Work support system, information processing device, terminal device, work support method, program

Abstract

This system provides a work support system that improves the support system for workers responsible for maintenance work on multiple different types of equipment. [Solution] The elapsed time from the start of work is compared with the standard work time, and a decision is made as to whether or not to output an alarm based on the comparison of the elapsed time and the standard work time. If a work support request is detected in response to the output of the alarm, a work support request is output.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a work support system, an information processing device, a terminal device, a work support method, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] Workers who perform maintenance work on various devices and the like may be assigned maintenance work at a plurality of visit destinations in a day. The maintenance worker (hereinafter referred to as a worker) performs maintenance work on various devices while moving between a plurality of visit destinations. In such maintenance work, time management is required to efficiently complete each maintenance work.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for measuring the elapsed working time of a worker based on work start registration and work completion registration, comparing it with a standard working time, and issuing a warning when it is detected that the elapsed working time has exceeded the standard working time.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] Here, when a worker is in charge of maintenance work on a plurality of different target devices, the worker needs to be familiar with the maintenance procedures for all of the target devices. However, in practice, there may be cases where the worker is not familiar with the maintenance procedures for all of the different target devices, and it is necessary to improve the support system for the worker.

[0006] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a work support system, an information processing device, a terminal device, a work support method, and a program that solve the above problems.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] An information processing system according to one aspect of this disclosure includes: comparison means for comparing the elapsed time from the start of work with a standard work time; determination means for determining whether or not to output an alarm based on the comparison of the elapsed time with the standard work time; and work support request means for outputting a work support request when a work support request is detected in response to the output of the alarm.

[0008] An information processing device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes: comparison means for comparing the elapsed time from the start of work with a standard work time; determination means for determining whether or not to output an alarm based on the comparison of the elapsed time with the standard work time; and work support request means for outputting a work support request when a work support request is detected in response to the output of the alarm.

[0009] A terminal device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes: comparison means for comparing the elapsed time from the start of work with a standard work time; determination means for determining whether or not to output an alarm based on the comparison of the elapsed time with the standard work time; and work support request means for outputting a work support request when a work support request is detected in response to the output of the alarm.

[0010] An information processing method according to one aspect of the present disclosure compares the elapsed time from the start of work with the standard work time, determines whether or not to output an alarm based on the comparison of the elapsed time with the standard work time, and outputs a work support request if a work support request is detected in response to the output of the alarm.

[0011] A program according to one aspect of the present disclosure causes the computer of an information processing device to function as a comparison means for comparing the elapsed time from the start of work with the standard work time, a determination means for determining whether or not to output an alarm based on the comparison of the elapsed time with the standard work time, and a work support request means for outputting a work support request when a work support request is detected in response to the output of the alarm. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to one embodiment described above, it is possible to provide a work support system, information processing device, terminal device, work support method, and program that improve the support system for workers responsible for maintenance work on multiple different target devices. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0013] [Figure 1] This figure shows the system configuration of a work support system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] This figure shows the hardware configuration of an information processing device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] This figure shows the functional block of an information processing device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] This is the first figure showing the processing flow of an information processing device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] This is a second figure showing the processing flow of an information processing device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] This is a third figure showing the processing flow of an information processing device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] This figure shows a functional block according to another embodiment of the information processing device. [Figure 8] This figure shows the processing flow according to another embodiment of the information processing device. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0014] Each embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 shows the system configuration of a work support system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 1, the work support system 1000 comprises an information processing device 100 and a server device 200. The information processing device 100 and the server device 200 are connected to each other via a communication network 300 so that they can communicate with one another.

[0015] The information processing device 100 is a computer carried by an operator. The information processing device 100 may be a personal computer in the form of a terminal device such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal carried by the operator.

[0016] The server device 200 stores information such as work procedures for each work item, standard work times, the names and contact information of support staff assigned to each model, and information on the scheduled start time and scheduled completion time of the designated work.

[0017] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the hardware configuration of an information processing device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 2, the information processing device 100 is a computer including hardware such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 101, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 102, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 103, a storage device 104, a communication module 105, and an input device 106. The server device 200 is also a computer including similar hardware.

[0018] FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram of an information processing device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. By executing a work support program, the information processing device 100 exhibits functions such as a communication unit 110, a storage unit 120, a measurement unit 130, an operation unit 140, and an output unit 150.

[0019] The communication unit 110 performs wireless communication with the server device 200 using the communication module 105. The storage unit 120 stores information used in various processes. For example, the storage unit 120 stores information related to timestamps specified by the operation unit 140 (described later), and information such as the standard work time set for each work item. The timestamp information is used to confirm when each task was started and when it was finished, and it is information that links the start time, completion time, and work item. The storage unit 120 may also store multiple work items as a series of tasks, linking the scheduled start time and scheduled completion time for each task unit.

[0020] The measurement unit 130 is a so-called timer, and upon receiving an operation signal from the operation unit 140 (described later), it records the measurement result, which is the start time or completion time of the work, in the storage unit 120. The operation signal includes data that identifies the work item, and the storage unit 120 can store the start time and completion time of each work item.

[0021] Specifically, for example, if the measurement unit 130 does not receive an operation signal from the operation unit 140 indicating completion of a certain work item even after the standard work time has elapsed from the start time of the work, it determines that the work has not been completed within the standard work time. In that case, the measurement unit 130 instructs the output unit 150, which will be described later, to output an alarm or to display a response indicating whether or not to accept a request for assistance.

[0022] Furthermore, the measurement unit 130 may also determine that some kind of trouble has occurred if it has not received an operation signal indicating the start of the next work item even after a predetermined time has elapsed since receiving an operation signal indicating the completion of a certain work item, and may instruct the output unit 150 to output an alarm or to display a response indicating whether or not to accept a request for assistance. The timing of issuing the instruction can be changed as appropriate, and may be after a predetermined time has elapsed since exceeding the standard work time, or immediately after exceeding it.

[0023] Furthermore, the measurement unit 130 can acquire data from the storage unit 120 regarding the scheduled start time and scheduled completion time of the work, and can confirm whether the work has started by the scheduled start time and whether it has been completed by the scheduled completion time. If the measurement unit 130 determines that the work has not started by the scheduled start time or has not been completed by the scheduled completion time, it may instruct the output unit 150 to issue an alarm or request assistance.

[0024] The operation unit 140 acquires operation signals based, for example, on the touch screen of the display panel or on the operation buttons. These operation signals include operation signals indicating the start time of the operation and operation signals indicating the completion time of the operation.

[0025] The output unit 150 outputs an alarm notification based on an alarm instruction obtained from the measurement unit 130 to a liquid crystal display, speaker, etc., provided in the information processing device 100. As another process, the output unit 150 outputs question information to the worker to confirm whether or not to request assistance, based on the instruction for assistance obtained from the measurement unit 130. Alarm notifications may be displayed on the screen rather than by voice, and assistance requests may be announced by voice rather than by screen display. In that case, the voice of the worker's response is received by a microphone (not shown) and sent to the communication unit 110 as an audio signal.

[0026] Figure 4 is a first diagram showing the processing flow of an information processing device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 5 is a second diagram showing the processing flow of an information processing device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 6 is a third diagram showing the processing flow of an information processing device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Next, the processing flow of the information processing device 100 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the flowcharts in Figures 4 to 6.

[0027] Before starting work, the information processing device 100 establishes a communication connection with the server device 200 to obtain the work items, work procedures, scheduled start time, scheduled completion time, and standard work time for each work item. The information processing device 100 records the work items, work procedures, scheduled start time, scheduled completion time, and standard work time for each work item in the storage unit 120, linking them together (step S101).

[0028] When a worker starts work, they input the start of work using an input device such as a touch panel display or keyboard on the information processing device 100. The operation unit 140 of the information processing device 100 determines whether or not it has received an operation signal (first operation signal) indicating the start of work from the input device (step S102). If the measurement unit 130 has received the operation signal, it starts measuring the work time (step S103). The measurement unit 130 may associate the work items included in the operation signal with the work start time, which is the time the operation signal was received, and record them in the storage unit 120.

[0029] The measurement unit 130 acquires data from the storage unit 120 regarding the scheduled start time and scheduled completion time of work according to the work item. The measurement unit 130 compares the current time with the scheduled start time of work to determine whether the scheduled start time for work according to the work item has been exceeded (i.e., whether work has started by the scheduled start time) (step S104). If work has not started after the scheduled start time, the process proceeds to step S106. The measurement unit 130 also determines whether the scheduled start time of work has been exceeded if it has not received an operation signal indicating the start of work from the input device in step S102 (step S105).

[0030] If the measurement unit 130 determines in step S104 or step S105 that the scheduled start time for work has been exceeded (work has not started by the scheduled start time), it proceeds to step S110, which will be described later.

[0031] The measurement unit 130, for the work for which an operation signal indicating the start of work was received in step S102, compares the work time, which is the elapsed time since the start of the work for which the operation signal indicating the start of work was received, with the standard work time to determine whether the work time exceeds the standard work time (step S106). If the measurement unit 130 has not received an operation signal indicating the completion of the work even after the standard work time has elapsed since the start of the work (since the operation signal indicating the start of work was transmitted in step S102), it determines that the work time has exceeded the standard work time and proceeds to step S110, which will be described later.

[0032] The measurement unit 130 determines whether it has received an operation signal (second operation signal) indicating the completion of the work (step S107). The measurement unit 130 repeats the process from step S106 to step S107 until it receives an operation signal indicating the completion of the work from the input device, from the start of the work until the standard work time has elapsed. If the measurement unit 130 receives an operation signal indicating the completion of the work, it reads the identifier of the work item and the work completion time included in the operation signal, associates them, and records them in the storage unit 120.

[0033] When the measurement unit 130 receives an operation signal indicating that the work is completed without exceeding the standard work time in step S107, it determines whether the scheduled work completion time has been exceeded at that point, even if not all work items have been completed (step S108). If the current time exceeds the scheduled work completion time, the measurement unit 130 proceeds to step S110, which will be described later.

[0034] If the current time has not yet passed the scheduled completion time, the measurement unit 130 determines whether all work items have been completed (step S109). Specifically, the measurement unit 130 determines whether a timestamp (work completion time) has been recorded for all work items. If a timestamp (work completion time) has been recorded for all work items, the measurement unit 130 terminates the process. On the other hand, if a timestamp (work completion time) has not been recorded for all work items, the measurement unit 130 waits until an operation signal indicating the start of work for the next work item is transmitted.

[0035] If the measurement unit 130 determines in step S104 or step S105 that the scheduled start time for work has been exceeded, if it determines in step S108 that the scheduled completion time for work has been exceeded, or if it determines in step S106 that the standard work time for each work item has been exceeded, it instructs the output unit 150 to send an alarm notification. The output unit 150 outputs an alarm notification based on the instruction from the measurement unit 130 (step S110). As an example, the output unit 150 displays a screen (question information) indicating the time has been exceeded as an alarm notification on the touch panel display. This screen displays a button icon for the worker to input a request for work assistance. When the worker needs work assistance, they specify this button icon to request work assistance. The touch panel display outputs an operation signal indicating a request for work assistance.

[0036] The operation unit 140 of the information processing device 100 determines whether or not it has received an operation signal indicating a request for work assistance (step S111). If the operation unit 140 receives an operation signal indicating a request for work assistance, it determines that the worker wants work assistance. Assume that the operation signal indicating a request for work assistance includes work items. The operation unit 140 receives an operation signal indicating a request for work assistance. When the operation unit 140 receives an operation signal indicating a request for work assistance, it generates support request information that includes the work items contained in the operation signal. The operation unit 140 outputs the support request information to the communication unit 110. The communication unit 110 transmits the support request information to the server device 200.

[0037] The processing from step S101 to step S111 described above may be performed by the server device 200. In this case, the server device 200 may receive operation signals from the information processing device 100 and process them in the same manner as described above.

[0038] The server device 200 reads the work items included in the support information. The server device 200 reads the identification information of support personnel who are recorded in association with the work items but are not registered with a work-in-progress flag from the storage device. Based on the identification information of the support personnel read, the server device 200 generates support request information to be sent to the terminal device carried by the support personnel. The support request information may include the work items, the support work destination (identification information of the worker to be supported, work time, work location), etc. The server device 200 sends the work support information to the terminal device of the identified support personnel. As a result, the support personnel who receive the work support information on their terminal device go to the location where the worker is working and support the worker's maintenance work.

[0039] The generation of work support information for the server device 200 and the generation of work support information for support personnel may be performed similarly by the information processing device 100. In this case, the information processing device 100 may read the identification information of support personnel who are not registered with a work-in-progress flag, among those pre-stored in association with work items, from its own storage device, and generate support request information to be sent to a terminal device carried by the support personnel based on the identification information of those support personnel. In this case, the operation unit 140 of the information processing device 100 may send the support request information to the terminal device of the support personnel.

[0040] According to the processing performed by the information processing device 100 and the server device 200 described above, if a worker has any questions or concerns about their work, they can quickly request assistance from a support staff member. As a result, workers can receive work support smoothly, improving work efficiency. In addition, if the standard work time is exceeded, an alarm is automatically sent to the worker, so workers do not need to keep an eye on the clock and can concentrate on their work.

[0041] Figure 7 shows a functional block according to another embodiment of the work support system. Figure 8 shows the processing flow according to another embodiment of the work support system. The work support system 1000 includes at least a comparison means 71, a determination means 72, and a work support request means 73. The comparison means 71 compares the elapsed time from the start of work with the standard work time (step S801). The determination means 72 determines whether or not to output an alarm based on a comparison of the elapsed time and the standard working time (step S802). The work support request means 73 outputs a work support request when it detects a work support request in response to the output of an alarm (step S803).

[0042] Although the present disclosure has been described above with reference to embodiments, the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above. Various modifications to the structure and details of the present disclosure may be made that can be understood by those skilled in the art within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0043] Some or all of the above embodiments may also be described as follows, but are not limited to the following:

[0044] (Note 1) A comparison method for comparing the elapsed time from the start of work with the standard work time, A determination means for determining whether or not to output an alarm based on a comparison of the elapsed time and the standard working time, A work support request means that outputs a work support request when it detects a work support request in response to the output of the aforementioned alarm, A work support system equipped with the following features.

[0045] (Note 2) The comparison means compares the scheduled start time of the work, which is stored in advance, with the timing at which the first operation signal, which includes the said start time of the work, is acquired. The determination means determines that it will output the alarm if it cannot receive the first operation signal at the scheduled start time of the work. The work support system described in Appendix 1.

[0046] (Note 3) The comparison means compares the pre-stored scheduled completion time with the timing at which the second operation signal, which includes the completion time, is acquired. The determination means determines that it will output the alarm if it cannot receive the second operation signal at the scheduled time of completion of the work. The work support system described in Appendix 2.

[0047] (Note 4) The determination means determines whether or not to output the alarm based on the scheduled start time, scheduled completion time, standard work time, and at least one of the above for multiple different work items. The work support system described in Appendix 3.

[0048] (Note 5) The support request information will be output to the destination of the support officer identified based on the aforementioned work support request. The work support system described in Appendix 4.

[0049] (Note 6) The first operation signal and the second operation signal are acquired based on the operator's actions. The work support system described in Appendix 5.

[0050] (Note 7) A comparison method for comparing the elapsed time from the start of work with the standard work time, A determination means for determining whether or not to output an alarm based on a comparison of the elapsed time and the standard working time, A work support request means that outputs a work support request when it detects a work support request in response to the output of the aforementioned alarm, An information processing device equipped with the following features.

[0051] (Note 8) The comparison means compares the scheduled start time of the work, which is stored in advance, with the timing at which the first operation signal, which includes the said start time of the work, is acquired. The determination means determines that it will output the alarm if it cannot receive the first operation signal at the scheduled start time of the work. The information processing device described in Appendix 7.

[0052] (Note 9) The comparison means compares the pre-stored scheduled completion time with the timing at which the second operation signal, which includes the completion time, is acquired. The determination means determines that it will output the alarm if it cannot receive the second operation signal at the scheduled time of completion of the work. The information processing device described in Appendix 8.

[0053] (Note 10) The determination means determines whether or not to output the alarm based on the scheduled start time, scheduled completion time, standard work time, and at least one of the above for multiple different work items. The information processing device described in Appendix 9.

[0054] (Note 11) The support request information will be output to the destination of the support officer identified based on the aforementioned work support request. The information processing device described in Appendix 10.

[0055] (Note 12) The first operation signal and the second operation signal are acquired based on the operator's actions. The information processing device described in Appendix 11.

[0056] (Note 13) A comparison method for comparing the elapsed time from the start of work with the standard work time, A determination means for determining whether or not to output an alarm based on a comparison of the elapsed time and the standard working time, A work support request means that outputs a work support request when it detects a work support request in response to the output of the aforementioned alarm, A terminal device equipped with the following features.

[0057] (Note 14) The comparison means compares the scheduled start time of the work, which is stored in advance, with the timing at which the first operation signal, which includes the said start time of the work, is acquired. The determination means determines that it will output the alarm if it cannot receive the first operation signal at the scheduled start time of the work. The terminal device described in Appendix 13.

[0058] (Note 15) The comparison means compares the pre-stored scheduled completion time with the timing at which the second operation signal, which includes the completion time, is acquired. The determination means determines that it will output the alarm if it cannot receive the second operation signal at the scheduled time of completion of the work. The terminal device described in Appendix 14.

[0059] (Note 16) The determination means determines whether or not to output the alarm based on the scheduled start time, scheduled completion time, standard work time, and at least one of the above for multiple different work items. The terminal device described in Appendix 15.

[0060] (Note 17) The support request information will be output to the destination of the support officer identified based on the aforementioned work support request. The terminal device described in Appendix 16.

[0061] (Note 18) The first operation signal and the second operation signal are acquired based on the operator's actions. The terminal device described in Appendix 17.

[0062] (Note 19) Compare the elapsed time from the start of the work with the standard work time. Based on a comparison of the elapsed time and the standard working time, it is determined whether or not to output an alarm. When a work support request is detected in response to the output of the aforementioned alarm, a work support request is output. Work support method.

[0063] (Note 20) The scheduled start time of the work, which is stored in advance, is compared with the timing at which the first operation signal, which includes the said start time of the work, is acquired. If the first operation signal cannot be received at the scheduled start time of the work, it is determined that the alarm should be output. Work support methods as described in Appendix 19.

[0064] (Note 21) The scheduled completion time of the task, which is stored in advance, is compared with the timing at which the second operation signal, which includes the completion time of the task, is acquired. If the second operation signal cannot be received at the scheduled completion time of the aforementioned work, it is determined that the alarm should be output. Work support methods as described in Appendix 20.

[0065] (Note 22) Whether or not to output the alarm is determined based on the scheduled start time, scheduled completion time, standard work time, and at least one of the above for multiple different work items. Work support methods as described in Appendix 21.

[0066] (Note 23) The support request information will be output to the destination of the support officer identified based on the aforementioned work support request. Work support methods as described in Appendix 22.

[0067] (Note 24) The first operation signal and the second operation signal are acquired based on the operator's actions. Work support methods as described in Appendix 23.

[0068] (Note 25) The computer of the information processing device, A means of comparison to compare the elapsed time from the start of work with the standard work time. A determination means for determining whether or not to output an alarm based on a comparison of the elapsed time and the standard working time. A work support request means that outputs a work support request when it detects a work support request in response to the output of the aforementioned alarm, A program that makes it function as such.

[0069] (Note 26) The comparison means compares the scheduled start time of the work, which is stored in advance, with the timing at which the first operation signal, which includes the said start time of the work, is acquired. The determination means determines that it will output the alarm if it cannot receive the first operation signal at the scheduled start time of the work. The program described in Appendix 25.

[0070] (Note 27) The comparison means compares the pre-stored scheduled completion time with the timing at which the second operation signal, which includes the completion time, is acquired. The determination means determines that it will output the alarm if it cannot receive the second operation signal at the scheduled time of completion of the work. The program described in Appendix 26.

[0071] (Note 28) The determination means determines whether or not to output the alarm based on the scheduled start time, scheduled completion time, standard work time, and at least one of the above for multiple different work items. The program described in Appendix 27.

[0072] (Note 29) The support request information will be output to the destination of the support officer identified based on the aforementioned work support request. The program described in Appendix 28.

[0073] (Note 30) The first operation signal and the second operation signal are acquired based on the operator's actions. The program described in Appendix 29. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0074] 100... Information processing equipment (terminal device) 200... Server equipment 1000...Work support system 110... Communications Department 120...Storage section 130...Measurement unit (comparison means, determination means) 140...Operation Unit (Means for Requesting Work Support) 150...Output section

Claims

1. A comparison method for comparing the elapsed time from the start of work with the standard work time, A determination means for determining whether or not to output an alarm based on a comparison of the elapsed time and the standard working time, A work support request means that outputs a work support request when it detects a work support request in response to the output of the aforementioned alarm, A work support system equipped with the following features.

2. The comparison means compares the scheduled start time of the work, which is stored in advance, with the timing at which the first operation signal, which includes the said start time of the work, is acquired. The determination means determines that it will output the alarm if it cannot receive the first operation signal at the scheduled start time of the work. The work support system according to claim 1.

3. The comparison means compares the pre-stored scheduled completion time with the timing at which the second operation signal, which includes the completion time, is acquired. The determination means determines that it will output the alarm if it cannot receive the second operation signal at the scheduled time of completion of the work. The work support system according to claim 2.

4. The determination means determines whether or not to output the alarm based on the scheduled start time, scheduled completion time, standard work time, and at least one of the above for multiple different work items. The work support system according to claim 3.

5. The support request information will be output to the destination of the support officer identified based on the aforementioned work support request. The work support system according to claim 4.

6. The first operation signal and the second operation signal are acquired based on the operator's actions. The work support system according to claim 5.

7. A comparison method for comparing the elapsed time from the start of work with the standard work time, A determination means for determining whether or not to output an alarm based on a comparison of the elapsed time and the standard working time, A work support request means that outputs a work support request when it detects a work support request in response to the output of the aforementioned alarm, An information processing device equipped with the following features.

8. A comparison method for comparing the elapsed time from the start of work with the standard work time, A determination means for determining whether or not to output an alarm based on a comparison of the elapsed time and the standard working time, A work support request means that outputs a work support request when it detects a work support request in response to the output of the aforementioned alarm, A terminal device equipped with the following features.

9. Compare the elapsed time from the start of the work with the standard work time. Based on a comparison of the elapsed time and the standard working time, it is determined whether or not to output an alarm. When a work support request is detected in response to the output of the aforementioned alarm, a work support request is output. Work support method.

10. The computer of the information processing device, A means of comparison to compare the elapsed time from the start of work with the standard work time. A determination means for determining whether or not to output an alarm based on a comparison of the elapsed time and the standard working time. A work support request means that outputs a work support request when it detects a work support request in response to the output of the aforementioned alarm, A program that makes it function as such.

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