Program, device, and system for supporting worker's work

Abstract

This program for supporting a worker's work causes a processor unit to at least: identify a work manual, which includes one or more work steps and content; for each of at least one work step of the one or more work steps, reproduce partial content corresponding to the work step; receive a first input indicating that the work of the work step is started; measure the time elapsed since the start of the work of the work step; receive a second input indicating that the work of the work step is ended; and display a time related to the actual working time of the work step, said actual working time of the work step being the elapsed time measured from the reception of the first input to the reception of the second input.

Description

Program, device, and system for supporting worker work

[0001] The present invention relates to a program, an apparatus, and a system for assisting a worker in his or her work.

[0002] Conventionally, the details of work that has been performed have been recorded by hand on paper using memos, checklists, etc. after the work has been completed.

[0003] Zenken Co., Ltd., "What should you be careful of when performing data integrity on paper?" [online] [searched November 8, 2023], Internet<URL:https: / / www.di-pharmaceutical.com / question / paper_base.html>

[0004] When work content is checked all at once after the work is completed, it is often the case that work is checked sloppily without a second confirmation. Furthermore, with handwritten notes and paper checklists, it is unclear whether the work has actually been completed, and the accuracy of the work completion is low. Furthermore, when the only proof of work completion is a checklist and a report, it is not easy to detect sloppy work or fraud when the work was performed. Furthermore, because the start and end times of work are recorded by hand, it is not possible to accurately record the work hours. Furthermore, because it is not possible to compare the work results of different workers, there is no opportunity to improve the work. Furthermore, because work reports are created using handwritten notes and checklists, creating work reports is time-consuming and increases management costs.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and has an object to provide a program, an apparatus, and a system for assisting a worker in his or her work.

[0006] In one aspect of the present invention, a program of the present invention is a program for assisting a worker in work, the program being executed on an apparatus, the apparatus having a processor unit that controls the operation of the apparatus, and the program causes the processor unit to at least perform the following: identify a work manual, the work manual including one or more work steps and content; for each of at least one work step of the one or more work steps, play partial content corresponding to the work step, the partial content being a part of the content; receive a first input indicating the start of work for the work step; measure the elapsed time from the start of work for the work step; receive a second input indicating the end of work for the work step; and display a time related to the actual work time for the work step, the actual work time for the work step being the elapsed time measured from the reception of the first input to the reception of the second input.

[0007] In one embodiment of the present invention, the program may further cause the processor unit to determine, for each of the at least one work step among the one or more work steps, whether it is necessary to obtain evidence indicating that the work for that work step has been performed, and, if it is determined that it is necessary to obtain evidence indicating that the work for that work step has been performed, enable the input of evidence indicating that the work for that work step has been performed, and receive evidence indicating that the work for that work step has been performed.

[0008] In one embodiment of the present invention, the program may further cause the processor unit to determine, for each of the at least one work step among the one or more work steps, whether the elapsed time from the start of work for that work step has exceeded a standard work time associated with that work step, and, if it is determined that the elapsed time from the start of work for that work step has exceeded the standard work time, issue a warning indicating that the elapsed time from the start of work for that work step has exceeded the standard work time.

[0009] In one embodiment of the present invention, the program may further cause the processor unit to determine, for each of the at least one work step among the one or more work steps, whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the partial content was played, and enable the first input to be input when it is determined that the predetermined time has elapsed since the partial content was played.

[0010] In one embodiment of the present invention, the device is configured to be able to communicate with a server, and the program may further cause the processor unit to identify the worker who performed the at least one work step of the one or more work steps, and transmit the actual work time for each of the at least one work step of the one or more work steps performed by the worker to the server, thereby aggregating results of the work performed by the worker in accordance with the work manual in the server.

[0011] In one embodiment of the present invention, the program may further cause the processor unit to create a report of the work performed in accordance with the work manual based on the actual work time for each of the at least one work step among the one or more work steps.

[0012] In one aspect of the present invention, an apparatus of the present invention is an apparatus for assisting a worker in work, the apparatus comprising a processor unit that controls the operation of the apparatus, the processor unit being configured to perform at least the following: identify a work manual, the work manual including one or more work steps and content; for each of at least one work step among the one or more work steps, play partial content corresponding to the work step, the partial content being a part of the content; receive a first input indicating the start of work for the work step; measure the elapsed time from the start of work for the work step; receive a second input indicating the end of work for the work step; and display a time related to the actual work time for the work step, the actual work time for the work step being the elapsed time measured from the reception of the first input to the reception of the second input.

[0013] In one aspect of the present invention, a system of the present invention is a system for assisting a worker in work, the system comprising: a server; and an apparatus configured to be able to communicate with the server, the apparatus comprising a processor unit that controls the operation of the apparatus, the processor unit being configured to at least perform the following actions: identify a work manual, the work manual including one or more work steps and content; for each of at least one work step of the one or more work steps, play partial content corresponding to the work step, the partial content being a part of the content; receive a first input indicating a start of work of the work step; measure an elapsed time from the start of the work of the work step; receive a second input indicating an end of work of the work step; display a time related to an actual work time of the work step, the actual work time of the work step being the elapsed time measured from the reception of the first input to the reception of the second input; and transmit the actual work time of each of the at least one work step of the one or more work steps to the server as a result of work performed in accordance with the work manual.

[0014] In one embodiment of the present invention, the processor unit may be further configured to determine, for each of the at least one work step among the one or more work steps, whether it is necessary to obtain evidence indicating that the work for that work step has been performed, and, if it is determined that it is necessary to obtain evidence indicating that the work for that work step has been performed, enable input of evidence indicating that the work for that work step has been performed, and receive evidence indicating that the work for that work step has been performed.

[0015] In one embodiment of the present invention, the processor unit may be further configured to determine, for each of the at least one work step among the one or more work steps, whether the elapsed time from the start of work for that work step has exceeded a standard work time associated with that work step, and, if it is determined that the elapsed time from the start of work for that work step has exceeded the standard work time, to issue a warning indicating that the elapsed time from the start of work for that work step has exceeded the standard work time.

[0016] In one embodiment of the present invention, the processor unit may be further configured to determine, for each of the at least one work step among the one or more work steps, whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the partial content was played back, and to enable the first input to be input when it is determined that the predetermined time has elapsed since the partial content was played back.

[0017] In one embodiment of the present invention, the processor unit is further configured to identify a worker who performed the work of the at least one work step in the work manual, and transmitting the actual work time of each of the at least one work step of the one or more work steps to the server as a result of the work performed in accordance with the work manual may include transmitting the actual work time of each of the at least one work step of the one or more work steps to the server as a result of the work performed by the worker in accordance with the work manual.

[0018] In one embodiment of the present invention, the server may be configured to at least receive results of work performed by a plurality of workers including the worker in accordance with the work manual from a plurality of devices including the device, and analyze the results of the work performed by the plurality of workers in accordance with the work manual.

[0019] In one embodiment of the present invention, analyzing the results of the work performed by the plurality of workers in accordance with the work manual may include identifying a standard work time that may need to be improved from among standard work times corresponding to the at least one work step in the work manual.

[0020] In one embodiment of the present invention, analyzing the results of the work performed by the plurality of workers in accordance with the work manual may include identifying a work step among the at least one work step in the work manual that may need to be improved.

[0021] In one embodiment of the present invention, the server may be further configured to create a report of work performed in accordance with the work manual based on the actual work time for each of the at least one work step among the one or more work steps.

[0022] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a program, a device, and a system for assisting a worker in his or her work.

[0023] FIG. 1 shows an example of a screen 100 displayed on the device. FIG. 1 shows an example of a screen 110 displayed on the device. FIG. 1 shows an example of a screen 120 displayed on the device. FIG. 1 shows an example of a screen 130 displayed on the device. FIG. 1 shows an example of a screen 140 displayed on the device. FIG. 1 shows an example of a screen 150 displayed on the device. FIG. 1 shows an example of a graph displayed on a display connected to the server ... the configuration of a system 300 for supporting the work of workers. FIG. 1 shows an example of the configuration of information stored in the worker database unit 341. FIG. 1 shows an example of the configuration of information stored in the work manual database unit 342. FIG. 1 shows an example of the configuration of information stored in the work result database unit 343. １ FIG. 5 shows an example of the process executed in step S504 of FIG. 5. FIG. 6 shows an example of the process executed in the server 310.

[0024] The terms used in this specification are defined below.

[0025] "Content" means still or moving images.

[0026] "Playing content" means displaying a still image or playing a video.

[0027] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0028] 1. Transition of Screens Displayed on the Device Figure 1A shows an example of a screen 100 displayed on the device. Screen 100 is an initial screen for selecting the operation manual to be displayed. It is assumed that the program of the present invention has been pre-installed on this device.

[0029] 1A , screen 100 displays a list of work manuals that can be selected for display. Screen 100 includes an area 101 for the work manual "Generator Maintenance and Inspection Method," an area 102 for the work manual "Operation Procedure for Electric Roller Press," an area 103 for the work manual "Airplane Maintenance and Inspection Method," an area 104 for the work manual "Elevator Maintenance and Inspection Method," an area 105 for the work manual "Escalator Repair Method," and an area 106 for the work manual "Fire Alarm Maintenance and Inspection." Areas 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, and 106 are configured to be selectable.

[0030] 1B shows an example of a screen 110 displayed on the device. Screen 110 is an example of a screen transitioned from screen 100 shown in FIG. 1A when an operator selects area 101 in screen 100 shown in FIG. 1A. When the operator selects area 101 in screen 100, the first work step of one or more work steps included in the work manual "Generator Maintenance and Inspection Method" is displayed, as shown in screen 110. The work manual "Generator Maintenance and Inspection Method" includes content.

[0031] 1B , the screen 110 includes a content area 111 for displaying partial content corresponding to the first work step of the work manual, a text area 112 for displaying text corresponding to the first work step of the work manual, a time area 113 for displaying time related to the actual work time corresponding to the first work step of the work manual, an area 114 showing the reference work time and the average work time corresponding to the first work step of the work manual, a work start area 115 for starting the first work step of the work manual, a work transition area 116 for transitioning to the work step next to the first work step of the work manual, and a retry area 117 for retrying the work. The work start area 115, the work transition area 116, and the retry area 117 are configured to be selectable. Note that the partial content corresponding to the first work step of the work manual is part of the content included in the work manual.

[0032] In the example shown in FIG. 1B , when the first work step of the work manual “Generator Maintenance and Inspection Method” is displayed, partial content corresponding to the first work step of the work manual “Generator Maintenance and Inspection Method” is played back.

[0033] 1B, the time area 113 displays "00:60," which indicates the remaining time of 60 seconds before the start of work for the first work step in the work manual "Maintenance and Inspection Method for Generators." Also, in the example shown in FIG. 1B, the area 114 displays "00:60," which indicates the standard work time of 60 seconds for the first work step in the work manual "Maintenance and Inspection Method for Generators," and "00:40," which indicates the average work time of 40 seconds for the first work step in the work manual "Maintenance and Inspection Method for Generators."

[0034] The text in text area 112, the remaining time in time area 113, and the baseline and average work times in area 114 may be displayed differently depending on the work step being displayed.

[0035] The worker selects the work start area 115 to start working on the first work step in the work manual. The work start area 115 may be configured so that it cannot be selected until a predetermined time has elapsed since the partial content corresponding to the first work step in the work manual is played. For example, the text area 112 may display information that provides an overview of the work for the first work step in the work manual and information that provides an explanation of the work content for the first work step in the work manual, and the work start area 115 may be configured so that it cannot be selected until the information that provides an overview of the work for the first work step in the work manual is read out by the device.

[0036] The work transition area 116 may be configured so that it cannot be selected until the work completion area 121, described below, is selected, or until evidence is entered after the evidence input area 132 is selected.

[0037] 1C shows an example of a screen 120 displayed on the device, which is an example of a screen transitioned from the screen 110 shown in FIG. 1B when the worker selects the work start area 115 in the screen 110 shown in FIG. 1B and 30 seconds have elapsed.

[0038] 1C, the screen 120 includes a content area 111, a text area 112, a time area 113, an area 114, a task transition area 116, a rework area 117, and a task completion area 121 for completing the first task step of the task manual. The task completion area 121 is configured to be selectable.

[0039] In the example shown in FIG. 1C , 30 seconds have passed since the start of the first task step in the task manual, and therefore "00:30" is displayed in the time area 113, indicating the remaining task time of 30, which is 60 seconds minus 30 seconds. The time display in the time area 113 may be displayed as a gradually decreasing value in real time, or may be displayed as a value that decreases by a fixed amount each time a fixed time period has elapsed. Also, in the example shown in FIG. 1C , a gauge may automatically extend around the periphery of the time area 113 in accordance with the time elapsed since the start of the first task step in the task manual. This allows the worker to visually determine the time that has elapsed since the start of the first task step in the task manual not only from the numerical value but also from the length of the gauge.

[0040] To complete the work of the first work step in the work manual, the worker selects the work completion area 121. In the example shown in Fig. 1C, in response to the selection of the work start area 115, the work completion area 121 is displayed in a selectable state in place of the work start area 115.

[0041] 1D shows an example of a screen 130 displayed on the device, which is an example of a screen transitioned from the screen 120 shown in FIG. 1C when the worker selects the work end area 121 40 seconds after the screen 120 shown in FIG. 1C is displayed.

[0042] 1D , the screen 130 includes a content area 111, a text area 112, a time area 113, an area 114, a retry area 117, a completed area 131 indicating that the completion of the work of the first work step in the work manual has been successfully accepted, an evidence input area 132 for inputting evidence indicating that the work of the first work step in the work manual has been performed, and a warning area 133 for displaying a warning indicating that the elapsed time from the start of the work of the first work step in the work manual has exceeded the standard work time for the first work step in the work manual. The evidence input area 132 is configured to be selectable.

[0043] In the example shown in FIG. 1D , the evidence input area 132 requests the input of a photograph as evidence showing that the work of the first work step in the work manual has been performed. Therefore, in the example shown in FIG. 1D , when the evidence input area 132 is selected by the worker, the device's camera may be activated. This allows a photo taken using the activated device's camera to be input as evidence showing that the work of the first work step in the work manual has been performed. From the perspective of fraud prevention, it is preferable to activate the device's camera when the evidence input area 132 is selected by the worker. This is because it is possible to prevent the input of a photo taken in advance even when the work of the first work step in the work manual has not been performed. However, the present invention is not limited to this. When the evidence input area 132 is selected by the worker, the device's photo library may be activated, and the worker may select at least one photo from the device's photo library, thereby enabling the selected at least one photo to be input as evidence after taking fraud prevention measures. An example of an anti-fraud measure is, but is not limited to, a measure in which the device determines whether the photographing time associated with at least one selected photo is after the completion time of the first work step in the work manual, and allows the input of at least one selected photo if it determines that the photographing time associated with at least one selected photo is after the completion time of the first work step in the work manual. Also, in the example shown in FIG. 1D , an example in which a photo is required to be input as evidence is described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the evidence input area 132 may require the input of a sound (e.g., a normal motor sound indicating that the first work step in the work manual has been performed) or a video as evidence indicating that the first work step in the work manual has been performed.

[0044] 1D , on the screen 130, the evidence input area 132 is displayed in place of the work transition area 116. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, on the screen 130, the evidence input area 132 may be displayed in addition to (e.g., parallel to) the work transition area 116, which remains unselectable.

[0045] In the example shown in FIG. 1D, the warning area 133 displays "+00:10," indicating that the elapsed time from the start of the first work step in the work manual exceeds the standard work time for the first work step in the work manual by 10 seconds.

[0046] 1D has been described as an example in which the warning region 133 is displayed below the time region 113, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the warning region 133 may be displayed beyond the frame of the time region 113, or the time region 113 may function as the warning region 133 by displaying the excess time in the time region 113.

[0047] 1D , an example has been described in which a warning indicating that the elapsed time since the start of the first work step in the work manual has exceeded the standard work time for the first work step in the work manual is issued by displaying the warning area 133. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a warning indicating that the elapsed time since the start of the first work step in the work manual has exceeded the standard work time for the first work step in the work manual may be issued by emitting a warning sound, by flashing all or part of the screen 130, or by vibrating the device.

[0048] 1E shows an example of a screen 140 displayed on the device. The screen 140 is an example of a screen transitioned to from the screen 130 shown in FIG. 1D when the worker selects the evidence input area 132 on the screen 130 shown in FIG. 1D and then inputs evidence.

[0049] 1E includes a content area 111, a text area 112, a time area 113, an area 114, a task transition area 116, a retry area 117, a completed area 131, and a warning area 133. In the example shown in FIG. 1E, the task transition area 116 is selectable. The worker selects the task transition area 116 to transition to the task step after the first task step in the task manual. This causes the man-hours for the first task step in the task manual (i.e., actual task time, the difference between the actual task time and the reference task time, etc.) to be recorded.

[0050] The worker completes all of the work steps in the work manual "Generator Maintenance and Inspection Method" by repeatedly performing the operations described with reference to screen 110 in FIG. 1B through screen 140 in FIG. 1E, even for work steps following the first work step in the work manual. In this way, by having the worker perform one or more work steps in the work manual, the actual work time is recorded simultaneously with the work, so there is no need to recheck the work content after the work is completed, and it is possible to accurately record the start and end times of the work. Furthermore, because evidence showing that the work in the work steps in the work manual has been performed is entered, there is a high degree of certainty that the work has been completed, and it is easy to detect omissions or fraud in the work.

[0051] 1B to 1E, the remaining work time (i.e., (reference work time) - (time elapsed since the start of work in the work step)) is displayed like a timer in the time area 113, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the time area 113 may display the time elapsed since the start of work in the work step like a stopwatch.

[0052] 1F shows an example of a screen 150 displayed on the device. Screen 150 is an example of a screen showing the results of work carried out in accordance with the work manual "Generator Maintenance and Inspection Method."

[0053] When all the work steps in the work manual "Maintenance and Inspection Method for Generators" are completed, the apparatus can create a report of the work performed in accordance with the work manual "Maintenance and Inspection Method for Generators" based on the actual work time for each of at least one of the one or more work steps in the work manual "Maintenance and Inspection Method for Generators," as shown in screen 150 in FIG. 1F . Screen 150 can be displayed, for example, by the operator selecting a report creation button (not shown) for creating a work report. Alternatively, screen 150 can be automatically displayed in response to the operator selecting the work transition area 116 corresponding to the last work step in the work manual "Maintenance and Inspection Method for Generators."

[0054] Screen 150 displays an example of a report on work performed in accordance with the work manual "Generator Maintenance and Inspection Method." In the example shown in FIG. 1F , screen 150 displays the title of the work manual "Generator Maintenance and Inspection Method," the worker's name, the work start date and time, the work completion date and time, the total work time, images as evidence, and a breakdown of at least one of the one or more work steps (i.e., information indicating the order of the work steps, information outlining the work steps, actual work time, reference work time, etc.) in report format as the results of the work performed by the worker in accordance with the work manual "Generator Maintenance and Inspection Method." In this way, a worker can easily create a work report that accurately reflects the content of the work performed by simply performing the work in accordance with the work manual.

[0055] A report of work performed in accordance with the work manual may be generated by the device (particularly, the processor unit of the device) based on the actual work time for each of at least one of the one or more work steps in the work manual, or may be generated by a server (particularly, the processor unit of the server) that aggregates work results from the device.

[0056] 2. Analysis of the results of work performed according to the work manual Figures 2A and 2B show examples of graphs displayed on a display connected to the server. The graph shown in Figure 2A has the work steps in the work manual on the horizontal axis and the actual work time (seconds) on the vertical axis. The graph shown in Figure 2B is a different display format of the graph shown in Figure 2A by taking the reference work time on the vertical axis instead of the actual work time (seconds), and shows the relative values ​​of the worker's actual work time and average work time to the reference work time.

[0057] The results of work performed by multiple workers according to a work manual are aggregated from the workers' devices to a server. This makes it possible to compare the work results between the multiple workers. Furthermore, since the results of work performed by multiple workers according to the work manual include the actual work time and the reference work time for at least one of one or more work steps in the work manual, it is possible to compare the actual work times between the multiple workers, compare the actual work time of a specific worker with the reference work time, and compare an average work time, which is the average of the actual work times of the multiple workers, with the reference work time, for each work step. Note that the results of work performed according to the work manual may also include the actual work time and the reference work time for each of one or more work steps in the work manual.

[0058] The server can analyze the results of work performed by multiple workers in accordance with a work manual. For example, the server compares the reference work time of a work step with the actual work time or average work time of the work step, determines whether the absolute value of the difference between the reference work time of the work step and the actual work time or average work time of the work step is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, and, if it is determined that the absolute value of the difference between the reference work time of the work step and the actual work time or average work time of the work step is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold, identifies the work step as a work step that may need to be improved and / or identifies the reference work time of the work step as a standard work time that may need to be improved. The server also compares the standard work time for the work step with the actual work time for the work step, and determines whether (actual work time for the work step) > (standard work time for the work step) is satisfied, and whether the absolute value of the difference between the standard work time for the work step and the actual work time for the work step is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold.If it determines that (actual work time for the work step) > (standard work time for the work step) is satisfied, and the absolute value of the difference between the standard work time for the work step and the actual work time for the work step is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold, the server can identify the work step as a work step that the worker may need to personally improve, and associate it with the worker.

[0059] In this way, by collecting and analyzing the results of work performed by multiple workers according to the work manual on a server, it is possible to more clearly identify areas for improvement in the work manual, areas for improvement in the standards, and areas for improvement for individual workers, on a work step-by-step basis.

[0060] 3. Configuration of a System for Supporting Workers' Work Fig. 3 shows an example of the configuration of a system 300 for supporting workers' work.

[0061] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the system 300 includes a server 310 and a device 320 for supporting the work of a worker. １ ~320 ＮThe server 310 is connected to the device 320 via the Internet 330. １ ~320 Ｎ The device 320 is configured to be able to communicate with each of the devices 320. １ ~320 Ｎ can be operated by an operator, where N is an integer equal to or greater than 1.

[0062] Server 310 is an information processing system that executes processes for a management company that manages work manuals that workers view when performing work. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 3, server 310 includes an interface unit 311, a processor unit 312 including one or more central processing units (CPUs), and a memory unit 313. The hardware configuration of server 310 is not particularly limited as long as it can realize its functions, and may be configured as a single machine or a combination of multiple machines.

[0063] The interface unit 311 is connected to the device 320 １ ~320 Ｎ Controls communication with each of the

[0064] The memory unit 313 stores programs required to execute processing, data required to execute the programs, and the like. Here, how the programs are stored in the memory unit 313 is not important. For example, the programs may be pre-installed in the memory unit 313. Alternatively, the programs may be installed in the memory unit 313 by being downloaded via a network such as the Internet 330, or may be installed in the memory unit 313 via a storage medium such as an optical disk or USB.

[0065] The processor unit 312 controls the overall operation of the server 310. The processor unit 312 reads out and executes a program stored in the memory unit 313. This enables the server 310 to function as a device that executes desired steps, and the processor unit 312 of the server 310 can operate as a means for achieving desired functions.

[0066] 3, the server 310 is connected to a database unit 340. The database unit 340 includes a worker database unit 341, a work manual database unit 342, and a work result database unit 343.

[0067] device 320 １ is configured to be able to communicate with server 210 via Internet 330. In the embodiment shown in FIG. １ The device 320 comprises an interface unit 321, a processor unit 322, a memory unit 323, a display unit 324, and an input unit 325 for receiving input (e.g., sound, input by selection (e.g., tap, click), etc.). １ The device 320 may further include, for example, an output unit (not shown) for outputting an output (e.g., sound), a camera (not shown), etc. １ The device 320 may be a mobile wireless terminal such as a mobile phone, a smartphone, or a tablet terminal, or may be a personal computer such as a laptop PC or a notebook PC. １ The configurations of the interface unit 321, processor unit 322, and memory unit 323 of the device 320 are similar to those of the interface unit 311, memory unit 313, and processor unit 312 of the server 310, and therefore detailed description thereof will be omitted here. The memory unit 323 may store information in the operation manual database unit 342, which will be described later. ２ ~320 Ｎ The same is true for .

[0068] It should be noted that in the embodiment shown in FIG. １ ~320 Ｎare described as being capable of communicating with server 310 via Internet 330, the present invention is not limited thereto, and any type of network may be used in place of Internet 330.

[0069] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3 , the database unit 340 is provided outside the computer system 310, but the present invention is not limited to this. The database unit 340 can also be provided inside the computer system 310. The configuration of the database unit 340 is not limited to a specific hardware configuration. For example, the database unit 340 may be configured as a single hardware component or multiple hardware components. For example, the database unit 340 may be configured as a single external hard disk drive of the computer system 310, or as cloud storage connected via a network. Furthermore, the configuration of each database unit included in the database unit 340 is also not limited to a specific hardware configuration. For example, each database unit included in the database unit 340 may also be configured as a single hardware component or multiple hardware components.

[0070] FIG. 4A shows an example of the configuration of information stored in the worker database unit 341.

[0071] The worker database unit 341 stores information about workers. The information about the workers can be identified by information for identifying the workers (worker ID). The information about the workers includes, for example, the worker's name, gender, date of birth, telephone number, email address, etc.

[0072] FIG. 4B shows an example of the configuration of information stored in the operation manual database unit 342.

[0073] The work manual database unit 342 stores information related to the work manual. The information related to the work manual can be identified by information for identifying the work manual (work manual ID). The information related to the work manual includes information related to one or more work steps in the work manual. The information related to one or more work steps in the work manual can be identified for each work step by information for identifying the work step (work step ID). The information related to each work step includes information indicating the display order of the work steps, information indicating partial content corresponding to the work step, information explaining an overview of the work of the work step, information explaining the content of the work of the work step, a standard work time, information indicating whether evidence acquisition is required, etc.

[0074] The information stored in the operation manual database unit 342 is １ The information may also be stored in the memory section 323 of the device 320. １ The device 320 may locally access information related to the operation manual without connecting to the Internet 330. １ may access information about the selected work manual in the work manual database unit 342 via the server 310 in response to receiving an input indicating the selection of the work manual as described with reference to FIG. １ may access information about the selected work manual by requesting information about the selected work manual from server 310 and receiving information about the selected work manual from server 310 in response to receiving an input indicating selection of the work manual as described with reference to FIG. 1A.

[0075] FIG. 4C shows an example of the configuration of information stored in the work result database unit 343.

[0076] The work result database unit 343 stores information about the results of work performed in accordance with a work manual. The information about the work results can be identified by information for identifying the work manual (work manual ID). The information about the work results includes information about the worker who performed the work in accordance with the work manual identified by the work manual ID. The information about the worker who performed the work in accordance with the work manual identified by the work manual ID is associated with information for identifying the worker who performed the work in accordance with the work manual identified by the work manual ID (worker ID). The information about the worker who performed the work in accordance with the work manual identified by the work manual ID includes the worker's work start date and time, work end date and time, total work time, status (i.e., completed or incomplete), comments from the worker, information about the work steps performed in accordance with the work manual identified by the work manual ID, and the like. The information about the work steps performed in accordance with the work manual identified by the work manual ID is associated with information for identifying the work steps performed in accordance with the work manual identified by the work manual ID (work step ID). Information relating to a work step performed in accordance with a work manual identified by a work manual ID includes the actual work time of the work step performed by the worker identified by the worker ID, the standard work time of the work step, evidence showing that the worker identified by the worker ID performed the work of the work step, and the like.

[0077] 4. Processing Executed in the Device FIG. 5 shows the device 320 １ 5 shows an example of a process performed in the device 320. １ The process is executed by the processor unit 322. Each step shown in FIG.

[0078] Step S501: The operation manual is identified. This process is performed by the device 320. １This is accomplished by the processor unit 322 receiving an input to select the work manual, for example. This processing may correspond to an operation on the image 100 shown in FIG. 1A.

[0079] Step S502: A worker who will perform the work of one or more work steps in the work manual is identified. This process is accomplished by receiving information about the worker (e.g., the worker's login information and / or biometric information). The information about the worker is stored in device 320. １ The worker's login information is input via the input unit 325. The worker's login information is, for example, a worker ID and password for identifying the worker, but the present invention is not limited to this. The worker's biometric authentication information is, for example, the worker's fingerprint, face, vein, etc., but is not limited to these.

[0080] Step S503: The results of the work performed by the worker identified in step S502 according to the work manual are obtained. This process is performed by the device 320 １ The processor unit 322 of the operation manual receives, for each of at least one work step among one or more work steps in the work manual, a first input indicating the start of work for that work step and a second input indicating the end of work for that work step (as well as evidence indicating that work for that work step has been performed). This processing may correspond to an operation on the image 110 shown in Figure 1B, an operation on the image 120 shown in Figure 1C, an operation on the image 130 shown in Figure 1D, and an operation on the image 140 shown in Figure 1E.

[0081] Step S504: The work results acquired in step S503 are sent to the server 310. As a result, the results of the work performed by the worker identified in step S502 in accordance with the work manual are aggregated in the server 310.

[0082] 5, an example in which step S502 is performed after step S501 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. Step S502 may be performed before step S501 (i.e., for example, the worker may select the work manual while logged in). Step S502 may also be omitted. This allows the worker to perform one or more work steps according to the work manual in an anonymous state without being identified (for example, as a trial).

[0083] 6 shows an example of the process of step S504 in FIG. 5. Each step shown in FIG. 6 is performed by, for example, the device 320 １ 6 is executed by the processor unit 322 of the work manual. Note that although each step shown in Fig. 6 is executed for at least one work step out of one or more work steps in the work manual, for convenience, one of at least one work step out of one or more work steps in the work manual (hereinafter, in the description with reference to Fig. 6, simply referred to as a "work step") will be described. Each step shown in Fig. 6 will be described below.

[0084] Step S601: Partial content corresponding to a work step is played. When partial content corresponding to the first work step of a work manual is played, this process may be automatically executed in response to receiving an input selecting the work manual, or may be executed in response to selecting a button for playing the partial content. When partial content corresponding to a work step other than the first work step of the work manual is played, this process may be executed in response to selecting a work transition area (e.g., work transition area 116) for transitioning to the next work step. Note that the partial content corresponding to a work step is part of the content included in the work manual.

[0085] The partial content corresponding to the work step is configured to be unable to be played back in fast forward, thereby preventing the worker from missing out on viewing the partial content. The partial content corresponding to the work step may be played back only once in accordance with the standard work time, or may be played back repeatedly in a loop until a second input indicating completion of the work step is received.

[0086] Step S602: It is determined whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the partial content corresponding to the work step was played back. If the determination result is "Yes," the process proceeds to step S603. If the determination result is "No," the process returns to step S602, and the first input indicating the start of work for the work step remains unavailable.

[0087] The predetermined time from the point in time when the partial content corresponding to the task step is played back can be the time for reading out information explaining the outline of the task step. By preventing the task from starting until the information explaining the outline of the task step is read out, it is possible to prevent the worker from starting the task of the task step without understanding the outline of the task step.

[0088] Step S603: A first input indicating the start of work on the work step is made available for input. This allows the worker to start work on the work step at any time. This process includes, but is not limited to, making the work start area 115 on the image 110 shown in FIG. 1B selectable.

[0089] Step S604: A first input indicating the start of work on the work step is received. This specifies the start date and time of the work on the work step. This process may correspond to, for example, the selection of the work start area 115 on the image 110 shown in FIG. 1B .

[0090] Step S605: The elapsed time from the start of the work step is measured.

[0091] Step S606: It is determined whether the time elapsed since the start of the task of the task step exceeds the reference task time associated with the task step. If the determination result is "Yes," the process proceeds to step S607. If the determination result is "No," the process proceeds to step S608.

[0092] Step S607: A warning is issued to indicate that the elapsed time from the start of the work step has exceeded the reference work time associated with the work step. This warning is issued by the device 320 by displaying a warning area 133 as shown on the screen 130 in FIG. 1D. １ This may be performed by displaying the information on the display unit 324 of the device 320. １ or by emitting an audible alarm from the output of device 320. １ This may be done by flashing all or part of the display 324 of the device 320. １ This may be performed by vibrating the

[0093] Step S608: A second input indicating completion of the work step is received. This identifies the completion date and time of the work step. This process may correspond to, for example, the selection of the work completion area 121 on the image 120 shown in FIG. 1C .

[0094] Step S609: A time related to the actual work time of the work step is displayed. This process is achieved, for example, by displaying the time area 113 on the screen 130 of FIG. 1D . The actual work time of the work step is the elapsed time measured from the reception of a first input indicating the start of work on the work step to the reception of a second input indicating the end of work on the work step. Therefore, as the time related to the actual work time of the work step, for example, the remaining work time of the work step (i.e., (reference work time of the work step) - (actual work time of the work step)) may be displayed, or the actual work time of the work step itself may be displayed.

[0095] Step S610: It is determined whether or not it is necessary to obtain evidence showing that the work of the work step has been performed. This process is performed in the work manual database unit 342 or the device 320. １ This is executed by referring to information indicating whether evidence acquisition is necessary or not stored in the memory unit 323. If the determination result is "Yes", the process proceeds to step S611, and if the determination result is "No", the process proceeds to step S613.

[0096] Step S611: Evidence indicating that the work of the work step has been performed is made available for input. This prompts the worker to input evidence indicating that the work of the work step has been performed. This process includes, but is not limited to, making the evidence input area 132 on the image 130 shown in FIG. 1D selectable, for example. The evidence indicating that the work of the work step has been performed may be any type of evidence as long as it allows the worker to recognize that the work of the work step has been performed. The evidence indicating that the work of the work step has been performed may be, for example, a still image (e.g., a photograph), a video, or sound.

[0097] Step S612: Evidence indicating that the work for the work step has been performed is received. The start date and time of the work for the work step in step S604, the end date and time of the work for the work step in step S608, the actual work time for the work step, and the evidence for the work step in step S612 are recorded in association with the work step and transmitted to server 310.

[0098] Step S613: A third input to proceed to the next work step is received. This process may correspond to the selection of the work transition area 116 on the screen 140 of FIG. 1E. This causes the process to proceed to step S601 for the next work step. This process is repeated for the next work step and thereafter.

[0099] Note that each step shown in FIG. 6 may be performed for each of one or more work steps in the work manual.

[0100] Also, step S602 in FIG. 6 may be omitted. １ The processor unit 322 may allow the partial content corresponding to the work step to be played back and a first input indicating that the work step should be started to be input. Also, steps S606 and S607 in FIG. 6 may be omitted.

[0101] 5. Processing Executed in the Server Fig. 7 shows an example of processing executed in the server 310. Each step shown in Fig. 7 is executed by, for example, the processor unit 312 of the server 310. Each step shown in Fig. 7 will be described below.

[0102] Step S701: The results of the work performed by a plurality of workers, including the workers described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6, according to the work manual are received. The results of the work performed by the plurality of workers according to the work manual are received by the device 320. １ In this way, the results of the work performed by the multiple workers according to the work manual are aggregated in the server 310. This process may correspond to step 504 in FIG. 5.

[0103] The results of work performed by multiple workers according to a work manual may include, for each work step, the start date and time, end date and time, actual work time, and evidence of the work performed by each worker according to the work manual.

[0104] In addition, the server 310 can calculate the average work time as the average value of the actual work times of multiple workers on a work step basis based on the results of work performed by multiple workers in accordance with the work manual.

[0105] Step S702: The results of the work performed by a plurality of workers according to the work manual are analyzed.

[0106] As an example of analyzing the results of work performed by multiple workers in accordance with a work manual, server 310 may compare the standard work time for a work step with the actual work time or average work time for the work step, determine whether the absolute value of the difference between the standard work time for the work step and the actual work time or average work time for the work step is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, and, if it is determined that the absolute value of the difference between the standard work time for the work step and the actual work time or average work time for the work step is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold, identify the work step as a work step that may need to be improved, and / or identify the standard work time for the work step as a standard work time that may need to be improved.

[0107] As an example of analyzing the results of work performed by multiple workers in accordance with a work manual, the server 310 can compare the standard work time for a work step with the actual work time for the work step, determine whether or not (actual work time for the work step) > (standard work time for the work step) is satisfied, and whether or not the absolute value of the difference between the standard work time for the work step and the actual work time for the work step is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, and, if it is determined that (actual work time for the work step) > (standard work time for the work step) is satisfied and the absolute value of the difference between the standard work time for the work step and the actual work time for the work step is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold, identify the work step in association with the worker as a work step that the worker may need to personally improve.

[0108] 5 to 7, an example has been described in which the processing of each step shown in Fig. 5 to 7 is realized by the processor executing a program stored in the memory, but the present invention is not limited to this. At least some of the processing of each step shown in Fig. 5 to 7 may be realized by a hardware configuration such as a control circuit.

[0109] As described above, the present invention has been illustrated using the preferred embodiment of the present invention, but the present invention should not be interpreted as being limited to this embodiment. It is understood that the scope of the present invention should be interpreted only by the claims. It is understood that a person skilled in the art can implement an equivalent scope based on the description of the present invention and common technical knowledge from the description of the specific preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0110] The present invention is useful for providing a program, a device, a system, and the like for assisting a worker in his or her work.

[0111] 300 System 310 Server 320 １ ~320 Ｎ Device 330 Internet 340 Database section

Claims

1. A program for assisting a worker in work, the program being executed in an apparatus, the apparatus having a processor unit that controls the operation of the apparatus, the program causing the processor unit to at least perform the following: identify a work manual, the work manual including one or more work steps and content; for each of at least one of the one or more work steps, play partial content corresponding to the work step, the partial content being a part of the content; receive a first input indicating starting work for the work step; measure the elapsed time from the start of work for the work step; receive a second input indicating ending work for the work step; and display a time related to an actual work time for the work step, the actual work time for the work step being the elapsed time measured from receipt of the first input to receipt of the second input.

2. The program of claim 1, further causing the processor unit to perform the following: for each of said at least one work step among said one or more work steps, determining whether or not it is necessary to obtain evidence indicating that work for that work step has been performed; if it is determined that it is necessary to obtain evidence indicating that work for that work step has been performed, enabling the input of evidence indicating that work for that work step has been performed; and receiving evidence indicating that work for that work step has been performed.

3. The program according to claim 1, further causing the processor unit to perform the following: for each of said at least one work step among said one or more work steps, determining whether or not the time elapsed since the start of work for that work step has exceeded a standard work time associated with that work step; and, if it is determined that the time elapsed since the start of work for that work step has exceeded the standard work time, executing a warning indicating that the time elapsed since the start of work for that work step has exceeded the standard work time.

4. The program according to claim 1, further causing the processor to perform the following operations for each of at least one of the one or more work steps: determining whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the partial content was played back; and enabling the first input to be input when it is determined that the predetermined time has elapsed since the partial content was played back.

5. The program of claim 1, wherein the device is configured to be able to communicate with a server, and the program further causes the processor unit to identify a worker who performed at least one of the one or more work steps, and transmit to the server the actual work time for each of the at least one work step of the one or more work steps performed by the worker, thereby aggregating results of the work performed by the worker in accordance with the work manual in the server.

6. The program according to claim 1, further causing the processor to create a report of the work performed in accordance with the work manual based on the actual work time of each of the at least one work step among the one or more work steps.

7. An apparatus for assisting a worker in work, the apparatus comprising a processor unit for controlling the operation of the apparatus, the processor unit being configured to perform at least the following: identify a work manual, the work manual including one or more work steps and content; for each of at least one of the one or more work steps, play partial content corresponding to the work step, the partial content being a part of the content; receive a first input indicating starting work for the work step; measure an elapsed time from the start of work for the work step; receive a second input indicating ending work for the work step; and display a time related to an actual work time for the work step, the actual work time for the work step being the elapsed time measured from receipt of the first input to receipt of the second input.

8. A system for supporting a worker's work, comprising: a server; and an apparatus configured to be able to communicate with the server, the apparatus having a processor unit that controls the operation of the apparatus, the processor unit being configured to at least perform the following operations: identify a work manual, the work manual including one or more work steps and content; for each of at least one work step of the one or more work steps, play a partial content corresponding to the work step, the partial content being a part of the content; receive a first input indicating starting work of the work step; measure an elapsed time from the start of the work of the work step; receive a second input indicating ending work of the work step; display a time related to an actual work time of the work step, the actual work time of the work step being an elapsed time measured from receipt of the first input to receipt of the second input; and transmit the actual work time of each of the at least one work step of the one or more work steps to the server as a result of work performed in accordance with the work manual.

9. The system of claim 8, wherein the processor unit is further configured to perform the following operations for each of the at least one work step among the one or more work steps: determine whether or not it is necessary to obtain evidence indicating that the work for that work step has been performed; when it is determined that it is necessary to obtain evidence indicating that the work for that work step has been performed, enable input of evidence indicating that the work for that work step has been performed; and receive evidence indicating that the work for that work step has been performed.

10. The system of claim 8, wherein the processor unit is further configured to perform the following operations for each of the at least one work step among the one or more work steps: determine whether or not the elapsed time from the start of work for that work step has exceeded a standard work time associated with that work step; and, if it is determined that the elapsed time from the start of work for that work step has exceeded the standard work time, execute a warning indicating that the elapsed time from the start of work for that work step has exceeded the standard work time.

11. The system of claim 8, wherein the processor unit is further configured to perform the following for each of the at least one work step among the one or more work steps: determine whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the partial content was played back; and enable input of the first input when it is determined that the predetermined time has elapsed since the partial content was played back.

12. The system of claim 8, wherein the processor unit is further configured to: identify a worker who performed the work of the at least one work step of the work manual; and wherein transmitting the actual work time of each of the at least one work step of the one or more work steps to the server as a result of work performed in accordance with the work manual includes transmitting the actual work time of each of the at least one work step of the one or more work steps to the server as a result of work performed by the worker in accordance with the work manual.

13. The system according to claim 8, wherein the server is configured to at least perform the following operations: receive results of work performed by a plurality of workers including the worker according to the work manual from a plurality of devices including the device; and analyze results of the work performed by the plurality of workers according to the work manual.

14. The system of claim 13, wherein analyzing the results of the work performed by the multiple workers in accordance with the work manual includes identifying a standard work time that may be improved from among standard work times corresponding to the at least one work step in the work manual.

15. The system of claim 13, wherein analyzing results of work performed by the plurality of workers in accordance with the work manual includes identifying a work step among the at least one work step in the work manual that may be improved.

16. The system according to claim 8, wherein the server is further configured to: generate a report of work performed in accordance with the work manual based on the actual work time of each of the at least one work step among the one or more work steps.

Images