JP2012221146A - Design procedure navigation system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To obtain a design procedure navigation system capable of navigating an operator for design procedure.SOLUTION: The design procedure navigation system includes: a tree structure flow diagram database 2 which stores a tree structure flow diagram for each product to be developed; a work information database 5 which stores attribute information of each work item in the tree structure flow diagram for each product; a tree structure flow diagram creating part 6 which creates a tree structure flow diagram for each product to be developed and stores the diagram in the tree structure flow diagram database 2 and the work information database 5; a progress input part 8 which inputs progress of work items stored in the work information database 5; and a progress confirmation part 7 which outputs information of current and the next work item for a prescribed operator on the basis of the information on the tree structure flow diagram database 2 and the work information database 5.

Description

  The present invention relates to a design procedure navigation system for navigating a design procedure.

  Conventionally, the design procedure is expressed in a hierarchical tree structure (WBS: Work BreakDown Structure), and the design procedure is displayed in an easy-to-see manner by expanding / not expanding the node portion of the tree. For example, in the following Patent Document 1, a design procedure is automatically created based on a configuration table of a design target model, a work procedure master, a work rule, and a design standard, and the work procedure is displayed based on hierarchical structure tree data. A technique for navigating a designer is disclosed. Patent Document 2 below discloses a technique for managing information by displaying the flow of design work as hierarchical design items.

  When a work is expressed by a tree structure (a tree structure is also referred to as a parent-child relationship when the upper part of the tree is a parent and the lower part is a child), the work is expressed in two types. The first is a work that cannot be disassembled any more (a work that does not have any more children), and is a minimum unit work to be performed by the worker, and is hereinafter referred to as an activity. The second is a work that can be disassembled (a work with children), and is expressed as a product component, part, or work group. Hereinafter referred to as non-activity.

  Here, the order of activities is important for the worker in order to grasp the previous work and the next work. However, in the tree structures shown in Patent Documents 1 and 2 below, it is difficult to visually represent the order of activities. The display of the work order can visually represent the order for activities having the same parent, but cannot visually represent the order for activities having different parents. The number can indicate the order, but the order is not visually recognizable.

  The flow diagram compensates for the drawbacks of the tree structure as described above. In Patent Document 3 below, parts, parts, and design items are displayed in a tree structure, and the relationship between the design items, parts, and parts is displayed in an easy-to-understand manner for the operator, and the relationship between the design items is displayed in a design flow diagram. Supporting technology is disclosed. By displaying parts, parts, and design items (activities) in a tree structure and displaying activities (work items in Patent Document 3 below) in a flow diagram, the relationship between activities can be expressed visually. .

JP 2001-67380 A JP 2005-56325 A JP 2004-362558 A

  However, according to the above conventional technique, there is no means for expressing non-activity in a flow diagram, so that there is a problem that work cannot be specified by a flow diagram of only activities. For example, an activity with the same name may exist under different parents. In such a case, not only the activity but also the parent of the activity must be specified to identify the work.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above, and it is possible to easily visually understand the work currently in charge of the worker and the work to be performed next, and to navigate the design procedure to the worker. The purpose is to obtain a design procedure navigation system capable of

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, the present invention is a tree structure flow diagram in which a flow diagram is hierarchized by combining a flow diagram and a tree structure, and detailed work items are shown in a deeper hierarchy. A tree structure flow diagram database that stores a tree structure flow diagram for each product to be processed, a work information database that stores attribute information of each work item in the tree structure flow diagram for each product, and a tree structure flow diagram for each product to be developed A tree structure flow diagram creating means for creating a tree structure flow diagram in the tree structure flow diagram database and storing work item attribute information in the work information database; and work items stored in the work information database A progress input means for inputting the progress of the tree structure flow diagram database and the work information data. Based on the information of the tree structure flowchart of products stored in database, characterized in that it comprises, a progress confirmation means for outputting a current and information of the next work item of a given operator.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to navigate an operator's design procedure in a format that can be easily understood visually.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating operations expressed in a tree structure. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating work expressed by a flow diagram. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a hierarchical representation of the flow diagram. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the design procedure navigation system. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a tree structure flow diagram (first and second layers). FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a tree structure flow diagram (second to third layers). FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a tree structure flow diagram (third to fourth layers).

  Embodiments of a design procedure navigation system according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments.

Embodiment.
First, a conventional method of displaying a work procedure using a tree structure or a flow diagram will be briefly described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating operations expressed in a tree structure. As shown in FIG. 1, after disassembling each work into a tree structure and determining activities, the work “circuit design” is first performed from the viewpoint of work contents and efficiency, and the second is “circuit”. Assume that it is found that it is necessary to perform a work called “review” and thirdly, a work called “part arrangement” (activity order setting). In FIG. 1, since “circuit design” and “circuit review” have the same parent “board design”, by placing “circuit review” under “circuit design” in the fourth layer, “circuit design” Next, it can be displayed that the “circuit review” is performed (the top is the first and the bottom is the next work). On the other hand, the parent of “part arrangement” in FIG. 1 is “product assembly” and is different from “circuit review”, and cannot be visually expressed if the next operation of “circuit review” is “part arrangement”.

  The flow diagram compensates for the drawbacks of such a tree structure. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating work expressed by a flow diagram. For example, suppose a scene where an operator is trying to perform a work called “circuit review” of board design. In the flowchart shown in FIG. 2, it can be seen that the operation after “circuit review” is “part arrangement”, and the operation before “circuit review” is “circuit design”. By displaying parts, parts, and design items (activities) in a tree structure as shown in FIG. 1 and displaying activities in a flow diagram as shown in FIG. 2, the relationship between activities can be visually expressed. it can.

  Here, when only activities are extracted from the work represented by the tree structure in FIG. 1, from the top, “Specification creation”, “Specification review”, “Structural design”, “Mold arrangement”, “Circuit design” ”,“ Circuit Review ”,“ Evaluation Equipment Preparation ”,“ Specification Creation ”,“ Coding ”,“ Debugging ”, etc. There are two“ Specification Creation ”. This is because there are “specification creation” whose parent is “basic design” and “specification creation” whose parent is “F / W design”. In this way, it is difficult to imagine work unless you specify not only the activity but also the parent of the activity. On the other hand, there can be considered a method of putting a hierarchical expression in one flow diagram. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a hierarchical representation of the flow diagram. Although it is possible to incorporate a hierarchical representation into the flow diagram, it becomes difficult to see when the hierarchy is deep.

  For this reason, in this embodiment, the operator is currently in charge of switching the hierarchy of the flow diagram (hereinafter referred to as the tree structure flow diagram) by combining the flow diagram and the tree structure. A design procedure navigation system for navigating a design procedure by visually indicating a work item to be executed next and a work item to be executed in a format that can be easily understood visually will be described.

  If you compare the design work to the drive and the designer to the driver, the car will be loaded with the determined quality luggage (the product itself and the information necessary to make the product) and arrive at the specified time ( This system is a car navigation system (hereinafter referred to as a car navigation system) for supporting arrival at a predetermined high-speed fee and the amount of gasoline (cost) before delivery date). By knowing the route you have taken so far, it is easy to check the loaded luggage and information (input information and deliverables of the work you are currently in charge) even if the driver (person in charge) changes Yes.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the design procedure navigation system according to the present embodiment. The design procedure navigation system 11 includes a tree structure flow diagram template database 1, a tree structure flow diagram database 2, a work product database 3, a worker database 4, a work information database 5, and a tree structure flow diagram creation unit 6. A progress confirmation unit 7, a progress input unit 8, a tree structure flow diagram acquisition unit 9, and a terminal interface unit 10. The design procedure navigation system 11 is connected to terminal devices 21 and 22 via a LAN (Local Area Network) 20. For convenience of explanation, the number of terminal devices to be connected is two, but three or more terminal devices may be connected.

  The tree structure flow diagram template database 1 is a database that stores all the work conceivable in developing a product in a tree structure format and a flow diagram format. Although it is assumed that this database has already been maintained, maintenance and the like can be performed by the tree structure flow diagram acquisition unit 9. In car navigation, it corresponds to map information (information in HDD (Hard Disk Drive) and DVD (Digital Versatile Disc)).

  The tree structure flow diagram database 2 is a database that stores a tree structure flow diagram specialized for certain product development. In car navigation systems, it is equivalent to saving route information (a part of map information, where it took, how many minutes it took, how much it costs) and so on. There is stored data as many times as the destination is set.

  The work product database 3 is a database that stores a product (for example, a design specification or the like) created as a result of the work performed by the worker. In this database, the operator stores the information via the progress input unit 8.

  The worker database 4 is a database that stores information on all workers involved in product development, and stores the affiliation, name, login ID, password, and the like of the worker. It is assumed that this database has already been established.

  The work information database 5 is a database that stores information indicating work currently being performed by the worker. In the tree structure flow diagram, attribute information of each work item is stored. This database is created based on information input by the operator via the progress input unit 8. In car navigation, this corresponds to current vehicle position information acquired from GPS (Global Positioning System).

  The tree structure flow diagram creation unit 6 creates a tree structure flow diagram when developing (planning) a product in accordance with an instruction from the product development leader. The created result (tree structure flow diagram) is stored in the tree structure flow diagram database 2 and the work information database 5. In car navigation systems, this is equivalent to a function that allows a driver to set a destination and determine a route.

  The progress confirmation unit 7 confirms the work currently being performed, the work to be performed next, the progress of the work, and the like according to the instructions of the product development leader or the worker. Based on the information stored in the tree structure flow diagram database 2 and the work information database 5, it is possible to identify what work is currently being performed and what work should be performed next for a specific worker, You can check the progress and delay of work currently in progress. 5 to 7 are diagrams showing a tree structure flow diagram. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a tree structure flow diagram (first and second layers). FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a tree structure flow diagram (second to third layers). FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a tree structure flow diagram (third to fourth layers). For example, in FIG. 7, the next operation after “Circuit Review” (thick frame display) is highlighted and displayed as “part arrangement”. Each level diagram can be selected with the “+” and “−” buttons shown in the lower left of each diagram.

  In addition, the progress confirmation unit 7 can calculate and display when product development ends based on information stored in the tree structure flow diagram database 2 and the work information database 5. For example, in FIG. 7, the scheduled completion date of all work is displayed on the upper right. In addition to when it ends (scheduled completion date), the number of days that are delayed is calculated in consideration of the current date and the progress rate, and stored in the work information database 5. This function corresponds to a function of predicting arrival time by instructing the intersection where the car navigation is next turned by voice.

  When displaying work on the terminal devices 21, 22 and the like, the hierarchy can be specified (see FIGS. 5 to 7), the progress rate of the work can be specified in the range, and display / non-display can be set. . Moreover, although the case where the work completion date is displayed has been described, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when the work in the range displayed in FIGS. 6 and 7 is finished (the scheduled completion date of the displayed work) is indicated. You may make it display. Since the planned completion date of each work is set when the product development leader creates the tree structure flowchart, the progress confirmation unit 7 may display the scheduled completion date of the last displayed work. Further, the progress rate and the scheduled completion date of each work are designated by each work item (for example, the corresponding work item is designated by operating the mouse in the terminal devices 21 and 22), and the designated work item is displayed by a balloon. You may make it do. At this time, the worker in charge may be displayed. Information such as the progress rate, the scheduled completion date of each work, the worker in charge, etc. is stored in the work information database 5 as attribute information.

  The progress input unit 8 inputs daily work progress information (such as progress rate) to the work information database 5 in accordance with the instructions of the worker. In addition, the product associated with the work is input to the work product database 3. It is also possible to automatically acquire the progress from the input work product (using a document page number automatic counter or the like). Specifically, when the worker inputs the work product into the work product database 3, the progress input unit 8 automatically acquires the progress based on the product (for example, for the planned number of pages of the design specification). The progress is obtained from the number of pages of the design specification inputted in this manner, and the obtained progress is inputted into the work information database 5. In car navigation, it corresponds to GPS. In this system, the current position information cannot be acquired automatically as in a car navigation system, so the operator specifies the current position by inputting daily progress information.

  The tree structure flow diagram acquisition unit 9 acquires a tree structure flow diagram that can be a template from the tree structure flow diagram database 2 and stores it in the tree structure flow diagram template database 1.

  The terminal interface unit 10 performs log-in processing from a product development leader who operates the terminal device 21 and a worker who operates the terminal 22 based on the worker information stored in the worker database 4. Further, based on the processing request from each terminal device, the terminal device is connected to any one of the tree structure flow diagram creation unit 6 to the tree structure flow diagram acquisition unit 9, and the result (display information) based on each operation is being operated. Output to the terminal device.

  Next, each operation of the design procedure navigation system 11 will be described. In navigating the design procedure, in the design procedure navigation system 11, the product development leader needs to create a tree structure flow diagram, and the operator needs to input the progress status of the daily work.

  First, a method for creating a tree structure flow chart by the product development leader will be described. The product development leader logs in to the design procedure navigation system 11 via the terminal device 21, the LAN 20, and the terminal interface unit 10. Here, on the screen of the terminal device 21, processing such as tree structure flow diagram creation, progress confirmation, progress input, tree structure flow diagram acquisition, etc. (corresponding to the processing of the tree structure flow diagram creation unit 6 to the tree structure flow diagram acquisition unit 9) ) Is displayed. When the product development leader selects the tree structure flow diagram creation on the terminal device 21, the tree structure flow diagram creation unit 6 outputs information on the tree structure flow diagram creation screen, and the terminal device 21 displays the tree structure flow diagram creation screen. Is displayed. The product development leader instructs the tree structure flow diagram creating unit 6 in accordance with the display screen to express the work procedure for proceeding with product development as a tree structure flow diagram. Therefore, the tree structure flow diagram from the tree structure flow diagram template database 1 is used. The candidate is displayed, a template is selected from the candidates, and a tree structure flow chart suitable for this product development is created. In addition, attribute items such as a plan start date, an end date, a worker in charge, etc. are set for the lowermost work in the tree structure flow diagram. The tree structure flow diagram creation unit 6 stores the components of the tree structure flow diagram in the tree structure flow diagram database 2 and the information on the attribute items of each work item in the work information database 5 for the created tree structure flow diagram.

  A diagram composed of boxes, characters, and arrows as shown in FIGS. 5 to 7 is a tree structure flow diagram created by the product development leader. Thereby, the product development leader can show the work procedure to be performed to the worker. In car navigation systems, the driver is shown the destination and directions to the destination.

  Assuming that the product development leader is involved in multiple products, the product can be selected before or after the screen for selecting a process such as tree structure flow diagram creation, progress confirmation, etc. is displayed. May be.

  Next, a method for an operator to input the progress status of daily work will be described. The operator logs in to the design procedure navigation system 11 via the terminal device 22, the LAN 20, and the terminal interface unit 10. Here, on the screen of the terminal device 22, a screen on which processing such as progress confirmation and progress input can be selected is displayed. When the worker selects the progress input with the terminal device 22, the progress input unit 8 outputs information on the progress input screen, and the progress input screen is displayed on the terminal device 22. The operator instructs the progress input unit 8 in accordance with the display screen to display a list of tasks he is in charge of. Therefore, after selecting the work performed today, the worker inputs the progress of the work for today (for example, percentage). Input on the display). The entered progress information is stored in the work information database 5. This tells you how far the work has progressed.

  When there is a product, the worker registers the actual file of the product in the work product database 3 from the progress input unit 8. As described above, if the planned number of pages is input, the progress rate can be automatically acquired by automatically counting the number of pages of the registered file. In the car navigation system, the information input by this operation becomes the original information for specifying the current position on the map.

  Assuming that the worker is engaged in a plurality of products, the product may be selected before or after the screen for selecting processing such as progress confirmation and progress input is displayed.

  Next, an operation for navigating the design procedure will be described. First, a method will be described in which a worker confirms the current work and the next work that he is in charge of. When logging into the design procedure navigation system 11 and selecting progress confirmation, the progress confirmation unit 7 displays the tree structure flow diagram information on the product currently handled by the logged-in worker as the tree structure flow diagram database 2 and the work information database. 5, and identifies the work currently performed by the worker (corresponding to the current position on the map in the car navigation system). The progress confirmation unit 7 outputs the specified information, and the terminal device 22 performs display.

  For example, if an operator who is in charge of “circuit design” in FIG. 1 logs in, as shown in FIG. 5, the worker is currently in charge of the highest hierarchy (first hierarchy and second hierarchy). The work being performed is displayed (thick frame display). In FIG. 5, “H / W design” is the work that the worker is currently in charge of. The operator sets the enlargement / reduction position in the flow diagram and then enlarges and displays the lower layers (second and third layers in FIG. 6). By repeating this procedure, if the lowest level is reached, as shown in FIG. 7, the work currently being performed by the worker ("circuit review") and the work to be performed next ("part arrangement") Is displayed. In the car navigation system, this operation corresponds to an operation of enlarging or reducing the current position and map displayed on the car navigation system to confirm the route to the destination and predict the arrival time.

  Next, a method in which the product development leader specifies the influence range of work that is late or is about to end (for example, the progress rate is 80% or more) will be described. When the product development leader logs in to the design procedure navigation system 11 and selects progress confirmation, the progress confirmation unit 7 outputs information on a screen for designating a search condition, and the terminal device 21 performs display. As a search condition, progress rate and delay can be specified. For example, “delay 3 days or more”, “progress rate 80% or more”, “delay 3 days or more and progress rate 80% or more” can be designated. The progress confirmation unit 7 searches the tree structure flow diagram information in the tree structure flow diagram database 2 and the work information database 5 based on the specified condition, and displays the search result on the terminal device 21. The product development leader can identify the work to be performed next by enlarging / reducing the work that is late or the work that is about to be completed, and can confirm the influence on the entire process.

  An example of work that is delayed will be described. For example, in FIG. 5, the delayed work is displayed in a thick frame in the highest hierarchy (first hierarchy and second hierarchy), and the affected work (= next work) is highlighted. ing. In FIG. 5, “H / W design” is a delayed operation. The product development leader sets the enlargement / reduction position in the flow diagram and enlarges it to display lower layers (second and third layers in FIG. 6). By repeating this procedure, if you reach the lowest level, as shown in Fig. 7, you will know the delayed work ("Circuit Review") and the work to be performed next ("Parts Arrangement") Can do. Also, in order to enter the next work to be carried out ("Parts arrangement"), it is understood that the "Mold arrangement" needs to be completed, so before starting the next work, "Mold arrangement" It is understood that it is necessary to follow the worker. In this way, if the enlargement / reduction is repeated, the product development leader can understand further work ("assembly" after "parts arrangement") as shown in FIG. It can be seen that other work (“F / W design” “debug”) needs to be completed. In addition, although the operation | work which is late was demonstrated, the same description can be performed also about the operation | work which is finishing.

  Here, the delayed work (or work that is about to be completed) is displayed in a thick frame, and the display method is the same as the work that the worker is currently in charge of. This is particularly a problem because the product development leader cannot confirm the work that is late or about to be completed and the work that the worker is currently in charge of cannot occur on the same screen. Must not. However, the method of displaying the delayed work (or the work that is about to be finished) and the method of displaying the work that the worker is currently in charge of may be made in different formats. As a method of displaying in a different format, for example, each item is indicated by a different color, but it is not limited to this.

  Next, a method for creating a template database for a tree structure flow diagram will be described. For example, when a maintenance person who maintains the design procedure navigation system 11 logs in to the design procedure navigation system 11 and selects acquisition of a tree structure flow diagram, the tree structure flow diagram acquisition unit 9 displays the tree structure flow diagram database 2. Aggregate and analyze the tree structure flow diagrams of multiple product developments stored in, output information that acquired candidates for tree structure flow diagrams that can be templates, and terminal devices (terminals operated by maintenance personnel) Display). When the maintenance person sorts out the work so as to become a template and assigns a template name to the template, the maintenance person instructs the tree structure flow diagram acquisition unit 9 to store it in the tree structure flow diagram template database 1. Thus, the template can be enriched by updating the contents of the tree structure flow diagram template database 1.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, in the design procedure navigation system, the flow diagram is hierarchized by combining the flow diagram and the tree structure. Shows work items. When checking the current work with this system, the worker can easily understand the work (current position on the map) currently being performed by the worker and the next work (direction to the destination and the destination). By displaying a deep hierarchy, it is possible to understand the work performed by the worker and the next work for detailed work items. In addition, even if the person in charge of the work changes midway, since the deliverables are registered, there is a secondary effect that the transfer can be performed smoothly.

  Moreover, the product development leader can confirm what should be implemented in order to move to the next work by specifying the work that is about to end in this system. As a result, there is an effect that the work to be completed can be understood, the influence on the entire process can be confirmed, and preparation can be made to smoothly proceed with the work.

  In addition, the product development leader can confirm the next work that is affected by identifying the work that is delayed in the system. Thereby, the influence on the whole process can be confirmed, and corrective action can be taken at an early stage.

  In addition, in this system, the accumulated tree structure flow diagram is aggregated and analyzed, and a template selected from the template candidates is saved as a template. Thereby, a tree structure flow diagram template can be easily created.

  In the above description, only the worker who logs in to the system can check the current and next work that he / she is in charge of, but is not limited thereto. Information is acquired from the tree structure flow diagram database 2 and the work information database 5 both when the product development leader logs in and when the worker logs in. You may be able to confirm the current and next work for.

1 Tree structure flow diagram template database 2 Tree structure flow diagram database 3 Work product database 4 Worker database 5 Work information database 6 Tree structure flow diagram creation unit 7 Progress confirmation unit 8 Progress input unit 9 Tree structure flow diagram acquisition unit 10 Terminal Interface unit 11 Design procedure navigation system 20 LAN
21, 22 Terminal device

Claims (8)

A tree structure flow diagram database that stores a tree structure flow diagram for each product to be developed, which is a tree structure flow diagram that shows a detailed work item in a deeper hierarchy by combining a flow diagram and a tree structure.
A work information database that stores attribute information of each work item in a tree structure flow diagram for each product;
Tree structure flow diagram creation means for creating a tree structure flow diagram for each product to be developed, storing the structure of the tree structure flow diagram in the tree structure flow diagram database, and attribute information of work items in the work information database;
Progress input means for inputting the progress of work items stored in the work information database;
Progress confirmation means for outputting information on the current and next work items of a predetermined worker based on information of the tree structure flow chart of products stored in the tree structure flow chart database and the work information database;
A design procedure navigation system comprising: The progress confirmation means outputs information on a work item whose progress has reached a predetermined value and a next work item.
The design procedure navigation system according to claim 1. The progress confirmation means outputs information of a work item whose progress is delayed for a predetermined period and a next work item.
The design procedure navigation system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The progress confirmation means outputs information of work items of a large work unit when the tree structure flow diagram is designated to be displayed in a reduced size, and when the tree structure flow diagram is designated to be enlarged, the work of a detailed work unit is output. Output item information,
4. The design procedure navigation system according to claim 1, 2, or 3. further,
A work product database for storing products obtained as a result of work;
The progress input means includes:
When a product is input, the product is stored in the work product database.
The design procedure navigation system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The progress input means includes:
When the number of pages at the time of product completion is registered as attribute information of the work item stored in the work information database, the progress is calculated based on the number of pages of the product to be stored.
The design procedure navigation system according to claim 5, wherein: further,
A tree structure flow diagram template database for storing templates that can be used when creating a tree structure flow diagram;
Tree structure flow diagram for obtaining a template candidate from a tree structure flow diagram for each product stored in the tree structure flow diagram database, and storing the template candidate selected according to an external instruction in the tree structure flow diagram template database Acquisition means;
The design procedure navigation system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising: further,
A worker database for storing identification information and passwords of users who use the system;
Based on information stored in the worker database, terminal interface means for performing login processing of the system user,
The design procedure navigation system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising:

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