task request information. In this case, the AI ​​input / output unit 23 outputs task request information to the production scheduler IF 24 indicating that the creation of an optimized production plan should be performed as a subtask. Here, the creation of an optimized production plan means creating an optimized production plan based on the status information obtained through the output of the task request information, which includes production plan information, equipment operation information, material information, and worker information. The production scheduler IF 24 outputs the task request information to the production scheduler. The production scheduler software executes the subtask indicated in the task request information and outputs production plan information indicating the optimized production plan to the production scheduler IF 24. The AI ​​input / output unit 23 obtains the production plan information, which is status information, from the production scheduler IF 24.

[0071] Furthermore, one of the subtasks may be to perform a production plan simulation based on the status information obtained by outputting the task request information. In this case, the AI ​​input / output unit 23 outputs task information to the simulator IF 27 indicating that the production plan simulation should be performed as a subtask. The simulator IF 27 outputs the task request information to the simulator. Here, the simulator evaluates the production plan by performing the production plan simulation. The simulator software outputs information indicating the evaluation result to the simulator IF 27 by executing the subtask indicated in the task request information. The AI ​​input / output unit 23 obtains the status information, which indicates the evaluation result, from the simulator IF 27.

[0072] Next, we will explain the manufacturing change information. The AI ​​input / output unit 23 outputs status information from the external device input / output unit to the generation AI unit 31. When the generation AI unit 31 receives the status information from the AI ​​input / output unit 23, it generates manufacturing change information corresponding to the status information based on the status information and the trained model. The generation AI unit 31 outputs manufacturing change information for each of any number of external devices according to the changes from the production plan.

[0073] The manufacturing change information output by the generation AI unit 31 includes manufacturing change information, which is an instruction to reflect the requested change in the production plan. This instruction is manufacturing change information for the MES and can also be described as an instruction to rewrite the production plan set in the MES. Hereinafter, this instruction will be referred to as a rewrite instruction. A rewrite instruction is manufacturing change information that indicates the changes from the production plan set in the MES. For example, as described above, if the change is to add production work N between production work B and production work C, the manufacturing change information for the MES is a rewrite instruction that adds production work N between production work B and production work C.

[0074] When the AI ​​input / output unit 23 obtains manufacturing change information, which is a rewrite command, from the generation AI unit 31, the control unit 22 outputs the manufacturing change information to the MES via the database control IF 25. In this way, the control unit 22 obtains a command corresponding to the changes from the production plan from the generation AI unit 31 as manufacturing change information and outputs the command to the MES, which is a device that manages production equipment.

[0075] The MES (Manufacturing Execution System) executes a process to rewrite the database containing production plan information by operating a database manipulation program in accordance with rewrite commands, which are manufacturing change information. Based on the rewrite command, the MES executes a process to add production task N between production task B and production task C, for example. One example of manufacturing change information that constitutes a rewrite command is SQL (Structured Query Language).

[0076] Furthermore, the manufacturing change information output by the generation AI unit 31 may include manufacturing change information that is a control command for controlling the production equipment according to the revised production plan. When the AI ​​input / output unit 23 acquires the manufacturing change information, which is a control command, from the generation AI unit 31, the control unit 22 outputs the manufacturing change information to the production equipment via the PLC control IF 26. In this way, the control unit 22 acquires control commands corresponding to the changes from the production plan from the generation AI unit 31 as manufacturing change information and outputs the control commands to the production equipment. The production equipment is controlled according to the control commands, which are the manufacturing change information.

[0077] Furthermore, the manufacturing change information output by the generation AI unit 31 may include manufacturing change information, which is the material information after the change. The material information after the change may include, for example, information indicating the future inventory amount of material in the event that the production plan is changed. When the AI ​​input / output unit 23 obtains the manufacturing change information, which is the material information after the change, from the generation AI unit 31, the control unit 22 outputs the manufacturing change information from the information input / output unit 28 to the material management system. The material management system updates the material information held in the material management system with the material information after the change, which is the manufacturing change information obtained from the information input / output unit 28.

[0078] Furthermore, the manufacturing change information output by the generation AI unit 31 may include the equipment operation information after the change. The equipment operation information after the change may include, for example, information indicating the future operating status of the production equipment in the event that the production plan is changed. When the AI ​​input / output unit 23 obtains the manufacturing change information, which is the equipment operation information after the change, from the generation AI unit 31, the control unit 22 outputs the manufacturing change information from the PLC control IF 26 to the line management PLC that holds the equipment operation information. The line management PLC updates the equipment operation information held in the line management PLC with the equipment operation information after the change, which is the manufacturing change information obtained from the PLC control IF 26.

[0079] Furthermore, the manufacturing change information output by the generation AI unit 31 may include manufacturing change information that is an instruction regarding the placement of workers on the production line when the production plan is changed. When the AI ​​input / output unit 23 obtains the manufacturing change information, which is an instruction, from the generation AI unit 31, the control unit 22 outputs the manufacturing change information from the information input / output unit 28 to an external device that is responsible for outputting the instruction. For example, if the external device responsible for outputting the instruction is a worker management system, the information input / output unit 28 outputs the manufacturing change information to the worker management system.

[0080] Furthermore, the manufacturing change information output by the generation AI unit 31 may include work instructions for workers involved in non-automated processes in the event of a change in the production plan. When the AI ​​input / output unit 23 acquires the manufacturing change information, which is the work instruction, from the generation AI unit 31, the control unit 22 outputs the manufacturing change information from the information input / output unit 28 to an external device responsible for outputting the work instruction. For example, if the external device responsible for outputting the work instruction is a worker management system, the information input / output unit 28 outputs the manufacturing change information to the worker management system.

[0081] Next, a modified example of the production management system 10 according to Embodiment 1 will be described. Figure 4 is a diagram showing a first modified example of the production management system 10 according to Embodiment 1. The production management device 11 of the production management system 10 according to the first modified example has the same configuration as the production management device 11 shown in Figure 1, and also includes a permission acquisition unit 29.

[0082] The authorization acquisition unit 29 acquires information indicating that the output of manufacturing change information has been authorized. Hereinafter, the information indicating that the output of manufacturing change information has been authorized will be referred to as authorization information. The authorization information is input to the authorization acquisition unit 29 by the user.

[0083] As one example, the information input / output unit 28 outputs data indicating the content of the manufacturing change information acquired from the generation AI unit 31 by the AI ​​input / output unit 23 to the display device. The display device notifies the user of the content of the manufacturing change information by displaying the content of the manufacturing change information. The display device is not shown in the diagram. In this case, the user checks the data displayed on the display device and, if they determine that there is no problem with the content of the data, inputs permission information to the permission acquisition unit 29. The display device may also be provided in the production management device 11. In this case, the AI ​​input / output unit 23 outputs data indicating the content of the manufacturing change information acquired from the generation AI unit 31 to the display device.

[0084] When permission information is input to the permission acquisition unit 29, the permission acquisition unit 29 outputs the permission information to the control unit 22. When permission information is input to the control unit 22, the control unit 22 outputs manufacturing change information to the external device via the external device input / output unit.

[0085] In the first modified example, the production management device 11 outputs the manufacturing change information to an external device only when the user authorizes the content of the manufacturing change information output by the generation AI unit 31. Therefore, if there is an error in the manufacturing change information output by the generation AI unit 31, it is possible to prevent incorrect production from being carried out based on that manufacturing change information.

[0086] Figure 5 shows a second modified example of the production management system 10 according to Embodiment 1. In the production management system 10 according to the second modified example, the control unit 22 of the production management device 11 has the same configuration as the control unit 22 shown in Figure 1, and also includes a sensor IF 30. Information from the sensor shown in Figure 5 is input to the sensor IF 30.

[0087] The sensor shown in Figure 5 is located outside the production management device 11. The sensor detects the status of the product production site or the status of workers present at the production site and outputs sensor data indicating the detection result. Sensor IF 30 acquires the sensor data output by the sensor. AI input / output unit 23 outputs the sensor data acquired by sensor IF 30 to generation AI unit 31. In this way, the control unit 22 acquires the sensor data output by the sensor and outputs the sensor data to generation AI unit 31.

[0088] An example of a sensor applied in the second modification is a camera that photographs the inside of a factory. The sensor is connected to the production management device 11 via a digital interface. The camera may, for example, photograph a worker and output sensor data indicating the worker's physical condition. Alternatively, the camera may photograph the status of work-in-progress inventory and output sensor data indicating the status of inventory. Alternatively, the camera may photograph a temporary storage area or passageway for temporarily storing items and output sensor data indicating the presence or absence of items in the temporary storage area or passageway. Note that the sensor may be any device that detects the status of product production, and may be a device other than a camera.

[0089] The AI ​​input / output unit 23 outputs sensor data to the generation AI unit 31, similar to the status information acquired from an external device. The generation AI unit 31 generates manufacturing change information based on the status information, sensor data, and trained model.

[0090] In the second modified example, the production management device 11 can acquire information that is not acquired by external devices such as MES or production equipment, for the purpose of generating manufacturing change information. This allows the production management device 11 to provide the generation AI unit 31 with information that is not acquired by external devices in order to generate manufacturing change information. The production management system 10 can output the manufacturing change information that has been generated taking into account the information that is not acquired by external devices.

[0091] Figure 6 shows a third modified example of the production management system 10 according to Embodiment 1. The production management device 11 of the production management system 10 according to the third modified example has the same configuration as the production management device 11 shown in Figure 1. Furthermore, the production management device 11 of the production management system 10 according to the third modified example acquires factory information held in the factory database.

[0092] The factory database shown in Figure 6 is stored in a computer system that accumulates information within the factory. The factory database holds factory information, which is information showing the production performance of products in the factory where products are produced, or information about production equipment. The AI ​​input / output unit 23 searches the factory database for factory information related to the information contained in the user request information. The AI ​​input / output unit 23 extracts the factory information related to the information through the search and outputs the extracted factory information to the generation AI unit 31. In this way, the control unit 22 searches the factory database and outputs the extracted factory information to the generation AI unit 31.

[0093] In the third modified example, the production management device 11 can acquire information accumulated in the factory that is not acquired by external devices such as MES or production equipment, for the purpose of generating manufacturing change information. As a result, the production management device 11 can provide the generation AI unit 31 with information that is not acquired by external devices in order to generate manufacturing change information. The production management system 10 can output the manufacturing change information that has been generated taking into account the information that is not acquired by external devices.

[0094] Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating a fourth modified example of the production management system 10 according to Embodiment 1. The generation AI unit 41 provided in the production management device 11 of the production management system 10 according to the fourth modified example has different functions from the generation AI unit 31 shown in Figure 1. Figure 7 shows an example of the configuration of the generation AI unit 41. The configuration of the production management system 10 other than the generation AI unit 41 will be explained with reference to Figure 1.

[0095] Here, we assume that the product produced according to the production plan is manufactured by combining three parts in the final assembly. These three parts are referred to as part A, part B, and part C.

[0096] The generation AI unit 41 comprises a general AI 42 and a group of assigned processing units 43. The group of assigned processing units 43 comprises a general assembly AI 44, an A-part assembly AI 45, a B-part assembly AI 46, and a C-part assembly AI 47. Each of the general AI 42, general assembly AI 44, A-part assembly AI 45, B-part assembly AI 46, and C-part assembly AI 47 has the same configuration as the generation AI unit 31 shown in Figure 1.

[0097] The overall AI 42 functions as an overall unit that summarizes the output of information to the production management device 11 in response to the input from the production management device 11 to the generation AI unit 41. The overall assembly AI 44, the A-part assembly AI 45, the B-part assembly AI 46, and the C-part assembly AI 47 each function as a divisional processing unit. In the fourth modified example, the divisional processing units divide the process of obtaining manufacturing change information based on the information input to the generation AI unit 41 and execute it for each production facility used in the manufacture of the product, for each process performed in the manufacture of the product, or for each production line used in the manufacture of the product. Here, the multiple divisional processing units are referred to as a divisional processing unit group 43.

[0098] In the example shown in Figure 7, the production process of the product is divided into four stages: assembly of part A, assembly of part B, assembly of part C, and final assembly. The process of obtaining manufacturing change information is divided and executed for each of the four stages. The four divisional processing units—the AI ​​44 for final assembly, the AI ​​45 for part A assembly, the AI ​​46 for part B assembly, and the AI ​​47 for part C assembly—each perform the task of obtaining manufacturing change information. Thus, the generation AI unit 41 is provided with a divisional processing unit for each stage of the product production process. Note that the divisional processing units in the generation AI unit 41 may be provided for each production piece of equipment used in the production of the product, or for each production line used in the production of the product.

[0099] The generation AI unit 41 generates manufacturing change information to be output to the production management device 11 through interaction between its various components. Interaction between components means that one component sends a question to another component and receives an answer to that question from the other component. The generation AI unit 41 generates manufacturing change information through the exchange of information between each of the multiple divisional processing units. In the example shown in Figure 7, the general assembly AI 44 exchanges information with the A component assembly AI 45, the B component assembly AI 46, and the C component assembly AI 47. The overall AI 42 exchanges information with the general assembly AI 44, the A component assembly AI 45, the B component assembly AI 46, and the C component assembly AI 47. Furthermore, the overall AI 42 exchanges information with the AI ​​input / output unit 23 shown in Figure 1.

[0100] The generation AI unit 41 uses a messaging protocol to exchange information between the overall AI 42 and each of the multiple sub-processing units. For example, MQTT (Message Queueing Telemetry Transport) is used as the messaging protocol. By using a messaging protocol, the generation AI unit 41 can smoothly perform both overall distribution, which is the transmission of information from one component to multiple other components, and individual distribution, which is the transmission of information from one component to another. Each component can switch between overall distribution and individual distribution according to the information it wants to transmit. As a result, the source component can transmit only the necessary information to the necessary destinations according to the characteristics of the information, so the generation AI unit 41 can reduce unnecessary communication.

[0101] Furthermore, each component of the generation AI unit 41 may be physically dispersed in any unit, or it may be integrated into a single unit.

[0102] Here, an example of the processing procedure in the generation AI unit 41 shown in Figure 7 will be explained. User request information input to the user request acquisition unit 21 of the production management device 11 is input from the AI ​​input / output unit 23 to the overall AI 42 of the generation AI unit 41.

[0103] Let's assume that the user request information entered into the user request acquisition unit 21 shown in Figure 1 was: "I would like to expedite production work R, so I would like to change the production plan so that production work R is performed after production work S. Also, please tell me when production work R will be completed." Let's assume that this user request information was entered into the user request acquisition unit 21 while production work S was being performed. Let's assume that in both production work S and production work R, the product is manufactured through four processes: assembly of part A, assembly of part B, assembly of part C, and final assembly.

[0104] The generation AI unit 41 generates manufacturing change information for a change in production operation R to be performed after production operation S, by having each element of the generation AI unit 41 perform the same processing as the generation AI unit 31 shown in Figure 1. Here, we will mainly explain the procedure for determining the scheduled completion time of production operation R through the processing of each element of the generation AI unit 41.

[0105] The overall AI 42 communicates the change to the general assembly AI 44, stating that production work R will be performed after production work S. The general assembly AI 44 then communicates this change to the A-part assembly AI 45, the B-part assembly AI 46, and the C-part assembly AI 47. The overall AI 42 also inquires with the general assembly AI 44 about the estimated completion time of production work S. The general assembly AI 44 then inquires with the A-part assembly AI 45, the B-part assembly AI 46, and the C-part assembly AI 47 about the estimated completion time of production work S.

[0106] AI 45, responsible for assembling part A, responds to inquiries from AI 44, responsible for general assembly, by providing the estimated completion time for the assembly of part A in production operation S. AI 46, responsible for assembling part B, responds to inquiries from AI 44, responsible for general assembly, by providing the estimated completion time for the assembly of part B in production operation S. AI 47, responsible for assembling part C, responds to inquiries from AI 44, responsible for general assembly, by providing the estimated completion time for the assembly of part C in production operation S.

[0107] The overall assembly AI 44 calculates the estimated completion time for the overall assembly based on the estimated completion times for the assembly of each component A, B, and C, and the time required for the overall assembly. Based on this, the overall assembly AI 44 calculates the estimated completion time for production work S. The overall assembly AI 44 returns the estimated completion time for production work S to the overall AI 42. The overall AI 42 instructs the MES to rewrite the production plan information held therein by outputting manufacturing change information to the AI ​​input / output unit 23, which indicates that production work R will be performed after production work S.

[0108] Following the instructions from the generation AI unit 41, the production plan information is rewritten, and production work R is started after production work S. The overall AI 42 inquires with the general assembly AI 44 about the estimated completion time of production work R. The general assembly AI 44 then inquires with each of the A-part assembly AI 45, B-part assembly AI 46, and C-part assembly AI 47 about the estimated completion time of production work R.

[0109] AI 45, responsible for assembling part A, responds to inquiries from AI 44, responsible for general assembly, by providing the estimated completion time for the assembly of part A in production operation R. AI 46, responsible for assembling part B, responds to inquiries from AI 44, responsible for general assembly, by providing the estimated completion time for the assembly of part B in production operation R. AI 47, responsible for assembling part C, responds to inquiries from AI 44, responsible for general assembly, by providing the estimated completion time for the assembly of part C in production operation R.

[0110] The overall assembly AI 44 calculates the estimated completion time for the overall assembly based on the estimated completion times for the assembly of each component A, B, and C, and the time required for the overall assembly. Based on this, the overall assembly AI 44 calculates the estimated completion time for production work R. The overall assembly AI 44 returns the estimated completion time for production work R to the overall AI 42. The overall AI 42 outputs the estimated completion time for production work R to the AI ​​input / output unit 23.

[0111] As one example, the information input / output unit 28 outputs the estimated completion time of production work R, which is obtained from the generation AI unit 41 by the AI ​​input / output unit 23, to the display device. The display device notifies the user of the estimated completion time of production work R by displaying the estimated completion time of production work R.

[0112] In this example, the assigned processing unit is responsible for determining manufacturing change information based on the information input to the generation AI unit 41, and this process is divided among the steps performed in the production of the product. Even when the process for determining manufacturing change information is divided among the production equipment used in the production of the product, or among the production lines used in the production of the product, the processing procedure of the assigned processing unit is the same as when the process is divided among the steps.

[0113] In the fourth modified example, the generation AI unit 41 divides the process of obtaining manufacturing change information among its various components, performing the task for each process, production equipment, or production line. The generation AI unit 41 can perform processing that is individually optimized for each process, production equipment, or production line using its various components. Compared to processing information for the entire factory in one component, the generation AI unit 41 can easily obtain manufacturing change information that enables higher productivity. This makes it possible to improve the productivity of the entire factory.

[0114] The production management system 10 according to Embodiment 1 is suitable, for example, for instructing production equipment on the production sequence of products in a multi-product, small-batch production system. In conventional multi-product, small-batch production, when instructing production equipment on the production sequence based on the production plan output by the production scheduler, instructions are given to the production equipment manually by workers, making automation difficult. The production management system 10 according to Embodiment 1 makes it possible to automate the instruction of the production sequence to production equipment in multi-product, small-batch production.

[0115] Next, the hardware configuration of the production management device 11 according to Embodiment 1 will be described. Figure 8 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the production management device 11 according to Embodiment 1. The production management device 11 is realized by a computer system comprising a processing circuit 51, a communication device 52, and an input device 55. The processing circuit 51 comprises a processor 53 and a memory 54. The processing circuit 51 is a circuit in which the processor 53 executes software.

[0116] The processing functions of the production management device 11 are realized by software, firmware, or a combination of software and firmware. The software or firmware is written as a program and stored in memory 54. In the processing circuit 51, the processor 53 reads and executes the program stored in memory 54, thereby realizing the processing functions of the production management device 11. The processing circuit 51 includes memory 54 which stores the program that will ultimately be executed as processing by the production management device 11. It can also be said that the program stored in memory 54 causes the computer to execute the procedures and methods of processing by the production management device 11.

[0117] The processor 53 is a CPU (Central Processing Unit, also known as a processing unit, arithmetic unit, microprocessor, microcomputer, processor, or DSP (Digital Signal Processor)). The memory 54 includes, for example, non-volatile or volatile semiconductor memory such as RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), flash memory, EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), EEPROM (Registered Trademark) (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), magnetic disks, flexible disks, optical disks, compact disks, minidiscs, or DVDs (Digital Versatile Discs).

[0118] The communication device 52 communicates with the server device 12 or an external device. The communication function of the control unit 22 shown in Figure 1 is realized by the communication device 52. The input device 55 is a device operated by the user to input information. The input device 55 includes, for example, a keyboard, mouse, keypad, or touch panel. The production management device 11 may also include a display device that displays information. The display device is, for example, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display.

[0119] The production management device 11 may include an integrated circuit such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array). The program according to Embodiment 1 may be provided on a recording medium such as a CD (Compact Disc)-ROM or DVD-ROM. The program may also be provided by being stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and downloaded via the Internet or other network. The program may also be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet.

[0120] Each component of the production control device 11 does not need to be physically configured as shown in the illustration. The specific forms of distribution and integration of each component are not limited to those shown. Each component may be functionally or physically distributed in any unit, or it may be integrated. The functions of the production control device 11 may be distributed across two or more devices.

[0121] Next, the hardware configuration of the server device 12 according to Embodiment 1 will be described. Figure 9 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the server device 12 according to Embodiment 1. The server device 12 is realized by a computer system comprising a processing circuit 61 and a communication device 62. The processing circuit 61 comprises a processor 63 and a memory 64. The processing circuit 61 is a circuit in which the processor 63 executes software.

[0122] The processor 63 and memory 64 of the processing circuit 61 are described in the same way as the processor 53 and memory 54 of the processing circuit 51 shown in Figure 8. The function of the model control unit 32, which is the processing unit of the server device 12, is realized by the processor 63 reading and executing the program stored in the memory 64. The function of the model storage unit 33 is realized by using the memory 64. The communication device 62 communicates with the production management device 11. The server device 12 may include an integrated circuit such as an ASIC or FPGA.

[0123] According to Embodiment 1, the production management device 11 includes a user request acquisition unit 21 that acquires user request information indicating a user's request for a change in the product production plan, and a control unit 22 that outputs the user request information and status information related to the change indicated in the user request information, which indicates the content of the production plan or the status of the product production site, to an artificial intelligence unit, and receives manufacturing change information, which indicates the changes from the production plan, output by the artificial intelligence unit, and outputs it to an external device. By outputting user request information and status information related to the change indicated in the user request information to the artificial intelligence unit, and receiving manufacturing change information output by the artificial intelligence unit, the production management device 11 enables changes to the production plan that can respond to the status of the production site based on flexible requests from the user. Furthermore, the production management device 11 can easily reflect changes to the production plan to an external device. As a result, the production management device 11 has the effect of making changes to the production plan easy.

[0124] Furthermore, the control unit 22 outputs task request information indicating a request for the acquisition of status information to an external device, receives status information output by the external device that executed the request indicated in the task request information, and executes a first output process that outputs user request information to the artificial intelligence unit, thereby acquiring task request information indicating a request for status information related to the change indicated in the user request information from the artificial intelligence unit, and executes a second output process that outputs the status information acquired by the control unit 22 to the artificial intelligence unit, thereby acquiring manufacturing change information from the artificial intelligence unit. The production management device 11 can output status information to the artificial intelligence unit by outputting task request information to an external device and receiving status information. In addition, the production management device 11 can acquire status information by receiving status information output by the external device that executed the request indicated in the task request information, thereby realizing processes that the artificial intelligence unit cannot perform on its own by using the functions of the external device.

[0125] Furthermore, the user request acquisition unit 21 acquires user request information expressed in natural language. This allows the user to easily give change instructions by inputting user request information. In addition, the user can input user request information with a high degree of flexibility.

[0126] Furthermore, the control unit 22 acquires control commands from the artificial intelligence unit as manufacturing change information, corresponding to the changes from the production plan, and outputs these control commands to the production equipment that produces the products. By outputting control commands, which are manufacturing change information, to the production equipment, the production management device 11 can easily implement accurate manufacturing changes.

[0127] Furthermore, the control unit 22 obtains commands from the artificial intelligence unit as manufacturing change information, corresponding to the changes from the production plan, and outputs commands to the device that manages the production equipment that produces the products. By outputting commands to the production equipment according to the changes from the production plan, the production management device 11 can easily realize accurate manufacturing changes.

[0128] Furthermore, when information indicating that the output of manufacturing change information is permitted is input to the control unit 22, the control unit 22 outputs the manufacturing change information to an external device. The production management device 11 can prevent incorrect production from being carried out based on the manufacturing change information output by the generation AI unit 31 if there is an error in the manufacturing change information.

[0129] Furthermore, the control unit 22 acquires sensor data output by sensors that detect the status of the product production site or the status of workers present at the production site, and outputs the sensor data to the artificial intelligence unit. The production management device 11 can output information not acquired by external devices to the artificial intelligence unit in order to generate manufacturing change information.

[0130] Furthermore, the control unit 22 searches a factory database that holds factory information, which is information indicating the production performance of products at the factory where the products are produced, or information about production equipment, and outputs the extracted factory information to the artificial intelligence unit. The production management device 11 can output information that is not acquired by external devices to the artificial intelligence unit in order to generate manufacturing change information.

[0131] Furthermore, the artificial intelligence unit, the generation AI unit 41, comprises a summary unit that summarizes the output of information to the production management device 11 in response to input from the production management device 11 to the generation AI unit 41, and a plurality of assigned processing units that divide the process of obtaining manufacturing change information based on the information input to the generation AI unit 41 and execute it for each production equipment used in the manufacture of the product, each process carried out in the manufacture of the product, or each production line used in the manufacture of the product. The generation AI unit 41 generates manufacturing change information through the exchange of information between each of the plurality of assigned processing units. Because the generation AI unit 41 can perform processing that is individually optimized for each process, production equipment, or production line, it can easily obtain manufacturing change information that enables high productivity.

[0132] Furthermore, the generation AI unit 41 uses a messaging protocol to exchange information between the overall unit and each of the multiple sub-processing units. This allows the generation AI unit 41 to reduce unnecessary communication.

[0133] Embodiment 2. Figure 10 shows an example of the configuration of the production management system 70 according to Embodiment 2. In Embodiment 2, the same reference numerals are used for the same components as in Embodiment 1, and the configuration that differs from Embodiment 1 will be described in detail.

[0134] The production management system 70 comprises a production management device 11 for managing product production and an information processing device 71. The information processing device 71 is located in the factory, which is the production site for the products. The information processing device 71 includes a generation AI unit 31, similar to the server device 12 shown in Figure 1.

[0135] The information processing device 71 is connected to the production management device 11 via a network. This network is, for example, a LAN, but it may also be a WAN such as the Internet. The information processing device 71 is implemented using a computer system having a configuration similar to the hardware configuration shown in Figure 9.

[0136] According to Embodiment 2, the production management system 70 does not require the transmission of information from within the factory to outside the factory because the information processing device 71 having the generation AI unit 31 is located at the product production site. Therefore, the production management system 70 can reduce the leakage of information outside the factory and enhance security. In addition, by eliminating the need for communication between the inside and outside of the factory, the operating costs of the production management system 70 can be reduced.

[0137] The configurations shown in each of the embodiments described above are examples of the content of this disclosure. The configurations of each embodiment can be combined with other known technologies. The configurations of each embodiment may be combined with each other as appropriate. It is possible to omit or modify parts of the configurations of each embodiment without departing from the gist of this disclosure.

[0138] 10, 70 Production management system, 11 Production management device, 12 Server device, 21 User request acquisition unit, 22 Control unit, 23 AI input / output unit, 24 Production scheduler IF, 25 Database control IF, 26 PLC control IF, 27 Simulator IF, 28 Information input / output unit, 29 Permission acquisition unit, 30 Sensor IF, 31, 41 Generation AI unit, 32 Model control unit, 33 Model storage unit, 42 Overall AI, 43 Part-specific processing unit group, 44 Overall assembly AI, 45 A-part assembly AI, 46 B-part assembly AI, 47 C-part assembly AI, 51, 61 Processing circuit, 52, 62 Communication device, 53, 63 Processor, 54, 64 Memory, 55 Input device, 71 Information processing device.

Claims

1. A production management device for managing the production of a product, comprising: a user request acquisition unit that acquires user request information indicating a user's request for a change in the production plan of the product; a control unit that outputs the user request information and information relating to the change indicated in the user request information, which is either the content of the production plan or the status of the production site of the product, to an artificial intelligence unit, and that receives manufacturing change information indicating the changes from the production plan, which is output by the artificial intelligence unit, and outputs it to an external device of the production management device.

2. The production management apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the control unit outputs task request information indicating a request for acquisition of status information to the external device, receives the status information output by the external device that has executed the request indicated in the task request information, and by executing a first output process which outputs the user request information to the artificial intelligence unit, the control unit acquires the task request information indicating a request for status information related to the change indicated in the user request information from the artificial intelligence unit, and by executing a second output process which outputs the status information acquired by the control unit to the artificial intelligence unit, the control unit acquires the manufacturing change information from the artificial intelligence unit.

3. The production management apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the user request acquisition unit acquires the user request information expressed in natural language.

4. The production management device according to any one of 1 to 3, characterized in that the control unit obtains a control command from the artificial intelligence unit as manufacturing change information, corresponding to the changes from the production plan, and outputs the control command to the production equipment that produces the product.

5. The production management device according to any one of 1 to 3, characterized in that the control unit obtains a command from the artificial intelligence unit as manufacturing change information corresponding to the changes from the production plan, and outputs the command to a device that manages the production equipment for producing the product.

6. The production management device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the control unit outputs the manufacturing change information to the external device when information indicating that the output of the manufacturing change information is permitted is input to the control unit.

7. The production management device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the control unit acquires sensor data output by a sensor that detects the state of the production site of the product or the state of workers present at the production site, and outputs the sensor data to the artificial intelligence unit.

8. The production management device according to any one of 1 to 7, characterized in that the control unit searches a factory database which holds factory information, which is information indicating the production record of the product at the factory where the product is produced or information about production equipment, and outputs the extracted factory information to the artificial intelligence unit.

9. A production management system comprising: a production management device for managing the production of a product; and an information processing device having an artificial intelligence unit, wherein the production management device includes: a user request acquisition unit that acquires user request information indicating a user's request for a change in the production plan of the product; and a control unit that outputs the user request information and status information relating to the change indicated in the user request information, which indicates the content of the production plan or the status of the production site of the product, to the artificial intelligence unit, and receives manufacturing change information indicating the changes from the production plan, which is output by the artificial intelligence unit, and outputs it to a device outside the production management device.

10. The production management system according to claim 9, characterized in that the information processing device is located at the production site of the product.

11. The production management system according to 9 or 10, wherein the artificial intelligence unit comprises a summary unit that summarizes the output of information to the production management device in response to input from the production management device to the artificial intelligence unit, and a plurality of assigned processing units that divide and execute the process of obtaining the manufacturing change information based on the information input to the artificial intelligence unit for each production facility used in the manufacture of the product, for each process carried out in the manufacture of the product, or for each production line used in the manufacture of the product, and the manufacturing change information is generated by the exchange of information between each of the plurality of assigned processing units.

12. The production management system according to claim 11, characterized in that the artificial intelligence unit uses a messaging protocol to exchange information between the overall unit and each of the plurality of assigned processing units.

13. A production management method for managing the production of a product using a computer system, comprising the steps of: acquiring user request information indicating a user's request for a change in the production plan of the product; outputting the user request information to an artificial intelligence unit; outputting information relating to the change indicated in the user request information, which indicates the content of the production plan or the status of the production site of the product, to the artificial intelligence unit; and receiving manufacturing change information, which indicates the changes from the production plan, output by the artificial intelligence unit, and outputting it to an external device of the computer system.

14. A program characterized by causing a computer system to execute the following steps: acquiring user request information indicating a user's request for a change in the production plan of a product; outputting the user request information to an artificial intelligence unit; outputting information related to the change indicated in the user request information, which indicates the content of the production plan or the status of the production site of the product, to the artificial intelligence unit; and receiving manufacturing change information, which indicates the changes from the production plan, output by the artificial intelligence unit, and outputting it to a device outside the computer system.

Images