Communication band allocation device, communication band allocation method and operator support system

Abstract

To provide a communication band allocation device for dynamically and automatically providing and adjusting an appropriate monitoring environment to improve the productivity of an operator under a constraint of limited communication resources.SOLUTION: A communication band allocation device for communicating with a monitoring device for sensing operation of an operator and a cloud server for performing remote management stores an operator status including data related to each operation acquired by sensing of the monitoring device and data related to the operator and data related to a required band required for communication with each device of the monitoring device and the cloud server, calculates the priority of each operation on the basis of a change in the operator status, compares a required band acquired by the calculated priority with a permissible band set in advance, executes band subtraction processing so as to make the required band smaller than the permissible band, and sets required band allocation.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a communication band allocation device, a communication band allocation method, and an operator support system.

Background Art

[0002] Today, various applications and solutions are provided to improve the productivity of the production site.

[0003] For example, equipment at the production site is connected to a network, and by utilizing sensors, robots, etc., it becomes possible to aggregate the on-site work information in real time to a higher-level system. Also, it has become easier to give instructions to the site via a tablet, a large display, etc., and to coordinate the work among the on-site workers. Such digitization of the production site has led to an improvement in labor productivity and a better working environment.

[0004] And there is a proposal to sense the physical characteristics in the work of an operator to evaluate the work ability of the operator for the purpose of extending the production ability of the operator (Patent Document 1). Also, from the perspective of QoS (Quality of Servic) control, there is a proposal to preferentially present the captured image that the user is gazing at to the user over the captured images of other cameras when presenting the captured images of a plurality of cameras to the user (Patent Document 2).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] In the above-described conventional examples, for developers such as solutions, it is necessary to set and control the productivity application and the network used by the application according to the working conditions of the workers operating at the production site. Since such work is complex, simplification is desired.

[0007] For example, in Patent Document 1, the content of the work instruction is changed according to the characteristics of the worker. Therefore, since the system configuration for displaying the work instruction is common among all workers, when changing the system configuration itself according to the state of the worker, it is necessary to consider the change in the requirements for communication quality.

[0008] And in Patent Document 2, it is premised on the bandwidth setting of a plurality of cameras. Therefore, when connecting devices other than the camera, it is necessary to consider the requirements for different communication bandwidths for each device. Also, in this Patent Document 2, the state of the user is not considered, and a function for changing the setting according to the state is required even for the same user. Although this Patent Document 2 is targeted at general users, this is also a problem that the state of the worker cannot be considered at the production site.

[0009] The present invention has been made in view of such a background, and an object thereof is to provide a communication bandwidth allocation device, a communication bandwidth allocation method, and a worker support system that can dynamically and automatically provide and adjust an appropriate monitoring environment for improving the productivity of workers under the constraints of limited communication resources.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0010] To solve the above-described problems and achieve the above object, one embodiment of the present invention is a communication bandwidth allocation device that is connected via a network to an external device group that controls operations including processing for sensing and remotely managing an operator's work, and communicates therewith. The communication bandwidth allocation device includes a storage unit that associates and stores data related to each operation and data related to the operator, which are acquired by sensing of the external device group, and data related to the necessary bandwidth required for communication with the external device group; a detection unit that detects the status in communication with the external device group; and a bandwidth allocation setting unit that calculates the priority of each operation based on the status detected by the detection unit, compares the required bandwidth obtained from the calculated priority with a preset allowable bandwidth, and executes a bandwidth subtraction process so that the required bandwidth is smaller than the allowable bandwidth, and sets the allocation of the required bandwidth.

[0011] Another embodiment of the present invention is a method for allocating a communication bandwidth of a system. The system includes an external device group that controls operations including processing for sensing and remotely managing an operator's work, and a communication bandwidth allocation device that has a memory, is connected to the external device group via a network, and allocates a required bandwidth required for communication with the external device group. The method includes: a first step of associating and storing in the memory data related to each operation and data related to the operator, which are acquired by sensing of the external device group, and data related to the required bandwidth; a second step of detecting a change in the status in communication with the external device group; and a third step of calculating the priority of each operation based on the change in the status detected in the second step, comparing the required bandwidth obtained from the calculated priority with a preset allowable bandwidth, and executing a bandwidth subtraction process so that the required bandwidth is smaller than the allowable bandwidth, and setting the allocation of the required bandwidth.

[0012] Furthermore, another embodiment of the present invention is a worker support system, which includes a monitoring device that senses a worker's work, a cloud server that remotely supports the worker's work, and a network that connects the monitoring device and the cloud server. A plurality of different applications are prepared for communication with the monitoring device and the cloud server, and a communication bandwidth allocation device that allocates the necessary bandwidth required for communication using each application. The communication bandwidth allocation device includes a storage unit that stores by associating the status including data related to each work and data related to the worker acquired by sensing of the monitoring device, and data related to the necessary bandwidth, and a detection unit that detects a change in the status in communication with the monitoring device. Based on the change in the status detected by the detection unit, it calculates the priority of each work, compares the necessary bandwidth obtained by the calculated priority with a preset allowable bandwidth, and executes a bandwidth subtraction process so that the necessary bandwidth becomes smaller than the allowable bandwidth, and has a bandwidth allocation setting unit that sets the allocation of the necessary bandwidth. Communication using each application is performed among the communication bandwidth allocation device, the monitoring device, and the cloud server according to the setting result of the bandwidth allocation setting unit.

Effect of the Invention

[0013] According to the present invention, it is possible to dynamically and automatically provide and adjust an appropriate monitoring environment for improving the productivity of workers under the constraints of limited communication resources.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0014]

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Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0015] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the following description and the drawings are merely examples for explaining the present invention, and for the sake of clarity of explanation, appropriate omissions and simplifications have been made. In addition, the present invention can be implemented in various other forms. Also, unless otherwise particularly limited, each component may be singular or plural.

[0016] At the work site, the mixing of skilled workers and beginners may cause variations in work levels. One mechanism for absorbing this variation in work level during on-site work and providing remote work support will be described below as an embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] Hereinafter, the overall configuration of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5. FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing a communication bandwidth allocation system according to this embodiment, FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a work table according to this embodiment, FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a work performance table according to this embodiment, FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an application requirement extraction table according to this embodiment, and FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a monitoring table according to this embodiment, and FIG. 6 is a configuration diagram showing the hardware configuration of a communication bandwidth allocation device according to this embodiment.

[0018] First, the overall configuration will be described with reference to FIG. 1. The communication bandwidth allocation system of this embodiment is composed of, for example, as shown in FIG. 1, a cloud server 10, a monitoring device 20, and a communication bandwidth allocation device 30 connected via a network 500 of a wireless communication network or a wired communication network. In the communication bandwidth allocation system, the communication bandwidth allocation device 30 is responsible for the operation of allocating communication bandwidth to devices such as external device groups including the cloud server 10 and the monitoring device 20 by applications (camera communication, microphone communication, remote support robot communication (hereinafter referred to as "robot communication"), cloud server communication (hereinafter referred to as "cloud communication"), etc.) for improving the productivity of the manufacturing site, which will be described later.

[0019] The cloud server 10 is equipped with computing resources 101 and the like, and executes, for example, image and audio processing of the work site sent from the monitoring device 20 via the network 500 and processing according to requests from external devices. The remote administrator ADM can also monitor the progress of work through the cloud server 10.

[0020] Of course, when a higher-level device equipped with the communication bandwidth allocation device 30 is connected to the network 500, it goes without saying that it may be responsible for monitoring the above work progress. In this case, the robot communication of the work support robot RROB1 described later will be communication with the above higher-level device.

[0021] Here, the network 500 has a communication bandwidth allocation control unit 202A, which manages the communication between the cloud server 10, the monitoring device 20, and the communication bandwidth allocation device 30. The communication bandwidth allocation control unit 202A controls the allocation of the communication bandwidth when, for example, the cloud server 10 communicates via the network 500 according to the settings of the communication bandwidth allocation device 30 (bandwidth allocation setting unit 303 described later). Note that security for communication via the network 500 is implemented, and its illustration and description are omitted. Also, the network 500 is configured to include a wireless communication network and a wired communication network.

[0022] The monitoring device 20 includes computing resources 201, a communication bandwidth allocation control unit 202B, a plurality of sets of cameras and microphones arranged at the site of each worker, and a plurality of remote support robots. As an example, there are N (N is a natural number) workers, N (N is a natural number) cameras, and N (N is a natural number) microphones are respectively arranged. In FIG. 1, the workers are WKR1 to WKR N, the cameras are CAM1 to CAM N, and the microphones are MIC1 to MIC N.

[0023] In the monitoring device 20, the communication bandwidth allocation control unit 202B controls the allocation of the communication bandwidth when communicating according to the settings of the communication bandwidth allocation device 30 (bandwidth allocation setting unit 303 described later).

[0024] In the following description, for the sake of example, operator WKR1 (beginner) and WKR2 (skilled worker) are assumed to be in charge of the work target SUB. Only remote support robot RROB1 is illustrated and is to be installed between operator WKR1 and WKR2.

[0025] The video images captured by each of the above cameras CAM1 to CAMN, that is, the image data, and the audio data (audio data) collected by each of the microphones MIC1 to MICN are sent to the communication bandwidth allocation device 30 via the network 600.

[0026] Also, the remote support robot RROB1 is equipped with a monitor and a speaker, and realizes remote support for the remote administrator ADM by outputting information such as work guidance in the form of video (image) and audio, for example, through the cloud server 10.

[0027] Then, the calculation processing resource 201 executes monitoring processing and processing based on communication with the communication bandwidth allocation device 30, and the communication bandwidth allocation control unit 202B allocates communication bandwidth for each communication of the above cameras and microphones according to the instructions of the communication bandwidth allocation device 30.

[0028] The communication bandwidth allocation device 30 includes, for example, as shown in FIG. 1, an operator status detection unit 301, an APP requirement extraction unit 302, a bandwidth allocation setting unit 303, an APP requirement setting and display unit 304, a bandwidth allocation display unit 305, a WKR table 311 (see FIG. 2), an APP requirement extraction table 312 (see FIG. 4), an ACH table 313 (see FIG. 3), an MTR table 314 (FIG. 5), and the like.

[0029] The operator status detection unit 301 detects the end of work or problems as the operator status by voice through the microphone of the monitoring device 20. Specifically, there is a self-reporting system in which the operator communicates information such as the progress of work and whether all work has been completed by voice. Of course, status detection by analyzing the movement line of the operator with a camera is also included. Here, specific descriptions and illustrations up to voice recognition and movement line analysis are omitted, but it is assumed that the communication bandwidth allocation device 30 is implemented by a program 32 described later on an actual machine.

[0030] The APP requirement extraction unit 302 extracts application requirements by referring to the data stored in the WKR table 311, APP requirement extraction table 312, ACH table 313, and MTR table 314 of the operator information, which will be described later.

[0031] Here, the application refers to camera communication, microphone communication, robot communication, cloud communication, etc., and the allocation of communication bandwidth is adjusted for these communications. And the application requirements are data for calculating the required bandwidth consisting of the communication bandwidth required for each communication according to the work content and the operator. This required bandwidth is the total bandwidth obtained by summing up the communication bandwidths set for the camera communication (devices: cameras CAM1 to CAMN), microphone communication (devices: microphones MIC1 to MICN), and robot communication (devices: remote support robot RROB1) of the monitoring device 20, as well as the cloud communication of the cloud server 10.

[0032] The APP requirement setting and display unit 304 accepts and sets the setting operation for the application requirements from the solution developer EGR while forming a display screen.

[0033] The bandwidth allocation setting unit 303 sets the required bandwidth, that is, the allocated bandwidth, for each communication extracted by the APP requirement extraction unit 302, and the bandwidth allocation display unit 305 displays the setting content so that the solution developer EGR can visually check it.

[0034] Specifically, the bandwidth allocation setting unit 303 sets the communication bandwidth of the cloud server 10 for the communication bandwidth allocation control unit 202A, and controls the communication bandwidth of the internal devices (cameras CAM1 to CAMN, microphones MIC1 to MICN, remote support robot RROB1, etc.) for the communication bandwidth allocation control unit 202B of the monitoring device 20. The communication bandwidth allocation control unit 202A performs network control for external cloud servers 10, etc., and the communication bandwidth allocation control unit 202B performs internal network control for the internal devices of the monitoring device 20.

[0035] The WKR table 311 is composed of information about workers, for example, as shown in FIG. 2, and stores the worker name, proficiency level, worker status, and process ID during work, linked to the worker ID. These pieces of information are set by the solution developer EGR through the APP requirement setting and display unit 304.

[0036] The proficiency level is divided into three levels, and any one of the three types: beginner, intermediate, and expert, is set. The status of the worker is set to "good" when the work is progressing smoothly and "bad" when the work has stopped. Regarding the status of this worker, since it also includes the meaning when moving to a different work or when the worker changes, it is assumed that when the work has stopped, a judgment that the worker has changed is made.

[0037] For example, it can also be known by detecting from the voice of the worker through a microphone, etc. For example, a change in the worker can be detected by recognizing a voice such as "finished". Of course, detection with a camera is also possible, and not limited to voice with a microphone, abnormal sounds can also be detected to make a judgment of "good" or "bad".

[0038] Note that the above classification of experts and the status of workers are only examples, and the content and number can be set and changed as appropriate according to the purpose of monitoring.

[0039] Regarding workers, the closer they are to beginners, the more support such as detailed work guidance and advice is needed, and at the same time, it is necessary to monitor the work situation with high-definition images and sounds. On the other hand, the higher the proficiency level of experts, the less amount of intensive support and monitoring information is required. Note that intermediate workers are in an intermediate position.

[0040] In this way, the amount of information required for support can be adjusted by the allocated amount of the communication bandwidth according to the difference in proficiency level between experts and beginners. The lower the proficiency level, that is, the closer the work level is to beginners, the more information for support needs to be provided through images, sounds, and robots. Therefore, a process of allocating the communication bandwidth to ensure a large communication bandwidth is performed.

[0041] In addition, as support, there is information provision such as allowing beginners to view manual explanations and work procedure videos through a monitor and speakers from the remote support robot RROB1.

[0042] In this way, although there are variations in the proficiency of workers, including the work level and working hours, the allocation of the communication bandwidth is appropriately adjusted within the allowable bandwidth in communication to raise the overall work level.

[0043] Regarding the remote support robot RROB1, by also having a projection mapping function, it is possible to realize support that enables beginners to visually and intuitively understand what should be done to the work target SUB.

[0044] The process ID during work is composed of information indicating the work content. P0001 is the work of component assembly, and P0002 is the work of inspection, etc.

[0045] Here, the process ID and the state of the worker are information that changes, that is, is modified, during work.

[0046] In FIG. 2, for example, in the case of the worker ID "W0001", the worker name is set as "Worker 1", the proficiency level is "beginner", the state is "good", and the process ID during work is set as "P0001". Similarly, in the case of the worker ID "W0002", the worker name is "Worker 2", the proficiency level is "intermediate", the state is "bad", and the process ID during work is set as "none". In the case of the worker ID "W0003", the worker name is "Worker 3", the proficiency level is "skilled", the state is "good", and the process ID during work is set as "P0002".

[0047] The ACH table 313 is composed of information regarding work achievements, and stores a process ID, a standard time (mm:ss), an average time (mm:ss), and a weighting coefficient, linked to an operator ID. The standard time (mm:ss) is information set in advance as the assumed work time for each operation. The average time (mm:ss) is the work time obtained by calculating the time elapsed when each operator actually performs the work. The weighting coefficient is a coefficient obtained by dividing the average time by the standard time for each operator. Note that the operator ID, process ID, and standard time (mm:ss) are set by the solution developer EGR through the APP requirement setting and display unit 304. The average time (mm:ss) and the weighting coefficient shall be appropriately updated by the APP requirement extraction unit 302 based on information from the monitoring device 20.

[0048] For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the operator with the operator ID "W0001" is in charge of the work of assembling parts (process ID "P0001"). The standard time for this work is set to 10 minutes, while the average time required is 11 minutes and 15 seconds. In this case, since the work time exceeds the standard time, the weighting coefficient becomes 1.125, exceeding 1. That is, in terms of the weighting coefficient, if the average time is longer than the standard time, it can be judged that the operator is not good at that work.

[0049] On the other hand, for the same operator (operator ID "W0001"), in the work of inspection (process ID "P0002"), the standard time is 9 minutes, while the average time is 8 minutes and 53 seconds, and the work is completed in a shorter time than the standard time. As a result, the weighting coefficient is 0.987.

[0050] The APP requirement extraction table 312 is composed of information regarding application requirements, and stores an operator status, an application bandwidth allocation requirement, a required bandwidth, and a priority, linked to a work pattern ID. Here, the work pattern ID is identification information for individually managing each work (process ID).

[0051] For the operator status, the WKR table 311 in FIG. 2 is referred to, and the process ID, the operator's status, and proficiency are stored in association with the work pattern ID. For the bandwidth allocation requirements of the application, the communication bandwidths of each of the camera communication, microphone communication, robot communication, and cloud communication, which are the applications, are set in association with the work pattern ID.

[0052] For the required bandwidth, the total of all communication bandwidths set in association with the same work pattern ID is set in association with the work pattern ID. For the priority, an arbitrary value is set by the operation of the solution developer EGR in association with the work pattern ID, and the higher the numerical value, the higher the priority. However, as will be described later, this priority is updated in real time by an algorithm prepared in advance along with the change in the operator status. This update of the priority affects the increase or decrease of the required bandwidth to be allocated as a result.

[0053] Below, the work pattern IDs "1", "2", and "5" will be compared and described with reference to FIG. 4. It can be seen from the content of the operator status that the operators of the work pattern IDs "1" and "2" are beginners (proficiency). On the other hand, it can be seen from the content of the operator status that the operator of the work pattern ID "5" is a skilled person (proficiency). Accordingly, the priority assigned to the skilled person is set to 1.0, which is smaller compared to 3.0 for the work pattern ID "1" and 3.5 for the work pattern ID "2".

[0054] According to the priority set in this way, the required bandwidth allocated to the skilled person of the work pattern ID "5" is set to 3.5 Mbps, which is narrower compared to 106 Mbps for the work pattern ID "1" and 121 Mbps for the work pattern ID "2".

[0055] Furthermore, differences are also set between work pattern IDs "1" and "2". That is, from the content of the operator status, for work pattern ID "1", the operator's state is "good", while for work pattern ID "2", the operator's state is "bad". As a result, the priority of "2" is set higher than that of "1" for the work pattern ID, and a setting is made to ensure a wider required bandwidth for work pattern ID "2".

[0056] In this way, the communication bandwidth of skilled workers is narrow (small), and the communication bandwidth of beginners is wider (larger) so that it is easier to make judgments by monitoring and easier to give guidance. That is, the bandwidth will be allocated starting from the one with the highest priority.

[0057] The MTR table 314 stores, for example, as shown in FIG. 5, by associating the camera IDs assigned to the respective cameras CAM1 to CAMN of the monitoring device 20 with the process IDs. That is, each process is being monitored through a camera.

[0058] For example, the camera with the camera ID "C0001" in FIG. 1 monitors component assembly (process ID "P0001"). Since there are also operators who perform the same work, for example, a plurality of different camera IDs may be associated with component assembly (process ID "P0001").

[0059] That is, unique camera IDs are assigned to the respective cameras CAM1 to CAMN, and a mechanism for monitoring by operator unit is set. For example, camera ID "C0001" is set for camera CAM1, and the work of component assembly (process ID "P0001") (work pattern ID "1") of the operator with operator ID "W0001", who is a beginner, is monitored by that camera CAM1.

[0060] Next, the hardware configuration of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 6. As shown in FIG. 6, for example, the communication bandwidth allocation device 30 includes a CPU 31 that controls the entire device, a program 32 such as the processing according to this embodiment (including the processing in FIGS. 7, 9, and 12) to be executed by the CPU 31, a memory 33 that stores the program 32 and stores various data during execution, an operation device 34 including a keyboard and a display device, an external storage device 35 that is a memory for registering and managing tables and data such as a WKR table 311, an APP requirement extraction table 312, an ACH table 313, an MTR table 314, an MTR table 321, and a DVI table 331, a communication IF 36 connected to the network 500 to control communication with external devices (such as the cloud server 10 and the monitoring device 20), and a bus 37 connected to each unit in the device to control communication of data, signals, etc. inside the device.

[0061] Next, the processing of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 to 9. FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining an example of the operation according to this embodiment, FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a method of obtaining the required bandwidth according to this embodiment, and FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining an example of the bandwidth subtraction processing according to this embodiment.

[0062] First, the APP requirement extraction table 312 is referred to, and a change (modification) is detected in any of the worker statuses (for example, the process ID) (step S701). The detailed processing of this step S701 will be described later with reference to FIG. 12, but it is assumed that the change target (item) detected in this step S701 is changed in the WKR table 311.

[0063] For example, when a change in the process ID is detected, the worker status is read from the APP requirement extraction table 312 into the memory 33 and acquired (step S702). Further, data is read from the ACH table 313 into the memory 33 as work achievements and acquired (step S703). Subsequently, the work pattern ID and the required bandwidth associated therewith are read from the APP requirement extraction table 312 into the memory 33 and acquired (step S704).

[0064] When various types of data are acquired in this way, the priority of the bandwidth allocation requirement is calculated, and a list is temporarily generated in the memory 33 (step S705).

[0065] The calculation of this priority will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8. For example, in step S701, when it is detected that the work pattern ID "2" is changed from the inspection process ID "P0002" to the component assembly process ID "P0001", the WKR table 311 is referred to, and the weighting coefficient associated with the worker in charge of the work of the process ID "P0001" is read out and multiplied by the priority.

[0066] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 8, 3.5 (priority) shown in the thick frame FR1 and 1.125 (weighting coefficient) are multiplied, and the priority RST updated by the multiplication, that is, 3.9375 is obtained.

[0067] In the memory 33, the list generated in step S705 is sorted in descending order of priority (step S706), and the total bandwidth ALL of the required bandwidth associated with each work pattern ID is subtracted from the previously prepared bandwidth allowance B to obtain a subtraction result BB (step S707).

[0068] The communication bandwidth is allocated from the highest priority according to the priority RST. However, if it is determined that the total bandwidth ALL of the required bandwidth does not fall within the bandwidth allowance B (NO route in step S708), the bandwidth subtraction process shown in FIG. 9 is executed (step S709), and this process ends. Also, if the total bandwidth ALL of the required bandwidth falls within the bandwidth allowance B (YES route in step S708), this process ends. Note that the bandwidth allowance B is arbitrarily set from the specifications of the communication system and the like, and it is assumed that the solution developer EGR can set it in advance.

[0069] In the band subtraction process shown in FIG. 9, first, the list rearranged in step S706 is referred to, and the operator ID with the lowest priority is selected (step S801). In this embodiment, a previously prepared reduction rate a (for example, 10%) is used. Therefore, a reduction bandwidth amount r is calculated by multiplying the required bandwidth b associated with the operator ID with the lowest priority by the reduction rate a (step S802).

[0070] Then, a process of subtracting the reduction bandwidth amount r from the required bandwidth b and replacing the subtraction result with the new required bandwidth b is executed (step S803). Then, the reduction bandwidth amount r is added to the subtraction result BB, and the addition result BBB is obtained (step S804). If the addition result BBB exceeds zero (the YES route in step S805), the reduction is successful, that is, since the total bandwidth amount of the required bandwidth is within the bandwidth allowance, the required bandwidth of the corresponding operator in the APP requirement extraction table 312 is updated. Then, the updated required bandwidth is notified to the communication bandwidth allocation control unit 202A of the network 500 and the communication bandwidth allocation control unit 202B of the monitoring device 20 (step S808).

[0071] In this way, through step S808, camera communication, microphone communication, remote support robot communication, and cloud server communication are executed under the control of each communication bandwidth allocation control unit 202A and 202B, and work support can be realized to improve the productivity of the operator under the constraints of limited communication resources.

[0072] Note that in step S805, if the addition result BBB is zero or less (the YES route in step S805), the reduction fails, that is, since the total bandwidth amount of the required bandwidth does not fall within the bandwidth allowance, in step S806, first, it is determined whether the process has been performed for all operators. If it has been performed, the process returns to step S801 and the same process is repeatedly executed.

[0073] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S806 that the operation has not been performed for all workers (NO route in step S806), then next, a worker ID with a low priority is selected (step S807), the process returns to step S802, and the same process is repeatedly executed.

[0074] Here, regarding the setting of APP requirements and the display of bandwidth allocation, FIGS. 10 and 11 will be used to explain from the perspective of the user interface. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an application requirement setting screen according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a bandwidth allocation display screen according to the present embodiment.

[0075] For example, as shown in FIG. 10, in the initial setting, the APP requirement setting and display unit 304 executes a process of displaying and forming an application requirement setting screen 1001 on the operation device 34 and receiving input from the solution developer EGR. Since there are various setting methods for this process, only the user interface is shown here.

[0076] As input items, a process ID, the status of the worker, the proficiency of the worker, the application bandwidth allocation requirement, and the priority are provided, and input boxes 1002, 1003, 1004, 1005, and 1006 are prepared for each. 1007 is a registration button for registering the information set in the input items.

[0077] Explaining with the example of FIG. 10, when "1" is input as the process ID in the input box 1002, "P0001" is automatically set. In the input box 1003, "good" or "bad" can be selected in a pull-down manner. In this way, in the initial setting, it is assumed that the solution developer EGR can set it. Also, in the input box 1004, one proficiency level can be selected from "beginner", "intermediate", and "skilled" in a pull-down manner.

[0078] In the input box 1005, the required communication bandwidth for camera communication, microphone communication, robot communication, and cloud communication as applications can be set numerically for each. In the input box 1006, the priority can be set numerically.

[0079] When the setting of application requirements by inputting or selecting each numerical value is completed by such an input method, finally, the registration button 1007 is operated by the solution developer EGR, and the set contents generate each table from FIG. 2 to FIG. 4.

[0080] Subsequently, the bandwidth allocation display unit 305 forms a bandwidth allocation display screen 1101 as shown in FIG. 11, for example. This bandwidth allocation display screen 1101 is displayed and formed at the initial setting, and is updated in real time according to the setting result of the bandwidth allocation setting unit 303 when there is a change in the operator status.

[0081] The configuration of the bandwidth allocation display screen 1101 refers to the APP requirement extraction table 312, and the communication bandwidth allocation status of the applications assigned to each operator name is displayed in the display area 1102. In the display area 1102, when the initial bandwidth allocation by the solution developer EGR does not fall within the plan, the insufficient bandwidth amount in the communication bandwidth allocation status of the application is displayed. In the example of FIG. 11, for operator 3, it is shown that the capacity is insufficient by 0.2 Mbps in the camera communication bandwidth and 0.1 Mbps in the microphone communication bandwidth.

[0082] Also, in order to visually show the status of the operator, information such as the relationship between the production line and the operator, and the proficiency, working status, and work site of each operator is displayed in the display area 1103. Here, as a method of visualization, for example, regarding proficiency, it can be expressed discriminately by color, density, line type, size, etc. for the operator icon.

[0083] Next, the process of detecting the change according to step S701 in FIG. 7 will be described with reference to FIGS. 12, 13, 14, and 15. FIG. 12 is a flowchart for explaining an example of the process of detecting a process change in the present embodiment, FIG. 13 is a flowchart for explaining an example of the process of detecting a worker change by an image in the present embodiment, FIG. 14 is a flowchart for explaining an example of the process of detecting a change in the working situation by an image in the present embodiment, and FIG. 15 is a flowchart for explaining an example of the process of detecting a change in the working situation by voice according to the present embodiment.

[0084] As shown in FIG. 4, the worker status includes items such as a process ID, a worker's status, and a worker's proficiency. In step S701 of FIG. 7, changes, that is, detections of changes, are made for all items. It is assumed that this step S701 is repeatedly executed at a predetermined cycle.

[0085] Therefore, first, the process of detecting a change in the process ID will be described with reference to FIG. 12. In the monitoring device 20, image data is input from each of the cameras CAM1 to CAMN. Here, the process for each camera will be described. In FIG. 12, for the sake of simplicity of explanation, only a part of the process performed by the monitoring device 20 is included in the explanation. That is, the processes of steps S1201 and S1202 are the responsibility of the monitoring device 20, and the processes from steps S1203 to S1206 are the responsibility of the communication bandwidth allocation device 30. Of course, if there is a margin in the communication bandwidth and the calculation process, the communication bandwidth allocation device 30 may be responsible for all the processes in FIG. 12.

[0086] First, in the monitoring device 20, when image data is input from the camera CAM1 (step S1201), a worker is discriminated based on the input image data by the calculation processing resource 201 (step S1202). For this discrimination, there is recognition from information such as a face image, a barcode, and a QR code (registered trademark), and various mechanisms can be selected.

[0087] In this step S1202, as shown in FIG. 1, since the camera CAM1 is capturing the work of the worker WKR1, the worker is identified as "WKR1", and the worker ID "W0001" corresponding to "WKR1" is obtained. That is, it is assumed that the worker ID is shared and stored between the monitoring device 20 and the communication bandwidth allocation device 30 so that the identification of the worker can be completed within the monitoring device 20.

[0088] Regarding the camera ID, it is assumed that the camera ID can be obtained from the source IP address of the image data, metadata attached when transmitting the image data, etc.

[0089] In the communication bandwidth allocation device 30, the start of processing of the camera ID "C0001" assigned to the camera CAM1 is transmitted from the monitoring device 20, the MTR table 314 (see FIG. 5) is referenced, and the process ID "P0001" associated with the camera ID "C0001" assigned to the camera CAM1 is obtained (step S1203).

[0090] Then, the worker ID "W0001" is received from the monitoring device 20 as worker information, and the process ID corresponding to the worker ID "W0001" stored in the WKR table 311 is updated. At that time, it is determined whether the process ID has been changed (rewritten) (step S1204).

[0091] If the process ID is changed from "P0001" to another ID, it is determined that there is a change in the process ID (worker status) (YES route in step S1205), and the change, that is, the change of the process ID is detected (step S1206). In this way, the process proceeds to the processing of the next camera CAM2, that is, the camera ID "C0002".

[0092] Also, if there is no change in the process ID before and after the update, it is determined that there is no change in the process ID (operator status) (NO route in step S1205), and the processing of camera CAM1, that is, camera ID "C0001", ends. In this way, the processing proceeds to the next camera CAM2, that is, camera ID "C0002".

[0093] The processing shown in FIG. 12 is repeatedly executed from camera CAM1 to camera CAMN.

[0094] Next, regarding the operator status, the case where a change in the operator is detected will be described with reference to FIG. 13.

[0095] In the processing of FIG. 13, the same step numbers are assigned to the same processing as in FIG. 12, and the description thereof is omitted. In the communication bandwidth allocation device 30, when the process ID associated with the camera is acquired in step S1203, the operator ID associated with the process ID is updated in the WKR table 311. Then, the presence or absence of a change in the operator is confirmed by comparing the previous operator ID with the updated current operator ID (step S1301).

[0096] As a result, if it is determined that the operator ID is different and there is a change in the operator (YES route in step S1302), a change in the operator is detected and the processing ends (step S1303). On the other hand, if it is determined that the operator ID is the same and there is no change in the operator (NO route in step S1302), the processing ends. Thereafter, the same processing is executed for all cameras.

[0097] Regarding the above processing, if there is room in the communication bandwidth and computational processing, the communication bandwidth allocation device 30 may be responsible for all the processing in FIG. 13.

[0098] Next, regarding the operator status, the case where a change in the operator is detected based on an image will be described with reference to FIG. 14.

[0099] In the process of FIG. 14, for the same processes as those in FIG. 12, the same step numbers are assigned, and the descriptions thereof are omitted. In the monitoring device 20, after the operator is identified in step S1202, the state (working state) of the operator is determined. At this time, the state of the operator ID associated with the identified operator is updated in the WKR table 311.

[0100] In the monitoring device 20, after the operator is identified in step S1202, the state (working state) of the operator is determined. That is, in the calculation processing resource 201, when image data is input from the camera, the image data is analyzed by techniques such as flow line analysis, and the state of the operator is determined (step S1401). Then, the previous state of the operator is compared with the updated state of the operator, and it is confirmed whether the state of the operator has changed (step S1402).

[0101] Specifically, regarding the state of the operator, by means such as flow line analysis, the posture and movement of the operator already identified based on the video from each camera are extracted, and it is confirmed whether the operator is performing an abnormal operation, or the position of the object at the work site is detected and it is confirmed whether the object is at the expected position. From this confirmation, a state of either "good" or "bad" is determined as the state. However, the types of states may be appropriately increased and changed to "operator state" and stored and managed as an item of "working situation".

[0102] As a result, if it is determined that there is a change in the state of the operator (YES route in step S1403), the change in the state of the operator is detected and the process ends (step S1404). On the other hand, if it is determined that the operator ID is the same and there is no change in the operator (NO route in step S1403), the process ends. Thereafter, the same process is executed for all cameras.

[0103] Regarding the above process, if there is sufficient communication bandwidth and calculation processing capacity, the communication bandwidth allocation device 30 may be responsible for all the processes in FIG. 14.

[0104] Next, with regard to the operator status, the case where a change in the operator is detected based on voice (audio) will be described with reference to FIG. 15.

[0105] In the process of FIG. 15, the same step numbers are assigned to the same processes as in FIG. 12, and the description thereof will be omitted. In the monitoring device 20, after the operator is discriminated in step S1202, the state (working state) of the operator is discriminated. That is, in the calculation processing resource 201, when voice data is input from the microphone (step S1501), the voice data is analyzed and the state of the operator is discriminated (step S1502).

[0106] Specifically, based on the voice data acquired from the microphone, threshold determination of the sound volume and frequency is performed, and a process of determining that the state of the operator is defective if an abnormal sound is detected or the operator shouts loudly is executed. From this confirmation, a determination is made as to whether the state is "good" or "defective", but the type of state may be appropriately increased and changed to the "state of the operator" and stored and managed in an item called "working situation".

[0107] The state of the operator ID associated with the operator discriminated in step S1502 is updated in the WKR table 311. Then, the previous state of the operator is compared with the updated state of the operator, and it is confirmed whether the state of the operator has changed (step S1503). In the case of FIG. 14 described above, it was determined whether the state of the operator was changed based on the image, but in the case of FIG. 15, it is determined whether the state of the operator was changed based on the voice.

[0108] As a result, if it is determined that there is a change in the state of the operator (YES route in step S1504), the change in the state of the operator is detected and the process ends (step S1505). On the other hand, if it is determined that the operator ID is the same and there is no change in the operator (NO route in step S1504), the process ends. Thereafter, the same process is executed for all cameras.

[0109] Regarding the above processing, if there is room in the communication bandwidth and computational processing, the communication bandwidth allocation device 30 may be responsible for all the processing in FIG. 15.

[0110] In the processing from FIG. 12 to FIG. 15 described above, it is assumed that the corresponding change target in the WKR table 311 is updated each time a process is performed. Needless to say, in the present embodiment, the change may be detected by any one or a combination of two or more of the change detections shown in FIGS. 12 to 15.

[0111] Also, regarding the setting of the communication bandwidth, subtraction may be performed based on the priority of the operator. Hereinafter, Modification Example 1 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 16. FIG. 16 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the bandwidth subtraction process according to Modification Example 1 of the present embodiment.

[0112] Hereinafter, only the bandwidth subtraction process will be described as Modification Example 1, and the description of other operations will be omitted because they are the same as the process of FIG. 7 described above. In the following Modification Example 1, focusing on the pattern ID, the criterion for bandwidth subtraction is which device, that is, which application, should be left for the work.

[0113] First, the list rearranged in step S706 is referred to, and the operator ID with the lowest priority is selected (step S1601). Since the bandwidth subtraction process of this Modification Example 1 is a method of reducing the bandwidth from the pattern with the lowest priority, the pattern ID is changed to a pattern ID that is lower than the priority of the current pattern ID and lower than the required bandwidth (step S1602). For example, if the required bandwidth of the current pattern ID is 100 Mbps and the priority is 3.0, the change is made to a pattern ID that has a required bandwidth of less than 100 Mbps, a priority lower than 3.0, and is closest to 3.0.

[0114] Then, a process is executed in which the required bandwidth after the change is subtracted from the required bandwidth before the change, and the subtraction result is replaced with r as the reduced bandwidth amount (step S1603). Subsequently, the reduced bandwidth amount r is added to the subtraction result BB, and the addition result BBB is obtained (step S804). The processes after step S804 are the same as those in FIG. 9.

[0115] When the addition result BBB exceeds zero (the YES route in step S805), the reduction is successful, that is, the total bandwidth amount of the required bandwidth is within the bandwidth allowance, so the required bandwidth of the corresponding operator in the APP requirement extraction table 312 is updated. Then, the updated required bandwidth is notified to the communication bandwidth allocation control unit 202A of the network 500 and the communication bandwidth allocation control unit 202B of the monitoring device 20 (step S808).

[0116] In step S805, when the addition result BBB is zero or less (the YES route in step S805), the reduction fails, that is, the total bandwidth amount of the required bandwidth does not fall within the bandwidth allowance. Therefore, in step S806, first, it is determined whether the process has been completed for all operators. If it has been completed, the process returns to step S1601 and the same process is repeatedly executed. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S806 that the process has not been completed for all operators (the NO route in step S806), then the operator ID with a lower priority is selected next (step S807), the process returns to step S1602, and the same process is repeatedly executed.

[0117] Next, Modification Example 2 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 17 and 18. FIG. 17 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the bandwidth subtraction process according to Modification Example 2 of the present embodiment, and FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a table in Modification Example 2 of the present embodiment.

[0118] In the second modification example, as shown in FIG. 18, a device information table (hereinafter referred to as "DVI table") 331 is stored in an external storage device 35 in the communication band allocation device 30. In this DVI table 331, as devices associated with the application, for the camera for camera communication, the microphone for microphone communication, the robot for robot communication, and the cloud for cloud communication, a band reduction flag indicating a band reduction target is set and stored for each work pattern ID.

[0119] Here, True is set for the devices to be reduced, and False is set for those not targeted. For example, in the case of work pattern 1, False is set for the devices of the camera, microphone, and robot, making them non-targets for reduction, and True is set for the cloud, making it a target for reduction.

[0120] The band subtraction process of the second modification example is a method of performing band reduction starting from patterns with low priority. Different from the above-described embodiment, the band is reduced not from all devices but from the devices specified for each pattern ID. Here, the band reduction amount is obtained by multiplying the total band of the specified devices by a reduction rate α (for example, 10%).

[0121] Hereinafter, only the band subtraction process will be described as the second modification example, and other operations are the same as those in the process of FIG. 7 described above, so the description thereof will be omitted. First, the list rearranged in step S706 is referred to, and the operator ID with the lowest priority is selected (step S1701).

[0122] Subsequently, with reference to the DVI table 331 and the APP requirement extraction table 312, the total band of the devices with the band reduction flag "True" is calculated, and the result is defined as the total device band bt (step S1702). Then, the reduction rate a is multiplied by the total device band bt to obtain the band reduction amount R (step S1703).

[0123] Next, a process is executed in which the bandwidth reduction amount r is subtracted from the required bandwidth b, and the subtraction result is replaced with b as the new required bandwidth (step S1704). Then, the reduction bandwidth amount r is added to the subtraction result BB, and BBB is obtained as the addition result (step S1705).

[0124] After step S1705, the same process as in FIG. 9 is executed. When the addition result BBB exceeds zero (YES route in step S805), the reduction is successful, that is, the total bandwidth amount of the required bandwidth is within the bandwidth allowance, so the required bandwidth of the corresponding worker in the APP requirement extraction table 312 is updated. Then, the updated required bandwidth is notified to the communication bandwidth allocation control unit 202A of the network 500 and the communication bandwidth allocation control unit 202B of the monitoring device 20 (step S808).

[0125] In step S805, when the addition result BBB is zero or less (YES route in step S805), the reduction fails, that is, the total bandwidth amount of the required bandwidth does not fall within the bandwidth allowance. Therefore, in step S806, first, it is determined whether the process has been completed for all workers. If it has been completed, the process returns to step S1701 and the same process is repeatedly executed. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S806 that the process has not been completed for all workers (NO route in step S806), next, a worker ID with a low priority is selected (step S807), the process returns to step S1702, and the same process is repeatedly executed.

[0126] As described above, according to the present embodiment and each modification, it is possible to automatically control the allocation in the required bandwidth for a plurality of types of applications according to the work status so that the used network bandwidth does not exceed the allowable network bandwidth. As a result, it is possible to dynamically and automatically provide and adjust an appropriate application environment, that is, a monitoring environment, for improving the productivity of workers under the constraints of limited communication resources. In particular, when the worker changes, settings according to the worker are required, but the automation is a great merit. Furthermore, when some changes are made, settings such as bandwidth adjustment are also required, but the automation eliminates the occurrence of man-hours and the troublesome work burden.

[0127] In addition, considering changes in the state of the worker and differences in work proficiency, it is possible to calculate the bandwidth allocation priority and perform work support for the worker by the application at an appropriate timing and work level. Also, based on not only the proficiency data of the worker but also the past work performance, it is possible to allocate an appropriate amount of allocated bandwidth to the worker who needs support for productivity improvement.

[0128] In addition, some or all of the above-described components, functional units, processing units, processing means, etc. may be realized in hardware, for example, by designing them in an integrated circuit. Also, the above-described components, functions, etc. may be realized in software by a processor interpreting and executing a program that realizes each function. Information such as programs, tables, and files that realize each function can be stored in a recording device such as a memory, a hard disk, an SSD (Solid State Drive), a recording medium such as an IC card, an SD card, or a DVD.

[0129] Furthermore, the arrangement forms of the various functional units, various processing units, and various databases of the communication bandwidth allocation device described above are merely examples. The arrangement forms of the various functional units, various processing units, and various databases can be changed to an optimal arrangement form from the viewpoints of the performance, processing efficiency, communication efficiency, etc. of the hardware and software provided in these devices.

[0130] In addition, the configuration (such as schema) of the database for storing the various types of data described above can be flexibly changed from the viewpoints of efficient use of resources, improvement of processing efficiency, improvement of access efficiency, improvement of search efficiency, and the like.

[0131] In the above-described embodiments and modified examples, the manufacturing site has been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, advertisements and products proposed to customers through a display screen may be changed according to the movements and characteristics of customers in a commercial facility. In this case, the above-described process is used as a mechanism for replacing with products and advertisements and promotions.

[0132] In addition, when display devices are installed in sales floors or aisles in the case of a commercial facility, the communication band can be set according to the priority using the congestion level and sales of customers in each sales floor as indicators.

[0133] Furthermore, in the case of a commercial facility, the work level is divided into children and adults, and changes in display and communication bands suitable for each are appropriate. In this case, cameras and microphones will be arranged with the children's toy section and the men's clothing section for adults.

Explanation of Signs

[0134] 10 Cloud server 20 Monitoring device 30 Communication band allocation device 31 CPU 32 Program 33 Memory 34 Operating device 35 External storage device 36 Communication IF 37 Bus 101 Computational processing resources 201 Computational processing resources 202A Communication band allocation control unit 301 Operator status detection unit 302 APP requirement extraction unit 303 Band allocation setting unit 304 APP Requirement Setting and Display Section 305 Bandwidth Allocation Display Section 311 WKR Table 312 APP Requirement Extraction Table 313 ACH Table 314 MTR Table 321 MTR Table 331 DVI Table

Claims

1. A communication bandwidth allocation device that communicates via a network with an external device group that controls operations including processing for sensing and remotely managing an operator's work, a storage unit that stores, in association with each other, data related to each operation and data related to the operator, which are acquired by sensing of the external device group, and data related to the required bandwidth for communication with the external device group; a detection unit that detects the status in communication with the external device group; a bandwidth allocation setting unit that calculates the priority of each operation based on the status detected by the detection unit, compares the required bandwidth obtained from the calculated priority with a preset allowable bandwidth, executes a bandwidth subtraction process so that the required bandwidth becomes smaller than the allowable bandwidth, and sets the allocation of the required bandwidth; A communication bandwidth allocation device, characterized by comprising the above.

2. In the communication bandwidth allocation device according to Claim 1, the data acquired by sensing of the external device group includes video and audio, and the required bandwidth includes at least the communication bandwidth of video and the communication bandwidth of audio. A communication bandwidth allocation device characterized by this.

3. In the communication bandwidth allocation device according to Claim 1, the status includes the work content, the operator's state, and the operator's proficiency associated with each operation, and the detection unit performs detection when any one of the work content, state, and proficiency changes. A communication bandwidth allocation device characterized by this.

4. In the communication bandwidth allocation device according to Claim 1, the external device group includes a monitoring device that includes a camera and a microphone and monitors the operator, and the monitoring device includes a process of determining the operator's state based on an image acquired from the camera and a process of determining the operator's state based on audio acquired from the microphone. The detection unit acquires the detection result of the monitoring device and uses it as the detection of the status. A communication bandwidth allocation device characterized by this.

5. In the communication bandwidth allocation device according to Claim 1, the detection unit detects a change in the status, and the bandwidth allocation setting unit sets the allocation of the required bandwidth in real time at the timing when the detection unit detects the change in the status. A communication bandwidth allocation device characterized by this.

6. In the communication bandwidth allocation device according to claim 1, when the required bandwidth is equal to or greater than the allowable bandwidth, the bandwidth allocation setting unit subtracts the required bandwidth allocated to the operation with the lowest calculated priority using a reduction rate prepared in advance. A communication bandwidth allocation device characterized by this.

7. In the communication bandwidth allocation device according to claim 1, when the required bandwidth is equal to or greater than the allowable bandwidth, the bandwidth allocation setting unit replaces the operation with lower priority and required bandwidth than the operation with the lowest calculated priority and executes subtraction of the required bandwidth. A communication bandwidth allocation device characterized by this.

8. In the communication bandwidth allocation device according to claim 1, the required bandwidth is allocated to a plurality of different applications set in advance for communication with the external device group, and when the required bandwidth is equal to or greater than the allowable bandwidth, the bandwidth allocation setting unit determines an application to be subject to the bandwidth subtraction process from among the plurality of different applications. A communication bandwidth allocation device characterized by this.

9. In the communication bandwidth allocation device according to claim 8, the external device group has devices including a camera, a microphone, and a remote support robot, and each application corresponds to each device. A communication bandwidth allocation device characterized by this.

10. In the communication bandwidth allocation device according to claim 1, the required bandwidth is allocated to a plurality of different applications set in advance, and further, has a setting unit that sets the amount of communication bandwidth required for each application by operation input. A communication bandwidth allocation device characterized by this.

11. In the communication bandwidth allocation device according to claim 1, further has a display unit that displays the setting result of the bandwidth allocation setting unit. A communication bandwidth allocation device characterized by this.

12. A communication bandwidth allocation method for a system, The system includes: An external device group that controls operations including sensing and remotely managing an operator's work, A communication bandwidth allocation device that has a memory, is connected to the external device group via a network, and allocates the required bandwidth for communication with the external device group, And includes: A first step of associating the status including data related to each operation and data related to the operator acquired by sensing of the external device group, and data related to the required bandwidth, and storing them in the memory. A second step of detecting a change in the status in communication with the external device group; Based on the change in the status detected in the second step, calculate the priority of each operation, compare the required bandwidth obtained by the calculated priority with a preset allowable bandwidth, and execute a bandwidth subtraction process so that the required bandwidth is smaller than the allowable bandwidth, and a third step of setting the allocation of the required bandwidth; A communication bandwidth allocation method characterized by including the above.

13. An operator support system, A monitoring device that senses the work of an operator, A cloud server that remotely supports the work of an operator, The monitoring device and the cloud server are connected via a network, a plurality of different applications are prepared for communication with the monitoring device and the cloud server, and a communication bandwidth allocation device that allocates the required bandwidth for communication using each application; Comprising: The communication bandwidth allocation device, A storage unit that stores in association with each other the status including data related to each operation and data related to the operator acquired by sensing of the monitoring device, and data related to the required bandwidth; A detection unit that detects a change in the status in communication with the monitoring device; Based on the change in the status detected by the detection unit, calculate the priority of each operation, compare the required bandwidth obtained by the calculated priority with a preset allowable bandwidth, and execute a bandwidth subtraction process so that the required bandwidth is smaller than the allowable bandwidth, and a bandwidth allocation setting unit that sets the allocation of the required bandwidth; Having: An operator support system characterized in that communication using each application is executed among the communication bandwidth allocation device, the monitoring device, and the cloud server according to the setting result of the bandwidth allocation setting unit.

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