Work support system and work support method

Abstract

To provide a work support system that can be visualized by comparing each part of an actual fluid machinery with an analysis result of a flow analysis.SOLUTION: A work support system 1A comprises: a sensor data acquisition unit that acquires sensor data D1 indicating a measured value of a sensor provided in a pump 10; an analysis data acquisition unit that acquires analysis data D3 including a flow analysis result of the pump 10 in an operating state when the measured value indicated by the sensor data D1 is detected; a positional data acquisition unit that acquires positional data D4 indicating a positional relationship of the pump 10 to an operator device 3A when the pump 10 is photographed by an image photographing unit 34 of the operator device 3A; and a visualization data generation unit that generates visualization data D5 to be displayed by a virtual object display unit 35 of the operator device 3A by superimposing a virtual object based on the analysis data D3 on the pump 10 in the positional relationship indicated by the positional data D4.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a work assistance system and a work assistance method. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, for fluid machinery such as pumps, for example, workers in charge of research, development, design, etc. have performed flow analysis of the fluid machinery using simulation methods such as computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to confirm the performance and behavior of the fluid machinery. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-145151 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Although flow analysis provides three-dimensional analysis results, it is difficult to confirm the details of the analysis results in relation to each part of the actual fluid machinery. For example, when an analysis result indicates that a part of the fluid machinery needs to be improved in design, it is difficult for an operator to intuitively grasp the corresponding part of the fluid machinery and the design shape of that part of the fluid machinery.

[0005] In view of the above problems, the present invention aims to provide a work support system and a work support method that enable visual comparison of each location of an actual fluid machine with the results of flow analysis. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to achieve the above object, a task assistance system according to one aspect of the present invention comprises: A work assistance system that assists a worker wearing or carrying a worker device that includes an image capturing unit that can capture an image of an object and a virtual object display unit that can display a virtual object superimposed on the object, a sensor data acquisition unit that acquires sensor data indicating measurement values ​​of sensors provided in the fluid machine; an analysis data acquisition unit that acquires analysis data including a flow analysis result of the fluid machinery in an operating state when the measurement value indicated by the sensor data acquired by the sensor data acquisition unit is detected; a position data acquisition unit that acquires position data indicating a positional relationship of the fluid machinery with respect to the operator device when the fluid machinery in the operating status is photographed as the target by the image photographing unit of the operator device worn or carried by the operator; and a visualization data generation unit that generates visualization data for superimposing the virtual object based on the analysis data acquired by the analysis data acquisition unit on the fluid machinery in the positional relationship indicated by the position data acquisition unit and displaying it on the virtual object display unit of the operator device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the work support system of one aspect of the present invention, the visualization data generation unit superimposes a virtual object based on the analysis data on the fluid machine in the positional relationship indicated by the position data. Visualization data to be displayed on the virtual object display unit of the operator device is generated. Therefore, the virtual object is superimposed on the fluid machine based on the visualization data, so that the operator can visually check each location of the actual fluid machine against the analysis results of the flow analysis.

[0008] Problems, configurations, and effects other than those described above will become apparent from the detailed description of the invention that follows. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is an overall configuration diagram showing an example of a work support system 1A according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a management device 2A according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] 2 is a block diagram showing an example of an operator device 3A according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 9 is a hardware configuration diagram showing an example of a computer 900. [Figure 5] 3 is a flowchart showing an example of a task support method by the task support system 1A according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] 10 is a diagram showing a first display example in which a virtual object 11A is superimposed on a pump 10. FIG. [Figure 7] 11 is a diagram showing a second display example in which a virtual object 11B is superimposed on the pump 10. FIG. [Figure 8] 11A is a diagram showing a third display example in which a virtual object 11C is superimposed on the pump 10. FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is an overall configuration diagram showing an example of a work support system 1B according to a second embodiment. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a work support method by a work support system 1B according to a second embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing an example of a management device 2C according to a third embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing an example of an operator device 3C according to a third embodiment. [Figure 13] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a work support method by a work support system 1C according to a third embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing an example of a management device 2D according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing an example of an operator device 3D according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 16] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a work support method by a work support system 1D according to a fourth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, an embodiment for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The scope necessary for the explanation to achieve the object of the present invention will be schematically shown, and the scope necessary for explaining the relevant part of the present invention will be mainly explained, and the parts that are omitted from the explanation will be based on publicly known techniques.

[0011] (First embodiment) 1 is an overall configuration diagram showing an example of a work support system 1A according to a first embodiment. The work support system 1A according to this embodiment functions as a system to support a worker U who is in charge of research and development, design, manufacturing, inspection, maintenance, etc. of a pump 10 as a fluid machine.

[0012] The work support system 1A mainly comprises a management device 2A configured to be able to communicate with the pump 10, and an operator device 3A configured to be able to communicate with the management device 2A. The management device 2A and the operator device 3A are configured, for example, as general-purpose or dedicated computers (see FIG. 4 described later), and are configured to be able to send and receive various data to and from each other via a network 4. The number of management devices 2A and worker devices 3A and the connection configuration of the network 4 are not limited to the example in FIG.

[0013] The pump 10 is a device for transferring any fluid. The pump 10 is used, for example, in infrastructure facilities such as water supply and sewerage systems, water supply and drainage systems installed in buildings, and plant facilities installed in plants for oil refining, power generation, manufacturing, chemical processes, and the like.

[0014] The pump 10 is configured by arbitrarily combining driving components 100 such as a motor, an electric valve, and a solenoid valve; electrical components 101 such as a sensor, an inverter, a converter, a control panel, and an operation display panel; and mechanical components 102 such as an impeller, a rotating shaft, bearings, a coupling, a joint, a seal, a casing, piping, and a manual valve. The operation of the pump 10 is controlled based on various operating parameters when the pump 10 is operated. The pump 10 also uses a sensor to detect the operating status of the pump 10 as needed and transmits sensor data D1 indicating the sensor measurement values ​​to the management device 2A. At this time, the pump 10 may transmit the sensor data D1 when a predetermined transmission condition is satisfied, or may transmit the sensor data D1 in response to a transmission request from the management device 2A.

[0015] Sensors are provided in various parts of the pump 10 to measure, for example, pressure, flow rate, temperature, vibration, position, speed, acceleration, rotation angle, rotational angular velocity, rotational angular acceleration, torque, current, voltage, and environmental sound. The sensors include, for example, a pressure sensor, a flow rate sensor, a temperature sensor, a vibration sensor, a speed sensor, an acceleration sensor, a rotational angular velocity sensor, a rotational angular acceleration sensor, a torque sensor, a current sensor, a voltage sensor, and a sound sensor. The installation positions of the sensors are determined according to the physical quantities to be measured. For example, the pressure sensor and the flow rate sensor are provided on the upstream side (inlet) or downstream side (outlet) of the pipe through which the fluid transported by the pump 10 flows to measure the pressure and the fluid. The temperature sensor is attached to the motor to measure the temperature of the motor. The vibration sensor is attached to the motor to measure the vibration of the motor. The current sensor and the voltage sensor are attached to the motor or the inverter to measure the current and voltage supplied to the motor.

[0016] The sensor data D1 is data obtained by recording sensor measurement values ​​at a predetermined sampling period when the pump 10 is operating. The sensor data D1 may include measurement values ​​from multiple sensors. The sensor data D1 may also include pump information such as the type of pump 10, model name, and device ID.

[0017] The management device 2A is a device that transmits and receives various information between the pump 10 and the worker device 3A. The management device 2A is configured, for example, as a server-type computer or a cloud-type computer. The management device 2A may also be configured as a stationary computer or a portable computer.

[0018] The worker device 3A is a device used by the worker U when performing work on the pump 10. The worker device 3A is a portable device that the worker U can wear on the head, etc., and is configured, for example, as a wearable computer such as smart glasses or a see-through head-mounted display. The worker device 3A is also a portable device that the worker U can carry, and may be configured, for example, as a portable computer such as a tablet terminal or a smartphone. In this embodiment, the worker device 3A will be mainly described as being configured as smart glasses.

[0019] The network 4 is configured by wired communication or wireless communication, or a combination of wired communication and wireless communication, according to any communication standard. Specifically, for example, a standardized communication network such as the Internet, a communication network managed within a building such as a local network, or a combination of these communication networks can be used. In addition, the communication standard for wireless communication is Typically, international standards are used. Examples of international standard communication methods that can be used include IEEE802.15.4, IEEE802.15.1, IEEE802.15.11a, 11b, 11g, 11n, 11ac, 11ad, ISO / IEC14513-3-10, and IEEE802.15.4g. Other methods that can be used include Bluetooth (registered trademark), Bluetooth Low Energy, Wi-Fi, ZigBee (registered trademark), Sub-GHz, EnOcean (registered trademark), and LTE.

[0020] (Configuration of management device 2A) 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a management device 2A according to the first embodiment. The management device 2A includes a management-side control unit 20, a management-side storage unit 21, a management-side communication unit 22, a management-side input unit 23, and a management-side display unit 24.

[0021] The management-side communication unit 22 functions as a communication interface for transmitting and receiving various types of information between the pump 10 and the operator device 3A via the network 4. The management-side input unit 23 accepts input operations from the operator U. The management-side display unit 24 displays various types of information on a display screen. Note that the various types of information may be output as sound instead of or in addition to the display screen.

[0022] The management-side storage unit 21 stores various programs (such as the operating system and management-side control program 210) used in the operation of the management device 2A, and various data.

[0023] The management-side control unit 20 operates in accordance with a management-side control program 210 to function as a sensor data acquisition unit 200 and an analysis data designation unit 201 .

[0024] The sensor data acquiring unit 200 acquires sensor data D1 indicating measurement values ​​of a sensor provided in the pump 10. In this embodiment, the sensor data acquiring unit 200 acquires the sensor data D1 from the pump 10 by communicating with the pump 10.

[0025] The analysis data designation unit 201 designates, from a plurality of pieces of analysis data D3 (details will be described later) stored in the worker device 3A, analysis data D3 corresponding to the operating status of the pump 10 when the measurement value indicated by the sensor data D1 acquired by the sensor data acquisition unit 200 was detected, and transmits designation data D2 for designating the analysis data D3 to the worker device 3A.

[0026] (Configuration of worker device 3A) 3 is a block diagram showing an example of an operator device 3A according to the first embodiment. The operator device 3A includes a terminal control unit 30, a terminal storage unit 31, a terminal communication unit 32, a terminal input unit 33, an image capturing unit 34, and a virtual object display unit 35.

[0027] The terminal communication unit 32 functions as a communication interface for transmitting and receiving various types of information to and from the management device 2A via the network 4. The terminal input unit 33 accepts input operations by the worker U.

[0028] The image capturing unit 34 is configured with a camera (image sensor) such as a CMOS sensor or a CCD sensor that can capture an image of an object in real space and has a predetermined resolution (number of pixels). The image capturing unit 34 is disposed facing forward of the worker U when the worker U wears the worker device 3A.

[0029] The virtual object display unit 35 can display a virtual object by superimposing it on an object in real space. When the worker U wears the worker device 3A, the virtual object display unit 35 is disposed, for example, in front of one or both eyes of the worker U.

[0030] The terminal storage unit 31 stores various programs (such as an operating system and a terminal control program 310) used in the operation of the worker device 3A, and various data (such as a plurality of analysis data D3).

[0031] The analysis data D3 includes flow analysis results obtained by performing flow analysis on the pump 10 using any simulation method, such as computational fluid dynamics. The analysis data D3 includes flow analysis results for a plurality of analysis items, such as streamlines, pressure distribution in a predetermined cross section, and cavitation (bubbles that cause abnormal noise).

[0032] The plurality of pieces of analysis data D3 stored in the terminal-side storage unit 31 are obtained by previously performing the flow analysis as described above for each of a plurality of possible operating conditions of the pump 10. For example, when the sensor measurement value included in the sensor data D1 is an inlet static pressure obtained by measuring the inlet pressure with a pressure sensor, and the possible range of the inlet static pressure is "10 to 20" and is in increments of "1", eleven types of analysis data D3 for each value of the inlet static pressure, such as "10, 11, 12, ..., 20", are stored in the terminal-side storage unit 31. Furthermore, when the sensor measurement values ​​included in the sensor data D1 are the inlet static pressure measured by a pressure sensor, which measures the pressure at the inlet, and the pump flow rate measured by a flow sensor, and the possible range for the inlet static pressure is "10 to 20" in increments of "1", and the possible range for the pump flow rate is "20 to 50" in increments of "5", then 77 types of analysis data D3 are stored in the terminal-side memory unit 31, which are any combinations of the inlet static pressure values ​​"10, 11, 12, ..., 20" and the pump flow rate values ​​"20, 25, 30, ..., 50".

[0033] The plurality of pieces of analysis data D3 are provided (transmitted) to the operator device 3A from the management device 2A or a simulation device (not shown) as results of flow analysis performed by the management device 2A or a simulation device, and are stored in the terminal-side storage unit 31. The plurality of pieces of analysis data D3 may be stored by type or model name of the pump 10.

[0034] The terminal-side control unit 30 operates in accordance with the terminal-side control program 310 to function as an analysis data acquisition unit 300 , a position data acquisition unit 301 , and a visualization data generation unit 302 .

[0035] The analysis data acquiring unit 300 acquires analysis data D3 including the flow analysis result of the pump 10 in the operating state when the measurement value indicated by the sensor data D1 acquired by the sensor data acquiring unit 200 of the management device 2A was detected. In this embodiment, the analysis data acquiring unit 300 acquires the analysis data D3 designated by the analysis data designation unit 201 of the management device 2A from among the plurality of analysis data D3 stored in the terminal-side storage unit 31. Specifically, when the analysis data acquiring unit 300 receives designation data D2 from the management device 2A, it acquires the analysis data D3 designated by the designation data D2.

[0036] The position data acquisition unit 301 acquires position data D4 indicating the positional relationship of the pump 10 with respect to the worker device 3A when the pump 10 is photographed as an object by the image capturing unit 34 in the operating conditions when the measurement value indicated by the sensor data D1 is detected.

[0037] For example, the position data acquisition unit 301 determines whether or not the image captured by the image capture unit 34 includes a feature point of the pump 10, and when it detects that the feature point of the pump 10 is included, recognizes the positional relationship of the pump 10 based on the feature point, thereby acquiring the position data D4. The feature point may be based on, for example, the outer shape or color of the pump 10. Alternatively, it may be based on characters or a two-dimensional code on a sticker affixed to the pump 10. In a case where design drawing data for each part of the pump 10 is stored in the terminal-side storage unit 31, the position data acquisition unit 301 may refer to the design drawing data, and when it detects that the image captured by the image capturing unit 34 includes characteristic points of the pump 10 in the design drawing data, acquire the position data D4 by recognizing the positional relationship of the pump 10 based on the characteristic points.

[0038] The visualization data generation unit 302 generates visualization data D5 for displaying a virtual object based on the analysis data D3 acquired by the analysis data acquisition unit 300 on the pump 10 in the positional relationship indicated by the position data D4 acquired by the position data acquisition unit 301 by the virtual object display unit 35. The visualization data D5 generated by the visualization data generation unit 302 is displayed on the virtual object display unit 35, allowing the worker U to visually recognize the virtual object superimposed on the pump 10.

[0039] In this case, when the terminal-side input unit 33 receives an input operation to switch the analysis item to be displayed, the visualization data generation unit 302 generates visualization data D5 for superimposing the virtual object 11 based on the analysis data D3 for the analysis item received via the terminal-side input unit 33 among the multiple analysis items on the pump 10, as described above, and displaying the same on the virtual object display unit 35. As a result, the virtual object superimposed on the pump 10 is updated, and the worker U can visually recognize the virtual object related to the analysis item after the switch when the analysis item is switched.

[0040] (Hardware configuration of each device) 4 is a hardware configuration diagram showing an example of the computer 900. Each of the control panel of the pump 10, the management device 2A, and the operator device 3A is configured by a general-purpose or dedicated computer 900.

[0041] 4, the computer 900 includes, as its main components, a bus 910, a processor 912, a memory 914, an input device 916, an output device 917, a display device 918, a storage device 920, a communication I / F (interface) unit 922, an external device I / F unit 924, an I / O (input / output) device I / F unit 926, and a media input / output unit 928. Note that the above components may be omitted as appropriate depending on the application of the computer 900.

[0042] The processor 912 is composed of one or more arithmetic processing devices (CPU (Central Processing Unit), MPU (Micro-Processing Unit), DSP (Digital Signal Processor), GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), NPU (Neural Processing Unit), etc.), and operates as a control unit (management-side control unit 20, terminal-side control unit 30) that controls the entire computer 900. The memory 914 stores various data and programs 930, and is composed of, for example, volatile memory (DRAM, SRAM, etc.) that functions as main memory, non-volatile memory (ROM), flash memory, etc.

[0043] The input device 916 is composed of, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, a numeric keypad, an electronic pen, etc., and functions as an input unit (management side input unit 23, terminal side input unit 33). The output device 917 is composed of, for example, a sound (audio) output device, a vibration device, etc., and functions as an output unit. The display device 918 is composed of, for example, a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, electronic paper, a projector, etc., and functions as an output unit (management side display unit 24, virtual object display unit 35). The input device 916 and the display device 918 may be integrally configured, such as a touch panel display. The storage device 920 is The storage device 920 is configured with, for example, an HDD, an SSD, etc., and functions as a storage unit (a management-side storage unit 21, a terminal-side storage unit 31). The storage device 920 stores various data required for the execution of the operating system and the program 930.

[0044] The communication I / F unit 922 is connected to a network 940 (which may be the same as network 4 in FIG. 1 ) such as the Internet or an intranet via a wired or wireless connection, and functions as a communication unit (management-side communication unit 22, terminal-side communication unit 32) that transmits and receives data to and from other computers in accordance with a predetermined communication protocol. The external device I / F unit 924 is connected to an external device 950 (such as a camera, printer, scanner, or reader / writer) via a wired or wireless connection, and functions as a communication unit that transmits and receives data to and from the external device 950 in accordance with a predetermined communication protocol. The I / O device I / F unit 926 is connected to an I / O device 960 (such as various sensors and actuators), and functions as a communication unit that transmits and receives various signals and data, such as detection signals from sensors and control signals to actuators, to and from the I / O device 960. The media input / output unit 928 is composed of a drive device (such as a DVD drive or CD drive), a memory card slot, and a USB connector, and reads and writes data from and to media (non-transitory storage media) 970 (such as a DVD, CD, memory card, or USB memory).

[0045] In the computer 900 having the above configuration, the processor 912 loads a program 930 stored in the storage device 920 into the memory 914, executes the program, and controls each unit of the computer 900 via the bus 910. The program 930 may be stored in the memory 914 instead of the storage device 920. The program 930 may be recorded on the medium 970 in an installable file format or an executable file format and provided to the computer 900 via the media input / output unit 928. The program 930 may be provided to the computer 900 by being downloaded via the communication I / F unit 922 over the network 940. Furthermore, the computer 900 may implement various functions realized by the processor 912 executing the program 930 using hardware such as an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) or an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit).

[0046] The computer 900 is an electronic device of any type, such as a desktop computer or a portable computer. The computer 900 may be a client computer, a server computer, a cloud computer, or an embedded computer such as a control panel or a controller (including a microcomputer, a programmable logic controller, or a sequencer).

[0047] (Work support method) Fig. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of a work support method by the work support system 1A according to the first embodiment. The following describes an example of the operations of the pump 10, the management device 2A, and the worker device 3A when a worker U wearing the worker device 3A checks the operating status of the pump 10. Note that the flowchart shown in Fig. 5 is executed when the worker device 3A starts capturing images using the image capturing unit 34 by accepting, for example, an input operation from the worker U instructing the worker U to start work.

[0048] First, in step S100, the pump 10 in operation transmits to the management device 2A sensor data D1 indicating a measurement value of a sensor provided in the pump 10. Then, in step S110, the sensor data acquisition unit 200 of the management device 2A receives the sensor data D1 from the pump 10 in operation, thereby acquiring the sensor data D1.

[0049] Next, in step S120, the analysis data designation unit 201 selects the analysis data stored in the operator device 3A. The analysis data specifying unit 201 transmits to the operator device 3A, from the plurality of pieces of analysis data D3 obtained, designation data D2 for specifying analysis data D3 corresponding to the operating state of the pump 10 when the measurement value indicated by the sensor data D1 acquired in step S110 was detected. For example, if the sensor data D1 indicates that the measurement value of the inlet static pressure is "12" and eleven types of analysis data D3 corresponding to inlet static pressure values ​​of "10, 11, 12, ..., 20" are stored in the terminal-side storage unit 31, the analysis data specifying unit 201 transmits to the operator device 3A designation data D2 for specifying analysis data D3 corresponding to the inlet static pressure value of "12." Note that, if the inlet static pressure value is, for example, "11.5," the analysis data specifying unit 201 may perform rounding, rounding down, rounding up, or the like to specify either the analysis data D3 corresponding to the inlet static pressure value of "11" or the analysis data D3 corresponding to the inlet static pressure value of "12."

[0050] Next, in step S130, when the analysis data acquisition unit 300 of the worker device 3A receives the specified data D2 transmitted in step S120, it acquires the analysis data D3 specified by the specified data D2 from among the multiple analysis data D3 stored in the terminal side memory unit 31.

[0051] Meanwhile, in step S140, when the image capturing unit 34 captures an image of the pump 10 in operation, the position data acquisition unit 301 acquires position data D4 indicating the positional relationship of the pump 10 with respect to the worker device 3A based on the image captured by the image capturing unit 34.

[0052] Next, in step S150, the visualization data generation unit 302 generates visualization data D5 for superimposing the virtual object 11 based on the analysis data D3 acquired in step S130 on the operating pump 10 in the positional relationship indicated by the position data D4 acquired in step S140.

[0053] Next, in step S160, the virtual object display unit 35 displays a virtual object 11 (for example, virtual objects 11A to 11C shown in Figures 6 to 8) based on the visualization data D5 generated in step S150, so that the virtual object 11 is superimposed on the pump 10.

[0054] Fig. 6 is a diagram showing a first display example in which virtual object 11A is superimposed on pump 10. Fig. 7 is a diagram showing a second display example in which virtual object 11B is superimposed on pump 10. Fig. 8 is a diagram showing a third display example in which virtual object 11C is superimposed on pump 10. Note that, for ease of explanation, virtual objects 11A to 11C shown in Figs. 6 to 8 simply represent flow analysis results based on analysis data D3, and differ from actual flow analysis results.

[0055] 6 to 8 show a case where visualization data D5 generated based on analysis data D3 and position data D4 is displayed as virtual objects 11A to 11C while an operator U is standing facing an operating pump 10. Virtual buttons 12A to 12C are buttons for switching the analysis items to be displayed, and can be pressed via the terminal-side input unit 33, for example.

[0056] 6 displays analysis items related to streamlines when virtual button 12A is pressed. Virtual object 11A representing streamlines shows the flow velocity and flow rate according to the shade of color.

[0057] The virtual object 11B shown in FIG. 7 displays analysis items related to pressure distribution in a predetermined cross section when the virtual button 12B is pressed. In the object 11B, the pressure is expressed by the shade of the color. The cutoff position for the pump 10 is not limited to the example in Fig. 7, and may be changeable based on an input operation by the operator U, for example.

[0058] 8 displays analysis items related to cavitation when virtual button 12C is pressed. Virtual object 11C representing cavitation shows the amount of bubbles generated depending on the size and shading of the circle.

[0059] The display form of the virtual object 11 (11A to 11C) is not limited to the examples in FIGS. 6 to 8 and may be changed as appropriate. For example, the virtual object 11 may be in color or a moving image. Furthermore, input operations on the virtual buttons 12A to 12C may be received via the terminal-side input unit 33 or may be received by the voice of the worker U.

[0060] 6 to 8, the worker U visually recognizes the virtual objects 11A to 11C displayed on the virtual object display unit 35, allowing the worker U to understand the operating status of the pump 10. When the sensor data D1 changes in response to a change in the operating status of the pump 10, when the position data D4 changes in response to a change in the position or orientation of the body of the worker U, or when one of the virtual buttons 12A to 12C is pressed, the flowchart shown in Fig. 5 is executed again. As a result, visualization data D5 is newly generated in step S150 described above, and the virtual objects 11A to 11C superimposed and displayed on the pump 10 are updated in step S160.

[0061] According to the work support system 1A and work support method of the present embodiment, the visualization data generation unit 302 generates visualization data D5 for displaying the virtual object 11 based on the analysis data D3 on the virtual object display unit 35 of the worker device 3A, superimposed on the pump 10 in the positional relationship indicated by the position data D4. Therefore, because the virtual object 11 is displayed superimposed on the pump 10 based on the visualization data D5, the worker U can visually check each location on the actual pump 10 against the analysis results of the flow analysis.

[0062] Furthermore, the worker device 3A generates visualization data D5 using pre-calculated analysis data D3 stored in the terminal side memory unit 31 simply by receiving the specified data D2 from the management device 2A, thereby reducing the communication load and calculation load when generating visualization data D5 on the worker device 3A.

[0063] (Second embodiment) FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of an example of a task support system 1B according to the second embodiment.

[0064] In the work support system 1A according to the first embodiment, the management device 2A acquires the sensor data D1 by communicating with the pump 10 equipped with a communication function, whereas in the work support system 1B according to the second embodiment, the management device 2B acquires the sensor data D1 from the pump 10 equipped with a communication function via the meter imaging device 5, which is different from the first embodiment. The following describes the work support system 1B according to the second embodiment, focusing on the differences from the first embodiment.

[0065] The meter imaging device 5 includes, for example, a camera (image sensor) such as a CMOS sensor or a CCD sensor having a predetermined resolution (number of pixels), and transmits image data D6 obtained by capturing an image of the meter showing the sensor measurement value to the management device 2B via the network 4. The meter imaging device 5 is, for example, a portable device, and is installed and removed by a worker U.

[0066] The meter is a type of electrical component 101 of the pump 10, and is a sensor provided in the pump 10. The meter is a display device connected to the sensor and visually displays the sensor's measurement value. The meter may be a digital meter that displays the sensor's measurement value using a segment indicator or the like, or an analog meter that displays the sensor's measurement value using a needle.

[0067] The sensor data acquiring unit 200 acquires the sensor data D1 by performing image recognition on image data D6 of the meter captured by the meter imaging device 5. For example, if the meter is a digital meter, the sensor data acquiring unit 200 acquires the sensor data D1 by recognizing the numbers displayed on the segment display. Also, if the meter is an analog meter, the sensor data acquiring unit 200 acquires the sensor data D1 by recognizing the position of the needle.

[0068] (Work support method) Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a task support method by the task support system 1B according to the second embodiment. In Fig. 10, steps that perform the same processes as those in the flowchart shown in Fig. 5 are assigned the same step numbers.

[0069] First, in step S101, the meter imaging device 5 transmits image data D6, which is an image of a meter indicating a measurement value of a sensor provided in an operating pump 10, to the management device 2B. Then, in step S111, upon receiving the image data D6 from the meter imaging device 5, the sensor data acquisition unit 200 of the management device 2B performs image recognition on the image data D6 to acquire sensor data D1. The processing content of the subsequent steps is similar to that of the flowchart shown in FIG. 5 , and therefore detailed description will be omitted. However, in step S150, visualization data D5 is generated, and in step S160, a virtual object 11 based on the visualization data D5 is displayed superimposed on the pump 10.

[0070] According to the work support system 1B and work support method of this embodiment, the virtual object 11 is superimposed on the pump 10, so that, as in the first embodiment, the worker U can visually check each location of the actual pump 10 against the analysis results of the flow analysis.

[0071] In addition, the sensor data acquisition unit 200 acquires the meter data of the pump 10 by the meter image capture device 5. Since the sensor data D1 is acquired from image data D6 obtained by capturing an image of the pump 10, the virtual object 11 can be superimposed and displayed even on a pump 10 that does not have a communication function, for example.

[0072] (Third embodiment) Fig. 11 is a block diagram showing an example of a management device 2C according to the third embodiment. Fig. 12 is a block diagram showing an example of an operator device 3C according to the third embodiment.

[0073] In the work support system 1A according to the first embodiment, a plurality of pieces of analysis data D3 on which flow analysis has been performed in advance is stored in the terminal-side storage unit 31 (analysis data storage unit) of the worker device 3A, and the worker device 3A is equipped with an analysis data acquisition unit 300 and a visualization data generation unit 302. In contrast, in the work support system 1C according to the third embodiment, a plurality of pieces of analysis data D3 on which flow analysis has been performed in advance is stored in the management-side storage unit 21 (analysis data storage unit) of the management device 2C, and the management device 2C is equipped with an analysis data acquisition unit 202 and a visualization data generation unit 203. The following describes the work support system 1C according to the third embodiment, focusing on the differences from the first embodiment.

[0074] (Work support method) Fig. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a task support method by the task support system 1C according to the third embodiment. In Fig. 13, steps that perform the same processes as those in the flowchart shown in Fig. 5 are assigned the same step numbers.

[0075] First, in step S100, the pump 10 in operation transmits sensor data D1 to the management device 2C, and in step S110, the sensor data acquisition unit 200 of the management device 2C acquires the sensor data D1 by receiving the sensor data D1 from the pump 10 in operation.

[0076] Next, in step S121, the analysis data designation unit 201 generates designation data D2 for designating analysis data D3 corresponding to the sensor data D1 acquired in step S110 from the multiple analysis data D3 stored in the management side memory unit 21.

[0077] Next, in step S131, the analysis data acquisition unit 202 acquires the analysis data D3 specified by the designation data D2 from among the multiple analysis data D3 stored in the management side memory unit 21 based on the designation data D2 generated in step S121.

[0078] On the other hand, in step S141, when the image capturing unit 34 captures an image of the pump 10 in operation, the position data acquisition unit 301 acquires position data D4 based on the image captured by the image capturing unit 34 and transmits it to the management device 2C.

[0079] Next, in step S151, when the visualization data generation unit 203 receives the position data D4 transmitted in step S141, it generates visualization data D5 for superimposing the virtual object 11 based on the analysis data D3 acquired in step S131 on the operating pump 10 in the positional relationship indicated by the position data D4, and transmits the generated visualization data to the worker device 3C.

[0080] Next, in step S161, when the virtual object display unit 35 receives the visualization data D5 transmitted in step S151, it displays a virtual object 11 based on the visualization data D5, thereby superimposing the virtual object 11 on the pump 10.

[0081] According to the work support system 1C and work support method of this embodiment, the virtual object 11 is superimposed on the pump 10, so that, as in the first embodiment, the worker U can visually check each location of the actual pump 10 against the analysis results of the flow analysis.

[0082] Furthermore, the management device 2C receives sensor data D1 from the pump 10 and position data D4 from the worker device 3C, and generates visualization data D5 using pre-calculated analysis data D3 stored in the management side memory unit 21, thereby reducing the communication load and calculation load when generating visualization data D5 in the management device 2C.

[0083] (Fourth embodiment) Fig. 14 is a block diagram showing an example of a management device 2D according to the fourth embodiment. Fig. 15 is a block diagram showing an example of an operator device 3D according to the fourth embodiment.

[0084] In the work support system 1C according to the third embodiment, a plurality of analysis data D3 for which flow analysis has been performed in advance is stored in the management side memory 21 (analysis data memory) of the management device 2A, and the system is equipped with an analysis data designation unit 201, whereas in the work support system 1D according to the fourth embodiment, the flow analysis is not performed in advance, but the management device 2D is equipped with a flow analysis unit 204 that performs flow analysis on the operating status of the pump 10, which is different from the third embodiment. The following describes the work support system 1D according to the fourth embodiment, focusing on the differences from the third embodiment.

[0085] (Work support method) Fig. 16 is a flowchart showing an example of a task support method by the task support system 1D according to the fourth embodiment. In Fig. 16, steps that perform the same processes as those in the flowchart shown in Fig. 13 are assigned the same step numbers.

[0086] First, in step S100, the pump 10 in operation transmits sensor data D1 to the management device 2D, and in step S110, the sensor data acquisition unit 200 of the management device 2D receives the sensor data D1 from the pump 10 in operation, thereby acquiring the sensor data D1.

[0087] Next, in step S122, the flow analysis unit 204 performs flow analysis on the operating state of the pump 10 when the measurement value indicated by the sensor data D1 acquired in step S110 was detected. The flow analysis unit 204 determines whether the measurement value of the currently acquired sensor data D1 is within a predetermined range with respect to previously acquired sensor data D1, and if it is not within the range, performs flow analysis, but if it is within the range, it may not perform flow analysis and instead use the results of the previous flow analysis.

[0088] Then, in step S132, the analysis data acquisition unit 202 acquires analysis data D3 as a result of the flow analysis performed in step S122. The result of the flow analysis may be stored as analysis data D3 together with the sensor data D1 in the management-side storage unit 21. In this case, in step S122, the analysis data acquisition unit 202 may acquire the analysis data D3 from the management-side storage unit 21 as analysis data D3 when the flow analysis unit 204 did not perform the flow analysis.

[0089] On the other hand, in step S141, when the image capturing unit 34 captures an image of the pump 10 in operation, the position data acquisition unit 301 acquires position data D4 based on the image captured by the image capturing unit 34 and transmits it to the management device 2D.

[0090] Next, in step S152, when the visualization data generation unit 203 receives the position data D4 transmitted in step S141, it generates visualization data D5 for superimposing the virtual object 11 based on the analysis data D3 acquired in step S132 on the operating pump 10 in the positional relationship indicated by the position data D4, and transmits the visualization data D5 to the worker device 3D.

[0091] Next, in step S161, when the virtual object display unit 35 receives the visualization data D5 transmitted in step S152, it displays a virtual object 11 based on the visualization data D5, thereby superimposing the virtual object 11 on the pump 10.

[0092] According to the work support system 1D and work support method of this embodiment, the virtual object 11 is superimposed on the pump 10, so that, as in the third embodiment, the worker U can visually check each location of the actual pump 10 against the analysis results of the flow analysis.

[0093] In addition, the management device 2D performs flow analysis based on the sensor data D1 received from the pump 10, and generates visualization data D5 using analysis data D3 calculated in real time, so that visualization data D5 that accurately reflects the operating status of the pump 10 can be generated.

[0094] (Other embodiments) The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, all of which are included in the technical concept of the present invention.

[0095] In the above embodiment, the pump 10 has been described as an example of a fluid machine, but the work support systems 1A to 1D may also handle fluid equipment other than the pump 10. Examples of fluid machines other than the pump 10 include, but are not limited to, compressors, blowers, turbines, and cylinders.

[0096] In the above embodiment, the management devices 2A-2D and the worker devices 3A-3D are described as being configured as separate devices, but these two devices may be configured as a single device. For example, the worker devices 3A-3D may have the functions of the management devices 2A-2D, and the work support systems 1A-1D may be configured only with the worker devices 3A-3D. In this case, the worker devices 3A and 3B according to the first and second embodiments may directly receive the sensor data D1 from the pump 10, or may directly receive the image data D6 from the meter imaging device 5.

[0097] In the above first and second embodiments, the case where the management devices 2A, 2B include the sensor data acquiring unit 200 and the analysis data designation unit 201 has been described. However, the management devices 2A, 2B may not include the analysis data designation unit 201, and the worker devices 3A, 3B may include the analysis data designation unit. In this case, the management devices 2A, 2B transmit sensor data D1 to the worker devices 3A, 3B, the analysis data designation units of the worker devices 3A, 3B generate designated data D2 based on the sensor data D1 transmitted by the management devices 2A, 2B, and the analysis data acquiring unit 300 acquires the analysis data D3 designated by the designated data D2.

[0098] In the above fourth embodiment, the case has been described in which the management device 2D includes the analysis data acquisition unit 202, the visualization data generation unit 203, and the flow analysis unit 204. In contrast, the management device 2D may not include the analysis data acquisition unit 202, the visualization data generation unit 203, and the flow analysis unit 204, and the operator device 3D may include the analysis data acquisition unit 300, the visualization data generation unit 302, and the flow analysis unit. In this case, the management device 2D transmits sensor data D1 to the operator device 3D, the flow analysis unit of the operator device 3D performs flow analysis on the operating status of the pump 10 when the measurement value indicated by the sensor data D1 transmitted by the management device 2D is detected, the analysis data acquisition unit 300 acquires analysis data D3 as a result of the flow analysis, and the visualization data generation unit 302 generates visualization data D5, as in the first embodiment.

[0099] In the above embodiments, the case where the work support systems 1A to 1D operate according to the flowcharts shown in Figures 5, 10, 13, and 16 has been described, but the order of execution of the steps may be changed as appropriate, or some steps may be omitted. Note that in the work support method in each flowchart, steps S110 and S111 correspond to a sensor data acquisition step, steps S120 and S121 correspond to an analysis data designation step, step S122 corresponds to a flow analysis step, steps S130 to S132 correspond to an analysis data acquisition step, steps S140 and S141 correspond to a position data acquisition step, steps S150 to S152 correspond to a visualization data generation step, and steps S160 and S161 correspond to a visualization data display step. [Explanation of symbols]

[0100] 1A~1D...Work support system, 2A~2D...Management device, 3A~3D...Worker device, 4...Network, 5...Meter imaging device, 10...Pump (fluid machinery), 11, 11A~11C...Virtual objects, 12A~12C...Virtual buttons, 20... Management side control unit, 21... Management side memory unit (analysis data memory unit), 22... Management side communication unit, 23... Management side input unit, 24... Management side display unit, 30... terminal side control unit, 31... terminal side memory unit (analysis data memory unit), 32... terminal side communication unit, 33... terminal side input unit, 34... image capturing unit, 35... virtual object display unit, 100... driving parts, 101... electrical parts, 102... mechanical parts, 200...sensor data acquisition unit, 201...analysis data designation unit, 202...analysis data acquisition unit, 203...visualization data generation unit, 204...flow analysis unit, 210...Administrative control program, 300...analysis data acquisition unit, 301...position data acquisition unit, 302...visualization data generation unit, 310...terminal side control program

Claims

1. A work assistance system that assists a worker wearing or carrying a worker device that includes an image capturing unit that can capture an image of an object and a virtual object display unit that can display a virtual object superimposed on the object, a sensor data acquisition unit that acquires sensor data indicating measurement values ​​of sensors provided in the fluid machine; an analysis data acquisition unit that acquires analysis data including a flow analysis result of the fluid machinery in an operating state when the measurement value indicated by the sensor data acquired by the sensor data acquisition unit is detected; a position data acquisition unit that acquires position data indicating a positional relationship of the fluid machinery with respect to the operator device when the fluid machinery in the operating status is photographed as the target by the image photographing unit of the operator device worn or carried by the operator; a visualization data generation unit that generates visualization data for superimposing the virtual object based on the analysis data acquired by the analysis data acquisition unit on the fluid machine in the positional relationship indicated by the position data acquisition unit, and displaying the virtual object on the virtual object display unit of the operator device. Work support system.

2. an analysis data storage unit that stores a plurality of pieces of analysis data obtained by previously performing flow analysis for each of a plurality of operating conditions that the fluid machinery can assume; an analysis data designation unit that designates, from the plurality of analysis data stored in the analysis data storage unit, the analysis data according to the driving situation when the measurement value indicated by the sensor data acquired by the sensor data acquisition unit is detected; The analysis data acquisition unit acquiring the analysis data designated by the analysis data designation unit from among the plurality of analysis data stored in the analysis data storage unit; The work support system according to claim 1 .

3. The work support system includes: The worker device; The system is configured to include at least a management device that can communicate with the worker device, The management device the sensor data acquisition unit; the analysis data designation unit, The worker device is the analysis data storage unit; the analysis data acquisition unit; the position data acquisition unit; The visualization data generation unit, The work support system according to claim 2 .

4. The work support system includes: The worker device; The system is configured to include at least a management device that can communicate with the worker device, The management device the sensor data acquisition unit; the analysis data storage unit; the analysis data designation unit; the analysis data acquisition unit; the visualization data generation unit, The worker device is The position data acquisition unit is provided. The work support system according to claim 2 .

5. a flow analysis unit that performs a flow analysis on the operating situation when the measurement value indicated by the sensor data is detected, The analysis data acquisition unit acquiring the analysis data as a result of the flow analysis performed by the flow analysis unit; The work support system according to claim 1 .

6. The work support system includes: The worker device; The system is configured to include at least a management device that can communicate with the worker device, The management device the sensor data acquisition unit; the flow analysis unit; the analysis data acquisition unit; the visualization data generation unit, The worker device is The position data acquisition unit is provided. The work support system according to claim 5 .

7. The sensor data acquisition unit The sensor data is acquired by communicating with the fluid machine or the sensor. The work support system according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The sensor data acquisition unit acquiring the sensor data by performing image recognition on image data obtained by capturing an image of a meter showing the measurement value of the sensor; The work support system according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

9. The worker device is an input unit that accepts an input operation by the worker, The analysis data is The flow analysis results for each of a plurality of analysis items are included, The visualization data generation unit generating visualization data for displaying, on the virtual object display unit of the operator device, the virtual object based on the analysis data for the analysis item received via the input unit among the plurality of analysis items, by superimposing the virtual object on the fluid machine in the positional relationship indicated by the position data acquired by the position data acquisition unit; The work support system according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

10. A work support method in which a work support system configured with one or more computers supports a worker wearing or carrying a worker device including an image capturing unit capable of capturing an image of an object and a virtual object display unit capable of displaying a virtual object superimposed on the object, a sensor data acquisition step of acquiring sensor data indicating measurement values ​​of sensors provided in the fluid machine; an analysis data acquisition step of acquiring analysis data including a flow analysis result of the fluid machinery in an operating state when the measurement value indicated by the sensor data acquired in the sensor data acquisition step is detected; a position data acquisition step of acquiring position data indicating a positional relationship of the fluid machinery with respect to the operator device when the fluid machinery in the operating condition is photographed as the target by the image photographing unit of the operator device worn or carried by the operator; a visualization data generating step of generating visualization data for superimposing the virtual object based on the analysis data acquired in the analysis data acquiring step on the fluid machine in the positional relationship indicated by the position data acquiring step, and displaying the virtual object on the virtual object display unit of the operator device. Work support method.

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