Work management system, work management method and program
The work management system enhances worker efficiency and management accuracy by using UWB tags and altitude sensors for real-time tracking and performance information generation, addressing the lack of real-time capabilities in existing systems.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- JP2023116054
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2023-07-14
- Publication Date
- 2025-01-24
AI Technical Summary
Existing work management systems lack real-time capability to accurately manage and improve worker efficiency at work sites, leading to decreased productivity.
A work management system that utilizes UWB tags and altitude sensors to track worker and object positions in real-time, generating work performance information to enhance management accuracy and efficiency.
Improves management accuracy and worker efficiency by providing real-time tracking and performance insights, enabling better resource allocation and workflow optimization.
Smart Images

Figure 2025012886000001_ABST
Abstract
Description
[Technical field]
[0001] The present invention relates to a work management system, a work management method, and a program. [Background technology]
[0002] Conventionally, various techniques have been proposed for identifying the location of a managed object.
[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 below discloses a technology for identifying the position of an article equipped with a wireless tag. In this technology, a self-propelled device receives the wireless tag number of an article to be searched for, moves within a search area, and searches for an article equipped with a wireless tag having a tag number equal to the received wireless tag number, and the search result is output as position information. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]
[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2005-56177 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]
[0005] However, in the technology of Patent Document 1, it may take time for the self-propelled device to search for the managed object, and in this case, the situation of the managed object cannot be grasped in real time. In a work site, if the situation of the managed object cannot be grasped in real time, the work efficiency of the worker may decrease.
[0006] In view of the above-mentioned problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a work management system, a work management method, and a program that can improve the management accuracy of managed objects at a work site and improve the work efficiency of workers. [Means for solving the problem]
[0007] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a work management system according to one embodiment of the present invention is a work management system that includes a position information acquisition unit that acquires worker position information indicating the position of a worker present at a work site in real time and acquires object position information indicating the position of an object used in work performed by the worker at the work site, and a generation unit that generates work performance information indicating the performance of the work performed by the worker based on the acquired worker position information and object position information.
[0008] A work management method according to one embodiment of the present invention is a work management method executed by a computer, including a position information acquisition process that acquires worker position information indicating the position of a worker present at a work site in real time, and acquires object position information indicating the position of an object used in work performed by the worker at the work site, and a generation process that generates work performance information indicating the performance of the work performed by the worker based on the acquired worker position information and object position information.
[0009] A program according to one embodiment of the present invention is a program for causing a computer to function as: a position information acquisition means for acquiring worker position information indicating the position of a worker present at a work site in real time, and acquiring object position information indicating the position of an object used in work performed by the worker at the work site; and a generation means for generating work performance information indicating the performance of the work performed by the worker based on the acquired worker position information and object position information. Effect of the Invention
[0010] According to the present invention, it is possible to improve the management accuracy of managed objects at a work site and to improve the work efficiency of workers. [Brief description of the drawings]
[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a work management system according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2]FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of a work management server according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a processing flow in the work management system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of a work performance information generating process according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a work management system according to a second embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a processing flow in a work management system according to a second embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a processing flow in a work management system according to a second embodiment. [Figure 8] 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of work performance information generation processing according to the second embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a work management system according to a third embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a processing flow in a work management system according to a third embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 13 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a processing flow in a work management system according to a third embodiment. [Figure 12] 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of a work performance information generating process according to the third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
[0013] <<1. First embodiment>> A first embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 1 to 4. In the first embodiment, a work management system will be described that grasps the situation related to the managed object at the work site and outputs information according to the grasped situation. The managed object is, for example, a worker, a transporting device, a part, a product sample, an external person, etc. A worker is, for example, an employee who performs work at the work site. A transporting device is, for example, a hand lift, a forklift, a dolly, etc. A part is, for example, a replacement part used for repairing equipment installed at the work site. A product sample is, for example, extracted for a sampling inspection or the like. An external person is, for example, a visitor, an external cooperating company, etc. In the following, a first embodiment will be described using as an example an example in which the object to be managed is a worker, the situation related to the managed object is the work situation of the worker, and information according to the grasped situation is information indicating the actual work performed by the worker (hereinafter also referred to as "work performance information").
[0014] <1-1. Work management system configuration> The configuration of a work management system 1 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a work management system 1 according to the first embodiment. The work management system 1 shown in Fig. 1 is a system that grasps the work status of a worker WK at a work site WS and outputs information according to the grasped work status. A transport device OB is an example of an object used in the work performed by the worker WK at the work site WS. Note that, although the figure shows one worker WK and one transport device OB at the work site WS, there may be multiple workers WK and multiple transport devices OB at the work site WS. As shown in FIG. 1, the work management system 1 includes a UWB (Ultra Wide Band) tag 10, an altitude sensor 20, a UWB receiver 30, a sensor receiver 40, a hub 50, a work management server 60, a gateway 70, a worker terminal 80, and a work management terminal 90.
[0015] (1) UWB tag 10 The UWB tag 10 is a transmitter that emits radio waves for positioning according to the UWB (Ultra Wide Band) communication standard. It is a transmitter that transmits radio waves for positioning using the UWB (Ultra Wide Band) communication standard. In the first embodiment, the UWB tag 10 is used to identify the current position of the worker WK and the current position of the transportation equipment OB in the horizontal direction of the work site WS. For this reason, the UWB tag 10 is carried by each worker WK and attached to each piece of transportation equipment OB. The UWB tag 10 may be, for example, in the form of a card.
[0016] (2) Altitude Sensor 20 The altitude sensor 20 is a sensor device capable of detecting a change in altitude. In the first embodiment, the altitude sensor 20 is used to identify the current position of the worker WK and the current position of the transportation equipment OB in the height direction of the work site WS. For this reason, the altitude sensor 20 is carried by each worker WK and attached to each piece of transportation equipment OB. The altitude sensor 20 transmits the measurement results of the altitude measurement to the sensor receiver 40 .
[0017] (3) UWB receiver 30 The UWB receiver 30 is a receiver that receives radio waves for positioning transmitted from the UWB tag 10. In the work site WS, one UWB receiver 30 is fixedly installed at each of a plurality of predetermined positions. The plurality of UWB receivers 30 are connected to a work management server 60 via a hub 50, for example.
[0018] The UWB tag 10 emits pulsed radio waves for positioning. The emitted radio waves are received by multiple UWB receivers 30 that are present within the range of the multiple radio waves. The UWB receiver 30 that receives the radio waves from the UWB tag 10 measures the time (signal arrival time) until the received radio waves arrive from the UWB tag 10 and the angle (signal arrival angle) at which the received radio waves arrive, and calculates the position of the UWB tag 10 based on measurement information including the measured signal arrival time and signal arrival angle. In the first embodiment, the position of the UWB tag 10 calculated in this manner is treated as the position measured for the worker WK who carries the UWB tag 10 or the position measured for the transport equipment OB to which the UWB tag 10 is affixed.
[0019] The positions of the worker WK and the transport equipment OB calculated by the UWB receiver 30 are position information indicating positions in the planar direction of the work site WS. The UWB receiver 30 transmits the position information indicating the calculated position of the worker WK present at the work site WS as worker position information in the planar direction, and transmits the position information indicating the calculated position of the transport equipment OB present at the work site WS as object position information in the planar direction to the work management server 60.
[0020] Furthermore, in order for the work management server 60 to associate the measured position in the planar direction with the worker WK or the transport equipment OB, the UWB tag 10 may transmit a UWB tag ID uniquely associated with the worker WK or the transport equipment OB to the UWB receiver 30. The UWB receiver 30 transmits the worker position information or the object position information including the received UWB tag ID to the work management server 60. The work management server 60 can associate the measured position of the UWB tag 10 with the UWB tag ID. Since the UWB tag ID is uniquely associated with the worker WK or the transport equipment OB, it becomes possible to associate the measured position of the UWB tag 10 with the worker WK or the transport equipment OB.
[0021] In such UWB positioning, it is possible to measure the position with an accuracy of, for example, about several tens of centimeters. Therefore, in the first embodiment, it is also possible to grasp the position of the worker WK or the transport equipment OB present at the work site WS with a high accuracy of about several tens of centimeters.
[0022] (4) Sensor receiver 40 The sensor receiver 40 is a receiver that receives the altitude measurement results transmitted from the altitude sensor 20. In the work site WS, one sensor receiver 40 is fixedly installed at each of a plurality of predetermined positions. The plurality of sensor receivers 40 are connected to a work management server 60 via a hub 50, for example.
[0023] The sensor receiver 40 calculates the position of the altitude sensor 20 based on the measurement results received from the altitude sensor 20. In the first embodiment, the position of the altitude sensor 20 calculated in this manner is treated as the position measured for the worker WK carrying the altitude sensor 20 or the position measured for the transportation equipment OB to which the altitude sensor 20 is attached.
[0024] The position of the worker WK and the position of the transport equipment OB calculated by the sensor receiver 40 are position information indicating the position in the height direction of the work site WS. The sensor receiver 40 transmits the position information indicating the calculated position of the worker WK present at the work site WS as worker position information in the height direction, and transmits the position information indicating the calculated position of the transport equipment OB present at the work site WS as object position information in the height direction to the work management server 60.
[0025] Furthermore, in order for the work management server 60 to associate the measured height position with the worker WK or the transportation equipment OB, the altitude sensor 20 may transmit an altitude sensor ID uniquely associated with the worker WK or the transportation equipment OB to the sensor receiver 40. The sensor receiver 40 transmits the worker position information or object position information including the received altitude sensor ID to the work management server 60. The work management server 60 can associate the measured position of the altitude sensor 20 with the altitude sensor ID. Since the altitude sensor ID is uniquely associated with the worker WK or the transportation equipment OB, it becomes possible to associate the measured position of the altitude sensor 20 with the worker WK or the transportation equipment OB.
[0026] (5) Hub 50 The hub 50 is a device that relays communications between the UWB receiver 30 and the sensor receiver 40 on the one hand and the work management server 60 on the other hand.
[0027] (6) Work management server 60 The work management server 60 is a server that executes processes for managing the work status of workers, and is an example of a work management device. The work management server 60 is configured with one or more servers (for example, cloud servers).
[0028] (7) Gateway 70 The gateway 70 is a device that relays communications between the work management server 60 and the worker terminal 80 and the work management terminal 90.
[0029] (8) Worker terminal 80 The worker terminal 80 is a terminal used by the worker WK. The worker terminal 80 is, for example, a mobile terminal such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal, or a PC (Personal Computer). In addition, the worker terminal 80 may be connectable to the work management server 60 via a mobile phone communication network or the like, without going through the gateway 70, for example. The function of the worker terminal 80 may be realized by installing a worker assistance application, or by accessing a worker assistance website provided by the work management server 60 using a browser implemented in the worker terminal 80. The worker assistance application may be a thin client application.
[0030] (9) Work management terminal 90 The work management terminal 90 is a terminal used by a manager who manages the work site WS. The work management terminal 90 is, for example, a mobile terminal such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal, or a PC. In addition, the work management terminal 90 may be connectable to the work management server 60 via a mobile phone communication network or the like, without going through the gateway 70, for example. The function of the work management terminal 90 of this embodiment may be realized by installing a work management support application, or by accessing a work management support website provided by the work management server 60 using a browser installed in the work management terminal 90. The work management support application may be a thin client application.
[0031] <1-2. Functional configuration of the work management server> The configuration of the work management system 1 according to the first embodiment has been described above. Next, the functional configuration of the work management server 60 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the work management server 60 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, the work management server 60 includes a communication unit 610, a storage unit 620, and a control unit 630.
[0032] (1) Communications Department 610 The communication unit 610 has a function of transmitting and receiving various information. For example, the communication unit 610 communicates with the UWB receiver 30 via the hub 50, and receives worker position information in a horizontal direction or object position information in a horizontal direction. The communication unit 610 also communicates with the sensor receiver 40 via the hub 50, and receives worker position information in a vertical direction or object position information in a vertical direction. The communication unit 610 also communicates with the worker terminal 80 via the gateway 70 to transmit work performance information. The communication unit 610 also communicates with the work management terminal 90 via the gateway 70 to transmit work performance information.
[0033] (2) Storage section 620 The storage unit 620 has a function of storing various information. The storage unit 620 is configured by a storage medium provided in the work management server 60 as hardware, such as a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), a flash memory, an electrically erasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM), a random access read / write memory (RAM), a read only memory (ROM), or any combination of these storage media.
[0034] (3) Control unit 630 The control unit 630 has a function of controlling the overall operation of the work management server 60. The control unit 630 is realized, for example, by causing a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) that the work management server 60 has as hardware to execute a program. As shown in FIG. 2, the control unit 630 includes a position information acquisition unit 631, an operation execution determination unit 632, a generation unit 633, and an output processing unit 634.
[0035] (3-1) Location information acquisition unit 631 The position information acquisition unit 631 has a function of acquiring position information. The position information acquisition unit 631 acquires worker position information indicating the position of the worker WK present at the work site WS and object position information indicating the position of the transport equipment OB used in the work performed by the worker WK at the work site WS. In the first embodiment, the position information acquisition unit 631 acquires in real time the worker position information and object position information that change according to the work of the worker WK. The position information acquisition unit 631 acquires the worker position information and object position information in the planar direction at the work site WS, and the worker position information and object position information in the height direction at the work site WS.
[0036] In addition, the position information acquisition unit 631 acquires position information indicating the position of the UWB tag 10 calculated based on positioning radio waves received from the UWB tag 10 by multiple UWB receivers 30 as position information indicating the position in a planar direction of a worker WK or transport equipment OB carrying the UWB tag 10. In addition, the position information acquisition unit 631 acquires position information indicating the position of the altitude sensor 20 calculated based on the altitude measurement results received from the altitude sensor 20 by the multiple sensor receivers 40, as position information indicating the position in the vertical direction of the worker WK or transport equipment OB having the altitude sensor 20.
[0037] (3-2) Work execution determination unit 632 The work execution determination unit 632 has a function of determining whether or not the worker WK is performing work using the transportation equipment OB. For example, the work execution determination unit 632 determines whether or not the worker WK is performing work using the transportation equipment OB based on the worker position information and the target object position information acquired by the position information acquisition unit 631. As an example, the work execution determination unit 632 makes a determination based on the distance between the worker WK and the transportation equipment OB.
[0038] Specifically, first, the task execution determination unit 632 calculates the worker-object distance from the worker position information and the object position information. The worker-object distance is the distance between the position of the worker WK and the position of the transportation equipment OB. After the calculation, the work execution determination unit 632 checks whether the worker-object distance is less than a predetermined distance (e.g., a radius of 0.5 m) and whether the position of the worker WK and the position of the transportation equipment OB have changed while the worker-object distance is kept less than the predetermined distance. If the worker-object distance is less than the predetermined distance and the position of the worker WK and the position of the transportation equipment OB have changed while the worker-object distance is kept less than the predetermined distance (work execution condition), it is determined that the worker WK is performing work using the transportation equipment OB. If this condition is not met, the work execution determination unit 632 determines that the worker WK is not performing work using the transportation equipment OB.
[0039] (3-3) Generation section 633 The generating unit 633 has a function of generating work performance information. For example, the generating unit 633 generates work performance information indicating the performance of work performed by the worker WK, based on the worker position information and the target object position information acquired by the position information acquiring unit 631. The generating unit 633 generates work performance information for the work determined by the work execution determining unit 632 to be performed by the worker WK using the transportation equipment OB.
[0040] As an example, the generating unit 633 generates work result information indicating the results of the movement of the worker WK and the transport equipment OB in the planar direction and the height direction as the work result. The results regarding the movement in the planar direction are the time that the worker WK used the transportation equipment OB in the work and the distance that the worker WK and the transportation equipment OB moved. The generation unit 633 calculates the actual usage time and the actual movement distance in the planar direction from the worker position information in the planar direction and the object position information in the planar direction acquired by the position information acquisition unit 631. The results of movement in the height direction are the distance and number of times that the worker WK moved between floors while working. The generation unit 633 calculates the results of the distance of movement between floors in the height direction and the number of times of movement between floors from the worker position information in the height direction and the object position information in the height direction acquired by the position information acquisition unit 631. The generating unit 633 generates and outputs the calculated various information as work performance information.
[0041] Furthermore, the generating unit 633 may output information processed based on the acquired information or the various calculated information as the work performance information. For example, the generating unit 633 may process a map of the work site WS based on the time when each piece of position information acquired by the position information acquiring unit 631 was acquired, and generate and output a heat map showing the time when the worker WK stayed at each position of the work site WS. In this way, by visualizing the work performance of the worker, the worker can easily find areas for improvement in his / her work performance. For example, if a worker finds from the heat map that the time spent at a certain position is unnecessarily long, the worker can improve the work efficiency by improving the work so as to shorten the time spent at that position.
[0042] In addition, the generating unit 633 generates and outputs work performance information for each worker. This allows the manager to obtain suggestions for leveling out the work by comparing the work performance of multiple workers.
[0043] The target period of the work performance information generated by the generating unit 633 is not particularly limited, and may be generated for any period such as one day, one week, one month, or one year.
[0044] (3-4) Output processing unit 634 The output processing unit 634 has a function of controlling the output of various information. For example, when work performance information is output from the generation unit 633, the output processing unit 634 causes the communication unit 610 to transmit the work performance information to the worker terminal 80 or the work management terminal 90.
[0045] <1-3. Processing flow> The functional configuration of the work management server 60 according to the first embodiment has been described above. Next, a process flow according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 3 and 4. Fig. 3 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a process flow in the work management system according to the first embodiment. Fig. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of a process flow for generating work performance information according to the first embodiment.
[0046] As shown in FIG. 3, first, the worker WK moves to the transportation equipment OB to be used for the work (step S101). Next, the worker WK starts moving together with the transportation equipment OB (step S102).
[0047] At the start of movement, the UWB tags 10 carried by the worker WK and the transport equipment OB each transmit radio waves for positioning (step S103). The UWB receiver 30 receives radio waves for positioning from each UWB tag 10 and calculates worker position information and target object position information in a horizontal direction (step S104). The UWB receiver 30 transmits the calculated worker position information and object position information in the planar direction to the work management server 60 via the hub 50 (step S105). The position information acquisition unit 631 of the work management server 60 acquires the worker position information and the target object position information in the planar direction that the communication unit 610 receives from the UWB receiver 30 via the hub 50 (step S106).
[0048] Furthermore, at the start of movement, the altitude sensors 20 of the worker WK and the transport equipment OB measure the altitudes, respectively, and transmit the measurement results to the sensor receiver 40 (step S107). The sensor receiver 40, which has received the measurement results from each altitude sensor 20, calculates the worker position information and the target object position information in the height direction (step S108). The sensor receiver 40 transmits the calculated worker position information and object position information in the height direction to the work management server 60 via the hub 50 (step S109). The position information acquisition unit 631 of the work management server 60 acquires the worker position information and the target object position information in the height direction that the communication unit 610 receives from the sensor receiver 40 via the hub 50 (step S110).
[0049] The work execution determination unit 632 of the work management server 60 determines whether or not the worker WK is performing work using the transport equipment OB, based on each piece of position information acquired by the position information acquisition unit 631 (step S111). If the worker WK is performing work using the transportation equipment OB (step S112 / YES), the process proceeds to step S113. On the other hand, if the worker WK is not performing work using the transportation equipment OB (step S112 / NO), the process returns to step S103 and repeats the process at the timing when the UWB tag 10 next transmits a positioning radio wave and the timing when the altitude measurement result is transmitted from the altitude sensor 20. When the process proceeds to step S113, the generating unit 633 of the work management server 60 performs a work performance information generating process (step S113).
[0050] Now, with reference to FIG. 4, the work performance information generating process according to the first embodiment will be described in detail.
[0051] As shown in FIG. 4, first, the generation unit 633 calculates the performance in the planar direction based on the worker position information and the target object position information in the planar direction acquired by the position information acquisition unit 631 (step S201). Next, the generation unit 633 calculates the performance in the height direction based on the worker position information and the target object position information in the height direction acquired by the position information acquisition unit 631 (step S202). After the calculation, the generation unit 633 generates work result information based on the calculated results in the planar direction and the height direction (step S203). After generation, the generation unit 633 registers the generated work result information by storing it in the storage unit 620 (step S204). After the registration, the generating unit 633 performs an output process of the work performance information (step S205). For example, the generating unit 633 causes the communication unit 610 to transmit the work performance information to the worker terminal 80 or the work management terminal 90 via the gateway 70, and causes each terminal to display the work performance information.
[0052] As described above, the work management system 1 according to the first embodiment includes a position information acquisition unit 631 that acquires worker position information indicating the position of a worker present at a work site in real time and acquires object position information indicating the position of an object used in work performed by the worker at the work site, and a generation unit 633 that generates work performance information indicating the performance of the work performed by the worker based on the acquired worker position information and object position information.
[0053] With this configuration, in the work management system 1 according to the first embodiment, of the worker position information and the object position information, at least the worker position information is acquired in real time, and work performance information is generated based on the acquired worker position information and object position information. As a result, at the work site, the work of the workers can be managed based on the work performance information that reflects at least the real-time nature of the worker position information. Therefore, the work management system 1 according to the first embodiment makes it possible to improve the management accuracy of the managed objects at the work site and to improve the work efficiency of the workers.
[0054] <<2. Second embodiment>> Having described the first embodiment, the second embodiment will now be described with reference to Figs. In the above-mentioned first embodiment, an example of outputting work performance information that can provide a suggestion for leveling the work among a plurality of workers in the work using the transport equipment OB is described, but the present invention is not limited to such an example. In the second embodiment, an example of outputting work performance information that can provide a suggestion for an efficient movement line route in the work using the transport equipment OB is described. The work performance information is, for example, a movement line route that shows the trajectory of the movement of the worker WK together with the transport equipment OB from the start position of the movement to the end position of the movement. In the following, the second embodiment will be described by taking as an example an example in which work result information indicating a traffic route in a horizontal direction at a work site WS is output. Note that descriptions that overlap with the first embodiment will be omitted as appropriate.
[0055] <2-1. Work management system configuration> The configuration of a work management system 1a according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a work management system 1a according to the second embodiment.
[0056] As shown in FIG. 5, the work management system 1a according to the second embodiment includes a UWB tag 10, a UWB receiver 30, a hub 50, a work management server 60, a gateway 70, a worker terminal 80, and a work management terminal 90. The work management system 1a according to the second embodiment differs from the work management system 1 according to the first embodiment in that it does not include the altitude sensor 20 and the sensor receiver 40. Note that, in the case of outputting work performance information including the traffic route in the height direction of the work site WS, the work management system 1a may include the altitude sensor 20 and the sensor receiver 40.
[0057] <2-2. Functional configuration of the work management server> The configuration of the work management system 1a according to the second embodiment has been described above. Next, the functional configuration of the work management server 60 according to the second embodiment will be described. The work management server 60 according to the second embodiment has a similar configuration to the work management server 60 according to the first embodiment described with reference to FIG.
[0058] The generating unit 633 calculates the distance that the worker WK actually traveled during the work (actual travel distance) based on the position where the worker WK started moving, the position during movement, and the position where the worker WK finished moving, which are indicated by the worker position information acquired by the position information acquiring unit 631. In addition, the generating unit 633 can generate work performance information indicating the movement route by mapping the positions used for calculating the actual travel distance on the map of the work site WS.
[0059] In addition, the generation unit 633 calculates the straight-line distance from the start position of movement to the end position of movement (i.e., the destination position) based on the position where the worker WK started moving (start position of movement) and the position where the worker WK ended moving (end position of movement), which are indicated by the worker position information acquired by the position information acquisition unit 631. Then, the generating unit 633 calculates the difference between the actual movement distance (the distance of the flow line route) and the straight-line distance, and generates and outputs work performance information indicating this difference. The larger this difference is, the farther the worker is moving along a route from the straight-line distance. Therefore, the larger the difference between the actual movement distance and the straight-line distance is, the more wasteful the worker is moving. On the other hand, the smaller this difference is, the closer the worker is moving along a route to the straight-line distance. Therefore, the smaller the difference between the actual movement distance and the straight-line distance is, the more efficient the worker is moving. The generating unit 633 may calculate a ratio by further dividing the difference between the actual movement distance and the straight-line distance by the straight-line distance. By using this ratio, it becomes possible to compare the differences between multiple work sites WS of different scales.
[0060] The generating unit 633 generates and outputs work performance information indicating the generated flow line route and the calculated ratio for each worker. This allows workers and managers to obtain suggestions for efficient flow line routes for work using the transport equipment OB by comparing the flow line routes of multiple workers.
[0061] In addition, workers and managers can consider the difference in the abilities of the workers WK and the difference in the performance of the transport equipment OB based on the average and standard deviation of the performance data, which are calculated based on the accumulated worker position information generated in the past by the generating unit 633. In addition, the performance of the transport equipment OB can be evaluated based on the difference in the manufacturers. In addition, workers and managers can search for worker location information previously generated by the generation unit 633 using search criteria such as daily, weekly, or monthly, and further sort the information based on the ratio calculated by the generation unit 633 to find excellent movement cases (traffic flow routes).
[0062] In addition, the generation unit 633 may generate work performance information (visualized information) to be output to the worker terminal 80 or the work management terminal 90 only when the calculated travel distance is equal to or greater than a predetermined distance (e.g., 10 m).
[0063] <2-3. Processing flow> The functional configuration of the work management server 60 according to the second embodiment has been described above. Next, a process flow according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 6 to 8. Fig. 6 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a process flow in the work management system 1a according to the second embodiment. Fig. 7 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a process flow in the work management system 1a according to the second embodiment. Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of a work performance information generation process flow according to the second embodiment.
[0064] As shown in FIG. 6, first, the worker WK moves to the transportation equipment OB to be used for the work (step S301). Next, the worker WK starts moving together with the transportation equipment OB (step S302).
[0065] At the start of movement, the UWB tags 10 carried by the worker WK and the transport equipment OB each transmit radio waves for positioning (step S303). The UWB receiver 30, which has received radio waves for positioning from each UWB tag 10, determines whether the worker WK and the transport equipment OB have started moving (step S304). If it is determined that they have started moving (step S304 / YES), the process proceeds to step S305. On the other hand, if it is determined that they have not started moving (step S304 / NO), the process repeats the determination process until it is determined that they have started moving. When the process proceeds to step S305, the UWB receiver 30 calculates worker position information and object position information indicating the movement start position in the horizontal direction based on the positioning radio waves received from each UWB tag 10 (step S305). After the calculation, the UWB receiver 30 transmits the worker position information indicating the calculated movement start position in the planar direction and the target object position information to the work management server 60 via the hub 50 (step S306). The position information acquisition unit 631 of the work management server 60 acquires the worker position information and object position information indicating the start position of movement in the planar direction received by the communication unit 610 from the UWB receiver 30 via the hub 50, and registers them in the memory unit 620 (step S307).
[0066] The UWB tags 10 carried by the worker WK and the transport equipment OB periodically transmit radio waves for positioning while they are moving (step S308). The UWB receiver 30 receives radio waves for positioning from each UWB tag 10 and calculates worker position information and object position information that indicate the moving position in a horizontal direction (step S309). The UWB receiver 30 transmits the worker position information indicating the calculated position during movement in the planar direction and the target object position information to the work management server 60 via the hub 50 (step S310). The position information acquisition unit 631 of the work management server 60 acquires worker position information and object position information indicating the moving position in a planar direction received by the communication unit 610 from the UWB receiver 30 via the hub 50, and registers them in the memory unit 620 (step S311).
[0067] Next, as shown in FIG. 7, it is assumed that the worker WK arrives at the work position (destination position) (step S312). Upon arrival, the UWB tags 10 carried by the worker WK and the transport equipment OB each transmit radio waves for positioning (step S313). The UWB receiver 30, which has received radio waves for positioning from each UWB tag 10, determines whether the worker WK and the transport equipment OB have finished moving (step S314). If it is determined that the movement has finished (step S314 / YES), the process proceeds to step S315. On the other hand, if it is determined that the movement has not finished (step S314 / NO), the determination process is repeated until it is determined that the movement has finished. If the process proceeds to step S315, the UWB receiver 30 calculates worker position information and object position information indicating the end position of movement in the horizontal direction based on the positioning radio waves received from each UWB tag 10 (step S315). After the calculation, the UWB receiver 30 transmits the worker position information indicating the calculated movement end position in the planar direction and the target object position information to the work management server 60 via the hub 50 (step S316). The position information acquisition unit 631 of the work management server 60 acquires the worker position information and object position information indicating the end position of movement in the planar direction received by the communication unit 610 from the UWB receiver 30 via the hub 50, and registers them in the memory unit 620 (step S317). After registration, the generating unit 633 of the work management server 60 performs a work performance information generating process (step S318).
[0068] Now, with reference to FIG. 8, the work performance information generating process according to the second embodiment will be described in detail.
[0069] As shown in FIG. 8, first, the generation unit 633 calculates and registers the straight-line distance from the start position to the end position of movement based on the start position and end position of movement indicated by the worker position information acquired by the position information acquisition unit 631 (step S401). Next, the generation unit 633 calculates and registers an actual movement distance based on the movement start position, the position during movement, and the movement end position indicated by the worker position information acquired by the position information acquisition unit 631 (step S402). Next, the generation unit 633 calculates and registers the difference between the calculated actual movement distance and the straight-line distance (step S403). Next, the generation unit 633 calculates and registers the ratio obtained by dividing the difference between the actual movement distance and the straight-line distance by the straight-line distance (step S404). After the registration, the generating unit 633 performs an output process of the work performance information (step S405). For example, the generating unit 633 causes the communication unit 610 to transmit the work performance information (information indicating the flow line route and the calculated ratio) to the worker terminal 80 or the work management terminal 90 via the gateway 70, and causes each terminal to display the work performance information.
[0070] As described above, the work management system 1a according to the second embodiment includes a position information acquisition unit 631 that acquires worker position information indicating the position of a worker present at a work site in real time and acquires object position information indicating the position of an object used in work performed by the worker at the work site, and a generation unit 633 that generates work performance information indicating the performance of the work performed by the worker based on the acquired worker position information and object position information.
[0071] With this configuration, in the work management system 1a according to the second embodiment, of the worker position information and the object position information, at least the worker position information is acquired in real time, and work performance information is generated based on the acquired worker position information and object position information. As a result, at the work site, the work of the workers can be managed based on the work performance information that reflects at least the real-time nature of the worker position information. Therefore, the work management system 1a according to the second embodiment makes it possible to improve the management accuracy of the managed objects at the work site and to improve the work efficiency of the workers.
[0072] <<3. Third embodiment>> Having described the second embodiment, the third embodiment will now be described with reference to Figs. In the above-mentioned second embodiment, an example of outputting work performance information that can provide a suggestion for an efficient flow route in work using a transport machine OB has been described, but the present invention is not limited to such an example. In the third embodiment, an example of outputting work performance information that can provide a suggestion for an efficient production line when considering a new production line will be described. In the following, the third embodiment will be described by taking as an example an example in which an object used in a work performed by a worker WK at a work site WS is a piece of equipment whose position is fixed for use in the work. Note that descriptions that overlap with the first embodiment will be omitted as appropriate.
[0073] <3-1. Work management system configuration> The configuration of a work management system 1b according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 9. Fig. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a work management system 1b according to the third embodiment.
[0074] 9, a work management system 1b according to the third embodiment includes a UWB tag 10, a UWB receiver 30, a hub 50, a work management server 60, a gateway 70, a worker terminal 80, and a work management terminal 90. It is assumed that equipment OB1 to OB3 are prepared as equipment OB, as an example. The work management system 1b according to the third embodiment differs from the work management system 1 according to the first embodiment in that it does not include the altitude sensor 20 and the sensor receiver 40. Note that, in the case of outputting work performance information including the height direction of the work site WS, the work management system 1b may include the altitude sensor 20 and the sensor receiver 40. Moreover, the work management system 1b according to the third embodiment is different from the work management system 1a according to the second embodiment in that the objects (equipment OB1 to OB3) are not provided with UWB tags 10.
[0075] <3-2. Functional configuration of the work management server> The configuration of the work management system 1b according to the third embodiment has been described above. Next, the functional configuration of the work management server 60 according to the third embodiment will be described. The work management server 60 according to the third embodiment has a similar configuration to the work management server 60 according to the first embodiment described with reference to FIG. 2.
[0076] The position information acquisition unit 631 acquires worker position information and object position information indicating a fixed position where the equipment OB is installed. In the third embodiment, the position information acquisition unit 631 acquires, as an example, worker position information and object position information in a planar direction at the work site WS. The work performance determination unit 632 determines that the worker WK is performing work using the equipment OB when the worker-object distance, which indicates the distance between the position of the worker WK indicated by the worker position information and the position of the equipment OB indicated by the object position information, is less than a predetermined distance and the equipment OB is operating. The generating unit 633 generates work result information indicating results regarding movement in a planar direction for the worker WK. The results regarding movement in a planar direction according to the third embodiment include the results of the time the worker WK stayed at the equipment OB while working and the results of the distance traveled by the worker WK.
[0077] <3-3. Processing flow> The functional configuration of the work management server 60 according to the third embodiment has been described above. Next, a process flow according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 10 to 12. Fig. 10 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a process flow in the work management system 1b according to the third embodiment. Fig. 11 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a process flow in the work management system 1b according to the third embodiment. Fig. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of a work performance information generation process flow according to the third embodiment. In the examples shown in Figs. 10 to 12, it is assumed that the worker WK moves to and performs work on the equipment B1, the equipment OB2, and the equipment B3 in this order.
[0078] As shown in FIG. 10, first, the worker WK starts moving to the equipment OB1 to be used for the work (step S501). At the start of movement, the UWB tag 10 carried by the worker WK transmits radio waves for positioning (step S502). The UWB receiver 30, which has received radio waves for positioning from the UWB tag 10, determines whether the worker WK has started moving (step S503). If it is determined that the worker WK has started moving (step S503 / YES), the process proceeds to step S504. On the other hand, if it is determined that the worker WK has not started moving (step S503 / NO), the process repeats the determination process until it is determined that the worker WK has started moving. When the process proceeds to step S504, the UWB receiver 30 calculates the worker position information indicating the movement start position in a horizontal direction based on the positioning radio waves received from the UWB tag 10 (step S504). After the calculation, the UWB receiver 30 transmits the worker position information indicating the calculated movement start position in the planar direction to the work management server 60 via the hub 50 (step S505). The position information acquisition unit 631 of the work management server 60 acquires the worker position information indicating the movement start position in a horizontal direction received by the communication unit 610 from the UWB receiver 30 via the hub 50, and registers it in the memory unit 620 (step S506).
[0079] The UWB tag 10 carried by the worker WK periodically transmits radio waves for positioning even while moving (step S507). The UWB receiver 30, which has received radio waves for positioning from the UWB tag 10, calculates worker position information indicating the worker's position during movement in a horizontal direction (step S508). The UWB receiver 30 transmits the worker position information indicating the calculated position during movement in the planar direction to the work management server 60 via the hub 50 (step S509). The position information acquisition unit 631 of the work management server 60 acquires the worker position information indicating the moving position in a horizontal direction received by the communication unit 610 from the UWB receiver 30 via the hub 50, and registers it in the memory unit 620 (step S510).
[0080] Next, as shown in FIG. 11, it is assumed that the worker WK arrives at the equipment OB1 (destination position) (step S511). Upon arrival, the UWB tag 10 carried by the worker WK transmits radio waves for positioning (step S512). The UWB receiver 30, which has received radio waves for positioning from the UWB tag 10, determines whether the worker WK has finished moving (step S513). If it is determined that the worker WK has finished moving (step S513 / YES), the process proceeds to step S514. On the other hand, if it is determined that the worker WK has not finished moving (step S513 / NO), the process repeats the determination process until it is determined that the worker WK has finished moving. When the process proceeds to step S514, the UWB receiver 30 calculates worker position information indicating the movement end position in a horizontal direction based on the positioning radio waves received from the UWB tag 10 (step S514). After the calculation, the UWB receiver 30 transmits the worker position information indicating the calculated movement end position in the planar direction to the work management server 60 via the hub 50 (step S515). The position information acquisition unit 631 of the work management server 60 acquires the worker position information indicating the movement end position in the horizontal direction received by the communication unit 610 from the UWB receiver 30 via the hub 50, and registers it in the memory unit 620 (step S516).
[0081] After arriving, the worker WK starts work in the equipment OB1 (step S517). Accordingly, the equipment OB1 starts operating (step S518). The UWB tag 10 carried by the worker WK periodically transmits radio waves for positioning even during work (step S519). The UWB receiver 30, which has received radio waves for positioning from the UWB tag 10, calculates worker position information indicating the worker's position during work in a horizontal direction (step S520). The UWB receiver 30 transmits worker position information indicating the calculated position during work in the horizontal direction to the work management server 60 via the hub 50 (step S521). The position information acquisition unit 631 of the work management server 60 acquires the worker position information indicating the position in a horizontal direction during work received by the communication unit 610 from the UWB receiver 30 via the hub 50, and registers it in the storage unit 620 (step S522). Note that the position information acquisition unit 631 may acquire and register the worker position information indicating the position in a horizontal direction during work received from the UWB receiver 30 only when the work performance determination unit 632 determines that the worker WK is performing work on the equipment OB1.
[0082] After completing the work, the worker WK ends the work in the equipment OB1 (step S523). As a result, the equipment OB1 stops operating (step S524). After that, in the work management system 1, similarly to the case of the equipment OB1 described above, the processes of steps S501 to S524 are repeated for the equipment OB2 and the equipment OB3 (step S525). After the worker finishes the work on the equipment OB3, the generating unit 633 of the work management server 60 performs a work performance information generating process (step S526).
[0083] Now, with reference to FIG. 12, the work performance information generating process according to the third embodiment will be described in detail.
[0084] 12, first, the generation unit 633 calculates a travel distance from the travel start position to the travel end position based on the travel start position and the travel end position indicated by the worker position information acquired by the position information acquisition unit 631 (step S601). For example, the generation unit 633 calculates the travel distance from the travel start position to equipment OB1, the travel distance from equipment OB1 to equipment OB2, the travel distance from equipment OB2 to equipment OB3, the travel distance from the travel start position to equipment OB3, and the like. Next, the generating unit 633 calculates the stay time of the worker at the equipment OB based on the time when the worker position information is acquired by the position information acquiring unit 631 (step S602). For example, the generating unit 633 calculates the stay time of the worker at the equipment OB1 based on the time when the worker position information is acquired at the start of work at the equipment OB1 and the time when the worker position information is acquired at the end of work. Similarly, the generating unit 633 calculates the stay time of the worker at the equipment OB2 and the equipment OB3. After the calculation, the generating unit 633 generates work performance information based on the calculated moving distance and staying time (step S603). For example, the generating unit 633 generates work performance information (such as a heat map) indicating the moving distance, staying time, flow route, etc. After generation, the generation unit 633 registers the generated work result information in the storage unit 620 (step S604). After the registration, the generating unit 633 performs an output process of the work performance information (step S605). For example, the generating unit 633 causes the communication unit 610 to transmit the work performance information to the worker terminal 80 or the work management terminal 90 via the gateway 70, and causes each terminal to display the work performance information.
[0085] As described above, the work management system 1b according to the third embodiment includes a position information acquisition unit 631 that acquires worker position information indicating the position of a worker present at a work site in real time and acquires object position information indicating the position of an object used in work performed by the worker at the work site, and a generation unit 633 that generates work performance information indicating the performance of the work performed by the worker based on the acquired worker position information and object position information.
[0086] With this configuration, in the work management system 1b according to the third embodiment, at least the worker position information out of the worker position information and the object position information is acquired in real time, and work performance information is generated based on the acquired worker position information and object position information. As a result, at the work site, the work of the workers can be managed based on the work performance information that reflects at least the real-time nature of the worker position information. Therefore, the work management system 1b according to the third embodiment makes it possible to improve the management accuracy of the managed objects at the work site and to improve the work efficiency of the workers.
[0087] <<4. Modifications>> The embodiments of the present invention have been described above. Next, modified examples of each of the above-mentioned embodiments will be described. Each modified example described below may be applied to each embodiment alone, or may be applied to each embodiment in combination. Furthermore, each modified example may be applied in place of the configuration described in each embodiment, or may be applied in addition to the configuration described in each embodiment.
[0088] In each of the above-described embodiments, the UWB receiver 30 calculates the worker position information and the target object position information in the planar direction, and the sensor receiver 40 calculates the worker position information and the target object position information in the height direction. However, the present invention is not limited to such an example. For example, the position information acquisition unit 631 of the work management server 60 may have a function of calculating the worker position information and the target object position information in the same manner as the UWB receiver 30 and the sensor receiver 40.
[0089] The above describes the modified embodiment of the present invention. In addition, the work management system 1, 1a, 1b, the UWB receiver 30, the sensor receiver 40, and the work management server 60 in the above-mentioned embodiment may be partially or entirely realized by a computer. In that case, a program for realizing this function may be recorded in a computer-readable recording medium, and the program recorded in the recording medium may be read into the computer system and executed to realize the function. In addition, the term "computer system" as used herein includes hardware such as an OS and peripheral devices. In addition, the term "computer-readable recording medium" refers to portable media such as flexible disks, optical magnetic disks, ROMs, and CD-ROMs, and storage devices such as hard disks built into the computer system. Furthermore, the term "computer-readable recording medium" may include a medium that dynamically holds a program for a short period of time, such as a communication line when a program is transmitted via a network such as the Internet or a communication line such as a telephone line, and a medium that holds a program for a certain period of time, such as a volatile memory inside a computer system that is a server or client in that case. In addition, the above-mentioned program may be a program for realizing a part of the above-mentioned function, or may be a program that can realize the above-mentioned function in combination with a program already recorded in the computer system, or may be a program that is realized using a programmable logic device such as an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array).
[0090] Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described in detail above with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to the above, and various design changes, etc. are possible within the scope that does not deviate from the gist of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]
[0091] 1, 1a, 1b...work management system, 10...UWB tag, 10...UWB tag, 20...altitude sensor, 30...UWB receiver, 40...sensor receiver, 50...hub, 60...work management server, 70...gateway, 80...worker terminal, 90...work management terminal, 610...communication unit, 620...storage unit, 630...control unit, 631...location information acquisition unit, 632...work execution determination unit, 633...generation unit, 634...output processing unit
Claims
1. a position information acquisition unit that acquires in real time worker position information indicating the position of a worker present at a work site, and acquires object position information indicating the position of an object used in a work performed by the worker at the work site; a generation unit that generates work performance information indicating a performance of the work performed by the worker based on the acquired worker position information and the acquired object position information; A work management system comprising:
2. a task execution determination unit that determines whether or not the worker is performing the task using the object based on the acquired worker position information and object position information; Further equipped with The generation unit generates the work performance information for the work determined to be performed by the worker using the object. The work management system according to claim 1 .
3. the object is a transport machine used in the work, The position information acquisition unit acquires, in real time, the object position information indicating a position of the transportation equipment that changes depending on the work; the work performance determination unit determines that the worker is performing work using the transportation equipment when a worker-object distance, which indicates a distance between the position of the worker indicated by the worker position information and the position of the transportation equipment indicated by the object position information, is less than a predetermined distance and when the position of the worker and the position of the transportation equipment are changing while the worker-object distance is kept less than the predetermined distance. The work management system according to claim 2 .
4. the object is a transport machine used in the work, The position information acquisition unit acquires the worker position information and the object position information in a planar direction at the work site, and the worker position information and the object position information in a height direction at the work site, The generation unit generates the work performance information indicating performances of the worker and the transport device regarding movements in the planar direction and the height direction as work performances. The work management system according to claim 2 .
5. The track record regarding the movement in the planar direction is a track record of the time during which the worker used the transportation equipment in the work and a track record of the distance traveled by the worker and the transportation equipment, The performance regarding the movement in the height direction is the performance of the distance and the number of times the worker moved between floors during the work. The work management system according to claim 4.
6. The track record regarding the movement in the planar direction and the track record regarding the movement in the height direction are a flow route indicating a trajectory of the worker moving together with the transport device from a start position of the movement to an end position of the movement. The work management system according to claim 4.
7. The generation unit calculates a difference between a distance of the flow line route and a straight-line distance from a start position of the movement to an end position of the movement. The work management system according to claim 6.
8. the object is a piece of equipment used for the work and having a fixed position; The position information acquisition unit acquires the object position information indicating a fixed position where the facility is installed, the work performance determination unit determines that the worker is performing work using the equipment when a worker-object distance indicating a distance between a position of the worker indicated by the worker position information and a position of the equipment indicated by the object position information is less than a predetermined distance and the equipment is operating. The work management system according to claim 2 .
9. the object is a piece of equipment used for the work and having a fixed position; the position information acquisition unit acquires the worker position information and the object position information in a planar direction at the work site, The generation unit generates the work performance information indicating a performance regarding movement in the planar direction for the worker. The work management system according to claim 2 .
10. The track record regarding the movement in the planar direction is a track record of the time that the worker stayed in the equipment during the work and a track record of the distance that the worker moved. The work management system according to claim 9 .
11. A transmitter that emits radio waves for positioning using UWB (Ultra Wide Band); an UWB receiver provided at each of a plurality of predetermined positions in the work site for receiving the positioning radio waves; Equipped with The position information acquisition unit acquires the position of the transmitter calculated based on the positioning radio waves received by the multiple UWB receivers as a position in a planar direction of the worker or the object having the transmitter. The work management system according to claim 1 .
12. an altitude sensor for measuring altitude and transmitting the measurement results; a sensor receiver provided at each of a plurality of predetermined positions in the work site for receiving the altitude measurement results; Equipped with The position information acquisition unit acquires a position of the altitude sensor calculated based on the altitude measurement results received by the plurality of sensor receivers as a position in a height direction of the worker or the object having the altitude sensor. The work management system according to claim 1 .
13. a position information acquisition process for acquiring in real time worker position information indicating the position of a worker present at a work site, and acquiring object position information indicating the position of an object used in a work performed by the worker at the work site; a generation step of generating work performance information indicating the performance of the work performed by the worker based on the acquired worker position information and the object position information; A work management method implemented by a computer, comprising:
14. Computer, a position information acquisition means for acquiring in real time worker position information indicating the position of a worker present at a work site, and acquiring object position information indicating the position of an object used in a work performed by the worker at the work site; a generating means for generating work performance information indicating a performance of the work performed by the worker based on the acquired worker position information and the acquired object position information; A program to function as a
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