Work assistance system, work assistance method, and work assistance program

Abstract

The invention provides a work assistance system, a work assistance method, and a work assistance program. Provided is a PDF control technique capable of correctly displaying a PDF object without deviating the position or size of the PDF object, and preventing an existing PDF object from disappearing when adding a new PDF object. This job assistance system extracts, in advance, attributes of objects included in PDF data as object information, adds a new object to a document object that does not have the object, and reflects the attributes described in the object information to the document object to which the new object is added, thereby generating new PDF data in which the new object is reflected.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a technology for assisting a worker in performing work at a work site. Background Art

[0002] Social infrastructure, which relies heavily on manual labor, has seen a severe labor shortage in recent years due to the accelerating decline in the birthrate and aging population. To maintain product quality, improving operational efficiency has become essential. In manufacturing sites, where numerous paper documents are processed, expectations are growing for electronic paper, which can simultaneously digitize operations and eliminate paper.

[0003] Electronic paper is an electronic device used to write information to files within a terminal using a dedicated pen. Using electronic paper allows for recording work information as digital data, eliminating the need for data transfer for statistical purposes and reducing processing time. On the other hand, handwritten data created with a dedicated pen often contains idiomatic handwriting and abbreviations, creating a new challenge: even computer-based character recognition makes it difficult to accurately extract handwritten characters.

[0004] Patent Document 1 describes an information processing device that can easily extract data from PDF (Portable Document Format) files. The document describes the following technology: "Information processing device 100 includes: a settings file storage unit 121 that stores document type information and a settings file in association with each other. The settings file describes item names and the positional information of input areas representing item values for each item name; a form generation unit 112 that retrieves the settings file associated with the document type information from settings file storage unit 121 based on a PDF file containing the document type information, generates a form using the retrieved settings file; a form assignment unit 113 assigns a form to the PDF file; and an item value extraction unit 114 extracts the item values for each item name from the PDF file using the form and stores the extracted item values in the form" (see abstract).

[0005] Prior art literature

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 7346760 Summary of the Invention

[0007] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0008] Patent document 1 generates input assistance (form fields) corresponding to work items on PDF. The operator uses this input assistance to input work information, so that the work information can be accurately digitized. However, sometimes it is not possible to use paid software that generates PDF objects such as form fields on PDF on the server, or expensive licensing fees may be required when using paid software. In order to avoid these, it is considered to effectively utilize free software. However, in this case, new problems may arise, such as the position and size of PDF objects being offset, the input data not being correctly displayed on the predetermined display application, and the disappearance of existing PDF objects when new PDF objects are added.

[0009] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and its object is to provide a PDF control technology that can correctly display PDF objects without shifting their positions or sizes, and that does not cause existing PDF objects to disappear when new PDF objects are added.

[0010] Means for solving problems

[0011] The job assistance system of the present invention pre-extracts the attributes of the objects possessed by PDF data as object information, adds a new object to the document object that does not have the object, reflects the attributes described in the object information to the document object to which the new object is added, thereby generating new PDF data reflecting the new object.

[0012] The work assistance system of the present invention provides a low-cost PDF control technology that accurately displays PDF objects without deviating from their positions or sizes, and prevents existing PDF objects from disappearing when new ones are added. Other issues, structures, and effects beyond those described above will become apparent through the following description of the embodiments. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] Figure 1 This is a diagram explaining a method of sharing a data file between a server and a work terminal.

[0014] Figure 2 This is an example of a handwritten work record book 200 .

[0015] Figure 3 This is an example of the work record book 300 formed of PDF.

[0016] Figure 4A An example of positional shift of form fields in the electronic work record book 400 is shown.

[0017] Figure 4B This example shows that the data structure of an object varies for each software that generates the object.

[0018] Figure 4C This shows an example where an existing object disappears when a new object is added.

[0019] Figure 5 This is a configuration diagram of the work assisting device 500 according to the first embodiment.

[0020] Figure 6A This is a diagram illustrating an example of the data structure of PDF.

[0021] Figure 6B This is an example of the object information extracted by the object information extraction unit 505.

[0022] Figure 7 This diagram explains how to generate a PDF object.

[0023] Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating the procedure of the work support device 500 creating a work log in the third data format.

[0024] Figure 9 This figure explains the issues when modifying or deleting an existing PDF object.

[0025] Figure 10 This diagram explains how to modify or delete an existing PDF object.

[0026] Figure 11 This is a diagram illustrating a PDF object with complex properties.

[0027] Figure 12 This figure explains how to easily add a PDF object with complex properties.

[0028] Figure 13 This is an example of a work log that needs to be entered.

[0029] Figure 14 It is a configuration diagram of a work assisting device 500 according to a fourth embodiment.

[0030] Figure 15 This is an example for explaining the operation of the analysis unit 1400.

[0031] Figure 16 This figure explains how to correctly calculate the progress of work when handwriting is involved. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] <Implementation Method 1>

[0033] Figure 1The diagram is a diagram illustrating a method of sharing data files between a server and a work terminal. The work support system 100 is composed of a management personal computer 101, a server 102, and a work terminal 105, and assists the worker in performing work on the work terminal 105. As a method of sharing data files between the server 102 and the work terminal 105, there are, for example, Figure 1 The above and below paragraphs are recorded respectively.

[0034] illustrate Figure 1 The method in the previous paragraph. A worker enters work details via a web browser on a work terminal 105, and the server 102 records the work details in a data file 104 in a second data format (e.g., HTML format). When an administrator provides information to the work terminal 105, the management personal computer 101 provides the data file 103 in the first data format to the server 102, which then converts the data file 103 into the second data format. The work terminal 105 can view this information on the web browser. When compiling data statistics, the server 102 stores the data file 104 in a database 106. This method generates a data file 104 describing the work details on the server 102.

[0035] illustrate Figure 1 The method in the following paragraph. The management personal computer 101 provides the data file 103 in the first data format to the server 102, and the server 102 converts it into a data file 107 in a third data format (for example, PDF format). The work terminal 105 obtains the data file 107, and the operator records the work content in the data file 107 on the work terminal 105. When the data is statistically analyzed, the server 102 obtains the data file 107 again from the work terminal 105 and stores it in the database 106. This method is different from the method in that the data file 107 recording the work content is kept on the work terminal 105. Figure 1 The previous paragraph is different.

[0036] Figure 2 This is an example of a handwritten work record book 200. The work record book 200 is a paper document that records the work performed by the operator at the work site. The operator records the work status in the work record book 200 using handwritten text 201. Since handwritten text varies from person to person, it is difficult to accurately extract the text even if a computer performs text recognition. In addition, when entering the selected item in the optional input field, the entry method may vary depending on the operator. For example, Figure 2As shown, sometimes numbers are enclosed in a circle, and sometimes selected items are checked or written with a character string such as "OK." Therefore, even with optional input fields, it is sometimes difficult for computers to accurately interpret the meaning of the input content. Therefore, a work log that electronically inputs data is used for work logs generated from electronic data.

[0037] Figure 3 This is an example of a work log 300 made up of PDF. Figure 3 This section explains the types of objects that can be displayed in PDF. The Portable Document Format (PDF) is an electronic document file format that can display text and diagrams independently of the device's application, operating system (OS), or hardware. It is widely used as a method for replacing paper documents with electronic ones. Objects that can be displayed in PDF can be roughly divided into four categories.

[0038] The first is a document object 301. The document object 301 is an object of a character or line. For example, a table in a checklist or a circuit component in a drawing is depicted by a line object.

[0039] The second is a form field 302. The form field 302 is an object used to assist input, such as a check box, text box, radio button, list, drop-down list, or button.

[0040] The third link is link 303. Link 303 contains a script that, when clicked, moves the focus to link 304. Using this link allows users to quickly find related items (e.g., circuit components in a maintenance log), thus reducing work time. While this example focuses on the same page, it is also possible to move the focus to another page or file.

[0041] The fourth is an annotation 305. The annotation 305 is an object for recording annotations, such as a handwritten line, a handwritten straight line, or a handwritten rectangle. It has a different data structure from the line of the document object 301.

[0042] Figures 4A to 4C This diagram illustrates the issues associated with creating form fields in a PDF using free software. Form fields are screen components that assist in inputting PDF data. Software that provides form fields is sometimes provided separately from the PDF display application. Furthermore, there are both paid and free software. Due to insufficient quality assurance for free software, issues such as the following may arise.

[0043] Figure 4AThis shows an example of positional shifts of form fields in the electronic work log 400. The electronic work log 400 is typically created as document data using spreadsheet software, document creation software, etc. The data format of this initially created work log is referred to as a first data format.

[0044] Document data created using spreadsheet software, document creation software, etc. is created with the assumption that it will be used on a general computer such as a desktop computer, and therefore is sometimes not suitable for display on a wearable terminal. This is the case, for example, with data in a format that cannot be processed by the viewing software executed on the wearable terminal. In such a case, it is necessary to convert the work log in the first data format (for example, a calculation table created using spreadsheet software) into a data format that can be displayed on the wearable terminal. The converted data format is referred to as the third data format. The third data format is, for example, PDF.

[0045] Consider configuring form fields for assisting data input when creating a work record book in the first data format. Figure 4A In the example of the work log shown, the following form fields are configured: (a) a text box 401 for entering a character string; (b) a text box 402 for entering a date; (c) radio buttons 403; (d) a combo box 404; (e) a list box 405; and (f) a check box 406.

[0046] Even if these form fields are arranged in the data input column on the work record book in the first data format, when it is converted to the third data format, the position and size of the form fields may deviate from the position and size of the form fields in the third data format, and the form fields may be arranged in a position other than the data input column or the size may change in the third data format. Figure 4A An example of such deviation in the position and size of form fields is shown. For example, in the case of free software, since the parameters for specifying the position and size of form fields are limited to integers, the form fields cannot be configured at the correct position and size, and thus such deviation occurs.

[0047] Figure 4B This example shows that the data structure of an object varies for each software that generates the object. Figure 4B The left side shows the data structure when two radio buttons are generated using a predetermined paid software. In the case of the paid software, the first layer of the data contains a Parent attribute representing a parent-child relationship, and within the Parent attribute, there is an attribute representing a name and a Kids attribute representing a child relationship.

[0048] Figure 4BThe right side shows the data structure when two radio buttons are generated using pre-defined free software. In the case of free software, the main parameters are collected in the first layer of data. Unlike in the case of paid software, there are no Parent and Kids attributes.

[0049] Thus, when the data structure of an object differs depending on the software, sometimes it may not be displayed correctly on the intended display application. Figure 4B The data structure on the left shows that the application takes the name of the property from the Parent property, but Figure 4B The data structure on the right does not have a Parent attribute, so the attribute with the name cannot be found. As a result, depending on the type of software that created the object, the display application may not be able to display the object correctly.

[0050] Figure 4C This example shows how existing objects disappear when a new object is added. Here, assume that a new checkbox is added to the add-on area 409 of a checkbox 407 in a checkbox list containing an existing checkbox 408. When using the free software, a document object 410 is first generated based on the information in the checkbox original 407. Next, a new checkbox 411 is created in the add-on area 409 on the document object 410. Thus, when a new object is added using the pre-defined free software, the existing object disappears. This is believed to be because the free software only provides the function of creating new objects.

[0051] Figure 5 This is a block diagram of a work assist device 500 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Work assist device 500 is a system that converts a work log from a first data format into a third data format and then provides it to a wearable terminal 513. Work assist device 500 can be comprised of a separate computer or other device from wearable terminal 513, or it can be configured as a computing device built into wearable terminal 513. Work assist device 500 and wearable terminal 513 coordinate their operations as a work assist system that assists workers in performing tasks at the work site.

[0052] The work support device 500 includes an input unit 501 , a display unit 502 , a processor 503 , and a data communication unit 504 . The processor 503 further includes an object information extraction unit 505 , an object information addition unit 506 , a data structure conversion unit 507 , a document object generation unit 508 , an object generation unit 509 , and an attribute change unit 510 .

[0053] Each component of the processor 503 may be implemented as hardware such as circuitry implementing these functions, or may be implemented by the processor 503 executing software implementing these functions. The storage unit storing the work log in various data formats may be provided on the work assisting device 500, or may be implemented as a storage unit provided in an external device, with the work assisting device 500 accessing the storage unit via a network.

[0054] The input unit 501 receives operation instructions for the work assisting device 500 from the user of the work assisting device 500. The display unit 502 displays a work log, a GUI (Graphical User Interface), etc. on the screen. The processor 503 executes processing of each unit included in the processor 503 and controls other units of the work assisting device 500.

[0055] The object information extraction unit 505 converts the work log in the first data format into the third data format and extracts object information (object type, name, position, size, and other parameters) from the work log in the third data format. Here, the example of receiving the work log in the first data format as input is described, but the work log in the third data format may also be received as input.

[0056] The object information adding unit 506 adds new object information to the object information extracted by the object information extracting unit 505. The data structure converting unit 507 converts the object information received from the object information extracting unit 505 and the object information adding unit 506 into a data structure suitable for processing by the object generating unit 509 and the attribute changing unit 510. The document object generating unit 508 extracts character or line information from the work record book in the third data format and copies the document object 301.

[0057] The object generation unit 509 newly generates objects such as the form field 302, the link 303, and the comment 305 for the document data having the document object generated by the document object generation unit 508. The object generation unit 509 uses two types of free software, namely, software for generating form fields and links (form / link generation unit 511) and software for generating comments (comment generation unit 512). This is because there is generally no free software that has the function of generating all objects. In particular, when using software for generating links to form fields, such as Figure 4C As mentioned above, there is a problem that existing objects disappear when new objects are added. Figure 5As shown, it is preferable that the form / link generation unit 511 for generating form fields and links and the annotation generation unit 512 for generating annotations are separately configured, and the annotations are generated after the form fields and links are generated. In this way, existing objects and additional objects can be generated. If the form fields and links are generated after the annotations are generated, the annotations are existing objects, so the information disappears. Figure 5 The structure can avoid such adverse situations.

[0058] The attribute changing unit 510 changes the attributes of a document file having objects such as the form field 302 , the link 303 , and the comment 305 based on the object information received from the data structure converting unit 507 .

[0059] Detailed operations of the data communication unit 504 , object information extraction unit 505 , object information addition unit 506 , data structure conversion unit 507 , document object generation unit 508 , object generation unit 509 , and attribute change unit 510 will be described later.

[0060] Figures 6A and 6B This is a diagram for explaining a method in which the object information extraction unit 505 extracts object information. Figure 6A An example of a data structure representing a PDF, Figure 6B An example of representing object information.

[0061] Figure 6A This is a diagram illustrating an example of a PDF data structure. In the first layer of the PDF data structure, there are information such as the Encrypt attribute that contains encryption information for restricting the reading and editing of the document file, and the PageList attribute that lists the information of each page. In the information of each page in the PageList, there are the Contents attribute that contains the information of the document object 301, the Annots attribute that contains the information of the PDF object, and the Mediabox attribute that contains the size information of the page. Here, the PDF object is Figure 3 The objects displayable on the PDF are shown as form fields 302, links 303, and annotations 305. The PDF object has a structure attribute containing object structure information and a display attribute containing information on the display state of the object. Figure 6A The bottom section shows an example of the properties of the text box of the form field 302. Figure 6A As shown, various attributes are stored in the structure attributes and display attributes. For example, when the value of the T attribute representing name data is changed, the name of the text box can be changed.

[0062] As described above, the PDF data structure contains various attributes in a hierarchical structure. The PDF data structure can be roughly divided into document attributes 600, which contain document information, and PDF object and page attributes 601, which contain PDF object and page information. The document object generation unit 508 copies the document object 301 based on document attributes 600, excluding the Encrypt attribute. The object information extraction unit 505 extracts the Encrypt attribute and information from attribute 601.

[0063] Figure 6B This is an example of object information extracted by the object information extraction unit 505. The first layer of the object information extracted by the object information extraction unit 505 includes an Encrypt attribute, ObjList that lists information on PDF objects, and PageList that lists information on page sizes.

[0064] Each object in ObjList has a structure attribute, a display attribute, an Analysis attribute for parsing, and a PageNum attribute indicating the page number where the object is located. The Analysis attribute is a unique attribute set in this embodiment for parsing object data. This unique attribute is set because it can be difficult to determine the type of object based solely on the structure and display attributes. For example, by setting the ObjType attribute in the Analysis property in a text box, the type of form field can be easily determined. The detailed usage of the Analysis attribute will be described later.

[0065] Figure 6B The data structure of the object information shown is an example and only needs to include information about the PDF object and page size information. In addition, by including the Encrypt attribute, encryption can be set for the document file to restrict reading and editing of the document file.

[0066] Figure 7 This figure explains how to generate a PDF object. Here, the example of generating a text box as a PDF object is used for explanation.

[0067] The document data 700 generated by the document object generation unit 508 is input to the object generation unit 509. The object data (701) does not exist in the document data 700. The object information 702 is input to the data structure conversion unit 507 from the object information extraction unit 505 or the object information appending unit 506. The data structure conversion unit 507 converts the object information received from the object information extraction unit 505 and the object information appending unit 506 into a data structure suitable for the object generation unit 509 and the attribute change unit 510, and outputs the parameters required by each. The reason for converting the data structure here is that the parameter names required by the object generation unit 509 to generate the object are different from the parameter names that comply with the PDF standard. For example, in the PDF standard, the attribute of name is the T attribute, but in the free software used by the object generation unit 509, the parameter name for setting the attribute of name is name.

[0068] Object generation unit 509 generates a PDF object for document data 700 based on input parameters 703. Because attribute modification unit 510 can modify the attributes of the object generated by object generation unit 509, input parameter 703 only needs to include the name attribute, which indicates the individual name, and the ObjType attribute, which indicates the object type. Other parameters required for object generation, such as the Rect attribute, which indicates the object's position, and the BS attribute, which indicates the border type, use temporarily stored data. This reduces the number of input parameters 703 and improves program maintainability.

[0069] The attribute changing unit 510 changes the attributes of the PDF object and page size in the document file generated by the object generating unit 509 based on the input parameters 704. The attribute changing unit 510 not only changes the value of the attribute, but also deletes unnecessary parameters or adds new attributes. This is because the object data 705 of the PDF object generated by the object generating unit 509 sometimes contains unexpected attributes. For example, the Border attribute is deleted and the BS attribute (706) is newly added. Border and BS are both attributes that represent borders, but if an unexpected attribute is included, it may cause the PDF to be unable to be correctly parsed or displayed correctly, so it is preferable to unify the attribute names.

[0070] In other words, if unnecessary attributes exist in the attribute set assumed to be possessed by the finally generated PDF data, the attribute changing unit 510 deletes the unnecessary attributes. If insufficient attributes exist, the attribute is newly created and the values of the attributes are set according to the object information 702 .

[0071] Here, the case of changing the attributes of a PDF object or page size is described as an example. However, the object information may include an Encrypt attribute to set encryption for restricting reading or editing of the document file.

[0072] Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating the steps of creating a work record book in the third data format by the work assisting device 500. A work record book in the first format (or a work record book in the third data format before the object information is converted) has been created, and a new work step book is created by adding a new object to it. Figure 8 The following describes each step.

[0073] ( Figure 8 : Step S801)

[0074] The object information extraction unit 505 extracts object information from the work log in the third data format and stores the extracted object information in an appropriate storage device (which may be a device included in the work support device 500 or an external storage device).

[0075] ( Figure 8 : Step S802)

[0076] The object information adding unit 506 adds the information of the newly added PDF object to the object information extracted by the object information extraction unit 505. The information of the newly added PDF object can be specified by the user on the GUI, or the newly added PDF object can be created separately and stored in a storage device. In other words, any method of providing object information is applicable as long as the PDF object can be identified.

[0077] ( Figure 8 : Step S803)

[0078] The data structure conversion unit 507 converts the object information received from the object information extraction unit 505 and the object information addition unit 506 into a data structure suitable for the object generation unit 509 and the attribute change unit 510 .

[0079] ( Figure 8 : Steps S804 to S806)

[0080] The document object generation unit 508 extracts character or line information from the work record book in the third data format and copies the document object 301 (S804). The object generation unit 509, based on the object information received from the data structure conversion unit 507, newly generates PDF objects such as the form field 302, link 303, and annotation 305 for the document data containing the document objects generated by the document object generation unit 508 (S805). The attribute change unit 510, based on the object information received from the data structure conversion unit 507, changes the PDF object, page size, and encryption attributes for the document file containing the objects such as the form field 302, link 303, and annotation 305 (S806).

[0081] <Implementation 1: Summary>

[0082] The work support device 500 of this first embodiment copies document data from a work log book in a third data format and generates existing PDF objects and additional PDF objects for the copied document data. Since all PDF objects, including existing PDF objects, are generated for the copied document data, rather than additional PDF objects generated for the work log book in the third data format, this solves the problem, unique to free software, that existing PDF object information disappears when additional PDF objects are added.

[0083] The work support device 500 of the first embodiment changes the value of the attribute of the PDF object after the PDF object is generated. This can solve the problem of size and position deviation that is unique to free software when generating PDF objects.

[0084] The work support device 500 of the first embodiment can generate a PDF object with a data structure suitable for a display application by deleting unnecessary attributes of the PDF object or adding new attributes, thereby eliminating the problem of not being able to be correctly displayed by the desired display application.

[0085] <Implementation Method 2>

[0086] In the second embodiment of the present invention, a configuration example is described in which information indicating that a PDF object has been modified or deleted is embedded in object information, thereby enabling the state of an existing PDF object to be modified.

[0087] Figure 9 This figure explains the issues when modifying or deleting an existing PDF object. Here, the case where the modified content of an existing PDF object is added to the object information is explained as an example.

[0088] First, the object information extraction unit 505 extracts object data 903 from the PDF file 900 as object information. Next, the object information addition unit 506 adds data 904 of the additional object reflecting the changed content to the object information 905. Object information 905 contains a mixture of pre- and post-modification data for the existing PDF object, resulting in the generation of both PDF objects in subsequent processing. Thus, the structure of Embodiment 1 inherently extracts information about existing PDF objects by the object information extraction unit 505, resulting in the inability to modify or delete existing PDF object information.

[0089] Figure 10 This figure explains how to modify or delete an existing PDF object. Here, the example is given of two existing PDF objects, text boxes 1001 and 1002, where the content of text box 1001 is modified and text box 1002 is deleted.

[0090] The object information extraction unit 505 extracts object information 1000 from the PDF file and sends it to the data structure conversion unit 507. The object information addition unit 506 sends change information 1004 and deletion information 1005 to the data structure conversion unit 507. The data structure conversion unit 507 modifies the object information based on the change information 1004 and deletion information 1005 (change / deletion information 1003). For example, the data structure conversion unit 507 refers to the Action attribute of each element in the change / deletion information 1003 and, in the case of a change (change), modifies the attributes of the PDF object with the same name, or deletes the information of the PDF object with the same name, thereby generating object information 1006. By including information indicating the change or deletion of the object in the object information added by the object information addition unit 506, it is possible to modify or delete the information of existing PDF objects.

[0091] For example, instructions for changing or deleting a PDF object can be given as follows. For example, the user gives these instructions to the object information adding unit 506, and the object information adding unit 506 processes the object information according to the instructions. Figure 10 Change information 1004 and deletion information 1005 are shown.

[0092] <Implementation 2: Summary>

[0093] The work support device 500 of the second embodiment includes trigger information indicating change or deletion of the object information added by the object information adding unit 506 and converts the data structure based on the trigger information, thereby enabling change or deletion of existing PDF object information.

[0094] <Implementation Method 3>

[0095] In the third embodiment of the present invention, a configuration example is described in which a PDF object having complex attributes can be easily added by providing attributes with unique names in object information. The remaining configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment.

[0096] Figure 11 is a diagram illustrating a PDF object with complex properties. Figure 11The left side shows an example of a PDF file with complex attributes. PDF file 1100 includes a text box 1101 indicating the amount of Sample 1, a text box 1102 indicating the amount of Sample 2, and a text box 1103 indicating the total amount of Samples 1 and 2. When the user enters amounts in text boxes 1101 and 1102, the total amount is automatically calculated and displayed in text box 1103. Since text box 1103 is a PDF object indicating the total amount, it is preferably designed for reading only so that the user cannot manipulate it.

[0097] Figure 11 The right side of the text box 1103 shows an example of properties of a complex property. The property 1104 of the text box 1103 includes a T property 1105 indicating a name, a V property 1106 indicating a value, an Ff property 1107 and an F property 1108 for reading, and an AA property 1109 for executing a script for automatic calculation. Figure 11 As shown on the right, to set it to read-only, the Ff attribute 1107 must be set to 1, which complies with the PDF standard, and the F attribute 1108 must be set to 4. However, this is difficult to understand intuitively. Furthermore, the script that performs the automatic calculation must be written in a programming language called JavaScript, requiring specialized knowledge to set.

[0098] The object information extraction unit 505 extracts the attributes of each object included in the PDF file 1100 and describes these attributes as object information 1200 to be described later.

[0099] Figure 12 This figure explains how to simply add a PDF object with complex properties. Here, a method for simply setting the properties of a text box 1103 is explained.

[0100] Object information 1200 includes information 1201 for setting the properties of text box 1103. Information 1201 includes, in addition to a T attribute 1202 indicating the name, a General attribute 1203 indicating the display state of the object, and a Calc attribute 1204 indicating the contents of the script. General attribute 1203 and Calc attribute 1204 are uniquely set in this embodiment to facilitate setting complex properties.

[0101] Upon receiving the object information 1200, the data structure conversion unit 507 obtains the values of the General attribute 1203 and the Calc attribute 1204 and creates new predetermined attributes. For example, if the data structure conversion unit 507 obtains "ReadOnly" as the value of the General attribute 1203, it sets the Ff attribute 1205 to 1 and the F attribute 1206 to 4. It then analyzes the mathematical formula of the Calc attribute 1204 and sets the AA attribute 1207. In this way, even if the attributes are difficult to understand intuitively or complex attributes that require specialized knowledge, PDF objects can be easily added by using uniquely defined attributes as an intermediate component and converting these unique attributes into attributes that conform to the PDF standard.

[0102] <Implementation 3: Summary>

[0103] The work support device 500 of the third embodiment can easily add PDF objects by utilizing uniquely set attributes, even if the PDF object has attributes that cannot be intuitively understood as values based on PDF standards or complex attributes that require specialized knowledge.

[0104] <Implementation Method 4>

[0105] In the fourth embodiment of the present invention, a configuration example is described in which a unique attribute indicating whether input is required is embedded in a PDF object to accurately calculate the work progress of a work log having a PDF object.

[0106] Figure 13 This is an example of a work log that requires input. Work log 1300 includes a text box 1301 for entering the name of the person in charge or approver of the work, radio buttons 1302 for selecting key inspection items, and other entry fields 1303. After entering the work items in work log 1300, the operator visually confirms that all work is complete and then delegates approval to the approver. If work log 1300 contains many work items, omissions may not be noticed, resulting in rework after approval. Therefore, it is preferable to be able to automatically calculate the work progress. Since work log 1300 can include items that do not need to be entered, the correct work progress cannot be calculated simply by confirming whether all items have been entered. For example, text box 1301 for entering the name of the person in charge or approver only needs to be entered before or after approval, so no input is required during the work progress calculation stage. Since it is necessary to select any of the optional items such as radio buttons 1302, input is required. The "Other" entry field 1303 requires entry only when "Other" is selected by the radio button 1302. In order to accurately calculate the work progress in this manner, it is necessary to consider the attributes of whether input is required, optional, or conditionally required for each work item.

[0107] Figure 14 1 is a block diagram of a work assisting device 500 according to a fourth embodiment. In addition to the configuration described in the above embodiments, the work assisting device 500 according to the fourth embodiment further includes an analyzing unit 1400 and a storage unit 1401. The analyzing unit 1400 may be configured as part of the processor 503 in the same manner as other functional units of the processor 503, or may be configured as a separate unit. Figure 14 As shown, it is configured as a functional unit different from the processor 503. The storage unit 1401 is configured by a storage device that stores data.

[0108] The analyzing unit 1400 obtains data inputted by the operator into the work log on the wearable terminal 513 and analyzes it to calculate the progress status of the work recorded. A specific example will be described later. The storage unit 1401 stores data describing the progress status calculated by the analyzing unit 1400.

[0109] Figure 15 This is an example for explaining the operation of the analysis unit 1400. Figure 15 The top section shows the input information for all PDF objects. This information includes whether an input is required and the input value itself. Checkbox 1 (checkbox1) is checked, checkbox 2 (checkbox2) is unchecked, radio button 1 (radio1) has "Other" selected, and text 1 (text1) is unchecked.

[0110] Figure 15 The lower section shows the input information for the required attributes of the PDF object. Checkbox 1 and radio button 1 are entered, but text 1 is unentered, so the work progress can be calculated as 2 / 3. Thus, the parser 1400 obtains the work log from the wearable terminal 513 and calculates the ratio of the number of items entered to the total number of items for which data entry is required (progress rate). The parser 1400 can also display its calculation results on the wearable terminal 513, for example, through a pop-up window. The pop-up window encourages the operator to enter data in the unentered columns.

[0111] Figure 16 This figure explains how to correctly calculate the progress of work when handwriting is involved. Figure 16 The upper section shows an example of a handwritten checklist. The operator manually enters the measured value for each measurement item using 1500. If the value is within the acceptable range, the operator enters "OK" in the judgment column. If the value deviates from the acceptable range, the operator enters "NG" in 1501. This handwritten checklist requires manual evaluation and entry of the results in the judgment column, which takes time and can lead to human error.

[0112] Figure 16The middle section shows an example of a checklist with form fields. The operator enters the measured values for each measurement item into text box 1502. As the operator enters data into text box 1502, a judgment column text box 1504 automatically determines whether the result is OK or NG based on the values in text box 1503 for the allowed value and text box 1502 for the measured value. Using form fields for data entry allows scripts to automatically determine whether the result is OK or NG, thus reducing work time and human error compared to manual input.

[0113] Figure 16 The following section shows an example of a checklist that combines a handwritten area with form fields. Input assistance such as text box 1502 requires time when inputting via a soft keyboard, so sometimes people want to enter measured values by handwriting. However, if measured values are entered by handwriting, the corresponding permitted values cannot be determined, resulting in an inability to automatically determine whether they are permitted values or deviate from permitted values. Therefore, a rectangular annotation 1505 is placed in the corresponding measured value column. A unique attribute representing the handwritten area is set in rectangular annotation 1505, and the parsing unit 1400 recognizes handwritten text within the handwritten area using a model such as deep learning. Judgment column 1507 automatically performs an OK / NG judgment based on the numerical value within the handwritten area (annotation 1505) and the permitted value 1506 using an embedded script. By setting rectangular annotation 1505 as a handwritten area, the corresponding permitted value can be determined even if the measured value is entered by handwriting, allowing for automatic determination of permitted values. Furthermore, by limiting the characters included in the handwriting area to each type, such as numerical values, Japanese, and English, and using a dedicated character recognition model for each type, the recognition accuracy of the characters can be improved.

[0114] For example, in some annotation data types, in addition to handwriting, a rectangular object is configured to highlight (annotate) that portion. This type of annotation object is configured as annotation 1505, and the data structure conversion unit 507 can convert the data structure to indicate that handwritten data exists within an object of the same type. Handwriting recognition processing can be implemented, for example, by cutting out annotation 1505 as an image, sending the image to any recognition software (which can be on the wearable terminal 513 or on the work assisting device 500), and receiving the results.

[0115] <Implementation 4: Summary>

[0116] The work support device 500 of Embodiment 4 embeds a unique attribute indicating whether input is required into a PDF object. This allows for the assignment of these attributes to objects generated by the free software, even when the free software cannot generate an object with the required input attribute. Furthermore, these objects can be used to calculate the progress of work performed on a work log containing the PDF object.

[0117] The work support device 500 according to the fourth embodiment sets a rectangular annotation as a handwriting area and recognizes handwritten characters in the handwriting area using a character recognition model, thereby accurately calculating the work progress even for a work record book containing handwriting.

[0118] <Regarding Modifications of the Invention>

[0119] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and includes various variations. For example, the above-described embodiments are described in detail to facilitate understanding of the present invention and are not necessarily limited to having all the structures described. In addition, a portion of the structure of a certain embodiment can be replaced with the structure of another embodiment, and the structure of another embodiment can be added to the structure of a certain embodiment. In addition, with respect to a portion of the structure of each embodiment, other structures can be added, deleted, or replaced.

[0120] In the above embodiment, the input unit 501 is described as receiving instructions from the user of the work assisting device 500. However, instructions to the work assisting device 500 (i.e., to the input unit 501) are not limited to the user. For example, instructions to the work assisting device 500 may be generated by a computer and input to the input unit 501.

[0121] In the above embodiment, a work log in the first data format (or a work log in the third data format before conversion of the target information) is sent to the work assisting device 500, instructing the work assisting device 500 to perform the processing described in the above embodiment, thereby enabling the work assisting device 500 to output the processing results. The user does not need to participate in these processes. Therefore, the processing performed by the work assisting device 500 can be provided on a device that provides services via a network, such as a server computer.

[0122] In the above embodiment, the functional units (object information extraction unit 505, object information appending unit 506, data structure conversion unit 507, document object generation unit 508, object generation unit 509, attribute change unit 510, analysis unit 1400) of the work assistance device 500 can be composed of hardware such as circuit devices installed with these functions, or can be composed of software installed with these functions executed by a computing device such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit).

[0123] Explanation of symbols

[0124] 500: Work assisting device, 501: Input unit, 502: Display unit, 503: Processor, 504: Data communication unit, 505: Object information extraction unit, 506: Object information addition unit, 507: Data structure conversion unit, 508: Document object generation unit, 509: Object generation unit, 510: Property change unit, 511: Form / link generation unit, 512: Annotation generation unit, 513: Wearable terminal.

Claims

1. A work support system that assists a worker in performing work at a work site, characterized in that: The work assistance system comprises: an object information extraction unit that extracts object information describing attributes of objects included in the PDF data displayed on the terminal used by the worker at the work site; an object information adding unit that adds, with respect to the object information, attributes of an additional object to be added to the PDF data; a data structure conversion unit that converts the data structure of the object information into a format that can be processed by generation software that generates the object to be added to the PDF data; an object generating unit for generating, by the generating software, an object described in the object information and added to the PDF data; an attribute changing unit that converts the attributes of the object so that the object generated by the object generating unit has attributes included in a predetermined attribute set; as well as a document object generating unit for generating a document object by copying the PDF data; The object generation unit adds the object generated by the object generation unit to the document object, thereby generating new PDF data reflecting the added object.

2. The work assist system according to claim 1, wherein: The object generating unit generates, as an object to be added to the PDF data, any one of a form field that is a screen component that assists in data input to the PDF data, a link between two locations in the PDF data, and an annotation that provides a comment on the PDF data. When the form field or the link is newly added to the document object, the document object generating unit generates the document object by deleting the form field and the link included in the PDF data. The object generation unit newly adds the form field or the link to the document object. The object generation unit adds the annotation to the document object after adding the form field and the link to the document object.

3. The work assist system according to claim 1, wherein: The object information extraction unit describes the type of the object included in the PDF data in the object information. The object generation unit generates an object corresponding to the type of the object described in the object information.

4. The work assist system according to claim 1, wherein: The object generating unit generates the object using only a portion of the attributes required to generate the object to be added to the PDF data and using temporary values for the remaining attributes. The attribute changing unit overwrites the temporary value with an attribute described in the object information that is not used by the object generating unit, thereby reflecting the attribute described in the object information on the object generated by the object generating unit.

5. The work assisting system according to claim 1, wherein: The attribute changing unit deletes attributes that are not included in the attribute set from among the attributes of the object generated by the object generating unit. The attribute changing unit newly generates an attribute that is included in the attribute set but is not included in the attributes of the object generated by the object generating unit.

6. The work assisting system according to claim 1, wherein: The object information adding unit adds a change instruction for instructing to change the attribute of the object included in the PDF data to the object information. The data structure conversion unit changes the attribute of the object specified by the change instruction in the object information according to the change instruction when converting the data structure of the object information.

7. The work assisting system according to claim 1, wherein: The object information adding unit adds a deletion instruction for instructing to delete the object included in the PDF data to the object information. The data structure conversion unit deletes the object specified by the deletion instruction in the object information according to the deletion instruction when converting the data structure of the object information.

8. The work assisting system according to claim 1, wherein: When the object included in the PDF data is a text box, the object information adding unit adds a calculation formula for calculating the text displayed in the text box to the object information as an attribute of the text box. The data structure conversion unit converts the attributes of the text box described in the object information into attributes of a text box that can be arranged in the PDF data.

9. The work assisting system according to claim 1, wherein: The object information extraction unit extracts an input necessity attribute indicating whether an object included in the PDF data requires data input and describes the attribute in the object information. The attribute changing unit changes the attribute of the object generated by the object generating unit to an attribute of an object that can be placed in the PDF data and to which input necessity is set according to the input necessity attribute.

10. The work support system according to claim 9, wherein: The work support system further includes an analyzing unit that analyzes a progress status of data input for an object requiring data input among objects included in the PDF data. The analyzing unit determines the objects that require data input among the objects included in the PDF data according to the input necessity attribute. The analyzing unit calculates the progress status by calculating a ratio of objects to which data has been input among the specified objects.

11. The work support system according to claim 1, wherein: The data structure conversion unit converts the object type of the handwriting input portion of the object in the PDF data into a value indicating that the object is a handwriting input object that is scheduled to input data by handwriting in a predetermined closed area. The attribute changing unit sets an attribute for the handwriting input object, instructing the program for automatically recognizing data written in the closed area to recognize written content.

12. The work assisting system according to claim 1, wherein: The work support system further includes the terminal. The terminal receives document data having an object whose attributes are changed by the attribute changing unit, The terminal displays the received PDF data.

13. A method for assisting an operator in performing a task at a work site, characterized in that: The operation assistance method has the following steps: extracting object information describing attributes of objects included in the PDF data from PDF data displayed on a terminal used by the worker at the work site; For the object information, adding attributes of the additional object to the PDF data; converting the data structure of the object information into a format that can be processed by generation software that generates the object to be added to the PDF data; generating, by the generating software, an object described in the object information and added to the PDF data; Converting the attributes of the object so that the object generated in the step of generating the object has attributes included in a predetermined attribute set; as well as Generate a document object that copies the PDF data. In the step of generating the object, the generated object is added to the document object, thereby generating new PDF data reflecting the added object.

14. A storage medium storing a work support program for causing a computer to execute processing for supporting a worker in a work at a work site, wherein: The operation support program causes the computer to execute the following steps: extracting object information describing attributes of objects included in the PDF data from PDF data displayed on a terminal used by the worker at the work site; For the object information, adding attributes of the additional object to the PDF data; converting the data structure of the object information into a format that can be processed by generation software that generates the object to be added to the PDF data; generating, by the generating software, an object described in the object information and added to the PDF data; Converting the attributes of the object so that the object generated in the step of generating the object has attributes included in a predetermined attribute set; as well as Generate a document object that copies the PDF data. In the step of generating the object, the generated object is added to the document object, thereby generating new PDF data reflecting the added object.

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