Work support methods, work support systems, and work support programs

Abstract

Obtain responses from conversational AI that better align with the worker's intentions. [Solution] The work support method includes determining the model name of the work device 100 and the type of work representing the type of work, based on a question that asks about the target work of the work device 100 to be performed in the field 500. The work support method also includes determining the items to be considered when performing the work of the type of work with respect to the work device 100 with the model name. Furthermore, the work support method includes generating a revised question by adding the items to the question based on the items. Furthermore, the work support method includes inputting the revised information representing the revised question into the interactive AI 365. Furthermore, the work support method includes outputting answer information representing the answer from the interactive AI 365.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a work support method, a work support system, and a work support program.

Background Art

[0002] When performing work in a field using a work device, an operator sets various items in the work device according to the work.

[0003] For example, in Patent Document 1, settings according to the specifications required for each agricultural work section are managed at a management center, and when performing work, setting information for each item is acquired from the management center and the work device is set. The technology is disclosed.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In the technology described in Patent Document 1, it is necessary to register the items to be set in the work device in the management center. Therefore, in order to perform work that is not registered in the management center, the operator needs to check the settings according to the work.

[0006] Therefore, in recent years, it has been considered for the operator to use a significantly advanced interactive AI (Artificial Intelligence) to check the work method of the work device, for example, the setting content of the work device. However, there are cases where an answer along with the intention of the questioner cannot be obtained from the interactive AI. For example, even if the operator wants to check the items that need to be set for performing work, the interactive AI may only answer the outline and not answer all of the items that should actually be set.

[0007] In light of the above circumstances, one of the purposes of this disclosure is to improve the efficiency of work performed by workers by assisting the interactive AI in providing responses that better align with the questioner's intent when the work device is in operation. Other purposes can be understood from the following description and the description of the embodiments. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The means for solving the problem are described below using the numbers and symbols used in the embodiments for carrying out the invention. These numbers and symbols are added in parentheses for reference to show an example of the correspondence between the claims and the embodiments for carrying out the invention. Therefore, the claims should not be interpreted restrictively because of the parenthetical statements.

[0009] A work support method according to one embodiment for achieving the above objective includes determining the model name of the work device (100) and the type of work representing the type of work, based on a question sentence that asks about the target work of a work device (100) performing work in a field (500). The work support method also includes determining items to be considered when performing the work of the type of work with respect to the work device (100) with the model name. Furthermore, the work support method includes generating a revised question sentence by adding items to the question sentence based on the items. Furthermore, the work support method includes inputting revised information representing the revised question sentence to an interactive AI (365). Furthermore, the work support method includes outputting answer information representing the answer sentence from the interactive AI (365).

[0010] A work support system (1000) according to one embodiment for achieving the above objective comprises a work content determination unit (350), an item determination unit (355), a revised text generation unit (360), and an output unit (375). The work content determination unit (350) determines the model name of the work device (100) and the work type representing the type of work, based on a question that asks about the target work of the work device (100) to be performed in the field (500). The item determination unit (355) determines the items to be considered when performing the work of the work type with respect to the work device (100) with the model name. The revised text generation unit (360) generates a revised question by adding the items to the question based on the items, and inputs the revised information representing the revised question to the conversational AI (365). The output unit (375) outputs answer information representing the answer from the conversational AI (365).

[0011] A work support program (430) according to one embodiment for achieving the above objective causes the calculation unit (120, 220, 320) to determine the model name of the work device (100) and the work type representing the type of work, based on a question that asks about the target work of the work device (100) to be performed in the field (500). Furthermore, the work support program (430) causes the calculation unit (120, 220, 320) to determine the items to be considered when performing the work type with respect to the work device (100) of the model name. Furthermore, the work support program (430) instructs the arithmetic units (120, 220, 320) to generate a revised question by adding items to the original question, based on the items. Furthermore, the work support program (430) instructs the arithmetic units (120, 220, 320) to input the revised information representing the revised question to the conversational AI (365). Furthermore, the work support program (430) instructs the arithmetic units (120, 220, 320) to output the answer information representing the answer from the conversational AI (365). [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to the above configuration, workers can obtain more relevant answers from the conversational AI.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0013] [Figure 1] It is a schematic diagram of a work support system in an embodiment. [Figure 2] It is a diagram showing the configuration of a work device in an embodiment. [Figure 3] It is a diagram showing the functional blocks executed by the work support system in an embodiment. [Figure 4] It is a diagram showing the configuration of a terminal in an embodiment. [Figure 5] It is a diagram showing the configuration of a work support device in an embodiment. [Figure 6] It is a diagram showing the configuration of item data in an embodiment. [Figure 7A] It is a flowchart showing the process in which the work support system in an embodiment answers questions regarding the setting method of the work device 100. [Figure 7B] It is a flowchart showing the process in which the work support system in an embodiment answers questions regarding the setting method of the work device 100. [Figure 8] It is a diagram showing a setting image in an embodiment. [Figure 9] It is a flowchart showing the process in which the work support system in an embodiment answers questions regarding the maintenance of the work device 100. [Figure 10] It is a diagram showing the configuration of a work device in an embodiment. [Figure 11] It is a diagram showing the configuration of a terminal in an embodiment. [Figure 12] It is a diagram showing the configuration of a work support device in an embodiment.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0014] (Embodiment) The work support system 1000 according to the present embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the work support system 1000 includes a work device 100, a terminal 200, and a work support device 300. The terminal 200 is communicably connected to the work device 100, for example. Further, the terminal 200 is communicably connected to the work support device 300 via a network 20, for example, the Internet.

[0015] The work device 100 performs work in a field 500, for example. When performing work in the field 500, the work device 100 is set according to the work in the field 500. For example, the speed, engine speed, etc. of the work device 100 are set according to the work.

[0016] The setting of the work device 100 may be set from the terminal 200, for example. The terminal 200 is owned by an operator who performs work in the field 500 using the work device 100, for example. When setting the work device 100, for example, the operator inputs a question text for asking the setting of the work device 100 to the interactive AI (Artificial Intelligence) into the terminal 200. For example, the operator inputs a question text including the model name of the work device 100 and the type of work planned to be performed in the field 500 (for example, tilling, sowing, fertilizing, harvesting, etc.). For example, the operator inputs a sentence asking about the setting method, including the model name "YT357" of the work device 100 and the type of work "●● work". The terminal 200 outputs question information representing the input question text to the work support device 300. Note that the model name represents a range in which the setting items of the work device 100 are the same and includes the model type name, etc.

[0017] The work support device 300 modifies the question text based on the question information to obtain an answer that better aligns with the questioner's intent. For example, the work support device 300 modifies the question text to ask for answers for all items that need to be set, based on the model name of the work device 100 and the work type representing the type of work. By asking the conversational AI using the modified question text, an answer that better aligns with the questioner's intent can be obtained. For example, the conversational AI outputs an answer text that represents the settings for all items (e.g., engine speed, speed, etc.) that need to be set when performing "●● work" using work device 100 whose model name is "YT357". The terminal 200 displays the obtained answer text. By checking the answer text, the worker can efficiently configure the settings of the work device 100.

[0018] In this way, the work support device 300 outputs an answer that is more in line with the intentions of the worker who created the question.

[0019] (Configuration of the work support system) The configuration of the work device 100 included in the work support system 1000 shown in Figure 1 will be described. As shown in Figure 2, the work device 100 comprises an input / output device 110, an arithmetic unit 120, a communication device 130, and a storage device 140. Information for controlling the work device 100 is input to the input / output device 110. The input / output device 110 also outputs information for controlling the work device 100, such as the speed of the work device 100. The input / output device 110 also includes various input and output devices, such as a steering wheel, buttons, levers, a display, a touch panel, etc.

[0020] The communication device 130 is connected to the terminal 200 in a communication manner and communicates with the terminal 200. For example, the communication device 130 transfers signals received from the terminal 200 to the arithmetic unit 120. The communication device 130 also transfers signals generated by the arithmetic unit 120 to the terminal 200. The communication device 130 may also receive information from other devices and output information to other devices. For example, the communication device 130 may receive information from other devices and output information to other devices via any storage medium, such as a memory card or USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory. The communication device 130 may also receive information from other devices and output information to other devices via the network 20. The communication device 130 includes various interfaces such as transceivers used in wireless communication such as wireless LAN (Local Area Network) and cellular networks, NIC (Network Interface Card), USB terminals, and communication terminals.

[0021] The storage device 140 stores various data, such as a setting program 400, for setting configuration information to the work device 100 when performing work in the field 500. The storage device 140 is used as a non-transitory tangible storage medium for storing the setting program 400. The setting program 400 may be provided as a computer program product recorded on a computer-readable storage medium 1, or as a computer program product downloadable from a server.

[0022] The arithmetic unit 120 reads and executes the setting program 400 from the storage device 140 and performs various data processing to set the setting information in the work device 100. For example, the arithmetic unit 120 may include an ECU (Electric Control Unit) or a central processing unit (CPU).

[0023] The arithmetic unit 120 reads and executes the setting program 400, and in cooperation with the storage device 140, as shown in Figure 3, realizes the setting unit 150. The setting unit 150 sets setting information related to the work to be performed in the field 500 in the work device 100.

[0024] Furthermore, the work device 100 may have a detachable control terminal and be controlled by the control terminal. For example, when the work device 100 is performing work by autonomous driving, a detachable control terminal may be provided so that an operator can use the control terminal to make an emergency stop of the work device 100.

[0025] Next, the configuration of the terminal 200 shown in Figure 1 will be described. As shown in Figure 4, the terminal 200 comprises an input / output device 210, an arithmetic unit 220, a communication device 230, and a storage device 240. The terminal 200 includes, for example, a computer, a tablet, or a mobile phone. The input / output device 210 receives information for the arithmetic unit 220 to perform processing. The input / output device 210 also outputs the results of the processing performed by the arithmetic unit 220. The input / output device 210 may include various input and output devices, such as a keyboard, mouse, microphone, display, speaker, touch panel, etc.

[0026] The communication device 230 is connected to the work device 100 in a communication manner and communicates with the work device 100. For example, the communication device 230 transfers information acquired from the work device 100 to the arithmetic unit 220. The communication device 230 also transfers signals generated by the arithmetic unit 220 to the work device 100.

[0027] Furthermore, the communication device 230 is connected to the network 20 and communicates with each device via the network 20. The communication device 230, for example, transfers information acquired from the work support device 300 to the arithmetic unit 220. The communication device 230 also transfers signals generated by the arithmetic unit 220 to the work support device 300. The communication device 230 may output information to other devices not connected via the network 20. For example, the communication device 230 may output information to other devices via any storage medium, such as a memory card or USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory. The communication device 230 may also acquire information from other devices directly connected via USB or the like. The communication device 230 includes various interfaces such as transceivers used for wireless communication, such as wireless LAN (Local Area Network) or cellular networks, NICs (Network Interface Cards), and USB terminals.

[0028] The storage device 240 receives question information from the operator and stores various data, such as a display program 410, for displaying the interactive AI's response. The storage device 240 is used as a non-transitory tangible storage medium for storing the display program 410. The display program 410 may be provided as a computer program product recorded on a computer-readable storage medium 2, or as a computer program product downloadable from a server.

[0029] The arithmetic unit 220 reads and executes the display program 410 from the storage device 240, receives question information from the operator, and performs various data processing to display the interactive AI's response. For example, the arithmetic unit 220 includes a central processing unit (CPU).

[0030] The arithmetic unit 220 reads and executes the display program 410, and in cooperation with the storage device 240 and the input / output device 210, as shown in Figure 3, realizes the display unit 250. The arithmetic unit 220 also works with the storage device 240 to realize the setting instruction unit 255. The display unit 250 receives question information from the worker and displays the answer text of the interactive AI. The setting instruction unit 255 outputs setting instruction information to the work device 100, instructing it to set the setting information for performing work in the field 500.

[0031] Next, the configuration of the work support device 300 will be described. As shown in Figure 5, the work support device 300 comprises an input / output device 310, an arithmetic unit 320, a communication device 330, and a storage device 340. The work support device 300 is a computer, for example, including a cloud server. Information for the arithmetic unit 320 to perform processing is input to the input / output device 310. The input / output device 310 also outputs the results of the processing performed by the arithmetic unit 320. The input / output device 310 may include various input and output devices, such as a keyboard, mouse, microphone, display, speaker, touch panel, etc. The input / output device 310 may be omitted.

[0032] The communication device 330 is connected to the network 20 and communicates with each device via the network 20. For example, the communication device 330 transfers information obtained from the terminal 200 to the processing unit 320. The communication device 330 also transfers signals generated by the processing unit 320 to the terminal 200. The communication device 330 includes various interfaces, such as a NIC (Network Interface Card) and a USB terminal.

[0033] The storage device 340 stores various data, such as item data 420, and the work support program 430, which are necessary for the interactive AI to output response sentences that better reflect the worker's intentions. The storage device 340 is used as a non-transitory tangible storage medium for storing the work support program 430. The work support program 430 may be provided as a computer program product recorded on a computer-readable storage medium 3, or as a computer program product that can be downloaded from a server.

[0034] Item data 420 represents the items that should be set on the work device 100 when performing work of a given type, in association with the model name of the work device 100 and the type of work performed in the field 500. For example, as shown in Figure 6, item data 420 represents all the setting items that should be set on the work device 100 when performing work of a given type, for a given combination of the model name of the work device 100 and the type of work. For example, item data 420 represents all the setting items that should be set when the work device 100 of that model name performs work of that type, in association with the model name of the work device 100 and the type of work. For example, item data 420 represents all the setting items that should be set when performing "●● work" using the work device 100 with the model name "YT357". Here, a setting item represents only the item and does not necessarily include the value to be set. For example, a setting item represents the item "engine speed", but does not necessarily represent the value of "engine speed" to be set.

[0035] The arithmetic unit 320 reads and executes the work support program 430 from the storage device 340 and performs various data processing to output a response sentence to the interactive AI that better reflects the worker's intentions. For example, the arithmetic unit 320 includes a central processing unit (CPU).

[0036] The arithmetic unit 320 reads and executes the work support program 430, and in cooperation with the storage device 340, realizes the work content determination unit 350, the item determination unit 355, the modified text generation unit 360, the interactive AI 365, the setting image generation unit 370, and the output unit 375, as shown in Figure 3. The work content determination unit 350 determines the model name of the work device 100 and the type of work that the worker is asking about, based on the question information acquired from the terminal 200. The item determination unit 355 uses the item data 420 to determine the setting items to be set for the work device 100, based on the model name of the work device 100 and the type of work. The modified text generation unit 360 modifies the question text represented in the question information based on the determined setting items and generates a modified question text. The interactive AI 365 is a learning model that has been trained to output an answer text representing the answer to a question text when a question text is input. The interactive AI 365 is configured, for example, using a large-scale language model. The setting image generation unit 370 generates a setting image for when the setting content expressed in the response text from the interactive AI 365 is set on the work device 100. The output unit 375 outputs response information representing the response text output from the interactive AI 365 to the terminal 200. The response information may include information representing the setting image generated by the setting image generation unit 370.

[0037] (Operation of the work support system) The operation of the work support system 1000 will now be explained. For example, a worker starts the work device 100 in order to perform work in the field 500. Subsequently, when the worker uses the work device 100 to perform work in the field 500, the worker inputs an operation to the input / output device 210 of the terminal 200 to inquire about the settings of the work device 100. For example, the worker inputs an operation to the input / output device 210 to start an application to check the settings of the work device 100. The arithmetic unit 220 of the terminal 200 reads and executes the display program 410 from the storage device 240 in response to the worker's operation. Once the display program 410 is executed, the arithmetic unit 220 starts the processing shown in Figures 7A and 7B, which is part of the work support method.

[0038] In step S110, the display unit 250, implemented by the arithmetic unit 220, receives question information from the operator. For example, the display unit 250 displays an image on which a question can be entered and waits until the operator enters a question. The operator enters a question, for example, "Please tell me the settings to use when performing the ●● operation with YT357," into the image displayed on the input / output device 210. When the display unit 250 receives the question, it determines that it has received question information representing the entered question. Upon receiving the question information, the display unit 250 outputs a request signal to the work device 100 requesting current setting information representing the current settings.

[0039] In step S115, the setting unit 150 of the work device 100 outputs current setting information to the terminal 200 in response to a request signal from the terminal 200, which represents the settings currently set on the work device 100. For example, the setting unit 150 acquires status information representing the state of the work device 100, such as the state of various clutches and the state of various switches. Based on the acquired status information, the setting unit 150 identifies the settings currently set and outputs current setting information representing the identified settings to the terminal 200.

[0040] In step S120, the display unit 250 of the terminal 200 outputs question information representing the question to the work support device 300. The question information may also include current setting information obtained from the work device 100.

[0041] In step S125, the work content determination unit 350 of the work support device 300 determines the work content related to the work that the worker is scheduled to perform based on the question information. For example, the work content determination unit 350 determines the model name of the work device 100 to be used for the work and the work type representing the type of work that the worker is scheduled to perform, based on the question sentence expressed in the question information. For example, the work content determination unit 350 extracts the model name of the work device 100 and the work type from the question sentence. For example, the work content determination unit 350 extracts a list of model names of the work device 100 and a list of work types as list information from the item data 420 shown in Figure 6, and extracts the words included in the list information from the question sentence. The work content determination unit 350 determines the extracted model name of the work device 100 and the work type as the model name of the work device 100 to be used for the work and the work type of work performed by the worker, respectively.

[0042] In step S130 shown in Figure 7A, the item determination unit 355 determines the setting items to be set on the work device 100 with the determined model name when performing work of the determined work type. For example, the item determination unit 355 extracts setting items associated with the determined model name and work type from the item data 420 shown in Figure 6. The item determination unit 355 determines the extracted setting items as the setting items to be set on the work device 100.

[0043] In step S135 shown in Figure 7A, the revised sentence generation unit 360 modifies the question sentence represented in the question information based on the determined setting items and generates a revised question sentence. For example, the revised sentence generation unit 360 generates a revised question sentence with setting items added to the question sentence. For example, the revised sentence generation unit 360 generates a revised question sentence with information added to the question sentence indicating that it is requesting that the setting contents for all setting items be answered. For example, the revised sentence generation unit 360 generates a revised question sentence by adding the sentence "Please be sure to include the values ​​of engine speed, vehicle speed, main transmission, ..." to the question sentence "Please tell me how to set up when performing the ●● operation with YT357." For example, the revised sentence generation unit 360 generates a revised question sentence by adding a sentence to the question sentence that connects each item represented in the setting items with a comma "," and finally adds "Please be sure to include the value of." The revised sentence generation unit 360 inputs the revised information representing the generated revised question sentence to the interactive AI 365.

[0044] In step S140, the interactive AI365 generates a response to the correction question. Since the correction question requests answers for all the setting items that need to be set, the interactive AI365 outputs a response that represents the settings for all the setting items.

[0045] In step S145 shown in Figure 7B, the setting image generation unit 370 generates a setting image based on the setting content of the setting item expressed in the answer statement. For example, as shown in Figure 8, the setting image generation unit 370 generates a setting image 600 showing the instrument panel of the work device 100 that is displayed when the setting content expressed in the answer statement is set. For example, on the instrument panel of the work device 100, icons 610 corresponding to the set items are displayed. For example, when the slewing and lifting switch is ON, the first icon 610-1 is displayed on the instrument panel of the work device 100.

[0046] The setting image generation unit 370 may generate the setting image 600 in any way. For example, the setting image generation unit 370 may extract setting details related to setting items from the answer text. The setting image generation unit 370 determines the icon 610 to be displayed on the instrument panel of the work device 100 according to the extracted setting details. In this case, for example, the setting image generation unit 370 maintains correspondence information that associates the setting details related to setting items with the icon 610 to be displayed, and determines the icon 610 to be displayed based on the correspondence information. The setting image generation unit 370 generates a setting image 600 representing the instrument panel of the work device 100 that displays the determined icon 610.

[0047] Furthermore, the setting image generation unit 370 may generate images other than the instrument panel of the work device 100. For example, the setting image generation unit 370 may generate images relating to setting items whose settings are not displayed on the instrument panel of the work device 100. The setting image generation unit 370 generates an image representing a setting item not displayed on the instrument panel, such as the main transmission setting. For example, as an image representing the main transmission setting, the setting image generation unit 370 generates an image in which the lever for the main transmission is set to a set value. The setting image generation unit 370 may hold multiple images representing the setting of the lever for the main transmission and select an image from the held images that is set to the setting value expressed in the setting content. The setting image generation unit 370 may determine the selected image as the setting image 600.

[0048] In step S150 shown in Figure 7B, the output unit 375 modifies the response text of the interactive AI 365 according to the settings currently set in the work device 100. For example, the output unit 375 modifies the response text to remove the settings already set in the work device 100.

[0049] For example, the output unit 375 extracts from the response text the setting items to be set in the work device 100 and the setting content to be set for each setting item. The output unit 375 also obtains the current setting content, which represents the setting content currently set in the work device 100, from the current setting information obtained from the terminal 200. Based on the setting content extracted from the response text and the current setting content currently set in the work device 100, the output unit 375 determines the items that do not need to be changed from the current setting content. For example, the output unit 375 determines the setting items whose setting content extracted from the response text is the same as the current setting content as items that do not need to be changed. The output unit 375 may also determine the setting items whose setting content represents a numerical value as items that do not need to be changed if the difference between the setting content extracted from the response text and the current setting content is less than a threshold.

[0050] For example, the output unit 375 modifies the response from the interactive AI 365 by removing information about the items that have been determined not to require change. For example, the output unit 375 modifies the response from the interactive AI 365 by deleting the items that do not require change and the settings to be set for those items. As a result, the response is limited to showing only the settings of the settings that the operator needs to set out of the many setting items. Therefore, by checking this response, the operator can easily understand the items that need to be set.

[0051] Furthermore, the output unit 375 may add a sentence to the response that explains the setting image 600 shown in Figure 8, which is generated by the setting image generation unit 370. For example, the output unit 375 may add a sentence to the response that explains that the setting image 600 will be displayed on the instrument panel of the work device 100 after setting. The output unit 375 may also add a sentence to the response that explains that the setting image 600, which represents the position of the main gear lever, etc., represents the position when the setting item, such as the main gear lever, is set.

[0052] In step S155 shown in Figure 7B, the output unit 375 outputs response information representing the corrected response text to the terminal 200. The response information may also include information representing the setting image 600 generated by the setting image generation unit 370.

[0053] In step S160, the display unit 250 of the terminal 200 displays the response information obtained from the work support device 300 on the input / output device 210. The display unit 250 displays the response text represented in the response information. Furthermore, the display unit 250 may also display the setting image 600 shown in Figure 8, which is represented in the response information. The worker views the response text and the setting image 600 displayed on the input / output device 210 to confirm the settings to be set on the work device 100. This allows the worker to understand all the items that need to be set on the work device 100 in order to perform work in the field 500, and their contents.

[0054] In step S165, the setting instruction unit 255 receives setting instruction information indicating that the displayed setting content should be set on the work device 100. For example, the operator inputs an operation to the input / output device 210 to instruct the operator to set the setting content displayed on the input / output device 210 on the work device 100. For example, the setting instruction unit 255 displays a button indicating that the displayed setting content should be set on the work device 100. The operator inputs an operation to the input / output device 210 to select this button. When the setting instruction unit 255 receives an operation from the operator, it determines that it has received setting instruction information. Upon receiving the setting instruction information, the setting instruction unit 255 outputs setting information representing the setting content to the work device 100.

[0055] In step S170, the setting unit 150 of the work device 100 sets the work device 100 based on the setting information from the terminal 200. For example, the setting unit 150 sets the setting content shown in the setting information for the corresponding setting item. For example, the setting unit 150 sets the engine speed to the setting content shown in the setting information, for example, the upper limit of 2200 rpm. For example, the setting unit 150 sets the slewing lift switch to ON.

[0056] The worker compares the setting image 600 displayed on the input / output device 210 of terminal 200 with the display on the instrument panel of the work device 100 to confirm that the work device 100 is set up correctly. After confirming the settings of the work device 100, the worker begins work in the field 500.

[0057] In this way, the work support system 1000 assists in setting up the work device 100 in various tasks performed by various work devices 100.

[0058] (Embodiment 2) In Embodiment 1, the work support system 1000 output answers that better reflect the worker's intent to questions regarding the settings of the work device 100. However, it may also output answers that better reflect the worker's intent to questions other than those regarding the settings of the work device 100. For example, the work support system 1000 may output answers that better reflect the worker's intent regarding the maintenance of the work device 100. For example, in periodic inspections of the work device 100, the inspection points may differ depending on the cumulative operating time, which represents the total time the work device 100 has been in operation. Therefore, when a worker performs a periodic inspection of the work device 100, they may ask the work support system 1000 about the points to be inspected.

[0059] (Configuration of the work support system) Since the configuration of the work support system 1000 is the same as in Embodiment 1, a detailed explanation will be omitted.

[0060] (Operation of the work support system) The operation of the work support system 1000 will now be explained. For example, a worker starts up the work device 100 to be maintained, and then inputs an operation to start an application to confirm the maintenance of the work device 100 to the input / output device 210 of the terminal 200. The arithmetic unit 220 of the terminal 200 reads and executes a display program 410 from the storage device 240 in response to the worker's operation. Once the display program 410 is executed, the arithmetic unit 220 starts the process shown in Figure 9, which is part of the work support method.

[0061] In step S210, the display unit 250, implemented by the arithmetic unit 220, receives question information from the operator, similar to step S110 shown in Figure 7A. The operator inputs a question, for example, "Please tell me how to perform a periodic inspection of the YT357," into the input / output device 210. When the display unit 250 receives the question, it determines that it has received question information representing the question. Upon receiving the question information, the display unit 250 outputs a request signal to the work device 100 requesting time information representing the current cumulative operating time.

[0062] In step S215B, the setting unit 150 of the work device 100 outputs time information representing the current cumulative operating time of the work device 100 to the terminal 200 in response to a request signal from the terminal 200.

[0063] In step S220, the display unit 250 of the terminal 200 outputs question information representing the question to the work support device 300, similar to step S120 shown in Figure 7A. The question information includes time information acquired from the work device 100.

[0064] In step S225, the work content determination unit 350 of the work support device 300 determines the work content related to the work that the worker is scheduled to perform, based on the question information, similar to step S125 shown in Figure 7A. For example, the work content determination unit 350 determines the model name of the work device 100 that is the target of the work and the type of work that the worker is scheduled to perform, based on the question statement expressed in the question information. For example, the work content determination unit 350 determines "YT357" as the model name of the work device 100 and "periodic inspection" as the type of work. Note that the detailed processing in step S225 is the same as in step S125 shown in Figure 7A, so the explanation is omitted.

[0065] In step S230B, the item determination unit 355 determines the question items (corresponding to the setting items in step S130) that should be considered when performing work of the determined work type for the work device 100 with the determined model name, similar to step S130 shown in Figure 7A. For example, the item determination unit 355 determines the question items to be considered when performing "periodic inspection" for "YT357". In this case as well, similar to step S130 shown in Figure 7A, the item determination unit 355 extracts the question items (the column displayed as "setting items" in Figure 6) associated with the determined model name and work type from the item data 420 shown in Figure 6. For example, the question items represent all the inspection points that should be inspected during periodic inspection for the work device 100 with the associated model name. For example, the inspection points represented in the question items represent all the points that are inspected at least once in multiple periodic inspections for all cumulative operating hours.

[0066] In step S235B shown in Figure 9, the revised text generation unit 360 modifies the question text represented in the question information based on the determined question items and generates a revised question text. For example, the revised text generation unit 360 generates a revised question text by adding question items to the question text. For example, the revised text generation unit 360 generates a revised question text by adding information indicating that answers are required for all question items. For example, the revised text generation unit 360 generates a revised question text by adding a sentence to the question text that requests that all of the inspection locations represented in the question items be answered. In this case, the answer text indicates that inspection locations that are not listed do not need to be inspected.

[0067] Furthermore, the revised sentence generation unit 360 adds information representing the cumulative operating time of the work device 100 to the revised question sentence based on the time information obtained from the terminal 200. The revised sentence generation unit 360 adds a sentence to the generated revised question sentence indicating that the cumulative operating time of the work device 100 is the time represented in the time information. The revised question sentence with the sentence representing the cumulative operating time of the work device 100 added is input to the interactive AI 365.

[0068] In step S240, the interactive AI 365 generates a response to the correction question, similar to step S140 shown in Figure 7A. Since the correction question requests a list of all areas to be inspected and answers for all areas that need to be inspected, the interactive AI 365 outputs a response that represents all areas that need to be inspected at this time. Furthermore, since the correction question indicates the cumulative operating time of the work device 100, the interactive AI 365 outputs a response that represents the areas that need to be inspected according to the cumulative operating time of the work device 100.

[0069] In step S255, the output unit 375 outputs response information representing the response text from the interactive AI 365 to the terminal 200.

[0070] In step S260, the display unit 250 of the terminal 200 displays the response information obtained from the work support device 300 on the input / output device 210, similar to step S160 shown in Figure 7B. The display unit 250 displays the response text represented in the response information. The worker views the response text displayed on the input / output device 210 and confirms all parts of the work device 100 that need to be inspected at this time.

[0071] In this way, the work support system 1000 also assists workers during maintenance.

[0072] (modified version) For example, in the embodiment described above, as shown in Figure 1, the communication device 230 of the terminal 200 is shown to be directly connected to the communication device 130 of the work device 100, but the invention is not limited to this, and may be connected via the network 20. Also, the terminal 200 may obtain the setting information of the work device 100 via another device, for example, a server connected to the network 20. In this case, the display unit 250 of the terminal 200 holds identification information that identifies the work device 100 to be used for work, and obtains the setting information or time information of the work device 100 corresponding to the identification information from the server.

[0073] Furthermore, the display unit 250 of the terminal 200 may identify the work device 100 to be used for the work based on the location of the terminal 200 and the location of the work device 100, and may obtain setting information or time information for the identified work device 100 from the server. In this case, for example, the work device 100 includes a positioning device 115 as shown in Figure 10. The positioning device 115 acquires position information representing the position of the work device 100 at each time, for example, latitude and longitude. For example, the positioning device 115 measures the position of the work device 100 at predetermined intervals (for example, every 10 seconds) and outputs position information representing the measured position to the arithmetic unit 120. For example, the positioning device 115 may include a GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) receiver, a quantum compass, etc. The position information may also include information that associates the measured time with the positioned position. The measured position information is output to the server.

[0074] Furthermore, terminal 200 is also equipped with a positioning device 215, as shown in Figure 11. The positioning device 215 acquires position information representing the position of terminal 200 at each time point, such as latitude and longitude. The detailed operation is the same as that of positioning device 115, so a detailed explanation is omitted.

[0075] The display unit 250 of the terminal 200 identifies the nearest work device 100 based on the location of the terminal 200 and the location of the work device 100, and determines the identified work device 100 to be used by the worker. The display unit 250 can obtain the location of the work device 100 from the server by any known method.

[0076] Furthermore, the work support device 300 may acquire setting information or time information of the work device 100 without going through the terminal 200. For example, the setting unit 150 of the work device 100 outputs setting information or time information and location information to the work support device 300 via the network 20. Also, the display unit 250 of the terminal 200 outputs the location information of the terminal 200 in addition to the question information to the work support device 300. The output unit 375 of the work support device 300 may identify the work device 100 that the worker will use for the work based on the location of the work device 100 and the location of the terminal 200, and acquire the setting information or time information of the identified work device 100.

[0077] Furthermore, the setting information for the work device 100 may not be obtained from the work device 30, but may be entered by the operator into the input / output device 210 of the terminal 200. In this case, in step S110 shown in Figure 7A, the display unit 250 of the terminal 200 receives the setting information for the work device 30 in addition to the question information. The user inputs setting information representing the currently set settings for the work device 30 into the input / output device 210. Once the setting information is entered by the user, the display unit 250 determines that the setting information has been received and executes the process in step S120. The setting information may also indicate that only some of the setting items to be set are requested. For example, the setting information may indicate that only the setting items related to levers are requested, or that the setting items related to switches are excluded. The setting information may also be registered in the terminal 200 in advance. The setting information can be entered by any method, such as by operating a touch panel, typing on a keyboard, or by voice.

[0078] Furthermore, if the work content determination unit 350 of the work support device 300 does not include the model name of the work device 100 in the question, it may determine the work device 100 related to the work by any method. For example, the work content determination unit 350 may identify the work device 100 related to the worker's work based on the location of the work device 100 and the location of the terminal 200, and determine the model name of the identified work device 100. The method for identifying the work device 100 based on the location of the work device 100 and the location of the terminal 200 is as described above. In addition, any method can be used to identify the model name from the identified work device 100, and for example, the work content determination unit 350 may maintain information that associates the identification information of the work device 100 with the model name.

[0079] Furthermore, the work content determination unit 350 may determine the model name of the work device 100 from past question texts. For example, if the work content determination unit 350 does not include the model name of the work device 100 in the question text, it may determine the model name in the current question information to be determined by question information previously obtained from the same terminal 200. For example, the work content determination unit 350 may determine the model name in the current question information to be determined by question information obtained from the same terminal 200 during the period from the present to a predetermined period prior (for example, question information obtained on the same day).

[0080] Furthermore, when terminal 200 is used only when a specific work device 100 is used, for example, when terminal 200 is incorporated into the work device 100, the work content determination unit 350 may determine the model name of the work device 100 based on terminal 200 which output the question information. In this case, the display unit 250 of terminal 200 may add information representing the model name of the work device 100 to the question information and output it to the work support device 300.

[0081] Furthermore, in step S135 shown in Figure 7A, the modified sentence generation unit 360 of the work support device 300 may add information about the field 500 where the work is performed by the work device 100 to the question sentence. For example, the work support device 300 may add information about the field 500 (e.g., the crops being cultivated, varieties, expected yield per hectare, soil conditions, etc.) to the question sentence.

[0082] In this case, for example, the storage device 340 of the work support device 300 stores field data 425, as shown in Figure 12. The field data 425 stores information about the field 500 (e.g., location, crops being cultivated, variety, expected yield per hectare, soil conditions, etc.). The revised sentence generation unit 360 identifies the field 500 where the work will be performed based on the location of the work device 100 and / or the location of the terminal 200. For example, the revised sentence generation unit 360 identifies the field 500 closest to the location of the work device 100 or the location of the terminal 200 based on the field data 425, and determines the identified field 500 as the field 500 where the work will be performed. The question may also include information representing the field 500 where the work will be performed, such as its name and location.

[0083] Furthermore, the work support system 1000 may assist the worker in efficiently cleaning the work device 100. In this case, for example, the item data 420 shown in Figure 6 represents a question item (corresponding to the field displayed as "setting item" in Figure 6) that represents all parts of the work device 100 that can be cleaned, associated with the model name of the work device 100. The work support system 1000 also performs a process similar to the process shown in Figure 9, for example, to answer the worker about the parts of the work device 100 that should be cleaned. In this case, for example, in step S235B shown in Figure 9, the modified text generation unit 360 of the work support device 300 may add information representing the type of work performed by the work device 100 immediately before to the question text. The type of work performed by the work device 100 immediately before may be obtained by any method, for example, by including it in the question text or by obtaining it from another server. Furthermore, the modified text generation unit 360 may add information about the field 500 in which the work device 100 immediately before performed work to the question text.

[0084] In step S135 shown in Figure 7A, the modified sentence generation unit 360 of the work support device 300 may add information representing the worker's skill level to the question sentence. For example, the higher the worker's skill level, the faster the work device 100 may be. Therefore, by adding information representing the worker's skill level to the question sentence, the interactive AI 365 outputs a response sentence appropriate to the worker's skill level. The work support device 300 acquires information representing the worker's skill level by any method. For example, the skill level may be registered in the terminal 200 and transmitted from the terminal 200 to the work support device 300 along with the question information. Alternatively, the storage device 340 of the work support device 300 may store information that associates the worker's identification information, the model name of the work device 100, and the worker's skill level with the work device 100. In this case, the worker's identification information is transmitted from the terminal 200 to the work support device 300 along with the question information.

[0085] In step S150 shown in Figure 7B, the output unit 375 of the work support device 300 may modify the response text to exclude information regarding items set by the setting unit 150 when some of the setting information for the work device 100 is set by the setting unit 150 of the work device 100. In this case, for example, the output unit 375 modifies the response text of the interactive AI 365 to remove the automatic setting items, which represent items that are automatically set by the setting unit 150, and the setting content set in the automatic setting items. In this case, for example, the storage device 340 of the work support device 300 stores information that associates the model name of the work device 100 with the automatic setting items, and the output unit 375 retrieves the automatic setting items from the stored information.

[0086] The setting items in the item data 420 shown in Figure 6 may represent sentences to be added to the question sentence. In this case, in step S135 shown in Figure 7A and step S235B in Figure 9, the revised sentence generation unit 360 adds the sentences represented in the setting items to the question sentence to generate a revised question sentence.

[0087] Furthermore, the item data 420 may have setting items corresponding to a simplified version that requests a simple answer and a detailed version that requests a detailed answer. For example, the setting items for the simplified version represent vehicle speed and engine speed, while the setting items for the detailed version represent the same plus the main transmission, sub-transmission, accelerator dial position, etc. In this case, for example, in step S110 shown in Figure 7A and step S210 shown in Figure 9, the display unit 250 of the terminal 200 receives information representing either the simplified version or the detailed version in addition to the question information. For example, the display unit 250 selects either the simplified version or the detailed version, for example the simplified version, as the standard, and selects the other, for example the detailed version, according to the operator's operation. The display unit 250 outputs the selected information, along with the question information, to the work support device 300.

[0088] In the above embodiment, the questions are divided into those relating to the settings of the work device 100 and those relating to maintenance, but the two embodiments may be combined in any way. In this case, for example, in step S115 of Figure 7A, the setting unit 150 of the work device 100 outputs time information along with the setting information, and in step S125, the work content determination unit 350 of the work support device 300 may determine whether the question relates to the settings of the work device 100 or to maintenance. The work content determination unit 350 may also determine whether the question relates to cleaning the work device 100. Furthermore, in step S110, the display unit 250 of the terminal 200 may make the determination, or the display unit 250 may request the work support device 300 to make the determination. A learning model using a large-scale language model may be used for this determination, or a logical formula of the wording included in the question may be used.

[0089] Furthermore, the work support system 1000 does not need to configure the work device 100. In this case, step S170 shown in Figure 7B is omitted.

[0090] Furthermore, the work support system 1000 does not have to use the settings currently set on the work device 100. In this case, the process in step S150 shown in Figure 7B may be omitted. In addition, the process of transmitting the setting information of the work device 100 to the work support device 300 may also be omitted. Moreover, if the settings currently set on the work device 100 are used, in step S150 shown in Figure 7B, the output unit 375 may be modified to display a response that distinguishes between already set settings and unset settings.

[0091] The embodiments and modifications described above are merely examples, and the configurations described in each embodiment and modification may be arbitrarily changed and / or combined as long as they do not impair the function. Furthermore, some of the functions described in the embodiments and modifications may be omitted if the necessary functions can be achieved.

[0092] For example, the work device 100 may perform some or all of the processing of the terminal 200. For example, the terminal 200 may be incorporated into the work device 100. Alternatively, the terminal 200 may perform some or all of the processing of the work support device 300.

[0093] The work support system 1000 may not include terminal 200 and may acquire information from external terminals not included in the work support system 1000, and display the response text on the external terminals.

[0094] (Note) The work support methods, work support systems, and work support programs described in each embodiment can be described as follows.

[0095] The work support method relating to the first aspect is: Based on the question text that asks about the target work of the work equipment used in the field, the model name of the work equipment and the work type representing the type of the target work are determined. With respect to the aforementioned work device of the aforementioned model name, the items to be considered when performing the aforementioned work type shall be determined, Based on the above items, a revised question is generated by adding the above items to the above question, The corrected information representing the aforementioned corrected question is input into the conversational AI, Outputting response information representing the response text from the aforementioned conversational AI, Includes.

[0096] The work support method relating to the second embodiment is the work support method relating to the first embodiment, The aforementioned work type represents the type of agricultural work performed in the field using the aforementioned work equipment. Determining the aforementioned items means When performing the aforementioned type of work, all setting items to be set on the aforementioned work device of the aforementioned model name are determined as the aforementioned items. Includes.

[0097] The work support method relating to the third aspect is the work support method relating to the second aspect, Extract the settings related to the aforementioned setting items from the above response. It further includes, Outputting the aforementioned response information means Based on the current settings, which represent the settings already set in the aforementioned work device, and the settings extracted from the response text, the system determines the items that do not need to be changed from the current settings. Output the response information which represents the sentence obtained by excluding the information regarding the items that do not need to be changed from the aforementioned response sentence, Includes.

[0098] The work support method relating to the fourth aspect is a work support method relating to the second or third aspect, Extract the settings related to the aforementioned setting items from the above response. Further including Outputting the aforementioned response information means Output the response information which represents a sentence obtained by excluding information regarding the automatically set items that are automatically set in the work device from the aforementioned response sentence. Includes.

[0099] The work support method relating to the fifth aspect is a work support method relating to any one of the second to fourth aspects, From the above response, extract the settings related to the above setting item, Based on the above settings, a setting image is generated when the above settings are configured. It further includes, The aforementioned response information includes information representing the aforementioned setting image.

[0100] The work support method relating to the sixth aspect is a work support method relating to any one of the first to fifth aspects, Generating the aforementioned revised question sentence is, To generate a revised question that further includes the user's level of proficiency with the work device who created the aforementioned question. Includes.

[0101] The work support method relating to the seventh aspect is a work support method relating to any one of the first to sixth aspects, The aforementioned work type represents the cleaning of the work device, Determining the aforementioned items means In the aforementioned work apparatus, all washable parts are determined as the aforementioned items. Includes.

[0102] The work support method relating to the eighth aspect is a work support method relating to any one of the first to seven aspects, Generating the aforementioned revised question sentence is, The process involves generating a modified question that further includes field information relating to the target field where the work is performed using the aforementioned work apparatus. Includes.

[0103] The work support method relating to the ninth aspect is the work support method relating to the eighth aspect, Identifying the target field based on the position of the aforementioned work device. It also includes.

[0104] The work support method relating to the tenth aspect is a work support method relating to any one of the first to ninth aspects, The aforementioned work refers to the maintenance of the aforementioned work equipment. Determining the aforementioned items means The aforementioned work device shall determine all inspection points to be inspected during maintenance as the aforementioned items. Includes, Generating the aforementioned revised question sentence is, The modified question sentence is generated by adding a sentence that represents the cumulative operating time of the work device to date. Includes.

[0105] The work support method relating to the 11th aspect is a work support method relating to any one of the first to tenth aspects, Determining the model name of the aforementioned work device and the aforementioned work type is: If the above question does not include information indicating the model name of the work device, Extract the type of work from the above question, and, The model name of the work device, determined based on past questions asked prior to the aforementioned question, is to be determined as the model name of the work device to be used in the work described in the aforementioned question. Includes.

[0106] The work support system relating to the 12th aspect is: A work content determination unit determines the model name of the work device and the type of work representing the type of work performed, based on a question that asks about the target work of a work device used in a field. With respect to the aforementioned work device of the aforementioned model name, an item determination unit determines the items to be considered when performing the aforementioned work type, A revised question generation unit generates a revised question by adding the aforementioned items to the original question based on the aforementioned items, and inputs the revised information representing the revised question into an interactive AI. An output unit that outputs response information representing the response text from the aforementioned conversational AI, It is equipped with.

[0107] The work support system according to the 13th embodiment is a work support system according to the 12th embodiment, The system further includes a display unit for displaying the aforementioned response information.

[0108] The work support program relating to the 14th aspect is: Based on the question text that asks about the target work of the work equipment used in the field, the model name of the work equipment and the work type representing the type of the target work are determined. With respect to the aforementioned work device of the aforementioned model name, the items to be considered when performing the aforementioned work type shall be determined, Based on the above items, a revised question is generated by adding the above items to the above question, The corrected information representing the aforementioned corrected question is input into the conversational AI, Outputting response information representing the response text from the aforementioned conversational AI, The arithmetic unit is made to execute it. [Explanation of symbols]

[0109] 1, 2, 3: Storage medium 20: Network 100: Work equipment 110: Input / Output Devices 115: Positioning device 120: Arithmetic device 130: Communication device 140: Storage device 150: Settings section 200: Terminal 210: Input / Output Devices 215: Positioning device 220: Arithmetic device 230: Communication equipment 240: Storage device 250:Display section 255: Setting Instruction Section 300: Work support device 310: Input / Output Device 320: Arithmetic device 330: Communication device 340 :Storage device 350: Work Content Determination Department 355: Item determination section 360 :Corrected sentence generator 365: Conversational AI 370: Setting image generation unit 375: Output section 400: Configuration program 410: Display Program 420: Item data 425: Field data 430: Work support program 500: Field 600: Setting image 610: Icon 1000: Work support system

Claims

1. Based on the question text that asks about the target work of the work equipment used in the field, the model name of the work equipment and the work type representing the type of the target work are determined. With respect to the aforementioned work device of the aforementioned model name, the items to be considered when performing the aforementioned work type shall be determined, Based on the above items, a revised question is generated by adding the above items to the above question, The corrected information representing the aforementioned corrected question is input into the interactive AI, Outputting response information representing the response text from the aforementioned interactive AI, Work support methods including

2. The aforementioned work type represents the type of agricultural work performed in the field using the aforementioned work equipment. Determining the aforementioned items means When performing the aforementioned type of work, all setting items to be set on the aforementioned work device of the aforementioned model name are determined as the aforementioned items. A work support method according to claim 1, including the following:

3. Extract the settings related to the aforementioned setting items from the above response. It further includes, Outputting the aforementioned response information means Based on the current settings, which represent the settings already set in the aforementioned work device, and the settings extracted from the response text, the system determines the items that do not need to be changed from the current settings. Output the response information which represents the sentence obtained by excluding the information regarding the items that do not need to be changed from the aforementioned response sentence, The work support method according to claim 2, including the following:

4. Extract the settings related to the aforementioned setting items from the above response. Further including Outputting the aforementioned response information means Output the response information which represents a sentence obtained by excluding information regarding the automatically set items that are automatically set in the work device from the aforementioned response sentence. The work support method according to claim 2, including the following:

5. From the above response, extract the settings related to the above setting item, Based on the above settings, a setting image is generated when the above settings are set. It further includes, The aforementioned response information includes information representing the aforementioned setting image. The work support method according to claim 2.

6. Generating the aforementioned revised question sentence is, To generate a revised question that further includes the user's level of proficiency with the work device who created the aforementioned question. A work support method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, including the following:

7. The aforementioned work type represents the cleaning of the work equipment, Determining the aforementioned items means In the aforementioned work apparatus, all washable parts are determined as the aforementioned items. A work support method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, including the following:

8. Generating the aforementioned revised question sentence is, The process involves generating a modified question that further includes field information relating to the target field where the work is performed using the aforementioned work apparatus. A work support method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, including the following:

9. Identifying the target field based on the position of the aforementioned work device. The work support method according to claim 8, further comprising:

10. The aforementioned work refers to the maintenance of the aforementioned work equipment. Determining the aforementioned items means The aforementioned work device shall determine all inspection points to be inspected during maintenance as the aforementioned items. Includes, Generating the aforementioned revised question sentence is, The modified question sentence is generated by adding a sentence that represents the cumulative operating time of the work device to date. A work support method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, including the following:

11. Determining the model name of the aforementioned work device and the aforementioned work type is: If the above question does not include information indicating the model name of the work device, Extract the type of work from the above question, and, The model name of the work device, determined based on past questions asked prior to the aforementioned question, is to be determined as the model name of the work device to be used in the work described in the aforementioned question. A work support method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, including the following:

12. A work content determination unit determines the model name of the work device and the type of work representing the type of work performed, based on a question that asks about the target work of a work device used in a field. With respect to the aforementioned work device of the aforementioned model name, an item determination unit determines the items to be considered when performing the aforementioned work type, A revised question generation unit generates a revised question by adding the aforementioned items to the original question based on the aforementioned items, and inputs the revised information representing the revised question into an interactive AI. An output unit that outputs response information representing the response text from the aforementioned interactive AI, A work support system equipped with the following features.

13. The system further includes a display unit for displaying the aforementioned response information. The work support system according to claim 12.

14. Based on the question text that asks about the target work of the work equipment used in the field, the model name of the work equipment and the work type representing the type of the target work are determined. With respect to the aforementioned work device of the aforementioned model name, the items to be considered when performing the aforementioned work type shall be determined, Based on the above items, a revised question is generated by adding the above items to the above question, The corrected information representing the aforementioned corrected question is input into the interactive AI, Outputting response information representing the response text from the aforementioned interactive AI, A task support program that causes the computing unit to execute a task.

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