Monitoring system, monitoring method, and monitoring program

Abstract

To provide an evaluation system capable of evaluating a place preferable for appreciation of an object.SOLUTION: The monitoring system includes an input unit and a work range determination unit. The input unit receives an input of physical information of a worker and a position of a GPS sensor attached to the worker. The work range determination unit determines the work range of the worker from the physical information, the position of the GPS sensor, the position information of the worker obtained from the GPS sensor, and the work content performed by the worker.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a monitoring system, a monitoring method, and a monitoring program for monitoring the movements of a worker. [Background technology]

[0002] In work that involves danger, it is often necessary for a supervisor to monitor the worker. Methods for performing such monitoring using a system have also been proposed. For example, Patent Document 1 describes a safety management support system that ensures safety. The system described in Patent Document 1 refers to a dangerous area list, determines whether there is a dangerous area within a predetermined distance from the predicted position of the worker, and if there is a dangerous area, sends an alarm signal to notify the worker. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2020 / 121634 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] On the other hand, the work range to be monitored varies depending on the work content, such as high-risk work, etc. Therefore, it is preferable to be able to appropriately monitor the work range of a worker according to the work content.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a monitoring system, a monitoring method, and a monitoring program that can monitor the work range of a worker according to the work content. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The monitoring system according to the present disclosure is characterized by comprising an input unit that receives input of a worker's physical information and the position of a GPS (Global Positioning System) sensor attached to the worker, and a work range determination unit that determines the work range of the worker from the physical information, the position of the GPS sensor, the worker's position information obtained from the GPS sensor, and the work content performed by the worker.

[0007] The monitoring method disclosed herein is characterized by accepting input of a worker's physical information and the location of a GPS sensor attached to the worker, and determining the worker's work range from the physical information and the location of the GPS sensor, as well as the worker's location information obtained from the GPS sensor and the work content performed by the worker.

[0008] The monitoring program according to the present disclosure is characterized in that it causes a computer to execute an input process for accepting input of a worker's physical information and the position of a GPS sensor attached to the worker, and a work range determination process for determining the work range of the worker from the physical information, the position of the GPS sensor, the worker's position information obtained from the GPS sensor, and the work content performed by the worker. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present disclosure, the work range of a worker can be monitored according to the work content. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of an embodiment of a monitoring system according to the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of setting a target area. [Figure 3] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the monitoring system. [Figure 4] 10 is a flowchart showing another example of the operation of the monitoring system. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of another embodiment of a monitoring system according to the present disclosure. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the monitoring system. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example in which a monitoring system according to the present disclosure is applied to monitoring of power transmission operations. [Figure 8] 1 is a block diagram illustrating an overview of a monitoring system according to the present disclosure. [Figure 9] FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram illustrating the configuration of a computer according to at least one embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0012] Embodiment 1. Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of a first embodiment of a monitoring system according to the present disclosure. The monitoring system 100 shown in Fig. 1 includes an input unit 10, an operation content storage unit 20, an operation range determination unit 30, a target area setting unit 40, a distance calculation unit 50, and a notification unit 60. The monitoring system 100 of this embodiment is also connected to a display unit 200. The display unit 200 is realized by, for example, a display device.

[0013] The input unit 10 includes a worker information input unit 11, a sensor information input unit 12, and a work content input unit 13.

[0014] The worker information input unit 11 accepts input of physical information of the worker. Specifically, the worker information input unit 11 accepts input of physical information of the worker (i.e., physical information) that is used as a reference when determining the range in which the worker is expected to perform work (hereinafter referred to as the work range) depending on the work content. The physical information is, for example, the height of the worker. Furthermore, the physical information may be expressed as three-dimensional information that represents the worker's body shape itself.

[0015] Furthermore, the worker information input unit 11 accepts input of the position of a sensor worn by the worker. In this embodiment, the worker information input unit 11 accepts input of the position of an attached GPS sensor as the position of the sensor worn.

[0016] Information indicating the position of the attached sensor may be determined according to input physical information of the worker. For example, if height is input as physical information, the worker information input unit 11 may accept input of the height from the worker's feet as the sensor position. Furthermore, for example, if three-dimensional information representing a body type is input as physical information, the worker information input unit 11 may accept input of a three-dimensional coordinate position as the sensor position.

[0017] For example, if the worker is working while wearing a helmet, the GPS sensor is built into the helmet. In this case, the worker's height may be input as physical information. Also, the worker may be equipped with a sensor other than the GPS sensor. The details of the sensor other than the GPS sensor will be described later.

[0018] The sensor information input unit 12 receives input of various information detected by sensors worn by the worker. Specifically, the sensor information input unit 12 receives input of location information of the worker from a GPS sensor.

[0019] Furthermore, in this embodiment, an inertial measurement unit (IMU) may be used as a sensor for detecting the movement of the worker. When an IMU is attached to the worker, the sensor information input unit 12 may receive input of information indicating three-dimensional inertial movement (for example, translational movement and rotational movement in three orthogonal axis directions) obtained from the IMU. It is preferable to attach it to the torso to avoid fluctuations in tilt due to tilting of the neck, etc.

[0020] Additionally, in this embodiment, a sensor that detects the concentration of the worker may be used. When a sensor that detects the concentration of the worker is attached to the worker, the sensor information input unit 12 may receive input of information indicating a change in the concentration of the worker from the sensor.

[0021] The work content input unit 13 accepts input of work content to be performed by a worker. Examples of work content include electric wire maintenance and nuclear reactor maintenance. Note that if the work content can be identified based on the location of the worker acquired by the GPS sensor, the input unit 10 does not need to include the work content input unit 13. Note that an embodiment in which the work content is identified based on the location of the worker will be described later.

[0022] The work content storage unit 20 stores work content to be performed by a worker. For example, the work content storage unit 20 may store work content received by the work content input unit 13. The work content storage unit 20 is realized by, for example, a magnetic disk or the like.

[0023] The work range determination unit 30 determines the work range of the worker based on the input physical information, the position where the GPS sensor is attached, the worker's position information obtained from the GPS sensor, and the work content performed by the worker. Specifically, the work range determination unit 30 determines the work range surrounding the worker based on the position of the GPS sensor and depending on the work content. This work range can also be said to be the range in which each part of the worker's body is expected to move depending on the work content.

[0024] For example, in normal work, the range of movement possible in that position is determined as the work range. On the other hand, in work that requires lying down, stretching the arms to the limit, jumping, or running, the work range is determined to be larger than that of normal work.

[0025] For example, the working area determination unit 30 may determine the working area as a cylindrical space that defines the maximum range in which the worker can stretch their arms and legs. Also, if the physical information is expressed as three-dimensional information representing the body shape, the working area determination unit 30 may determine the working area as a space surrounded by a predetermined distance from the surface of the body.

[0026] In this case, the work range determination unit 30 may determine the work range of the worker such that the work content requires more movement, the wider the work range. For example, the work range determination unit 30 may determine the work range of the worker based on a rule set such that the work content requires more movement, the wider the work range. Note that this rule may be determined based on past work data corresponding to the work content.

[0027] Furthermore, when information indicating three-dimensional inertial motion is obtained from an IMU worn by the worker, the work range determination unit 30 may determine the work range of the worker according to changes in the worker's posture estimated from the information indicating the inertial motion. Specifically, when the IMU detects an unexpected tilt (e.g., a tilt exceeding a predetermined standard), the work range determination unit 30 may change the work range to a wider work range. For example, when the IMU detects acceleration in a certain direction, the work range determination unit 30 may change the work range so that it is wider in that direction.

[0028] Furthermore, when information indicating a lack of concentration is obtained from a concentration detection sensor worn by the worker, the work range determination unit 30 may change the work range to a wider work range, since a worker who is lacking concentration is expected to make unexpected movements.

[0029] In addition, the work range determination unit 30 may return the work range that has been changed to a wider range to the original work range when a predetermined time has passed since the detection of unexpected behavior or loss of concentration.

[0030] Furthermore, the work range determination unit 30 may determine the work range so that the range becomes wider in stages. Specifically, after the first work range is determined, the work range determination unit 30 may sequentially determine second and third work ranges that are wider at predetermined intervals (for example, 1 m intervals).

[0031] The target area setting unit 40 sets an area (hereinafter referred to as a target area) that is to be notified when a worker enters. The target area is represented by, for example, three-dimensional point cloud data indicating positions, and is set in advance by a manager or the like.

[0032] As the target area, for example, an area where it is dangerous to enter (hereinafter, also referred to as a danger area) may be set. For example, in the case of electrical work, an area of ​​equipment where electricity is flowing and there is a risk of electric shock if one approaches may be set as a danger area.

[0033] Furthermore, the target area setting unit 40 may set the target area in stages according to the degree of consideration. For example, if there is a dangerous area where the danger level increases as the area approaches a predetermined position, the target area setting unit 40 may set a dangerous area (target area) associated with the danger level.

[0034] Fig. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of setting target areas. In the example shown in Fig. 2, dangerous areas are set in two dimensions. For example, assume that dangerous area A1 shown in Fig. 2 is the area with the highest level of danger. In this case, for example, a medium level of danger may be set for dangerous area A2, which is within a range of 1 meter away from dangerous area A1, and a low level of danger may be set for dangerous area A3, which is within a range of another meter away from dangerous area A2.

[0035] The distance calculation unit 50 calculates the distance between the work range and the target area and determines whether the work range and the target area overlap. If the work range and the target area overlap, the distance calculation unit 50 determines that the worker's work range has entered the target area. Note that methods for determining whether multiple areas overlap are widely known, so a detailed description will be omitted here.

[0036] Furthermore, when the work range is determined in stages as described above, the distance calculation unit 50 may calculate the distance from the target area for each of the work ranges determined in stages, and determine whether the worker's work range has entered the target area.

[0037] When it is determined that the work range of the worker has entered the target area (i.e., when it is determined that the work range and the target area overlap), the notification unit 60 notifies the worker of this fact. The notification unit 60 may notify a supervisor of this fact, for example. Furthermore, the notification unit 60 may notify the worker of this fact by controlling (for example, issuing an alarm, vibrating, etc.) a device (not shown) worn by the worker.

[0038] Additionally, the notification unit 60 may superimpose the work range determined by the work range determination unit 30 and the target area set by the target area setting unit 40 on a map image or the like and display them on the display unit 200. The notification unit 60 may also display information indicating that the worker's work range has entered the target area on the display unit 200.

[0039] The input unit 10 (more specifically, the worker information input unit 11, the sensor information input unit 12, and the work content input unit 13), the work range determination unit 30, the target area setting unit 40, the distance calculation unit 50, and the notification unit 60 are realized by a computer processor (e.g., a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit)) that operates according to a program (monitoring program).

[0040] For example, the program may be stored in a storage unit (not shown) of the monitoring system 100, and the processor may read the program and, in accordance with the program, operate as the input unit 10 (more specifically, the worker information input unit 11, the sensor information input unit 12, and the work content input unit 13), the work range determination unit 30, the target area setting unit 40, the distance calculation unit 50, and the notification unit 60. Furthermore, the functions of the monitoring system 100 may be provided in the form of SaaS (Software as a Service).

[0041] Furthermore, the input unit 10 (more specifically, the worker information input unit 11, the sensor information input unit 12, and the work content input unit 13), the work range determination unit 30, the target area setting unit 40, the distance calculation unit 50, and the notification unit 60 may each be realized by dedicated hardware. Also, some or all of the components of each device may be realized by general-purpose or dedicated circuits, processors, etc., or a combination of these. These may be configured by a single chip, or may be configured by multiple chips connected via a bus. Some or all of the components of each device may be realized by a combination of the above-mentioned circuits, etc., and a program.

[0042] Furthermore, when some or all of the components of the monitoring system 100 are realized by multiple information processing devices, circuits, etc., the multiple information processing devices, circuits, etc. may be centrally or decentralized. For example, the information processing devices, circuits, etc. may be realized as a client-server system, a cloud computing system, or the like, in a form in which each device is connected via a communication network.

[0043] Next, the operation of the monitoring system 100 of this embodiment will be described. Fig. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the monitoring system 100 of this embodiment. The input unit 10 (more specifically, the worker information input unit 11) accepts input of the worker's physical information and the position of the GPS sensor attached to the worker (step S11). Then, the work area determination unit 30 determines the work area of ​​the worker from the physical information, the position of the GPS sensor, the worker's position information, and the work content to be performed by the worker (step S12).

[0044] Fig. 4 is a flowchart showing another example of operation of the monitoring system 100 of this embodiment. The flowchart shown in Fig. 4 illustrates an example of operation when an IMU is used. The worker information input unit 11 receives input of the worker's physical information and the sensor attachment position (step S21). Thereafter, the processes from step S22 to step S28 are repeated from the start to the end of the worker's work.

[0045] The sensor information input unit 12 receives input of location information from the GPS and determines the worker's location (step S23). The work area determination unit 30 determines the work area based on the worker's location information and the work content (step S24). At this time, the sensor installation position is also taken into consideration. Furthermore, the sensor information input unit 12 receives input of information on the worker's tilt detected by the IMU (step S25). The work area determination unit 30 changes the work area based on the received tilt information as needed (step S26). The distance calculation unit 50 compares the location information of the work area with that of the set target area, and the notification unit 60 issues an alert as needed (step S27).

[0046] As described above, in this embodiment, the worker information input unit 11 receives input of the worker's physical information and the position of the GPS sensor attached to the worker, and the work area determination unit 30 determines the work area of ​​the worker from the physical information, the position of the GPS sensor, the worker's position information, and the work content performed by the worker. Thus, the work area of ​​the worker according to the work content can be monitored.

[0047] For example, while location estimation using GPS information alone can identify a worker's approximate location, it can be difficult to detect when the worker enters a dangerous area depending on the worker's behavior (e.g., posture, etc.). On the other hand, in this embodiment, the worker's range of movement is determined based on the worker's physical information and the work content. This allows for more detailed monitoring of the worker's behavior.

[0048] Although it is conceivable to improve monitoring accuracy by equipping workers with many sensors, it is not realistic to equip workers with many sensors. On the other hand, in this embodiment, it is possible to further improve monitoring accuracy by simply equipping workers with at least a GPS sensor.

[0049] Embodiment 2. Next, a second embodiment of the monitoring system of the present disclosure will be described. In the first embodiment, the mode in which the work content of the worker is input is described. In this embodiment, a method for identifying the work content depending on the location of the worker will be described.

[0050] Fig. 5 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of a second embodiment of a monitoring system according to the present disclosure. The monitoring system 110 shown in Fig. 5 includes an input unit 10a, a task content storage unit 20, a task range determination unit 30, a target area setting unit 40, a distance calculation unit 50, a notification unit 60, and a task location management unit 70. The input unit 10a also includes a worker information input unit 11 and a sensor information input unit 12.

[0051] That is, the monitoring system 110 of this embodiment differs from the monitoring system 100 of the first embodiment in that it includes a work place management unit 70 instead of the work content input unit 13. The rest of the configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment.

[0052] The work place management unit 70 manages the position information of the work object in association with the work content. For example, in the case of power transmission work, the work content varies depending on the work object (more specifically, the part of the work object). Therefore, the work place management unit 70 stores the position information of each part of the work object in association with the work content. Then, the work place management unit 70 estimates the work content from the position information of the worker received by the sensor information input unit 12.

[0053] The position information of the work object may be expressed, for example, as a combination of the three-dimensional shape of the work object and coordinate information. Thereafter, the work area determination unit 30 determines the work area of ​​the worker using the estimated work content.

[0054] The input unit 10a (more specifically, the worker information input unit 11 and the sensor information input unit 12), the work range determination unit 30, the target area setting unit 40, the distance calculation unit 50, the notification unit 60, and the work location management unit 70 are realized by a computer processor that operates according to a program (monitoring program).

[0055] Next, the operation of the monitoring system 110 of this embodiment will be described. Fig. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the monitoring system 110 of this embodiment. The process of receiving input of the worker's physical information and the position of the GPS sensor is the same as step S11 in Fig. 4.

[0056] The work place management unit 70 estimates the work content from the worker's position information based on the correspondence between the position information of the work object and the work content (step S13). Then, the work range determination unit 30 determines the work range of the worker from the body information, the position of the GPS sensor, the worker's position information, and the estimated work content (step S14).

[0057] As described above, in this embodiment, the work location management unit 70 estimates the work content from the worker's location information based on the correspondence between the location information of the work target and the work content, and the work range determination unit 30 determines the worker's work range from the estimated work content. Therefore, in addition to the effect of the first embodiment, it is possible to estimate the worker's work range without explicitly specifying the work content.

[0058] Next, a specific application example of the monitoring system of the present disclosure will be described. Fig. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an example in which the monitoring system of the present disclosure is applied to monitoring of power transmission operations. In particular, a case in which the system is applied to maintenance work of steel towers and power lines will be described.

[0059] In the case of power transmission work, examples of the work target include a steel tower T1 and electric wires T2, and examples of parts of the steel tower T1 include cross arms T3 and a steel tower frame T4. For example, an expected action on the steel tower frame T4 is to raise one's arms slightly upward and climb up and down. In this case, it is preferable to set a work range A14 that is expanded in the vertical direction.

[0060] Furthermore, for example, actions expected with the arm T3 include crouching, moving sideways, and reaching out. In this case, it is preferable to set a working range A13 that is expanded in both the horizontal and vertical directions. Furthermore, for example, actions expected with the electric wire T2 include moving sideways and sitting astride the electric wire. In this case, it is preferable to set a working range A12 that is expanded in both the horizontal and vertical directions.

[0061] Next, an overview of the present disclosure will be described. Fig. 8 is a block diagram showing an overview of a monitoring system according to the present disclosure. A monitoring system 80 (e.g., monitoring system 100, monitoring system 110) according to the present disclosure includes an input unit 81 (e.g., input unit 10, worker information input unit 11) that receives input of a worker's physical information (e.g., three-dimensional information representing height and body type) and the position of a GPS sensor attached to the worker, and a work range determination unit 82 (e.g., work range determination unit 30) that determines the work range of the worker from the physical information, the position of the GPS sensor, the worker's position information obtained from the GPS sensor, and the work content to be performed by the worker.

[0062] With such a configuration, the work range of the worker can be monitored according to the work content.

[0063] Furthermore, the monitoring system 80 may include a distance calculation unit (for example, the distance calculation unit 50) that calculates the distance between the work range and the target area and determines whether the work range and the target area overlap.

[0064] The monitoring system 80 may also include a notification unit (for example, the notification unit 60) that notifies that the work range and the target area overlap.

[0065] The input unit 81 may also receive input of three-dimensional inertial motion information obtained from an inertial measurement unit (e.g., IMU) worn by the worker. The work range determination unit 82 may then determine the work range of the worker according to changes in the worker's posture estimated from the inertial motion information.

[0066] Furthermore, the work range determination unit 82 may determine the work range of the worker based on a rule set such that the work content involving more movement has a wider work range.

[0067] Furthermore, the work area determination unit 82 may determine the work area surrounding the worker in accordance with the work content, using the position of the GPS sensor as a reference.

[0068] The work area determination unit may also determine the work area to be a cylindrical space that defines the maximum range in which the worker can stretch his or her arms and legs.

[0069] Furthermore, the monitoring system 80 may include an estimation unit (e.g., work place management unit 70) that estimates the work content to be performed by the worker from the position information of the worker based on the correspondence between the position information of the target where the worker is to work and the work content. Then, the work range determination unit 82 may determine the work range of the worker from the estimated work content.

[0070] 9 is a schematic block diagram showing the configuration of a computer according to at least one embodiment. The computer 1000 includes a processor 1001, a main memory device 1002, an auxiliary memory device 1003, and an interface 1004.

[0071] The above-described monitoring system 80 is implemented in a computer 1000. The operations of the above-described processing units are stored in the form of a program (monitoring program) in an auxiliary storage device 1003. The processor 1001 reads the program from the auxiliary storage device 1003, loads it into the main storage device 1002, and executes the above-described processing in accordance with the program.

[0072] In at least one embodiment, the auxiliary storage device 1003 is an example of a non-transitory tangible medium. Other examples of non-transitory tangible media include a magnetic disk, a magneto-optical disk, a CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read-only memory), a DVD-ROM (Read-only memory), and a semiconductor memory connected via the interface 1004. In addition, when this program is distributed to the computer 1000 via a communication line, the computer 1000 that receives the program may load the program into the main storage device 1002 and execute the above processing.

[0073] The program may also be a program for realizing part of the above-described functions. Furthermore, the program may be a so-called differential file (differential program) that realizes the above-described functions in combination with another program already stored in the auxiliary storage device 1003.

[0074] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to the embodiments and examples, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and examples. Various modifications that can be understood by those skilled in the art can be made to the configuration and details of the present invention within the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0075] 10 Input section 11 Worker information input section 12 Sensor information input section 13 Work content input section 20 Work content holding section 30 Work Scope Determination Department 40 Target area setting section 50 Distance calculation section 60 Notification Department 70 Workplace Management Department 100,110 Surveillance System 200 Display

Claims

1. an input unit that receives input of physical information of a worker and the position of a GPS (Global Positioning System) sensor attached to the worker; a work range determination unit that determines a work range of the worker based on the body information, the position of the GPS sensor, the worker's position information obtained from the GPS sensor, and the work content to be performed by the worker. A monitoring system characterized by:

2. A distance calculation unit is provided to calculate the distance between the work range and the target area and determine whether the work range and the target area overlap. The monitoring system of claim 1 .

3. Equipped with a notification unit that notifies when the work range and target area overlap The monitoring system of claim 2.

4. the input unit receives input of three-dimensional inertial motion information obtained from an inertial measurement unit worn by the worker; The work range determination unit determines the work range of the worker in accordance with a change in the worker's posture estimated from the inertial motion information. A monitoring system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The work range determination unit determines the work range of the worker based on a rule set so that the work content involving more movement has a wider work range. A monitoring system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

6. The work area determination unit determines the work area surrounding the worker based on the position of the GPS sensor and in accordance with the work content. A monitoring system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

7. The work area determination unit determines the work area as a cylindrical space that defines the maximum range in which the worker can stretch his or her arms and legs. A monitoring system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

8. an estimation unit that estimates the work content to be performed by the worker from the position information of the worker based on correspondence between the position information of the target on which the worker is to perform the work and the work content; The work range determination unit determines the work range of the worker from the estimated work content. A monitoring system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

9. Accepting input of the worker's physical information and the location of a GPS sensor attached to the worker; The work range of the worker is determined based on the body information, the position of the GPS sensor, the position information of the worker obtained from the GPS sensor, and the work content performed by the worker. A monitoring method comprising:

10. On the computer, An input process for receiving input of the worker's physical information and the position of a GPS sensor attached to the worker; and A work range determination process for determining the work range of the worker based on the body information, the position of the GPS sensor, the worker's position information obtained from the GPS sensor, and the work content performed by the worker. A monitoring program to run the program.

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