Movement distance analysis device and movement distance analysis system

Abstract

To provide a movement distance analysis device and a movement distance analysis system which acquire information on movement in a task of a laborer, calculate a movement distance for each task allocation by analysis, and evaluate the task allocation for the laborer.SOLUTION: In a movement distance analysis system, a movement information device has a control part 600 including laborer movement information acquisition means for acquiring movement information of a laborer, and a movement distance analysis device has a control part 210 having task allocation information acquisition means for acquiring task allocation information, movement information determination means for determining in-task movement information in each task and inter-task movement information between continuous tasks, on the basis of the movement information on the laborer, and movement distance calculation means for calculating the in-task movement distance of each allocated task and an inter-task movement distance between continuous allocated tasks, on the basis of the task allocation information, and the determined in-task movement information and intra-task movement information; and a storage device for storing movement information of the laborer.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a travel distance analysis device and a travel distance analysis system. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, attempts have been made to improve work, such as by reducing the burden on workers, by analyzing the movements of workers.

[0003] Patent Document 1 describes a movement distance analysis device that analyzes images of a worker to recognize the worker's movements and compares them with ideal movements to generate evaluation information for the worker. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2019-28559 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The movement distance analysis device disclosed in Patent Document 1 is intended to evaluate the movements of workers, and is not capable of evaluating and improving the allocation of tasks (shift allocation) to workers.

[0006] The present invention has been made in consideration of such circumstances, and provides a movement distance analysis device and a movement distance analysis system that acquire and analyze information regarding a worker's movement during work, calculates the movement distance for each task assignment, and evaluates the task assignment to the worker. Note that the act of assigning tasks is sometimes called a "task assignment" or a "shift," and the schedule of assigned tasks is sometimes called "task assignment information" or a "shift schedule." [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to achieve the above object, according to one embodiment of the present invention, A worker movement information acquisition means for acquiring worker movement information; A task allocation information acquiring means for acquiring task allocation information; A movement information determination means for determining in-task movement information during each task and inter-task movement information between successive tasks based on the worker movement information; a travel distance calculation means for calculating an in-task travel distance of each assigned task and an inter-task travel distance between consecutive assigned tasks based on the task allocation information and the determined in-task travel information and inter-task travel information; A storage device that stores worker movement information; A traveled distance analysis device is provided having:

[0008] According to the present invention, by acquiring and analyzing worker movement information, it is possible to evaluate and review work allocation.

[0009] According to one embodiment of the present invention, The storage device stores information including a business area, The movement information determination means identifies worker movement information from leaving one business area to entering another business area as inter-business movement information; A travel distance analysis device is provided.

[0010] According to the present invention, during-task movement information and inter-task movement information can be distinguished using an objective index.

[0011] According to one embodiment of the present invention, The movement information determination means determines that the worker has not left the business area if the worker leaves the business area and then returns to the same business area within a predetermined time or a predetermined travel distance. A travel distance analysis device is provided.

[0012] According to the present invention, even when an unexpected event occurs, it is possible to distinguish between on-the-job movement information and inter-job movement information in a manner suited to the actual situation.

[0013] According to one embodiment of the present invention, The movement information determination means Calculating a center of gravity from the movement information of the worker for each task assignment, and determining in-task movement information and inter-task movement information based on the distance from the center of gravity; A travel distance analysis device is provided.

[0014] According to the present invention, it is possible to distinguish between in-task movement information and inter-task movement information even without task allocation information.

[0015] According to one embodiment of the present invention, The movement information determination means For each task assignment, among the worker movement information, movement information within a certain period of time is determined to be within a task area, and movement information other than the determined in-task movement information is determined to be between-task movement information; A travel distance analysis device is provided.

[0016] According to the present invention, even when an unexpected event occurs, it is possible to distinguish between on-the-job movement information and inter-job movement information in a manner suited to the actual situation.

[0017] According to one embodiment of the present invention, The movement information determination means The task and the distance traveled during the task are associated with each other and stored in a storage device; determining whether or not there is a task in the acquired task allocation information that requires a travel distance during the task that is longer than a predetermined distance; A travel distance analysis device is provided.

[0018] According to the present invention, it is possible to evaluate whether a task is being performed efficiently based on the distance traveled during the task, and to consider reviewing the worker's task, etc.

[0019] According to one embodiment of the present invention, The movement information determination means storing the combination of consecutive tasks and the distance traveled between the tasks in a storage device; determining whether or not there is a combination of tasks in which the travel distance between the tasks is longer than a predetermined distance in the acquired task allocation information; A travel distance analysis device is provided.

[0020] According to the present invention, by objectively recognizing the travel distance between tasks, it is possible to consider improvements in the allocation of a plurality of consecutive tasks.

[0021] According to one embodiment of the present invention, The movement information determination means Calculate the average distance workers travel between jobs over a certain period of time, A combination of tasks corresponding to the task-to-task travel distance that maximizes the average value is stored in a storage device as a combination of tasks whose task-to-task travel distance is longer than a predetermined distance. A travel distance analysis device is provided.

[0022] According to the present invention, by objectively recognizing the travel distance between tasks, it is possible to consider improvements in the allocation of a plurality of consecutive tasks.

[0023] According to one embodiment of the present invention, A worker location information acquisition means for acquiring worker location information; A worker movement information generating means for accumulating position information in a time series manner to generate worker movement information; A worker movement information output means for outputting worker movement information; A mobile information device having A travel distance analyzer; A travel distance analysis system is provided having the following:

[0024] According to one embodiment of the present invention, Furthermore, a customer movement information acquisition means for acquiring customer movement information; A worker attribute information acquisition means for acquiring worker attribute information including at least a work history and an evaluation of a worker; A corresponding worker identification means for identifying a worker corresponding to a customer based on information including worker movement information, task allocation information, worker attribute information, and customer movement information; A means for instructing the identified workers on how to respond to customers; A travel distance analysis system is provided having the following:

[0025] According to the present invention, it is possible to properly grasp the location information of workers, and to analyze the movement information of workers based on that information. Effect of the Invention

[0026] According to the travel distance analysis device and travel distance analysis system of the present invention, information regarding a worker's travel during work is acquired and analyzed, thereby evaluating the allocation of tasks to workers, and in the case of tasks that require long travel distances or long travel distances between tasks, by reviewing the task content and task allocation, it is possible to allocate tasks efficiently and reduce the burden on workers. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0027] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an embodiment of a system configuration of a travel distance analysis system of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of a hardware configuration of a travel distance analysis device according to the present invention. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an embodiment of a database (DB) configuration in a storage device in the travel distance analysis device of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of workplace location information using the travel distance analysis system of the present invention. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing one embodiment of a data table of worker movement information generated in the movement distance analysis system of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing one embodiment of the functions of the travel distance analysis system of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing one embodiment of the functions of the travel distance analysis system of the present invention. [Figure 8]1 is a flowchart illustrating one embodiment of the process from obtaining worker movement information to determining the worker movement information in the movement distance analysis system of the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the relationship between a worker's movement trajectory and a task area. [Figure 10] 11 is a diagram showing an example of a relationship between task allocation information and a movement trajectory of a worker. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0028] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The embodiment described below is merely an example, and the present invention is not to be construed as being limited to these embodiments.

[0029] In this specification, "worker location information" refers to information that indicates the location of a worker at a given time. Worker location information is acquired, for example, based on image data captured by an imaging device or radio waves transmitted by a beacon including its own identification ID. In this specification, the identification ID of a beacon is referred to as the "beacon ID," the identification ID of a mobile terminal is referred to as the "mobile terminal ID," and the identification ID of an imaging device is referred to as the "imaging device ID."

[0030] In this specification, "worker movement information" refers to information that associates and stores a worker ID that identifies a worker, worker position information, and the time when the worker was present at the worker position, and refers to information that allows objective understanding of changes in the worker position according to changes in time. The time when the worker was present at the worker position may be any time at which the worker can be considered to have been present at that position, and may be the time when the mobile terminal received radio waves from a beacon, or the time when the movement distance analysis device 110 obtained the worker movement information from the movement information device 100, as described below.

[0031] In this specification, "intra-job movement information" refers to worker movement information during the time period when a worker is performing a specific job, and "inter-job movement information" refers to worker movement information during the time period when a worker is moving between different jobs.

[0032] In this specification, "acquire" includes both acquisition from other components and calculation by itself. For example, "device A acquires information" includes both "device A acquires information from another device B" and "device A calculates information."

[0033] [1. Overall configuration of travel distance analysis system] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a travel distance analysis system including a travel distance analysis device according to this embodiment.

[0034] The movement distance analysis system according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a movement information device 100, a movement distance analysis device 110, and an external device 120. The movement information device 100, the movement distance analysis device 110, and the external device 120 are connected to each other via a network or by a wired or wireless communication means so as to be able to transmit and receive data to and from each other.

[0035] [2. Mobile information device] The movement information device 100 is a device that generates movement information of workers mainly working within the workplace, and includes a worker position information acquisition means for acquiring worker position information, a worker movement information generation means for generating worker movement information, and a worker movement information output means for outputting worker movement information.

[0036] To acquire the worker position information, a known measuring device for acquiring the position information of a moving object can be used. In one embodiment, a radio wave transmitting and receiving set consisting of a radio wave transmitter installed at one or more places in the workplace and a mobile terminal carried by the worker is used. That is, a beacon as a radio wave transmitter is installed in the workplace, and a radio wave including a beacon ID is received by the mobile terminal. The mobile terminal transmits at least the strength of the received radio wave, the reception time, the beacon ID, and the mobile terminal ID to the mobile information device 100. The mobile information device 100 acquires the worker position information based on the strength of the received radio wave and the installation position of the beacon specified by the beacon ID. The correspondence between the beacon ID and the installation position of the beacon, and the correspondence between the strength of the radio wave emitted by the beacon and the distance to the beacon are stored in the facility information DB 302 described later, and the mobile information device 100 may acquire them in advance from the movement distance analysis device 110, or may acquire them from the movement distance analysis device 110 when acquiring the worker movement information. The mobile information device 100 associates the acquired worker position information with the reception time when the mobile terminal received radio waves including the beacon ID (or the time when the mobile information device 100 received information transmitted from the mobile terminal) and the worker ID corresponding to the mobile terminal ID, and generates worker movement information. The correspondence between the mobile terminal ID and the worker ID is stored in the worker information DB 303 described later, and the mobile information device 100 may acquire the mobile terminal ID from the movement distance analysis device 110 in advance, or may acquire the mobile terminal ID from the movement distance analysis device 110 each time. The generated worker movement information may be stored in a storage device (not shown) in the mobile information device 100, or may be transmitted to the movement distance analysis device 110. Note that the radio wave transmitter is not limited to a beacon, and the position of the worker may be identified using an artificial satellite used for GPS, a WiFi base station, a mobile phone base station, a Bluetooth (registered trademark) communication transmitter, etc.

[0037] When a beacon is used as a radio wave transmitter, the beacon constantly transmits radio waves including a beacon ID. Here, the beacon ID may be transmitted from a Wi-Fi access point. Although one beacon may be used, it is preferable to place multiple beacons in the same workplace in order to accurately identify worker movement information.

[0038] To receive radio waves transmitted from radio wave transmitters such as beacons and Wi-Fi transmitters, workers can use portable devices such as smartphones, tablet devices, and mobile phones that are portable and capable of data communication. Application software (apps) that transmit data required for the mobile information device 100 to calculate movement information is installed on the portable devices. The apps in the portable devices can also have the functions of the mobile information device 100.

[0039] If the movement distance analysis device 110 has the function of acquiring worker location information by recognizing the location of a mobile device carried by the worker and generating worker movement information, i.e., the function of the movement information device 100, it is not necessary to provide the movement information device 100.

[0040] Another embodiment of a known measuring device for acquiring the position information of a moving object may be an imaging device installed at one or more locations in a workplace. The imaging device generates one or more image information photographing a worker at work, and transmits the generated image data and imaging device ID to the mobility information device 100. The mobility information device 100 acquires worker position information based on the image information received from the imaging device and the installation position of the imaging device identified by the imaging device ID. The mobility information device 100 identifies the worker ID of the worker included in the image information, associates the acquired worker position information with the shooting time of the image data and the worker ID, and generates worker movement information. The generated worker movement information may be stored in a storage device (not shown) in the mobility information device 100, or may be transmitted to the movement distance analysis device 110. The worker ID may be identified by comparing the face image data included in the image information with registered face image data, or may receive an input of the worker ID.

[0041] The captured images may be multiple still images or videos. The imaging device may be an omnidirectional camera having an optical system such as a fisheye lens or a mirror, and capable of capturing images of the surroundings 360 degrees horizontally. The imaging device may be equipped with an audio receiver. The audio receiver collects, for example, the voice of the worker when serving customers.

[0042] [3. Travel distance analyzer] The movement distance analysis device 110 is a server that acquires worker movement information from the movement information device 100 and analyzes the movement of workers during work. For example, the movement distance analysis device 110 determines whether the information constituting the worker movement information is intra-job movement information or inter-job movement information, and can review the work assignment of workers in the workplace, leading to improved work efficiency in the workplace. The determination of worker intra-job movement information and inter-job movement information will be described later.

[0043] The external device 120 is a device other than the travel distance analysis device 110 and the travel information device 100, and provides information necessary for the analysis process in the travel distance analysis device 110. An example of the external device 120 is a server of an external institution when part of the analysis process in the travel distance analysis device 110 of the present invention is entrusted to an external institution.

[0044] Next, a description will be given of the hardware configuration of the travel distance analysis device 110. The travel distance analysis device 110 has the hardware configuration shown in Fig. 2. The travel distance analysis device 110 includes a control unit 210, an input device 220, a storage device 230, a display device 240, a communication device 250, and an output device 260, which are connected via a system bus 270.

[0045] In FIG. 2, the control unit 210 is, for example, a processor such as a CPU, and executes a program in which the processing in the moving distance analysis device 110 is described. The input device 220 is, for example, composed of a keyboard, a mouse, etc., and is used by the administrator of the moving distance analysis device 110 to input various information. The storage device 230 includes various memories such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) and a ROM (Read Only Memory), as well as storage devices such as a hard disk and an SSD, and stores application programs to be executed by the control unit 210, necessary data obtained in the process of processing by the control unit 210, information obtained from external devices, etc. The storage device 230 may also be used as a temporary storage area when a program is executed. The display device 240 is composed of a display, an LCD (liquid crystal display panel), etc., and displays various screens to the administrator. The communication device 250 is a receiver and a transmitter that performs communication processing with the user and the external device via the network NW. The output device 260 is a printer, etc. Note that FIG. 2 is just an example, and the hardware configuration of the travel distance analysis device 110 is not limited to the example of FIG.

[0046] An example of the operation until an application program for executing the function of the travel distance analysis device 110 becomes executable will be described. For example, an application program for executing the function of the travel distance analysis device 110 is downloaded from a CD-ROM or DVD-ROM set in a CD (Compact Disc)-ROM drive or DVD (Digital Versatile Disc)-ROM drive (not shown) to the travel distance analysis device 110 having the above-mentioned configuration, or is downloaded by a transmission medium such as the Internet via the communication device 250, stored in the storage device 230, and then installed. When the application program is executed, the program stored in the storage device 230 is started. In this state, the control unit 210 executes the function of the travel distance analysis device 110 according to the application program started from the storage device 230.

[0047] [3.1 Storage device] 3 shows the functions of the databases (DB) included in the storage device 230. The storage device 230 includes a user information DB301, a facility information DB302, a worker information DB303, a travel information DB304, a travel distance information DB305, and a customer information DB306.

[0048] The user information DB301 stores basic information of users who use the movement information analysis device and the movement information analysis system of the present invention (including the user's name, surname, and account for logging in to the movement information analysis device). The basic information of each user is stored in the user information DB301 by input by an administrator or user of the movement information analysis device and the movement distance analysis system of the present invention.

[0049] Facility information DB302 stores layout information of workplaces (e.g., stores) where workers work, which are the subject of analysis by the movement distance analysis device and the movement distance analysis system. Stored workplace information includes the planar and spatial coordinates of the workplace, beacon IDs and beacon installation positions, image capture device IDs and image capture device installation positions, task area location information where workers perform their tasks, task content corresponding to the task area location information, and the like. In addition, task assignment information for the entire workplace, which is an integration of task assignment information for each worker, is also stored.

[0050] Customer information is also stored in the facility information DB 302. The customer information mainly includes identification information (image information) including the customer's appearance, purchase history, store visit history, and the like.

[0051] FIG. 4 shows an example of information stored in the facility information DB 302. FIG. 4(a) shows planar position information of the workplace. FIG. 4(b) is a table showing each task area in FIG. 4(a) in planar coordinates. In order to identify the position of the worker, the reference position information of the workplace must be determined. In FIG. 4(a), the worker position is identified using XY coordinates in which the workplace is regarded as a two-dimensional plane with a horizontal axis (X axis) and a vertical axis (Y axis). The worker position information indicates the position at the time when the mobile terminal carried by the worker received radio waves including the beacon ID transmitted by the beacon. Instead of the time when the mobile terminal received the beacon ID information, the time when the movement distance analysis device 110 (server) acquired the worker movement information from the movement information device 100 can also be used.

[0052] In FIG. 4(a), a cashier work area in the cashier counter, a stocking area in front of the refrigerated case, and a warehouse work area are provided, and coordinates are assigned to each of them on the (X-axis) and vertical (Y-axis). For example, as shown in FIG. 4(b), the cashier work area is defined as the area surrounded by (1,0), (7,0), (1,1), and (7,1), and the stocking area and warehouse work area are also specified by coordinates. The coordinates of the worker's position P are specified over time using the strength of the radio waves emitted from the beacons 01 to 05 and the installation positions of the beacons 01 to 05. In FIG. 4(a), the position is specified by coordinates divided into 10 vertically and horizontally, but the manner of division can be appropriately set by the manager depending on the area, shape, and type of work of the workplace, and the set layout is stored in the facility information DB302. The stored reference coordinates within the facility are used as reference values ​​when specifying worker movement information.

[0053] The facility information DB302 stores a table associating a beacon ID with the installation location of the beacon in the workplace, and the relationship between the distance between the beacon and the mobile terminal based on the strength of the radio wave emitted from the beacon. When the mobile information device 100 receives a radio wave including a beacon ID, it can identify the installation location of the beacon based on the beacon ID and the distance between the beacon and the mobile terminal based on the strength of the received radio wave, thereby identifying the position of the worker in planar coordinates.

[0054] The worker information DB303 includes basic information about workers (including the worker's name, surname, worker ID, and mobile device ID), as well as task assignment information for each worker, available tasks, work history, and performance evaluations, and is managed, for example, by worker ID. Task assignment information for each worker stores tasks assigned to a worker in association with a time, and is used to identify the type of task being performed at a given time by comparing it with worker movement information. Additionally, available tasks are the types of tasks that each worker can handle, and are used when assigning tasks to each worker. Task assignment will be described later.

[0055] The movement information DB304 stores the worker movement information generated by the worker movement information generating means.

[0056] The movement distance information DB305 stores movement distance information calculated based on the worker movement information stored in the movement information DB304 in association with the worker ID. The travel distance information may include information on the travel distance within and between tasks, the total travel distance in one day, and the cumulative travel distance for each task in a specified period. The travel distance information DB 305 stores the actual data on the stay time and travel distance during work of the worker in the task area location information.

[0057] The customer information DB306 stores basic information of customers who come to or visit the workplace (including the customer's name, sex, age, address, purchase history, and facial images may also be registered). The basic information of customers is stored in the customer information DB306 by input by the administrator of the movement information analysis device and movement distance analysis system of the present invention or by the customer. The customer information DB306 also stores caution customer movement information and caution customer action information of customers who should be careful.

[0058] Fig. 5 is an example of a data table of movement information for a certain worker stored in the movement distance information DB 305. Fig. 5(a) is an example of worker movement information acquired from the movement information device 100, and the positions of a worker (worker ID = 1) acquired at 5-minute intervals from 10:00 to 13:00 are shown in XY coordinates. The data table of Fig. 5(a) is stored in the movement information DB 304, and does not include information such as work content.

[0059] A movement information determination means 605, which will be described later, adds to the data table the task content and the distinction between tasks or during a task at a specific time based on the task assignment information of the worker stored in the facility information DB 302. Fig. 5(b) shows the data table to which information has been added by the movement information determination means 605. This data table lists the task content (task plan) assigned as task assignment information, the actual work performed (task performance), the distinction between movement within the same task or movement between different tasks (movement distinction), and the movement distance (movement distance) automatically calculated from the coordinates, and these are stored in the movement distance information DB 305.

[0060] The "worker ID" (1 in FIG. 5) in the data table shown in FIG. 5 can be identified by the mobile information device 100 from the mobile terminal ID based on the correspondence stored in the worker DB 303. Furthermore, if a beacon is used, the "X coordinate" and "Y coordinate" are values ​​calculated from the strength of the radio waves transmitted from the beacon received by the mobile terminal and the installation position of the beacon. The method of setting the coordinates is not limited to two-dimensional orthogonal coordinates of length and width, and oblique coordinates or three-dimensional coordinates may be used depending on the shape of the workplace. The "travel distance" is a value calculated by the travel distance calculation means 606 described below using a preset method.

[0061] [3.2 Generation of worker travel distance information] 6 is a block diagram showing the functions of a movement distance analysis system in one embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, a beacon and a mobile terminal are used to acquire worker position information using the beacon. In this embodiment, a series of movement distance analysis functions are realized by a control unit 600 in the movement information device 100 and a control unit 210 in the movement distance analysis device 110.

[0062] [3.3 Generation of labor movement information] The function of the control unit 600 will now be described. The control unit 600 has a worker position information acquisition means 601, a worker movement information generation means 602, and a worker movement information output means 603. The worker position information acquisition means 601 acquires the strength of the received radio wave, a beacon ID, and a mobile terminal ID from the mobile terminal, and stores them in a storage device within the mobile information device 100.

[0063] The mobile information device 100 may obtain the correspondence between the beacon ID and the installation location of the beacon from the facility information DB 302 stored in the movement distance analysis device 110 in advance, or may obtain it from the movement distance analysis device 110 when obtaining the worker position information. The mobile information device 100 obtains the worker position information based on the strength of the received radio wave and the installation location of the beacon identified by the beacon ID.

[0064] The worker movement information generating means 602 associates the worker position information with the time of reception of the radio wave including the beacon ID (or the time of reception by the mobile terminal) and the worker ID corresponding to the mobile terminal ID, and generates worker movement information.

[0065] The movement information device 100 may obtain the correspondence between the mobile terminal ID and the worker ID in advance from the worker information DB303 stored in the movement distance analysis device 110, or may obtain it from the movement distance analysis device 110 when generating worker movement information.

[0066] The worker movement information output means 603 outputs the generated worker movement information to the movement distance analysis device 110. The output can be made using data communication via a network, but is not limited to this.

[0067] [3.4 Analysis of labor movement information] The functional configuration of the control unit 210 will be described. The control unit 210 starts the application stored in the storage device 230, and realizes a predetermined function by using the information stored in each DB in the storage device 230. The functions executed by the control unit 210 include a worker movement information acquisition means 604, a movement information determination means 605, a movement distance calculation means 606, a task assignment information acquisition means 607, a corresponding worker identification means 608, a labor attribute information acquisition means, a task assignment means 609, a customer movement information acquisition means 610, a worker attribute information acquisition means 611, and an instruction means 612.

[0068] The worker movement information acquisition means 604 acquires the worker movement information output from the movement information device 100 and stores it in the movement information DB 304. In addition, the worker movement information is output to the corresponding worker identification means 608 in the process in which the corresponding worker identification means 608, which will be described later, identifies the worker who should respond to the customer.

[0069] The movement information determination means 605 determines whether the worker location at each time included in the worker movement information is during-work movement information or between-work movement information (hereinafter referred to as "determination of movement type" in this specification).

[0070] Determination of the type of movement will now be described. Fig. 8 is a flow chart showing the process from acquisition of worker position information to determination of the type of movement in one embodiment of the present invention. The mobile information device 100 acquires worker position information using a beacon or an imaging device (S11). An application in the mobile information device 100 generates worker movement information that associates the acquired worker position information with a worker ID and time (S12), and the generated worker movement information is output from the mobile information device 100 to the movement distance analysis device 110 (S13).

[0071] The worker movement information acquisition means 604 acquires the worker movement information output from the movement information device 100 (S14) and stores it in the movement information DB 304. The movement information determination means 605 acquires the worker task assignment information corresponding to the worker movement information to be determined from the worker information DB 303 (S15), and determines the movement type for the position information at each time in the worker movement information (S16).

[0072] The movement information determination means 605 acquires the worker movement information (coordinates (X, Y)) associated with the time (S21), and acquires the position coordinates ((X1, Y1) to (X4, Y4)) of the business area from the facility information DB 302 (S22), and compares the two (S23). If the worker movement information ((coordinates (X, Y)) is within the range surrounded by the business area ((X1, Y1) to (X4, Y4)) (S24: Yes), it is determined to be within the business area (S25). If the worker movement information ((coordinates (X, Y)) is outside the range surrounded by the business area ((X1, Y1) to (X4, Y4)) (S24: No), it is determined to be between business areas (S26). This movement information determination means 605 is repeated until it is performed on other position information (S27: No), and ends by performing the determination of all position information (S27: Yes).

[0073] Figure 9 is a diagram showing the relationship between the trajectory of worker movement information and task areas. When a worker works in task area A for a certain amount of time and then works in task area B, the transition of worker movement information is represented by the solid line in Figure 9(a). In the case of Figure 9(a), the during-work movement information for the task area A is part A, the during-work movement information for the task area B is part C, and the between-task movement information is part I.

[0074] The travel distance calculation means 606 calculates the travel distance during work and the travel distance between tasks (S17) based on the travel information during work and the travel information between tasks determined by the travel information determination means 605. By associating the work assignment information with the travel distance during work and the travel distance between tasks (S18), it is possible to consider improvements to the current work assignment.

[0075] In the above process, the movement information determination means 605 makes a determination by comparing the worker movement information (coordinates (X, Y)) with the task area ((X1, Y1) to (X4, Y4)). However, the movement type may also be determined by comparing each time in the worker movement information with the time at which the task was assigned in the task assignment information.

[0076] In addition, the location coordinates of the task area do not need to be taken into consideration when determining the type of movement. Fig. 9(b) shows a case where information for identifying task areas A and B stored in the facility information DB 302 is not used. As shown in Fig. 9(b), the task area may be estimated from the characteristics of the trajectory of the worker's position, and a determination may be made between on-task movement information and inter-task movement information.

[0077] For example, the center of gravity of the movement trajectory may be identified from the movement information of the worker, and the type of movement may be determined based on whether or not the center of gravity is within a predetermined distance. The center of gravity may be calculated by averaging the position coordinates of the worker's position during the task time period set in the task assignment information. The predetermined distance from the center of gravity may also be set based on the average movement range of the worker in the task at the workplace. The task time period set in the task assignment information does not necessarily match the time period during which the worker actually performs the task, but even if there is a slight discrepancy, it has little effect on identifying the center of gravity.

[0078] As another example, an area where a certain percentage or more of workers move based on the worker movement information may be set as a standard work area for the work. The type of movement may be determined by comparing the standard work area with the worker movement information.

[0079] As another example, when a worker temporarily leaves the work area due to an unexpected event, for example, when a product on the display shelf collapses and falls to the floor, the worker leaves the work area to return the product to the display shelf. If the time spent outside the work area is shorter than a predefined threshold, the distance traveled during the time spent outside the work area is not considered to be the distance traveled between tasks, but is considered to be the distance traveled during cashier work, and the distance traveled during cashier work may be calculated. Workers' work is not limited to routine work, and it is not uncommon for workers to perform other work during their free time or for work that requires urgent response to occur. If the work area is strictly determined, the distance traveled during work cannot be determined appropriately. In workplaces where non-routine work such as emergency response may occur, if the time spent outside the work area by the worker is shorter than a predefined threshold, it is preferable to consider the distance traveled during work as the distance traveled during work.

[0080] The movement distance calculation means 606 calculates the movement distance from two pieces of position information adjacent in time. In addition, the movement information determination means 605 identifies the distance based on the movement information determined as during-work movement information in the same work as the during-work movement distance, and identifies the distance based on the movement information determined as inter-work movement information as the inter-work movement distance. The calculation method of the distance between adjacent pieces of movement information may be, but is not limited to, a value obtained by accumulating the straight-line distance between adjacent coordinates, and can be arbitrarily set by the user.

[0081] The task allocation means 609 creates task allocation information that allocates tasks to be handled by workers. Tasks may be allocated to workers manually by an administrator of the travel distance analysis system of the present invention, or may be allocated by a trained model using as training data performance data such as the travel distance during each task, the inter-task travel distance between successive tasks, and the number of workers required for each task. The task allocation information for each worker allocated by the task allocation means 609 is stored in the worker information DB303, and task allocation information for the entire workplace, which is an integration of the task allocation information for each worker, is stored in the facility information DB302.

[0082] FIG. 10 shows another embodiment of the relationship between the task allocation information and the worker movement information. In the task allocation information, tasks such as cashier, stocking, warehouse cleaning, and cashier are assigned according to time, but the movement time between tasks may not be taken into consideration. However, in reality, when moving from cashier work to stocking work, movement from the cashier work area a to the stocking work area b is required (FIG. 10(b)). Movement from the stocking work area b to the warehouse cleaning area c (FIG. 10(c)), and movement from the warehouse cleaning area c to the cashier work area a (FIG. 10(d)) are also required. Therefore, when the movement information determination means 605 compares each time in the worker's movement information with the time when the work was assigned in the task allocation information to determine the type of movement, it is preferable to consider the average time required for movement between consecutive tasks.

[0083] [3.5 Customer Support Functions] The customer movement information acquisition means 610 acquires movement information of customers who visit the store as a workplace. The imaging device may be used to acquire customer position information as well as worker position information. Then, the movement information device 100 generates customer movement information from the customer position information, similar to the worker position information, and outputs it to the movement distance analysis device 110. The customer movement information acquisition means 610 acquires customer movement information from the movement information device 100 and stores it in the facility information DB 302. The customer movement information acquisition means 610 may acquire customer movement information from the facility information DB 302 in response to a request from a corresponding worker identification means described later.

[0084] The worker attribute information acquisition means 611 can acquire worker attribute information from the worker information DB 303 as necessary.

[0085] The on-duty worker identification means 608 identifies a worker who will handle a specific customer, and outputs the identified worker to the instruction means 612. For example, when it is detected from the customer location information that a specific customer has been staying in the same location for a long time, the on-duty worker identification means identifies a worker who should handle the customer in order to listen to the customer's request. In identifying the worker, the worker attribute information acquisition means 611 acquires a worker who has the ability to handle customers. The on-duty worker identification means 608 identifies, for example, a worker closest to the customer location information as the on-duty worker from among the workers acquired by the worker attribute information acquisition means 611. In order to determine whether the worker closest to the customer location information can immediately assist the customer, the task assignment information acquisition means 607 acquires task assignment information.

[0086] The instruction means 612 transmits instructions for dealing with customers to the worker identified by the on-call worker identification means 608. The instruction means 612 may be an app that transmits instruction information to a mobile device carried by the worker, or may be an in-store public address system or display device for communicating business information to the worker.

[0087] [4. Use of calculated worker travel distance information] The amount of work of a worker can be identified based on the calculated distance traveled during work. For example, it can be determined that the amount of work is greater for a task or time period that requires a greater distance traveled during work. In addition, the total distance traveled, which is the sum of the distance traveled during work and the distance traveled between tasks, can be used to identify busy workers and evaluate workers, and may be notified to employers as reference information.

[0088] Work can be reviewed based on the distance traveled during work. For example, if the distance traveled during cash register duties exceeds the average for other workplaces, it can be recognized that there are areas that need improvement in the work operations at the cash register (such as the location of the parcel delivery slip being far away). In addition, if the distance traveled during stocking duties is less than the average for other workers, the worker can be evaluated as performing stocking duties efficiently, and the work flow for that worker can be compiled into a manual.

[0089] If the travel distance between tasks exceeds the average value for other workplaces, it can be recognized that there is something that needs to be improved in the task allocation information for allocating tasks, and the travel distance analysis device may propose task allocation information that minimizes the travel distance between tasks. For example, assume that task A, task B, and task C are scheduled to be assigned to a worker. If the distance traveled between task area A where task A is performed and task area C where task C is performed is greater than the travel distance between task area B where task B is performed and task area A, or the travel distance between task area B and task area C, the server, which is also used to adjust task allocation information, may propose to the employer task allocation information in which task B (not task C) is performed after task A.

[0090] Tasks with a large travel distance between tasks may be set not to be assigned consecutively. For example, assume that tasks D, E, and F are scheduled to be assigned to a worker. If the task area D where task D is performed, the task area E where task E is performed, and the task area F where task F is performed are located apart from each other, and the distance traveled to the different task areas is greater than a predetermined distance, assignment information may be proposed that assigns tasks D, E, and F to two or more workers, preferably three workers, rather than assigning tasks D, E, and F to one worker. When a workplace manager adjusts task assignment information using a server, if the manager tries to assign tasks D, E, and F to one worker, the server may obtain the average travel distance between task area D, task area E, and task area F, and if the distance exceeds a predetermined distance, a warning message may be provided to the employer. EXAMPLES

[0091] Hereinafter, specific examples of the travel distance analysis device and the travel distance analysis system of the present invention will be described.

[0092] [Example 1] (1) Acquisition of worker location information and worker movement information Worker A, who works in the workplace with the layout in Fig. 4, carries a mobile terminal on which an application is installed for acquiring data required to calculate movement information and transmitting the data to the movement information device 100. Beacons are placed in one or more locations in the workplace, and the beacons constantly or periodically transmit radio waves including a beacon ID.

[0093] When the app installed on the mobile device of the worker receives radio waves transmitted by the beacon, it transmits information including i) a mobile device ID unique to the mobile device, ii) the received beacon ID, iii) the strength of the received radio waves, and iv) the time when the mobile device received the radio waves including the beacon ID to the mobile information device 100. The mobile information device 100 acquires worker position information based on the strength of the received radio waves and the installation position of the beacon identified by the beacon ID.

[0094] The movement distance analysis device 110 (hereinafter, referred to as the server in the embodiment) stores facility information including a table associating beacon IDs with the installation positions of beacons in the workplace and a table associating the strength of radio waves emitted by the beacons with the distance from the beacons, and worker information including a table associating mobile terminal IDs with worker IDs. The movement information device 100 acquires the facility information and worker information from the server and uses them to acquire worker position information and generate worker movement information.

[0095] The mobile information device 100 identifies the installation location of the beacon corresponding to the beacon ID based on the acquired facility information, and further identifies the distance between the mobile terminal and the beacon corresponding to the strength of the radio waves emitted by the beacon, thereby identifying worker position information. Based on the acquired worker information, the mobile information device 100 associates the identified worker position information with the reception time of the mobile terminal and the worker ID, and generates worker movement information.

[0096] (2) Acquisition of information on workers’ movements during and between jobs Based on the shift schedule, Worker A is assigned to work at the cash register from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. in the workplace with the layout shown in Figure 4, and to stock the refrigerated case from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m.

[0097] "Cash register work" refers to work performed behind the cash register located in the area near the entrance to the workplace. Work performed behind the cash register includes accepting parcels in addition to cash register work, but the area that workers move to in order to perform cash register work is limited to the cash register (the area bounded by (1,0), (7,0), (1,1), and (7,1) in Figure 4).

[0098] The “stocking work” involves stocking products on shelves, including refrigerated cases, installed in the workplace, and the area that workers move to in order to perform stocking work is the area near the shelves (the area bounded by (8,0), (9,0), (8,7), and (9,7) in Figure 4).

[0099] A number of beacons are placed in the workplace. While Worker A is performing work based on a shift schedule, the mobile device carried by the worker transmits information to the mobile information device 100, including a mobile device ID unique to the mobile device carried by Worker A, a beacon ID of the received beacon, the reception strength of the radio wave transmitted from the beacon, and the reception time of the radio wave transmitted from the beacon.

[0100] The mobility information processing device 100 acquires and stores in advance from the mobility distance analysis device 110 the correspondence between the beacon ID and the installation location of the beacon, the correspondence between the strength of the radio wave emitted by the beacon and the distance to the beacon, and the correspondence between the mobile terminal ID and the worker ID. The mobility information processing device 100 uses these correspondences to calculate the distance from the beacon to the mobile terminal, and calculates worker position information. The movement information processing device 100 associates the calculated worker position information with the reception time and the worker ID of the worker A identified from the correspondence between the mobile terminal ID and the worker ID, and generates worker movement information. The movement information processing device 100 transmits the generated worker movement information to the server.

[0101] The server receives the transmitted worker movement information and stores it in the storage device 230. The location and time of worker A stored and accumulated in the server becomes "worker movement information" of the movement of worker A to perform work. In other words, the "worker movement information" stored in the server is a data table in which "worker movement information" continuously transmitted from the movement information device 100 is accumulated.

[0102] The storage device 230 (facility information DB 302) in the server stores the task areas in which tasks are performed in the workplace. These are position information of the cash register task area in the cash register counter and the stocking task area near the display shelves (hereinafter, referred to as "task area position information" in the embodiments). The task area position information may be input by a manager of the workplace, or may be automatically calculated in the server based on image information captured in the workplace.

[0103] When worker A is at position P of the workplace, the position P of worker A can be identified based on the strength of the beacon ID information transmitted from beacon 01, beacon 02, and beacon 05.

[0104] The position P, which is the worker position, is compared with the workplace task area position information, and worker movement information in which the worker position is included in the cash register task area is identified. For example, if the position coordinates of position P are (6.0, 0.5), it can be identified that the worker is in the cash register counter area. Also, if the position coordinates of position P are (8.5, 6.0), it can be identified that the worker is in the stocking task area.

[0105] It is possible to obtain the movement trajectory of the worker based on the time-series position P. For example, when moving from position coordinates (6.0, 0.5) to position coordinates (8.5, 6.0), it is possible to obtain the movement trajectory of the worker leaving the cash register work area and moving to the stocking work area in front of the refrigerated case.

[0106] The server identifies the task corresponding to the worker movement information based on the task area location information where the location coordinates of worker A's location P are located. For example, if the location coordinates of worker A's location P are (6.0, 0.5), the worker can be identified as being in the cash register counter area, and the task content "cash register work" is associated with this worker movement information. In addition, if the location coordinates of worker A's location P are (8.5, 6.0), the worker can be identified as being in the stocking task area, and the task content "stocking work" is associated with this worker movement information. The correspondence between the business area location information and the business content is stored in the storage device 230 (facility information DB 302) in the server.

[0107] Without using the task area location information, it is also possible to identify the worker movement information during cashier duties as the cashier duty movement information for the time period when the worker A is working at the cash register, based on the worker A's shift schedule and the worker movement information of the worker A. Similarly, the stocking duty movement information can be identified when the worker A is working at the stocking duty. Then, among the worker movement information, the inter-task movement information can be identified when moving from the cash register duty to the stocking duty.

[0108] For example, consider Worker B who is assigned a shift schedule that involves cleaning the warehouse from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., travel time from 3:00 p.m. to 3:15 p.m., and unloading work from 3:15 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

[0109] The worker movement information stored in the server is information that associates the location of worker B with the time that worker B was at that location. Worker movement information during the time that worker B was present from 15:00 to 15:15 is identified as on-work movement information, and worker movement information during the time that worker B was present from 15:00 to 17:00 is identified as on-work movement information. In addition, worker movement information during the time that worker B was present from 15:00 to 15:15 is identified as inter-work movement time.

[0110] (3) Calculation of travel distance of workers The travel distance is calculated from two pieces of location information that are adjacent in time. For example, the straight-line distance between the worker's location information (x1, y1) at 14:06:10 and the location information (x2, y2) at 14:06:11 is calculated, and this is taken as the worker's travel distance between 14:06:11 and 14:06:12. The travel distance for each task is the cumulative travel distance calculated from two pieces of adjacent location information within each task area. After identifying the travel information during cash register tasks, the travel information during stocking tasks, and the travel information between tasks, the server calculates the travel distance during cash register tasks, the travel distance during stocking tasks, and the travel distance between tasks using the travel distance calculation means 606.

[0111] [Example 2] Example 2 is an example in which instructions on how to handle customers are given to workers based on worker movement information and customer movement information acquired in real time. (1) Acquisition of customer location information In the workplace with the layout of FIG. 4, a mobile terminal is attached to a shopping cart used by a customer. When an application installed on the mobile terminal receives radio waves including a beacon ID transmitted by a beacon, the mobile terminal transmits the strength of the received radio waves, the reception time, the beacon ID, and a cart ID unique to the shopping cart to the mobile information device 100. The acquisition of customer location information, which is the location of the shopping cart in the mobile information device 100, and the generation and output of customer movement information to the server are the same as in the first embodiment in which the acquisition of worker location information, the generation of worker movement information, and the output to the server are performed. In addition to the beacon, the customer location information can be specified by using image data captured by an imaging device placed in the workplace. When the imaging device is used to acquire customer location information, the facial image of the worker is registered in advance in the storage device 230 (worker information DB 303) in the server, and the facial image of the customer is recognized based on the facial image of the registered person other than the worker and the facial image in the image data captured by the imaging device, and the location information of the recognized customer can be specified. In addition, the facial image of the person other than the worker may be determined to be the facial image of the customer, or the facial image of the customer may be registered in advance or registered every time the person enters the workplace or factory. The customer's face image is registered in the customer information DB 306 in the storage device 230 in the server.

[0112] (2) Identifying customers to serve Among the customers who visit the workplace with the layout shown in Figure 4, there are those who require assistance from workers, and those who do not require assistance from workers and would like to leisurely select products, etc. Among these diverse customers, the workers identify those who should be served.

[0113] Specifically, when the customer movement information indicates that the customer is fixed in an area adjacent to the display shelf for a predetermined time or more, the customer is likely unsure of which product to select from the display shelf, and it is preferable for a worker to respond. Whether or not the customer is fixed in an area adjacent to the display shelf for a predetermined time or more is determined by the server based on the business area position information and customer movement information stored in the storage device 230 (facility information DB 302) in the server. It is also preferable for a worker to respond when a face image in the captured image information data identifies the customer as a good customer who spends a lot. The customer's basic information including the purchase amount (including the customer's name, sex, age, address, and purchase history) is stored in the customer information DB 306 in the storage device 230 in the server, as is the customer's face image.

[0114] For customers suspected of shoplifting, etc., it is necessary to place a worker near the customer. Suspicion of shoplifting, etc. can be determined by analyzing face images in the captured image information and customer movement information of customers moving to avoid areas where workers are present. Attention customer movement information, which is customer movement information of customers suspected of shoplifting, etc., that should be watched out for, is stored in the customer information DB306 in the storage device 230 in the server. The server compares the acquired customer movement information with the attention customer movement information and evaluates the similarity between them to determine whether or not the customer is a customer that should be watched out for. In addition, in the case of a restaurant, customers who have visited the store, customers who have exceeded a predetermined time since visiting the store or their last order, customers who have made a motion to look at the menu, customers who have made a motion to look at a store employee more than a predetermined number of times, and customers who have raised their hands toward a store employee may be identified from the image information and assigned to a worker. The behavior of the customer that should be assigned to a worker is stored as attention customer behavior in the customer information DB306 in the storage device 230 in the server. The server compares the behavior of the customer identified from the image information with the attention customer behavior and evaluates the similarity between them to determine whether or not the customer is a customer that should be watched out for.

[0115] (3) Determining who will be working with customers The worker information DB303 in the storage device 230 in the server stores the work history and work evaluation of the worker. The corresponding worker identification means 608 in the server identifies the worker who will handle the customer based on the worker movement information, the task allocation information, the customer movement information, the worker's work history, and the work evaluation. The possibility of handling is evaluated for each of the worker movement information, the task allocation information, the customer movement information, the worker's work history, and the worker's work evaluation, and an overall evaluation is calculated based on the weighting input by the user, and the worker who will handle the customer is identified. For example, the worker movement information may be prioritized to have a worker who is close to the customer handle the customer, or a worker with a high evaluation may be prioritized to handle the customer. The distance traveled during work may be calculated from the worker movement information, and a worker who has a small distance traveled during work in the previous specified time may be determined to be a worker with plenty of time and be allowed to handle the customer. The worker's task allocation information may be prioritized to have a worker who is assigned a task whose time is easy to change, such as cleaning work, handle the customer.

[0116] (4) Instructions to workers After determining which worker will handle the customer, the worker is instructed to handle the customer. Instructions to the worker can be sent using a display device or audio speaker installed in the workplace. Instructions can also be sent directly from the server to a mobile terminal carried by the worker or to a mobile terminal carried by the worker.

[0117] [Variations] In the configuration of the movement distance analysis system of the present invention shown in FIG. 6, the function of acquiring worker position information and generating worker movement information is a function of the movement information device 100. However, the function of acquiring worker position information and generating worker movement information may be a function of a mobile terminal carried by the worker. In such a case, as shown in FIG. 7, the mobile terminal carried by the worker also functions as the movement information device 100, and constantly outputs the worker movement information generated by acquiring the worker position information to the movement distance analysis device 110. The worker movement information acquisition means 604 of the movement distance analysis device 110 acquires the worker movement information output from the mobile terminal (movement information device 100) and stores it in the movement information DB 304.

[0118] The worker movement information does not have to be generated based on the worker position information output from the movement information device 100. For example, in areas where it is difficult to identify the position of a worker, such as a place where it is difficult to place a beacon such as a freezer, or a place where radio waves output from a beacon placed in another place do not reach, and in areas where a camera cannot be placed such as a changing room or a toilet (hereinafter referred to as a "difficult-to-locate area"), the movement information may be calculated by estimating the movement distance during work. For example, the stay time of a worker in the difficult-to-locate area is calculated based on the time when the worker entered the difficult-to-locate area and the time when the worker left the difficult-to-locate area. The movement distance information DB305 of the storage device 230 stores the result data of the stay time and the movement distance during work of the worker in the task area position information. Then, the relationship between the stay time and the movement distance during work of the worker in other task areas having the same size as the difficult-to-locate area is calculated from the past result data. The movement distance analysis device 110 can estimate the movement distance during work of the worker in the difficult-to-locate area from the stay time in the difficult-to-locate area based on the relationship between the stay time and the movement distance during work calculated from the past result data. Alternatively, the relationship between the time spent by workers in other work areas that have similar work content to the work content in the difficult-to-locate area and the distance traveled during work may be used. In this case, the area ratio of the difficult-to-locate area to the other work areas is taken into consideration. For example, if the area of ​​the difficult-to-locate area is 100 m 2 and the area of ​​the other business area K is 50m 2 In this case, the distance traveled during work in other work areas may be doubled. In addition, if data on the worker in question is not available, it may be estimated using the relationship between the time spent in the workplace and the distance traveled during work of another worker.

[0119] Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and modifications, improvements, etc. within the scope that can achieve the object of the present invention are included in the present invention.

[0120] Furthermore, for example, the series of processes described above can be executed by hardware or software. In other words, the functional configurations shown in FIGS. 1 to 7 are merely examples and are not particularly limited. That is, it is sufficient that the movement distance analysis system is provided with a function capable of executing the above-mentioned series of processes as a whole, and the type of functional block used to realize this function is not limited to the examples in Figs. 1 to 7. Furthermore, the locations of the functional blocks and databases are not particularly limited to those in Figs. 1 to 7, and may be arbitrary. For example, at least a part of the functional blocks and databases required for executing various processes may be transferred to a user terminal or the like. Conversely, the functional blocks and databases of the user terminal may be transferred to a server or the like. Furthermore, one functional block may be configured as a single piece of hardware, a single piece of software, or a combination of both.

[0121] When the series of processes is executed by software, the program constituting the software is installed into a computer or the like from a network or a recording medium. The computer may be a computer implemented with dedicated hardware. Furthermore, the computer may be a computer capable of executing various functions by installing various programs thereon, such as a server, a general-purpose smartphone, or a personal computer.

[0122] A recording medium containing such a program may be composed not only of a removable medium (not shown) that is distributed separately from the device main body in order to provide the program to a user, etc., but also of a recording medium that is provided to a user, etc. in a state where it is pre-installed in the device main body.

[0123] In this specification, the steps of describing a program to be recorded on a recording medium include not only processes that are performed chronologically according to the order, but also processes that are not necessarily performed chronologically but are executed in parallel or individually. In addition, in this specification, the term "system" refers to an overall device that is composed of a plurality of devices, a plurality of means, etc.

[0124] In other words, the information processing device used in the movement distance analysis device of the present invention is only required to have the following configuration, and can take various forms. That is, the information processing device used in the movement distance analysis device of the present invention has the functions described in FIGS. This makes it possible to obtain and analyze information about workers' movements during work, thereby evaluating and improving the allocation of work to workers. [Explanation of symbols]

[0125] 100: location information device, 110: movement distance analysis device, 120: external device, 210: control unit, 220: input device, 230: storage device, 240: display device, 250: communication device, 260: output device, 270: system bus, 301: user information DB, 302: facility information DB, 303: worker information DB, 304: movement information DB, 305: movement distance information DB, 306: customer information DB, 601: worker location information acquisition means, 602: worker movement information generation means, 603: worker movement information output means, 604: worker movement information acquisition means, 605: movement information determination means, 606: movement distance calculation means, 607: work assignment information acquisition means, 608: corresponding worker identification means, 609: work assignment means, 610: customer movement information acquisition means, 611: worker attribute information acquisition means, 612: instruction means.

Claims

1. A worker movement information acquisition means for acquiring worker movement information; A movement information determination means for determining in-task movement information during each task and inter-task movement information between successive tasks based on the movement information of the worker; a travel distance calculation means for calculating an in-task travel distance during each assigned task and an inter-task travel distance between assigned consecutive tasks based on the determined in-task travel information and the inter-task travel information; A storage device that stores the movement information of the worker; A movement distance analysis device having the following:

2. The storage device stores information including a business area, The movement information determination means identifies worker movement information from leaving one business area to entering another business area as inter-business movement information. The travel distance analysis device according to claim 1 .

3. The storage device stores information including a business area, The movement information determination means If the worker leaves the work area and then returns to the same work area within a predetermined time or a predetermined travel distance, it is determined that the worker has not left the work area. The travel distance analysis device according to claim 1 .

4. The movement information determination means Calculating a center of gravity from the worker movement information for each task assignment, and determining the in-task movement information and the inter-task movement information based on the distance from the center of gravity. The travel distance analysis device according to claim 1 .

5. The movement information determination means For each task assignment, among the worker's movement information, movement information within a certain period of time is determined to be within a task area, and movement information other than the determined in-task movement information is determined to be between-task movement information. The travel distance analysis device according to claim 1 .

6. The system further includes a task allocation information acquisition unit for acquiring task allocation information, The movement information determination means The task and the distance traveled during the task are associated with each other and stored in a storage device; determining whether or not there is a task in the acquired task allocation information that requires a travel distance during the task that is longer than a predetermined distance; The travel distance analysis device according to claim 1 .

7. The system further includes a task allocation information acquisition unit for acquiring task allocation information, The movement information determination means storing the combination of consecutive tasks and the distance traveled between the tasks in a storage device; determining whether or not there is a combination of tasks in which the travel distance between the tasks is longer than a predetermined distance in the acquired task allocation information; The travel distance analysis device according to claim 1 .

8. The movement information determination means Calculate the average distance workers travel between jobs over a certain period of time, A combination of tasks corresponding to the task-to-task travel distance that maximizes the average value is stored in a storage device as a combination of tasks whose task-to-task travel distance is longer than a predetermined distance. The travel distance analysis device according to claim 1 .

9. A worker location information acquisition means for acquiring the worker location information; A worker movement information generating means for accumulating the position information in chronological order to generate worker movement information; A worker movement information output means for outputting the worker movement information; A mobile information device having A movement distance analysis device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, A movement distance analysis system having the following:

10. Furthermore, a customer movement information acquisition means for acquiring customer movement information; A worker attribute information acquisition means for acquiring worker attribute information including at least the work history and evaluation of the worker; A corresponding worker identification means for identifying a worker corresponding to a customer based on information including worker movement information, task allocation information, worker attribute information, and customer movement information; A means for instructing the identified workers on how to respond to customers; The movement distance analysis system according to claim 9 , further comprising:

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