Work support device, control method for handheld work machine, program, and handheld work machine

Abstract

A technology is provided that can grasp the status of work based on movement information of a work unit provided in a work machine. [Solution] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a work support device that is structurally attachable and detachable to a handheld work machine, the work machine having a gripping portion and a working portion positioned in front of the gripping portion, the work support device having a sensor capable of acquiring position information and at least one processor, the processor being configured to execute a program so that the following steps are performed when the work support device is attached to the work machine, the acquisition step acquiring position information of the working portion via the sensor, and the output step outputting output information relating to the status of the work obtained based on the position information of the working portion.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a work support device, a control method for a handheld work machine, a program, and a handheld work machine. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a work machine equipped with a safety device that uses an acceleration sensor to detect unexpected dangerous situations while suppressing the effects of inherent vibrations caused by the work machine and its operation, and acceleration caused by changes in posture.

[0003] This brush cutter, which is a work machine with a safety device, amplifies the acceleration peak when it is in a frequency range lower than 100 Hz based on acceleration information containing frequency components supplied from an acceleration sensor built into the brush cutter, and compares the amplified acceleration peak value with a threshold value. When the acceleration peak is equal to or greater than the threshold value, a safety signal is generated and output from the controller to the high-voltage generation circuit, causing the high-voltage generation circuit to stop generating high voltage. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-268730 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, the work machine disclosed in Patent Document 1 has room for improvement in terms of grasping the work situation.

[0006] In view of the above circumstances, the present invention provides a technique that can grasp the status of work based on movement information of a work unit provided in a work machine. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a work support device that is structurally detachable from a handheld work machine, the work machine having a gripping portion and a working portion disposed in front of the gripping portion, the work support device having a sensor capable of acquiring position information and at least one processor, the processor being configured to execute a program so that the following steps are performed when the work support device is attached to the work machine, the acquisition step acquiring position information of the working portion via the sensor, and the output step outputting output information relating to the status of the work obtained based on the position information of the working portion.

[0008] According to this aspect, the status of work can be grasped based on movement information of the work unit provided in the work machine. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the overall configuration of a work support system 1. FIG. [Figure 2] 1 is a perspective view of the working machine 10 as seen from above, showing an example of a state in which a work support device 20 is fixed to the working machine 10. FIG. [Figure 3] 1 is a perspective view of the working machine 10 as seen from above, showing an example of a state in which the work support device 20 is detached from the working machine 10. FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of an external terminal 40. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of an information processing device 50. [Figure 6] 2 is a block diagram showing functions realized by a control unit 23 and the like in the work support device 20. FIG. [Figure 7] 3 is a flowchart showing an outline of information processing executed by the work support system 1. [Figure 8] 1 is an activity diagram showing the flow of information processing executed by the work support system 1. FIG. [Figure 9]10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of information on the history of movement of working unit 12, among output information OI. FIG. [Figure 10] 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a work information screen 6a, among the work information screens 6, on which a list of registered work machines 10 and the work information of the work machines 10 is displayed. FIG. [Figure 11] 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a work information screen 6b, which is one of the work information screens 6, and displays a list of work histories for the brush cutter A. FIG. [Figure 12] 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a work information screen 6c, which displays the details of work history 1 of brush cutter A, from the work information screen 6. FIG. [Figure 13] 1 is a perspective view of the work machine 10 as seen from above, showing an example of a state in which a sensor 20b of a work support device 20 is fixed to a predetermined portion PP of the work machine 10. FIG. [Figure 14] 1 is a left side view of the work machine 10, showing an example of a state in which a sensor 20b of a work support device 20 is fixed to a predetermined portion PP of the work machine 10. FIG. [Figure 15] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a modified example of the overall configuration of the work support system 1. [Figure 16] 1 is a perspective view of the work machine 10 as seen from above, showing an example of a state in which the work machine 10 and a work support device 20 are electrically connected. [Figure 17] 1 is a perspective view of a working machine 10 viewed from above, showing an example of a configuration in which the working machine 10 and a work support device 20 can be electrically connected to each other. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Various features shown in the following embodiments can be combined with each other.

[0011] Incidentally, the program for realizing the software appearing in one embodiment may be provided as a non-transitory computer-readable medium, or may be provided so that it can be downloaded from an external server, or may be provided so that the program is started on an external computer and its functions are realized on a client terminal (so-called cloud computing).

[0012] Furthermore, various information processing according to an embodiment may realize input and output corresponding to the input. Here, the form of information referenced in such information processing (hereinafter referred to as reference information) is not limited as long as an output is obtained as a result of the input. The reference information may be, for example, rule-based information such as a database, a lookup table, or a predetermined function (including a decision formula such as a regression formula constructed using a statistical method), a trained model that has previously trained the correlation between input and output, or a large-scale language model that can output a desired result by inputting a prompt.

[0013] In one embodiment, a "unit" may include, for example, a combination of hardware resources implemented by a circuit in the broad sense and software information processing that can be specifically realized by these hardware resources. In one embodiment, various information is handled, and this information is represented, for example, by physical values ​​of signal values ​​representing voltage and current, high and low signal values ​​as a binary bit set consisting of 0 or 1, or quantum superposition (so-called quantum bits), and communication and calculations can be performed on a circuit in the broad sense.

[0014] Furthermore, a circuit in the broad sense is a circuit realized by at least an appropriate combination of a circuit, circuitry, processor, memory, etc. The processor may be a general-purpose processor or a dedicated circuit. That is, it includes an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable logic device (e.g., a simple programmable logic device (SPLD), a complex programmable logic device (CPLD), and a field programmable gate array (FPGA)), etc.

[0015] 1. Hardware Configuration In this section, the hardware configuration of the task support system 1 according to one embodiment will be described.

[0016] Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of the work support system 1. Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the work machine 10 seen from above, showing an example of a state in which the work support device 20 is fixed to the work machine 10. Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the work machine 10 seen from above, showing an example of a state in which the work support device 20 is detached from the work machine 10.

[0017] In the following description, the directions of the work machine 10 and the members that make up the work machine 10 are defined based on the terms "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "front," and "rear" shown in Figures 2 and 3 (as well as Figures 13, 14, 16, and 17). Furthermore, in the following description, "upper" will also be referred to as "upper side" or "upper direction," and "lower" will also be referred to as "lower side" or "lower." The direction formed by "upper" and "lower" will also be referred to as "upper" or "upper direction." The same applies to "left," "right," "front," and "rear."

[0018] 1, the work support system 1 includes a work machine 10, a work support device 20, an attachment member 30, an external terminal 40, and an information processing device 50. The work support device 20, the external terminal 40, and the information processing device 50 are connected via a general-purpose or dedicated communication network NW.

[0019] The work implement 10 is a handheld work implement for performing a predetermined task, such as a brush cutter 100 or a blower, edger, pruner, cultivator, sweeper, hedge trimmer, or chainsaw (not shown). The work implement 10 is an existing product, and the work support device 20 is configured to be detachable from the work implement 10. In other words, the work support device 20 is structurally detachable from the handheld work implement 10. That is, the handheld work implement 10 described above is equipped with a work support device 20 structurally connected thereto. In the following, an example will be described in which the work implement 10 is an electric brush cutter 100. The predetermined task in this case is, for example, cutting grass and trees. The power source is not limited to electric power, and an engine may also be used.

[0020] In one embodiment, a "system" refers to one or more devices or components. Therefore, it should be noted that, for example, the work support device 20, the external terminal 40, or the information processing device 50 alone as a component is an example of a system; the work support device 20, the external terminal 40, and the information processing device 50 as components are an example of a system; the work machine 10, the work support device 20, and the attachment member 30 as components are an example of a system; the work machine 10, the work support device 20, the attachment member 30, and the external terminal 40 as components are an example of a system; and the work machine 10, the work support device 20, the attachment member 30, and the information processing device 50 as components are also an example of a system.

[0021] <Brush Cutter 100> As shown in FIG. 2, the brush cutter 100 (an example of the working machine 10) includes a working unit 12, a connecting unit 13, a casing 14, a gripping unit 15, an electric motor 16, a control unit 17, and a battery pack 18.

[0022] As shown in FIG. 2 , the working unit 12 is disposed at the front of the brush cutter 100 and includes a cutting blade 12a and a cover 12b. The cutting blade 12a is a disc-shaped cutting blade that is configured to rotate by the rotational power of an electric motor 16 and is configured to cut vegetation and the like by rotation. Specifically, a tip saw is used for the cutting blade 12a. The cover 12b has a fan-like shape and is connected to a connecting part 13 behind the cutting blade 12a. The cover 12b is configured to prevent pieces of vegetation and the like from flying directly toward the operator when the cutting blade 12a cuts them. Note that while the working unit 12 has been described as including the cutting blade 12a as an example, the present invention is not limited to this configuration and may instead include, for example, a resin cord such as a nylon cord, a metal blade (such as a shredder blade), a reciprocating blade, or the like.

[0023] As shown in FIG. 2, the working unit 12 is connected to the front side of the connecting unit 13. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the connecting unit 13 includes an operating rod 131, a shroud 132, and a drive transmission shaft 133. The operating rod 131 is a pipe-shaped member extending in the front-rear direction, and includes the drive transmission shaft 133 therein. The operating rod 131 is configured to transmit power to the cutting blade 12a of the working unit 12 via the drive transmission shaft 133. The shroud 132 is a pipe-shaped member extending in the front-rear direction. The shroud 132 is disposed behind the operating rod 131, and the operating rod 131 is inserted through the shroud 132. In other words, the shroud 132 is disposed so as to cover the operating rod 131.

[0024] 2, the connection part 13 has a casing 14 on the rear side thereof. The casing 14 is box-shaped and is connected to the connection part 13 on the rear side thereof.

[0025] As shown in FIG. 2 , a grip part 15 is attached to the connecting part 13 between the working part 12 and the casing 14, i.e., behind the working part 12. In other words, the brush cutter 100, which is the working machine 10, has the working part 12 located in front of the grip part 15. The grip part 15 is a part that is held and operated by the operator's hands and includes a handle 151, a handle attachment part 152, a left grip 153, a right grip 154, and a switch / lever part 155. The handle 151 is generally U-shaped and is fixed to the connecting part 13 by the handle attachment part 152. The handle 151 also includes a left grip 153 at the tip of its left side and a right grip 154 ​​at the tip of its right side, which are grips that the operator directly holds. The handle attachment part 152 is also located behind the working part 12 and is fixed to the connecting part 13.

[0026] Furthermore, the right grip 154 ​​includes a switch lever unit 155, which includes a trigger lever 155a, a lockout lever 155b, and a main switch 155c. The trigger lever 155a is located on the front side of the right grip 154 ​​and is configured as an operating means for increasing or decreasing the rotational speed of the cutting blade 12a. In other words, the trigger lever 155a is configured to control the operation of the working unit 12 via a drive switch (not shown). The operator can operate the trigger lever 155a while holding the right grip 154. The lockout lever 155b is located on the rear side of the right grip 154 ​​and is configured to be displaceable relative to the trigger lever 155a. Specifically, the lockout lever 155b is disposed so as to be able to freely protrude and retract into the right grip 154. When the operator holds the right grip 154, the lockout lever 155b is pressed by the operator's palm and retracts into the right grip 154. In this way, the lockout lever 155b and the trigger lever 155a are operatively linked within the right grip 154 ​​so that the trigger lever 155a can be operated only after the lockout lever 155b has been operated first. The main switch 155c is located on the left side of the right grip 154 ​​and is configured to be able to switch on and off control of the power supply to the electric motor 16. Specifically, when the main switch 155c is on, the power supply to the electric motor 16 is enabled, i.e., the electric motor 16 is enabled to rotate. On the other hand, when the main switch 155c is off, the power supply to the electric motor 16 is stopped, and the rotation of the electric motor 16 is stopped or the power supply to the electric motor 16 is disabled.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 2, the casing 14 has a space therein, and the space accommodates the electric motor 16 and the control unit 17. The electric motor 16 is a known electric motor, and is fixed to the casing 14. The electric motor 16 is configured to generate rotational power for driving the working unit 12. The control unit 17 has a box shape, and is fixed to the casing 14. The control unit 17 is electrically connected to the electric motor 16 and the battery pack 18 by wiring, connectors, etc., and controls the supply of electricity from the battery pack 18 to the electric motor 16. The control unit 17 is configured to electrically control the rotation of the electric motor 16.

[0028] 2, a battery pack 18 is detachably attached to the rear of the casing 14. The battery pack 18 is a known battery, and is configured by housing a secondary battery such as a lithium-ion secondary battery in a rectangular parallelepiped case extending in the left-right direction. The battery pack 18 can be attached and detached by moving it relatively in the left-right direction with respect to the casing 14.

[0029] <Work support device 20> As shown in FIG. 1, the work assistance device 20 includes a control device 20a and a sensor 20b, and the control device 20a and the sensor 20b are electrically connected via a wire 20c.

[0030] <Control device 20a> The control device 20a, which is the work assistance device 20, includes a communication unit 21, a storage unit 22, a control unit 23, a display unit 24, a notification unit 25, and an input unit 26, and these components are electrically connected inside the housing of the control device 20a via a communication bus 27. Each component will be further described below.

[0031] The communication unit 21 is preferably a wireless communication means such as wireless LAN network communication, mobile communication such as LTE / 5G, Bluetooth (registered trademark), etc., but may also include wired communication means such as USB, IEEE1394, Thunderbolt (registered trademark), wired LAN network communication, etc. as necessary. It may also be implemented as a collection of a plurality of these communication means. That is, the work assistance device 20 may communicate various information from the outside via the communication unit 21 and the communication network NW. Specifically, the work assistance device 20 is connected to other work assistance devices 20, an external terminal 40, and an information processing device 50 via the communication unit 21 and the communication network NW. That is, the work assistance device 20 includes a communication unit 21 that can communicate with other devices.

[0032] The memory unit 22 stores various pieces of information defined above. This can be implemented, for example, as a storage device such as a solid state drive (SSD) that stores various programs related to the work assistance device 20 executed by the control unit 23, or as a memory such as a random access memory (RAM) that stores temporarily required information (arguments, arrays, etc.) related to program calculations. The memory unit 22 stores various programs, variables, etc. related to the work assistance device 20 executed by the control unit 23.

[0033] The control unit 23 (processor) processes and controls the overall operations related to the work assistance device 20. The control unit 23 is, for example, a central processing unit (CPU) not shown. The control unit 23 realizes various functions related to the work assistance device 20 by reading out predetermined programs stored in the storage unit 22. In other words, information processing by software stored in the storage unit 22 is specifically realized by the control unit 23, which is an example of hardware, and can be executed as each functional unit included in the control unit 23. These will be described in more detail in the next section. Note that the control unit 23 is not limited to being a single unit, and may be implemented with multiple control units 23 for each function. A combination of these may also be used.

[0034] The display unit 24 may be included in the housing of the control device 20a, or may be externally attached. The display unit 24 displays a graphical user interface (GUI) screen that can be operated by the user. This is preferably implemented by using a display device such as a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, or a plasma display.

[0035] The notification unit 25 may be included in the housing of the control device 20a or may be externally attached. The notification unit 25 notifies the user so that the user can acquire the information. This is preferably achieved by using different notification devices, such as a speaker that can notify by sound, a light-emitting unit that can notify by light, or a vibration unit that can notify by vibration.

[0036] The input unit 26 may be included in the housing of the work assistance device 20, or may be externally attached. For example, the input unit 26 may be implemented as a touch panel integrated with the display unit 24. A touch panel allows the user to input tapping, swiping, and the like. Of course, switch buttons, dials, and the like may be used instead of a touch panel. That is, the input unit 26 accepts operation inputs made by the user. Furthermore, the input unit 26 accepts information obtained by the sensor 20b via the wiring 20c. The information is transferred to the control unit 23 via the communication bus 27, and the control unit 23 can execute predetermined control and calculations as necessary.

[0037] <Sensor 20b> The sensor 20b is configured to be able to acquire position information PI of the working unit 12. In other words, the work assistance device 20 is equipped with the sensor 20b that can acquire the position information PI. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 , the sensor 20b is attached to the mounting member 30 and fixed to the operating rod 131 located above the working unit 12. That is, the sensor 20b is attached so as to be located above or in the vicinity of the cutting blade 12a of the working unit 12. Preferably, the sensor 20b is attached so as to be located above the rotating shaft of the cutting blade 12a of the working unit 12, above the cover 12b, or the like. In other words, the position information PI of the working unit 12 is information obtained via the sensor 20b attached to the working unit 12 or in the vicinity thereof. According to this embodiment, the position information PI of the working unit 12 can be directly acquired by the sensor 20b attached to the working unit 12.

[0038] The sensor 20b may be a satellite positioning system receiver, such as a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receiver or a Real-Time Kinematic-Global Navigation Satellite System (RTK-GNSS) receiver. Furthermore, the sensor 20b may be configured by combining a sensor capable of measuring at least one of speed, acceleration, orientation, and angular velocity with a satellite positioning system receiver. In other words, the work assistance device 20 may include a sensor capable of measuring at least one of speed, acceleration, orientation, and angular velocity, and the sensor 20b capable of acquiring position information PI. This configuration allows for more accurate understanding of the work situation. As a result, work assistance can be further enhanced, such as improving work efficiency, ensuring safety, and preventing accidents. The sensor capable of measuring at least one of speed, acceleration, orientation, and angular velocity does not necessarily need to be located at the same position as the sensor 20b, but may be located at a different position from the sensor 20b. For example, the sensor may be located at any position on the brush cutter 100 or may be housed in the housing of the control device 20a.

[0039] <Mounting member 30> 3, the mounting member 30 has a mounting member 31, a mounting member 32, and a band 33. The mounting member 31 is a plate-shaped member and is fastened with a fastening member (not shown) such as a screw or a machine screw to fix the control device 20a to the operating rod 131 behind the operating rod 131. The mounting member 32 is a plate-shaped member and is fastened with a fastening member (not shown) such as a screw or a machine screw to fix the sensor 20b to the operating rod 131 behind the operating rod 131. The band 33 is wound around the operating rod 131 to fix the wiring 20c to the operating rod 131. Note that the mounting members 31 and 32 are not limited to being a combination of a plate-shaped member and a fastening member to fix the control device 20a and the sensor 20b to the operating rod 131, and may be, for example, a cable tie. In this case, parts of the mounting members 31 and 32 are inserted into through holes (not shown) provided in the control device 20a and the sensor 20b, respectively, to fix the control device 20a and the sensor 20b to the operating rod 131. Furthermore, the mounting members 31 and 32 may be provided with vibration-damping members (not shown) such as rubber to attenuate vibrations transmitted to the control device 20a and the sensor 20b.

[0040] <External terminal 40> Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the external terminal 40. As shown in Fig. 4, the external terminal 40 has a communication unit 41, a storage unit 42, a control unit 43, a display unit 44, and an input unit 45, and these components are electrically connected via a communication bus 46 inside the external terminal 40. The description of the communication unit 41, the storage unit 42, the control unit 43, and the display unit 44 will be omitted because they are substantially the same as the communication unit 21, the storage unit 22, the control unit 23, and the display unit 24 in the control device 20a of the work assistance device 20.

[0041] The input unit 45 may be included in the housing of the external terminal 40 or may be externally attached. For example, the input unit 45 may be implemented as a touch panel integrated with the display unit 44. The touch panel allows the user to input tapping, swiping, and the like. Of course, a switch button, a mouse, a QWERTY keyboard, or the like may be used instead of the touch panel. That is, the input unit 45 accepts an operation input made by the user. The input is transferred as a command signal to the control unit 43 via the communication bus 46, and the control unit 43 can execute predetermined control or calculation as necessary.

[0042] <Information processing device 50> Fig. 5 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the information processing device 50. As shown in Fig. 5, the information processing device 50 has a communication unit 51, a storage unit 52, and a control unit 53, and these components are electrically connected via a communication bus 54 inside the information processing device 50. The explanation of the communication unit 51, the storage unit 52, and the control unit 53 will be omitted because they are substantially the same as the communication unit 21, the storage unit 22, and the control unit 23 in the control device 20a of the work assistance device 20.

[0043] 2. Functional configuration This section describes the functional configuration of one embodiment. As described above, information processing by software stored in the storage unit 22 is specifically realized by the control unit 23, which is an example of hardware, and each functional unit included in the control unit 23 can be executed. In other words, the work support system 1 (e.g., the work support device 20) includes at least one processor (e.g., the control unit 23). The processor is configured to execute a program so that each of the steps described below is performed when the work support device 20 is attached to the brush cutter 100 (an example of a work machine 10). From another perspective, the program causes at least one computer to execute each step by the processor of the work support device 20. Each step includes, for example, an acquisition step, a reception step, an output step, and a stop step.

[0044] 6 is a block diagram showing functions realized by the control unit 23 and the like in the work assistance device 20. Specifically, the control unit 23 can function as an acquisition unit 231, a reception unit 232, a calculation unit 233, an output unit 234, a stop unit 235, and a display control unit 236. Each functional unit will be outlined below.

[0045] The acquisition unit 231 is configured to acquire various types of data. For example, as an acquisition step, the acquisition unit 231 acquires position information PI of the working unit 12 from the sensor 20b via the input unit 45. In one embodiment, the description will be given assuming that the various types of information received by the acquisition unit 231 are stored in the storage unit 22.

[0046] The receiving unit 232 is configured to receive various data as a receiving step. In the embodiment, the various pieces of information received by the receiving unit 232 are described as being stored in the storage unit 22.

[0047] The calculation unit 233 is configured to execute various calculations in the work assistance device 20. Details will be described later.

[0048] The output unit 234 is configured to output various information. For example, the output unit 234 is configured to output output information OI as an output step. Details will be described later.

[0049] The stopping section 235 is configured to stop the work implement 10 via the control unit 17 as a stopping step. Details will be described later.

[0050] The display control unit 236 is configured to execute various display processes. For example, the display control unit 236 controls the display unit 24 of the work support apparatus 20 to display visually recognizable information such as screens, images including still images or moving images, icons, messages, etc. The display control unit 236 may generate only rendering information for displaying visually recognizable information on the display unit 24 of the work support apparatus 20. Details will be described later.

[0051] 3. Overview of information processing in work support system 1 In this section, the information processing method of the work support system 1 described above will be described with reference to the drawings. The order of the processes can be changed as appropriate, multiple processes can be executed simultaneously, or some processes can be omitted. The information processing can also include any exception processing not shown. Exception processing includes the interruption of the information processing or the omission of each process. The selection or input performed in the information processing can be based on a user operation or can be performed automatically without relying on a user operation.

[0052] 3.1 Overview 7 is a flowchart showing an overview of information processing executed by task support system 1. In this processing, first, acquisition unit 231 acquires position information PI of working unit 12 via sensor 20b (step S001). Output unit 234 outputs output information OI related to the status of the task, which is obtained based on position information PI of working unit 12 (step S002).

[0053] In summary, an information processing method according to one embodiment includes the following steps executed by the work assistance system 1. In the acquisition step, the acquisition unit 231 acquires position information PI of the working unit 12 via the sensor 20b. In the output step, the output unit 234 outputs output information OI relating to the status of the work, which is obtained based on the position information PI of the working unit 12. According to this aspect, the status of the work can be grasped by obtaining output information OI relating to the status of the work based on the position information PI of the working unit 12. As a result, work assistance can be provided that improves work efficiency, ensures safety, prevents accidents, and so on.

[0054] From yet another perspective, a method for controlling the brush cutter 100 (an example of a work machine 10) may be provided. This control method includes the steps of attaching the work support device 20 to the brush cutter 100 and performing steps executed by a processor of the work support device 20. According to this aspect, additional functions can be added to an existing brush cutter 100.

[0055] 3.2 Specific examples Next, a specific example of information processing according to an embodiment will be described with reference to an activity diagram. The specific example may fall within the scope defined in the above outline.

[0056] In one embodiment, it is assumed that worker A is mowing grass using brush cutter A (an example of brush cutter 100) in work area A, which is a rectangular area. A work support device 20 is structurally connected to brush cutter A in advance. At the same time as worker A, another worker, worker B, is mowing grass using brush cutter B (an example of brush cutter 100) in work area B, which is an area close to work area A. The work support device 20 is also structurally connected to brush cutter B in advance. The flow of processing in this situation will be described below. In the following description, work by multiple workers (workers A and B) will be described as an example, but this is not limiting, and work by a single worker may also be possible. In this case, some processing steps may be omitted.

[0057] FIG. 8 is an activity diagram showing the flow of information processing executed by the task support system 1.

[0058] First, operator A prepares brush cutter A to perform grass cutting work. Specifically, operator A attaches a fully charged battery pack 18 to brush cutter A. Next, operator A lifts brush cutter A by gripping the handle 15. Then operator A turns on the main switch 155c. After that, operator A begins work.

[0059] First, the receiving unit 232 receives information about the start of work (activity A001). Specifically, for example, the receiving unit 232 receives information about the start of work through an operation by worker A via the input unit 26. In this case, the operation by worker A may be an input operation using a button, an input operation using a touch panel, or the like.

[0060] When receiving information about the start of work, the acquisition unit 231 acquires position information PI of the working unit 12 (activity A002). Specifically, for example, the acquisition unit 231 acquires position information PI of the cutting blade 12a obtained from the sensor 20b.

[0061] Subsequently, the output unit 234 outputs output information OI based on the acquired position information PI (activity A003).

[0062] Here, the output information OI is information about the status of work and may include, for example, information about the history of movements of the working unit 12. Specifically, for example, the output information OI may include information about the history of movements of the cutting blade 12a based on the position information PI of the working unit 12. According to this embodiment, it is possible to grasp information about the history of movements of the working unit 12.

[0063] Furthermore, the output information OI may include information indicating the status of work as an index. Specifically, for example, the output information OI may include information indicating the status of work as an index based on the position information PI of the cutting blade 12a, information on the history of movement of the cutting blade 12a, etc. In this case, the index indicating the status of work may be an index indicating the normality of the status of work, an index indicating the safety of the work environment, an index indicating the level of proficiency in work, an index indicating the efficiency of work, etc. According to this embodiment, the status of work can be grasped as an index.

[0064] Specifically, for example, the indicator indicating the normality of the work situation is an indicator indicating whether the work by worker A is being performed normally or whether the work situation is abnormal due to worker A falling or kickback of the cutting blade 12a occurring. Specifically, for example, the indicator indicating the safety of the work environment is an indicator indicating safety depending on the positional relationship between the position of worker A (cutting blade 12a) and the dangerous environment when there is a dangerous environment such as a steep slope in the work area A. In other words, the output information OI includes information indicating that the work situation is dangerous or abnormal. According to this aspect, it is possible to know whether the work situation is dangerous or abnormal.

[0065] Specifically, for example, the index indicating the level of proficiency in work and the index indicating the efficiency of work are calculated based on information such as the trajectory and speed of the cutting blade 12a, the relationship between the size of the working area A and the working time, and reference information. In other words, the output information OI includes information indicating the level of proficiency in work. In this case, the reference information is information that allows calculation of at least one of the level of proficiency in work and the efficiency of work from information such as the trajectory of the cutting blade 12a, the speed of the cutting blade 12a, the size of the working area A, and the working time. For example, the reference information may be a database storing a lookup table, a function representing the correspondence between values ​​determined depending on certain variables, or a mathematical model mathematically relating multiple pieces of information. More preferably, the reference information may be a trained model. In this case, at least one of information regarding the index indicating the level of proficiency in work and information regarding the index indicating the efficiency of work is generated by inputting information such as the trajectory of the cutting blade 12a, the speed of the cutting blade 12a, the size of the working area A, and the working time into the trained model as a prompt. According to this embodiment, the level of skill and efficiency of the work can be grasped from the output information OI.

[0066] Next, the calculation unit 233 executes a process to determine whether or not information IF relating to the status of other work can be acquired (activity A004). As a specific example, the calculation unit 233 executes a process to determine whether or not information IF relating to the status of other work can be acquired from the work support device 20 connected to the brush cutter B. Note that the information IF relating to the status of other work is output information OI from the work support device 20 connected to the brush cutter B.

[0067] If it is determined in the processing of activity A004 that information IF regarding the status of other tasks can be acquired, the acquisition unit 231 acquires the information IF regarding the status of other tasks via the communication unit 21 (activity A005). In this case, the information IF regarding the status of other tasks includes at least one of the following: position information PI of worker B (an example of another worker); position information PI of brush cutter B (an example of another work machine); information indicating that the status of the work performed by worker B is dangerous; and information indicating that the status of the work performed by worker B is abnormal. This aspect makes it possible to grasp the status of other tasks, thereby improving work support, such as ensuring safety and preventing accidents. The acquired information IF regarding the status of other tasks may be included in output information OI of the work support device 20 connected to brush cutter A. In other words, the output information OI may include the acquired information IF regarding the status of other tasks.

[0068] If it is determined in the processing of activity A004 that information IF regarding the status of other tasks cannot be acquired, or if information IF regarding the status of other tasks is acquired in the processing of activity A005, the processing proceeds to activity A006. In activity A006, the calculation unit 233 executes a process to determine whether an alert is necessary based on the output information OI (activity A006). Specifically, for example, the calculation unit 233 executes a process to determine whether an alert is necessary if the output information OI contains information indicating that the task status of brush cutter A is dangerous or abnormal, if the output information OI contains information indicating that the task status of brush cutter B is dangerous or abnormal, or if the distance between worker A and worker B is equal to or shorter than a predetermined distance based on the positional relationship between the position information PI of brush cutter A (worker A) and the position information PI of brush cutter B (worker B).

[0069] If it is determined in the processing of activity A006 that an alert is necessary, the output unit 234 outputs an alert corresponding to the output information OI to the notification unit 25 (activity A007), and the display control unit 236 causes the display unit 24 to display the alert corresponding to the output information OI (activity A008). Specifically, for example, the output unit 234 outputs an alert corresponding to the information indicating that the work situation with the brush cutter A is dangerous to the notification unit 25, so that an alert sound is emitted from a speaker (an example of the notification unit 25). Alternatively, the output unit 234 outputs an alert corresponding to the information indicating that the work situation with the brush cutter A is dangerous to the notification unit 25, so that a light-emitting unit (an example of the notification unit 25) emits light. Furthermore, the display control unit 236 causes the display built into the work support device 20 (an example of the display unit 24) to display the alert corresponding to the information indicating that the work situation with the brush cutter A is dangerous. According to this aspect, the alert allows the worker to understand the work situation.

[0070] Next, the output unit 234 outputs an alert corresponding to the output information OI to another device (activity A009). Specifically, for example, the output unit 234 outputs the alert corresponding to the output information OI to the work support device 20 of the brush cutter B, the external terminal 40, or the information processing device 50 via the communication unit 21 and the communication network NW. This embodiment allows a person other than the operator A to understand the working status of the brush cutter A, thereby enabling better work support such as ensuring safety and preventing accidents.

[0071] On the other hand, if it is determined that an alert is not necessary in the processing of activity A006, the display control unit 236 causes the display unit 24 to display output information OI (activity A010). Specifically, for example, the display control unit 236 causes the display unit 24 to display an indicator indicating the efficiency of the work as the output information OI. According to this aspect, the status of the work can be grasped via the display unit 24.

[0072] After completing the processing of activities A009 and A010, the calculation unit 233 executes a process to determine whether or not information indicating the end of the work has been input (activity A011).

[0073] If it is determined in the processing of activity A011 that information indicating the end of work has not been input, the output unit 234 outputs output information OI to another device via the communication unit 21. Specifically, in this case, for example, the output unit 234 outputs position information PI of the working position of brush cutter A (worker A) as output information OI via the communication unit 21 for communication to the work support device 20 of brush cutter B, the external terminal 40, or the information processing device 50. This aspect allows other workers or managers to be informed of the status of work. Note that the output information OI output to another device may be information from which the information IF regarding the status of other work acquired in the processing of activity A005 has been removed. Furthermore, the output information OI output to another device is acquired by the work support device 20 connected to brush cutter B, and is treated as information IF regarding the status of other work in the work support device 20 connected to brush cutter B.

[0074] When the processing of activity A012 is completed, the processing returns to activity A002.

[0075] On the other hand, if it is determined in the processing of activity A011 that information indicating the end of work has been input, the output unit 234 outputs the output information OI to another device via the communication unit 21 (activity A013). Specifically, in this case, for example, the output unit 234 outputs information summarizing the work performed by the brush cutter A in the work area A as output information OI via the communication unit 21 for communication to the external terminal 40 or the information processing device 50. That is, the output information OI in this case includes information recording the work content. This aspect makes it easy to record the work content. Note that this case is not limited to communicating the output information OI to the external terminal 40 or the information processing device 50 via the communication unit 21. For example, the output information OI may be stored in the memory unit 42 of the external terminal 40 or the memory unit 52 of the information processing device 50 via an information recording medium such as an SD card externally attached to the work support device 20. In this case, the output information OI is recorded in at least one of the memory unit 22 of the work support device 20 and the information recording medium.

[0076] 3.3 Details Next, the above-mentioned information processing will be further explained using another diagram.

[0077] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing an example of information on the history of movement of working unit 12, out of output information OI.

[0078] In Fig. 9, the vertical axis represents latitude and the horizontal axis represents longitude. As shown in Fig. 9, the information on the movement history of the working unit 12 indicates position information PI of the working unit 12 of brush cutter A, which has moved in response to the operation of brush cutter A by operator A within work area A. In detail, operator A is mowing grass while walking from the lower left to the upper right in the figure (hereinafter referred to as the "working direction"). During the mowing work, the working unit 12 of brush cutter A is moved from the lower right to the upper left in the figure in response to operator A moving in the working direction, thereby mowing the grass in front of operator A.

[0079] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a work information screen 6a, which displays a list of registered work machines 10 and the work information for those work machines 10, from the work information screen 6. FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a work information screen 6b, which displays a list of the work history of brush cutter A, from the work information screen 6. FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a work information screen 6c, which displays the details of work history 1 for brush cutter A, from the work information screen 6. In the following description, it is assumed that the control unit 43 of the external terminal 40 displays the work information screen 6 on the display unit 44 of the external terminal 40. Note that information related to the work information screen 6 may be stored in the memory unit 42 of the external terminal 40, or may be obtained from the memory unit 22 of the work support device 20 or the memory unit 52 of the information processing device 50 via the communication unit 41 and the communication network NW.

[0080] As shown in FIG. 10, the work information screen 6a has areas 601 and 602 that show a list of the work machines 10 registered in the work support system 1 and the work information of the work machines 10.

[0081] In area 601, the name of the work machine 10, "Work Machine Name: Brush Cutter A," is written on the upper left side as a work machine 10 registered in the work assistance system 1, and an image showing the appearance of the work machine 10 is drawn below that. In addition, in area 601, the "Serial No." and "Total operating time" are written on the right side as work information corresponding to the work machine 10. This makes it easy to manage (maintenance, etc.) the work machine 10.

[0082] When the area 601 is pressed, the work information screen 6a transitions to a work information screen 6b on which a list of work histories for the brush cutter A is displayed.

[0083] Area 602 contains, in the same format as area 601, work information corresponding to brush cutter B as a work machine 10 registered in the work support system 1. When area 602 is pressed, the work information screen 6a transitions to work information screen 6b, which displays a list of work histories for brush cutter B.

[0084] As shown in FIG. 11, the work information screen 6b has areas 603 to 605, which show a list of work history of the brush cutter A.

[0085] Area 603 shows the most recent work history, Work History 1. Specifically, area 603 has the name "Work History 1" written in the upper left, and below that, information on the "Work Date and Time" and "Work Location" corresponding to the work history is written.

[0086] When the area 603 is pressed, the work information screen 6b is switched to a work information screen 6c on which the details of work history 1 of the brush cutter A are displayed.

[0087] In areas 604 and 605, work history 2 and work history 3 are displayed in the same format as in area 603.

[0088] When the area 604 or the area 605 is pressed, the work information screen 6b is switched to the work information screen 6c, which displays the details of the work history 2 or the work history 3 of the brush cutter A.

[0089] As shown in FIG. 12, the work information screen 6c has an area 606 that displays the details of work history 1 of brush cutter A, and the area 606 has a display 607 and an area 608.

[0090] Area 606 lists the specific details of work history 1, and display 607 lists the "work date and time," "work location," "work efficiency," and "skill level" based on output information OI. This makes it easy to understand the quality of the work.

[0091] The area 608 depicts information about the movement history of the working unit 12 of the brush cutter A within the working area A. The area 608 also depicts an image of the working area A photographed from above, based on the information about the movement history of the working unit 12 of the brush cutter A within the working area A, i.e., based on the position information PI of the working area A. Specifically, the area 608 depicts information about the movement history of the working unit 12 of the brush cutter A superimposed on the image of the working area A photographed from above. For example, the area 608 depicts an image of the working area A photographed from above, including an imaged object 608b, and an object 608a superimposed on the image. The object 608a depicts information about the movement history of the working unit 12 of the brush cutter A. The imaged object 608b is a building located adjacent to the working area A. This aspect makes it possible to grasp where on the map worker A is working and how he or she is working, or has worked. The image of the work area A taken from above is an image taken in advance, and is information obtained from the memory unit 52 of the information processing device 50 or an external device via the communication unit 41 of the external terminal 40.

[0092] [others] The work support system 1 according to an embodiment can also be implemented in the following manner.

[0093] Fig. 13 is a perspective view of the work machine 10 seen from above, showing an example of a state in which the sensor 20b of the work support device 20 is fixed to a predetermined position PP of the work machine 10. Fig. 14 is a left side view of the work machine 10, showing an example of a state in which the sensor 20b of the work support device 20 is fixed to a predetermined position PP of the work machine 10.

[0094] 2 and 3, the sensor 20b is attached near the working unit 12, but this is not limiting. For example, as shown in FIG. 13, the sensor 20b may be fixed to a predetermined position PP of the working machine 10.

[0095] The predetermined part PP is a predetermined part of the work machine 10 that is different from the working unit 12, and is a part (position) that is set in advance depending on the type and shape of the work machine 10. As shown in FIG. 14 , for example, the predetermined part PP in the case of the brush cutter 100 is the operating rod 131 of the connecting part 13. More specifically, the predetermined part PP is a position on the operating rod 131 that is a distance D1 rearward from the center of rotation of the cutting blade 12a of the working unit 12.

[0096] When the work support device 20 is fixed to the work implement 10 by fixing the sensor 20b to the predetermined position PP, the receiving unit 232 receives information that identifies the work implement 10. The identifying information is information such as the type, shape, and arbitrarily set model number of the work implement 10, such as the fact that the work implement 10 is a brush cutter 100, the type of working unit 12, the shape of the connection unit 13 or the grip unit 15, and the model number corresponding to the brush cutter 100.

[0097] When the information specifying the work machine 10 is received, the calculation unit 233 executes a process for specifying the work machine 10 based on pre-registered information about the work machine 10, and the acquisition unit 231 acquires information about the specifications of the specified work machine 10. The information about the specifications of the work machine 10 includes information about the size of the work machine 10, information about the positional relationships between each part, and information about the position of a predetermined part PP on the work machine 10. Specifically, for example, the acquisition unit 231 acquires information about the size of the brush cutter 100, such as the distance D2 from the center of rotation of the cutting blade 12a of the working unit 12 to the rear of the brush cutter 100, and also acquires information about the position of the predetermined part PP, such as the distance D1 on the operating rod 131 rearward from the center of rotation of the cutting blade 12a of the working unit 12, as information about the position of the predetermined part PP. As a result, the work support device 20 fixed to the brush cutter 100 associates the brush cutter 100 with information about the position of the predetermined part PP corresponding to the brush cutter 100. It is preferable that information relating to the specifications of the work machine 10 is stored in the storage unit 22 of the information processing device 50 or the like.

[0098] Next, the receiving unit 232 receives the position information PI of the predetermined part PP via the sensor 20b attached to the predetermined part PP. That is, the receiving unit 232 receives the position information PI of the predetermined part PP without receiving the position information PI of the working unit 12.

[0099] The calculation unit 233 then calculates the position information PI of the working unit 12 based on the received position information PI of the predetermined part PP and information related to the specifications of the working machine 10 that was acquired in advance. Specifically, for example, the calculation unit 233 calculates the position information PI of the working unit 12 based on the position information PI of the predetermined part PP, the working direction of the working machine 10 based on the history of the position information PI, the position of the predetermined part PP relative to the distance D2, the positional relationship between the predetermined part PP and the working unit 12, etc. In other words, the position information PI of the working unit 12 in this case is information calculated based on at least the positional relationship between the predetermined part PP and the working unit 12 and the position information PI of the predetermined part PP. According to this aspect, the position information PI of the working unit 12 can be indirectly acquired. Furthermore, by attaching the sensor 20b to the predetermined part PP that is distant from the working unit 12, it is possible to suppress vibrations transmitted from the working unit 12 to the sensor 20b, thereby stabilizing measurement of the position information PI by the sensor 20b. Furthermore, it is possible to suppress vibrations transmitted from working unit 12 to sensor 20b and to avoid collision with debris scattered from working unit 12, thereby suppressing damage to sensor 20b.

[0100] Fig. 15 is a diagram showing a modified example of the overall configuration of the work support system 1. Fig. 16 is a perspective view of the work machine 10 seen from above, showing an example of a state in which the work machine 10 and the work support device 20 are electrically connected. Fig. 17 is a perspective view of the work machine 10 seen from above, showing an example of a configuration in which the work machine 10 and the work support device 20 can be electrically connected.

[0101] 1 to 3, the brush cutter 100 and the work support device 20 are not electrically connected, but this is not limiting. For example, as shown in FIG. 15, the control unit 17 of the brush cutter 100 and the communication section 21 of the work support device 20 may be electrically connected. As shown in FIG. 17, specifically, for example, the control device 20a may include wiring 20d and a connector 20e, and the connector 20e may be connected to a connector (not shown) of the control unit 17, thereby electrically connecting the control unit 17 of the brush cutter 100 and the communication section 21 of the work support device 20. In other words, the work support device 20 is electrically connected to the control unit 17 of the brush cutter 100 (an example of a work machine 10).

[0102] In this case, if it is determined in the processing of activity A006 that an alert is necessary, the stopping unit 235 may be configured to stop the brush cutter 100 via the control unit 17 in accordance with the output information OI. Specifically, for example, the stopping unit 235 controls the control unit 17 to turn off the main switch 155c of the brush cutter 100. In this manner, the working implement 10 can be stopped depending on the work situation. As a result, work support can be provided, such as ensuring safety and preventing accidents.

[0103] In the above embodiment, the case where the information on the start of work or the information on the end of work is received by the operator A operating the input unit 26 has been described as an example, but this is not limiting. For example, when the work support device 20 is electrically connected to the brush cutter 100 via the control unit 17, the acquisition unit 231 acquires information on whether the main switch 155c is on or off via the control unit 17. The acquisition unit 231 then acquires the acquired information on the main switch 155c being on as information on the start of work, and the acquired information on the main switch 155c being off as information on the end of work. This aspect of the invention reduces the number of times the operator operates the work support device 20, thereby improving the operator's workability.

[0104] In the above embodiment, the case where the display control unit 236 displays the output information OI on a display built into the work assistance device 20 has been described as an example, but this is not limiting. For example, the display control unit 236 may display the output information OI on smart glasses connected via the communication unit 21. According to this aspect, the worker can more easily understand the output information OI including alerts and the like.

[0105] In the above embodiment, the acquisition unit 231, the reception unit 232, the calculation unit 233, the output unit 234, the stop unit 235, and the display control unit 236 are described as functional units realized by the control unit 23 of the work support device 20, but at least some of them may be implemented as functional units realized by the control unit 43 of the external terminal 40 or the control unit 53 of the information processing device 50. Furthermore, the various pieces of information described in the above example may be stored not only in the storage unit 22 of the work support device 20, but also in a distributed manner in the external terminal 40, the information processing device 50, other external devices, etc.

[0106] Furthermore, it may be provided in the following aspects.

[0107] (1) A work support device that is structurally detachable from a handheld work machine, the work machine having a gripping section and a working section disposed in front of the gripping section, the work support device having a sensor capable of acquiring position information and at least one processor, the processor being configured to execute a program so that the following steps are performed when the work support device is attached to the work machine, the acquisition step acquiring position information of the working section via the sensor, and the output step outputting output information relating to the status of the work obtained based on the position information of the working section.

[0108] According to this aspect, the status of work can be grasped by obtaining output information relating to the status of work based on the position information of the working unit, which can provide work support such as improving work efficiency, ensuring safety, and preventing accidents.

[0109] (2) In the work support device described in (1) above, the position information of the working unit is information obtained via the sensor attached to the working unit.

[0110] According to this aspect, the position information of the working unit can be directly acquired by the sensor attached to the working unit.

[0111] (3) In the work support device described in (1) above, the reception step by the processor further receives position information of the specified part via the sensor attached to the specified part, wherein the specified part is a specified part of the work machine that is different from the working unit, and the position information of the working unit is information calculated based on the positional relationship between the specified part and the working unit and the position information of the specified part.

[0112] According to this aspect, it is possible to indirectly obtain position information of the working unit. Furthermore, by attaching the sensor to a predetermined location away from the working unit, it is possible to suppress vibrations transmitted from the working unit to the sensor, thereby stabilizing the measurement of position information by the sensor. Furthermore, it is possible to suppress vibrations transmitted from the working unit to the sensor and avoid collisions with debris scattered from the working unit, thereby suppressing damage to the sensor.

[0113] (4) In the work support device described in any one of (1) to (3) above, the output information includes information on a history of movement of the working unit.

[0114] According to this aspect, it is possible to grasp information on the history of movement of the working unit.

[0115] (5) In the work support device described in any one of (1) to (4) above, the output information includes information indicating the status of the work as an index.

[0116] According to this aspect, the status of the work can be grasped as an index.

[0117] (6) The work support device according to any one of (1) to (5) above, further comprising a communication unit capable of communicating with other devices, and in the acquisition step, information relating to the status of other work is acquired via the communication unit, wherein the information relating to the status of other work includes at least one of location information of other workers, location information of other work machines, information indicating that the status of work by other workers is dangerous, and information indicating that the status of work by other workers is abnormal, and the output information includes the acquired information relating to the status of other work.

[0118] According to this aspect, it becomes possible to grasp the status of other work, and as a result, it is possible to provide better work support, such as ensuring safety and preventing accidents.

[0119] (7) In the work support device described in any one of (1) to (6) above, the output information includes information indicating that the work situation is dangerous or abnormal.

[0120] According to this aspect, it is possible to grasp whether the work situation is dangerous or abnormal.

[0121] (8) The work support device according to any one of (1) to (7) above, further comprising a notification unit, and in the output step, an alert corresponding to the output information is output to the notification unit.

[0122] According to this aspect, the status of the work can be grasped by the alert.

[0123] (9) In the work support device described in any one of (1) to (8) above, the work support device is further electrically connected to a control unit provided in the work machine, and further configured to stop the work machine via the control unit in accordance with the output information in the stopping step by the processor.

[0124] According to this aspect, the work machine can be stopped depending on the work situation, thereby ensuring safety and preventing accidents, and providing other work support.

[0125] (10) The work support device according to any one of (1) to (9) above, further comprising a communication unit capable of communicating with another device, and in the output step, the output information is output to the other device via the communication unit.

[0126] According to this aspect, it is possible to notify other workers or managers of the status of the work.

[0127] (11) In the work support device described in any one of (1) to (10) above, the output information includes information recording the content of the work.

[0128] According to this aspect, the details of the work can be easily recorded.

[0129] (12) In the work support device described in any one of (1) to (11) above, the output information includes information indicating a level of proficiency in the work.

[0130] According to this aspect, the level of skill in the work can be grasped from the output information.

[0131] (13) The work assistance device according to any one of (1) to (12) above, further comprising a sensor capable of measuring at least one of velocity, acceleration, orientation, and angular velocity.

[0132] According to this aspect, the work situation can be grasped with higher accuracy, which in turn makes it possible to further support the work, such as improving work efficiency, ensuring safety, and preventing accidents.

[0133] (14) The work support device according to any one of (1) to (13) above, further comprising a display unit, and further configured to display the output information on the display unit in the display control step by the processor.

[0134] According to this aspect, the status of the work can be grasped via the display unit.

[0135] (15) A method for controlling a handheld work machine, comprising the steps of attaching a work support device described in any one of (1) to (14) above to the work machine, and steps performed by a processor of the work support device.

[0136] According to this aspect, an additional function can be added to an existing work machine.

[0137] (16) A program that causes a computer to execute each step by a processor of the work support device described in any one of (1) to (14) above.

[0138] According to this aspect, an additional function can be added to an existing work machine.

[0139] (17) A handheld working machine comprising a structurally connected work support device, the work support device being the work support device described in any one of (1) to (14) above.

[0140] According to this aspect, it is possible to provide a technique relating to a work machine capable of supporting work.

[0141] (18) The handheld working machine according to (17) above, which is a brush cutter, blower, edger, pruner, cultivator, sweeper, hedge trimmer or chainsaw.

[0142] According to this aspect, it is possible to support work on a brush cutter, blower, edger, pruner, cultivator, sweeper, hedge trimmer or chainsaw. Of course, this is not the case.

[0143] Finally, while various embodiments of the present invention have been described, these are presented by way of example only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The novel embodiments may be embodied in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. Such embodiments and modifications are intended to be included within the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as within the scope of the inventions and their equivalents as defined in the accompanying claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0144] 1: Work support system 10: Work equipment 100: Brush cutter 12: Working section 12a: Cutting blade 12b: Cover 13: Connection part 131: Operating rod 132: Shroud 133: Drive transmission shaft 14: Casing 15: Grip part 151: Handle 152: Handle mounting part 153: Left grip 154: Right grip 155: Lever part 155a: Trigger lever 155b: Lockout lever 155c: Main switch 16: Electric motor 17: Control unit 18: Battery pack 20: Work support device 20a: Control device 20b: Sensor 20c: Wiring 20d: Wiring 20e: Connector 21: Communications Department 22: Storage section 23: Control section 231: Acquisition Department 232: Reception 233: Arithmetic section 234: Output section 235: Stop part 236: Display control unit 24:Display section 25:Notification section 26: Input section 27: Communication bus 30: Mounting material 31: Mounting material 32: Mounting material 33: Band 40: External terminal 41: Communications Department 42: Storage section 43: Control section 44: Display section 45: Input section 46: Communication bus 50: Information processing device 51: Communications Department 52: Storage section 53: Control unit 54: Communication bus 6: Work information screen 6a: Work information screen 6b: Work information screen 6c: Work information screen 601 :Area 602 :Area 603 :Area 604 :Area 605 :Area 606 :Area 607 :Display 608 :Area 608a: Object 608b: Image D1: Distance D2 :Distance IF : Information NW: Communication network OI: Output information PI: Location information PP: Predetermined part

Claims

1. A work support device that is structurally detachable from a handheld work machine, The work machine includes a gripping unit and a working unit disposed in front of the gripping unit, the work assistance device includes a sensor capable of acquiring position information and at least one processor; The processor is configured to execute a program such that the following steps are performed when the work assistance device is attached to the work machine: In the acquisition step, position information of the working unit is acquired via the sensor; In the output step, the device outputs output information relating to the status of the work, which is obtained based on the position information of the working unit.

2. The work support device according to claim 1, An apparatus, wherein the position information of the working unit is information obtained via the sensor attached to the working unit.

3. The work support device according to claim 1, Furthermore, in the receiving step by the processor, position information of the predetermined part is received via the sensor attached to the predetermined part, wherein the predetermined part is a predetermined part of the work machine that is different from the working unit, The position information of the working unit is information calculated based on the positional relationship between the predetermined part and the working unit and the position information of the predetermined part.

4. The work support device according to claim 1, The output information includes information on the history of movement of the working unit.

5. The work support device according to claim 1, The output information includes information indicating the status of the work as an indicator.

6. The work support device according to claim 1, Furthermore, the work assistance device includes a communication unit capable of communicating with other devices, In the acquisition step, information regarding the status of other work is acquired via the communication unit, and the information regarding the status of other work includes at least one of location information of other workers, location information of other work machines, information indicating that the status of work by other workers is dangerous, and information indicating that the status of work by other workers is abnormal; The output information includes information regarding the status of the other work that has been acquired.

7. The work support device according to claim 1, The output information includes information indicating that a work situation is dangerous or abnormal.

8. The work support device according to claim 1, The work assistance device further includes a notification unit, In the output step, an alert corresponding to the output information is output to the notification unit.

9. The work support device according to claim 1, Furthermore, the work assistance device is electrically connected to a control unit provided in the work machine, Furthermore, the stopping step by the processor is configured to stop the work machine via the control unit in accordance with the output information.

10. The work support device according to claim 1, Furthermore, the work assistance device includes a communication unit capable of communicating with other devices, In the output step, the output information is output to the other device via the communication unit.

11. The work support device according to claim 1, The output information includes information recording the content of the work.

12. The work support device according to claim 1, The output information includes information indicating the level of skill of the task.

13. The work support device according to claim 1, The work assistance device further includes a sensor capable of measuring at least one of velocity, acceleration, orientation, and angular velocity.

14. The work support device according to claim 1, Furthermore, the work assistance device includes a display unit, Furthermore, the display control step by the processor is configured to cause the output information to be displayed on the display unit.

15. A method for controlling a handheld work machine, comprising: A method comprising the steps of attaching the work support device according to any one of claims 1 to 14 to the work machine, and performing steps by a processor of the work support device.

16. A program, A program that causes a computer to execute each step by a processor of the work support device according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

17. A handheld work machine, a work support device structurally connected thereto; The work support device is a work support device according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

18. 18. The handheld work machine according to claim 17, A work implement which is a brushcutter, blower, edger, pruner, cultivator, sweeper, hedge trimmer or chainsaw.

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