Notification device

Abstract

To provide a notification device that can enhance safety.SOLUTION: A notification device 10 according to the present disclosure compares a pre-simulation of a work process at a work site with the progress of the current work process, then based on at least one of the fatigue level and hazard level calculated by the simulation, it notifies the worker of a point to note for the next work process. The point to note includes at least one of the change in environmental information and updated information resulting from such change.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a notification device. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses that at a work site, a total fatigue level, which is the sum of a worker's travel fatigue level caused by travel to the work site and their work fatigue level caused by the work they do, is compared with a limit fatigue level, which is the limit value of the worker's fatigue level, and the travel or work load is adjusted so that the total fatigue level is less than or equal to the limit fatigue level. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2020 / 148876 [Non-patent literature]

[0004] [Non-Patent Document 1] "Research for the Future: Creating Better Processes: Virtual On-site Operations with a Process Simulator," [online], March 22, 2024, Toyota Motor Corporation, [Retrieved April 8, 2024], Internet<https: / / global.toyota / jp / mobility / frontier-research / 40465130.html> Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Even if you manage your workload, you may lose focus between tasks.

[0006] The present disclosure has been made to solve such problems, and aims to provide a notification device that can improve concentration and safety. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A notification device according to one aspect of the present disclosure compares a prior simulation of a work process at a work site with the progress of the current work process, and notifies the worker of points to note for the work in the next work process based on at least one of the fatigue level and the risk level calculated by the simulation.

[0008] In the above notification device, the points to note include at least one of changes in environmental information and updated information due to changes in the environmental information, the environmental information includes at least one of a weather forecast, a wind speed forecast, and meteorological information, and the updated information may include the points to note for the work in response to changes in the environmental information.

[0009] The notification device may set the notification voice based on personal data of the worker, and when the work is performed with a risk level equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold, the notification voice may be set to the registered notification voice that increases tension. The notification device may set the notification voice by using an algorithm that has been trained by machine learning the personal data of the worker as learning data, or an algorithm that has been trained by machine learning the personal data of the worker and a notification voice that increases tension as learning data.

[0010] The notification device may set a notification voice based on personal data of the worker, and when the fatigue level is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, the notification voice may be set to the voice quality registered as the worker's preferred voice quality. The notification device may set the notification voice by using an algorithm trained by machine learning using the worker's personal data as learning data, or an algorithm trained by machine learning using the worker's personal data and the worker's preferred voice quality as learning data.

[0011] In the notification device, the notification sound may be set to a frequency different from the frequency of the noise in the work site, depending on the noise in the work site. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] The present disclosure makes it possible to provide a notification device that can improve safety. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram illustrating a notification device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] 4 is a flowchart illustrating a method for notifying points to be noted according to fatigue level and risk level in the notification device according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 3] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a method for notifying points to be noted based on environmental information and update information in the notification device according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 4] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a method for notifying points to be noted when the risk level is high in the notification device according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 5] 4 is a flowchart illustrating a notification method when the fatigue level is high in the notification device according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a method for notifying points to be noted when changing the frequency of the notification sound in the notification device according to the first embodiment. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] Specific configurations of the present embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. The following description illustrates preferred embodiments of the present disclosure, and the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the following embodiments. Furthermore, not all of the configurations described in the present embodiment are necessarily essential means for solving the problems. For clarity of explanation, the following description and drawings have been omitted and simplified as appropriate. In each drawing, the same elements are assigned the same reference numerals, and duplicate explanations are omitted as necessary.

[0015] (Embodiment 1) A notification device according to a first embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a notification device 10 according to the first embodiment. The notification device 10 compares a prior simulation of a work process at a work site with the progress of the current work process. Then, the notification device 10 notifies the worker of points to note for the work in the next work process according to at least one of the fatigue level and the risk level calculated by the simulation.

[0016] The notification device 10 may include, for example, an information processing device such as a microcomputer, a server, or a personal computer. The notification device 10 may further include a processor PRC, a memory MMR, a storage device STR, and a user interface UI. The storage device STR stores programs that represent the processes executed by each component of the notification device 10. The processor PRC also loads the programs from the storage device STR into the memory MMR and executes the programs. In this way, the processor PRC realizes the functions of each component of the notification device 10. The user interface UI may include input devices such as a keyboard, a mouse, and an imaging device, as well as output devices such as a display, a printer, and a speaker.

[0017] Each component of the notification device 10 may be realized by dedicated hardware. Furthermore, some or all of the components may be realized by general-purpose or dedicated circuits, processor PRCs, etc., or a combination of these. These may be configured by a single chip, or by multiple chips connected via a bus. Some or all of the components may be realized by a combination of the above-mentioned circuits, etc., and programs. Furthermore, the processor PRC may be a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), a quantum processor (quantum computer control chip), etc.

[0018] Furthermore, when some or all of the components of the notification device 10 are realized by multiple notification devices 10, circuits, etc., the multiple notification devices 10, circuits, etc. may be centrally or decentralized. For example, the notification devices 10, circuits, etc. may be realized in a form in which they are connected via a communication network using a client-server system, a cloud computing system, etc. Furthermore, the functions of the notification device 10 may be provided in a SaaS (Software as a Service) format.

[0019] The notification device 10 acquires a preliminary simulation of a work process at a work site. The work site includes a site where workers perform work. Work includes work performed by workers using their bodies or their minds. The work process includes the procedure of work performed by workers. The notification device 10 may acquire a preliminary simulation of a work process by acquiring a schedule in advance that plans the work process to be performed by workers at the work site. The notification device 10 may acquire a preliminary simulation of a work process by simulating it itself. The notification device 10 may also acquire a preliminary simulation of a work process simulated by another information processing device from that information processing device. The simulation of a work process may include, for example, a simulation by a process simulator described in Non-Patent Document 1.

[0020] Below, we will explain in the following order: <Notification of points to note based on fatigue level and risk level>, <Notification of points to note based on environmental information and update information>, <Setting the notification sound when the risk level is high>, <Setting the notification sound when the fatigue level is high>, and <Frequency of the notification sound>.

[0021] <Notification of points to note based on fatigue level and risk level> The notification device 10 may calculate at least one of the fatigue level and the risk level of a work process by simulating the work process in advance. For example, the notification device 10 may calculate the degree of risk of the work performed by the worker using a process simulator or the like. Then, the notification device 10 may calculate the risk level of the work process by summing the degree of risk of each task for the work process. Note that the simulation is not limited to a process simulator, and other simulations may also be used.

[0022] The notification device 10 also calculates a fatigue level associated with the work performed by the worker. The notification device 10 may calculate the fatigue level associated with the work performed by the worker using a simulator such as a process simulator. The notification device 10 may calculate the fatigue level of a work process by summing up the fatigue levels of each work for the work process. The notification device 10 may store the calculated fatigue level and risk level for the work process in association with each work process.

[0023] The notification device 10 acquires the progress of the current work process. The notification device 10 may acquire the progress of the current work process from an input indicating the completion of work performed by a worker when the worker finishes work in the work process. The notification device 10 may also acquire the progress of the current work process from cameras, thermometers, and sensors that acquire electrical changes arranged at the work site.

[0024] The notification device 10 compares a prior simulation of a work process at a work site with the progress of the current work process. Then, the notification device 10 may acquire at least one of a fatigue level and a risk level calculated by the simulation based on the progress of the current work process. The notification device 10 may acquire at least one of a current worker's fatigue level and a risk level by simulation. Furthermore, the notification device 10 may acquire at least one of a worker's fatigue level and a risk level in the next work process by simulation.

[0025] The notification device 10 notifies the worker of important points to note for the next work process, based on at least one of the fatigue level and the risk level calculated by the simulation. This allows the notification device 10 to improve worker safety. For example, when a worker is concentrating to remember what the next work task is, the worker may neglect to assess the situation around them. This could result in a decrease in safety. Furthermore, accumulated fatigue can also cause a decrease in concentration even if the limit fatigue level is not exceeded. This could result in a decrease in safety. In such a situation, the notification device 10 notifies the worker of important points to note for the next work process, based on the fatigue level or the risk level calculated by the simulation, thereby improving worker safety.

[0026] For example, if the fatigue level or the risk level is equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold, the notification device 10 notifies the worker of predetermined points to note. Also, for example, if the fatigue level or the risk level is low, the notification device 10 may notify the worker of the minimum necessary points to note. If the fatigue level and the risk level are medium, the notification device 10 may notify the worker of predetermined additional points to note in addition to the minimum necessary points to note. If the fatigue level and the risk level are high, the notification device 10 may notify the worker of even more detailed points to note.

[0027] In this way, the notification device 10 notifies the worker of important points to note for the next work process according to the level of fatigue and risk, etc., thereby reducing the frequency with which the worker has to check important points for the work each time. Furthermore, the notification device 10 may notify important points so that the worker performs movements optimized by simulation. In this way, work efficiency can be improved.

[0028] The notification performed by the notification device 10 is not limited to audio notification. The notification device 10 may notify the worker indirectly using an image, color, light, or the like through XR goggles.

[0029] Next, an example of a method for notifying a user of points to note according to the level of fatigue and the level of danger will be described. Note that the method for notifying a user of points to note according to the level of fatigue and the level of danger is not limited to the following flow, and some steps may be added or deleted, or the order of some steps may be changed. The same applies to the flows described in the subsequent figures. Figure 2 is a flowchart illustrating a method for notifying a user of points to note according to the level of fatigue and the level of danger in the notification device 10 according to the first embodiment.

[0030] 2, in step S11, the notification device 10 determines whether the work of the current step in the work process has been completed. If the work of the current step has not been completed (No), the process returns to step S11. If the work of the current step has been completed (Yes), the process proceeds to step S12.

[0031] In step S12, the notification device 10 checks the progress of the work process. In step S13, the notification device 10 determines whether there is a next work process. If there is no next work process (if No), the process ends. If there is a next work process (if Yes), the process proceeds to step S14. In step S14, the notification device 10 refers to the fatigue level due to the next process. Note that in step S14, the notification device 10 may also refer to the risk level of the next process. The fatigue level in steps S14 to S17 may be replaced with the risk level.

[0032] In step S15, the notification device 10 determines whether the accumulated fatigue level (accumulated risk level) is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold. If the accumulated fatigue level is less than the predetermined threshold (No), the process ends. If the accumulated fatigue level is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold (Yes), the process proceeds to step S16.

[0033] In step S16, the notification device 10 determines whether there are any work points to note in the next work process. If there are no work points to note in the next work process (if No), the process ends. If there are work points to note in the next work process (if Yes), the process proceeds to step S17. In step S17, the notification device 10 notifies the user of the work points to note according to the fatigue level. Then, the process ends.

[0034] <Notification of points to note based on environmental information and updated information> The points of attention notified to the worker by the notification device 10 include at least one of changes in environmental information and updated information due to changes in environmental information. Here, the environmental information includes at least one of a weather forecast, a wind speed forecast, and meteorological information. The updated information includes points of attention for work depending on changes in environmental information. By the notification device 10 notifying the worker of points of attention, the safety of the worker can be improved. For example, the notification device 10 can notify the worker of weather forecasts such as raincloud radar as points of attention, and can also notify the worker of the possibility of slippery work sites due to rain and the possibility of unstable footing due to increased wind speed as points of attention.

[0035] Furthermore, if the temperature drops as a change in environmental information, the fatigue level of the worker is referenced, simulating a drop in body temperature. This allows the fatigue level to be closer to the worker's actual level of fatigue. Furthermore, if the environmental information changes to make the road surface slippery, the system notifies the worker of points to note, such as how to walk while working, slippery areas at the work site, and recommendations for caution when working. This can improve safety. Furthermore, if work efficiency decreases due to safety concerns, the system may notify the work manager of the possibility of changing the work plan. In such cases, the system can also lead to a prompt review of the work plan.

[0036] Next, an example of a method for notifying points to be noted based on environmental information and update information will be described. Fig. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a method for notifying points to be noted based on environmental information and update information in the notification device 10 according to the first embodiment.

[0037] As shown in Fig. 3, in step S21, the notification device 10 acquires weather information. Note that in step S21, the notification device 10 may also acquire a weather forecast and a wind speed forecast. In step S22, the notification device 10 determines whether there is a change point in the environmental information. If there is no change point in the environmental information (No), the process proceeds to step S24. If there is a change point in the environmental information (Yes), the process proceeds to step S23.

[0038] In step S23, the notification device 10 notifies the user of points to note due to changes in environmental information. In step S24, the notification device 10 determines whether the work in the current step in the work process has been completed. If the work in the current step has not been completed (No), the process returns to step S21. If the work in the current step has been completed (Yes), the process proceeds to step S25.

[0039] In step S25, the notification device 10 checks the progress of the work process. In step S26, the notification device 10 determines whether there is a next work process. If there is no next work process (if No), the processing ends. If there is a next work process (if Yes), the processing proceeds to step S27. In step S27, the notification device 10 refers to points to note about the work in response to changes in environmental information.

[0040] In step S28, the notification device 10 determines whether there are any work points to note in the next work process. If there are no work points to note in the next work process (if No), the process ends. If there are work points to note in the next work process (if Yes), the process proceeds to step S29. In step S29, the notification device 10 notifies the points to note. Then, the process ends.

[0041] <Setting the notification sound when the risk level is high> The notification device 10 can set the notification voice based on the personal data of the worker. When performing work with a risk level equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold, the notification device 10 sets the notification voice to a registered notification voice that increases tension. The notification voice that increases tension includes, for example, the voice quality of a boss or the voice quality of a news anchor during a disaster. Note that the notification voice that increases tension is not limited to the voice quality of a boss or the voice quality of a news anchor during a disaster, but may be a notification voice that increases tension that is registered in advance based on the personal data of the worker.

[0042] The notification device may set the notification sound by using an algorithm that has been trained by machine learning using the worker's personal data as learning data, or an algorithm that has been trained by machine learning using the worker's personal data and a notification sound that increases tension as learning data. The notification device 10 can increase the worker's sense of tension by notifying the worker with a notification sound that is registered as a notification sound that increases tension, thereby improving safety.

[0043] Next, an example of a method for notifying a user of important points when the risk level is high will be described. Fig. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a method for notifying a user of important points when the risk level is high, in the notification device 10 according to the first embodiment.

[0044] 4, in step S31, the notification device 10 determines whether the work of the current step in the work process has been completed. If the work of the current step has not been completed (No), the process returns to step S31. If the work of the current step has been completed (Yes), the process proceeds to step S32.

[0045] In step S32, the notification device 10 checks the progress of the work process. In step S33, the notification device 10 determines whether there is a next work process. If there is no next work process (if No), the processing ends. If there is a next work process (if Yes), the processing proceeds to step S34. In step S34, the notification device 10 determines whether there are any work points to note in the next work process. If there are no work points to note in the next work process (if No), the processing ends. If there are work points to note in the next work process (if Yes), the processing proceeds to step S35.

[0046] In step S35, the notification device 10 determines whether the risk level of the next task is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold. If the risk level is less than the predetermined threshold (No), the process ends. If the risk level is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold (Yes), the process proceeds to step S36. In step S36, the notification device 10 sets a notification sound that increases the worker's sense of tension. In step S37, the notification device 10 notifies the worker of points to note. Then, the process ends.

[0047] <Notification sound settings for when fatigue level is high> The notification device 10 can set the notification voice based on the worker's personal data. When the fatigue level is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, the notification device 10 sets the notification voice quality to a voice quality registered as the worker's preferred notification voice quality. The preferred notification voice quality may include, for example, the voice quality of a favorite character or a favorite person. Note that the preferred notification voice quality is not limited to the voice quality of a favorite character or a favorite person, and may be a voice quality registered in advance as the worker's preferred notification voice quality based on the worker's personal data.

[0048] The notification device may set the notification voice using an algorithm that has been machine-learned using the worker's personal data as learning data, or an algorithm that has been machine-learned using the worker's personal data and preferred voice quality as learning data. The notification device 10 can reduce the worker's sense of fatigue by notifying the worker in the notification voice quality registered as the worker's preferred notification voice quality.

[0049] Next, an example of a notification method when the fatigue level is high will be described. Fig. 5 is a flow chart illustrating a notification method when the fatigue level is high in the notification device 10 according to the first embodiment.

[0050] 5, in step S41, the notification device 10 determines whether the worker's fatigue level is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold. If the worker's fatigue level is less than the predetermined threshold (No), the process ends. If the worker's fatigue level is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold (Yes), the process proceeds to step S42.

[0051] In step S42, the notification device 10 sets the worker's preferred voice quality as the notification voice. In step S43, the notification device 10 notifies the worker of the cheering voice in the preferred voice quality set as the notification voice. Then, the processing ends. In this way, when the worker's fatigue level is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, the cheering voice is notified in the worker's preferred voice quality, thereby improving the worker's concentration.

[0052] <Notification sound frequency> The notification device 10 sets the notification audio to a frequency different from the frequency of the noise at the work site in accordance with the noise at the work site. By providing notification at a frequency different from the noise at the work site, the notification device 10 can make the notification audio easier to hear, thereby improving safety.

[0053] Next, an example of a method for notifying points to be noted when changing the frequency of the notification sound will be described. Fig. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a method for notifying points to be noted when changing the frequency of the notification sound in the notification device 10 according to the first embodiment.

[0054] As shown in Fig. 6, in step S51, the notification device 10 determines whether the frequencies of the noise at the work site and the notification sound overlap. If the frequencies of the noise at the work site and the notification sound do not overlap (No), the process ends. If the frequencies of the noise at the work site and the notification sound overlap (Yes), the process proceeds to step S52.

[0055] In step S52, the notification device 10 sets the notification sound with the changed frequency. In step S53, the notification device 10 notifies the user of points to note. Then, the process ends.

[0056] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be modified as appropriate within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0057] The present disclosure can also be realized by causing a computer to execute each process relating to the notification method using the notification device 10 as a notification program.

[0058] The following notification method and notification program are also included within the scope of the technical concept of this embodiment.

[0059] (Appendix 1) A step of comparing a prior simulation of a work process at a work site with the current progress of the work process; a step of notifying the worker of important points to be noted in the next work process in accordance with at least one of the fatigue level and the risk level calculated by the simulation; A notification method comprising: (Appendix 2) a step of comparing a prior simulation of the work process at the work site with the progress of the current work process; a step of notifying the worker of important points to be noted in the next work process in accordance with at least one of the fatigue level and the risk level calculated by the simulation; A notification program that causes your computer to run. [Explanation of symbols]

[0060] 10 Notification device MMR Memory PRC Processor STR storage UI User Interface

Claims

1. a prior simulation of the work process at the work site is compared with the progress of the current work process, and the worker is notified of important points to be noted in the next work process according to at least one of the fatigue level and the risk level calculated by the simulation; Notification device.

2. the attention points include at least one of changes in environmental information and update information due to the changes in the environmental information; the environmental information includes at least one of a weather forecast, a wind speed forecast, and meteorological information; the update information includes the points to note for the work in response to changes in the environmental information; The notification device of claim 1 .

3. The notification voice can be set based on the personal data of the worker, and when the worker is performing the work with a risk level equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold, the notification voice is set to the registered notification voice that increases the worker's sense of tension. The notification device of claim 1 .

4. The notification voice can be set based on personal data of the worker, and when the fatigue level is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, the notification voice is set to the voice quality registered as the worker's preferred voice quality. The notification device of claim 1 .

5. According to the noise at the work site, the notification sound is set to a frequency different from the frequency of the noise. The notification device of claim 1 .

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