Remote worker selection system, remote worker selection method, and program

Abstract

For work requests involving the use of remotely operated forklifts, select remote operators with the appropriate skills. [Solution] A remote worker selection system 1 for selecting a worker to remotely operate a forklift 301, comprising a worker rank R based on the worker's remote operation skills. w And, the work rank (order rank) R based on the work content performed with the forklift. o Based on this, it is equipped with a matching unit 120 that matches workers. Work rank (order rank) R o This is determined based on the work environment where forklift 300 is deployed and the type of work performed by forklift 301.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a remote worker selection system, a remote worker selection method, and a program for selecting a worker who remotely operates a forklift.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, the development of technologies for remotely operating work machines has been progressing in various fields such as the logistics industry and the construction industry. In a remote operation system capable of remotely operating a work machine, it is no longer necessary to have an operator at the site, and it becomes possible for one operator to switch between multiple on-site operations or to relay one on-site operation by multiple operators.

[0003] In such a remote operation system, it is assumed that an operator who is not dependent on the work site for the business works, and accordingly, it is assumed that it is necessary to select an appropriate operator for the business each time, and matching between the business and the operator is required. As a system for matching a business and an operator when receiving a business request from a business requester, for example, a system aimed at facilitating matching between employers and job seekers is disclosed (see Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, the system described in Patent Document 1 does not take into account the job content and the operator's skills, resulting in matching inconsistencies. This can lead to situations where operators unsuitable for the job content are matched, or highly skilled operators are matched for simple tasks. In particular, in the remote operation of remote forklifts, which are one type of work machine, mismatches in matching can lead to accidents on site, as remote forklifts often perform tasks between racks or in areas where people move around.

[0006] Therefore, the present invention aims to provide a remote worker selection system, a remote worker selection method, and a program for selecting remote workers with suitable skills in response to work requests that utilize remotely operated forklifts. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A representative example of the invention disclosed in this application is as follows: A remote worker selection system for selecting workers to remotely operate forklifts, The present invention provides a remote worker selection system that includes a matching unit that matches workers based on a worker rank determined by their remote operation skills and a work rank determined by the type of work they perform using a forklift. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to select a remote worker with the appropriate skills for a job request that involves using a remotely operated forklift. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This diagram illustrates the outline of the remote worker selection system according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] This diagram shows the functional configuration of the remote worker selection system according to this embodiment. [Figure 3] This figure shows an example of the computer hardware configuration of the remote worker selection device according to this embodiment. [Figure 4] This diagram shows a flowchart of the overall remote worker selection process in the remote worker selection system according to this embodiment. [Figure 5] This figure shows an example of an order according to this embodiment. [Figure 6] This diagram shows a flowchart of the matching process in the remote worker selection system according to this embodiment. [Figure 7] This figure schematically shows the work content score DB according to this embodiment. [Figure 8] This figure schematically shows the field database according to this embodiment. [Figure 9] This figure schematically shows the field environment score database according to this embodiment. [Figure 10] This figure schematically shows the remote worker database according to this embodiment. [Figure 11] This diagram shows a flowchart of the selection process in the remote worker selection system according to this embodiment. [Figure 12] This figure shows an example of a shift schedule according to this embodiment. [Figure 13] This diagram shows a flowchart of the remote worker rank determination process in the remote worker selection system according to this embodiment. [Figure 14] This figure schematically shows the remote worker score database according to this embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] Embodiments of this disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, this disclosure is not limited to the embodiments shown below. These examples are illustrative only, and this disclosure can be implemented in various modified and improved forms based on the knowledge of those skilled in the art. In this specification and in the drawings, components with the same reference numerals refer to the same components.

[0011] [Basic concept / basic configuration] Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating the outline of the remote worker selection system 1 according to this embodiment. The remote worker selection system 1 is a system that selects a remote worker with suitable skills in response to an order (work request) that uses a remotely operated forklift. The remote worker selection system 1 includes a remote worker selection device 100, a client terminal (hereinafter also referred to as a request terminal) 200 for sending orders, and a remote operation system 300 equipped with a forklift 301 and a worker terminal 302. The request terminal 200 and the remote operation system 300 are each connected to the remote worker selection device 100 so as to be able to communicate. In the diagram, there is one request terminal 200 and one remote operation system 300, but there may be multiple units.

[0012] The clients are companies or site managers who request remote workers to perform tasks using forklift 301 at their respective sites (e.g., warehouses). In this specification, forklift 301 means a self-propelled material handling vehicle equipped with forks and a mast for raising and lowering the forks, and the forks are jigs for holding the object to be handled, and may be attachment jigs other than claws.

[0013] The remote worker selection device 100 is a device for selecting a remote worker suitable for an order from a client, and is managed by the client or the recipient who receives the work from the client. The remote worker is a person who has the skills to operate a forklift 301 and has a prior employment contract with the client or recipient (for example, an employee or contract worker), or an individual who receives work directly from the client. The remote worker selection device 100 may be implemented using, for example, one computer, or it may be implemented using multiple computers, such as a cloud computer. In this specification, a cloud computer may be one that uses any computer scalably to perform a particular function, or one that includes multiple functional modules to implement a certain system and uses those functions in any combination.

[0014] First, an order is sent from the request terminal 200 to the remote worker selection device 100 (S1). The order includes at least the details of the work, and may also include the work hours, cost, desired conditions, etc. The details of the work include the site environment and / or the work content. Next, when the matching unit 120 of the remote worker selection device 100 receives an order, it determines the order rank R from the work content included in the order. o Determine (S2). Order rank R o This is determined based on a field environment score, which quantifies the on-site environment of the work content, and / or a work content score, which quantifies the work content itself. Further details will be provided later.

[0015] Next, the remote worker selection device 100 uses the order rank R determined in S2. o And, the remote worker rank R is predetermined for each remote worker. w Based on this, remote workers with skills suitable for the received order are matched (S3). Multiple remote workers may be matched. Remote worker rank R w This is determined based on a skill score that quantifies the remote operation skills of the remote worker.

[0016] The remote worker selection device 100 then sends a matching result notification to the request terminal 200 indicating whether a remote worker with the appropriate skills for the order has been matched or not (S4).

[0017] Furthermore, the remote worker selection device 100 may send an order to the work terminal 302 of the remote worker matched in S3, and in response to the reply from the work terminal 302 indicating whether or not to accept the order, it may send a matching result notification to the request terminal 200 indicating whether or not a remote worker with the appropriate skills for the order was matched. Furthermore, instead of notifying the matching result, the remote worker selection device 100 may send information about the remote workers matched in S3 to the request terminal 200 and suggest remote workers so that the requester can specify them. Furthermore, the remote worker selection device 100 may not notify the work terminal 302 of the matching result or propose a remote worker, but instead send an order to the work terminal 302 of the matched remote worker in S3 and instruct the remote worker to place the order.

[0018] According to this remote worker selection system, for work requests involving remotely operated forklifts, the order rank R is determined based on numerical values ​​representing the work content, i.e., the on-site environment and / or work content. o The remote worker rank R is determined based on a numerical value that quantifies the remote worker's remote operation skills. w Based on this, remote workers with the appropriate skills for the order can be matched.

[0019] [Functional Configuration] Figure 2 shows the functional configuration of the remote worker selection system 1 according to this embodiment. As described above, the remote worker selection system 1 includes a remote worker selection device 100, a request terminal 200, and a remote operation system 300 equipped with a forklift 301 and a worker terminal 302. The remote worker selection system 1 may also include other terminals or devices.

[0020] The requested terminal 200 is a mobile device used by the requester, such as a mobile phone, smartphone, tablet, laptop computer, or desktop computer.

[0021] The forklift 301 is located at the site under the jurisdiction of the requester and is remotely operated by a remote operator from the work terminal 302. A remote operation system is externally attached or built-in. The forklift 301 is equipped with a camera that captures an image showing the surroundings of the forklift 301 during operation as remote operation results. Note that the forklift 301 may be equipped with various sensors such as a speed sensor, an acceleration sensor, and a shock sensor, a device for measuring working hours, a device for acquiring the frequency / number of alerts, etc., instead of or in combination with the camera. In this case, the measurement values from the various sensors and other devices are also included in the remote operation results.

[0022] The remote worker selection device 100 includes a communication unit 110, a matching unit 120, a selection unit 130, a remote operation evaluation unit 140, a remote worker rank determination unit 150, a business supervision unit 160, and a storage unit 170. In this embodiment, the remote worker selection device 100 is a cloud server, but it may also be on-premises.

[0023] The storage unit 170 includes a work content score database (hereinafter also referred to as DB) 171, a site environment score DB 172, a site DB 173, a remote worker DB 174, a remote operation evaluation DB 175, a remote worker score DB 176, and a business management DB 177. The storage unit 170 is composed of cloud storage or a distributed ledger, but it may also be composed of a hard disk, a semiconductor memory, a storage medium, a memory card, etc.

[0024] The communication unit 110 connects to the network wirelessly or by wire and communicates with the request terminal 200 and the remote operation system 300.

[0025] For the order received from the request terminal 200 via the communication unit 110, the matching unit 120 refers to the work content score DB 171, the site environment score DB 172, and the site DB 173 to calculate the order rank R o and the remote worker rank R w in the remote worker DB 174 to match a remote worker with the skills suitable for the order.

[0026] The selection unit 130 selects remote workers from the remote workers matched by the matching unit 120 based on at least one of the following: the order's working hours, the order's cost conditions, the order's desired conditions, and the remote worker's utilization rate / working hours.

[0027] The remote operation evaluation unit 140 acquires remote operation data (including measurements from various sensors such as the speed sensor and other equipment) from the forklift 301 operated by the remote operator responsible for the order from the client. The remote operation evaluation unit 140 then analyzes the acquired remote operation data and stores the results of the evaluation against pre-set evaluation items in the remote operation evaluation DB 175. The remote operation evaluation unit 140 may also store remote operation evaluations (e.g., complaints) from the client or on-site manager, along with the results of the analysis and evaluation of the remote operation data, in the remote operation evaluation DB 175.

[0028] The remote worker rank determination unit 150 determines the remote worker rank R for each remote worker based on the remote operation evaluation results stored in the remote operation evaluation DB 175. w The remote worker rank determination unit 150 determines the remote worker rank R for each remote worker based on the remote operation aptitude stored in w You may decide that.

[0029] When the remote worker assigned to an order is determined, the Business Supervision Department 160 associates the order with the assigned remote worker and saves the information in the Business Management DB 177. The Business Supervision Department 160 also supervises whether the remote worker operating the system is the one assigned to the order, both at the start of the work and during the work itself.

[0030] <Example of hardware configuration for remote worker selection device> Figure 3 shows an example of the hardware configuration of the computer 1000 included in the remote worker selection device 100 according to this embodiment.

[0031] Computer 1000 comprises a CPU 1001, memory 1002, auxiliary storage device 1003, communication interface (I / F) 1004, input / output interface (I / F) 1005, and GPU 1006. The CPU 1001, memory 1002, auxiliary storage device 1003, communication interface (I / F) 1004, input / output interface (I / F) 1005, and GPU 1006 are all connected by a common transmission path, which is a bus.

[0032] The CPU 1001 is an arithmetic unit that executes programs stored in memory 1002. The various functions of the unit are realized by the execution of various programs by the CPU 1001. Note that some of the processing performed by the CPU 1001 through program execution may be performed by other arithmetic units (such as ASICs: Application Specific Integrated Circuits, FPGAs: Field Programmable Gate Arrays, etc.).

[0033] Memory 1002 includes non-volatile memory elements such as ROM (Read Only Memory) and volatile memory elements such as RAM (Random Access Memory). ROM stores immutable programs (such as BIOS: Basic Input Output System). RAM is a high-speed, volatile memory element like DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) and temporarily stores programs executed by the CPU 1001 and data used during program execution.

[0034] The auxiliary storage device 1003 is a high-capacity, non-volatile storage device such as a magnetic storage device (HDD: Hard Disk Drive) or flash memory (SSD: Solid State Drive). The auxiliary storage device 1003 also stores data used by the CPU 1001 when executing programs, and the programs executed by the CPU 1001. In other words, programs are read from the auxiliary storage device 1003, loaded into memory 1002, and executed by the CPU 1001, thereby realizing the various functions of the device.

[0035] The communication interface 1004 is a network interface device that controls communication with other devices according to a predetermined protocol. The Input / Output I / F1005 is an interface device that connects devices requiring electrical signal input and output via wired or wireless connection, and performs data acquisition, control, etc., using analog or digital electrical signals.

[0036] The GPU1006 is a computing unit specialized for image processing. It works in conjunction with the CPU1001 to perform some image processing tasks at high speed.

[0037] [Overall process for selecting remote workers] The overall remote worker selection process by the remote worker selection system 1 according to this embodiment will be explained along with the details of the functional configuration of the remote work device 100. Figure 4 is a flowchart showing the overall remote worker selection process by the remote worker selection device 100 according to this embodiment.

[0038] First, the request terminal 200 transmits the order to the remote worker selection device 100 (S11). Figure 5 shows an example of an order. An order includes an order ID to identify the order, a forklift ID to identify the forklift to be used in the order, the work details, a site ID to identify the work site, working hours, cost conditions, and desired conditions. The forklift ID is included in the order because an order is created for each forklift.

[0039] The work content refers to the tasks performed using a forklift. The work content is set in accordance with the work elements used to calculate the work content score. The work environment refers to the environment in which forklifts are used for operations. The work environment is defined in accordance with the work environment elements used to calculate the work environment score. Working hours may include dates and times, days of the week, and whether they are weekdays or holidays. The cost conditions refer to the cost conditions for an order, such as setting a unit price for work. The desired conditions are those required of the remote worker, including the control panel they can operate, the type of forklift they can operate, and the tasks they can perform.

[0040] Next, the remote worker selection device 100 performs a matching process based on the received order and matches a remote worker with skills suitable for the order (S12). Details of the matching process will be described later. The remote worker selection device 100 may also send a matching result notification and information about the matched remote worker to the request terminal 200.

[0041] Then, once the remote worker selection device 100 has determined the remote worker responsible for the order (hereinafter also referred to as the assigned remote worker), it associates the order with the assigned remote worker and saves the information in the business management DB 177 (S13). In detail, first, the remote worker selection device 100 determines the remote worker who will handle the order from among the remote workers who matched the order, including the remote worker who was instructed by the remote worker selection device 100, the remote worker who responded that they would accept the order in response to a request from the remote worker selection device 100, and the remote worker specified by the requester. Then, the remote worker selection device 100 associates the order ID and forklift ID of the order with the remote worker ID of the assigned remote worker and stores it in the business management DB 177. Other items of the order may also be registered at this time.

[0042] Next, when the assigned remote worker enters their remote worker ID and authentication information into the work terminal 302 to begin work, the remote operation system 300 transmits the received remote worker ID and authentication information, along with the forklift ID of the forklift 301, to the remote worker selection device 100 (S14). Here, the authentication information includes passwords, facial images, fingerprints, and other biometric authentication information.

[0043] Next, the remote worker selection device 100 performs remote worker authentication based on the received remote worker ID, authentication information, and forklift ID (S15). In detail, the remote worker selection device 100 determines whether the remote worker is the person in question based on the received remote worker ID and authentication information, and whether it matches the authentication information registered in the remote worker DB 174. The remote worker selection device 100 also determines whether the remote worker is a legitimate remote operator responsible for the order by referring to the business management DB 177 based on the received forklift ID and remote worker ID. The remote worker selection device 100 then authenticates the remote worker if they are the person in question and a legitimate remote operator responsible for the order, and does not authenticate otherwise.

[0044] The remote worker selection device 100 transmits permission to operate to the remote control system 300 if authentication is successful (YES) (S16). On the other hand, if authentication is not successful (NO), it transmits a message indicating authentication failure to the remote control system 300 and terminates the process. By performing worker authentication in this manner, it is possible to control the system so that only the remote worker in charge of the order can operate the forklift 301 used for that order.

[0045] When the remote control system 300 receives permission to operate, the remote operator can operate the forklift 301 via the operator terminal 302 and begin work (S17). Then, when the remote control system 300 receives notification of the end of work from the remote operator's operator terminal 302 (S18), it transmits the remote operation record to the remote operator selection device 100 (S19). Note that processes S14-S16 may be performed during work hours. This prevents situations where the order is taken over by another remote worker who is not the legitimate remote operator responsible for the order during work hours.

[0046] Then, the remote worker selection device 100 determines the remote worker rank based on the remote operation evaluation results, which include the results of the remote operation evaluation based on the received remote operation record and the remote work evaluation by the requester received from the request terminal 200 (S20), and stores it in the remote worker DB 174 (S21).

[0047] Next, using Figure 6, the remote worker matching process (S12 in Figure 4) by the remote work selection system 1 according to this embodiment will be explained. First, the matching unit 120 determines the order rank R based on the details of the order received from the request terminal 200. o Decide (S21). The matching unit 120 refers to the work content score DB171 for the work content included in the order's business content and determines the importance P of the work elements that correspond to the work content. c and level L in the work elements c Based on this, a work content score is calculated, which quantifies the work content. For example, in formula 1, the importance P of the work elements that apply to the work content is entered. c and level L in the work elements c Substitute the values ​​and calculate a work content score, which quantifies the work content.

[0048]

number

[0049] When the work content score for the order shown in Figure 5 is calculated by referring to the work content score DB171 described later, P c [Transportation] × L c [Transportation (including floor handling)] + P c [Loading height] × L c [~2m]+P c [Weight]×L c [~500kg]+Pc [Characteristics]×L c [General product] = 1 × 0 + 2 × 0 + 2 × 3 + 1 × 0 = 6

[0050] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram showing the work content score DB171 according to this embodiment. The work content score information in DB171 includes the work ID, work element name, and the importance level P of the work element. c , and each level L in the work elements c This includes the following conditions, etc.

[0051] The work element names are the names of the elements that characterize the work, that is, the elements that determine the difficulty level of the work. In Figure 7, the work elements include the transport and handling heights that belong to the work itself, and the weight and characteristics that belong to the object being handled. Importance P c The importance level of each task element is set. Level L c This is a numerical value representing the difficulty level of the work element, and in Figure 7, it is set from 0 to 4, with the number increasing as the difficulty level increases. c Level requirements are set for this.

[0052] Returning to Figure 6, the matching unit 120 refers to the field environment score DB172 in the field environment included in the order's work content and determines the importance P of the field environment elements that apply to the field environment. e and Level L in the on-site environmental elements e Based on this, a field environment score is calculated, which quantifies the field environment. For example, in formula 2, the importance P of the field environment elements that apply to the field environment is calculated. e and Level L in the on-site environmental elements e Substitute the values ​​and calculate a site environment score, which quantifies the site environment. In this embodiment, the field environment is not included in the order itself, but is obtained by referring to the field DB173 based on the field ID included in the order.

[0053]

number

[0054] When the field environment score of the order shown in Figure 5 is calculated by referring to Equation 2, the field environment score DB172 described later, and the field DB173 described later, P e [Mixing with people] × L e [Walking around the loading dock] + P e [Mixed with vehicles] × L e [None] + P e [Aisle width] x L e [~3m]+P e [Operating Area] × L e [Outside the warehouse, 1 block] + P e [Number of intersections] × L e [~10]+P e [Environment]×L e [Frozen] == 2 × 2 + 2 × 0 + 1.5 × 2 + 1 × 1 + 1 × 1 + 1 × 2 = 11.

[0055] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram showing the field DB173 according to this embodiment. The site information in Site DB173 is set in accordance with the site environment elements used to calculate the site environment score, and includes the presence of people, the presence of vehicles, aisle width, working area, number of intersections, and the environment. The site information may include any information indicating the site environment, such as the site layout diagram, complexity of movement, frequency of human interference, and average work density, and if included, it is desirable that it also be included in the site environment elements used to calculate the site environment score.

[0056] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram showing the field environment score DB172 according to this embodiment. The field environment information in the field environment score DB172 includes the field environment ID, field environment element name, and the importance level P of the field environment element. e , and each level L of the on-site environmental elements e This includes the following conditions, etc.

[0057] The site environment element names are the names of the elements that characterize the site environment, that is, the elements that determine the difficulty level of the site environment. In Figure 9, the elements defined are the presence of people, the presence of vehicles, the width of the passageway, the movable area, the number of intersections, and the environment. Importance P e The importance of on-site environmental factors is then determined. Level L e This is a numerical value representing the difficulty level of the on-site environmental elements. In Figure 9, levels 0 to 4 are set, and the number increases as the difficulty level increases. e Level requirements are set for this.

[0058] Returning to Figure 6, the matching unit 120 calculates a work rank score by, for example, adding together the calculated work content score and the site environment score. Then, the matching unit 120 assigns a work rank R based on the calculated work rank score. o (See Figure 1) is determined. For example, in the case of the work rank score of the order shown in Figure 5, the work content score of 6 calculated above and the site environment score of 11 are added together to get 17, resulting in a work rank R o The answer is 3.

[0059] Next, the matching unit 120 calculates the work rank R in S21. o Based on this, from remote worker DB174, work rank R o Worker rank R or higher w Remote workers are selected and matched with remote workers who possess the skills suitable for the order (S22).

[0060] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram showing the remote worker DB174 according to this embodiment. The remote worker information in Remote Worker DB174 includes Remote Worker ID and Remote Worker Rank R. w This includes remote operation suitability, machine specifications, applicable tasks, control panel type, available working hours, fees, and certification information.

[0061] Remote worker rank Rw This is determined by the remote worker rank determination unit 150 based on remote operation evaluation results and / or suitability information obtained from remote operation performance. Details will be described later. Remote operation aptitude indicates the abilities necessary for remote operation, which are determined by the qualities of the remote operator. It is the result of a remote operation assessment of remote workers conducted periodically, and is evaluated on a three-level scale, such as acceptable, suitable, and good. Here, remote operation assessment refers to the evaluation of recognition ability, reaction speed, and operability through screen operation in remote operation of a forklift, and is equivalent to the aptitude test currently used when obtaining a work-related driver's license.

[0062] The machine conditions specify the type of machine that can be remotely operated by a remote operator, for example, a counterbalanced forklift (C) or a reach forklift (R). The control panel type is set to one used by a remote operator, and may include, for example, a remote control seat equipped with a handle, levers, and pedals, a controller, or a touchpad. The available working hours are set to the time periods when remote workers can work, for example, AM, PM, or evening. Alternatively, you can specify hours, such as 8am to 12pm, instead of time slots. Furthermore, you can also specify days of the week, such as weekdays or holidays, in addition to time slots. The cost is determined based on the amount of work performed by the remote operator, for example, a unit price for the work. Authentication information is used to determine whether a remote worker is the person they claim to be, during remote worker authentication performed at the start of work and / or during work.

[0063] Returning to Figure 6, the matching unit 120 determines whether or not to select a remote worker to handle the order from among the remote workers matched in S22 (also called matched remote workers) (S23). If a decision is made, the process proceeds to the selection process shown in Figure 11; otherwise, the process proceeds to S24. The decision of whether or not to select a remote worker is made by considering the order's working hours, cost conditions, desired conditions, and the remote worker's utilization rate / working hours, etc., to determine whether or not to select a remote worker suitable for the order, or, if there are multiple remote workers extracted in S22, whether or not the requester or recipient will decide which remote worker to handle the order from among the remote workers extracted in S22.

[0064] The matching unit 120 then sends a notification of the matching result in S22 and a suggestion based on the information of the remote worker being matched, extracted in S22, to the requester terminal 200 (S24). The matching unit 120 may terminate processing without performing the process in S24.

[0065] [Selection Process] Next, using Figure 11, the selection process by the remote work selection system 1 according to this embodiment will be explained. In this processing flow, it is assumed that the order includes working hours.

[0066] The selection unit 130 matches remote workers who are available to work during the order's working hours (also called time-matched remote workers) from among the matching remote workers shown in Figure 6 (S31). In detail, the selection unit 130 refers to the remote worker DB 174 and matches one or more remote workers whose available working hours include the business hours of the order. At this time, one or more remote workers may be combined; for example, if the working hours are from 9:00 to 18:00, a remote worker whose available working hours are AM and a remote worker whose available hours are PM may be combined and selected, in which case the combination of the two will be treated as one remote worker.

[0067] The selection unit 130 matches one or more remote workers (also called work-matching remote workers) from among the time-matching remote workers selected in S31, according to conditions set in advance for the utilization rate and / or working hours (S32). In detail, the selection unit 130 calculates the utilization rate and / or working hours of time-matched remote workers based on the shift schedule described later, and matches the time-matched remote workers according to the pre-set conditions for the utilization rate and / or working hours.

[0068] Pre-set conditions include things like high / low utilization rates and long / short operating hours. The conditions can be determined according to the recipient's requests. For example, if the goal is to reduce the idle time of a single remote worker or to reduce the number of remote workers, the conditions would be a high utilization rate and / or long working hours. Conversely, if the goal is to distribute tasks or allow inexperienced workers to gain experience, the conditions would be a low utilization rate and / or short working hours.

[0069] The selection unit 130 matches remote workers who meet the cost requirements of the order (also called cost-matching remote workers) from among the time-matching remote workers selected in S31 (S33). In detail, the selection unit 130 refers to the remote worker database 174 and matches one or more remote workers whose costs are less than or equal to the cost conditions of the order.

[0070] The selection unit 130 matches remote workers who meet the desired conditions of the order (also called desired matching remote workers) from among the time-matching remote workers selected in S31 (S34). In detail, the selection unit 130 refers to the remote worker database 174 and matches one or more remote workers who meet the desired conditions of the order.

[0071] Then, the selection unit 130 selects one remote worker from among the remote workers included in each of the following categories as the assigned remote worker (S35), based on the operational matching remote workers matched in S32, the cost matching remote workers matched in S33, and the preference matching remote workers matched in S34. Note that only one of processes S31-S33 needs to be performed; it is not necessary for all of them to be performed. If only one is performed, one of the remote workers matched by the performed process will be selected, for example, based on the closest match to the criteria or worker rank R. w The assigned remote worker will be selected based on arbitrary conditions such as a low rating.

[0072] Next, the selection unit 130 sends a notification to the requester terminal 200 in S36 indicating whether a remote worker was selected or not in S35, and an acceptance request from the remote worker selected in S35. The selection unit 130 may skip the processing in S36 and proceed to S37.

[0073] The selection unit 130 registers the working hours of the assigned remote worker selected in S35 into the remote worker shift schedule pre-stored in the storage unit 170, based on the working hours of the order, and updates the shift schedule (S37). If, in S36, the assigned remote worker's acceptance request is sent to the requester terminal 200, the shift schedule is updated accordingly.

[0074] Figure 12 shows an example of a shift schedule. The shift schedule shown in the diagram is a weekday schedule for a given week. The shift schedule contains orders that remote workers will be responsible for, determined by the matching and selection processes described above. Blank spaces indicate available time slots, and diagonal lines indicate times when work is unavailable. The shift schedule allows for efficient management of orders, even those related to work at different locations. When calculating the utilization rate using the shift schedule shown in the diagram, remote worker W001 has orders registered in 5 of the 15 available work time slots, so the utilization rate can be calculated as 5 ÷ 15 × 100 = 33%. On the other hand, remote worker W002 has orders registered in 5 of the 5 available work time slots, so the utilization rate can be calculated as 5 ÷ 5 × 100 = 100%. Operating hours are calculated by adding up the time spent during which orders are received.

[0075] [Remote worker rank determination process] Figure 13 is a flowchart showing the remote worker rank determination process by the remote work selection device 100 according to this embodiment. First, the remote operation evaluation unit 140 acquires remote operation data from the remote operation system 300 (S41). Next, the remote operation evaluation unit 140 analyzes the remote operation results obtained in S41 against pre-set remote operation evaluation elements and obtains evaluation results for each remote operation evaluation element (S42). The analysis of the remote operation results may be performed by AI or by a human. Examples of remote operation evaluation factors include safety response, productivity, quality, and experience (time).

[0076] Next, the remote operation evaluation unit 140 stores the evaluation results for each remote operation evaluation element obtained in S42 in the remote operation evaluation DB 175, associating them with the remote worker ID, order ID, and date of acquisition of the remote operation performance of the remote worker who was operating the forklift 301 (S43).

[0077] Next, if the remote operation evaluation unit 140 obtains a remote operation evaluation from the requester or the site manager (not shown) via the requester's request terminal 200 or the site manager's terminal, it associates the evaluation result with the already registered evaluation result based on the remote worker ID and order ID and saves it in the remote operation evaluation DB 175 (S44). Note that this process is not executed if no remote operation evaluation is obtained from the requester or site manager.

[0078] Next, the remote worker rank determination unit 150 refers to the remote worker DB 174, the remote operation evaluation DB 175, and the remote worker score DB 176 to determine the remote worker rank R for each remote worker. w The decision was made (S45).

[0079] In detail, the remote worker rank determination unit 150 uses the remote operation aptitude of the remote worker DB 174 and the remote operation evaluation elements of the remote operation evaluation DB 175 to determine the importance P of the worker evaluation elements, referencing the remote worker score DB 176. w and Level L in the remote control evaluation element w Based on this, a remote worker score is calculated, which quantifies the remote worker's skills. For example, in formula 3, the importance P of the remote operation evaluation elements for remote workers is calculated. w and Level L in the remote control evaluation element w Substitute the values ​​and calculate the remote worker score, which quantifies the remote worker's skills.

[0080] In this embodiment, remote worker skills refer to the overall skills of a remote worker, encompassing both their remote operation skills and remote operation aptitude. Alternatively, either remote operation skills or remote operation aptitude may be considered as remote worker skills. Remote operation skills can be quantified from remote operation performance, and more specifically, they can be quantified by evaluating remote operation performance using at least one remote operation evaluation element from safety response, productivity, quality, and experience (time). Specifically, the remote worker rank determination unit 150 analyzes remote operation performance and, referring to the remote worker score DB 176, determines the importance P of the worker evaluation elements, including the remote operation evaluation elements. w and Level L in the remote control evaluation element w Based on this, we quantify it. As mentioned above, remote operation aptitude is the ability necessary for remote operation determined by the qualities of the remote operator, and can be quantified. Specifically, the importance P of the worker evaluation element that includes remote operation aptitude is calculated by referring to the remote worker score DB176 in the remote worker aptitude content of the remote worker DB174. w and Level L in the remote control evaluation element wBased on this, we quantify it.

[0081] Then, the remote worker rank determination unit 150 determines the remote worker rank R based on the calculated remote worker score. w (See Figure 1) is determined. The remote worker rank determination unit 150 may use the most recent evaluation result from the remote operation evaluation DB 175, or it may use multiple evaluation results from the remote operation evaluation DB 175 over a predetermined period or a predetermined number of times.

[0082]

number

[0083] Figure 14 is a schematic diagram showing the remote worker score DB176 according to this embodiment. The remote worker score information in DB176 includes the evaluation ID, worker evaluation element name, and worker evaluation element importance P. w , and each level L in the worker evaluation elements w This includes the following conditions, etc.

[0084] The worker evaluation element names are the names of the elements that characterize remote worker skills, that is, the elements that determine the skill level of remote workers. In Figure 14, the worker evaluation elements include remote operation aptitude, and remote operation evaluation elements such as safety response, productivity, quality, and experience (time). Importance P w The importance of the worker evaluation elements is set. Level L w This is a numerical value representing the difficulty level in the worker evaluation elements. In Figure 14, levels 1 to 3 are set, and the number increases as the difficulty level increases. w Level requirements are set for this.

[0085] As described above, the remote worker selection system in this embodiment determines the order rank R based on the work content, i.e., the on-site environment and / or work content, in response to a work request using a remotely operated forklift. o The remote worker rank R is determined based on a numerical value that quantifies the remote worker's remote operation skills. w Based on this, it is possible to match remote workers with the appropriate skills for the order.

[0086] Furthermore, the remote worker selection system can select remote workers with the appropriate skills for the order, based on the specified working hours, cost conditions, preferences, and the remote worker's utilization rate and / or working hours. This allows for assigning the most suitable remote worker to each order and enables effective and efficient management of remote worker shifts. [Explanation of symbols]

[0087] 1. Remote Worker Selection System 100 Remote worker selection device 110 Communications Department 120 Matching Section 130 Selection Department 140 Remote Control Evaluation Department 150 Remote Worker Rank Determination Department 160 Business Supervision Department 200 request terminals 300 Remote Control Systems 301 Forklift 302 Work terminal

Claims

1. A remote worker selection system for selecting workers to remotely operate forklifts, A remote worker selection system comprising a matching unit that matches workers based on a worker rank determined by the worker's remote operation skills and a work rank determined by the type of work performed using a forklift.

2. The remote worker selection system according to claim 1, wherein the aforementioned work content includes the work content to be performed with a forklift and the on-site environment in which the work is performed.

3. The remote worker selection system according to claim 1, further comprising a selection unit that selects a worker from among the matched workers based on the worker's utilization rate and / or working hours.

4. The matching unit matches the workers according to the work order. The remote worker selection system according to claim 1, further comprising a selection unit that selects one or more workers from among the matched workers to handle the work order based on the work hours of the work order and the available hours of the workers.

5. The matching unit matches the workers according to the work order. The remote worker selection system according to claim 1, further comprising a selection unit that selects one or more workers to handle the work order from among the matched workers based on the cost conditions of the work order and the cost of the workers.

6. The remote operator selection system according to claim 1, wherein the remote operation skills are determined based on the operator's aptitude and / or experience in remote operation of forklifts.

7. The remote worker selection system according to claim 1, further comprising a work supervision unit that authenticates the worker during remote operation of a forklift and stops the forklift if authentication fails.

8. A method for a remote worker selection system to select a worker to remotely operate a forklift, A remote worker selection method that includes a step of matching workers based on a worker rank based on the worker's remote operation skills and a work rank based on the content of the work performed with the forklift.

9. A remote worker selection system for selecting workers to remotely operate forklifts. A matching unit matches workers based on a worker rank determined by their remote operation skills and a work rank determined by the type of work they perform using a forklift. A program that makes it function as such.

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