Assistance device and assistance program

Abstract

To support the work of an operator in a kitchen while suppressing the operator's dissatisfaction and stress.SOLUTION: An assistance device 10 includes: an acquisition unit 52 that acquires kitchen information; an estimation unit 54 that estimates an operator's work state based on the kitchen information; a correction unit 56 that corrects the work state estimated by the estimation unit 54 based on operator information; a generation unit 58 that generates provision information to be provided to the operator according to the work state; and a control unit 60 that controls output of the provision information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an assistance device and an assistance program. [Background technology]

[0002] Kitchen work involves multiple steps, starting with preparing ingredients, deciding on the dish, working on the chopping board, cooking, washing up, and tidying up, and the order in which these steps are performed can have a significant impact on the outcome and the amount of time required.In addition, with today's diversified lifestyles, there is a strong demand for shorter kitchen work times.

[0003] Against this background, Patent Document 1 discloses a technology for estimating the status of work being performed by a worker in a kitchen and displaying information to be provided to the worker according to the estimated status of the work. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 7316831 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, with the technology described in Patent Document 1, if there is an error in the estimated work status, it may lead to dissatisfaction or stress for the worker.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and its purpose is to support kitchen workers in their work and to reduce their frustration and stress. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to solve the above problem, the support device according to a first aspect of the present invention includes an acquisition unit that acquires kitchen information related to a kitchen, an estimation unit that estimates the work status of a worker in the kitchen based on the kitchen information, a correction unit that corrects the work status estimated by the estimation unit based on worker information related to the worker, a generation unit that generates provision information to be provided to the worker in accordance with the work status, and a control unit that controls the output of the provision information.

[0008] According to this configuration, the provided information is output to support work in the kitchen. Furthermore, the work status estimated by the estimation unit can be corrected based on worker information about the worker, which can prevent errors from occurring in the estimated work status and thereby reduce worker dissatisfaction and stress.

[0009] In addition, in the support device according to a second aspect of the present invention, the control unit controls the output of the work state estimated by the estimation unit before controlling the output of the provided information, and the correction unit corrects the work state before the provided information is generated.

[0010] According to this configuration, the work status is corrected before erroneous information is generated in response to an erroneous work status, thereby further reducing dissatisfaction and stress of the worker. In addition, since the generation of erroneous information is prevented, the execution of unnecessary processing can be reduced, thereby improving processing efficiency.

[0011] In addition, in the support device according to a third aspect of the present invention, the correction unit corrects the work state after the provided information is output.

[0012] According to this configuration, even if an incorrect work status is estimated, appropriate information may be generated, so after understanding the output information to be provided, if it is determined that incorrect information has still been generated, the worker can correct the work status. Furthermore, compared to when an estimated work status is output each time, stress on the worker can be reduced.

[0013] In addition, in the support device according to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the worker information includes operation information of the worker.

[0014] According to this configuration, the intention of the worker can be reflected in the correction of the working state via the operation information of the worker, thereby further reducing the worker's dissatisfaction and stress.

[0015] In addition, in the support device according to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the operation information includes operation information based on a button operation by the worker.

[0016] According to this configuration, the intention of the worker can be reflected in the correction of the working state via the operation information obtained by the worker's button operation, thereby further reducing the worker's dissatisfaction and stress.

[0017] In addition, in the support device according to a sixth aspect of the present invention, the operation information includes operation information by voice of the worker.

[0018] With this configuration, the operator's intention can be reflected in the correction of the working state via the operator's voice operation information, thereby further reducing the operator's dissatisfaction and stress. Also, even when the operator is busy cooking or has wet hands, the operator's intention can be easily reflected in the correction of the working state via the operator's voice operation information.

[0019] In addition, in the support device according to a seventh aspect of the present invention, the operation information includes operation information based on an operation of the worker holding out his / her hand.

[0020] With this configuration, the intention of the worker can be reflected in the correction of the working state through the operation information obtained by the operation of holding out the worker's hand, thereby further reducing the worker's dissatisfaction and stress. Also, even when the worker is busy cooking or has wet hands, the intention of the worker can be easily reflected in the correction of the working state through the operation information obtained by the operation of holding out the worker's hand.

[0021] In the support device according to an eighth aspect of the present invention, the worker information includes status information of the worker.

[0022] According to this configuration, the worker's status information can be reflected in the correction of the working status, thereby further reducing the worker's dissatisfaction and stress.

[0023] In addition, in the support device according to a ninth aspect of the present invention, the state information includes mood information indicating a mood state of the worker.

[0024] According to this configuration, the worker's mood state can be reflected in the correction of the work state, thereby further reducing the worker's dissatisfaction and stress.

[0025] In addition, in the support device according to a tenth aspect of the present invention, the condition information includes health information indicating a health condition of the worker.

[0026] According to this configuration, the health condition of the worker can be reflected in the correction of the working condition, thereby further reducing dissatisfaction and stress of the worker.

[0027] In the support device according to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, the worker information includes a correction function generated from past operation information of the worker.

[0028] According to this configuration, the intention of the worker can be reflected in the correction of the working state via the correction function, thereby further reducing the worker's dissatisfaction and stress.

[0029] In addition, in the support device according to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, the correction unit corrects the provided information based on the worker information.

[0030] According to this configuration, even the provided information is corrected, so dissatisfaction and stress of the worker can be further reduced.

[0031] In addition, in the assistance device according to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, the control unit changes an output method of the provided information based on the type of the work status or the type of the provided information.

[0032] According to this configuration, the output method of the provided information is changed based on the type of work status or the type of provided information, thereby improving convenience for the worker.

[0033] In addition, in the support device according to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, the correction unit acquires the work state of the worker from the worker information, and if the acquired work state differs from the work state estimated by the estimation unit, corrects the work state estimated by the estimation unit to change it to the acquired work state.

[0034] According to this configuration, the work state estimated by the estimation unit is corrected to a work state obtained from worker information that is closer to the worker's intentions, thereby further reducing the worker's dissatisfaction and stress.

[0035] In addition, a support device according to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention includes an acquisition unit that acquires worker information related to a kitchen worker or equipment information from equipment in the kitchen worker's home, an estimation unit that estimates the mood state or health state of the worker based on the information acquired by the acquisition unit, a generation unit that generates provision information to be provided to the worker in accordance with the state estimated by the estimation unit, and a control unit that controls the output of the provision information.

[0036] According to this configuration, the provided information is output, thereby supporting the work of the kitchen worker. Furthermore, the provided information is generated according to the mood or health state of the worker, thereby reducing frustration and stress of the worker.

[0037] In addition, a program according to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention causes a computer to function as an acquisition unit that acquires kitchen information related to a kitchen, an estimation unit that estimates the work status of a worker in the kitchen based on the kitchen information, a correction unit that corrects the work status estimated by the estimation unit based on worker information related to the worker, a generation unit that generates provision information to be provided to the worker in accordance with the work status, and a control unit that controls the output of the provision information.

[0038] According to this configuration, the provided information is output to support work in the kitchen. Furthermore, the work status estimated by the estimation unit can be corrected based on worker information about the worker, which can prevent errors from occurring in the estimated work status and thereby reduce worker dissatisfaction and stress.

[0039] The present invention can be realized as a semiconductor integrated circuit that implements part or all of the assistance program, as an information processing method, or as a system including an assistance device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0040] According to the present invention, it is possible to support the work of kitchen workers and reduce dissatisfaction and stress of the workers. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0041] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of a support system including a support device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the support device. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of a kitchen. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the support device. [Figure 5] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of a support process executed by the support device. [Figure 6]FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a confirmation screen displayed on the display device. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of a support process executed by a support device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of a support process executed by a support device according to a third embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0042] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. To facilitate understanding of the description, the same components in the drawings will be denoted by the same reference numerals as much as possible, and duplicated descriptions will be omitted.

[0043] ---First embodiment--- First, the support device according to the first embodiment will be described.

[0044] <Overall structure> FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of a support system 1 including a support device 10 according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] 1, the support system 1 includes a support device 10 and one or more kitchens 12. The support device 10 and the communication devices of the kitchens 12 are communicatively connected via a communication network NT such as the Internet, an intranet, a telephone line, a wired line, or a wireless line.

[0046] The support device 10 is a device that supports the work of a worker in the kitchen 12. Although the support device 10 is provided outside the kitchen 12 in FIG.

[0047] The kitchen 12 is a space where workers perform tasks such as cooking, washing, cutting, and heating.

[0048] <Hardware configuration> FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the support device 10. As shown in FIG.

[0049] 2, the support device 10 includes a control device 20, a communication device 26, and a storage device 28. The control device 20 is mainly configured to include a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 22 and a memory 24.

[0050] In the control device 20, the CPU 22 executes an assistance program stored in the memory 24 or the storage device 28, etc., thereby functioning as various functional components. Details of these functional components will be described later.

[0051] The communication device 26 is configured with a communication interface for communicating with external devices, etc. The communication device 26 transmits and receives various information to and from a communication device in the kitchen 12, for example.

[0052] The storage device 28 is configured with a hard disk, etc. The storage device 28 stores various programs and information necessary for executing the processes in the control device 20, including the assistance program, and information on the results of the processes.

[0053] The support device 10 can be realized using an information processing device such as a dedicated or general-purpose server computer, etc. The support device 10 may be configured as a single information processing device or as a plurality of information processing devices distributed over a communication network NT.

[0054] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the kitchen 12.

[0055] 3 , the kitchen 12 includes a control device 30, a communication device 32, a display device 34, an input device 36, a speaker 38, and a microphone 40. The kitchen 12 also includes a sensor 42, equipment 44, appliances 46, and cooking utensils 48. Of these, for example, the display device 34, the input device 36, the speaker 38, the microphone 40, the sensor 42, the equipment 44, the appliances 46, and / or the cooking utensils 48 may be configured to be controllable by the assistance device 10.

[0056] The communication device 32 is configured with a communication interface for communicating with an external device, etc. The communication device 32 transmits and receives various information to and from the support device 10, for example.

[0057] The display device 34 displays the screen generated by the support device 10 .

[0058] The input device 36 transmits instructions input by a worker in the kitchen 12 to the assistance device 10. The display device 34 and the input device 36 may be implemented as a touch panel.

[0059] The speaker 38 outputs the sound generated by the assistance device 10 .

[0060] The microphone 40 converts the voices of workers in the kitchen 12 and sounds generated in the kitchen 12 into electrical signals and transmits them to the support device 10.

[0061] The sensors 42 include a camera, a weight sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, and / or a smoke detector. The camera captures images of the kitchen 12. The weight sensor measures the weight of ingredients, water, hot water, seasonings, cooking, etc. The temperature sensor measures the temperature of ingredients, water, hot water, seasonings, cooking, etc., as well as the air temperature of the kitchen 12. The humidity sensor measures the humidity of the kitchen 12, etc. The smoke detector measures the amount of smoke in the kitchen 12.

[0062] The equipment 44 includes a pantry, lighting, a water heater, and / or a door phone. The pantry stores ingredients, seasonings, etc. The pantry door may be equipped with a sensor that detects whether the door is open or closed, and a sensor that detects whether items are taken in or out of the storage space. The lighting illuminates the kitchen 12. The water heater heats water supplied from the water supply to a set temperature, stores it, and supplies the stored hot water to faucets, etc. The door phone is equipment that responds to calls from a door unit installed at the entrance of the residence and makes a call.

[0063] The appliances 46 include a refrigerator, a faucet, a dishwasher, and / or an exhaust fan. The refrigerator stores ingredients, seasonings, etc. and keeps them at low temperatures. A sensor that detects whether the door is open or closed, or a sensor that detects whether items are taken in or out of the refrigerator door, may be installed on the refrigerator door. The faucet discharges raw water supplied from the water supply, purified water purified by a water purifier, or hot water supplied from a water heater. The dishwasher washes and dries dishes stored in the refrigerator. The exhaust fan ventilates the air in the kitchen 12.

[0064] The cooking appliances 48 include heating appliances, microwave ovens, rice cookers, and kettles. Heating appliances use gas or electromagnetic waves to heat an object to be heated. A microwave oven heats an object stored in the appliance by irradiating it with microwaves. A rice cooker is an appliance for cooking rice. A kettle is an appliance for boiling water.

[0065] <Functional configuration> FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the support device 10. As shown in FIG.

[0066] 4, the assistance device 10 includes, as functional components, a storage unit 50, an acquisition unit 52, an estimation unit 54, a correction unit 56, a generation unit 58, and a control unit 60. These functional components are realized by the control device 20 executing an assistance program.

[0067] The storage unit 50 stores an estimation table 50A and a provision table 50B. The estimation table 50A describes, for example, the correspondence between kitchen information about the kitchen 12 and the working status of a worker. The provision table 50B describes, for example, the correspondence between the working status of a worker and the provision information to be provided to the worker.

[0068] The acquisition unit 52 acquires kitchen information related to the kitchen 12. Examples of the kitchen information include information detected by the sensor 42. The kitchen information also includes information indicating the status, operating status, and operating environment settings of the equipment 44, devices 46, and cooking utensils 48.

[0069] The estimation unit 54 estimates the work status of the worker in the kitchen 12 based on the kitchen information acquired by the acquisition unit 52. For example, the estimation unit 54 estimates the work status by acquiring, from the estimation table 50A, the work status corresponding to the kitchen information acquired by the acquisition unit 52. Specifically, the estimation unit 54 estimates that the work status is that the worker is performing the task of deciding what dish to cook. Furthermore, the estimation unit 54 estimates that the work status is that the worker is performing the task of cooking the dish. Furthermore, the estimation unit 54 estimates that the work status is that the worker is performing the task of eating the cooked dish. Furthermore, the estimation unit 54 estimates that the work status is that the worker is performing the task of cleaning up after cooking.

[0070] The correction unit 56 corrects the work state estimated by the estimation unit 54 based on worker information related to the worker. Specifically, the correction unit 56 acquires the work state of the worker from the worker information, and when the acquired work state differs from the work state estimated by the estimation unit 54, corrects the work state estimated by the estimation unit 54 to the acquired work state. Alternatively, the correction unit 56 may acquire the work state of the worker from the worker information, and when the acquired work state differs from the work state estimated by the estimation unit 54, output the work state estimated by the estimation unit 54 and the acquired work state, ask the worker which one to confirm, and correct the work state to the work state indicated by the confirmation result. Alternatively, the correction unit 56 may estimate the work state of the worker from the worker information, and when the work state estimated by the correction unit 56 differs from the work state estimated by the estimation unit 54, correct the work state to the work state estimated by the correction unit 56. Specifically, the correction unit 56 refers to a relationship table (not shown) between worker information and the worker's work state, obtains a work state that matches the worker information from the relationship table, estimates the work state, and changes the work state to this estimated work state. Alternatively, the correction unit 56 may estimate the worker's work state by inputting the worker information into a learning model, and change the work state to this estimated work state.

[0071] The worker information used by the correction unit 56 is acquired, for example, by the acquisition unit 52. The worker information includes at least one of (1) operation information of the worker, (2) status information of the worker, and (3) a correction function.

[0072] (1) Operator operation information The operation information of the worker includes at least one of operation information by the worker's button operation, operation information by the worker's voice, and operation information by the worker's hand-holding operation. The operation information generated by button operation is information generated by operating buttons displayed on the display device 34 or buttons (not shown) provided in the kitchen 12. Examples of such buttons include a button for indicating that an operation to decide on a dish is being performed, a button for indicating that an operation to cook a dish is being performed, a button for indicating that an operation to clean up after cooking is being performed, and a button for indicating that an operation to eat a dish is being performed. The voice operation information is voice information for operating the assistance device 10 and the kitchen 12. Examples of this voice operation information include voice information indicating an intention to perform an operation to decide on a dish, voice information indicating an intention to perform an operation to cook a dish, voice information indicating an intention to perform an operation to clean up after cooking, and voice information indicating an intention to perform an operation to eat the dish. Examples of operation information obtained by waving one's hand include operation information indicating an intention to perform the task of deciding on a dish, operation information indicating an intention to perform the task of cooking a dish, operation information indicating an intention to perform the task of cleaning up after cooking, and operation information indicating an intention to perform the task of eating the dish.

[0073] (2) Worker status information The worker's condition information includes at least one of mood information indicating the worker's mood state and health information indicating the worker's health state. Examples of mood information include information indicating a happy mood, information indicating a joyful mood, information indicating a sad mood, and information indicating an angry mood. Examples of health information include information indicating good health, information indicating illness, information indicating lack of sleep, and information indicating fatigue.

[0074] (3) Correction function The correction function includes a correction function generated from the worker's past operation information, which is a learning model that is machine-learned from the worker's past operation information.

[0075] Furthermore, it is preferable that the correction unit 56 corrects the work state before the generation unit 58 generates the information to be provided.

[0076] The generation unit 58 generates information to be provided to the worker according to the work status. Examples of the information to be provided include cooking recipe information, information explaining how to fillet fish, information explaining how to use a knife, information about the facilities 44, equipment 46, or cooking utensils 48 used in cooking, and information showing how to clean up a pot after cooking. The correction unit 56 may correct the provided information generated by the generation unit 58 based on the worker information. For example, when the provided information explains how to clean up and the worker information is voice information indicating that the worker is performing the task of deciding on a dish, the correction unit 56 may correct the provided information to yesterday's menu information or recipe information.

[0077] The control unit 60 controls the output of the provided information. Preferably, the control unit 60 controls the output of the work status estimated by the estimation unit 54 before controlling the output of the provided information. Examples of methods for outputting the provided information and the work status include displaying them on the display device 34, outputting them as audio from the speaker 38, outputting them using light intensity, blinking, color, etc. using a lamp or fluorescent lamp (not shown), and outputting them as vibrations using a vibration device (not shown). The control unit 60 may also change the output method of the provided information based on the type of work status or the type of provided information. For example, when the type of work status indicates a state in which the user is performing an operation to decide on a dish, the control unit 60 controls the output of the display device 34 to display a screen that conveys detailed provided information about the recipe of the dish. When the type of work status indicates a state in which the user is performing an operation to prepare a dish, the control unit 60 controls the output of the speaker 38 to convey the provided information by voice so that the user can look at what is in front of them, rather than on the display device 34.

[0078] <Processing flow> 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of the assistance process executed by the assistance device 10. Note that the order and content of the following processes can be changed as appropriate.

[0079] (Step SP10) The acquisition unit 52 acquires kitchen information from the sensor 42, the equipment 44, and / or the appliance 46. Then, the process proceeds to step SP12.

[0080] (Step SP12) The estimation unit 54 estimates the working status of the worker in the kitchen 12 based on the kitchen information acquired by the acquisition unit 52. Then, the process proceeds to step SP14.

[0081] (Step SP14) The control unit 60 controls the output of the work status estimated by the estimation unit 54. For example, the control unit 60 displays and outputs the work status on the confirmation screen of the display device 34.

[0082] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a confirmation screen 100 displayed on the display device 34.

[0083] As shown in FIG. 6 , the confirmation screen 100 displays the task status estimated by the estimation unit 54, asking, "Are you cleaning up?" Furthermore, the confirmation screen 100 displays a first task button 102, a second task button 104, a third task button 106, a fourth task button 108, and a fifth task button 110 for correcting the task status to the correct one. The first task button 102 is a button for indicating that the task of deciding on a dish (a review task) is being performed. The second task button 104 is a button for indicating that the task of pouring water is being performed. The third task button 106 is a button for indicating that the task of cooking a dish is being performed. The fourth task button 108 is a button for indicating that the task of eating the dish is being performed. The fifth task button 110 is a button for indicating that another task is being performed. When the first work button 102, the second work button 104, the third work button 106, the fourth work button 108, or the fifth work button 110 is pressed, the operation information is acquired by the acquisition unit 52. Note that the control unit 60 may change the contents of the first work button 102 to the fifth work button 110 depending on the estimation result of the estimation unit 54.

[0084] Returning to FIG. 5, the process proceeds to step SP16.

[0085] (Step SP16) The control unit 60 determines whether the acquisition unit 52 has acquired worker information. Specifically, the control unit 60 determines whether the acquisition unit 52 has acquired, as worker information, operation information of the first work button 102, the second work button 104, the third work button 106, the fourth work button 108, or the fifth work button 110. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step SP18, and if the determination is negative, the process proceeds to step SP20.

[0086] (Step SP18) The correction unit 56 corrects the work state estimated by the estimation unit 54 based on the worker information related to the worker. Specifically, the correction unit 56 corrects the work state estimated by the estimation unit 54 to the work state indicated by the operation information acquired by the acquisition unit 52. Then, the processing proceeds to step SP20.

[0087] (Step SP20) The generation unit 58 generates information to be provided to the worker in accordance with the work state estimated by the estimation unit 54 or the work state corrected by the correction unit 56. Then, the process proceeds to step SP22.

[0088] (Step SP22) The control unit 60 determines the output method of the provided information based on the type of work status or the type of provided information, and then the process proceeds to step SP24.

[0089] (Step SP24) The control unit 60 controls the output of the information to be provided in the determined output method, and then the series of processes shown in FIG.

[0090] <Action and effect> As described above, the support device 10 according to the first embodiment includes an acquisition unit 52 that acquires kitchen information related to the kitchen, an estimation unit 54 that estimates the work status of a worker in the kitchen based on the kitchen information, a correction unit 56 that corrects the work status estimated by the estimation unit 54 based on worker information related to the worker, a generation unit 58 that generates information to be provided to the worker according to the work status, and a control unit 60 that controls the output of the information to be provided.

[0091] This configuration provides support for kitchen work by outputting provided information. Furthermore, the estimation unit 54 can correct the estimated work status based on worker information about the worker, thereby preventing errors in the estimated work status and reducing worker frustration and stress.

[0092] Furthermore, in the support device 10 according to the first embodiment, the control unit 60 controls the output of the work state estimated by the estimation unit 54 before controlling the output of the provided information, and the correction unit 56 corrects the work state before the provided information is generated.

[0093] According to this configuration, the work status is corrected before erroneous information is generated in response to an erroneous work status, thereby further reducing dissatisfaction and stress of the worker. In addition, since the generation of erroneous information is prevented, the execution of unnecessary processing can be reduced, thereby improving processing efficiency.

[0094] Furthermore, in the support device 10 according to the first embodiment, the worker information includes operation information of the worker.

[0095] According to this configuration, the intention of the worker can be reflected in the correction of the working state via the operation information of the worker, thereby further reducing the worker's dissatisfaction and stress.

[0096] Moreover, in the support device 10 according to the first embodiment, the operation information includes operation information based on button operations by the worker.

[0097] According to this configuration, the intention of the worker can be reflected in the correction of the working state via the operation information obtained by the worker's button operation, thereby further reducing the worker's dissatisfaction and stress.

[0098] Furthermore, in the support device 10 according to the first embodiment, the operation information includes operation information by the voice of the worker.

[0099] With this configuration, the operator's intention can be reflected in the correction of the working state via the operator's voice operation information, thereby further reducing the operator's dissatisfaction and stress. Also, even when the operator is busy cooking or has wet hands, the operator's intention can be easily reflected in the correction of the working state via the operator's voice operation information.

[0100] Furthermore, in the support device 10 according to the first embodiment, the operation information includes operation information based on an operation of the worker holding out his / her hand.

[0101] With this configuration, the intention of the worker can be reflected in the correction of the working state through the operation information obtained by the operation of holding out the worker's hand, thereby further reducing the worker's dissatisfaction and stress. Also, even when the worker is busy cooking or has wet hands, the intention of the worker can be easily reflected in the correction of the working state through the operation information obtained by the operation of holding out the worker's hand.

[0102] Furthermore, in the support device 10 according to the first embodiment, the worker information includes status information of the worker.

[0103] According to this configuration, the worker's status information can be reflected in the correction of the working status, thereby further reducing the worker's dissatisfaction and stress.

[0104] Furthermore, in the support device 10 according to the first embodiment, the state information includes mood information that indicates the mood state of the worker.

[0105] According to this configuration, the worker's mood state can be reflected in the correction of the work state, thereby further reducing the worker's dissatisfaction and stress.

[0106] Furthermore, in the support device 10 according to the first embodiment, the condition information includes health information indicating the health condition of the worker.

[0107] According to this configuration, the health condition of the worker can be reflected in the correction of the working condition, thereby further reducing dissatisfaction and stress of the worker.

[0108] Furthermore, in the support device 10 according to the first embodiment, the worker information includes a correction function generated from the past operation information of the worker.

[0109] According to this configuration, the intention of the worker can be reflected in the correction of the working state via the correction function, thereby further reducing the worker's dissatisfaction and stress.

[0110] Furthermore, in the support device 10 according to the first embodiment, the correction unit 56 corrects the provided information based on the worker information.

[0111] According to this configuration, even the provided information is corrected, so dissatisfaction and stress of the worker can be further reduced.

[0112] Furthermore, in the support device 10 according to the first embodiment, the control unit 60 changes the output method of the provided information based on the type of work status or the type of provided information.

[0113] According to this configuration, the output method of the provided information is changed based on the type of work status or the type of provided information, thereby improving convenience for the worker.

[0114] Furthermore, in the support device 10 according to the first embodiment, the correction unit 56 acquires the work state of the worker from the worker information, and if the acquired work state differs from the work state estimated by the estimation unit 54, corrects the work state estimated by the estimation unit 54 to change it to the acquired work state.

[0115] According to this configuration, the work state estimated by the estimation unit 54 is corrected to a work state obtained from worker information that is closer to the worker's intention, thereby further reducing the worker's dissatisfaction and stress.

[0116] ---Second embodiment--- Next, a support device according to a second embodiment will be described.

[0117] The support device according to the second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the support device corrects the work status after the provision information is generated. The configuration and processing of the support system not described in the second embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment.

[0118] 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of the assistance process executed by the assistance device according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Note that the order and content of the following processes can be changed as appropriate.

[0119] (Step SP30) The generating unit 58 generates information to be provided to the worker in accordance with the work state estimated by the estimating unit 54. Then, the process proceeds to step SP32.

[0120] (Step SP32) The control unit 60 controls the output of the information to be provided generated by the generation unit 58. Then, the process proceeds to step SP34.

[0121] (Step SP34) The control unit 60 determines whether the acquisition unit 52 has acquired the worker information. Specifically, the control unit 60 determines whether operation information by the worker's voice has been acquired. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step SP36, and if the determination is negative, the series of processes shown in FIG. 7 ends.

[0122] (Step SP36) The correction unit 56 corrects the work state estimated by the estimation unit 54 based on the operation information from the worker's voice. Specifically, the correction unit 56 corrects the work state estimated by the estimation unit 54 to the work state indicated by the operation information acquired by the acquisition unit 52. Then, the process proceeds to step SP30. In step SP30, which is the step proceeded to from step SP36, the generation unit 58 generates information to be provided to the worker in accordance with the work state corrected by the correction unit 56.

[0123] As described above, in the support device according to the second embodiment, even if an erroneous work state is estimated, appropriate information may be generated. Therefore, after understanding the output information, if it is determined that erroneous information has been generated, the worker can correct the work state. Furthermore, compared to when an estimated work state is output each time, stress on the worker can be reduced.

[0124] ---Third embodiment--- Next, a support device according to a third embodiment will be described.

[0125] The support device according to the third embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the estimation unit 54 estimates the mood state or health state of the worker, rather than the work state of the worker. The configuration and processing of the support system not described in the third embodiment are the same as those in the first embodiment.

[0126] 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of the assistance process executed by the assistance device according to the third embodiment of the present invention. Note that the order and content of the following processes can be changed as appropriate.

[0127] (Step SP40) The acquisition unit 52 acquires worker information related to the worker of the kitchen 12 or equipment information from equipment in the home of the worker of the kitchen 12. Here, the worker information includes kitchen information related to the kitchen 12. Then, the process proceeds to step SP42.

[0128] (Step SP42) The estimation unit 54 estimates the mood state or health state of the worker based on the information acquired by the acquisition unit 52. Then, the process proceeds to step SP44.

[0129] (Step SP44) The generating unit 58 generates information to be provided to the worker in accordance with the state estimated by the estimating unit 54. Then, the process proceeds to step SP46.

[0130] (Step SP46) The control unit 60 controls the output of the information to be provided, and the series of processes shown in FIG.

[0131] As described above, the assistance device according to the third embodiment includes an acquisition unit 52 that acquires worker information related to the worker in the kitchen 12 or equipment information from equipment in the home of the worker in the kitchen 12. The assistance device also includes an estimation unit 54 that estimates the mood state or health state of the worker based on the information acquired by the acquisition unit 52, a generation unit 58 that generates information to be provided to the worker in accordance with the state estimated by the estimation unit 54, and a control unit 60 that controls the output of the information to be provided.

[0132] According to this configuration, the provided information is output, thereby supporting the work of the worker in the kitchen 12. Furthermore, the provided information is generated according to the mood or health state of the worker, thereby reducing dissatisfaction and stress of the worker.

[0133] ---Variations--- The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments. In other words, any design modifications made by a person skilled in the art to the above-described embodiments are also included within the scope of the present invention as long as they include the features of the present invention.

[0134] For example, in the first embodiment, the case where the assistance device 10 is provided separately from the kitchen 12 has been described, but the function of the assistance device 10 may be provided in the control device 30 of the kitchen 12. In other words, the control device 30 may take on the role of the assistance device 10.

[0135] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the correction unit 56 corrects the work status or the provided information based on worker information about the worker. However, the correction unit 56 may also correct the work status or the provided information based on online information such as websites, SNS (Social Networking Service), videos, etc. posted on the Internet. Specifically, the correction unit 56 acquires the current or past work state of the worker from online information, and corrects the work state estimated by the estimation unit 54 to the acquired current or past work state of the worker. For example, even if the estimation unit 54 estimates that the work status is a state in which the worker is cooking food, if the content currently posted on the worker's SNS is of the worker eating food, the correction unit 56 may determine that the worker is not in a state in which the worker is cooking food and correct the work status to a state in which the worker is cleaning up. Furthermore, even if the estimation unit 54 estimates that the work state is a state in which the worker is deciding on a dish, if the content currently posted in the worker's video shows the worker performing the task of cooking a dish, the correction unit 56 determines that the worker is not in a state in which the worker is deciding on a dish, and corrects the work state to a state in which the worker is performing the task of cooking a dish. The correction unit 56 may also obtain recipe information of food that the worker has cooked or eaten in the past from online information and correct the recipe information as the provided information. The correction unit 56 may also correct the work status or the provided information based on weather information.

[0136] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the correction unit 56 corrects the status information and the provided information based on the worker information. However, it is also possible to correct only the provided information. [Explanation of symbols]

[0137] 10: Support equipment 12: Kitchen 44: Equipment 52: Acquisition Department 54:Estimation part 56: Correction unit 58: Generation part 60: Control unit

Claims

1. an acquisition unit that acquires kitchen information related to the kitchen; An estimation unit that estimates a work state of a worker in the kitchen based on the kitchen information; a correction unit that corrects the work state estimated by the estimation unit based on worker information related to the worker; a generation unit that generates provision information to be provided to the worker in accordance with the work status; a control unit that controls output of the provided information; An assistance device comprising:

2. the control unit controls output of the work state estimated by the estimation unit before controlling output of the provided information; the correction unit corrects the work state before the provision information is generated.

2. The support device according to claim 1.

3. the correction unit corrects the work state after the provided information is output.

2. The support device according to claim 1.

4. The worker information includes operation information of the worker.

4. The support device according to claim 1, wherein the support device is a device for supporting a user.

5. The operation information includes operation information based on a button operation by the worker.

5. The support device according to claim 4.

6. The operation information includes operation information by voice of the worker.

5. The support device according to claim 4.

7. The operation information includes operation information based on an operation of the worker holding his / her hand over the screen.

5. The support device according to claim 4.

8. The worker information includes status information of the worker.

4. The support device according to claim 1, wherein the support device is a device for supporting a user.

9. The state information includes mood information indicating a mood state of the worker.

9. The support device according to claim 8.

10. The status information includes health information indicating the health status of the worker.

9. The support device according to claim 8.

11. the worker information includes a correction function generated from past operation information of the worker; 4. The support device according to claim 1, wherein the support device is a device for supporting a user.

12. The correction unit corrects the provided information based on the worker information.

4. The support device according to claim 1, wherein the support device is a device for supporting a user.

13. the control unit changes an output method of the provided information based on the type of the work status or the type of the provided information.

4. The support device according to claim 1, wherein the support device is a device for supporting a user.

14. the correction unit acquires a work state of the worker from the worker information, and when the acquired work state differs from the work state estimated by the estimation unit, corrects the work state estimated by the estimation unit to change it to the acquired work state.

4. The support device according to claim 1, wherein the support device is a device for supporting a user.

15. an acquisition unit that acquires worker information related to a kitchen worker or equipment information from equipment in the home of the kitchen worker; an estimation unit that estimates a mood state or a health state of the worker based on the information acquired by the acquisition unit; a generation unit that generates provision information to be provided to the worker in accordance with the state estimated by the estimation unit; a control unit that controls output of the provided information; An assistance device comprising:

16. Computer, an acquisition unit that acquires kitchen information related to the kitchen; an estimation unit that estimates a work state of a worker in the kitchen based on the kitchen information; a correction unit that corrects the work state estimated by the estimation unit based on worker information related to the worker; a generation unit that generates provision information to be provided to the worker in accordance with the work status; a control unit that controls output of the provided information; A support program that functions as a

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