Operation monitoring system

Abstract

To perform monitoring of operators.SOLUTION: An operation monitoring system includes: identification units 11 that are attached respectively to a plurality of operators A, B and can identify the operators A, B; position specification units 12 that are linked to the identification units 11 and attached to the operators A, B and specify current positions on the basis of position information on a working area, and specify the directions in which the operators A, B face; and a processing unit 24 that acquires the directions of and the distance between the operators A, B from current position information and operator direction information from the position specification units 12, and displays the directions of and the distance between the operators A, B in the working area.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a work monitoring system. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 describes a maintenance and inspection work support device that includes: means for identifying the location of a wireless terminal carried by a maintenance worker; means for collecting plant location information; means for identifying the current location of the maintenance worker within the plant based on the plant location information and the location information of the wireless terminal; means for obtaining inspection plan information that defines at least the equipment to be inspected by the maintenance worker and the date and time of the inspection; means for determining whether the maintenance worker is at the location to be inspected based on the current location information of the maintenance worker and the inspection plan information; and means for transmitting the determination result of whether the maintenance worker is at the location to be inspected to the wireless terminal. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-271891 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] For example, in plants where security is required, it is desirable for a third party (e.g., a plant manager) other than the workers performing maintenance and inspection work to monitor the workers. Monitoring workers may involve, for example, clearly understanding the current location of the workers within the plant, and determining whether the maintenance and inspection work is being performed correctly or whether the workers are engaging in fraudulent activities.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a work monitoring system that can monitor workers. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to achieve the above object, a work monitoring system according to one embodiment of the present invention includes an identification unit that is worn by each of a plurality of workers and is capable of identifying each of the workers; a position identification unit that is linked to the identification unit and worn by each of the workers and identifies a current position based on position information of the work area and identifies the direction in which each of the workers is facing; and a processing unit that acquires the mutual distance and orientation of each of the workers from the current position information and worker orientation information obtained by the position identification unit and displays the mutual distance and orientation of each of the workers in the work area. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, workers can be monitored. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a work monitoring system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the operation of the work monitoring system according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a display example of the work monitoring system according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the work monitoring system according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0010] The work monitoring system of the embodiment monitors whether workers are performing prescribed work and whether they are engaging in misconduct outside of the prescribed work when performing work such as maintenance and inspection of various facilities. Specifically, the work monitoring system of the embodiment is based on the premise that a work group is made up of multiple workers (at least two people), and each worker monitors each other's work and misconduct. The work monitoring system of the embodiment monitors each worker in the work group under this premise. The work monitoring system of the embodiment will be described using an example in which the work group is made up of two workers, A and B.

[0011] As shown in Fig. 1, the work monitoring system includes, as components worn by each of workers A and B, an identification unit 11, a position identification unit 12, an imaging unit 13, an alarm unit 14, and a transmission / reception unit 15. Also, as shown in Fig. 1, the work monitoring system includes, as components of a management unit 20 on the monitoring side that monitors each worker in a work group, a transmission / reception unit 21, an input unit 22, a display unit 23, and a processing unit 24.

[0012] The identification unit 11 is used to identify each of the workers A and B. The identification unit 11 may be, for example, a barcode, or an IC tag or RF tag that is an RFID reader consisting of an inlet made up of an IC chip and an antenna connected to it. The identification unit 11 records information such as face, fingerprint, vein pattern, and iris for identifying each of the workers A and B, and can identify and authenticate each of the workers A and B by reading the information of each of the workers A and B. The identification unit 11 can be used as a key for entering and exiting the work area (also called the controlled area) and is worn by each of the workers A and B. A third party checks whether the identification unit 11 is worn by each of the workers A and B when they enter the work area, and the identification unit 11 is managed. The identification unit 11 is attached, for example, to a helmet or safety belt worn by each of the workers A and B and is locked with a physical key. The identification unit 11 is worn at a position where each of the workers A and B can recognize each other and can photograph each other using the photographing unit 13.

[0013] The position determination unit 12 is used to determine the position. Examples of methods for determining the position include beacon and gateway positioning, coordinate measurement from satellite signals (GPS: Global Positioning System), and base station information from mobile phone and wireless LAN (Local Area Network) terminals. The position determination unit 12 also determines the direction in which workers A and B are facing. Examples of methods for determining the direction in which workers A and B are facing include a GPS transmitter and a gyro sensor. The position determination unit 12 is linked to the identification unit 11 by reading the barcode or tag of the identification unit 11 worn by workers A and B, and can determine the positions and orientations of workers A and B based on the location information of the work area in which they are working. Like the identification unit 11, the position determination unit 12 is attached to, for example, a helmet or safety belt worn by each worker A and B, and is locked with a physical key. The orientation refers to the orientation of the body and the orientation of the face of workers A and B, and to identify both, for example, a position identification unit 12 attached to a helmet worn on the head and a position identification unit 12 attached to a safety belt worn on the body can be used.

[0014] The photographing unit 13 is used to take images and can be composed of a camera. The photographing unit 13 is worn by workers A and B and linked to the identification unit 11 by reading the bar code or tag of the identification unit 11, and can take images in the direction that workers A and B are facing by matching it with the orientation of workers A and B determined by the position specifying unit 12. Like the identification unit 11, the photographing unit 13 is attached to, for example, the helmets or safety belts worn by workers A and B, and is locked with a physical key.

[0015] The alarm unit 14 is for issuing an alarm by sound or vibration. The alarm unit 14 is worn by workers A and B and linked to the identification unit 11 by reading the bar code or tag of the identification unit 11, and can issue an alarm to workers A and B by sound, vibration, etc. Similar to the identification unit 11, the alarm unit 14 is attached to, for example, the helmet or safety belt worn by each of workers A and B, and is locked with a physical key.

[0016] The transmitter / receiver unit 15 is used to transmit and receive information. The transmitter / receiver unit 15 transmits information acquired by the identification unit 11, the position identification unit 12, and the photographing unit 13, receives signals that issue alarms from the alarm unit 14, and communicates between the transmitter / receiver units 15 and with the transmitter / receiver unit 21 of the management unit 20. Examples of the transmitter / receiver unit 15 include the Internet and wireless LAN. The transmitter / receiver unit 15 is worn by workers A and B and is linked to the identification unit 11 by reading the bar code or tag of the identification unit 11. Like the identification unit 11, the transmitter / receiver unit 15 is attached to, for example, a helmet or safety belt worn by each of workers A and B, and is locked with a physical key.

[0017] The identification unit 11, the position determination unit 12, the photographing unit 13, the alarm unit 14, and the transmission / reception unit 15 may be configured as an integrated unit, making it difficult to physically separate them.

[0018] The components worn by each worker A and B may include various sensors such as a temperature sensor, humidity sensor, CO2 concentration sensor, O2 concentration sensor, and radiation sensor, and the measurement results of these various sensors may be transmitted by the transmitter / receiver 15.

[0019] The management unit 20 is provided in a monitoring area separate from the work area where the workers A and B perform their work.

[0020] The transmitting / receiving unit 21 of the management unit 20 is for transmitting and receiving information to and from the transmitting / receiving unit 15. The transmitting / receiving unit 21 receives information acquired by the identification unit 11, the position identification unit 12, and the photographing unit 13, and transmits a signal that issues an alarm in the alarm unit 14. Examples of the transmitting / receiving unit 21 include the Internet and a wireless LAN.

[0021] The input unit 22 is used to input information about the main species to the processing unit 24. The input unit 22 can be configured, for example, by a computer.

[0022] The display unit 23 is an output display device (display), is connected to the input unit 22 and the processing unit 24, and displays the output from the input unit 22 and the processing unit 24.

[0023] The processing unit 24 comprehensively controls the transmitting / receiving unit 21, the input unit 22, and the display unit 23, and can be configured by, for example, a computer. The processing unit 24 includes a storage unit 24A, a control unit 24B, and an update unit 24C.

[0024] The storage unit 24A is for storing information input by the input unit 22, information received by the transmission / reception unit 21, and information to be transmitted by the transmission / reception unit 21. The storage unit 24A is, for example, one of the components of a computer, and stores and preserves data and programs. The storage unit 24A is composed of semiconductor memory inside the CPU (Central Processing Unit), such as a register or cache memory, a main memory (main storage device: RAM (Random Access Memory)), storage (external storage device / auxiliary storage device), etc.

[0025] The control unit 24B is configured as a program stored in the memory unit 24A. The control unit 24B makes a determination based on information from the identification unit 11, position identification unit 12, and photographing unit 13 worn by each of the workers A and B. The control unit 24B causes the photographing unit 13 worn by each of the workers A and B to emit a photographing signal. The control unit 24B causes the alarm unit 14 worn by each of the workers A and B to emit an alarm signal.

[0026] The control unit 24B determines whether each of the workers A and B has entered or left the work area based on the identification information from the identification unit 11 worn by each of the workers A and B.

[0027] The control unit 24B acquires the mutual distance and orientation of each of the workers A and B from the current position information and worker orientation information provided by the position identification units 12 worn by each of the workers A and B, and causes the display unit 23 to display the mutual distance and orientation of each of the workers A and B in the work area. The control unit 24B determines whether the mutual distance and orientation of each of the workers A and B are correct, and causes the alarm unit 14 to issue an alarm signal if they are not appropriate.

[0028] The control unit 24B acquires images captured by the image capturing units 13 worn by each of the workers A and B, displays them on the display unit 23, and stores them in the memory unit 24A. The control unit 24B acquires images captured by the image capturing units 13 worn by each of the workers A and B, and determines whether the work is being performed appropriately based on the images. If the work is not appropriate, the control unit 24B can cause the alarm unit 14 to issue an alarm signal. Examples of cases where the work is not appropriate include whether worker A (B) is watching and monitoring worker B (A), or whether workers A and B are looking at the same inspection location. The control unit 24B also acquires images captured by the image capturing units 13 worn by each of the workers A and B, and determines whether the inspection results are appropriate based on the images. If the inspection results are not appropriate, the control unit 24B can cause the alarm unit 14 to issue an alarm signal. The control unit 24B acquires a first image captured in an appropriate case and stored in the memory unit 24A in advance, and uses artificial intelligence to compare the first image with a second image acquired from the image capturing unit to determine whether the second image is appropriate. Although there is only one second image, there may be multiple first images, some of which are correct and some of which are incorrect. By having multiple first images, more accurate judgment can be performed.

[0029] The control unit 24B acquires a third image input by the input unit 22. The third image is generated or photographed to improve the accuracy of determining whether the second image is appropriate. The control unit 24B updates the first image to be compared with the second image based on the third image using artificial intelligence (including storing a new, additional first image).

[0030] The operation of the work monitoring system of the embodiment will be described below with reference to FIGS.

[0031] Fig. 2 shows a monitoring operation related to inspection work. As shown in Fig. 2, in step S1, the processing unit 24 identifies the worker performing the work. In step S1, each of a plurality of (here, two) workers A and B wears the identification unit 11, thereby identifying each of workers A and B.

[0032] In step S2, the processing unit 24 sets the current position and orientation. In step S2, before work begins, the position identification unit 12 linked to the identification unit 11 acquires current position information and worker orientation information, and the current positions and orientations of workers A and B are confirmed and set as references. The orientations of workers A and B can be set, for example, by having workers A and B face each other and acquiring image information using the photographing unit 13 to confirm that they are facing each other, while also acquiring worker orientation information using the position identification unit 12 to confirm their orientations.

[0033] In step S3, the processing unit 24 acquires the current positions, orientations, and images of the workers A and B when the work starts.

[0034] In step S4, the processing unit 24 displays the current position, orientation, and image of each of the workers A and B on the display unit 23. In step S4, for example, as shown in FIG. 3, the current positions of each of the workers A and B are indicated by points 1A and 1B on the display unit 23 based on the position information of the work area, and the orientations of each of the workers A and B are indicated by arrows 1Aa and 1Ab. Also in step S4, an image 13A of the worker A and an image 13B of the worker B, which are captured by the capturing unit 13 based on the capturing signal from the processing unit 24, are displayed. The images 13A and 13B may be displayed together with the display unit 23 that displays the current positions and orientations of each of the workers A and B, or may be displayed on a separate display unit 23. In step S4, if a worker from another work group is present near the workers A and B, the points 1C and 1D are displayed in a different form (for example, dashed lines) from the points 1C and 1D of the workers A and B.

[0035] In step S5, the processing unit 24 judges the inspection work. In step S5, the distance between workers A and B and the current positions of workers A and B acquired in step S4 is acquired, and it is judged whether the distance between them is within an appropriate range. Also in step S5, it is judged whether the mutual orientations (looking directions) of workers A and B acquired in step S4 are appropriate from their orientations. Also in step S5, it is judged whether workers A and B are performing their work appropriately from the acquired images 13A and 13B.

[0036] In step S6, the processing unit 24 issues an alarm through the alarm unit 14 if there is an item that is not appropriate based on the determination in step S5.

[0037] In step S7, the processing unit 24 determines the inspection result. In step S7, the images 13A and 13B of the workers A and B are used as second images, and the previously acquired first image is compared with the second image to determine whether the inspection result is appropriate.

[0038] 4 shows the operation of updating the first image. As shown in Fig. 4, in step S11, the processing unit 24 acquires the third image from the input unit 22. Then, in step S12, the processing unit 24 updates the first image based on the third image.

[0039] The work monitoring system of the embodiment is characterized by including an identification unit 11 that is worn by each of a plurality of workers A and B and can identify each of the workers A and B; a position identification unit 12 that is linked to the identification unit 11 and worn by each of the workers A and B and that identifies the current position based on position information of the work area and identifies the direction in which each of the workers A and B is facing; and a processing unit 24 that acquires the mutual distance and direction of each of the workers A and B from the current position information and worker orientation information from the position identification unit 12 and displays the mutual distance and orientation of each of the workers A and B in the work area.

[0040] According to this work monitoring system, the current positions, mutual distances, and orientations of multiple workers A and B in a work area can be confirmed and monitored by a display. When a work area is a critical area that is generally off-limits, it is preferable for multiple workers A and B to monitor each other's actions and work, but it is difficult to grasp the actual situation of whether their actions and work are being strictly monitored. In this regard, according to the work monitoring system of the embodiment, the current positions, mutual distances, and orientations of multiple workers A and B can be confirmed and monitored by a display, making it possible for a third party to strictly monitor their actions and work.

[0041] The work monitoring system of the embodiment further includes an alarm unit 14 that is linked to the identification unit 11, worn by each of the workers A and B, and issues an alarm based on a command from the processing unit 24.

[0042] According to this work monitoring system, if the distance between workers A and B and their orientation are not appropriate, an alarm can be issued to workers A and B to alert them.

[0043] In addition, the work monitoring system of the embodiment further includes a photographing unit 13 that is linked to the identification unit 11, is worn by each worker A, B, and captures an image in the direction that each worker A, B is facing, and the processing unit 24 causes the photographing unit 13 to photograph an image, acquires the image, and displays it.

[0044] This work monitoring system captures and displays images intended by management, rather than images intended by workers A and B, making it possible to strictly check and monitor the actions and work of workers A and B. Furthermore, by capturing and displaying images intended by management, rather than images intended by workers A and B, this work monitoring system can prevent mistakes in taking inspection images, as well as image leaks and fraud such as image tampering.

[0045] Furthermore, in the work monitoring system of the embodiment, the processing unit 24 compares the images acquired from the respective photographing units 13 linked to the respective workers A and B to determine whether or not the work is acceptable.

[0046] According to this work monitoring system, for example, by determining the inspection results from images, it is possible to prevent human error when inputting the inspection results and obtain accurate inspection results.

[0047] Furthermore, in the work monitoring system of the embodiment, the processing unit 24 compares a first image acquired in advance with a second image acquired from the photographing unit 13 to determine whether the second image is appropriate.

[0048] This work monitoring system allows inspection results to be determined automatically and without error.

[0049] In addition, in the work monitoring system of the embodiment, the processing unit 24 acquires a third image and updates the first image based on the third image.

[0050] According to this work monitoring system, more accurate judgment can be achieved by updating the first image.

[0051] The identification unit 11 separately identifies each worker A, B who has been linked and identified with each other from workers who are not linked, and the processing unit 24 displays each worker A, B who has been linked and identified with each other in different forms from workers who are not linked.

[0052] According to this work monitoring system, it is possible to distinguish between workers A and B who should be monitored and workers who should not be monitored by the display.

[0053] The present disclosure includes the following inventions. [Invention 1] an identification unit attached to each of a plurality of workers and capable of identifying each of the workers; a position identification unit associated with the identification unit, worn by each of the workers, and configured to identify a current position based on position information of the work area and to identify a direction in which each of the workers is facing; a processing unit that acquires the mutual distance and orientation of each of the workers from the current position information and worker orientation information from the position identification unit and displays the mutual distance and orientation of each of the workers in the work area; Including, Work monitoring system. [Invention 2] and an alarm unit associated with the identification unit, worn by each of the workers, and configured to issue an alarm based on a command from the processing unit. A work monitoring system according to invention 1. [Invention 3] The system further includes a photographing unit associated with the identification unit, worn by each of the workers, and capturing an image in a direction in which each of the workers is facing, The processing unit causes the imaging unit to capture an image, acquire the image, and display the image. A work monitoring system according to invention 1 or 2. [Invention 4] The processing unit compares the images acquired from the photographing units associated with the respective workers to determine whether or not the images are acceptable. A work monitoring system according to invention 3. [Invention 5] the processing unit compares a first image acquired in advance with a second image acquired from the imaging unit to determine whether the second image is appropriate. A work monitoring system according to invention 3 or 4. [Invention 6] the processing unit acquires a third image and updates the first image based on the third image. A work monitoring system according to invention 5. [Invention 7] the identification unit separately identifies each worker who has been linked and identified from an unlinked worker; The processing unit displays each worker identified by association in a different form from a worker not identified by association. A work monitoring system according to any one of inventions 1 to 6. [Explanation of symbols]

[0054] 11 Identification unit 12 Location identification part 13 Photography Department 14 Alarm section 24 Processing section

Claims

1. an identification unit attached to each of a plurality of workers and capable of identifying each of the workers; a position identification unit associated with the identification unit, worn by each of the workers, and configured to identify a current position based on position information of the work area and to identify a direction in which each of the workers is facing; a processing unit that acquires the mutual distance and orientation of each of the workers from the current position information and worker orientation information from the position identification unit and displays the mutual distance and orientation of each of the workers in the work area; Including, Work monitoring system.

2. and an alarm unit associated with the identification unit, worn by each of the workers, and configured to issue an alarm based on a command from the processing unit. The work monitoring system according to claim 1 .

3. The system further includes a photographing unit associated with the identification unit, worn by each of the workers, and capturing an image in a direction in which each of the workers is facing, The processing unit causes the imaging unit to capture an image, acquire the image, and display the image. The work monitoring system according to claim 1 .

4. The processing unit compares the images acquired from the photographing units associated with the respective workers to determine whether or not the images are acceptable. The work monitoring system according to claim 3 .

5. the processing unit compares a first image acquired in advance with a second image acquired from the imaging unit to determine whether the second image is appropriate. The work monitoring system according to claim 3 .

6. the processing unit acquires a third image and updates the first image based on the third image. The work monitoring system according to claim 5 .

7. the identification unit separately identifies each worker who has been linked and identified from an unlinked worker; The processing unit displays each worker identified by association in a different form from a worker not identified by association. The work monitoring system according to claim 1 .

Images