Work management support device, work management support system, and work management support method

Abstract

To provide a work management support device, a work management support system and a work management support method for realizing easier work management.SOLUTION: When an identification image applied to an object T handled in each step is read by a terminal 10 in each step of work including the plurality of steps, the terminal is controlled and a drawing of the object T specified from the identification image is displayed on the terminal 10 or a display monitor 32. When information about the progress of a first step is input through the terminal with at least one step as the first step, the information is acquired. The acquired information is stored in a storage device 16 in association with the first step, and processing related to the first step or a second step is executed on the basis of the information stored in the storage device 16.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a work management support device, a work management support system, and a work management support method, and more particularly to a work management support device, a work management support system, and a work management support method that support the management of work that includes multiple processes. [Background technology]

[0002] In the work of manufacturing products such as building materials, technology that utilizes ICT (Information Communication Technology) to digitize and manage work time, progress, etc. has already been put to practical use. For example, Patent Document 1 describes technology that uses a tablet terminal, smartphone, or other terminal to manage the progress of work. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-184427 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Generally, the manufacturing process of a product consists of multiple steps, and the product is completed by performing each step in order. At each step, workers perform the work assigned to each step (hereinafter referred to as element work) while referring to product drawings (e.g., design drawings or assembly drawings).

[0005] However, the drawings to be referenced vary depending on the type of product. In this case, printing a drawing for each product requires a lot of work, and the amount of paper used increases depending on the number of drawings to be referenced.

[0006] Furthermore, in a certain process among multiple processes, a worker may record information about the progress of that process, such as the progress status of that process or changes to elemental work. Because this information affects subsequent processes, it needs to be recorded so that each worker can check it. However, writing it down on a specified form or the above-mentioned drawings is time-consuming, and documents on which the information is recorded need to be managed so that they do not get lost.

[0007] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus, a system, and a method for realizing easier work management. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The above problem is solved by the work management support device of the present invention, which is a work management support device that supports the management of work including multiple processes, and which includes: a display control unit that, when an identification image attached to an object handled in each process is read by a terminal, controls the terminal to display a drawing of the object identified from the identification image on the terminal or a display corresponding to the terminal; an information acquisition unit that, when information regarding the progress of at least one process is input through the terminal, designating the first process as a first process, acquires information; a memory unit that associates the acquired information with the first process and stores it in a memory unit; and a processing execution unit that executes processing related to the first process or a second process corresponding to the first process based on the information stored in the memory unit.

[0009] In the work management support device of the present invention configured as described above, by reading the identification image attached to the object handled in each process by a terminal, a drawing of the object identified from the identification image can be displayed on the terminal or a display device corresponding to the terminal, thereby making it easy to check the drawing to be referred to in each process. Furthermore, in the work management support device of the present invention, when information about the progress of at least one process (first process) is input via a terminal, the information is recorded and processing related to the first process or a second process corresponding to the first process is executed based on the recorded information. This makes it possible to easily manage information about the progress of each process and to easily reflect that information in work management.

[0010] The work management support device may further include an update unit that updates the drawing data representing the drawing in response to an operation performed on the terminal on which the drawing is displayed. In this case, it is preferable that the display control unit displays, on the terminal or the display, at least one of a first drawing based on updatable drawing data and a second drawing based on non-updatable drawing data, selected by the terminal. According to the above configuration, at least one of the first drawing and the second drawing can be selected and displayed according to the selection of the worker, thereby improving convenience (ease of use) for the worker.

[0011] In addition, when each of a plurality of processes is defined as a first process and progress information regarding the progress of the first process is input for each process, the information acquisition unit may acquire the progress information for each process, and the storage unit may store the progress information for each process in the storage device in association with each process. According to the above configuration, the progress of each process can be easily managed.

[0012] Furthermore, the progress information may include start information indicating the start of a process and end information indicating the end of a process. Furthermore, the second process may be performed immediately after the first process among the multiple processes. In this case, a restriction may be imposed on the input of progress information for the second process or on the display of a drawing of the object in the second process from the time the information acquisition unit acquires the start information for the first process until the time the information acquisition unit acquires the end information. Furthermore, it is preferable that when the information acquisition unit acquires the end information for the first process, the processing execution unit executes processing to remove the restriction on the second process. According to the above configuration, while the first process is in progress but not yet completed, the input of progress information for the second process is restricted, and the restriction is lifted when the first process is completed. This allows progress management of each process, specifically the input of progress information, to be carried out appropriately in accordance with the order of the processes.

[0013] The progress information may include start information indicating the start of a process and end information indicating the end of the process. In this case, the processing execution unit may execute a process to measure the time required from when the information acquisition unit acquires the start information for the first process to when it acquires the end information. According to the above configuration, the time required for each process can be measured, and more appropriate work management can be implemented.

[0014] Furthermore, in the first step, when note information indicating irregularities that have been performed in the first step is input, the information acquiring unit may acquire the note information. According to the above configuration, if there is any irregular content (irregular response, etc.) regarding the element work in the first process, the information can be recorded as note information, which results in more appropriate work management.

[0015] Furthermore, in the first step, the annotation information may be input through a terminal displaying a drawing of the object to be handled in the first step. In this case, when acquiring the annotation information, the information acquisition unit may identify the drawing displayed on the terminal at the time the annotation information was input. Furthermore, the storage unit may store the annotation information in the storage device in association with the drawing displayed on the terminal at the time the annotation information was input. According to the above configuration, annotation information can be stored in association with the drawing displayed on the terminal at the time the annotation information was input. This allows the input annotation information to be referenced in association with the drawing, improving convenience for the worker.

[0016] In addition, when the information acquisition unit acquires annotation information for the first process, the processing execution unit may execute processing to display the annotation information on a terminal or display device together with a drawing of the object handled in a process that is performed after the first process among the multiple processes. According to the above configuration, the note information is displayed on a terminal or display device in the process following the process (first process) in which the note information was input, so that the worker in charge of that process can easily check the note information.

[0017] Furthermore, the above-mentioned problem is solved by the work management support system of the present invention, which is a work management support system that supports the management of work including multiple processes, and includes a terminal capable of reading images and a device capable of communicating with the terminal, and the device includes a display control unit that, when an identification image attached to an object handled in each process is read by the terminal, controls the terminal to display a drawing of the object identified from the identification image on the terminal or a display corresponding to the terminal, an information acquisition unit that acquires information when information regarding the progress of at least one process, which is designated as a first process, is input through the terminal, a memory unit that associates the acquired information with the first process and stores it in a memory unit, and a processing execution unit that executes processing related to the first process or a second process corresponding to the first process based on the information stored in the memory unit. According to the work management support system of the present invention, it is possible to more easily refer to drawings at each stage of work, record information regarding the progress of at least one stage (first stage), and perform processing based on that information.

[0018] Furthermore, the above-mentioned problem is solved by the work management support method of the present invention, which is a work management support method that supports the management of work including multiple processes, in which, in each process, when an identification image attached to an object handled in the process is read by a terminal, the computer controls the terminal to display a drawing of the object identified from the identification image on the terminal or a display corresponding to the terminal, and when information regarding the progress of at least one process is input through the terminal, the computer acquires the information, associates the acquired information with the first process and stores it in a memory device, and executes processing related to the first process or a second process corresponding to the first process based on the information stored in the memory device. According to the above work management support method, it is possible to more easily refer to drawings at each stage of work, record information regarding the progress of at least one stage (first stage), and perform processing based on that information. [Effects of the Invention]

[0019] According to the present invention, a work management support device, a work management support system, and a work management support method are realized that allow for easier management of work consisting of multiple steps. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0020] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a work flow. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a work line. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram of a work management support system. [Figure 4] 1 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of a computer that constitutes a work management support device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a work management list. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation screen for work management. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an identification image assigned to an object. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displaying a drawing. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displaying annotation information. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating functions of a work management support device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a work management support flow. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0021] One embodiment of the present invention (hereinafter, this embodiment) will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. For ease of illustration, the drawings show each component somewhat simplified and schematic. Furthermore, the screen examples shown in the drawings (e.g., FIGS. 6, 8, and 9) are merely examples, and the screen configuration, the content of the displayed information, the GUI (Graphical User Interface), and the like can be freely designed and appropriately changed according to the system design specifications, user settings, and the like.

[0022] Furthermore, the concept of "device" described in this specification includes a single device that performs a specific function, as well as multiple devices that are distributed and exist independently but work together (in cooperation) to perform a specific function.

[0023] <<Outline of this embodiment>> The present embodiment is an example of a technique for supporting work management, and relates to a work management support device, a work management support system, and a work management support method. First, the work managed by this embodiment will be described. The work is, for example, the work of producing (manufacturing) a target product, and includes multiple processes, each of which is carried out in order to complete the target product. Hereinafter, the target product, including the stages in its production, will be referred to as "target object T."

[0024] In this embodiment, the object T is linked to a project. A project is a task of assembling multiple objects T, and for example, construction work for a custom-made property such as a house corresponds to the project. A task is work of producing building materials that make up the custom-made property, and for example, steel frame production work corresponds to the task. In the following, steel frame production work will be described as a specific example.

[0025] In steel frame production work, as shown in FIG. 1, multiple processes, namely, "marking," "component processing (pre-processing)," "assembly," "primary welding," and "secondary welding," are carried out in this order. In this embodiment, the steel frame production work is an assembly line carried out in a production factory. To explain in more detail, as shown in FIG. 2, an object T is transported along a conveyor line within the production factory, and each process is carried out while the object T is stationary at a position on the conveyor line corresponding to each process. The area where each process is carried out will also be referred to as a "station" below.

[0026] In each process, a worker performs the work (elementary work) assigned to that process at the station for that process, and in the elemental work, a predetermined measure or processing is performed on the object T. In addition, in each process, the worker refers to a drawing of the object T, specifically a drawing that shows the contents of the elemental work, such as the assembly procedure for the object T. In addition, the drawings referred to in each process of work that handles the same type of object T are, as a general rule, the same. After completing the element work, the worker hands over the object T to the next process. The number of workers in charge of each process may be any number, and one worker may perform all of the multiple processes throughout one job.

[0027] The steel frame production work is repeated the same number of times as the number of steel frames required for the project, and each work cycle involves the repeated steps of "marking," "component processing," "assembly," "primary welding," and "secondary welding." The procedures for each step in each work cycle, i.e., the content of the element work in each process, are generally the same across all processes. However, irregularities may occur if, for example, the shape or dimensions of a part of the target object T differs, or if the position of a part attached to the target object T is misaligned. In such cases, the worker records the irregularities (i.e., changes to the work) performed as element work as note information. The worker in the subsequent process then checks the note information and performs the element work in the process for that item.

[0028] In this embodiment, work time, work progress, and various information required for the work are digitized. This allows workers to proceed with the work while appropriately checking the digitized information, and also allows work managers to understand the work progress, etc., from the data. In addition, data such as work time can be edited after collection and can be visualized and displayed, for example, using graphs. Furthermore, by accumulating work time and / or the time required for each process, etc., as actual values ​​for work that has been performed so far, labor productivity (production volume per unit time) for the work can be evaluated, and based on the evaluation results, work procedures can be revised, etc.

[0029] <<About the work management support system according to this embodiment>> Next, a work management support system (hereinafter simply referred to as support system S) according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in Figure 3, the support system S is composed of a terminal 10 used by a worker, a work management support device (hereinafter simply referred to as support device 20), an access point 30 installed in the production factory, and a display monitor 32.

[0030] The terminal 10 is a communication terminal such as a tablet terminal, laptop computer, or smartphone, and an application program for work management support is installed on the terminal 10. At each process step during work, the worker starts the application program and operates the terminal 10, and refers to a drawing or the like of the object T being handled at that process on the display screen of the terminal 10. Furthermore, if the worker performs an irregular operation at each process step, the worker inputs the details of the operation using an input device (e.g., a touch panel) of the terminal 10.

[0031] The terminal 10 may be provided to each worker, or may be prepared for each process, or workers in charge of each process may share one or several terminals 10.

[0032] In this embodiment, the terminal 10 has a function of optically reading (capturing) an image, and more simply, is equipped with a camera for taking images. This function allows the worker to read an identification image (see FIG. 6) described later with the terminal 10 in each process.

[0033] The support device 20 is configured by a computer equipped with a processor, such as a personal computer (PC), a workstation, or a server computer. The support device 20 may be configured by a single computer, or may be configured by multiple computers distributed in parallel. The support device 20 may be installed in the production factory, or may be installed in a building away from the production factory (for example, the building of the company that undertakes the project).

[0034] The support device 20 is used for work management, and specifically, executes a series of information processing related to work management. The computer constituting the support device 20 (hereinafter referred to as the support computer) has a processor 11, a memory 12, a communication interface 13, an input device 14, and an output device 15, as shown in FIG.

[0035] The processor 11 is composed of, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an MPU (Micro-Processing Unit), an MCU (Micro Controller Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), a TPU (Tensor Processing Unit), or an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit). The memory 12 is configured by semiconductor memories such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) and a RAM (Random Access Memory). The communication interface 13 is configured by, for example, a network interface card or a communication interface board. The input device 14 is configured by, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, or a touch panel. The output device 15 is configured by, for example, a display and a speaker.

[0036] Furthermore, the support computer has installed therein, as software, a program for an operating system (OS) and an application program for work management. These programs are executed by the processor 11, causing the support computer to function as a work management support device.

[0037] The support computer is also connected to a storage device 16 as shown in FIG. 4. In this embodiment, the storage device 16 is one of the components of the support device 20, and is, for example, a file server, specifically, a network-attached storage (NAS) (see FIG. 1). However, without being limited thereto, the storage device 16 may be configured, for example, by a flash memory, a hard disc drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), a flexible disc (FD), a magneto-optical disc (MO disc), a compact disc (CD), a digital versatile disc (DVD), a secure digital card (SD card), or a universal serial bus memory (USB memory). The storage constituting the storage device 16 may be built into the support computer or may be attached externally.

[0038] The support computer and storage device 16 (NAS: Network Attached Storage) can communicate with other devices via the communication interface 13. Specifically, a wireless LAN (Local Area Network) is established within the production factory, and the support computer and storage device 16 are connected via a hub to a plurality of access points 30 installed within the factory. This allows the support computer and storage device 16 to wirelessly communicate with communication devices within the factory, specifically, terminals 10 and display monitors 32, etc., via the wireless LAN. The support computer and storage device 16, ie, the support device 20, may be connected to the terminal 10 and the display monitor 32 by wire, ie, may communicate with these devices by wire.

[0039] The display monitors 32 are displays installed in the factory separately from the terminals 10, and for example, a plurality of display monitors 32 are installed near the conveyance line of the target object T. Each display monitor 32 is associated with one or more terminals 10, and more specifically, each display monitor 32 is capable of communicating with terminals 10 within a predetermined distance from its installation position via Bluetooth (registered trademark) or Wi-Fi (registered trademark). Each display monitor 32 can display information that is displayed on the associated terminal 10, and for example, information transmitted from the support device 20 to the terminal 10 can be displayed on the corresponding display monitor 32.

[0040] The number of display monitors 32 to be installed may be any number, but it is preferable that at least one be installed at each station. Also, it is preferable that the display monitor 32 be a monitor that is larger than the screen of the terminal 10.

[0041] In this embodiment, the support system S configured as described above makes it possible to easily manage steel frame production work, and specifically, the support system S can be used for purposes such as managing work progress, calculating work time, referring to drawings for each process, and recording annotation information. Below, the procedures for using the support system S for each purpose will be explained for each purpose.

[0042] (1) Work progress management When managing the progress of work, for example, a worker in charge of the first process in the work (i.e., the "marking" process) performs an input operation for starting the work on terminal 10. When performing the input operation, for example, a work management list as shown in FIG. 5 is displayed on the worker's terminal 10. The work management list contains a record for each work (hereinafter referred to as a work management record). The work management record for each project is stored in storage device 16, and includes the work status, the date the work was performed, the ID number of the steel frame produced in the work, information about the project in which the steel frame is used (object information), and the status of each process. The status of each process is information that indicates whether the process is not yet started, is being performed, or has been completed.

[0043] The worker selects a task to be started from the list. In response, the terminal 10 transmits data indicating the selection result to the support device 20. Thereafter, the worker in charge of each process in the work operates the terminal 10 at the start of that process. To explain in more detail, when the worker performs a predetermined operation on the terminal 10, for example, an operation to read a two-dimensional barcode Q attached to an object T with the terminal 10, an application program for work management support is started, and an operation window W shown in FIG. 6 is displayed on the screen of the terminal 10. The operation window W displays the content and status of the process, the tasks that include the task, the case (property information) linked to the task, the planned time of the process, etc., and is provided with multiple buttons for accepting operations.

[0044] The worker in charge of each process operates the terminal 10 and performs a predetermined operation (for example, pressing a start button, not shown) at the start of the process. As a result, information indicating the start of the process and the time (hereinafter referred to as start information) is sent from the terminal 10 to the support device 20. The support device 20 receives the start information from the terminal 10 and stores it in the storage device 16. In addition, the support device 20 updates the work management record in conjunction with the storage of the start information, and specifically, changes the status of the started process to "in work." The operation for starting each step may be, for example, an operation for referring to a drawing (specifically, an operation for reading an identification image), which will be described later.

[0045] Furthermore, the worker in charge of each process in the work operates the terminal 10 at the end of that process, specifically by pressing the end button in the operation window W shown in FIG. 6. As a result, information indicating the end of the process and the time (hereinafter referred to as end information) is transmitted from the terminal 10 to the support device 20. The support device 20 receives the end information from the terminal 10 and stores it in the storage device 16. Furthermore, the support device 20 updates the work management record in accordance with the storage of the end information, specifically by changing the status of the completed process to "completed."

[0046] In addition, each process is set so that it is not possible to receive end information before it has received start information, meaning that the worker in charge of each process cannot perform an end operation for that process unless he or she has started that process.In addition, each process is set so that it is not possible to receive start information before it has received end information for the immediately preceding process, meaning that the worker in charge of each process cannot perform a start operation for that process unless the immediately preceding process has finished.

[0047] Then, the start and end information of each process is acquired for each process, and the work is completed when the end information for the last process, i.e., the "secondary welding" process, is acquired. At this point, the support device 20 updates the work status in the work management record to "completed."

[0048] (2) Calculation of work hours When calculating task time, for example, a task manager specifies the task to be calculated (hereinafter referred to as the target task), and the support device 20 calculates the task time based on the start information and end information acquired for each process of the specified target task. To explain in more detail, the support device 20 measures the time required for each process of the target task from when the start information is acquired to when the end information is acquired, and calculates the task time for the target task by adding up the required times measured for each process. It is preferable that the calculation results of the work time are output appropriately by a specified device, and for example, data displaying the calculation results of the work time may be sent to a terminal (not shown) used by the work manager.

[0049] (3) Reference to drawings When a worker refers to a drawing in each process, the worker acquires identification information of the object T handled in that process and transmits the identification information to the support device 20. To explain in more detail, in this embodiment, a two-dimensional barcode Q (corresponding to an identification image) shown in FIG. 7 is attached to the object T, and strictly speaking, a label on which the two-dimensional barcode Q is printed is attached to a predetermined position on the object T. When the worker reads the two-dimensional barcode Q using the terminal 10, the terminal 10 transmits data of the read image (i.e., data indicating a captured image of the two-dimensional barcode Q) to the support device 20. The support device 20 analyzes the data of the read image and identifies the two-dimensional barcode Q attached to the object T.

[0050] The two-dimensional barcode Q is associated with the object T and the project (property information) in which the object T is used. Data indicating a drawing of the object T is associated with the project (property information) in which the object T is used and stored in the storage device 16 for each object T, and the information on the storage destination is incorporated into the two-dimensional barcode Q. Then, based on the two-dimensional barcode Q attached to the object T, the support device 20 identifies the drawing of the object T handled in the process currently being performed (hereinafter referred to as the reference drawing) and reads the data of the reference drawing from the storage device 16. Thereafter, the support device 20 controls the terminal 10 operated by the worker in charge of the process currently being performed based on the data of the reference drawing. As a result, the reference drawing as shown in FIG. 8 is displayed on the screen of the terminal 10.

[0051] In this embodiment, the reference drawing can be displayed on the display monitor 32 instead of or together with the terminal 10. That is, when the support device 20 controls the terminal 10 to display the reference drawing, a control signal is transmitted from the terminal 10 to the display monitor 32, thereby causing the reference drawing to be displayed on the display monitor 32 as well. As a result, the worker can view the reference drawing on the display monitor 32, which has a larger screen size than the terminal 10, making it easier to check the work content on the reference drawing.

[0052] In this embodiment, two types of data are stored in the storage device 16 as data representing a drawing of the object T. One of the data is drawing data that can be updated, specifically data saved in an editable or writable format (e.g., data in a PDF file format), and hereinafter, a drawing displayed based on that data will be referred to as a "first drawing." The other data is drawing data that cannot be updated, specifically data saved in an uneditable, read-only format (e.g., data with an extension such as dwx, dwg, or dxf), and hereinafter, a drawing displayed based on that data will be referred to as a "second drawing."

[0053] In each step, when referring to a drawing, the worker selects at least one of the first drawing and the second drawing, and presses the button corresponding to the selected drawing in the operation window W. Specifically, when referring to the first drawing, the worker presses the "editable" button, and when referring to the second drawing, the worker presses the "uneditable" button. Then, the support device 20 displays on the terminal 10 or the display monitor 32 the drawing selected by the worker as the reference drawing from the first drawing and the second drawing.

[0054] (Recording of note information) When recording annotation information, a worker, or more precisely, a worker who has performed irregularities in an elemental work of a certain process, inputs annotation information indicating the irregularities into terminal 10. More specifically, at the time of inputting the annotation information, a drawing (reference drawing) is displayed on terminal 10, and the worker performs a predetermined editing operation on the part of the displayed drawing where the irregularities occurred, for example, by drawing a line around the part. The drawing displayed at this point is the first drawing mentioned above.

[0055] When the above editing operation is performed, a note input form (not shown) is displayed on the terminal 10, and the worker inputs note information in the form of free comments. When the input of the note information is completed, the terminal 10 transmits data indicating the input note information to the support device 20, and the support device 20 acquires the above note information by receiving the data. The acquired note information is stored in the storage device 16 in association with the drawing (reference drawing) displayed on the terminal 10 at the time the note information was input.

[0056] The stored annotation information can be displayed on the terminal 10 or the display monitor 32 in a process that is subsequently performed, together with a drawing of the object T handled in that process. Specifically, a worker in charge of a process subsequent to the process in which the annotation information was input performs a predetermined operation in that process, and, for example, presses a button for referencing annotation information in an operation window W that is displayed together with the reference drawing (see FIG. 9(a)). This operation triggers the support device 20 to control the terminal 10 and display the annotation information input in the previous process on the terminal 10 or the display monitor 32. At this time, the annotation information is displayed in a list format as shown in FIG. 9(b), and the list displays all of the annotation information that has been input up to that point for each of the multiple processes included in the work currently in progress.

[0057] In addition, when the worker selects one of the note information displayed in the list, the support device 20 displays on the terminal 10 or the display monitor 32 the drawing associated with the selected note information, i.e., the drawing that was edited (written) when entering the note information.

[0058] <<Functions of the work management support device according to this embodiment>> Next, the configuration of the support device 20 will be explained again from a functional perspective. As shown in Fig. 10, the support device 20 has a display control unit 41, an update unit 42, an information acquisition unit 43, a storage unit 44, and a process execution unit 45. The process execution unit 45 has a note display unit 46, a restriction removal unit 47, and a measurement unit 48. These functional units are realized by cooperation between hardware devices provided in the support computer and software such as various programs installed in the support computer. Each functional unit will be described below.

[0059] (Display control unit) When the two-dimensional barcode Q attached to the object T is read by the terminal 10 in each process during work, the display control unit 41 identifies a drawing of the object T handled in the process currently being performed, i.e., a reference drawing, from the two-dimensional barcode Q. Then, the display control unit 41 controls the terminal 10 based on the data of the reference drawing stored in the storage device 16, and causes the terminal 10 or the display monitor 32 to display the reference drawing. In addition, in this embodiment, the display control unit 41 displays, as a reference drawing, at least one of a first drawing based on drawing data that can be updated and a second drawing based on drawing data that cannot be updated, selected by the terminal 10, on the terminal 10 or the display monitor 32.

[0060] The display control unit 41 may display information other than the drawings on the terminal 10 or the display monitor 32, for example, information related to the project, specifically, the standard specifications of the object T used in the project, or complementary information such as welding conditions specified for each project (item). This information may be displayed in response to an individual display request from the worker, rather than by reading the two-dimensional barcode Q.

[0061] (Update section) When an editing operation is performed on the terminal 10 displaying the reference drawing in each process, the update unit 42 updates the drawing data indicating the reference drawing in accordance with the editing operation. Specifically, a worker who has performed irregular content in an element work in a certain process performs an editing operation (specifically, a writing operation) on the part of the reference drawing displayed on the terminal 10 at that time where the irregular content was performed. The update unit 42 receives data indicating the editing operation from the terminal 10 and updates the drawing data indicating the reference drawing so that the editing content is reflected.

[0062] (Information acquisition department) When at least one process in the work is designated as a first process and information relating to the progress of the first process is input through the terminal 10, the information acquisition unit 43 acquires the information through communication with the terminal 10.

[0063] Specifically, in this embodiment, each of the multiple processes is defined as a first process, and progress information regarding the progress of the first process is input for each process by the worker in charge of the first process. Here, the progress information includes the above-mentioned start information and end information. The start information for each process indicates the start and time of the process, and the end information for each process indicates the end and time of the process. The information acquisition unit 43 acquires the progress status for each process, and more specifically, receives data on the start information and end information from the terminal 10 used by the worker in charge of each process when inputting the start and end of the process.

[0064] Furthermore, in the first step, when annotation information indicating irregular content performed in the first step is input, the information acquisition unit 43 acquires the input annotation information. To explain in more detail, the worker who performed irregular content in the first step inputs the annotation information through the terminal 10 displaying a drawing (reference drawing) of the object T handled in the first step. Thereafter, the terminal 10 transmits data indicating the input annotation information to the support device 20, and the information acquisition unit 43 receives the data from the terminal 10, thereby acquiring the input annotation information. At this time, the information acquisition unit 43 identifies the reference drawing (hereinafter, the displayed drawing at the time of inputting the annotation information) that was displayed on the terminal 10 at the time the acquired annotation information was input.

[0065] (Storage part) The storage unit 44 stores the information acquired by the information acquisition unit 43 in the storage device 16. In this embodiment, the information acquisition unit 43 acquires information related to the first process, and the storage unit 44 stores the acquired information in the storage device 16 in association with the first process. Specifically, the storage unit 44 stores progress information for each process (i.e., start information and end information) in association with each process in the storage device 16 for each process. For example, when progress information for the "assembly" process is acquired, the storage unit 44 stores the progress information in association with the "assembly" process in the storage device 16.

[0066] Furthermore, when the information acquisition unit 43 acquires annotation information for the first process, the storage unit 44 associates the annotation information with the first process and stores it in the storage device 16. At this time, the storage unit further associates the annotation information with the display drawing at the time the annotation information is input and stores it in the storage device 16.

[0067] (Processing execution unit: note display unit, restriction release unit and measurement unit) The processing execution unit 45 executes processing related to the first process or a second process corresponding to the first process based on the information stored in the storage device 16, in other words, the information acquired about the first process by the information acquisition unit 43. Here, the second process is, for example, a process executed after the first process in a job that includes the first process. Furthermore, the processing related to the first process or the second process is processing executed for the purpose of managing the progress of the first process or the second process or for the purpose of smoothly progressing the second process.

[0068] The processing execution unit 45 executes three processing operations with different contents, specifically, the note display unit 46 executes a note display processing, the restriction release unit 47 executes a restriction release processing, and the measurement unit 48 executes a measurement processing.

[0069] When the information acquisition unit 43 acquires the note information for the first step, the note display unit 46 executes a note display process for the second step, and specifically, causes the note information to be displayed on the terminal 10 or the display monitor 32 together with a drawing of the object T handled in the second step. In this embodiment, the note display process is triggered by a predetermined operation on the terminal 10 by the worker in charge of the second step, specifically, by pressing the note information display button on the operation window W.

[0070] In the restriction removal process, the restriction removal unit 47 determines whether the restriction on the second process can be removed based on the progress information acquired by the information acquisition unit 43 for the first process, and removes the restriction if it can be removed. The restriction removal unit 47 performs the restriction removal process by treating each of the multiple processes as the first process and the process performed immediately after the first process as the second process. In other words, the restriction removal process is repeatedly performed by treating each of the multiple processes except for the first process (i.e., the "scribing" process) as the second process.

[0071] To explain the restriction release process in more detail, in this embodiment, from the time when the information acquisition unit 43 acquires the start information for the first process until the time when it acquires the end information, a restriction is imposed on the input of progress information (more specifically, start information) for the second process and a restriction is imposed on the display of a drawing of the object T in the second process. Then, when the information acquisition unit 43 acquires the end information for the first process, the restriction release unit 47 releases the above-mentioned restriction for the second process. By releasing the restriction, the input and acceptance of start information for the second process is permitted, and the drawing of the object T (reference drawing) can be displayed in the second process.

[0072] The measurement unit 48 executes a measurement process to measure the time required for the first process, specifically, the time required from acquiring start information to acquiring end information for the first process, based on the progress information for the first process acquired by the information acquisition unit 43. The measurement unit 48 executes the measurement process with each of the multiple processes as the first process, that is, measures the time required for each process included in the work.

[0073] <<Work management support method according to this embodiment>> Next, the work management support flow executed in the support system S will be described with reference to Fig. 11. The work management support flow employs the work management support method of the present invention and progresses according to the flow shown in Fig. 11. In other words, each step in the work management support flow shown in Fig. 11 corresponds to a component of the work management support method of the present invention. The work management support flow shown in FIG. 11 is merely an example, and unnecessary steps may be deleted, new steps may be added, or the order in which steps are performed may be changed, without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0074] Each step of the work management support flow is performed by the computer that constitutes the support device 20, i.e., the support computer. The work management support flow is triggered and starts when the worker operates the terminal 10 to perform an input operation to start work, for example, when the worker specifies the work to be started from the work management list shown in Figure 5.

[0075] In the work management support flow, first, the worker in charge of the first process (i.e., "marking") inputs the start of the process into the terminal 10, and the support computer acquires start information for that process (S001). The acquired start information is stored in the storage device 16 in association with the work being performed and the started process.

[0076] Next, the worker in charge of the first process reads the two-dimensional barcode Q attached to the object T handled in that process using the terminal 10, and the support computer acquires the read image (S002). After that, the support computer identifies the drawing of the object T from the two-dimensional barcode Q indicated in the read image (S003).

[0077] Then, the support computer controls the terminal 10 of the worker in charge of the first process to display the drawing identified in step S003 on the terminal 10 or the display monitor 32 corresponding to the terminal 10 (S004).

[0078] Furthermore, when irregular content is performed in the first process and the worker operates the terminal 10 to input annotation information (S005), the support computer acquires the input annotation information (S006). The acquired annotation information is stored in the storage device 16 in association with the process where the annotation information was acquired (i.e., the process where the irregular content was performed) and the drawing that was displayed at the time the annotation information was input.

[0079] Then, when the first process is completed, the worker inputs the process completion into the terminal 10, and the support computer acquires the completion information for that process (S007), and the acquired completion information is associated with the work being performed and the completed process and stored in the storage device 16. Accordingly, the support computer executes the measurement process and the restriction release process (S008, S009).

[0080] In the measurement process, the support computer measures the time required from when the start information is acquired until when the end information is acquired for the process that was just completed. Note that the measurement process is not limited to being executed immediately after the process to be measured is completed, but may also be executed when all of the multiple tasks included in one job are completed.

[0081] In the restriction release process, the support computer releases the restriction on the next process (i.e., the second "component processing"). As a result, the process for which the restriction has been released (i.e., "component processing") is permitted to input and accept start information, and also to display a drawing of the object T for that process.

[0082] Thereafter, the process moves to the second step, and the support computer acquires start information for that step in the same procedure as in step S001 (S011). Also, in a case where annotation information was acquired in the previous process (i.e., the first process), suppose that the worker in charge of the second process performs an operation to display the annotation information on the terminal 10 (S012). In this case, the support computer executes an annotation display process, and displays the annotation information together with the drawing of the object T on the terminal 10 of the worker or the display monitor 32 corresponding to the terminal 10 (S013).

[0083] Thereafter, steps S002 to S009 are performed for the second process. In the third and subsequent processes, steps S011 to S013 are performed, followed by steps S002 to S009, just like in the second process.

[0084] Then, when the final process (ie, "secondary welding") is completed and measurement processing (S008) is performed for the final process, the work management support flow ends. Furthermore, each time a new task is started, the above-described series of steps is repeated.

[0085] <<Effectiveness of this embodiment>> According to this embodiment, in each process during work, it is possible to easily refer to a drawing of the object T handled in each process. Specifically, by reading the two-dimensional barcode Q attached to the object T with the terminal 10, the drawing of the object T (reference drawing) is displayed on the terminal 10 or the display monitor 32, so that the worker can easily check the reference drawing through the terminal 10 or the display monitor 32. In addition, it is possible to save the trouble of printing out the drawing, and also to reduce the number of sheets of printing paper used, promoting a paperless system.

[0086] In this embodiment, a first drawing based on data that can be updated (or, more simply, overwritten and saved) can be displayed as a reference drawing on the terminal 10. In other words, a first drawing that can be edited or written into can be displayed as a reference drawing on the terminal 10. This allows, for example, when inputting annotation information, the corresponding portion can be written into the drawing, and the written content can be stored in the storage device 16 together with the annotation information.

[0087] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, it becomes easier to manage the progress of work, specifically the progress of each process. Specifically, when the worker in charge of each process performs a process start operation and a process end operation on the terminal 10, the information is stored in the storage device 16 as progress information (specifically, start information and end information). Then, since the progress information is stored for each process, it is possible to appropriately manage the progress of each process during work. Furthermore, by obtaining the start information and end information, it becomes possible to measure the required time for each process, thereby making it easy to grasp the work time.

[0088] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, when irregular content (irregular response or measure, etc.) is performed in each process, note information indicating the content can be easily recorded, and the input note information can be easily confirmed. Specifically, the worker who performed the irregular content inputs the note information at the terminal 10, and the input note information is stored in the storage device 16. Then, in a process performed after the process in which the irregular content was performed, the worker performs an operation for displaying the note information at the terminal 10, thereby confirming the note information input in the previous process on the terminal 10 or the display monitor 32. This makes it easier to confirm the note information. To explain in more detail, in the past, the content corresponding to the annotation information was written on the paper on which the drawings were printed. In such a situation, if an irregular content was performed in a certain process, the worker had to check all the drawings for the related process to determine whether there was a drawing with annotation information. In contrast to this, according to this embodiment, the annotation information can be extracted and displayed on the terminal 10 or the display monitor 32, and furthermore, the annotation information can be displayed in list form, which makes it much easier to check the annotation information than before.

[0089] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, input of start information for the next process and display of drawings are restricted while the previous process (strictly speaking, the immediately preceding process) is not yet completed. This allows each process in the work to proceed in order, and the progress of the work can be managed appropriately.

[0090] <<Other embodiments>> While one embodiment of the work management support device, work management support system, and work management support method of the present invention has been described above, the above embodiment is merely an example for facilitating understanding of the present invention and does not limit the present invention. In other words, the present invention may be modified or improved without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Furthermore, the present invention naturally includes equivalents thereof.

[0091] In the above embodiment, a display monitor 32 is installed in addition to the terminal 10 in the production factory, and drawings and the like can be displayed on the display monitor 32 instead of or together with the terminal 10. However, this is not limiting, and drawings and the like may be displayed only on the terminal 10 without the display monitor 32 being installed in the factory.

[0092] In the above embodiment, when referring to the drawing of the object T in each process, the worker reads the two-dimensional barcode Q attached to the object T using the terminal 10. However, the identification image to be read is not limited to the two-dimensional barcode Q, and may be, for example, text, numerical values, or encrypted information.

[0093] In the above embodiment, when calculating the task time, the worker or task manager specifies the target task, and the task time is calculated for the specified target task. However, this is not limited to this, and the task time may be calculated automatically by the support device 20. For example, the task time may be calculated automatically when the task is completed.

[0094] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the work of producing building materials (specifically, steel frames) used in the construction of buildings has been described as an example, but the present invention can be applied to work of producing / manufacturing products other than building materials. For example, the present invention may be applied to the assembly work of equipment. [Explanation of symbols]

[0095] 10 devices 11 processors 12 Memory 13 Communication Interface 14 Input Devices 15 Output Devices 16 Storage device 20 Support equipment (work management support equipment) 30 access points 32 Display monitor (display) 41 Display control unit 42 Update section 43 Information Acquisition Department 44 Storage section 45 Processing execution unit 46 Note display area 47 Restriction Release Section 48 Measurement section Q 2D barcode T object S Support System (Work Management Support System) W Operation window

Claims

1. A work management support device that supports the management of work including multiple processes, a display control unit that controls the terminal when an identification image assigned to an object handled in each of the steps is read by the terminal, and causes the terminal or a display device corresponding to the terminal to display a drawing of the object identified from the identification image; an information acquisition unit that acquires information regarding the progress of at least one of the processes as a first process when the information is input through the terminal; a storage unit that stores the acquired information in a storage device in association with the first step; a processing execution unit that executes processing related to the first process or a second process corresponding to the first process based on the information stored in the storage device.

2. an update unit that updates drawing data representing the drawing in response to an operation performed on the terminal on which the drawing is displayed; The work management support device of claim 1, wherein the display control unit displays at least one of a first drawing based on the drawing data that can be updated and a second drawing based on the drawing data that cannot be updated, selected at the terminal, on the terminal or the display.

3. When each of the plurality of processes is defined as a first process and progress information regarding the progress of the first process is input for each of the processes, the information acquisition unit acquires the progress information for each of the processes, 3. The work management support device according to claim 1, wherein the storage unit stores the progress information for each of the processes in the storage device for each of the processes in association with the process.

4. The progress information includes start information indicating the start of a process and end information indicating the end of a process, The second step is carried out immediately after the first step among the plurality of steps, a restriction is imposed on input of the progress information for the second process or on display of the drawing of the object in the second process during a period from when the information acquisition unit acquires the start information for the first process to when the information acquisition unit acquires the end information; The work management support device according to claim 3 , wherein when the information acquisition unit acquires the end information for the first process, the process execution unit executes a process to remove the restriction on the second process.

5. The progress information includes start information indicating the start of a process and end information indicating the end of a process, The work management support device according to claim 3 , wherein the process execution unit executes a process of measuring a required time from when the information acquisition unit acquires the start information for the first process until when the information acquisition unit acquires the end information.

6. 6. The work management support device according to claim 1, wherein when note information indicating irregularities performed in the first step is input in the first step, the information acquisition unit acquires the note information.

7. In the first step, when the annotation information is input through the terminal on which the drawing of the object to be handled in the first step is displayed, When acquiring the annotation information, the information acquisition unit identifies the drawing displayed on the terminal at the time of input of the annotation information, 7. The work management support device according to claim 6, wherein the storage unit stores the annotation information in the storage device in association with the drawing displayed on the terminal at the time the annotation information is input.

8. The work management support device of claim 7, wherein when the information acquisition unit acquires the annotation information for the first process, the processing execution unit executes a process to display the annotation information on the terminal or the display device together with the drawing of the object handled in the process that is performed after the first process among the multiple processes.

9. A work management support system that supports the management of work including multiple processes, A terminal capable of reading an image and a device capable of communicating with the terminal, The device comprises: a display control unit that controls the terminal when an identification image assigned to an object handled in each of the steps is read by the terminal, and causes the terminal or a display device corresponding to the terminal to display a drawing of the object identified from the identification image; an information acquisition unit that acquires information regarding the progress of at least one of the processes as a first process when the information is input through the terminal; a storage unit that stores the acquired information in a storage device in association with the first step; a processing execution unit that executes processing related to the first process or a second process corresponding to the first process based on the information stored in the storage device.

10. A work management support method for supporting the management of work including a plurality of processes, comprising: In each of the steps, when an identification image assigned to an object handled in the step is read by a terminal, a computer controls the terminal to display a drawing of the object identified from the identification image on the terminal or a display device corresponding to the terminal; When at least one of the steps is designated as a first step and information regarding the progress of the first step is input through the terminal, the information is acquired by a computer; storing the acquired information in a storage device in association with the first step by a computer; A work management support method, comprising: executing, by a computer, processing relating to the first process or a second process corresponding to the first process based on the information stored in the storage device.

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