Working condition monitoring system, working condition monitoring method, and computer readable storage medium storing working condition monitoring program

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a work status monitoring system, a work status monitoring method, and a computer-readable storage medium storing a work status monitoring program. The work status monitoring system comprises: an acquisition unit that acquires information related to one or more work areas; a monitoring object detection unit that detects any one of a worker and a predetermined mobile object as a monitoring object and specifies a first monitoring object area where the monitoring object is located; a first determination unit that determines whether the monitoring object has performed work in one or more work areas based on whether there is interference with one or more work areas formed by the first monitoring object area; an information generation unit that generates information related to the work in one or more work areas performed by the monitoring object based on the determination result of the first determination unit; and an output unit that outputs the information related to the work performed by the monitoring object generated by the information generation unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a work status monitoring system, a work status monitoring method, and a work status monitoring program. Background Art

[0002] In recent years, there has been a demand for efficiently monitoring the work status of workers on one or more designated tasks.

[0003] The production management device disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-323199 includes: a staff detection device, a staff specific designation unit, a movement pattern specific designation unit, and an abnormal movement detection unit. The staff specific designation unit specifies the detection start time and the detection end time of the detection staff in the process corresponding to the detection information based on the detection information received from the staff detection device. The movement pattern specific designation unit specifies the stay time representing the time the staff stays in the process, and generates a movement pattern including the stay period. For the abnormal movement detection unit, as a condition for determining whether an abnormal movement pattern has been generated, a comparison result of the stay time included in the movement pattern information and the stay time included in the standard movement pattern information is used. Summary of the invention

[0004] Without being limited to the method disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-323199, efficient monitoring of the working conditions of a monitoring target such as a worker for one or more designated jobs is continuously sought.

[0005] The present invention is completed in view of the above background, and its purpose is to provide a work status monitoring system, work status monitoring method, and work status monitoring program that can infer the work status of a monitoring object such as a worker who is designated to do one or more work with a smaller amount of information, thereby efficiently monitoring the work status.

[0006] The work status monitoring system of the present disclosure includes: an acquisition unit that acquires information related to one or more work areas; a monitoring object detection unit that detects any one of a worker and a predetermined moving body as a monitoring object and defines a first monitoring object area where the monitoring object is located; a first determination unit that determines whether the monitoring object has performed work in the one or more work areas based on whether there is interference with the one or more work areas formed by the first monitoring object area; an information generation unit that generates information related to the work performed by the monitoring object in the one or more work areas based on the determination result of the first determination unit; and an output unit that outputs the information related to the work performed by the monitoring object generated by the information generation unit. Since the work status monitoring system determines whether the monitoring object has performed work in the one or more work areas based on whether there is interference (contact) with the one or more work areas formed by the first monitoring object area where the monitoring object such as the worker is located, the work status of the monitoring object can be inferred and monitored with a small amount of information compared to the case where the movement of the monitoring object is analyzed in detail. That is, the work status monitoring system can effectively monitor the work status of a monitoring target such as a worker for one or more designated jobs.

[0007] The following method may be adopted, namely, the first determination unit determines that the monitored object has performed the work in each of the working areas when the duration of interference with the working area caused by the first monitored object area is greater than a reference time set in the working area.

[0008] The following mode may be adopted, that is, the information related to the work in the one or more work areas performed by the monitored object includes information on the start time, the work time, and the end time of the work in each of the work areas performed by the monitored object.

[0009] The one or more operation areas may include an area where a moving object different from the predetermined moving object to be monitored is located.

[0010] The monitoring object detection unit may further detect a predetermined portion of the monitoring object and define a second monitoring object area where the predetermined portion is located.

[0011] The monitoring object detection unit may be configured to detect the monitoring object using either a distance measuring sensor or a camera.

[0012] The following method may also be adopted, that is, further comprising: a recording unit that records a plurality of information related to the work performed by the monitored object generated by the information generating unit as a plurality of work histories; a normal state determining unit that determines the normal state of the work performed by the monitored object based on the plurality of work histories recorded in the recording unit, and the output unit is further configured to output the new information related to the work performed by the monitored object generated by the information generating unit together with the result of comparison with the information related to the work in the normal state. Thus, since the work status monitoring system can set the normal state of the work sequence or working time for each monitored object, for example, even if the working time of a certain work performed by the staff member who is the monitored object is longer than that of other staff members due to differences in experience or skills, it is possible to provide a prompt as to whether the work is in the normal state for the staff member who is the monitored object.

[0013] The output unit may be configured to output new information related to the work performed by the monitored object in an emphasized manner according to a degree of deviation from the information related to the work in the normal state.

[0014] The following method may also be adopted, namely, further comprising a second determination unit, which determines whether the new information related to the work performed by the monitored object is included in the range of the normal state based on the degree of separation of the new information related to the work performed by the monitored object from the information related to the work in the normal state, and the output unit is constructed to also output the determination result determined by the second determination unit.

[0015] The following method may also be adopted, that is, further comprising: a recording unit that records a plurality of information related to the work performed by the monitored object generated by the information generating unit as a plurality of work histories; a normal state determining unit that determines the normal state of the work performed by the monitored object based on the plurality of work histories recorded in the recording unit; a prediction unit that predicts information related to work that exceeds the range of the normal state among the information related to the work performed by the monitored object that is next generated by the information generating unit, based on the degree of deviation from the information related to the work in the normal state of the plurality of information related to the work performed by the monitored object recorded in the recording unit as the plurality of work histories, and the output unit is further configured to output the prediction result predicted by the prediction unit. Thus, since the work status monitoring system can predict work that may exceed the range of the normal state for each monitored object, for example, it is possible to warn the staff member who is the monitored object in advance.

[0016] The work status monitoring method of the present disclosure comprises: an acquisition step of acquiring information related to one or more work areas; a monitoring object detection step of detecting any one of a worker and a predetermined moving body as a monitoring object and defining a first monitoring object area where the monitoring object is located; a determination step of determining whether the monitoring object has performed work in the one or more work areas based on whether there is interference with the one or more work areas formed by the first monitoring object area; an information generation step of generating information related to the work performed by the monitoring object in the one or more work areas based on the determination result in the determination step; and a first output step of outputting the information related to the work performed by the monitoring object generated in the information generation step. Since the work status monitoring system determines whether the monitoring object has performed work in one or more work areas based on whether there is interference (contact) with the one or more work areas formed by the first monitoring object area where the monitoring object such as the worker is located, the work status of the monitoring object can be inferred and monitored with a small amount of information. Since the work status monitoring method determines whether the monitored object has performed work in one or more work areas based on whether there is interference (contact) with the first monitored object area where the monitored object, such as a worker, is located, the work status of the monitored object can be inferred and monitored with a smaller amount of information than when the movement of the monitored object is analyzed in detail. That is, the work status monitoring method can effectively monitor the work status of the monitored object, such as a worker, who is assigned one or more work areas.

[0017] The following method may also be adopted, that is, further comprising: a recording step of recording a plurality of information related to the work performed by the monitored object generated in the information generation step as a plurality of work histories; a normal state determination step of determining the normal state of the work performed by the monitored object based on the plurality of work histories recorded in the recording step; and a second output step of outputting the information related to the work performed by the monitored object generated in the information generation step together with the result of comparison with the information related to the work in the normal state. Thus, since the work status monitoring method can set the normal state of the work sequence or working time for each monitored object, for example, even if the working time of a certain work performed by the worker who is the monitored object is longer than that of other workers due to differences in experience or skills, it is possible to provide a prompt as to whether the worker who is the monitored object is in the normal state.

[0018] The following method may also be adopted, that is, further comprising: a recording step of recording the plurality of information related to the work performed by the monitored object generated in the information generation step as a plurality of work histories; a normal state determination step of determining the normal state of the work performed by the monitored object based on the plurality of work histories recorded in the recording step; a prediction step of predicting the information related to the work performed by the monitored object that is next generated in the information generation step, which is related to the work that exceeds the range of the normal state, based on the degree of deviation of the plurality of information related to the work performed by the monitored object recorded as the plurality of work histories in the recording step from the information related to the work in the normal state; and a second output step of outputting the prediction result in the prediction step. Thus, since the work status monitoring method can predict the work that may exceed the range of the normal state for each monitored object, for example, it is possible to warn the staff member who is the monitored object in advance.

[0019] The work status monitoring program of the present disclosure causes a computer to execute the following processing, namely: an acquisition process for acquiring information related to one or more work areas; a monitoring object detection process for detecting any one of a worker and a predetermined moving body as a monitoring object and defining a first monitoring object area where the monitoring object is located; a determination process for determining whether the monitoring object has performed work in the one or more work areas based on whether or not there is interference with the one or more work areas formed by the first monitoring object area; an information generation process for generating information related to the work performed by the monitoring object in the one or more work areas based on the determination result in the determination process; and a first output process for outputting the information related to the work performed by the monitoring object generated in the information generation process. Since the work status monitoring program determines whether or not the monitoring object has performed work in the one or more work areas based on whether or not there is interference (contact) with the one or more work areas formed by the first monitoring object area where the monitoring object is located, the work status of the monitoring object can be inferred and monitored with a small amount of information compared to the case where the movement of the monitoring object is analyzed in detail. That is, the work status monitoring program can effectively monitor the work status of a monitoring target such as a worker for one or more designated jobs.

[0020] The following method may also be adopted, that is, the computer is further caused to perform the following processing, namely: recording processing, which records a plurality of information related to the work performed by the monitored object generated in the information generation processing as a plurality of work histories; normal state determination processing, which determines the normal state of the work performed by the monitored object based on the plurality of work histories recorded in the recording processing; and second output processing, which outputs the new information related to the work performed by the monitored object generated in the information generation processing together with the result of comparison with the information related to the work in the normal state. Thus, since the work status monitoring program can set the normal state of the work sequence or working time for each monitored object, for example, even if the working time of a certain work performed by the worker who is the monitored object is longer than that of other workers due to differences in experience or skills, it is possible to provide a prompt as to whether it is in the normal state for the worker who is the monitored object.

[0021] The following method may be adopted, that is, the computer is further caused to perform the following processing, namely: recording processing, which records a plurality of information related to the work performed by the monitored object generated in the information generation processing as a plurality of work histories; normal state determination processing, which determines the normal state of the work performed by the monitored object based on the plurality of work histories recorded in the recording processing; prediction processing, which predicts the information related to the work performed by the monitored object that is next generated in the information generation processing, which is related to the work that exceeds the range of the normal state, based on the degree of deviation from the information related to the work in the normal state of the plurality of information related to the work performed by the monitored object recorded as the plurality of work histories in the recording processing; and second output processing, which outputs the prediction result in the prediction processing. Thus, since the work status monitoring program can predict the work that may exceed the range of the normal state for each monitored object, for example, it is possible to warn the staff member who is the monitored object in advance.

[0022] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a work status monitoring system, a work status monitoring method, and a work status monitoring program that can infer and effectively monitor the work status of a monitoring target such as a worker for one or more designated jobs using a small amount of information.

[0023] The above objects and other objects, features and advantages of the present disclosure will be more fully understood from the detailed description and accompanying drawings given below, which are given by way of illustration only and thus should not be considered as limiting the present disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] Figure 1 It is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the working condition monitoring system involved in the first embodiment.

[0025] Figure 2 To express Figure 1 A schematic perspective view of an application example of the working condition monitoring system shown.

[0026] Figure 3 To express Figure 1 A schematic top view of an application example of the working condition monitoring system shown.

[0027] Figure 4 To express Figure 1 The flowchart of the operation of the working condition monitoring system is shown.

[0028] Figure 5 To show the application in more detail Figure 1 A schematic top view of the facility of the working condition monitoring system is shown.

[0029] Figure 6 To indicate that from the Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a first example of information related to work performed by a monitoring target, which is output from a work status monitoring device in the work status monitoring system shown.

[0030] Figure 7 To indicate that from the Figure 1 FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a second example of information related to work performed by a monitoring target, which is output from a work status monitoring device in the work status monitoring system shown.

[0031] Figure 8 To indicate that from the Figure 1 FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a third example of information related to work performed by a monitoring target outputted from a work status monitoring device in the work status monitoring system shown.

[0032] Fig. 9 It is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a work status monitoring system according to the second embodiment.

[0033] Fig.10 To indicate that the Fig. 9 A flowchart of a determination operation performed by an operating condition monitoring device in the operating condition monitoring system shown.

[0034] Fig.11 To indicate that the Fig. 9 A flowchart of a prediction operation performed by an operating condition monitoring device in the operating condition monitoring system shown.

[0035] Fig.12An example of an event network classified from a plurality of work histories is shown as a matrix and a diagram of work steps of a plurality of events on the event network.

[0036] Fig.13 An example of an event network classified from a plurality of work histories is shown as a matrix and a diagram of work steps of a plurality of events on the event network.

[0037] Fig.14 An example of an event network classified from a plurality of work histories is shown as a matrix and a diagram of work steps of a plurality of events on the event network.

[0038] Fig.15 is a graph representing the probability distribution defined on the DSM. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039] Although the present invention is described below by the embodiments of the invention, the invention involved in the claims is not limited to the following embodiments. In addition, all the structures described in the embodiments are not necessarily required as methods for solving the problems. For the clarity of the description, in the following description and drawings, appropriate omissions and simplifications are made. In each of the drawings, the same symbols are marked for the same elements, and repeated descriptions are omitted as needed.

[0040] <Implementation method 1>

[0041] Figure 1 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the working condition monitoring system 1 according to the first embodiment. Figure 2 as well as Figure 3 For, indicates Figure 1 The schematic stereogram and schematic top view of the application example of the working condition monitoring system 1 shown. The working condition monitoring system 1 involved in the present embodiment is applied, for example, to a facility such as a factory having one or more working areas where predetermined work is performed by workers or the like who are the monitored objects, and determines whether the monitored object has performed work in one or more working areas based on whether there is interference (contact) with the one or more working areas formed by the monitored object area where the monitored object is located. Therefore, the working condition monitoring system 1 involved in the present embodiment can infer and monitor the working condition of the monitored object with a smaller amount of information compared to the case where the action of the monitored object is analyzed in detail. That is, the working condition monitoring system 1 involved in the present embodiment can efficiently monitor the working condition of the monitored object such as the workers who are designated to do one or more work. This is explained in detail below.

[0042] The operating condition monitoring system 1 is applied to a facility PL1 such as a factory, and includes n (n is an integer greater than or equal to 1) sensors 11_1 to 11_n and an operating condition monitoring device 12. Alternatively, the operating condition monitoring system 1 may be a single operating condition monitoring device 12.

[0043] Sensors 11_1 to 11_n are installed on the ceiling of the facility PL1, etc., and detect the workers 901 and the moving body 902 in the facility PL1. In addition, the moving body 902 refers to vehicles such as forklifts or mobile carts used to transport products or their parts, vehicles such as AGVs (Automatic Guided Vehicles) that are set to automatically perform transportation work, or autonomously moving working robots that are set to automatically perform predetermined work. Some of the sensors 11_1 to 11_n can also be installed on any one of the moving bodies 902. Each sensor 11_1 to 11_n is configured to simultaneously detect all the workers 901 and moving bodies 902 included in the detection range in a single manner.

[0044] The sensors 11_1 to 11_n are, for example, cameras, and are provided so as to be able to capture the entire facility including one or more work areas provided in the facility PL1 and the movement paths of the worker 901 and the moving object 902. In addition, the sensors 11_1 to 11_n are not limited to cameras, and may be any type of sensor such as a distance measuring sensor that can detect the worker 901 and the moving object 902. In this embodiment, the case where n=2, that is, two sensors 11_1 and 11_2 are provided is used as an example for description.

[0045] The working condition monitoring device 12 is a device for monitoring the working condition of the monitoring object TG in the facility PL1. Here, the monitoring object TG refers to any one of the worker 901 and the predetermined moving object 902a that is the monitoring object of the working condition monitored by the working condition monitoring device 12. The predetermined moving object 902a refers to a vehicle such as an AGV or a working robot that is set in a manner to automatically perform a predetermined work among the moving objects 902 detected by the sensors 11_1 and 11_2.

[0046] Specifically, the operating status monitoring device 12 includes an acquisition unit 121 , a monitoring target detection unit 122 , a first determination unit 123 , a recording unit 124 , an information generation unit 125 , and an output unit 126 .

[0047] The acquisition unit 121 acquires information related to one or more work areas within the facility PL1. The information related to the work area includes at least information about the place (position) where the designated work is performed. The information related to the work area may further include the content of the designated work, the minimum time (reference time) required for the designated work, and the maximum work time allowed for the designated work. The acquisition unit 121 can, for example, acquire the information related to the work area input by the manager of the facility PL1 or the like through the operation terminal, or acquire the information related to the work area from the detection results of the sensors 11_1 and 11_2 (when the sensors 11_1 and 11_2 are cameras, based on the results of analyzing the images taken by the cameras). Figure 3 In the example of , the acquisition unit 121 is acquiring information on work areas WA1 to WA4 surrounded by frames where work is to be performed. The work area WA3 includes work areas WA3a and WA3b.

[0048] The monitoring object detection unit 122 uses sensors 11_1 and 11_2 to detect any one of the worker 901 and the predetermined moving body 902a as the monitoring object TG, and defines the monitoring object area TA1 where the monitoring object TG is located. The monitoring object area TA1 is defined by a frame surrounding the monitoring object TG, and moves along with the movement of the monitoring object TG. Although in this embodiment, the monitoring object detection unit 122 uses the case where a certain worker 901 is detected as the monitoring object TG as an example for explanation, it is not limited to this, and the predetermined moving body 902a can be detected as the monitoring object TG, or the worker 901 and the predetermined moving body 902a can be detected as multiple monitoring objects TG. In addition, in this embodiment, among the moving bodies 902 detected by the sensors 11_1 and 11_2, the moving body (forklift) 902 other than the monitoring object TG is defined as the work area WA4 where the monitoring object TG performs work.

[0049] The first determination unit 123 determines whether or not one or more operation areas (in Figure 3In the example of , it is interference with the working areas WA1 to WA4), thereby determining whether the monitored object TG has performed work in the one or more working areas. For example, in the case where there is interference with the working area WA1 formed by the monitored object area TA1, the first determination unit 123 determines that the monitored object TG has performed work in the working area WA1. The interference with the working area WA1 formed by the monitored object area TA1 is not limited to the case where the monitored object area TA1 (frame) partially overlaps with the working area WA1 (frame), but also includes the case where the monitored object area TA1 (frame) is in contact with the working area WA1 (frame).

[0050] Furthermore, the first determination unit 123 may determine that the monitoring target TG has performed the operation in the operation area WA1 when the interference time of the monitoring target area TA1 with the operation area WA1 is longer than the minimum time (reference time) required for the operation in the operation area WA1.

[0051] The determination result determined by the first determination unit 123 is recorded in the recording unit 124. The recording unit 124 may be provided inside the operation status monitoring device 12 or outside the operation status monitoring device 12.

[0052] The information generation unit 125 generates information related to the work performed by the monitoring target TG in each work area based on the determination result of the first determination unit 123. The information related to the work in the work area includes at least information on the start time, the working time, and the end time of the work in each work area performed by the monitoring target TG. It is also possible to specify the work order when performing work in multiple work areas based on the information on the start time, the working time, and the end time of the work in each work area performed by the monitoring target TG.

[0053] The information generated by the information generating unit 125 and related to the work in each work area performed by the monitoring target TG is recorded (accumulated) in the recording unit 124. In addition, the information related to the work in each work area performed by the monitoring target TG may be recorded (accumulated) in the recording unit 124 in a graphical state as described later.

[0054] The output unit 126 outputs information related to the work in each work area performed by the monitoring target TG generated by the information generating unit 125. For example, the output unit 126 displays the information (work mode) related to the work in each work area performed by the monitoring target TG generated by the information generating unit 125 on the monitor in a desired display format.

[0055] Next, use Figure 4 as well as Figure 5 , the operation of the working condition monitoring system 1 is explained. Figure 4 2 is a flowchart showing the operation of the working condition monitoring system 1 . Figure 5 1 is a schematic plan view showing in more detail the facility PL1 to which the operating status monitoring system 1 is applied.

[0056] In the work status monitoring system 1, the work status monitoring device 12 first obtains information related to one or more work areas in the facility PL1 (step S101). Figure 5 In the example of , the work status monitoring device 12 acquires information on work areas WA1 to WA7 surrounded by frames where work is performed. The work area WA3 includes work areas WA3a and WA3b.

[0057] In addition, the work status monitoring device 12 uses the sensors 11_1 and 11_2 to detect the worker 901 as the monitoring target TG, and defines the monitoring target area TA1 where the monitoring target TG is located (step S102). The monitoring target area TA1 is defined by a frame surrounding the monitoring target TG, and moves with the movement of the monitoring target TG. In addition, the moving body 902 other than the monitoring target TG detected by the sensors 11_1 and 11_2, namely, a moving body (forklift) and two AGVs (first AGV and second AGV), are defined as the place where the monitoring target TG performs work, namely, the work area WA4, WA6, and WA7.

[0058] Thereafter, the working state monitoring device 12 determines whether the monitoring target TG has performed the work in the working areas WA1 to WA7 based on whether there is interference with the working areas WA1 to WA7 caused by the monitoring target area TA1 (step S103). The determination result of whether the monitoring target TG has performed the work in the working areas WA1 to WA7 is recorded in the recording unit 124 (step S104).

[0059] Thereafter, the operation status monitoring device 12 generates information (operation mode) related to the operation performed by the monitoring target TG in each of the operation areas WA1 to WA7 based on the above-mentioned determination result (step S105 ), and displays it on, for example, a monitor (step S106 ).

[0060] Figure 6 1 is a diagram showing a first example of information output from the work status monitoring device 12 and related to the work performed by the monitoring target TG. Figure 6 In the example of , the operation mode implemented by the monitored object TG is two-dimensionally graphed and displayed on the monitor. Figure 6In FIG. 1 , the horizontal axis represents time, and the vertical axis represents the presence or absence of work in each work area performed by the monitored object TG.

[0061] If reference Figure 6 , the monitored object TG first performs work in the work area WA2 (time t11~t12). Thereafter, the monitored object TG performs work in the work area WA3 (time t13~t14). In more detail, the monitored object TG first performs work in the work area WA3a in the work area WA3 (time t13a~t13b), and then performs work in the work area WA3b (time t14a~t14b). In addition, whether the two works in the work areas WA3a and WA3b are displayed separately on the monitor or displayed on the monitor as one work in the work area WA3 can be appropriately adjusted in the work status monitoring device 12. Thereafter, the monitored object TG performs work in the work area WA7 (time t15~t16). Here, the work area WA7 is the area where the second AGV is located. Therefore, the monitored object TG may be loading goods on the second AGV or operating the second AGV. After that, the monitored object TG performs work in the work area WA1 (time t17-t18), then performs work in the work area WA6 (time t19-t20), and then performs work in the work area WA4 (time t21-t22). In addition, the work area WA6 is the area where the first AGV is located. Therefore, the monitored object TG may be loading goods on the first AGV or operating the first AGV in the work area WA6. In addition, the work area WA4 is the area where the forklift is located. Therefore, the monitored object TG may be loading goods on the forklift or driving the forklift in the work area WA4.

[0062] In this way, the working condition monitoring system 1 according to the present embodiment determines whether the monitoring object TG has performed work in one or more working areas based on whether there is interference (contact) with the monitoring object area TA1 where the monitoring object TG, such as a worker, is located. As a result, the working condition monitoring system 1 according to the present embodiment can infer and monitor the working condition of the monitoring object TG with a smaller amount of information than when the movement of the monitoring object TG is analyzed in detail. That is, the working condition monitoring system 1 according to the present embodiment can efficiently monitor the working condition of the monitoring object TG, such as a worker, who is designated to perform one or more working areas.

[0063] In addition, although in the present embodiment, the case where the working condition monitoring device 12 in the working condition monitoring system 1 specifies the monitoring target area TA1 where the monitoring target TG is located is described as an example, it is not limited to this. The working condition monitoring device 12 can also be configured to further specify a second monitoring target area TA2 where a predetermined part of the monitoring target TG, such as the fingertips of the staff member who is the monitoring target TG, is located. For example, the working condition monitoring device 12 determines whether the fingertips of the staff member who is the monitoring target TG have performed work in one or more working areas based on whether there is interference with one or more working areas formed by the monitoring target area TA2. As a result, the working condition monitoring system 1 can infer the working condition of the monitoring target TG with higher accuracy.

[0064] In addition, in this embodiment, the working state monitoring device 12 in the working state monitoring system 1 makes the working mode implemented by the monitoring object TG follow the Figure 6 The case where the display mode shown in the display mode is displayed on the monitor is described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this. The working condition monitoring device 12 can also display the working mode implemented by the monitoring object TG on the monitor in any display mode that can monitor the working condition of the monitoring object TG. Figure 7 as well as Figure 8 Let's explain it briefly.

[0065] Figure 7 2 is a diagram showing a second example of information output from the work status monitoring device 12 and related to the work performed by the monitoring target TG. Figure 7 In the example of , the working mode implemented by the monitored object TG is three-dimensionally graphed and displayed on the monitor. Figure 7 In FIG. 1 , the X-axis and the Y-axis represent the position (plane coordinates) of the facility PL1, and the Z-axis represents the time. By setting the resolution of the plane coordinates to be adjustable in advance, it is possible to select, for example, whether to display the two operations in the work areas WA3a and WA3b separately or to display them as one operation in the work area WA3. In this way, the work status monitoring device 12 can also make the work mode implemented by the monitored object TG follow the Figure 7 The display format shown is displayed on the monitor.

[0066] Figure 8 2 is a diagram showing a third example of information output from the work status monitoring device 12 and related to the work performed by the monitoring target TG. Figure 8In the example, the working mode implemented by the monitored object TG is displayed on the monitor in the form of an event network. In the event network, events (work) are represented as nodes (blocks that record the names of the work areas where the work is implemented), and a certain event and subsequent events are connected by edges (line segments). In this way, the working status monitoring device 12 can also make the working mode implemented by the monitored object TG displayed in the form of an event network. Figure 8 In addition, as a display format, a PetriNet may be used instead of an event network.

[0067] <Implementation method 2>

[0068] Fig. 9 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a working condition monitoring system 2 according to Embodiment 2. Compared with the working condition monitoring system 1, the working condition monitoring system 2 includes a working condition monitoring device 22 instead of the working condition monitoring device 12. Compared with the working condition monitoring device 12, the working condition monitoring device 22 further includes a normal state determination unit 227, a second determination unit 228, and a prediction unit 229. As other configurations of the working condition monitoring device 22 are the same as those of the working condition monitoring device 12, description thereof will be omitted.

[0069] (Determination Function of Working Condition Monitoring Device 22)

[0070] First, use Fig. 9 as well as Fig.10 , the determination function of the working condition monitoring device 22 is explained. Fig.10 2 is a flowchart showing the determination operation performed by the working condition monitoring device 22.

[0071] In the work status monitoring device 22, the information generating unit 125 generates a plurality of information related to the work performed by the monitoring target TG as a result of the monitoring target TG repeatedly monitoring the work status in the facility PL1. The plurality of information related to the work performed by the monitoring target TG generated by the information generating unit 125 is recorded (accumulated) in the recording unit 124 as a plurality of work histories (step S201).

[0072] In the working condition monitoring device 22, the normal state determination unit 227 uses a plurality of working histories recorded in the recording unit 124 to perform learning (step S202), and based on the learning result, determines the normal state for the work performed by the monitoring object TG (step S203). For example, the normal state determination unit 227 determines the normal state in a manner that sets the function shape or network pattern as a statistical model of a random variable. The so-called normal state for the work performed by the monitoring object TG refers to, for example, the normal (average) working time in each working area and the normal working order implemented by the monitoring object TG. In addition, the normal state for the work performed by the monitoring object TG is not limited to one type, and can also be classified into two or more types.

[0073] Here, when new information related to the work performed by the monitored object TG (newly executed work mode) is generated by the information generating unit 125 as a result of monitoring the status of the work newly performed by the monitored object TG (step S204), the output unit 126 outputs the new information related to the work performed by the monitored object TG (newly executed work mode) together with the result of comparison with the information related to the work in the normal state (the work mode in the normal state) (step S205).

[0074] In addition, the output unit 126 may be configured to output new information (newly executed work mode) related to the work performed by the monitoring target TG in an emphasized manner according to the degree of deviation from the information related to the work in the normal state (the work mode in the normal state). For example, when the work time in the work area WA1 included in the newly executed work mode is longer than the work time in the work area WA1 included in the work mode in the normal state, the output unit 126 may display the area by flashing or by using a color different from other areas.

[0075] Furthermore, in the work status monitoring device 22, the second determination unit 228 determines whether the new information related to the work performed by the monitoring object TG is included in the range of the normal state based on the degree of separation of the new information related to the work performed by the monitoring object TG (the newly executed work mode) from the information related to the work in the normal state (the work mode in the normal state). In measuring the degree of separation, a method such as statistical divergence can be used. The output unit 126 can also further output the determination result determined by the second determination unit 228, that is, information on whether the newly executed work mode is included in the range of the work mode in the normal state.

[0076] In this way, since the work status monitoring system 2 can set a normal status related to the work sequence or working time, etc. for each monitored object TG, for example, even if the working time of a certain work performed by a staff member who is the monitored object TG is longer than that of other staff members due to differences in experience or skills, it is possible to provide a prompt as to whether it is a normal status for a certain staff member who is the monitored object TG.

[0077] (Prediction Function of the Working Condition Monitoring Device 22)

[0078] Next, use Fig. 9 as well as Fig.11 Next, the prediction function of the working condition monitoring device 22 will be described. Fig.11 2 is a flowchart showing the prediction operation performed by the operating condition monitoring device 22.

[0079] In the work status monitoring device 22, the information generating unit 125 generates a plurality of information related to the work performed by the monitoring target TG as a result of repeatedly monitoring the work status in the facility PL1 performed by the monitoring target TG. The plurality of information related to the work performed by the monitoring target TG generated by the information generating unit 125 is recorded (accumulated) in the recording unit 124 as a plurality of work histories (step S301).

[0080] In the working condition monitoring device 22, the normal state determination unit 227 uses a plurality of working histories recorded in the recording unit 124 to perform learning (step S302), and based on the learning result, determines the normal state of the work performed by the monitored object TG (step S303). For example, the normal state determination unit 227 determines the normal state in a manner that sets a function shape or a network pattern as a statistical model of a random variable. The normal state of the work performed by the monitored object TG refers to, for example, the normal (average) working time in each working area and the normal working order performed by the monitored object TG. In addition, the normal state of the work performed by the monitored object TG is not limited to one type, and can also be classified into two or more types.

[0081] Here, in the work status monitoring device 22, the prediction unit 229 analyzes the degree of deviation of multiple information related to the work performed by the monitored object TG (multiple work modes executed in the past) recorded in the recording unit 124 as multiple work histories from the information related to the work in the normal state (the work mode in the normal state) (step S304), thereby predicting the information related to the work that may exceed the range of the normal state (work time or work sequence) in the work mode to be performed by the monitored object TG in the future (step S305).

[0082] For example, when there are many working modes among multiple working modes executed in the past that include specific work such as a working time that exceeds the range of normal status, the prediction unit 229 predicts that the working time of this specific work among the multiple works included in the working mode to be implemented by the monitored object TG in the future may exceed the range of normal status.

[0083] Then, the output unit 126 outputs the prediction result predicted by the prediction unit 229 (step S306). For example, the output unit 126 outputs information to the effect that the operation time of a specific operation among a plurality of operations included in the operation mode to be performed by the monitoring target TG in the future may exceed the range of the normal state. Alternatively, the output unit 126 may output the predicted value of the operation mode to be performed by the monitoring target TG in the future together with the result of comparison with the information related to the operation in the normal state (the operation mode in the normal state).

[0084] In this way, since the work status monitoring system 2 can predict work that may exceed the range of the normal state for each monitoring target TG, it is possible to issue a warning in advance to the worker who is the monitoring target TG, for example.

[0085] The other structures and operations of the working condition monitoring system 2 are the same as those of the working condition monitoring system 1, and thus the description thereof will be omitted.

[0086] In this way, the work status monitoring system 2 involved in this embodiment can achieve the same effect as the work status monitoring system 1. In addition, since the work status monitoring system 2 involved in this embodiment can set the normal state of the work sequence or working time for each monitoring object TG, for example, even if the working time of a certain work performed by the staff member who is the monitoring object TG is longer than that of other staff members due to differences in experience or skills, it is possible to provide a prompt as to whether it is a normal state for the staff member who is the monitoring object TG. Furthermore, since the work status monitoring system 2 involved in this embodiment can predict the work that may exceed the range of the normal state for each monitoring object TG, it is possible to issue a warning to the staff member who is the monitoring object TG in advance, for example.

[0087] In addition, the operating status monitoring device 22 may have only one of the determination function and the prediction function.

[0088] Furthermore, the operating status monitoring device 22 may also predefine a predetermined operating mode as an abnormal operating mode. Thus, when it appears that the predetermined operating mode is to be executed by the monitored object TG, the operating status monitoring device 22 can issue a warning to prevent the predetermined operating mode from being executed.

[0089] Furthermore, the working state monitoring device 22 may determine the normal state based on the DSM (Design Structure Matrix) created from the working history recorded in the recording unit 124. Figure 12 to Figure 15 Let's explain it briefly.

[0090] Figure 12 to Figure 14 The matrix shows three event networks classified according to multiple work histories, and a diagram of the work steps of multiple events on these event networks. Figure 12 to Figure 14 In the example of the event network shown, it is assumed that the events (the specified tasks) occur in alphabetical order. Figure 12 to Figure 14 In the example of the event network shown, the solid arrow marks indicate the steps of the work that is the prerequisite for the monitoring object TG to be implemented, and the single-point dashed arrow marks indicate the rework of the steps of the work implemented by the monitoring object TG. In addition, the "X" displayed in the matrix indicates the steps equivalent to the arrow marks of the event network.

[0091] If the working condition monitoring device 22 accumulates Figure 12 to Figure 14 In the matrix components shown in the figure, the "X" that appears in each matrix can be Fig.15 The probability distribution is defined in the matrix as shown, and the probability distribution can be determined as the normal state of the work step performed by the monitoring target TG.

[0092] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be appropriately modified without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0093] In addition, the present disclosure can realize a part or all of the processing of the operating status monitoring devices 12 and 22 by causing a CPU (Central Processing Unit) to execute a computer program.

[0094] The above-mentioned program, when read by a computer, includes a command group (or software code) for causing the computer to execute one or more functions described in the embodiment. The program may also be stored in a non-temporary computer-readable medium or a storage medium having an entity. As a non-limiting example, a computer-readable medium or a storage medium having an entity includes random-access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), flash memory, solid-state drive (SSD) or other memory technology, CD-ROM (read-only disc), digital versatile disc (DVD), Blu-ray (registered trademark) disc or other optical disc storage, cassette, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage device. The program may also be sent on a temporary computer-readable medium or communication medium. As a non-limiting example, a temporary computer-readable medium or communication medium includes a transmission signal in the form of electricity, light, sound or other forms.

[0095] From the disclosure thus described, it is obvious that the embodiments of the disclosure can be changed in many ways. Such changes should not be regarded as departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure, and all such modifications obvious to those skilled in the art are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A working condition monitoring system comprising: an acquisition section that acquires information related to one or more work areas; a monitoring object detection unit that detects any one of a worker and a predetermined moving object as a monitoring object and defines a first monitoring object area where the monitoring object is located; a first determination unit for determining whether the monitored object has performed work in the one or more working areas based on whether or not there is interference with the one or more working areas caused by the first monitored object area; an information generating unit configured to generate information related to the work in the one or more work areas performed by the monitored object based on the determination result of the first determination unit; a recording unit that records, as a plurality of work histories, a plurality of information related to work performed by the monitored object, generated by the information generating unit; a normal state determination unit that determines a normal state regarding a work performed by the monitored object based on the plurality of work histories recorded in the recording unit; a prediction unit that predicts information related to work performed by the monitored object, which is subsequently generated by the information generating unit and is related to work beyond the range of the normal state, based on the degree of deviation of a plurality of information related to work performed by the monitored object recorded in the recording unit as the plurality of work histories from the information related to work in the normal state; an output unit that outputs the information generated by the information generating unit and the work performed by the monitored object, and the prediction result predicted by the prediction unit, The normal state is an average working time in each of the working areas and a normal working sequence performed by the monitored object.

2. The working condition monitoring system according to claim 1, wherein: The first determination unit determines that the monitored target has performed a work in each of the working areas when the duration of interference with the working area by the first monitored target area is longer than a reference time set in the working area.

3. The working condition monitoring system according to claim 1, wherein: The information related to the work in the one or more work areas performed by the monitored object includes information on the start time, the work time, and the end time of the work in each of the work areas performed by the monitored object.

4. The working condition monitoring system according to claim 1, wherein: The one or more operation areas include an area where a moving object different from the predetermined moving object to be monitored is located.

5. The working condition monitoring system according to claim 1, wherein: The monitoring object detection unit further detects a predetermined portion of the monitoring object and defines a second monitoring object area in which the predetermined portion is located.

6. The working condition monitoring system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: The surveillance object detection unit is configured to detect the surveillance object using any one of a distance measuring sensor and a camera.

7. A method for monitoring working conditions, wherein: Get information related to more than one work area, A worker or a predetermined moving object as a monitoring object is detected, and a first monitoring object area where the monitoring object is located is defined. Based on whether or not there is interference with the one or more working areas caused by the first monitoring target area, it is determined whether the monitoring target has performed work in the one or more working areas. Based on the determination result, information related to the work performed by the monitored object in the one or more work areas is generated. outputting information related to the work performed by the monitored object generated based on the determination result, recording a plurality of information related to the work performed by the monitored object generated based on the determination result as a plurality of work histories, determining a normal state of work performed by the monitored object based on the plurality of work histories recorded, Based on the degree of deviation of the plurality of information related to the work performed by the monitored object recorded as the plurality of work histories from the information related to the work in the normal state, it is predicted that among the information related to the work performed by the monitored object to be generated next, the information related to the work that exceeds the range of the normal state is predicted, Output the prediction results. The normal state is an average working time in each of the working areas and a normal working sequence performed by the monitored object.

8. A computer-readable storage medium storing a work status monitoring program, wherein: The work status monitoring program causes the computer to execute the following processing, namely: an acquisition process that acquires information associated with one or more work areas; A monitoring object detection process is performed to detect any one of a worker and a predetermined moving object as a monitoring object, and to define a first monitoring object area where the monitoring object is located; A determination process for determining whether the monitored object has performed work in the one or more working areas based on whether there is interference with the one or more working areas caused by the first monitored object area; an information generation process for generating information related to the work in the one or more work areas performed by the monitored object based on the determination result in the determination process; a first output process of outputting information related to the work performed by the monitoring object generated in the information generation process; a recording process for recording, as a plurality of work histories, a plurality of information related to work performed by the monitored object generated in the information generation process; a normal state determination process for determining a normal state of the work performed by the monitoring object based on the plurality of work histories recorded in the recording process; Prediction processing for predicting information related to work performed by the monitored object to be generated next in the information generation processing, which is related to work beyond the range of the normal state, based on the degree of deviation of the plurality of information related to work performed by the monitored object recorded as the plurality of work histories in the recording processing from the information related to work in the normal state; a second output process, which outputs the prediction result in the prediction process; The normal state is an average working time in each of the working areas and a normal working sequence performed by the monitored object.

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