Simulation system and layout design method

Abstract

This invention provides a simulation system and layout design method that enable a concrete understanding of the workload involved in handling operations. [Solution] The simulation system 1 allows participant H to perform cargo handling tasks in a virtual space R. The simulation system 1 includes a computer 50 that controls the virtual space R. The computer 50 includes an acquisition unit 51 that acquires operation information regarding participant H's actions, and a load calculation unit 53 that calculates the workload of the handling tasks based on the operation information and a load coefficient related to participant H's personal attributes.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a simulation system and a layout design method.

Background Art

[0002] There is known a simulation system in which an experiencer performs a handling operation of luggage in a virtual space. For example, in Patent Document 1, there is described a simulation system including a virtual space creation unit that three-dimensionally represents a picking station (working facility) in a virtual space, a measurement unit that measures the time taken for a picking operation (handling operation) by an operator wearing a head-mounted display at the picking station in the virtual space, and a calculation unit that calculates the processing capacity of the picking station based on the time taken for the picking operation.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, in a working facility, a layout or the like in which the workload of the handling operation by an operator is low is desired. However, in the above-described simulation system, it is not easy to specifically grasp the workload.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a simulation system and a layout design method capable of specifically grasping the workload of a handling operation.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] (1) The simulation system according to the present invention is a simulation system in which a participant performs luggage handling work in a virtual space, and comprises a control unit that controls the virtual space, the control unit having an acquisition unit that acquires motion information relating to the participant's movements, and a load calculation unit that calculates the workload of the handling work based on the motion information and a load coefficient relating to at least the participant's personal attributes.

[0007] This simulation system can quantify the workload of a user's handling tasks, at least according to the user's personal attributes, and calculate it as workload. In other words, according to this invention, it becomes possible to concretely understand the workload of handling tasks. As a result, it becomes possible to propose, for example, a work facility layout that achieves the optimal workload.

[0008] (2) In the simulation system described in (1) above, the personal attributes of the participant may include at least one of the participant's age, gender, and physique. In this case, the workload can be determined according to at least one of the participant's age, gender, and physique.

[0009] (3) In the simulation system described in (1) or (2) above, the load factor may be a coefficient relating to at least one of the weight and size of the load. In this case, the workload corresponding to at least one of the weight and size of the load can be determined.

[0010] (4) In the simulation system described in any of (1) to (3) above, the motion information includes vertical motion information relating to the participant's vertical movements and horizontal motion information relating to the participant's horizontal movements, and the load coefficient used in the load calculation unit when calculating the workload based on the vertical motion information may be different from the load coefficient used when calculating the workload based on the horizontal motion information. In this case, it is possible to calculate the workload while taking into account that the workload state is different for lifting a load and moving a load horizontally.

[0011] (5) In the simulation system described in any of (1) to (3) above, the motion information includes upward motion information relating to the upward motion of the participant and downward motion information relating to the downward motion of the participant, and the load coefficient used in the load calculation unit when calculating the workload based on the upward motion information may be greater than the load coefficient used when calculating the workload based on the downward motion information. In this case, it is possible to calculate the workload taking into account that the motion of lifting a load has a greater workload than the motion of lowering a load.

[0012] (6) The simulation system described in any of (1) to (5) above includes a head-mounted display that displays a field of view image of the user in a virtual space, and an operation terminal that receives work input from the user into the virtual space. The acquisition unit may acquire first motion information regarding the movement of the user's body based on the position information of the head-mounted display, and second motion information regarding the movement of the user's hands based on the position information of the operation terminal, as motion information. In this case, motion information can be acquired separately for cases where the user moves the load using their body and cases where they move the load using their arms, making it possible to calculate the workload more accurately.

[0013] (7) In the simulation system described in (6) above, the second motion information may be information relating to the relative movement of the participant's body. In this case, the second motion information can be specifically acquired.

[0014] (8) In the simulation system described in any of (1) to (7) above, the control unit may provide a display in the virtual space indicating the workload calculated by the load calculation unit. In this case, the user can easily grasp the workload in the virtual space.

[0015] (9) In the simulation system described in any of (1) to (8) above, the load calculation unit may calculate the total value of (i) and (ii) below as the workload of the handling task. In this case, the workload can be calculated specifically. (i) A value corresponding to the distance traveled by an participant without luggage in the virtual space. (ii) A value corresponding to the multiplicative value obtained by multiplying the distance traveled by the participant carrying luggage in the virtual space by the load factor.

[0016] (10) The layout design method according to the present invention comprises a first step in which a participant performs cargo handling work in a virtual space of the work facility using the simulation system described in any of (1) to (9) above, and a second step in which the layout of the work facility is designed based on the workload calculated by the load calculation unit of the simulation system in the first step. This layout design method makes it possible to design a work facility layout that achieves the optimal workload. [Effects of the Invention]

[0017] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a simulation system and a layout design method that can specifically grasp the workload of handling operations. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0018] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the schematic configuration of a simulation system according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of using the simulation system shown in Figure 1. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a flowchart showing an example of the process for calculating workload in the simulation system shown in Figure 1. [Figure 4] Figure 4(a) is an overhead view in a virtual space illustrating an example of how workload is calculated. Figure 4(b) is a view from the user's perspective in Figure 4(a). [Figure 5] Figure 5(a) is a continuation of Figure 4(a). Figure 5(b) is a view of the user's field of view as experienced in Figure 5(a). [Figure 6]FIG. 6(a) is a diagram showing the continuation of FIG. 5(a). FIG. 6(b) is a diagram showing the visual field image of the experiencer in FIG. 6(a). [Figure 7] FIG. 7(a) is a diagram showing the continuation of FIG. 6(a). FIG. 7(b) is a diagram showing the visual field image of the experiencer in FIG. 7(a). [Figure 8] FIG. 8(a) is a diagram showing the continuation of FIG. 7(a). FIG. 8(b) is a diagram showing the visual field image of the experiencer in FIG. 8(a). [Figure 9] FIG. 9(a) is a diagram showing the continuation of FIG. 8(a). FIG. 9(b) is a diagram showing the visual field image of the experiencer in FIG. 9(a). [Figure 10] FIG. 10(a) is a diagram showing the continuation of FIG. 9(a). FIG. 10(b) is a diagram showing the visual field image of the experiencer in FIG. 10(a). [Figure 11] FIG. 11(a) is a diagram showing the continuation of FIG. 10(a). FIG. 11(b) is a diagram showing the visual field image of the experiencer in FIG. 11(a).

MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0019] Hereinafter, an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In the description of the drawings, the same or corresponding elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0020] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the simulation system 1 is a simulation system of a logistics facility (working facility) using VR (Virtual Reality) technology. For example, the simulation system 1 is a system in which an experiencer H such as an operator performs a handling operation of a load in a virtual space of a logistics facility. The handling operation is, for example, a picking operation of taking out a load from a box or the like, a storage operation of storing a load in a box or the like, a transportation operation of transporting a load, a transfer operation of transferring a load, and the like. The handling operation is not particularly limited as long as it is an operation of handling a load. The experiencer H in the virtual space is also referred to as an avatar.

[0021] The simulation system 1 comprises a computer 50, a head-mounted display 60, an input device 70, and a monitor 85. The computer 50 may be a personal computer having a ROM (Read Only Memory) for storing programs, a RAM (Random Access Memory) for temporarily storing data, a storage medium such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), a CPU (Central Processing Unit), and communication circuits such as a wireless LAN.

[0022] Computer 50 includes software, for example, a program stored in ROM that is loaded onto RAM and executed by the CPU. Computer 50 may also be configured as hardware, such as electronic circuits. Computer 50 may consist of one device or multiple devices. If it consists of multiple devices, these are connected via a communication network such as the Internet or an intranet to logically construct a single computer 50. Computer 50 constitutes a control unit.

[0023] Computer 50 generates a virtual space of the logistics facility. The method for generating the virtual space is not particularly limited, and various known methods can be used. For example, computer 50 may generate the virtual space based on images of the logistics facility taken with a 360° camera. Alternatively, computer 50 may generate the virtual space based on 3D CAD data of the logistics facility. The virtual space includes various virtual objects corresponding to the structures and equipment of the logistics facility. Computer 50 projects the participant H into the virtual space. Computer 50 controls the virtual space at least.

[0024] The head-mounted display 60 is a wearable device that is attached to the head of the user H so as to cover the user H's eyes. The head-mounted display 60 outputs a virtual space to the user H wearing it. Specifically, the head-mounted display 60 receives information about the virtual space from the computer 50 and displays the user H's field of view image 65 within the virtual space (i.e., the situation obtained through the vision of the avatar in the virtual space). The head-mounted display 60 outputs sound. The head-mounted display 60 is not particularly limited, and various types of head-mounted displays may be used. The head-mounted display 60 may be either a goggle type or a glasses type.

[0025] The head-mounted display 60 here employs an inside-out method, and acquires user information (for example, information on user H's posture, position, movement, gestures, voice, biometric data, gaze, and orientation) based on the detection results of various sensors mounted on the head-mounted display 60 itself. In other words, the head-mounted display 60 has the function of receiving various inputs from the user H wearing it. The head-mounted display 60 can receive inputs from user H to perform handling tasks in the virtual space. The head-mounted display 60 outputs the received inputs to the computer 50.

[0026] The input device 70 is an operating terminal that receives various inputs from the participant H. The input device 70 is, for example, a device held by the participant H. The input device 70 receives work inputs from the participant H into the virtual space. The input device 70 outputs the received inputs to the computer 50. The input device 70 is not particularly limited, and various types of devices may be used.

[0027] The monitor 85 is a display unit that displays various information and images. The monitor 85 receives information about the virtual space from the computer 50 and displays an overhead image showing an overview of the virtual space. The overhead image may be, for example, an image showing a view of logistics equipment and its surroundings from diagonally above.

[0028] When using such a simulation system 1, participant H, for example, puts on a head-mounted display 60 and grasps an input device 70 in a designated indoor area 80, and starts the simulation. A computer 50 generates a virtual space, participant H is projected into the virtual space, and participant H's field of view image in the virtual space is displayed on the head-mounted display 60. This allows participant H to become immersed in the virtual space and experience handling operations for cargo in the virtual space. In addition, an overhead view image showing the logistics facilities and their surroundings in the virtual space is displayed on the monitor 85.

[0029] Next, the main components of the simulation system 1 of this embodiment will be described.

[0030] The computer 50 of this embodiment includes an acquisition unit 51, a reproduction unit 52, a load calculation unit 53, and a display control unit 54. The acquisition unit 51 acquires motion information relating to the movements of the user H based on various inputs received by the head-mounted display 60 and the input device 70. As motion information, the acquisition unit 51 acquires first motion information relating to the movement of the user H's body based on the position information of the head-mounted display 60. As motion information, the acquisition unit 51 acquires second motion information relating to the movement of the user H's hands based on the position information of the input device 70. The position information of the input device 70 is relative position information with respect to the head-mounted display 60, and therefore the second motion information is information relating to the relative movement of the user H's hands with respect to the user H's body.

[0031] Each of the first and second motion information sets includes vertical motion information relating to vertical motion and horizontal motion information relating to the horizontal motion of participant H. The vertical motion information includes upward motion information relating to the upward motion of participant H and downward motion information relating to the downward motion of participant H. The motion information may also include, for example, information relating to distance traveled and time. The motion information is not particularly limited and may include various types of information.

[0032] The reproduction unit 52 reproduces the actions of participant H in the virtual space R based on the action information (hereinafter also simply referred to as "action information") acquired by the acquisition unit 51. The reproduction method used by the reproduction unit 52 is not particularly limited, and any known method can be used. The load calculation unit 53 calculates the workload (hereinafter also simply referred to as "workload") of the handling tasks performed by participant H at the target logistics facility based on the action information, or based on the action information and the load coefficient. For example, a larger value of the workload means a greater workload for the handling tasks.

[0033] The load calculation unit 53 calculates the workload based on the movement information when the participant H is not carrying any luggage in the virtual space, and calculates the workload based on the movement information and the load coefficient when the participant H is carrying luggage in the virtual space. Specifically, the load calculation unit 53 calculates the workload as the sum of (i) and (ii) below. Details of the workload calculation will be described later. (i) A value corresponding to the distance traveled by an participant without luggage in the virtual space. (ii) A value corresponding to the multiplicative value obtained by multiplying the distance traveled by the participant carrying luggage in the virtual space by the load factor.

[0034] The determination of whether participant H is carrying luggage in the virtual space may be made by whether or not the input device 70 has received a prescribed operation input from participant H (e.g., pressing a button), or by using other known methods. The load factor is a coefficient relating at least to participant H's personal attributes and the weight and size of the luggage handled in the handling operation. Personal attributes include at least one of age, gender, and build. Build includes at least one of height and weight. For example, if participant H is male, the load factor may be smaller than if participant H is female. For example, the load factor may be larger as the weight and size of the luggage increase. For example, if participant H is in a predetermined age group (e.g., 20s), the load factor may be smaller than if participant H is outside of that age group.

[0035] In the load calculation unit 53, the load coefficient used when calculating the workload based on vertical motion information is different from (in this case, larger than) the load coefficient used when calculating the workload based on horizontal motion information. In the load calculation unit 53, the load coefficient used when calculating the workload based on upward motion information is larger than the load coefficient used when calculating the workload based on downward motion information.

[0036] Information regarding personal attributes, weight, and size of luggage may be input via the computer 50 and head-mounted display 60, via the input device 70, via external communication, or via the input unit (mouse and keyboard, etc.) of the computer 50. The set load coefficient may be stored in the computer 50, for example, as a data table.

[0037] The display control unit 54 displays the field of view image of participant H in the virtual space on the head-mounted display 60. The display control unit 54 also displays an overhead view image of the logistics facility and its surroundings in the virtual space R on the monitor 85.

[0038] Furthermore, the computer 50 provides a display in the virtual space indicating the workload calculated by the load calculation unit 53. For example, the computer 50 may place a horizontal gauge and numerical values ​​at eye level around the logistics facility in the virtual space as a display indicating the workload calculated by the load calculation unit 53. The computer 50 may also have a work instruction unit (not shown) that gives instructions to the user H to perform handling tasks, for example via a head-mounted display 60.

[0039] In the simulation system 1 described above, for example, when calculating the workload of handling operations in a logistics facility, the process shown in Figure 3 is executed. That is, first, the computer 50 determines whether or not there is an action to start work (step S1). In step S1, it is determined whether or not an action has been taken to turn ON a switch K1 (see Figure 4) provided in the virtual space. Note that there are no particular limitations on the action to start work. If the answer in step S1 is NO, the process returns to step S1 and is repeated.

[0040] If the answer in step S1 is YES, the acquisition unit 51 acquires the motion information of participant H (step S2). The motion information acquired in step S2 is the motion information from the time the motion information was acquired last time up to the present. If motion information is acquired for the first time after step S1, the motion information acquired in step S2 is the motion information from step S1 up to the present. This motion information includes the distance traveled by participant H's body as first motion information, and the distance traveled by participant H's hands as second motion information. The distance traveled by participant H's body includes the distance traveled in the upward, downward, and horizontal directions. The distance traveled by participant H's hands includes the distance traveled in the upward, downward, and horizontal directions.

[0041] Next, the load calculation unit 53 determines whether or not participant H is holding luggage (step S3). In step S3, for example, if participant H is touching luggage in the virtual space and a specified operation input is made on the input device 70, it may be determined that participant H is holding luggage.

[0042] If the answer in step S3 is YES, the load calculation unit 53 obtains the load coefficient (step S4). In step S4, the load calculation unit 53 sets the load coefficient based on the personal attributes of participant H and the weight and size of the cargo handled in the handling work. In step S4, the load coefficient is set to be different for participant H's movement direction, whether upward, downward, or horizontal.

[0043] Next, the load calculation unit 53 calculates the workload of the handling operation based on the operation information and load coefficient (step S5). In step S5, as an example, the load calculation unit 53 calculates the workload based on the following formula (1). In the following formula (1), G is a coefficient that adjusts the overall workload, and may be determined, for example, by experience. Workload Z=G·((α·A1+β·B1+γ·C1)+ (α·A2+β·B2+γ·C2)) …(1) however, G: predetermined coefficient, α: load coefficient when the direction of movement is upward, β: load coefficient when the direction of movement is downward, γ: load coefficient when the direction of movement is horizontal, A1: distance traveled by participant H's body in the upward direction, B1: distance traveled by participant H's body in the downward direction, C1: distance traveled by participant H's body in the horizontal direction, A2: distance traveled by participant H's hand in the upward direction, B2: distance traveled by participant H's hand in the downward direction, C2: distance traveled by participant H's hand in the horizontal direction.

[0044] If the answer in S3 is NO, the load calculation unit 53 calculates the workload of the handling operation based on the operation information (step S6). In step S6, as an example, the load calculation unit 53 calculates the workload based on the following formula (2). Work load Z=G (D1+D2) …(2) however, D1: Distance traveled by participant H's body, D2: Distance traveled by participant H's hands.

[0045] After step S5 or step S6, the load calculation unit 53 accumulates the calculated workload (step S7). The computer 50 determines whether or not there is an action to complete the work (step S8). In step S8, it is determined whether or not an action has been taken to turn OFF a switch K1 (see Figure 4) provided in the virtual space. The action to complete the work is not particularly limited. If the result in step S7 is NO, the process returns to step S2 and is repeated. If the result in step S7 is YES, the series of processes is terminated.

[0046] In equation (1) above, G may be defined as "personal attributes of participant H," and α, β, and γ may be defined as "coefficients related to the cargo handled during the handling operation." α, β, and γ may each be set to different numerical values, or correction values ​​may be set for each.

[0047] In step S4 described above, as a method of making the load coefficient different for the upward, downward, and horizontal movement directions of participant H, correction values ​​may be set for each of these directions.

[0048] Next, we will explain an example of a simulation for calculating workload, referring to Figures 4 to 11.

[0049] Figures 4(a), 5(a), 6(a), 7(a), 8(a), 9(a), 10(a), and 11(a) are images displayed on the monitor 85, showing an overhead view of the logistics facility 2 and its surroundings in the virtual space R. Figures 4(b), 5(b), 6(b), 7(b), 8(b), 9(b), 10(b), and 11(b) are images displayed on the head-mounted display 60, showing the field of view of the user H in the virtual space R.

[0050] In the following example, for the sake of clarity, the logistics facility 2 and handling operations within the virtual space R will be simplified. The logistics facility 2 is equipped with workbenches 3A and 3B, on which packages 4A and 4B are placed, respectively. The handling operations correspond to picking operations. A switch K1 for starting and stopping the calculation of the workload is provided adjacent to workbench 3B in the virtual space R. Above workbenches 3A and 3B in the virtual space R, a horizontal gauge and numerical values ​​are provided as indicators 5 showing the workload calculated by the load calculation unit 53.

[0051] As shown in Figures 4(a) and 4(b), first, participant H moves to switch K1 in the virtual space R and performs an action, for example, touching switch K1 to turn it ON. This starts the calculation and accumulation of the workload by the load calculation unit 53.

[0052] Next, as shown in Figures 5(a) and 5(b), participant H moves to the workbench 3B in the virtual space R. During this time, the load calculation unit 53 calculates and accumulates the workload based on the movement information, for example, according to equation (2) above. As a result, the workload indicated by the display 5 in the virtual space R increases significantly.

[0053] Next, as shown in Figures 6(a) and 6(b), participant H picks up the package 4B placed on the workbench 3B in the virtual space R and lifts it upwards. Then, as shown in Figures 7(a) and 7(b), participant H lowers the lifted package 4B in the virtual space R and places it back on the workbench 3B, releasing the package 4B. During this operation on the package 4B (hereinafter simply referred to as the "picking operation" as it corresponds to picking), the load calculation unit 53 calculates and accumulates the workload according to the personal attributes of participant H, the weight and size of the package 4A, and the direction of movement, based on the load coefficient and operation information, for example, according to equation (1) above. As a result, the workload shown by the indicator 5 in the virtual space R increases.

[0054] Next, as shown in Figures 8(a) and 8(b), participant H moves to the workbench 3A in the virtual space R. During this time, the load calculation unit 53 calculates and accumulates the workload based on the movement information, for example, according to equation (2) above. As a result, the workload indicated by the display 5 in the virtual space R increases.

[0055] Next, as shown in Figures 9(a) and 9(b), participant H picks up the package 4A placed on the workbench 3A in the virtual space R and lifts it upwards. Then, as shown in Figures 10(a) and 10(b), participant H lowers the lifted package 4A in the virtual space R and places it on the workbench 3B, releasing the package 4A. During this picking operation of package 4A, the load calculation unit 53 calculates and accumulates the workload according to the personal attributes of participant H, the weight and size of package 4A, and the direction of movement, based on the load coefficient and movement information, for example, according to equation (1) above. As a result, the workload shown by the indicator 5 in the virtual space R increases significantly.

[0056] Next, the process of moving to workbench 3B and picking item 4B, and then moving to workbench 3A and picking item 4A, is repeated. After that, as shown in Figures 11(a) and 11(b), participant H moves to switch K1 in the virtual space R. During this time, the load calculation unit 53 calculates and accumulates the workload based on the operation information, for example, according to equation (2) above. As a result, the workload shown on the display 5 in the virtual space R increases. Then, participant H performs an action in the virtual space R, for example, by touching switch K1 to turn switch K1 OFF. This completes the calculation and accumulation of the workload by the load calculation unit 53. In this way, the workload of the handling operations at the logistics facility 2 is quantified, and the workload can be easily grasped on the display 5 in the virtual space R.

[0057] In summary, Simulation System 1 can quantify the workload of participant H's handling tasks according to participant H's personal attributes and calculate it as workload. In other words, Simulation System 1 makes it possible to concretely understand the workload. As a result, it becomes possible to propose, for example, a layout for logistics facility 2 that achieves the optimal workload.

[0058] In simulation system 1, the personal attributes of participant H include at least one of participant H's age, gender, and physique. In this case, it is possible to understand the workload corresponding to at least one of participant H's age, gender, and physique.

[0059] In simulation system 1, the load factor is a coefficient related to at least one of the weight and size of the load. In this case, the workload corresponding to at least one of the weight and size of the load can be determined.

[0060] In the simulation system 1, the motion information includes vertical motion information relating to the vertical movements of participant H and horizontal motion information relating to the horizontal movements of participant H. In the load calculation unit 53, the load coefficient used when calculating the work load based on the vertical motion information is different from the load coefficient used when calculating the work load based on the horizontal motion information. In this case, it becomes possible to calculate the work load while taking into account that the work load conditions are different for lifting a load and moving a load horizontally.

[0061] In the simulation system 1, the motion information includes upward motion information relating to the upward movement of participant H, and downward motion information relating to the downward movement of participant H. In the load calculation unit 53, the load coefficient used when calculating the workload based on the upward motion information is greater than the load coefficient used when calculating the workload based on the downward motion information. In this case, it becomes possible to calculate the workload while taking into account that the motion of lifting a load is a greater workload than the motion of lowering a load.

[0062] The simulation system 1 includes a head-mounted display 60 that displays the field of view image of the participant H in the virtual space R, and an input device 70 that receives work input from the participant H into the virtual space R. The acquisition unit 51 may acquire first motion information regarding the movement of the participant H's body based on the position information of the head-mounted display 60, and second motion information regarding the movement of the participant H's hands based on the position information of the input device 70, as motion information. In this case, motion information can be acquired separately for cases where the load is moved using the body and cases where the load is moved using the arms, making it possible to calculate the workload more accurately. In other words, it becomes possible to determine whether the load is being moved using the arms or the body, making it possible to calculate the workload more accurately. It becomes possible to consider the difference in workload that arises when moving a load using arm movements and when moving a load by walking.

[0063] In the simulation system 1, the computer 50 provides a display 5 in the virtual space R that shows the workload calculated by the load calculation unit 53. In this case, the participant H can easily grasp the workload in the virtual space R.

[0064] In the simulation system 1, the load calculation unit 53 calculates the total value of (i) and (ii) above as the workload. In this case, it becomes possible to calculate the workload specifically.

[0065] In this embodiment, a layout design method for designing the layout of a work facility (e.g., a logistics facility 2) can be realized by using the simulation system 1 described above. Such a layout design method comprises a first step in which a participant H performs cargo handling work in a virtual space R of the work facility using the simulation system 1, and a second step in which the layout of the work facility is designed based on the workload calculated by the load calculation unit 53 of the simulation system 1 in the first step. For example, in the second step, the layout of the work facility may be designed so that the calculated workload is below a certain level. According to the layout design method of this embodiment, it is possible to design a layout of a work facility that achieves an optimal workload.

[0066] Although embodiments have been described above, one aspect of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments.

[0067] In the above embodiment, in order to allow participant H to experience the weight of the luggage, instructions regarding working posture (such as the need to bend down to lift heavy luggage) may be given to participant H via the head-mounted display 60. Also in the above embodiment, in order to allow participant H to experience the weight of the luggage, in order to allow participant H to experience the weight of the luggage, for example, when participant H holds a luggage in the virtual space R, the actual luggage corresponding to that luggage may be made to be held by participant H, or a weight corresponding to that luggage may be attached to the hook of the input device 70.

[0068] In the above embodiment, first motion information relating to the movement of the user H's body was acquired based on the position information of the head-mounted display 60, but the first motion information may also be acquired using other known methods. In the above embodiment, second motion information relating to the movement of the user H's hand was acquired based on the position information of the input device 70, but the second motion information may also be acquired using other known methods.

[0069] In the above embodiment, the manner in which the calculated workload is displayed is not limited to display 5, and various known methods may be used for display. In the above embodiment, personal attributes are not limited and may include other information about the participant H. In the above embodiment, the workload calculation unit 53 may set the workload coefficient higher when the position of the head-mounted display 60 is below a certain height compared to the workload coefficient in other cases. In the above embodiment, the workload coefficient may be set according to the layout of the target work facility.

[0070] The above embodiment includes a head-mounted display 60 and a monitor 85 as equipment for displaying the virtual space R, but is not limited thereto. The equipment for displaying the virtual space R may be a projector, other environment-installed equipment, or a handheld device using a smartphone or tablet. The projector may be capable of projection mapping.

[0071] In the above embodiment, one participant H was projected into the virtual space R, but the system is not limited to this, and multiple participants H may be projected into the virtual space R. In other words, the above embodiment may be a simulation system in which at least a first participant and a second participant perform luggage handling tasks within the virtual space R. In this case, it becomes possible to simulate in an environment that is even closer to actual operation.

[0072] In the above embodiment, other sensors may be installed in the indoor area 80 as input units, and participant information (for example, information regarding participant H's posture, position, movement, gestures, voice, biometric data, gaze, and orientation) may be acquired by these sensors. In the above embodiment, the input device 70 may be omitted. In the above embodiment, the work facility is not limited to the logistics facility 2, but may be a picking station or any other work facility.

[0073] Each component in the above embodiments or modifications can be arbitrarily applied to each component in other embodiments or modifications. Some components in the above embodiments or modifications can be omitted as appropriate without departing from the spirit of one aspect of the present invention. The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0074] 1...Simulation system, 4A...Luggage, 4B...Luggage, 5...Marking, 50...Computer (control unit), 51...Acquisition unit, 52...Reproduction unit, 53...Load calculation unit, 54...Display control unit, 60...Head-mounted display, 70...Input device (operation terminal), 85...Monitor, H...Participant, R...Virtual space.

Claims

1. A simulation system in which participants perform cargo handling tasks in a virtual space, The system includes a control unit that controls the virtual space, The control unit, An acquisition unit that acquires action information regarding the actions of the aforementioned participant, A simulation system comprising a load calculation unit that calculates the workload of the handling operation based on the aforementioned operation information and a load coefficient relating at least to the personal attributes of the person experiencing the operation.

2. The simulation system according to claim 1, wherein the personal attributes of the participant include at least one of the participant's age, gender, and physique.

3. The simulation system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the load coefficient is a coefficient relating to at least one of the weight and size of the load.

4. The aforementioned motion information includes vertical motion information relating to the vertical movement of the participant and horizontal motion information relating to the horizontal movement of the participant. The simulation system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the load coefficient used when calculating the work load based on the vertical motion information in the load calculation unit is different from the load coefficient used when calculating the work load based on the horizontal motion information.

5. The aforementioned motion information includes upward motion information relating to the upward movement of the participant and downward motion information relating to the downward movement of the participant. The simulation system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the load calculation unit uses a load coefficient to calculate the workload based on the upward movement information, and the load coefficient used to calculate the workload based on the downward movement information is greater than the load coefficient used to calculate the workload based on the downward movement information.

6. A head-mounted display that displays the view image of the user within the virtual space, The system includes an operating terminal that accepts work input into the virtual space from the aforementioned participant, The acquisition unit is, The simulation system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the aforementioned motion information includes acquiring first motion information relating to the movement of the user's body based on the position information of the head-mounted display, and acquiring second motion information relating to the movement of the user's hands based on the position information of the operating terminal.

7. The simulation system according to claim 6, wherein the second motion information is information relating to relative movement with respect to the body of the person experiencing the simulation.

8. The simulation system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control unit provides a display in the virtual space indicating the work load calculated by the load calculation unit.

9. The simulation system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the load calculation unit calculates the sum of (i) and (ii) below as the workload of the handling operation. (i) A value corresponding to the distance traveled by the participant who is not carrying the luggage in the virtual space. (ii) A value corresponding to the multiplicative value obtained by multiplying the distance traveled by the participant carrying the luggage in the virtual space by the load coefficient.

10. A first step in which the participant performs the handling of the luggage in the virtual space of the work facility using the simulation system described in claim 1 or 2, A layout design method comprising: a second step of designing the layout of a work facility based on the work load calculated by the load calculation unit of the simulation system in the first step.

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