DESCRIPTION

TITLE OF INVENTION: OPERATING GUIDANCE EFFECT DISPLAY APPARATUS, OPERATING GUIDANCE EFFECT DISPLAY METHOD,

AND COMPUTER PROGRAM

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to an operating guidance effect display apparatus, an operating guidance effect display method, and a computer program and is preferable particularly when used for allowing an operator to evaluate the effect of guidance related to an operation, which is given to a worker on a production line.

BACKGROUND ART

[0002] Conventionally, guidance related to an operation is given to a worker working on each production process of a production line, so as to allow the worker to perform the operation securely and efficiently. When such guidance is registered, a registrant needs to input a rule as knowledge related to the guidance.

[0003] Accordingly, in Patent Document 1, there are displayed an operating instruction information setting field for setting information related to an operating instruction, and a condition setting field for setting a condition when guidance on the operating instruction information is given to the worker. In the condition setting field, displayed items on a lower menu are changed depending on the content selected by the registrant from a higher menu, so as to allow the registrant to select a condition in a hierarchical way. In such a technique, registration of guidance can be performed easily by the registrant.

CITATION LIST PATENT LITERATURE

[0004] Patent Literature 1: Japanese Laid-open Patent Publication No. 2009-48608

SUMMARY OF INVENTION TECHNICAL PROBLEM

[0005] Incidentally, for example, in a rolling line performing continuous rolling of a thin plate in the steel industry, when a thin plate is fed onto the rolling line it is necessary to perform a welding operation between the rear end of a preceding material and the front end of a succeeding material, and it is possible that this welding operation fails. Further, depending on rolling conditions or the like, it is possible that a defect is made on a surface of a steel plate which is being carried on the rolling line. Thus, various troubles can occur on the rolling line of a thin plate, and causes thereof vary widely. Therefore, it can be difficult for the registrant to accurately determine what guidance is effective to the operation. In such cases, there is a concern that an input of rules as knowledge related to the guidance may become inappropriate, and effective guidance for the operation can no longer be performed.

However, the conventional technique is focused on giving guidance. Accordingly, there has been a problem that it does not allow the operator to perform evaluation work of the effect of guidance, such as how outputted guidance is reflected on the operation in each production process of the production line. Thus, there is a concern that, for example, pointless guidance continues to remain.

[0006] The present invention is made in view of such problems, and an object thereof is to allow an operator to evaluate the effect of guidance given to a worker on a production line.

SOLUTION TO PROBLEM

[0007] An operating guidance effect display apparatus according to the present invention relates to an operating guidance effect display apparatus displaying information to be an index allowing an operator to evaluate an effect of guidance given to a worker working on a production line for producing a product. This operating guidance effect display apparatus has an operating index storing unit, a guidance rule storing unit, a guidance record storing unit, an operating index record obtaining unit, an operating index record transition deriving unit, a guidance output status deriving unit, and a display unit. The contents of these units will be described below.

The operating index storing unit stores in a storage medium an operating index including at least one of production efficiency of the product, work efficiency when producing the product, yield of the product, and guality of the product and trouble identification information for identifying a trouble which affects the operating index, in a mutually associated manner based on a content of an operating input by the operator.

The guidance rule storing unit stores in the storage medium a guidance rule including guidance identification information for identifying the guidance and a rule for outputting the guidance, and trouble identification information for identifying a trouble to be prevented by guidance outputted according to the guidance rule, in a mutually associated manner based on a content of an operating input by the operator.

The guidance record storing unit stores in the storage medium output records of guidance including guidance identification information for identifying the guidance outputted to the production line according to the guidance rule and information related to time of output of the guidance.

The operating index record obtaining unit obtains a record of the operating index.

The operating index record transition deriving unit derives based on the record of the operating index obtained by the operating index record obtaining unit a transition of the record of the operating index in a target period specified by the operator.

The guidance output status deriving unit derives based on an output record of guidance stored by the guidance record storing unit an output status of the guidance in a target period specified by the operator

The display unit displays on a display screen the transition of the record of the operating index derived by the operating index record transition deriving unit and the output status of the guidance derived by the guidance output status deriving unit as the information to be an index.

Then, the trouble identification information mutually associated with the guidance identification information for identifying the guidance for which the output status is derived by the guidance output status deriving unit and the trouble identification information mutually associated with the operating index for which the transition of the record is derived by the operating index record transition deriving unit are the same.

[0008] An operating guidance effect display method according to the present invention relates to an operating guidance effect display method of displaying information to be an index allowing an operator to evaluate an effect of guidance given to a worker working on a production line for producing a product. This operating guidance effect display method has an operating index storing step, a guidance rule storing step, a guidance record storin step, an operating index record obtaining step, an operating index record transition deriving step, a guidance output status deriving step, and a display step. The contents of these steps will be described below.

The operating index storing step stores in a storage medium an operating index including at least one of production efficiency of the product, work efficiency when producing the product, yield of the product, and quality of the product and trouble identification information for identifying a trouble which affects the operating index, in a mutually associated manner based on a content of an operating input by the operator.

The guidance rule storing step stores in the storage medium a guidance rule including guidance identification information for identifying the guidance and a rule for outputting the guidance, and trouble identification information for identifying a trouble to be prevented by guidance outputted according to the guidance rule, in a mutually associated manner based on a content of an operating input by the operator.

The guidance record storing step stores in the storage medium output records of guidance including guidance identification information for identifying the guidance outputted to the production line according to the guidance rule and information related to time of output of the guidance.

The operating index record obtaining step obtains a record of the operating index.

The operating index record transition deriving step derives based on the record of the operating index obtained by the operating index record obtaining step a transition of the record of the operating index in a target period specified by the operator.

The guidance output status deriving step derives based on an output record of guidance stored by the guidance record storing step an output status of the guidance in a target period specified by the operator

The display step displays on a display screen the transition of the record of the operating index derived by the operating index record transition deriving step and the output status of the guidance derived by the guidance output status deriving step as the information to be an index.

Then, the trouble identification information mutually associated with the guidance identification information for identifying the guidance for which the output status is derived by the guidance output status deriving step and the trouble identification information mutually associated with the operating index for which the transition of the record is derived by the operating index record transition deriving step are the same.

[0009] A computer program of the present invention relates to a computer program causing a computer to perform displaying information to be an index on a display device allowing an operator to evaluate an effect of guidance given to a worker working on a production line for producing a product. This computer program causes the computer to execute an operating index storing step, a guidance rule storin step, a guidance record storing step, an operating index record obtaining step, an operating index record transition deriving step, a guidance output status deriving step, and a display step. The contents of these steps will be described below.

The operating index storing step stores in a storage medium an operating index including at least one of production efficiency of the product, work efficiency when producing the product, yield of the product, and quality of the product and trouble identification information for identifying a trouble which affects the operating index, in a mutually associated manner based on a content of an operating input by the operator.

The guidance rule storing step stores in the storage medium a guidance rule including guidance identification information for identifying the guidance and a rule for outputting the guidance, and trouble identification information for identifying a trouble to be prevented by guidance outputted according to the guidance rule, in a mutually associated manner based on a content of an operating input by the operator.

The guidance record storing step stores in the storage medium output records of guidance including guidance identification information for identifying the guidance outputted to the production line according to the guidance rule and information related to time of output of the guidance.

The operating index record obtaining step obtains a record of the operating index.

The operating index record transition deriving step derives based on the record of the operating index obtained by the operating index record obtaining step a transition of the record of the operating index in a target period specified by the operator.

The guidance output status deriving step derives based on an output record of guidance stored by the guidance record storing step an output status of the guidance in a target period specified by the operator

The display step displays on a display screen the transition of the record of the operating index derived by the operating index record transition deriving step and the output status of the guidance derived by the guidance output status deriving step as the information to be an index.

Then, the trouble identification information mutually associated with the guidance identification information for identifying the guidance for which the output status is derived by the guidance output status deriving step and the trouble identification information mutually associated with the operating index for which the transition of the record is derived by the operating index record transition deriving step are the same.

ADVANTAGEOUS EFFECTS OF INVENTION

[0010] According to the present invention, regarding an operating index and guidance which are mutually associated via trouble identification information for identifying a trouble, a transition of a record of the operating index and an output status of the guidance are displayed. Therefore, an operator can evaluate the effect of guidance given to workers on a production line by comparing the transition of the record of the operating index and the output status of the guidance.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0011] [Fig. 1] Fig. 1 is a diagram illustrating a first embodiment of the present invention and illustrating an example of a schematic structure of an operating support system.

[Fig. 2] Fig. 2 is a diagram illustrating the first embodiment of the present invention and illustrating an example of a hardware structure of an operating guidance effect display apparatus.

[Fig. 3] Fig. 3 is a diagram illustrating the first embodiment of the present invention and illustrating an example of a functional structure of the operating guidance effect display apparatus.

[Fig. 4A] Fig. 4A is a diagram illustrating the first embodiment of the present invention and illustrating an example of a trouble classification list registering screen.

[Fig. 4B] Fig. 4B is a diagram illustrating an example of a trouble classification list screen.

[Fig. 5] Fig. 5 is a diagram illustrating the first embodiment of the present invention and illustrating an example of a trouble classification list .

[Fig. 6] Fig. 6 is a diagram illustrating the first embodiment of the present invention and illustrating an example of the operating index master table.

[Fig. 7A] Fig. 7A is a diagram illustrating the first embodiment of the present invention and illustrating an example of a trouble-related operating index table registering screen before a related operating index is specified.

[Fig. 7B] Fig. 7B is a diagram illustrating the first embodiment of the present invention and illustrating an example of the trouble-related operating index table registering screen after a related operating index is specified.

[Fig. 8] Fig. 8 is a diagram illustrating the first embodiment of the present invention and illustrating an example of a trouble-related operating index table.

[Fig. 9] Fig. 9 is a diagram illustrating the first embodiment of the present invention and illustrating an example of a guidance rule registering screen.

[Fig. 10A] Fig. 10A is a diagram illustrating the first embodiment of the present invention and illustrating an example of a table showing part of contents of a guidance rule list.

[Fig. 10B] Fig. 10B is a diagram illustrating the first embodiment of the present invention and illustrating an example of a table showing remaining part of the contents of the guidance rule list.

[Fig. 11] Fig. 11 is a diagram illustrating the first embodiment of the present invention and illustrating an example of a guidance ID-related trouble information list.

[Fig. 12] Fig. 12 is a diagram illustrating the first embodiment of the present invention and illustrating an example of a guidance output record list .

[Fig. 13] Fig. 13 is a diagram illustrating the first embodiment of the present invention and illustrating an example of a menu screen of an operating index transit ion/guidance record screen.

[Fig. 14] Fig. 14 is a diagram illustrating the first embodiment of the present invention and illustrating an example of the operating index trans it ion/guidance record screen after a target period and a target operating index are selected.

[Fig. 15] Fig. 15 is a flowchart illustrating the first embodiment of the present invention and describing an example of operation of the operating guidance effect display apparatus when registration of the trouble classification list is performed.

[Fig. 16] Fig. 16 is a flowchart illustrating the first embodiment of the present invention and describing an example of operation of the operating guidance effect display apparatus when registration of the trouble-related operating index table is performed.

[Fig. 17] Fig. 17 is a flowchart illustrating the first embodiment of the present invention and describing an example of operation of the operating guidance effect display apparatus when registration of the guidance rule list and the guidance ID-related trouble information list is performed.

[Fig. 18] Fig. 18 is a flowchart illustrating the first embodiment of the present invention and describing an example of operation of the operating guidance effect display apparatus when the operating index transition/guidance record screen is displayed.
[Fig. 19] Fig. 19 is a diagram illustrating a second embodiment of the present invention and illustrating an example of a functional structure of an operating guidance effect display apparatus.

[Fig. 20] Fig. 20 is a diagram illustrating the second embodiment of the present invention and illustrating an example of a menu screen of an operating index trans it ion/guidance record screen.

[Fig. 21] Fig. 21 is a diagram illustrating the second embodiment of the present invention and illustrating an example of the operating index transition/guidance record screen after a target period and a target message are selected.

[Fig. 22] Fig. 22 is a flowchart illustrating the second embodiment of the present invention and describing an example of operation of the operating guidance effect display apparatus when the operating index transition/guidance record screen is displayed.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0012] (First Embodiment)

Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

Fig. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a schematic structure of an operating support system.

As illustrated in Fig. 1, the operating support system has an operating guidance effect display apparatus 10, process management apparatuses 20a to 20d, and an operating index record accumulating apparatus 30. Further, the operating guidance effect display apparatus 10, the process management apparatuses 20a to 20d, and the operating index record accumulating apparatus 30 are connected via a network in a manner capable of communicating with each other.

[0013] The operating guidance effect display apparatus 10 gives guidance on an operation via the process management apparatuses 20a to 20d to workers 40a to 40d participating the operation in respective production processes of a production line 50. Further, the operating guidance effect display apparatus 10 allows an operator of the operating guidance effect display apparatus 10 to evaluate the effect of guidance given to the workers 40a to 40d. In this manner, the operating guidance effect display apparatus 10 of this embodiment also has a function as an operating support apparatus supporting an operation by giving guidance on the operation.

[0014] The production line 50 is, for example, a plating line for sequentially plating a thin steel plate which is finish rolled, or the like. However, the production line 50 is not limited to the plating line. The operating guidance effect display apparatus 10 is preferably applied to the production line 50 in which various troubles occur and causes of the troubles vary widely. In such a production line 50, it can be difficult for a registrant of guidance as an example of the operator operating the operating guidance effect display apparatus 10 to appropriately determine contents of setting for guidance. Thus, it is important to allow the operator to evaluate the effect of guidance outputted. Further, in Fig. 1, an example is illustrated in which the production line 50 is made up of four production processes from a first process to a fourth process, but the number of production processes in the production line 50 is not limited to four.

Here, the trouble is a concept including all kinds of troubles occurring on the production line 50 and products, such as a work operation being not performed normally, the quality of a produced product being not normal, and so on.

[0015] The process management apparatuses 20a to 20d are provided corresponding to respective production processes of the production line 50. The process management apparatuses 20a to 20d give guidance with display and/or audio on information related to process management or the like to the workers 40a to 40d performing respective production processes. At this time, the process management apparatuses 20a to 20d provide the information related to process management or the like based on control by the operating guidance effect display apparatus 10 or operating inputs by the workers 40a to 40d. Further, the process management apparatuses 20a to 20d manage records of operating indexes in the respective production processes of the production line 50. The operating indexes, details of which will be described later with reference to Fig. 6, include at least one of production efficiency of a product, work efficiency when producing the product, yield of the product, and quality of the product. Further, in this embodiment, an example of producing one type of product on the production line 50 will be described.

[0016] The operating index record accumulating apparatus 30 stores in a database daily records of the operating indexes managed in the process management apparatuses 20a to 20d. In this embodiment, although details will be described later, the operating guidance effect display apparatus 10 perform the following, so as to allow the operator of the operating guidance effect display apparatus 10 to evaluate the effect of guidance given to the workers 40a to 40d. That is, the operating guidance effect display apparatus 10 displays a monthly transition of a "record of a target operating index" in a target period and an "output record in the target period" of guidance linked to the target operating index in parallel on one screen (see Fig. 14). Accordingly, the operating guidance effect display apparatus 10 obtains the "record of the target operating index" in the target period from the operating index record accumulating apparatus 30 so as to obtain the monthly transition of the "record of the target operating index" in the target period.

[0017] Next, an internal structure of the operating guidance effect display apparatus 10 will be described.

Fig. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware structure of the operating guidance effect display apparatus 10.

As illustrated in Fig. 2, the operating guidance effect display apparatus 10 has a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 12, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 13, a PD (Pointing Device) 14, a HD (Hard Disk) 15, a display device 16, a speaker 17, a communication I/F (Interface) 18, and a system bus 19.

[0018] The CPU 11 centrally controls operations in the operating guidance effect display apparatus 10, and controls respective component units (12 to 18) of the operating guidance effect display apparatus 10 via the system bus 19.

The ROM 12 stores a BIOS (Basic Input/Output Systems) and an operating system program (OS) as control programs for the CPU 11, a necessary program for the CPU 11 to execute processing by a flowchart, which will be described later, and so on. [0019] The RAM 13 functions as a main memory, a work area, and so on of the CPU 11. Upon execution of processing, the CPU 11 loads a necessary computer program and the like from the ROM 12 to the RAM 13, and loads necessary information and the like from the HD 15 to the RAM 13. Thus, the CPU 11 achieves various types of operations by executing the computer program and the like and processing of the information and the like.

The PD 14 is formed of, for example, a mouse, a keyboard, and/or the like, and forms an operating input unit for the operator to perform an operating input to the operating guidance effect display apparatus 10 as necessary. Note that operations performed by the operator, which will be described below, are all performed by operating the PD 14.

The HD 15 stores various information, data, files, and so on.

The display device 16 displays various information and images based on control by the CPU 11.

The speaker 17 outputs audio according to various information based on control by the CPU 11.

[0020] The communication I/F 18 performs communication of various information and the like with external apparatuses such as the process management apparatuses 20a to 20d via the network based on control by the CPU 11.

The system bus 19 is a bus for connecting the CPU 11, the ROM 12, the RAM 13, the PD 14, the HD 15, the display device 16, the speaker 17, and the communication I/F 18 with each other in a manner capable of communicating with each other.

Further, the process management apparatuses 20a to 20d and the operating index record accumulating apparatus 30 illustrated in Fig. 1 can be achieved by the same hardware as the operating guidance effect display apparatus 10 illustrated in Fig. 2. [0021] Fig. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional structure of the operating guidance effect display apparatus 10.

[Trouble classification list]

A trouble classification list registering unit 101 stores a trouble classification list in a trouble classification list storing unit 102 based on an operating input by the operator.

Fig. 4A is a diagram illustrating an example of a trouble classification list registering screen, and Fig. 4B is a diagram illustrating an example of a trouble classification list screen. Further, Fig. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a trouble classification list. As illustrated in Fig. 5, a trouble classification list 500 mutually associates a trouble name, a trouble classification ID for identifying the trouble name, a cause of occurrence of a trouble identified by the trouble name, and a cause ID (for example, 0001-0002) for identifying the cause of occurrence of the trouble.

[0022] In Fig. 4A, a trouble classification list registering screen 401 is displayed based on a predetermined operating input by the operator. In this trouble classification list registering screen 401, a trouble name registering field 411, a cause name registering field 412, a list display button 413, and a close button 414 are displayed.

In the trouble name registering field 411, a trouble name input field 411a and a register button 411b are displayed.

The operator inputs a text of a trouble name to be registered in the trouble name input field 411a. Thereafter, when the operator presses down the register button 411b, the trouble classification list registering unit 101 gives a trouble classification ID for identifying the trouble name to the inputted trouble name. Then, the trouble classification list registering unit 101 mutually associates the trouble classification ID and the trouble name and stores them in the trouble classification list 500 in the trouble classification list storing unit 102.

[0023] In the cause name registering field 412, a trouble name selecting field 412a, a cause setting field 412b, and a register button 412c are displayed. Further, in the cause setting field 412b, an add button 421, a delete button 422, and a cause name input field 423 are displayed.

When the operator clicks a V part in the trouble name selecting field 412a, the trouble classification list registering unit 101 extracts trouble names registered in the trouble classification list 500, and pull-down displays the extracted trouble names. The operator selects one of the pull-down displayed trouble names.

[0024] Thereafter, the operator inputs a text of a cause name to be registered in the cause name input field 423. Further, when the operator presses down the add button 421, the trouble classification list registering unit 101 adds one cause setting field 412b. Thus, it is possible to select plural cause names for one trouble name on one screen.

On the other hand, as illustrated in Fig. 4A, when the delete button 422 is pressed down in a state that only one cause setting field 412b is displayed, the trouble classification list registering unit 101 deletes data inputted in the cause name input field 423. Further, when the delete button 422 is pressed down in a state that plural cause setting fields 412b are displayed, the trouble classification list registering unit 101 deletes data of the cause setting field 412b itself to which this delete button 422 belongs. At this time, the trouble classification list registering unit 101 also deletes the display of the cause setting field 412b.

[0025] When the operator presses down the register button 412c, the trouble classification list registering unit 101 adds to a cause name inputted in the cause name input field 423 a cause ID for identifying this cause name, and mutually associates the cause name and the cause ID. Furthermore, the trouble classification list registering unit 101 mutually associates the cause name and the cause ID with the trouble name selected in the trouble name selecting field 412a and the trouble classification ID corresponding to this trouble name and register them in the trouble classification list 500 (see Fig. 5). In addition, in this embodiment, as illustrated in Fig. 5, the cause ID (for example, 0001-0002) allows identification of not only the cause name (for example, -0002) but also the trouble name (for example, 0001-) mutually associated with the cause name .

[0026] In Fig. 4A, when the operator presses down the list display button 413, the trouble classification list registering unit 101 displays a list of mutually associated "trouble names and cause names" in the trouble classification list 500 on a trouble classification list screen 402 as illustrated in Fig. 4B. In the trouble classification list screen 402, a close button 421 is displayed. When the operator presses down the close button 421, the trouble classification list registering unit 101 closes the trouble classification list screen 402.

In Fig. 4A, when the operator presses down the close button 414, the trouble classification list registering unit 101 closes the trouble classification list registering screen 401.

The trouble classification list registering unit 101 having a function as described above can be achieved by using, for example, the CPU 11, the ROM 12, the RAM 13, the PD 14, and the display device 16. Further, the trouble classification list storing unit 102 can be achieved by using, for example, the HD 15.

[0027] [Trouble-related operating index table]
In Fig. 3, an operating index master table storing unit 103 stores in advance an operating index master table indicating names of operating indexes which can be handled in the operating guidance effect display apparatus 10 based on an operating input by the operator.

Fig. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of the operating index master table. As illustrated in Fig. 6, in this embodiment, work rate, T/H, product yield, defect occurrence rate, OO defect occurrence rate, and DD defect occurrence rate are registered in an "operating index name field" of an operating index master table 600. Further, in a "definition field" of the operating index master table 600, a definition formula of the operating index represented by each operating index name is stored.

[0028] Here, a production work time is represented by a time obtained by subtracting "scheduled downtime" and "unscheduled downtime" from "working time" ("production work time" = "working time" -"scheduled downtime" - "unscheduled downtime"). As is clear from this definition of production work time, when there is a trouble on the production line and an unscheduled break time occurs, the production work time becomes shorter. Further, the defect occurrence rate indicates a value by percentage obtained by dividing "total mass of products rejected in shipping inspection" by "total mass of produced products" ("defect occurrence rate" = "total mass of products rejected in shipping inspection" -r- "total mass of produced products" X 100). Further, the OO defect occurrence rate (DD defect occurrence rate) indicates a value by percentage obtained by dividing "total mass of products rejected in shipping inspection due to OO (□ D) " by "total mass of produced products" ("OO defect occurrence rate (DD defect occurrence rate)" = "total mass of products rejected in shipping inspection due to OO (DD)" -r-"total mass of produced products" X 100) . In Fig. 6, although no specific content is illustrated for the O O defect occurrence rate and the DD defect occurrence rate, OO and DD will be, for example, inspection items performed in a shipping inspection of product.

[0029] As described above, the operating index includes at least one of production efficiency of a product, work efficiency when producing the product, yield of the product, and quality of the product. In the example illustrated in Fig. 6, the work rate corresponds to the work efficiency, T/H corresponds to the production efficiency, the production yield corresponds to the yield, and the defect occurrence rate, the OO defect occurrence rate, and the DD defect occurrence rate correspond to the quality.

In addition, the contents of operating indexes can be determined appropriately according to a product to be produced and a production line.

[0030] In Fig. 3, a trouble-related operating index table registering unit 104 stores a trouble-related operating index table in a trouble-related operating index table storing unit 105 based on an operating input by the operator.

Figs. 7 are diagrams illustrating an example of a trouble-related operating index table registering screen. Specifically, Fig. 7A illustrates an example of the trouble-related operating index table registering screen before a related operating index is specified. Further, Fig. 7B illustrates an example of the trouble-related operating index table registering screen after a related operating index is specified. Further, Fig. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of the trouble-related operating index table. As illustrated in Fig. 8, the trouble-related operating index table 800 is for mutually associating trouble classification IDs, trouble names, cause IDs, cause names, and related operating indexes. In the trouble-related operating index table 800, an operating index affected (largely) by a trouble occurred due to the cause identified by a cause ID is registered. In the trouble-related operating index table 800, it is indicated that, for example, when a welding failure occurs due to insufficient maintenance of equipment, this largely affects the work rate and the product yield. Thus, what trouble occurs due to what cause of occurrence and affects what operating index can be determined by the "trouble classification IDs, cause IDs, and operating indexes" stored in the trouble-related operating index table 800.

[0031] The trouble-related operating index table registering screen 700 illustrated in Fig. 7A and Fig 7B is displayed based on a predetermined operating input by the operator. In this trouble-related operating index table registering screen 700, a related operating index input field 701, a register button 702, and a close button 703 are displayed.

When displaying the trouble-related operating index table registering screen 700, the trouble-related operating index table registering unit 104 reads all "cause IDs, trouble names, and cause names" mutually associated in the trouble classification list 500. In a "cause ID display field, trouble name display field, and cause name display field" of the related operating index input field 701, the "cause IDs, trouble names, and cause names" read in this manner are displayed.

[0032] Further, when displaying the trouble-related operating index table registering screen 700, the trouble-related operating index table registering unit 104 reads all operating indexes stored in the operating index master table 600. In a "related operating index display field" of the related operating index input field 701, names of the operating indexes read in this manner are displayed. Further, in the related operating index input field 701, check boxes are displayed for the operator to specify an operating index determined to be affected (largely) by a "cause ID, trouble name, and cause name". The operator clicks the check box corresponding to an operating index determined to be affected (largely) by the "cause ID, trouble name, and cause name". Then, this check box is checked. In the example illustrated in Fig. 7B, the check box is blacked out.

[0033] Thereafter, when the operator presses down the register button 702, the trouble-related operating index table registering unit 104 mutually associates the operating index checked in the trouble-related operating index table registering screen 700, the "cause ID, trouble name, and cause name" associated with this operating index in the trouble-related operating index table registering screen 700, and the trouble classification ID corresponding to this trouble name, and registers them in the trouble-related operating index table 800 (see Fig. 8). In addition, an operating index that is "1" in Fig. 8 is mutually associated with a trouble classification ID, trouble name, cause name, and cause ID.

Further, when the operator presses down the close button 703, the trouble-related operating index table registering unit 104 closes the trouble-related operating index table registering screen 700.

[0034] In addition, due to groups of "cause IDs, trouble names, and cause names" mutually associated in the trouble classification list 500 being large in number, it is possible that one trouble-related operating index table registering screen 700 is unable to display all of them. In such a case, all of them are displayed of course by displaying the trouble - related operating index table registering screen 700 made up of plural pages, or the like.

[0035] Further, here, all the operating indexes stored in the operating index master table 600 are displayed on the trouble-related operating index table registering screen 700, allowing the operator to select at least one of all the operating indexes. However, it is not always necessary to do so. For example, one operating index may be associated with each of the "cause IDs, trouble names, and cause names" in the trouble-related operating index table registering screen 700. In this way, in the "related operating index display field" of the "related operating index input field 701" of the trouble-related operating index table registering screen 700, a pull down menu may be displayed for allowing the operator to select one of the operating indexes stored in the operating index master table 600, instead of the check boxes.

[0036] Further, in the "related operating index display field" of the "related operating index input field 701" of the trouble-related operating index table registering screen 700, plural pull down menus may be displayed for each group of "cause ID, trouble name, and cause name", thereby allowing selection of plural operating indexes for each group of "cause ID, trouble name, and cause name".

The trouble-related operating index table registering unit 104 having a function as described above can be achieved by using, for example, the CPU 11, the ROM 12, the RAM 13, the PD 14, and the display device 16. Further, the operating index master table storing unit 103 and the trouble-related operating index table storing unit 105 can be achieved by using, for example, the HD 15.

[0037] [Guidance rule]

In Fig. 3, a guidance rule registering unit 106 stores in a guidance rule storing unit 107 a guidance rule indicating contents of setting related to guidance of an operating instruction performed in each production process based on an input by the operator. Further, the guidance rule registering unit 106 mutually associates a guidance ID identifying a guidance rule with a trouble classification ID and a cause ID based on an operating input by the operator, and stores them in a guidance ID-related trouble information storing unit 108. What trouble of what cause of occurrence should be prevented by guidance given according to the guidance rule identified by the guidance ID can be determined by the "guidance ID, trouble classification ID, and cause ID" stored in the guidance ID-related trouble information storing unit 108 .

[0038] Fig. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a guidance rule registering screen. Further, Figs 10 are diagrams illustrating an example of a guidance rule list. Specifically, Fig. 10A is a diagram illustrating a table showing part of the guidance rule list. Further, Fig. 10B is a diagram illustrating a table showing remaining part of the guidance rule list. Further, Fig. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a guidance ID-related trouble information list.

[0039] In Fig. 9, a guidance rule setting screen 900 is displayed based on a predetermined operating input by the operator. In this guidance rule setting screen 900, an operating instruction information setting field 901, a related trouble information setting field 902, a timing/output destination setting field 903, an applicable condition setting field 904, and a operating procedure input field 905 are displayed.

[0040] In the operating instruction information setting field 901, a registration date of the guidance rule setting screen 900 and a final output date of guidance set in this guidance rule setting screen 900 are displayed. Further, in the operating instruction information setting field 901, the registrant of the guidance rule setting screen 900, a purpose for applying guidance set in this guidance rule setting screen 900, and a "message related to operating instruction" as a content of guidance are displayed. Further, by operating the operating instruction information setting field 901, it is possible to obtain a work file related to an operation of each production process of the production line.

[0041] In the related trouble information setting field 902, a trouble name selecting field 902a, a cause selecting field 902b, and a related trouble setting field 902c are displayed. In this related trouble information setting field 902, a "trouble name and cause of occurrence of trouble" identifying what trouble of what cause of occurrence is desired to be prevented by guidance given according to the guidance rule set in the guidance rule setting screen 900 are inputted.

When the operator clicks a V part in the trouble name selecting field 902a, the guidance rule registering unit 106 extracts the trouble names registered in the trouble classification list 500. Then, the guidance rule registering unit 106 pull down displays the extracted trouble names. The operator selects one of the pull-down displayed trouble names.

[0042] Further, when the operator clicks a V part in the cause selecting field 902b, the guidance rule registering unit 106 extracts the cause names registered in the trouble classification list 500 in a manner associated with the trouble name selected in the trouble name selecting field 902a. Then, the guidance rule registering unit 106 pull-down displays the extracted cause names. The operator selects one of the pull-down displayed cause names.

Thereafter, when the operator presses down an add button 912 in the related trouble setting field 902c, the guidance rule registering unit 106 mutually associates the trouble name selected in the trouble name selecting field 902a and the cause name selected in the cause selecting field 902b, and displays them in a trouble/cause display field 914. Thus, plural trouble names and causes can be selected on one screen with respect to one guidance rule.

[0043] Thus, in this embodiment, what name of trouble is desired to be prevented by the guidance registered in the guidance rule setting screen 900 and what causes this trouble are set by the registrant of guidance using the related trouble information setting field 902 in the guidance rule setting screen 900.

[0044] When a delete button 913 is pressed down in a state that only one related trouble setting field 902c is displayed as illustrated in Fig. 9, the guidance rule registering unit 106 deletes data inputted in the trouble/cause display field 914. Further, when the delete button 913 is pressed down in a state that plural related trouble setting fields 902c are displayed, the guidance rule registering unit 106 deletes data of the related trouble setting field 902c itself to which this delete button 913 belongs. At this time, the guidance rule registering unit 106 also deletes the display of the related trouble setting field 902c.

[0045] The operator inputs timing to output guidance as an operating instruction, output frequency of guidance, output destination of guidance, and output method of guidance in the timing/output destination setting field 903.

Further, in the applicable condition setting field 904, the operator selects one each from respective pull down menus of determination method, comparison target, and comparison formula 1. Then, the operator uses one or more contents set in these menus to set an applicable condition when outputting guidance. The comparison formula 1 varies in content depending on the content of selection of the comparison target, and is located at a lower hierarchy of the comparison target.

Further, the operator inputs a summary of operating procedure in the production process in the operating procedure input field 905.

[0046] Then, when the operator presses down a register button 906, the guidance rule registering unit 106 registers the contents inputted in the operating instruction information setting field 901, the timing/output destination setting field 903, the applicable condition setting field 904, and the operating procedure input field 905 as a guidance rule together with a guidance ID identifying this guidance rule in a guidance rule list 1000 in the guidance rule storing unit 107 (see Fig. 10). In addition, in Figs. 10, although an example of the guidance rule registering unit 106 is illustrated in which the contents inputted in the operating instruction information setting field 901, the timing/output destination setting field 903, the applicable condition setting field 904, and the operating procedure input field 905 are separated into two tables (table of Fig. 10A and table of Fig. 10B) to form the guidance rule list 1000, the guidance rule list 1000 may be formed of one table.

[0047] With the guidance rule list 1000 as described above being registered, the guidance rule registering unit 106 extracts the "trouble classification ID and cause ID" corresponding to the "trouble name and cause name" set in the related trouble information setting field 902 from the trouble classification list 500. Then, the guidance rule registering unit 106 mutually associates the extracted "trouble classification ID and cause ID" and the same guidance ID as the guidance ID added to the guidance rule registered in the guidance rule list 1000, and registers them in a guidance ID-related trouble information list 1100 in the guidance ID-related trouble information storing unit 108 (see Fig. 11).

In Fig. 9, when the operator presses down a close button 907, the guidance rule registering unit 106 closes the guidance rule setting screen 900.

[0048] The guidance rule registering unit 106 having a function as described above can be achieved by using, for example, the CPU 11, the ROM 12, the RAM 13, the PD 14, and the display device 16. Further, the guidance rule storing unit 107 and the guidance ID-related trouble information storing unit 108 can be achieved by using, for example, the HD 15.

Further, when it is structured to stop output of the guidance set in the guidance rule setting screen 900, the guidance rule registering unit 106 displays a guidance output stop selecting screen including a list of guidance rules registered in the guidance rule list 1000 and check boxes provided separately for the guidance rules. Then, with respect to a guidance rule checked in the guidance output stop selecting screen, the guidance rule registering unit 106 stops output until the check is removed.

[0049] [Output of guidance]

In Fig. 3, from the guidance rules stored in the guidance rule list 1000, a guidance output unit 109 extracts a guidance rule for which guidance to be outputted is set, based on information or the like transmitted from the process management apparatuses 20a to 20d. Then, according to the extracted guidance rule, the guidance output unit 109 transmits information needed for giving guidance based on this guidance rule as guidance information to at least one of the process management apparatuses 20a to 20d.

[0050] Further, the guidance output unit 109 extracts from the guidance ID-related trouble information list 1100 a "trouble classification ID and cause ID" associated with the guidance ID added to the extracted guidance rule. Then, the guidance output unit 109 mutually associates an output date and time as a date and time of transmission of guidance information, the guidance ID added to the guidance rule extracted as described above, operating instruction information which is a message registered in the guidance rule list 1000 in association with the guidance ID, and the "trouble classification ID and cause ID" extracted as described above, and registers them in a guidance output record list 1200 in a guidance output record storing unit 110 (see Fig. 12) .

[0051] The guidance output unit 109 having a function as described above can be achieved by using, for example, the CPU 11, the ROM 12, the RAM 13, the PD 14, and the communication I/F 18. Further, the guidance output record storing unit 110 can be achieved by using, for example, the HD 15.

[0052] [Display of the effect of guidance]

In Fig. 3, an operating index/guidance record display unit 111 displays, on one screen in parallel, a sequential line graph indicating a transition of a record of a target operating index in a target period, a bar graph indicating an output status of guidance associated with the target operating index among guidance given in the target period, and so on based on an operating input by the operator (see Fig. 14). Accordingly, the operator can evaluate that, for example, guidance started to be outputted just before the target operating index improves is effective guidance. Conversely, when the value of the target operating index does not change even though guidance is given or when the target operating index worsens, the operator can evaluate that the guidance is not effective for improving this target operating index.

[0053] As illustrated in Fig. 3, the operating index/guidance record display unit 111 has a menu display unit 112, a target period input unit 113, an operating index input unit 114, an operating index record obtaining unit 115, a related guidance record extracting unit 116, and a record display unit 117.

[0054] The menu display unit 112 displays a menu screen of an operating index transition/guidance record screen based on a predetermined operating input by the operator. Fig. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of the menu screen of the operating index transition/guidance record screen. In the target period input unit 113, a period selected in a period selecting field 1311 displayed on a menu screen 1301 of an operating index transit ion/guidance record screen 1300 is inputted. In the example illustrated in Fig. 13, when the operator clicks a V part in the period selecting field 1311, the target period input unit 113 pull down displays preset starts and ends of periods in units of years and months. The operator selects desired one from each of the pull-down displayed starts and ends of periods. In the target period input unit 113, the start and end of period selected in this manner are inputted as a target period.

[0055] In the operating index input unit 114, a name of an operating index selected in an operating index selecting field 1312 displayed in the menu screen 1301 is inputted. In the example illustrated in Fig. 13, when the operator clicks a V part of the operating index selecting field 1312, the operating index input unit 114 extracts names of operating indexes stored in the operating index master table 600. Then, the operating index input unit 114 pull-down displays the extracted names of operating indexes. The operator selects one desired operating index from the pull-down displayed names of operating indexes. In the operating index input unit 114, the operating index selected in this manner is inputted as a target operating index.

[0056] Thereafter, when a display button 1313 is pressed down by the operator, the following processing is performed.

First, the operating index record obtaining unit 115 obtains a record of the "target operating index inputted in the operating index input unit 114" in the target period inputted in the target period input unit 113 from the operating index record accumulating apparatus 30. Then, the operating index record obtaining unit 115 totalizes the record of the target operating index in the target period on monthly basis, and derives a monthly transition of the record of the target operating period in the target period.

[0057] In this embodiment, the record of the target operating index is obtained in this manner from the operating index record accumulating apparatus 30. Thus, the definition field of the operating index master table 600 illustrated in Fig. 6 is not always necessary. However, when the operating guidance effect display apparatus 10 obtains a variable described in the definition field of the operating index master table 600 by communication from an external apparatus or an operating input by the operator, the description of this definition field is necessary. For example, when T/H is calculated, as a variable described in the definition field of the operating index master table 600, a production volume and a production work time are obtained by the operating index record obtaining unit 115 by communication from an external apparatus or an operating input by the operator. Then, the production volume and production work time are substituted in the definition formula described in the T/H definition field, to thereby obtain a record of T/H.

[0058] The related guidance record extracting unit 116 extracts the "trouble classification ID and cause ID" mutually associated with the target operating index inputted in the operating index input unit 114 from the trouble-related operating index table 800.

Next, the related guidance record extracting unit 116 extracts a guidance ID mutually associated with the extracted "trouble classification ID and cause ID" from the guidance ID-related trouble information list 1100. Then, the related guidance record extracting unit 116 extracts as an output status of guidance the "message and output date and time" mutually associated with the extracted guidance ID from the guidance output record list 1200.

[0059] In this embodiment, an example is presented in which the guidance ID, the trouble classification ID and the cause ID and the message are mutually associated and registered in the guidance output record list 1200. However, when the guidance ID and the output date and time are mutually associated and registered in the guidance output record list 1200, the other information is not always necessary to be stored in the guidance output record list 1200. For example, when the trouble classification ID and the cause ID are not registered in the guidance output record list 1200, the related guidance record extracting unit 116 can extract from the guidance ID-related trouble information list 1100 the guidance ID mutually associated with the "trouble classification ID and cause ID" mutually associated with the target operating index inputted in the operating index input unit 114. Further, when the message is not registered in the guidance output record list 1200, the related guidance record extracting unit 116 can extract the guidance ID as described above and then extract a message mutually associated with the extracted guidance ID and registered in the guidance rule list 1000.

[0060] Further, instead of the "output date and time of guidance", it is also possible to derive and output a period in which an output of the same guidance is continued. Whether an output of guidance is continued or not can be determined from, for example, whether an interval of output date and time is within a predetermined range or not. Further, it can be determined also from whether an output of the guidance rule is stopped or not.

[0061] The record display unit 117 updates the display of the operating index transition/guidance record screen based on the contents inputted in the menu screen 1301. Fig. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of the operating index transition/guidance record screen after the target period and the target operating index are selected. Here, an example is presented in which the "DD defect occurrence rate" is selected as the target operating index.

Based on the "monthly record of the target operating index in the target period" totalized by the operating index record obtaining unit 115, the record display unit 117 displays a sequential line graph 1411 representing a transition of record of the target operating index in the target period on an operating index transition display area 1401 of an operating index transition/guidance record screen 1400 with the target period being a horizontal axis

[0062] Further, based on the "message and output date and time" extracted by the related guidance record extracting unit 116, the record display unit 117 displays the message 1422 and bar graphs 1421a, 1421b indicating periods in which the messages are outputted in a related guidance record display area 1402 of the operating index transition/guidance record screen 1400.

[0063] Specifically, in this embodiment, corresponding to the scale of the horizontal axis o the sequential line graph 1411 displayed on the operating index transition display area 1401, the b graphs 1421a, 1421b indicating the periods in which the message is outputted are displayed below this horizontal axis. Further, besides the bar graphs 1421a, 1421b, respective contents of messages corresponding to the bar graphs 1421a, 1421b are displayed. In the example illustrated in Fig. 14, the periods in which the messages are outputted are indicated by the bar graphs 1421a, 1421b. However, the bar graphs 1421a, 1421b do not always indicate that the messages are outputted continuously. For example, it is possible that the bar graphs 1421a, 1421b indicate periods in which messages are outputted on schedule. Further, it is not always necessary to indicate a period in which a message i outputted by the bar graphs 1421a, 1421b. For example, a dot may be displayed at the position corresponding to the time the message is actually outputted. In this manner, the output status of guidance may contain at least the contents of guidance and information of timing the guidance is outputted. Further, the guidance output status may contain, for example, at least one of location where guidance is outputted and a production process performed at the location where guidance is outputted

[0064] When a close button 1314 is pressed down by the operator in Fig. 13 and Fig. 14, the record display unit 117 finishes the display of the operating index transition/guidance record screens 1300, 1400.

The operating index/guidance record display unit 111 having a function as described above can be achieved by using, for example, the CPU 11, the ROM 12, the RAM 13, the PD 14, the HD 15, and the display device 16.

[0065] [Operation flowchart]

Next, an example of operation of the operating guidance effect display apparatus 10 when registration of the trouble classification list 500 is performed will be described with reference to a flowchart of Fig. 15.

First, in step S1501, the trouble classification list registering unit 101 displays the trouble classification list registering screen 401 as illustrated in Fig. 4A based on a predetermined operating input by the operator.

Next, in step S1502, the trouble classification list registering unit 101 accepts an input of a trouble name by the operator in the trouble name input field 411a.

Then, in step S1503, the trouble classification list registering unit 101 determines whether the register button 411b is pressed down by the operator or not. As a result of this determination, when the register button 411b is pressed down, the flow proceeds to step S1504, and the trouble classification list registering unit 101 adds to the trouble name inputted in the trouble name input field 411a a trouble classification ID for identifying this trouble name. Then the trouble classification list registering unit 101 mutually associates the trouble classification ID and the trouble name and registers them in the trouble classification list 500 (see Fig. 5) . Then, the flow proceeds to step S1505.

[0066] On the other hand, in step S1503, when the register button 411b is not pressed down, the trouble name is not registered, and thus step S1504 is omitted and the flow proceeds to step S1505.

Having proceeded to step S1505, the trouble classification list registering unit 101 accepts inputs of the operator to the cause name registering field 412. Specifically, the trouble classification list registering unit 101 accepts an input of a trouble name in the trouble name selecting field 412a and an input of a cause name in the cause setting field 412b by the operator. The method of inputting in the cause name registering field 412 is as already described with reference to Fig. 4.

[0067] Next, in step S1506, the trouble classification list registering unit 101 determines whether the register button 412c is pressed down by the operator or not. As a result of this determination, when the register button 412c is pressed down, the flow proceeds to step S1507, and the trouble classification list registering unit 101 mutually associates the cause name inputted in the cause name input field 423, the cause ID for identifying this cause name, the trouble name selected in the trouble name selecting field 412a, and the trouble classification ID for identifying the trouble name and registers them in the trouble classification list 500 (see Fig. 5). Then, the flow proceeds to step S1508.

[0068] On the other hand, when the register button 412c is not pressed down in step S1506, the cause name is not registered, and thus step S1507 is omitted and the flow proceeds to step S1508.

Having proceeded to step S1508, the trouble classification list registering unit 101 determines whether the list display button 413 is pressed down by the operator or not. As a result of this determination, when the list display button 413 is pressed down, the flow proceeds to step S1509, and the trouble classification list registering unit 101 displays the trouble classification list screen 402 as illustrated in Fig. 4B.

Next, in step S1510, the trouble classification list registering unit 101 waits until the close button 421 is pressed down by the operator. Then, when the close button 421 is pressed down, the flow proceeds to step S1502.

[0069] In step S1508, when the list display button 413 is not pressed down, the flow proceeds to step S1511, and the trouble classification list registering unit 101 determines whether the close button 414 is pressed down by the operator or not. As a result of this determination, when the close button 414 is not pressed down, the flow returns to step S1502. On the other hand, when the close button 414 is pressed down, the processing of the flowchart of Fig. 15 is finished.

[0070] Next, an example of operation of the operating guidance effect display apparatus 10 when registration of the trouble-related operating index table 800 is performed will be described with reference to a flowchart of Fig. 16.

First, in step S1601, the trouble-related operating index table registering unit 104 displays the trouble-related operating index table registering screen 700 as illustrated in Fig. 7A based on a predetermined operating input by the operator.

[0071] Next, in step S1602, the trouble-related operating index table registering unit 104 accepts an input by the operator in the "related operating index input field 701" of the trouble-related operating index table registering screen 700. As described above, in this embodiment, the operator performs the input in the "related operating index input field 701" by clicking the check box corresponding to an operating index which is determined to be affected (largely) by the "cause ID, trouble name, and- cause name".

Next, in step S1603, the trouble-related operating index table registering unit 104 determines whether the register button 702 is pressed down by the operator or not. As a result of this determination, when the register button 702 is not pressed down, the step S1604 is omitted and the flow proceeds to step S1605 which will be described later.

[0072] On the other hand, when the register button 702 is pressed down, the flow proceeds to step S1604, and the trouble-related operating index table registering unit 104 mutually associates the operating index inputted in step S1604 and the "trouble classification ID, trouble name, cause ID, and cause name" correlated with this operating index in the trouble-related operating index table registering screen 700 and registers them in the trouble-related operating index table 800. Then, the flow proceeds to step S1605.

Having proceeded to step S1605, the trouble- related operating index table registering unit 104 determines whether the close button 703 is pressed down by the operator or not. As a result of this determination, when the close button 703 is not pressed down, the flow returns to step S1602. On the other hand, when the close button 703 is pressed down, the processing of the flowchart Fig. 16 is finished.

[0073] Next, with reference to a flowchart of Fig. 17, an example of operation of the operating guidance effect display apparatus 10 when registration of the guidance rule list 1000 and the guidance ID-related trouble information list 1100 is performed will be described.

First, in step S1701, the guidance rule registering unit 106 displays the guidance rule setting screen 900 as illustrated in Fig. 9 based on a predetermined operating input by the operator.

Next, in step S1702, the guidance rule registering unit 106 accepts an input by the operator to the operating instruction information setting field 901 of the guidance rule setting screen 900.

[0074] Next, in step S1703, the guidance rule registering unit 106 accepts inputs by the operator to the related trouble information setting field 902. Specifically, the guidance rule registering unit 106 accepts an input of a trouble name by the operator in the trouble name selecting field 902a, an input of a cause name in the "cause name selecting field 902b", and an input in the "related trouble setting field 902c". The method of inputting in the related trouble information setting field 902 is as already described with reference to Fig. 9.

[0075] Next, in step S1704, the guidance rule registering unit 106 accepts an input by the operator in the timing/output destination setting field 903.

Next, in step S1705, the guidance rule registering unit 106 accepts an input by the operator in the operating procedure input field 905.

Next, in step S1706, the guidance rule registering unit 106 determines whether the register button 906 is pressed down by the operator or not. As a result of this determination, when the register button 906 is pressed down, the flow proceeds to step S1707 .

[0076] Having proceeded to step S1707, the guidance rule registering unit 106 registers the contents inputted in the operating instruction information setting field 901, the timing/output destination setting field 903, the applicable condition setting field 904, and the operating procedure input field 905 as a guidance rule in the guidance rule list 1000 together with the guidance ID identifying this guidance rule (see Fig. 10).

Moreover, the guidance rule registering unit 106 extracts the "trouble classification ID and cause ID" corresponding to the "trouble name and cause name" set in the related trouble information setting field 902 from the trouble classification list 500. Then, the guidance rule registering unit 106 mutually associates the extracted "trouble classification ID and cause ID" and the same guidance ID as the guidance ID added to the guidance rule registered in the guidance rule list 1000, and registers them in the guidance ID-related trouble information list 1100 (see Fig. 11).

Then, the processing of the flowchart of Fig. 17 is finished.

[0077] In step S1706, when the register button 906 is not pressed down, the flow proceeds to step S1708, and the guidance rule registering unit 106 determines whether the close button 907 is pressed down by the operator or not. As a result of this determination, when the close button 907 is not pressed down, the flow proceeds to step S1702. On the other hand, when the close button 907 is pressed down, the processing of the flowchart of Fig. 17 is finished.

[0078] Next, with reference to a flowchart of Fig. 18, an example of operation of the operating guidance effect display apparatus 10 when displaying the operating index transition/guidance record screens 1300, 1400 will be described.

First, in step S1801, the menu display unit 112 displays the menu screen 1301 of the operating index transition/guidance record screen 1300 as illustrated in Fig. 13 based on a predetermined operating input by the operator.

[0079] Next, in step S1802, the target period input unit 113 accepts an input of a target period by the operator in the period selecting field 1311 of the menu screen 1301.

Next, in step S1803, the operating index input unit 114 accepts an input of a target operating index by the operator in the operating index selecting field 1312 of the menu screen 1301.

Next, in step S1804, the operating index record obtaining unit 115 determines whether the display button 1313 of the menu screen 1301 is pressed down by the operator or not. As a result of this determination, when the display button 1313 is not pressed down, the flow returns to step S1802. On the other hand, when the display button 1313 is pressed down, the flow proceeds to step S1805.

[0080] Having proceeded to step S1805, the operating index record obtaining unit 115 obtains a record of the target operating index in the target period from the operating index record accumulating apparatus 30. Then, the operating index record obtaining unit 115 totalizes the record of the target operating index in the target period on monthly basis.

Next, in step S1806, the related guidance record extracting unit 116 extracts the "trouble classification ID and cause ID" mutually associated with the target operating index from the trouble-related operating index table 800. Then, the related guidance record extracting unit 116 extracts the guidance ID mutually associated with the extracted "trouble classification ID and cause ID" from the guidance ID-related trouble information list 1100. Then, the related guidance record extracting unit 116 extracts the "message and output date and time" mutually associated with the extracted guidance ID as an output status of guidance from the guidance output record list 1200.

[0081] Next, in step S1807, based on the "monthly record of the target operating index in the target period" totalized by the operating index record obtaining unit 115, the record display unit 117 displays the sequential line graph 1411 representing a transition of the record of the target operating index in the target period with the target period being a horizontal axis on the operating index transition display area 1401 of the operating index trans it ion/guidance record screen 1400. Further, based on the "message and output date and time" extracted by the related guidance record extracting unit 116, the record display unit 117 displays the bar graphs 1421a, 1421b indicating a period in which this message is outputted on the related guidance record display area 1402 corresponding to the scale of the horizontal axis of the sequential line graph 1411 displayed on the operating index transition display area 1401. Further, the record display unit 117 displays the contents of the message corresponding to the bar graphs 1421a, 1421b in the related guidance record display area 1402.

Next, in step S1808, the record display unit 117 waits until the close button 1314 is pressed down by the operator. Then, when the close button 1314 is pressed down, the processing of the flowchart of Fig. 18 is finished.

[0082] [Summary]
As described above, in this embodiment, the trouble classification ID identifying a type of trouble and the cause ID identifying a cause of occurrence of trouble are mutually associated with each of the operating index including at least one of production efficiency of the product, work efficiency when producing the product, yield of the product, and quality of the product and the guidance ID identifying the guidance rule. When the operator specifies a target period and a target operating index, a record of the target operating index in this target period is obtained. Further, the "trouble classification ID and cause ID" associated with the target operating index are extracted. Then, there is extracted a message outputted in the target period based on the guidance rule identified by the guidance ID associated with the extracted "trouble classification ID and cause ID". Then, the sequential line graph 1411 indicating a transition of the record of the target operating index in the target period, the bar graphs 1421a, 1421b indicating the period in which the message is outputted, and the message 1422 corresponding to the bar graphs 1421a, 1421b are displayed in parallel on one screen.

[0083] Therefore, the operator can grasp what message has improved the specified target operating index by seeing the sequential line graph 1411, the bar graphs 1421a, 1421b, and the contents of the message 1422. Thus, the operator can evaluate the effect of guidance given to the workers on the production line 50.

[0084] At this time, since the sequential line graph 1411, the bar graphs 1421a, 1421b, and the message 1422 are displayed on one screen, the operator is able to see and compare them easily. Further, since the operating index and the message are mutually associated with both the trouble classification ID and the cause ID, not only the type of trouble but also the "operating index and message" for which the cause of occurrence of trouble is the same can be obtained and displayed. Thus, it is possible to allow the operator to accurately evaluate the effect of guidance than in the case where the operating index and the message are mutually associated by only the trouble classification ID.

[0085] In this embodiment, the case where one type of product is produced on the production line 50 is described as an example. However, this embodiment can be applied also when plural types of products are produced on the production line 50. In this case, for example, the operating index record accumulating apparatus 30 stores a monthly record of an operating index of each of the products in the database. Further, the operating index master table 600, the trouble-related operating index table 800, the guidance ID-related trouble information list 1100, and the guidance output record list 1200 are created for each of the products. Then, a product is specified in the menu screen 1301 of the operating index transition/guidance record screen 1300, and then the target period and the target operating index are specified.

[0086] (Second Embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the first embodiment, a target operating index is specified in the menu screen 1301 of the operating index trans it ion/guidance record screen 1300, and a message mutually associated with the operating index is extracted via the trouble classification ID and the cause ID. On the other hand, in this embodiment, a message is specified, and an operating index mutually associated with this message is extracted via the trouble classification ID and the cause ID. Thus, this embodiment and the first embodiment mainly differ in processing when the transition of a record of an operating index, the content of message as a record of guidance, and the output period thereof are displayed. Therefore, in the description of this embodiment, the same parts as in the first embodiment are given the same numerals as those given in Fig. 1 to Fig. 18, and detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0087] Fig. 19 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional structure of an operating guidance effect display apparatus 1900.

As illustrated in Fig. 19, the operating guidance effect display apparatus 1900 has a guidance/operating index record display unit 1901 instead of the operating index/guidance record display unit 111 provided in the operating guidance effect display apparatus 10 of the first embodiment illustrated in Fig. 3. The other functional structure provided in the operating guidance effect display apparatus 1900 is the same as that in the operating guidance effect display apparatus 10 of the first embodiment.

[0088] [Display of the effect of guidance]

Based on an operating input from the operator, the guidance/operating index record display unit 1901 displays the output status of a target message in a target period and a sequential line graph indicating the transition of a record of an operating index related to the target message in the target period, and so on in parallel on one screen (see Fig. 21). Thus, the operator can evaluate, for example, whether an output of a specified message (guidance) was effective for improving the operating index.

[0089] As illustrated in Fig. 19, the guidance/operating index record display unit 1901 has a menu display unit 1902, a target period input unit 1903, a message input unit 1904, a guidance record extracting unit 1905, a related operating index obtaining unit 1906, and a record display unit 1907.

[0090] The menu display unit 1902 displays a menu screen of an operating index transition/guidance record screen based on a predetermined operating input by the operator. Fig. 20 is a diagram illustrating an example of the menu screen of the operating index transition/guidance record screen.

In the target period input unit 1903, a period selected in a period selecting field 2011 displayed on a menu screen 2001 of an operating index transition/guidance record screen 2000 is inputted. The method of inputting in the target period input unit 1903 is the same as the method of inputting in the target period input unit 113 described in the first embodiment.

[0091] In the message input unit 1904, a content of message selected in a message selecting field 2012 displayed on the menu screen 2001 is inputted. As illustrated in Fig. 20, an add button 2211a, a delete button 2212a, and a message content selecting field 2312a are displayed in a message selecting field 2012a.

When the operator clicks a V part of the message content selecting field 2312a, the message input unit 1904 extracts the contents of messages from the guidance rule list 1000 stored in the guidance rule storing unit 107 and pull-down displays the extracted contents of messages. The operator selects one of the pull-down displayed contents of messages as a target message.

[0092] Further, when the operator presses down the add button 2211a, the message input unit 1904 adds one message selecting field 2012. In Fig. 21, an example in which a message selecting field 2012b is added is illustrated. Thus, the operator can select plural messages.

When the delete button 2212 is pressed down in a state that only one message selecting field 2012 is displayed, the message input unit 1904 deletes data inputted in the message selecting field 2012. Further, when the delete button 2212 is pressed down in a state that plural message selecting fields 2012 are displayed, the message input unit 1904 deletes data of the message selecting field 2012 itself to which this delete button 2212 belongs. At this time, the message input unit 1904 also deletes the display of the message selecting field 2012.

[0093] Thereafter, when the operator presses down the display button 2013, the following processing is performed.

First, the guidance record extracting unit 1905 extracts from the guidance output record list 1200 an output date and time as an output record in the target period of the target message selected in the message selecting field 2012.

[0094] Next, the related operating index obtaining unit 1906 extracts a "trouble classification ID and cause ID" mutually associated with the message selected in the message selecting field 2012 from the guidance output record list 1200. Then, the related operating index obtaining unit 1906 extracts an operating index mutually associated with the extracted "trouble classification ID and cause ID" from the trouble-related operating index table 800.

[0095] In the menu screen 2001, when plural messages are selected and plural "trouble classification IDs and cause IDs" mutually associated with the plural messages are obtained, the related operating index obtaining unit 1906 extracts an operating index mutually associated with both the plural "trouble classification IDs and cause IDs". For example, in Fig. 8, when "0001, 0001-0001" and "0101, 0101-0001" are obtained as groups of trouble classification ID and cause ID, a product yield is extracted as an operating index mutually associated with both of them

[0096] Then, the related operating index obtaining unit 1906 obtains from the operating index record accumulating apparatus 30 a record of the "operating index in the target period" extracted from the trouble-related operating index table 800. Then, the related operating index obtaining unit 1906 totalizes the record of the operating index in the target period on monthly basis.

[0097] The record display unit 1907 changes the display of the operating index transition/guidance record screen based on the content inputted in the menu screen 2001. Fig. 21 is a diagram illustrating an example of the operating index transition/guidance record screen after the target period and the target message are selected. Here, an example is presented in which "CAUTION: @© FAILURE MAY OCCUR. PLEASE INTENSIFY INSPECTION" and "PLEASE EXECUTE DD" are selected as target messages.

Based on the "monthly record of the operating index in the target period" totalized by the related operating index obtaining unit 1906, the record display unit 1907 displays sequential line graphs 2121a, 2121b representing transitions of records of operating indexes in the target period in a related operating index transition display area 2101 of an operating index trans it ion/guidance record screen 2100 with the target period being a horizontal axis.

[0098] Further, based on output dates and times of the target messages, the record display unit 1907 displays the target messages 2111 and bar graphs 2112a, 2112b indicating periods in which the target messages are outputted in a guidance record display area 2102 of the operating index transition/guidance record screen 2100.

Specific methods of displaying the sequential line graphs 2121, the target messages 2111, and the bar graphs 2112 are the same as the methods of displaying the sequential line graph 1411, the message 1422, and the bar graphs 1421, respectively, which are described in the first embodiment.

[0099] As described above, in this embodiment, plural messages may be selected in the message selecting field 2012. Thus, as illustrated in Fig. 21, in the related operating index transition display area 2101, the sequential line graphs 2121 corresponding to the number of messages selected in the message selecting field 2012 are displayed.

In Fig. 20 and Fig. 21, when a close button 2014 is pressed down by the operator, the record display unit 1907 finishes the display of the operating index transition/guidance record screens 2000, 2100.

The guidance/operating index record display unit 1901 having a function as described above can be achieved by using, for example, the CPU 11, the ROM 12, the RAM 13, the PD 14, the HD 15, and the display device 16.

[0100] [Operation flowchart]

Next, an example of operation of the operating guidance effect display apparatus 1900 when the operating index transition/guidance record screens 2000, 2100 are displayed will be described with reference to a flowchart of Fig. 22.

First, in step S2201, the menu display unit 1902 displays the menu screen 2001 of the operating index transition/guidance record screen 2000 as illustrated in Fig. 20 based on a predetermined operating input by the operator.

[0101] Next, in step S2202, the target period input unit 1903 accepts an input of a target period by the operator in the period selecting field 2011 of the menu screen 2001.

Next, in step S2203, the message input unit 1904 accepts an input of a target message by the operator in the message selecting field 2012 of the menu screen 2001.

Next, in step S2204, the guidance record extracting unit 1905 determines whether the display button 2013 of the menu screen 2001 is pressed down by the operator or not. As a result of this determination, when the display button 2013 is not pressed down, the flow returns to step S2202. On the other hand, when the display button 2013 is pressed down, the flow proceeds to step S2205.

[0102] Having proceeded to step S2205, the guidance record extracting unit 1905 extracts the output date and time in the target period of the target message from the guidance output record list 1200.

Next, in step S2206, the related operating index obtaining unit 1906 extracts a "trouble classification ID and cause ID" mutually associated with the target message from the guidance output record list 1200. Then, the related operating index obtaining unit 1906 extracts an operating index mutually associated with the extracted "trouble classification ID and cause ID" from the trouble-related operating index table 800. Then, the related operating index obtaining unit 1906 obtains from the operating index record accumulating apparatus 30 a record in the target period of the operating index extracted from the trouble-related operating index table 800, and totalizes the record of the operating index in the target period on monthly basis.

[0103] Next, in step S2207, the record display unit 1907 displays the sequential line graph 2121 representing a transition of the record of the operating index in the target period on the related operating index transition display area 2101 of the operating index transition/guidance record screen 2100 with the target period being a horizontal axis based on the "monthly record of the operating index in the target period" totalized by the related operating index obtaining unit 1906. Further, based on the output date and time of the target message, the record display unit 1907 displays the bar graphs 2112a, 2112b indicating periods in which the target message is outputted in the guidance record display area 2102 corresponding to the scale of the horizontal axis of the sequential line graph 2121 displayed in the related operating index transition display area 2101. Further, the record display unit 1907 displays the target message 2111 corresponding to the bar graphs 2112a, 2112b in the guidance record display area 2102. In this embodiment, these bar graphs 2112a, 2112b and the target message 2111 display an output status of guidance.

Next, in step S2208, the record display unit 1907 waits until the close button 2014 is pressed down by the operator. Then, when the close button 2014 is pressed down, the processing of the flowchart of Fig. 22 is finished.

[0104] [Summary]

In this embodiment, as described above, when the operator specifies a target period and a target message, an output record of the target message in the target period is obtained. Further, the "trouble classification ID and cause ID" associated with this target message are extracted, and a record in the target period of the operating index associated with the extracted "trouble classification ID and cause ID" is obtained. Then, the sequential line graphs 2121a, 2121b indicating a transition of the record of the operating index in the target period, the bar graphs 2112a, 2112b indicating a period in which the target message is outputted, and the target message 2111 corresponding to the bar graphs 2112a, 2112b are displayed in parallel on one screen.

Therefore, by seeing the sequential line graphs 2121a, 2121b, the bar graphs 2112a, 2112b, and the contents of the target message 2111, the operator can grasp which operating index the specified message is effective for improvement. Thus, the operator can evaluate the effect of guidance given to workers on the production line 50.

In this embodiment, the various modification examples described in the first embodiment can be employed.

[0105] Note that the above-described embodiments of the present invention can be achieved with a computer executing a program. Further, means for supplying the program to a computer, for example a computer readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM recording such a program, or a communication medium transmitting such a program can be applied as an embodiment of the present invention. Further, a program product such as a computer readable recording medium recording the program can be applied as an embodiment of the present invention. The program, the computer readable recording medium, the transmission medium, and the program product are included in the scope of the present invention.

It should be noted that the above embodiments of the present invention merely illustrate concrete examples of implementing the present invention, and the technical scope of the present invention is not to be construed in a restrictive manner by these embodiments. That is, the present invention may be implemented in various forms without departing from the technical spirit or main features thereof.

[0106] In addition, in the above-described first and second embodiments, for example, an example of an operating index storing unit is achieved by the trouble-related operating index table registering unit 104 registering in the trouble-related operating index table 800 the operating index selected by the operator for each of the "cause ID, trouble name, and cause name" in the trouble-related operating index table registering screen 700, the trouble classification ID corresponding to this trouble name, and this cause ID in a mutually associated manner. Further, for example, an example of trouble identification information is achieved by the trouble classification ID and the cause ID.

[0107] Further, for example, an example of a guidance rule storing unit is achieved by the guidance rule registering unit 106 registering the guidance rule and the guidance ID in the guidance rule list 1000, and registering in the guidance ID-related trouble information list 1100 the same guidance ID as this guidance ID and the "trouble classification ID and cause ID" corresponding to a "trouble name and cause name" set in the related trouble information setting field 902 in a mutually associated manner. Moreover, for example, the guidance ID achieves an example of guidance identification information.

[0108] Further, for example, an example of a guidance record storing unit is achieved by the guidance output record storing unit 110 registering in the guidance output record list 1200 the guidance ID added to a guidance rule and a date and time of transmission of guidance information based on the guidance rule in a mutually associated manner.

[0109] Further, in the above-described first embodiment, for example, an example of an operating index record obtaining unit is achieved by the operating index record obtaining unit 115 obtaining a record of a target operating index in a target period from the operating index record accumulating apparatus 30.

Further, in the above-described second embodiment, for example, an example of the operating index record obtaining unit is achieved by the related operating index obtaining unit 1906 extracting a "trouble classification ID and cause ID" mutually associated with a message selected in the message selecting field 2012 from the guidance output record list 1200, extracting an operating index mutually associated with the "trouble classification ID and cause ID" from the trouble-related operating index table 800, and obtaining a record in a target period of the extracted operating index from the operating index record accumulating apparatus 30.

[0110] Further, in the above-described first embodiment, an example of an operating index record transition deriving unit is achieved by the operating index record obtaining unit 115 totalizing a record of a target operating index in a target period on monthly basis, and deriving a monthly transition of the record of the operating index in the target period.

Further, in the above-described second embodiment, an example of the operating index record transition deriving unit is achieved by the related operating index obtaining unit 1906 totalizing a record of an operating index in a target period on monthly basis, and deriving a monthly transition of the record of the operating index in the target period.

[0111] Further, in the above-described first embodiment, an example of a guidance output status deriving unit is achieved by the related guidance record extracting unit 116 extracting a "trouble classification ID and cause ID" mutually associated with a target operating index and a guidance ID mutually associated with the "trouble classification ID and cause ID" from the trouble-related operating index table 800 and the guidance ID-related trouble information list 1100, respectively, and extracting a "message and output date and time" mutually associated with the extracted guidance ID from the guidance output record list 1200.

Further, in the above-described second embodiment, an example of the guidance output status deriving unit is achieved by the guidance record extracting unit 1905 extracting an "output date and time in target period" of a target message from the guidance output record list 1200. Further, an example of target guidance is achieved by the target message.

[0112] Further, in the above-described first embodiment, for example, an example of a display unit is achieved by the record display unit 117 displaying the sequential line graph 1411, the bar graphs 1421a, 1421b, and the message 1422 on the operating index transition/guidance record screen 1400.

Further, in the above-described second embodiment, for example, an example of the display unit is achieved by the record display unit 1907 displaying the sequential line graphs 2121a, 2121b, the bar graphs 2112a, 2112b, and the target message 2111 on the operating index transition/guidance record screen 2100 .

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

[0113] The present invention can be used in manufacturing industry for producing products on a production line.

CLAIMS

1. An operating guidance effect display apparatus displaying information to be an index allowing an operator to evaluate an effect of guidance given to a worker working on a production line for producing a product, the apparatus comprising:

an operating index storing unit storing in a storage medium an operating index including at least one of production efficiency of the product, work efficiency when producing the product, yield of the product, and guality of the product and trouble identification information for identifying a trouble which affects the operating index, in a mutually associated manner based on a content of an operating input by the operator;

a guidance rule storing unit storing in the storage medium a guidance rule including guidance identification information for identifying the guidance and a rule for outputting the guidance, and trouble identification information for identifying a trouble to be prevented by guidance outputted according to the guidance rule, in a mutually associated manner based on a content of an operating input by the operator;

a guidance record storing unit storing in the storage medium output records of guidance including guidance identification information for identifying the guidance outputted to the production line according to the guidance rule and information related to time of output of the guidance;

an operating index record obtaining unit obtaining a record of the operating index;

an operating index record transition deriving unit deriving based on the record of the operating index obtained by the operating index record obtaining unit a transition of the record of the operating index in a target period specified by the operator;

a guidance output status deriving unit deriving based on an output record of guidance stored by the guidance record storing unit an output status of the guidance in a target period specified by the operator; and

a display unit displaying on a display screen the transition of the record of the operating index derived by the operating index record transition deriving unit and the output status of the guidance derived by the guidance output status deriving unit as the information to be an index, wherein

the trouble identification information mutually associated with the guidance identification information for identifying the guidance for which the output status is derived by the guidance output status deriving unit and the trouble identification information mutually associated with the operating index for which the transition of the record is derived by the operating index record transition deriving unit are the same.

2. The operating guidance effect display apparatus according to claim 1, wherein

the operating index record transition deriving unit derives a transition in the target period of a record of a target operating index specified by the operator based on the record of the operating index obtained by the operating index record obtaining unit, and

based on an output record of guidance identified by guidance identification information mutually associated with the same trouble identification information as trouble identification information mutually associated with the target operating index out of the output records of guidance stored by the guidance record storing unit, the guidance output status deriving unit derives an output status of the guidance in the target period.

3. The operating guidance effect display apparatus according to claim 1, wherein

the guidance output status deriving unit derives based on an output record of guidance stored by the guidance record storing unit an output status in the target period of target guidance specified by the operator, and

the operating index record transition deriving unit derives the transition of the record of the operating index in the target period based on a record of the operating index mutually associated with the same trouble identification information as trouble identification information mutually associated with guidance identification information for identifying the target guidance.

4. The operating guidance effect display apparatus according to claim 1, wherein

the trouble identification information includes a trouble classification ID for identifying a type of trouble and a cause ID for identifying a cause of occurrence of trouble.

5. The operating guidance effect display apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the display unit displays the information to be an index in parallel on one screen.

6. The operating guidance effect display

apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the operating index record obtaining unit obtains the record of the operating index from an external database.

7. An operating guidance effect display method of displaying information to be an index allowing an operator to evaluate an effect of guidance given to a worker working on a production line for producing a product, the method comprising:

an operating index storing step of storing in a storage medium an operating index including at least one of production efficiency of the product, work efficiency when producing the product, yield of the product, and quality of the product and trouble identification information for identifying a trouble which affects the operating index, in a mutually associated manner based on a content of an operating input by the operator;

a guidance rule storing step of storing in the storage medium a guidance rule including guidance identification information for identifying the guidance and a rule for outputting the guidance, and trouble identification information for identifying a trouble to be prevented by guidance outputted according to the guidance rule, in a mutually associated manner based on a content of an operating input by the operator;

a guidance record storing step of storing in the storage medium output records of guidance including guidance identification information for identifying the guidance outputted to the production line according to the guidance rule and information related to time of output of the guidance;

an operating index record obtaining step of obtaining a record of the operating index;

an operating index record transition deriving step of deriving based on the record of the operating index obtained by the operating index record obtaining step a transition of the record of the operating index in a target period specified by the operator;
a guidance output status deriving step of deriving based on an output record of guidance stored by the guidance record storing step an output status of the guidance in a target period specified by the operator; and

a display step of displaying on a display screen the transition of the record of the operating index derived by the operating index record transition deriving step and the output status of the guidance derived by the guidance output status deriving step as the information to be an index, wherein
the trouble identification information mutually associated with the guidance identification information for identifying the guidance for which the output status is derived by the guidance output status deriving step and the trouble identification information mutually associated with the operating index for which the transition of the record is derived by the operating index record transition deriving step are the same.

8. The operating guidance effect display method according to claim 7, wherein

the operating index record transition deriving step derives a transition in the target period of a record of a target operating index specified by the operator based on the record of the operating index obtained by the operating index record obtaining step, and

based on an output record of guidance identified by guidance identification information mutually associated with the same trouble identification information as trouble identification information mutually associated with the target operating index out of the output records of guidance stored by the guidance record storing step, the guidance output status deriving step derives an output status of the guidance in the target period.

9. The operating guidance effect display method according to claim 7, wherein

the guidance output status deriving step derives based on an output record of guidance stored by the guidance record storing step an output status in the target period of target guidance specified by the operator, and

the operating index record transition deriving step derives the transition of the record of the operating index in the target period based on a record of the operating index mutually associated with the same trouble identification information as trouble identification information mutually associated with guidance identification information for identifying the target guidance.

10. The operating guidance effect display method according to claim 7, wherein

the trouble identification information includes a trouble classification ID for identifying a type of trouble and a cause ID for identifying a cause of occurrence of trouble.

11. The operating guidance effect display method

according to claim 7, wherein the display step displays the information to be an index in parallel on one screen.

12. The operating guidance effect display method according to claim 7, wherein

the operating index record obtaining step obtains the record of the operating index from an external database.

13. A computer program causing a computer to

perform displaying information to be an index on a display device allowing an operator to evaluate an effect of guidance given to a worker working on a production line for producing a product, the computer program causing the computer to execute:

an operating index storing step of storing in a storage medium an operating index including at least one of production efficiency of the product, work efficiency when producing the product, yield of the product, and quality of the product and trouble identification information for identifying a trouble which affects the operating index, in a mutually associated manner based on a content of an operating input by the operator;

a guidance rule storing step of storing in the storage medium a guidance rule including guidance identification information for identifying the guidance and a rule for outputting the guidance, and trouble identification information for identifying a trouble to be prevented by guidance outputted according to the guidance rule, in a mutually associated manner based on a content of an operating input by the operator;

a guidance record storing step of storing in the storage medium output records of guidance including guidance identification information for identifying the guidance outputted to the production line according to the guidance rule and information related to time of output of the guidance;

an operating index record obtaining step of obtaining a record of the operating index;

an operating index record transition deriving step of deriving based on the record of the operating index obtained by the operating index record obtaining step a transition of the record of the operating index in a target period specified by the operator;
a guidance output status deriving step of deriving based on an output record of guidance stored by the guidance record storing step an output status of the guidance in a target period specified by the operator; and

a display step of displaying on a display screen the transition of the record of the operating index derived by the operating index record transition deriving step and the output status of the guidance derived by the guidance output status deriving step as the information to be an index, wherein

the trouble identification information mutually associated with the guidance identification information for identifying the guidance for which the output status is derived by the guidance output status deriving step and the trouble identification information mutually associated with the operating index for which the transition of the record is derived by the operating index record transition deriving step are the same.