Method for assigning a task to be performed to at least one group of users based on a user's task assignment score

Abstract

Method for assigning a task to at least one group of users based on a user's task assignment score. Currently, the distribution of various tasks among the different users of a supervisory system is done arbitrarily based on user availability. Such task assignment may not be the most efficient, particularly in situations that induce high levels of stress for operators. The invention proposes assigning at least one task to a user based on information about that user, instead of assigning tasks arbitrarily. Once the task is selected, and based on the user's information, configuration parameters for the user's terminal are determined.Thus, the task to be performed and the terminal configuration through which the user will perform the assigned task are determined based on information relating to that user, ensuring efficient task processing because it is adapted to the user. FIGURE 1.

Description

Title of the invention: Method for assigning a task to be performed to at least one group of users based on a task assignment score relating to a user Field of invention

[0001] The field of the invention is that of the supervision of systems, such as for example telecommunications networks or cloud computing, or the supervision of services provided by such systems. More specifically, the invention relates to the management of the assignment of tasks to be carried out within the framework of the supervision of a system. Prior art and its drawbacks

[0002] A supervision system makes it possible to monitor the proper functioning of a system, such as a telecommunications network, or of a service based on a system, by monitoring each of the physical and software equipment that composes it.

[0003] Such a supervision system is most often based on the use of supervision software. Such supervision software generally operates on a computer or several computers in communication, via a local or remote network such as the Internet, with one or more devices to be supervised such as programmable logic controllers, computers, specialized cards, etc.

[0004] Such supervision software is composed in particular of a set of graphical interfaces such as web pages which are presented to the operators, or users, of the supervision system.

[0005] The supervision system also performs other roles such as that of alarm manager, or even of events triggered by threshold exceedances in order to attract the attention of an operator assigned to a supervision console, recording of fault history, operating time, etc.

[0006] In the event of a malfunction, a supervision system allows messages to be sent to the supervision console under all circumstances and at all times.

[0007] Currently, the distribution of the different tasks to be performed between the different users of a supervision system is done arbitrarily according to the availability of the users. Such an allocation of the tasks to be performed may not prove to be the most effective, particularly in situations inducing a high level of stress among the operators or when the working environment of a user is not or poorly adapted.

[0008] There is therefore a need for a solution for assigning the tasks to be performed by a supervision system which does not have all or part of the aforementioned drawbacks. Statement of the invention

[0009] The invention meets this need by proposing a method for assigning to at least one group of users at least one task to be carried out in relation to a supervision system, said method comprising the following steps: - reception of at least one message, sent by at least one terminal of a user of said group of users, comprising at least one task assignment score relating to the user of said terminal, - selection, from a set of tasks to be performed, of at least one task to be performed based on said task assignment score received and assignment conditions associated with said tasks to be performed, - determination, based on said received task assignment score and said assignment conditions of said selected task, of at least one configuration parameter of said terminal, - transmission, to said terminal, of a message assigning said selected task to be performed, said message comprising said at least one configuration parameter of said terminal.

[0010] The present solution proposes to assign at least one task to a user of a supervision system based on information relating to this user instead of assigning the tasks arbitrarily.

[0011] Based on information relating to a given user, one or more tasks are selected from a set of tasks to be performed. Once the task to be performed is selected and based on the information relating to the user, one or more configuration parameters of the user's terminal are determined.

[0012] Thus, not only the task to be performed but also the configuration of the terminal by means of which the user will perform the task assigned to him are determined based on information relating to this user, guaranteeing efficient processing of the task because it is adapted to the user.

[0013] The proposed solution then makes it possible to offer intelligent and sensitive supervision, i.e. capable of automatically adapting to users, to their working environment, as well as to the emotional state of each of them.

[0014] This solution allows in particular:

[0015] - a better distribution of tasks between the different users (upstream of the restitution of visual or sound content offered by the terminal user interface); - content returned adapted to each user, who can be either an individual or a group of individuals.

[0016] The invention does not alter the content to be returned to the user in order to carry out the task. It allows for the most appropriate restitution and distribution based on the current state in which the user finds himself, whether this state is subjective or linked to a particular context associated with the user.

[0017] According to a first characteristic of the method which is the subject of the invention, the message received comprises at least a first assignment score, called the affective state score, representing an affective state of the user of said terminal, and at least a second assignment score, called the context score, representing the context of the user of said terminal.

[0018] The first score represents an emotional state of the user, is he stressed, and / or tired, and / or happy, etc. Of course, other aspects such as sensations, emotions, feelings or even moods can also be taken into consideration in determining the emotional state score.

[0019] The second score provides information about the user's working environment, whether they start their shift, whether they finish their shift, whether they are in an individual office, what are the capabilities of their terminal, etc.

[0020] Depending on this information, one or more tasks will be selected which we know can be carried out by the user because they are consistent with his emotional state and can be carried out in his work context.

[0021] Thus, a calm and rested user, at the start of a shift for example, can carry out complex tasks.

[0022] A user in an individual office can perform tasks generating numerous sound alerts, etc.

[0023] According to a second characteristic of the method which is the subject of the invention, the step of determining at least one task to be carried out is implemented when a value of said at least one assignment score of a task received is different from a value of said assignment score previously received.

[0024] The scores associated with the user are measured periodically in order to best detect any possible change. When such a change is detected, it is interesting to determine again which tasks to assign to this user in order to take this change into account.

[0025] According to a characteristic of the method which is the subject of the invention, said affective state score represents an affective state of the user of said terminal from among at least one of the following affective states: - fear, - sadness, - stress, - fatigue, - joy, - anger.

[0026] Such a list is, of course, not exhaustive and other sensations, emotions, feelings or even moods can also be taken into consideration in determining the affective state score.

[0027] According to a characteristic of the method which is the subject of the invention, said context score represents a context in which the user of said terminal is located among at least one of the following contexts: - nature of the room in which the user's terminal is located, - room temperature, - geographical location of the part, - working hours of the terminal user, - nature of the network connection of the user's terminal, - speed of the network connection.

[0028] Such a list is, of course, not exhaustive and other contextual elements (for example the sound level - noise - in the room where the user is located, etc.) may also be taken into consideration in determining the context score.

[0029] According to another characteristic of the method which is the subject of the invention, the set of configuration parameters of said terminal comprises at least one configuration parameter from the group: - a value of a sound volume of an event notification, - a color of a graphical interface, - a value of a data scrolling speed on a screen of said terminal.

[0030] The invention relates to a device capable of assigning, to at least one group of users, at least one task to be carried out in relation to a supervision system, said device comprising means for: - receive at least one message, sent by at least one terminal of a user of said user group, comprising at least one task assignment score relating to the user of said terminal, - selecting, from a set of tasks to be performed, at least one task to be performed based on said task assignment score received and assignment conditions associated with said tasks to be performed, - determine, based on said received task assignment score and said assignment conditions of said selected task, at least one configuration parameter of said terminal, - transmit, to said terminal, a message assigning said selected task to be performed, said message comprising said at least one configuration parameter of said terminal.

[0031] Another object of the invention is a supervision system comprising at least one terminal of a user belonging to a group of users, and a device capable of assigning, to at least one group of users, at least one task to be carried out in relation to a supervision system, said device comprising means for: - receive at least one message, sent by at least one terminal of a user of said user group, comprising at least one task assignment score relating to the user of said terminal, - selecting, from a set of tasks to be performed, at least one task to be performed based on said task assignment score received and assignment conditions associated with said tasks to be performed, - determine, based on said received task assignment score and said assignment conditions of said selected task, at least one configuration parameter of said terminal, - transmit, to said terminal, a message assigning said selected task to be performed, said message comprising said at least one configuration parameter of said terminal.

[0032] According to a particular feature of the system which is the subject of the invention, said device comprises a first module, called the management module, and a second module, called the supervision module, the management module comprising means for: - receive at least one message, sent by at least one terminal of a user of said user group, comprising at least one task assignment score relating to the user of said terminal, - selecting, from a set of tasks to be performed, at least one task to be performed based on said task assignment score received and assignment conditions associated with said tasks to be performed, - determine, based on said received task assignment score and said assignment conditions of said selected task, at least one configuration parameter of said terminal, - transmit a message comprising an identifier of said task and information relating to said at least one configuration parameter of said terminal to the supervision module, and the supervision module including means for: - determine said at least one configuration parameter of said terminal by means of said information received, - transmit, to said terminal, said message assigning said selected task to be performed comprising said at least one configuration parameter of said terminal.

[0033] The invention finally relates to a computer program product comprising ins program code instructions for implementing a method as described above, when executed by a processor.

[0034] The invention also relates to a computer-readable recording medium on which is recorded a computer program comprising program code instructions for executing the steps of the method according to the invention as described above.

[0035] Such a recording medium may be any entity or device capable of storing the program. For example, the medium may comprise a storage means, such as a ROM, for example a CD ROM or a microelectronic circuit ROM, or a magnetic recording means, for example a USB key or a hard disk.

[0036] On the other hand, such a recording medium may be a transmissible medium such as an electrical or optical signal, which may be conveyed via an electrical or optical cable, by radio or by other means, so that the computer program contained therein is remotely executable. The program according to the invention may in particular be downloaded over a network, for example the Internet.

[0037] Alternatively, the recording medium may be an integrated circuit in which the program is incorporated, the circuit being adapted to execute or to be used in the execution of the method which is the subject of the aforementioned invention. List of figures

[0038] Other aims, characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear more clearly on reading the following description, given as a simple illustrative, and non-limiting, example, in relation to the figures, among which:

[0039] [Fig-1]: This figure represents a system in which the present invention is implemented in work,

[0040] [Fig.2]: this figure represents the different exchanges occurring between terminals Ti to TN and a management device during the implementation of the allocation method which is the subject of the invention,

[0041] [Fig.3]: this figure represents a management device comprising a module of management and a supervision module capable of implementing the method which is the subject of the present invention.

[0042] Detailed description of embodiments of the invention

[0043] The general principle of the invention is based on the use of information relating to one or more users in the assignment of tasks to be performed. Once the tasks to be performed have been identified, configuration parameters for the users' terminals are determined in order to adapt these terminals not only to the task to be performed but also to the user according to his working environment and his emotional state.

[0044] We now present, in relation to [Fig.l] a system in which the present invention is implemented.

[0045] Such a system comprises a plurality of terminals Ti to TN assigned to one or more users. These terminals Ti to TN are, for example, computers or any other type of terminals allowing a task to be performed.

[0046] Each of the terminals Ti to TN is connected to one or more sensors Ci to CM capable of collecting data. Such sensors are, for example, connected watches, temperature sensors, humidity sensors, sound or noise sensors, sensors capable of reporting information relating to the network connection of the terminal such as the available bandwidth, the type of connection (wired, wireless), etc. The terminals Ti to TN also have access to other sources of information such as databases containing other types of information relating to users, such as their working hours, the type of office in which a user is located, individual or shared or at home, etc.

[0047] The terminals Ti to TN are connected, via a wired or wireless link, to a management module MG, which communicates with a supervision module MS. The management module MG and the supervision module MS can be embedded in separate equipment or belong to the same device called a management device DG embedded in a single equipment. The supervision module MS is also capable of communicating with the terminals Ti to TN, via a wired or wireless link.

[0048] [Fig.2] represents the various exchanges occurring between the terminals Tj to TN and the management device DG during the implementation of the allocation method which is the subject of the invention.

[0049] In a step El, the different terminals TrTN continuously collect different data from sensors Ci to CM and from the different databases to which they have access.

[0050] In a step E2, the terminals TrTN continuously calculate a first vector Vi representing the affective score of a user and, possibly, a second vector V2 representing the context score of the user, using the data collected during the step EL

[0051] There are technical solutions capable of automatically detecting and interpreting an individual's emotional states through data analysis. For example, the "Watson Tone Analyzer" is a linguistic analysis solution that can detect and interpret emotions (joy, fear, sadness, anger, etc.) that are reflected in a text written by an individual. There are also solutions capable of detecting human emotions by analyzing facial and vocal expressions. Such solutions can, for example, measure mood and emotions of vehicle occupants in order to offer a personalized transport experience while strengthening road safety. Such solutions propose to quantify a user's emotional state using, for example, a five-level scale ranging from 1 to 5, 1 representing an absence of the measured affect and 5 representing a high level of affect.

[0052] In a particular implementation of the solution which is the subject of the invention, the calculation of the vectors Vj and V2 is not carried out locally by the TrTN terminals, but by a remote platform (not shown in the figures) interrogated by the TrTN terminals

[0053] Thus, in the case of a user for whom the detection solution(s) and the interpretation of affective states have not been determined, after analysis of the collected digital data such as the facial expressions of the individual and / or the vocal expressions of the individual and / or a text written by the individual, etc., a feeling of fear, the value of the component of the vector Vi corresponding to the fear is for example 1. Similarly, the detection solution(s) make it possible to determine that the user does not feel sadness, but that the user is relatively stressed. Then, in this example, the value of the vector Vi is then the following:

[0054] v1 = Fear = 1 Sadness = 1 Stress = 4

[0055] Of course, the vector Vi can have another dimension depending on the number of affective states that we wish to measure.

[0056] Still for the same user, the second vector V2 contains a list of data characterizing the user's context, such as for example:

[0057] - the temperature and weather of the environment in which it is located; - the user's geolocation; - the bandwidth of the communications network to which the user's TrTN terminal is connected; - the user's working conditions and hours, such as: working in an individual office / or in a shared space, on-site or teleworking from home, hours (working hours or on-call), etc.

[0058] Such a vector V2 comprises for example the following three components:

[0059] - the temperature in degrees Celsius of the room in which the user is located; - the user's geolocation; - the type of office in which the user works (namely: individual office - noted BI - or shared space - noted OS-).

[0060] In this example, the value of the vector V2 is then the following:

[0061] V2 = Temperature -21 Geolocation - [Latitude: 46.1333 North; Longitude: 1.2761 East] Office Type = BI

[0062] In a step E3, when a terminal TrTN determines that a value of at least one of the components of the vectors Vi and / or V2 has changed compared to the previous measurement, the terminal TrTN transmits the new vectors Vi and / or V2 to the management module MG of the management device DG.

[0063] In a step E4, when the management module receives the new vectors Vi and / or V2, it selects, from the set of tasks to be performed, at least one task to be performed as a function of the values ​​of the components of the vectors Vi and / or V2 received and of assignment conditions associated with the tasks to be performed. Indeed, certain tasks to be performed can only be performed under certain conditions. Thus, the execution of certain tasks requires a certain throughput or cannot be performed by a user in a state of high stress, etc.

[0064] The management module MG comprises a database (not shown) in which each task to be performed is associated with a series of assignment conditions. By querying this database, it is possible to select a task to be performed according to these assignment conditions and the values ​​of the components of the vectors Vi and / or V2.

[0065] Once the task to be performed has been selected, the management module MG of the management device DG determines, in a step E5, as a function of the values ​​of the components of the vectors Vi and / or V2 and the assignment conditions associated with the task selected during the step E4, a set of configuration parameters of the terminal TrTN associated with the user, said set comprising at least one configuration parameter.

[0066] Such configuration parameters may consist of instructions on adaptations of a graphical interface of the terminal associated with the user, such as for example:

[0067] • a request to modify a scrolling speed of information (e.g. text messages, figures, curves, etc.) in a part of a screen (e.g. either a banner or an area located at the top of the screen); • a request to change the layout type, for example a request to change the background color; • a request to change the notification method.

[0068] Each instruction is identified by an identifier which can be a character string such as Vit Dêfïl Infos and one or more parameters associated with the instruction as a user ID “AAA” and a scrolling speed of the information, defined by an integer between 1 - minimum speed - and 5 - maximum speed.

[0069] In another example, an instruction to modify the color of the background screen is presented as follows: Coul_Fond_Ecran(AAA, R) where R represents a color requested for the background screen, here R indicates red, other letters identify other colors, so B indicates blue, V indicates green, etc.

[0070] In a first example of a use case, the user is relatively stressed, his stress level having been evaluated at 3 / 5. The MG management module then generates an instruction requesting the modification of the color of the screen background so that the color of the latter changes from red to blue.

[0071] Thus, when the user is relatively stressed, the color of the background of his terminal switches to a soothing color such as blue. As soon as the user is no longer in a state of high stress, for example if his stress level following a new evaluation is at 2 / 5, the management module MG generates a new instruction requesting the modification of the color of the background to red which is a more stimulating color.

[0072] In a second example of use case, when the user is very stressed, his stress level having been evaluated at 4 / 5, the management module generates an instruction requesting the modification of the speed of scrolling on the information screen in order to reduce it.

[0073] Thus, the user sees the information scroll more slowly on his screen. It is indeed considered that the rapid scrolling of multiple pieces of information on a screen can generate additional stress, when a user is relatively stressed. It is therefore appropriate to scroll the information more slowly on the screen of his terminal. As soon as the user's stress level returns to a lower value, 2 / 5 for example, a new instruction is generated by the MG management module to request an increase in the speed of scrolling of the information.

[0074] In a third example of a use case, if the user is located in a shared office, whereas the day before he was in an individual office, the value of the component of the vector V2 relating to the nature of the room in which the user is located having changed, the management module MG generates an instruction to request that the volume of the sound alerts emitted upon the arrival of a new task to be carried out for the group of users to which the user belongs be reduced. This makes it possible to reduce the ambient noise in the shared office in which several users work.

[0075] In a fourth example of use case, the user is in an individual office whereas the day before he was in a shared office and he is relatively stressed, his stress level being 3 / 5. The MG management module generates for example a instruction requesting that alerts be notified by an audible message at a low volume even though the user is in an individual office.

[0076] In a step E6, the management module MG transmits the configuration parameter(s) determined during step E5 as well as an identifier of the previously selected task to the supervision module MS.

[0077] Upon receipt of this information, the supervision module MS may, in a step E7, generate a list of tasks to be performed in which it adds or deletes tasks based on the information it has received from the management module MG. An instruction to delete a task may, for example, be presented in the following manner: Delete_Task (001, Gl), where 001 is the identifier of the task to be deleted and G1 is an identifier of a user group to which the task to be deleted has been previously assigned.

[0078] Once the list of tasks to be assigned is ready, the supervision module MS transmits, in a step E8, a message to the terminal TrTN associated with the user. Such a message includes the list of tasks to be performed assigned to the user as well as the various configuration parameters associated with each of the tasks in the list.

[0079] In a particular implementation of the method that is the subject of the invention, the tasks in the list are not assigned to a given user, but to a group of users. All members of a given group have access to the tasks assigned to their group and can select one of the tasks to be performed in order to process it.

[0080] In a step E9, upon receipt of the message sent by the supervision module MS, the terminal TrTN associated with the user implements a new configuration as a function of the configuration parameters associated with the task which will actually be carried out by the user of the terminal.

[0081] The implementation of the allocation method which is the subject of the invention is at the discretion of the user of a TrTN terminal who can trigger or stop it at any time.

[0082] [Fig. 3] represents a management device DG comprising a management module MG and a supervision module MS, capable of implementing the method which is the subject of the present invention.

[0083] A DG management device may comprise at least one hardware processor 31, a storage unit 32, and at least one network interface 33 which are connected to each other through a bus 34. Of course, the constituent elements of the DG management device may be connected by means of a connection other than a bus.

[0084] The processor 31 controls the operations of the management device DG. The storage unit 32 stores at least one program for implementing the method which is the subject of the invention to be executed by the processor 31, and various data, such as parameters used for calculations carried out by the processor 31, intermediate data of calculations carried out by the processor 31, etc. The processor 31 can be formed by any known and suitable hardware or software, or by a combination of hardware and software. For example, the processor 31 may be formed by dedicated hardware such as a processing circuit, or by a programmable processing unit such as a central processing unit (Central Processing Unit) which executes a program stored in a memory thereof.

[0085] The storage unit 32 may be formed by any suitable means capable of storing the program(s) and data in a computer-readable manner. Examples of the storage unit 32 include non-transitory computer-readable storage media such as semiconductor memory devices, and magnetic, optical, or magneto-optical recording media loaded into a read-write unit.

[0086] The network interface 33 provides a connection between the management device DG and the various TrTN terminals.

Claims

Claims

1. Method for assigning to at least one group of users, at least one task to be performed in relation to a supervision system, said method comprising the following steps: - reception of at least one message, sent by at least one terminal of a user of said group of users, comprising at least one task assignment score relating to the user of said terminal, - selection, from a set of tasks to be performed, of at least one task to be performed as a function of said received task assignment score and assignment conditions associated with said tasks to be performed, - determination, as a function of said received task assignment score and said assignment conditions of said selected task, of at least one configuration parameter of said terminal, - transmission, to said terminal, of a message assigning said selected task to be performed,said message comprising said at least one configuration parameter of said terminal.,

2. Method for assigning at least one task to be performed according to claim 1, wherein said received message comprises at least a first assignment score, called affective state score, representing an affective state of the user of said terminal, and at least a second assignment score, called context score, representing the context of the user of said terminal.

3. A method of assigning at least one task to be performed according to claim 1, wherein the step of selecting at least one task to be performed is implemented when a value of said at least one received task assignment score is different from a value of said previously received assignment score.

4. Method for assigning at least one task to be performed according to claim 2, wherein said affective state score represents an affective state of the user of said terminal from at least one of the following affective states: - fear, - sadness, - stress, - fatigue, - joy, - anger.

5. Method for assigning at least one task to be performed according to claim 2, in which said context score represents a context in which the user of said terminal is located among at least one of the following contexts: - nature of the room in which the user's terminal is located, - temperature of the room, - geographical location of the room, - working hours of the user of the terminal, - nature of the network connection of the user's terminal, - speed of the network connection.

6. Method for assigning at least one task to be performed according to claim 1, wherein said at least one configuration parameter of said terminal belongs to the group comprising: - a value of a sound volume of a notification of an event, - a color of a graphical interface, - a value of a data scrolling speed on a screen of said terminal.

7. Device capable of assigning, to at least one group of users, at least one task to be performed in relation to a supervision system, said device comprising means for: - receiving at least one message, sent by at least one terminal of a user of said group of users, comprising at least one task assignment score relating to the user of said terminal, - selecting, from a set of tasks to be performed, at least one task to be performed as a function of said received task assignment score and assignment conditions associated with said tasks to be performed, - determining, as a function of said received task assignment score and said assignment conditions of said selected task, at least one configuration parameter of said terminal, - transmitting, to said terminal, a message assigning said selected task to be performed,said message comprising said at least one configuration parameter of said terminal.,

8. Supervision system comprising at least one terminal of a user belonging to a group of users, and a device capable of assigning, to at least one group of users, at least one task to be carried out in relation to a supervision system, said device comprising means for: - receiving at least one message, sent by at least one terminal of a user user of said user group, comprising at least one task assignment score relating to the user of said terminal, - selecting, from a set of tasks to be performed, at least one task to be performed based on said task assignment score received and assignment conditions associated with said tasks to be performed, - determining, based on said task assignment score received and said assignment conditions of said selected task, at least one configuration parameter of said terminal, - transmitting, to said terminal, a message assigning said selected task to be performed, said message comprising said at least one configuration parameter of said terminal.

9. Supervision system according to claim 8, wherein said device comprises a first module, called management module, and a second module, called supervision module, the management module comprising means for: - receiving at least one message, sent by at least one terminal of a user of said group of users, comprising at least one task assignment score relating to the user of said terminal, - selecting, from a set of tasks to be performed, at least one task to be performed as a function of said task assignment score received and assignment conditions associated with said tasks to be performed, - determining, as a function of said task assignment score received and said assignment conditions of said selected task, at least one configuration parameter of said terminal,- transmitting a message comprising an identifier of said task and information relating to said at least one configuration parameter of said terminal to the supervision module, and the supervision module comprising means for: - determining said at least one configuration parameter of said terminal by means of said information received, - transmitting, to said terminal, said message assigning said selected task to be carried out comprising said at least one configuration parameter of said terminal.,

10. Computer program product comprising program code instructions for implementing the method of assigning at least one task to be performed according to any one of claims 1 to 6, when executed by a processor.

11. Computer-readable information carrier comprising ins- instructions for implementing the method of assigning at least one task to be performed according to any one of claims 1 to 6, when the instructions are executed by a processor.

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