Technical Field [0001]
The present invention relates to a production planning apparatus and a production planning method.
Background Art [0002]
For example, when a relatively large product such as a control panel is manufactured, it is necessary to make a production plan for efficiently using work areas of a factory. [0003]
For example, PTL 1 discloses a plant construction plan support apparatus that "the plant construction plan support apparatus for supporting the plan generation of plant construction work or renovation work composed of a plurality of structure elements in a construction area includes a database unit 2 having a plurality of pieces of accumulated performance data 5 of work executed in the past, an input unit 1 for inputting a type of a target work and a work portion which are identical or similar to a planned work, a performance data

extraction unit 11 for extracting the performance data of the past work corresponding to the target work model and a work portion input by the input unit 1 from the database unit 2, and a plan generation unit 12 for generating a process plan table with the set work contents of the planned work and the time sequence thereof by using the performance data extracted by the performance data extraction unit 11".
Citation List Patent Literature [0004]
PTL 1: JP-A-2011-170496
Summary of Invention Technical Problem [0005]
Generally, a social infrastructure system product such as the control panel is configured by a plurality of apparatuses, and is an individually-designed-on-order product in which design, manufacturing, and examination are performed in accordance with the order of the customer, and the shipment is performed. [0006]
In the plurality of apparatuses forming the control panel, production resources such as a manufacturing line or an

examination area and a facility are varied depending on the kind of the apparatuses. In the component (various control panels or various units) of the ordered control panel, a competition of the production resources can occur between processes.
[0007]
Particularly, in the case of a large product such as the control panel, when the manufacturing or the examination is executed, it is necessary to secure the facility (such as an examination apparatus) or a work space required for the processes in addition to the occupied area of the product itself In order to use the work area efficiently, it is important to make the production plan which satisfies such a work area constraint in advance.
[0008]
For example, as a technology making a work plan, PTL 1 describes a method which makes a plan with reference to the personnel, facilities, and an area of occupied areas required for the processes by using the performance data regarding the similar ordered item performed practically in the past when a process plan table of a new work is generated.
[0009]
However, in the order of the control panel or the like, the required specification of the product varies even depending on a customer or an instillation location, and the order is

received in which plural types of products are combined. Thus, the item similar to the ordered item may not have been ordered in the past.
[0010]
In the examination process of the control panel or the like, the plurality of apparatuses constituting the control panel or the like are arranged and wired, and the examination is executed. Thus, when the area of the occupied area required for the examination of the apparatus is simply integrated, the work space may be estimated to be wider than the necessary area. As a result, the production plan in which the processes are made earlier is made in consideration of the shortage of the work area in the factory, and a production lead time from the order receipt to the shipment is lengthened. Further, when the production lead time is lengthened, problems such as loss of order reception chance or increase of intermediate stocks in work-in-process occur.
[0011]
The invention has been made in consideration of the above situation, and an object thereof is to enable a production plan with excellent spatial efficiency to be made by accurately estimating an area which is occupied in processes of a product.
Solution to Problem [0012]

This application includes a plurality of tools for solving at least part of the above-described problems, and an example of the plurality of tools is as follows. In order to solve the above-described problem, a production planning apparatus according to one aspect of the invention includes: an input unit which inputs order information about an order of a product; a storage unit which stores object size information which includes information about a size of an object to be arranged in a work area used in a process of the product and space constraint information which includes information about a work space of the object; an occupied-area calculation unit which calculates an arrangement size and an occupied area including the work space with respect to each of the objects based on the object size information and the space constraint information, and generates occupied area information according to the calculation result; and an overlapped-area determination unit which determines overlap permission of the work space in the occupied areas of the objects corresponding to the same order information based on overlap permission information of the space constraint information, integrates respective occupied areas of the objects according to the determination result, and updates the occupied area information according to the integration result.
Advantageous Effects of Invention

[0013]
According to the invention, it is possible to make a production plan with excellent spatial efficiency by accurately estimating the area which is occupied in the processes of the product. [0014]
The problems, configurations, and effects other than those described above will become apparent from the following description of embodiments.
Brief Description of Drawings [0015]
[Fig. 1] Fig. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a production planning apparatus according to one embodiment of the invention.
[Fig. 2] Fig. 2 is a diagram illustrating one example of order information.
[Fig. 3] Fig. 3 is a diagram illustrating one example of product size information.
[Fig. 4] Fig. 4 is a diagram illustrating one example of facility size information.
[Fig. 5] Fig. 5 is a diagram illustrating one example of process information.
[Fig. 6] Fig. 6 is a diagram illustrating one example of work area information.

[Fig. 7] Fig. 7 is a diagram illustrating one example of space constraint information.
[Fig. 8] Fig. 8 is a diagram illustrating one example of production plan information.
[Fig. 9] Fig. 9 is a diagram illustrating one example of arrangement information.
[Fig. 10] Fig. 10 is a diagram illustrating one example of occupied-area transition information.
[Fig. 11] Fig. 11 is a diagram illustrating one example of an input screen.
[Fig. 12] Fig. 12 is a flowchart explaining one example of a production planning processing.
[Fig. 13] Fig. 13 is a flowchart explaining one example of an occupied-area estimating processing.
[Fig. 14] Fig. 14 is a diagram for explaining one example of a calculating method of an occupied area.
[Fig. 15] Fig. 15 is a diagram illustrating the occupied area information corresponding to Fig. 14.
[Fig. 16] Fig. 16 is a diagram for explaining one example of a method of connecting products.
[Fig. 17] Fig. 17 is a diagram illustrating the occupied area information corresponding to Fig. 16B.
[Fig. 18] Fig. 18 is a diagram for explaining integration of the occupied area of three products and the occupied area of a facility.

[Fig. 19] Fig. 19 is a diagram illustrating the occupied area information corresponding to Fig. 18.
[Fig. 20] Fig. 20 is a diagram illustrating the occupied area information which is obtained by updating the occupied area information of Fig. 19.
[Fig. 21] Fig. 21 is a flowchart explaining one example of a product arrangement processing.
[Fig. 22] Fig. 22 is a diagram illustrating one example of the arrangement information.
[Fig. 23] Fig. 23 is a diagram illustrating one example of the production plan information.
[Fig. 24] Fig. 24 is a diagram for explaining one example of the arrangement of the product and the facility.
[Fig. 25] Fig. 25 is a diagram illustrating the occupied area information corresponding to Fig. 24.
[Fig. 26] Fig. 26 is a diagram illustrating one example of the arrangement information.
[Fig. 27] Fig. 27 is a diagram illustrating one example of an output screen.
[Fig. 28] Fig. 28 is a diagram illustrating one example of an arrangement screen.
[Fig. 29] Fig. 29 is a diagram for explaining one example of the arrangement of the product and the facility.
[Fig. 30] Fig. 30 is a diagram illustrating the occupied area information corresponding to Fig. 29.

[Fig. 31] Fig. 31 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a computer.
Description of Embodiments
[0016]
Hereinafter, an embodiment according to the invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Throughout the drawings for describing the embodiment, the same members are denoted by the same reference numerals in principle, and the repetitive description thereof will be omitted. In addition, in the embodiments described below, the constituent elements (including element steps and the like) that are not necessarily essential will not be mentioned unless explicitly stated or clearly considered necessary in principle. In addition, when "comprising A", "consisting of A", "having A", and "including A" are mentioned, the fact that other elements are not excluded will not be mentioned except for a case where A is particularly specified as the only element. Similarly, in the embodiments described below, when the shape, the positional relationship thereof, or the like of constituent elements or the like are mentioned, those substantially approximate or similar to the shape or the like are included except for a case where it is explicitly stated and a case where it is considered apparently unlikely in principle.
[0017]

Fig. 1 illustrates a configuration example of a production planning apparatus of one embodiment according to the invention. [0018]
A production planning apparatus 10 has an input/output unit 100, a storage unit 200, and a calculation unit 300. The input/output unit 100 receives input information 210 necessary to make a production plan and stores the information in the storage unit 200. In addition, the input/output unit 100 displays an output screen 600 on the display (not illustrated) based on output information 220 stored in the storage unit 200. [0019]
The storage unit 200 stores the input information 210 input from the input/output unit 100 . In addition, the storage unit 200 stores the output information 220 generated in the calculation unit 300. Further, the storage unit 200 appropriately supplies the input information 210 and the output information 220 to the calculation unit 300. [0020]
The input information 210 includes order information 211, product size information 212, facility size information 213, process information 214, work area information 215, and space constraint information 216. In addition, the product size

information 212, the facility size information 213, the process information 214, the work area information 215, and the space constraint information 216 except the order information 211 among the input information 210 are stored in advance in the storage unit 200. The contents of the product size information 212, the facility size information 213, the process information 214, the work area information 215, and the space constraint information 216 may be appropriately edited by the user.
[0021]
Hereinafter, the description will be given about the order information 211, the product size information 212, the facility size information 213, the process information 214, the work area information 215, and the space constraint information 216.
[0022]
Fig. 2 illustrates one example of the order information 211. The order information 211 is information for managing the kind, the number, and the due date of the product ordered by the customer. The order information 211 has an order number field 2111, a production number field 2112, a product code field 2113, a number-of-products field 2114, and a due date field 2115.
[0023]
An order number is stored in the order number field 2111 . A production number is stored in the production number field

2112. A product code which is an identifier of the product is stored in the product code field 2113. The number of products is stored in the number-of-products field 2114. A due date is stored in the due date field 2115. [0024]
In Fig. 2, for example, the order of an order number "100" indicates to produce one product having a product code P10 and indicates that the due date is Sep. 11. In addition, for example, the order of the order number "200" indicates to produce the products of the product codes P20 and P21 by two each and indicates that the due date is Sep. 13. Also, the production number is a code for managing the same kind of products in the products having the same order number. For example, the order of the order number "200" indicates to produce different types of products. Thus, the production numbers S200 and S201 different from each other are given. [0025]
Next, Fig. 3 illustrates one example of the product size information 212. The product size information 212 is information for managing a specification such as a size or the like of the product produced in the work area such as a factory, and corresponds to object size information of the invention. The product size information 212 includes a product code field 2121, a product name field 2122, and an X field 2123, and a Y field 2124.

[0026]
A product code is stored in the product code field 2121. A product name is stored in the product name field 2122. A length in an X direction when the product indicated by the product code is arranged in the work area is stored by meters (m) in the X field 2123. A length in a Y direction when the product indicated by the product code is arranged in the work area is stored by meters in the Y field 2123. [0027]
In this specification, the X direction (corresponding to a first direction of the invention) is defined as a lateral direction, and the Y direction (corresponding to a second direction of the invention) is defined as a vertical direction. However, the X direction may be defined as the vertical direction, and the Y direction may be defined as the lateral direction. [0028]
In Fig. 3, for example, in the product having the product code P10 (hereinafter, referred to as a product P10. The same is applied to other products), the product name is product A, the length in the X direction when the product is arranged in the work area is 2 m, and the length in the Y direction is 2 m. In addition, for example, a product P21 indicates that the product name is product B2, the length in the X direction when the product is arranged in the work area is 2 m, and the length
14

in the Y direction is 1 m. [0029]
Next, Fig. 4 illustrates one example of the facility size information 213. The facility size information 213 corresponds to the object size information of the invention. The facility size information 213 is information for managing a specification such as the size of the facility required for the manufacturing process or the examination process of the product, and includes a facility code field 2131, a facility name field 2132, an X field 2133, and a Y field 2134. [0030]
A facility code is stored in the facility code field 2131. A facility name is stored in the facility name field 2132. The length in the X direction when the facility indicated by the facility code is arranged in the work area is stored by meters in the X field 2133. The length in the Y direction when the facility indicated by the facility code is arranged in the work area is stored by meters in the Y field 2134. [0031]
In Fig. 4, for example, in the product having a facility code M10 (hereinafter, referred to as a facility M10. The same is applied to other facilities), the facility name is facility a, the length in the X direction when the facility is arranged in the work area is 1 m, and the length in the Y direction is 2 m. In addition, for example, a facility M20 indicates that
15

the facility name is facility b, the length in the X direction when the facility is arranged in the work area is 2 m, and the length in the Y direction is 4 m. [0032]
Next, Fig. 5 illustrates one example of the process information 214. The process information 214 is information for managing processes regarding the production of the products and a sequence thereof. The process information 214 includes a product code field 2141, a process sequence field 2142, a process name field 2143, a lead time field 2144, a facility code field 2145, a work-area code field 2146, and a work group field 2147. [0033]
A product code is stored in the product code field 2141. The sequence of a plurality of processes when the product indicated by the product code is produced is stored in the process sequence field 2142. Process names of the respective processes are stored in the process name field 2143. The number of days required for each of the processes is stored in the lead time field 2144. The facility code indicating the facility used in each of the processes is stored in the facility code field 2145. The work area code indicating the work area when the work area where each process is executed is limited is stored in the work-area code field 2146. The work group of each of the processes is stored in the work group field 2147.
16

Herein, the work group is information for indicating whether each process is collectively performed by the group having a common production number or by the group having a common order number. [0034]
In Fig. 5, for example, in the production of the product P10, a design process, a manufacturing process, and an examination process are performed in sequence. In the lead times of the respective processes, the design process takes three days, the manufacturing process takes two days, and the examination process takes three days. In addition, in the examination process, the facility M10 is needed, and the process is executed in the work area indicated by a work area code E01 (hereinafter, referred to as a work area E01. The same is applied to other work areas). Further, the examination process of the product P10 is performed collectively by the group having a common production number. [0035]
In addition, for example, in the production of the product P20, the design process, the manufacturing process, and the examination process are performed in sequence. In the lead times of the respective processes, the design process takes four days, the manufacturing process takes three days, and the examination process takes five days. In addition, in the examination process, the facility M20 is needed, and the
17

process is executed in the work area E01. Further, the examination process of the product P20 is performed collectively by the group having a common order number. That is, the examination process of the product P20 is performed collectively with the examination process of the product P21 (see Fig. 2) having a common order number. [0036]
Next, Fig. 6 illustrates one example of the work area information 215. The work area information 215 is information for managing the information regarding the extent of the work area present in the factory or the like. The work area information 215 includes a work-area code field 2151, a work-area name field 2152, an X field 2153, and a Y field 2154. [0037]
The work area code is stored in the work-area code field
2151. The work area name is stored in the work-area name field
2152. The length of the work area indicated by the work area code in the X direction is stored by meters (m) in the X field
2153. The length of the work area indicated by the work area code in the Y direction is stored by meters in the Y field 215. [0038]
In Fig. 6, for example, the work area name of the work area E01 is examination site 1. In the extent thereof, the X direction is 15 m, and the Y direction is 10 m. In addition, for example, the work area name of the work area E02 is
18

examination site 2. The extent thereof is 10 m in the X
direction, and 10 m in the Y direction.
[0039]
Next, Fig. 7 illustrates one example of the space constraint information 216. The space constraint information 216 is information for managing the information of the work space required for work in each of the processes. The space constraint information 216 includes a product facility code field 2161, a space direction field 2162, a width field 2163, an overlap permission information field 2164, a connection unit field 2165, a connection direction field 2166, and a change permission information field 2167. [0040]
A product code or a facility code is stored in the product facility code field 2161. The direction and the width of the work space required for the product or the facility indicated by the product code or the facility code stored in the product facility code field 2161 are stored in the space direction field 2162 and the width field 2163. [0041]
The overlap permission information which indicates whether the work space, which is indicated by the information stored in the space direction field 2162 and the width field 2163, of the product or the facility can be overlapped with the work space of another product or another facility is stored
19

in the overlap permission information field 2164. [0042]
In the connection unit field 2165, the production number or the order number is stored as a unit of a case where the product or the facility can be connected with another product or another facility without the work space therebetween. Incidentally, "-" is stored when the product or the facility cannot be connected with another product or another facility. [0043]
A connection direction (can be referred to as an arrangement direction) when the product or the facility is arranged with a work space between the product or the facility and another product or another facility, or is connected without the work space is stored in the connection direction field 2166. [0044]
In the change permission information field 2167, in order to resolve the area shortage of the work area or to use the work area with excellent spatial efficiency, the change permission information is stored which indicates whether, without arranging the product or the facility in the arrangement direction indicated by the connection direction field 2166 with respect to another product or another facility, it is permissible to arrange the product or the facility in a direction orthogonal to the arrangement direction indicated
20

by the connection direction field 2166 with respect to another
product or another facility.
[0045]
In Fig. 7, for example, as for the product P10, when arranged in the work area, it is indicated that the work space of the width of 1 m in each of four directions (-X direction, +X direction, -Y direction, and +Y direction) needs to be secured. In addition, in the work spaces in the -Y direction and the +Y direction of the product, the overlap permission information is "permissible". Thus, the work space can be overlapped when the product is arranged in the Y direction of another product or another facility. On the other hand, in the work spaces in the -X direction and the +X direction of the product, the overlap permission information is "non-permissible". Thus, the work space cannot be overlapped when the product is arranged in the X direction of another product or another facility. [0046]
The connection unit of the product is a production number, and the connection direction is "Y". Thus, the product can be arranged in the Y direction of another product having a common production number. Further, the change permission information is "non-permissible". Thus, when the product cannot be arranged in the Y direction of another product having a common production number, the connection direction cannot
21

be changed, that is, the product cannot be arranged in the X direction of another product having a common production number. [0047]
For example, as for the facility M10, when arranged in the work area, it is indicated that the work space having a width of 1 m in the -X direction thereof needs to be secured. In addition, the overlap permission information is "permissible". Thus, the work space can be overlapped when the facility is arranged in the +X direction of another product or another facility. [0048]
The connection unit of the facility is "-", and the connection direction is "X". Thus, the facility cannot be connected with another product or another facility, and the facility can be arranged in the X direction of another product or another facility. Further, the change permission information is "permissible". Thus, when the facility cannot be arranged in the X direction of another product or another facility, the connection direction can be changed, that is, the product can be arranged in the Y direction of another product or another facility. [0049]
The description returns to Fig. 1. The output information 220 which is generated in the calculation unit 300 and stored in the storage unit 200 includes production plan
22

information 221, arrangement information 222, and
occupied-area transition information 223.
[0050]
Hereinafter, the description will be given about the production plan information 221, the arrangement information 222, and the occupied-area transition information 223. [0051]
Fig. 8 illustrates one example of the production plan information 221. The production plan information 221 is information for managing the start date and the end date of each of the processes of the product with respect to the order from the customer. The production plan information 221 has an order number field 2211, a production number field 2212, a product name field 2213, a process name field 2214, a start date field 2215, and an end date field 2216. [0052]
The order number is stored in the order number field 2211. The production number is stored in the production number field
2212. The product name is stored in the product name field
2213. In the process name field 2214, any one of design,
manufacturing, examination, or delivery is stored as a process
name. The start date and the end date of the processes are
stored in the start date field 2215 and the end date field 2216.
[0053]
In Fig. 8, for example, in the order of the order number
23

"100", the product A to which the production number S100 is given is ordered, and the design process thereof takes three days from Sep. 1 to Sep. 3, the manufacturing process thereof takes two days from Sep. 4 to Sep. 5, the examination process thereof takes five days from Sep. 6 to Sep. 10, and the delivery date thereof takes one day of Sep. 11. [0054]
For example, in the order of the order number "200", a product B1 to which a production number S200 is given and a product B2 to which a production number S201 is given are ordered. In each of the products, the design process is four days from Sep. 1 to Sep. 4, the manufacturing process is three days from Sep. 5 to Sep. 7, the examination process is five days from Sep. 8 to Sep. 12, and the delivery date is one day of Sep. 13. [0055]
Next, Fig. 9 illustrates one example of the arrangement information 222. The arrangement information 222 is information for managing the instillation location of the product or the facility in the work area and the information of the period. The arrangement information 222 has an arrangement ID field 2221, an order number field 2222, a work-area code field 2223, an arrangement flag field 2224, a product facility code field 2225, a starting-point X field 2226, a starting-point Y field 2227, an ending-point X field 2228,
24

an ending-point Y field 2229, a start date field 22210, and
an end date field 22211.
[0056]
An arrangement ID which is an identifier given to the area occupied by arranging the product or the facility or providing the work space is stored in the arrangement ID field
2221. The order number is stored in the order number field
2222. The work area code indicating the work area in which the occupied area is provided is stored in the work-area code field 2223.
[0057]
In the arrangement flag field 2224, "1" to "4" are stored as an arrangement flag indicating which one is provided in the area. The arrangement flag "2" indicates that the product is arranged in the area. The arrangement flag "3" indicates that the facility is arranged in the area. The arrangement flag "4" indicates that the work space which is not permitted to be overlapped with another product is provided in the area. The arrangement flag "1" indicates that the area is the entire occupied area which includes the area where the product and the facility corresponding to the same order number are arranged and the area in which the work space is provided. [0058]
In the product facility code field 2225, the product code or the facility code is stored when the product or the facility
25

is arranged in the area. A coordinate in the work area of the starting point (for example, an apex on an upper left side) of the rectangular area is stored in the starting-point X field 2226 and the starting-point Y field 2227. A coordinate in the work area of the ending point (for example, an apex on a lower right side) of the rectangular area is stored in the ending-point X field 2228 and the ending-point Y field 2229. The period when the occupied area is used is stored in the start date field 22210 and the end date field 22211. Specifically, the start date and the end date of the examination process of the product or the facility indicated by the product code or the facility code stored in the product facility code field 2225 are stored. [0059]
In Fig. 9, for example, the occupied area indicated by an arrangement ID "L1001" is provided as the rectangular area indicated by an upper left coordinate (0, 0) and a lower right coordinate (5, 4) in the work area E10 from Sep. 6 to Sep. 10 for the work regarding the product of the order number "100". [0060]
For example, the occupied area indicated by the arrangement ID "L2001" is provided as the rectangular area indicated by an upper left coordinate (5, 0) and a lower right coordinate (11, 9) in the work area E10 from Sep. 8 to Sep. 12 for the work regarding the product of the order number "200".
26

[0061]
Next, Fig. 10 illustrates one example of the occupied-area transition information 223. The occupied-area transition information 223 is information for managing the area transition of the occupied area provided in each of the work areas on a daily basis. The occupied-area transition information 223 has a work-area code field 2231, a date field 2232, and an occupied-area area field 2233. [0062]
The work area code indicating the work area is stored in the work-area code field 2231. The date is stored in the date field 2232. The area of the work area which is occupied by the occupied area on the date is stored by m2 (square meter) in the occupied-area area field 2233. [0063]
In Fig. 10, for example, the area of the work area E10 which is occupied by the occupied area on Sep. 6 is 20 m2. In addition, for example, the area of the work area E10 which is occupied by the occupied area on Sep. 8 is 74 m2. [0064]
The description returns to Fig. 1. In response to the order information 211, the calculation unit 300 executes the production planning processing with reference to the product size information 212, the facility size information 213, the process information 214, the work area information 215, and
27

the space constraint information 216, so as to generate the production plan information 221, the arrangement information 222, and the occupied-area transition information 223 as the output information 220. [0065]
The calculation unit 300 includes a memory unit 310 and a calculation processing unit 320. The memory unit 310 is used as the work area of the calculation processing in the calculation processing unit 320. For example, the memory unit 310 temporally holds the input information 210 read from the storage unit 200 or holds the occupied area information 410, the production plan information 221, the arrangement information 222, and the occupied-area transition information 223 which are generated and updated in a course of the production planning processing. [0066]
The calculation processing unit 320 has a data acquisition unit 321, a process schedule allocation unit 322, an occupied-area calculation unit 323, an overlapped-area determination unit 324, an arrangement allocation unit 325, and a display control unit 326. [0067]
The data acquisition unit 321 obtains the information which is required for the production planning of the ordered item selected by the user among the order information 211 stored
28

in the storage unit 200, and stores the information in the
memory unit 310.
[0068]
The process schedule allocation unit 322 sets the start date and the end date of each process based on the product type or the due date of each of the items in the order information 211, and the lead time of each of the processes of the corresponding product in the process information 214, and generates the production plan information 221 to store the production plan information in the storage unit 200. [0069]
The occupied-area calculation unit 323 calculates the occupied area of the product of the ordered item and the facility corresponding thereto based on the product size information 212, the facility size information 213, and the space constraint information 216, and generates the occupied area information 410. [0070]
The overlapped-area determination unit 324 determines the work space which can be overlapped when the occupied area of the product or the facility is arranged in the work area based on the space constraint information 216, and integrates the occupied area according to the determination result to update the occupied area information 410. [0071]
29

The arrangement allocation unit 325 allocates the occupied area corresponding to the ordered item with respect to the work area based on the production plan information 221, the work area information 215, and the occupied area information 410, and generates the arrangement information 222 to store the arrangement information in the storage unit 200. In addition, the arrangement allocation unit 325 generates the occupied-area transition information 223 based on the generated arrangement information 222, and stores the occupied-area transition information in the storage unit 200. [0072]
The display control unit 326 corresponds to an output unit of the invention. The display control unit 326 generates an input screen 500 (Fig. 11) based on the order information 211 stored in the storage unit 200, and displays the input screen on the display of the input/output unit 100. In addition, the display control unit 326 generates the output screen 600 (Fig. 27) and an arrangement screen 700 (Fig. 28) which are presented to the user based on the production plan information 221, the arrangement information 222, and the occupied-area transition information 223 which are stored in the storage unit 200, and displays the output screen and the arrangement screen on the display of the input/output unit 100. [0073]

Next, the description will be given about one example of the production planning processing by the production planning apparatus 10. [0074]
Fig. 11 illustrates one example of the input screen 500 on which the production planning processing can be instructed to start. The input screen 500 is displayed on the display of the input/output unit 100 according to a predetermined operation from the user. [0075]
A search-condition input column 510 for inputting the search condition of the ordered item, and a search result display column 520 in which the searched ordered item is displayed are provided in the input screen 500. [0076]
The search-condition input column 510 includes a due-date input column 511, a product-name input column 512, and a search button 513. [0077]
The due date can be input as the search condition of the ordered item in the due-date input column 511. The product name can be input as the search condition of the ordered item in the product-name input column 512. The search button 513 can start the search of the ordered item which satisfies the
31

search condition input to at least one of the due-date input column 511 and the product-name input column 512. The search result is displayed in the search result display column 520. [0078]
A selection column 521 is provided in each of the ordered items of the search result displayed in the search result display column 520. By inputting a check in the selection column 521, it is possible to select the ordered item as a target of the production planning processing. In addition, an execution button 522 is provided in the search result display column 520. The user selects at least one ordered item by using the selection column 521, and presses the execution button 522 to start the production planning processing which is the target of the selected ordered item. [0079]
Fig. 12 is a flowchart explaining one example of the production planning processing by the production planning apparatus 10. [0080]
For example, when a new product is ordered by the customer or when it is necessary to review a planned production plan, the production planning processing is started when the user presses the execution button 522 on the input screen 500. [0081]
Hereinafter, as illustrated in Fig. 11, the description
32

will be given an example that the ordered items of the order numbers "100", "200", and "300" are selected as the targets of the production planning processing in the search result display column 520 of the input screen 500. [0082]
First, from the input information 210 of the storage unit 200, the data acquisition unit 321 obtains the information regarding the ordered item which is the target of the production planning processing, that is, the order information 211, the product size information 212, the facility size information 213, the process information 214, the work area information 215, and the space constraint information 216 to store the information in the memory unit 310 (step S1). [0083]
Next, the process schedule allocation unit 322 sets the start date and the end date of each of the processes based on the production number, the product code, the number of products, and the due date of each of the ordered items in the order information 211 (Fig. 2), and the lead time of each of the processes of the corresponding product in the process information 214 (Fig. 5) (step S2). [0084]
In addition, in the processing of step S2, when the ordered items as the targets of the production planning processing are plural, the process schedule is set to
33

collectively include the design process, the manufacturing process, and the examination process in sequence from the item of which the due date is farthest (the item which has spare time from the due date). [0085]
In this case, through order information 211, it is confirmed that the due date of the order number "300" which is Sep. 14 is the farthest date among the order number "100", the order number "200", and the order number "300". Further, in order to set the process schedule of the order number "300", the information of the processes about three products P30 which are produced according to the order number "300" is obtained from the process information 214 (Fig. 5). [0086]
Specifically, from the process information 214, it is obtained that three days of the design process, three days of the manufacturing process, and five days of the examination process are executed in sequence with respect to the product P30. Further, five days of the examination process which is a final process except a delivery process is secured until Sep. 13 which is the day before the delivery date of Sep. 14. That is, five days from Sep. 9 to Sep. 13 are allocated to the examination process. As described above, the schedule of the processes is allocated. Then, the process schedule allocation unit 322 generates the production plan information 221 based
34

on the allocated schedule of the examination process. [0087]
Next, with respect to the ordered item (in this case, the item of the order number "300") in which the process schedule is allocated as described above, the occupied-area calculation unit 323 estimates the occupied area in the process of the product of the corresponding order number based on the product size information 212, the facility size information 213, the process information 214, and the space constraint information 216, and executes the occupied-area estimating processing which generates the occupied area information 410 which is the estimation result thereof (step S3). [0088]
The occupied-area estimating processing of step S3 will be described in detail with reference to the flowchart of Fig. 13. [0089]
First, the occupied-area calculation unit 323 specifies the facility or the work area which is necessary to produce the product of the ordered item in which the process schedule is allocated in step S2 with reference to the process information 214 (Fig. 4) (step S11). [0090]
In this case, from the process information 214, it is specified that the facility M30 is necessary in the work area
35

E01 in the examination process of three products P30 of the
order number "300" .
[0091]
Next, the occupied-area calculation unit 323 focuses on one among all the products and facilities corresponding to the order number and specifies the size thereof based on the product size information 212 or the facility size information 213. In addition, the occupied-area calculation unit 323 specifies the work space which is necessarily secured with respect to the focused product or facility based on the space constraint information 216 (step S12). [0092]
In this case, the first product P30 is focused on among three products P30 and one facility M30 corresponding to the
order number, and the size (2x2) of the product P30 is specified from the product size information 212 (Fig. 3). In addition, from the space constraint information 216 (Fig. 7), it is specified that it is necessary to provide a width of 1 m in the four directions thereof as the work space of the product P30, and the work space only in the -X direction (a laterally left direction in the drawing) is not permitted to be overlapped. [0093]
Next, with respect to the product or the facility focused on in step S12, the occupied-area calculation unit 323
36

calculates, as the occupied area, a minimum rectangular shape which includes the size of the product or the facility and the work space, and generates the occupied area information 410 (step S13). [0094]
The calculating method of the occupied area in step S13 will be described in detail with reference to Fig. 14. [0095]
Fig. 14A illustrates the size of the product P30 (in the drawing, indicates a production number S300 and a product c of the product name) . Fig. 14B illustrates the direction, the width, and the permission of the overlap of the work space which is necessarily secured with respect to the product P30. [0096]
Fig. 14C illustrates the occupied area which is calculated with respect to the product P30. That is, with respect to the product P30, as the occupied area, a minimum rectangular shape (in this case, 4x4) which includes the size (2x2) of the product P30 and the work space having 1 m of width in the four directions is calculated. Further, the occupied area information 410 corresponding to the occupied area illustrated in Fig. 14C is generated. [0097]
Fig. 15 illustrates the occupied area information 410 corresponding to the occupied area which is illustrated in Fig.
37

14C and calculated with respect to the product P30. [0098]
The occupied area information 410 is information which is updated at any time until the occupied area of the product or the facility is finally determined, and includes an arrangement ID field 4101, an arrangement flag field 4102, a product facility code field 4103, a starting-point X field 4104, a starting-point Y field 4105, an ending-point X field 4106, and an ending-point Y field 4107. [0099]
In the arrangement ID field 4101, the arrangement ID which is given to the area which is occupied by the product or the facility in the occupied area, the area in which the work space is provided, or the entire occupied area is stored. In the arrangement flag field 4102, any one of "1" to "4" is stored as an arrangement flag which indicates which one is provided in the area. The arrangement flag "2" indicates that the product occupies the area. The arrangement flag "3" indicates that the facility occupies the area. The arrangement flag "4" indicates that the work space which is not permitted to be overlapped with another product is provided in the area. The arrangement flag "1" indicates that the area is the entire occupied area. [0100]
In the product facility code field 4103, the product code
38

or the facility code is stored when the product or the facility is arranged in the area. However, when the connected product is arranged, the production number corresponding thereto is stored. The relative coordinates of the starting point (for example, the apex on the upper left side) of the rectangular occupied area are stored in the starting-point X field 4104 and the starting-point Y field 4105. The relative coordinates of the ending point (for example, the apex on the lower right side) of the rectangular occupied area are stored in the ending-point X field 4106 and the ending-point Y field 4107. [0101]
In the occupied area information 410 of Fig. 15, the arrangement ID "L3001" is given to the entire occupied area of the product P30, "1" is stored in the arrangement flag field 4102 thereof, and (0, 0) and (4, 4) are stored as the relative coordinates of the apexes of the rectangular area. In addition, the arrangement ID "L3002" is given to the rectangular occupied area of the product P30, and "2" is stored in the arrangement flag field 4102 thereof. In the product facility code field 4103, the product code P30 is stored, and (1, 1) and (3, 3) are stored as the relative coordinates of the apexes of the rectangular area. Further, the arrangement ID "L3004" is given to the work space which is not permitted to be overlapped, "4" is stored in the arrangement flag field 4102 thereof, and (0, 1) and (1, 3) are stored as the relative coordinates of
39

the apexes of the work space. [0102]
The description returns to Fig. 13. The occupied area of the product or the facility is calculated as described above. Then, next, the overlapped-area determination unit 324 determines whether the work area in the occupied area of the product or the facility calculated in step S13 can be overlapped with the work area in the occupied area which is already calculated with respect to another product or another facility, and integrates the occupied area according to the determination result thereof to update the occupied area information 410 (step S14). [0103]
In this case, the occupied area of the first product P30 is calculated, and the occupied area is not calculated with respect to another product or another facility. Thus, step S14 is skipped. [0104]
Next, the occupied-area calculation unit 323 determines whether or not the occupied area with respect to each of all the products and facilities corresponding to the order number is calculated completely (step S15). Herein, when it is determined that the respective occupied areas with respect to all the products and facilities corresponding to the order number are not calculated completely (NO in step S15), the
40

processing returns to step S12. Among all the products and facilities corresponding to the order number, focusing on those not yet focused on, the subsequent processings are continued. [0105]
In this case, among three products P30 and one facility M30 corresponding to the order number, two products P30 and one facility M30 are not yet focused on. Thus, the second product P30 is focused on, and the occupied area with respect to the second product P30 is calculated similarly to the calculation of the occupied area with respect to the first product P30. [0106]
After the occupied area with respect to the second product P30 is calculated, again, the overlapped-area determination unit 324 determines the connection direction, the connection permission, and the overlap permission between the work area in the occupied area of the second product P30 and the work area in the occupied area of the first product P30, and integrates the occupied areas of the first and second products P30 according to the determination result thereof to update the occupied area information 410 (second round of step S14). [0107]
The processing of second round of step S14 will be described in detail with reference to Fig. 16.
41

[0108]
First, from the space constraint information 216 (Fig. 7), the overlapped-area determination unit 324 obtains the directions (the +X direction, the -Y direction, and the +Y direction) of the overlappable work space regarding the product P30, the connection unit "production number", and the connection direction "Y direction". Further, as illustrated in Fig. 16A, the occupied area of the first product P30 and the occupied area of the second product P30 are arranged side by side in the connection direction "Y direction". Next, since the work spaces of the -Y direction and the +Y direction of the product P30 can be overlapped, the work space having a width of 2 m between the first product P30 and the second product P30 is narrowed to a width of 1 m so that the first product P30 and the second product P30 share the work space (not illustrated). [0109]
The first product P30 and the second product P30 have a common manufacturing number S300. Thus, as illustrated in Fig. 16B, the shared work space between the first product P30 and the second product P30 are deleted to connect the first product P30 and the second product P30, and the respective occupied areas of two products P30 are integrated. Further, the occupied area information 410 is also updated accordingly. [0110]
42

Fig. 17 illustrates the occupied area information 410 which is updated to correspond to the occupied area, which is illustrated in Fig. 16B, with respect to two products P30. In addition, in Fig. 17, the updated value is written in a boldfaced oblique type. [0111]
In the occupied area information 410 of Fig. 17, the arrangement ID "L3001" is given to the entire occupied area of the two connected products P30, "1" is stored in the arrangement flag field 4102, and (0, 0) and (4, 6) are stored as the relative coordinates of the apexes of the rectangular area. In addition, the arrangement ID "L3002" is given to the rectangular area occupied by the two connected products P30, and "2" is stored in the arrangement flag field 4102. In the product facility code field 4101, the common production number S300 of the two connected products P30 is stored, and (1, 1) and (3, 5) are stored as the relative coordinates of the apexes of the rectangular area. Further, the arrangement ID "L3004" is given to a non-overlappable work space, "4" is stored in the arrangement flag field 4102, and (0, 1) and (1, 5) are stored as the relative coordinates of the apexes of the work space. [0112]
The description returns to Fig. 13. Thereafter, the processing returns back from step S15 to step S12, and the third product P30 is focused on. The occupied area with respect to
43

the third product P30 is calculated to integrate the occupied area of the third product P30 and the occupied areas of two (first and second) products P30, and the occupied area information 410 is updated. The processing on the third product P30 is the same as the above-described processing on the second product P30. Thus, the description thereof is omitted. [0113]
Then, the processing returns back from step S15 to step S12. One facility M30 is focused on, and the occupied area with respect to the facility M30 is calculated. Specifically, the size (1x3) of the facility M30 is specified from the facility size information 213 (Fig. 4). In addition, from the space constraint information 216 (Fig. 7), it is specified that as the work space of the facility M30, a width of 1 m in the -X direction thereof is necessary, and the work space is permitted to be overlapped. In this case, the occupied area of the facility M30 is obtained in such a manner that a minimum rectangular shape (2x3) which includes the size (1x3) of the facility M30 and the work space is calculated as an occupied area. [0114]
After the occupied area of the facility M30 is calculated, the overlapped-area determination unit 324 determines the connection direction, the connection permission, and the
44

overlap permission between the work area in the occupied area of the facility M30 and the work area in the occupied area of three products P30. The occupied area of the facility M30 and the occupied areas of three products P30 are integrated according to the determination result thereof to update the occupied area information 410 (fourth round of step S14). [0115]
The processing of fourth round of step S14 will be described in detail with reference to Fig. 18. [0116]
First, from the space constraint information 216 (Fig. 7), the overlapped-area determination unit 324 obtains the direction (-X direction) of the overlappable work space in the facility M30, the connection unit "-", and the connection direction "X direction". Further, the occupied areas of the three connected products P30 and the occupied area of the facility M30 are arranged side by side in the connection direction "X direction" (not illustrated). Next, the work space of the products P30 in the +X direction and the work space of the facility M30 in the -X direction can be overlapped. Thus, as illustrated in Fig. 18, the work space having a width of 2 m between the products P30 and the facility M30 is narrowed to a width of 1 m. Since the connection unit of the facility M30 is "-", the connection of the facility M30 and the products P30 is not performed. In addition, in the example of Fig. 18,
45

the Y coordinate of the starting point in which the three connected products P30 are arranged and the Y coordinate of the starting point in which the facility M30 is arranged are aligned. However, the centers of both may be aligned or the Y coordinates of the ending points may be aligned. In addition, the Y coordinate may not be aligned. [0117]
The overlapped-area determination unit 324 updates the occupied area information 410 in correspondence to the state illustrated in Fig. 18. [0118]
Fig. 19 illustrates the occupied area information 410 which is updated to correspond to the occupied area with respect to the three connected products P30 and the occupied area with respect to the facility M30 which are illustrated in Fig. 18. [0119]
In the occupied area information 410 of Fig. 19, the arrangement ID "L3001" is given to the occupied area of the three connected products P30, "1" is stored in the arrangement flag field 4102, and (0, 0) and (4, 8) are stored as the relative coordinates of the apexes of the rectangular area. In addition, the arrangement ID "L30011" is given to the rectangular area indicating the occupied area of the facility M30, "1" is stored in the arrangement flag field 4102, and (3, 1) and (5, 4) are stored as the relative coordinates of the apexes of the
46

rectangular area. In addition, the arrangement ID "L3002" is given to the rectangular area occupied by the three connected products P30, and "2" is stored in the arrangement flag field 4102. In the product facility code field 4101, the common production number S300 of the three connected products P30 is stored, and (1, 1) and (3 ,7) are stored as the relative coordinates of the apexes of the rectangular area. In addition, the arrangement ID "L3003" is given to the rectangular area occupied by the facility M30, and "3" is stored in the arrangement flag field 4102. In the product facility code field 4101, the facility code M30 is stored, and (4, 1) and (5, 4) are stored as the relative coordinates of the apexes of the rectangular area. Further, the arrangement ID "L3004" is given to the non-overlappable work space, "4" is stored in the arrangement flag field 4102, and (0, 1) and (1, 7) are stored as the relative coordinates of the apexes of the work space. [0120]
As described above, when the occupied area is calculated with respect to all the products and facilities corresponding to the order number, in step S15, it is determined that the calculation of the occupied area with respect to each of all the products and facilities corresponding to the order number is completed (YES in step S15), and the processing proceeds to step S16 of Fig. 13. [0121]
47

In step S16, from a current stage of the occupied area information 410, the overlapped-area determination unit 324 sets a minimum rectangular shape including the area having an arrangement flag of "1" as the occupied area corresponding to the order number, and specifies an unavailable area in the area to update the occupied area information 410 again. Herein, the unavailable area means the area where another product or another facility cannot be arranged when the integrated occupied area is practically arranged in the work area.
[0122]
For example, in Fig. 18, the minimum rectangular shape
(5x8 of the area having the relative coordinate (0, 0) as an apex) which includes the occupied area (4x8 of the area having the relative coordinate (0, 0) as an apex) of three products
P30 and the occupied area (1x3 of the area having the relative coordinate (4, 1) as an apex) of the facility M30 is set as the occupied area corresponding to the order number. In
addition, the area (1x1 of the area having the relative coordinate (4, 0) as an apex) of the -Y direction and the area
(1x4 of the area having the relative coordinate (4, 4) as an apex) of the +Y direction in the facility M30 are specified as the unavailable area, and are stored in the memory unit 310.
[0123]
Fig. 20 illustrates the occupied area information 410 which is updated in step S1 6 and corresponds to the occupied
48

area corresponding to the order number "300". [0124]
In the occupied area information 410 of Fig. 20, the arrangement ID "L3001" is given to the entire occupied area corresponding to the order number "300", "1" is stored in the arrangement flag field 4102, and (0, 0) and (5, 8) are stored as the relative coordinates of the apexes of the rectangular area. In addition, the arrangement ID "L3002" is given to the rectangular area occupied by the three connected products P30, and "2" is stored in the arrangement flag field 4102. In the product facility code field 4101, the common production number S300 of the three connected products P30 is stored, and (1, 1) and (3, 7) are stored as the relative coordinates of the apexes of the rectangular area. In addition, the arrangement ID "L3003" is given to the rectangular area occupied by the facility M30, and "3" is stored in the arrangement flag field 4102. In the product facility code field 4101, the facility code M30 is stored, and (4, 1) and (5, 4) are stored as the relative coordinates of the apexes of the rectangular area. Further, the arrangement ID "L3004" is given to the non-overlappable work space, "4" is stored in the arrangement flag field 4102, and (0, 1) and (1, 7) are stored as the relative coordinates of the apexes of the work space. Also, the record of the arrangement ID "L30011" which is present in the occupied area information 410 of Fig. 19 is removed.
49

[0125]
In this manner, the occupied-area estimating processing is performed. Then, the processing proceeds to step S4 of the production planning processing (Fig. 12). [0126]
The description returns to Fig. 12. Next, the arrangement allocation unit 325 performs the arrangement processing that arranges the occupied area, which is estimated in step S3 and corresponds to the order number, in the work area (step S4). [0127]
The arrangement processing of step S4 will be described in detail with reference to Fig. 21. Fig. 21 is a flowchart explaining the arrangement processing of step S4. [0128]
First, the arrangement allocation unit 325 specifies the work area in which the occupied area of the order number is arranged with reference to the process information 214. In addition, the work area information 215 and the generated arrangement information 222 are obtained in order to obtain the allocated situation of the work area (step S21). [0129]
Specifically, from the process information 214 (Fig. 5), it is specified that the examination process of the product P30 of the order number "300" is the work area E01. In addition,
50

from the work area information 215 (Fig. 6), it is specified that the size of the work area E01 is 15x10. In this case, the arrangement information 222 is not generated yet, and thus cannot be obtained. Since the arrangement information 222 cannot be obtained, it is specified that the work area E01 is empty. [0130]
Next, the arrangement allocation unit 325 performs the arrangement of the occupied area of the order number on a predetermined area of the specified work area with reference to the occupied area information 410 (step S22) , and determines the permission thereof (step S23) . Herein, when it is determined that the occupied area of the order number can be arranged in the specified work area (YES in step S23), the arrangement information 222 is generated (step S24). Thereafter, the processing proceeds to step S5 of the production planning processing. [0131]
In this case, from the occupied area information 410, it is understood that the size of the occupied area of the order number "300" is 5x8, and the size of the occupied area is smaller than the size of the work area E01. Thus, it is possible to allocate the occupied area of the order number "300". For example, the occupied area is allocated to the area having the coordinate (0, 0) and the coordinate (5, 8) of the work area
51

E01 as the apex, and the arrangement information 222
illustrated in Fig. 22 is generated.
[0132]
The occupied area information 410 generated by the occupied-area estimating processing of the order number is used for generating the arrangement information 222. [0133]
For example, in the arrangement information 222 of Fig. 22, the occupied area information 410 illustrated in Fig. 20 is used, and the order number field 2222, the work-area code field 2223, the start date field 22210, and the end date field 22211 are added to the occupied area information 410. Further, the order number "300" is stored in the order number field 2222, the work area code E10 is stored in the work-area code field 2223, Sep. 9 is stored in the start date field 22210, and Sep. 13 is stored in the end date field 22211. [0134]
In addition, in step S23, when it is determined that the occupied area of the order number cannot be arranged in the specified work area (NO in step S23), the arrangement allocation unit 325 determines whether there is an arrangement destination candidate (the area where the occupied area is not allocated in the work area) (step S25). Herein, when it is determined that there is an arrangement destination candidate (YES in step S25), the processing returns to step S22, and the
52

subsequent processings are repeated from step S22. [0135]
On the contrary, when it is determined that there is no arrangement destination candidate (NO in step S25), the arrangement processing is ended, and the processing proceeds to step S5 of the production planning processing. [0136]
The description returns to Fig. 12. Next, by the above-described arrangement processing, the arrangement allocation unit 325 determines whether the occupied area corresponding to the order number can be arranged in the work area (step S5). Herein, when it is determined that the occupied area corresponding to the order number cannot be arranged in the work area (NO in step S5), the processing returns to step S2, the allocation of the process schedule is executed again to be advanced, and the processing is repeated therefrom. When the process schedule is changed, and it is determined that the occupied area corresponding to the order number can be arranged in the specified work area (YES in step S5), the processing proceeds to step S6. [0137]
In the above description, when it is determined that there is not the arrangement destination candidate, the allocation of the process schedule is changed. However, depending on kinds of products, the processes may be executed
53

in the work area other than the specified work area. In that case, the work area may be changed without changing the allocation of the process schedule, the arrangement destination candidate may be detected in the changed work area, and it may be determined whether the arrangement of the occupied area of the order number is possible. Accordingly, it is possible to plan the production plan which effectively utilizes all the work areas, and it is possible to further reduce the lead time. [0138]
Next, in step S6, the process schedule allocation unit 322 determines whether the schedule allocation of all the processes of all the ordered items which are the targets of the production planning processing is completed. Herein, when it is determined that the schedule allocation is not completed (NO in step S6), the processing returns to step S2, and the subsequent processings are repeated. On the contrary, when it is determined that the schedule allocation is completed (YES in step S6), the processing proceeds to step S7. [0139]
In this case, only the schedule allocation of the examination process of the ordered item "300" is not completed among all the ordered items which are the targets of the production planning processing. Thus, the processing returns to step S2, the process schedule allocation unit 322 allocates
54

the schedule of the manufacturing process of the ordered item "300". Specifically, from the process information 214, it is understood that three days of the manufacturing process are required for the product P30 of the ordered item "300". Thus, three days from Sep. 6 to Sep. 8 are allocated to the manufacturing process. [0140]
In addition, from the process information 214, it is understood that the facility and the work area are not used in the manufacturing process of the product P30. Thus, the processings of steps S3 to S5 in which the manufacturing process of the product P30 is set as a target are omitted. [0141]
Then, the processing returns back to step S2, and the process schedule allocation unit 322 allocates the schedule of the design process of the ordered item "300". Specifically, from the process information 214, it is understood that three days of the design process are required for the product P30 of the ordered item "300". Thus, three days from Sep. 3 to Sep. 5 are allocated to the design process. In addition, from the process information 214, it is understood that similarly to the manufacturing process, the facility and the work area are not used in the design process of the product P30. Thus, the processings from steps S3 to S5 in which the design process of the product P30 is set as a target are omitted.
55

[0142]
Further, the process schedule allocation unit 322 generates the production plan information 221 in which the schedule allocated with respect to each of the processes is stored. [0143]
Fig. 23 illustrates the production plan information 221 corresponding to the ordered item "300". [0144]
In the production plan information 221 of Fig. 23, the order number "300" is stored in the order number field 2211, the production number "S300" is stored in the production number field 2212, and the product name "product C" is stored in the product name field 2213. Further, the process name and the allocated schedule (the start date and the end date) of each of the processes are stored in the process name field 2214, the start date field 2215, and the end date field 2216. [0145]
Then, the processing returns back to step S2. The following processing is performed targeting the item of the order number "200" of which the due date is second farthest. [0146]
Specifically, in order to set the process of the order number "200", the information of the process regarding two products P20 and two products P21, which are produced by the
56

order number "200", is obtained from the process information
214 (Fig. 5).
[0147]
In this case, from the process information 214, it is obtained that four days of the design process, three days of the manufacturing process, and five days of the examination process are executed in sequence with respect to the products P20 and P21. Further, five days of the examination process which is a final process are secured until Sep. 12 which is the day before the delivery date of Sep. 13. That is, five days from Sep. 8 to Sep. 12 are allocated to the examination process. As described above, the schedule of each of the processes is allocated. Then, the process schedule allocation unit 322 generates the production plan information 221 based on the allocated schedule of the examination process. [0148]
Next, with respect to the ordered item (in this case, the item of the order number "200") in which the process schedule is allocated as described above, the occupied-area calculation unit 323 estimates the occupied area in the process of the product of the corresponding order number based on the product size information 212, the facility size information 213, the process information 214, and the space constraint information 216, and executes the occupied-area estimating processing which generates the occupied area information 410
57

which is the estimation result thereof and stores the occupied
area information in the memory unit 310 (step S3).
[0149]
Specifically, first, the occupied-area calculation unit 323 specifies the facility or the work area which is necessary to produce the products P20 and P21 of the ordered item "200" in which the process schedule is allocated in step S2 with reference to the process information 214 (Fig. 4) (step S11). [0150]
In this case, from the process information 214, it is specified that the facility M20 is necessary in the work area E01 in the examination process of the product P20 of the order number "200". In addition, from the process information 214, it is specified that the work area E01 is necessary in the examination process of the product P21 of the order number "200". [0151]
Next, the occupied-area calculation unit 323 focuses on one of all the products and facilities corresponding to the order number and specifies the size thereof based on the product size information 212 or the facility size information 213. In addition, the occupied-area calculation unit 323 specifies the work space which is necessarily secured with respect to the focused product or facility based on the space constraint information 216 (step S12).
58

[0152]
In this case, the first product P20 is focused on among two products P20, one facility M20 and two products P21 corresponding to the order number "200", and the size (2x2) of the product P20 is specified from the product size information 212 (Fig. 3) . In addition, from the space constraint information 216 (Fig. 7), it is specified that a width of 1 m in the four directions thereof needs to be provided as the work space of the product P20, and only work space in the -X direction (a laterally left direction in the drawing) is not permitted to be overlapped. [0153]
Next, the occupied-area calculation unit 323 calculates a minimum rectangular shape (4x4) which includes the product P20 and the work space thereof as an occupied area with respect to the first product P20. [0154]
Similarly, with respect to one remaining product P20, one facility M20, and two products P21, the occupied-area calculation unit 323 calculates respective occupied areas and integrates the occupied areas which is calculated in sequence by the overlapped-area determination unit 324 to calculate the occupied area corresponding to the order number "200". [0155]
Fig. 24 illustrates the occupied area which is calculated
59

with respect to the order number "200" . As illustrated in Fig. 24, in the occupied area, two products P20 (product B1) are connected in the Y direction. Similarly, two products P21 (product B2) are connected in the Y direction. In addition, the products P20 (product B1) have a different production number from two products P21 (product B2), and thus is not connected therewith. However, the work space therebetween can be overlapped, and thus the width thereof is narrowed to 1 m. The facility 20 is arranged in the X direction of the products P20. The area of 2x1 adjacent to the facility 20 in the -Y direction and the area of 2x4 adjacent in the +Y direction are an unavailable area. [0156]
Fig. 25 illustrates the occupied area information 410 corresponding to Fig. 24. [0157]
In the occupied area information 410 of Fig. 25, the arrangement ID "L2001" is given to the entire occupied area corresponding to the order number "200", "1" is stored in the arrangement flag field 4102, and (0, 0) and (6, 9) are stored as the relative coordinates of the apexes of the rectangular area. In addition, the arrangement ID "L2002" is given to the rectangular area occupied by the two connected products P20 in the Y direction, and "2" is stored in the arrangement flag field 4102 . In the product facility code field 4101, the common
60

production number S200 of the two connected products P20 is stored, and (1, 1) and (3, 5) are stored as the relative coordinates of the apexes of the rectangular area. In addition, the arrangement ID "L2003" is given to the rectangular area occupied by the two connected products P21 in the Y direction, and "2" is stored in the arrangement flag field 4102. In the product facility code field 4101, the common production number S201 of the two connected products P21 is stored, and (1, 6) and (3, 8) are stored as the relative coordinates of the apexes of the rectangular area. In addition, the arrangement ID "L2004" is given to the rectangular area occupied by the facility M20, and "3" is stored in the arrangement flag field 4102. In the product facility code field 4101, the facility code M20 is stored, and (4, 1) and (6, 5) are stored as the relative coordinates of the apexes of the rectangular area. Further, the arrangement IDs "L2005" and "L2006" are given to two non-overlappable work spaces, respectively, "4" is stored in the arrangement flag field 4102, and (0, 1) and (1, 5) or (0, 6) and (1, 8) are stored as the relative coordinates of the apexes of the work space. [0158]
In this manner, the occupied area corresponding to the order number "200" is calculated. Then, the arrangement allocation unit 325 performs the arrangement processing that arranges the occupied area corresponding to the order number
61

"200" in the work area (step S4). [0159]
First, from the process information 214 (Fig. 5), the arrangement allocation unit 325 specifies that the examination process of the product P20 of the order number "200" is the work area E01. In addition, from the work area information 215 (Fig. 6), the arrangement allocation unit 325 specifies
that the size of the work area E01 is 15x10.
[0160]
From the existing arrangement information 222 (Fig. 22) , the arrangement allocation unit 325 specifies the allocated situation of the work area E01 in the schedule (Sep. 8 to Sep. 12) which is assigned to the examination process of the product P20 of the order number "200". In this case, from the arrangement information 222, it is understood that the schedule
(Sep. 8 to Sep. 12) which is assigned to the examination process of the product P20 of the order number "200" is overlapped with the schedule (Sep. 9 to Sep. 13) which is assigned to the examination process of the product P30 of the order number "300", and the coordinates of the apexes of the occupied area are (0, 0) and (5, 8) . In the work area E01, the occupied area corresponding to the order number "200" is allocated to the area which is not allocated to the order number "300". For example, the occupied area corresponding to the order number "200" is allocated to the area where the coordinates of the
62

apexes of the work area E01 are (5, 0) and (11, 9). [0161]
The arrangement allocation unit 325 reflects the occupied area of the order number "200" allocated with respect to the work area E01 and updates the arrangement information 222 illustrated in Fig. 22 to the arrangement information 222 illustrated in Fig. 26. Specifically, the information on the arrangement IDs "L2001" to "L2006" of Fig. 26 is stored. [0162]
Then, the processing proceeds to step S5 of the production planning processing. [0163]
The description returns to Fig. 12. Next, by the above-described arrangement processing, the arrangement allocation unit 325 determines whether the occupied area corresponding to the order number can be arranged in the work area (step S5). Herein, when it is determined that the occupied area corresponding to the order number cannot be arranged in the work area, the processing returns to step S2, the allocation of the process schedule is executed again, and the subsequent processings are repeated. On the contrary, when it is determined that the occupied area corresponding to the order number can be arranged in the work area, the processing proceeds to step S6. [0164]
63

Next, the process schedule allocation unit 322 determines whether the schedule allocation of all the processes of all the ordered items which are the targets of the production planning processing is completed (step S6). [0165]
In this case, among all the ordered items which are the targets of the production planning processing, only the schedule allocation of all the processes of the ordered item "300" and the examination process of the ordered item "200" is not completed. Thus, the processing returns to step S2, and the process schedule allocation unit 322 allocates the schedule of the manufacturing process of the ordered item "200". Specifically, from the process information 214, it is understood that three days of the manufacturing process are required for the products P20 and P21 of the ordered item "200". Thus, three days of Sep. 5 to Sep. 7 are allocated to the manufacturing process. [0166]
From the process information 214, it is understood that the facility and the work area are not used in the manufacturing process of the products P20 and P21. Thus, the processings of steps S3 to S5 which targets the manufacturing process of the products P20 and P21 are omitted. [0167]
Then, the processing returns back from step S6 to step
64

S2, and the process schedule allocation unit 322 allocates the schedule of the design process of the ordered item "200". Specifically, from the process information 214, it is understood that four days of the design process are required for the products P20 and P21 of the ordered item "200". Thus, four days from Sep. 1 to Sep. 4 are allocated to the design process. In addition, from the process information 214, it is understood that the facility and the work area are not used in the design process of the products P20 and P21. Thus, the processings of steps S3 to S5 which targets the design process of the products P20 and P21 are omitted. [0168]
The process schedule allocation unit 322 reflects the schedule allocated with respect to the processes of the ordered item "200" and updates the production plan information 221. [0169]
Thereafter, the processing returns back from step S6 to step S2. The subsequent processings are performed which targets the item of the remaining order number "100". The processing which targets the item of the order number "100" is similar to the processing which targets the item of the above-described order number "300" or "200". Thus, the description thereof is omitted. [0170]
Then, it determined that the schedule allocation of all
65

the processes of all the ordered items which are targeted by the production planning processing is completed (YES in step S6), and the processing proceeds to step S7. [0171]
Next, the calculation processing unit 320 supplies and stores the production plan information 221 (Fig. 8) and the arrangement information 222 (Fig. 9) which are generated by the above-described processing and correspond to the order numbers "100" to "300" in the storage unit 200. In addition, the arrangement allocation unit 325 generates the occupied-area transition information 223 (Fig. 19) based on the arrangement information 222 and stores the occupied-area transition information in the storage unit 200. [0172]
Then, the display control unit 326 generates the output screen 600 based on the production plan information 221 and the arrangement information 222 stored in the storage unit 200, and displays the output screen on the display of the input/output unit 100. With respect to the output screen 600 (Fig. 27), when the predetermined operation is performed by the user, the display control unit 326 updates the display content of the output screen 600 or displays the arrangement screen 700 (Fig. 28) (step S7). Then, the production planning processing ends. [0173]
66

According to the above-described production planning processing, it is possible to make an accurate production plan in which each of the practical processes can be used with excellent temporal and spatial efficiency in response to the ordered items which include a plurality of products having different types or requires the facility. In addition, it is possible to prevent the production plan from being excessively made earlier in consideration of the shortage of the work area, and to reduce the lead time required for the production. [0174]
Next, Fig. 27 illustrates one example of the output screen 600. A process-table display column 610, an occupied-area area-transition display column 620, and a search-condition input column 630 are provided in the output screen 600. [0175]
The process-table display column 610 displays a process table in which the allocation is performed with respect to each of the processes of the order numbers which are selected in the search result display column 520 of the input screen 500. The process table is generated based on the production plan information 221 of the storage unit 200 by the display control unit 326. [0176]
In the case of Fig. 27, the schedule of the design process,
67

the manufacturing process, and the examination process of each of the order numbers "100" to "300" is displayed at every production number (every product). [0177]
The occupied-area area-transition display column 620 displays timewise transition of the area occupied by the occupied area in the work area. The occupied-area area-transition display column 620 is configured of a work-area selection column 621 for selecting the work area, an occupied-area display button 622 for conforming the selection of the work area, and a graph 6231 indicating the timewise transition of the area occupied by the occupied area in the selected work area and formed in a display column 623. [0178]
The graph 6231 displayed in the display column 623 is generated by the display control unit 326 based on the occupied-area transition information 223 of the storage unit 200. [0179]
The user selects the work area in the work-area selection column 621 and presses the occupied-area display button 622, so that the graph 6231 which indicates the transition of the area occupied by the occupied area in the selected work area can be displayed in the display column 623. The area of the selected work area, that is, an upper limit line 6232 which
68

indicates an upper limit value (in this case, 150 m2) of the arrangeable occupied area is drawn in the graph 6231. [0180]
The search-condition input column 630 is used to input the conditions at the time of displaying the arrangement situation of the occupied area in the work area. A work-area selection column 631 for selecting the work area, a date input column 632 for inputting date, and an arrangement-information display button 633 for conforming the selected work area and the input date are provided therein. The user selects the work area in the work-area selection column 631, inputs date in the date input column 632, and presses the arrangement-information display button 633, so that the arrangement screen 700 can be displayed on the display of the input/output unit 100. [0181]
Fig. 28 illustrates one example of the arrangement screen 700. A work-area display column 701 displaying the work area code and the work area name, a date display column 702 displaying the date, and an arrangement-diagram display column 703 displaying an arrangement diagram are provided in the arrangement screen 700. [0182]
The arrangement diagram is generated by the display control unit 326 based on the arrangement information 222 of the storage unit 200.
69

[0183]
In the arrangement diagram which is displayed in the arrangement-diagram display column 523, the occupied area corresponding to each of the order numbers is distinguished by a bold line. In each of the occupied areas, the arrangement of the product is displayed with the production number and the product name. In addition, the arrangement of the facility is displayed with the facility code and the facility name. In addition, the overlappable work space, the non-overlappable work space, and the unavailable area are displayed to be distinguished, for example, by using different colors. [0184]
As illustrated in Fig. 18, in the above-described production planning processing, the occupied area of the facility M30 in the order number "300" is arranged in the X direction of the occupied area of three products P30 according to the connection direction stored in the connection direction field 2166 of the space constraint information 216. However, the occupied area cannot be arranged in the X direction of three products P30 depending on situations. In such a case, if the change permission information which is stored in the change permission information field 2167 of the space constraint information 216 is "permissible", the overlapped-area determination unit 324 may allow the occupied area of the
70

facility M30 to be arranged in the Y direction of the occupied area of three products P30. Accordingly, even when the constraints of the work area in the X direction or the Y direction are strict, it is possible to use the work area effectively. [0185]
Fig. 29 illustrates the occupied area corresponding to the order number "300" when the occupied area of the facility M30 is arranged in the Y direction of the occupied area of three products P30. [0186]
Fig. 30 includes the occupied area information 410 corresponding to the occupied area corresponding to the order number "300" illustrated in Fig. 29. [0187]
In the occupied area information 410 of Fig. 30, the arrangement ID "L3001" is given to the rectangular area which indicates the occupied area corresponding to the order number "300", "1" is stored in the arrangement flag field 4102, and (0, 0) and (4, 11) are stored as the relative coordinate of the apex of the rectangular area. In addition, the arrangement ID "L3002" is given to the rectangular area in which the three connected products P30 are arranged, and "2" is stored in the arrangement flag field 4102. In the product facility code field 4101, the common production number S300 of the three
71

connected products P30 is stored, and (1, 1) and (3, 7) are stored as the relative coordinates of the apexes of the rectangular area. In addition, the arrangement ID "L3003" is given to the rectangular area in which the facility M30 is arranged, and "3" is stored in the arrangement flag field 4102. In the product facility code field 4101, the facility code M30 is stored, and (1, 8) and (2, 11) are stored as the relative coordinates of the apexes of the rectangular area. Further, the arrangement ID "L3004" is given to the non-overlappable work space, "4" is stored in the arrangement flag field 4102, and (0, 1) and (1, 7) are stored as the relative coordinates of the apexes of the work space. [0188]
As described above, the production planning apparatus 10 of this embodiment includes the occupied-area calculation unit 323. Thus, the occupied area of each of the products and the facilities can be calculated accurately. In addition, the overlapped-area determination unit 324 is included so that the occupied areas which are calculated with respect to each of the products or the facilities can be integrated efficiently. Further, the arrangement allocation unit 325 is included so that the occupied area corresponding to the order number can be allocated with excellent spatial efficiency with respect to the work area. Further, the process schedule allocation unit 322 is included so that the occupied area corresponding
72

to the order number can be allocated with excellent temporal
efficiency with respect to the work area.
[0189]
Meanwhile, the above-described production planning apparatus 10 of the embodiment of the invention may be configured by hardware, or may be realized by software. In a case where the production planning apparatus 10 is realized by software, the program configuring the software is installed in a computer. Herein, the example of the computer includes a computer which is embedded in a dedicated hardware or a general-purpose personal computer which can execute various functions by various installed programs, for example. [0190]
Fig. 31 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of the hardware of a computer which executes the production planning apparatus 10 with a program. [0191]
In a computer 1000, a Central Processing Unit (CPU) 1001, a Read Only Memory (ROM) 1002, and a Random Access Memory (RAM) 1003 are connected to each other by a bus 1004. [0192]
The bus 1004 is further connected with an input-output interface 1005. The input-output interface 1005 is connected with an input unit 1006, an output unit 1007, a storage unit 1008, a communication unit 1009, and a drive 1010.
73

[0193]
The input unit 1006 is configured by a keyboard, a mouse, a microphone, and the like. The output unit 1007 is configured by a display, a speaker, and the like. The storage unit 1008 is configured by a hard disk, a nonvolatile memory, and the like. The communication unit 1009 is configured by a network interface and the like. The drive 1010 drives a removable media 1011 such as a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, or a semiconductor memory. [0194]
In the computer 1000 configured as described above, for example, the CPU 1001 makes the RAM 1003 load and execute the program stored in the storage unit 1008 through the input-output interface 1005 and the bus 1004, thereby realizing the calculation processing unit 320 of the production planning apparatus 10. [0195]
The input/output unit 100 of the production planning apparatus 10 is realized by the input unit 1006 and the output unit 1007. The storage unit 200 or the memory unit 310 of the production planning apparatus 10 is realized by the storage unit 1008, the RAM 1003, or a removable media 2011. [0196]
The program executed by the computer 1000 (CPU 1001) can be provided to be recorded in the removable media 1011 such

as a package media. In addition, the program can be provided through a local area network, the Internet, and a wired or wireless transmission medium which is a Digital Satellite Broadcasting.
[0197]
In the computer 1000, the program can be installed in the storage unit 1008 through the input-output interface 1005 by mounting the removable media 1011 in the drive 1010. In addition, the program can be received by the communication unit 1009 through a wired or wireless transmission medium to be installed in the storage unit 1008. In addition, the program may be installed in advance in the ROM 1002 or the storage unit 1008.
[0198]
The program executed by the computer 1000 may be a program in which the processing is performed timewise along the sequence described in this specification, or may be a program in which the processing is performed in parallel or at a requested timing when a call is performed, for example.
[0199]
The advantageous effects described in this specification are merely examples and are not limited thereto. Other effects may be included therein.
[0200]
The invention is not limited to the above-described

embodiment and includes various modifications. For example, the above-described embodiments are described in detail to explain the invention in an easily understandable manner. The invention is not necessarily limited to the one that includes all the described components. In addition, a part of the configuration of any of the embodiments of the invention may be substituted with the configuration of another embodiment. The configuration of another embodiment may be added to the configuration of any embodiment. In addition, it is possible to add, remove, or replace other configurations with respect to a part of the configuration of each of the embodiments. [0201]
The invention can be provided in various aspects such as a program which can be read by a computer as well as a work planning apparatus and a work planning method.
Reference Signs List [0202]
10: production planning apparatus
100: input/output unit
200: storage unit
210: input information
211: order information
212: product size information
213: facility size information

214: process information
215: work area information
216: space constraint information
220: output information
221: production plan information
222: arrangement information
223: occupied-area transition information
300: calculation unit
310: memory unit
320: calculation processing unit
321: data acquisition unit
322: process schedule allocation unit
323: occupied-area calculation unit
324: overlapped-area determination unit
325: arrangement allocation unit
326: display control unit
410: occupied area information
500: input screen
510: search-condition input column
511: due-date input column
512: product-name input column
513: search button
520: search result display column
521: selection column
522: execution button

600: output screen
610: process-table display column
620: occupied-area area-transition display column
621: work-area selection column
622: occupied-area display button
623: display column
630: search-condition input column
631: work-area selection column
632: date input column
633: arrangement-information display button
700: arrangement screen
701: work-area display column
702: date display column
703: arrangement-diagram display column
1000: computer
1001: CPU
10 02: ROM
10 03: RAM
1004: bus
1005: input-output interface
1006: input unit
1007: output unit
1008: storage unit
1009: communication unit
1010: drive

1011: removable media

CLAIMS
[Claim 1]
A production planning apparatus comprising:
an input unit which inputs order information about an order of a product;
a storage unit which stores object size information which includes information about a size of an object to be arranged in a work area used in a process of the ordered product and space constraint information which includes information about a work space of the object;
an occupied-area calculation unit which calculates an arrangement size and an occupied area including the work space with respect to each of the objects based on the object size information and the space constraint information, and generates occupied area information according to the calculation result; and
an overlapped-area determination unit which determines overlap permission of the work space in the occupied areas of the objects corresponding to the order information based on overlap permission information of the space constraint information, integrates respective occupied areas of the objects according to the determination result, and updates the occupied area information according to the integration result.

[Claim 2]
The production planning apparatus according to claim 1, wherein
when the overlap permission information is "permissible" , the overlapped-area determination unit reduces a gap between the objects, shares the work space between the objects, and integrates the respective occupied areas of the objects.
[Claim 3]
The production planning apparatus according to claim 2, wherein,
the overlapped-area determination unit determines whether connection between the objects is permissible based on a connection unit of the space constraint information, and
when it is determined that the connection between the objects is possible, the overlapped-area determination unit deletes the work space between the objects to connect the objects and integrates the respective occupied areas of the obj ects.
[Claim 4]
The production planning apparatus according to claim 1, wherein
the overlapped-area determination unit connects and integrates the respective occupied areas of the objects

corresponding to the order information according to a connection direction of the space constraint information.
[Claim 5]
The production planning apparatus according to claim 4, wherein
in a case where the change permission information of the space constraint information is permissible, the overlapped-area determination unit connects and integrates the respective occupied areas of the objects corresponding to the order information in a direction different from the connection direction.
[Claim 6]
The production planning apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising:
an arrangement allocation unit which allocates the occupied area corresponding to the order information to the work area having a predetermined schedule based on the occupied area information corresponding to the order information, and generates arrangement information; and
an output unit which outputs an arrangement diagram based on the generated arrangement information.
[Claim 7]

The production planning apparatus according to claim 6, wherein
the overlapped-area determination unit specifies an unavailable area which is unavailable for the arrangement of the object and as the work space, and
the output unit displays the object, the work space, and the unavailable area in a distinguishable manner in the arrangement diagram.
[Claim 8]
The production planning apparatus according to claim 6, wherein
the output unit displays a non-overlappable work space which is not shareable between the objects and an overlappable work space which is shareable between the objects in a distinguishable manner in the arrangement diagram.
[Claim 9]
The production planning apparatus according to claim 6, wherein
the object which is arranged in the work area includes the product and the facility required for a process of the product, and
the output unit displays the product and the facility in a distinguishable manner in the arrangement diagram.

[Claim 10]
The production planning apparatus according to claim 6, further comprising:
a process schedule allocation unit which allocates a process schedule of the product according to the order information to generate production plan information, wherein
the arrangement allocation unit allocates the occupied area of each of the objects to the work area of the allocated process schedule based on the occupied area information and the production plan information to generate the arrangement information.
[Claim 11]
The production planning apparatus according to claim 10, wherein
when the occupied area corresponding to the order information is not allocated to a first work area of the allocated process schedule, the arrangement allocation unit allocates the occupied area to a second work area different from the first work area to generate the arrangement information.
[Claim 12]
The production planning apparatus according to claim 10,

wherein
the output unit outputs a process table based on the generated production plan information.
[Claim 13]
The production planning apparatus according to claim 10, wherein
the arrangement allocation unit generates occupied-area transition information which indicates timewise area-transition of the occupied area allocated to the work area based on the occupied area information and the production plan information, and
the output unit outputs a graph based on the generated occupied-area transition information.
[Claim 14]
The production planning apparatus according to claim 13, wherein
the output unit outputs the graph in which an upper limit value of an area of the work area is drawn.
[Claim 15]
A production planning method of a production planning apparatus which includes an input unit which inputs order information about an order of a product, a storage unit which

stores object size information which includes information about a size of an object to be arranged in a work area used in a process of the ordered product and space constraint information which includes information about a work space of the object, an occupied-area calculation unit, and an overlapped-area determination unit, the method comprising:
an occupied-area calculating step in which the occupied-area calculation unit calculates an arrangement size and an occupied area including the work space with respect to each of the objects based on the object size information and the space constraint information, and generates occupied area information according to the calculation result; and
an overlapped-area determining step in which the overlapped-area determination unit determines overlap permission of the work space in the occupied areas of the obj ects corresponding to the order information based on overlap permission information of the space constraint information, integrates respective occupied areas of the objects according to the determination result, and updates the occupied area information according to the integration result.