Area setting device, area setting method, area setting program, and area setting system

Abstract

It is desirable to provide a technology that enables a detection area to be set more appropriately depending on the work situation. [Solution] An area setting device is provided that includes an acquisition unit that acquires the work status, a judgment unit that judges the work process based on the work status, a setting unit that sets a detection area for detecting whether or not a detection target exists based on the work process, and an object detection unit that detects whether or not the detection target exists within the detection area, and the setting unit sets different detection areas depending on which of a plurality of work processes the work process corresponds to.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an area setting device, an area setting method, an area setting program, and an area setting system. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, a system has become known that sets a detection area to detect whether or not a detection target is present, and issues a warning when the presence of the detection target is detected within the detection area. An example of the detection target is a worker working at a work site. For example, when the detection target is a worker, appropriately setting the detection area can reduce the risk of contact between the worker and heavy machinery.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a system in which a tag is attached to an object such as a worker, information such as the object's location and type is collected based on information obtained from the tag, and an alert is issued if it is determined that a worker is present within the detection area based on the collected information. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2023-34869 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, it is expected that the work situation at a work site will change over time, and it is also expected that the detection area in which the detection target should be detected will change along with the change in the work situation.

[0006] Therefore, it is desirable to provide a technology that enables the detection area to be set more appropriately depending on the work situation. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to solve the above problem, according to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided an area setting device comprising an acquisition unit that acquires a work status, a determination unit that determines a work process based on the work status, a setting unit that sets a detection area for detecting whether or not a detection target exists based on the work process, and an object detection unit that detects whether or not the detection target exists within the detection area, wherein the setting unit sets different detection areas depending on which of a plurality of work processes the work process corresponds to.

[0008] The area setting device may include a warning control unit that controls a predetermined warning based on the determination that the detection target exists within the detection area.

[0009] Corresponding information including a plurality of pieces of work process information and detection area information corresponding to each of the plurality of pieces of work process information is stored in advance, and the setting unit may acquire, from the corresponding information, detection area information corresponding to work process information that matches the work process information indicating the work process determined by the determination unit, and set the detection area based on the acquired detection area information.

[0010] The area setting device may include a display control unit that controls the display according to the detection area.

[0011] Furthermore, according to another aspect of the present invention to solve the above-mentioned problems, there is provided an area setting method executed by a computer, which includes acquiring a work status, determining a work process based on the work status, setting a detection area for detecting whether or not a detection object exists based on the work process, and detecting whether or not the detection object exists within the detection area, and when setting the detection area, the detection area to be set varies depending on which of a plurality of work processes the work process corresponds to.

[0012] Furthermore, according to another aspect of the present invention to solve the above problem, an area setting program is provided which causes a computer to function as an acquisition unit that acquires a work status, a determination unit that determines a work process based on the work status, a setting unit that sets a detection area for detecting whether or not a detection target exists based on the work process, and an object detection unit that detects whether or not the detection target exists within the detection area, and the setting unit sets different detection areas depending on which of a plurality of work processes the work process corresponds to.

[0013] Furthermore, in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, according to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an area setting system comprising a work status detection unit that detects a work status, an acquisition unit that acquires the work status from the work status detection unit, a determination unit that determines a work process based on the work status, a setting unit that sets a detection area for detecting whether or not a detection object exists based on the work process, and an object detection unit that detects whether or not the detection object exists within the detection area, wherein the setting unit sets different detection areas depending on which of a plurality of processes the work process corresponds to. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] As described above, the present invention provides a technique that enables a detection area to be set more appropriately depending on the work situation. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a work site monitoring system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a work site monitoring device 10 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] 10 is a diagram showing an example of process area correspondence information stored in a storage unit 130. FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a work situation in the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5]5 is a flowchart showing an example of an area setting process executed by the work site monitoring device 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] 5 is a flowchart showing an example of a detection process executed by the work site monitoring device 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a work situation in the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a work situation in the third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] 1 is a diagram showing a hardware configuration of an information processing device 900 as an example of a work site monitoring device 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this specification and drawings, components having substantially the same functional configurations are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0017] (0. Overview of the Embodiment) In recent years, a system has become known that sets a detection area for detecting whether or not a detection target is present, and issues a warning when the presence of the detection target is detected within the detection area. It is expected that the work situation at a work site will change over time. It is also expected that the detection area in which the detection target should be detected will change as the work situation changes. Therefore, it is desirable to set the detection area more appropriately depending on the work situation.

[0018] The following explanation primarily assumes that the detection target is a worker. However, the detection target can be any object, and may be an object other than a worker. For example, the detection target may be a person. That is, the detection target may include people other than workers (e.g., supervisors who monitor work). Alternatively, the detection target may include animals. Or, the detection target may include inanimate objects such as robots.

[0019] Furthermore, the detection area may be an area that is dangerous to workers. The dangerous area may include various areas where the risk to workers increases if workers enter them. For example, the dangerous area may include an area where workers may come into contact with heavy machinery. The heavy machinery may be any vehicle used for work, and there are no restrictions on the size of the vehicle. Alternatively, the dangerous area may include an area where workers may come into contact with suspended loads lifted by heavy machinery or falling objects that collapse from excavation surfaces, etc.

[0020] Work at a construction site can be divided into multiple processes (each of which will also be referred to as a "work process") depending on the type of work. It is expected that the hazardous areas will differ for each work process.

[0021] For example, there may be work processes where contact between heavy machinery and workers is permitted. Alternatively, there may be work processes that assume workers will work close to heavy machinery. In other words, an area that is dangerous in one work process may not be dangerous in another. Therefore, if detection areas are set regardless of the work process, warnings may be issued even when workers are in areas that are not dangerous, which could lead to confusion at the work site and a loss of reliability in the warnings.

[0022] Therefore, this specification mainly proposes a technique for setting different detection areas depending on the work process. It is expected that such a technique will enable more effective setting of detection areas. By setting detection areas more effectively, excessive warnings can be suppressed, and the reliability of the warnings can be maintained.

[0023] The outline of the embodiment of the present invention has been described above.

[0024] (1. First embodiment) Next, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0025] In the first embodiment of the present invention, it is mainly assumed that the work performed by the worker is tunnel construction work. However, the work performed by the worker does not have to be limited to tunnel construction work. For example, the work performed by the worker may be other work (e.g., construction work such as dam construction and bridge construction). Furthermore, in the first embodiment of the present invention, the work site is a tunnel construction site, and the detection area is set at the tunnel construction site. However, the location of the work site and the location where the detection area is set may be changed as appropriate depending on the work performed by the worker.

[0026] (1-1. System Overview) First, an example of the configuration of a work site monitoring system according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0027] Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a work site monitoring system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Fig. 1, the work site monitoring system 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention is a system for monitoring a work site, and includes a work site monitoring device 10, a work status detection unit 21, an object detection sensor 22, and a warning unit 30.

[0028] Referring to FIG. 1, a work site 80 is shown. At the work site 80, work is performed by a worker 60. At the work site 80, a plurality of work processes are performed sequentially by the worker 60. In the example shown in FIG. 1, one worker 60 is present at the work site 80, and the work processes are performed by the single worker 60. However, there may be a plurality of workers 60 at the work site 80, and the work processes may be performed by a plurality of workers 60.

[0029] While a work process is being performed by the worker 60, objects other than the worker 60 may also be present at the work site 80. In the example shown in FIG. 1 , heavy equipment 71 is present at the work site 80 as an example of an object other than the worker 60. The heavy equipment 71 may be a vehicle such as a mixer truck, a truck, or an excavator. However, the object other than the worker 60 may also be an object (e.g., a tool) other than the heavy equipment 71 used in the work process.

[0030] (Workplace monitoring device 10) The work site monitoring device 10 is an information processing device implemented by a computer, which performs various information processing for monitoring a work site 80. For example, the work site monitoring device 10 can function as an area setting device that sets a detection area. As shown in FIG. 1 , the work site monitoring device 10 can communicate with each of a work status detection unit 21, an object detection sensor 22, and a warning unit 30.

[0031] For example, the work site monitoring device 10 may be directly connected to the work status detection unit 21, the object detection sensor 22, and the warning unit 30, or may be connected via a network. In the first embodiment of the present invention, it is mainly assumed that the work site monitoring device 10, the work status detection unit 21, the object detection sensor 22, and the warning unit 30 communicate with each other via wires. However, the work site monitoring device 10, the work status detection unit 21, the object detection sensor 22, and the warning unit 30 may communicate with each other wirelessly.

[0032] (Work status detection unit 21) The work status detection unit 21 detects the work status performed by the worker 60 at the work site 80. The work status can be any information that changes according to the progress of the work. For example, the work status detection unit 21 may be a sensor that detects the work status (hereinafter also referred to as the "work status detection sensor"). Here, the type of work status detection sensor is not limited, but the work status detection sensor may include either or both a camera and LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging).

[0033] The camera included in the work status detection sensor obtains a moving image as an imaging result by continuously capturing images of the imaging range including the work site 80. The work site 80 may be the entirety of the imaging range of the camera included in the work status detection sensor, or it may be a part of it. The camera included in the work status detection sensor may be a fixed camera or a movable camera. For example, the camera included in the work status detection sensor may be a PTZ (pan-tilt-zoom) camera. The imaging results obtained by imaging with the camera included in the work status detection sensor are provided to the work site monitoring device 10.

[0034] The LiDAR included in the work status detection sensor obtains measurement results by continuously measuring the measurement range including the work site 80. The work site 80 may be the entirety of the measurement range of the LiDAR included in the work status detection sensor, or it may be a part of it. The measurement results obtained by the LiDAR included in the work status detection sensor are provided to the work site monitoring device 10. In addition, a depth sensor or radar sensor may be used instead of the LiDAR included in the work status detection sensor.

[0035] Alternatively, the work status detection unit 21 may have a clock function and detect the current time as the work status using the clock function. In this case, the work status detection unit 21 may be provided in the work site monitoring device 10.

[0036] Alternatively, the work status detection unit 21 may be a switch (hereinafter also referred to as a "work process changeover switch") that the worker 60 presses when starting the first work process or when switching work processes. Alternatively, if there is an installation (for example, a signboard or electronic bulletin board) at the work site 80 on which the name of the work process or the like is written, the work status detection unit 21 may be an OCR (Optical Character Recognition) camera that reads the name of the work process written on the installation.

[0037] (Object detection sensor 22) The object detection sensor 22 is a sensor for detecting the type and position of an object present at the work site 80. The type of object mainly includes a worker 60 or heavy machinery 71. Here, the object detection sensor 22 may include one or both of a camera and a LiDAR.

[0038] The camera included in the object detection sensor 22 continuously captures an image of an imaging range including the work site 80, thereby obtaining a moving image as the imaging result. The work site 80 may be the entire imaging range of the camera included in the object detection sensor 22, or may be a part of it. The camera included in the object detection sensor 22 may be a fixed camera or a movable camera. For example, the camera may be a PTZ camera. The imaging results obtained by imaging using the camera included in the object detection sensor 22 are provided to the work site monitoring device 10.

[0039] The LiDAR included in the object detection sensor 22 obtains measurement results by continuously measuring a measurement range that includes the work site 80. The work site 80 may be the entire measurement range of the LiDAR included in the object detection sensor 22, or may be a part of it. The measurement results obtained by measurement by the LiDAR included in the object detection sensor 22 are provided to the work site monitoring device 10. Note that instead of the LiDAR included in the object detection sensor 22, a depth sensor, a radar sensor, or the like may be used.

[0040] (Common use of sensors) When both the work status detection unit 21 and the object detection sensor 22 include a camera, the camera included in the work status detection unit 21 and the camera included in the object detection sensor 22 may be the same camera or different cameras. Similarly, when both the work status detection unit 21 and the object detection sensor 22 include a LiDAR, the LiDAR included in the work status detection unit 21 and the LiDAR included in the object detection sensor 22 may be the same LiDAR or different LiDAR.

[0041] (Warning part 30) The warning unit 30 issues a warning under the control of the work site monitoring device 10. For example, the warning unit 30 may be configured to include a light emitting device, which may output a predetermined visible light. As an example, the light emitting device may be a rotating light that rotates the direction of irradiation of visible light. Alternatively, the warning unit 30 may be configured to include a speaker, which may output a predetermined sound.

[0042] The warning pattern issued by the warning unit 30 may be one type or multiple types. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the work site monitoring system 1 includes one warning unit 30. However, the work site monitoring system 1 may include multiple warning units 30. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the warning unit 30 is installed at the work site 80. However, the warning unit 30 may also be installed in the heavy equipment 71.

[0043] The above describes an example of the configuration of the work site monitoring system 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] (1-2. Example of functional configuration of work site monitoring device) Next, an example of the functional configuration of the work site monitoring device 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described. Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the work site monitoring device 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Fig. 2, the work site monitoring device 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention includes an operation unit 110, a control unit 120, a storage unit 130, and a display unit 140.

[0045] (Operation unit 110) The operation unit 110 accepts operations input by the operator of the work site monitoring device 10. The operation unit 110 can also provide the operations accepted by the operator of the work site monitoring device 10 to the control unit 120. In this specification, it is mainly assumed that the operation unit 110 is a mouse and keyboard. However, the operation unit 110 may also be an input device other than a mouse and keyboard (for example, a touch panel, buttons, etc.).

[0046] (control unit 120) Control unit 120 includes a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), and its functions can be realized by the processor expanding a program stored in storage unit 130 into RAM (Random Access Memory) and executing it. In this case, a computer-readable recording medium on which the program is recorded can also be provided. Alternatively, control unit 120 can be configured with dedicated hardware or a combination of multiple pieces of hardware.

[0047] As shown in Figure 2, the control unit 120 includes a work status acquisition unit 121, a work process determination unit 122, a detection area setting unit 123, a display control unit 124, an object detection unit 126, a target detection unit 127, and a warning control unit 128. Details of each of these functional units of the control unit 120 will be described later.

[0048] (Storage unit 130) The memory unit 130 is a storage device capable of storing programs and data for operating the control unit 120. The memory unit 130 can also temporarily store various data required during the operation of the control unit 120. For example, the storage device may be a non-volatile storage device.

[0049] (Display section 140) The display unit 140 has the function of outputting according to the control of the control unit 120. For example, the display unit 140 can output a screen generated by the control unit 120. Here, the form of the display unit 140 is not particularly limited. For example, the display unit 140 may be a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) display device, a liquid crystal display (LCD) device, an OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) device, or a display device such as a lamp.

[0050] (Other configurations) In addition, the work site monitoring device 10 includes a communication unit (not shown). This communication unit (not shown) may be a communication interface that communicates with the work status detection unit 21, the object detection sensor 22, and the warning unit 30, respectively. In the first embodiment of the present invention, it is mainly assumed that the communication unit (not shown) performs wired communication, but the communication unit (not shown) may also perform wireless communication.

[0051] 2, the operation unit 110, the control unit 120, the storage unit 130, and the display unit 140 are provided inside the work site monitoring device 10. However, some or all of these functional units may be provided outside the work site monitoring device 10.

[0052] The above describes an example of the functional configuration of the work site monitoring device 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0053] (1-3. Detailed Examples of Work Site Monitoring Device Functions) Next, the details of the functions of the work site monitoring device 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described. First, an example of the process area correspondence information stored in the storage unit 130 will be described.

[0054] (Process area correspondence information) FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of process area correspondence information stored in the storage unit 130. As shown in FIG. 3, the storage unit 130 pre-stores process area correspondence information 131 in which work process information and detection area information are associated with each other. More specifically, the process area correspondence information 131 includes a plurality of work processes and detection area information associated with each of the plurality of work processes. Note that in the example shown in FIG. 3, the work processes and the detection area information are associated one-to-one, but the work processes and the detection area information may also be associated one-to-many. In other words, a single work process may be associated with a plurality of detection area information.

[0055] 3, the process area correspondence information 131 includes five work processes G1 to G5, with detection area information R1 associated with work process G1, detection area information R2 associated with work process G2, detection area information R3 associated with work process G3, detection area information R4 associated with work process G4, and detection area information R5 associated with work process G5. However, the number of work processes included in the process area correspondence information 131 does not have to be five, as long as it is two or more. Note that work processes G1 to G5 may be arranged in order of earliest execution.

[0056] The work process information is information for identifying a work process. For example, the work process information may be the name of the work process. As an example, if the work performed by the worker 60 is tunnel construction work, the work process may include an excavation process, a shoveling process, a concrete spraying process, a rock bolt driving process, and a lining concrete pouring process.

[0057] The detection area information is information for specifying a detection area for detecting whether or not there is a worker 60. For example, the detection area information may include detection area setting reference information and a detection area size.

[0058] The detection area setting reference information may be set as a fixed value for the coordinates of the object detection sensor 22 in the sensor coordinate system, or it may be set as the type of heavy machinery 71. When the coordinates of the object detection sensor 22 in the sensor coordinate system are set as a fixed value for the detection area setting reference information, the detection area will not change during the execution of the work process unless changed by the operator. On the other hand, when the type of heavy machinery 71 is set as the detection area setting reference information, the detection area may change during the execution of the work process even if it is not changed by the operator. Furthermore, as will be explained later, when the working face is set as the detection area setting reference information, the detection area may change during the execution of the work process even if it is not changed by the operator.

[0059] The detection area size indicates the size of the detection area. For example, if the detection area is circular, the detection area size may be the radius of the circle. Alternatively, if the detection area is polygonal, the detection area size may be the length of each side that makes up the polygon. As an example, if the detection area is rectangular, the detection area size may be the length and width of the rectangle. Alternatively, if the detection area is polygonal, the coordinates of each vertex that makes up the polygon may be included in the detection area information instead of the detection area size. The coordinates of each vertex that makes up the polygon may be determined based on an overhead view of the work site 80 generated by the work site monitoring system 1.

[0060] Furthermore, the process area correspondence information 131 shown in Figure 3 may be stored in the storage unit 130 based on the operator inputting a registration operation for the process area correspondence information 131 to the operation unit 110. In addition, the process area correspondence information 131 stored in the storage unit 130 may be modified based on the operator inputting a modification operation for the process area correspondence information 131 to the operation unit 110.

[0061] Figure 4 is a diagram showing an example of the work situation in the first embodiment of the present invention. In the example shown in Figure 4, worker 60 is performing tunnel construction work, and as an example of the work process, the excavation process is being carried out. The excavation process is a work process in which heavy machinery 71 carries out the soil generated by excavation to the vicinity of object B1. Heavy machinery 71 is a soil transport vehicle, and object B1 is the tunnel face. The tunnel face is the excavation surface and corresponds to the wall of the tunnel.

[0062] (Work status acquisition unit 121) The work status acquisition unit 121 functions as an acquisition unit that acquires the work status output from the work status detection unit 21. For example, if the work status detection unit 21 is a work status detection sensor or an OCR camera, the work status acquisition unit 121 acquires the work status continuously or at predetermined intervals. On the other hand, if the work status detection unit 21 is a work process switching switch, the work status is acquired when the work process switching switch is pressed. The work status acquisition unit 121 outputs the acquired work status to the work process determination unit 122.

[0063] (Work process determination unit 122) The work process determination unit 122 acquires the work status output from the work status acquisition unit 121 and functions as a determination unit that determines the work process based on the acquired work status. Here, various methods can be envisioned for determining the work process based on the work status. For example, if the work status detection unit 21 is a work status detection sensor, the work process may be determined based on the work status detected by the work status detection sensor.

[0064] More specifically, the work process determination unit 122 may detect objects present in the work site 80 based on the work status detected by the work status detection sensor, and determine the location of the objects based on the object detection results. Alternatively, the work process determination unit 122 may identify the type of object based on the work status detected by the work status detection sensor.

[0065] Then, the work process determination unit 122 may identify the type of heavy equipment 71 present at the work site 80 based on the identification result of the type of object, and determine the work process based on the type of heavy equipment 71 present at the work site 80. For example, if heavy equipment process correspondence information in which the type of heavy equipment 71 is associated with the work process is stored in advance in the storage unit 130, the work process determination unit 122 may determine the work process associated with the type of heavy equipment 71 present at the work site 80 from the heavy equipment process correspondence information.

[0066] Alternatively, it is conceivable that the worker 60 wears a helmet of a different color for each work process. Therefore, the work process determination unit 122 may identify the color of the helmet present at the work site 80 based on the result of identifying the type of object, and determine the work process based on the color of the helmet present at the work site 80. For example, if helmet-process correspondence information in which helmet colors are associated with work processes is stored in advance in the storage unit 130, the work process determination unit 122 may determine the work process associated with the color of the helmet present at the work site 80 from the helmet-process correspondence information. Note that the color of the clothes worn by the worker 60 may be used instead of the helmet color.

[0067] Alternatively, it is conceivable that the positional relationship between the worker 60 and the heavy equipment 71 differs for each work process. Therefore, the work process determination unit 122 may identify the positional relationship between the worker 60 and the heavy equipment 71 based on the position and type of object, and determine the work process based on the positional relationship between the worker 60 and the heavy equipment 71. For example, if worker-heavy equipment correspondence information in which the positional relationship between the worker 60 and the heavy equipment 71 and the work process are associated is stored in advance in the storage unit 130, the work process determination unit 122 may determine the work process associated with the positional relationship between the worker 60 and the heavy equipment 71 from the worker-heavy equipment correspondence information.

[0068] Alternatively, the number of workers may differ for each work process. Therefore, the work process determination unit 122 may identify the number of workers based on the type of object and determine the work process based on the number of workers. For example, if number-of-workers-process correspondence information in which the number of workers and work processes are associated is stored in advance in the storage unit 130, the work process determination unit 122 may determine the work process associated with the identified number of workers from the number-of-workers-process correspondence information.

[0069] Alternatively, it is conceivable that the position of the worker 60 differs for each work process. Therefore, the work process determination unit 122 may identify the position of the worker 60 based on the position and type of object, and determine the work process based on the position of the worker 60. For example, if worker position-process correspondence information, in which the position of the worker 60 is associated with the work process, is stored in advance in the storage unit 130, the work process determination unit 122 may determine the work process associated with the identified position of the worker 60 from the worker position-process correspondence information.

[0070] Alternatively, the presence or absence of a supervisor may change for each work process. Therefore, the work process determination unit 122 may identify the presence or absence of a supervisor based on the type of object, and determine the work process based on the presence or absence of the supervisor. For example, if supervisor presence / process correspondence information, which associates the presence or absence of a supervisor with a work process, is stored in advance in the storage unit 130, the work process determination unit 122 may determine the work process associated with the identified presence or absence of the supervisor from the supervisor presence / process correspondence information. Note that the type of object, which is a supervisor, may be determined by recognizing the color of the helmet or clothing worn by the supervisor.

[0071] Here, the object based on the work status may be detected in any manner. For example, if the work status detection sensor includes a camera, the work process determination unit 122 may detect the object based on the image capture result of the work site 80 obtained by the camera included in the work status detection sensor, or may detect the object based on the measurement result obtained by the LiDAR included in the work status detection sensor.

[0072] Here, methods for detecting objects based on the results of imaging the work site 80 by a camera include a template matching method using a template image of the object to be detected, a method using edge features such as HOG (Histograms of Oriented Gradients), and a method for detecting objects through deep learning such as CNN (Convolutional Neural Network) using a large amount of learning data of the object to be detected.

[0073] On the other hand, methods for detecting objects based on measurement results from the work site 80 using LiDAR include methods that remove the background and ground from the measurement results from the work site 80 using LiDAR, and then detect areas larger than a predetermined size as objects from the remaining portion.

[0074] The detection of an object based on the imaging results of the work site 80 by a camera may be used alone. The detection of an object based on the measurement results of the work site 80 by a LiDAR may be used alone. Alternatively, both the detection of an object based on the imaging results of the work site 80 by a camera and the detection of an object based on the measurement results of the work site 80 by a LiDAR may be used.

[0075] For example, when the worker 60 and the heavy equipment 71 are close to each other, it may be difficult to distinguish the worker 60 from the heavy equipment 71 based on the measurement results by the LiDAR. Therefore, the work process determination unit 122 may detect an object region in the measurement results by the LiDAR, calculate an object region in the image capture results by the camera from that object region using a transformation matrix from the LiDAR coordinate system to the camera coordinate system, and detect the object from the object region in the image capture results by the camera. This allows the worker 60 and the heavy equipment 71 to be detected as different objects.

[0076] The position of an object based on the object detection result may be determined in any way. For example, if the work status detection sensor includes a camera, the work process determination unit 122 may determine the position of the object in real space based on the position of the object in the image captured by the camera and a transformation matrix from the camera coordinate system to the real space coordinate system. Alternatively, if the work status detection sensor includes LiDAR, the work process determination unit 122 may determine the position of the object in real space based on the position of the object in the measurement result by LiDAR and a transformation matrix from the LiDAR coordinate system to the real space coordinate system.

[0077] The type of object may be identified in any way. Specifically, the work process determination unit 122 can identify whether the identified type of object is a worker 60 or heavy machinery 71. Furthermore, if the work process determination unit 122 identifies the type of object as heavy machinery 71, it can also identify the type of heavy machinery 71 (e.g., a mixer truck, a truck, an excavator, etc.).

[0078] For example, if the work status detection sensor includes a camera, the work process determination unit 122 may identify the type of object based on the imaging results of the work site 80 obtained by the camera included in the work status detection sensor, or it may identify the type of object based on the measurement results obtained by the LiDAR included in the work status detection sensor.

[0079] Here, methods for identifying the type of object based on the image capture results of the work site 80 by camera include template matching methods using template images of the type of object to be identified, methods for identifying the type of object using deep learning such as CNNs, and methods that use image features of the type of object to be identified (e.g., size, aspect ratio, shape, etc.).

[0080] On the other hand, methods for identifying the type of object based on the measurement results of the work site 80 using LiDAR include methods for identifying the type of object (e.g., worker 60 and heavy machinery 71) from the size of the object captured in the measurement results of the work site 80 using LiDAR. Furthermore, methods for identifying the type of object based on the measurement results of the work site 80 using LiDAR include methods for identifying the type of object (e.g., worker 60, heavy machinery 71, type of heavy machinery 71) from the 3D shape data of the object captured in the measurement results.

[0081] The identification of object types based on imaging results of the work site 80 by camera may be used independently. Similarly, the identification of object types based on measurement results of the work site 80 by LiDAR may be used independently. Alternatively, both the identification of object types based on imaging results of the work site 80 by camera and the identification of object types based on measurement results of the work site 80 by LiDAR may be used.

[0082] As another method for determining the work process, if the work status detection unit 21 has a timing function and can detect the current time as part of the work status using the timing function, the work status detection unit 21 may determine the work process based on the detected current time. For example, if schedule information that associates the scheduled execution time with the work process is stored in advance in the storage unit 130, the work status detection unit 21 may determine the work process associated with the scheduled execution time to which the current time belongs from the schedule information.

[0083] Alternatively, if the work status detection unit 21 is a work process switching switch, the work status detection unit 21 may determine the work process based on whether the work process switching switch has been pressed. For example, if the work process switching switch is pressed before the start of the first work process, the work status detection unit 21 may determine the first work process based on the process area correspondence information 131. Also, if the work process switching switch is pressed after the start of the first work process, the work status detection unit 21 may determine the next work process after the current work process based on the process area correspondence information 131.

[0084] Alternatively, if the work status detection unit 21 is an OCR camera, the work status detection unit 21 may determine the work process indicated by the name of the work process based on the name of the work process being read from an installed object by the OCR camera.

[0085] (Detection area setting unit 123) The detection area setting unit 123 functions as a setting unit that sets the detection area based on the work process determined by the work process determination unit 122. More specifically, the detection area setting unit 123 sets different detection areas depending on which of the multiple work processes the work process determined by the work process determination unit 122 corresponds to. This allows the detection area to be set more appropriately according to the work situation.

[0086] More specifically, the detection area setting unit 123 obtains detection area information from the process area correspondence information 131 that corresponds to the work process information indicating the work process determined by the work process determination unit 122. Then, the detection area setting unit 123 sets the detection area based on the detection area information obtained from the process area correspondence information 131.

[0087] For example, if the work process information indicating the work process determined by the work process determination unit 122 matches the work process information G2, the detection area information R2 associated with the work process information G2 is obtained from the process area correspondence information 131.

[0088] For example, let's assume that the detection area information R2 is set to object B1 (working face) as the reference information for setting the detection area. In this case, the detection area setting unit 123 may select a rectangular parallelepiped as the detection area shape corresponding to object B1 (working face), and select the side as the shape reference position corresponding to object B1 (working face). Let's also assume that the detection area information R2 is set to the detection area size (vertical length, horizontal length, height).

[0089] In this case, as shown in Figure 4, the detection area setting unit 123 may set a detection area A1 having a rectangular parallelepiped shape and a detection area size (length, width, height) such that the position of object B1 (working face) set in the detection area setting reference information and the side F1 selected as the shape reference position satisfy a predetermined positional relationship. For example, as shown in Figure 4, the predetermined relationship may be a relationship in which the position of object B1 (working face) and the position of side F1 coincide or are close to each other.

[0090] In the example shown in Figure 4, it is assumed that object B1 is set as the reference information for setting the detection area. In this case, even if the work process does not change, the detection area setting unit 123 moves the position of detection area A1 as the tunnel excavation progresses and the position of object B1 changes. On the other hand, it is also assumed that the coordinates in the sensor coordinate system of the object detection sensor 22 are set as the reference information for setting the detection area. In this case, the detection area setting unit 123 does not need to move the position of the detection area if the work process does not change.

[0091] (Display control unit 124) The display control unit 124 controls the display by the display unit 140 according to the detection area set by the detection area setting unit 123. More specifically, if the object detection sensor 22 includes a camera, the display control unit 124 may control the display unit 140 so that the imaging results obtained by the camera are displayed on the display unit 140, and may also control the display unit 140 so that a frame line surrounding the detection area set by the detection area setting unit 123 is superimposed on the imaging results.

[0092] (Object detection unit 126) The object detection unit 126 detects an object present in the work site 80 based on the sensor data obtained by the object detection sensor 22, and identifies the position of the object based on the object detection result. The object detection unit 126 also identifies the type of object based on the sensor data obtained by the object detection sensor 22.

[0093] Here, the object position identification by the object detection unit 126 may be performed in the same manner as the object position identification by the work process determination unit 122. Therefore, a detailed description of the object position identification by the object detection unit 126 will be omitted. Furthermore, the object type identification by the object detection unit 126 may be performed in the same manner as the object type identification by the work process determination unit 122. Therefore, a detailed description of the object type identification by the object detection unit 126 will be omitted.

[0094] When the object detection unit 127 detects that the position of the worker 60 is within the detection area A1, the object detection unit 126 may store in the storage unit 130 the positions of objects detected during a time period having a predetermined time width before and after the time of detection (hereinafter also referred to as a "danger time period") and the type of object identified during the danger time period. Then, based on the positions and types of objects stored in the storage unit 130, the object detection unit 126 may cause the display unit 140 to display what type of object was present at what position during the danger time period. This makes it easy to check the movement of objects during the danger time period.

[0095] (Object detection unit 127) The object detection unit 127 detects whether or not the worker 60 is present within the detection area A1 set by the detection area setting unit 123. More specifically, the object detection unit 127 detects the position of the worker 60 based on the position of the object specified by the object detection unit 126 and the type of object identified by the object detection unit 126, and detects whether or not the position of the detected worker 60 is present within the detection area A1.

[0096] (Warning control unit 128) The warning control unit 128 controls the warning unit 30 to issue a predetermined warning based on the determination by the object detection unit 127 that the worker 60 is present in the detection area A1. This makes it possible to know that the worker 60 is present in the detection area A1, and to take some kind of measure to avoid danger. On the other hand, the warning control unit 128 controls the warning unit 30 not to issue a predetermined warning based on the determination by the object detection unit 127 that the worker 60 is not present in the detection area A1.

[0097] 1, the warning unit 30 is installed at the work site 80. However, the warning unit 30 may be installed in the heavy equipment 71. In this case, the warning control unit 128 may control the warning by the warning unit 30 installed in the heavy equipment 71 instead of the warning unit 30 installed at the work site 80.

[0098] Alternatively, there may be cases where a warning unit 30 is provided at each of the work site 80 and the heavy equipment 71. In such cases, the warning control unit 128 may independently set which of the work site 80 and the heavy equipment 71 the warning unit 30 is to issue, or the operator may manually set via the operation unit 110 which of the work site 80 and the heavy equipment 71 the warning unit 30 is to issue.

[0099] For example, it is assumed that coordinates in the sensor coordinate system of the object detection sensor 22 are set as detection area setting destination reference information in the detection area information corresponding to the current work process. In such a case, it is considered that the correlation between the detection area where the worker 60 is present and a specific heavy machine 71 is not very strong. Therefore, the warning control unit 128 may control the warning by the warning unit 30 provided in the work site 80.

[0100] On the other hand, it is assumed that the type of heavy equipment 71 is set as the detection area setting destination reference information in the detection area information corresponding to the current work process. In such a case, it is considered that there is a strong correlation between the detection area in which the worker 60 is present and the heavy equipment 71. Therefore, in such a case, the warning control unit 128 may control the warning by the warning unit 30 provided in the heavy equipment 71. This makes it possible to take effective measures to avoid danger.

[0101] The functional details of the work site monitoring device 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention have been described above.

[0102] (1-4. Example of processing by work site monitoring device) Next, a processing example of the work site monitoring device 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described. Fig. 5 is a flowchart showing a processing example of area setting executed by the work site monitoring device 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 6 is a flowchart showing a processing example of detection processing executed by the work site monitoring device 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0103] For example, the area setting, an example of which is shown in Fig. 5, may be performed first, and then the detection process, an example of which is shown in Fig. 6. Alternatively, the area setting, an example of which is shown in Fig. 5, and the detection process, an example of which is shown in Fig. 6, may be performed in parallel. Furthermore, the combination of the area setting, an example of which is shown in Fig. 5, and the detection process, an example of which is shown in Fig. 6, may be performed multiple times.

[0104] 5, when area setting is started, the work status detection unit 21 detects the work status being performed by the worker 60 at the work site 80, and the work status acquisition unit 121 acquires the work status detected by the work status detection unit 21 (S11). The work process determination unit 122 determines the work process based on the work status acquired by the work status acquisition unit 121 (S12).

[0105] The detection area setting unit 123 sets a detection area based on the work process determined by the work process determination unit 122 (S13). More specifically, the detection area setting unit 123 sets different detection areas depending on which of a plurality of work processes the work process determined by the work process determination unit 122 corresponds to. This allows the detection area to be set more appropriately depending on the work situation.

[0106] The display control unit 124 controls the display of the detection area set by the detection area setting unit 123 by the display unit 140 (S14). More specifically, when the object detection sensor 22 includes a camera, the display control unit 124 controls the display unit 140 so that the imaging results obtained by the camera are displayed on the display unit 140, and also controls the display unit 140 so that a frame line surrounding the detection area set by the detection area setting unit 123 is superimposed on the imaging results. Thereafter, the area setting is completed.

[0107] 6, when the detection process starts, the object detection unit 126 detects an object present in the work site 80 based on the sensor data obtained by the object detection sensor 22 (S21), and identifies the position of the object based on the object detection result. In addition, the object detection unit 126 identifies the type of object based on the sensor data obtained by the object detection sensor 22.

[0108] The object detection unit 127 detects whether or not the worker 60 is present within the detection area set by the detection area setting unit 123 (S22). More specifically, the object detection unit 127 detects the position of the worker 60 based on the position of the object specified by the object detection unit 126 and the type of object identified by the object detection unit 126, and detects whether or not the position of the detected worker 60 is present within the detection area.

[0109] If the target detection unit 127 determines that a worker 60 is present in the detection area (YES in S22), the warning control unit 128 controls the warning unit 30 to issue a predetermined warning (S23), and then terminates the detection process. On the other hand, if the target detection unit 127 determines that a worker 60 is not present in the detection area (NO in S22), the warning control unit 128 controls the warning unit 30 so as not to issue a predetermined warning. After that, the detection process terminates.

[0110] The above describes an example of processing by the work site monitoring device 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0111] (1-5. Effects of the first embodiment) According to a first embodiment of the present invention, a work site monitoring device 10 is provided, comprising a work process determination unit 122 and a detection area setting unit 123. Here, the work process determination unit 122 determines a work process based on the work status acquired by the work status acquisition unit 121. The detection area setting unit 123 sets a detection area based on the work process. At this time, the detection area setting unit 123 sets different detection areas depending on which of a plurality of work processes the work process corresponds to. This allows the detection area to be set more appropriately according to the work status.

[0112] In particular, the first embodiment of the present invention is mainly based on the assumption that the work performed by the worker 60 is tunnel construction work. Even when the work performed by the worker 60 is tunnel construction work, the detection area can be appropriately set depending on the work situation.

[0113] The first embodiment of the present invention has been described above.

[0114] (2. Second Embodiment) Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0115] In the second embodiment of the present invention, it is mainly assumed that the work performed by a worker is transportation work using a crane. In the second embodiment of the present invention, the work site is a construction site, and the detection area is set at the construction site. In the following explanation, the configuration of the work site monitoring system 1 according to the second embodiment of the present invention that is different from that of the first embodiment of the present invention will be explained. Note that in the explanation of the second embodiment of the present invention, Figs. 2 and 3 used in the explanation of the first embodiment of the present invention will also be used.

[0116] (2-1. System Overview) Fig. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a work situation in the second embodiment of the present invention. In the example shown in Fig. 7, a worker 60 is performing construction work, and is carrying out a transport process as an example of a work process. The transport process is a work process in which a load is hung on and detached from the hook of a heavy machine 72. The heavy machine 72 is a crane that lifts the load, and the heavy machine 72 is equipped with a wire W1 with a tension measurement function that can measure the tension generated in the arm of the crane when the load is hung.

[0117] In the second embodiment of the present invention, the work process determination unit 122 may determine the work process using a determination method similar to the work process determination method in the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0118] Furthermore, in the second embodiment of the present invention, the work process determination unit 122 may acquire tension measured by the wire W1 with tension measurement function from the heavy equipment 72 and determine the work process based on the acquired tension. For example, the work process determination unit 122 may determine that the work process is a transport process when the tension measured by the wire W1 with tension measurement function is equal to or greater than a threshold value.

[0119] Alternatively, in a second embodiment of the present invention, if the work process determination unit 122 includes a camera, it may use AI (Artificial Intelligence) to estimate whether a load is suspended from the arm of the heavy machinery 72 based on the imaging results of the work site 80 obtained by the camera included in the work process detection sensor. If the work process determination unit 122 estimates that a load is suspended from the arm of the heavy machinery 72, it may determine that the work process is a transportation process.

[0120] In the second embodiment of the present invention, the detection area setting unit 123 may set the detection area using a setting method similar to the detection area setting method in the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0121] Furthermore, in a second embodiment of the present invention, it is assumed that the detection area information R2 is set to a heavy machine 72 as the detection area setting reference information. In this case, since the heavy machine 72 is a crane and is rotatable, it is desirable for the detection area setting unit 123 to select a circle as the detection area shape corresponding to the heavy machine 72, and to select the center of the circle as the shape reference position corresponding to the heavy machine 72. The center of the circle may be the rotation center of the heavy machine 72. This can reduce the possibility of contact between the heavy machine 72 and the worker 60 when the heavy machine 72 is rotatable. It is also assumed that the detection area information R2 is set to a detection area size (radius of the circle). The radius of the circle may be set according to the length of the boom of the heavy machine 72. For example, the longer the boom of the heavy machine 72, the larger the radius of the circle may be. The radius of the circle may also be set according to the angle of the boom of the heavy machine 72. For example, the larger the angle between the boom of the heavy machine 72 and the vertical, the larger the radius of the circle may be. Alternatively, the radius of the circle may be set according to the height of the material being lifted by the heavy machinery 72. For example, the higher the position of the material being lifted by the heavy machinery 72, the greater the distance the material may be thrown. Therefore, the higher the position of the material being lifted by the heavy machinery 72, the larger the radius of the circle may be.

[0122] In this case, as shown in FIG. 7, the detection area setting unit 123 may set the detection area A2, which has a circular detection area shape and a detection area size (radius of the circle), so that the position of the heavy equipment 72 set in the detection area setting destination reference information and the center of the circle selected as the shape reference position satisfy a predetermined positional relationship. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, the predetermined relationship may be a relationship in which the position of the heavy equipment 72 and the center of the circle that is the shape of the detection area A2 coincide with or are close to each other. Note that the detection area setting unit 123 may select a cone shape instead of a circle as the detection area shape corresponding to the heavy equipment 72. In this case, the detection area setting unit 123 may select the apex of the cone shape as the shape reference position corresponding to the heavy equipment 72. The apex of the cone shape may be the position where the heavy equipment 72 hoists materials. Furthermore, the center of the base of the cone shape may be the foot of a perpendicular line extending from the position where the heavy equipment 72 hoists materials to the ground. Furthermore, the detection area size (radius of the base of the cone shape) may be set in the detection area information R2. When a cone shape is selected as the detection area shape corresponding to heavy equipment 72, just as when a circle is selected as the detection area shape corresponding to heavy equipment 72, the radius of the base may be set according to the length of the boom of heavy equipment 72, the angle of the boom of heavy equipment 72, or the height of the material being lifted by heavy equipment 72.

[0123] (2-2. Effects of the Second Embodiment) According to the second embodiment of the present invention, the same effects as those of the first embodiment of the present invention can be achieved. In particular, the second embodiment of the present invention is mainly based on the assumption that the work performed by the worker 60 is construction work. Even when the work performed by the worker 60 is construction work, the detection area can be appropriately set according to the work situation.

[0124] The second embodiment of the present invention has been described above.

[0125] (3. Third Embodiment) Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0126] In the third embodiment of the present invention, it is mainly assumed that the work performed by the worker is cargo handling work at a port. In the third embodiment of the present invention, the work site is a port, and the detection area is set in the port. In the following explanation, the configuration of the work site monitoring system 1 according to the third embodiment of the present invention that is different from that of the first embodiment of the present invention will be explained. Note that in the explanation of the third embodiment of the present invention, Figs. 2 and 3 used in the explanation of the first embodiment of the present invention will also be used.

[0127] (3-1. System Overview) FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a work situation in the third embodiment of the present invention. In the example shown in FIG. 8, a worker 60 is performing cargo handling work at a port, and a cargo handling process is being performed as an example of a work process. The cargo handling process is a work process that involves loading, unloading, transporting, and the like of cargo. Heavy equipment 73 is a crane truck that lifts cargo. Near heavy equipment 73, there is an opening H1 in the ground. However, during the cargo handling process, worker 60 is looking up at the cargo being lifted by the crane truck and may not be looking at the ground, so there is a possibility that worker 60 will fall into opening H1.

[0128] In the third embodiment of the present invention, the work process determination unit 122 may determine the work process using a determination method similar to the work process determination method in the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0129] Furthermore, in the third embodiment of the present invention, if the work status detection sensor includes a camera, the work process determination unit 122 may use AI to estimate whether a load is hanging from the arm of the heavy machine 73, based on the image capture results of the work site 80 obtained by the camera included in the work status detection sensor. Then, if the work process determination unit 122 estimates that a load is hanging from the arm of the heavy machine 73, it may determine that the work process is a loading and unloading process.

[0130] In the third embodiment of the present invention, the detection area setting unit 123 may set the detection area using a setting method similar to the detection area setting method in the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0131] Furthermore, in the third embodiment of the present invention, it is assumed that the detection area information R2 includes coordinates in the sensor coordinate system of the object detection sensor 22 (coordinates of the center of the opening H1) as detection area setting destination reference information. For example, the detection area setting unit 123 may select a rectangle as the detection area shape and the center of gravity of the rectangle as the shape reference position. It is also assumed that the detection area information R2 includes the detection area size (vertical length, horizontal length).

[0132] In this case, as shown in FIG. 8 , the detection area setting unit 123 may set the detection area A3, which has a rectangular shape and a detection area size (vertical length, horizontal length), so that the coordinates (coordinates of the center of the opening H1) set in the detection area setting destination reference information and the center of gravity of the rectangle selected as the shape reference position satisfy a predetermined positional relationship. For example, as shown in FIG. 8 , the predetermined relationship may be such that the coordinates (coordinates of the center of the opening H1) set in the detection area setting destination reference information and the center of gravity of the rectangle, which is the shape of the detection area A3, coincide with or are close to each other. Note that the example shown in FIG. 8 mainly assumes a case in which the detection area A3 is set when the work process is determined to be a loading and unloading process. However, the detection area A3 may always be set regardless of whether the work process is a loading and unloading process. In this case, the warning control unit 128 may use different warning methods or warning levels when the work process is determined to be a loading and unloading process and when the work process is determined to be other than a loading and unloading process. Furthermore, if a lid is present on the ground, there is a possibility that the worker 60 may touch the lid with his / her foot and fall. Therefore, the lid, like the opening H1, is dangerous to the worker 60. Therefore, the detection area A3 may be set at the position of the lid in the same manner as the method of setting the detection area A3 at the position of the opening H1.

[0133] (2-2. Effects of the Third Embodiment) According to the third embodiment of the present invention, the same effects as those of the first embodiment are achieved. In particular, the third embodiment of the present invention mainly assumes that the work performed by worker 60 is cargo handling work in a port. Even when the work performed by worker 60 is cargo handling work in a port, the detection area can be appropriately set according to the work situation.

[0134] The third embodiment of the present invention has been described above.

[0135] (4. Hardware configuration example) Next, an example of the hardware configuration of the work site monitoring device 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described. Below, an example of the hardware configuration of the information processing device 900 will be described as an example of the hardware configuration of the work site monitoring device 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Note that the example of the hardware configuration of the information processing device 900 described below is merely one example of the hardware configuration of the work site monitoring device 10. Therefore, the hardware configuration of the work site monitoring device 10 may be modified by removing unnecessary components from the hardware configuration of the information processing device 900 described below, or new components may be added.

[0136] Figure 9 shows the hardware configuration of an information processing device 900 as an example of a work site monitoring device 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The information processing device 900 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 901, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 902, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 903, a host bus 904, a bridge 905, an external bus 906, an interface 907, an input device 908, an output device 909, a storage device 910, and a communication device 911.

[0137] The CPU 901 functions as an arithmetic processing unit and control unit, and controls the overall operation of the information processing device 900 in accordance with various programs. The CPU 901 may also be a microprocessor. The ROM 902 stores programs used by the CPU 901, calculation parameters, etc. The RAM 903 temporarily stores programs used in the execution of the CPU 901, parameters that change as appropriate during the execution, etc. These are interconnected by a host bus 904 that is composed of a CPU bus, etc.

[0138] The host bus 904 is connected to an external bus 906, such as a PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect / Interface) bus, via a bridge 905. It is not necessary to configure the host bus 904, bridge 905, and external bus 906 separately, and these functions may be implemented on a single bus.

[0139] The input device 908 is composed of input means such as a mouse, keyboard, touch panel, buttons, microphone, switches, and levers that allow the user to input information, and an input control circuit that generates an input signal based on the user's input and outputs it to the CPU 901. By operating this input device 908, the user operating the information processing device 900 can input various data to the information processing device 900 and instruct the information processing device 900 to perform processing operations.

[0140] The output device 909 includes, for example, a display device such as a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) display device, a liquid crystal display (LCD) device, an OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) device, or a lamp, and an audio output device such as a speaker.

[0141] The storage device 910 is a device for storing data. The storage device 910 may include a storage medium, a recording device that records data on the storage medium, a reading device that reads data from the storage medium, and a deletion device that deletes data recorded on the storage medium. The storage device 910 is configured, for example, with an HDD (Hard Disk Drive). This storage device 910 drives a hard disk and stores programs executed by the CPU 901 and various data.

[0142] The communication device 911 is, for example, a communication interface configured with a communication device for connecting to a network, etc. The communication device 911 may be compatible with either wireless communication or wired communication.

[0143] The above describes an example of the hardware configuration of the work site monitoring device 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0144] (5. Various variations) Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings, the present invention is not limited to these examples. It is clear that a person skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains can conceive of various modifications and alterations within the scope of the technical ideas set forth in the claims, and it is understood that these also naturally fall within the technical scope of the present invention.

[0145] For example, the above description mainly deals with an example in which the detection area setting unit 123 sets the detection area based on the work process. However, the detection area setting unit 123 may set the detection area based on the type of heavy machinery 71 detected by the work process determination unit 122, regardless of the work process.

[0146] For example, the detection area setting unit 123 may set a wider detection area as the size of the heavy machine 71 detected by the work process determination unit 122 increases. Alternatively, the detection area setting unit 123 may set the detection area to be circular if the type of heavy machine 71 detected by the work process determination unit 122 is a rotatable type, and may set the detection area to be rectangular if the type of heavy machine 71 detected by the work process determination unit 122 is a non-rotatable type.

[0147] Alternatively, if the work process determination unit 122 can detect the operating status of the heavy machinery 71, the detection area setting unit 123 may set the detection area based on the operating status of the heavy machinery 71 detected by the work process determination unit 122 (for example, whether it is stopped or moving, its direction of travel and speed, etc.), regardless of the work process.

[0148] For example, the detection area setting unit 123 may not set a detection area when the heavy equipment 71 is stopped, and may set a detection area when the heavy equipment 71 is moving. The detection area setting unit 123 may also shift the position of the detection area from the position of the center of gravity of the heavy equipment 71 in the traveling direction of the heavy equipment 71. Furthermore, the detection area setting unit 123 may increase the size of the detection area as the speed of the heavy equipment 71 increases. Furthermore, the detection area setting unit 123 may increase the amount of shift of the detection area in the traveling direction of the heavy equipment 71 as the speed of the heavy equipment 71 increases.

[0149] If the presence of a worker is detected within a detection area set based on the type of heavy machinery 71, it is considered that there is a strong correlation between the detection area in which the worker 60 is present and the heavy machinery 71. Therefore, in such a case, the warning control unit 128 may control the warning issued by the warning unit 30 provided at the work site 80. This makes it possible to take effective measures to avoid danger. [Explanation of symbols]

[0150] 1. Work site monitoring system 10. Work site monitoring device 21 Work Status Detection Unit 22 Object detection sensor 30 Warning section 110 Operation section 120 control section 121 Work status acquisition unit 122 Work process judgment department 123 Detection area setting section 124 Display control unit 126 Object detection unit 127 Target detection unit 128 Warning control section 130 Storage section 131 Process Area Corresponding Information 140 Display section

Claims

1. an acquisition unit that acquires the work status; a determination unit that determines a work process based on the work status; a setting unit that sets a detection area for detecting whether or not a detection target exists based on the work process; an object detection unit that detects whether the detection object is present within the detection area; Equipped with the setting unit sets different detection areas depending on which of a plurality of work processes the work process corresponds to. Area setting device.

2. The area setting device a warning control unit that controls a predetermined warning based on the determination that the detection target is present within the detection area; The area setting device according to claim 1 .

3. A plurality of pieces of work process information and corresponding information including detection area information corresponding to each of the plurality of pieces of work process information are stored in advance, the setting unit acquires, from the correspondence information, detection area information associated with work process information that matches work process information indicating the work process determined by the determination unit, and sets the detection area based on the acquired detection area information. The area setting device according to claim 1 .

4. The area setting device a display control unit that controls a display according to the detection area; The area setting device according to claim 1 .

5. Acquiring the work status determining a work process based on the work status; setting a detection area for detecting whether or not a detection target exists based on the work process; Detecting whether the detection target is present within the detection area; Including, When setting the detection area, the detection area to be set is varied depending on which of a plurality of work processes the work process corresponds to. A computer-implemented area setting method.

6. Computer, an acquisition unit that acquires the work status; a determination unit that determines a work process based on the work status; a setting unit that sets a detection area for detecting whether or not a detection target exists based on the work process; an object detection unit that detects whether the detection object is present within the detection area; It functions as the setting unit sets different detection areas depending on which of a plurality of work processes the work process corresponds to. Area setting program.

7. a work status detection unit that detects a work status; an acquisition unit that acquires the work status from the work status detection unit; a determination unit that determines a work process based on the work status; a setting unit that sets a detection area for detecting whether or not a detection target exists based on the work process; an object detection unit that detects whether the detection object is present within the detection area; Equipped with the setting unit sets different detection areas depending on which of a plurality of processes the work process corresponds to. Area setting system.

Images