Information processing device, information processing system, information processing method, and information processing program, recording medium, and teaching method

Abstract

To provide an information processing device capable of effectively presenting a user with chemical substance-related events.SOLUTION: An information processing device (10) according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: an acquisition unit (121) for acquiring manipulation information indicative of manipulation performed by a user; an image generation unit (122) for generating an image showing a virtual space; and an output unit (124) for outputting the image, the image generation unit being configured to place objects representing chemical reactions involving chemical substances.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing device, an information processing system, an information processing method, an information processing program, a recording medium, and an educational method. [Background technology]

[0002] Accidents and disasters often occur at chemical plant sites and laboratories. Safety education is conducted to prevent these accidents and disasters from becoming obscured and to increase participants' risk sensitivity. Disaster education at these sites typically relies on disaster reports, either paper or electronic. Most of these reports use written documents and still images displayed on computer screens, which require participants to visualize the disaster scene from text, photographs, and diagrams, making it difficult to intuitively understand the nature of the disaster. Furthermore, this presentation method fails to convey the tragedy of the disaster to participants, is less effective in increasing participants' risk sensitivity, and makes it difficult for participants to feel a sense of ownership. In particular, when the phenomena and scenes are complex, readers with limited imagination may have difficulty understanding the background and progression. In response to this issue, video-based educational materials are known for educating participants about accident and disaster reenactments and countermeasures.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a disaster case simulation device for safety education aimed at preventing disasters from being forgotten and improving workers' sensitivity to danger. Also, Non-Patent Document 1 discloses safety education teaching materials that are 3D CG animations that realistically reproduce the moment of an accident or disaster, and show subjects how disasters are reproduced and how to deal with them. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-218324 [Non-patent literature]

[0005] [Non-Patent Document 1] Act Engineering Co., Ltd., "Safety Education Content / Workplace Accident Prevention," [online], [Retrieved October 29, 2018], Internet<URL:https: / / www.acte.co.jp / contents / index.html> Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] In general, handling chemical substances is particularly dangerous and requires knowledge and experience, but beginners in the work have a problem of low sensitivity to the dangers of handling chemical substances due to their lack of knowledge and experience.On the other hand, the above-mentioned technology is intended to show moving images that simulate accidents in factories, construction sites, and the like, but does not allow people to experience events based on at least one of chemical reactions, fires, explosions, and exposure to hazardous substances.

[0007] One aspect of the present invention aims to realize an information processing device and information processing method that can effectively present to a user events related to at least one of chemical reactions, fires, explosions, and exposure to hazardous substances. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to solve the above problem, an information processing device according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises an acquisition unit that acquires operation information indicating user operations, an image generation unit that generates an image showing a virtual space by referring to the operation information acquired by the acquisition unit, and an output unit that outputs the image generated by the image generation unit, wherein the image generation unit places objects in a virtual space representing a chemical laboratory or a chemical factory, the objects including first-type objects and second-type objects, and one or more first-type objects related to at least any of chemical substances, various devices, apparatuses, and facilities are placed in the virtual space according to the operation information acquired by the acquisition unit, and the second-type objects representing at least any of experimental operations, handling, storage, safekeeping, transportation, various operations, work, disaster events, damage caused by the disaster events, causes of the disaster events, and soft elements related to at least any of the chemical substances, various devices, apparatuses, and facilities are placed in the virtual space according to the placement of the one or more first-type objects.

[0009] In addition, in order to solve the above problem, an information processing method according to one aspect of the present invention includes an acquisition step of acquiring operation information indicating a user's operation, an image generation step of generating an image indicating a virtual space by referring to the operation information acquired in the acquisition step, and an output step of outputting the image generated in the image generation step, wherein the image generation step is characterized in that an object is placed in a virtual space representing a chemical laboratory or a chemical factory. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] One aspect of the present invention is the ability to effectively present events related to at least one of chemical reactions, fires, explosions, and exposure to hazardous materials to a user. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an information processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2]3 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of information processing in the information processing system according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an input screen for selecting a scenario, which is generated by the information processing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 1A to 1D are diagrams showing examples of images generated by an image generating unit of an information processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] 1A to 1C are diagrams showing examples of images generated by an image generating unit of an information processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] <Embodiment> Hereinafter, one embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail.

[0013] The information processing system 1 of this embodiment is a system that allows a user to virtually experience a disaster caused by at least one of experimental operations, handling, storage, safekeeping, transportation, various operations and work involving chemical substances in a chemical laboratory or chemical plant.

[0014] The user refers to anyone who uses the information processing system 1, and includes a subject who experiences a virtual experience, and an instructor who inputs a scenario for allowing the subject to have a virtual experience and who provides instruction to the subject.

[0015] 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an information processing system 1 according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the information processing system 1 includes an information processing device 10, an operation reception device 20, and a presentation device 30.

[0016] The operation reception device 20 receives an operation from a user and generates operation information indicating the operation. The generated operation information is supplied to the information processing device 10. In FIG. 1, an operation reception device of a type that is held by a user is given as an example of the operation reception device 20, but this does not limit the present embodiment, and other types of operation reception devices may also be used.

[0017] The presentation device 30 presents the image generated by the information processing device 10 to the user. In FIG. 1, a head-mounted display worn on the user's head is exemplified as the presentation device 30, but the present embodiment is not limited to this. The presentation device 30 may also be configured to include a speaker, a blower, a heater, a vibrator, etc., and to provide the user with at least one of the actions of sound, wind pressure, temperature change, and vibration.

[0018] This allows the user to experience events not only visually but also aurally and tactilely, thereby improving the user's sensitivity to danger.

[0019] (Information processing device 10) As shown in FIG. 1, the information processing device 10 includes an interface unit 110, a control unit 120, and a memory .

[0020] The interface unit 110 functions as an interface between the operation reception device 20 and the presentation device 30 and the control unit 120. The interface unit 110 includes, for example, a connector and a connector control unit for controlling the connector.

[0021] The interface unit 110 acquires operation information generated by the operation reception device 20 and supplies the acquired operation information to the control unit 120. The interface unit 110 also supplies image data generated by the control unit 120 to the presentation device 30. The interface unit 110 may also be configured to supply action information generated by the control unit 120, which indicates at least one of actions of sound, wind pressure, temperature change, and vibration, to the presentation device 30.

[0022] (control unit 120) The control unit 120 includes an acquisition unit 121, an image generation unit 122, an action information generation unit 123, and an output unit .

[0023] The acquisition unit 121 acquires operation information indicating a user operation from the operation reception device 20 via the interface unit 110.

[0024] The image generation unit 122 generates an image showing a virtual space by referring to the operation information acquired by the acquisition unit 121. The image generation unit 122 also places an object in the virtual space representing a chemical laboratory or a chemical plant. In other words, the image generation unit 122 generates an image in which an object related to chemical substances is placed in the virtual space representing a chemical laboratory or a chemical plant. The image generation unit 122 may also generate an image by superimposing and combining multiple generated images.

[0025] The image generating unit 122 may generate an object that represents at least one of experimental operations involving chemical substances, such as chemical reactions in a chemical laboratory, and handling, storage, safekeeping, transportation, and various operations and tasks of chemical substances in a chemical factory. In this case, the image generating unit 122 may place one or more first-type objects in the virtual space in accordance with the operation information acquired by the acquiring unit 121.

[0026] Objects related to chemical substances include first-type objects and second-type objects. The image generation unit 122 places one or more first-type objects in the virtual space according to the operation information acquired by the acquisition unit 121. The first-type objects are objects related to at least one of chemical substances, various devices, equipment, and facilities. Objects related to chemical substances are objects that represent chemical substances, such as images representing the chemical substances themselves, containers containing chemical substances, and text that evokes chemical substances. Objects related to various devices are images representing the entire device, parts of the device, and text that evokes the device. Objects related to equipment are images representing the entire device, parts of the device, and text that evokes the device. Objects related to facilities are images representing the entire facility, parts of the facility, and text that evokes the facility.

[0027] The image generation unit 122 also places second-type objects in the virtual space according to the placement of the first-type objects. The second-type objects are objects related to at least one of chemical substances, various devices, equipment, and facilities. Specifically, the second-type objects represent at least one of experimental operations, handling, storage, safekeeping, transportation, various operations, work, disaster events, damage caused by disaster events, causes of disaster events, and soft elements. Experimental operations are operations for conducting experiments. Handling is the act of using chemical substances, various devices, equipment, facilities, etc., and the act performed to use them. Storage is the act of storing chemical substances themselves or the state in which chemical substances have already been stored. Liquids, gases, or solids are stored in closed spaces such as storage tanks, hoppers, and silos, but solids may be stored in an open space as is. Storage refers to the state in which chemical substances themselves are placed in portable containers, bags, etc., the act of temporarily storing chemical substances as they are without being placed in portable containers, bags, etc., or the state in which these substances have already been stored. Transportation refers to the act of transporting chemical substances by road vehicles such as tank trucks and trucks, rail vehicles such as tank cars and hopper cars, piping within facilities, long-distance piping (conduits), and solid transport devices (conveyors, bucket elevators, various feeders), as well as the acts that occur in connection with these transports. Various operations are operations performed to use chemical substances, various equipment, devices, and facilities. Work refers to work using chemical substances, various equipment, and devices, and work performed at facilities. Accidents are disasters that occur when chemical substances, various equipment, devices, and facilities are used. Damage caused by accidents is damage caused by disasters that occur when chemical substances, various equipment, devices, and facilities are used. Causes of accidents are the causes of disasters that occur when chemical substances, various equipment, devices, and facilities are used. Soft elements are information used when using chemical substances, various equipment, devices, and facilities.

[0028] This allows events related to chemical reactions, fires, explosions, exposure to hazardous substances, etc. to be effectively presented to the user.

[0029] [Chemistry laboratory example] The virtual space is an image that shows an actual assumed site, room, etc. as a three-dimensional space. The virtual space represents a chemical laboratory or a chemical plant. The virtual space may also represent at least a portion of the area where various operations are performed in a chemical laboratory or a chemical plant. In this example, the virtual space is, for example, an experiment space, a draft, a waste liquid tank storage area, etc. in a chemical laboratory, a building for loading raw materials into a reactor in a chemical plant, a work area for transferring liquids, etc.

[0030] The first type of object is a chemical substance or a combination of chemical substances handled in a chemical laboratory or a chemical factory, and the state of the chemical substance may be gas, liquid, solid or a mixture thereof.

[0031] Type 1 objects contain at least one of the following: acids, bases, salts, oxidizing agents, reducing agents, alcohols, ketones, aldehydes, carboxylic acids, ethers, esters, amines, azo / diazo compounds, oximes, epoxides, cyanides, nitrides, phosphides, carbides, silicides, carbamates, halogenating agents, halides, acid halides, isocyanates, carbonates, sulfides, alkynes, conjugated dienes, nitrites and nitrites, hydrocarbons, organic peroxides, organometallic compounds, alkali metals, metallic elements (and powders), inorganic substances, chemical substances classified as hazardous materials in Class 1 to Class 6 in Appendix 1 of the Fire Service Act, and chemical substances specified in the Enforcement Regulations of the Industrial Safety and Health Act, the Regulations for Prevention of Organic Solvent Poisoning, and the Regulations for Prevention of Harm from Specified Chemical Substances.

[0032] The first type of object is various equipment, devices, and facilities, such as beakers, flasks, evaporators, funnels, condensers, burets, cocks, and control buttons. Specifically, it may be images representing these various equipment and devices, as well as text representing the names of these various equipment and devices. Other examples include instruments used for measuring reagents, instruments through which chemicals pass temporarily for analysis, and instruments for temporarily storing chemicals for drying. It may also include instruments and devices used in connection with these containers. Furthermore, the first type of object may be equipment and containers that already contain chemicals, as well as equipment and containers that will contain chemicals. It may also include equipment for temporarily storing chemicals. Furthermore, the first type of object may be an instrument or transport device for transporting chemicals from a container that contains them to another container.

[0033] Class 1 objects include heat exchangers, rotating equipment (pumps, compressors, vacuum pumps, etc.), reactors, distillation equipment, evaporation and concentration equipment, extraction and adsorption equipment, crystallization equipment, filtration and dust collection equipment, drying equipment, crushing, mixing and sieving equipment, solid transport equipment (conveyors, bucket elevators, various feeders), heating furnaces (direct-fire heating equipment), storage tanks and containers (gas, liquid, solid), utility equipment (steam, cooling water, air, inert gas, heat transfer medium, fuel, etc.), shipping and receiving equipment (filling, discharging, tank trucks, drums, paper and plastic bags, flexible containers) and warehouse storage, safety devices (safety valves, rupture discs, relief valves, negative pressure prevention devices, flame arresters, dust explosion explosion shut-off devices, explosion suppression devices, explosion dissipation devices), piping (conduits), piping parts (valves, expansion joints, flanges, etc.), electricity, instrumentation, structures and buildings, control buttons, etc. in chemical plants. It may also include towers, tanks, fixed containers, movable containers (drums, etc.), heat exchangers, warehouses, sampling containers, etc. that hold chemical substances (raw materials, intermediates, products, by-products, catalysts, additives, reaction solvents, etc.) in a chemical plant. Specifically, it may be images representing these various devices, equipment, and facilities, as well as text of the names of these various devices, equipment, and facilities.

[0034] The material, volume, and type of the first-type object are not limited, and the chemical substance contained or transported can be solid, liquid, gas, or a mixture thereof.

[0035] The second type of object is an object that represents at least one of chemical reactions, various operations, and work in a chemical factory or a chemical laboratory. The chemical reactions are at least one of a reaction between a chemical substance and air, a reaction between a chemical substance and water, a reaction between a chemical substance alone, a reaction between a chemical substance and another chemical substance, and a reaction between the above-mentioned chemical substance and something other than a chemical substance.

[0036] A reaction between a chemical substance and air refers to a reaction that progresses when the chemical substance comes into contact with air, and an example thereof is an oxidation reaction between a chemical substance and oxygen. A reaction between a chemical substance and water refers to a reaction that progresses when the chemical substance comes into contact with water, and an example thereof is a reaction between a water-phobic substance and water. A reaction between a chemical substance alone refers to a reaction that progresses when the chemical substance alone, and examples thereof include decomposition reactions due to heat or impact, rearrangement reactions, and polymerization reactions. A reaction between a chemical substance and another chemical substance or something other than a chemical substance includes a reaction that progresses when different chemical substances come into contact with each other. Examples thereof include a reaction between an acidic substance and a basic substance, a reaction between an oxidizing agent and a reducing agent, a reaction between an oxidizing agent and a combustible material, and a reaction between a chemical substance and equipment materials.

[0037] Furthermore, the various operations represent at least one of reaction, distillation, evaporation, concentration, partial condensation, condensation, absorption, desorption, adsorption, extraction, stirring, mixing, kneading, kneading, separation, liquid separation, crystallization, sublimation, pulverization, sieving, dry distillation, combustion, incineration, calcination, roasting, pyrolysis, dissolution, emulsification, filtration, drying, dust collection, washing, and transfer of a fluid (solid, liquid, gas, or a mixture thereof).

[0038] Objects representing various operations include images of reaction, distillation, evaporation, concentration, partial condensation, condensation, absorption, evaporation, adsorption, extraction, stirring, mixing, kneading, kneading, separation, separation, crystallization, sublimation, grinding, sieving, dry distillation, combustion, incineration, calcination, roasting, pyrolysis, dissolution, emulsification, filtration, drying, dust collection, cleaning, and fluid (solid, liquid, gas, or mixture thereof) transfer, as well as text evocative of these operations. Examples of images include, for example, images of preparing equipment for a reaction in a chemistry laboratory, assembling distillation equipment, and stirring compounds. Examples of text include, for example, "Extracting XX" and "Concentrating the filtrate." In a chemical factory, examples of tasks include starting pumps and mixers, adding liquid or powder raw materials to reactors, filling portable containers or bags with liquids or powders, opening and closing valves, and adjusting instruments. For example, the text may be something like "Please transfer XX from the drum to a transport container" or "Please put the powdered raw material from the pail into the reactor."

[0039] The second type of object is an object that represents a hazardous event involving a chemical substance, the hazardous event being at least one of combustion, explosion, leakage, spillage, thermal runaway, oxidation reaction, polymerization reaction, decomposition reaction, rearrangement reaction, and exposure to hazardous substances due to leakage.

[0040] Combustion occurs when three things are present: a combustible material, a stimulating agent (e.g., air, oxygen, or other combustion-supporting gas), and an ignition source. If combustion (a high-speed oxidation reaction) accelerates, it may lead to an explosion (generated pressure) in a confined environment. Objects that indicate combustion are images that show the state of combustion and text that evokes combustion. An image that represents combustion could be, for example, an image of a flame rising, and text that evokes combustion could be, for example, text such as "It is burning."

[0041] An explosion is a phenomenon that involves destructive action as well as heat, light, sound, etc., as a result of the sudden generation or release of pressure. An object that represents an explosion is an image that shows an explosion and text that evokes an explosion. An image that represents an explosion is, for example, an image that shows laboratory equipment, a drum, etc. being destroyed and scattered, and text that evokes an explosion can be, for example, text such as "An explosion has occurred."

[0042] Thermal runaway (uncontrollable reaction) occurs when the rate of heat generation due to the target reaction, side reactions, and product decomposition reactions exceeds the cooling rate of the reactor or other equipment, resulting in an uncontrollable increase in temperature and pressure. Objects that indicate thermal runaway are images depicting thermal runaway and text evoking thermal runaway. Examples of images that represent thermal runaway include images of a reaction solution bumping, an image of a thermometer reading rapidly increasing, an image of a pressure gauge reading rapidly increasing, an image of a pressure relief device (such as a safety valve) activating to release internal pressure, and an image of a reactor or other equipment breaking down and scattering debris. Examples of text evoking thermal runaway include text such as "Thermal runaway has occurred."

[0043] Leaks and spills refer to the release of liquids, gases, etc. from equipment due to cracks caused by corrosion or the opening of valves due to misoperation. Depending on weather conditions, these can disperse downwind into the atmosphere, forming flammable mixtures on the ground, or spreading toxic substances over a wide area. Objects representing leaks and spills are images depicting leaks and spills and text evoking the idea of ​​leaks and spills. Images depicting leaks and spills, for example, can be images depicting contents escaping from holes and gaps in storage containers and equipment, images depicting flammable or toxic gases dispersing throughout a laboratory or chemical plant, or images of a fixed flammable or toxic gas detector activating and issuing an alarm. Text evoking leaks and spills can be, for example, text such as "XX is leaking from the container."

[0044] Oxidation is a phenomenon in which a substance combines with oxygen. Objects that represent oxidation are images that show the state of oxidation and text that evokes oxidation. Images that show the state of oxidation include, for example, images that show the color change of a reaction solution or the value on a pH meter changing, and text that evokes oxidation could be, for example, text such as "Oxidation is occurring."

[0045] A polymerization reaction is a reaction in which two or more molecules of one or more types combine to produce new molecules with a large molecular weight. An object representing a polymerization reaction is an image depicting the state of the polymerization reaction and text evoking a polymerization reaction. An image depicting the state of the polymerization reaction may be, for example, an image depicting the reaction solution becoming more viscous, the increase in viscosity causing stirring to stop, the formation of precipitation, or the thermometer reading rapidly increasing due to the heat of polymerization. An example of text evoking a polymerization reaction may be text such as "A polymerization reaction is occurring."

[0046] A decomposition reaction is a reaction in which a compound breaks down into two or more substances. The decomposition products can be solids, gases, or liquids. An object representing a decomposition reaction is an image showing the decomposition reaction and text evocative of the decomposition reaction. An image showing the decomposition reaction can be, for example, an image showing the color change of the reaction solution, the formation of a precipitate, or the thermometer reading rising rapidly due to the heat of decomposition. An example of text evocative of a decomposition reaction can be text such as "A decomposition reaction is occurring."

[0047] A rearrangement reaction is a reaction in which atoms or groups of atoms change position within the same molecule, resulting in a change in the skeletal structure. Objects that represent a rearrangement reaction include an image depicting the rearrangement reaction and text evocative of the rearrangement reaction. Images depicting the rearrangement reaction can be, for example, images showing the color of the reaction solution changing, the pH meter reading changing, or the thermometer reading rapidly increasing due to the heat of rearrangement. Text evocative of a rearrangement reaction can be, for example, text such as "The rearrangement reaction is progressing."

[0048] More specifically, the second type of object may include images and text that represent the progress of a chemical reaction, such as a color change, the occurrence of precipitation, a change in the phase state of a reactant, a change in the value of a sensor such as a thermometer, the occurrence of bubbles, bumping, the occurrence of steam, the occurrence of white smoke, the occurrence of sparks, the occurrence of flames, and the scattering of equipment, in a chemical laboratory or chemical plant. Also included may be images and text that represent changes in the value of a sensor such as flow rate, liquid level, temperature, pressure (differential pressure), pH (acidity), viscosity, turbidity, density (specific gravity), mass, composition (concentration), conductivity (resistivity), thermal conductivity, and calorific value, in a chemical laboratory or chemical plant. Furthermore, images and text may be used to display the sound of an alarm when the alarm setting value of various sensors is exceeded, or the sound of a siren in the factory indicating an emergency and warning evacuation. The second type of object may be an object that indicates damage caused by a hazardous event, such as damage caused by a fire, damage caused by an explosion, and / or damage caused by exposure to hazardous materials due to a leak.

[0049] The damage caused by a fire is at least one of burns caused by radiant heat, death, damage to facilities, and progression to an explosion. The object showing the damage caused by a fire is an image showing the state of the damage caused by the fire and text that evokes the damage. The image showing the state of the damage is, for example, an image showing burns caused by radiant heat, death, and damage to facilities caused by a large-scale fire, and the text that evokes the damage can be, for example, text such as "xx people were burned" or "xx part of xx facility was damaged."

[0050] The damage caused by an explosion is at least one of blast pressure, flying debris, falls, injuries, and death. The object representing the damage caused by an explosion is an image showing the damage caused by the explosion and text evoking the damage. The image showing the damage caused by an explosion can be, for example, an image showing flying debris from equipment and devices, a person falling due to flying debris and the blast, or glass windows of a building being shattered by the blast. The text evoking the damage can be, for example, text such as "X people were injured in the explosion."

[0051] The damage caused by a leak can be at least one of leakage, evaporation, atmospheric dispersion, flash fire, vapor cloud explosion, exposure to hazardous substances due to the leak, and environmental pollution. The object representing the damage caused by a leak is an image depicting the damage caused by the leak and text evoking the damage. The image depicting the damage caused by a leak can be, for example, an image depicting a flammable substance (or toxic substance) leaking from a storage container and dispersing into the atmosphere, a flammable substance (or toxic substance) being released from a chimney, and a flammable vapor cloud dispersed on the downwind surface igniting, causing a flash fire, vapor cloud explosion, or the like. The text evoking the damage can be, for example, text such as "This room is filled with XX gas" or "XX gas is spreading around the factory."

[0052] The damage caused by exposure to hazardous substances includes health problems due to acute exposure, impaired ability to evacuate, irreversible or other serious health effects and symptoms (irritation, poisoning), and death.

[0053] The damage caused by environmental pollution includes effects on the development, growth and reproduction of aquatic organisms (fish, invertebrates, algae), adult animals and birds, mortality, water pollution, air pollution and soil pollution.

[0054] The second type of object may be an object indicating the cause of the disaster event, the cause of which is due to at least one of an environmental factor and a safety management factor.

[0055] Environmental factors include at least one of ignition sources, weather conditions, and equipment corrosion. Examples of ignition sources include static electricity, impact, friction, adiabatic compression, hot surfaces, heat rays (direct sunlight), open flames, spontaneous combustion, mixed (contact) ignition, and electric sparks. Examples of weather conditions include cold, extreme heat, strong winds, lightning, snow, and heavy rain. Examples of equipment corrosion include general corrosion, metallurgical corrosion, stress corrosion, and erosion. Objects representing environmental factors are images depicting these ignition sources, weather conditions, and equipment corrosion, as well as text evocative of these. Examples of images include static electricity causing a spark discharge, flooding due to heavy rain, and a thermometer display panel. Examples of text include, for example, "Friction is occurring" or "The current temperature is _°C."

[0056] Safety management elements include at least one of human error, unsafe behavior, unsafe conditions, daily inspections, permitted work (such as fire, inside a tank, or at height), non-routine work, change management, construction, maintenance, testing, inspection, safe work procedures, locking, and energy isolation and isolation by tagging. Objects representing safety management elements include images and text evocative of human error, unsafe behavior, unsafe conditions, daily inspections, permitted work, non-routine work, change management, construction, maintenance, testing, inspection, safe work procedures, locking, and energy isolation and isolation by tagging. Examples of images include images of an open gas main valve, an unlocked reagent storage room, an operator working inside a mixing tank being caught in the mixing blades because another operator accidentally turned on the mixer, and unauthorized welding on the top of a storage tank igniting nearby flammable gas and causing an explosion. The text may be, for example, "Inspection of the XX facility has not been carried out" or "The work procedure is as follows."

[0057] The second type of object may represent a soft element. Soft elements include at least one of process safety information, process hazard assessment, operating procedures, education, training, safety design philosophy, emergency response philosophy, corporate safety culture, accident investigation, signs, labels, organization, tidiness, cleanliness, discipline, and contractor management. Objects representing soft elements include images and text evocative of process safety information, process hazard assessment, operating procedures, education, training, safety design philosophy, emergency response philosophy, corporate safety culture, accident investigation, signs, labels, organization, tidiness, cleanliness, discipline, and contractor management. Examples of images include a notice of an experiment posted on the wall of a chemistry lab, a messy chemistry lab, an attempt to close a valve in an emergency but the valve is located in an out-of-reach location, or an attempt to follow the operating procedure but opening the wrong valve because the instructions in the manual have not been corrected. Examples of text include, for example, "The operating procedure is as follows." When the soft element is an image representing education or text evoking education, this will be explained in detail in the section on educational methods below.

[0058] By arranging the first type objects and the second type objects, an actual scene can be realistically reproduced, and the user's sensitivity to danger in a disaster can be improved.

[0059] The image generating unit 122 may further place an object reflecting the operation of the operation reception device 20 in the virtual space by referring to the operation information acquired by the acquiring unit 121. Here, the object reflecting the operation of the operation reception device 20 is, for example, an object representing a hand, and reflects the movement of the user's hand holding the operation reception device 20. Specifically, the object reflects operations such as opening and closing a valve, adding and removing liquid, stirring, mixing, and separating liquids. This allows the user to recognize their own operations in the virtual space, further increasing the sense of immersion in the virtual space.

[0060] The action information generation unit 123 generates action information indicating actions to be taken by the user related to experimental operations such as chemical reactions in the chemical laboratory, and the handling, storage, safekeeping, transportation, and various operations and tasks of chemical substances in a chemical plant. Here, as described above, the action information includes information indicating at least one of sound, wind pressure, temperature change, and vibration. This allows the user to experience disasters not only visually but also aurally and tactilely, thereby improving the user's sensitivity to danger. The action information generated by the action information generation unit 123 is supplied to the output unit 124.

[0061] The output unit 124 outputs image data indicating the image generated by the image generation unit 122 and the action information generated by the action information generation unit 123 to the presentation device 30 via the interface unit 110.

[0062] The action information generating unit 123 is not an essential component. In other words, the information processing device 10 described in this embodiment may have a configuration that does not include the action information generating unit 123.

[0063] The memory 130 stores various types of data referenced by the image generation unit 122 and the action information generation unit 123. For example, the memory 130 stores image data of each element used in the image of the virtual space generated by the image generation unit 122 (e.g., image data of a laboratory table, image data of laboratory equipment, image data of a reactor in a chemical plant, image data of a work area where liquid is dispensed, etc.). The memory 130 also stores various types of data representing, for example, sounds, wind pressure, temperature changes, and vibrations associated with chemical reactions. The memory 130 may also store images generated by the image generation unit 122 that have been presented to the user. This allows, for example, after a user has had a virtual experience, to re-read the generated images stored in the memory 130 when verifying a disaster based on the virtual experience.

[0064] [Outline of processing flow in information processing system 1] The information processing method according to this embodiment includes an acquisition step of acquiring operation information indicating a user's operation, an image generation step of generating an image showing a virtual space by referring to the operation information acquired in the acquisition step, and an output step of outputting the image generated in the image generation step, in which an object is placed in the virtual space representing a chemical laboratory or a chemical factory. Figure 2 is a flowchart showing the flow of information processing in the information processing system 1.

[0065] (Step S101) In step S101, the acquisition unit 121 accepts, via the operation acceptance device 20, a user operation for selecting a scenario for an image to be presented to the user.

[0066] 3 is an input screen for selecting a scenario to execute this step, and is a diagram showing an example of an input screen A100 generated by the image generating unit 122. As shown in FIG. 3, the image generating unit 122 generates the following in accordance with the operation information acquired by the acquiring unit 121: · First choice A101 for chemicals A second option A102 relating to various equipment, devices and / or facilities; A third option A103 relating to chemical reactions, various operations and / or tasks; A104, the fourth option for the type of event involving chemical substances; A105, the fifth option on types of damage caused by chemical-related events; · Option 6 A106 on the causes of chemical-related events; and 7th option A107 for soft elements The image generating unit 122 may be configured to generate an input screen for receiving an input from the user regarding at least one of the above options (first option A101 to seventh option A107). The above options will be described in detail later.

[0067] Then, the acquiring unit 121 acquires operation information indicating a selection operation relating to at least one of the options (the first option A101 to the seventh option A107) input by the user via the input screen.

[0068] (Step S102) In step S102, the image generation unit 122 selects a scenario in accordance with the operation information acquired in step S101 by the acquisition unit 121. Specifically, the image generation unit 122 selects a scenario in accordance with the operation information indicated by the user's selection operation from among a plurality of scenarios branching for each option.

[0069] (Step S103: Image generation step, output step) In step S103, the image generation unit 122 generates an image that shows the virtual space and conforms to the scenario selected in step S102. The output unit 124 outputs the image generated by the image generation unit 122 to the interface unit 110.

[0070] In this step, the action information generating unit 123 may be configured to generate the above-mentioned action information.

[0071] (Step S104) Subsequently, in step S104, the acquisition unit 121 acquires operation information from the operation reception device 20 via the interface unit 110.

[0072] (Step S105) Subsequently, in step S105, the image generation unit 122 determines whether or not to end the image generation. For example, if the operation information acquired in step S104 instructs to end the image generation, the image generation unit 122 ends the image generation.

[0073] In step S105, if the image generation unit 122 does not determine to end image generation, the process returns to step S103, where the image generation unit 122 generates an image showing the virtual space and objects according to the operation information acquired in step S104.

[0074] A specific example will be described later, but for example, if in S104 the acquisition unit 121 acquires operation information to move laboratory equipment as an object, then in step S103 via step S105, the position of the laboratory equipment is changed in accordance with the operation information, and an image is generated showing a virtual space with the laboratory equipment superimposed at the changed position.

[0075] Such an information processing method allows events related to chemical reactions, fires, explosions or exposure to hazardous substances to be effectively presented to the user.

[0076] [Details of the input screen for selecting a scenario] As each option on the input screen A100 described above, the image generating unit 122 may be configured to present the following selectable options.

[0077] The first option A101 for chemical substances is, for example, the type of chemical substance being handled, either individually or in combination. The state of the chemical substance can be gas, liquid, solid, or a mixture of these. Specific examples of chemical substances include acids, bases, salts, oxidizing agents, reducing agents, alcohols, ketones, aldehydes, carboxylic acids, ethers, esters, amines, azo / diazo compounds, oximes, epoxides, cyanides, nitrides, phosphides, carbides, silicides, carbamates, halogenating agents, halides, acid halides, isocyanates, carbonates, sulfides, alkynes, conjugated dienes, nitrites, nitrates, hydrocarbons, organic peroxides, organometallic compounds, alkali metals, metallic elements (and powders), and inorganic substances. Options may also be presented for each classification of hazardous materials (Classes 1 to 6) listed in Appendix 1 of the Fire Service Act, or for each chemical substance specified in the Enforcement Regulations of the Industrial Safety and Health Act, the Regulations for the Prevention of Organic Solvent Poisoning, and the Regulations for the Prevention of Harm from Specified Chemical Substances. Alternatively, a compound may be selected by inputting a CAS number instead of a chemical substance name.

[0078] The second option A102 relating to various instruments, devices and / or facilities is, for example, beakers, flasks, evaporators, funnels, condensers, burets, cocks and control buttons. Also, in chemical plants, these include heat exchangers, rotating equipment (pumps, compressors, vacuum pumps, etc.), reactors, distillation equipment, evaporation and concentration equipment, extraction and adsorption equipment, crystallization equipment, filtration and dust collection equipment, drying equipment, pulverization, mixing and screening equipment, solid transport equipment (conveyors, bucket elevators, various feeders), heating furnaces (direct-fire heating equipment), storage tanks and containers (gas, liquid, solid), utility equipment (steam, cooling water, air, inert gas, heat transfer medium, fuel, etc.), loading and unloading equipment (filling, discharging, tank trucks, drums, paper and plastic bags, flexible containers) and warehouse storage, safety devices (safety valves, rupture discs, relief valves, negative pressure prevention devices, flame arresters, dust explosion explosion shut-off devices, explosion suppression devices, explosion dissipation devices), piping (conduits), piping components (valves, expansion joints, flanges, etc.), electricity, instrumentation, structures and buildings, control buttons, etc. Each of these devices, equipment, and facilities may be used alone or in combination.

[0079] The third option A103 relating to at least one of chemical reactions, various operations and tasks is the reaction of the above chemicals with air, the reaction of the above chemicals with water, the reaction of the above chemicals alone, the reaction of the above chemicals with other chemicals, and the reaction of the above chemicals with something other than chemicals, etc. Various unit operations in chemical plants, namely, reaction, distillation, evaporation / concentration, partial condensation / condensation, absorption / desorption, adsorption, extraction, stirring / mixing, kneading / kneading, separation / liquid separation, crystallization / sublimation, pulverization / sieving, dry distillation, combustion / incineration, calcination / roasting / pyrolysis, dissolution / emulsification, filtration, drying, dust collection, washing, and transfer of fluids (solids, liquids, gases or mixtures thereof), etc.

[0080] The fourth option A104 regarding the type of chemical-related event is, for example, a hazardous event, which represents at least one of combustion, explosion, leakage / spill, thermal runaway, oxidation reaction, polymerization reaction, decomposition reaction, rearrangement reaction, and exposure to hazardous substances.

[0081] The fifth option, A105, regarding the types of damage caused by chemical substance-related events, specifically includes events caused by fires such as burns due to radiant heat, death, damage to facilities due to large-scale fires, and progression to explosions; events caused by explosions such as falls, injuries, and death due to blast pressure or flying debris; events caused by leakage or leakage of flammable (or toxic) substances such as leakage, spillage, evaporation, and atmospheric dispersion, flash fires, progression to vapor cloud explosions, or exposure to hazardous substances; and events such as impacts, damage, and environmental pollution on residents living near factories.

[0082] The sixth option A106 regarding the causes of events involving chemical substances is environmental factors, such as ignition sources such as static electricity, impact, friction, adiabatic compression, hot surfaces, heat rays (direct sunlight), open flames, spontaneous combustion, mixed (contact) ignition, and electric sparks; weather conditions such as cold, extreme heat, strong winds, and heavy rain; and equipment materials and corrosion such as general corrosion, metallurgical corrosion, stress corrosion, and erosion.

[0083] The safety management elements include human error, unsafe actions, unsafe conditions, daily inspections, permitted work such as fire, tank work, and work at height, non-routine work, change management, construction, maintenance, testing, and inspection, safe work procedures, and energy isolation and decoupling by locking and tagging. Each of these operations and tasks can be performed independently or in combination. There may also be an option to specify the order in which these operations and tasks are performed.

[0084] The seventh option A107 for soft elements is process safety information, process hazard assessment, operating procedures, education and training, safety design concepts, emergency response concepts, corporate safety culture, accident investigation, signs and labels, organization, order, cleanliness, hygiene and discipline (5S), management of contractors, etc. Education and training specifically refers to the number of years of experience in experiments, the clothing, number, gender and age of users, etc., which will be explained in detail in the section on education methods below.

[0085] The input screen A100 may be configured such that the user inputs all of A101 to A107, or such that when any one of them is input, the control unit 120 automatically determines the other options.

[0086] [Image Example 1 Generated by Image Generator 122] Examples of images generated by the image generating unit 122 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0087] 4(a) to 4(c) show examples of images generated by the image generating unit 122, and show images cut out for each scene from a video of a simulation when a reaction experiment is carried out in a chemical laboratory.

[0088] For example, (a) of Fig. 4 shows a partial area 40 in a chemistry laboratory as a virtual space. A draft fan is installed at the back of the chemistry laboratory.

[0089] Figure 4(b) shows a scene in which a user experiencing the simulation is standing in front of a draft machine, about to conduct an experiment. Hereinafter, the user experiencing the simulation will be referred to as the subject. The first-type objects shown are a reactor 41, a reagent bottle 42, and a reactor 43. The reactor 41 consists of a four-neck flask equipped with a cooling tube, a dropping funnel, and a mechanical stirrer. The reactor 41 is cooled by a water bath containing ice. The flask of the reactor 41 already contains solvents and reagents for the reaction, and the temperature inside the reactor can be monitored using a thermometer. The dropping funnel contains reagents to be dropped into the flask, and the stopcock of the dropping funnel is closed. A reagent bottle 42 is placed next to the reactor 41, and the lid of the reagent bottle 42 is open. Next to the reagent bottle 42 is a reactor 43, in which a reaction separate from that in the reactor 41 is taking place. The reactor 43 is heated by an oil bath.

[0090] FIG. 4(c) shows the virtual hand 44 attempting to open the cock of the dropping funnel in accordance with the subject's operation.

[0091] Figure 4(d) shows the situation in Figure 4(c) where the subject is trying to drip the reagent from the dropping funnel by poking the opening of the dropping funnel with a wire, because the reagent does not drip even when the tap of the dropping funnel is opened.

[0092] 5(a) to 5(c) show images cut out from the video scenes of events that occur as a result of the subject's operation in FIG.

[0093] 5(a) shows a flame object 45 as a second type of object on the reactor 41. As a result of the operation shown in FIG. 4(d), the reagent in the dropping funnel is poured into the flask all at once, causing the reaction in the flask to progress rapidly, resulting in a fire. The action information generation unit 123 may cause the presentation device 30 to output a sound representing the fire, hot air, or the like, in response to the fire.

[0094] In (b) of Figure 5, a new flame object 46 is shown as a second type of object on the reagent bottle 42. (b) of Figure 5 shows that as the reactor 41 ignites, the flash point of the reagent in the reagent bottle 42 is reached and the flammable vapor generated from the reagent bottle 42 is burning.

[0095] In (c) of Fig. 5, a new object 47 indicating an explosion is shown as a second type object on the reactor 43. In (c) of Fig. 5, a steam explosion occurs when water from the water bath of the reactor 41 splashes into the high-temperature oil bath of the reactor 43, following the combustion in (b) of Fig. 5. Here, the action information generation unit 123 may cause the presentation device 30 to output the sound of the explosion and the sound of equipment breaking and scattering using sound, wind pressure, vibration, and hot air.

[0096] In each scene of FIGS. 4 and 5, although not shown, the image generating unit 122 may place a third-type object in the virtual space, which presents one or more options for operation information. The third-type object is an option for the subject to select regarding the operation to be performed. Examples of options in FIG. 4(b) include (1) starting the dripping of the reactor 41, (2) adding a powdered reagent instead of adding a reagent dissolved in ether from the dropping funnel, and (3) adding the contents of the reactor 41 to the reactor 43.

[0097] Furthermore, when an event (disaster) occurs, possible options can be displayed in the virtual space. For example, in Figure 5(a), options for extinguishing the fire can be displayed. Specifically, options include (1) suffocating the fire with inert gas (such as carbon dioxide) or (2) pouring vermiculite or sand. Even if the initial disaster is minor, there are many cases where a mistake in the subsequent treatment can lead to a larger disaster. Therefore, it is important to display options for each scenario and have the subject make a decision.

[0098] In Figure 4, the reaction device has already been assembled and reagents have been added in advance, but the image generation unit 122 may also generate images based on a scenario in which the subject performs operations such as assembling the reaction device and adding reagents.

[0099] 4 and 5 generated by the image generation unit 122 may be read out from the memory 130 as needed in response to a user request, and output to the presentation device 30 via the output unit 124. In this case, the presentation device 30 only needs to be able to output the image, and may be a screen, a PC display, or the like. With this configuration, for example, a user who is an instructor can use the image output to the presentation device 30 to provide feedback to the subject about the appropriateness of the operation performed by the subject, thereby providing effective instruction.

[0100] The above-mentioned feedback may include, for example, in (c) of FIG. 4, that the stopcock should not have been fully opened, and in (d) of FIG. 4, that a solvent that dissolves the reagent should have been added (or that powder should have been added) instead of poking with the wire. The user as an instructor can provide accurate guidance on the operations performed by the subject. Furthermore, regarding the events that occurred as a result of the operations shown in (a) to (c) of FIG. 5, for example, in (b) of FIG. 5, the instructor can provide accurate guidance on points to be careful of in order to prevent secondary accidents, such as closing the lid of the reagent bottle 42, or in (c) of FIG. 5, avoiding experiments in the same draft chamber.

[0101] [Example of a chemical factory] Next, a case where the virtual space generated by the image generation unit 122 represents a chemical plant or at least a portion of a chemical plant will be described. Here, a chemical plant is not limited to a plant that produces chemical substances, but also includes industries that use chemical substances for various purposes. Specifically, a chemical plant primarily refers to, but is not limited to, mining (extraction of coal, crude oil, natural gas, metal ores, etc.), manufacturing (food, beverages, textiles, clothing, leather, paper and paper products, printing and publishing, coke and petroleum products, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, rubber, plastics, non-metallic minerals, metal products, etc.), construction, industrial production, processing, analytical, electricity, gas, water, steam, and heat supply. At least a portion of a chemical plant refers to the facilities, equipment, piping, and parts thereof contained in the chemical plant. Specifically, this refers to reactors, combustion equipment, distillation equipment, cooling equipment, storage tanks, piping connecting the various devices, valves, control rooms and control panels for controlling the devices, etc. These scenarios assume that the subject operates pipe flanges, manual valve handles, and control devices installed in chemical plants in addition to controlling reactions using control panels in a control room.

[0102] Accidents at chemical plants cause more damage than accidents in chemical laboratories, but it is not possible to have subjects actually experience accidents at chemical plants. Therefore, by creating a virtual space that is a part of a chemical plant, subjects can experience a chemical plant accident in virtual space, which is effective in improving the subjects' sensitivity to danger.

[0103] The first type of object is an object related to chemical substances, various instruments, devices, and facilities. Specifically, it is the same as the first type of object described in the [Chemical Laboratory Example]. There are no restrictions on the material, capacity, or type of the first type of object.

[0104] The second type of object is a variety of unit operations in a chemical factory, and specifically, is the same as the object representing the various operations described in the [Chemical Laboratory Example].

[0105] As second-class objects, further examples of accidents involving the above-mentioned chemical substances include, in addition to the example of the chemical laboratory, objects that represent the ongoing handling of chemical substances, or objects that represent phenomena such as corrosion and cracking of pipes, generation of white smoke, generation of sparks, generation of flames, and damage to equipment.

[0106] In this example, in a virtual space simulating a control room, a display device disposed in the control room may display a first type object and a second type object.

[0107] Examples of accidents that can occur in chemical plants include fires and gas explosions caused by static electricity when transferring flammable liquids, and dust explosions caused by static electricity when adding powdered raw materials to reactors in chemical plants.

[0108] [Education method] The education method according to this embodiment is an education method using the above-described information processing device 10. Specifically, the education method according to this embodiment educates a user by having the information processing device 10 generate and output an image or the like showing a virtual space in which objects representing chemical reactions involving chemical substances are placed.

[0109] The education method according to the present embodiment may include an education step of providing the user with education according to operation information indicating the user's operation, which is acquired by the acquisition unit 121 in the information processing device 10.

[0110] For example, in the education method according to the present embodiment, the acquisition unit 121 may provide the user with education according to the operation information input into the first options A101 to A106 related to software elements and the operation information related to education and training input into the seventh option A107 in FIG. 3. As an example, the user who inputs the operation information may educate other users through lectures or the like, using the information processing device 10, while providing the other users with an image in which a second type of object representing education is arranged in a virtual space. This allows the user to preferably receive education according to the operation information indicating the user's operation.

[0111] The operation information may also include at least any of the operation information input into the first option A101 to the seventh option A107 in FIG. 3. For example, the operation information may include at least any of the following: chemical substance, equipment, device, facility, operation, task, event, damage, cause, years of experimental experience (user skill), and the user's clothing, number, gender, and age. In this case, the user may input operation information for the chemical substance name of the reagent into the first option A101 in FIG. 3. The user may input operation information for the laboratory equipment to be used into the second option A102. The user may input operation information for the experimental operation into the third option A103. The user may input operation information for the type of event related to the chemical substance into the fourth option A104. The user may input operation information for the type of damage caused by the event related to the chemical substance into the fifth option A105. The user may input operation information for the cause of the event related to the chemical substance into the sixth option A106. The user may input operation information including at least one of the number of years of experience in the experiment, the user's clothing, number, gender, and age in the seventh option A107 relating to the software element in FIG.

[0112] As a result, the information processing device 10 can provide the user with an image of a virtual space according to a scenario corresponding to the operation information, from among multiple scenarios that branch for each option, such as whether gloves were worn as clothing or whether two people worked together (whether there were two users or not). Specifically, the information processing device 10 arranges in the virtual space first-type objects related to the chemical substances and experimental equipment input as the operation information. The information processing device 10 arranges in the virtual space second-type objects related to the years of experimental experience, the user's clothing, number, gender, and age input as the operation information. The information processing device 10 selects either a scenario in which a fire, explosion, or the like does not occur or a scenario in which an event such as a fire or explosion occurs, depending on whether the operation input in the third option A103 is appropriate (correct) or inappropriate (incorrect). The information processing device 10 arranges these first-type objects and second-type objects in the virtual space and provides the user with an image of the virtual space according to the selected scenario. This allows the user to appropriately receive education according to the input operation information.

[0113] Here, if the number of users input in the seventh option A107 is three, the user may use the information processing device 10 to educate other users, for example, through lectures while providing images according to a scenario in which multiple users exist in one virtual space. In this case, the information processing device 10 can provide an image of a scenario in which, for example, if one user's operation is appropriate but the other user's operation is inappropriate, resulting in an explosion, an explosion is also induced in the one user's experiment. Furthermore, the information processing device 10 can provide an image of a scenario in which, if the other user's operation is inappropriate and an explosion occurs, the one user rescues the other user, extinguishes the fire, and suppresses the accident, if the other user is safe. Furthermore, if the other user is a lecturer, the information processing device 10 can provide an image of a scenario in which the other user checks the one user's experiment.

[0114] As another example, if the gender of the user input in the seventh option A107 is female, the information processing device 10 can educate the user by providing an image according to a scenario in which a female user exists in the virtual space.

[0115] [Software implementation example] The control blocks of the information processing device 10 (particularly the image generation unit 122 and the action information generation unit 123) may be realized by a logic circuit (hardware) formed on an integrated circuit (IC chip) or the like, or may be realized by software.

[0116] In the latter case, the information processing device 10 includes a computer that executes instructions from a program, which is software that realizes each function. This computer includes, for example, one or more processors and a computer-readable recording medium storing the program. The object of the present invention is achieved when the processor in the computer reads and executes the program from the recording medium. The processor may be, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The recording medium may be a "non-transitory tangible medium," such as a ROM (Read Only Memory), a tape, a disk, a card, a semiconductor memory, or a programmable logic circuit. The information processing device may also include a RAM (Random Access Memory) for expanding the program. The program may be supplied to the computer via any transmission medium capable of transmitting the program (such as a communication network or broadcast waves). Note that one aspect of the present invention may also be realized in the form of a data signal embedded in a carrier wave, in which the program is embodied by electronic transmission.

[0117] [Additional Notes] As described above, in the information processing device 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention, the first type of object is a single chemical substance or a combination of chemical substances handled in a chemical laboratory or a chemical factory, and the state of the chemical substance is preferably gas, liquid, solid, or a mixture thereof.

[0118] Furthermore, in the information processing device 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention, the first type of object is at least one of various devices, equipment, and facilities, and it is more preferable that the first type of object includes at least one of beakers, flasks, evaporators, funnels, condensers, burets, cocks, and control buttons in a chemical laboratory, and heat exchangers, rotating equipment, reactors, distillation apparatuses, evaporation apparatuses, concentration apparatuses, extraction apparatuses, adsorption apparatuses, crystallization apparatuses, filtration apparatuses, dust collection apparatuses, drying apparatuses, grinding apparatuses, mixing apparatuses, sieving apparatuses, solid transport apparatuses, heating furnaces, storage tanks, containers, utility equipment, loading and unloading equipment, warehouse storage, safety devices, piping, conduits, piping components, electricity, instrumentation, structures, buildings, and control buttons in a chemical plant.

[0119] Furthermore, in an information processing device 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention, the second type of object is an object representing at least one of a chemical reaction, various operations, and work in a chemical laboratory or a chemical plant, and the chemical reaction is at least one of a reaction between the chemical substance and air, a reaction between the chemical substance and water, a reaction of the chemical substance alone, a reaction of the chemical substance with another chemical substance, and a reaction of the chemical substance with something other than the chemical substance, and it is more preferable that the various operations are at least one of reaction, distillation, evaporation, concentration, partial condensation, condensation, absorption, diffusion, adsorption, extraction, stirring, mixing, kneading, kneading, separation, liquid separation, crystallization, sublimation, pulverization, sieving, dry distillation, combustion, incineration, calcination, roasting, pyrolysis, dissolution, emulsification, filtration, drying, dust collection, cleaning, and fluid transfer.

[0120] Furthermore, in the information processing device 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention, the second type of object is an object indicating the type of disaster event to which the chemical substance is related, and it is more preferable that the disaster event is at least one of combustion, explosion, leakage, spillage, thermal runaway, oxidation reaction, polymerization reaction, decomposition reaction, rearrangement reaction, and exposure to harmful substances.

[0121] In the information processing device 10 according to an aspect of the present invention, the second type of object is an object indicating damage caused by the disaster event, The damage caused by the fire is at least one of burns due to radiant heat, death, damage to facilities, and progression to an explosion; the damage caused by the explosion is at least one of blast pressure, flying debris, falls, injuries, and death; the damage caused by the leakage is at least one of spillage, evaporation, atmospheric dispersion, flash fire, steam cloud explosion, acute exposure, and environmental pollution; the damage caused by exposure to the hazardous substances is health problems due to acute exposure, reduced ability to evacuate, irreversible or other serious health effects and symptoms, and death; and the damage caused by the environmental pollution is more preferably the emergence, growth, reproduction, and death of aquatic organisms, adult animals, and adult birds, water pollution, and soil pollution.

[0122] Furthermore, in an information processing device 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention, the second type of object is an object indicating the cause of the disaster event, and the cause of the disaster event is due to at least one of environmental factors and safety management factors, and the environmental factors are at least one of an ignition source, weather conditions, and corrosion of equipment, and it is more preferable that the safety management factors are at least one of human error, unsafe behavior, unsafe conditions, daily inspections, permitted work, non-routine work, change management, construction, maintenance, testing, inspection, safe work procedures, locking, energy isolation by tagging, and severance.

[0123] Furthermore, in the information processing device 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention, the second type of object is an object that represents the soft elements, and it is more preferable that the soft elements are at least one of process safety information, process risk assessment, operating procedures, education, training, safety design concepts, emergency response concepts, corporate safety culture, accident investigation, display, signs, organization, tidying up, cleanliness, cleaning, discipline, and management of contractors.

[0124] Furthermore, in the information processing device 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention, the acquisition unit 121 acquires operation information indicating a selection operation from a user regarding at least one of a first option regarding chemical substances, a second option regarding at least one of various devices, equipment, and facilities, a third option regarding at least one of chemical reactions, various operations, and work, a fourth option regarding the type of event related to chemical substances, a fifth option regarding damage caused by an event related to chemical substances, a sixth option regarding the cause of an event related to chemical substances, and a seventh option regarding soft elements, and it is more preferable that the image generation unit 122 generates an image having a scenario in accordance with the operation information acquired by the acquisition unit 121.

[0125] Furthermore, in the information processing device 10 according to an aspect of the present invention, it is more preferable that the image generating unit 122 places a third type of object presenting one or more options of the operation information in the virtual space.

[0126] Furthermore, in the information processing device 10 according to an aspect of the present invention, it is more preferable that the virtual space represents at least a partial area in a chemistry laboratory.

[0127] In the information processing device 10 according to an aspect of the present invention, the virtual space preferably represents at least a partial area within a chemical plant.

[0128] It is preferable that an information processing system 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention includes an information processing device 10 according to any of the above-described embodiments, an operation reception device 20 that receives user operations and generates operation information, and a presentation device 30 that presents an image output by the output unit 124 to the user.

[0129] Furthermore, in the information processing system 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention, the information processing device 10 further includes an action information generation unit that generates action information indicating an action to be taken by a user related to at least one of experimental operations, handling, storage, safekeeping, transportation, and various operations or tasks involving chemical substances in a chemical laboratory or a chemical plant, and it is more preferable that the presentation device provides the user with the action indicated by the action information.

[0130] In the information processing system 1 according to an aspect of the present invention, the action indicated by the action information preferably includes at least one of sound, wind pressure, temperature change, and vibration.

[0131] The education method according to one aspect of the present invention preferably includes an education step of providing education to the user according to the operation information.

[0132] In addition, in the education method according to one aspect of the present invention, it is preferable that the education step provides the users with education that is further tailored to at least one of the number, sex, and age of the users.

[0133] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims. Embodiments obtained by appropriately combining the technical means disclosed in different embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0134] 1. Information Processing Systems 10. Information processing equipment 121 Acquisition Department 122 Image Generation Unit 124 Output section

Claims

1. an acquisition unit that acquires operation information indicating a user operation; an image generation unit that generates an image showing a virtual space by referring to the operation information acquired by the acquisition unit; an output unit that outputs the image generated by the image generation unit; An information processing device comprising: The image generation unit A method for placing objects in a virtual space representing a chemical laboratory or a chemical plant, the objects include a first type of object and a second type of object; placing one or more first-type objects related to at least any of chemical substances, various devices, equipment, and facilities in a virtual space in accordance with the operation information acquired by the acquisition unit; According to the arrangement of the one or more first-type objects, the second-type objects representing at least one of experimental operations, handling, storage, keeping, transportation, various operations, work, disaster occurrences, damage caused by disaster occurrences, causes of disaster occurrences, and soft elements related to at least one of the chemical substances, the various devices, the equipment, and the facility are arranged in the virtual space; The information processing device includes: The education corresponding to the operation information is provided to the user according to at least one of the number of years of experience in experiments, the number of the users, their gender, and their age.

1. An information processing device comprising:

2. The first type of object is a chemical substance or a combination of chemical substances handled in a chemical laboratory or a chemical factory, and the state of the chemical substance is gas, liquid, solid, or a mixture thereof.

2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:

3. The first type of object is at least one of various devices, equipment, and facilities, The first type of object is In the chemistry laboratory, Beakers, flasks, evaporators, funnels, condensers, burets, cocks and control buttons, In chemical factories, 3. The information processing device according to claim 1, further comprising at least one of a heat exchanger, a rotating machine, a reactor, a distillation apparatus, an evaporation apparatus, a concentration apparatus, an extraction apparatus, an adsorption apparatus, a crystallization apparatus, a filtration apparatus, a dust collection apparatus, a drying apparatus, a grinding apparatus, a mixing apparatus, a sieving apparatus, a solid transport apparatus, a heating furnace, a storage tank, a container, a utility facility, an import / export facility, a warehouse storage, a safety device, a piping, a conduit, a piping part, electricity, an instrumentation, a structure, a building, and a control button.

4. the second type of object is an object representing at least one of a chemical reaction, various operations, and work in a chemical laboratory or a chemical factory, The above chemical reaction is At least one of a reaction between the chemical substance and air, a reaction between the chemical substance and water, a reaction of the chemical substance alone, a reaction between the chemical substance and another chemical substance, and a reaction between the chemical substance and something other than the chemical substance, The above operations or tasks are At least one of reaction, distillation, evaporation, concentration, partial condensation, condensation, absorption, diffusion, adsorption, extraction, stirring, mixing, kneading, kneading, separation, liquid separation, crystallization, sublimation, pulverization, sieving, dry distillation, combustion, incineration, calcination, roasting, pyrolysis, dissolution, emulsification, filtration, drying, dust collection, washing, and fluid transfer 4. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information processing apparatus is a computer.

5. The second type of object is an object indicating a type of disaster event to which the chemical substance is related, The hazardous event is at least one of combustion, explosion, leakage, spillage, thermal runaway, oxidation reaction, polymerization reaction, decomposition reaction, rearrangement reaction, and exposure to hazardous substances.

5. The information processing device according to claim 2, wherein the information processing device is a computer.

6. The second type of object is an object indicating damage caused by the disaster event, The damage is at least one of damage caused by fire, damage caused by explosion, and damage caused by exposure to hazardous substances due to leakage, The damage caused by the fire is at least one of burns due to radiant heat, death, damage to facilities, and progression to an explosion. The damage caused by the explosion is at least one of the following: blast pressure, flying debris, falls, damage to facilities, injuries, and deaths. The damage caused by the leakage is at least one of spillage, evaporation, atmospheric dispersion, flash fire, vapor cloud explosion, acute exposure, and environmental contamination; The damage caused by exposure to the above-mentioned harmful substances is at least one of health impairment due to acute exposure, reduced ability to evacuate, irreversible or other serious health effects and symptoms, and death. The damage caused by the environmental pollution is at least one of the following: the emergence, growth, reproduction, and death of aquatic organisms, adult animals and birds, water pollution, and soil pollution.

6. The information processing device according to claim 2, wherein the information processing device is a computer.

7. The second type of object is an object that indicates the cause of the disaster event, The cause of the accident is at least one of environmental factors and safety management factors, The environmental factors are at least one of an ignition source, weather conditions, and corrosion of the equipment; The safety management elements are at least one of human error, unsafe behavior, unsafe conditions, daily inspections, permitted work, non-routine work, change management, construction, maintenance, testing, inspection, safe work procedures, locking, energy isolation by tagging, and isolation.

7. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the information processing apparatus is a computer.

8. The second type of object is an object that represents the software element, The soft elements are at least one of the following: process safety information, process hazard assessment, operating procedures, education, training, safety design concepts, emergency response concepts, corporate safety culture, accident investigation, signs, labeling, organization, tidiness, cleanliness, cleaning, discipline, and management of contractors.

8. The information processing device according to claim 2, wherein the information processing device is a computer.

9. The acquisition unit First choice regarding chemicals, A second option for various equipment, devices and / or facilities; A third option relating to chemical reactions, operations and / or processes; A fourth option for the type of chemical-related event; Option 5, which concerns damage from chemical-related events; Option 6 on the causes of chemical-related accidents; and 7th option for soft elements and acquiring operation information indicating a selection operation from a user regarding at least one of the above. The image generating unit generates an image having a scenario according to the operation information acquired by the acquiring unit.

9. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information processing apparatus is a computer.

10. The image generation unit A third type object presenting one or more options for the operation information is placed in the virtual space.

10. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the information processing device is a computer.

11. The virtual space represents at least a portion of a chemistry laboratory.

11. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the information processing device is a computer.

12. The virtual space represents at least a portion of an area within a chemical plant.

12. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the information processing device is a computer.

13. An information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 12; an operation reception device that receives an operation from the user and generates the operation information; a presentation device that presents the image output by the output unit to the user; An information processing system comprising:

14. The information processing device includes: The chemical laboratory or the chemical plant further includes an action information generation unit that generates action information indicating an action to be taken by a user related to at least one of experimental operations, handling, storage, safekeeping, transportation, and various operations and tasks related to chemical substances, The presentation device is The action indicated by the above action information is provided to the user.

14. The information processing system according to claim 13.

15. The actions indicated by the above action information are: This includes at least one of sound, wind pressure, temperature change, and vibration.

15. The information processing system according to claim 14.

16. an acquisition step of acquiring operation information indicating a user operation; an image generating step of generating an image showing a virtual space by referring to the operation information acquired in the acquiring step; an output step of outputting the image generated in the image generation step, In the image generation step, placing objects in a virtual space representing a chemical laboratory or a chemical plant; The method further includes providing the user with education according to the operation information, the education being according to at least one of the number of years of experience in experiments, the number of users, their gender, and their age.

1. An information processing method comprising:

17. 14. An information processing program for causing a computer to function as the information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, the information processing program causing a computer to function as the acquisition unit, the image generation unit, and the output unit.

18. A computer-readable recording medium on which the information processing program according to claim 17 is recorded.

19. An educational method using the information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

20. and an education step of providing education corresponding to the operation information to the user.

20. The educational method of claim 19.

21. In the education step, education is provided to the user that is further adapted to at least one of the chemical substance, equipment, device, facility, operation, work, years of experience in experiments, clothing, number, sex, and age of the user.

21. The educational method of claim 20.

Images