Risk assessment device and risk assessment method

Abstract

Reduce the number of cameras required to assess the risks of worker-assisted transportation. [Solution] The risk assessment device (1) is mounted on smart glasses (2) and includes an acquisition unit (21) that acquires information work information (A), an extraction unit (31) that extracts reference information (B) for evaluating the risks of the transportation work according to the work information (A), and a risk assessment unit (32) that evaluates the risks of the transportation work by the worker based on the reference information (B) and determines whether the transportation work is permissible or not.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a technique for evaluating the risks of transportation operations.

Background Art

[0002] Generally, the risk assessment of the transportation operation by an operator has been carried out by arranging a monitor (measurer) at the work site. Regarding such a risk assessment of transportation operations, Patent Document 1 discloses that instead of arranging a monitor, up to five cameras are installed at the work site to evaluate the posture of the operator and determine whether the transportation operation is feasible.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the above-mentioned prior art, since it is necessary to install a plurality of cameras for each work site, the number of cameras installed increases according to the number of work sites. In addition, when transportation operations are carried out in the blind spot of the camera, it may not be possible to accurately evaluate the posture of the operator.

[0005] One aspect of the present invention aims to reduce the number of cameras required for the risk assessment of transportation operations by an operator.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To solve the above problems, a risk assessment device according to one aspect of the present disclosure is mounted on a device worn by a worker and includes: an acquisition unit that acquires information work related to the transportation of transported goods; an extraction unit that extracts reference information for evaluating the risks of the transportation work according to the work information acquired by the acquisition unit; and a risk assessment unit that evaluates the risks of the transportation work by the worker and determines whether or not the transportation work is permissible based on the reference information extracted by the extraction unit.

[0007] To solve the above problems, a risk assessment method according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes: an acquisition step of acquiring work information relating to the transport of transported goods by an acquisition unit mounted on a device worn by a worker; an extraction step of extracting reference information for evaluating the risks of the transport operation in accordance with the work information acquired in the acquisition step; and an evaluation step of evaluating the risks of the transport operation by the worker and determining whether the transport operation is permissible based on the reference information extracted in the extraction step. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to one aspect of this disclosure, the number of cameras required for risk assessment of transportation operations by workers can be reduced. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a risk assessment device according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 1 shows a table illustrating an example of the standard information registered in the database. [Figure 3] Figure 1 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the risk assessment device shown. [Figure 4] Figure 3 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing procedure for determining whether or not a transport operation is feasible. [Figure 5] This is a schematic diagram illustrating the weight limits for transported goods at different handling locations. [Figure 6] This is another schematic diagram illustrating the weight limits for transported items at different handling locations. [Figure 7] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating the criteria for determining the outcome in step S13. [Figure 8] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the image information used in step S13. [Figure 9] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the image information used in step S14. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] The following describes one embodiment of the present disclosure. Note that the following description is an example of a risk assessment device related to the present disclosure, and the technical scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the illustrated example.

[0011] [Overview of Risk Assessment Equipment] Figure 1 is a block diagram illustrating the schematic configuration of the risk assessment device 1 according to this embodiment. The risk assessment device 1 acquires work information related to transportation work at the work site using, for example, smart glasses 2 worn by the worker, and evaluates the risk of the transportation work of transported goods according to this work information.

[0012] As shown in Figure 1, the risk assessment device 1 according to this embodiment comprises smart glasses (wearable device) 2, a processing device 3, and a database 4. The smart glasses 2 and the processing device 3 are connected to each other via a network line.

[0013] The risk assessment device 1 acquires work information A related to the handling of transported goods at the work site using smart glasses 2 worn by the worker and transmits it to the processing device 3. The processing device 3 extracts standard information B for evaluating the risk of the handling work from the database 4 according to the work information A, determines whether the handling work is permissible, and transmits the determination result C of the handling work permissibility determination to the smart glasses 2. This allows the worker to independently determine whether the handling work is permissible.

[0014] Since the risk assessment device 1 is configured to acquire work information A related to the transportation work of the transported object by means of the smart glasses 2 worn by the worker at the work location, there is no need to install a plurality of cameras or the like for acquiring the work information A at each work location as in the conventional case. Therefore, according to the risk assessment device 1, the number of cameras required for the risk assessment of the transportation work can be reduced.

[0015] 〔Configuration of Risk Assessment Device〕 Next, based on FIGS. 1 to 9, the configuration of each part included in the risk assessment device 1 will be described.

[0016] (Smart Glasses) The smart glasses 2 are wearable devices worn by the worker. The smart glasses 2 include an acquisition unit 21 for acquiring work information A related to the transportation work of the transported object, and a notification unit 22 for notifying the worker of the determination result C transmitted from the processing device 3.

[0017] The acquisition unit 21 is mounted on the smart glasses 2 and acquires work information A related to the transportation work. The acquisition unit 21 includes an imaging unit 211 composed of a camera or the like, and an operation unit 212 composed of an operation button or the like for receiving an input operation by the worker. Further, the notification unit 22 is composed of a display or the like for displaying various images.

[0018] The imaging unit 211 has, for example, a reading function for barcodes or QR codes (registered trademarks). For example, the imaging unit 211 reads a QR code (registered trademark) storing identification information (identification code) for identifying the work location and work name or the like at the work location, and acquires the identification information as work information A. Further, the imaging unit 211 images the work location and acquires image information (live video) as work information A.

[0019] The operation unit 212 receives, for example, an input operation by the worker for various items related to the transportation work displayed on the notification unit 22, and acquires input information corresponding to the input operation as work information A. This input information may include, for example, worker information for identifying the worker.

[0020] The smart glasses 2 transmit the identification information, image information, and input information acquired by the acquisition unit 21 to the processing unit 3 as work information A. Note that work information A is not particularly limited as long as it relates to transportation work, and may include information other than the aforementioned identification information, image information, and input information.

[0021] The notification unit 22 is mounted on the smart glasses 2 and notifies (displays) various information to the worker. For example, the notification unit 22 displays an input screen containing various items related to the transportation work. The worker operates the operation unit 212 to perform input operations on this input screen. The notification unit 22 also displays the judgment result C transmitted from the processing unit 3. This ensures that the judgment result C is notified to the worker individually. The notification unit 22 may also notify the worker of the judgment result C by voice.

[0022] The wearable device relating to this disclosure is not limited to eyeglasses-type smart glasses 2. The wearable device can be any device that can be attached to the worker's head, helmet, or clothing, for example, to the aforementioned acquisition unit 21 and notification unit 22.

[0023] (processing device) The processing unit 3 extracts reference information B from the database 4 to evaluate the risks of the transport operation in response to work information A transmitted from the smart glasses 2, and performs a transport operation feasibility determination to determine whether the transport operation is permissible or not. The processing unit 3 is composed of, for example, a personal computer. The processing unit 3 may be installed in a location different from the work area where the worker is transporting the goods (for example, a monitoring room). The processing unit 3 displays the live video captured by the smart glasses 2 on a display or the like equipped in the processing unit 3. This allows a supervisor to monitor the transport operation status from a location away from the work area.

[0024] The processing unit 3 may be composed of, for example, a cloud server. This allows supervisors to monitor the transportation work status using terminal devices such as tablets via the cloud server and to alert workers. Furthermore, it becomes easier to construct a system in which multiple workers and multiple supervisors can use the risk assessment device 1.

[0025] The processing unit 3 includes an extraction unit 31 that extracts standard information B pre-registered in the database 4 according to work information A, and a risk assessment unit 32 that determines whether or not the worker can perform the transport work based on the standard information B. The processing unit 3 also includes a judgment result output unit 33 that outputs the judgment result C determined by the risk assessment unit 32 to smart glasses 2, etc.

[0026] The extraction unit 31 extracts standard information B from the database 4 to evaluate the risks of the transportation work, according to the work information A. In other words, the extraction unit 31 uses work information A as a key to extract standard information B associated with work information A from the database 4. The extraction unit 31 outputs the standard information B extracted from the database 4 to the risk assessment unit 32.

[0027] The risk assessment unit 32 evaluates the risks of the transportation work and determines whether the worker can perform the transportation work based on the work information A acquired by the acquisition unit 21 and the reference information B extracted by the extraction unit 31. The risk assessment unit 32 includes a risk calculation unit 321 that performs various calculations based on the work information A and the reference information B to evaluate (determine) the risks of the transportation work, and a risk determination unit 322 that determines whether the worker can perform the transportation work based on the evaluation results of the risk calculation unit 321.

[0028] The risk calculation unit 321 performs legal compliance judgments, internal rule compliance judgments, and lifting index judgments (LI judgment: ISO11228-1) based, for example, on standard information B. The risk calculation unit 321 outputs the evaluation results to the risk judgment unit 322.

[0029] The risk determination unit 322 determines whether the transport operation is permissible based on the evaluation result of the risk calculation unit 321. The risk determination unit 322 outputs the determination result C to the determination result output unit 33.

[0030] The judgment result output unit 33 transmits (outputs) the judgment result C of the transport operation feasibility determination to the smart glasses 2. The notification unit 22 mounted on the smart glasses 2 notifies the worker of the judgment result C by displaying the judgment result C transmitted from the processing unit 3. This allows the worker to independently determine whether or not the transport operation is feasible.

[0031] Furthermore, the judgment result output unit 33 displays (outputs) the image information captured by the smart glasses 2 and the judgment result C of the determination of whether or not the work can be carried to a terminal device such as a display or tablet provided by the processing device 3. This allows the supervisor to monitor the work situation using live video of the work site captured by the smart glasses 2, and to take corrective measures immediately or afterward if the judgment result C indicates that the work cannot be carried out.

[0032] (Database) Database 4 is a recording device in which various criteria information B for evaluating the risks of transportation operations are pre-registered. Database 4 may be connected to the processing unit 3 via a network. Alternatively, Database 4 may be connected to the processing unit 3 as a peripheral device.

[0033] In this embodiment, database 4 includes a worker database 41, a transported goods database 42, a work location database 43, a work name database 44, an internal rules database 45, and a permissible value database 46.

[0034] Figure 2 is a table showing an example of standard information B registered in database 4. As shown in Figure 2, standard information B regarding worker characteristics (physical characteristics) is pre-registered in the worker database 41. In this embodiment, as standard information B for workers, information such as gender, weight, height, shoulder height, elbow height, wrist height, elbow-to-shoulder height, and reference mass is registered in the worker database 41 along with a sample data set for each worker.

[0035] The transported goods database 42 has pre-registered standard information B regarding the characteristics of the transported goods. In this embodiment, the standard information B for each transported goods includes information such as the weight of the transported goods (product weight), ease of handling, number of workers required for transport, width dimensions of the transported goods, depth dimensions of the transported goods, and height dimensions, which are registered in the transported goods database 42 along with a sample data set. In this way, because the standard information B includes information regarding the weight of the transported goods, the risk assessment unit 32 can appropriately determine whether or not to carry out the transport work, taking the weight of the transported goods into consideration.

[0036] The work location database 43 has pre-registered standard information B regarding the characteristics of the work location. In this embodiment, the standard information B for each work location includes information such as the height of the transported items (storage height), the angle of body twist, whether or not one-handed work is performed, the height of the storage shelves, and template images, which are registered in the work location database 43 along with a collection of sample data.

[0037] The work name database 44 has pre-registered standard information B regarding the characteristics of the work content. In this embodiment, as standard information B for work, information such as lifting and lowering distance, lifting frequency, work time, and long-duration work is registered in the work name database 44 along with a sample data set for each work name.

[0038] The company rules database 45 has standard information B related to company rules pre-registered. In this embodiment, as standard information B for company rules, information such as weight limits (continuous work), female coefficient, male continuous coefficient, X0 position limit and X1 position limit, etc., which are weight limits for each handling position, is registered in the company rules database 45 along with a collection of sample data.

[0039] The tolerance database 46 has pre-registered standard information B regarding tolerance values. In this embodiment, as standard information B for tolerance values, information such as weight limit (guideline), weight limit (women), weight limit (company rules), position-specific (company rules), and lifting index (LI) judgment value is registered in the tolerance database 46 along with a collection of sample data for each tolerance setting.

[0040] Thus, database 4 has various types of standard information B pre-registered, such as worker characteristics (gender, physique, etc.), transported object characteristics (weight, ease of handling (size), etc.), and work content characteristics (storage location of transported object or how to handle transported object, etc.). The extraction unit 31 extracts standard information B corresponding to work information A from the standard information B registered in database 4 and outputs it to the risk assessment unit 32.

[0041] [Operation of the risk assessment device] Next, we will explain an example of the operation of the risk assessment device 1. Figure 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the risk assessment device 1.

[0042] As shown in Figure 3, in the risk assessment device 1, first, the worker acquires work information A related to the transport of transported goods using the acquisition unit 21 mounted on the smart glasses 2 (Step S1: Acquisition Step). Specifically, the worker reads a QR code (registered trademark) at the work site using the smart glasses 2 and acquires identification information (work information A) to identify the transport work. The worker also takes an image of the work site using the smart glasses 2 and acquires image information (work information A) including the transported goods. Furthermore, the worker operates the smart glasses 2 to input various input information (work information A) related to the transport work. The acquisition unit 21 acquires this work information A and transmits it from the smart glasses 2 to the processing device 3.

[0043] Next, the processing unit 3 extracts reference information B for evaluating the risks of the transportation work from the database 4 in accordance with the work information A acquired by the smart glasses 2 (step S2: extraction step). Specifically, the extraction unit 31 uses the identification information and input information contained in the work information A as keys to extract the reference information B associated with the work information A from the database 4. The extraction unit 31 outputs the reference information B extracted from the database 4 to the risk assessment unit 32.

[0044] Next, the risk assessment unit 32 evaluates the risks of the transport operation based on the work information A acquired by the smart glasses 2 and the reference information B extracted by the extraction unit 31, and performs a transport operation feasibility determination to determine whether the worker can perform the transport operation (step S3: evaluation step). The risk assessment unit 32 outputs the determination result C of the transport operation feasibility determination to the determination result output unit 33. Details of the transport operation feasibility determination will be described later.

[0045] Next, the judgment result output unit 33 outputs the judgment result C of the transport operation feasibility determination (step S4: output step). Specifically, the judgment result output unit 33 displays the judgment result C of the transport operation feasibility determination on a display or terminal device such as a tablet provided by the processing unit 3 and notifies the supervisor of the judgment result C. This allows the supervisor to understand whether the worker is permitted to perform the transport operation. The judgment result output unit 33 also transmits the judgment result C of the transport operation feasibility determination to the smart glasses 2, and the notification unit 22 displays the judgment result C. This allows the worker to independently determine whether the transport operation is permitted.

[0046] [Explanation of the determination of whether or not transportation work is feasible] Next, we will explain an example of the processing method for determining whether or not a transport operation can be carried out by the processing unit 3. Figure 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing procedure for the transport operation feasibility determination S3 shown in Figure 3. This transport operation feasibility determination is performed by the risk assessment unit 32.

[0047] As shown in Figure 4, the risk assessment unit 32 first makes a preliminary determination of whether the transport operation is permissible based on the registered data (step S11). In step S11, the extraction unit 31 makes a preliminary determination of whether the transport operation is permissible based on the standard information B (extracted data) extracted from the database 4. Specifically, the risk calculation unit 321 performs three types of risk assessment calculations (legal compliance determination, internal rule compliance determination, and lifting index determination) based on the standard information B extracted by the extraction unit 31.

[0048] (Judgment of legal compliance) The legal compliance determination is a determination based on determination criteria that comply with the law. In this legal compliance determination, the risk calculation unit 321 determines whether or not the transportation work is permissible based on the following determination criteria, for example.

[0049] 1. Guidelines for preventing lower back pain in the workplace (Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare) [Weight limits] (i) Worker: Male • Weight of transported object [kg] ≤ Worker's weight [kg] × 0.4 ⇒ Work is possible • Weight of transported object [kg] > Worker's weight [kg] × 0.4 ⇒ Work impossible (ii) Worker: Female • Weight of transported object [kg] ≤ Worker's weight [kg] × 0.4 × 0.6 ⇒ Work is possible • If the weight of the object being transported [kg] > the worker's weight [kg] × 0.4 × 0.6, then the work cannot be performed.

[0050] 2. Women's Labor Regulations (Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare) [Weight Limits] (i) Worker: Female • Weight of transported items [kg] ≤ 30kg (intermittent work) ⇒ Work possible • Weight of transported items [kg] > 20kg (continuous work) ⇒ Work impossible

[0051] (Compliance with company rules assessment) The determination of compliance with internal regulations is based on criteria that conform to the internal regulations. In this determination of compliance with internal regulations, the risk calculation unit 321 determines whether or not the transportation work is permissible based on the following criteria, for example.

[0052] 1. Company regulations [Weight limit] (i) Worker: Male • Weight of transported items [kg] ≤ weight limit (intermittent work) ⇒ work possible • Weight of transported items [kg] > Weight limit (intermittent work) ⇒ Work impossible • Weight of transported items [kg] ≤ Weight limit (continuing work) ⇒ Work permitted • Weight of transported items [kg] > Weight limit (continued work) ⇒ Work not possible (ii) Worker: Female • Weight of transported items [kg] ≤ Weight limit (intermittent work) × Female coefficient ⇒ Work permitted • Weight of transported items [kg] > Weight limit (intermittent work) × Female coefficient ⇒ Work impossible • Weight of transported items [kg] ≤ Weight limit (continuous work) × Female coefficient ⇒ Work permitted • Weight of transported items [kg] > Weight limit (continuous work) × Female coefficient ⇒ Work impossible

[0053] 2. Company regulations [Weight limits by handling location] (i) Worker: Male • Weight of transported items [kg] ≤ Weight limit for handling location (intermittent work) ⇒ Work permitted • Weight of transported items [kg] > Weight limits by handling location (intermittent work) ⇒ Work not possible • Weight of transported goods [kg] ≤ Weight limit per handling location (intermittent work) × Continuation coefficient ⇒ Work possible • Weight of transported goods [kg] > Weight limit by handling location (intermittent work) × continuation coefficient ⇒ Work impossible (ii) Worker: Female • Weight of transported goods [kg] ≤ Weight limit by handling location (intermittent work) × Female coefficient ⇒ Work possible • Weight of transported items [kg] > Weight limit by handling location (intermittent work) × Female coefficient ⇒ Work impossible • Weight of transported goods [kg] ≤ Weight limit by handling location (intermittent work) × Continuation coefficient × Female coefficient ⇒ Work possible • Weight of transported items [kg] > Weight limit by handling location (intermittent work) × continuation coefficient × female coefficient ⇒ Work impossible

[0054] Continuous work refers to performing the same task continuously for a long period of time. Intermittent work, on the other hand, refers to performing the same task intermittently, rather than continuously for a long period of time.

[0055] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating the weight limits for each handling position mentioned above. In Figure 5, reference numeral 501 indicates the weight limits (upper limits) Xmd0 to Xmd4 for the transported object T at each handling position when the worker W has their elbow bent, and reference numeral 502 indicates the weight limits (upper limits) Xmd5 to Xmd9 for the transported object T at each handling position when the worker W has their elbow extended.

[0056] As shown in Figure 5, for example, the weight of the transported object T that can be transported may be limited by company regulations for each handling position of the transported object T, in both the state where the worker W has their elbow bent and the state where the worker W has their elbow extended.

[0057] For example, as shown by reference numeral 501 in Figure 5, when worker W carries an object T with their elbow bent, the weight of the object T that can be carried (e.g., unloading from a storage shelf) at a handling position above the worker W's shoulder height but below their head height (height) is limited to Xmd0.

[0058] If the weight of the transported object T is below the weight limit, the risk calculation unit 321 determines that the operation is permissible. On the other hand, if the weight of the transported object T is greater than the weight limit, the risk calculation unit 321 determines that the operation is not permissible.

[0059] Figure 6 is another schematic diagram illustrating the weight limits for each handling position mentioned above. Reference numeral 601 in Figure 6 is a side view showing the handling position of the transported object T when the worker W has their elbow bent, and reference numeral 602 in Figure 6 is a side view showing the handling position when the worker W has their elbow extended. Reference numeral 603 in Figure 6 is a top view showing the distance hM from the center of the transported object T C1 to the center of the worker W's torso C2, and reference numeral 604 in Figure 6 is a front view showing the height vM of the transported object T, which is the height from the floor F to the center of the transported object T stored on the storage shelf S.

[0060] As shown by reference numeral 601 in Figure 6, when the worker W has their elbow bent, the transported object T is located in area A1, which is close to the worker W. On the other hand, when the worker W has their elbow extended, the transported object T is located in area A2, which is farther from the worker W. Thus, the area is divided into area A1 and area A2 according to the distance hM from the transported object T's center C1 to the worker W's torso center C2. Area A1 and area A2 are distinguished based on, for example, the following criteria.

[0061] (Chest thickness ÷ 2) + (Depth of the transported object ÷ 2) ≤ Elbow bend distance + Hand ⇒ Area A1 • Elbow flexion distance + hand tip < (chest thickness ÷ 2) + (depth dimension of the transported object ÷ 2) ≤ arm flexion distance + hand tip ⇒ Area A2.

[0062] Furthermore, areas A1 and A2 are further divided into areas X0-X4 and areas X5-X9, depending on the height (storage height) vM of the transported object T, which is the height from the floor F to the transported object's center C1. Areas X0-X4 are divided based on the following criteria, for example.

[0063] • Shoulder height < Height of transported object ≤ Height of person (head) ⇒ Area X0 • Elbow height < Height of transported object ≤ Shoulder height ⇒ Area X1 • Wrist height < Height of transported object ≤ Elbow height ⇒ Area X2 • Height of the center of the shin < Height of the transported object ≤ Wrist height ⇒ Area X3 • Height of transported object ≤ Height of the center of the shin ⇒ Area X4

[0064] The weight limits Xmd0 to Xmd9 for transported items T at different handling locations can be set corresponding to areas X0 to X9.

[0065] (Lifting Index Determination) The lifting index determination is based on criteria compliant with ISO 11228-1.

[0066] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating the manual lifting and lowering of transported object T. Figure 7 shows an example of the manual lifting of transported object T. The symbol dM in Figure 7 indicates the distance the transported object T moved vertically (up and down) before and after its movement (lifting and lowering distance).

[0067] As shown in Figure 7, the Lifting Index (LI) is a relative estimate of the physical stress associated with lifting and lowering objects T, for example, by manual labor. A higher Lifting Index (LI) value increases the risk level of worker W. Furthermore, a higher Lifting Index calculation value (m / RML) using the Lifting Index (LI) indicates a risk of lower back pain for worker W. In this Lifting Index determination, the risk calculation unit 321 determines whether the lifting work is permissible based on the following criteria, for example.

[0068] Lifting Index Calculation Value = m / RML m: Weight of the transported item RML (Recommended Mass Limit): Recommended upper limit of mass RML=mref×hM×vM×dM×aM×fM×cM×oM×pM×eM mref: Reference mass of transported object T hM: Distance from the center of the transported object C1 to the center of the trunk vM: Storage height of transported item T dM: Lifting / Lowering Distance aM: Body twist angle fM: Lifting frequency cM: Ease of handling the transported object T oM: Whether or not one-handed operation is performed. pM: Number of workers eM: Long hours of work • Lifting index calculation value ≤ LI judgment value ⇒ Operation possible • Lifting Index calculation value > LI judgment value ⇒ Operation impossible

[0069] The LI (Limited Integrity) value used in the aforementioned criteria can be a value set by company regulations or other internal rules (for example, LI value = 1.5).

[0070] In this manner, the risk calculation unit 321 performs three types of risk assessment calculations—legal compliance assessment, internal rule compliance assessment, and lifting index assessment—based on the standard information B extracted by the extraction unit 31, and outputs the assessment results to the risk assessment unit 322.

[0071] Furthermore, the legal compliance determination is based on standards stipulated by law and must be strictly adhered to. Therefore, if the legal compliance determination indicates that the transport operation is impossible, the risk calculation unit 321 may omit the internal regulations compliance determination and the lifting index determination. This reduces the processing load on the risk calculation unit 321.

[0072] Next, the risk determination unit 322 determines whether the transport operation is permissible based on the evaluation results from the risk calculation unit 321 (step S12). For example, if all three evaluation results mentioned above indicate that the operation is permissible, the risk determination unit 322 may determine that the operation is permissible. On the other hand, if one of the three evaluation results (for example, compliance with laws and regulations) indicates that the operation is not permissible, the risk determination unit 322 may determine that the operation is not permissible.

[0073] If the risk determination unit 322 determines that the work is not possible in step S12 (NO in step S12), it outputs a determination result C indicating that the transport work is not possible to the determination result output unit 33 and terminates the transport work feasibility determination. On the other hand, if the risk determination unit 322 determines that the work is possible (YES in step S12), it outputs a determination result C indicating that the work is possible to the determination result output unit 33 and proceeds to step S13. The determination result C indicating whether the work is possible or not output by the risk determination unit 322 is transmitted to the smart glasses 2 via the determination result output unit 33 and notified to the worker W.

[0074] Thus, the risk assessment unit 32 may determine whether or not the worker W can perform the transport work based on the standard information B extracted from the database 4 by the extraction unit 31. This allows the risk assessment unit 32 to determine whether or not the transport work can be performed based on the standard information B that has been pre-registered in the database 4.

[0075] Next, if the system determines in step S12 that the work is permissible, the risk assessment unit 32 performs a feasibility determination based on work monitoring using the location (storage location) of the transported object T (step S13). Step S13 and the subsequent step S14 are work monitoring modes using live video in which the system compares the image information captured by the smart glasses 2 with the reference information B registered in the database 4, and performs calculations and determinations again if the current situation obtained from the image information differs from the reference information B that has been registered in advance. The risk assessment unit 32 proceeds to step S13 if it determines in step S11 that the work is permissible.

[0076] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram showing an example of image information used in step S13 shown in Figure 4. Figure 8 is an example of image information captured by the imaging unit 211 of the smart glasses 2, showing the height vM of the transported object T, which is the height from the floor F to the center C1 of the transported object T stored in the storage shelf S. For the sake of explanation, Figure 8 also shows the image outside the camera frame CF.

[0077] The risk assessment unit 32 holds various information acquired in steps S11 and S12. In step S13, the risk calculation unit 321 first uses a known shape search method to calculate the height vM (position information) of the transported object T, which is the height from the floor F to the center C1 of the transported object, from the image information (live video) of the current work area shown in Figure 8. Note that this calculation process of the height vM (position information) of the transported object T may be performed by the acquisition unit 21 of the smart glasses 2.

[0078] The risk calculation unit 321 then compares the height vM of the transported object T calculated from the image information with the height vM of the transported object T registered as reference information B, and determines whether the two match. If the two match, the risk calculation unit 321 outputs the evaluation result for whether the operation is permissible to the risk determination unit 322. On the other hand, if the two do not match, the risk calculation unit 321 uses the current height vM of the transported object T calculated from the image information to perform two types of evaluations: the company rule compliance evaluation and the lifting index evaluation described above, and outputs the evaluation results to the risk determination unit 322.

[0079] Next, the risk determination unit 322 determines whether the transport operation is permissible based on the evaluation results from the risk calculation unit 321 (step S14). If both of the two evaluation results mentioned above indicate that the operation is permissible, the risk determination unit 322 may determine that the operation is permissible. On the other hand, if at least one of the two evaluation results indicates that the operation is not permissible, the risk determination unit 322 may determine that the operation is not permissible.

[0080] For example, even if the evaluation result of the internal regulations compliance evaluation indicates that the work is not possible, the risk assessment unit 322 may determine that the work is possible (the transport work can be performed) if the evaluation result of the lifting index evaluation indicates that the work is possible, and there are no discrepancies between the current situation and the registered information of worker W and transported object T. This is because the internal regulations compliance evaluation is based on weight limits (indicators) within an arbitrary framework, whereas the lifting index evaluation assesses risk based on the characteristics of worker W (physique, age, special consideration, etc.), the characteristics of transported object T (weight, size, etc.), and the characteristics of the transport work (storage location of transported object T or how transported object T is handled, etc.). For this reason, the lifting index evaluation is a stricter judgment than the internal regulations compliance evaluation.

[0081] If the risk determination unit 322 determines that the work is not possible in step S14 (NO in step S14), it outputs the determination result C to the determination result output unit 33 and terminates the determination of whether the transport work is possible or not. On the other hand, if the risk determination unit 322 determines that the work is possible in step S14 (YES in step S14), it outputs the determination result C to the determination result output unit 33 and proceeds to step S15. The determination result C of whether the work is possible or not output by the risk determination unit 322 is transmitted to the smart glasses 2 via the determination result output unit 33 and notified to the worker W.

[0082] Thus, the risk assessment unit 32 may determine whether or not the worker T can perform the transport operation based on the height (location information) vM of the transported object T calculated from the image information and the height vM of the transported object T registered as reference information B. This allows the risk assessment unit 32 to appropriately determine whether or not the transport operation can be performed according to the actual location (place) of the transported object T.

[0083] Next, if step S14 determines that the work is permissible, the risk assessment unit 32 performs a feasibility determination based on work monitoring using the distance between the transported object T and the worker W (step S15). Step S15 and the following step S16 are work monitoring modes using live video in which the image information included in the work information A is compared with the reference information B extracted by the extraction unit 31 from the database 4, and if the current situation obtained from the image information differs from the reference information B that has been registered in advance, calculations and determinations are performed again. If the risk assessment unit 32 determines that the work is permissible in step S14 as described above, it moves to step S15 and repeats steps S15 to S19 until work monitoring is completed.

[0084] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram showing an example of image information used in step S15 shown in Figure 4. Figure 9 is an example of image information captured by the imaging unit 211 of the smart glasses 2, and shows the distance hM from the center C1 of the transported object T to the center C2 of the worker W's torso. For the sake of explanation, Figure 9 also shows the image outside the camera frame CF.

[0085] The risk assessment unit 32 holds various information acquired in steps S11 to S14. In step S15, the risk calculation unit 321 uses a known shape search method to calculate the distance hM (distance information) from the center C1 of the transported object T to the center C2 of the worker W's torso, using the image information (live video) of the current work location shown in Figure 9. Note that the calculation of the distance hM (distance information) may also be performed by the acquisition unit 21 of the smart glasses 2.

[0086] For example, the risk calculation unit 321 obtains the object center C1 of the transported object T, the torso center C2 of the worker W, the worker W's right hand R, and the worker W's left hand L from the image information. The risk calculation unit 321 then determines that the worker W is holding the transported object T if the distance between the worker W's right hand R and left hand L matches or approximates the width dimension D of the transported object T. The risk calculation unit 321 calculates the distance hM from the object center C1 of the transported object T to the torso center C2 of the worker W at the time the worker W is holding the transported object T.

[0087] The risk calculation unit 321 then compares the distance hM calculated from the image information with the distance hM registered as reference information B and determines whether the two match. If the two match, the risk calculation unit 321 outputs the evaluation result for whether the work is permissible to the risk determination unit 322. On the other hand, if the two do not match, the risk calculation unit 321 uses the height vM of the current distance hM calculated from the image information to perform two types of evaluations: the company rule compliance judgment and the lifting index judgment described above, and outputs the evaluation results to the risk determination unit 322.

[0088] Next, the risk determination unit 322 determines whether the transport operation can be carried out based on the evaluation results from the risk calculation unit 321 (step S16). For example, if both of the two evaluation results mentioned above indicate that the operation is permissible, the risk determination unit 322 may determine that the operation is permissible. On the other hand, if one of the two evaluation results indicates that the operation is not permissible, the risk determination unit 322 may determine that the operation is not permissible.

[0089] If the work is deemed impossible in step S16 (NO in step S16), the risk determination unit 322 outputs the work impossible determination result C to the determination result output unit 33 (step S17). On the other hand, if the work is deemed possible in step S16 (YES in step S16), the risk determination unit 322 outputs the work possible determination result C to the determination result output unit 33 (step S18).

[0090] The risk assessment unit 32 repeatedly makes judgments using the distance hM calculated from image information during the worker W's transport operation, for example, from the moment worker W picks up the transported object T until the transported object T is placed down. In other words, while worker W is holding the transported object T, the risk assessment unit 32 constantly monitors the distance hM calculated from image information and continuously determines whether the transport operation is permissible based on the two types of judgment evaluations described above. Under this constant monitoring, for example, each time the distance hM calculated from image information changes, the judgment result C may be transmitted to the smart glasses 2 via the judgment result output unit 33 and notified to worker W. Furthermore, if the judgment result C indicates that the operation is not possible, the risk assessment unit 32 may save the number of times the operation was not possible or the duration of the unperforming state as work history, or it may notify the manager or worker W of the judgment result C as warning information.

[0091] Next, the risk assessment unit 32 determines whether or not to terminate work monitoring (step S19). For example, the risk assessment unit 32 determines from the image information whether or not worker W is continuing to hold the transported object T. If worker W is continuing to hold the transported object T, the work monitoring is not terminated (NO in step S19), and steps S15 to S19 are repeated. On the other hand, if worker W puts down the transported object T and releases their hand from the transported object T, the risk assessment unit 32 terminates work monitoring (YES in step S19) and ends the process of determining whether or not the transport work is permissible.

[0092] Thus, the risk assessment unit 32 may determine whether or not the worker W can perform the transporting work based on the distance hM (distance information) from the center C1 of the transported object T to the center C2 of the worker W's torso, calculated from the image information, and the reference information B. This allows the risk assessment unit 32 to more appropriately determine whether or not the transporting work can be performed according to the distance hM between the transported object T and the worker W.

[0093] In this embodiment, the processing unit 3 is configured to include the extraction unit 31 and the risk assessment unit 32, but the smart glasses 2 may also include the extraction unit 31 and the risk assessment unit 32. In this case, the smart glasses 2 may acquire reference information B from the database 4 and perform a determination of whether or not the transport operation is feasible.

[0094] [Effects and benefits of risk assessment devices] As described above, the risk assessment device 1 according to this embodiment is mounted on smart glasses 2 worn by a worker W and includes an acquisition unit 21 that acquires work information A related to the transport of transported goods T, an extraction unit 31 that extracts reference information B for evaluating the risks of the transport work according to the work information A acquired by the acquisition unit 21, and a risk assessment unit 32 that evaluates the risks of the transport work by worker W based on the reference information B extracted by the extraction unit 31 and determines whether or not the transport work is permissible.

[0095] The risk assessment device 1 acquires work information A using an acquisition unit 21 mounted on smart glasses 2 worn by the worker W, extracts reference information B for evaluating the risks of the transport work based on this work information A, and determines whether or not the transport work is permissible. Therefore, there is no need to install multiple cameras, etc., at each work site to acquire work information A, as in the conventional method. Accordingly, according to this embodiment, the number of cameras required for worker W to evaluate the risks of the transport work can be reduced.

[0096] [Examples of implementation using software] The function of the processing unit 3 (hereinafter referred to as "the device") is a program that causes the device to function as a computer, and can be realized by a program that causes the computer to function as each control block of the device (particularly each part included in the extraction unit 31 and the risk assessment unit 32).

[0097] In this case, the device includes a computer having at least one control device (e.g., a processor) and at least one storage device (e.g., memory) as hardware for executing the program. By executing the program using this control device and storage device, the functions described in each of the embodiments are realized.

[0098] The above program may be recorded on one or more computer-readable recording media, not temporary ones. These recording media may or may not be provided by the above device. In the latter case, the program may be supplied to the above device via any wired or wireless transmission medium.

[0099] Furthermore, some or all of the functions of each of the above control blocks can also be implemented by logic circuits. For example, an integrated circuit in which logic circuits functioning as each of the above control blocks are formed is also included in the scope of this disclosure. In addition, it is also possible to implement the functions of each of the above control blocks by, for example, a quantum computer.

[0100] 〔summary〕 A risk assessment device according to Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure is mounted on a wearable device (smart glasses 2) worn by a worker and comprises: an acquisition unit that acquires work information relating to the transport of transported goods; an extraction unit that extracts reference information for evaluating the risks of the transport work in accordance with the work information acquired by the acquisition unit; and a risk assessment unit that evaluates the risks of the transport work by the worker and determines whether or not the transport work is permissible based on the reference information extracted by the extraction unit.

[0101] In the above configuration, the risk assessment device acquires work information using an acquisition unit mounted on a device worn by the worker, extracts reference information for evaluating the risks of the transportation work based on this work information, and determines whether or not the transportation work can be performed. Therefore, there is no need to install multiple acquisition units (e.g., cameras, etc.) for acquiring work information at each work site, as in the conventional method. Accordingly, the above configuration makes it possible to reduce the number of cameras required for workers to assess the risks of transportation work.

[0102] In the risk assessment device according to Embodiment 2 of this disclosure, in Embodiment 1, the reference information may include information relating to the weight of the transported object.

[0103] According to the above configuration, the risk assessment unit can appropriately determine whether or not to carry out the transport operation, taking into account the weight of the transported items.

[0104] In the risk assessment device according to aspect 3 of this disclosure, in aspect 1 or 2, the extraction unit extracts the standard information pre-registered in the database according to the work information, The risk assessment unit may determine whether the worker is permitted to perform the transport work based on the criteria information extracted from the database by the extraction unit.

[0105] According to the above configuration, the risk assessment unit can determine whether or not to carry out the transportation work based on the criteria information registered in advance in the database.

[0106] In the risk assessment device according to aspect 4 of this disclosure, in aspect 3, the work information includes image information of the transported object, and the risk assessment unit may determine whether the worker can perform the transport work based on the location information calculated from the image information and the reference information.

[0107] According to the above configuration, the risk assessment unit can appropriately determine whether or not to carry out the transport operation according to the location of the transported object.

[0108] In the risk assessment device according to aspect 5 of the present disclosure, in aspect 4, the risk assessment unit may determine whether the worker can perform the transport work based on distance information between the transported object and the worker calculated from the image information and the reference information.

[0109] According to the above configuration, the risk assessment unit can more appropriately determine whether or not to carry out the transport operation according to the distance between the transported object and the worker.

[0110] In the risk assessment device according to embodiment 6 of the present disclosure, in any of embodiments 1 to 5, a notification unit may be further provided, which is mounted on the attachment and notifies the operator of the determination result by the risk assessment unit.

[0111] According to the above configuration, the results of the risk assessment unit can be individually notified to the worker via the notification unit.

[0112] A risk assessment method according to aspect 7 of this disclosure includes: an acquisition step of acquiring work information, including information relating to the transport of transported goods, by an acquisition unit mounted on a wearable device (smart glasses 2) worn by a worker; an extraction step of extracting reference information for evaluating the risks of the transport operation according to the work information acquired in the acquisition step; and an evaluation step of evaluating the risks of the transport operation by the worker and determining whether the transport operation is permissible based on the reference information extracted in the extraction step.

[0113] In the aforementioned method, work information is acquired by an acquisition unit mounted on a device worn by the worker, and reference information for evaluating the risks of the transportation work is extracted based on this work information to determine whether or not the transportation work is permissible. Therefore, there is no need to install multiple acquisition units (e.g., cameras, etc.) for acquiring work information at each work site, as in the conventional method. Accordingly, the number of cameras required for workers to evaluate the risks of transportation work can be reduced according to the aforementioned method.

[0114] The processing device of this disclosure may be implemented by a computer, in which case the control program for the processing device that enables the computer to implement the processing device by operating the computer as each part (software element) of the processing device, and a computer-readable recording medium on which the program is recorded, also fall within the scope of this disclosure.

[0115] This disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims. Embodiments obtained by appropriately combining the technical means disclosed in the embodiments are also included in the technical scope of this disclosure. Furthermore, new technical features can be formed by combining the technical means disclosed in the embodiments. [Explanation of symbols]

[0116] 1: Risk assessment device 2: Smart glasses (wearable device) 3: Processing Unit 21: Acquisition Department 31:Extraction part 32: Risk Assessment Department 321: Risk calculation unit (risk assessment unit) 322: Risk Assessment Department (Risk Assessment Department) A: Work information B: Standard information C: Judgment result S1: Acquisition Step S2: Extraction Step S3: Evaluation Step T: Transported goods W: Worker

Claims

1. A device worn by the worker is equipped with an acquisition unit that acquires work information related to the handling of transported goods, An extraction unit extracts reference information for evaluating the risks of the transportation work in accordance with the work information acquired by the acquisition unit, Based on the reference information extracted by the extraction unit, a risk evaluation unit evaluates the risks of the transportation work performed by the worker and determines whether the transportation work is permissible or not. A risk assessment device equipped with the following features.

2. The risk assessment device according to claim 1, wherein the reference information includes information regarding the weight of the transported object.

3. The extraction unit extracts the reference information pre-registered in the database according to the work information, The risk assessment device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the risk assessment unit determines whether the worker can perform the transport work based on the reference information extracted from the database by the extraction unit.

4. The aforementioned work information includes image information of the transported object, The risk assessment device according to claim 3, wherein the risk assessment unit determines whether or not the worker can perform the transport work based on the location information of the transported object calculated from the image information and the reference information.

5. The risk assessment device according to claim 4, wherein the risk assessment unit determines whether the worker can perform the transporting work based on distance information between the transported object and the worker calculated from the image information and the reference information.

6. The risk assessment device according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a notification unit mounted on the attachment device for notifying the worker of the determination result by the risk assessment unit.

7. An acquisition step in which work information related to the transport of transported goods is acquired by an acquisition unit mounted on a device worn by the worker, An extraction step is performed to extract reference information for evaluating the risks of the transportation work in accordance with the work information obtained in the acquisition step, An evaluation step, based on the criteria information extracted in the extraction step, evaluates the risk of the transport operation by the worker and determines whether the transport operation is permissible. Risk assessment methods including

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